Showing posts with label Marygene Brown Mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marygene Brown Mystery. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

On Borrowed Crime by Kate Young: Review & Giveaway

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On Borrowed Crime


 A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery 


by Kate Young


About On Borrowed Time

 

On Borrowed Crime: A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery 

 

A shoe-in read for fans of Ellery Adams and Kate Carlisle, On Borrowed Crime is the first in Kate Young's new Georgia-set, sweet tea filled, Jane Doe Book Club mysteries.

The Jane Doe book club enjoys guessing whodunit, but when murder happens in their midst, they discover solving crimes isn't fun and games...

Lyla Moody loves her sleepy little town of Sweet Mountain, Georgia. She likes her job as receptionist for her uncle's private investigative firm, her fellow true crime obsessed Jane Doe members are the friends she's always wanted, and her parents just celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. But recently, with her best friend Melanie on vacation, and her ex-boyfriend and horrible cousin becoming an item and moving in next door to her, her idyllic life is on the fritz. The cherry on top of it all is finding Carol, a member of the club, dead and shoved into a suitcase, left at Lyla's front door.

Unusual circumstances notwithstanding, with Carol's heart condition, the coroner rules Carol's death undetermined. But when they discover the suitcase belongs to Melanie, who had returned from her vacation the following morning, Sweet Mountain police begin to suspect Lyla's best friend. Determined that police are following the wrong trail, to clear her friend's name, and to not allow Carol become one of the club's studied cold cases, Lyla begins to seek out the real killer. That is, until she becomes the one sought after. Now, finding the truth could turn her into the killer's next plot twist, unless she wins the game of cat and mouse. 

About Kate Young

Kate Young writes southern mystery novels. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Guppy Chapter. Kate lives in a small town in Georgia with her husband, three kids, and Shih Tzus. When she is not writing her own books, she’s reading or cooking.

Author Links


Author Links Website- https://www.kateyoungbooks.com 





My Thoughts


On Borrowed Crime by Kate Young takes us to Sweet Mountain, Georgia where Lyla Moody works as a receptionist for her private investigator uncle.  Lyla has always been fascinated with mysteries and true crime.  She belongs to the Jane Doe Book Club that reads mystery novels and analyzes cold cases.  Lyla’s life gets turned upside down when a suitcase is left outside her door.  When she opens it the next morning with her best friend, Melanie.  The duo are shocked when they find the body of fellow book club member and friend, Carol Timms.  Melanie becomes the prime suspect much to Lyla’s dismay. Lyla sets out to prove her friend did not commit the crime which catches the attention of the killer.  Lyla’s first real case may be her last.  On Borrowed Crime is the debut of A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series.  Lyla Moody lives in a small Southern town in Georgia.  Her father is a respected psychiatrist, her mother is a true Southern lady, and her grandmother encourages Lyla in her fascination with crime.  I just loved Gran.  She is a spunky woman with a sense of humor.  Lyla works as a receptionist for her PI uncle with the hopes of becoming a partner in the practice one day.  When a member of her book club is murdered and left on her doorstep, Lyla gets her chance to work a real case.  The police focus their investigation on Lyla’s best friend, Melanie.  Lyla must work quickly to get justice for her deceased friend and make sure her bestie does not end up in jail.  There are a variety of suspects in this whodunit.  There is even a link to a cold case that is intriguing.  There are good clues that helped me identify the guilty party.  I liked seeing Lyla investigating plus there is action and danger.  There is repetition of details (size of parents’ house and her mother’s dislike of Lyla’s interest in crime for example) that needed to be eliminated along with the foul language.  I was not a fan of Lyla’s meanspirited cousin, Ellen.  She seemed cliché along with Lyla’s ex-beau being the local police chief.  I am hoping that the main characters will get further development in future installments.  They need more fleshing out.  Those readers who are fans of Kate Young’s A Marygene Brown Mystery series will enjoy A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series as well.   On Borrowed Crime is a humorous Southern cozy mystery with rampant rumors, nosy neighbors, a generous Gran, curious clues, a murdered mate, and a frightened friend. 

