Book Review: HOLIDAY LIGHTS OUT - A Small Town Cozy Mystery by L C. Turner

About the Book

All is not calm and bright this Christmas. 

Stella Cavanaugh is on a bus trip to Thief River Falls for a Christmastime getaway. But trouble is brewing on this tour bus and when they arrive at the cozy cabin hotel she finds that all is not well. 

One of her fellow vacationers is never getting off the bus because he’s dead as a doornail. 

Turns out, this isn’t the most wonderful time of the year in the peaceful town of Thief River Falls because there’s a murderer on the loose. Stella is determined to find the culprit so she can enjoy the festivities of the season. 

But can she figure out who the killer is before they cancel Christmas?

Review

Coming off a bad marriage, Stella decides to take a bus tour as a start to her new life. She didn't plan on getting involved in a murder. She starts of slowly with her sleuthing until she gets her bearings and her confidence. Now to find the killer.

This is a short read, yet Turner manages to keep a steady pace without giving away the end. A perfect length for when you need a short respite for life with new friends, a possible romance, and a main character taking her life back. If you enjoy Christmas cozies and you're not looking for something long, you'll like the vacation tour with Stella.

AMAZON

Enjoy chilling in July with Christmas Cozies? Check out this selection with Christmas in July

Book Review: KILLER CRUISE - Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Book #1 by A. R. Winters

About the Book 

Surprise number one, wonderful: Her best friend Samantha has joined the cruise! 

Surprise number two, also quite good: the First Officer is rather handsome. 

Surprise number three, definitely not good: Samantha is suspected of murdering a VIP cruise passenger. 

Throw in a few more surprises—an over-the-top boss, a potentially homicidal chef, and a blast from Adrienne’s past—and this cruise might end up being Adrienne’s last. 

Join Adrienne, her new friend Cece, and First Officer Hot Stuff—er, First Officer Ethan Lee—as they try to uncover the truth before it’s too late… 

Review

Adrienne is on her job as staff for the cruise ship and very nervous. Her best friend Samantha joins her with some exaggeration on her resume. Everything is going as smoothly as possible when a VIP customer who had a run in with Samantha is found dead in his cabin. She's soon the main suspect and retained. Cece, another of the ship's staff, befriends Adrienne when she sees how upset Adrienne and helps (she has access to master cabin keys).

In the process, Adrienne tangles with several officers, upsets a few passengers, and ultimately helps prove Samantha's innocence. The plot is unpredictable in some ways with humorous happenings. This is a light, easy read with enough twists and turns to keep my interest. It's the first of three in the Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries. Going on a cruise? Take it along.

Amazon 

Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries

About the Author

To download two ★FREE★ books by A.R. Winters at https://bit.ly/freecozybooks Enjoy! 

A.R. Winters is a cozy mystery writer who loves writing about crazy characters and vibrant locations. And food, lots of delicious food! When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake. 

You can also find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arwintersauthor

Book Review: THE CHRISTMAS WALK CAPER ( Mac and Millie Mystery Book 1) by J B Michaels

About the Book (from Amazon)

Meet Mac, a retired hero cop with writer’s block and a penchant for trouble. What holiday hijinks will he get himself into? 

Probably a murder investigation.  

Meet Millie, a local banker and former college athlete who may have a trick or two up her sleeve. What Christmas conundrum will she be brought in to solve? 

Again, a murder mystery. 

In this delightful cozy mystery set in downtown Geneva, Illinois, our sarcastic and savvy sleuths will seek justice for the untimely death of the owner of the beloved and charming retail mansion: The Tiny Wanderer. 

It’s time to stroll on Third street. Immerse yourself in beautiful Christmas décor. Drink some hot chocolate and help solve the Christmas Walk Caper. 

Review 

This is my first read of a book by J B Michaels. It's not surprising that Mac, a cop forced to retire early, gets involved in a murder investigation. Millie, on the other hand, comes with a bit of mystery her own. Taken together, they ferret out the killer amidst all the holiday preparations. 

This cozy is well-written and the pace is steady. There are enough surprises and tensions to keep the reader engaged. It was a fun and light read. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, you'll enjoy this short read to break up your day. The Christmas Walk Caper is the first of five in the Mac and Millie Mysteries.  

Mac and Millie Mysteries 

The Christmas Walk Caper (Book 1) 

The Valentine Dine or Die (Book 2) 

The Swedish Days Swindle (Book 3) 

Festivals of the Vine (Book 4) 

Raftery's Ghost (Book 5) 

About the Author (from Amazon)

JB Michaels has written stories since he was in fourth grade. He is a history teacher and department chair who loves his job. Married and with a son, Michaels has a great love of family. He has two sequels recounting the further adventures of the Tannenbaum Tailors.

