Book Review: PURLS BEFORE SWINE A Clear Creek Mystery Book 3 by Rebecca McKinnon

About the Book

Autumn has arrived in the Rocky Mountains. The resort that was almost the death of the small town of Clear Creek is trying to mend relations by hosting a local artisan show. 

Jemma has been asked to create a display showing beginner projects all the way up to expert. Hoping to knit up attention for the shops in Clear Creek, she agrees. The last thing she expects is to trip over a body in the middle of the exhibits. 

Curiosity piqued, she wants to know how someone was killed under the watchful eyes of the resort’s security staff — headed by the man she loves. 

Even though her past experiences have taught Jemma she doesn’t want to be anywhere near a killer, when Deputy Chase surprises everyone by asking for her help she can’t bring herself to say no. Because if the killer isn’t bound off before the resort guests leave, someone will get away with murder. 

Review 

Jemma's excited about the artisan show and meeting some of the other artisans like herself, her art in knitting. She's put a lot of time into the display with business cards handy. When she's not at the exhibit hall she's at her shop. At least one visitor is very interested in her creations and Jemma arranges a time to show her something for her upcoming wedding. 

Excitement of a different sort comes when Jemma discovers a dead body. The head of security for the resort, her love interest, isn't too thrilled but the Deputy asks Jemma to help. She can't hardly say no. As she listens and gathers information for Deputy Chase, she pushes limits and the guilty get nervous.

This was a fun and entertaining read with Jemma agreeing to help Chase and promising her love that she will be passively involved - just keeping her eyes and ears open. Not quite. Jemma's both curious and smart - a likable main character. The relationships among the returning characters genuine. 

McKinnon sets a steady pace and the plot is well-developed. There are multiple red herrings, but when all is said and done, the resolution makes sense. If you like cozy mysteries, this one will not disappoint. It is the third in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone mystery - there are no cliffhangers. What changes from book to book are the relationships. 

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.  

About the Author 

Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere, but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.

Website/Social Media Links 

Website – https://rebeccamckinnon.com/ 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMcKinnonAuthor  

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamckinnon_author/?hl=en 

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4993788.Rebecca_McKinnon 

Purchase Link 

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Book Review: CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Lauren Carr

Book Details:

Book Title: Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr 

Category: Adult Fiction (18+)

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Release date: Feb 22, 2023

Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn, few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Carr is a master at creating unique, complex plots and colorful characters, both evident in her latest cold case mystery featuring Chris Matheson and the geezer squad. The plot is twisted, the mystery unique, and the ending a surprise. A must-read." Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Marilyn R. Wilson, Author, Speaker, Book Reviewer.

"Lauren Carr is among my favorite mystery writers. She knows how to write a fun tale while keeping readers engaged. ... I would give Chris Crossed Murder one hundred stars if I could. I believe readers who enjoy reading well-written and clean cozy mysteries will most definitely want to read it. I have no doubt they will enjoy it as much as I did. The fifth installment from A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series is on my radar." Review of Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Amy Campbell, Locks, Hooks and Books.

Book Description:

It proves to be a Christmas to remember when the Matheson family receives the horrendous news that Chris Matheson's body has been found in the woods near an international airport.

Everyone is stunned - especially Chris Matheson.

The mystery deepens when they discover the victim has Chris's federal agent badge and appears to have been investigating one of his old cases.

The Geezer Squad's latest case is not only a whodunit but a who-got-dun. Is this a case of mistaken identity? Was Chris the intended victim? If not, then they must identify the murder victim to find his killer.

With Christmas days away, join Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad as they race to piece together the clues to their most puzzling case yet.

Review:

The Matheson family eagerly awaits Christmas with Chris and Helen and all four girls, along with Chris's mom (Helen), and the dogs, Sterling and Chompers. The news of Chris's death floors them all as Chris is very much alive. Chris' partner from his agency days asks for his help and the Geezer squad (including Helen) is not to be left out.

As they try to figure out how this relates to a case Chris was involved in for only three short days, strange things at the Matheson home are occurring, potentially aimed at taking Chris' life. There are many twists and turns and whoever is behind this won't stop until they get to Chris.

As usual, Carr has put together a series of puzzle pieces, red herring or two, and a contest among the four girls for who can escape handcuffs the fastest. Sterling and Chompers add to the fun. The pace is quick and the key characters are well-developed, with creative planning to the plot.

