Tied Up with Strings: A Serebral Seniors Mystery

Tied Up with Strings (A Serebral Seniors Mystery)

by Madeline McEwen

About the Book

Tied Up with Strings (A Serebral Seniors Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Imajin Qwickies, An imprint of Imajin Books (December 11, 2017)

Print Length: 85 pages

ASIN: B077PLNWY9

An Imajin Qwickies® Mystery/Crime Novella

Big mysteries often come in small packages…

When curmudgeonly private detective Betty Grape visits a young friend, who is housesitting in a remote village in England for Christmas vacation, something seems out of place. Her friend, Catia, is visibly nervous. Is she worried about the young men in the decrepit caravan in next door’s back garden? Or is Catia involved in the disappearance of the homeowner’s invalid wife?

As an American, Betty discovers the locals are full of friendly gossip but taciturn about solid facts. Though they are determined to keep Betty from butting in on their territory, she blunders through the social morass of narrow-minded foreigners and their broad Dorset accents. Can she unravel the tight knots of this mystery? Will she find the perpetrator under thickly thatched roofs or behind floral chintz curtains?

About the Author

 Madeline McEwen is an ex-pat from the UK, bi-focaled and technically challenged. She and her Significant Other manage their four offspring, one major and three minors, two autistic, two neurotypical, plus a time-share with Alzheimer's. In her free time, she walks the canines and chases the felines with her nose in a book and her fingers on a keyboard.

Author Links

Website  http://www.madelinemcewen.c

Amazon   http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00Q41VUFI

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/macmaddy/pins/

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MadMcEwen

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/madeline.mcewenasker

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9886841.Madeline_McEwen,

Blog http://whittereronautism.com/

Tied Up with Strings is available at Amazon, GooglePlay, iBooks and Kobo.  It is a short cozy mystery (only 85 pages) set in Devon, England during the holiday season.  Betty Grape is an interesting main character and I hope we get to know more about her in the next book in A Serebral Seniors Mystery series.  In honor of the Great Escapes Tied Up with Strings, the author is hosting a giveaway of British tea bags with brewing instructions.  Please use the Rafflecopter form below or enter here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I appreciate you visiting today.  Please take the time to visit the other stops on the Tied Up with Strings Tour (schedule below).  I hope you return tomorrow with my review of Claws of Death by Linda Reilly.  May you have a relaxing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 9 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW

July 9 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

July 10 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

July 11 – Island Confidential – GUEST POST

July 11 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT

July 12 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

July 12 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 13 – Carole's Book Corner - REVIEW

July 13 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 14 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 14 – The Avid Reader – SPOTLIGHT

July 15 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

July 15 – Rosepoint Publishing – SPOTLIGHT

July 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 16 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST

July 17 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 17 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 18 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST

Disorderly Conduct: A Maggie McDonald Mystery

Disorderly Conduct (A Maggie McDonald Mystery)

by Mary Feliz

About the Book

Disorderly Conduct (A Maggie McDonald Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

4th in Series

Lyrical Underground (July 10, 2018)

Print Length: 233 pages

ASIN: B076GNYKM8

About the Author

Mary Feliz writes the Maggie McDonald Mysteries featuring a Silicon Valley professional organizer and her sidekick golden retriever. She’s worked for Fortune 500 firms and mom and pop enterprises competed in whaleboat races and done synchronized swimming. She attends organizing conferences in her character’s stead, but Maggie’s skills leave her in the dust.

Author Links:  

Website: www.maryfeliz.com
Blog: www.maryfeliz.com/blog/, 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryFelizBooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.feliz.581

Twitter: @maryfelizauthor

Kirkus: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/author/mary-feliz/preview/

Disorderly Conduct by Mary Feliz is the fourth installment in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series.  Devastating wild fires are ravaging through the hills above Silicon Valley close to where Maggie McDonald and her family live on their farm.  They are preparing to evacuate when Maggie receives a call from her best friend, Tess Olmos.  Tess’s husband, Patrick had not been in touch which is not unusual (he gets caught up in his work).  But, then she is contacted by the police stating they believe they found her husband in the hills and they need her identify the body.  Tess and her son, Teddy are devastated by the news and have trouble believing Patrick’s death was accidental.  They soon discover that Patrick was murdered when the police arrive to search her home and arrest Tess.  The evidence the police find in Tess’s house seals her fate. Maggie needs to sort through the clues and question the suspects to pinpoint Patrick’s killer before Teddy loses both of his parents. 

