Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My!: A Deveraux's Dime Store Mystery

Greetings!  I hope you had a delightful weekend.  Denise Swanson is the author of A Scumble River Mystery series, Welcome Back to Scumble River, and A Deveraux's Dime Store Mystery series.  As a reader you can follow Ms. Swanson on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook and the series on FictFact.

Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My by Denise Swanson is the sixth book in A Deveraux’s Dime Store Mystery series.  Deveraux Sinclair lives in Shadow Bend, Missouri where she owns and runs Devereaux’s Dime Store and Gift Baskets.  It is October and Deveraux is working on her Halloween display when a man comes into the store looking for Jake Del Vecchio who is renting office space above Deveraux’s store for his PI practice (and he can see more of Deveraux this way).  Elliot Winston is looking for his missing wife, Gabriella.  Gabriella disappeared leaving behind her wallet, cellphone, car and clothing.  The police are not convinced it is a kidnapping and have referred Elliot to Jake.  Elliot has heard about Deveraux’s sleuthing skills and wants to enlist her help as well.  Elliot is trying to open a wildlife park on land he owns outside town and his wife (along with many townspeople) object to his venture.   Then Elliot receives a ransom demand.  Jake and Deveraux set out to catch the kidnapper and return Gabriella to her husband.  Jake takes the case and is happy to be spending time with Deveraux.  Dr. Noah Underwood, Deveraux’s other love interest, is less than thrilled. When Jake asks Deveraux to go on a weekend getaway, Deveraux knows it is time to make a choice between the two men in her life. Poppy Kincaid had another brouhaha with her father, Chief Eldridge Kincaid.  It is time for the them to mend the fences, and Deveraux sets out to bring them together.  She is the perfect mediator since she has a good relationship with both parties.  Just another ordinary week for Deveraux Sinclair!

Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My contains well-developed characters.  Deveraux is a unique woman who has intelligence, determination, loyalty, and good family values.  I thought the novel contained good writing, had a nice pace and was easy to read.  This cozy mystery is lively and absorbing.  While Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My is the sixth book in this series, it can be read alone.  All the background details are mixed in with the story.  I do, though, recommend each book in the series.  I am rating Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My 4 out of 5 stars.  The romance element was more prevailing in this book than in others in the series.  There are dinner dates and a couple of steamy make out sessions (along with lustful thoughts).  I am happy that the love triangle is finally resolved (sorry I do not want to spoil it for you)!  There is some mild foul language that I wish the author had no included (it is not needed).  The mystery was not challenging.  Most readers will solve it long before the reveal.  Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My has all the cozy elements that make for an engaging cozy mystery novel.  There is family, humor, friends, small town charm, romance, a mystery, and good characters.  The story with a cliffhanger that has me looking forward to the next A Deveraux’s Dime Story Mystery tale.

Carolyn Haines' Familiar Trouble is out today.  It is the first book in the Familiar Legacy series.  I am reading 30 Second Death by Laura Bradford.  Thank you for reading my latest review.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Down a Dark Road by Linda Castillo.  Have a wonderful day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Gladden the Heart: Amish Turns of Time

Welcome!  Olivia Newport writes Amish Turns of Time series along with Hidden Falls, Valley of Choice series, and Avenue of Dreams trilogy.  Readers can follow her on Amazon and receive an email when a new book is listed for sale. Her next novel is Colors of Christmas which publishes on October 1.

Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport is the fifth book in an Amish Turns of Time series.  It is 1847 in Kishacoquillas Valley, Pennsylvania. Susanna Hooley lives on her family’s farm east of Lewistown, Pennsylvania.  One Sunday after church, Susanna’s cousin Noah is not feeling well and then collapses.  He then starts preaching and no one can get him to stop.  Noah is a quiet man and who is not known for his sermons.  After three hours of preaching, Noah collapses into a deep sleep.  When Noah awakens, he has no remembrance of what occurred.  Susanna goes over to Noah’s house the next day and discovers that his preaching is an everyday occurrence.  Noah’s wife, Phoebe has been keeping it under wraps.  Noah soon starts preaching almost every afternoon at the same time and his sermons are attracting attention.  Bishop Shem Hertzberger is less than pleased.  The revivalist movement has taken several Amish from their community, and Shem does not want to lose any other families.  Reverend Charles Baxton, a traveling Methodist minister, listens Noah’s stirring sermons and requests that Noah travel with him.  This controversy divides their Amish community.  Susanna supports Noah, but her beau, Adam is on the side hullabaloo.  But then one day Noah disappears while in one of his trance’s, and the whole community turns out to locate him.   Will they be able to locate Noah?  Is there a way to resolve the controversy and unite the community once again?

