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See my full review on my blog Mystereity Reviews
"Chocolate Whisperer" Hayden Mundy Moore travels the world helping companies improve the quality of their chocolates. In The Semi-Sweet Hereafter, Hayden is in London assisting Phoebe, the wife of celebrity chef Jeremy Wright. Phoebe owns a failing chocolate pâtisserie and needs Hayden's help to turn it around. When Jeremy turns up bludgeoned to death, Hayden falls under suspicion. To clear her name, she has to hunt down the real killer.
The premise of the book, a globe trotting chocolate expert was really a fun change of pace from the usual cozy. Loaded with tips and tricks for baking with chocolate, as well as yummy recipes, this chocoholic bookworm was hooked from the first page. Hayden is a likable main character, and I could relate to a lot of her quirks (I, too, like going to grocery stores when I'm in a new place!) The absorbing plot had clues that were so well hidden (in plain sight, no less!) that I didn't realize they were clues until the end. I'm not really sure why Hayden believed she was a suspect well into the book. Even if the police seriously suspected her, she would've had her alibi verified and cleared her within a day. The other suspects were a lot more...well...suspicious. A disgruntled former assistant, an angry young chef, an angry corporate sponsor and a ruthless agent all had a lot more motive and opportunity than Hayden had.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with an great premise and an equally good plot, despite a few distractions. It can be read as a standalone with minimal confusion but reading the series in order would probably enhance this book, mostly for the characters' backstories.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
"Chocolate Whisperer" Hayden Mundy Moore travels the world helping companies improve the quality of their chocolates. In The Semi-Sweet Hereafter, Hayden is in London assisting Phoebe, the wife of celebrity chef Jeremy Wright. Phoebe owns a failing chocolate pâtisserie and needs Hayden's help to turn it around. When Jeremy turns up bludgeoned to death, Hayden falls under suspicion. To clear her name, she has to hunt down the real killer.
The premise of the book, a globe trotting chocolate expert was really a fun change of pace from the usual cozy. Loaded with tips and tricks for baking with chocolate, as well as yummy recipes, this chocoholic bookworm was hooked from the first page. Hayden is a likable main character, and I could relate to a lot of her quirks (I, too, like going to grocery stores when I'm in a new place!) The absorbing plot had clues that were so well hidden (in plain sight, no less!) that I didn't realize they were clues until the end. I'm not really sure why Hayden believed she was a suspect well into the book. Even if the police seriously suspected her, she would've had her alibi verified and cleared her within a day. The other suspects were a lot more...well...suspicious. A disgruntled former assistant, an angry young chef, an angry corporate sponsor and a ruthless agent all had a lot more motive and opportunity than Hayden had.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with an great premise and an equally good plot, despite a few distractions. It can be read as a standalone with minimal confusion but reading the series in order would probably enhance this book, mostly for the characters' backstories.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
See my full review (and more!) on my blog Mystereity Reviews
Fantastic book! I first heard about this book from Wanderlust's fantastic review and couldn't wait to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Club Murders, so much so that I turned around and read it again, just to see if I could pick up all the things I missed!
Great characters and a fast-paced plot sucked me in right from the the first chapter. Guileless Charley and intense Marc are equally matched in the strong-willed and stubborn department. While I thought their romance was a bit overwrought, it was cute and softened the story a little.
And the plot! Full of red herrings, surprise twists and fast-paced action, it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how all the red-herrings were a plot thread in themselves, from Ronnie's problems to Wilson's secrets. The Agathas and their secrets and tragedies added just the right amount of drama to give the plot lots of depth and dimension. I have to ask, though: who shot the video at the crime scene? Did they ever investigate it? Perhaps it will be in the next book...
Overall, an exceptional mystery and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I definitely recommend this book as a must read.
Thank you so much to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Fantastic book! I first heard about this book from Wanderlust's fantastic review and couldn't wait to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed The Book Club Murders, so much so that I turned around and read it again, just to see if I could pick up all the things I missed!
