Deadly News by Jody Holford: A Britton Bay Mystery

Good Day!  Tiny House in the Trees by Celia Bonaduce comes out on November 20 along with Beauchamp Hall by Danielle Steel.  The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis will be available on November 27 (I cannot wait to read it).

Deadly News by Jody Hedlund is set in Britton Bay, Oregon.  Molly Owens has moved from Lancaster, California to Britton Bay to become editor for the Britton Bay Bulletin.  The Britton Bay Bulletin’s owner, Alan Benedict, is hoping Molly can revitalize the struggling paper to increase readership and revenue.   Vernon East, a reporter for the paper, is antagonistic and resents Molly’s presence.  She assigns Vernon to interview Vanessa Phillips on her family and two days later he is found dead in his home.  The suspect list is long since Vernon was disagreeable, but Molly did spot a good clue at the crime scene.  Molly works her way through the suspect list which includes an ex-wife, victim’s son, and her fellow employees.  Someone feels Molly is getting too close to the truth and leaves her a threatening message.  Molly is a reporter and not about to be dissuaded in her quest for the truth.  When not out on the trail of a killer, Molly is settling into her new abode and making friends.  She also finds an adorable bouncy puppy in need of an owner.  Britton Bay will be a lovely home for Molly once she pinpoints Vernon’s killer.

Deadly News is a cute new cozy mystery.  The cover is adorable with the black and white puppy who Molly names Tigger (it suits him).  Molly is a likeable main character.  She is starting over after catching her boyfriend in flagrante delicto with his ex-girlfriend.  Thanks to mechanic, Sam Alderich, she finds a charming carriage house to live in with a landlady who will become a good friend.  I would have liked more backstory on Molly, but she is an interesting, friendly character.  I did find it odd, though, when she spilled out case details.  As a reporter, I expected her to keep details to herself (it seemed out of place).  The pace alternates in Deadly News.  It starts out brisk, then slows down through the middle (especially when Molly is thinking about the case) with it picking up towards the end of the book.  The mystery has several suspects with subtle clues.  Avid cozy mystery readers will find this whodunit a cinch to solve.  I was surprised by the quick romance between Molly and Sam.  The sparks fly right away between them and he jumps into to help her with the mystery.  I prefer a romance that develops slowly and is not as prominent in the story (the mystery should be the focus).  I am giving Deadly News 3.5 out of 5 stars.  A Britton Bay Mystery series has potential, and I will pick up the next book in this new cozy mystery series which is Deadly Vows (release date schedule for April 9, 2019).

Thank you for ready my review.  I will share my thoughts on The Shifter's First Bite by Deanna Chase tomorrow.  It is the third novel in Witch Island Brides series.  I hope you have a very special day.  If you love Gilmore Girls, the tune into UPtv starting at 3 p.m. for Gilmore the Merrier.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

The First Love by Beverly Lewis

Welcome!  The Amish Midwife's Secret by Rachel J. Good comes out on November 27.  It is the second novel in A Love & Promises series.  Murder at the Mill by M. B. Shaw will be released on December 4.  It is the first book in The Iris Grey Mysteries.

The First Love by Beverly Lewis takes us to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  It is the summer of 1998 when Maggie’s reminiscing takes her back in time to June of 1951.  Maggie misses her mother every day and it is hard to see her father move on so quickly.  Joseph, Maggie’s father, married Rachel just seven months after his wife’s death.  Maggie has suffered from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since she was eleven and the debilitating pain keeps her confined to bed many days.  Maggie longs to be like the other women in her community, but she does not believe any man would want to be burdened by her.  Maggie could talk to her mother about her concerns and she misses her warm, understanding presence. A tent revival meeting is coming to the area for six weeks and Maggie asks permission to attend.  The minister’s messages are meaningful and have Maggie thinking about God and his saving grace.  The future is filled with possibilities and hope.  Join Maggie on her journey in The First Love.