It's Christmas in July and there are more Christmas cozies to read now - or save for later.

Book Review: STILL KNIFE PAINTING - Paint and Shine Mysteries Book 1 by Cheryl Hollon

About the Book

Miranda Trent has set up a sweet life in a scenic corner of Appalachia—until she stumbles across the trail of a killer . . . 

After inheriting her uncle’s Red River Gorge homestead in Eastern Kentucky—smack dab in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest—Miranda comes up with a perfect business plan for summer tourists: pairing outdoor painting classes with sips of local moonshine, followed by a mouthwatering sampler of the best in southern cooking. 

To Miranda’s delight, Paint & Shine is a total success—until someone kills the cook. As the town’s outsider, suspicion naturally falls on Miranda. Murdering the best biscuit baker of Red River Gorge is a high crime in these parts. Miranda will have to prove her innocence before she’s moved from farmhouse to jail cell faster than she can say “white lightning” . . . 

Review 

Miranda jumps into the close knit community, her uncle's home, and his moonshine. A new chapter in her life and she's making friends - she thinks - with the people who worked, and still work, on the grounds. Miranda's business plan includes hiring locals to cook and serve a traditional southern meal. She has a great plan and though several keeping asking if she's really staying, she's ready to settle in and find the secret to her uncle's moonshine. The murder of the cook threatens all she's started.

Red River Gorge is a delightful place, unless you're the outsider. Hollon brings the personalities and setting to life as the story unfolds. There are plenty of suspects and other characters. When Sheriff Larson has to call in help from Lexington, Miranda starts sleuthing on her own.

I'd read Book 3 previously and liked it enough to go back and read this one. I was not disappointed. Hollon brings the reader to rural Kentucky with lots of quirky characters. In addition to the murder, there are a few side plots and the promise of possible romance for Miranda. If you like cozy mysteries, even if you don't like moonshine, you'll enjoy this one. 

The Paint and Shine Mysteries

Still Knife Painting

Draw and Order

Death A Sketch

Book Review: GINGER SNAPPED TO DEATH by Catherine Bruns

It's hot outside and a touch of Christmas in July may just be what you need....

About the Book (from Amazon)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Unless you’re Sally Muccio. 

The full-time baker and sometime sleuth is ready to burst into song. She and her husband are expecting a bundle of joy, her sister’s wedding is just around the corner, and it’s Christmas, her favorite time of year. But when Sal’s the victim of a carjacking by Santa himself and a forgotten item links her to a murder, she doesn’t feel like ho-ho-hoing anymore. 

Damian Ruger was a drug user, womanizer and first-class jerk. And unfortunately for Sal, she once had a connection to him in high school. The dough really hits the fan when her bakery's gingerbread cookies are found next to his dead body, and Sal's cake server is used as a murder weapon. Someone is trying to frame the expectant mother, but why? Sal has no choice but to try to clear her name...before she and the baby are singing Christmas carols in prison! 

Review 

As with others in this series, this a fun read with a holiday theme featuring Sal (Sally) Muccio, a baker and part-time sleuth. There's a lot going on with her high school sweetheart murdered and evidence of Sal left with the body. While trying to figure out who the real killer is, she's busy preparing for the holidays and a baby. There are twists and turns to keep you guessing along the way.

Bruns managed to include all the things that make a mystery cozy - friends and family, small town, secrets, and something from the past. Although this is the 8th in the series, she provides enough background that it's easily read as a stand-alone. If you liked the others in this series, you're sure to enjoy this one. And, as always, she's included recipes!

The Cookies & Chance Mysteries: 

Tastes Like Murder (book #1) 

Baked to Death (book #2) 

Burned to a Crisp (book #3) 

Frosted With Revenge (book #4) 

Silenced by Sugar (book #5) 

Crumbled to Pieces (book #6) 

Sprinkled in Malice (book #7) 

Gingersnapped to Death (book #8) 

Icing on the Casket (book #9) 

Knee Deep in Dough (book #10)

Dessert is the Bomb (book #11)

Seasoned with Murder (book #12)

Bake, Batter, and Roll (book #13)

About the author (from Amazon)

Catherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in New York with her very patient husband, three sons, and several spoiled pets. Catherine has a B.A. in English and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. She also writes the Italian Chef mysteries, Cindy York real estate and Carrie Jorgenson (Aloha Lagoon) culinary series. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the 2019 Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense. 

Get a free ebook when you sign up for Catherine's newsletter at https://www.catherinebruns.net/contact 

Please feel free to connect with her on social media as well: https://facebook.com/Catherine-Bruns-Books-218522341685434 https://twitter.com/@writesmystery

Looking for more Christmas in July Cozy Mysteries?  

Book Review: The 4th MAN - A Detective D. D. Warren Story by Lisa Gardner

Something short for you...

About the Story 

FBI Profiler Pierce Quincy and Officer Rainie Conner return in a baffling cold case in this short story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner. 

A young woman is found strangled in the stairwell of a college library, only her sneakers missing. With no physical evidence, no signs of sexual assault, and no witnesses, all the police have to go on are the three men who were in the library with her: her boyfriend and two campus security guards...all of whom have secrets, none of whom can be proven guilty. 

Five years later, ex-FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife, former police officer Rainie Conner, agree to consult on the still-unsolved case, delving into deep background to comb for any clue that will lead to the woman's murderer. But with no leads and the case colder than the body, will they be able to build a case against one of the three suspects, or is there a fourth man out there? And if the killer has eluded the police this long, how far will he go to ensure justice is never served? 

Review 

I'm a fan of Gardner's books and this one, although it's short, didn't disappoint. The characters manage to sort through the secrets and relationships, focusing on the initial suspects. As the story unfolds, another possibility unfolds as does danger. This is well written and everything I've come to expect from Gardner, including a surprise now and then. If you're looking for a quick read that will keep you reading to the end, this one will do the trick. The story is part of a series and it may be helpful to have read some of the Detective DD Warren Mysteries. At the same time, the mystery itself is a stand alone.

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 Link

The Detective D. D. Warren Series

Book Review: COLLECTING CAN BE MURDER (Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries Book 1) by Jennifer S. Alderson

About the Book 

Coming out of retirement can be deadly… 

After tragedy struck three years earlier, art sleuth Carmen De Luca vowed to never work in the field again. But fifty is too young to fill her days with water aerobics and bingo, so when her former partner calls and begs for her help, Carmen gladly agrees. 

Yet after their first assignment – the recovery of a rare medieval prayer book from an eccentric collector living in rural France – goes horribly wrong, Carmen ends up in the crosshairs of both the local police and a murderer! 

With her target dead and the stolen book missing, she and her partner will have to pull out all of the stops to sleuth out the true killer’s identity – before their stay in France becomes permanent. 

Introducing Carmen De Luca, an art sleuth with a nose for mystery and the job of locating valuable artwork stolen from museums around the world. If you love strong and resourceful heroines, puzzling mysteries, and a dash of art history, pick up Collecting Can Be Murder now! 

Review 

Carmen and her partner, the Baroness, have a series of stops as they travel through Europe in hopes of identifying historical artwork that has been missing for years. This time they're attending the home of an art collector, not to be confused with an art lover, in hopes that they will find a rare illuminated prayer book, stolen, lost, and only resurfaced at an art auction recently.

As Carmen, posing as a journalist and playing to her host's ego, finally gets into the library, filled floor to ceiling with rare first editions and illuminations, and finds the prayer book they were seeking, the bookcase 'falls' over. Harold is dead and the prayer book is lost in the scattered book. It's clear that Harold has been murdered, and now someone has stolen the missing prayer book.

As the story progress, the pace speeds up with a houseful of suspects, all snowed in a countryside in France. There are twists and turns, many of suspects - all prestigious. The characters are well developed, conflict abounds as they wait for the gendarmes, and Alderson keeps you guessing. Carmen is a likable main character. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and strong women sleuths, you'll enjoy this one. If I ever can get my TBR list manageable, I'll be adding the others in this series as well as Alderson's other series. 

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. 

Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries: 

Collecting Can Be Murder 

A Statue To Die For 

Forgeries and Fatalities 

A Killer Inheritance  

About the Author (from Amazon)

Jennifer S. Alderson was born in San Francisco, grew up in Seattle, and currently lives in Amsterdam. After traveling extensively around Asia, Oceania, and Central America, she lived in Darwin, Australia, before finally settling in the Netherlands. 

Jennifer’s love of travel, art, and culture inspires her award-winning Zelda Richardson Mystery series, her Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries, and her Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries. Her background in journalism, multimedia development, and art history enriches her novels. 

When not writing, she can be found perusing a museum, biking around Amsterdam, or enjoying a coffee along the canal while planning her next research trip. For more information about the author and her upcoming novels, please visit: https://www.JenniferSAlderson.com

You can also follow her on Twitter : https://twitter.com/JSAauthor