This is my second in the series and will be reading Books 2 and 3. Book 4 is easily read as a stand alone, and there are no cliffhangers. I'm a big fan and highly recommend this one as well as her other books.

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.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

B&N ~ BAM

BookBub

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Check Out the Rest of The Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries:

Book Title: ICE (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) by Lauren Carr 

Category: Adult Fiction, 364 pages

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Release date: Feb 26, 2018

Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn, few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder and love that will have you on the edge of your seat... I love the way Lauren spun this novel. I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child and this disappearance was tied to a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel!" 5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal

Book Description:

When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted.

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby, and the clues are getting hot!

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Audible ~BookBub

Add to Goodreads

                                                                                                                                   

Book Title: Winter Frost (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2) by Lauren Carr 

Category: Adult Fiction, 332 pages

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Release date: Jan 22, 2019

Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn, few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Filled with twists and turns, Winter Frost reads perfectly well as a stand-alone, though it is part of a series. The author creates tension and suspense throughout by keeping the reader guessing; she keeps readers engaged with well fleshed out characters and a dash of humor. Sterling, the retired German Shepherd police dog turned card shark, is a new favorite. As the story flows, the truth unfolds, layer by layer, leading to a satisfying conclusion."

"Winter Frost was an entertaining, at times humorous read with suspense, some surprises, and even cute animals in the mix." Review by The iRead Review.

Book Description:

It all started with a chance encounter in the city with Blair, his late wife.

Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, working under the guise of a book club, dig into the events surrounding his late wife's supposed death halfway around the globe. A state department employee shoots himself in the back three times. A CIA operative goes missing. A woman is targeted by an international assassin three years after being declared dead in a terrorist attack overseas.

Nothing is as it seems.

In his most personal cold case, Chris fights to uncover why the state department told him that Blair, the mother of his children, had been killed when she was alive. What she uncovered that has made her a target? Who terrified her so much that she had gone into hiding and why are they now after him?

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Audible ~ BookBub

Add to Goodreads

                                                                                                                                     

Book Title: The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) by Lauren Carr 

Category: Adult Fiction, 386 pages

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Release date: July 22, 2019

Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn, few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Too many twists and turns to easily share about this book. Nevertheless, Carr has pulled another "hit" that kept me reading in one setting until the clues were so well together that the villain fell into our laps ... or Chris's, LOL. Carr has put a lot into the book beyond the mysteries this time... Characters enjoyed chocotinis, visited book stores...and even blundered into getting engaged (the ring had been purchased 4 months ago)... But for me, a special thank you for the political spoof at a tie when politics at the national level is devastating, gave me a laugh and lightened the load of it all." Review by Glenda Bixler, Book Reader's Heaven

Book Description:

"I'm working on the greatest mystery ever," was the last thing noted mystery novelist Mercedes Livingston said to seven-year-old Chris Matheson before walking out of Hill House Hotel never to be seen again.

For decades, the writer's fate remained a puzzling mystery until an autographed novel and a letter put a grown-up Chris Matheson on the trail of a cunning killer. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation. Chris puts a flame to this cold case to uncover what had really happened that night Mercedes Livingston walked out of Hill House Hotel. Watch out! The clues are getting hot!

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Audible ~ BookBub

Add to Goodreads

                                                                                                                                 

Meet the Author:

Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries - thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearance at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions.

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the Author

website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram

twitter ~ pinterest 

Celebrating the Release of Chris Crossed Murder!

Book Review - New Relese: LETHAL BLUES (A Jarvis Mann Hard-Boiled Detective Novel #9) by R Weir

Happy to share my review of the Weir's new Jarvis Mann novel. Beware! It's not a "cozy" mystery.

About the Book (from Amazon)

Blue Pills flooding the streets of Denver 

Fentanyl ruining lives; friends and loved ones dying from the synthetic opioid 

A football star in search of answers to why one friend is dead and another missing

Dennis Gash reaching out to Jarvis Mann whose gumshoe days are in the past 

The case drawing him out of retirement and into the fray he thought he had left behind 

Jarvis rolling up his sleeves, flexing his muscles, and strapping on his 9mm 

Hunting for answers, digging deep into the depths of the Lethal Blues 

Going up against dangerous drug dealers and gangsters Who only care about their addictive merchandise and protecting their profit 

Where death sits around the corner waiting to claim all who dare to challenge them 

Jarvis ready to go mano a mano to protect his client from certain death!

