Book Review: SECRETS NEVER LIE (The Pickwick Bend Murder Club) by Susan Boles

 

Secrets Never Lie: Pickwick Bend Murder Club Cozy Mystery 

by Susan Boles

1st in Series 

Setting – Tennessee 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Argent Ocean Publishing 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 25, 2026 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 274 pages 

About the Book 

In the quiet lakeside town of Pickwick Bend, Tennessee, a Memphis weekender is found dead inside her gated Magnolia Shores vacation home. At first, it looks like a tragedy best left to the authorities. 

But what begins as curiosity for the local crime-loving book club turns dangerous when they discover what the victim was really doing in Pickwick Bend – digging into old deeds, buried bloodlines, and a secret that could cost a powerful family everything. 

As gossip spreads and documents vanish, Shelby Rae, Trixie, Janelle and Curtis face escalating danger. A suspicious fire. Missing records. And a chilling attempt to silence one of them inside the one place she should be safe. 

Now the Pickwick Bend Murder Club is racing to uncover the truth before someone closes ranks for good. Because in a sleepy small town, secrets never lie. 

Review 

Pickwick Bend is a quiet small town, with very little excitement. Four mystery-loving citizens join together - a librarian, a hairdresser, a retired geneologist, and a civil war enthusiast - to read and discuss mysteries. When Caroline is murdered, they have a real murder to investigate using all the skills their favorite sleuths have used in the books they read. Little do they know the real danger they could get into.

Boles' story depicts southern charm and sleuthing, as well as great deductive reasoning, and, yes, a bit of stubborness. Even the sheriff, Harlan, doesn't dissuade them from very enthusiastically. Janelle uses her skills in the library, Shelby Rae, her geneology skils, and Trixie, the gossip in her shop. Curtis, helps out as he can and tries to keep the ladies safe. Only they're digging into a generational land dispute worth millions. 

There are lots of hiccups in the process with surprises and twists as the "murder club" collects information and searches for Caroline's killer. Fans of small town cozy mysteries with family secrets no one wants revealed will enjoy this book.

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. 

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookshop

About the Author 

USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Susan Boles writes novels that make each character vivid, while highlighting small-town southern communities where life may be slow but never boring. Whether the novel is a cozy mystery, romance, or romantic suspense, she brings real life to characters and towns alike. Susan has received multiple awards for her Lily Gayle Lambert cozy mystery series, along with accolades for her romance and romantic suspense novels. 

When she isn’t writing, Susan enjoys genealogy, reading, gardening, knitting, and crocheting (all the granny hobbies), which she squeezes in whenever possible. Susan, her husband, and their dog, Krissy, live in West Tennessee near the area where Susan’s family settled in the early 1800s.

Author Links  

Website ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Threads 

GoodReads ~ Pinterest  ~ Substack 

Book Review: ALL ABOARD FOR MUDRER (A Golden Motel Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Byron

All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series 

Setting - California 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 28, 2026 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 288 pages 

About the Book:

Dee Stern is starting to feel at home running her Golden Motel in the quaint California village she moved to, leaving behind her LA life as a sitcom writer. But a killer sees the town’s Halloween celebration as a golden opportunity to write a script for murder... 

It’s October in Gold Rush country and all manner of tricks and treats are happening in the lead-up to Halloween. October also happens to be the birthday of Angus Sprockles, the man responsible for the town being designated a historic landmark, and the residents are celebrating his memory as well. His only living descendant, Moses Sprockles, runs the narrow-gauge railroad—once used to ferry lumber from the mountains to the sawmill, now a tourist attraction. The Sprockles Railroad is hosting a Halloween-themed fundraiser for the Historical Society.

 

But when a body is found on the tracks, it’s not a Halloween prank. It’s Moses himself, seemingly felled by a fallen tree branch. Dee’s dad Sam is convinced his friend is the victim of foul play and urges his daughter to apply her sleuthing skills. Dee’s train of thought leads her to suspects ranging from a former child star and one-hit wonder, the owner of a nail salon with her claws in everything, and even the mayor. When a self-proclaimed ghost hunter throws his hat in the ring and claims to know who did it, the investigation really goes off the rails. No matter how crazy things get, Dee is determined to blow the whistle on a runaway killer with a one-track mind.

