Aunt Dimity & the Murder without a body...

Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch by Nancy Atherton

Hmm....how do you write a murder mystery without a body?  Nancy Atherton answers that question in the latest in the Aunt Dimity mystery series.  When a reclusive artist comes to the small English village of Finch, it's to complete the quest of her deceased (by natural causes) to discover the rest of the story of the Witch of Finch, Mistress Meg and her death as told by Gamaliel Gowland in a parchment from the 17th century.  There is a modern day crime occurring, but the bulk of the story revolves around Amelia Thistle and her quest to find the full story.

I enjoyed this change of pace, no dead body, no smoking gun or bloody knife.  The modern day crime was almost a distraction as I was sucked into the search throughout the village for the hiding places of each piece of the story of Mistress Margaret Redfearn..

I always enjoy my visits with Lori Shepherd and the rest of the population of Finch.  Nancy Atherton always serves up a light and warm read for anytime of the year.  I look forward to my next visit to Finch

Some Like It Hawk soars....

I hope I whet your appetite for more of Donna Andrews world of Meg Langslow with my previous post on "Murder with Peacocks".  'Cause "Some Like It Hawk" is wonderful!  I do want to mention that if you skipped "The Real Macaw" you might not understand all the backstory, but Donna does a wonderful job of filling you in on the highpoints at the onset.  Here's the blurb:

 Meg Langslow is plying her blacksmith's trade at “Caerphilly Days,” a festival inspired by her town’s sudden notoriety as "The Town That Mortgaged Its Jail." The lender has foreclosed on all Caerphilly's public buildings, and all employees have evacuated —except one.  Phineas Throckmorton, the town clerk, has been barricaded in the courthouse basement for over a year.

  Mr. Throckmorton's long siege has only been possible because of a pre-Civil War tunnel leading from the courthouse basement to a crawl space beneath the bandstand. The real reason for Caerphilly Days is to conceal the existence of the tunnel:  the tourist crowds camouflage supply deliveries, and the ghastly screeching of the tunnel's rusty trap door is drowned out by as many noisy activities as the locals can arrange. But the lender seems increasingly determined to evict Mr. Throckmorton—and may succeed after one of its executives is found shot, apparently from inside the basement.  Meg and her fellow townspeople suspect that someone hopes to end the siege by framing Mr. Throckmorton. Unless the real killer can be found quickly, the town will have to reveal the secret of the tunnel—and the fact that they've been aiding and abetting the basement’s inhabitant. Meg soon deduces that the killer isn't just trying to end the siege but to conceal information that would help the town reclaim its buildings—if the townspeople can find it before the lender destroys it in a gut-busting caper that will have giggles and guffaws coming as fast as a four-alarm fire.

All my favorite characters are back with Meg.  Donna has delivered a wonderful whodunit with her usual flair for dialogue.  I enjoyed the twists and turns that she led me on while giving me moments to laugh.  The villian made sense - once he was, literally, unmasked.  And the conspiracy - I won't give that away here.  And yes, I've read it 5 times already.

Another reason for joy - IT'S ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK!!!  Yes, I read - and I read alot.  But, I also listen to audiobooks as I do housework, take my walks, etc.  I have listened to "Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon" (which is hilarious - no matter how you discover it) and "We'll Always Have Parrots" (which offers a slight wink to the world of cult tv fandom) so many times that if they weren't MP3 files, I might have worn them out by now.  Bernadette Dunne does a fantastic job bringing Meg's adventures to life.  Now, if only the other 11 books would become available this way....

So, my suggestion - Run, don't walk to your favorite bookseller (or surf the net as fast as you can) for the latest hilarious, twisy-turny Meg Langslow mystery.  You won't be sorry you did. 

Pies and Prejudice are baked with love!

Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams   Published by Penguin

This is a new series from Ellery Adams.  And, if I may say, an excellent start to this new series.

Meet Ella Mae LaFaye.  A member of the LaFaye family from Havenwood, Georgia, she returns home after finding her husband, well, I won't go into that here.  Once home, with the help of her mother and her three aunts, she opens the "Charmed Pie Shoppe".  The fly in the pie is her childhood nemesis, Loralyn Gaynor.  Loralyn wanted the building Ella Mae is opening her pie shop in for a third nail salon.  When Loralyn's fiance is found murdered in one of the Loralyn's nail shops, the murder weapon is a rolling pin Ella May has been using.  But who really wanted Bradford Knox dead?