Review

After Jarvis Mann's near death experience, he put his gumshoe work to the side, happy to open his bar, The Private Eye Tavern. Only history comes back to haunt him as the young boy who hired him when a baseball card went missing, comes to visit him. Only Dennis is now an adult, a professional athlete, and wants Jarvis to help him find the killer of his friend, Alfonso. Complicating the matters, another high school friend of both Alfonso and Dennis, has gone missing.

Reluctant as Jarvis is, his adrenalin kicks in. He's missed that adrenalin rush and he remembers these three friends from years ago. In no time, as Jarvis asks questions the families of all three young men are threatened as is Jarvis. The inevitable path leads to the flood of synthetic opiods, Lethal Blue, that is killing people. Jarvis is compelled to get it off the street. A tall order and one that almost gets him killed.

Weir again spins a great story, with references to issues and events of the day. There are twists and turns, warnings from all sides, including from April who has moved on. Jarvis doesn't give up. The pace is fast, the characters well-developed. 

Glad to see Jarvis isn't giving up his gumshoes, after all. For sure, if you liked the previous books in the series, you'll be captured by this one. If not, this can easily be read as a standalone 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.

AMAZON

Check out the rest of the Jarvis Mann Detective series: 

The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card 

Tracking A Shadow 

Twice As Fatal 

Blood Brothers 

Dead Man Code 

The Case of the Invisible Souls 

The Front Range Butcher 

Mann in the Crossfire

About the Author

Award-winning Author R Weir lives in the Mile-High City with his family, where the Rocky Mountain High isn't always achieved with an herbal substance. When not glued to the computer, he relaxes by enjoying the outdoors and traveling in his motorhome. His writing delves into genres with gritty investigators exploring mystery, crime, suspense, and thrills, with involved plots and unexpected twists. Featuring former US Marshal Hunter Divine, a dire, determined man searching for salvation in his broken life. While private eye Jarvis Mann is tough and snarky, with as many faults as virtues. Characters exhibiting traces of his sense of humor, though he’s not nearly as tough and fearless. Though no evil stands a chance against his written word! 

Be sure visit R Weir’s author webpage (https://rweir.net) for information about new releases, to sign-up for his newsletter and receive a free eBook. 

Also reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or via email; for he loves to hear and interact with readers. 

Email: author@rweir.net https://www.facebook.com/randy.weir.524 https://twitter.com/RWeir720

Book Review: Star Tangled Murder: Bad Hair Day Mysteries Book 18 by Nancy Cohen

About the Book

Hairstylist Marla Vail and her husband get tangled up in murder when their Fourth of July visit to a living history village ends with a bang—and a body.

Salon owner Marla Vail and her detective husband Dalton are having a blast visiting a Florida living history village over Fourth of July weekend. But when a Seminole battle reenactment turns up a real dead body, it sets off fireworks among the villagers. One of the cast members has gone off script to murder the town marshal with a tomahawk in his head.

As Dalton gets involved in the investigation, Marla determines to help him solve the case. Her flare for uncovering secrets reveals that everyone in the village is a suspect. Instead of celebrating the holiday with red, white, and barbecues, she discovers secrets, lies, and false avenues. Did the marshal’s murder have anything to do with a lost Confederate payroll, or did his plans to renovate the park light a fuse that he couldn’t snuff out?

In a place where history comes alive, the dead bodies are piling up. Marla would rather be chilling and grilling, but somebody’s mind is on killing. If she’s not careful, her sleuthing might blow up in her face like a faulty firecracker and she'll become the next victim. Recipes included.

Review

As much as Marla has tried to cut down her hours at the salon to take care of the baby, Dalton's upcoming retirement may be put on hold by the murder of the town marshall. Besides, her curiosity gets the better of her. She's able to convince one of her friends to accompany her as she gathers information that may help speed up the investigation. The characters in this historical village have layers upon layers of secrets and they all get touchy as Marla asks her questions. Her friend offsets the tension with innocent questions and flirts with the shaman. Marla puts it all together none too soon. 

As I've come to expect with this series, the major characters continue to develop with a positive family atmosphere. I'm glad to see Marla has gotten past her fears of not being a good mother. On the home front, I'm interested to see how Marla and Dalton deal with his retirement and his daughter, Brianna, going away to college. There is also another surprise at the end, but I'm not telling.

Cohen once again writes a story that keeps the reader engaged, has twists and turns, and moves at a steady pace. If you've liked others in this series, you'll surely enjoy this one. If you've not read any, I strongly suggest you start at the beginning.

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. 

AMAZON

About the Author

Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and the RONE Award, placed first in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards. 

Her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook, have won the FAPA President’s Book Award, the Royal Palm Literary Award, and IAN Book of the Year. Nancy’s imaginative romances have proven popular with fans as well. These books have won the HOLT Medallion and Best Book in Romantic SciFi/Fantasy at The Romance Reviews. 

Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Florida Romance Writers and Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Book Review: ICE - A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery Book 1 by Lauren Carr

Book Title: ICE (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1 by Lauren Carr

Category: Adult Fiction, 364 pages

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Release date: February 26, 2018

Content Rating: PG-13 Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn, few and far between. No F-bombs.)

"Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder, and love that will have you on the edge of the your seat...I love the way Lauren spun this novel - I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child how this disappearance was tied into a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel! 5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted.

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!

REVIEW

Chris moved home, burnt out with the FBI, and moved in with his mother. Chris is a widower with three daughters and his mother helps with caring for them. In an effort to get Chris out of the house and back involved in the community, his mother encourages him to join the book club his father enjoyed. Just a group of old geezers reading crime books. The group isn't sure of Chris because of his age - he's not an old geezer - but they were friends with his father. He's accepted when he seeks their help in finding out what happened to Sandy Lipton.

Chris is a likable main character, determined to see justice for Sandy Lipton and clear his name once and for all. The story unfolds with old friends who still hold a grudge for Chris' success. To his surprise, the girlfriend from high school who ghosted him so many years ago, also has moved back home. As Chris and his friends collect information through various channels, tension heats up. 

This is a great start to a new series featuring Chris, his family, the rekindled romance, and his small town. The characters are well developed and the story moves at a good pace. It was hard to put down - so I didn't. Another late night reading a great book. I always enjoy books by Carr and this one did not disappoint. 

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. 

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon  ~  Audible  ~  BookBub  ~  Add to Goodreads

MEET THE AUTHOR

Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries - thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns! 

Book reviewers and readers alike rave aboout how Lauren Carr seamlessly crossed genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions.

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

website  ~  blog  ~  facebook  

instagram  ~  twitter  ~  pinterest

Giveaway! Come to the Geezer Squad (We Have Cookies!) as Chris Matheson figures out this latest cold case mystery! Enter to win $75 Paypal & Grandma Bellas Cookies!

Celebrating the Release of Chris Crossed Murder!

Book Review: DISAPPEAR (The Beckett Series Book 1) by Mary Martinez

About the Book 

After two years undercover as an FBI agent to infiltrate a crime organization and discover the identity of a hit man, Tyler Beckett’s cover is blown. Tyler’s new assignment is to protect the only witness who can identify the mysterious killer. If only he didn’t find her so attractive. Each day it becomes harder to keep his objective, especially since he knows the interest is mutual. 

Keira Cavanaugh is the only witness to a hit ordered by a crime boss. The safe house is compromised and the same hit man shoots Tyler. Fearing Tyler is dead, Keira plans revenge on the crime organization. She must fake her own suicide in order to survive. When Tyler discovers what Keira plans, he realizes he must stop her before he loses her for good. 

Review 

It should have been an easy assignment. Disappear and take Keira with him in witness protection. Only someone has inside information and it's not that simple. Despite their growing relationship, Tyler drills into Keira's head the safety plan should they be found out. When she believes Tyler's been killed, she escapes and forms her own plan. Fake her suicide and then retaliate.

A romantic suspense with twists and turns, Disappear is well-written and fast-paced. Tyler and Keira are strong characters and the rest of the Becketts add to the story. If you like suspense and romance, organized crime, and murder, you'll enjoy this first in a series. There is adult content, however, so reader beware.

AMAZON

About Mary Martinez 

Mary writes mostly romantic suspense, romance, women's fiction, and she has just begun to dabble in young adult mystery. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA). During her writing career she has been a conference coordinator, workshop presenter, and chapter president for the Utah Chapter of RWA. In 2007 she was presented with the Utah RWA service award in acknowledgment and appreciation for outstanding service. Mary has also participated in numerous library panels on writing and co-presented a workshop on writing a series at the League of Utah Writers conference.

Book Review: RACE INTO MURDER by Karen Black

About the Book (from Amazon)

Jeff Frazier is a racehorse trainer whose dream is about to come true. He has a thoroughbred with the talent and the ability to compete in some of the most prestigious races in the country. When the colt becomes the catalyst for murder, however, Jeff's dream becomes a nightmare. A well-known jockey is killed and an innocent man is arrested. 

The fate of three families depends on finding the truth but with the trial date closing in, the killer's identity remains a mystery. In the close-knit community, however, some believe they have the answer and decide to dispense their own form of justice. Although the horsemen's interference complicates the investigation, it uncovers those who will stop at nothing to win. Through all the chaos, the races continue.

Review

Horse racing is its own world and Black portrays it well, while adding in the human side - the love Natalie has for her horse balanced again the costs involved and the potential monetary gain of selling versus racing. The tension between Jeff and Natalie is palpable. At the same time, someone is trying to get the prize horse at any cost. Murder, larceny, and betrayal make for an engaging mystery.

The story is well-written and characters are realistic and fallible. The tension is felt on many levels. Black does a commendable job of keeping the pace steady, the tension high, and the killer not obvious until the very end. This is my first read by Black, but it won't be my last.

AMAZON 

About the Author (from Amazon)

With a passion for animals, a fascination with the supernatural, and a degree in Criminal Justice, the author combines imagination and experience to create dramatic stories that don’t end quite the way you would expect. A four legged character is included in most story lines, even if just a cameo appearance. Black lives in the United States with her husband, a variety of wildlife, and two aliens disguised as cats. One of the critters is rumored to be ET’s second cousin, but that has not been confirmed. 

You can reach her at:

Website: http://www.Storiesbykaren.org 

Twitter: @KarensStories  https://twitter.com/KarensStories Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Black-Author-Karens-Stories/446827615394900

Book Review: STICKY INHERITANCE - Maple Syrup Mysteries by Emily James

About the Book (from Amazon)

Knowing the truth… …is sometimes worse than believing the lie. Especially when murder is involved. 

When Nicole’s uncle dies and she inherits his maple syrup farm, she thinks it’s time to leave her career as a criminal defense attorney behind for a life that allows her to stay far away from murderers and liars. For half a day at least. 

Her uncle’s suicide looks like it wasn’t a suicide at all. The local police chief doesn’t want to reopen the case. Murder’s bad for business in a tourist town, after all. The handsome county medical examiner—who’s exactly her type and all wrong for her—is willing to help. 

But that means returning to the world of justice that Nicole hoped to leave behind forever. When the truth’s a sticky thing, it’s hard to know what’s worth risking your life for.

Review

Stanley Dawes disappointed the family when he gave up a lucrative career to run a maple syrup farm. Although many in the family would have nothing to do with him, he kept in touch with his niece Nikki (Nicole), a criminal defense attorney. He tells her how much happier he is, away from the criminal element and stress. When he's found dead, the family lets Nikki handle everything. He's left her the farm and the expectation is she will sell it and return to her law office in short order. 

Only Nikki doesn't think her uncle committed suicide. As she puts her criminal defense and investigative skills to work, she has to deal with the police who like the idea of suicide over homicide, and the very people who work on the maple syrup farm. Only she's in search for the killer and delays any plans to return "home" to the law office.  

This is well-written, with a few quirky characters and a likable main character in Nikki. The pace is good and the plot has the occasional red herrings and twists. It is the first in the series and my first read by Emily James. A clean, cozy mystery with a female sleuth to keep you interested. If you're a cozy mystery fan, you're sure to enjoy this one. I know I've just added a few books to my TBR list.

AMAZON

About the Author (from Amazon)

Emily James grew up watching TV shows like Matlock, Monk, and Murder She Wrote. (It's pure coincidence that they all begin with an M.) It was no surprise to anyone when she turned into a mystery writer. She writes books with quirky characters and a touch of romance. She keeps them clean because she wants her books to be the kind you could share with your teenager or your mother. 

If you'd like to know more about Emily or send her an email, check out her website: authoremilyjames.com.

Book Review: DEATH IN A PALE HUE - An Art Center Mystery by Susan Van Kirk

About the Book (from Amazon)

Who knew going home could be deadly? 

I will show them success. Artist Jill Madison repeats this mantra when she returns to her small hometown to restart her life. Hired to manage a new community art center, she vows to make it successful so the people of her town will have what she did not have—an education in the arts. 

She no sooner accepts the job than a burglar makes off with an expensive sculpture and an uninvited corpse is discovered in the basement. Even worse, the body belongs to someone Jill knew…well. Investigating what happened places Jill right in the path of a murderer. 

How will she keep her job, run her first big event, and escape a killer who plans to paint her out of the picture permanently? 

Review

Jill Madison is an artist, returning to her home town to develop an Art Center, named for her deceased artist mother. Only a burglary and the body of an old friend prove a rocky start. Not the most organized, Jill misplaces things and often is on the wrong side of board members. Still, she is persistent in her efforts to find out who killed her friend, especially when there’s a second murder.

This is the first in a new cozy mystery series, though not the first for Susan Van Kirk. Death in a Pale Hue was engaging and I enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Jill. There are twists and turns, enough action to keep the story moving at a good pace, and an unexpected killer. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. If you like cozy mysteries and small town secrets and happenings, this is one you’ll enjoy. 

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.

AMAZON

About the Author (from Amazon)

Susan Van Kirk taught thirty-four years at Monmouth High School (1968-2002) and another ten years at Monmouth College (2001-2011). Her first book was a creative nonfiction memoir with fifteen stories about her teaching life called "The Education of a Teacher (Including Dirty Books and Pointed Looks)." The longest story is about a book challenge in her high school class to a Kurt Vonnegut book.  

Her mysteries began with her Endurance series, a cozy series about the small, Midwest town of Endurance and Grace Kimball, retired school teacher. This series includes "Three May Keep a Secret," "Marry in Haste," The Locket: From the Casebook of TJ Sweeney," "Death Takes No Bribes," and "The Witch's Child." The entire series has been republished by Harlequin Worldwide Mystery. "A Death at Tippitt Pond" is a standalone mystery. 

Van Kirk's Art Center Mysteries begin with "Death in a Pale Hue," [2022] from Level Best Books, and will continue with "Death in a Bygone Hue," [2023] and "Death in a Ghostly Hue," [2024]. Van Kirk is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and is the president of the Guppy Chapter, an online chapter of Sisters in Crime. 

She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of the Blue Ridge Literary Agency. You can visit her website at https://susanvankirk.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Hello 2023! As I look back over the year, I can identify some goals reached and events of note. Most importantly, my family is in good health.  

What will 2023 bring? Looking back, my goals haven't changed very much:

• Be kind. Do something nice for someone, pay it forward, make someone else smile.
• Think positive. Find the silver lining no matter how hard it is to find one.
• Stay in touch with people I care about even if it is easier not to make the effort. It is too easy to become isolated.
• Finish the "hanger-on tasks" from work and truly retire! (Especially since I've taken on more tasks instead of less)
• Do better at completing reviews and posting on my blog, keeping in communication with my readers and other authors.
• Finish getting audiobooks up - only 4 of the back list are still not on Audible. Otherwise, as they release in kindle and print, the audiobook should be out within 2 months or so
• Continue to work on weight, fitness, better eating habits, and all that I can do to stay healthy
• Work on the "Travel Bucket List." In 2022, we cruised back to Alaska for our anniversary and then to the British Isles. We tried to take a cruise to the Panama Canal, only the cruise was cancelled on the 2nd day. We're trying again this year - wish us better luck. Other than that, lots of other places on the wish list. Possibly, a quick trip to Virginia to visit friends and family in May. Maybe Norway or the Amalfi coast after that. Definitely, San Diego for Bouchercon at the end of the summer. Are you doing any traveling now?
• It's kind of amazing, but this year I released the newest series featuring Izzie Di Sante, reluctant restauranteur and passionate investigative reporter. Now I'm working on Book 3! I also published Book 8 of the Stacie Maroni series and Book 7 of the Sheridan Hendley series. More to come in 2023.
• Continue to collaborate with other authors. Secrets and Storms, Another Murder is the 8th in the Sheridan Hendley series and available through Prolific Works as part of a huge promotion - 60 cozy mysteries for free! Twisty Tales and Cozy Crimes is on Facebook with frequent giveaways as well. 

For all of you, my husband and I wish you all the best for the coming year.  As you plan your reading for the next year, here are some ideas for you and a giveaway (keep scrolling for the Rafflecopter!):

Here's the link for the January Rafflecopter!