Tag: highly recommend

Silenced in Sequins by Debra Sennefelder

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Book Two of A Resale Boutique Mystery Series

Silenced in Sequins 4 STARS

Another great novel by Debra Sennefelder!! Her stories have very likable characters in well developed plots and settings. Even while being haunted with murder, the story is very light and fun with moving and emotional aspects.

Kelly Quinn was a fashion buyer in Manhattan before inheriting her grandmother’s outdated consignment shop. Giving up her high fashion life, Kelly returns to her home town of Lucky Cove to turn the consignment shop into an up scale resale boutique. What Kelly didn’t expect was an uncle trying to shut her business down, the sheriff not being her number one fan, and solving murders.

In this installment of the series, Kelly is commissioned to sell some clothing from a reality series celebrity. When one of the reality stars turns up dead, Kelly is pulled in to the case by several different hands but one hand seems to want to cause trouble for Kelly. On top of that, she finds information that may put her business in jeopardy. Can Kelly find out what is really going on with the Long Island Ladies and can she find a way to save her lively hood and keep her grandmother’s legacy afloat before its too late?

I cannot wait to for the next installment of this series.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Lyrical Press, a division of Kensington Publishing.

Also by Debra Sennefelder…. The Uninvited Corpse (Food Blogger Mysteries #1)

Psychological Thrillers and Its Okay To Love Them…

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Have you ever read a book that is so disturbing that you felt wrong for enjoying it? Do you watch Investigative Discovery and wonder, why am I so interested in watching stories about killers and psychopaths?

You are not alone.

This past Saturday afternoon, I got sucked into the ID Channel for a few hours. I had to consciously tell myself to get up, get dressed, and get out of the house. Where did I go, Barnes and Noble of course.

With the new year starting, one of my goals is be more social. Another one of my goals is to get back to reading other genres of books that I enjoy (as I have become a reader of Cozy Mysteries primarily).

While at Barnes and Noble, I noticed the sign for their monthly book club this upcoming week. The book is a thriller, The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. Although familiar with the author, I have never read any of her work. I thought, “how perfect!! A way to get in 2 of my goals!!”

The Family Upstairs
5 STARS

I downloaded the book on Audible and started to listen. I was hooked by chapter 4! The narrative cast is amazing. They really brought this story to life. The plot and the characters felt so real and gripping. I knew the book was a Thriller/Suspense Novel, but I really didn’t go into it knowing much more than that. I found myself almost becoming obsessed with the need to know what the heck was going to happen and how this would all play out in the end. Just when I thought I would have something figured out, a new plot or character twist would come to light and shock and some horror would overtake me.

I love a novel that has multiple story lines that eventually tie in together. This novel is told from multiple POVs and both past and present time frames. I can remember a few times where I audibly gasped at connections made.

I will not give out any specifics on the plot or characters as I feel reading this book with little knowledge of the plot was better for me, so I am granting you the same courtesy.

I had to sit after finishing it and just stare for a few moments. I honestly feel like need a shower or maybe even go to church, LOL. I haven’t read a psychological thriller in a while and this one has definitely reminded me that I love them.

I am not a fan of graphic and gratuitous violence and/or sex in my books and I am pleased to say that there is not much in this story. There is one semi descriptive scene that is necessary to plot, the rest is just alluded to or implied, thank goodness.

I will tell you that I will definitely pick up another Lisa Jewell book and I am going to research the narrating cast to see what other novels they do.

Theater Nights Are Murder by Libby Klein

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Book 4 of the Poppy McAllister Mysteries

Theater Nights Are Murder

If you want a series of shenanigans, this is the series for you. There are several Laugh Out Loud moments. Libby Klein has very detailed plots and characters in her stories. Poppy is a very relatable character for me, as I too have felt her struggles with weight, love, and self esteem issues.

In the start of this series, a widowed Poppy McAllister returns to her home town to attend her high school reunion. While there and staying with her whimsical Aunt Ginny, she learns that social services is investigating Aunt Ginny for more than just being a little whimsical. After reconnecting with her high school best friend and realizing Aunt Ginny really can’t be on her own anymore, Poppy decides to stay.

In this installment of the series, Aunt Ginny’s high school boyfriend has retired from Broadway and is returning home to play the male lead in the senior center’s theater production of Mamma Mia. When one too many accidents start happening in the theater, one has to wonder, is someone trying to put a stop to the play or is someone trying to stop a player. Can Poppy and the Biddies get to the bottom of this case before another accident takes center stage?

It was fun to see the biddies investigate more and to see their romantic troubles too. I am not a huge fan of love triangles, but I understand that it works here. However, I picked my side early on in this series.

I received an advanced digital copy of the book from NetGalley as well as a print copy from the author and Kensington Books in return for my honest review.