I have read all of Beverly Lewis’s books and was looking forward to reading The First Love. I found The First Love to a slow paced story, though, it does pick up slightly in the second half.  There are numerous characters in The First Love and it is hard to keep them all straight.  Maggie comes from a large family with aunts, cousins, siblings plus there are her friends, the tent revival preacher, and so many more.  There are two intertwining storylines in the book.  At times, though, the book was disjointed (lacked a good flow).  There is Maggie’s storyline plus her family adjusting to a new stepmother.  I could understand what Maggie was going through with her painful disease.  The pain gets to a person and affects their mood as well as outlook on life.  It can be difficult to get up and do things during the day.  I thought the author dealt with the topic respectfully and realistically.  The ending wrapped up too quickly and felt unrealistic.  It seemed the author had reached her word limit and quickly wrapped up Maggie’s story.  The Christian elements are predominant.  Relevant scripture verses are sprinkled throughout the story that help Maggie on her faith journey.  We are also reminded the importance of prayer (anywhere and anytime), God’s grace, leaving our worries with God, reading the Bible, and having faith.  I liked to see Maggie grow in her faith and become closer to God.  I am giving The First Love 3 out of 5 stars.  While this is not my favorite book by Beverly Lewis, I am still a fan of her work who looks forward to her next story.

Thank you for reading my review.  On November 19, I am discussing Deadly News by Jody Holford.  The first story in A Britton Bay Mystery series.  I hope you have a relaxing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Murder at Harbor Village by G.P. Gardner

Murder at Harbor Village 

by GP Gardner

About the Book

Murder at Harbor Village

Cozy Mystery

New Series

Lyrical Underground (November 13, 2018)

Paperback: 216 pages

ISBN-10: 1516109007

ISBN-13: 978-1516109005

Digital ASIN: B079WM9X29

Young retiree Cleo Mack is trading in academia for a second act in Harbor Village, a community for active seniors in coastal Alabama. But someone in this picture-perfect coastal town is burning the candle at both ends . . .

It’s love at first sight when Cleo arrives in Fairhope, Alabama, after taking early retirement from her longtime position as professor of social work. Touted as “the nicest town in the world,” Fairhope is home to an eclectic community of retirees. Harbor Village boasts classes in painting, pottery, and photography, not to mention being a buyer’s market for husbands. It seems an ideal place to make new friends and rediscover life. Until a dead body is found in the pool. When the victim turns out to be the unpopular director of senior living, Cleo is named acting director. Now she must rely on her well-honed people skills to uncover a killer in a place where short-term memory isn’t what it used to be, and age is just a number. And if Cleo keeps snooping around, her number may soon be up . . .

About the Author

Born and raised in Alabama, G. P. Gardner earned BS and MA degrees in Psychology from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL) and an MBA from Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, AL). She also attended the University of Georgia (Athens, GA), where she studied biopsychology and primatology. But her heart belongs to Talladega College—an HBCU and the first educational institution in Alabama to admit students without regard to race—where she taught business. Her writing life began with short stories, some of which were published in regional literary journals and some of which won prizes. She enjoys the classic mystery writers as well as contemporary whodunits but reads widely. She is a knitter and once owned a knit shop in Fairhope, AL. She studied mystery writing with Terry Cline, another Fairhope resident. Murder in Harbor Village is the first in her series about social worker Cleo Mack. You can visit her at gpgardner.com.

My Thoughts

Murder at Harbor Village by G.P. Gardner is the debut novel in A Down by the Bay Mystery series.  Cleo Mack has been offered a chance at early retirement from the university where she is department chair and teaches social work.  Cleo decides to visit Fairhope, Alabama while trying to decide about her future.  She falls in love with the picturesque town and a chance encounter with Nita Bergen helps the final pieces fall into place.  Nita introduces her to Harbor Village, a retirement community, where she lives with her husband, and her circle of friends who welcome Cleo.  Cleo is contacted by Jamie Barnes, Director of Assisted Living at Harbor Village, who offers her a part-time job handling resident services and Cleo works an apartment into the deal.  A month later, Cleo returns to move into her new apartment and begins a new chapter of her life.  The next morning, Lee Ferrell, the executive director, is found dead in the pool and Cleo finds herself in charge of Harbor Village.  Travis McKenzie, Cleo’s ex-husband of twenty-three years, runs Harbor Health Services, needs fresh eyes on Harbor Village, and he feels Cleo is the right woman for the job.  Something fishy is going on in this quiet community and Travis is relying on Cleo to ferret out the truth.  How does is relate to Lee’s death?  That is just what Cleo intends to find out.

