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.

AMAZON 

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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Some other cozy mysteries you might be interested in:

  

Blog Tour and Book Review: MARGARITAS, MAYHEM & MURDER (An Andi Anna Jones Mystery) by Mary Cunningham

 

Synopsis

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent and amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father's widow and books a sixtieth birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby might be the main suspect. 

Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with charming local sheriff, Manual Gonzales. An embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, can't quell her determination to clear the name of her ex-stepmother.

 
While gathering clues and interviewing witnesses, however, she suspects dear old step-mom isn't the only one in jeopardy.

Review

Andi is not a fan of her step-mother, Ruby, or her sleezy lawyer, but she promised her dad she'd help Ruby. Now she sees Ruby as more than a bit dramatic and impulsive. When Ruby is arrested and held in a jail in Cancun, Andi flies down to straighten things out. The best thing she finds when she arrives is the local sheriff, Manuel Rodriquez. Ruby is another story, more concerned with the ugly orange jumpsuit than the murder charges.

Manuel takes her out for a bite to eat and Andi gets tipsy, but flirts past her embarrassment. Manuel shares the evidence against Ruby and arranges for Andi to board the cruise while it's in dock at its next stop. That in itself is an adventure with a series of twists and turns that necessitate Manuel coming on board and Andi having a harrowing time getting back to Cancun. 

With Ruby released to the hotel, but needing a babysitter, it's no surprise Andi decides her lawyer should be the one to remind Ruby she can't leave the hotel. Andi flies to Las Vegas to chase down a lead with a few more twists and turns. Murphy's Law seems to apply to everything Andi does.

This was a fun, light read and exactly what I needed after a stressful day. Mary Cunningham has created some quirky and interesting characters and uses humorous scenes to keep the story going. This is the first in this series, and I'm sure both Ruby and Manuel will return as Andi returns home. This is my first read by this author, but will not be my last. If you enjoy lighthearted cozy mysteries, you'll enjoy 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.

About the Author

Author, Mary Cunningham, grew up on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad's original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun "yarn."

Through the author's horrifying stint as a travel agent, Andi Anna Jones sprang to life. The adult/mystery series gives extra meaning to the phrase, "Write what you know." Cunningham has several books published, including Cynthia's Attic, a five-book middle-grade fantasy, women’s lifestyle/humor book, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, Ebooks, Christmas With Daisy and Ghost Light. A biography of an army brat, turned UConn and WNBA basketball player, will be published in the spring of 2022.

She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Sisters In Crime-Atlanta Chapter, International Thriller Writers, Inc., and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, Mary enjoys golf, swimming, and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband and adopted, four-legged, furry daughter, Lucy.

Author Links

• Website: http://www.marycunninghambooks.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marycunninghambooks
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/MaryCunningham
• Amazon Author Page: com: Mary Cunningham: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle
• Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/author/show/367223.Mary_Cunningham
• GoodReads Link - Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder by Mary Cunningham | Goodreads

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Book Review: HERE TODAY, SCONE TOMORROW (Baker's Rise Mysteries Book One) by R. A. Hutchins

About the Book

When the self-titled Lord of the Manor, Harold Baker, meets an untimely end, the residents of Baker’s Rise believe that he has simply died from choking. It is fair to say that they are certainly not sad to see him go! 

Former city dweller Flora Miller, new to the quaint English village and in charge of the recently restored Tearoom on the Rise, is the unlucky recipient of the late man’s parrot. Her new feathered companion has no filter and a vibrant personality that cannot be ignored! Witness to Harold’s murder, the bird won’t let the matter lie, and it’s not long before Flora becomes suspicious. 

A quest to bake the perfect scone is put on hold whilst Flora helps the charming Detective Bramble to investigate Harold’s death. She has set her hopes on writing the next bestseller, not on becoming an amateur sleuth, but life sometimes has surprises in store! 

Will they find the killer before they strike again, and can Flora find the acceptance and friendship she seeks amongst her new neighbours? 

Packed with twists and turns, colourful characters and a sprinkle of romance, this is the first book in the series of Baker’s Rise Mysteries. It will certainly leave you hungry for more! (Includes a traditional scone recipe!) 

Review

Flora is trying to keep her real reason for being in Baker's Rise quiet and most of the village believe she's come to re-open the Tearoom on the Rise. She's excited for the opening, but all the vibes from her new neighbors are not warm. She gets comfort from the parrot she inherited though his personality is strong and he convinces her there's more to the Lord of the Manor's death.