I am looking forward to the next … Are Murder shenanigans in the future.

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Sell Low, Sweet Harriet By Sherry Harris

Book 8 of the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries

Sell Low, Sweet Harriet 5 STARS

This was one of my most anticipated new releases for the new year. However, you may read that many times in my reviews, as this list is quite long. Definitely in my top 10 Cozy Mystery Series, Sherry Harris did not miss a beat with the latest installment. The plot, characters, and even the crimes are so relatable. The books in this series fly by, like a visit with old friends.

In this installment, there is more mystery than any other book yet. There are several unrelated crimes in this book but, of course, Sarah has her hand in all of them. Between a murder on base, a garage sale for former CIA members, and her favorite mobster moving in next door again, Sarah is on super sleuth mode. While the authorities have become more accepting of Sarah’s abilities to solve the crimes, people on and around the Air Force Base are not very welcoming. With multiple tasks on her agenda, can Sarah get to the bottom of everything before she becomes the next victim?

Like I said, reading the new installment is like catching up with old friends. I am delighted that the end of this novel has some joyful news (I won’t spoil it). Although I wish Carol and Stella were more involved in the sleuthing this go around, I enjoyed meeting some of the characters introduced in this book.

I have both the digital and audio versions of this book. Hillary Huber, who is one of my most favorite narrators, does and phenomenal job with this series. I was awarded the digital ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Now to impatiently wait for the next book…..

You Can Thank Me Later by Kelly Harms and Narrated by Lauren Fortgang

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“Life may not have the happy ending you planned, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be happy in the end.” –Me

You Can Thank Me Later: A Novella (Audible Audio) 5 STARS

This a free Audible Original listen for the month of November. I picked it solely based on the fact that it had something to do with Thanksgiving and Family. I did not read the synopsis of the plot and went into this blind.

I adored this listen. The emotional roller coaster you take in this just over 3 hour audiobook is intense. I didn’t get out of the first 3 chapters without ugly crying and sobbing. Some ask, why would you want to read, listen, or watch something that is going to make you cry like that? I ask, what is wrong with crying? It is a healthy emotion, just like happy. I like to feel, and feel is exactly what this story made me do. It is packed with real, raw emotions that some have had to deal with in real life.

Although this story is packed with emotion, it also shows that there is life after loss and how to deal with it and in one case, how not to deal with it.

Plain and simple, this story is about love, family, loss, pain, growth, coping, and starting over. Life may not have the happy ending you planned, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be happy in the end.

I plan to look up Kelly Harms, author, as well as the narrator, Lauren Fortgang. I highly recommend.

An Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox

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Book 2 of A Literary Pub Mystery Series
Release Date is 11/26/19

An Ale of Two Cities (Literary Pub Mystery #2) 4.5 STARS

I love Sarah Fox’s Pancake House Mysteries so I had no doubts that I would enjoy this series, and of course I was correct. How much fun would it be to have a literary pub to hang out in?!?!?! Ms. Fox has a great way of making you fall in love with the characters, the town, and the story.

Sadie leaves her life in Boston with her gambling addicted boyfriend and moves to the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont. She’s bought and redecorated the old grist mill pub, transforming the Inkwell into a cozy spot where tourists and regulars alike can enjoy a pint or a literary-themed cocktail, or join one of several book clubs.

After dealing with a murder and a murderer after her in the first installment, she has settled down in her new life in a great town with great people, including her Aunt Gilda, her friend Shontelle, and the handsome brewery owner Grayson.

Its winter in the town of Shady Creek and what better way to celebrate than with a Winter Carnival and ice sculpture contest? Everything is going perfect until one of the contests is found dead. To make matters worse, Mel, one of Sadie’s employees, has had her tools from the competition stolen and it turns out one of them was the murder weapon. With Mel being Suspect #1, Sadie is out to prove her friend’s innocence. Although the police have their eyes set on Mel, it seems everyone in town had a grudge against Freddy, including his assistant, his mentor, his former flame, and even his half-brother.

With the help up Grayson, who has some interesting secrets and sleuthing skills, Sadie is heating up the search for the killer…. and heating up her emotions for Grayson.

A very fast paced read, I didn’t want to stop. I am totally on board with Sadie and the gang and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Sadie and Grayson. I am highly anticipating book 3.
I was humbly awarded an advanced copy of the book, signed by Sarah Fox, as well as a digital copy from Kensington Publishing and NetGalley.

I Know What You Bid Last Summer by Sherry Harris

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Book 5 of the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries

I Know What You Bid Last Summer (Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #5) 4 STARS

This is one of those series that I just cannot get enough of. I am binging the series and I never want to catch up. The setting, the characters, the plot… everything about it makes you feel like starting the next book is just like getting together with old friends.

In this installment, Sarah is all on her again. I am not a fan of love triangles but it works in this series. I could never pick, Team CJ or Team Seth. Well now that CJ is gone (I can’t believe he really left, even though I think he will be back), Sarah is keeping busy with her garage sale business. She was asked to head up the school swap and silent auction. What she didn’t expect to sign up for was an attack, theft, and a new murder to investigate. She is also “investigating” who in town has the best lasagna for Angelo.

I found this book to be a little more emotional than the others. I felt Sarah’s rejection and loneliness. I do love that she has so many friends and that everyone seems to be there for her, well except the killers when she is sleuthing around.

I cannot wait to jump right back in; starting The Gun Also Rises, Book 6.

I have both the digital (from NetGalley) and audio versions of this book. Hillary Huber, who is one of my most favorite narrators, does and phenomenal job with this series.

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey

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Book One of A Cider Shop Mystery
Release date is 10/28/19

Apple Cider Slaying (A Cider Shop Mystery #1) 5 STARS

Amazing start to what I hope will be a long-lived series!!

Winnie Montgomery was raised by her beloved grandmother and late grandfather, whom own the Smythe Orchard. With the future of the orchard in jeopardy, Winnie wants to do everything she can to save the orchard and continue her family’s legacy. Her goal is to open a Cider Shop and Party Hall to bring in more revenue and to give the small town better options.
All that seems to come crashing down on her and Granny. While showing the investor the property plans, they stumble across the dead body of Granny’s nemesis. It also seems that someone may be sabotaging the orchard. With everything on the line, including clearing Granny’s name, Winnie, her BFF Dot, and Granny’s pals set out to get to the bottom of this. When things start to hit too close to home and their safety becomes an issue, dreamy detective Colton is there for Winnie. Can they solve the crimes before the orchard and family legacy is ruined? There seems to be a lot of secrets in this small town and a lot of players in the game. Can Winnie and friends get to the bottom of it before someone else is hurt, or worse, murdered?

I adored this book so much… the plot, the setting, the characters, EVERYTHING!! I also have a new book crush in Colton!! I am impatiently waiting for the next installment, Pulp Friction, which is set to release April 28, 2020.

I received an advanced physical copy of the book from the amazing and talented Julie Anne Lindsey and Kensington Publishing. I was also awarded a digital copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

There are also Cider recipes in the book that I will definitely be trying come the cooler weather.

Tagged for Death by Sherry Harris

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Book One of the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries

Tagged for Death (Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #1) 5 STARS

I have no idea why it took me so long to start this series but I am so thrilled that I did. I am behind on posting my reviews so to give you perspective on how much I love it, I finished this book, book 1 on 9/13 and I am on book 4 today on 9/25, plus everything else that I have read along with this series.

Sarah Winston is a New England transplant from California. She moved with her now ex-husband, CJ, and his military career. Having a hard time in her newly single and lonely life, Sarah takes to hitting up garage sales again. Content, well as content as she can be, Sarah seems to be finding some stability in her life…. that is until she finds a bloody shirt and uniform in one of the bags from a garage sale. Not only is this a disturbing find, the bloody shirt seems to implicate her ex-husband. Putting her feelings on the side, Sarah sets out to solve the case and prove CJ’s innocence.

This book has everything; heartache, laughter, and murder. Many times in the story, I stopped and reflected on my past. I love mid-aged protagonists that have real life, daily problems that I can relate to. This series is up in my top overall favorites. And again, as much as I can kick myself for waiting so long to read it, I am loving being able to binge read it.

I have both the digital and audio versions of this book. Hillary Huber, who is one of my most favorite narrators, does and phenomenal job with this series.

Claws of Action by Linda Reilly

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Book 4 of the Cat Lady Mysteries

Definitely a one sitting book; quick but thoroughly entertaining. This series grips you, not just the mystery, the bond between Lara and Aunt Fran. This series starts off as feel good coming of age/coming home again story. It is so great to see Lara with her roots planted and relationships made.

In this installment, a health inspector shows up at the house/cat shelter just when they are finishing up on the remodel. Because they offer potential adopters beverages and snacks, the inspector deems them to be a “cafe” and unsanitary. When the said inspector is found dead the next morning, Lara and Aunt Fran are the primary suspects. With everything to lose, Lara sets off to solve the case.

What I always enjoy about the books in this series, there are secondary mysteries to solve too. There are many with secrets in the small town, and some will do whatever they have to for them to stay hidden. Things are definitely not what they seem.

In the remodel of the house/shelter, Lara has a reading room set up for children to come and read to the cats. I adore this idea and am very thankful that more rescues are starting to participate in activities like this.

There were a few small cliffhangers in this book; wedding plans, budding romances, etc. I cannot wait for more from Whisker Jog!!

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.