Murder at Harbor Village is a light cozy mystery with friendly characters and a striking town.  Cleo is looking forward to this new phase of her life when a murder disrupts her plans.  She is suddenly thrust into an administrative roll (there goes the retirement) with a host of problems.  She is shocked when she learns the victim is Travis’ new wife (makes him a good suspect).  Cleo soon learns that murder is not the only mystery at Harbor Village.  We are taken through Cleo’s daily tasks as she learns her new role which she handles with grace considering she has no clue what she is doing (practical knowledge goes a long way).  We are introduced to numerous characters and learn the complexities of running a retirement village.  I liked the author’s relaxed writing style which makes the book easy to read.  The mysteries were complex and multifaceted.  The suspects are limited, but I believe readers will find it challenging to identify the killer.  I like how she bounces ideas off Nita, Jim, Dolly and Riley (her new circle of friends) and works with Chief Ray Boozer on solving the whodunit. The resolution relies on speculation instead of firm facts and there was an unanswered piece of the puzzle (a little fine tuning would have made a difference).  I enjoyed reading the refreshing Murder at Harbor Village and I look forward to reading the next A Down by the Bay Mystery. 

Murder at Harbor Village can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and GooglePlay.  I appreciate you visiting today and I hope you take the time to visit the other stops on this tour (schedule below).  There are character guest posts, characters interviews, and author guests posts.  On Sunday, I am featuring The First Love by Beverly Lewis.  I did not have the opportunity to share this Christian novel with you when it was released.  I hope you have a fascinating day.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

November 13 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW

November 13 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 14 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 14 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews -SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews  REVIEW

November 15 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT  

November 16 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 16 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW

November 16 – Handcrafted Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

November 17 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

November 18 – Varietats – SPOTLIGHT

November 19 – Socrates' Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 19 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

November 19 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, GUEST POST

Wreath Between the Lines by Daryl Wood Gerber: Review and Giveaway!

Wreath Between the Lines (A Cookbook Nook Mystery)

by Daryl Wood Gerber

About the Book

Wreath Between the Lines (A Cookbook Nook Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

7th in Series

Beyond the Page (November 8, 2018)

Print Length: 221 pages

ASIN: B07GC4FJK4

The Agatha Award–winning author of Pressing the Issue returns to the Cookbook Nook, where Jenna Hart is busy decking the halls and ducking a killer . . .

The holidays are Jenna Hart’s favorite time of year, but just as she’s decorating the Cookbook Nook for all the festive events, her imperious older sister makes a surprise visit, anxious that her husband’s been more naughty than nice. To make matters worse, her father’s good friend Jake shows up on her doorstep with a frantic report that his friend has been murdered—trussed with Christmas lights and impaled with a tree star.

Worried that Jake was the intended victim, Jenna makes a list of suspects and checks it twice. Swapping her Santa’s hat for a sleuthing cap, she gets busy investigating Jake’s long-lost sister, his Grinch of a neighbor, and a stamp collector who covets Jake’s most treasured piece. When Jake himself is poisoned and nearly dies, Jenna knows she’ll have to do whatever it takes to corner the culprit before it’s lights out for Jake . . .

Includes tantalizing holiday recipes!

About the Author

DARYL WOOD GERBER writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mystery series featuring a cookbook store owner who is an avid reader and admitted foodie, set on the coast of California.  As AVERY AAMES, she pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series featuring a cheese shop owner amateur sleuth, set in the fictional town of Providence, Ohio. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more.

Author Links:

Visit Daryl or Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com.

“They” blog on www.mysteryloverskitchen.com as well as www.killercharacters.com

Daryl’s Blog – http://www.darylwoodgerber.com

Avery’s Blog – http://www.averyaames.com

Mystery Lover’s Kitchen – http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com

Killer Characters – http://killercharacters.com

Facebook:  Daryl and Avery

Twitter: @AveryAames @DarylWoodGerber

Goodreads: Daryl Wood Gerber  and Avery Aames 

My Thoughts

Wreath Between the Lines by Daryl Wood Gerber takes us to Crystal Cove, California just two weeks before Christmas.  Jenna Hart owns the Cookbook Nook, and her shop is filled with customers looking for gifts for the cook, baker, and reader in their life. The Crystal Cove Christmas Festival is taking place and since wreaths are the theme, every shop features a unique wreath.  Jenna is surprised to see her sister, Whitney and her family.  Jenna’s niece, Lacey and her group are participating in a cappella competition.  In addition, Whitney is worried that her husband is cheating on her while Lacey wishes to avoid her critical mother.  Late one evening, Jake Chapman knocks on the door needing assistance.  Jake found his friend, Geoffrey strangled with Christmas lights and impaled with a tree topper.  Jenna is worried it was a case of mistaken identity and the killer might try again.  Jenna dons her sleuthing cap once again, makes a list of the suspects and sets out to wrap up the murder before Santa rides into town.  Could it be the neighbor angry over Jake’s Christmas decorations or a philatelist after Jake’s rare and valuable Blue Mauritius?  Someone has been naughty, and Jenna has no intention of letting them have a merry holiday.