Finding out you have a "gift" that causes everyone to feel what you felt while you baked a pie is nothing compared to finding you have a gift for solving murder!!

I already love Ellery Adams' other series, Books by the Bay, and have fallen in love with Ella Mae and the rest of the inhabitants of Havenwood.  I can't wait to pay another visit to this wonderful town.

It's Murder! With Peacocks?!

Murder With Peacocks by Donna Andrews, published by St. Martin's Press

Sorry I've been MIA, but I'm back and ready to read.  One of my all-time favorite cozy series is the Meg Langslow mysteries by Donna Andrews and she just released "Some Like It Hawk", so I've decided to go to the beginning with this post.

Meet Meg Langslow, decorative blacksmith and maid of honor for 3 weddings this summer.  Who knew murder was also on the calendar!

After putting her life on hold for the summer, Meg Langslow heads home to Yorktown, Virginia.  Once home, she begins juggling planning chores for the 3 weddings she has ended up being a part of.  Her best friend, Eileen (the flighty one), her future sister-in-law, Samantha (the bridezilla) and her mother, Margaret (the unexpected bride) have all scheduled their nuptials for this summer.  Between dealing with finding peacocks to decorate the venue for Samantha, discovering Eileen never selected either her wedding gown or the bridesmaids dresses  (the wedding is in 54 days), and her mother's decision to select the perfect blue to redecorate with, Meg really doesn't have time to deal with the murder of her mother's fiance's sister-in-law from his first marriage.  But when suspicious incidents begin to occur that seem to be aimed at her father, she has no choice but to discover what happened.

Donna Andrews has created a wonderful group of characters that I just can't get enough of.  If I've read the Meg Langslow books once, I've read them a dozen times.  The dialogue is fun, the characters have depths that are still being shown in the 14th novel "Some Like It Hawk".  This is definitely a series to love.

Crystal Gardens leads you down the paranormal path

Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz), published by G P Putnam Sons (a Penguin Group Member)

The first in the Ladies of Lantern Street series, this book continues Ms. Quick's trademark blend of romance, mystery and the psychic.  While not a listed book of the Arcane Society, at this point the Society is always in the back of my mind.  This book features the usual strong-minded female lead character (Evangeline Ames), the not-always-traditionally handsome brooding male character (Lucas Sebastian), the close female friends (Beatrice Lockwood and Clarissa Slate - sure to be the female leads in future books), a murder (or murderous plot to be foiled - or both) and psychic talents.

Yes, you may have seen the formula before - but with Ms. Quick, the fun is that she always manages to tweak it so that, instead of becoming repetitive, the story remains fresh and fun to read.  If you've never read Ms. Quick - or her other incarnations (Jayne Ann Krentz or Jayne Castle), this is an excellent introduction to her worlds.  Although, since she got her start writing Harlequin & Candlelight (I'm pretty sure) romances, you may have already read \& enjoyed her worlds already.

Ms. Quick/Krentz/Castle has been, and remains one of the authors that I willing spend the cash for in Hardcover. (And if that's not an endorsement - I don't know what is!)

If you are wondering about the Arcane Society - check out Ms. Krentz's website at www.jayneannkrentz.com.  Her full backlist is there - from all 3 of her writer's voices.

Brownies & Broomsticks make for a tasty mystery!

Brownies and Broomsticks:  A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates, Published by Obsidian (a member of the Penguin Group)

The first in a new series, this introduction to Katie Lightfoot, her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben, the Spellbook club ladies and of course, Mungo the Magnificent and Honeybee is a delightful reading experience with well-defined characters, locations and a full-blown murder mystery.

Katie Lightfoot's life has taken a decided turn - for better or worse remains to be seen.  With her love-life taking a nose-dive (and since it was a workplace relationship her job tanked too), she's moved to Savannah to open the Honeybee Bakery with her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben.  She's found the perfect small cottage to live-in, and is looking forward to stretching her pastry-chef chops in her own kitchen.  But then one of  the most hated women in Savannah is killed after forcing the Honeybee to cater the monthly meeting of the Savannah Downtown Business Association.  With her Uncle Ben being the primary suspect, Katie dives into a search for the real killer.  Along the way, she discovers that she is the latest in a long line of hedgewitchs.  And her new pup, Mungo the Magnificent, is her familiar.  It's enough to knock anyone off-center.

This delightful read is sure to become one of your favorite reads (it's now one of mine!).  Be sure to put this on you "Must Read" pile right away - you won't be sorry.

Death Drops lead to good reading

Death Drops by Chrystle Fiedler, published by Gallery Books

First in the Natural Remedies Series, this is a good read with interesting characters, romantic potential, a bothersome ex, a dysfunctional family and, oh yeah, a murder.  I enjoyed this book a lot.  I am hoping to have more opportunities to learn about Willow, Jackson, Merrily, Hector and Allie.  My one complaint is that I'd have liked to have had fewer "letters to Dr. McQuade" tips.  Maybe have a naturopathic hint every couple of chapters instead of one per chapter.  The story is well-structured, with well defined characters and their interactions.  My suggestion:  try the Natural Remedies way - you'll feel better if you do.

A Wish and A Prayer lead to an uplifting read.

A Wish and a Prayer by Beverly Jenkins, published by HarperCollins


Back Cover Blurb:

Anyone worried that living in a small town could be boring certainly hasn't lived in Henry Adams, Kansas. From the wealthy divorcÉe who saved this historic town founded by freed slaves to the romantic entanglements that have set tongues wagging and hearts fluttering (and everything in between), there's plenty to keep the lovably eccentric townsfolk busy.

Preston Miles is happy living with his foster parents, but an e-mail from his maternal grandmother is about to change all that. . . . Riley Curry, the former town mayor, is convinced his pet hog, Cletus, acted in self-defense when he sat on—and killed— a man. Now Riley just has to prove it in a court of law. . . . And as for Rocky, she has already had a lifetime of hurt. Will she risk opening her heart—and her life—to Jack?

Warm, funny, poignant, and unforgettable, Beverly Jenkins's latest excursion to Henry Adams is a true delight—a welcome return to a place that always feels like home.

This fourth visit to Henry Adams, Kansas is a joy to read.  I first discovered the Blessings series as a Free Friday offer for the Nook by Barnes and Noble.  It was love at first read.  These books are heart-warming, laughter-causing, teary-eyed novels that remind me of the best principles to live by.  The way that the characters have grown over the course of the 4 novels is wonderful.  If you are looking for a read that is going to leave you feeling warm inside, look no further than this book.

Good Buy Girls are good reading

50% Off Murder by Josie Bell (aka Jenn McKinlay and Lucy Lawrence), published by Penguin Group

Back cover blurb:  

Maggie Gerber-one of the founding members of the Good Buy Birls- loves her quiet life in St. Stanley, Virginia. But all that changes when Sam Collins, her old flame, moves back to town as the new sheriff. On top of that, Claire Freemont, a librarian and the newest member of the Good Buy Girls, starts acting utterly strange.

When Maggie goes to visit her the next day at the library, she finds the body of a very dead man. Turns out the man is someone from Claire's past. As the handsome new sheriff zeroes in on Claire, it's up to Maggie and the rest of the Good Buy Girls to use their bargain-hunting skills to hunt a killer-while making sure they don't pay too much in the process...

This first in the "Good Buy Girls" series is an excellent read.  The main character is enjoyable and the rest of the Good Buy Girls are just as good.  The death of a stranger in the basement of the library leads to revelations about some of the characters that give them more depth.  The town of St. Stanley, Virginia sounds like the kind of place I'd like to live in.  I'm looking forward to getting to know these characters better.  Keep writing, Josie!

First Impressions Some wonderful releases this week

I've read 6 brand-new releases and one 'new to paperback' release this week.  Here are my first impressions:

50% Off Murder by Josie Bell, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780425247020.
    Fabulous new series, fun characters, can't wait for next book


Reap What You Sew by Elizabeth Lynn Casey, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780425247068
    Another in a consistently good cozy series, always enjoy


A Pizza to Die For by Chris Cavender, published by Kensington, ISBN 9780758229533
    Enjoyable read, probably would need to start with "A Slice of Murder" to understand character interactions better


A Killer Read by Erika Chase, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780425247037
    Good story, excellent characters, realized at 'denouement' that I missed the clues Erika dropped


Hounds Abound by Linda O Johnston, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780425247051
    Enjoyed visiting with characters, excellent read for animal lovers


The Long Stitch Goodbye by Amanda Lee, published by Penguin Geoup, ISBN 978045123463
    Love the characters (old & new), good mystery


The Cat, The Wife and the Weapon by Leann Sweeney, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780451236470
    Good read, love discovering back story on characters


Almost forgot a release from last week!


