Sconed to Death by Betty Hechtman

 Sconed to Death

Book Summary

The perfect ingredients for murder . . .

Annie Hart has transformed the yarn shop she inherited into a thriving business and tea shop. Now she needs to sell it so she can move back to LA. She just has to ensure that young Toby Swanson is kept on as the supplier of their famous scones.

Annie decides to secretly enter Toby in a new reality TV cooking show. But his application video takes a deadly twist when Annie and her business partner, Gray, discover a body on the beach while filming. Even worse, it looks like the young woman had been enjoying Toby’s cherry scones and the shop’s rose tea before her death.

With the help of her misfit group of local yarn artists, can Annie find a killer and save her reputation?

My Thoughts

This one had all the ingredients for a charming cozy mystery, but the final result fell a little flat for me. On paper, Sconed to Death by Betty Hechtman sounded like a book I would really enjoy, especially with its yarn shop and tea shop set in an old schoolhouse. Unfortunately, the story didn’t quite work for me. The writing felt repetitive, the dialogue was awkward at times, and the mystery was far too easy to solve. 

I kept wanting more emotion, more charm, and a stronger connection to the characters. I was also hoping for more real investigating, but the whodunit felt underdeveloped. I noticed the Hoosier jabs as well, though they weren’t quite as heavy-handed here as they were in Death Among the Stitches. More than anything, I wanted this book to deliver the cozy, engaging escape I look for in this kind of mystery, but it never quite got there. In the end, Sconed to Death just wasn’t the cozy, charming escape I had been hoping for.

 

Sconed to Death can be purchased from Amazon.  The first book in A Crochet and Crumpets Mysteries is Death Among the Stitches.  While A Crochet and Crumpets Mysteries are not my cup of tea, I did enjoy Betty Hechtman's A Crochet Mystery series. 

I will return on Tuesday, June 9 with Whose Body in the Library by Eva Gates.  It is the thirteenth A Lighthouse Library Mystery. The author switched things up in this book.  Hope you have a relaxing weekend.  I have a bookcase to put together this weekend if I can convince my cat, Dickens to sleep elsewhere. Anytime a new item enters the house, Dickens claims it for herself (she even plays in the grocery bags).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Silent Witness by Tracy Fredrychowski

Silent Witness

Book Summary

A deadly fire. A silent witness. And one woman’s mission to expose the truth buried in the ashes.

Rosie Weaver has always relied on logic, discipline, and a strong cup of peppermint tea. But when her neighbor’s barn burns down, and a body is discovered inside, something about the scene feels wrong. The fire is ruled an accident, but the victim had more enemies than friends, and Rosie knows someone is hiding the truth.

The only witness? A kindhearted but non-verbal man whom the entire town has overlooked. And Rosie refuses to let his silence bury what he saw.

Pushed by instinct and the latest book club mystery, Rosie and her book club friends start asking questions no one else will. As resistance builds from her neighbors, outsiders, and even the sheriff, Rose realizes this fire may not be the last.

Can Rosie stop what’s smoldering beneath the silence before it ignites something far worse?

Silent Witness is the third mystery in the An Amish Book Club Mystery series. If you enjoy Amish cozy mystery series with strong women sleuths, buried secrets, and an undercurrent of faith, this book delivers it all.

My Thoughts

A charming Amish mystery with heart and plenty of intrigue, Silent Witness by Tracy Fredrychowski returns readers to Sweet Briar, where Lovina, Rosie, and Irma investigate a string of barn burnings in their community. I enjoyed the author’s engaging writing style, realistic dialogue, and steady pacing, along with the appealing mix of Amish and Englisch characters. It is clear Fredrychowski has done her research on Amish beliefs and the Ordnung, which adds authenticity to the story. 

Lovina, Rosie, and Irma are kind, patient, and perceptive, and they work wonderfully together as they uncover clues others have missed. With past secrets, missing phones, mysterious drawings, and a man in a baseball cap, the mystery kept me interested throughout. Although this is the third book in the An Amish Book Club Mystery series, it can easily be read as a standalone.  A delightful mystery that will leave series fans eager for the next visit to Sweet Briar.