I found Disorderly Conduct to be nicely written and to have a quick pace.  The mystery becomes complex when it is discovered that criminals are growing marijuana illegally on the public land in the hills above their farm.  It happened to be where Patrick ran frequently.  However, the mystery takes up a small portion of the book.  I wish the author had made Patrick’s murder the focus.  The story talks about the fires that are ravaging through the Santa Cruz mountains destroying the vegetation and forcing wildlife along with humans to flee.  There are helpful tips at the beginning of each chapter on how people can prepare for emergencies (fires, hurricanes).  The items we should have available in our home and car along with planning where you would go.  It is important to remember your pets in your plans.  There are great characters in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series.  Maggie is a smart, strong woman who can handle any situation thrown at her and she is very organized.  The kids and the animals add humor to the story (and it makes me very happy that I had a daughter instead of a son).  The various families are close and help each other in times of crisis (like Tess taking in the McDonald family).  While Disorderly Conduct could be read alone, I recommend reading Address to Die For first.  Disorderly Conduct addresses some tough topics in a different way.  Return to Orchard View and join Maggie as she sets out to catch a murderer and save her best friend in Disorderly Conduct.

Disorderly Conduct is available for sale at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and GooglePlay.  The other three novels in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series are Address to Die For, Scheduled to Death, and Dead Storage.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will be doing a spotlight on Tied Up with Strings by Madeline McEwen tomorrow.  The first book in A Serebral Seniors Mystery series. Take care, stay cool and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 9 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – cherylbbookblog – SPOTLIGHT

July 11 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

July 12 – Reading Authors – SPOTLIGHT

July 12 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 13 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

July 13 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST

July 14 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

July 14 – MJB Reviewers - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 16 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

July 17 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

July 17 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST

July 18 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 18 – Ruff Drafts - SPOTLIGHT

July 19 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 19 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

July 21 – The Montana Bookaholic - REVIEW, GUEST POST

July 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

July 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

Firestorm: The Amish of Mackinac County

Welcome!  Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write. Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.  When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

About the Book

Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home.  While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt.  While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she's afraid to trust anyone--even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby.  Bridget thinks he is a flirt who serial dates and does not remember the girls' names.  Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work.  His father is desperate for his son to settle down and he discovers their cumstances, he offers to help with construction.  For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls "the recluse" once he discovers she does not attend youth events, confuses him like none other.  As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.

My Thoughts on Firestorm

I thought Firestorm was well-written and had a nice lively pace.  I was drawn in right away with the sentence regarding Gabe’s colorful pajamas.  Gabe is a delightful main character.  He has a quirky personality with his openness to try new and different things.  His character provides light-heartedness to the story (his antics had me snickering).  Gabe has many good qualities and I liked seeing him mature.  Bishop Miah Brunstetter was kindly man who guides his flock with a steady, calm spirit.  There is plenty going on in Firestorm with the nightmare house, construction, miscommunication, Gabe’s various antics, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and so much more.  Christian elements are present throughout the story.  Prayer and steadfast faith are important to lead a Christian life.  The one thing we tend to forget is that we are not in control and things will happen in God’s timing (not when we want it to happen).  Laura Hilton’s descriptions of the area helped me to visualize it especially the cold temperatures (which makes me glad I am in Florida).  While snow can be beautiful, the cold temperatures can be deadly.  Life is never easy as we see in Firestorm, but all things happen for a purpose. My rating for Firestorm is 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to the next installment in The Amish of Mackinac County series.  For Noah's story (Bridget's brother), pick up a copy of Plain Everyday Heroes by Laura Hilton, Thomas Nye, and Rachel J. Good.

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of Firefighter Puppet 9 (Melissa and Doug), Copies of Amish Firefighter and Firestorm by Laura Hilton.  The first place prize of “I Love You to the Cross and Back” Mug (Gardenfire) along with a copy of Firestorm by Laura Hilton! Click here to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you leave to claim nine (9) extra entries!  Firestorm is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, GooglePlay, and Kobo.  I appreciate you visiting today.  I will feature Disorderly Conduct by Mary Feliz on July 13.  It is the fourth book in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series.  May you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!









Kris


The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, July 10

Blogging With Carol, July 10

Reading Is My SuperPower, July 11

Moments Dipped in Ink, July 11

The Avid Reader, July 12

Blossoms and Blessings, July 12

Texas Book-aholic, July 12

God’s Little Bookworm, July 13

Inklings and notions, July 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 13

Among the Reads, July 14

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, July 14

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, July 15

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, July 15

A Reader’s Brain, July 16

Luv’N Lambert Life, July 16

Daysong Reflections, July 17

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 17

Janices book reviews, July 17

Inspiration Clothesline, July 18

lady ansel book blog, July 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 18

cherylbbookblog, July 19

Two Points of Interest, July 19

A Baker’s Perspective, July 19

Pause for Tales, July 20

Ashley’s bookshelf, July 20

amandainpa, July 21

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 21

Bigreadersite, July 21

proud to be an autism mom, July 22

Bibliophile Reviews, July 22

For The Love of Books, July 23

Pink Granny’s Journey, July 23

Little Homeschool on the Praire, July 23

Shelved Under Murder: A Blue Ridge Library Mystery plus a Giveaway!

Shelved Under Murder: A Blue Ridge Library Mystery

by Victoria Gilbert

About the Book

Shelved Under Murder: A Blue Ridge Library Mystery

Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series

Crooked Lane Books (July 10, 2018)

Hardcover: 300 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1683315957

Digital: ASIN: B075QJHPR9

Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert is the second installment in A Blue Ridge Library Mystery series.  It is October in Taylorsford, Virginia where Amy Webber, library director, is preparing for the annual Heritage Festival where the library hosts a yard sale table as a fundraiser.  They have been busy gathering donations and Sunny Fields, Amy’s perky assistant, got a local artist to donate three paintings.  Since Sunny drives a tiny car, Amy and her boyfriend, Richard agree to go with her to acquire and transport the works of art.  They arrive to find the artist dead in her studio where she was stabbed with her own palette knife.  Chief Deputy Brad Tucker arrive on the scene and his staff finds paintings in a hidden room.  Amy, courtesy of her art history background, looks at the paintings and she discerns that they are expert forgeries.  Hui “Hugh” Chen, an art expert, arrives in town and Aunt Lydia offers their guest room to him.  He uncovers canvases belonging to Andrew Talbot, Aunt Lydia’s deceased husband, in the guest room closet that are replicas of renowned paintings.  Had Andrew been involved in forging artwork?  Amy delves into the murder and the world of art forgeries.  She believes Kurt Kendrick is involved, but will Amy be able to prove he is complicit in the crime? 

Shelved Under Murder can be read alone.  The author summarizes A Murder for the Books and provides background on the main characters.  The mystery is complex as it explores the world of art forgeries. Unfortunately, the killer might as well have a neon arrow flashing over his head. I wish the author had made it harder to pinpoint the guilty party.  Amy is an interesting main character.  She is an intelligent woman with diverse interests.  I love the home she lives in with Aunt Lydia.  The descriptions of the beautiful Victorian and the town allowed me to visualize the scenes.  I enjoyed the scenes where Amy was researching the artwork. We get to learn about resources available.  I also liked the scenes with Amy and Sunny interacting with the patrons and helping them with their research requests.  Despite what some people may think, libraries along with their librarians hold an important place in our society (a valuable resource).  Sunny adds lightness to the story with her cheerful personality and outlook on life.  I did feel that there was too much romance in the book.  I would have preferred less lovey dovey moments (dating, kissing, thinking about Richard, and more).  Shelved Under Murder is nicely written, but I did feel the pace could have been peppier.  The long-winded ending wrapped up the mystery and answered all the lingering questions about the crime.  My rating for Shelved Under Murder is 3.5 out of 5 stars.  Shelved Under Murder is an inviting cozy mystery with congenial characters, lovely setting and a stimulating whodunit.  Shelved Under Murder is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, and Indie Bound. 

About the Author

Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian. She has worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and library director.  When not writing or reading, Victoria likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers, and is represented by Frances Black at Literary Council, NY, NY.  Victoria lives in North Carolina with her husband and some very spoiled cats. 

Author Links:

Website/blog: http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/

Facebook author page:  https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaGilbertMysteryAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VGilbertauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/VictoriaGilbert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriagilbertauthor/

Thank you for stopping by today.  In honor of the Great Escapes Shelved Under Murder Tour, the author is giving away a signed hard copy of Shelved Under Murder along with some swag.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Make sure to leave a comment on my blog for another entry and I hope you visit the author stops on the tour (schedule below). The next book in A Blue Ridge Library Mystery series is Past Due for Murder and it will be released on February 12, 2019.  I hope you have a spellbinding day.  Stay cool and Happy Reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kris

The Avid Reader

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 9 – The Ninja Librarian - REVIEW, GUEST POST

July 9 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 9 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 10 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

July 10 – Curling Up by the Fire – REVIEW

July 10 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

July 11 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST

July 11 – Varietats – SPOTLIGHT

July 12 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

July 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 13 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 14 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 14 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

July 15 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW

July 15 – 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

July 16 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW

July 16 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 16 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

July 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 17 – That's What She's Reading – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 17 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 18 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

July 18 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

July 19 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 19 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 20 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

July 20 – Island Confidential – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 20 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

Killer Green Tomatoes: A Farm-to-Fork Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall, Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert, Amish Celebrations by Beth Wiseman, A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo, A Souffle of Suspicion by Daryl Wood Gerber, Poisoned Pages by Lorna Barrett, Live and Let Chai by Bree Baker, Disorderly Conduct by Mary Feliz are a few of the books that were published today.  So many delightful new stories to read!

Killer Green Tomatoes by Lynn Cahoon is the second story in A Farm-to-Fork Mystery series.  Angie Turner is the co-owner as well as the head chef at County Seat.  She has been trying to recreate her Nona’s fried green tomato recipe for the restaurant, but she has yet to get it exactly right.  Estebe Blackstone, Angie’s sous chef, knowing that Angie is looking for good produce suppliers recommends Pamplona Farms which is run by his cousin, Javier Easterly.  Javier is quite the flirt and is known for his rotating girlfriends.  The produce, though, is exceptional and Angie is excited to create new dishes for the County Seat with the fresh veggies.  One day Estebe gets a call at work from an agitated Javier.  His latest girlfriend, Heather was found murdered behind the Red Eye Saloon after a very public disagreement.  Javier is accused of the crime and Estebe asks Angie for her assistance.  Angie will need to work in her investigating in between managing the restaurant, filling in for Estebe, making sure her farm animals get fed and taking care of her temporary roommate.  Erica, Mrs. Potter’s granddaughter, has the chance to take a vacation in Cabo, but she needs someone to take care of Mrs. Potter.  Angie agrees to watch out of for her elderly neighbor despite her misgivings.  Angie is in for a busy and entertaining week.  Things are heating up and Angie needs to be careful or she will get burned.

I enjoyed reading Killer Green Tomatoes.  I like the author’s conversational writing style and the engaging characters that she created.  Angie is a smart, hardworking woman who is getting her new business off the ground.  I find Angie to be a likeable and relatable main character with her unusual pets of Mabel, the chicken and Precious, the goat as well as the lovable, Dom (her St. Bernard puppy).  Mrs. Harriet Potter is a delightful addition to the series.  I am glad that she had a more prominent role in Killer Green Tomatoes.  Mrs. Potter provided levity with her well-meaning antics (you will have to read the book to find out what I mean).  Angie’s romance with Ian is progressing.  I appreciate that the author is not rushing their relationship.  They are taking the time to get to know each other.  Working in time for dates is difficult, though, with their busy schedules and the pesky murders.  The mystery was well-plotted and is woven throughout the story.  The author manages to combine the cozy and mystery elements, so they are balanced.  If you are an avid reader of cozy mysteries (like me), then you will not have a problem arriving at the solution.  There are many cozy moments in Killer Green Tomatoes with friendship, animals, cooking, romance, mishaps, creating new recipes and, of course, eating.  I like how everyone who works at the restaurant comes together for a meal each week.  It gives all the workers a chance to try the food and get to know each other.  Killer Green Tomatoes can be read as a standalone.  Personally, I would read Who Moved My Goat Cheese? prior to Killer Green Tomatoes.  It will allow you to see the development of the characters and the restaurant.  My rating for Killer Green Tomatoes is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  There is a recipe for fried green tomatoes at the end of the book.

