Spotlight - A NUTCRACKER NIGHTMARE (A Killer Chocolate Mystery) by Christina Romeril

A Nutcracker Nightmare (A Killer Chocolate Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series 

Setting – Montana 

Crooked Lane Books 

Pulbished October 17, 2023  ‎ 

320 pages  

Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke and Laura Childs, when twin sisters Hanna and Alex help out at the local high school reunion, volunteering takes a turn when they find a former classmate’s dead body. 

About the Book

Hanna and Alex, owners of the Murder and Mayhem book and chocolate shop, are busy preparing for the Harriston High School’s reunion weekend. Neighbors will connect with old friends and perhaps try to avoid old foes. One person no one can avoid is Kyle, the former star quarterback, who is busy using his entire playbook to try and score with Hanna, even threatening her if she doesn’t play nice. 

At the reunion, Alex glimpses more drama than nostalgia as insults are flung around like a football at a Friday night game. The party is put on hold when Alex finds the dead body of none other than Kyle himself, bludgeoned to death by a nutcracker that the sisters admired earlier in the night. 

Hanna quickly becomes the prime suspect—someone saw her slap Kyle in the face at the reunion dance. She’ll need her sister, their sleuthing canine, Watson, and their old friends and colleagues to help break this case wide open. While looking through old yearbooks and taking a stroll down memory lane, Alex uncovers a few secrets about Kyle, now, it seems like everyone had a motive to kill him. 

But when the suspects start becoming the victims, Alex and Hanna know that they can’t melt under the pressure—they must find the killer before they become just another yearbook memory. 

Purchase Links 

Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org

About the Author 

Christina Romeril is the author of the Killer Chocolate Mystery series. The series is set in Montana at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, one of her favourite places to visit. She and her husband live a few hours away in a small village in Southern Alberta. 

When Christina isn’t writing she loves to hike in Waterton Lakes National Park, or just hang out there eating gourmet hot dogs and ice cream. When the former banker isn’t enjoying nature, she loves to create and consume chocolate confections. Not necessarily in that order. 

Webpage ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter  

Instagram ~  GoodReads 

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Book Review - PLATFORM SHOES A Steve Daniels Mystery Series Book 1 by Linda Watkins

Something different... A noir crime/historical mystery

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year was 1943. He was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps, on loan to the British, flying a reconnaissance mission over occupied France. Shot down, he had to make his way back to England with what could prove to be a very important reel of film taped to his chest.

Wounded, he was grounded and sent back to the States to the Air Cadet Base in San Antonio, Texas to teach. Plagued by nightmares stemming from his wartime experiences, he was easy pickings for a woman like her … She was his commander’s wife – beautiful, restless, and the wrong kind of woman for him. 

What would happen when they got together would be nothing less than murder... 

REVIEW 

Although Steve Daniels is a hero, due to his injuries sustained as a pilot, he's to teach pilots instead of being one. His nightmares and his disappointment at not being able to continue his dream career? Well, he's not always thinking clearly. 

Then there's Kathy. She's married to Steve's commanding officer and she wants out of the marriage. Steve falls for her and she frames him for her husband's murder, then disappears. His attorney and the assistant appeal his guilty verdict, get the charges erased. You'd think he would take the good fortune and run (with the assistant now officially a lawyer). Anyone could predict the trouble he would find searching for Kathy.

Watkins depicts what was happening in the early 40s, the tension, and the effects of war before PTSD was even recognized. I'm partial to happy endings and Steve blows his HEA. At the same time, there's part of me that understands his wanting to confront Kathy, and the consequences be damned. 

I don't usually read noir crime, however, I do read historical fiction, especially the WWII era.The book is well-written, kept my interest, with twists and turns, and more action just when I thought it would end. It is as advertised - noir crime and historical fiction. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from Amazon)

USA Today bestselling author, Linda Watkins is the author of the multi-award-winning MATEGUAS ISLAND SERIES. She currently resides in Sedona, Arizona and, in another life, was a Senior Clinical Financial Analyst at Stanford University School of Medicine. 

In 2006, she packed her belongings and, along with her four rescue dogs, took the plunge and moved to a remote island off the coast of Maine where she started the MATEGUAS ISLAND SERIES. 

