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Until Hex Do Us Part ~ Crystal Beach #12 (by Karen McSpade)
This is the first book I have read in the Crystal Beach series by Karen McSpade. I have, however, read several books in another series she writes. This one was an okay read. And it may have been due to the fact that I jumped in on book #12. The characters ... Sidney and her grandmother, Ada-Mae ... are the headliners for this particular book. John, Sidney’s fiancé, is absent for much of the book which is where the mystery grabs you. I felt like the story dragged on too much.

Ms. Ladybug
Sep 151 min read
A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle ~ Food & Spirits #2 (by Darci Hannah)
While I did not enjoy reading the first book in the Food & Spirits series by Darci Hannah, I have loved the books in her Beacon Bakeshop series. So I decided to give this second book a chance. And I was pleased to discover I liked it much more! I loved the setting of a Scottish castle and the ghost or two that make an appearance. It is a delight to spend time with the main character, Bunny MacBride and her cohorts. Her grandmother is icing on the cake in this entertaining coz

Ms. Ladybug
Aug 171 min read
Witches of Dubious Origin ~ Books of Dubious Origin #1 (by Jenn McKinlay)
I have enjoyed books in the author’s Library Lover’s and Cupcake Bakery series, so I was looking forward to getting interested in the Books of Dubious Origin ones. Unfortunately, this was such a disappointment to me. I did not connect with the characters and the main character, Zoe, got on my nerves. I had to force myself to pick it up and read another page. However, there are plenty of readers to enjoy the book, so you may want to see if it is one that appeals to you. Thank

Ms. Ladybug
Aug 111 min read
The Women in White (by Sarah Pekkanen)
After reading the synopsis for this book and having enjoyed previous books by Sarah Pekkanen, I really looked forward to reading it. From my experience of working in a university Psychology Department of 38½ years, I was exposed to a variety of research projects. I basically cringed while reading this book. I know there are plenty of unethical researchers so I had to just accept that, while I did not like the methods used, it was the basis for the story. However, I just did n

Ms. Ladybug
Jun 161 min read
Mystic Brews and Malice ~ Magical Teashop #2 (by Karen McSpade)
While the second book in the Magical Teashop series, this works well as a standalone. I enjoyed the mystery and the magic elements sprinkled throughout the pages. The characters are well developed and the blossoming romance with Samara and Jack was pleasant. No over the top syrupy romance! And though I’m not a cat fan, I did like Samara’s pet cat, Pumpkin. There are lots of twists and turns that will have you guessing until the end. Thank you to the author and Newcastle Media

Ms. Ladybug
May 311 min read
A Medium Specialist ~ A Haunted Life #6 (by Lynn Cahoon)
I love spending time in New Orleans with Eddie and the gang. There is a lot going on with mediums being killed, relationships developing and growing. Lots of twists and turns and clues sprinkled throughout the pages. You will be left guessing until the end. I love the setting in New Orleans, the characters with “special gifts,” and the ghosts who manage to insert themselves in Eddie’s life. This is a great series with quick to read books. Perfect for a nice quiet afternoon to

Ms. Ladybug
May 221 min read
Remain (by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan)
As I opened this book and started reading, I expected some of the M. Night Shyamalan suspense and spine-tingling moments. To say I was disappointed is a gross understatement. I could not get invested in the story and the characters were blasé. I loved what one reviewer said, "… turns out I just got Nicholas Sparks with a flashlight. End of quote perfect description. This was a lot of time I wasted trying to enjoy something that was misrepresented as thriller and suspense. I m

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 271 min read
Death on the Shelf ~ The Haunted Library #5 (by Allison Brook)
I have loved the books in The Haunted Library series by Allison Brook. I was thrilled to be back in Clover Ridge, Connecticut with Carrie, Dylan, Angela, and resident ghost, Evelyn. Of course there is a murder and Carrie will be helping to discover who is guilty of the crime. A lot of twists and turns are sprinkled throughout the pages with some complications such as difficult family relationships, jealousy, insurance fraud, etc. I am looking forward to the next book in the s

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 171 min read
The Witch's Orchard ~ Annie Gore #1 (by Archer Sullivan)
I am not against reading books that contain witches or have a paranormal aspect if the mystery and suspense is intense enough to grab my attention and keep me invested in the story. While this book does have twists and turns and clues sprinkled throughout, this one just did not deliver the oomph I needed to want to keep reading. I could not stay focused and wanted to put it aside for other books that would hold my attention. I also feel like the ending was not handled well an

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 91 min read
Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead ~ Salem B&B #10 (by Traci Wilton)
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

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 91 min read
Seven Secret Spellcasters ~ Kitchen Witch #7 (by Lynn Cahoon)
I always love getting lost in the pages of a cozy mystery book by Lynn Cahoon. She has several different series and I have enjoyed them all. This seventh book in the Kitchen Witch series was chock full of craziness. So much was going on in the lives of the characters. And then you get to add in a dragon and a leprechaun. It will have you flipping through the pages as quickly as possible to figure out who committed the murder. This one leaves you hanging so I will be anxiously

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 71 min read
Death at the Door ~ Ruby and Cordelia #2 (by Olivia Blacke)
I am enjoying my time reading the Ruby and Cordelia series by Olivia Blacke. The way the chapters swap back and forth between their thoughts and dialogue is easy to read and gives a great perspective into their personalities ... even though one of them is a ghost! This book provided more background into Cordelia’s past with her family and relationships. I am also enjoying watching Ruby mature and become a more responsible adult. My one negative comment is the constant reminde

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 8, 20251 min read
Crime and Poetry ~ Magical Bookshop #1 (by Amanda Flower)
I have loved the books I have read by author, Amanda Flower. I was excited to get lost in the pages of the first book in the Magical...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 29, 20251 min read
A Spirited Blend ~ Crystals & CuriosiTEAS #3 (by Lauren Elliott)
I love the books in the Crystals and CuriosiTEAS series. I have enjoyed getting to know Shay and her sister, Jenn. You will experience a...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 28, 20251 min read
Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine ~ Salem B&B #9 (by Tracy Wilton)
I have enjoyed the books I have read in the Salem B&B series. This 9th one was a fun read because it took place around Valentine’s Day. I...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 20, 20251 min read
Murder at the Lemonberry Tea ~ Beacon Bakeshop #6 (by Darci Hannah)
This was another wonderful read in the Beacon Bakeshop series. The characters are well developed and I have loved getting to know...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 16, 20251 min read
Booked on Murder ~ Haunted Library #8 (by Allison Brook)
My heart is so sad that this is the last book in the Haunted Library series. But I respect the author, Allison Brook, if she feels she...

Ms. Ladybug
Jul 14, 20251 min read
A New Lease on Death ~ Ruby and Cordelia #1 (by Olivia Blacke)
The first book in a new series by author, Olivia Blacke, is a quirky and funny supernatural tale. I have enjoyed the books in the Record...

Ms. Ladybug
Apr 11, 20251 min read
A Medium Gift ~ Haunted Life #4 (by Lynn Cahoon)
I have loved the books in the Haunted Life series by Lynn Cahoon. The characters are well developed and I have enjoyed watching the...

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 14, 20251 min read
Six Stunning Sirens ~ Kitchen Witch #6 (by Lynn Cahoon)
I have enjoyed all of the books in the Kitchen Witch series by Lynn Cahoon. She is one of my favorite cozy mystery writers and I know I...

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 7, 20241 min read
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