Wreath Between the Lines is a joyful cozy mystery. I like the warm, friendly characters that have grown over the course of the series.  Bailey, Katie, Rhett, Jake and Tigger return and are ready to celebrate Christmas.  I am hoping that Whitney has seen the error of her ways and we see a change in her in future installments.  Crystal Cove is a quaint town with lovely shops and activities year round.  I like a cappella competition taking place in town with Lacey’s unusual group.  The mystery was multi-faceted with multiple suspects, red herrings, and good clues.  While pinpointing the grinch is a cinch, I wanted to keep reading Wreath Between the Lines to see how the various storylines would play out.  While Wreath Between the Lines is the seventh book in A Cookbook Nook Mystery series, it can be read alone.  Everything a reader needs to know about Jenna is included for new readers.  I could have done without the frequent references to Jenna’s former job working at Taylor & Squibb (you know I am not a fan of repetition).  I truly loved the Christmas spirit woven throughout the story.  There is a delightful description of the wreath on the front door of the Cookbook Nook along with the Dickensian carolers who are strolling around the village.  The narratives of the delectable cuisine will have your mouth watering.  Wreath Between the Lines has a heartwarming ending.  Wreath Between the Lines combines charming characters, a cozy town, Christmas festivities, romance and murder into one jolly cozy mystery. 

Wreath Between the Lines is available on Amazon.  You can find the other six books in A Cookbook Nook Mystery series here on Amazon.  In honor of the tour, Daryl Wood Gerber is hosting a giveaway.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Before you depart, please leave a comment below for an extra entry.  The other stops on the tour (schedule below) include guest posts, recipes, author interviews, and recipe guest posts.  Thank you very much for stopping by today. On November 17, I am featuring Murder at Harbor Village by G.P. Gardner.  May you have a festive day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 8 – The Book's the Thing - REVIEW, RECIPE GUEST POST

November 8 – My Journey Back – SPOTLIGHT  

November 9 – That's What She's Reading – SPOTLIGHT

November 9 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

November 12 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

November 12 – Reading Is My SuperPower - RECIPE GUEST POST

November 13 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW

November 13 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

November 14 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

November 16 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

November 16 – Valerie's Musings – REVIEW

November 17 – cherylbbookblog – REVIEW

November 18 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 18 – Varietats – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, RECIPE GUEST POST

November 19 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 19 – Carole's Book Corner – SPOTLIGHT

November 20 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

November 20 – The Montana Bookaholic - REVIEW, RECIPE GUEST POST

November 20 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book  - REVIEW

November 21 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

November 21 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

The Killer Christmas Sweater Club by Terry Ambrose: Review and Giveaway

The Killer Christmas Sweater Club 

(A Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery)

by Terry Ambrose

About the Book

The Killer Christmas Sweater Club (A Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

3rd in Series

Publisher: Satori

Print Length: 342 pages

Digital ASIN: B07H27NCP4

All ten-year-old Alexandra Atwood wants for Christmas is to get her dad and the B&B’s cook Marquetta under the mistletoe. After all, how can they get married if they don’t kiss first?

When murder strikes in Seaside Cove, bed-and-breakfast owner Rick Atwood is asked to help find the killer. But this will not be an easy case to crack. Not only did the killer contaminate the crime scene, but there are suspects all over town. And they all received the same Christmas sweater from the victim.

Alex hears rumors about the murder and decides that since she’s on Christmas break, she has time for a little multitasking. She launches her own investigation even as she continues her efforts to get her dad and Marquetta together.

Just when Rick thinks he’s identified all the suspects, he discovers a new one—his estranged wife. With the days until Christmas ticking down, Rick feels pressured from all sides. He needs to solve the case. He needs to send his wife back to New York. But the one thing he doesn’t need is for his daughter to be one step ahead of him and the cops.

About the Author

Terry Ambrose is a former skip tracer who tracked down deadbeats for a living. He’s long since turned his talents to writing mysteries and thrillers. Several of his books have been award finalists and in 2014 his thriller, “Con Game,” won the San Diego Book Awards for Best Action-Thriller. He likes cool photography, funny mysteries, and finding the oddest things while walking on the beach.

Author Links:

Website: http://terryambrose.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/suspense.writer

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6447968.Terry_Ambrose

My Thoughts

The Killer Christmas Sweater Club by Terry Ambrose is the third book in A Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery.  Alex Atwood is looking forward to Christmas.  She has plans to get her dad and Marquetta Weiss, their cook, to finally kiss with the aid of some strategically placed mistletoe.  Marquetta is like a mother to Alex and she would like the two important people in her life to marry.  Of course, Rick Atwood needs to her divorce her mother first (a pesky little problem).  The Crooked Mast is holding an ugly sweater contest that evening and Alex has an electrifying entry.  Several people end up wearing the same sweater which they received from local attorney, Thorne Waldorf with promises of an apology for his recent behavior.  Unfortunately, it looks like Thorne will not be making the party.  He was found in dead in his home office which has been ransacked.  Deputy Cunningham needs assistance in solving the crime and Rick must honor the promise he made to mayor to act as a police consultant.  Rick has a contaminated crime scene plus a handful of suspects to consider when another person of interest with a personal connection pops up. Alex feels since she was helpful on the last investigation, she should assist with this one.  But Rick does not want to put his daughter in harms way.  The days before Christmas are swiftly passing by and the mayor wants the case solved right away.  Can Rick bag the killer before his party on Christmas Eve?

The Killer Christmas Sweater Club is a charming story.  There are engaging characters, a quaint setting and Christmas merriment.  Alex is my favorite character in this series.  She is an intelligent and inquisitive child.  It is cute how she wants to provide an opportunity to Rick and Marquetta to kiss, and she enlists some help to pull off her plan. Alex’s diary entries are entertaining.  I thought The Killer Christmas Sweater Club was well-written with steady pacing.  I do recommend reading A Seaside Cove Bed and Breakfast series in order.  Each book builds upon the previous one.  The mystery is multi-faceted with several suspects and misdirection.  There are good clues to aid readers in solving the whodunit.  The mystery becomes personal when Rick’s estranged wife arrives in town and she is a suspect in Thorne’s death.  Of course, it is also the perfect time to get her to sign the divorce papers.  The romance between Rick and Marquetta has been playing out at slow pace which I appreciate.  They are a cute couple and Marquetta is good with Alex.  The Killer Christmas Sweater Club can easily be read by a younger audience.  The Killer Christmas Sweater Club has a heartwarming ending that will have you smiling. 

The Killer Christmas Sweater Club is available at Amazon and is a part of the Kindle Unlimited Program.  The first two books in A Seaside Cove Bed and Breakfast Mystery series are A Treasure to Die For and Clues in the Sand.  In honor of the tour, the author is hosting a giveaway.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Before you depart, make sure to leave a comment for an extra entry.  The other stops on The Great Escapes Book Tour include guests posts, reviews, characters guest posts and author interviews. Thank you for visiting today.  Wreath Between the Lines by Daryl Wood Gerber will be featured tomorrow.  The seventh book in A Cookbook Nook Mystery series.  May you have a cozy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 9 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW  

November 9 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – The Montana Bookaholic - CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 11 – My Devotional Thoughts – REVIEW

November 12 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

November 13 – Island Confidential - CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 13 – The Power of Words – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

November 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

November 14 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST

November 14 –  A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 15 – The Avid Reader  - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

November 15 – That's What She's Reading – SPOTLIGHT

November 16 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 17 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 18 – Laura's Interests – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 18 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

November 19 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW

November 19 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 20 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY

November 20 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT  

November 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 21 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW

Purls and Poison by Anne Canadeo: Review and Giveaway for A Black Sheep & Co. Mystery

Purls and Poison (A Black Sheep & Co. Mystery)

by Anne Canadeo

About the Book

Purls and Poison (A Black Sheep & Co. Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series

Kensington (October 30, 2018)

Hardcover: 320 pages

ISBN-10: 1496708636

ISBN-13: 978-1496708632

Digital ASIN: B079KT54BW

When a fellow Black Sheep Knitter is suspected of poisoning her coworker, the group puts down their needles and takes up their friend's defense . . .

Suzanne Cavanaugh has just about had it with her office rival at Prestige Properties. It's bad enough that Liza Devereaux is constantly needling her at work, but when she shows up at one of Suzanne’s open houses to poach potential buyers, it’s the last straw. No one in the office fails to hear the two snarling at each other.

When Liza is later found dead in her office cubicle—poisoned by a diet shake—Suzanne becomes the prime suspect. It’s soon discovered, though, that Liza had double-crossed so many around town and stashed their dark secrets in her designer handbags that anyone could be the culprit.

The Black Sheep Knitters have no doubt their friend has been framed—but they need to prove it. Stirred to action, they get together to catch a sneaky killer who's trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes . . .

About The Author

Anne Canadeo is the best-selling author of more than 30 books, including the Black Sheep & Company Mysteries, and as Katherine Spencer, the Cape Light and Angel Island series. She somehow manages to write a lot,  despite many and much loved distractions -- such as digging up the garden, hanging out with her dog, trying new recipes, drinking copious amounts of mint tea, eating chocolate and volunteer work in the community. She lives in Northport, NY, a village on the Long Island Sound very much like the settings of her stories. Anne loves to hear from readers. Answering their messages is definitely another favorite distraction in her day.

Author Links:

Website: annecanadeo.com

Facebooks: www.facebook.com/AnneCanadeoAuthor

Instagram:    www.instagram.com/annecanadeo

My Thoughts

Purls and Poison by Anne Canadeo takes us to Plum Harbor.  Suzanne Cavanaugh is a realtor at Prestige Properties and she has had a difficult day.  She is happy to spend time with her knitting friends that evening, so she can rant and then relax.  Suzanne had clients and a listing stolen by Liza Devereaux which ended up in a heated argument at the staff meeting.  On the way home, Suzanne passes by the realty office and notices Liza’s car outside.  She decides to take her friends advice and make peace with Liza.  Suzanne finds Liza sprawled on the floor of her cubicle with her broken pearls scattered around her.  Detective Charles Mossbacher and his partner, Detective Frank Oliver are on the case.  Unfortunately, Suzanne quickly rises to the top of the suspect list and the circumstantial evidence is mounting up.  The knitters know that Suzanne is being framed for the crime, but they need proof.  The ladies begin digging into Liza’s life to discover who wanted her out of the way.  They need to work quickly because the case is unraveling Suzanne’s family and it is affecting another one of the knitter’s relationships.  Join these five ladies in their latest investigation in Purls and Poison.

Purls and Poison is the second book in A Black Sheep & Company Mystery series, but it is tenth book involving the ladies of Plum Harbor (the series changed publisher & altered the series name).  I do not recommend beginning the series with Purls and Poison.  You will be missing the backstory on the characters.  Plum Harbor is a charming seaside town that is home to a delightful knitting shop.  The ladies (Maggie, Dana, Phoebe, Lucy and Suzanne) meet each week at the shop to knit, chat, and enjoy a meal while indulging in wine.  Purls and Poison is told from Suzanne’s point-of-view.  She is extremely angry at Liza for poaching her client and then selling them her listing (double whammy).  It resulted in a heated exchange earlier in the day with all her co-workers in attendance (you can see where this is heading).  Liza is then murdered, and all the evidence points to Suzanne.  The book contains good writing with the regular cozy elements that readers enjoy, but the pacing was varied.  The mystery has a handful of suspects, misdirection and pointed clues.  Readers will have no problem identifying the guilty party before the solution is revealed. I could have done with less speculation and repetition of case details (which slowed down the pace of the story).  I would have preferred if Purls and Poison was told from the third person perspective (instead of changing in each book).  I am not a fan of Suzanne and her attitude in this story did not alter my opinion.  We get limited information on the other knitters which is a shame (Maggie is my favorite character).  One of our ladies is in for a life changing event (I do not want to spoil it for you). I did enjoy their participation in knitting items for charity.  They were trying to complete a hundred items for families in need.  There is a knitting pattern and recipe at the back of the book.  Fans of Anne Canadeo and A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery series (the original series) will be delighted with Purls and Poison. 

Purls and Poison is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, Kobo, GooglePlay Store, Powell's, Chapter's, and Waterstones.   The author is hosting a giveaway in honor of the tour.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Please take the time to visit the other stops (see schedule below) on the tour to check out characters interviews, guest posts, author interviews and characters guest posts.  I will see you tomorrow when I feature The Killer Christmas Sweater Club by Terry Ambrose.  I hope you have a fantastic day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 8 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 8 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – GUEST POST

November 9 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 10 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW

November 11 – Handcrafted Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 12 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 13 – Babs Book Bistro - SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

November 15 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 16 – The Montana Bookaholic – SPOTLIGHT

November 17 – Laura's Interests - REVIEW

November 18 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 19 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 20 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

November 20 – Reading Is My SuperPower – GUEST POST

November 21 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT