The Marsh King's Daughter

I hope you are having a pleasant Saturday.  I wanted to share a new book with you today.  It is Plain Haven by Susan Lantz Simpson.  It is the first book in Plainly Maryland series.  I have only read a small portion so far, but I am enjoying it.  

The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne is set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Helene Pelletier had an unconventional childhood growing up in an isolated area where her only human contact was her mother and father.  That all changed when she was twelve years old.  Helene discovered that her mother had been kidnapped by Jacob, her father, when she was only fourteen years old.  Thanks to a stranger who got lost, Helen and her mom were able to escape.  Helene’s father, Jacob Holbrook was captured and has been serving time in the local maximum-security prison.  Helene counts herself very lucky that she now has a wonderful husband and two little girls.  But then Helene hears that Jacob has escaped while being transported.  She is afraid for her little girls.  Stephen, her husband, is unaware of Helene’s past, but is quickly brought up to speed when the police arrive on their doorstep.  Helene knows that the police will never be able to find her father.  He can easily disappear into the marshland and never be found.  Jacob taught Helene all the necessary skills to survive and how to track.  If anyone can locate Jacob, it will be Helene.  She knows this is the only way to ensure her families safety.  On the trail of her father, Helene reminisces about early years and what happened when she returned to civilization with her mother.  Helene knows she is on her father’s trail when she finds objects he left for her.  But is Helene hunting Jacob or is Jacob drawing her in?

The Marsh King’s Daughter has an interesting premise, but the final product did not live up to the summary on the book. I read The Marsh King’s Daughter, but I did not get into the story.  It never captured my attention.  I particularly disliked Helene.  Her admiration for her father was disconcerting, and Helene’s dislike of her mother was upsetting (the poor woman had been kidnapped, raped, belittled, tortured).  I could not understand Helene living on her paternal grandparent’s property (she inherited it).  Personally, I would have sold the land to the highest bidder and moved to a different state (far, far away).  Jacob raised Helene to be like him and think like him (she hunts, fishes, tracks).  It makes me really question if this woman should be allowed around children (and glad that she is a fictional character).  I give The Marsh King’s Daughter 2 out of 5 stars.  I found the pace of the story to be glacial and key details are repeated throughout the whole novel (like how Helene is the only person who can find Jacob).  There is no suspense and little action (yawn).  The story is told more in a “matter of fact” fashion.  The Marsh King’s Daughter plays out exactly as I thought it would (predictable).  The “twist” was no surprise to me.  I could see it coming based on Helene’s personality.  For those people who love animals (like me), be warned that there is bear hunting in the story.  My favorite character (I actually liked one) was Iris, Helene’s eldest daughter (a sensitive child).  The youngest, Mari sounded like a holy terror.   The one good quality of The Marsh King’s Daughter was its ability to help me drift off to sleep (I suffer from insomnia).

Thank you for checking out my latest book evaluation.  I will be reviewing Patterned After Death by Elizabeth Lynn Casey next time. May each of you have a very special Saturday.  I am relaxing, reading and indulging in chocolates. Until I return, take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Scene of the Grind: A Killer Coffee Mystery

It's Friday!  Leave It To Cleaver by Victoria Hamilton will be released on June 23.  It is the sixth book in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery series.  I just love the descriptions of the vintage kitchen items in the books (I grew up with many of the items described). The books in the series are A Deadly Grind, Bowled Over, Freezer I'll Shoot, No Mallets Intended, and White Colander Crime.  If you have no read any of the books in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery series, you are missing out.

Scene of the Grind by Tonya Kappes is the first book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  Roxanne “Roxy” Bloom has recently moved to Honey Springs, Kentucky after her divorce.  Roxy has decided to pursue her passion and open The Bean Hive (a coffeehouse) on the newly renovated boardwalk.  The opening of the shops on the boardwalk coincides with the annual Honey Festival.  Roxy can thank Aunt Maxi for making this happen.  She has many fond summer memories of spending time with her aunt and uncle (before he passed away) and enjoyable hours at Crooked Cat Bookstore.  Alexis Roarke owns the bookstore, but is unhappy with Aunt Maxi who is raising the rent on the building.  Early one morning, Roxy decides to take coffee and a treat over to Alexis (cute scary music).  The door to the shop is unlocked, the lights are on, and the banned book section is in a disarray.  Roxy’s dog, Pepper goes through a private door, and Roxy follows to find Alexis dead on the floor.  Someone murdered Alexis and Aunt Maxi is at the top of the police’s suspect list (there was also a very public argument).  Roxy sets out to prove her aunt’s innocence and find Alexis’ killer.  Alexis’ contentious daughter, Leslie does not help matters by causing public scenes and insisting that Aunt Maxi be arrested.  Roxy has assistance in her quest from Patrick Cane.  Patrick and Roxy dated in high school until a misunderstanding separated them.  This is a second chance for their relationship if Roxy is willing to grab it.  But first she has to get Alexis’ murderer behind bars!