Review:

All is going well with the Halloween festivities, and, along with guests from The Golden Hotel, Dee takes a ride on the Sprockles Railroad, founded by Angus Sprockles. The train goes from FoundGold to GoldGone. The enjoyable trip takes a turn, when they happen on Moses Sprockle the only descendent of Angus. Dee, Jeff, and Dee’s father, aren't convinced Moses' death was an accident. 

I liked the characters, including Dee’s sweet dog and the hot tub-loving bear. There are plenty of suspects, and the killer isn’t easily identified. Byron sets a steady pace, filtered with humor, and small town vibes that will appeal to cozy mystery readers. This is my first in the series, and easily read as a standalone, though I always recommend starting a series at the beginning.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. This has not affected the content of my review in any way. 

Purchase Links 

Amazon ~ Kensington ~ Bookshop.org ~ B&N 

 Hudson Books ~ Target~ Walmart 

About the Author: 

Ellen Byron is the Agatha and Lefty Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of the Golden Motel Mysteries, the Vintage Cookbook series, and the Cajun Country Mysteries, as well as the Catering Hall Mysteries written under the name Maria DiRico. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and The Fairly OddParents, but considers her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart. 

A native New Yorker, Ellen is a graduate of Tulane University and lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a rotating crew of rescue pups. 

Website ~ Instagram ~  Goodreads ~ BookBub 

Chicks-On-The-Case ~ Newsletter ~ Facebook 

Catering Hall Mysteries  

 

Book Review: EDITED OUT (Seffi Wardwell Mysteries Book 3) by Rebecca Douglass

Edited Out (A Seffie Wardwell Mysteries)

by Rebecca Douglass

3rd in Series 

Setting – Maine 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 25, 2025 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 263 pages 

About the Book

Who erased the writer? 

Winter in Maine is long, dark, and cold, and California transplant Seffi Wardwell is combating the winter blues with a full calendar. Tending the plants at the local bed-and-breakfast, writing reports for the library, and generally keeping an eye on events in Smelt Point barely leaves time for pastry and gossip at Sweet Dreams, the local bakery and heart of the village. 

When the participants at an artistic retreat held at the bed-and-breakfast grow combative, Seffi is there to smooth things over, stiffen the spine of the innkeeper, and keep things going. But when a writer turns up dead, Seffi’s called on to wield a different kind of expertise. Then someone lets slip there was poison in a coffee bought at Sweet Dreams, and it looks like Seffi’s favorite source of treats is in real trouble. Can her knowledge of plants save the inn—and the local bakery—before the killer strikes again and tears the heart out of Smelt Point? 

Review  

Seffi is relatively new resident of Smelt Point, a small town that doesn't have a lot of glitz. The highlights are the Inn, the bakery, and the library. To try to make ends meet, the Inn is hosting an artist's group  - authors, painters, illustrators - of all ages for a month long residency. Although intended to be an opportunity for these artists to connect and be productive, there's an undercurrent of tension. Then the murder of the one guest no one particularly liked. This isn't Seffi's first murder but she knows how to handle Chief Miah Cox - she taught him many years before.

The story is well-written, with a steady pace, and there's enough suspects and clues to make it hard to guess the killer. There are a few other surprises as well. The characters are well developed and described - I could visualize them and their behaviors. Although this is the third book in the series, it was easily read as a stand-alone. I found myself interested in Seffi's history and her move from California to Maine. I'll be adding the first in the series to my ever growing TBR list. 

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 M. Douglass has lived, worked, and hiked around the American West for more years than she’ll admit, while raising two children to adulthood and dreaming up interesting ways to bump people off. Thanks to good friends in Maine, she has also fallen in love with that mysterious coast. 

Since retiring from work at the library, the author has moved to Seattle, where she is writing the Seffi Wardwell Mysteries. In addition to her Ninja Librarian series for younger readers and the Pismawallops PTA mystery series, she has had short stories published in a magazines and anthologies. 

When she isn’t writing, Ms. Douglass likes to go hiking and backpacking, or travels to discover new places or revisit old favorites, including the Sierra Nevada mountains, the desert Southwest, and of course Maine, where so many of the best cozy mysteries are found.

Author Links 

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Purchase Links 

Amazon Kindle ~ Amazon Paperback ~ Books2Read Universal Link Buy Me A Coffee store 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

 

July 8 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW 

July 8 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

July 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

July 9 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT 

July 10 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW 

July 11 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT 

July 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT 

July 12 – The Mystery of Writing – CHARACTER GUEST POST 

July 13 – Romance Novel Giveaways – AUTHOR GUEST POST 

July 14 – Ascroft, eh? AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

July 15 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 

July 16 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

July 16 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

July 17 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT 

July 18 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

July 18 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW 

July 19 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here

New Release and Review: DREIDELS AND DEAD ENDS (Bad Hair Day Mysteries # 16) by Nancy J. Cohen

About the Book: 

A daring holiday heist at the local history museum sends hairstylist Marla Vail on her most tangled case yet. 

When salon owner Marla Vail agrees to speak at the local history museum’s gala opening for a new exhibit, she expects applause—not a catastrophe. But shortly after she takes the stage, a thief steals the featured diamond-studded hairbrush, leaving behind an empty display case and a badly injured security guard. 

Marla’s friend, museum curator Becky Forest, begs for her help in recovering the prized heirloom before the mayor uses this scandal as an excuse to cut their funding. To make matters worse, the antique hairbrush comes with a curse, and suddenly bad luck is spreading through town faster than a botched dye job. As Hanukkah festivities begin, Marla would rather be lighting candles than chasing clues, but with Becky’s job at stake, she takes on the case. 

Her trail leads to a knot of suspects including the hairbrush’s owner, his greedy cousin, shifty museum staff, and a reclusive collector of mystical antiquities. Instead of enjoying menorah lights and latkes, Marla discovers murder, lies, and larceny. She’ll need sharp wits and a holiday miracle to save the museum and to keep the truth from being brushed aside. 

Review:

Marla's dealing with her pregnancy and her business, along with preparations for Hanukkah, while her husband Dalton left the police department to be a full-time father. Only when the diamond-studded antique hair brush is stolen, both of them get involved in the investigation. There are lots of coincidences, conveniently explained away by the curse associated with the brush. As Marla and Dalton work to find the killer and save the museum, the possible suspects multiply.

Well-written, with a steady pace to keep the reader engaged, this was an enjoyable cozy mystery read. The new characters are developed over the course of the story, from the odd owner of the brush to his son, and the antique collector who wants to buy the brush. Having read others in the series, Cohen depicts the conflict Marla feels as she deals with her growing family. This is easily read as a standalone.  I highly recommend this one.

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 mystery series and the Keri Armstrong cozy mysteries. Her titles have won numerous awards including her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.

AmazonAuthor ~ Website ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

 

Book Review: TERROR IN TAFFETA - Destination Wedding Mysteries Book 1 by Marla Cooper

Terror in Taffeta: Destination Wedding Mysteries 

by Marla Cooper 

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series 

Setting - San Miguel de Allende - Mexico

Publisher: Chicks on the Case Press

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna is just a few hours away from wrapping up her latest job when one of the bridesmaids upstages the couple by collapsing into a floral arrangement. Kelsey soon discovers that the girl hasn't just fainted—she's dead. When the bride's sister is arrested for murder, the demanding mother of the bride insists that Kelsey fix the matter at once. And although Kelsey is pretty sure investigating a murder isn't in her contract, crossing the well-connected Mrs. Abernathy could be a career-killer.

Before she can leave Mexico and get back to planning weddings, Kelsey must deal with stubborn detectives, a rekindled romance, and late-night death threats in this smart, funny cozy mystery debut.

REVIEW 

Kelsey is a "fixer" and this wedding had more things that needed to be fixed, including a last minute acceptance by a bridesmaid and her plus-one. Dana may be close enough friends with the Nicole, the bride, but that's not the case with everyone. When it's determined she's dead, Mrs. Abernathy, mother of the bride, insists the wedding go on without mentioning Dana's demise. Once it's determined it's murder, Mrs. Abernathy's demands increase, including investigating the murder. Unfortunately, the two detectives are sure they have the killer, no matter what Kelsey finds out. Kelsey is kindhearted and visits Zoe in jail regularly, determined to prove she's innocent.

This is a well-written cozy mystery with twists and turns, a slice of humor, and a touch of melancholy. Kelsey is kindhearted and visits Zoe in jail regularly, determined to prove she's innocent. Kelsey considers rekindling a romance, while she's dealing with many obstacles and the ever aggravating Mrs. Abernathy, and juggling the next few weddings. Brody helps her along the way.  It was an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it. 

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.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON    ~     GOODREADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARLA COOPER is the author of the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries. As a freelance writer, Marla has written all sorts of things, from advertising copy to travel guidebooks to the occasional haiku, and it was while ghostwriting a guide to destination weddings that she found inspiration for her series. She currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and a few too many cats. She is the Vice President of Sisters in Crime, Heart of Texas chapter.

CONNECT WITH HER:

CHICKS ON THE CASE ~ WEBSITE ~ AMAZON AUTHOR 

GOODREADS ~ FACEBOOK ~ BOOKBUB

INSTAGRAM ~ THREADS

TERROR IN TAFFETA GIVEAWAY

Book Review: MELODIES OF MALICE (Fiona Quinn Mysteries) by C. S. McDonald

About the Book:

When Fiona’s teenage cousin, Madison, finds the new Maestra for the Pittsburgh Junior Symphonic Orchestra dead, a web of espionage unravels! 

Fiona’s husband, Detective Landry, seeks out his mother’s international security firm, Global Shield, to assist with the investigation. They soon discover the Maestra was a Russian spy. Furthermore, an operative from Russia has been dispatched to the US to kill former female spies in order to protect delicate secrets. 

While the possibility that Madison’s life is in danger, Detective Landry places her under protective custody—in his and Fiona’s home. Global Shield operative, Ivan Guseva, stays with Fiona and takes up residence in the attic apartment where her ghostly grandma, Evelyn, lives. 

Much to Fiona’s dismay, he’s enjoying every moment, and it appears Grandma Ev is too! Meanwhile, Madison is proving to be quite the master of teenage shenanigans. 

Fiona’s about to move this investigation up an octave by pulling out her amateur sleuthing skills to track down a Russian operative, send her house guests packing, and bring her home back to normal—whatever that is. 

Review:

Once again, McDonald provides a cozy mytery worth reading. Fiona is still Fiona and wanting answers. Landry's protecting her as best he can and other family members do their part. The book is well-written and flows easily. There are surprises and twists to maintain interest. The characters are well-developed with enough back story sprinkled to allow this book to be read as a stand-alone. Highly recommend to those who enjoy the cozy mystery genre.

AMAZON

About the Author:

C.S. McDonald taught dance and choreographed shows for twenty-six years. Nowadays, she resides with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister, on their Thoroughbred farm, Fly-by-Night Stables, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. George the Pony is a real pony who lives among the tall Thoroughbreds on their farm. 

In 2016, Ms. McDonald decided to write a cozy mystery series. The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are quick clean reads for anyone 10 to 110! You'll love Fiona and the quirky, but oh so charming, Detective Landry. 

Fiona is a kindergarten teacher and an unlikely sleuth from Pittsburgh. If you've never been to Pittsburgh, welcome to this wonderful city! If you live in Pittsburgh, you're sure to recognize many of the venues featured in the books. Ms. McDonald has even sprinkled a little Pittsburghese into her stories just for fun. Yinz will love it! 

Hey! Don't miss C.S. McDonald's new addition to Fiona Quinn Mysteries--Fiona Quinn QUICK Mysteries! What's that? Short Stories (about 30/40 pages) for a quick bedtime read or if you're stuck with a long wait in a doctor's office (we've all been there). Four shorts in all. Check them out! 

Okay, now for something seriously exciting--C.S. McDonald has penned a second cozy mystery series, The Owl's Nest Mysteries--Meet Alexa Owl. She's returned home to Pittsburgh to start a new business, the Owl's Nest Couturier Shop. Much to her surprise, she's getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective Bobby Starr, and he's no ordinary sleuth. Bobby is an angel who's returned to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel Squad. Only here's the catch: he's got to solve three murders he failed to solve when he was alive, and he needs Alexa's help! This series has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lotta cozy! 

By the way, all of the Fiona Quinn Mysteries, short stories, and the OWL'S NEST MYSTERIES are now available on Audible--narrated by the incredibly talented, Maren Swenson Waxenberg!  

Hey! You can check out all the books, listen to excerpts from the audiobooks and more at C.S. McDonald's website.  

You can also connect her on: 

Facebook ~ Twitter/X ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ BookBub

Like Cozy Mysteries?

  

Book Review: DOODLED TO DEATH - A Dog Lover's Cozy Mystery (Barkview Mysteries Book 4) by C.B. Wilson

ABOUT THE BOOK 

In Barkview, the dog-friendliest city in America, TV producer Cat Wright faces her worst nightmare—becoming the temporary guardian to a mischievous Golden Doodle. A confirmed cat person, Cat reluctantly takes in the victim's dog while investigating two intertwined mysteries: anonymous accusations against an aviation pioneer from the 1920s and the suspicious drowning of her sister's professor boyfriend. 

As earthquakes rattle the coastal town, Cat discovers the charismatic canine might be her best ally in uncovering century-old family rivalries, hidden speakeasies, and the legend of a missing diamond. With treasure hunters closing in and her sister as the prime murder suspect, Cat must solve both puzzles before another death occurs. 

Through underground tunnels, beachside dives, and encounters with eccentric locals, Cat's reluctant partnership with her four-legged companion teaches her unexpected lessons about loyalty, intuition, and opening her heart—even as she races to catch a killer hiding in plain sight. 

A cozy mystery where historical intrigue meets canine charm, "Doodled to Death" chronicles one cat person's surprising journey into the world of dogs, detection, and devotion. Fans of animal cozies will love the mix of humor and intricate plotting—and they’ll go nuts for G-Paw. 

REVIEW 

All the books in the Barkview Mysteries are fun reads and this was no exception. This one has two mysteries - one involving Skye and a treasure from years past, and one the current murder. Cat - a cat person- and her current dog, G-paw, make a great team as Cat sets out to prove her sister's innocence. There's a bit of historical context, a bit of humor, and many twists, turns, and secret doors. The book is well-written and held my interest. Fans of cozy mysteries and dog lovers will enjoy this one.

AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-Winning Mystery Author CB Wilson Blends Puzzles, Pups, and Precious Gems Diamonds & Dogs. An award-winning author CB Wilson launched her writing journey after finishing a Nancy Drew mystery where she rewrote the ending. A lifelong animal advocate, she created the beloved Barkview Mysteries, blending her love of puzzles and pups. 

Her newest series, Gem Hunters, sparkles with adventure and authentic detail, inspired by her Gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America. CB believes the best stories—like the best chocolate—should be savored slowly.

AMAZON AUTHOR ~ WEBSITE ~ NEWSLETTER 

BOOKBUB ~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~GOODREADS 

Book Review: MISSING AT CHRISTMAS by Deena Alexander

About the Book

A dangerous family legacy. 

A race to save a baby in jeopardy.  

When journalist Lexi McKenna receives a desperate call for help, she rushes to her sister’s home, only to find her sister dead and one of her twin nieces missing. With her past mafia ties resurfacing, Lexi must go on the run with agent Noah Thompson to protect herself from her father’s enemies. 

Although Lexi is the daughter of the mob boss who murdered Noah’s brother, Noah will do anything to take down her family—even work with her. As danger looms from all sides, they must find the abducted baby and dismantle a criminal empire before Lexi and her nieces end up as collateral damage. 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 

Review 

Escaping from her father and his mob with her sister, Lexi has done everything to stay disconnected from the 'family' for years. Her sister wanted to move back home, and they did. Now, with her sister dead and a niece missing, Lexi has no choice but to go to her father's home and beg for the money to get the twin back. A stand-off, as she leaves someone kills her father and she's the prime suspect and the heir to the mob finances. Enter Noah, his brother killed by her father, who steps in to help her find the abducted baby. 

This is another well-written mystery by Deena Alexander. Her characters are well-developed and the back story of why Lexi and her sister ran away, the only deal her father would make, and the cunning of the man who likely killed him and now needs to marry Lexi to take over the mob. It's convoluted with childhood memories of Lexi's mother, long deceased, and not knowing who she can trust. The pace of the story is steady, gaining in intensity as the story comes to a peak. An enjoyable read for any mystery lover. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Purchase Links

AMAZON ~ B&N ~ Kobo

About the Author

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, ​Deena Alexander grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. 

She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. 

Deena's love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn't sleep through the night, and she now works full time as a writer and a freelance editor. 

Webpage ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter/X ~  Goodreads 

BookBub ~ Newsletter ~ Amazon Author Page  

 

Book Review: DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE (The Ariadne Winter Mystery Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler

About the Book 

From Paris runways to country manors, danger is always in fashion. When intrepid journalist Ariadne Winter leaves behind the glittering cafés and haute couture of 1958 Paris for the misty hills of rural Ireland, she expects champagne toasts and countryside charm at her cousin's engagement celebration. But amidst party prep excitement the festive mood at Ballyford Manor is shattered when a body is discovered among the ruins of the ancient castle grounds.  

The local inspector suspects an accident—but Ariadne knows better. 

Armed with her sharp wit and a reporter’s determination, Ariadne peels back the polished façade of the O’Connell family, uncovering simmering tensions and long-held grudges that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates a world of crumbling aristocracy, whispered scandals, and dark family legacies, Ariadne realizes someone will do anything to keep the past hidden — even if it means making her the next victim. 

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear, this stylish, atmospheric mystery captures the glamour and shadows of 1950s Ireland, blending intrigue, secrets, and a sleuth you won’t forget. 

Review

Ariadne's visit to Ballyford Castle for her cousin's engagement celebration in Ireland is marred first by tension within the fiancé's family, their insistence the wedding take place in the castle instead of America, and by the discovery of the caretaker's dead body. Ariadne, Julia, and Cormac are caught in the middle, with Julia's parents trying to keep the peace. 

The police initially call the caretaker's death an accident, only Ariadne's not so sure. She and Julia discover hidden passages that lead to the window ledge the caretaker "fell" from, only it's clear he was pushed. As they explore passages, someone scares them and they pick up clues to the killer. 

Butler's tale is well-written with unexpected twists and turns, well-developed characters with distinct personalities, and a well-paced plot. The point of view shifts from Ariadne (first person) to third person at times, providing a different perspective and furthering the story along. The resolution makes sense and is not a surprise, though I considered a few characters as the killer.  This is the second in the series and easily read as a stand-alone. Still, I think it's best to start at the beginning of a series to watch characters grow. 

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. 

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Apple

About the Author 

Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Multiple books in the series have hit #1 on Amazon bestseller lists in the US and abroad. Book critics call the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism." 

Butler is also the author of the award-winning historical suspense novel, The Brass Compass. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction including: 2022 Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, 2018 Indie Reader Discovery Award, 2019 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner. Butler started writing in the romance genre and won the The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award 2015 with her novel Planning for Love. Her 12th book Operation Blackbird, a Cold War Spy novel, was published in October 2022 and won a Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal for historical fiction.

Author Links 

Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Bookbub ~ Goodreads 

$25 Amazon Gift Card & Signed Book 

 

Book Review: HIDDEN CURRENTS (Lantern Beach Mysteries Book 1) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

You can take the detective out of the investigation, but you can't take the investigator out of the detective. 

A notorious gang puts a bounty on Detective Cady Matthews’s head after she takes down their leader, leaving her no choice but to hide until she can testify at trial. But her temporary home across the country on a remote North Carolina island isn’t as peaceful as she initially thinks. 

Living under the new identity of Cassidy Livingston, she struggles to keep her investigative skills tucked away, especially after a body washes ashore. When local police bungle the murder investigation, she can’t resist stepping in. But Cassidy is supposed to be keeping a low profile. One wrong move could lead to both her discovery and her demise. 

Can she bring justice to the island . . . or will the hidden currents surrounding her pull her under for good? 

 ***Hidden Currents is the first book in the six-book Lantern Beach Mystery series. Each book contains a standalone mystery, but there are overarching mysteries within the entire series.*** 

Review 

The "ice cream lady" in Lantern Beach living as Cassidy Livingston, is detective with a bounty on her head. She's in hiding and supposed to keep things low key. When a body washes ashore, she tries not to get involved - at least not in an obvious way, only she can't help but investigate. 

Christy Barritt's characters and setting are well-developed. The reader feels Cassidy's tug-of-war and she is very likable. Once she's all in, the pace picks up quickly, mixed with well-placed humor. This is a strong beginning to the new (to me at least) 6-book series. 

AMAZON 

About Christy Barritt

USA Today has called Christy Barritt's books "scary, funny, passionate, and quirky." 

A USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold more than three million copies, one has been made into a TV movie, and another is being developed for a TV series. 

Christy's books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine's Book of the Year. 

She's married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she's hilarious--but only when she's not trying to be. Christy's a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who's known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. 

Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She loves spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her four dogs. For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ BookBub ~ Twitter/X

Book Review: MURDER PAYS A CALL (A Keri Armstrong Cozy Mystery) by Nancy J. Cohen

About the Book

Personal concierge Keri Armstrong will accept almost any job, but solving murders wasn’t on her to-do list—until now. 

When personal concierge Keri Armstrong swings by her favorite client’s mansion to drop off groceries, she expects a heartfelt chat along with a cup of tea—not Fiona Sullivan dead in bed and her room ransacked. Though police chalk it up to a botched robbery, Keri isn’t so sure. Whispers around town suggest Fiona wasn’t as adored as Keri had believed, and many of the philanthropist’s so-called friends in affluent Sunny Grove, Florida seem glad she’s gone. 

Keri refuses to let Fiona’s memory be reduced to malicious gossip. Armed with a keen eye, insider access, and a fully charged tablet, she sets out to uncover the truth. Soon her file of suspects grows faster than her to-do list. Between sneaky neighbors, resentful relatives, and tight-lipped charity board members, Fiona left behind a trail of frenemies who’d happily skip her memorial brunch. 

As Keri digs deeper, she discovers her late mentor had a gift for extracting people’s secrets and using them like fine china—carefully storing them until they could serve a purpose. But Fiona also kept a few skeletons in her own walk-in closet. Now, with danger creeping closer, Keri must race to crack the case before her number comes up next… and Murder Pays a Call. 

Review 

With Keri's concierge business, she serves as a personal assistant to many in the community, including Fiona. More than a PA, Keri believes Fiona is her mentor and a friend. Unfortunately, when Fiona dies, Keri discovers the many secrets Fiona hid from her. And Fiona's not the only victim. 

The main characters are well-developed and Keri, as well as her friends Lora and Pam and others, create a support group of sorts to find the killer. There are multiple intertwined mysteries to be solved with a steady pace and surprises along the way. Even better, there's a hint of romance coming for Keri if she can organize her day so she has time for it. All in all, a great start for a new series by Nancy J. Cohen.

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 mystery series and the Keri Armstrong cozy mysteries. Her books have won numerous awards including her nonfiction title, Writing the Cozy Mystery, an Agatha Award Finalist. 

Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter and a frequent speaker at conferences and community events. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World. Nancy's contacts include:

Facebook ~ AmazonAuthor ~ Website ~ Instagram

Goodreads ~ Twitter/X ~ BookBub

Don't Leave Yet!

Don't miss the Fall Into These Great Reads Bookathon!

Calling all readers! Have you read all your beach reads over the summer? Looking for books to dive into this month? We’re celebrating books from all genres at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s eighth annual Fall Into These Great Reads Bookathon. 26 books featured plus a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.