
Cheddar Off Dead
Book
In Korina Moss's cozy series debut, Cheddar Off Dead, cheesemonger Willa Bauer discovers that her...

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Murder of a Mail-Order Bride in Books
Aug 8, 2022
This is a strong second book. The plot kept me engaged the entire time. I did guess a couple of plot points early, but there were so many more I didn’t see coming, including the ending. The book is focused on the new characters central to this mystery, and they are all strong. We do have a small core cast of characters who are back, and they are fun. I also enjoy watching Lizzie’s romantic life, which is a great romantic comedy sub-plot. If you are looking for a slight twist on a cozy mystery set up, this is a series you will love.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Stuff Dreams Are Made of in Books
Feb 16, 2023
Obviously, this “reverend” is not preaching anything I would consider Biblical, and I appreciated the fact that I never got the feeling anyone was taking it seriously as such. While this set up might sound like it, this isn’t a cozy, with a liberal amount of foul language and a bit more violence. The pacing was very uneven, with some page turning twists and suspenseful scenes being slowed down by lots of recaps and talking. Still, I do like Skip and James and their struggles with life in general. I don’t think this will be a favorite series, but I’m glad I am finally getting to book two.

Cocktails & Casualties (Crooked Cove Mysteries #1)
Book
Teddy Aarons is a nomad, using her bartending skills as an excuse to move to a new luxury resort...
Cozy Mystery

Claws of Death
Book
Join Jackie Norwood, a down-and-out celebrity chef, as she judges the first gig on her comeback...

Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Charity Shop Detective Agency in Books
Dec 11, 2022
I absolutely fell in love with the three main characters in this story - Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy ... oh and not forgetting Simon Le Bon! Despite being retired, they have the skills and insight needed to assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice. There is a supporting cast of equally excellent characters that all added to and had their place within the story.
The plot is engaging and had some great twists and turns that kept me guessing and on my toes. The pacing was perfect for me and felt right for the story.
Highly recommended to those who enjoy a cozy mystery with believable characters and I can't wait for the next in the series ... sign me up!
Many thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Charity Shop Detective Agency.

A Mirror Murder (Jan Christopher Mysteries #1)
Book
Eighteen-year-old library assistant Jan Christopher’s life is to change on a rainy Friday evening...
Cozy Mystery

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Death Checked Out in Books
Oct 29, 2024 (Updated Oct 29, 2024)
I thought this book sounded good, so I was looking forward to reading it. The initial set up was good, and I was getting cozy vibes from the characters and the setting. Sadly, that didn’t continue as the book progressed. I did like Greta’s arc, but the rest of the characters stayed pretty flat. The mystery did have some surprises, but I had things figured out very early. It’s not that the book is bad, but it’s not good either. This is one to pick up only is something in particular about the premise appeals to you.

Fantasies of my Best Friend’s Dad
Book
An enemies-to-lovers romance that will leave you breathless! What happens in Tuscany, stays in...
romance

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots in Books
Jan 4, 2024
Even though I don’t normally read this series, I didn't have any trouble jumping into the characters here. There was enough explanation of who people were that I could follow along. The bits about those I assume are series regulars didn't mean quite as much to me, but I enjoyed meeting everyone. This is on the serious side of the cozy spectrum, and the atmosphere was carried perfectly throughout the story. Lucy did seem to jump to one conclusion, but since she was proved right with evidence later on, I can't call it a major flaw. There are two recipes at the end of this story to enjoy later. This is probably my favorite of the stories I’ve read from Leslie Meier.
NOTE: This is a novella, roughly 100 pages along.
NOTE 2: This was originally published in the anthology Gingerbread Cookie Murder.