She also published a new stand-alone novel, SUMMER GIRL, and a novella, SARAH & ZOEY, A STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, both of which are award-winners. In November, 2018, she published the first of the THE KATE POMEROY MYSTERIES, STORM ISLAND. She also has a novella (The Witches of Storm Island, Book I: The Turning) in the USA Today bestselling boxset, LOVE UNDER FIRE. 

Serious about dog welfare and rescue, all net proceeds from sales of THE MATEGUAS ISLAND SERIES are donated to Linda's charitable trust, The Raison d'Etre Fund for Dogs, Dedicated to Rescue and Research. Linda is a member of the Horror Writers Association, The Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers, The International Association of Crime Writers (N.A.), and the Authors Guild. 

To take a look at her other works or communicate with her, please visit her website, her blog where she posts book reviews and other features and/or her novel website, dedicated to the Mateguas Island Series. 

October new releases - SECRETS AND STORMS, ANOTHER MURDER (Sheridan Hendley #8) and RISKY BUSINESS, ANOTHER MURDER (Sheridan Hendley #9) by Christa Nardi

SECRETS AND STORMS, ANOTHER MURDER

Sheridan Hendley Mysteries #8

Released October 10, 2023

A Cozy Mystery Novella

Available in digital, print, and audiobook

Never a good time for family secrets in the past to become the present.

Sheridan Hendley, an amateur sleuth, never imagined a tranquil morning following a stormy night would turn into a crime scene at the local high school soccer field. As news of the murder spreads, the community is gripped with a sense of unease. The victim's son shows up at Sheridan’s door confused and seeking answers. 

Delving into the victim’s recent activities and background leads to a disgruntled customer and family secrets. As Sheridan digs deeper, she finds herself gradually connecting the dots. Only the killer watches on as Sheridan becomes more determined to help the son and find the killer. Sheridan may become the next victim.

Available through AMAZON

RISKY BUSINESS, ANOTHER MURDER

Sheridan Hendley Mysteries #9

Releases 10/20/2023

Cozy Mystery

Available in digital and print formats

Audiobook coming soon!

When a man engages in risky business, it’s not surprising he’s dead.

When Donald Woodlawn, an investment advisor from Lynchburg, is shot dead in their quiet town, Sheridan Hendley can’t help but wonder why. As the secrets of his questionable financial dealings with investment clients unravel, she discovers that a dangerous combination of gambling debts and alcohol drove him to target rich and powerful men.  

Multiple layers of risk and Sheridan’s quick thinking leads to many suspects. Danger lurks around every corner. As the threats and accidents mount, Sheridan's determined to peel back the layers of deception to uncover the killer.  

Available at AMAZON

THE SHERIDAN HENDLEY MYSTERY SERIES

A New Place, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #1) 

Dogs and More Dogs, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #2) 

Old Friends and New, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #3) 

Holly and Holidays, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #4) 

Wine and Dead, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #5) 

Love and Money, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #6) 

Music and Memories, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #7) 

Secrets and Storms, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #8)

Risky Business, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley #9)

Sheridan Hendley Fan Page on Facebook

About Christa Nardi

Christa Nardi is an avid reader with her love of mysteries beginning with Nancy Drew and other teen mysteries. She especially enjoys cozy mysteries with less gore and no graphic violence. 

Christa has been a longtime writer from poetry and short stories to mystery series. She received a Readers Favorite 2023 Finalist Award in the Sleuth category. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime. 

She's the author of the Cold Creek Cozy Mysteries (where Sheridan started sleuthing), the Sheridan Hendley Mysteries, the Stacie Maroni Mysteries, and the Izzie Di Sante Mysteries. She co-authors the Hannah and Tamar Mysteries with Cassidy Salem.

Christa supports animal rescue and efforts to help others. When not reading or writing, Christa enjoys travel, playing with her dog, and spending time with her three granddaughters.

Connect with Christa here:

Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ BookBub ~ Pinterest

RAFFLECOPTER - October Giveaway! (ends 10/22)

Book Review: DIVINE RETRIBUTION (Divine Devils #4) By R Weir

About the Book:

After the murder of a woman he cared for, his world shattered and in turmoil, Hunter Divine has gone dark, living life off the grid. Fighting the internal demons that want to drag him into the mire, Hunter quietly begins a search for answers about his childhood. A mother he loved, who died too young, and the rolling stone father who left Hunter bitter and alone.

As Hunter digs deep, he learns secrets with ties to a woman in a powerful organization, who claims to be his mother. When assassins show up with orders to kill the other members of The Divine Devils, Hunter is forced to make a choice. Either ally with this evil woman or join his friends in the great beyond. A resolution he must find on his own, with the knowledge, death awaits him with every move he makes. The search down a lethal road for salvation and Divine Retribution. 

Hunter Divine: Willing to move heaven and hell in this riveting final chapter. 

Review 

Hunter's Divine Devils are disbanded and he's hiding out trying to find the link to the killer and some woman who claims she is his rightful mother. He avoids his previous problems with alcohol and drugs, channeling all his energy into his mission. Although disbanded, each member of the group starts poking around themselves and connecting as they gather information. 

As the pieces come together, the tension builds and the pace quickens. Well-written, there are the characters to like, as well as villains, including the one who wants all the Divine Devils dead and Hunter working for her. Hard to put down with many dead or injured, yet an effective ending. 

Although this is the fourth in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. That said, it's always best to start at the beginning of a series, rather than the end. I'd highly recommend this book (and the series) for those who don't mind graphic scenes and who enjoy suspense, action, and a fast pace. I'm sorry the series is ending.

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. 

The Divine Devils Series 

The Divine Devils 

Fallen Star 

Sold Souls 

Divine Retribution 

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 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 ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Spotlight: READING, WRITING AND MURDER (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Book 2) by Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell

About the Book 

When sparks fly between the keynote speaker and her timid assistant over a handsome mystery author, the subtitle on this anticipated tranquil weekend spells drama. If a heated love triangle, bruised egos, and betrayal aren’t enough to upset the atmosphere, the conference banquet erupts into a drunken brawl and sends the place spinning. After a body is discovered, Nic and Em do what they do best—snoop—and become embroiled in a mystery that jumps off the pages of a true-crime bestseller. 

With more than enough suspects and little time, the amateur sleuths have their hands full finding the killer. But can the competitive Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime before the prickly chief detective does, or will a murderer outwit them all? With more than enough suspects and little time, the amateur sleuths have their hands full finding the killer. 

Buy Links

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon Canada

About the Authors 

Joyce Proell is the award-winning author of Amaryllis, Eliza and the Cady Delafield mysteries: A Deadly Truth, A Burning Truth and A Wicked Truth. Along with her husband and little dog, Nellie, she lives in Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie. She loves to hear from readers. 

Website 

Facebook 

Amazon Author Page 

Goodreads Author Page

Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won't discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes. 

Visit Brenda at: 

Website 

Facebook  

Twitter: 

Blog 

Amazon Author Page  

Goodreads  

BookBub 

Instagram  

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Book Review: THE LILLIPUT BAR MYSTERY - A Lady Locksmith Mystery by Edna Curry

About the Book 

Cassie Jenning’s job as a small-town locksmith often puts her in odd and scary situations. In this story, she was behind the Lilliput Bar when the owner was shot. Now Sheriff Ben would like nothing better than to solve the case quickly by arresting her. Homicide Detective Chance Martin burned out on violence in Minneapolis, so took a small town job thinking he’d find peace. Instead, he’s in charge of solving this murder. He meets Cassie and can’t believe she’s involved. But can he prove it? 

Review 

Like most cozy mysteries, Cassie Jennings lives in a small town, with many secrets. Cassie's a locksmith and called out at all hours when someone finds themselves in trouble. That night she's called and when she responds, she sees a truck drive away and doesn't think much of it until she finds the bar owner dead. The local Sheriff doesn't have any experience and enlists the help Chance Martin. Chance was a city detective and Sheriff Ben hopes he can tie up the murder quickly. Things get complicated with Chance and Cassie attracted to each other. As they both search for the killer, the attraction gets stronger and they uncover secrets.

Cassie is a likable and believable character with a unique occupation, and not about to take the fall for the murder. Chance is also likable though not pleased to be drawn into the work he thought he'd left behind. The story is well-plotted with enough action to keep me reading. There's most of the elements of a cozy mystery, including family drama and well-placed humor. Some may have issues with the change in point of view from Cassie to the police. This is the first in the Lady Locksmith Mysteries with more to come for Cassie and Chance.

Lady Locksmith MysterySeries

 The Lilliput Bar Mystery - Book 1 

Body in the Antique Trunk Book 2 

The Missing Banker Book3 

Girl Who Cried Wolf -Book 4 

Robbery at the Lilliput Bar -a short story 

About the Author 

Edna Curry is married and lives in central Minnesota. She often sets her novels there among the lakes, evergreens and river valleys. She especially enjoys the Dalles area of the St.Croix Valley, gateway to the Wild River, which draws many tourists who give her story ideas. Besides non-fiction articles, she writes mystery, romance and romantic suspense novels. She also does editing and proofreading as Fern Valentine.  Visit her webpage, Amazon author page, Facebook, Twitter,  Bookbub.

https://books.bookfunnel.com/septembercozymysterysalesevent/uhc89a2uc7

Book Review: A STATUE TO DIE FOR (Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries Book #2) by Jennifer S. Alderson

About the Book

Carmen De Luca is having the time of her life recovering stolen artwork from nefarious European collectors for her employer, the Rosewood Agency…until her partner, Baroness Sophie Rutherford, is injured during a mission gone wrong. 

Their boss wants to ground them, but Carmen’s not ready to give up on her newly revitalized career without a fight. So she begs her best friend, Rhonda Rhodes, an antiques expert and the host of a popular television show, to fly over and take the Baroness’s place. Carmen isn’t rich or interesting enough to get on the guest list of the exclusive parties she uses to access her targets’ homes—but Rhonda is. Carmen’s boss agrees to her unorthodox plan, but with one caveat—she can’t disclose to Rhonda that she’s actually an art sleuth currently on assignment. 

With no alternative other than to pack up and fly home, Carmen agrees to deceive her friend. She picks Rhonda up at the airport, thinking they can see some of Europe’s most famous sights before her next assignment, only to discover that her friend’s already made other plans. On the flight over, Rhonda’s seatmate invited her to attend an exclusive party being held on a pirate ship and hosted by a Hollywood director. How can they resist? 

What begins as a fun night partying with an eclectic group of film directors, actors, and producers turns into a deadly game of whodunnit when their host is murdered with his own copy of the Maltese Falcon statue. Now Carmen must use her wits and expertise to sift through the many motives and uncover the killer’s true identity, if she and Rhonda are to get off the ship alive. 

Movie moguls, priceless props, and long-buried secrets make for a deadly combination in this delightful mystery that is sure to appeal to fans of cozy crime and amateur sleuth mysteries. 

Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries

Collecting Can Be Murder 

A Statue To Die For 

Forgeries and Fatalities 

A Killer Inheritance

Review

Carmen's job is rather unorthodox at times. She goes along with the "Baroness" to exclusive locations all around Europe, trying to locate long lost (stolen) art objects. This time, her target is Hollywood memorabilia stolen by Alistair ten years ago, who promptly disappeared. The Baroness is in the hospital and Carmen convinces her friend, Rhonda, to help her. Rhonda, unlike Carmen, is famous and well-received and doesn't realize the true goal of Carmen's viewing the memorabilia - to get the thief arrested and the goods returned. 

Rhonda manages to get them invited to a party hosted by Alistair and the people at the Rosewood Agency are thrilled. Alistair almost doesn't let them attend - no uninvited guests - until he recognizes Rhonda. The party is on an old ship and goes out to sea with a group of guests, other than Rhonda and Carmen, who have nothing positive to say to Alistair. He stole from all of them. 

The story is well-written, and the characters have unique voices, if not similar motivations, including Alistair. Carmen manages to alert the Coast Guard when the Captain and crew abandon them rather than follow Alistair's directions. Suspense, danger, and secret passages keep the story moving. If you like a good mystery, you'll enjoy this one. This is my second in the series, but it could be easily read out of order - Carmen and the Baroness are now in a different country with mostly different characters.

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

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: http://www.JenniferSAlderson.com.

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