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Merissa (12330 KP) created a post
Mar 21, 2023
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Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated A Dark and Stormy Murder (A Writer's Apprentice Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This cozy mystery is dedicated to Mary Stewart, and that should tell you something! A fan of gothic romantic suspense, the author has done a great job of incorporating the common elements of that genre into a cozy mystery.
I've always loved Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, and similar authors, so I was very excited to hear about this cozy. I was not disappointed. There's the young heroine, living in an unfamiliar house, the "is he good or is he bad" guy, and the "he must be good but there's something we don't like about him" guy, and lots of other suspicious characters for us to distrust. All of these elements, combined with a modern mystery and a likable amateur sleuth, created a story I didn't want to put down.
This one also wrapped up a little differently than most cozies - the reader is left with a pretty good idea of what the characters will be doing at the beginning of the next book. I can't wait for it!
I've always loved Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, and similar authors, so I was very excited to hear about this cozy. I was not disappointed. There's the young heroine, living in an unfamiliar house, the "is he good or is he bad" guy, and the "he must be good but there's something we don't like about him" guy, and lots of other suspicious characters for us to distrust. All of these elements, combined with a modern mystery and a likable amateur sleuth, created a story I didn't want to put down.
This one also wrapped up a little differently than most cozies - the reader is left with a pretty good idea of what the characters will be doing at the beginning of the next book. I can't wait for it!
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In the Meantime
Book
Are you ready for a thrilling adventure in the post-apocalyptic world? Try Cozy Apocalypse Books ...
apocalypse cozy mystery
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Knot What You Think in Books
Jan 12, 2022
Discovering a Dead Body is Complicated
Martha Rose is looking forward to a typical Tuesday quilting session with her friends until Jazz, the latest member of the group, shows up. As Jazz describes his morning, everyone begins to worry about the friend he was trying to see earlier in the morning. When they go to investigate, they find the body of Dolleen Doyle on her kitchen floor. Dolleen is the second wife of a man currently in jail for running a Ponzi scheme. With the police looking at Jazz as their prime suspect, Martha begins to investigate. Can she find the real killer?
Those familiar with the series will know what to expect here, and they won’t be disappointed. The plot is complex with several twists before Martha pieces the clues together. I do wish we hadn’t had the scenes with the psychic, but that’s a minor complaint. I enjoy the characters since they are different for a cozy series, and I appreciate how their lives are evolving as the series progresses. The suspects are just as sharp and interesting. While the Los Angeles setting is unusual for a cozy, as a native, I enjoy it, and the book still feels cozy. There’s a nice dose of humor as well, and I can’t wait to see how what happens next to Martha after the way this book ended. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, this is definitely one to check out.
Those familiar with the series will know what to expect here, and they won’t be disappointed. The plot is complex with several twists before Martha pieces the clues together. I do wish we hadn’t had the scenes with the psychic, but that’s a minor complaint. I enjoy the characters since they are different for a cozy series, and I appreciate how their lives are evolving as the series progresses. The suspects are just as sharp and interesting. While the Los Angeles setting is unusual for a cozy, as a native, I enjoy it, and the book still feels cozy. There’s a nice dose of humor as well, and I can’t wait to see how what happens next to Martha after the way this book ended. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, this is definitely one to check out.
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Piggy Banks!
Games, Entertainment and Stickers
App
You think dropping coins into a piggy bank is easy? Tap at the right moment to drop coins into your...
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Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Death at First Sight (Bay Island Psychic Mystery #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Book #1 in the Bay Island Psychic mystery series.
This paranormal cozy mystery was really mostly cozy, with just a touch of paranormal, but that was fine with me. I loved the protagonist, Cass. She and her friends were very well developed, and felt like a group of people Id like to get to know. The mystery itself was well written and full of surprises. It took me a few chapters to get really sucked in, but once I did, I couldnt put it down. This was a great way to start a series Ill be watching for book #2!
<i>NOTE: I voluntary read and reviewed an advanced copy.</i>
This paranormal cozy mystery was really mostly cozy, with just a touch of paranormal, but that was fine with me. I loved the protagonist, Cass. She and her friends were very well developed, and felt like a group of people Id like to get to know. The mystery itself was well written and full of surprises. It took me a few chapters to get really sucked in, but once I did, I couldnt put it down. This was a great way to start a series Ill be watching for book #2!
<i>NOTE: I voluntary read and reviewed an advanced copy.</i>
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Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse (Cape Bay Cafe Mystery #1)
Book
A new culinary cozy mystery series with recipes from bestselling author Harper Lin Francesca...
Cozy Mystery Series
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Quicksand
Book
A thousand-year-old secret room. A sultan’s stolen treasure. A missing French priest. And an...
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Feint of Art (An Art Lover's Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Annie Kincaid gets caught up in a web of murder and betrayal when she identifies a painting at a San Francisco museum as a forgery. Plenty of laughs to this cozy caper, and the characters were wonderful.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-feint-of-art-by-hailey-lind.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-feint-of-art-by-hailey-lind.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
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