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mystereity
See my full review (and more!) at Mystereity Reviews
For Whom the Bread Rolls picks up where book 1 left off. Marley is having trouble with Ida, a vindictive former employee whose childish pranks are wearing thin. When Marley goes to Ida's house to confront her, she finds Ida dead, bashed in the head by the lamp that she stole from Marley. Concerned that she's being suspected of the murder, and how that could impact her business, Marley starts snooping, uncovering no shortage of suspects and a flood of motives. Desperate to clear her name, Marley doesn't waffle around and sets out to catch a killer.
One of the things that lure me in with cozy mysteries are the titles. For Whom the Bread Rolls gave me a smile and if I wasn't already a big fan of this series, would definitely entice me to pick it up.
The great plot and steady pace kept me guessing, and that surprise ending crêpe'd up on me and it was over almost too fast. The plot was tricky with lots of misdirection to keep things interesting, and there was muffin that diminished how much I enjoyed this book.
All of these puns are bacon me hungry.
Along with the great setting, the engaging characters really enhance this book. I think my favorite person is Ivan and his glowering arm-folding (and tasty dishes!) and I liked seeing more of him in this book. and I hope for more in future books. Could there be a romance brewing with Lisa? I can't wait to find out!
Overall, Sarah Fox has written another yummy Pancake House mystery guaranteed to keep cozy fans coming back for seconds.
Thank you to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest review
For Whom the Bread Rolls picks up where book 1 left off. Marley is having trouble with Ida, a vindictive former employee whose childish pranks are wearing thin. When Marley goes to Ida's house to confront her, she finds Ida dead, bashed in the head by the lamp that she stole from Marley. Concerned that she's being suspected of the murder, and how that could impact her business, Marley starts snooping, uncovering no shortage of suspects and a flood of motives. Desperate to clear her name, Marley doesn't waffle around and sets out to catch a killer.
One of the things that lure me in with cozy mysteries are the titles. For Whom the Bread Rolls gave me a smile and if I wasn't already a big fan of this series, would definitely entice me to pick it up.
The great plot and steady pace kept me guessing, and that surprise ending crêpe'd up on me and it was over almost too fast. The plot was tricky with lots of misdirection to keep things interesting, and there was muffin that diminished how much I enjoyed this book.
All of these puns are bacon me hungry.
Along with the great setting, the engaging characters really enhance this book. I think my favorite person is Ivan and his glowering arm-folding (and tasty dishes!) and I liked seeing more of him in this book. and I hope for more in future books. Could there be a romance brewing with Lisa? I can't wait to find out!
Overall, Sarah Fox has written another yummy Pancake House mystery guaranteed to keep cozy fans coming back for seconds.
Thank you to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest review
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
3.5 stars
After a "Storage Wars" type auction, Aunt Ibby and Lee bid on a locker full of boxes after Aunt Ibby thinks she sees some promising items. After winning the locker and hauling the contents home, they discover several historical items - and a mystery!
An enjoyable tale, this series always features original storylines, and Murder Go Round was no different. The intrigue kept me turning pages, and the sprinkle of Russian history added flavor (the descriptions of the Russian pastries, especially!) I loved Stasia, her colorful antics added a lot to the book. I hope she's in later books, she was a real hoot.
Some elements in the book just didn't do it for me, so I had to reduce my rating. I'm not going to outline them here, because it would give too much away and perhaps (hopefully) those elements will be changed before the book is released.
Overall, this is a cute series, and the book was entertaining and enjoyable but not without a few issues.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest review.
3.5 stars
After a "Storage Wars" type auction, Aunt Ibby and Lee bid on a locker full of boxes after Aunt Ibby thinks she sees some promising items. After winning the locker and hauling the contents home, they discover several historical items - and a mystery!
An enjoyable tale, this series always features original storylines, and Murder Go Round was no different. The intrigue kept me turning pages, and the sprinkle of Russian history added flavor (the descriptions of the Russian pastries, especially!) I loved Stasia, her colorful antics added a lot to the book. I hope she's in later books, she was a real hoot.
Some elements in the book just didn't do it for me, so I had to reduce my rating. I'm not going to outline them here, because it would give too much away and perhaps (hopefully) those elements will be changed before the book is released.
Overall, this is a cute series, and the book was entertaining and enjoyable but not without a few issues.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest review.
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
Sydney and her sister Kat run Friendly Paws, an animal shelter in Deer Park, North Carolina. The shelter has run into financial difficulties, so Sydney and Kat team up with a local coffee shop to host a Cat Cafe, all to benefit the shelter and to get some of the cats adopted. The only problem is that one of the townspeople, an influential property owner named Trowbridge Littleton, is determined to shut the Cat Cafe and the animal shelter down. Determined to change his mind, Sydney and Kat show up at his shop and discover him dead on the floor. Under suspicion and intent on saving the animal shelter from being closed, the sisters team up to find a killer.
Purr M for Murder is a cute and entertaining debut in a new series, there was a lot to like about it. The twisty and engaging plot kept me turning pages, and Toby the cat made for one adorable sleuthing sidekick. Likable characters, a quick pace, and a fantastic ending, complete with a big plot twist and an action-packed conclusion, all combined to make a thoroughly delightful and enjoyable story.
And I loved the cat cafe idea (this should be done everywhere, along with a doggy diner!)
Overall, Purr M for Murder is a fantastic start to a new series and will appeal to cat fanatics and cozy mystery fans looking to curl up with a purr-fectly charming tale.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Sydney and her sister Kat run Friendly Paws, an animal shelter in Deer Park, North Carolina. The shelter has run into financial difficulties, so Sydney and Kat team up with a local coffee shop to host a Cat Cafe, all to benefit the shelter and to get some of the cats adopted. The only problem is that one of the townspeople, an influential property owner named Trowbridge Littleton, is determined to shut the Cat Cafe and the animal shelter down. Determined to change his mind, Sydney and Kat show up at his shop and discover him dead on the floor. Under suspicion and intent on saving the animal shelter from being closed, the sisters team up to find a killer.
Purr M for Murder is a cute and entertaining debut in a new series, there was a lot to like about it. The twisty and engaging plot kept me turning pages, and Toby the cat made for one adorable sleuthing sidekick. Likable characters, a quick pace, and a fantastic ending, complete with a big plot twist and an action-packed conclusion, all combined to make a thoroughly delightful and enjoyable story.
And I loved the cat cafe idea (this should be done everywhere, along with a doggy diner!)
Overall, Purr M for Murder is a fantastic start to a new series and will appeal to cat fanatics and cozy mystery fans looking to curl up with a purr-fectly charming tale.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
Get Well Soon isn't so much a historical book about plagues, it's also about the human side of plagues; the healers, the sufferers and the people left behind. The book details not only catastrophic plagues like The Black Death, but also some of the lesser known plagues like the Roman Empire-ending Antonine Plague and The Dancing Plague in 16th century Europe (which sounds all very funny until you read that people pretty much danced their feet off. Literally.)
All the major maladies are touched on, from the horrific syphilis and tuberculosis plagues to the ravages of typhoid, smallpox and cholera throughout history. The sad fate of many plague victims, abandoned by their families and in some cases, abandoned by society, was all very heartrending. I also thought it was very interesting how the Victorians glamorized the pale, gaunt appearance of tuberculosis sufferers. Looking at any of today's popular fashion models or actresses, it's obvious that's an ideal that persists even today.
For the most part, this was very entertaining but felt a bit preachy in spots. Although I don't fault the author for having strong feelings about her subject, it felt a bit like I was being lectured to.
Overall, Get Well Soon is an informative and entertaining trip through the perils of the past, and anyone who loves history (and plagues. I'm sure there are people out there who enjoy a good plague) will definitely enjoy it.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. and Netgalley for an advance copy. This review is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
Get Well Soon isn't so much a historical book about plagues, it's also about the human side of plagues; the healers, the sufferers and the people left behind. The book details not only catastrophic plagues like The Black Death, but also some of the lesser known plagues like the Roman Empire-ending Antonine Plague and The Dancing Plague in 16th century Europe (which sounds all very funny until you read that people pretty much danced their feet off. Literally.)
All the major maladies are touched on, from the horrific syphilis and tuberculosis plagues to the ravages of typhoid, smallpox and cholera throughout history. The sad fate of many plague victims, abandoned by their families and in some cases, abandoned by society, was all very heartrending. I also thought it was very interesting how the Victorians glamorized the pale, gaunt appearance of tuberculosis sufferers. Looking at any of today's popular fashion models or actresses, it's obvious that's an ideal that persists even today.
For the most part, this was very entertaining but felt a bit preachy in spots. Although I don't fault the author for having strong feelings about her subject, it felt a bit like I was being lectured to.
