Tag: mystery

REVIEW: Santa's Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Santa’s Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ]
(No kids or teen book to review today, so here’s a Christmas-y review to fill in!)

Summary

When he was in jail, Chris started a program where inmates could work with service dogs in training. When he gets out, he continues the work and starts helping at the Tara Foundation. He tells Andy that he was wrongfully convicted based on a lie. But the guy has recently come forward saying he would testify in secret to make things right before he goes into hiding.

Before Andy can set up the testimony, Chris says the guy has changed his mind. He’s furious. Before long, the lying witness is dead. And Chris is arrested for his murder. While Andy wasn’t attached to Chris’ original case, he’s determined to prove Chris’ innocence – of both crimes – and find whoever is truly responsible.

Review

Another fun Andy Carpenter case! I enjoyed how this one played out – I was starting to get worried about Chris’ chances for freedom. This is a tough case! But Andy and his team pushed through to a satisfying resolution.

If you’ve never read an Andy Carpenter mystery before, I feel like the stories hold together well so newcomers can drop in anywhere. My first Andy Carpenter book was a Christmas one, so I have a soft spot for them. What you might miss by starting here – and mainly it’s backstory for Andy and his team – shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the mystery.

I keep coming back to this series for Andy and his team – I love them! Andy’s sass fits my mood every time. And the mysteries always leave me satisfied. Some of my favorites have been Bury the Lead (book 3), Play Dead (book 6), The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (book 15 – my introduction to the series), and Holy Chow (book 25). Book 27, Flop Dead Gorgeous, will release in the summer of 2023. And a new K-Team book, Good Dog Bad Cop, releases in March. Be sure to check them out. (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Flight Risk by Cherie Priest

REVIEW: Flight Risk by Cherie Priest

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book releases on November 15th.]

Summary

Leda picks up a new psychic detective case when a man comes to her travel agency looking for help to find his sister who has gone missing.

At the same time, Grady stumbles across a new case when his dog, missing for days at Mount Rainier, trots out of the woods with a human leg in its mouth.

Before either Leda or Grady can get very far on their cases, they discover a connection that puts them on the same path once again.

Review

Book 2 in the Booking Agents series is fantastic! This was so fun, a start-to-finish read for me. I easily fell back into the rhythm with these characters from book 1, Grave Reservations. The mystery was twisty and kept me guessing all the way to the end. And there were numerous moments that left me laughing out loud. The whole reading experience was delightful!

The slightly psychic hook for this series is wonderfully sketchy. It’s hit and miss for Leda but that makes it all the better for the reader as you watch her puzzle things out. The main characters in this are fun – and the extended group rounds things out nicely. I would happily spend more time with these characters. I hope there are going to be many more Booking Agents books in the future. (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade by Nancy Springer

REVIEW: Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade by Nancy Springer

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book is scheduled to release on September 6th.]

Summary

Enola’s friend, Lady Cecily Alastair, had been through a lot in their short acquaintance, and the pair had quickly become best friends. Enola was the one who had figured out that Cecily had two distinct personalities – one confident and clever, the other meek and helpless.

When Enola goes to visit her friend and is turned away at the door, she is concerned. Turns out, Cecily’s father has been holding her captive, locked in her room with no clothes other than what she is wearing and no food. Enola is able to rescue Cecily, but the girl soon goes missing  before Enola can find her a safe haven.

Almost immediately, Sherlock is on the case at the behest of Cecily’s mother who is also locked away, although with a bit more support than Cecily had. Enola is only too aware of the trouble Cecily can walk into, out in the world, alone, especially if her more helpless personality takes hold. So Enola needs to find and rescue her friend while dodging her brother, the famous detective. Well, it’s not like she hasn’t done that before!

Review

This was great! I enjoyed the mystery and loved Cecily and the other characters who help Enola with this case. The dual personality portion of the story was well done. (Earlier books in this series establish Cecily and Enola’s relationship and some of these factors. While I have read the earlier books, it’s been AGES, but I had no difficulty following this story without a review of the earlier tales.)