Scene of the Grind is a light cozy mystery.  It is nicely written and easy to read.  Scene of the Grind is just the right length for the storyline.  Thanks to Tonya Kappes descriptive writing, I could visualize the town and the boardwalk with all its new shops in my head.  In this first book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series, we are provided the background details on Roxy and what ruined her relationship with Patrick.  As the series progresses, I am sure the characters will flesh out more.  We are introduced to quite a few characters and businesses in the beginning (which is confusing), but it then levels out as the book progresses (thank heavens).  I give Scene of the Grind 3.5 out of 5 stars.  The mystery was not at the forefront of this book.  It kept getting eclipsed by Roxy’s attraction to Patrick and her flirting with Spencer Shepard (in charge of the murder investigation).  I hope in the next novel that the mystery will be more complex (i.e.—hard to solve) and prevalent.  I wanted more sleuthing and less drooling over Patrick.  I appreciated the cute animals in the story.  Animals always enhance a story.  The ending was sweet and romantic.  Mocha and Murder is the second book in this series and will be published on June 16 (today)!

I hope you have a fun Friday!  I will be reviewing The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne next time.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

A Knightsbridge Scandal: The Flora Maguire Mystery series

Welcome Back!  G. A. Chase (husband of author, Deanna Chase) is the author of The Malveaux Curse Mystery series.  Dogs Days of Voodoo (Kindle version currently on sale for $.99) and You, Me and the Voodoo Queen are the two books in this series.  They are humorous, paranormal mystery novels.  They are the type that my mother just loves.  Take a look and see if these books are for you!

A Knightsbridge Scandal by Anita Davison is the third book in The Flora Maguire Mystery series.  We are swept back to the Edwardian era (1903) in this novel.  Flora Harrington is visiting her biological father in London.  Flora discovered William Osborne was her birth father only a year ago.  Flora and her maid, Sally are staying with William in his apartment at the Prince Albert Mansions.  The first evening they have dinner and attend the theater.  They return home to find the police in the alley next to the apartment building.  A woman had been killed near The Grenadier (a pub).  The victim turns out to be Evangeline Lange, who was involved in the suffrage movement.  Flora’s curiosity is aroused because she had witnessed a scene between Ms. Lange and a resident of Prince Albert Mansions.  While William is away at work each day (secretary to the foreign office), Flora (along with her outspoken maid, Sally) starts nosing into Ms. Lange’s life.  Flora tries to share her findings with Detective Inspector Maddox, the lead investigator, but he does not appreciate her help (mostly because she is a woman).   Clues lead toward the foreign office and issues abroad.  What was Ms. Lange involved in?  Flora is determined to unveil the killer, but what happens when she finds herself in a sticky situation?

A Knightsbridge Scandal is written during one of my favorite eras—The Edwardian.  That is my favorite part of the book.  The author did a wonderful job at portraying the scenery of London, the clothing, conveyances, and people’s attitudes.  I found the pace of the story to be slow (plodding) and the dialogue stilted (awkward).  I wish the author had provided all the background on Flora in this book.  I have not had the opportunity to read the first two books in The Flora Maguire Mystery series (nor will I), and I was missing some details.  I was especially curious as to why Flora’s husband is called Bunny and why Flora was attracted to him (and why would she marry Bunny after meeting his mother).  The missing information did not affect the story or my view of the book.  The novel would have been better without Flora’s husband and mother-in-law (especially her).  If those people were in my life, I would want to escape to London (I probably would never go back home).  The only reason Flora was investigating the crime is curiosity and boredom (I could understand being bored in that time period).  I give A Knightsbridge Scandal 3 out of 5 stars (it was okay).  Flora was not a character I enjoyed.  I like her curiosity, but not her acerbic comments (some of which did not help her relationship with her birth father) or her recklessness.  Detective Inspector Maddox was a pompous, blowhard.   His attitude, unfortunately, was in line with the time period.  Most men would not appreciate a women’s interference (thankfully, some men were more enlightened).  The mystery seemed complicated, but I could identify the killer long before the reveal.  A Knightsbridge Scandal was not the right historical, mystery for me.  Flora's Secret and Betrayal at Cleeve Abbey are the first two books in the series.