Overall, Get Well Soon is an informative and entertaining trip through the perils of the past, and anyone who loves history (and plagues. I'm sure there are people out there who enjoy a good plague) will definitely enjoy it.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. and Netgalley for an advance copy. This review is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
Cassie Hall and her peep-toe shoes have stepped into another mystery at The Parkstone, the luxury apartment building where she works as the night shift concierge. While checking her mail, she overhears Mason, the day shift concierge, having a heated argument with someone in the lobby. Moments later, Cassie finds Mason in the cloakroom, stabbed with a letter opener. As a prime suspect, and with Mason’s grieving girlfriend to look after, Cassie finds herself on yet another case, despite her police detective boyfriend Eric’s disapproval.
First of all, stick hidden/secret rooms in a book and you’ve captured my attention. Add in a mysterious curse and I’m hooked. I could happily spend an afternoon in a secret room, exploring all the nooks and crannies but since I don’t have any secret rooms, the next best thing is to spend an afternoon reading about someone exploring secret rooms. This looks like it will continue in later books, and I’m looking forward to reading more about The Parkstone and its secrets.
I really enjoyed the great plot, who murdered Mason and why? One by one, all the secrets Mason has been hiding are dragged out, bringing a new suspect. It seems like all of The Parkstone resident have something to hide! Now I’m wondering what Mr. Gilrot’s dirty little secrets are….hopefully in the next book? And Mrs. Canterbury! You know she’s got more than one skeleton in her closet.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a little romance, and the sweet ending capped off a great mystery.
Cloakroom Corpse is a great addition to the charming Cassie Hall Mystery series, and definitely a must read for any cozy mystery lover.
Cassie Hall and her peep-toe shoes have stepped into another mystery at The Parkstone, the luxury apartment building where she works as the night shift concierge. While checking her mail, she overhears Mason, the day shift concierge, having a heated argument with someone in the lobby. Moments later, Cassie finds Mason in the cloakroom, stabbed with a letter opener. As a prime suspect, and with Mason’s grieving girlfriend to look after, Cassie finds herself on yet another case, despite her police detective boyfriend Eric’s disapproval.
First of all, stick hidden/secret rooms in a book and you’ve captured my attention. Add in a mysterious curse and I’m hooked. I could happily spend an afternoon in a secret room, exploring all the nooks and crannies but since I don’t have any secret rooms, the next best thing is to spend an afternoon reading about someone exploring secret rooms. This looks like it will continue in later books, and I’m looking forward to reading more about The Parkstone and its secrets.
I really enjoyed the great plot, who murdered Mason and why? One by one, all the secrets Mason has been hiding are dragged out, bringing a new suspect. It seems like all of The Parkstone resident have something to hide! Now I’m wondering what Mr. Gilrot’s dirty little secrets are….hopefully in the next book? And Mrs. Canterbury! You know she’s got more than one skeleton in her closet.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a little romance, and the sweet ending capped off a great mystery.
Cloakroom Corpse is a great addition to the charming Cassie Hall Mystery series, and definitely a must read for any cozy mystery lover.
Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government's Secret Plan to Save Itself--While the Rest of Us Die
See this and more of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
The unthinkable has happened; time has run out, the missiles have been launched and the United States as we know it is doomed. But never fear! The government has planned extensively to assure their safety and that their reign will continue without interruption - even if there's nothing left to govern after it's all over!
Raven Rock explores the history of the people and events that brought about these plans, spanning the span of time since the end of World War II, from Truman to Obama (who signed a bill in 2009 giving the US Postal Service the sole responsibility of delivering "biological counter-measures" in the event of a biological weapons attack. Which is better than FedEx (who always seems to deliver my packages late, but that's another story.)
After I watched a Travel Channel show that talked about The Greenbriar, I picked up Raven Rock to read more about the history behind that Cold War bunker mentality and found much, much more. The easy flow of the book drew me in quickly, the anecdotes and trivia kept things light and interesting and the very linear layout stayed on topic without extraneous detail to confuse the reader.
Raven Rock is an engrossing history illuminating a shadowy aspect of the government not well known or understood and I definitely recommend it to history buffs and trivia fans alike.
The unthinkable has happened; time has run out, the missiles have been launched and the United States as we know it is doomed. But never fear! The government has planned extensively to assure their safety and that their reign will continue without interruption - even if there's nothing left to govern after it's all over!