The story is well-staged, with the "cozy" nature of the village (though not always positive) providing context. Flora, though concerned with the villager's hostility toward the Lord of the Manor, is a strong character. She is determined to clean up the mess in the Manor proper, though she is not staying there. What she discovers leads to the Lord of the Manor's death considered suspicious at best. Between the good Detective Bramble and the parrot, Flora is well protected. 

I liked Flora and the sense of community, the flow of the story, and the hints and cues to the killer. If you like cozy mystery with some humor and puns, you will enjoy this one. This is my first read by Hutchins, but won't be my last.

Baker's Rise Mysteries

Here Today, Scone Tomorrow

Pie Comes Before a Fall

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fondant

Muffin Ventured, Muffin Gained

About the Author

R. A. Hutchins is a keen writer of cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, and historical fiction (under the pen name Anne Hutchins). Rachel's love of mysteries and women sleuths started at an early age with a fascination for the works of Agatha Christie. Her first high school English project was a biography of this author's life! 

In Rachel's contemporary romance, you can normally find themes of hope and new beginnings, loss and mental health, though her characters are always guaranteed a happy ending and her stories have more than a splash of heady romance! 

Rachel's favourite hobbies are reading, walking along the beach with her family, visiting new places, watching detective shows and researching different periods in history. She also enjoys collecting sea glass from the various local beaches on her doorstep. Now living in northeast England, Rachel has fond memories of the nine years she spent in Scotland. 

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Book Review: MURDER WITH STRINGS ATTACHED by Mark Reutlinger

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Sometimes even the most carefully conceived burglary can take an unexpected turn. Florence Palmer has her eye on concert violinist Aaron Levy's priceless violin.

Unfortunately, she finds it's already been stolen. Her surprise doubles when the virtuoso she'd planned to burgle offers to hire her to help him steal it back. 

But they're not the only ones looking for the missing violin. When Flo inadvertently becomes the prime suspect in a case of murder, she and Aaron need to clear her name. Will they find the real killer and get the violin back to its rightful owner without anyone else, especially themselves, being killed? 

Review 

This was a fun read with a twist. First, there's Flo, previously a domestic worker who discovered it was more profitable to be a thief. Then you have Aaron Levy, famous violinist, who plays a priceless Stradivarius. Flo does her homework, maps out his habits, and is set to steal the priceless violin. Only the one in his hotel room is a fake and she's caught in the act. Aaron surprises Flo by hiring her to steal back his precious violin and replace it with the fake. Then the fun begins.

This was an enjoyable read with great characters, humor, a steady pace and surprises to keep my interest. I'll be looking for more books from Reutlinger.

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

Book Review: UNLIKELY - Cassie Baxter Mysteries #4 by Cindy Blackburn

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Small sleuth, tiny town, unfailing fun. 

Welcome to Lake Elizabeth, Vermont, where the lake has finally thawed, spring has finally sprung, and Cassie Baxter is going nuts. Who wouldn’t go nuts when an innocent birdwatching outing with her young son uncovers an abandoned canoe? A canoe. Way, way up on Elizabeth Mountain. Unlikely? Oh, yeah. Especially since Cassie has a history of finding—troublesome—canoes. And speaking of troublesome, Cassie’s father has a new girlfriend. An—unlikely—girlfriend. In fact, unlikely romances are sprouting up all around the lake this spring. There’s Pru’s, and Maxine’s, and Lindsey’s and—And do any of these budding romances have a bearing on the murder? Have we mentioned the murder? We did say that unlikely canoe could only mean trouble, right? 

Get ready to live, love, lake, and LAUGH as Cassie Baxter and her whole gang of quirky and kooky supporting characters join forces to unravel yet another dastardly crime! Unlikely? You betcha! 

The Cassie Baxter Mysteries: They’re not Cue Balls, but they are screw balls.

Review

Cassie Baxter is at it again, her focus back on the Pine Grove Inn. It’s all prompted by Truman finding part of a canoe, a hammer, and a mysterious third piece. Nothing exciting until the three-clues resemble a series of mob murders. Only there’s no body and the mean detective takes possession of the first two clues and wants the third. Cassie tries to prove her cockamamie, complicated, perhaps romantic theories much to the dismay of many. Each theory is as unlikely as the circumstances Cassie finds herself walking into. 

As with the others in the Cassie Baxter series, Unlikely is light, fun, and humorous and Cassie proves beyond a doubt she needs supervision. The characters are unique and not just the ones Chance Dooley deals with in her dad’s stories. There's the goats, the cat, and the dog. And Pru’s mottled attempts to mix drinks at the Inn. Cassie has lots of imagination as she concocts her theories and somehow she ends up solving two murders and coming to grips with her dad’s new lady friend. The pace is good, the humor is frequent. An enjoyable light read for when you need to escape. This is a new release and the fourth in the Cassie Baxter series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s always best to start at the beginning.