While Gladden the Heart is part of a series, it is a stand-alone novel.  I thought the concept behind Gladden the Heart is intriguing, I did enjoy the final product.  “Sleeping preachers” is an interesting phenomenon, and it could have made a great story.  Is it God’s will for this to happen to Noah?  I actually did a little research in “sleeping preachers”.  I just felt that the author could have done so much more with this subject.  Why did the Amish believe Noah’s preaching was wrong?  What was the main difference between the Amish faith and other religions at this time in history?  I thought the pace was sluggish (actually, slugs move faster) and the writing was not up to Olivia Newport’s usual standard.  The book was awkward and the characters flat.  There are numerous Bible verses (scripture) and sermons contained within the story (after a while, I started skipping past them).  I really struggled to finish this novel.  I can tell when I am not enjoying a book.  I start checking to see how much farther until the end and I start speed reading through boring parts.   When I start hoping for a good murder to spice up the storyline (especially when I am reading an Amish novel that is not a mystery), then I know I do not like the book.  The romance between Susanna and Adam failed to come to life.  I never felt love between the couple.  Susanna’s mother was an annoying character.  Her fear (for the time period) was understandable.  The characters lacked depth.  There is also a repetition of information (it felt like padding).  I am rating Gladden the Heart 2 out of 5 stars.  I do not want to discourage readers from Olivia Newport’s novels.  While Gladden the Heart was not for me, I have appreciated many of her other books (Valley of Choice series). 

Thank you for visiting and reading my thoughts on this novel.  If you belong to Google+, please consider adding me to your circle (upper right).  My next review will be of Lions and Tigers and Murders, Oh My by Denise Swanson.    May you have a lovely, relaxing Sunday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Tell-Tale Tarte: A Five-Ingredient Mystery

Salutations!  On July 11 Rachel Hauck's The Writing Desk will be released. Rachel Hauck is the author of The Wedding Dress, The Wedding Shop and The Wedding Chapel.  Maya Corrigan is the author of A Five-Ingredient Mystery series. The books in this series are By Cook or By Crook, Scam Chowder, Final Fondue, and the latest The Tell-Tale Tarte (get the Poe reference).   You, as a reader, can follow Maya on Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads.  

The Tell-Tale Tarte by Maya Corrigan is the fourth book in A Five-Ingredient Mystery series.  Val Deniston is shocked when her grandfather, Don Myer comes home with a new look.  She can tell that he up to something, but Granddad is claiming client confidentiality.  Val is leaving the mall with her best friend, Bethany O’Shay when she sees a man resembling her grandfather collapse in the parking lot.  The man, thankfully, is not her Granddad.  The man does not survive, and he is dressed in Granddad’s new look (same haircut, glasses, hat, and clothes).  What has Granddad gotten into this time?   At dinner that evening with Gunnar, Val discovers the deceased is Emmett Flint.  Emmett was an actor with the local theater group along with Gunnar.  Gunnar, unfortunately, recently had an argument with the man and benefits from his death which puts him at the top of the suspect list.  While catering a book club dinner, Val discovers Granddad’s new job.  He was hired to impersonate Rick Usher.  Was Emmett Flint hired to perform this task as well?  Was the killer after Emmett, Granddad, or Rick Usher?  Val soon finds herself embroiled in a mystery surrounding author, Rick Usher.  To get closer to Usher, Val accepts a job as the families’ personal chef.  Val needs to clear Gunnar’s name and keep her grandfather safe.  When Val is not scouting for clues, she is working at the Cool Down Café, testing recipes for The Codger’s Cookbook (another one of Granddad’s projects), and exploring ways to get her contract on the café renewed.  Will Val uncover the killer before he strikes again?

