MURDER INK by LORRAINE BARTLETT with GAYLE LEESON

     Murder Ink is the sixth book in the Victoria Square mystery series. A business owner wants to open a tattoo parlor on Victoria Square. Some of the merchants are not happy about that, but would one of them kill over it? That's what Katie wants to find out when the building owner is electrocuted by his own saw. In the meantime, does Katie have another suitor on the horizon?

 

     I always enjoy visiting Victoria Square. I can imagine walking through Artisan Alley, looking at all of the artist's pieces and wanting to take them all home. I can seem myself walking outside, looking at the quaint shops. I would have lunch at Tealicious with a yummy dessert. I love the fell of a small town. It's cozy and makes everyone feel like a family. The characters add richness to the story with all of the quirks

     The mystery of the story drew me in. I kept trying to figure it out from the clues the authors dropped in the story. Each time I thought I had it figured out, a new clue would surface and I would have to start all over. The twist and turns were like being on a ride I didn't want to end. 

     Lorraine and Gayle have written another great who-dun-it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a story with a small town feel, rich characters with strength and a great sense of humor. The mystery will keep you guessing until the end.


     I received my copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Lorraine Bartlett for review. This is an honest review.

    Until next time, Happy Reading.
 

   

 

MURDER IN THE FIRST EDITION by LAUREN ELLIOT

 

 

    It's the Christmas season in Greyborne Harbor. Addie is busy decorating and getting ready for an upcoming charity auction to benefit the local hospital. She's donated a first edition of

A Christmas Carol for it. Addie finds the body of the head of the auction, and that her valuable book is missing. She goes to work to find the clues to catch a killer and find the book.

     This is the third book in this series. Lauren has created a quirky town in Greyborne Harbor with wonderful, fun characters. It small with an interesting history. I enjoy visiting and feel like I'm there as I read the pages of Lauren's book. I can see myself in the shops and smelling the goodness form the bakery. She transports me into this world she's created. The characters are strong and relatable. They look out for one another which adds to the books charm. I can see myself enjoying coffee with any one of them.
     I was captured and drawn into the mystery from the beginning. There is a mystery within the mystery. I really like that aspect of the book. The clues took me on a twisting, turning ride that I didn't want to end. It hooked me in and kept me reading until the end. I couldn't wait to see how Lauren weaved all the pieces together into its surprise ending. It's a true who dun it that kept me guessing to the last page.
     I recommend this book to anyone who loves a story with quirky, relatable characters, a small town feel and a mystery that will keep you turning the pages until the end.
     I received this ARC copy of the book form the author for review. This is my honest review. 
     Until next time, Happy Reading.

PROLOGUE TO MURDER by LAUREN ELLIOTT


Prologue to Murder by Lauren Elliott is the second book in the Beyond a Page mystery series.  Addie is, once again, under the scrutiny of the townspeople of Greyborne Harbor.  Gossip reporter "Miss Newsy," from their local paper, stirs up new questions when the town librarian goes missing.  When she turns up dead, it's up to Addie to find the killer and squash the questions surrounding her.
     I had fun visiting Greyborne Harbor.  I like the small town feel the story brings.  I can see myself walking down main street, seeing all the shops and having lunch at the bakery next to Addie's bookshop.  Lauren included more of the town's history.  It adds to the story and gives me a glimpse into Greyborne Harbor's colorful past.
     I enjoy the characters.  It's a small town so there's plenty of gossip.  They add a colorful flare and a wonderful quirkiness to the town.  Addie, Serena and Marc are funny and add wonder to the story.  Addie is a smart, strong woman who proves to be a clever and skillful sleuth.  She is fast becoming one of my favorites.  Serena is always funny and whimsical.  I like her.  She always makes me laugh. Marc is studious when it come to his police work and caring when it comes to Addie. they leave me wanting to know more about their lives.
     The mystery is on the edge of your seat excellent.  It pulled me in from the first page and held me fast until the end.  With all of its twist and turns, it kept me guessing.  I couldn't put it down.  I really like how Lauren used the history of the town as part of the mystery.
     I recommend this book to mystery lovers who like to be kept guessing and engaged until the very end.
     I received this ARC copy of the book from the author for review.  This is my honest review.
     I also suggest reading the first book of the series Murder by the Book.  It is also a great read.
     Until next time Happy Reading.

