First of all, I was not the intended audience for this book. While I have enjoyed other books by the author, Evie Woods, I do not find those in the magical realism genre appealing. As a musician myself, I did appreciate the focus on musicians. Being exposed to how violins are made as well as played was informative and a positive aspect to this book. At times, I felt like the story dragged on and I had a difficult time staying focused. There are many individuals, though, who w

The synopsis of this book grabbed my attention. I could not imagine grieving the loss of a friend while being surrounded by death on a daily basis. It is a macabre setting. And Ruth’s ability to cope with death encourages her to make poor decisions. And that, as well as her internal thoughts made her a character I did not like. However, the mystery itself will hold your attention. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and though

I enjoy reading mystery thrillers and the synopsis of this book caught my attention and I thought I would like getting lost in this new series. However, while it is touted as the first book in a new series, it seems that it is just a continuation of the Hugo Marston series. Though he is now retired and starting a new career as the owner of a bookshop, he is still the same annoying character from books in the previous series. There are some positive aspects to the book ... the

When I first opened this book and started reading it, I almost put it down and declared it a DNF. However, I was determined to see it through to the end. And, by then, I was determined to stick with it. I am not even sure how to write this review. The book is filled with murder, mental health issues, secrets, hidden identities, and a lot of twists and turns. As you experience Savannah “Savi” Portman’s life and writing episodes, you begin to question everything. All I can say

This was a fun cozy mystery. The story will pull you in and you will be flipping through the pages quickly to discover where all the clues will lead you. Lizzy and Holly’s relationship was the perfect touch of caring and support There were a lot of characters in the town of Serenity, Texas. But it was easy to keep track of them. I am in love with Lizzy’s dachshund, Mavis. He was the perfect amount of determination and the ability to get into things. Lots of twists and turns m

I have been a fan of the Cork O’Connor series for several years and have had the pleasure of reading or listening to the audiobook versions of all of them. The characters are well developed and the setting of Tamarack County in Minnesota comes to life on the pages. This particular book has a flashback to earlier in Cork’s life during his time as sheriff before returning to the present day. There are a lot of twists and turns that will have you invested in the story and anxiou

I enjoy reading historical fiction books. However, this was a different focus from most of my reads. Unfortunately, this one just seemed to take too long to tell the story. I struggled to stay focused. It had promise but I did not feel like it delivered. The Roaring Twenties, murder mystery, and PTSD aspects could have developed into a relatable and inspiring story. Plus the random use of the “F-bomb” was totally unnecessary. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my a

I am so sad that this is the last book in the Salem B&B series! I have enjoyed the time I have spent with Charlene, Sam, Jack, Avery, Silva, and Minne. This book is set during the Halloween time period which is a perfect for the setting of Salem, Massachusetts. The characters have become friends on the page and I have grown to care about them. And while I am sad that this series is ending, the author created the perfect ending. My heart almost stopped beating and I gasped out

This was a fun cozy mystery to start the new Maddie Penrose series by Fliss Chester. I love the thought of a grandmother and her granddaughter running a quaint teashop in the Cornish countryside. And while I am not a cat person, Crumpet and Toast were mischievous enough to add a positive aspect to the book. Maddie is a wonderful primary character. And her method of solving the murder mystery as if she was looking at a recipe was a unique twist. And good looking Detective Insp

I am loving the books in the Cozy Capers Book Group series by Maddie Day. The characters have begun to feel like friends. This particular book was a little more emotional with Mac’s sister-in-law missing. So you actually have two mysteries going on ... a murder and a missing relative. Mac and Tim also have the added responsibility of caring for his sister, Jaime’s, two young children. But the way they worked together along with family and friends to provide love and care for

While I have only read a few of the books in the Cat Café series by Cate Conte, I am a fan. I am not a cat fan, but this series has so much more to offer that I can enjoy my time with Maddie and her crew. The trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts is full of action and, of course, murder. So you are off on an adventure in the new Cat Café food truck. There are a lot of suspects and plenty of clues to keep Maddie working to discover who is guilty of murder. I enjoyed this latest

Oh my goodness! Such a story of lies, manipulation, hidden secrets, revenge, and suspense. I enjoyed the aspect of how each character, Amelia and Vivienne, expressed their personal point of view. And how psychopathic and manipulative was one particular character! (You will have to read the book to know who I am talking about!) This book will pull you in at the beginning and you will be in for a psychological thriller of a ride. A quick read that will have you giving a gasp in

One of my favorite new series! I have grown to love the gang in Little Wenborough. From Georgina to her sweet furry friend, Bert, to her boyfriend, DI Colin Bradshaw, to friends, Sybbie, Cesca, and Jodie, to the resident ghost, Doris, you will be in for an interesting adventure in the pages. One aspect I really enjoy about the Georgina Drake series is the present and past mystery that pulls her in to investigate. While Georgina and Colin are a couple, I like that while they d

I am a huge fan of historical fiction books. This one was a different focus than my typical read. I have never explored Egyptian history much other than what I have read in the Bible and about King Tut. While I enjoyed learning about two strong women and their role during their lifetimes, this book did not appeal to me. I did not enjoy the writing style or one the female characters, Lady Evelyn Herbert. I appreciate the amount of research that the author did. But the storylin

What an emotional read! James Patterson and Viola Davis have teamed up to bring a highly charged thriller. This story pulled me in from the beginning and I did not want to stop reading it until the end. I loved Judge Stone and the person she represented as a judge and member of the community. Her no-nonsense approach to dealing with people in her courtroom was admirable. Her willingness to care that true judgment was carried out instead of caving in to the pressure of those i

I enjoy reading historical fiction books and one that deals with books appeal to me. However, this book was so difficult to get into. The different characters and time periods were confusing. I did enjoy reading about the WPA (Works Progress Administration). A disorganized attempt to share multiple viewpoints and storylines. It just did not work for me. Though I have enjoyed previous books by the author, so I will read future books by her. Thank you to NetGalley and William M

Whenever I see a new book will be released by Christina Suzann Nelson, it is quickly added to my to-be-read list. She does a wonderful job of creating a good clean Christian story that is filled with mystery and suspense. One aspect I really enjoyed was it is a dual timeline book. This is an emotional read. Your heart will ache for the lives of so many of the people you meet along the way. While there are plenty of difficult matters and experiences, there are also some opport

I am loving the books in the Pacific Northwest series. I am enjoying spending time with the main character, Saffi Graywood. Getting to travel with her in her RV is an adventure! This book is full of quirky and dramatic characters. I found myself rolling my eyes at times as Saffi experienced a trip to a neglected theme park — The Haunted Wood. Between the theme of the park; the horror star, Malcolm Morton; the search for clues to why Malcolm has been receiving threatening vint

This fourth book in the DS Malkie McCulloch series by Doug Sinclair is a nail-biter. A very emotional read for many reasons ... a child being bullied, sexual exploitation, abduction, serious health issues, assault, shoplifting. As is typical with this series it is graphically violent and at times you will be cringing at the abuse Elizabeth endures. While a fast-paced read, there were moments in the book that the action seemed to drag and I wanted Malkie and his police officer

The Tea by the Sea series by Vicki Delaney is one of y favorites. As soon as a new book has been released by the author, it is on my to-be-read list. This particular book does not take place in the typical location of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. But you are treated to a trip to Yorkshire, England and the Thornecroft Castle where Lily’s grandmother, Rose, used to work. And once again Lily is pulled into a murder investigation. Luckily her cohorts from Cape Cod are with her on thi