I found The Tell-Tale Tarte to be a slow starter.  I had a hard time finishing this cozy mystery.  The pace starting out slow and failed to improve.  There is a repetition of information.  I find it annoying to find the same details repeated over and over.  I have not been able to warm up to Val and her grandfather (or any of the characters).  I felt that the characters are lacking in depth.  Val is a hard character to like.  She does not exude warmth or friendliness.  The grandfather’s antics just got on my nerves.  Why does it have to be one zany thing after another?  I do not mind a little bit of quirkiness, but Granddad is over-the-top.  He expects Val to support him in his subterfuge (which she does).  My rating for The Tell-Tale Tarte is 3 out of 5 stars.  The mystery was interesting, but uncomplicated and could be solved early in the story. The suspect pool is minute and the killer sticks out (might as well have been an arrow pointing at the individual).  The subplot of Val’s café contract was too dominant in the book. The details about the contract and who would take over the space are mentioned frequently.  The “romance” between Gunnar and Val does not feel real.  It is like the author determined that there should be a romance in the book so she put it in.  I just do not feel the connection or affection between them.   I did enjoy the Poe references in the book.  I am a fan of Edgar Allan Poe and his works (did a paper or two on him in college).  There are recipes at the end of the book from the Codger.  

If you are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, you should take a look at the adult coloring books available for sale.  I am currently reading Two Nights by Kathy Reichs.  I will be sharing Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport next time.   I sincerely hope you have a lovely Saturday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Death in Dark Blue: A Writer's Apprentice Mystery

Happy Friday!  Death Plays a Part by Vivian Conroy comes out today.  It is the first book in A Cornish Castle Mystery series.  I will be sharing my thoughts on this new cozy mystery soon.  Julia Buckley is the author of An Undercover Dish Mystery series as well as A Writer's Apprentice Mystery series. Readers can follow the author on Facebook, Goodreads, and Amazon.  Amazon will send you an email when a new book is listed for sale by this author.

Death in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley is the second novel in A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series.  Lena London lives with famous author Camilla Graham in Blue Lake, Indiana.  She is happy that her boyfriend, Sam West is returning to town after being gone for the last month.  Sam has been in New York searching for his missing wife, Victoria with the help of a private investigator.  Taylor Brand, a friend of Victoria’s and a blogger, stated on her blog that she would be coming to Blue Lake to apologize to Sam in person for her accusations (she accused him of harming Victoria).  Lena is on her way to Sam’s to drop off a copy of the book she co-wrote with Camilla when she comes across a person in a blue coat in the snow.  Lena has discovered Taylor and she will not be making that apology.  Once again, Sam is a suspect in a murder and the press are out in full force.  Lena needs to find Taylor’s killer and clear Sam from suspicion.  She also wants to find a clue that will lead them to Victoria.  Lena enlists the help of Belinda, research librarian at the Blue Lake Library.  Can they finally discover what happened to Victoria West?  The paparazzi are making it difficult for Sam and Lena to spend time together since they are trying to keep their relationship under wraps.  Can Lena unravel the clues and uncover Taylor’s killer? 

Death in Dark Blue is packed full of action.  Lena is busy solving two mysteries, spending time with Sam, and working on Camilla’s latest novel.  I thought the book contained good writing and it has a good flow.  The pace is medium level.  The murder mystery was child’s play to solve.  I identified the killer before the body made it to the morgue.  The suspect pool is very limited.  I give Death in Dark Blue 3.5 out of 5 stars.  I suggest that you read A Dark and Stormy Murder before Death in Dark Blue.  The first book sets the stage for what occurs in Death in Dark Blue.  There is some repetition of information (especially regarding Victoria).  I wish the author had not put so much focus on the romance between Lena and Sam.  Their relationship has moved too quickly (aka they are already cozy between the sheets) especially since he is technically married and his wife MIA.  The story ends with a cliffhanger that will have me reading the next book in the series.  I admit that I am curious to see what happens next in the Sam and Victoria saga.  Let us hope, though, that Sam does not end up suspected of murder again in the next novel in A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series.

Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  I am currently reading Familiar Trouble by Carolyn Haines.  It will be released on July 10.  My next book review will be of A Tell-Tale Tarte by Maya Corrigan.  I hope you have a very special day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Sowed to Death: A Farmer's Daughter Mystery

Thank you for stopping by today!  Peg Cochran is the author of A Farmer's Daughter Mystery series along with A Cranberry Cove Mystery series, A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery series, and A Lucille Mystery series (this is the only one I am not a fan of).  As a reader, you can follow Ms. Cochran on Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads.  

Sowed to Death by Peg Cochran is the second book in A Farmer’s Daughter Mystery series.  Shelby McDonald lives in Lovett, Michigan where she manages Love Blossom Farm, the family farm.  Shelby and the kids (Billy and Amelia) are heading to Lovett County Fair for the day.  There is some excitement when one of the judges has a reaction to Jenny Hubbard’s award-winning lemon meringue pie.  For the first time in five years, Jenny does not win.  Billy and Shelby are watching the Jaws of Life demonstration.  Jake Taylor gets the car open and extricates the dummy from the driver’s seat.  Shelby notices that there is blood on the head of the dummy and realizes that it is a real person.  The body belongs to Zeke Barnstable.  Unfortunately, Jake had a contentious relationship with Zeke which puts him at the top of the suspect list.  In between taking care of the kids, canning and doing farm chores, Shelby digs into Zeke’s life.  One night Amelia goes to a bonfire and ends up finding a skeleton in Zeke’s yard (Amelia lied about a few particulars regarding the bonfire).  Could the skeleton be Zeke’s missing wife?  Shelby is happy to have suspicion removed from Jake (since she is attracted to him and he is their neighbor).  Shelby wonders if Zeke’s murder had anything to do with his wife’s death.  Shelby weeds through the clues to find the killer.  What happens, though, when the murderer finds Shelby first?

Sowed to Death is well-written, has relatable characters, a lovely setting, light humor and a good pace.  I like the writer’s descriptive writing style and the way she draws the reader into the story.  The book has a good flow (for a smooth reading experience).  I would get involved in the book and not realize how much time had passed.  The characters in Sowed to Death are nicely developed and feel real (they could easily be my neighbors).  I appreciate that the author has given us a mature main character (instead of a woman in her 20s or early 30s).  It will be entertaining to watch Shelby as she begins dating (she has three men interested in her).   I like how Peg Cochran mixed the mystery in with Shelby’s life.  In Sowed to Death there is two women are fighting over the widowed Reverend Mather, Shelby has her first date since her husband’s death, Amelia with her teenage angst and antics, Billy and his riding lessons, Bert helping Shelby with canning, the county fair and so much more.  I especially delighted in Shelby’s blog posts.  They contain some interesting information and are fun to read.  I give Sowed to Death 5 out of 5 stars.  The mystery is complex and most readers will be surprised by the killer’s identity.  Shelby’s style of investigating is pleasant and very welcome.  She asks subtle questions, listens to conversation, catches up on local gossip, and, sometimes, Shelby happens to be in the right place at the right time.  Sowed to Death is the second book in the series, but it is easily a stand-alone novel (No Farm, No Foul is just as delightful as Sowed to Death).   There are a couple of recipes at the end of the book.  My only negative is I now must wait months for another A Farmer’s Daughter Mystery.  

I hope you find my review helpful.  Next time I will be sharing my thought on Death in Dark Blue by Julie Buckley.  I am off to run a quick errand.  I forgot to pick up Tuxxe's wet food and bones at the store the other day.  He is a very picky Chihuahua (and my mother spoils him shamefully).  May you have a marvelous Thursday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

If the Haunting Fits, Wear It: A Haunted Vintage Mystery

Adorable and eye-catching cover!

I hope everyone had a delightful Fourth of July.  Rose Pressey is the author of A Haunted Vintage Mystery series (and many others).  The books contained in this series are If You've Got it, Haunt It; All Dressed Up and No Place to Haunt; Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore; Haunted is Always in Fashion; and If the Haunting Fits, Wear It which came out on June 27.  Readers can follow Rose Pressey on Amazon, Goodreads, and Facebook.

If the Haunting Fits, Wear It by Rose Pressey is the fifth book in A Haunted Vintage Mystery series.  Cookie Chanel owns It’s Vintage Y’all in Sugar Creek, Georgia.  Cookie is getting ready to go to the Kentucky Derby with her client, Danielle Elston (she is styling her outfits).  Cookie is at an estate sale looking for hats and discovers Maureen Weber in the attic (and she is very protective of her hats).  She needs Cookie’s help and now Cookie has two ghosts tagging along—just what she does not need.  Cookie packs up her car and heads to Kentucky along with Maureen, Charlotte, and her cat, Wind Song/Grandma Pearl (it’s complicated).  Cookie is at an event at the Kentucky Derby Museum when she finds the body of jockey, Ramon Gooden.  Ramon was murdered and he would like Cookie’s assistance in tracking down his killer (he is rather insistent).  Cookie now has three ghosts tailing her and a B&B hostess who resembles a house mother.  The killer is not happy with Cookie’s involvement and tries to take her out (more than once).  Cookie will need to up her game if she is going to solve this crime and cross over Ramon.  It does not help that Cookie’s two beau’s, Ken and Dylan arrive in town and provide pleasant distraction.  Cookie’s mini-vacation in Kentucky is not quite what she had in mind. 

If the Haunting Fits, Wear It is not up to Rose Pressey’s usual standard.  I found details repeated frequently throughout the book (I am not talking just once or twice either).  The dialogue became confusing with three ghosts.  It was hard to keep straight which ghost was talking.  I did like the different setting in this book.  We get a behind the scenes look at events surrounding the Kentucky Derby.  There are numerous detailed dress, hat and accessory descriptions provided in If the Haunting Fits, Wear It.  I thought the book was easy to read, had a nice pace, and entertaining characters.  This may be the fifth book in the series, but it can easily be read alone.  Cookie’s background and information from previous books is included in this story.  My rating for If the Haunting Fits, Wear It is 3 out of 5 stars.  Ramon’s murder was not complex and the killer is easily identified (sigh).  Maureen’s situation was solved back home in Sugar Creek by Heather and Cookie’s mother (readers do not get a chance to figure this one out).  The romance element is a love triangle (big sigh) that takes up a good portion of the book.  I do not understand Cookie’s hesitancy to have a Ouija board around for Wind Song’s use (she never has one when the cat wishes to communicate with her).  She states she is afraid of inviting in bad spirits, but the cat is only using it to give her a message by using the letters on the board (no summoning of spirits involved).  I wish this paranormal mystery novel had more content (less wackiness).  I found it lacking.  I felt If the Haunting Fits, Wear It needed editing and some rewriting. It did not need three ghosts, the cat that contains the spirit of Grandma Pearl, two suitors, a rude and controlling B&B owner, special outfits for every outing—you see what I mean.  I sincerely hope that Ms. Pressey will be back on her game in the next A Haunted Vintage Mystery.

I do appreciate you visiting.  If you enjoy my reviews, consider signing up for the email (upper right hand side).  I will be reviewing Sowed to Death by Peg Cochran on Thursday.  May you have a day filled with as little stress as possible! I am off to work on our vacuum.  My mother decided to help me with the sweeping and now the sweeper is not working properly (she did mention taking a few things apart).  Wish me luck (I will need it).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Happy Fourth of July!

 

Happy Fourth of July!  I hope all of you are having a fun holiday.  I wanted to take some time to share the new July book releases with you.  Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport, The Wives' Revenge by Lindsey Hutchinson, A Letter from Lancaster County by Kate Lloyd, Abiding Mercy by Ruth Reid, Sowed to Death by Peg Cochran, Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My by Denise Swanson, A Panicked Premonition by Victoria Laurie and A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White.  

May you have a delightful Fourth of July!  Make sure to be careful with fireworks and the grill (the get so hot).  I will be reviewing If the Haunting Fits, Wear It by Rose Pressey on July 5.  Take care, stay cool and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Booked 4 Murder: A Sophie Kimball Mystery

Welcome!  J.C. Eaton is the husband and wife writing team of Ann. I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp. Ann has written a series of young adult time travel novels. You can find more details on the authors at www.jceatonauthor.com and www.timetravelmysteries.com.  You can also follow J.C. Eaton on Amazon, Goodreads, and Facebook.  Amazon will send you an email when a new book by J.C. Eaton is listed for sale.