 

Yule Be Dead by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson

 

   Yule Be Dead by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson, is the fifth book in the Victoria Square mystery series. The holidays are right around the corner and Artisan Alley is buzzing with activity. Katie Bonner's former mother in law is coming to visit her. She's not sure why and it's making her nervous. Someone from town is killed in what appears to be a car accident. Katie must figure out what is going on before the holidays are ruined.

      I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Visiting Victoria Square, was visiting an old friend. I felt right at home. The characters are wonderful. Katie is a strong young woman that took over Artisan Alley and turned it around. Vance, Rose and the other artists add flair to the story. I see myself strolling around, looking for amazing handcrafted treasures to bring home or give as gifts. I imagine walking over to Angelo's Pizzeria for lunch or one of his new yummy treats.

      The mystery of this book hooked me in from the very start. With its many twist and turns, it kept me guessing until the very end. I could not put it down. I had to keep reading to find out the answers to all of my questions.

      I recommend this book to readers who love a story with a small town feel, wonderful characters that feel like a family and a mystery that will keep you up until you find out how it ends.

      I received my ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and Lorraine Bartlett for review.

      Definitely checkout the other books from this series. They are worth the read.

      Until next time Happy Reading.

MARDI GRAS MURDER by ELLEN BYRON

 

 

 

  

Mardi Gras Murder, by Ellen Byron, is the fourth book in the Cajun Country Mystery series. The body of a stranger is found in the Crozat family's backyard after a flood. Everyone is gearing up for the big Mardi Gras celebration that's to take place in Pelican. When one of the judges of the Gumbo Queen pageant is murdered, it's up to Maggie to figure out who the killer is or the celebration may not happen.

      This is the first book of the series that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the Pelican, Louisiana setting and the people of this small town are delightful. I felt like I was part of the community even though this is the first time I visited here. They all brought wit and a laugh out loud humor to the story. I want to visit again and again.

      The mystery of this story is outstanding. I really like the intrigue of who the stranger was, as well as, who murdered the pageant judge. I love a mystery within a mystery and seeing how everything fits together. I could not put this book down. It grabbed my attention and kept me tuned in until the very end.

      I would recommend this book to anyone who loves wonderful characters, a small town feel and a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat to its the end.

     I received this ARC copy of the book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for review. This is an honest review.

     I am definitely going to check out the others in this series. 

     Until next time, Happy Reading.

VINEYARD MAGIC: TALES FROM BLYTHE COVE MANOR by LORRAINE BARTLETT, SHIRLEY HAILSTOCK &KELLY McCLYMER

   Vineyard Magic: Tails from Blythe Cove Manor by Lorraine Bartlett, Shirley Hailstock and Kelly McClymer is an anthology of their wonderful short stories. Grape Expectations is by Lorraine Bartlett, Brush Strokes is by Shirley Hailstock and Grapes of Wrath is by Kelly McClymer. They all take place in Martha's Vineyard, where we get to visit Blythe Cove Manor and the owner Blythe Calvert. In each of the stories, we meet three young women all looking for something, but what it is, they aren't sure. Each story has a bit of magic, mystery and a hint of romance.

      I loved reading these stories. Each author's story is captivating. They drew me in with each character. I wanted to know more about them, and what happens to them. I enjoy seeing how Blythe helps them with their troubles. She adds a whole another level to the story, with her mystery and charm. Each author's style is different and each story is their own. This book will take the reader to another world where they won't want to leave until end.
     I recommend this book to anyone who wants to sit back, relax and see where the stories take you.

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS by LORRAINE BARTLETT

   In Grape Expectations, by Lorraine Bartlett, we meet Dolly. She's a lost soul who has come to Martha's Vineyard hoping to find what she is missing and herself.

     I was quickly pulled into Dolly's story. In many ways, I could relate to her. She's looking for a purpose, but she's not sure what it is. I also like to see how Blythe Calvert and the magic of Blythe Cove Manor plays into the story. Lorraine did not disappoint me. She resolves Dolly's dilemma, but continually leaves me wanting more. I'm always waiting with anticipation to see what her next tale will bring.
     This wonderful story shows how we can start at one point in life and wind up going down a whole different path.
     

Until next time, Happy Reading.

MURDER BY THE BOOK by LAUREN ELLIOT

 Murder By the Book is the first book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliot. Addison Greystone inherits her great aunt's estate which includes a home and a number of books. She moves from Boston to the small seaside town of Greystone Harbor, and opens an bookstore. From her first day, mysterious things happen. When her friend is arrested for the murder of another merchant, Addie must use her sleuthing skills to find the real killer.

      I enjoyed this book tremendously. The characters are fun, witty and very relatable. I could see myself browsing in Addie's shop trying to find just the right book. I want to visit Serena's tea shop for a cup of tea and something to nosh on. The small town setting adds a quaint, homey feel to the story.

      The mystery is wonderful and filled with intrigue. I had a hard time putting this book down. I wanted to keep reading to see how all of the pieces would fall into place. There are twists and turns throughout the story. It held me in its grasp and kept me guessing until the very end. I can't wait for the next book to come out to see what other adventures Addie has.

      I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a mystery that grips you and doesn't let you go until the end. There are great characters and a hint of romance with a small town sentiment that will make you feel at home.

     I received this ARC cop of the book for review from the author.

     Until next time, HAPPY READING!

 A REEL CATCH by LORRAINE BARTLETT

   A Reel Catch by Lorraine Bartlett, is the second installment of the Lotus Bay Mystery Series.  Tori is helping Kathy clear some brush on her property to get it ready for the opening of Swan's Nest, Kathy's new bed and breakfast.  Tori sees a coat in the water.  When she tries to pull it out, she discovers it 's not just an empty coat.  Tori and Kathy want to find the answers to who the dead man is, his past and who may have wanted him dead.     This is the first book I've read in this series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Tori and Kathy, along with the whole cast of characters, really drew into the story.  They are funny, so likable and very relatable.  I found myself wanting to know more about them.

The mystery of this book pulled me in right from the first page.  I wanted to know who the victim was, what happened and why.  I could not put this book down.  It held me hostage until I found out how all the pieces of this puzzle fit together.

     I would recommend this book to any reader who like fun, relatable characters with a mystery that will hold you and keep you guessing until the very end.
     I received an ARC copy of this book for review from the author.  This is an honest review.

     I will definitely be checking out the first book of this series.  I can't wait to find out the backstory of the characters and what the first mystery holds.  Lorraine's books have always been some of my favorite reads.  Check them out if you haven't already.

     Until next time, Happy Reading.

 

    

 

In Cold Chocolate: A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery  by Dorothy St. James  

  In Cold Chocolate, by Dorothy St. James, is the third book in the Southern Chocolate Mystery series. It takes place in Camellia Beach, South Carolina where Charity Penn owns The Chocolate Box. Her shop is filled with delectable chocolate treats that are hard to resist. In this book, “Penn” is joining her friend and other volunteers of the sea turtle watch team to help the baby turtles make their way to the sea. Shots ring out and the volunteers run to find the local “Casanova” dead and Jody holding the gun. It's up to Penn to find the killer to clear Jody's name.
      I really liked this book. The town is a small seaside community and The Chocolate Box is where everyone meets to have coffee, delicious chocolaty treats and catch up on the town's gossip. The characters are a fun group of young and older residents. They watch over Penn as she is settling into her new surroundings. They inject humor into the story that made me laugh out loud. The book has a mystery within the mystery. While trying to figure out the main mystery, I love to figure out how both stories fit together.
      This is the first book I've read in this series. It pulled me right into the story from the first page. It kept me engaged until the end. I wanted to keep reading to find out how it all came together. This book was so good, that I want to read the first two of the series to learn more about the other characters and what other adventures Penn has. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a mystery that pulls you in and won't you let go until the very end.
I received an ARC copy of this book to review from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing.         

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2469936477

 

Until next time, Happy Reading.

SUMMER FUN
     Well it's been a while since I have posted.  It's been a busy summer with working, reading and going to my favorite thing all summer.  Dirt Track Racing!!  We have a track in my town and I'm always there.  It's so much fun cheering for my favorite drivers.  And of course eating the food.  I'm always there early, so it's a good time to just relax and read. 
     I'm reading an ARC called In Cold Chocolate by Dorothy St. James.  I'm enjoying it and as soon at I'm finished, I will post my review.  It's one that I was approved for by NetGalley.   They are a good place to go if you are interested in doing reviews.  I also review books that I just read for pleasure.  It's good for the authors and it's fun.
     The kitties are doing well.  Lily ahs been here for 3 months.  She has really come into her own.  It's been so much fun watching her acclimate and begin playing.  Her and Emma are always wrestling with each other and chasing each other.  It's been good for Emma too.  She has someone her own age to play with.  She just turned 2 years old this month.  My how time flies.

     Well that's all for now.  I hope everyone is having a great summer and is busy reading.  Remember authors would love for you to post a review of a book you've enjoyed.
     Until next time HAPPY READING!!