Book Review: KILLER FLOWERS (A Christie's Flower Shoppe Mystery) by P. J. Peterson

About the Book 

The message is murder… 

After ten years in the big city, accountant Christie O'Mara is back in her hometown — and thrilled to take over her deceased grandmother's Flower Shoppe, known for its hidden floral “messages”. But while preparing for opening day, Christie finds a note that hints at a decades-old murder, taped to the underside of an antique desk drawer. Even ditzy Aunt Doris has no idea what it could mean — and she knows everyone and everything in town. 

When a man is poisoned by a Flower Shoppe bouquet with a “be careful” message, the police chief turns up on Christie’s doorstep with tricky questions. 

But he may be the least of her worries. Someone knows what happened forty years ago. And they’re laying the past to rest — one victim at a time. 

Review 

A letter taped to a desk leads Christie to investigate a murder. Her aunt has no clue but as time passes, and the flower shoppe is implicated in yet another murder, Christie needs answers before more people die.

This is an engaging story, mostly because of the characters - who doesn't like a "ditzy" character? The story moves along at a steady pace and Aunt Doris does her part to help Christie. This is the first in the series and a great start to establishing the core characters. I may have to pick up KILLER WEDDING.

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About the Author PJ Peterson began writing mysteries once she retired from her career as an internal medicine physician. It was a natural choice considering that she had read all the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books when she was younger, graduating to Agatha Christie and other mystery authors over time. 

Her novels include a touch of humor with her sidekick sister Carly providing much of that. And with her medical background, she sprinkles in something related to health or disease whenever it fits the story. She says a doctor is just a detective wearing a white coat. 

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Book Review: SILENT FALL (Sanders Brothers Book 2) by Barbara Freethy

About the Book 

Dylan Sanders is attending a wedding in the mountains when his trip takes a terrible turn. A former lover appears out of nowhere, demands a private conversation, and lures him into the woods, then leaves him there, drugged and disoriented. The next morning, the woman has disappeared, and Dylan is accused of her murder. 

Catherine Hilliard, a beautiful psychic haunted by her own dark past, is reluctant to offer up her cryptic visions to help skeptical Dylan figure out what's going on, but she can't leave her best friend's brother-in-law on his own ... or deny the powerful, inexplicable connection between them. 

Review 

As usual, Freethy has written a romantic mystery of high calibre.

There is suspense, unexpected twists and turns, a murder to be solved and a romance. It will keep you guessing (and reading) until the end. I liked the growing relationship between Dylan and Catherine.

Needless to say, the pacing of the story is fast-paced and the story is well-written. This is the second in the Sanders Brothers series. I didn't read the first one in the series, and I had no trouble following along. This one goes in the "Books Worth Reading" category.

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About the Author 

Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women's fiction. Barbara has sold more than 11 million copies of her books worldwide. In 2014 she was named the Amazon KDP bestselling Author of ALL TIME! 

Twenty-eight of her titles have appeared on the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Barbara is known for writing emotional, page-turn

ing novels that often include family drama and always have a surprising twist. 

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Book Review: DYING FOR A DUDE (Laurel McKay Mysteries Book 4) by Cindy Sample

About the Book 

A 2015 LEFTY AWARD Finalist Best Humorous Mystery and 2015 NEXT GENERATION AWARD Finalist for Best Mystery 

When Laurel McKay agrees to perform with the Sassy Saloon Gals during Placerville's annual Wagon Train parade, her greatest fear is a wardrobe malfunction. Before she can lace up her corset, a 150-year-old skeleton turns up on her grandmother's property. Did Laurel's great-great-grandfather murder his mining partner? 

Gran insists not and wants Laurel to prove it. 

Then the body of a prominent citizen is discovered shortly after Laurel's ex-husband decked him. When her detective boyfriend throws her ex in jail for murder, Laurel, with the help of her zany friends and family, must find the real killer. 

Juggling two kids, a new boss, a wilting romance, and two murder investigations would be enough to turn any woman into a chocolate addict. Extra pounds are the least of Laurel's worries as she and her Mustang-driving octogenarian grandmother try to unearth some long-buried secrets before the killer adds their names to the town's bloody history. 

Review 

This is an entertaining story with quirky characters who are relatable and, in most cases, likable.  The story showcases a lot of local places and lore, plus fun characters. Laurel's mixed allegiances to her current detective boyfriend and her ex-husband who he arrests, adds a layer of tension to determining the killer not only of the her grandfather's partner but also a figure in the community.

This is the 4th of 9 in the series. It's always best to start at the beginning only I didn't and it was very readable as a stand-alone mystery. It's well-written and fast-paced. A humorous cozy mystery just right for when you need something light and engaging.

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About the Author 

Cindy Sample is a former corporate CEO who decided plotting murder was more entertaining than plodding through paperwork. She retired to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a mystery author. Her experiences with online dating sites fueled the concept for Dying for a Date, the first in her national bestselling Laurel McKay Humorous Mystery series. The nine-book series is primarily set in the California Gold Country, unless Cindy feels like traveling. Then the characters tag along with her on trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean and Las Vegas. 

Cindy is a five-time finalist for the LEFTY Award for Best Humorous Mystery, a two-time finalist for the SILVER FALCHION Award for best traditional mystery, and a two-time finalist for the Chanticleer MURDER & MAYHEM AWARD. 

Cindy is a past president of the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime and has served on the boards of the Sacramento Opera and the YWCA. She has two wonderful adult children, a lovely daughter-in-law, and a grandson who live too far away. 

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Book Review: HOT SEAL MIDNIGHT MAGIC (SEALS in Paradise Series) by Teresa Reasor

About the Book

Navy SEAL Gage Fontenot is home for the first time in two years because his grandmother, who raised him, is in the hospital after a brutal assault. He has four weeks to get the lay of the land, find who’s responsible, and guarantee the attacker gets the punishment he deserves. When he’s met at the airport by Mia, the woman he jilted six years ago, his visit becomes much more complicated. Because his reasons for leaving New Orleans all lead back to her. 

Psychic Mia Blanchard knows there’s always a price to pay for the best things in life, but she’s shocked by the dramatic change in Gage. Gone is the lighthearted Cajun who played guitar in the New Orleans clubs. What has happened to make him cut himself off from his home and family? She needs to find out, because she can’t move on until she puts their past behind her. 

But there is more than their personal history in play. She sees danger ahead for them both. But Gage never believed in her gift in the past. How can she convince him to trust it now? 

Review 

Gage's first priority is his grandmother's safety, but seeing Mia brings back memories, guilt, and the pain. With his own sense that something's not right, when Mia has another of her episodes, he's more open to her gift. With his protective instincts and the love he still has for her he's determined nothing will happen to Mia or his grandmother. 

Reasor tells a tale that has all the markings of a second chance romance, all the while building the suspense that someone is out to get Mia, and Gage may be in danger as well. The characters are well-developed and I liked both Mia, Gage, and his grandmother. An enjoyable and engaging page-turner, the plot speeds up and intensifies as the story continues. 

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About the Author New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Teresa Reasor was born in Southeastern Kentucky, but grew up a Marine Corps brat. The love of reading instilled in her in Kindergarten at Parris Island, South Carolina made books her friends during the many transfers her father's military career entailed. The transition from reading to writing came easily to her and she penned her first book in second grade. But it wasn't until 2007 that her first published work was released. 

After twenty-one years as an Art Teacher and ten years as a part-time College Instructor, she's now retired and living her dream as a full-time Writer. Her body of work includes both full-length novels and shorter pieces in many different genres, including Military Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance and a Children's Book.

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Book Review: PUPPIED TO DEATH (A Dog Lover's Cozy Mystery - Barkview Mysteries Book 9) by C. B. Wilson

About the Book 

A Murder, an Ancient Secret, and a Puppy You Can’t Help but Love 

A desperate call from her sister sends investigative reporter Cat Hawl on a rescue mission to Hawaii. But when she arrives, it's more than she bargained for. Not only is a tea sommelier found dead, but a mischievous puppy has turned the crime scene into a dog’s breakfast. And to top it off, Cat’s sister, Lani, has gone missing. Is she a witness or on the run? 

With local police suspecting the worst, Cat takes matters into her own hands. Armed with the help of the sharp-witted Miss Marple Mahjong Mamas, she starts uncovering clues that point to a centuries-old mystery tied to the Forbidden City. Could a thousand-year-old legend be the key to the mounting body count and chaotic puppy mayhem? 

Review 

Cat leaves her mostly normal habitat of Barkview, CA to return to Hawai where she hasn't lived in many years. She doesn't have any choice, when a professor is found dead and her sister, Lani vanishes. Aside from helping out the professor, Lani also dog-sat and now Cat's  Mahjong-loving mother is stuck with two puppies and an ornery cat, convinced the dogs will help find Lani. Cat goes from kidnapped and treated to a special tea, to keeping the Mahjong mothers out of trouble. Her husband, Russ, joins her and is the sanest of the bunch. Besides, he's FBI and has contacts.

Leaving Barkview behind and weaving culture and ancient treasures, the result is a well-orchestrated mystery with unexpected surprises. True to form, the French Bulldog adds to the sleuthing. The quirky characters and the rivalries for the secrets to the special tea further add to the novelty of the book. It was hard to guess at the killer until the very end - always a good thing for a mystery. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.  

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About C.B. Wilson  

C.B. Wilson is the award-winning author of the Barkview Mysteries series. Her love of writing was spurred by an early childhood encounter with a Nancy Drew book where she wrote what she felt was a better ending. She later studied at the Gemology Institute of America, where she developed a passion for researching lost, stolen, and missing diamonds. 

C.B.'s love for dogs and their owners inspired her to create Barkview, California--the dog-friendliest city in America. Her books perfectly blend mystery, dogs, and passionate owners, making them a must-read for all mystery lovers. 

When she's not writing, C.B. enjoys playing pickleball and traveling to participate in tournaments. She currently resides in Peoria, AZ, where she continues to write captivating mysteries that keep her readers on the edge of their seats.

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Book Review: A CHRISTMAS CORPSE ( A Christmas Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Kate Forrest writing as Mona Maple

About the Book

Welcome to Candy Cane Hollow, where every day feels like Christmas! 

Holly Wood (yes, that's her real name) is driving home for Christmas and not feeling too happy about the empty house waiting for her. When her car skids into a snow bank, she's rescued by a sweet old lady who promises her name is Mrs Claus.

Holly is taken to Candy Cane Hollow to recover, and finds herself in a genuine winter wonderland. As Christmas Day approaches, the grouchy medical receptionist appears to have been poisoned by a mince pie. And to Holly's surprise, Mrs Claus is the prime suspect. With Mrs Claus under suspicion, Holly vows to return the woman's generosity by clearing her name. Maybe it will impress Mrs Claus' dimpled dish of a son, too? 

Review 

From the character names, the magical surroundings, and the romance budding between Holly and Nick who is hiding his own kind of magic and the busy night ahead of him, this was a fun read. It has all the feels of a Christmas cozy, with the requisite mystery - and everyone knows Mrs. Claus isn't guilty - and a side of romance. 

Mona Maple's writing is flawless and the pace is steady. A major problem with Candy Cane Hollow is that it's hard to quickly identify who the killer is. They are all magical. I enjoyed this one - it's a great start of a series. I'll return to Candy Cane Hollow to enjoy more of this light, magical, world Maple has created.

AMAZON

The Christmas Cozy Mystery Series

A Christmas Corpse

Slay Bells Ring

A Lost Clause

Mistletoe Murder

Candy Cane Killer

Yule Be Sorry

About Mona Marple 

ONE PENNY A STORY, I called across the playground.  

Entirely unusual, given how shy I was (and still am), for me to be shouting anything across a playground. But there I was, a double-sided sheet of narrow ruled paper (I've always been kind of particular about the paper I like. Back then, narrow ruled. Now, grid.) in my hand, selling stories I hadn't yet wrote. 

Every line featured a different title. I'd lay on my bed the night before thinking of them all, probably singing along to Boyzone songs as I did [hey, don't judge... I see you over there like you never thought you were destined to marry a boy band singer...]. My school friends could buy a Mona original for one penny. One penny! 

They'd pick the title they liked, hand over their sweaty penny, and I'd write the story for them. And I've never grown out of writing stories. Now, I write cozy mystery stories from my den in the Peak District, and when I'm not writing them, I'm reading them.

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Book Review: DEAL BREAKER (The first book in the Myron Bolitar series) by Harlan Coben

Taking a walk on the wild side with a fantastic author...

About the Book (from Amazon)

Sports agent Myron Bolitar is poised on the edge of the big time. So is Christian Steele, a rookie quarterback and Myron’s prized client. But when Christian gets a phone call from a former girlfriend—a woman who everyone, including the police, believes is dead—the deal starts to go sour. Trying to unravel the truth about a family’s tragedy, a woman’s secret, and a man’s lies, Myron is up against the dark side of his business—where image and talent make you rich, but the truth can get you killed. 

Review

This one caught my eye and, as with other books by this author, I was not disappointed. Myron is a sports agent, but also a lawyer with a military background, and an athlete. He partners with Win, who has his own business, and is working as a sports agent - in effect his love of sports and understanding of how young men could be manipulated added to his knowledge of law. It all makes sense. But more importantly, he is a wiseass PI up there with Mike Hammer, Spenser and others. 

This is the first in the series - and now I have to go back and find the others. There was tension, danger, humor, and romance. Three murders, all woven in a tangled web. Hard to put down and a great read but not exactly cozy.

The first chapter is provided at the Amazon site.

About the Author (from Amazon)

Harlan Coben is the winner of the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony awards. His critically acclaimed novels have been published in thirty-three languages around the world and have been number one bestsellers in more than half a dozen countries. In addition to the Myron Bolitar series (Deal Breaker, Drop Shot, Fade Away, Back Spin, One False Move, The Final Detail, Darkest Fear, and the upcoming Promise Me), he is also the author of Tell No One, Gone for Good, Innocent, The Woods, and Hold Tight.

Myron Bolitar 12-Book Series

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