The next book in A Farm-to-Fork Mystery series is One Potato, Two Potato, Dead which is scheduled to be published on March 19, 2019.  Thank you for visiting.  I will be featuring Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert tomorrow (July 11) and there is a giveaway. The first book in A Blue Ridge Library Mystery series is A Murder for the Books and the ebook version is currently $1.99 on Amazon.  I hope you have a satisfying day.  Stay cool and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Souffle of Suspicion: A French Bistro Mystery

A Soufflé of Suspicion: A French Bistro Mystery

by Daryl Wood Gerber

About the Book

A Soufflé of Suspicion: A French Bistro Mystery

Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series

Crooked Lane Books (July 10, 2018)

Hardcover 296 Pages

ISBN-13: 978-1683315865

Digital ASIN: B075QMR44B

About the Author

Agatha Award-winning Daryl Wood Gerber is best known for her nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries and CHEESE SHOP MYSTERIES, which she pens as Avery Aames. Her latest creation is A French Bistro Mystery series which includes A Deadly Eclair and A Souffle of Suspicion. Daryl also writes stand-alone suspense: DAYS OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line! Visit Daryl or Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com. She also posts on Mystery Lover's Kitchen and Killer Characters. Daryl Wood Gerber on Facebook, Avery Ames on Facebook, Avery on Twitter and Daryl on Twitter.   @AveryAames @DarylWoodGerber.  Readers can also follow the author on Goodreads:  Daryl Wood Gerber and Avery Ames.  

A Souffle of Suspicion by Daryl Wood Gerber is the second novel in A French Bistro Mystery series.  Mimi Rousseau owns Bistro and Maison Rousseau in Napa Valley.  It is Crush Week and the tourists are pouring into the valley.  On top of that, Maison Rousseau is hosting the Sweet Treats Festival organized by Renee Wells, Chef Camille’s sister.  There are many delectable delights available for the attendees to enjoy.  Mimi is relaxing at home after a long day when she receives a frantic call from Chef Camille.  Mimi rushes to her house where Renee is dead on the kitchen floor from a whack on the head from the countertop mixer.  Chef Camille is devastated and, unfortunately, Sgt. Tyson Daly’s prime suspect.  Renee had created quite a stir lately and there is no shortage of suspects to sift through.  Mimi whisks into action to whip up the suspects and deliver the guilty party to the police on a silver platter. 

A Souffle of Suspicion can be read alone.  The author nicely summarizes A Deadly Éclair (as of 07/08 it is $1.99 for ebook on Amazon) along with the background information on Mimi.  I found A Souffle of Suspicion to be well-written and it has a nice steady pace.  The author has a conversational writing style that is engaging.  I was drawn into the story which I found easy to read.  Mimi likes to read cozy mysteries, so the author worked in references to Krista Davis and Kate Carlisle which I found amusing (I also love their books).  There are some great characters in A French Bistro Mystery series.  Mimi is a strong, intelligent female who runs two businesses with the aid of Jo James at Maison Rousseau and her wonderful kitchen staff at Bistro Rousseau.  There were some humorous moments throughout the story that had me  chuckling.  The mystery is appealing with several suspects, misdirection and good clues.  The one downfall was I identified the killer before Chef Camille found Renee deceased on her kitchen floor (is anyone else curious if the mixer survived).  There are many delectable dishes mentioned throughout the book and recipes are provided at the end.  A Souffle of Suspicion is a charming cozy mystery that pairs nicely with a glass of wine and a comfortable chair. 

A Souffle of Suspicion releases on July 10 and you can pre-order it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks, GooglePlay and Bookbub.  As a part of the Great Escapes Tour, there is a giveaway.  The prize is a tote bag with A Souffle of Suspicion inside along with some delightful goodies.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter entry below.  Leave a comment below for an extra entry.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for taking the time to visit.   Please take the time to visit the other stops on the Great Escapes A Souffle of Suspicion Virtual Book Tour (see below). I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Killer Green Tomatoes by Lynn Cahoon.  It is the second novel A Farm-to-Fork Mystery series.  May you have a day filled with merriment.  Stay  cool and Happy Reading!  

Kris

The Avid Reader

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 6 – The Book Diva's Reads - SPOTLIGHT

July 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

July 6 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

July 7 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 7 – Brooke Blogs - SPOTLIGHT

July 8 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

July 8 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST

July 9 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

July 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW

July 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

July 11 – cherylbbookblog - REVIEW

July 12 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST

July 12 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST

July 13 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

July 13 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST

July 14 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW

July 14 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

July 15 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

July 15 – Lisa Ks Book Review - REVIEW, GUEST POST

July 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 16 – That's What She's Reading – GUEST POST

July 17 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

July 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

July 18 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW*

July 18 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 19 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

July 19 – Valerie's Musings – REVIEW, GUEST POST