Raven Rock explores the history of the people and events that brought about these plans, spanning the span of time since the end of World War II, from Truman to Obama (who signed a bill in 2009 giving the US Postal Service the sole responsibility of delivering "biological counter-measures" in the event of a biological weapons attack. Which is better than FedEx (who always seems to deliver my packages late, but that's another story.)
After I watched a Travel Channel show that talked about The Greenbriar, I picked up Raven Rock to read more about the history behind that Cold War bunker mentality and found much, much more. The easy flow of the book drew me in quickly, the anecdotes and trivia kept things light and interesting and the very linear layout stayed on topic without extraneous detail to confuse the reader.
Raven Rock is an engrossing history illuminating a shadowy aspect of the government not well known or understood and I definitely recommend it to history buffs and trivia fans alike.
A captivating historical cozy mystery, The Butterfly Conspiracy is an excellent debut to a new series! Suspenseful and thrilling, I was immediately sucked into the Victorian world superbly created, with intriguing characters and a puzzling plot that kept me turning pages.
I liked the dynamic between Royston and Merula. She's wasn't a passive Victorian flower, he wasn't a man strong-arming her into being a passive Victorian flower. Although the possibility for a romance was hinted at, it wasn't overt and took a backseat to the plot. I appreciated that, just like in food, the best flavors are in the background as an enhancement. It also leaves the door open to future story lines, and I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops.
The plot was intriguing; at a zoological meeting, Merula unveils the exotic butterfly she has cultivated. Because she is a woman, Merula's Uncle Rupert agrees to take the credit, but when a woman dies after the butterfly lands on Lady Sophia's arm and she falls over, dead, Uncle Rupert is accused of murder. Determined to clear his name, Merula teams up with Lord Royston, uncovering many motives and suspects while pursued by the police. I have no idea if the method of death is feasible or not, but it wasn't something I've ever seen before and really enjoyed it, as well as the surprising and exciting ending.
I liked the dynamic between Royston and Merula. She's wasn't a passive Victorian flower, he wasn't a man strong-arming her into being a passive Victorian flower. Although the possibility for a romance was hinted at, it wasn't overt and took a backseat to the plot. I appreciated that, just like in food, the best flavors are in the background as an enhancement. It also leaves the door open to future story lines, and I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops.
The plot was intriguing; at a zoological meeting, Merula unveils the exotic butterfly she has cultivated. Because she is a woman, Merula's Uncle Rupert agrees to take the credit, but when a woman dies after the butterfly lands on Lady Sophia's arm and she falls over, dead, Uncle Rupert is accused of murder. Determined to clear his name, Merula teams up with Lord Royston, uncovering many motives and suspects while pursued by the police. I have no idea if the method of death is feasible or not, but it wasn't something I've ever seen before and really enjoyed it, as well as the surprising and exciting ending.
I don't know what took me so long to get around to this book. Elly Griffiths is one of my favorite writers (I admit to be fully addicted to Ruth and Nelson and Cathbad) so this was on my list. I saw it on Overdrive and decided now was the time, and it didn't disappoint! I loved the characters, from Max the magician to Edgar's pragmatic cop to Diablo's "My dear boy!" they really made for an engaging bunch.
Set in post-war England, it made for a fascinating backdrop. Edgar's war experiences still affect him, no matter how much he tries to push it away and it all comes back to haunt him. The story is laid out step by step, clue to clue until the exciting conclusion. I admit, I had a gut feeling about the murderer. Sherlock once famously said “...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?” rang in my head while I was reading. Still, it was engrossing and entertaining and I loved every minute of it
Set in post-war England, it made for a fascinating backdrop. Edgar's war experiences still affect him, no matter how much he tries to push it away and it all comes back to haunt him. The story is laid out step by step, clue to clue until the exciting conclusion. I admit, I had a gut feeling about the murderer. Sherlock once famously said “...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?” rang in my head while I was reading. Still, it was engrossing and entertaining and I loved every minute of it
I hadn't realized I missed this one, so it was a nice read post-Christmas. I really enjoyed the addition of Margo as a character; the stereotypical "not good enough for my son" mother-in-law made for a nice change in dynamic within the characters. The mystery - who killed Vonne - was good, but I felt like it took a back seat to Katie and Andy's relationship issues. Overall, enjoyable and festive but this book was more for advancing the characters than solving a mystery.