The relationship between Enola and Sherlock is as delightful as ever. I didn’t notice the Netflix tie-ins as much as I did reading the last book, Enola Holmes and Black Barouche, but it’s been awhile since I watched the movie. It’s not as fresh in my mind as it was when I read the previous book.

Mystery fans, Enola fans, and even Sherlock fans should definitely give this a try. I think fans of historical mysteries and historical fiction in general might enjoy this as well. There’s a lot to love! You can read more about Enola’s books here.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great. Might re-read.

REVIEW: Holy Chow by David Rosenfelt

REVIEW: Holy Chow by David Rosenfelt

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy Carpenter knew Rachel Morehouse because she adopted a chow chow named Lion from his foundation/rescue. In fact, she had called him to talk about arrangements for Lion in case something ever happened to her. She was hoping her step-son would agree to take the dog, but Andy was her back up.

When Rachel died, it took a few days for the authorities to discover it was murder. By then, Andy had met her step-son, Tony, and he felt a connection to the case. When Tony is arrested, Andy agrees to represent him.

The prosecution’s case is solid, but circumstantial. And when Andy starts looking for other threads to pull, he’s drawn into a dizzying case. The question is if the things he discovers will be enough to convince a jury of Tony’s innocence.

Review

I have been an Andy Carpenter fan for years, but this new story hits a new high for me. I loved this! It drew me in right from the start. And it was a wild ride.  There were no slow spots – the pacing was perfect. I flew through this story, captivated by all of the twists and turns.

The wrap up was a little abrupt, but it felt like it was just a natural progression after the pace of the whole story. I was thrilled with the whole thing.

Series fans should not miss this new book. Readers who have enjoyed Rosenfelt’s K-Team series will see the team help in this story, too, so they should pick this up as well. I think newcomers could start here – I read my first Andy Carpenter by picking up something mid-series and had no issues following it. This would be an excellent starting place for this great series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ – Outstanding!

REVIEW: Claws for Suspicion by Deborah Blake

REVIEW: Claws for Suspicion by Deborah Blake

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book releases next week, on May 3, 2022.]

Summary

Just as Kari is reflecting on the journey that brought her to win the lottery and buy a pet rescue, her contentment is shattered by the arrival of her ex. Charlie has heard about Kari’s winnings and brings the unwelcome news that their divorce was never finalized. He believes that means he’s entitled to half. But he’s willing to settle for taking the rescue – and the land it sits on – for one of his development schemes.

When Charlie is killed, Kari’s relief that he can’t take her dream away from her is short lived when she becomes the primary murder suspect.

Review

I loved book one in the Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery series, Furbidden Fatality, and then somehow missed out on reading book 2, Doggone Deadly, before I heard about this third book. I had hoped to read 2 before 3, but my timing didn’t quite work out. But it didn’t matter. I was able to fall right back into the people and setting without issue – and I enjoyed this book in the series too!

The characters here are fun, both the humans and the animals, and the mystery was great. I puzzled out a lot of it for myself, but there was one piece that caught me so off guard I exclaimed out loud. I loved having both the satisfaction of solving the mystery AND an unexpected surprise at the same time.

Cozy fans should not miss this series! It has all the great hallmarks of the genre – a likable protagonist; a clever hook/setting; an enjoyable community around the main character; and solidly plotted, satisfying mysteries. While the plots of books 1 and 2 are mentioned, I don’t think newcomers will feel like they can’t track this story without going back to the beginning. But I do think if you start here you will enjoy it so much you will want to go back and pick up the previous two books!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

 

REVIEW: The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

REVIEW: The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Max was born into a world where well-off parents like his could afford to send their kids to school with “whatnots.” But Max was just a kid. He didn’t even know what whatnots were. All Max truly knew was that ever since kindergarten, Josie had been his best friend.