Booked 4 Murder by J. C. Eaton is the first book in A Sophie Kimball Mystery series.  Sophie “Phee” Kimball is at work (Accounts Receivable Department at the Mankato Police Department) when she receives a call from her mother, Harriet Plunkett.  Phee’s mother claims that the book, The Twelfth Arrondissement is cursed.  It is the current selection being read by her book club, Booked 4 Murder.  Three members of the book group have already died. She wants Phee to fly to Arizona and figure out what is happening (and she will not take no for an answer) before the curse kills off more of the group. Before Phee can decide, Harriet calls about a fourth woman succumbing to the “curse”.  After consulting with her friend, Detective Nate Williams, Phee heads to Sun City West, Arizona.  Phee arrives and hears about a fifth member of the book club who almost died from carbon monoxide poisoning.  What is going on?  Phee hits the ground running with her investigation.  She digs into the various members deaths, queries the local librarian on how the books are chosen for the book club, and searches for information on the author of The Twelfth Arrondissement.  Phee only has one week before she needs to return to work (if she can survive the heat).  Can Phee discover what is happening to the members of Booked 4 Death before someone else is hurt and curse fever takes over the town?

Booked 4 Murder sounded entertaining, but I had a hard time wading through it. I found the pace slow (glacial) and the writing flat.  The characters were not fleshed out and given life.   Phee’s characters do not go with her profession (that are mentioned early in the book about her).  Normally, an accountant is organized and detail oriented (good at taking notes).  Phee’s character seemed contradictory.  The only character I cared about was Detective Nate Williams (shame he was not featured more prominently).  The mother was over-the-top and annoying (her dog, Streetman was obnoxious).  I found items to be repeated several times throughout the story.  Mentioned most frequently is that Phee is not a detective and how she cannot stand the heat (it was exasperating).  There are also a couple of outdated references in the book.  I did enjoy the Agatha Christie references throughout the story.  My rating for Booked 4 Murder is 2.5 out of 5 stars (I am being a little generous since this is a first book by these writers).  The mystery had several moving parts.  I would say more but that would spoil it for readers.  I believe the author was trying to make a complicated mystery that would bewilder readers.  The whodunit can be solved effortlessly (I kept hoping for a surprise twist).  The ending is expected and disappointing.  Personally, I would have preferred that Phee work mysteries with Nate in Mankato.  An accountant and a detective teaming up to solve crimes (a unique combo).  There is a preview of Ditched 4 Murder at the end of the book (the next book in A Sophie Kimball Mystery series).  I will not be continuing with the series as it is not the right type of cozy mystery series for me. 

Thank you for your visit.  I will be reviewing If the Haunting Fits, Wear It by Rose Pressey next time. May each of you have a delightful Fourth of July.  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Grace to the Finish: A Manor House Mystery

I hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend.  Julie Hyzy is the author of A White House Chef Mysteries and A Manor House Mystery series.  A Manor House Mystery series starts with Grace Under Pressure.  You can follow Ms. Hyzy on Amazon and Goodreads.  

Grace to the Finish by Julie Hyzy is the eighth (and, unfortunately, the last) book in A Manor House Mystery series.  Grace Wheaton is touring the Granite Building, the new sight for Amethyst Cellars, with Bruce and Scott.  They are preparing to go down to the basement when they see a woman collapsed on the floor at the bottom of the steps.  It turns out to be Virginia Frisbie, the banker Scott and Bruce dealt with when buying the building.  Upon further inspection of the basement, they discover that someone has been squatting there and items are missing.  Did Virginia interrupt a thief which resulted in her death?  Grace’s sister, Liza is being released from prison and is coming to live in Emberstowne.  Aunt Belinda has agreed to come from Florida to supervise Liza (Grace wishes to avoid her toxic sister).  Grace is worried how her sister will behave and what will happen when Liza learns about Grace’s good fortune.  It turns out that Aunt Belinda has already informed Liza, and they have hired an attorney.  Grace needs to find a way to stop Liza.  An old memory sends Grace searching through old family photo albums.  Grace sets out to unearth what was happening at the Granite Building in the hopes of catching Virginia’s killer.  She will need to multitask to keep up with her work at Marshfield Manor, snare a murderer, uncover a way to hinder her conniving sister, and, if Grace is lucky, find time for a date with Dr. Joe Bradley. 