Are you read to read On Borrowed Crime?  On Borrowed Crime is available from AmazonB&NKobo, and IndieBound.  Kate Young also writes A Marygene Brown Mystery series.  As part of the tour, Kate Young is having a giveaway!  You can win a $20 Amazon Gift Card plus an autographed copy of On Borrowed Crime (Sorry, but US Only).  You can enter by clicking here or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck!  Thank you for visiting today.  I am reviewing A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates next time.  It is the 7th A Lighthouse Library Mystery.  I hope that you have an upbeat day.  I am off to do some sorting.  It is time to clear out the clutter and I have a lot of it.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants


October 5 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 5 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

  October 5 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW 

  October 6 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

  October 6 – Thoughts in Progress – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 6 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 7 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

  October 7 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 7 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

October 8 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

  October 8 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 8 – Elizabeth McKenna Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT 

October 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 

  October 9 – Angel's Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 
  October 10 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW 

  October 10 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW 

October 10 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

  October 11 – Nadaness In Motion – REVIEW/SPOTLIGHT 

October 11 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW 

  October 11 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 12 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 12 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT 

  October 12 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

*This post contains affiliate links.



Monday, May 25, 2020

Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young: Review & Giveaway!

Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse


A Marygene Brown Mystery


by Kate Young

About Southern Sass & A Crispy Corpse


Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Kensington (May 26, 2020)
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1496721470
ISBN-13: 978-1496721471
Digital ASIN: B07W4MRDKR
On Georgia’s picturesque Peach Cove Island, a killer is serving up a two-for-one special . . .

After their mama's passing, Marygene Brown returned to Peach Cove Island to help her sister Jena Lynn run the family diner, renowned for its homemade peach desserts. But Mama is never too far away—her sassy spirit haunts the island, and more specifically Marygene. Lately Mama has been warning her that the dead will seek her out to solve their murders, an idea Marygene is far from peachy keen on.

But that prophecy appears to be coming true when she goes skinny-dipping off the island and swims right into a woman's charred corpse floating in the waves. And when Marygene and her brother Sam come upon a second burned body in a wine cellar at an event they're catering, it appears they have a double homicide on their hands. It soon turns out the victims have more in common than their charred remains, and Marygene will need to double down to find a killer who has no aversion to playing with fire. Good thing Mama has her back . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen!
 And this

About Kate Young


Kate Young writes Southern mystery novels. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Guppy Chapter. Kate lives in a small town in Georgia with her husband, three kids, and Shih Tzu. When she is not writing her own books, she’s reading or cooking.
Skinny dip in the ocean. Amazing!

Author Links





No Skinny Dipping by SteveDelamare on DeviantArt
Skinny Dipping

My Thoughts


Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young has Marygene Brown going for an early morning swim sans bathing suit.  Unfortunately, Marygene encounters a corpse while frolicking in the ocean.  She quickly calls her father, Sheriff Eddie Carter who arrives with Deputy Alex Myers, Marygene’s beau and the reason she was taking an early morning swim.  Eddie’s new hire, Deputy Javier Reyes takes Marygene’s statement at the station which leaves a bitter taste in her mouth after the encounter.  The Peach Diner, owner by Marygene and her sister, Jena Lynn, cater Yvonne Brooks open house showcasing her renovations of Palmer house.  Marygene and her brother, Sam take extra champagne down to the cellar and find a charred corpse leaning against a wall.  Time to call Eddie again.  The two bodies have Marygene perplexed and she knows her mother has the information she needs.  Pesky rules, though, prevent Clara from giving that type of aid.  Marygene and Betsy begin asking questions and end up ruffling a few feathers.  Marygene may find herself in limbo with her mother if she is not careful.
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse by Kate Young is the 2nd A Marygene Brown Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone because the needed background information is provided.  We return to Peach Cove Island, Georgia where deceased souls who have been murdered are drawn to Marygene Brown.  Marygene gets a help with the cases from her mama, Clara who is in limbo (she should have done more good deeds while alive).  Marygene co-owns The Peach Diner with her sister, Jena Lynn.  Marygene is a wonderful baker whose pastries are in demand by the island’s residents and tourists.  Marygene is having relationship troubles with beau, Deputy Alex Myers.  Alex was seen doing something that landed him in hot water with Marygene.  Alex wanted his cake and to eat it too (if you get my drift).   Deputy Javier Reyes is new to the force and sparks fly between him and our protagonist.  It looks like Alex has competition.  I wish less time had been devoted to Marygene’s love life.  It was a little much for me. Marygene deserves a good guy who is understanding, kind, and loyal.  There are a variety of colorful characters whose antics had me laughing.  Betsy, an employee and friend, is a hoot.  The food descriptions will have your mouth watering.  Thankfully, there are recipes at the end of the book.  I like the author’s conversational writing style which made Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse was easy to read.  The story moved along quickly.  The mystery was an enjoyable one to solve.  It was complex (love that) with a variety of clues, several suspects and misdirection.  I had a good time assembling the clues and arriving at a solution.  There is a dramatic reveal where I got to see if my deductions were correct.  There was plenty of action in this story that helped move this story along quickly toward the end.  The paranormal element is fun and enhances the series.  Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse is a capricious cozy mystery with a disdainful deputy, unabashed bathing beauty, a chill cellar, pretty pastries, a defensive dad, and crispy corpses.  
This classic, Southern Peach Pie is absolute dessert perfection! Filled with summer's juiciest, sweetest fresh peaches and made with a flaky, buttery double-crust dusted with sanding sugar, this fresh peach pie is as beautiful as it is delicious and wonderful served à la mode with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Southern Peach Pie
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse can be purchased from AmazonB&N, Kobo, and IndieBound.  The 1st A Marygene Brown Mystery is Southern Sass and Killer Cravings.  Now for the giveaway!  As part of the tour, the author is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card!  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Kate Young's next book is On Borrowed Crime which releases October 6.  It is the debut of A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery series.  Thank you so much for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my review of Marshmallow Malice by Amanda Flower.  It is the 5th An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  I hope you have a fun and safe Memorial Day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants


May 25 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

May 25 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

May 25 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW  

May 26 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE

May 26 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW


May 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

May 27 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW  

May 28 – Diane Reviews Books - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 28 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW

May 28 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW

May 28 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW

May 29 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – T's Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

May 30 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

May 30 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 30 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 30 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT

May 31 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

May 31 – Laura's Interests – SPOTLIGHT

May 31 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

May 31 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

June 1 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

June 1 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

June 1 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

June 1 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
by Sally Storch
*This post contains affiliate links.

Monday, May 20, 2019

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young


Southern Sass and Killer Cravings

(Marygene Brown Mysteries)
by Kate Young


About the Book 

Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Kensington (May 28, 2019)
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
ISBN-10: 1496721454
ISBN-13: 978-1496721457
Digital ASIN: B07H1VWGBS
Life has always been sweet on Georgia’s Peach Cove Island, but a case of murder has Marygene Brown down in the pits . . .

For generations, the women of the Brown family on Peach Cove Island have been known for their Southern sass and sweet homemade desserts at their beloved Peach Diner. Since their mother's passing two years ago, Marygene has been stuck in Atlanta while her sister Jena Lynn has been running the family business. Now Marygene has left her husband and returned to her hometown, where she can almost feel Mama's presence.

But all is not peachy back home. Marygene has barely tied on an apron when a diner regular drops dead at the counter. When it turns out the old man's been poisoned, Jena Lynn is led away in handcuffs and the family eatery is closed. Now, to save her sister and the diner, Marygene must find the real killer. With some startling assistance from her Mama's spirit, Marygene will be serving up a special order of just desserts . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Marygene’s Kitchen!

The author is hosting a pre-order giveaway!  CHECK IT OUT HERE! 


About the Author


Kate Young writes humorous southern mystery novels. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Guppy Chapter. Kate lives in a small town in Georgia with her husband, three kids, and Shih Tzu. When she is not writing her own books, she's reading or cooking.

Author Links





BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-young-b3339e9c-d2e4-482d-a637-5afd7b064d73

Southern Sass and Killer Cravings (Marygene Brown #1)

My Thoughts


Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is set on a small island off the Georgia coast called Peach Cove.  The Peach Diner was started by Marygene’s grandmother, Nanny after her husband gambled and drank away their money.  Marygene has a natural talent for cooking and baking.  She knows what is needed to elevate a dish and how to fix a wonky recipe.  I thought Southern Sass and Killer Cravings was nicely written and it moved along at a steady pace.  I liked the author’s conversational writing style which made the story easy to read.  Southern manners and hospitality are the code in the South.  Southern women are polite and always have sweet tea ready for guests (even if they are unwelcome).  I liked that Marygene is a friendly yet flawed character (realistic) who has gotten herself out of a bad marriage.  She has made mistakes and knows that she needs to make amends (to family and friends).  There are an assortment of characters in the story that include Marygene’s sister, her half-brother, biological father, shop owners, residents, a reporter, and land developers.  Betsy Myers, Marygene’s best friend, is over-the-top and boisterous (she is quite a characters).  With Carl Ledbetter’s father dead, he is ready to let developers buy the land he inherited for high rise condos and a resort.  Other residents do not want this type of development which leads to animated debates.  There is plenty of action throughout the story, but I could have done without the repetition of case details.  The mystery was mixed for me.  The method of murder and the killer’s identity are easily discerned by avid cozy mystery readers.  It was interesting, though, following the investigation to learn more about the victim and why he was killed.  There are two potential love interests for Marygene.  Personally, I thought it was too soon for Marygene to move on after her abusive marriage (she still had bruises on her neck).  There is mild foul language in Southern Sass and Killer Cravings and references to the abusive Marygene suffered.  My favorite phrase from the book is “the past always has a way of coming back and biting you in the keister” (so true).  There are recipes from The Peach Diner included at the end.  Southern Sass and Killer Cravings is a humorous cozy mystery that is perfect to read on the front porch in a cozy rocking chair with sweet peach tea on a table nearby.  Southern Sass and Killer Cravings has Southern hospitality, friendship, sweet tea, gossip, tasty treats, a dead man, secrets, an island spirit and a new amateur sleuth.
A Second Chance: An Amish Romance (Chronicles of St. Mary's Book 3) by [Byler, Linda]
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings comes out on May 28 and can be purchased at AmazonB&NKoboIndie Boundibooks, and BAM.  Do not forget about the pre-order contest giveaway.  Click here for more information and to enter.  Do not forget to visit the other stops on the tour for author interviews, recipes, and reviews (schedule below).  Thank you for stopping in today and reading my review.  I  will share my thoughts on A Second Chance by Linda Byler tomorrow.  I hope that you have a splendid day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants


May 18 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW

May 18 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW

May 18 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 18 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

May 18 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

May 19 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW

May 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

May 19 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder - REVIEW, RECIPE POST WITH PICTURES

May 19 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW

May 20 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

May 20 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW


May 20 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT

May 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

May 21 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

May 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 21 – Books Direct – SPOTLIGHT

May 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

May 22 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW


May 22 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews - RECIPE POST WITH PICTURES

May 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

May 23 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

May 23 – Defining Ways - RECIPE POST WITH PICTURES

May 23 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

May 24 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

May 24 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW

May 24 – Brooke Blogs - RECIPE POST WITH PICTURES

May 24 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

May 24 – Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author – SPOTLIGHT

May 25 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – REVIEW

May 25 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW

May 25 – The Book Diva's Reads – SPOTLIGHT  

May 25 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 26 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

May 26 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

May 26 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

May 26 – That's What She's Reading – SPOTLIGHT

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