AMAZON 

Books in this series: 

UNBELIEVABLE 

UNEXPECTED 

UNDISCLOSED 

UNLIKELY 

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

Cindy Blackburn writes cozy mysteries because she thinks grim reality is way overrated. When she’s not thinking up unlikely plot twists and ironing out the quirks and kinks of her lovable characters, Cindy is feeding her fat cat Betty or taking long walks with her cute hubby John. A native Vermonter who hates snow, Cindy divides her time between the south and the north. Most of the year you’ll find her in South Carolina. But come summer she’ll be on the porch of her lakeside shack in Vermont. Yep, it’s a place very similar to Lake Elizabeth. Cindy’s favorite TV show is The Big Bang Theory, her favorite movie is Moonstruck, and her favorite color is purple. Cindy dislikes vacuuming, traffic, and lima beans.

Book Review: A KINK IN THE ROAD : A Deadline Cozy Mystery #7 by Sonia Parin

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Humorous Cozy Mystery. Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language but lots of fun characters and quirky dialogue.

Eve’s new inn is about to open, with or without a name. As a new local business owner, Eve thinks it would be a splendid idea to attend a local town meeting. Little does she know she’s been excluded from them for a good reason. She’s been labeled a troublemaker. Now there is a new resident in Rock-Maine Island and she’s been warned to stay away from him.

One look at William Hunter the Third is enough to convince Eve she wants nothing to do with the man. Despite everyone’s efforts to keep Eve away from him, the inevitable happens and he lands on her doorstep.

To make matters worse, the billionaire brings along an entourage which includes his ex-wives, his friends and… a killer.

There have already been two deaths at the house she’s turned into an inn. Another death makes it three. Thinking disasters come in threes, she hopes this will complete the cycle. But what if she’s on a treadmill and doomed to play host to murder and mayhem? The town will surely rise up against her…

Review

As advertised this cozy mystery has quirky characters and humor. Eve is convinced that something will go wrong and her best friend, Jill, is there to keep watch and be sure Eve is accused of the murder that hasn't happened yet, and then once the billionaire's assistant is murdered, to keep her out of trouble. Both women are dating police officers, and Jack and Josh do their part to keep a lid on the situation. Only the entourage comes with it's own quirky characters, the billionaire included, not to mention Mira and her editor, and Elsie who eventually vows not to publish anything she and her side kick have witnessed. A

The story is fast paced with twists, turns, and false leads galore. No one liked the victim and he seemed to have something on everyone associated with William Hunter III. Although this is the 7th in the series, it can be easily read as a stand alone. If you like cozy mysteries with a humorous side to murder and quirky characters, you'll enjoy this one, and probably the rest of the series as well.

AMAZON

Book Review: CHRISTMAS BIZARRE: Mina Kitchen Cozy Comedy Series #2 by Lizz Lund

Synopsis (sort of) from Amazon

READERS' FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW !

What do Santa’s Sidekick, a dead lawyer and a geriatric vampire have in common? Meet Mina Kitchen--a forty-something single who finds trouble quicker than she can whip up a batch of breakfast breads. Plural. Her catering disorder runs neck-and-neck with her weird luck, and her cat’s weirder tendency toward gnawing elf gear. Okay, and getting kidnapped a couple of times in one week is a little strange, too.

Her next door neighbor Vito's past as ex-leader of the Moils, the Jewish-Polish Family from Bumville, New Jersey, comes to light and throws a dollop of dilemmas into an already simmering plot.
Top it all off with a counterfeiting ring, a county-wide dearth of holiday wrapping tape, and a mass of pets running loose at the local mall, and what do you have? A recipe for disaster that Mina whips to a froth.

If you're looking for funny novels for women, packed with humor, cozy animals (in the guise of pets) -- and recipes -- look no further. The second book in the hilarious Mina Kitchen Comedies, Christmas Bizarre will keep you smiling when you’re not shouting up a belly laugh. It delivers a LOL tour of Lancaster, “Pee-Ay”, where you’ll discover a lively cast of characters, funny dialogue and lots of twists and turns.

Review

This was a cute fun read, with or without the Christmas theme and elf-shoe eating cat or the sudden panic when there is no tape for wrapping the presents (duct tape, anyone?).  Mina manages, once again, to find a body and all her cooking and baking takes a while to simmer and unravel all the moving parts. It doesn't have to be the holiday season to enjoy the silliness and unique characters Lizz Lund has created.

AMAZON