Tag: mystery

REVIEW: Dog Dish of Doom by E. J. Copperman

REVIEW: Dog Dish of Doom by E. J. Copperman

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Kay Powell just wants to get her client, Bruno, this role in Annie on Broadway. Bruno has the skills to be an excellent Sandy! Kay is an agent for animals for TV, stage, and movies. And this role could be the beginning of a big career for Bruce. But his owners are a bit of trouble.

Well, Louise is okay – almost to the point of disinterest. But Trent is worse than any stage mom. He thinks Bruno can “do more” and that director Les McMaster is a “hack” and a has been. It’s so bad that Les will only work with Bruno if Kay is the one to bring him to the theater. He doesn’t want Trent or Louise there at all.

Imagine Kay’s surprise to read of Trent’s murder the next day, or to find a detective on her door step. Since Kay understands the theater world, she may be the only one who can figure out what happened to Trent.

Review

This was a terrific mystery. I loved the premise – agent to the stars! Animal stars. And Kay’s relationship with Bruno and her own dogs was lovely. I enjoyed the full cast – the quirky parents, the potential love interest, and the business partner/assistant. I would happily read more books with this ensemble.

The mystery was great. There was a lot going on, even or especially after the murder. Lots of questions about motives and secrets kept me guessing all the way to the end.

This is great for cozy fans and fans of animal stories. Also for readers who enjoy a creative set up and interesting cast of characters, both human and animals.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Winterhouse by Ben Guterson

REVIEW: Winterhouse by Ben Guterson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Elizabeth Somers is an orphan. She lives with a Dursley-ish aunt and uncle. This Christmas, penny-pinching Aunt Purdy and Uncle Burlap are going on an unprecedented vacation. Elizabeth is being sent to Winterhouse, a beautiful old hotel. Elizabeth has no idea how her aunt and uncle can afford to send her on the train or pay for a three-week stay at Winterhouse, much less afford a vacation. But everything is taken care of, and Elizabeth is welcomed into Winterhouse.

There are mysteries all around Elizabeth before she even boards the train. The weird feeling she gets before something unexpected happens. The whispered conversation between her aunt and uncle about a mysterious benefactor. And the conflicting stories and feelings about what happened to her parents.

At Winterhouse, the mysteries continue with the unhappy couple with a coffin of “books, ” and a curious library where people skulk around at midnight with flashlights. Soon Elizabeth is using her gift for puzzles, codes and crosswords to sort out the mysterious events at Winterhouse.

Review

This was an interesting book. Like The Westing Game or The Mysterious Benedict Society mashed up with Harry Potter. Puzzles and magic together. I enjoyed Elizabeth. Her affinity for puzzles and love of reading really clicked for me. The illustrations are also fantastic.

The setting of Winterhouse was great. It’s full of interesting and mysterious treasures and rooms that draw Elizabeth and her friend Freddy into the history of the hotel and the Falls family.

The author does a great job of doling out clues and questions from the beginning to keep the reader turning pages. Weird things started happening right from the start, and they built throughout the story. There is an element of dark magic at work, so sensitive readers should be prepared for that. I found it mild, but I read a lot of fantasy. The author leaves a few threads unresolved for future books. I am eager to see what might happen with these characters next and what other secrets are hidden in the Falls Family and Winterhouse.

Thanks to Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co for an electronic review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Lois Lane Triple Threat by Gwenda Bond

REVIEW: Lois Lane Triple Threat by Gwenda Bond

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

So far, Lois Lane has taken down two criminals. One was experimenting on kids and turning them into a single-minded weapon, and the other experimented on a friend’s sister to frame the mayor and shake things up in Metropolis.

Now Lois is itching for a new story – and just in time as a group of super-powered kids have been sighted around Metropolis. So far they’re just a spectacle, but they seem to be targeting Lois.

As if this case isn’t enough to keep her occupied, things are heating up with SmallvilleGuy and the “flying man” situation. SmallvilleGuy is coming to Metropolis to meet Lois face-to-face. Lois’ dad, the general, is off to Smallville to look for information on the flying man. And the general’s information seems to be coming from The Inventor. SmallvilleGuy might trust The Inventor, but Lois isn’t convinced he’s really on their side.

It all comes together in this exciting third book in the Lois Lane series.

Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Gwenda Bond. I’m not a huge DC Comics fan, but the books I have been reading – Superhero High and this series, are starting to change that for me.

I have enjoyed the characters even more than the mysteries in this series, and that’s especially true for this book. On it’s own, the mystery in this was a slow start and a quick finish. I had some unanswered questions at the end. Maybe those things were left open in case the publisher decides to add to the series later (I hope so!! The author said on Twitter this summer that there are no plans at this time for more books in the series. It’s too bad. I would snap up more if she wrote them!)

But the character pieces, especially the Lois and SmallvilleGuy parts in this particular story are excellent. Their time face-to-face was a perfect culmination of the lead up in the previous books. We don’t get as much time with the other kids at The Scoop in this one, which I missed. But the pieces with The Inventor were a nice addition. Lots of open-ended issues with that character, too, which would make for awesome future stories (hint, hint, Capstone Press!)

I have loved this whole series. I highly recommend it for strong storytelling; excellent, nuanced characters; and clean adventures for teen readers.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Innocent by David Baldacci

REVIEW: The Innocent by David Baldacci

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Will Robie is a government assassin. When he gets an assignment, he’ll travel anywhere in the world to take out the bad guys. His usual targets are terrorists and mass murderers. But on his latest assignment, he finds himself looking into the eyes of his target… and he can’t go through with it. Something about this hit just isn’t right.

A young girl sneaks out of her horrible foster home to go see her parents. She gets home in time to see her father killed. When her mother tells her to run, the girl takes off, certain that she will never see her parents alive again.

The two meet when Will saves the girl from being killed on a bus to New York. When the bus later explodes, Will feels responsible for keeping the girl safe. But they are both on the run and don’t know who they can trust. Are the two situations connected? The body count rises quickly while Will tries to puzzle out the truth. Can he figure it out in time to save them both?

Review

This book was part of our family’s summer reading challenge. My husband recommended this to me, and I really enjoyed it. This is the second Baldacci book he has had me read. The mysteries are great although the deaths tend to be more plentiful and more graphic than my usual cozy mysteries.

I wasn’t sure I would be able to get past the main character’s profession in order to enjoy this book. It took several chapters to get past the idea that he kills people for a living. Bad people, to be sure, but without due process – and maybe without knowing the whole story. But Will’s protectiveness of the girl, Julie, endeared him to be. From there, I didn’t put the book down until the last page. I was able to get close to solving the mystery myself, but not all of it, and I was guessing on parts all the way to the end. I would definitely read more Will Robie books in the future. (language, violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Much Ado About Murder by Elizabeth J. Duncan

REVIEW: Much Ado About Murder by Elizabeth J. Duncan

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Charlotte Fairfax is the costume designer for the Catskills Shakespeare Theater Company. As the company prepares to stage Much Ado About Nothing, many things at the resort/theater are shaking things up.

Their star, Audrey Ashley, has arrived from England with her sister/manager in tow. The director, who left town for personal reasons, decides suddenly not to return. The theater board tries to hire Wade Radcliffe, a local director, to replace him. But Miss Ashley, as the star, has veto power. She instead calls in Edmund Albright. In a surprise for everyone, including Audrey, Albright decides to modify the play to take place in the era of the Civil War. Budgets, sets, costumes, and his star’s disapproval, will not dissuade him.

As if the staffing changes and debates over the timing and setting for the play hadn’t slowed things down already, the death of a key player threatens to derail the whole thing permanently. Charlotte is determined to find the truth and save the play.

Review

This is the third book in the Shakespeare in the Catskills mystery series, and my first introduction to these characters.

This series is written in third person which was a shift for me from many of the cozies I read. You wouldn’t think it would make much of a difference but for some reason it did. The transitions from Charlotte’s scenes to others when she wasn’t there were jarring. I didn’t feel connected to her as a main character. There was a distance for the entire story that didn’t click for me. There were times early on when I was still finding the rhythm of the story where it felt like I was reading non-fiction because of the distance and formality in some of the writing. I prefer my cozies to be much warmer, and, well, cozier.

The mystery is solid from the start. There’s lots of time to get used to the different characters and their personalities and build tension over the play before the murder takes place. I was completely off base about the murderer, but the clues were there all along. Once I got into the story I was happy to read until the conclusion.

I missed the warmth and connection I feel with my favorite mysteries. I might read more of this series, if there was a story line that intrigued me. But the writing would take some getting used to for me. Other readers will not be bothered by the writing and will love this solid mystery.

Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the electronic review copy offered in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥

REVIEW: A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes

REVIEW: A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Callie Reed arrives at her Aunt Mel’s music box store in “Keepsake Cove” for a long overdue reunion. But before they have time to do much catching up, Mel is dead and Callie has inherited her aunt’s store and cottage.

Callie’s not convinced Mel’s death was an accident. While she tries to get settled into her new home and learn about her new business, she also tries to get to know the folks in town. Maybe she can figure out who might have wanted to hurt her aunt.

There are several odd things going on around town. The town treasurer seems to go on more expensive vacations and buy expensive “toys” than his business should be able to support. The guy doing odd jobs around town seems menacing. And Callie’s business “neighbor” is openly hostile and only seems interested in buying out the music box shop and being horrible. Callie has her hands full trying to determine what really happened to Aunt Mel.

Review

This is the first book in the new Keepsake Cove mystery series. The setting is fantastic. The little collectible stores are quaint and quirky. It makes for lots of interesting characters for the town and reasons for lots of people to come through as visitors for future stories.

I loved the main characters. Callie is great and the friends she made in this first book created a solid supporting cast. Her quirky part timer with “psychic” gifts and Tarot readings made for some interesting impacts on the plot. The characters were introduced at a comfortable pace so the reader could keep track of everyone. This is a town and a group of people I’d love to spend more time with.

The mystery was solid. I was able to figure out the solution before the end. I enjoyed working through the clues and possible suspects. While I enjoy mysteries with a little magic or fantasy thrown in, I am not a fan of Tarot and other things that could be considered “occultish.” So that might keep me from reading more in the series in the future. I would have enjoyed the book just as much without that piece in the story.

Thanks to the folks at Netgalley and Midnight Ink for an electronic review copy of this book offered in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Canal Days Calamity by Jamie M. Blair

REVIEW: Canal Days Calamity by Jamie M. Blair

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

As Cameron – Cam – amps up the preparation for Canal Days in Metamora, Indiana, she stumbles across the body of a local. She doesn’t even recognize the man at first. She certainly is NOT getting involved in another murder.

When the police arrest her friend and handyman, Andy, for the murder, Cam has to get involved. And her team, the Metamora Action Agency – two high school seniors and two senior citizens – are ready to start questioning suspects, too.

Cam has a lot more on her plate than a murder! There’s her house full of rowdy dogs, her sister’s business launch, her mom’s visit, new fellas in her mom’s life and her sister’s, her power struggle with her mother-in-law, and parenting her teenage stepdaughter while dating her estranged husband. Not to mention the Canal Days event for the whole town. Cam will need to watch her step as she negotiates it all while hunting for a murderer – or she could be the next victim.

Review

This is book two in the Dog Days Mystery series, but the first  book I’ve read. Because of this, I felt overwhelmed at the start of the book. There are a LOT of characters and businesses in this setting. I needed a list to keep track of everything. I wonder if I had read book one first if I would have had an easier time.

Once I had a handle on the characters, I fell in love with them. The relationships are quirky and complicated, in the best ways. I cared about what happened to these folks, which makes me want to go back and read book one and continue following the series. I’ve read several “good” mysteries lately, but my connection with these characters made this story “great.”

The mystery was good. I was surprised that the body was founds SO early. We hadn’t even met the character before he died. It made me feel invested in the case right from the first chapter.

I’m eager to read book one, Deadly Dog Days, and to tell other mystery fans to check out this series! Thanks to Netgalley and the folks at Midnight Ink for providing an electronic review copy in exchange for an honest review. This book releases next Tuesday, November 8th.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: The Temptation of Dragons by Chrys Cymri

REVIEW: The Temptation of Dragons by Chrys Cymri

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

On the way home one night, a priest passes by the scene of a car accident. No one is hurt, so she continues on. Shortly thereafter, she comes across a body. A dragon, clinging to life. “Father Penny” administers last rites, heads home, and resolves to reconsider her drinking habits. She’s obviously hallucinating.

Except she’s not. Penny is a rare human who has encountered a creature from Lloegyr, the equivalent of England in a parallel world where dragons, vampires, elves and such exist. With her love of Dr. Who and enough familiarity with Buffy the Vampire Slayer to fill her 55,000 word Master’s thesis, Penny is the perfect choice to be Vicar of General Incursions. Serving as Vicar means Penny would work with the church leadership of both worlds on instances where creatures from either side ended up in the other and problems ensued.

One of the first problems Father Penny has to address is her dead dragon, who appears to have died from poison rather than the car accident.

Review

I agreed to review this at the request of the author who provided an electronic review copy in exchange for an honest review. I rarely agree to such requests, but I enjoy fantasy stories and dragons and such, so I said I would give it a try. The book was a pleasant surprise!

This was so fun to read. The pop culture references were enjoyable and the characters were fascinating. I loved Father Penny. While my faith didn’t line up all the time with the book, I found the faith pieces genuine and moving. Penny is honest and earnest about the challenges and blessings in her calling. The other major characters are terrific – the humans, dragons, gryphons, and “snail sharks” (Clyde, the baby snail shark, is adorable in so many ways – and terrifying in others).

The story was delightfully layered. There was the human layer of Penny and her brother and their grief over Penny’s husband. Then there was the layer of world building for the fantasy characters/lands. Romance – or potential romance – creates another layer. And finally, there is the poison/murder plot layer. Each part was nuanced and enjoyable. I’m so glad I had the chance to read this! I’m looking forward to checking out the other two books in the series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Mabel Opal Pear and the Rules for Spying by Amanda Hosch

REVIEW: Mabel Opal Pear and the Rules for Spying by Amanda Hosch

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Mabel’s parents are spies. Specifically, they  are “Cleaners.” They go in after another spy leaves a problem in the course of their work. Mabel loves that they do such cool, important work. But she likes it even better when they’re home. Then, she and her mom work in the family’s collectible spoon museum. Her dad works on phone lines in Mount Rainier National Park. When her parents are home, her Aunt Gertie doesn’t have to leave Mabel “pity” cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

When Mabel’s parents get called away on a new mission, Aunt Gertie doesn’t show up to stay with Mabel. She wakes up to her horrible Uncle Frank and Aunt Stella and torturous cousin, Victoria, instead. Mabel’s own spy senses know something is really wrong. Gertie has been arrested. Frank and Stella are beyond desperate to get into the spoon museum, and a Washington Border Patrol agent insists that Mabel’s family members are thieves. Mabel will have to follow her 36 Rules for a Successful Life as an Undercover Secret Agent to figure out what is really going on!

Review

I was hooked after the first chapter! Mabel has a terrific “voice.” She’s smart. She’s a reader. She puts her family first (even if it means distancing herself from potential friends in order to protect her secrets). The first chapter introduces us to a lot of the main players and sets up the story without feeling like an information dump. The author does a fantastic job of moving the reader forward, balancing new questions with backstory in just the right portions.

The mystery is great. Mabel’s response to the events feel realistic for a kid her age. There are several questions left unanswered, so I hope that means there will be a sequel!

This book made me giddy! It was a perfect book for me – a smart and resourceful main character, a terrific mystery, and a fun, engaging story. I loved it from start to finish. The Nathan Fillion reference in the back matter solidified this author in my “favorites” department.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Capstone for providing an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Murder, Magic and What We Wore by Kelly Jones

REVIEW: Murder, Magic and What We Wore by Kelly Jones

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Annis Whitworth has been raised by her Aunt Cassia, who cared for her when her mother became sick while her father traveled for work. Annis has long suspected that her father was a spy. And that seems to be confirmed when his lawyer arrives, talking in code and announcing that her father is dead.

Annis isn’t convinced that her father died in an accident. The facts don’t line up. And she finds a message in the handkerchiefs that are among her father’s things. But when she cannot get anyone to take her seriously, she is determined to figure things out for herself. But all of her father’s money has disappeared. Annis and her aunt have nothing to live off of. But Annis discovers that she can do magic – she can sew glamours and change garments into other items when she sews. So Annis is going to put her magic – and her mind – to work to save her country, save what’s left of her family, and discover what really happened to her father.

Review

This was a delight from start to finish. The story holds up well as historical fiction and also as a mystery. The magical elements are a nice twist. They give this story something special to set it apart. An extra layer of awesome.

Annis and her maid, Millie, are fantastic as a team. But the author makes sure the reader doesn’t forget their differences in station and what assets and liabilities they each bring  to the partnership. There are some great nuances to their relationship.

While I figured out the mystery well before the end, there were several little twists and reveals left to come. Overall the full solution and wrap up was thorough and satisfying. There are a lot of ways to continue this as a series – more adventures for Annis and Millie and others to have in this time period and more to develop on the magic side of the story.

I will absolutely read any additional books in this series because I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to Knopf Books and Netgalley for providing an electronic review copy in exchange for an honest review. It was a treat to read this book!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½