Drift:  The Unmooring of American Military Power by Rachel Maddow, published by Crown Publishing, ISBN 9780307460981
    Thought-provoking book (not my usual read!), I went back to school and paused to review what I read as I read (reading comprehension, don't ya know!)

A Note to Publishers about eBook samples...

Okay.  I don't know about you, but I work hard for my money (flashback moment here).  So I try to buy my books carefully.  If it's a new author (either really new or just new to me), I like to get the sample first.  If I am in my favorite B&N store, I'll sit down in the cafe with a stack of books to sort through.  But I've seemingly run into a problem with the sample eBooks.  Some samples included a full chapter (a new book I was checking out yesterday had almost 2 full chapters! Thank you, Kensington) but the ones I want to take issue with are the samples (and maybe I'm making the assumption that the publishers provide the sample download files) are the samples that have only the first paragraph or half-page of the first chapter.  Your sample must be pretty powerful is you think I'll be hooked so quickly.  I even had one sample that had less than the first full sentence of the first chapter!

I wonder if there is a formula that says 'only release the first x number of pages as the sample'.  If so, I suggest that you adjust your formula to the following, all samples are only x number of pages after eliminating the dedications, acknowledgments and chapter listing.  This will ensure that we, the readers will have an actual taste of what your author has written.

Just a thought....

Death of a Kitchen Diva - who knew?!

Okay - I've now read "Death of a Kitchen Diva" by Lee Hollis (Kensington Publishing, ISBN 9780758267375) for the third time.  Here are my thoughts:

The murder of the rival of her newly-minted newspaper food/lifestyle column leads to single mom, Hayley Powell's position center-stage of the investigation.  With her friends, high-octane real estate agent, Liddy Crawford (who's always at the top of the best-dressed list - if there was one in tiny Bar Harbor) and perpetually pregnant Mona Barnes (whose idea of fashion is a sweatshirt without stains), Hayley must clear her name and find out who really killed Karen Applebaum with Hayley's mother's clam chowder.

Lee Hollis has created a wonderful cast of characters in a small town.  The interactions between the characters are wonderful and are definitely going to be fun to see in future mysteries.  I was kept guessing and the reveal was surprising.  Lee Hollis is going on to my 'must read' list of authors.

First Impressions - releases March 6, 2012

Due or Die by Jenn McKinley, second in the "Library Lover's Mysteries published by Penguin Group

Good story, 3D characters, red herring, excellent visuals

Fire Engine Dead by Sheila Connelly, third in the Museum Mysteries, published by Penguin Group

Good Story, interesting facts, good characters

Death of a Kitchen Diva by Lee Hollis, first in the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mysteries, published by Kensington Publishing

Fun romp, good characters, reveal was real surprise

Sketch a Falling Star by Sharon Pape, third in the Portrait of Crime Mysteries, published by Penguin Group

Good flow, enjoyable characters, satisfying read

Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson, first in the Deveraux's Dime Store Mysteries, published by Penguin Group

First chapters feel frentic, trying to cram all backstory in first 30 pages, once calmed down - good story

Bridge of Dreams by Anne Bishop, third in the Ephemera series (not counting short story), published by Penguin Group

Easy return to world of Ephemera, not quite as dark as some of her other stories, wonderful read

Next - more in-depth notes about these titles.  

Let's start how I mean to go on...

My friends are always asking me what I'm reading now.  What do I think of this or that book/author?  So now, I'm going to share my thoughts and opinions right here.  On new releases, I'm going to do some rapid-fire notes, things I call "First Impression" reading.  Then I'll go back and do a more in-depth review of the book.

What types of books do I usually read?  I'll be honest, I'm not a 'New York Times' reader.  I will be reading cozy mysteries, some fantasy and whatever else trips my fancy.  I also plan to go back and re-visit some of my favorite books.  You know the type I mean, the ones you go back to again and again because you enjoy the characters.

So if you're ready, so am I!