A Fast-Paced, Entertaining Cozy Mystery
599164
Where Gable Slept is an entertaining, fast-paced mystery with a blossoming romance. Celia Landrey leads tours through a historic mansion, where Clark Gable reportedly stayed, to attract tourism to her struggling community. The owner's death and the shadow of murder threatens to spoil its appeal. Then a mystery woman appears and buys the property out from under the town's preservation group, with plans to burn it down.
Celia is a well-characterized and sympathetic middle-aged sleuth, the storyline kept me turning pages, and I enjoyed the story very much.
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Follow-the-Dream/dp/B0046H9XC4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Follow the Dream</a>
4459952
A strong plot involving murder, stolen goods, some less than savory characters, with a hint of romance tossed in, make this a 5 star cozy for me.

Marley McKinneys cousin, Jimmy, is stuck in the hospital, so she agrees to help run his pancake house so he can make a speedy recovery.

Afterall, she loves Wildwood Cove-it's full of fond memories where she used to spend long summers, and thinks she will only be there for a couple of weeks.

Unfortunately, cousin Jimmy is found murdered, leaving Marley determined to find his killer! Who would want to kill Cousin Jimmy, anyways, and why?

This was a first rate mystery which I enjoyed with a small town setting with fun inhabitants. The characters were well written, and the solving of the case had twists with some different possibilities to think about which kept me guessing!

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
3710189
This Is a cute and fast moving cozy mystery. I liked the uniqueness of the plot with Barb Jackson being asked to clear her cheating ex-fianc of murder.  She fears she may be over her head experience-wise, and certainly has no reason to want to help him after his infidelity, but she is a very honorable person and rises to the occasion since she does not see him capable of murder.  Good story, interesting characters, humor and surprising twists.  What's not to like?
3472813
This is a satisfyingly well-paced cozy. The pages turn quickly, the writing is fresh and fun with enough surprises to keep you focused and the story advancing seamlessly. There are no slow, draggy parts, but it's not rushed, either. The characters are all likable and made for the series format. And let's not forget the Maine Coon cat, Barney. (As someone who shares a house with a Maine Coon, I thought the author should have spent more time revealing the quirky aspects of this species, especially considering the pivotal part Barney plays in the outworking of the mystery.)

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed almost everything about the book, and even managed to overlook the wrong grammar and need for more editing. The one thing that mildly irked me was the author's habit of concealing information from the reader while everyone in the story knows what's going on. She did this all the time, in small ways to very large and important ways. For instance, her character would look out the window and see SOMETHING!!! Then she would react to the something, even think about it, all the while the reader is left dangling wondering what it was. And then  it turns out to be nothing too startling. At the end, the ladies uncover whodunit--but the reader doesn't get to know for a while as they talk about it without actually telling the reader anything. It became very contrived and not suspenseful, just irritating. Also, I really couldn't get behind the tampering with evidence, even though it was necessary for the plot to work.

All that said, this was a pleasurable read and I wouldn't hesitate to read another book by the author and just hope she'll get an outside editor in to help her clear up the rough spots and irksome habits.
3936599
Here's a cozy mystery with a new twist--the amateur sleuth is a real estate agent.  So is the author.  It seems like a great occupation for a detective as real estate agents certainly run into a wide variety of interesting clients, interact with people in tense situations (buying a house), and are privvy to all sorts of private (particularly financial) information about said clients.  In this case, agent Regan McHenry is confronted with a seller who is late for the closing.  The seller is an elderly gentleman and Regan is concerned as to his whereabouts.  Is he just on a brief vacation?  Or could there be something more sinister afoot?  She begins to investigate.  Along the way, we the reader discover much about the world of houses--and I'm sure author Jarvis has included many real estate anecdotes that are at least based on fact if not totally true.  The characters are imminently likeable and strongly drawn.  I was particularly taken with Mrs. Rosemont.  The writing is clean and easy to follow.  The plot unfolds in a nice puzzle-solving fashion and the reader sees all of Regan's thought processes--which I like.  I definitely intend to read more Regan McHenry/real estate agent mysteries.

Patricia Rockwell
Author--"Sounds of Murder"
1385275
A new fun little cozy mystery. Just when you think you know someone, you have to go and get arrested for murder. This small(ish) town setting proves that you never really know people, as Misty finds out while trying to find out who the real murderer is and prove her innocence. Not even the priest is who he appears to be.

This book has all those characters you except to find in a good book. The sleazy landlord, the supportive best friend, the hunky cop, the crazy old lady, the mean girl, the oh too honest youth, and even the slimy cop.

There are some laughs, love, and mystery in this safe for all ages read. (Even if Misty teaches the art of Burlesque.) ;)
2636290
If you like your mysteries cozy with a side of sassy romance and a dash of family squabbles, youll enjoy spending time with Wendy Delaneys Sex, Lies, and Snickerdoodles her truth wizard, Charmaine.

The story takes place in the small town of Port Merritt in the Pacific Northwest where Charmaine Digby is a newly appointed Probationary Special Assistant to the Chimacam County Prosecutor/Coroner. While the job title may be a bit unwieldy, Char throws herself into the role with gusto.

Her zeal doesnt sit well for friend-with-benefits Steve Sixkiller, the towns one-and-only detective. One the one hand, his closed-mouth approach frustrates Charmaine but on the other, sex with him is great since they occasionally share a bed and make ice cream a part of their escapades. This is not a steamy romance novel - it's a cozy mystery.

Fortunately for Charmaine, the entire town has its ear to the ground and the nosy neighbors and colorful characters have plenty to say and are willing to share. When news hits the streets that Russell Ferrantino, a local lothario, has been found dead, tongues wag. Especially when his death may  or may not  have involved foul play.

Along with her own investigation of the supposed murder, Char soon has her hands full dealing with the surprise arrival of her (literal) drama queen mama, Hurricane Marietta, AKA Mary Jo Digby. Seems Marietta has attracted the attention of Charmaines former biology teacher. Now Char finds herself sleeping on the Crippler at her Grams while fearing her mother may jump into yet another misguided marriage.

Clues keep piling up and the pool of suspects, expanding. Russell Ferrantinos brothers, Andy and Nathan don't seem overly distraught at his passing. There are plenty of Russells lovers, past and present, to mourn but did any of them have a bone to pick with the deceased? With Chars persistent poking into every nook and cranny, feathers are sure to be ruffled and the clues will shake loose, too. What kind of work was Russell doing over at Joyce Lackeys place? And one wonders how Pete Lackey felt about having the towns troublemaker spending so much time at his place.

Wendy Delaney's style is fresh and frisky, leading her readers down a path to a rollicking good time. Delaney's folksy (the series is called Working Stiffs mysteries)  storytelling in "Sex, Lies, and Snickerdoodles"  goes down like a mug of hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps and a daub of whipped cream on top or your favorite summer imbibement! Enjoy!
3329328
A cute cozy mystery with a witch twist. I thought the plot was fun, but also complex. The ending did not fall off after the climax, which is a pleasant change of pace. Carly Bell is an interesting character and I look forward to the next in the series.

I listened to the audio version and I thought Carla Mercer-Meyer did an excellent job narrating. Her voice is good for the cozy mystery genre and her slight southern accent was very nice.
3574592
Cassie Hall, a concierge at the exclusive Parkstone luxury apartment building in Bethesda, MD, is thrilled when golf superstar Kip Ace and his wife, Bunny move into the building.  Not long after, Cassie finds Kip in the Parkstone's Crabapple Courtyard - dead! With The Parkstone in a 24 hour lockdown while police investigate, restless residents and her job on the line, Cassie sets out to find a killer

I really enjoyed this charming cozy, it was a great weekend read. With a fast-paced plot full of misdirections that had me glued to the book, it was one of those great stories where you change your idea of whodunit with each chapter. With likable characters and a comfortable atmosphere, it was easy to get locked into The Parkstone with all the other residents. I got a real kick out of Mrs. Canterbury, and Cassie is an engaging main character, determined, stubborn and resourceful. I liked that the characters had enough of an introduction to give you a good idea of who they are, but leaving a few questions to be (hopefully) answered in later books.

Overall, The Courtyard Corpse is a great start to a new series, and definitely one I'll keep on my watch list. Cozy mystery fans will find a great new world to enjoy at The Parkstone, and a perfect weekend read.
580912
Hear ye, Hear ye!
Pressing the Issue is the sixth book in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber.
This latest installment in the lives of Jenna and her cohorts in Crystal Cove is highly entertaining, a lot of fun, and a really good mystery. Plenty of clues and red-herrings abound, and its a race to the finish to find out whodunit.

Jenna Harts shop, the Cookbook Nook, is brimming with items that help promote and celebrate the local Renaissance Faire.  Her best friend Baileys nuptials are fast-approaching, but plans slam to a halt when the owner of the vineyard where the wedding is to be held is murdered. The deceased was also King of the Ren Faire and one of the organizers, so its a double loss for the community.  Jennas curious nature won't let her leave the mystery solving to the local policeit will help the town heal more quickly if she can help bring justice to her dead friend.

Daryl Wood Gerbers Cozy Mysteries are among my all-time favorite series. Her characters are always fully formed and well-thought out. The setting is wonderfully described  I could absolutely visualize the town like a movie in my head.  The author brings the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the Faire to life with her story.  It made me want to attend a Renaissance Festival post-haste!

I highly recommend this book, and indeed the whole series, to anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries. This authors books have never let me down, and I was very happy to have won a copy of the book.
4574873
This is the first in a series that I just found last year.  It's a great cozy, and I have already purchased the next in the series.  First, it features two of my favorites: books, and coffee.  Next, it celebrates friendship and family, strong, independent women, and has a wonderful mystery storyline.  The author has a easygoing writing style, perfect for a cold winter day or reading on the beach.  It passed my "Just One More Chapter" test.  A great book causes you to promise you will put the book down after reading one more chapter, until you finish the book.  This is one of those books.
1619384
ICED heats up quickly when Julieanne a manager-in-training at an upscale resort is accosted by a philandering, famous minister. Minutes later he is found dead and Julieanne is the prime suspect. There are plenty of motives, suspects and secrets in this cozy. Avery Daniels has written an engaging read in this first book of what I hope to be a series and I look forward to her next book. I received a copy of this book for my review.
4051478
Well-developed characters; a solid, not overly predictable plot; and room for growth in future installments. Killer Jam kept me turning pages and wanting to get to know Lucy, Tobias, and the gang a little more every night. For me, this book was everything a cozy mystery should be, and I look forward to reading more by MacInerney.

* I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *
4485868
Great read! Entertaining Cozy Mystery. Jamie is now a legal secretary trying to solve the murder of the least liked law partner in the firm.  In the process, she learns of the secret lives of her fellow employers.  She & Curt tip toe around their feelings for each other.  I am looking forward to more in the series.
3635267
This story was entertaining and a quick read. The author knows how to tell a story. It had all the elements of a cozy mystery. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys that type book. However, there were quite a few small words left out of sentences. The book would have benefitted from another edit - some fine tuning - before going to press. I plan on reading other books by Pat Dennis. Despite the minor errors, this was well worth reading.

Barbara A. Whittington, author
Vada Faith
Ezra and Other Stories
Dear Anne: Love Letters from Nam.
953201
Kittens Can Kill is an interesting cozy mystery with a number of likely suspects and a lot of help from the feline contingent. The characters are well drawn and comfortable in their own skin, the dialogue easily carrying the plot forward. Despite many clues and red herrings, the reveal at the end was still a surprise. Despite police presence in the story, Pru carried the main burden of tracking down clues and solving the case, more so than in many cozies with active police departments even if the main sleuth disagrees with the way the investigation is conducted. And in this case, the detective was her own boyfriend. Interesting. All in all, another interesting pet noir from Clea Simon.

This review is based on a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for our honest review.
4238347
Tina Kashian is a new voice in the cozy mystery genre and Hummus and Homicide is a delightful debut. It hits all the marks that I look for in a cozy mystery. It is full of well written, colorful, fun characters, family, food and an engaging mystery. The story had a steady pace and it seemed like something was always happening. I liked Lucy's character. She becomes an amateur sleuth out of necessity but is not reckless or over confident in her abilities. There were plenty of suspects to choose from and at one point I had suspected the actual killer, but this author did a great job of dropping clues that directed my attention elsewhere.

This is an entertaining cozy mystery debut that at its heart is about family, food and coming home again. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

 I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.