Murder on the Minneapolis is the next book in The Flora Maguire Mystery series and will be published on June 19.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am off to work on my plumbing (I have been to the hardware store three times so far).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Dead and Berried: A Cranberry Cove Mystery

Happy Wednesday!  Peg Cochran is the author of A Farmer's Daughter Mystery series, A Cranberry Cove Mystery series, A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery series, and A Lucille Mystery series. Follow her page on Amazon and you will receive emails when she has a new book release.

Dead and Berried by Peg Cochran is the third book in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.  Monica Albertson lives on Sassamanash Farm in Cranberry Cove, Michigan and provides baked goods to the farm store on the property.   The cranberry bogs are full of blooms, and it is time to pollinate the flowers.  Jeff, Monica’s half-brother and owner of the farm, has hired Rick Taylor of Rick’s Bees.  Rick and his assistant, Lori Wenk arrive at the farm with the bees, but are unable to release them that day due to the weather (honey bees do not like wet days).  Monica is back in the farm kitchen finishing her baking when Jeff comes running in asking for her to call 911.  Jeff found Lori on the ground near the bee hives.  Bees are swarming near the hives where someone let them out and stirred them up.   Lori was stung many times and has passed away.  Detective Tammy Stevens arrives and starts asking questions.  It appears to be an accidental death until the toxicology report proves otherwise.  Rick is at the top of the suspect list and his wife, Nora is distraught (she works at the farm store).  Monica begins making inquiries about Lori and discovers that Lori had been stirring up a hornet’s nest of her own.  Could this have led to her murder?  But what happens when Monica gets too close to discovering the killer’s identity?

Dead and Berried contains good writing, great characters (except Gina), charming small town and a good pace (makes it a pleasure to read).  I thought Dead and Berried was an engaging novel that held my attention.  I like that Monica does not sneak around behind Detective Stevens back doing her own investigation (I appreciate that there are no nasty cops either).   The two work together (share information) to find the killer (such a nice change).  Dead and Berried can be read alone (if you really want to).  The author provides the necessary background information so a reader will not be lost or confused. I give Dead and Berried 4 out of 5 stars.  One issue that I had with this book was the mystery.  I could identify the killer early in the story (right after the body was discovered).  I wish there had been a good twist (I love it when I do not solve the crime until late in the book or not at all).  I liked the information about shipwrecks that occurred in Lake Michigan (a writer has moved to town).  I found it fascinating.  It was also interesting to discover that cranberry flowers need migratory honey bees (or bumble bees) brought in to help pollinate the flowers.  They are not capable of self-fertilization.  The one character that I do not like is Gina, Monica’s stepmother.  She is a piece of work.  I found her extremely annoying and self-centered.  I keep hoping the author will decide to make Gina a victim of murder!  The ending is sweet and romantic (happy sigh).  There are cranberry recipes at the end of the book.  I look forward to reading more books in A Cranberry Cove Mystery series.

Thank you for visiting today!  I am off to work on a new plumbing problem in my attic.  I never knew that copper pipes could develop holes in them.  I will be reviewing A Knightsbridge Scandal by Anita Davison next time.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Shine Like the Dawn: A historical, Christian novel by Carrie Turansky

Welcome!  Carrie Turansky is a historical, Christian author who has written the Edwardian Brides series.  Readers can follow her on Amazon and receive emails when she publishes a new book.  Tonya Kappes will be published Mocha and Murder on June 16.  It is the second book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  I suggest reading Scene of the Grind (Book One) before it releases.  

