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Well, I've found yet another cozy mystery series to add to my must-buy list! I really enjoyed the setting - a working historical farm - and learned everything I could want to know about maple syrup production. Not in a clinical way, but as interesting bits of information presented during the story.

Our heroine Kelsey has her hands full trying to run the farm, raise her kindergarten-age son, and solve a murder before the police can pin it on one of her young employees. There was an interesting cast of characters, and that homey, small-town feel that I love in a good cozy.

While previous events are mentioned, it's not necessary to have read book 1 to know what's going on.

NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
  
A Barlow Lens (Circles #2)
A Barlow Lens (Circles #2)
Elizabeth Noble | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A BARLOW LENS is the second book in the Circles series and we continue with Wyatt and Val as they try to solve a mystery from a time-gone-by.

I LOVED THIS STORY! I really enjoyed reading about the historical side of things, and how Tom and Philip managed to be together. Archie was a nasty piece of work and I really can't say I'm sad about his ending!

There is mention of horse-racing in this one but nowhere near as much as in the first, simply because it isn't the focus in here. I loved how it was still there and an important time for Wyatt and Val, but I'm also glad the emphasis was on Tom and Philip.

Two for the price of one and both thoroughly enjoyable. Absolutely recommended by me.
  
Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles (Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery #1)
Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles (Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery #1)
Elizabeth Crowens | 2024 | Humor & Comedy, Mystery
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Old Hollywood with a Dash of Mystery
The year in 1940, and Babs Norman and Guy Brandt have set up a detective agency. But it is struggling to bring in any money, which is why Babs has just been evicted from her apartment. But the potential for positive cash flow comes when they learn that Hollywood isn’t going to the dogs since their dogs are disappearing. Basil Rathbone’s dog has been kidnapped as has the dog that plays Asta in the Thin Man movies. Since a new Thin Man movie is supposed to start production soon, the studio is desperate to get their canine star back. Can Babs and Guy figure out what is going on?

The draw for this book is old Hollywood, and it is fun spending time with the stars. They are an active part of the plot and at times outnumber the fictional characters. Sadly, the plot is uneven with too much time spent on the antics of the stars. While it does reach a satisfactory conclusion, the plotting is clunky with elements introduced roughly. And there’s a subplot that feels forced and isn’t really resolved. While most of the book felt right historically, I did find a blatant historical error early on. The writing kept us at arm’s length, making the characters thin. This is a book to read for the old stars. If you want a good mystery, you’ll have to look elsewhere.