Great characters and a fast-paced plot sucked me in right from the the first chapter. Guileless Charley and intense Marc are equally matched in the strong-willed and stubborn department. While I thought their romance was a bit overwrought, it was cute and softened the story a little.
And the plot! Full of red herrings, surprise twists and fast-paced action, it kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how all the red-herrings were a plot thread in themselves, from Ronnie's problems to Wilson's secrets. The Agathas and their secrets and tragedies added just the right amount of drama to give the plot lots of depth and dimension. I have to ask, though: who shot the video at the crime scene? Did they ever investigate it? Perhaps it will be in the next book...
Overall, an exceptional mystery and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I definitely recommend this book as a must read.
Thank you so much to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
See my full review on my blog Mystereity Reviews
Hagar's Last Dance was riveting and enjoyable; with a rich plot, great characters, lots of intriuge, a sprinkle of humor and a little bit of romance combined to create a real page turner.
Jeanne Pelletier is a contract lawyer by day and aspiring belly dancer by night. Her friend and teacher, Yasmina has talked her into performing at Algiers, a middle eastern nightclub. After her performance, a fire breaks out and Yasmina dies in the flames.
The characters really made the book for me; likable and unconventional, they added a lot of warmth to the story. I liked ex-CIA spook Jerry most of all; I thought his nicknames were funny and his heartbreaking struggles made him very human. Jeanne is a strong and assertive woman, but also a little awkward and a little clueless sometimes. I thought the story about Jeanne's past should've come earlier in the book, even if it wasn't resolved until later (one of my pet peeves is a hint about a tragic past that isn't revealed until the end.) Jeanne is very easy to relate to and I really admired her. The victim, Yasmina, proved to be the most intriguing. Although not in the book very long, her presence permeated the book and I enjoyed seeing her layers peeled away bit by bit as the book went on.
The gripping plot kept me guessing, with lots of surprise twists and turns. Part of the plot dealt with Middle Eastern politics, specifically Arab-Isreali tensions, a very timely and potentially controversial topic that was portrayed less as a political issue and more as a human issue. A steady pace kept the story moving to a satisfying conclusion
Overall, Hagar's Last Dance is an enjoyable debut to a new series a great book to curl up with.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Hagar's Last Dance was riveting and enjoyable; with a rich plot, great characters, lots of intriuge, a sprinkle of humor and a little bit of romance combined to create a real page turner.
Jeanne Pelletier is a contract lawyer by day and aspiring belly dancer by night. Her friend and teacher, Yasmina has talked her into performing at Algiers, a middle eastern nightclub. After her performance, a fire breaks out and Yasmina dies in the flames.
The characters really made the book for me; likable and unconventional, they added a lot of warmth to the story. I liked ex-CIA spook Jerry most of all; I thought his nicknames were funny and his heartbreaking struggles made him very human. Jeanne is a strong and assertive woman, but also a little awkward and a little clueless sometimes. I thought the story about Jeanne's past should've come earlier in the book, even if it wasn't resolved until later (one of my pet peeves is a hint about a tragic past that isn't revealed until the end.) Jeanne is very easy to relate to and I really admired her. The victim, Yasmina, proved to be the most intriguing. Although not in the book very long, her presence permeated the book and I enjoyed seeing her layers peeled away bit by bit as the book went on.
The gripping plot kept me guessing, with lots of surprise twists and turns. Part of the plot dealt with Middle Eastern politics, specifically Arab-Isreali tensions, a very timely and potentially controversial topic that was portrayed less as a political issue and more as a human issue. A steady pace kept the story moving to a satisfying conclusion
Overall, Hagar's Last Dance is an enjoyable debut to a new series a great book to curl up with.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
See this review and more on my blog Mystereity Reviews
I've heard great things about Kathi Daley's books from other reviewers, and now I see what all the fuss is about. Pumpkins in Paradise is an enjoyable and entertaining cozy mystery, guaranteed to get you into the Halloween spirit.
After finding her elderly recluse friend, Zachary, dead in his home, Tj senses something isn't quite right with his death. After the police close the case as natural causes, Tj is compelled to investigate. To find a killer, Tj must solve the puzzle of Zachary's past and uncover his tragic secret.
While the plot was pretty easy to figure out, I really enjoyed the "treasure hunt" puzzles, I love a mystery within a mystery, and I enjoyed trying to solve the clues along with Tj. Zachary sounded like he was a fun and interesting guy to know, I'm a little sorry that his introduction in the story was his death. He was a touching character, and the funeral scene made me sniffle, all that heartbreak, loss and regret was very moving. Tj is a good-natured and likable character, and her loyalty to her friends and family is admirable. While the other characters weren't very developed, this is the first in the series and I look foward to getting to know them better in later books.
Overall, Pumpkins in Paradise was a delightful read, perfect for Halloween book club reads or just to curl up with on a chilly fall day.
Thank you to Henery Press and NetGalley who provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I've heard great things about Kathi Daley's books from other reviewers, and now I see what all the fuss is about. Pumpkins in Paradise is an enjoyable and entertaining cozy mystery, guaranteed to get you into the Halloween spirit.
After finding her elderly recluse friend, Zachary, dead in his home, Tj senses something isn't quite right with his death. After the police close the case as natural causes, Tj is compelled to investigate. To find a killer, Tj must solve the puzzle of Zachary's past and uncover his tragic secret.
While the plot was pretty easy to figure out, I really enjoyed the "treasure hunt" puzzles, I love a mystery within a mystery, and I enjoyed trying to solve the clues along with Tj. Zachary sounded like he was a fun and interesting guy to know, I'm a little sorry that his introduction in the story was his death. He was a touching character, and the funeral scene made me sniffle, all that heartbreak, loss and regret was very moving. Tj is a good-natured and likable character, and her loyalty to her friends and family is admirable. While the other characters weren't very developed, this is the first in the series and I look foward to getting to know them better in later books.
Overall, Pumpkins in Paradise was a delightful read, perfect for Halloween book club reads or just to curl up with on a chilly fall day.
Thank you to Henery Press and NetGalley who provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
See this review and more at Mystereity Reviews
I've been interested in Feng Shui for a long time but never found a good, basic guide for understanding Feng Shui and applying it to my home and life. When I saw this book available on Netgalley, I hoped that this would be my gateway to understanding more about Feng Shui and I wasn't disappointed.
The information on this book is very well organized and in-depth, with information not only on how natural formations can impact your life, but also the objects in your home. While I was aware that the direction your front door faces can have an impact on your life, I had no idea that where my stove or toilets were placed could have an impact as well.
Using the two types of Feng Shui (Eight Mansions and Flying Stars) and how to determine y I can apply the guidance to my house and hopefully make it more harmonious. Although I live in an apartment and I'm limited in any physical changes I can make, the book has many tips and suggestions to weaken or diminish any negative energies found in my home.
Of the two Feng Shui systems, the Eight Mansions was far easier to understand. All the information is well laid out in terms a a true beginner like me can understand, but it's going to take some time to get a better understanding of Flying Stars and I look forward to studying it further.
Overall, an exceptional book for learning the basics of Feng Shui and I recommend it whether you're a beginner looking for an introduction, or a practitioner looking for a strong reference book and would make a great gift.
Thank you to Llewellyn Publications and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review
I've been interested in Feng Shui for a long time but never found a good, basic guide for understanding Feng Shui and applying it to my home and life. When I saw this book available on Netgalley, I hoped that this would be my gateway to understanding more about Feng Shui and I wasn't disappointed.
The information on this book is very well organized and in-depth, with information not only on how natural formations can impact your life, but also the objects in your home. While I was aware that the direction your front door faces can have an impact on your life, I had no idea that where my stove or toilets were placed could have an impact as well.
Using the two types of Feng Shui (Eight Mansions and Flying Stars) and how to determine y I can apply the guidance to my house and hopefully make it more harmonious. Although I live in an apartment and I'm limited in any physical changes I can make, the book has many tips and suggestions to weaken or diminish any negative energies found in my home.
Of the two Feng Shui systems, the Eight Mansions was far easier to understand. All the information is well laid out in terms a a true beginner like me can understand, but it's going to take some time to get a better understanding of Flying Stars and I look forward to studying it further.
Overall, an exceptional book for learning the basics of Feng Shui and I recommend it whether you're a beginner looking for an introduction, or a practitioner looking for a strong reference book and would make a great gift.
Thank you to Llewellyn Publications and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review
See this and all of my reviews on Mystereity Reviews
The St. John family own a summer house on Daufuskie Island, off the coast of South Carolina. After a hurricane, Caris and her kids discover a mysterious treasure chest containing a note and a silver key. The key unlocks a mysterious silver door in an old, abandoned lighthouse that leads the family on a harrowing adventure through history.
This book was riveting; I couldn't put it down. The story switches between each character's adventures, and I found myself racing through them to get to the next. The characters were very believable, from the squabbles between the children (reminded me of my own childhood!) to the family's reactions to the confusing events and the situations they found themselves in. I think my favorite character was Maitland, I love the idea of someone from the past being transported into present times and how they cope with it.
While enjoyable for adults, it would be a great learning companion for middle school aged kids, with scenes set both in the Revolutionary War and Civil War that would enhance their history classes. Although there's some minor violence towards the end of the book, It's not any more graphic than what kids see on an average cartoon or superhero movie, so very little parental guidance would be necessary.
Overall, a captivating, exciting and thrilling romp through history, Daufuskie Island will appeal to history buffs of all ages, from kids to adults.
Thank you to Mountain Arbor Press and Netgalley for a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
The St. John family own a summer house on Daufuskie Island, off the coast of South Carolina. After a hurricane, Caris and her kids discover a mysterious treasure chest containing a note and a silver key. The key unlocks a mysterious silver door in an old, abandoned lighthouse that leads the family on a harrowing adventure through history.
This book was riveting; I couldn't put it down. The story switches between each character's adventures, and I found myself racing through them to get to the next. The characters were very believable, from the squabbles between the children (reminded me of my own childhood!) to the family's reactions to the confusing events and the situations they found themselves in. I think my favorite character was Maitland, I love the idea of someone from the past being transported into present times and how they cope with it.
While enjoyable for adults, it would be a great learning companion for middle school aged kids, with scenes set both in the Revolutionary War and Civil War that would enhance their history classes. Although there's some minor violence towards the end of the book, It's not any more graphic than what kids see on an average cartoon or superhero movie, so very little parental guidance would be necessary.
Overall, a captivating, exciting and thrilling romp through history, Daufuskie Island will appeal to history buffs of all ages, from kids to adults.
Thank you to Mountain Arbor Press and Netgalley for a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
Much Ado About Muffin has Merry returning from an extended stay in Spain to find that Roma, an overbearing opera singer, has come to stay at Wynter Castle and has managed to rub everyone in Autumn Vale the wrong way, especially thorny postmistress Minnie Urqhart. Soon after arriving home, Merry finds Minnie dead, stabbed with a letter opener that looks like one Roma had when she threatened Minnie on a previous occasion. Merry knows Roma didn't kill Minnie, and sets out to find the real killer.
The main plot, solving Minnie's murder, was done quite well; several suspects with motives and lots of plot twists made for a riveting read. The subplots, with Shiloh acting strangely and Emerald seemingly caught up in the cult-like Consciousness Calling group added to the suspense and kept me guessing and turning pages through the book.
This can be read as a stand-alone, as prior events are explained (and not a hindrance to the story) but I recommend reading the series in order, because there are some on-going plot threads that would be better understood if the book are read in order.
And I am going to make those chocolate walnut muffins very, very soon. *drool*
Much Ado About Muffin has Merry returning from an extended stay in Spain to find that Roma, an overbearing opera singer, has come to stay at Wynter Castle and has managed to rub everyone in Autumn Vale the wrong way, especially thorny postmistress Minnie Urqhart. Soon after arriving home, Merry finds Minnie dead, stabbed with a letter opener that looks like one Roma had when she threatened Minnie on a previous occasion. Merry knows Roma didn't kill Minnie, and sets out to find the real killer.
The main plot, solving Minnie's murder, was done quite well; several suspects with motives and lots of plot twists made for a riveting read. The subplots, with Shiloh acting strangely and Emerald seemingly caught up in the cult-like Consciousness Calling group added to the suspense and kept me guessing and turning pages through the book.
This can be read as a stand-alone, as prior events are explained (and not a hindrance to the story) but I recommend reading the series in order, because there are some on-going plot threads that would be better understood if the book are read in order.
And I am going to make those chocolate walnut muffins very, very soon. *drool*
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
Ghostwriter Cam (who can actually see ghosts) is back for another adventure in Waxahachie, TX. In this book, Susan Ingram is murdered during a dinner theater performance of Blithe Spirit. In a striking coincidence, her mother in law, Lillian, was murdered in the same place in the 1960s, and in the same manner. Are the two deaths related? It's up to Cam to unravel the secrets of the past to solve the murders of today.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was looking forward to this one and it didn't disappoint. This was a complex mystery with lots of surprise twists, and I admit, although I had a lot of theories who the murderer was, I really didn't guess the true outcome. There's also a bit of a cliffhanger, as the mobster ghost of Mac "The Faker" Green is still hanging around because his murder still needs to be solved. I loved the heartwarming scene with Reed at the end, it was a great way to end the book.
Overall, an excellent followup to the first book with an outstanding mystery that will keep you guessing. This book can easily be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the first in the series.
Ghostwriter Cam (who can actually see ghosts) is back for another adventure in Waxahachie, TX. In this book, Susan Ingram is murdered during a dinner theater performance of Blithe Spirit. In a striking coincidence, her mother in law, Lillian, was murdered in the same place in the 1960s, and in the same manner. Are the two deaths related? It's up to Cam to unravel the secrets of the past to solve the murders of today.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was looking forward to this one and it didn't disappoint. This was a complex mystery with lots of surprise twists, and I admit, although I had a lot of theories who the murderer was, I really didn't guess the true outcome. There's also a bit of a cliffhanger, as the mobster ghost of Mac "The Faker" Green is still hanging around because his murder still needs to be solved. I loved the heartwarming scene with Reed at the end, it was a great way to end the book.
Overall, an excellent followup to the first book with an outstanding mystery that will keep you guessing. This book can easily be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the first in the series.
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
If you read only one book this year, A Deadly Thaw should be it. A tense thrill ride through twisted justice and family secrets, it will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you breathless.
Lena Grey was convicted 14 years ago of killing her husband, Andrew. Not long after she is released from prison, a man is found shot to death in an abandoned morgue and is positively identified as Andrew. If he wasn't killed 14 years ago, who did Lena kill and why?
I loved this from the first page; I don't think I've ever read a more delightfully labyrinthine plot. I think the most compelling aspect of the book was that you're just as in the dark about Lena as are the police and Lena's sister, Kat. You're not given any clues, so every revelation is just as shocking to you as it is to the characters. I admit, I had an inkling what was behind Lena's behavior change as a teen, but had no idea how it played into the later events. The book was in no way confusing, it unraveled layer by layer, amping up the tension with each page. The shocking conclusion was heart-stopping and wholly satisfying and left me wanting more.
Overall, A Deadly Thaw is a riveting and compelling book that will thrill lovers of action-packed mysteries. This is the second book in the Inspector Francis Sadler series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
If you read only one book this year, A Deadly Thaw should be it. A tense thrill ride through twisted justice and family secrets, it will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you breathless.
Lena Grey was convicted 14 years ago of killing her husband, Andrew. Not long after she is released from prison, a man is found shot to death in an abandoned morgue and is positively identified as Andrew. If he wasn't killed 14 years ago, who did Lena kill and why?
I loved this from the first page; I don't think I've ever read a more delightfully labyrinthine plot. I think the most compelling aspect of the book was that you're just as in the dark about Lena as are the police and Lena's sister, Kat. You're not given any clues, so every revelation is just as shocking to you as it is to the characters. I admit, I had an inkling what was behind Lena's behavior change as a teen, but had no idea how it played into the later events. The book was in no way confusing, it unraveled layer by layer, amping up the tension with each page. The shocking conclusion was heart-stopping and wholly satisfying and left me wanting more.
Overall, A Deadly Thaw is a riveting and compelling book that will thrill lovers of action-packed mysteries. This is the second book in the Inspector Francis Sadler series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
Fast-paced and heart-stopping, The Hope That Kills is a chilling look into the dark side of human trafficking and a thriving sex trade industry.
When two young prostitutes are found dead, with no ID and seemingly no official identities, DI Simon Fenchurch, driven by the disappearance of his daughter 8 years ago, relentlessly pursues every lead through London's seedy underground sex trade, looking not only for a killer but also clues to his daughter's whereabouts. What Fenchurch uncovers is a horrifying morass of corruption, crime and exploitation.
I've been a long time fan of Ed James's books and I've been looking forward to reading this one. So, when I started this book, I expected an exciting and compelling story, and I wasn't disappointed. The thrilling plot draws you in quickly, and the non-stop action keeps the pace moving swiftly right up to the exciting conclusion.
Simon makes a great main character, dedicated and intuitive. While the use of a flawed hero as a main character may not be a new idea, Simon's pain is very real and humanizes him; who can't relate to a grieving father, living with the pain of losing his only child? The use of drums was, I thought, a metaphor for the rhythm of life, but were Simon's drums the unconscious recognition of his daughter's heartbeat, or just the remembrance of each moment without his daughter? Either that or he has dangerously high blood pressure. You decide.
Overall, an exceptional start to a new series from an already great author, and recommended fans of Brit crime or gritty police procedurals.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review
Fast-paced and heart-stopping, The Hope That Kills is a chilling look into the dark side of human trafficking and a thriving sex trade industry.
When two young prostitutes are found dead, with no ID and seemingly no official identities, DI Simon Fenchurch, driven by the disappearance of his daughter 8 years ago, relentlessly pursues every lead through London's seedy underground sex trade, looking not only for a killer but also clues to his daughter's whereabouts. What Fenchurch uncovers is a horrifying morass of corruption, crime and exploitation.
I've been a long time fan of Ed James's books and I've been looking forward to reading this one. So, when I started this book, I expected an exciting and compelling story, and I wasn't disappointed. The thrilling plot draws you in quickly, and the non-stop action keeps the pace moving swiftly right up to the exciting conclusion.
Simon makes a great main character, dedicated and intuitive. While the use of a flawed hero as a main character may not be a new idea, Simon's pain is very real and humanizes him; who can't relate to a grieving father, living with the pain of losing his only child? The use of drums was, I thought, a metaphor for the rhythm of life, but were Simon's drums the unconscious recognition of his daughter's heartbeat, or just the remembrance of each moment without his daughter? Either that or he has dangerously high blood pressure. You decide.
Overall, an exceptional start to a new series from an already great author, and recommended fans of Brit crime or gritty police procedurals.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review