So when Josie disappears after fifth grade after leaving him a mysterious note, Max is desperate to find her. His texts go unanswered. And his family is ready to whisk him away for summer vacation just like always. So Max sneaks out to find Josie.

Review

What a creative and unusual story! This is the first Haddix novel I think I have read – although I stocked her books in the library where I worked, and my students loved them. The story here intrigued me, but the truths, as they were slowly revealed, continued to surprise and delight as I read.

I don’t want to give too much away by going into a lot of detail about what I enjoyed. The characters are great, but the situation was the most fun because it wasn’t what I was expecting.

I think kids will get a kick out of this twisty tale of friendship and family and secrets. I think the early chapters BEG to be read out loud. And I’d love to get a group of kids together to talk about what happens and WHY they think the author created this story. What might she have wanted readers to consider? Haddix fans should not miss this one. And science fiction/mystery fans should give this a try as well.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

REVIEW: Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release February 1, 2022.)

Summary

Finlay Donovan is done with dead bodies. After what happened last time, she’s not even up for dealing with her daughter’s dead goldfish. The only good thing about all that happened before – aside from her friendship with Vero and whatever sparked between her and that detective – was it helped her break through her writer’s block.

Unfortunately, the writer’s block is back. And the muses seem intent on setting Finlay up for another wild ride in real life that might help with her next story idea.

Finlay has discovered a post on a women’s forum that seems to be hunting for a contract killer to take out Finlay’s ex-husband. While she doesn’t want him back in the least, Finlay also doesn’t want her kids to suffer if he’s killed. But tracking this would-be killer is going to involve another round of bluffing, bullets, and bodies.

Review

This was fantastic!

Know going in that the books in this series are painful and awkward a lot of the time as Finlay and Vero are magnets for trouble. But the mysteries are brilliantly plotted, the characters are fascinating, and the stories are a hoot! I am a huge fan of this series! Book 1 was one of my 2021 favorite reads.

This book – and book one, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It – are so DIFFERENT from any of the other mystery series I read. They truly feel like a genre all their own – and I am absolutely here for them. I love the writing angle as Finlay tries to wrangle the crazy situations she finds herself in into useable fiction for her career. I love the relationship between Finlay and Vero. And the piling on of problems and spiral-staircase-like twists to the mystery kept me frantically turning pages until the end.

Another feature I love in these is the epilogue that teases the next book. I am already thinking about what could happen in book 3 for Finlay and Vero. The next book is a must-read for me. (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ – I loved it! Would read again.

REVIEW: A Counterfeit Suitor by Darcie Wilde

REVIEW: A Counterfeit Suitor by Darcie Wilde

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Rosalind Thorne’s father’s crimes and schemes caught up with him, he fled with his oldest daughter, Charlotte, abandoning his wife and youngest daughter. But Rosalind has made the most of the rotten hand she was dealt. She’s been able to keep her own house and help elite families negotiate debuts and avoid scandals, putting them in her debt.

Then her father escapes Charlotte’s close supervision and semi-confinement, which has been for his own good – as well as his daughters’. But an old enemy of Rosalind’s is pulling her father’s strings, looking to destroy her. The tables are soon turned, though. Rosalind’s father, Sir Reginald, is found dead. And her enemy, Russell Fullerton, stands accused of his murder.

It’s pretty audacious for Fullerton to ask Rosalind for help proving his innocence. It would be all too easy to let him suffer for his many sins. But she can’t help dig for the truth, no matter what she might turn up along the way.

Review

Yikes, this was twisty! I could not puzzle this one out for myself. I had to just watch the story unfold.

I so enjoy Rosalind and her friends, and it was a treat to spend time with them again. I didn’t love this story as much as I have some of the earlier mysteries. But I am all in on these characters!

I found the resolution of the situation with Rosalind and her family satisfying. I’m curious to see how her life changes now that she no longer has to fear her father’s return and the trouble that would inevitably follow if he did.

Fans of the series should not miss this latest installment. I truly love the cast, and the slow burn between Rosalind and Adam is fascinating. The potential love interest for Alice was an interesting addition to the series. I’m curious to see how that evolves over the course of future books. I highly recommend newcomers start this series from the beginning to enjoy all of the character arcs fully and to best understand what the return of Rosalind’s father means.

While I debated between a rating of 3.5 (Good+) and 4 (Great!), I am going with 4 because the characters in this series keep me coming back. Historical mystery fans should check this series out. (LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest

REVIEW: Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

It was bad enough that traffic was going to make Grady run for his flight. But as he’s running, his travel agent, Leda, tells him she changed his ticket – without his permission! She won’t say why. But when he watches the plane he was supposed to be on go up in flames, the Seattle cop has questions.

Leda’s psychic powers have always been sketchy. But she’s learned the hard way not to ignore those feelings. And while she expects Grady to be furious for awhile, she figures he’ll get over it when he realizes what she spared him.

Not only does Grady get over his initial anger. He decides Leda could use her gifts to help him with a cold case. And she says yes, secretly hoping he might in turn help her with an unsolved case of her own.

Review

This was so fun! I’m not sure which I liked more – the twisty mystery or the great characters. I will definitely be watching for more books in this new Booking Agents series.

Leda and Grady are fantastic leads. I loved the little group they have around them at the bar. The psychic pieces added a fun twist to a book that fits many of the features of a cozy mystery, although with more swearing.

I loved how the two mysteries – Grady’s and Leda’s – pulled them together into this fascinating case. I was engaged in figuring things out all the way to the satisfying conclusion.

If you love mysteries with quirky hooks and great characters, you need to pick this one up! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BLOG TOUR: Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer

BLOG TOUR: Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book releases August 31, 2021.]

Summary

Called to her brother’s home by Dr. Watson, Enola finds him in a debilitating melancholy. He won’t acknowledge her efforts to rile him, and he essentially ignores a young woman who comes to him for help.  Enola draws out the details of her case, and eventually Sherlock is intrigued enough to join in the preliminaries.

Miss Glover has been told her twin sister has died, but she refuses to believe it. And there is some evidence that the claim is false. Besides, Miss Glover’s brother-in-law lost his first wife, too, from another “sudden fever” which raises suspicions. So the Holmes take on the case. Enola works her angle, even gaining help from her friend, the Viscount Tewkesbury, Marquess of Basilwether, while Sherlock works his own leads.

Review

The book opens with a prologue, penned by Sherlock, outlining Enola’s earlier adventures as well as a description of his transformed feelings for her and about her – annoyance to begrudging respect to fondness. It’s a GREAT opening. I could hear it in my mind in Henry Cavill’s voice (from the delightful Netflix Enola Holmes movie). And it was only the first of many things I loved about this book!

I love Enola! She is an exceptional sleuth, challenging all of her famous brother’s garbage assumptions about women by just being herself. I thoroughly enjoyed how she and Sherlock worked their own aspects of the case while always managing to return to one another. I enjoy them so much as partners.

It’s been ages since I first read the early books in this series (this is technically Enola’s 7th adventure), so I’m not sure if the Netflix movie did an exceptional job of capturing the tone of the characters from those earlier books or if *this* book does an exceptional job of capturing the tone of the movie. Either way, I had the movie characters firmly in my mind as I read, and I found this story just as enjoyable as I did the movie.

The sleuthing was satisfying, and the resolution of the case was, too. Frankly, I thought the book was perfect! (Don’t be alarmed by the low reviews on Amazon. Apparently a lot of folks didn’t realize they were reading a TEASER and not the whole book. And then they wondered why it was so short. Ugh.) Mystery fans, Sherlock fans, and Enola fans should run right out and pick this one up when it releases next week. It’s an absolute treat!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!