Shine Like the Dawn by Carrie Turansky sweeps readers back in time to 1903 Heatherton, England.  In 1899 the Lounsbury family (Daniel, Abigail, Olivia, Maggie, and Violet) are enjoying Olivia’s birthday by taking a picnic across the lake.  They are far into the lake when the boat starts taking on water.  Unable to row the boat back to shore in time, they start swimming to shore.  Unfortunately, only Maggie and Violet make it back alive.  Four years later, Maggie and Violet are living with their Grandmother Hayes above her millinery shop.  Nate Harcourt is returning home to Morningside Manor after a four years absence to see his father before he passes away.  Maggie and Nate used to be good friends before she lost her family.  She has not forgiven him for not being there for her when they died.   Nate inherits his father’s estate and Clifton Engineering Works.  Nate promised his father that he would care for his stepmother, Helen and stepsister, Clare.  Helen, though, does not make this task easy.  Maggie received her father’s journal after his death, but just recently started reading it.  She finds out that someone had reason to harm him and he was threatened shortly before his death.  Could the boat have been sabotaged?  After a fire destroys the millinery, Nate invites Maggie, Violet and Grandmother Hayes to stays at Morningside Manor.  This could be Maggie’s opportunity to find the evidence she needs.  Nate is grateful to spend time with Maggie and, hopefully, repair their old friendship.  Will Nate help Maggie with her quest? 

Shine Like the Dawn is a well-written and researched novel.  Carrie Turanky captured the setting and the historical period.  The author brought the characters to life and gave them real personalities.  We are given characters to love and a couple to dislike.  The book had a good pace, but I thought it was slightly too long.  Shine Like the Dawn captured and held my attention.  The Christian element is light (not preachy).  Maggie had closed her heart to God and let in anger and hurt instead.  She does not understand how God can let good people die and suffer (something I struggle with myself).  One of the main messages in the novel is to let God in to heal your heart and comfort you.  I give Shine Like the Dawn 4 out of 5 stars.  I appreciated the mystery element that was present in the story.  It enhanced the novel.  There are other issues in the story (I could not describe everything in my summary).  Nate learning to run his father’s company, workers wanting to strike, Maggie struggling to forgive Nate (she only knows her side of the story, romance between Nate and Maggie, Violet injuring her leg, the rebuilding of the millinery, and Lilly’s romance with Rob are some of the other storylines.  The novel has a lovely and fulfilling conclusion.  Shine Like the Dawn is a good book for readers who enjoy Christian, historical books (set in the Edwardian period).  This was the first book I have read by Carrie Turansky, and it is not my last.

I hope you found today's review helpful.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Dead and Berried by Peg Cochran on Wednesday. May you have a wonderful Tuesday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Ghostal Living: A Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery

Greetings!  I hope everyone had a pleasant and relaxing weekend. Tonya Kappes will be releasing Mocha and Murder on June 16. It is the second book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  Scene of the Grind is the first book in the series and the kindle version is only $.99.  I hope you will take a moment to check out these novels.  You might discover a new series to read and enjoy!

Ghostal Living by Kathleen Bridge is the third book in A Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery series.  Meg Barrett is quickly vacating the yacht (where she has been living) with her cat, Jo before the hurricane hits the area.  Meg is going to stay at the Bibliophile Bed and Breakfast that she has been decorating for Franklin Hollingsworth (I would love to stay in the Louisa May Alcott room).  Franklin is a rare book collector and recently acquired the unpublished manuscript of The Heiress and the Light written by F. Scott Fitzgerald for $5 million dollars.  The publicity surrounding the manuscript has helped promote the first Sag Harbor Antiquarian Book and Ephemera Fair.  After settling into her room, Meg decides to take a walk around the grounds before the hurricane hits (who doesn’t love to walk around in the wind and rain when a hurricane will arrive within an hour).  She finds an F. Scott Fitzgerald book on the path to Violet Hollingsworth’s pagoda studio where she seeks shelter when the hurricane arrives.  When Meg returns to the B&B, Randall McFee is missing. Randall is the authenticator for Franklin’s F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscript.  The next day, Randall is discovered on the rocks below Scrimshaw House.  The police rule Randall’s death accidental, but Meg has her doubts.  She immediately starts looking for clues as to why someone would Randall dead.  Meg then discovers books missing from the bedrooms at the bed and breakfast and wonders if the thefts are related to Randall’s death.  Franklin is finally going to read a selection from the Fitzgerald manuscript to the public, and he discovers it has been stolen.  Meg has gathered the clues and almost has all the pieces fitting together when there is another death.  How will Meg uncover the killer?  Will she be able to find the missing manuscript?

Ghostal Living is the first book that I have read in this series.  I was able to read Ghostal Living, but I felt that some background details on Meg were missing.  I was curious as to how Meg ended up wearing hearing aids (and why she would go out without them).  I found the novel to be slow-moving and lacking in action.  The authors detailed writing did not help.  While I did enjoy the descriptions of the rooms at the B&B, this type of detail can get monotonous.  Readers are provided descriptions of meals, buildings, people, rooms, vehicles as well as numerous book quotes, information about authors (this was interesting, but not relevant to mystery), and old movies.  It is a fine line between just the right amount of detail and too much.  There is also some repetition of information (details about the book fair and the clues Meg discovered for example).  I felt that the book lacked substance.  I give Ghostal Living 3 out of 5 stars.  The mystery was slightly complex.  My favorite part was how the manuscript was concealed.  If you pay close attention to the details, you can easily solve this one.  I was disappointed that this cozy mystery contained a love triangle.  It is an overplayed contrivance, and I was happy to see it resolved by the end of the story.  I do not mind a mild romantic element in cozy mysteries (if I wanted more I would pick up one of the numerous romance novels on the market).  I will (when I have an opportunity) go back and read Better Homes and Corpses (first book in series).  It might give me a better understanding of Meg. 

I appreciate you reading my review of Ghostal Living.  I am off to the grocery store today to pick up a few items.  I will, hopefully, make it back before it starts raining again.  My next review will be of Shine Like the Dawn by Carrie Turansky.  May you have a very pleasing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader  

With You Always: Orphan Train Book One

Happy Sunday!  I hope you are having a delightful weekend.  I wanted to share some upcoming releases with you today.  Leave It To Cleaver by Victoria Hamilton is the sixth book in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery series and will be released on June 23.  On June 13 The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne will be out.  

With You Always by Jody Hedlund is the first book in the author’s new Orphan Train series.  The novel starts in 1857 in New York.  Elise Neumann and her two sisters were out on the streets until Miss Pendleton discovers them.  She persuades them to move into her Seventh Street Mission. Elise works as a seamstress in the workroom on site until the recession hits.  Left with no choice, Elise agrees to go west with New York Children’s Aid Society to find work as a seamstress.  Marianne and Sophie, Elise’s sisters will stay in New York with Miss Pendleton at the mission along with two young children the Neumann’s took in.  Thornton Quincy and his twin, Bradford are given a challenge by their dying father.  The son who establishes a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad and marries for love will become the new head of his company (they only have six months).  Thornton establishes the town of Quincy, Illinois (want to guess where Elise ends up).  Elise and Thornton had met in New York during the gang riots and Elise made an impression upon Thornton.  They meet up again on the train and have an instant connection.  But Thornton cannot let himself be distracted from his goal of winning the competition.   As it turns out, Elise can help Thornton with the town and his life.  Can Thornton give Elise up to marry a woman of his class?  Which brother will win the competition?

With You Always is well-written, has a steady pace and flow, and good characters.  I enjoyed the authors descriptive writing which brought the story and characters to life.  The characters were lifelike with real life troubles, sorrows, happiness and love.  I liked Elise (and her values) and how she influenced Thornton and others.  There is a light, Christian theme throughout the book that I appreciated.  We see how God is always with us not matter how we feel towards Him.  I enjoyed the authors take on the orphan trains.  I have read several books about the children sent out west to find homes, but there are very few on the woman that went looking for work.  I was drawn into this story and it held my attention until the end.  There are several storylines in this novel, but it is easy to keep track of them along with the related characters.  Ms. Hedlund did a wonderful job of portraying this time period.  She showed the struggles that immigrants, women, and the poor faced in our country and the difficult choices they faced.  I give With You Always 4.5 out of 5 stars.  At the end of the book, I was left with a couple of unanswered questions.  It is frustrating and disappointing when you finish a book and it is incomplete.  I hope answers are provided in the next book in the Orphan Train series (which I will be reading).  

I appreciate you taking time to read my latest review.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Ghostal Living by Kathleen Bridge.  May you have a wonderful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader  

Treble at the Jam Fest: A Food Lovers' Village Mystery

Thank you for visiting today.  A Food Lovers' Village Mystery series contains Death Al Dente, Crime Rib, Butter Off Dead, and the newest addition is Treble at the Jam Fest.  The author, Leslie Budewitz also writes A Spice Shop Mystery series. Readers can follow Leslie on Amazon and receive emails when she releases a new novel.  

Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz is the fourth book in A Food Lovers’ Village Mystery series.  Erin Murphy is the manager of Murphy’s Mercantile in Jewel Bay, Montana.  It is time for the annual Jewel Bay Jazz Festival and Workshop event.  The Merc (as locals call it) will be hosting a special Friday night concert in the courtyard featuring Gerry Martin, a jazz guitarist.  The evening is a hit, but Erin notices tension between Gerry, Gabby, and Dave.  The next day Erin is in the shop when she receives news that a body was discovered on the rocks by the Jewel River.  Erin quickly rushes towards the river and discovers that the body belongs to Gerry Martin.  Two people witnessed Gerry having a lively discussion with a figure they could not identify.  That person then pushed the guitarist over the edge.  Erin immediately swings into investigator mode to track down Gerry’s killer.   Who disliked Gerry enough to want him dead?  As it turns out, the musician was not as well-liked as Erin thought.  The killer is not pleased with Erin’s probing and attempts to put her out of commission.  Will Erin be able orchestrate the killer right into police custody?

Treble at the Jam Fest is nicely written and has a great concept.  I did feel that the pace was a little slow and the story did not engage me.  There are numerous characters, businesses and products introduced in the story (too many).  It can be hard to keep them all straight especially if you are new to the series (like me).  The main character did not win me over (she was alright).  I give Treble at the Jam Fest 3 out of 5 stars.  The murder mystery is a no brainer.  I could pinpoint the killer early in the novel.  Erin’s reason for investigating this crime was paltry (let’s face it, Erin did not need a reason besides her curiosity).  One detail that gave me a good laugh is Erin believing she is maintaining the “chain of custody” on an item she found and removed from the crime scene.  I felt that too much time was devoted to Erin’s questions and thoughts.  I wanted more action and less contemplation.  Treble at the Jam Fest has romance, friends, family, music, a mystery and plenty of food.  

I hope you have a pleasant and relaxing Saturday.  I have a summer cold so I plan on taking it easy today.  I will will share my thoughts on With You Always by Jody Hedlund next time. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader  

Once Upon a Spine: A Bibliophile Mystery

Welcome!  Kate Carlisle is the author of The Fixer-Upper Mystery series and A Bibliophile Mystery series.  Two of The Fixer-Upper Mystery series novels have been converted into movies on the Hallmark Movie and Mystery Channel with Jewel playing Shannon Hammer.  Colin Ferguson (from Eureka and Haven) also stars on the show (he also plays the Maytag man on the commercials).  

Once Upon a Spine by Kate Carlisle is the eleventh book in A Bibliophile Mystery series.  Brooklyn Wainwright lives in San Francisco, California with her fiancé, Derek Stone.  Brooklyn is a bookbinder and paper artist.  At the Brothers Bookshop in the Courtyard, Brooklyn has been coveting a beautiful and rare copy of Alice in Wonderland owned by Eddie Cox (co-owner of the shop).  She has always been fascinated by Lewis Carroll and his Alice books.  Terrence Payton, who co-owns Brothers Bookshop with Eddie, mentions that he had a similar copy of Alice in Wonderland, but it was stolen six months previously.  Bonnie Carson comes into the shop and mentions that once again someone has vandalized the building with graffiti.  Later that week Brooklyn is out early to get coffee from the Beanery and looks into the Rabbit Hole as she goes walks by the shop.  She notices the place in a disarray and enters to find Will Rabbit, the owner, on the ground.  Brooklyn finds another victim under one of the shelving units.  She quickly contacts 911 and Inspector Janice Lee.  When the shelving is removed, they find Joey Falco, the cobbler, underneath.  Joey dies on the way to the hospital.  Brooklyn looks in Joey’s shop door (looking for her burgundy heels Joey was repairing) and discovers the shop in a shambles.  Why were Joey and Will attacked?  What was the killer looking for in Joey’s shop?  The next day Derek’s parents arrive from England (Brooklyn has yet to meet them), and Brooklyn’s parents are visiting as well.  Brooklyn will have to work in sleuthing among the sightseeing trips.  It seems, though, that the killer is not yet finished.  Bonnie would be roadkill if not for Brooklyn’s quick actions.  Can Brooklyn close the book on this case before another victim gets struck down?

Once Upon a Spine is a delightful cozy mystery.  Kate Carlisle has a conversational writing style that makes for an easy to read book.  The book is well-crafted and has a good pace.  I enjoyed the addition of Derek’s parents.  Meg Stone is nothing like I expected.  Meg and Becky’s (Brooklyn’s mother) antics had me laughing a few times.  The mystery is multifaceted and complex which I adored.  Readers will have a hard time solving this one.  I give Once Upon a Spine 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).  While Once Upon a Spine is the eleventh book in the series, it can be a stand-alone.  The author does provide background information on Brooklyn, her career, and relationship with Derek.  I like how far Brooklyn and Janice Lee’s relationship has progressed since the beginning of the series.  I loved the description of Brooklyn’s Alice project especially the details on papermaking.  Once Upon a Spine has great characters, beautiful setting, complicated crime, wonderful book descriptions, and humor along with a nice easy writing style.  All these elements come together for a pleasure reading experience.  I hope we get Brooklyn and Derek’s wedding in the next A Bibliophile Mystery.  It will be entertaining to see what the two-mother’s put together.  

Can you tell that I loved Once Upon a Spine?  Each book in this series is better than the previous.  I will be reviewing Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz on Saturday.  I hope that you have a fantastic Friday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

French Fried: An Ethnic Eats Mystery

Greetings, my fellow book lovers!   The sun finally came out in my area after days of rain.  My dog, Doozy dislikes rain intensely.  I have to push him out the back door so he can do his business. Have you ever tried to push a 60 pound dog through a house and out a door?  My mother finds it highly amusing!

French Fried by Kylie Logan is the second book in An Ethnic Eats Mystery series.  Laurel Inwood has been in Hubbard, Ohio for the last six months running Sophie’s Terminal at the Tracks.  It was supposed to be for a short time while Sophie had her knee surgery and recovered.  Recently, Sophie suffered another knee injury requiring Laurel to extend her stay.  Hubbard is getting ready for their Statute of Liberty Festival to celebrate the 130^th anniversary of the landmark.  Terminal at the Tracks will be offering French cuisine (French country/bistro type) in honor of the celebration.  Laurel is waiting for Rocky Arnaud, a local farmer, to arrive with a few items before heading over to the Book Nook.  Aurore Brisson, author of Yesterday’s Passion, is in town for a book signing event.  Rocky arrives looking quite unlike herself and slightly drunk.  At the book event, Rocky accuses Aurore of stealing the novel from her deceased friend, Marie Daigneau.  They are watching the parade the next day when Rocky suddenly takes off.  She sends a text assuring her friends that she is fine and will meet them for the fireworks.  That evening Rocky is a no show.  Worried about her, Laurel along with Declan Fury (a handsome Irishman) go to Rocky’s farm to check up on her.  They discover all the lights on in her home and the music blaring.  Inside, Laurel and Declan find Rocky dead in a chair.  The police rule Rocky’s death a suicide which enrages Laurel.  She knows that Rocky would not kill herself and sets out to find her killer.  Can Laurel prove that Rocky was murdered?  What happens when Laurel is offered a dream position that will take her out of Hubbard?

French Fried is the second book in the series, but it can be read alone.  I have not had the opportunity read Irish Stewed (first book in the series), and it did not hinder my understanding in any way.  The author provided the background information on Laurel and a synopsis of what occurred in the first novel in AnEthnic Eats Mystery series.  I did, though, have trouble with the main character, Laurel Inwood.  Sophie is family and asked Laurel to help out.  Laurel, though, cannot wait to escape Hubbard which is mentioned in just about every chapter.  Declan Fury (a very handsome Irishman with a large family) wants to date Laurel, but she is unwilling to make a commitment (does not want to form attachments that will hinder her from leaving town).  I was shocked by Laurel’s choice at the end of the book after all her ranting throughout the novel (I would say more, but it would be a spoiler).  Laurel’s personality was unappealing.  She has no patience, trouble controlling her temper, and unreasonable.  One thing I have discovered after reading cozy mysteries for over fifteen years—you must like the main character in order to enjoy the novel.    I give French Fried 3 out of 5 stars (it was satisfactory).  There are three storylines (murder, Laurel’s job prospects, and did Aurore Brisson write Yesterday’s Passion) in French Fried that keep the story interesting.  The murder mystery was appealing, but I could identify the killer early in the book.  One detail gave away the murderer’s identity.  There is some repetitive information in French Fried along with numerous food descriptions (does every food item need to be described in detail).  The writing style made the book hard to get into (it was not conversational).  French Fried failed to capture and hold my attention.  While I am not a fan of French Fried, I do enjoy Kylie Logan's A League of Literary Ladies series (they are entertaining to read).

Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be reviewing Once Upon a Spine by Kate Carlisle on Friday.  May you have a nice, relaxing Thursday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader