Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous by Amanda Flower

 



I love Millie, or "Amish Marple" as her best friend Lois Henry calls her! Millie is the local matchmaker along with having a knack for solving murders. When Lois's ex "Rocksino-Guy" shows up with his new wife, Lois is less than happy to see him. When there is a murder at the local Chalet Millie and Lois are hot on the trail to solve another crime.

The thing I noticed most about this installment of the Matchmaker Mystery series was the humor. I've always enjoyed the humor in this authors books, but this one had some howl-worthy scenes! A favorite laugh-out-loud moment was one between Rocksino-Guy and Ruth Yoder. I seriously howled! Millie and Lois manage to get themselves in the middle of the investigation which puts them in danger but they help to solve the case. Of course we see Millie's goats causing all kinds of mischief, which is very entertaining! I thoroughly enjoyed Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous and can't wait for the next Matchmaker Mystery!




Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower

 


When a classmate of Darby and Tate hires the detectives to find out who is sending threatening notes to her husband Darby is leery of taking the case. Tate insists on taking the case which sends the detectives to a plush ski resort. It isn't long before their fears are confirmed and the husband is killed. Darby and Tate now have to find out who the murderer is before all of their suspects leave the mountain.

Frozen Detective is the second book in the Piper and Porter Mystery series. I enjoyed the mystery as it took several twists and turns that kept me engaged in the story. As always in an Amanda Flower cozy mystery there is an animal character that finds its way into the readers heart. Darby and Tate are still new partners so their relationship is still tentative, but they are learning to trust each other. I think that Tate has some secrets that will hopefully get a chance to be revealed in future books. I enjoyed the setting of the story as well. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

**Thank you to Hallmark publisher through Netgalley for my copy of the book to review. All opinions are my own**




Sunday, November 13, 2022

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

 


I absolutely loved this book! I mean what is more endearing than a cranky old man who speaks his mind?

Ove thought his life was over after his wife died. But others had different plans for him. Instead of letting him alone it seemed that events in life were aiming to keep the curmudgeon alive! Ove was a man that saw what needed to be done and he did it. He wasn't intentionally helping others, it just happened that he could do a better job of it! 

I don't normally cry over a book but this one had me wanting to sob my eyes out with all the feels! A story of a reluctant hero that people fell in love with despite his desire to be left alone in peace. I can't recommend this book enough!



Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Made of Steele by Susan Sleeman

 



When Teagan Steele stumbles upon some underhanded activity going on at one of the businesses that Steele Guardians protects she is determined to investigate and bring the criminals to justice so that the family name will not be harmed. What she doesn't count on is Drew who is undercover and refuses to let anyone stand in his way of taking down the people that he has been investigating for a year. Both Teagan and Drew are determined to finish their jobs well. The question is, will they be able to work together in this operation before anyone else is hurt?

I love the Steele Guardian series and Made of Steele was the perfect fit. I loved how determined Teagan was to keep the family name and business from being hurt. I also loved how dedicated Drew is to his undercover job but also that he recognized that going that deep undercover can harm a persons faith and belief in people's goodness. Made of Steele was exciting as well as spiritually thought-provoking. I look forward to the next installment of the series!



Monday, October 10, 2022

Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower

 



This is the first in the Emily Dickinson Mystery series. Willa Noble comes to work for the Dickinson family. When Willa's brother dies under mysterious causes Emily talks Willa into solving the mystery themselves. 

I really enjoyed Because I could Not Stop for Death. I enjoyed the mystery of the story. I enjoyed the characters. I liked the setting as well. I know I have read some Emily Dickinson, but not enough to be familiar with her work or character. I thought the author incorporated her character into the story very well and I enjoyed the relationship between Willa and Emily. There were exciting parts to the story where the girls got themselves into some dangerous predicaments. The conclusion was satisfying and left the reader ready to read the next installment to further get to know the characters. 




Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon

 


Grace Reilly is a forensic pathologist. Nate Cox is the local sheriff. The two are thrown together when Grace's car is vandalized. There is an instant attraction between the two that both would like to explore further. But a killer has their sights set on getting rid of Grace. Will they find out who that person is before it is too late?

I seriously think this was my favorite of the series! I loved Grace and Nate. I thought the mystery was great. I loved the suspense that built as the story progressed. I did have my suspicions of the "who-done-it" but there were some twists that made me question if I was right. The romance between Grace and Nate was sweet and I loved how it progressed throughout the story. A great ending to the series and as always I look forward to the next book that author Irene Hannon writes!

**I received my copy of BODY OF EVIDENCE from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own!**



 

Monday, October 3, 2022

Murder By Prediction by Miranda Atchley

 


ABOUT THE BOOK


The future is looking deadly.


In the spring of 1923, Fiona Clery’s fledgling private investigation business is slowly taking off. Since opening her practice, most of her cases have been small, but that is all about to change. When a trip to the eccentric world of Coney Island spells death for a man and a fortuneteller is accused of his murder, it’s up to Fiona to solve the case. When it is revealed that the fortuneteller is someone she knows, her search for answers becomes all the more urgent. To her surprise, Fiona finds herself doubting the fortuneteller’s innocence. Is it possible the loving soul she once knew could be responsible for murder?


In the midst of the investigation, Max Gillespie’s former flame reenters the picture with hopes of reconciliation. Having been burned once and still looking to further his relationship with Fiona, Max has no interest in reigniting this old romance. Yet when Susan claims to have information regarding his mother’s mysterious death as well as the Coney Island case, he’ll have to decide if he can trust the woman who once deceived him to gain much needed answers.


MY REVIEW

While Fiona, Max, Rose and Ian are visiting Coney Island someone is murdered practically under their noses. Of course Fiona is hot on the case. After a shock of her own while visiting the tent of Madame Dupre, a psychic, Fiona knows that she must help solve the murder to prove the woman innocent. 

This is the 3rd book in the Fiona Clery Mysteries. While the relationships are wrapped up we are assured by the author that we will hear more of these characters in future series. 

Murder by Prediction was a nice wrap-up to the series. I liked the mystery and I liked how everything pulled together for this group of friends. I really enjoyed the Coney Island scenes of the story. It was fun to visit The World Circus Side Show through the eyes of Fiona and her friends. Also I am with Fiona on the whole no desire to ride the Ferris Wheel! A nice end to the series and I look forward to peeking in to see how Fiona and the rest are doing in the next series. 

Annddddd, a final thought or comment: How do you all pronounce Siobhan? Because I found out that I have been pronouncing it wrong throughout all 3 books! Scroll down for pronunciation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

GIVEAWAY


One winner will receive a Kindle download of Murder by Prediction. Must be 18 years or older to enter and able to receive and download a Kindle e-book. 


Link for giveaway:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/393c8dbf7/



ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Miranda Atchley is a history enthusiast and complete bookworm whose passion for books and times gone by have compelled her to write several novels, one of which was a finalist for an indie writing award. When not writing at her home in Arkansas’s Ouachita Mountains, Miranda loves getting lost in a good book, spending time with her dogs, watching period dramas, and learning about her favorite period in time, the 1920s. Visit her blog at: mirandaatchley.blogspot.com 





Siobhan: Shi-Vawn