Silent Witness is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookbub.  The first two books in An Amish Book Club Mystery series are Buried Secrets and Hidden Poison.  All three book in An Amish Book Club Mystery series can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited. Deadly Bloom is a prequel to An Amish Book Club Mystery series.  You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.  If you follow Tracy on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  

Join me on Thursday, June 4 for Sconed to Death by Betty Hechtman.  It is the second A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery.  I will be searching for a new cordless vacuum today.  I went to sweep yesterday and I noticed the vacuum was not picking up.  I discovered a clog at the beginning of the pipe which I cleaned out and then began sweeping once again.  Unfortunately, it clogged again.  I was only sweeping up cat hair and dust (its not like I have months of dust built up on the floor--it has only been a couple of days). The vacuum is over three years old, so I believe it is time for a new one (with better features). May your day be sprinkled with happiness.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews

Road Trip

Book Summary

Pack your bags for a summer journey shaped by family secrets, long-buried history, and charming men with Irish accents.

Maeve and Therese Dunigan haven’t spoken in years. Raised under the same roof in Savannah, the two sisters could not be more opposite—Maeve the rule follower, Therese the unapologetic rebel. But when their mother’s death pulls them back together, they inherit more than just grief: a mysterious painting that may be worth millions…if it’s real.

Determined to uncover the truth—and desperately in need of the money—the sisters set out on a journey to Ireland, tracing their family’s roots and the origins of the portrait. What begins as a search for answers soon becomes something deeper—a reckoning with the past, as they uncover secrets that span generations and reshape everything they thought they knew about their family.

With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs, and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm.

Can Maeve and Therese actually survive the journey without killing each other? Join Mary Kay Andrews on a road trip that will entertain you for miles.

My Thoughts

I picked up Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews because the combination of family secrets, family drama, and a road trip sounded especially appealing. There were certainly interesting ideas throughout, and I could see what the story was aiming for, but it didn’t connect with me as strongly as I had hoped. I had a hard time warming up to some of the characters, especially Therese, and the number of secondary characters occasionally made the story feel a bit crowded. At 439 pages, the novel also felt somewhat longer than necessary, with certain details revisited more often than I would have preferred. The romance moved a little quickly for my taste, and I wasn’t fully convinced by the chemistry between the couple. I also found some of the language not to my personal preference. For me, this story lacked the charm and spark I usually associate with Mary Kay Andrews. The premise was strong, but the execution didn’t fully live up to its potential.

Road Trip can be ordered from Amazon as well as other major booksellers.  You can find Mary Kay Andrews other novels here.  The pictures that I shared today are from Ireland. It is a country that I have always wanted to visit.  How about you?  In Ireland, you could you greet somone casually by saying, "What’s the craic?" (How's it going?) or Haigh (which is Hi). 

I will be sharing my thoughts on Silent Witness by Tracy Fredrychowski on Wednesday, June 3.  It is the third An Amish Book Club Mystery. I am off to take care of some chores (I wish the house could sweep and dust itself). Take care and I hope today treats you kindly. Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed

 Danger in the Rockies

Book Summary

A K-9 team’s investigation

leads to a deadly case of mistaken identity.

K-9 officer Maren Anderson is shocked when she catches a glimpse of her presumed-dead twin sister—moments before a shooter opens fire. DEA agent Colt Dawson rescues her and helps secure the crime scene, but before Maren can find her sister, Opal vanishes again. Maren has questions and so does Colt—especially since Opal may be the key to exposing a drug kingpin’s identity. But now the cartel leader’s henchmen think Maren is her sister and she has a target on her back. Forced to work together to unravel the deadly mystery, Maren and Colt must track down her twin before the criminals closing in claim their lives…

My Thoughts

Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed is a thrilling page-turner that had me hooked from the very first page! Packed with suspense, action, mystery, romance, and faith, this story kept me reading late into the night because I just had to know how it would all turn out. I loved Maren and Colt, and Maren’s K-9 partner, Shadow, was such a great addition to the story. The chemistry between Maren and Colt adds even more depth as the danger escalates. I also really enjoyed how multiple agencies work together to solve the mystery. With themes of family, trust, second chances, and faith woven throughout, Danger in the Rockies is a captivating romantic suspense. Even though it’s the third book in the Colorado K-9 Unit series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. If you love romantic suspense with faith, danger, and a great K-9, this is a must-read!

Danger in the Rockies can be obtained from Amazon.  The next A Colorado K-9 Unit novel is Protecting the Baby which comes out June 30. The first two books in the Colorado K-9 Unit series are Searching for the Truth and Tracking the Taken Child.  If you enjoy romantic suspense, check out Terri Reed's other novels.   I will return on Tuesday, June 2 with Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  Enjoy the rest of your day and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Final Target by Nora Roberts

The Final Target

Book Summary

A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire—and rage—in the gripping thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.

He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude—but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden's purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

My Thoughts

The Final Target by Nora Roberts is a tense, emotional thriller that held my attention from beginning to end. It is a well-written story with strong characters, steady pacing, and an especially effective villain. The multiple points of view add depth, and I liked how suspense, obsession, and family drama are woven throughout the story. The relationships felt genuine, which gave the book added emotional weight. The assault is graphic and may be upsetting for some readers, but the story is ultimately about hope, healing, and reclaiming independence. There is also romance, and Gideon brings warmth and calm to the darker parts of the novel. The unexpected twists and satisfying ending made this a suspenseful, compelling read.

The Final Target can be purchased from Amazon (it is also available from other major booksellers including Barnes & Noble, BAM, Kobo, Target, Waterstone's).  Nora Roberts has published many wonderful books since her first publication, Irish Thoroughbred in 1981.  I have been reading her books since I was twelve (young adult fiction did not exist when I was kid), and I look forward to each new release.  You can find her other novels here.  On Thursday, May 28, I am featuring Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed. It is the third book in the Colorado K-9 Unit series.   Hope today treats you kindly. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

I had to share this with you!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This is my philosophy!  

Scent of Peril by Darlene L. Turner

Scent of Peril

Book Summary

An innocent witness taken…
A K-9 in hot pursuit.

Dispatched with her K-9 partner, Shadow, to locate an abducted boy, Constable Taylor Grant finds herself ambushed in the wilderness along with Wyatt Hoyt, the child’s father. As Taylor and Wyatt relentlessly pursue the kidnappers and follow the little boy’s cryptic clues through treacherous terrain, they face persistent attacks and lethal traps. Each step closer to rescuing young Levi uncovers a deadly conspiracy tied to Wyatt’s past and a weapons-smuggling ring. With time running out, can they outwit a ruthless mastermind to save Levi before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

Scent of Peril by Darlene L. Turner is an action-packed, suspenseful story that pulled me in right away. The danger starts at the beginning and doesn’t let up, which kept me turning the pages. The villains are relentless, so Wyatt and Taylor are always on their toes. I also loved Taylor’s K-9, Shadow, who is such an important part of the story. As Taylor and Wyatt search for Wyatt’s son, Levi, they also have to deal with the feelings they still have for each other. There’s plenty of chemistry between them, but they need to work through the reason for their breakup before they can move forward.

I thought the story was well written, with strong characters and fast pacing. I had a feeling about Ridge’s identity, so I was eager to see if I was right. Faith is woven throughout the story, and even though this is the third National Park Protectors novel, it can definitely be read on its own. Overall, it’s a gripping story with an uplifting ending.

Scent of Peril is available from Amazon and other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Walmart, BAM, Kobo).  The first two books in the National Park Protectors series are Danger in the Wilderness and Trail of Mountain Secrets. You can find Darlene L. Turner's other novels here.  

Other books out today are Survival in the Mountains by Carrie Stuart Parks, A Refuge in Montana by Allie Pleiter, The Sheriff's Secret Past by Tina Radcliffe, My Nightmare is Yours by Diane Vallere, Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed, The Lake House by Lori Foster, and The Final Target by Nora Roberts. There is something for everyone.  I will be sharing my thoughts on The Final Target by Nora Roberts on Wednesday, May 27.  I am heading out to the screened porch to clean.  We have had heavy rains for the last few days which led to our screened porch and carport to flood (lots of debris to clean up). I am glad that I had the foresight to roll up the rug on the screened porch. The rain is welcome, though, after months of drought.  I hope that you have a terrific day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. 

Masher of Ceremonies by Victoria Hamilton

 Masher of Ceremonies

Book Summary

A fundraiser for the local historical society nearly goes bust when someone fills the coffers with blackmail and murder . . .

The annual Tea With the Queen fundraiser always makes for a festive weekend in Queensville, drawing visitors from far and wide and giving local shops a welcome boost. This year, vintage kitchenware collector Jaymie Müller is running the event, and she’s got her hands full organizing old and new volunteers along with a surly catering crew. Then her master of ceremonies tells her he’s being blackmailed but can’t go to the police, and before Jaymie can sort that out she stumbles over a dead body at the tea.

Despite the demands of keeping the event up and running, Jaymie can’t help puzzling over the murder. There’s no concrete evidence linking the cretin behind the blackmail scheme to the dead body, so she begins questioning everyone connected to the blackmail, hoping to expose the killer. And just as she discovers a web of relationships that leads her to the culprit, she realizes that the Tea With the Queen may have been a royal pain, but outwitting a blackmailer and catching a killer may be the death of her . . .

My Thoughts

Masher of Ceremonies by Victoria Hamilton is the latest A Vintage Kitchen Mystery. Because the cast and backstory build over time, it’s best to read this series in order. Jaymie has her hands full with opening a new store and organizing the annual Tea with the Queen event. If the tea is not successful, it will be discontinued, much to Jaymie’s dismay. There’s a lot happening in this story, and it never slows down. The whodunit was entertaining and fun to solve. I enjoyed hearing about the vintage kitchenware items. I wish Jakob and Jocie had a bigger presence; it felt like Hoppy got more page than Jaymie’s husband and daughter. I like the cast of quirky characters—they keep things time lively. The author weaves family drama, blackmail, murder, secrets, a store opening, and a grand tea event into a charming cozy mystery. Masher of Ceremonies pairs perfectly with a cuppa and a scrumptious scone.

Masher of Ceremonies can be obtained from Amazon along with the other novels in A Vintage Kitchen Mysteries.  You can find Victoria Hamilton's other novels here and you can follow her as well (and they will send you an email when she has a new book release). Thank you for joining me this week.  On Tuesday, May 26, I will be featuring Scent of Peril by Darlene L. Turner.  I am off to rest because I hurt my back yesterday.  I have learned that I can not bend over and see under the car any longer (an abandoned cat was under the car).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Island Bakeshop by Roseanna M. White

 The Island Bakeshop

Book Summary

Come back to the sun-drenched shores of the Outer Banks and immerse yourself in another exciting and inspiring tale from Roseanna M. White, The Island Bakeshop. This dual-timeline, clean romance will have you reading late into the night to find out what happens next.

In this uplifting story of hope and renewal, you’ll meet Harper Dailey, who returns to Avon, North Carolina, so she can help run the family business, Sunshine Bakery, after her father’s heart attack. Suddenly, her thriving career at an upscale Savannah bakery is behind her, as is her rocky relationship with her ex-boyfriend—that is, until he shows up in Avon, letting her know he now owns the building the shop is in, and he may not renew the lease.

For Beckett Mills, Avon is a quiet refuge after his eight years of active service in the Navy. He works as hard at keeping folks at arm’s length as he does at running his fishing charter business. His plan for distancing himself from others works well until the fateful day he enters the bakery and sees a beautiful Harper being harassed by her ex-boyfriend. Suddenly, he casts his fears aside and steps in to save the day.

Harper and Beckett have no intentions of beginning a romance, but when the pasts they are running from collide, they know it’s not just a coincidence that they have ended up here at the same time. God has placed them together for a reason. Can Beckett let go of the worries that haunt him and welcome Harper into his life? Will Harper realize she can face any challenge with God—and just maybe Beckett—by her side? Don’t miss this faith-filled story of hope, courage, and the grace to begin anew.

My Thoughts

The Island Bakeshop by Roseanna M. White is a delightful, heartfelt story that transports readers to Avon, North Carolina. I loved the author’s descriptive writing style, which vividly brought both the setting and the characters to life. The historical chapters blended beautifully with the main storyline and added extra depth to an already charming novel. Harper and Beck were absolutely wonderful together, and I thought they were perfect for each other. Their banter was fun and engaging, and I especially loved the nicknames they came up with for one another. There is also a terrific cast of secondary characters, including Kennedy and Lara from The Island Bookshop, the first book in The Island Shop series. It was such a treat to catch up with Lara, Kennedy, and their friends. 

A subtle thread of faith runs through the story, and there is just the right touch of mystery to keep things even more interesting. Roseanna M. White skillfully weaves romance, drama, mystery, and faith into an engaging, well-paced story that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The Island Bakeshop can definitely be read as a standalone. I finished this book with a smile on my face and a craving for ginger fairings.

The Island Bakeshop can be obtained from Amazon along with The Island Bookshop. Both books can be read for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Roseanna M. White's other novels here. Thank you for popping by today.  

I will return on Thursday, May 21 with Masher of Ceremonies by Victoria Hamilton. It is the latest A Vintage Kitchen Mystery.  I am off to clean up our porch. It poured last night (a deluge) and our screened porch flooded.  I will not need to water my garden for several days which is helpful since we are experiencing a drought.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.