Grace to the Finish is well-written, has good characters, and a nice setting.  It has been interesting to watch Grace (as well as the other characters) develop over the course of the series.  She is slowly adjusting to her new role as heir to Bennett Marshfield.  I like that Grace is an intelligent and articulate main character with a good moral compass (as well as relatable).   I wish there were more main characters like Grace in cozy mysteries.  The pace of the story is medium.  There is quite a bit of activity in the story and numerous details that go along with it (which slows down the flow of reading).  Two of my favorite characters are Frances and Flynn.  They provide humor to the story (it helps to lighten it up).  Grace to the Finish is best read after finishing the first seven books in the series.  Each book in the series builds upon the previous one.  I give Grace to the Finish 4.50 out of 5 stars.  I just wish the two mysteries had been more complex (I would settle for one).  The murder mystery and the one regarding Liza were easy to unravel.  Actually, the murder of Virginia Frisbee is a storyline that unfolds instead of a mystery that readers can solve (I prefer a mystery that I can solve—I find it more captivating).  I appreciated that Grace works with the police to solve the crime (instead of going behind their backs or working against them).  The romance was not over-the-top in the story (thank goodness).  It was light and enhanced the story.  I am saddened that there will be no further books in A Manor House Mystery series. We need more cozy mysteries like Grace to the Finish.

I appreciate you visiting and reading my review.  Next time I will be sharing my thoughts on Booked 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton.  May you have a satisfying Sunday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Wives' Revenge: A historical novel by Lindsey Hutchinson

Happy July 1.  Lindsey Hutchinson is the author of The Workhouse Children.  It is currently on sale for $1.99 on Amazon or free with Kindle Unlimited.  Please do not judge a book by the cover (it is bland and deceiving).  Readers can follow Ms. Hutchinson on Goodreads, Amazon and Facebook.  If you enjoy the novels by Donna Douglas, Rosie Clarke, Nancy Revell or Nadine Dorries, you will like reading The Wives' Revenge.

The Wives’ Revenge is a new historical novel by Lindsey Hutchinson.   We are swept back to 1887.  Violet Clancy lives with her mum, Kath Clancy Sligo and her step-father, John in Wednesbury, England (the Black Country).  Primrose Berry has done it again.  She caused trouble and Violet was blamed for it.  Violet knows what will happen when John finds out.  When Kath finds out what John has been doing to her daughter, she calls a meeting of the Wednesbury Wives’ (Annie Green, Mary Forbes, Martha Slater, Kath Clancy, Joyce Clews and Violet Clancy).  John Sligo soon meets an unfortunate demise.  Woman in the town know if they need assistance, they can get help from the Wives’.  They assist abused woman, find lost children, and so much more.  Violet is asked to join the group when she leaves school and starts looking for work.  After what happened with John, Violet avoids men.  Then the persistent Spencer Gittins comes along.  He is a kind and compassionate young man who falls for Violet.  After the two marry, Violet can provide more help to the town.  This group of close-knit women set out to get justice for the abused (sometimes revenge) and help the poor in their town.  See what a group of hardworking and caring women can do when they band together in The Wives’ Revenge.

The Wives’ Revenge is an engaging novel that captured my attention from the very first page.  I found the book to be well-written and have very lifelike characters.  Thanks to the authors descriptions, I could visualize the town and her characters.  I thought the author did an excellent job at capturing the time period especially with the dialogue (though, I did not like the continual use of the word wench).  It was a very different time when the laws did not protect women and children.  But the ladies of the Wednesbury Wives’ could and would help them.  The Wives’ Revenge has a heartwarming ending.  I do want to mention that the book contains foul language, violence, murder and sexual assault.  Some of situations are just heartbreaking.  There is also love, respect, courage and lifelong friendships.  My rating for The Wives’ Revenge is 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).  I found the authors use of what my father called “ten dollar words” amusing (I love big words) and I learned a new word too (coterie).  The Wives’ Revenge is one of those books that you will be thinking about for days after you finish it (it lingers in your mind).  I will be reading Lindsey Hutchinson’s next book The Lost Sisters (will be available on September 1).  

The next book up for review is Grace to the Finish by Julie Hyzy.  I am off to the grocery store. Those dogs need to quit eating so much (Doozy is such a chow hound). May you have a very special Saturday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader