High Spirits by Carol J. Perry

Happy Halloween!

High Spirits

Book Summary

Set during the Christmas season, the latest novel in this exciting new supernatural cozy series from the author of the Witch City Mysteries features a New Englander transplanted to a Florida town along the scenic Gulf of Mexico when she inherits a charming, century-old—and very haunted—inn from a mysterious benefactor. Fans of Amanda Flower and Heather Blake will delight in murder, ghosts, and the heroine’s golden retriever, Finn.

Christmas lights on palm trees and Santa hats on plastic pink flamingoes are far from the snowy landscape Maureen and her beloved golden retriever, Finn, are used to. But Maureen is determined to make this a holiday to remember—which means finding a way to promote Haven House on a shoestring. Fortunately, Haven’s vintage movie theater, the Paramount, has come up with a great “Twelve Days of Christmas” idea. They’ll feature an impressive list of the best classic Christmas movies ever made—shown by one-time movie actor-turned-projectionist Decklin Monroe . . .

But nobody bothered to tell Maureen that the Paramount is haunted by the ghost of a man who was murdered a few years back. Haven’s top cop Frank Hubbard doesn’t believe in ghosts but, believing that Decklin Monroe was somehow involved, he wants a reluctant Maureen’s help. 
 
That plan is derailed when, on the first day of the festival, a fresh murder victim is found at the theater. Now Maureen has to defend her staff and guests, while trying to keep her high-spirited resident ghosts out of the picture—before they have company for the holidays . . .

My Thoughts

High Spirits by Carol J. Perry is a cute cozy mystery.  It is the second A Haunted Haven Mystery and it can be read as a standalone.  The author provides all the necessary background information for new readers.  I found High Spirits easy to read thanks to the author’s conversational writing style.  The book moved along at a good clip.  I like Maureen Doherty and her darling dog, Finn.  I also like Ted, Lorna, Gert, and the other seniors who work at the inn.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the inn Maureen inherited.  I wanted to steal some of her Christmas decorations (I love vintage ornaments).  I can relate to Maureen’s thoughts about Christmas in Florida.  It is challenging to channel Christmas when you are wearing shorts and t-shirts with the sand and surf nearby.  There are two mysteries in High Spirits.  There is a cold case that Officer Frank Hubbard is determined to solve.  A man was shot in the Paramount Theater while watching Animal House in the 1970s.  In the present day, the projectionist hired by the owners of the Paramount Theater ends up shot in the projectionist booth.  Officer Hubbard believes Maureen has information on the cold case and he is stalking her (stakes out her house, follows her while she walks the dog, and much more).  I am not a fan of Officer Hubbard.  I believe he crossed the line in this book.  

I enjoyed the two mysteries that tie into the local movie theater.  There are several suspects in the cold case, and they happen to be in town.  It was fun following Maureen as she set out to gather information to solve the cases.  She gets help from Lorna the inn’s resident ghost who loves to borrow from Maureen’s wardrobe.  Maureen assembles her clues and puts the pieces together to solve the puzzles.   I did feel, though, that the reveal was anticlimactic (it was ho hum).  For those who are avid armchair sleuths, you will not find the mysteries challenging. I quickly grew tired of all the repetitive details (every time Maureen walks the dog, goes in the side door, what she is wearing down to the shoes, goes out the side door, passes the soda machines and guest laundry area, the type of car she drives).  There was romance in the story as Maureen gets to know her head chef.  Plus, Lorna has a beau to squire her about town.  I love the ghosts in the story and would like to see more of this element.  High Spirits is a spirited story with a friendly Finn, Christmas centerpieces, appealing paintings, a cold case, pricey purses, and festive embellishments for trimming the palm tree.  

High Spirits is available from Amazon*.  The first A Haunted Haven Mystery is Be My Ghost (can be read for free through Kindle Unlimited).  You can follow Carol J. Perry on Amazon so you can receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  Are you ready for the trick or treaters?  Do you dress up to pass out candy?  We have a golf cart parade in our community (the golf cart owners decorate them for Halloween) and they will announce the winner of the home decorating contest.  I am hoping I will win, but some people feel I went a tad overboard (I have a feeling they only see the inflatables and not the story behind each scene).  I will keep my fingers crossed.  I will return tomorrow with An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn by Tracy Fredrychowski and Debra Torres.  I hope that you have a spooktacular day.  Take care and Happy Reading! 

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand

 The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece

Book Summary

Quilt making, troublemaking, and matchmaking create a sweetly entertaining mix in this inspirational romance series featuring resourceful Colorado quiltmaker Esther Kiem—from USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand, beloved, award-winning inspirational romance author of the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, The Honeybee Sisters, and The Petersheim Brothers series. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Emma Miller.

 

Mattie Zook always stands up for what’s right—which is why she’s been exiled from her Pennsylvania Dutch home to her Aunt Esther’s farm. Outraged at local discrimination against the Amish, she’s using her rumschpringe to run for town council. Esther can only hope that sensible local farmer Freeman Sensenig will help Mattie—and keep her from going too far. But Mattie is soon finding her new campaign manager all too appealing . . .

Freeman never thought that the standoffish, opinionated Mattie would care so much about others. Even more amazing, their differences are somehow making her campaign successful—and have him hoping for more of a future with her. But unexpected obstacles and a sudden romantic rival will put their growing closeness to the test—and give them only one chance to truly reconcile their hearts . . .

Book Summary

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand is an amusing Amish tale.  It is the third book in The Amish Quiltmaker series.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but you will be missing out on some entertaining stories.  Jennifer Beckstrand has an engaging writing style.  Her stories are easy to read with humor throughout.  I loved Mattie Zook.  She is a spunky Amish woman who will fight for what is right.  Filing a lawsuit nor running for an office are the Amish way, but Mattie is not going to let that stop her.  Freeman Sensenig and his twin sisters (Sarah and Sadie) were fun.  I enjoyed the sibling banter (and bickering).  There is a great cast with differing personalities.  Cathy, an Englischer, who supported Mattie running for office (in her own way) and let us not forget the color-blind Caleb who likes to work on puzzles (he breaks out in a sweat when he lies or does something he feels is wrong). 

We get to travel to Byler, Colorado which has a small Amish population.  I did not blame Mattie for trying to get the new Amish buggy law repealed.  If you cannot travel the main streets, it is next to impossible to get anywhere by buggy.  There is a touch of romance.  I am glad it was not the predominant feature in the book (there was just enough).  I had mixed feelings about the ending (I do not want to spoil it for you).  I like that the author left us laughing.  We do get to catch up with the characters from The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby and The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law.  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is a fun, unconventional Amish novel.  I was sorry when my time in Byler, Colorado came to an end.  The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece is a witty tale with an unbalanced buggy law, sassy twin sisters, a plethora of puzzles, unkind election hijinks, beholding a bevy of sunsets, and campaign consequences.  

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in The Amish Quiltmaker's series are The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby and The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-law.  Jennifer Beckstrand has Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand coming out May 23, 2023.  It is the latest novel in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series.  You can follow Jennifer Beckstrand on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book coming out.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I will return on Monday, October 31 with High Spirits by Carol J. Perry.  It is the second A Haunted Haven Mystery.  I hope you have a relaxing weekend. Joy is good for you (reduces stress and improves your cardiac health).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Rea

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Trip with Trouble by Diane Kelly

A Trip with Trouble

Book Summary

The second in a charming and engrossing cozy series from Diane Kelly, A Trip with Trouble proves that in the Blue Ridge Mountains, life in the fast lane could end in a crash.

When the ladies of the Dangerous Curves Motorcycle Club take over the Mountaintop Lodge for their annual autumn ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Misty Murphy couldn’t be more thrilled. Every room is full and the adventurous women even invite Misty and her assistant Brynn to join them on a ride to admire the colorful fall foliage. Hotel handyman Rocky Crowder is happy to keep an eye on the lodge for the day, and the ladies set out for a fun ride on the scenic road.

The skies are clear, the air is crisp, and the leaves are gorgeous. But what starts as a perfect ride turns worrisome when the tail gunner – the last rider in their group – fails to show up at the Craggy Gardens overlook. Cell phone service is spotty in the remote, mountainous area, and the group is unable to connect with their friend. Might the missing woman have simply run out of gas? Or is something far more sinister afoot?

The ladies are determined to locate their ride or die, and Misty is equally determined to help them. But will they be able to solve the mystery when the scenic route seems intent on hiding its secrets?

My Thoughts

A Trip with Trouble by Diane Kelly is the second A Mountain Lodge Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I like Diane Kelly’s writing style.  It is casual and friendly.  I was quickly drawn into A Trip with Trouble.  I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of the Mountaintop Lodge and the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.  It sounds like a beautiful place to visit in the fall.  Evidently, the Dangerous Curves Motorcycle Club thought so as well.  They bought out the Mountaintop Lodge for the week to enjoy rides on the mountain roads and hikes on the trails.  Unfortunately, one of the group ends up dead and Misty suspects foul play.  Misty likes the motorcycle ladies and is determined to get justice for their fallen leader. 

I like Misty, Brynn, Rocky, Patty, and Yeti (Misty’s cat).  It is a good cast of characters.  I am glad that the author gave us an older protagonist.  Misty is fifty and recently divorced.  She has two sons in college.  Misty is smart, independent, resourceful, and good with people.  This makes her a great innkeeper.    I enjoy the chapters told from Yeti’s point of view (I laugh often while reading them).  Diane Kelly really captures a cat personality and antics. The mystery had several suspects which included a member or two of the Dangerous Curves and members of the victim’s “family.”  I joined Misty as she set out to unravel the clues and find the victim’s killer.  I like that she worked with the police.  A helpful deputy may have overshared just a touch.  While I had a clue as to who was behind the murder, I still had fun following Misty.  The author has provided developed, realistic characters that you want to get to know better.  I felt transported to North Carolina in the autumn.  There is a touch of romance.  Misty likes Rocky, but she is not ready to start dating.  They have casual dinners at home, chats, walks, and evenings in front of the fire.  I was sorry for A Trip with Trouble to come to an end.  I am looking forward to Misty’s next adventure.  A Trip with Trouble transports readers to the Blue Ridge Mountains with motorcycle mavens, falling leaves, greedy relatives, a hunky handyman, a scaredy cat, a fallen friend, a firebrand rider, and an indomitable innkeeper.

A Trip with Trouble is available from Amazon*.  Getaway with Murder is the first novel A Mountain Lodge Mystery series.  Diane Kelly has Primer and Punishment coming out February 21, 2023.  It is the fifth A House Flipper Mystery.  You can follow Diane Kelly on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand.  It is the third book in The Amish Quiltmaker series.  I hope that you have an uneventful day (drama is so stressful). Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Happily Ever Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray

 Happily Ever Amish

Book Summary 

Addie Byler may be Apple Creek’s resident wallflower, but she knows she has a lot to offer—and much to be grateful for. Raised by her loving grandmother, she lives a life filled with good friends and hard work. Wary of romance, Addie assumes no man will look beyond her glasses and her tendency to talk to her rescue donkey, Snickers—until the day she finds a note from a secret admirer. A prank, most likely. But then, a second note arrives . . .

It’s not that Daniel Miller doesn’t like Addie, he just doesn’t want to court her. She’s too willful, too chatty, too odd. Yet when he learns she’s been teased because she’s never had a beau, he decides to send a little note of encouragement. One note leads to another. And when Addie begins replying with thoughtful messages of her own, he’s struck by her sweetness and warmth.

 

As chilly winter melts into spring, what began as a gesture of sympathy becomes something much deeper. Daniel fears revealing the truth, but with courage, faith—and a helping hand from their close-knit community—Apple Creek’s most unlikely couple may find their path to happiness . . .

My Thoughts

Happily Ever Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray is the beginning of The Amish of Apple Creek series.  It is a sweet story.  I enjoyed getting to know Addie Byler and Daniel Miller.  Addie has never felt like she fit into the community of Apple Creek.  Her mother left her with her grandparents when she was four years old.  Addie is now nineteen and takes care of her grandmother.  She has a donkey that is a therapy animal (it is a real thing).  People find her odd because she talks to her donkey, but they are unaware that Snickers is a smart and intuitive donkey.  Daniel takes notice of Addie at a couple’s engagement party.  He did not like the comments his friends were making.  He decided to send her a note signed “secret admirer.”  Daniel wanted to boost Addie’s confidence.  They correspond for a few weeks until Daniel accidentally drops one of Addie’s envelopes in front of her.  The secret is out, and Daniel needs to show Addie that he was sincere.

I like Shelley Shepard Gray’s writing style.  It is friendly and draws the reader into the story.  I thought the characters were realistic and relatable.  I can relate to Addie’s feelings of being different and not fitting in.  We get to watch Daniel and Addie learn more about themselves.  This enabled to figure out what they wanted.  I found Addie’s grandmother to be a spunky woman who was well-respected in the community.  I like that the author featured the lost art of letter writing.  It does not have the instant gratification of texts.  Letters, though, can provide a way for people to express their feelings and for people to get to know one another.  Happily Ever Amish had moments that made me smile and others that make you sad.  I was rooting for Daniel and Addie.  Addie’s story is one that will resonate with many people.  I am looking forward to reading Once Upon a Buggy next spring.  Happily Ever Amish is a tender tale with a good-natured grandmother, clandestine letters, cruel rumors, a prolix preacher, a darling donkey, and an exposed secret.

Happily Ever Amish is available from Amazon*.  The next novel in The Amish of Apple Creek is Once Upon a Buggy which will be released on March 28, 2023.  Shelley Shepard Gray has Christmas at the Amish Market coming out November 8.  You can find the author's other novels here.  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  A few of the other novels that came out today are:  Photo Finished by Christin Brecher, The Plot Thickets by Julia Henry, High Spirits by Carol J. Perry, A Doomful of Sugar by Catherine Bruns, The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand, and A Trip with Trouble by Diane Kelly.  I am heading off to a doctor's appointment today.  I will return tomorrow with A Trip with Trouble by Diane Kelly.  It is the second A Mountain Lodge Mystery.  I hope you day is a happy one.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Photo Finished by Christin Brecher

 Photo Finished

Book Summary

While some people escape into books or music, Liv Spyers escapes through her camera’s lens, which inspires her to jump into things she might otherwise have no business tackling—like moving to New York City. Hustling to make her dreams come true as a portrait photographer, she runs a pocket-sized studio below her grandparents’ West Village brownstone and key shop, where she also lives and works part-time. All of which still has her down to the end of her savings as the holidays approach. Everything changes in a flash, however, when elite events photographer, Regina Montague, invites Liv to shoot with her at New York City’s most exclusive socialite event of the year—the Holiday Debutante Ball!

Liv snaps at the opportunity, convinced that a job with Regina will launch her career. But when her fabulous new gig ends with the murder of billionaire Charlie Archibald, her dream job may never develop with Regina framed for murder. Once Liv begins to focus on her photos from the ball, she’s convinced they reveal Charlie Archibald’s real killer. Now, between cracking the world of high society—and the attentions of a handsome stranger—Liv must hustle once again to expose the killer . . . before she gets cropped from the picture!

My Thoughts

Photo Finished by Christin Brecher is the debut of A Snapshot of NYC Mysteries.  Liv Spyers has just opened a photography studio in New York City under her grandparents locksmithing store.  Liv gets a big break when photographer Regina Montague comes needing a key.  Liv overhears Regina complaining about a photographer who quit at the last minute.  Liv gets hired to take photographs at the Holiday Debutante Ball.  Unfortunately, the evening ends with billionaire Charles Archibald dead and Regina the prime suspect.  Liv does not believe that Regina killed Charles despite how it looked at the time.  Liv uses her keen eye for detail to help her focus in on the killer.  

Photo Finished is a cute story.  Liv Spyers is an acquired taste (she grows on you).  We get to learn more about Liv as the story progresses.  Also, Liv’s personality comes alive as we delve deeper into the story.  I like her lively and friendly Italian family.  Her grandmother is a dear. The mystery was interesting.  It was complex in some ways yet simple in another.  There are a number of suspects who were present at the ball.  Liv actively investigates the whodunit.  She asked questions, looks over her photographs, and searched for clues.  I enjoyed the tension filled reveal.  I like how everything tied together (the clues are there throughout the book, but the trick is to spot them).  Liv had help from her new friend, Harry.  There is a smidgeon of romance in the story.  I am glad that the author kept it to a minimum in this first installment.  We get to meet some other interesting characters that include Bernie and Manjeet.  The author did a good job at setting the stage in Photo Finished.  It will be interesting to see what Liv stumbles into next time.  Photo Finished is a snappy whodunit with a lost camera case, a big break, a clothing calamity, the body of a billionaire, a fixated detective, a helpful Harry, and a photo finish.

Photo Finished will be out on Tuesday, October 25 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  You can follow Christin Brecher on Amazon to receive updates when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Happily Ever Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray.  It is the debut of The Amish of Apple Creek.  I hope that you have a happy day.  I am off to do a little housework (as little as possible) before laying down to relax (and hopefully get a nap). My neighbor decided to blare rock music all weekend which meant I had severe migraines (the nasty type where you cannot stand any type of light, being vertical, and get extremely nauseous).  Unfortunately for me, music is a migraine trigger for me.  I am glad the rock festival is over (probably because the community manager is back).  Are you ready for Halloween?  It is almost here!  I am hoping to win the best decorated house in our community.  I decided to add another decoration or two (I could not help it there was a blank spot).  I will share more pictures soon.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Schoolmistress by Maggie Sullivan

 The Schoolmistress

Book Summary

A brand new historical saga series from the hugely popular author of the Coronation Street series!

Our Street at War takes an ordinary street during wartime and peeps inside at the life of the residents, full nostalgia and compelling storylines, this series is must for fan of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Ellie Dean.

My Thoughts

The Schoolmistress by Maggie Sullivan is the second book in Our Street at War series.  You can read The Schoolmistress as a standalone, but it will take you a couple of chapters to get into the story (to get to know the characters and find out what is happening in their lives).  The POV switches between several different female characters.  I like Maggie Sullivan’s writing style.  It is warm and friendly.  It made The Schoolmistress easy to read.  In The Schoolmistress we travel to Greenhill, Lancashire, England in March of 1940.  We get to meet several different women who live in Greenhill.  Vicky Parrott from The Postmistress is in this story too along with Sylvia Barker, Violet Pegg (the local schoolmistress), Ruby Bowdon, Tilly McFadden, and Claire Gold (Sylvia’s niece).  I found the characters to be realistic and relatable.  These women are dealing with the war just in a different way from the men fighting abroad.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters and learn about their lives.  There are ups and downs just like real life.  There were some unexpected revelations for a couple of the women.  There is romance as well as heartbreak.  The ladies’ story does not end with The Schoolmistress.  We will have to wait for the next installment of Our Street at War to find out what happens next.   The Schoolmistress is a heartwarming tale with a war wedding, uplifting letters, a startling revelation, increased rationing, a fight between friends, and a new undertaking.

The Schoolmistress is available from Amazon*.  The first book in Our Street at War series is The Postmistress.  You can follow Maggie Sullivan on Amazon in order to receive an email when she has a new book coming out.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Monday with Photo Finished by Christin Brecher.  It is the debut of A Snapshot of NYC Mysteries.  I hope that you have a peaceful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder in Plein Airi by Karen Leigh Charles

 Murder in Plein Air

Book Summary

Becca Flynn, an artist-turned private investigator, never dreamed underwear could cause an uproar. But that’s what happens when her best friend, Pix, opens a lingerie boutique in quaint Bayleys Landing. The too-hot-for Main Street undies infuriate the staid residents, and making matters worse, a tabloid TV show invades the town to cover the controversy. Shockwaves rumble along the quiet lanes when one of the Hollywood team is murdered. But when Pix’s life is threatened, Becca begins to draw abstract clues into a portrait of a killer lurking in plain sight. She will have to work fast to put the case to rest--before Pix becomes the town's next unsuspecting victim.

My Thoughts

Murder in Plein Air by Karen Leigh Charles is the debut of A Becca Flynn Mysteries.  Becca Flynn is a private investigator, photographer, and artist. Her best friend, Treasure aka Pix has opened a lingerie boutique in Bayleys Landing which has turned out to be controversial.  Lingerie Exposed has come to town to shoot an episode featuring Pix’s shop, Treasure’s Trove of Lingerie.  Pix has dinner with the handsome cameraman, Nick Rizzo who ends up dead the next day.  Pix ends up n the suspect list as well as her admirer, Chuck.  Pix asks Becca to use her PI skills to uncover the truth. 

I had mixed feelings about Murder in Plein Air.  I found it easy to read with good pacing.  The dialogue could be a bit much at times.  The author is a descriptive writer which allows readers to visualize the scenes, but I felt that there were times when the descriptions were a little too detailed.  The mystery was straightforward.  There was a limited suspect pool.  It is easy to identify the killer (might as well be a neon arrow pointing at the person).  It is a cinch to deduce why the person committed the crime.  It was mentioned quite a few times.  I was not a fan of Detective Daniel James Daily with his inappropriate comments.  The excuse provided for them is not acceptable.  I had mixed feelings about Pix.  I enjoyed her enthusiasm for vintage lingerie (some of them are exquisite with handmade lace and embroidery).  She sees nothing wrong with flirting with every male near her age.  There is mild foul language.  I was not sure what to think about the ghost element.  Becca’s cats were adorable.  I can tell the author is a cat lover. I enjoyed the descriptions of Bayleys Landing with its charming Victorian buildings.  Murder in Plein Air is a colorful cozy with pretty paintings, enflaming lingerie, a killed cameraman, contented cats, a gentle ghost, and a prying PI.

Murder in Plein Air is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Karen Leigh Charles on Amazon and receive an email when she has a new book release.  Just because a book did not appeal to me, does not mean it would not appeal to you.  You can download a sample to judge for yourself.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will share my thoughts on The Schoolmistress by Maggie Sullivan tomorrow.  It is the second book in Our Street at War series.  I hope that you have an enjoyable day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Christmas Candy Killing by Christina Romeril

A Christmas Candy Killing

  

About A Christmas Candy Killing

 

A Christmas Candy Killing (A Killer Chocolate Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series

The book is set in a fictional town, Harriston, Montana. 

Crooked Lane Books (October 11, 2022)

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages 

Their chocolates are to die for—but things aren’t so sweet when a real killer comes to town, in this debut mystery perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke and Laura Childs.

Identical twin sisters Alex and Hannah are the owners of Murder and Mayhem, a mystery bookshop that sells their famous poison-themed Killer Chocolates. But now, there’s a real killer in their midst. Shortly before Christmas, their septuagenarian neighbor, Jane, confides to Alex that a murderer from a true-crime show has taken up residence in the village. Unfortunately, she’s also shared her suspicions with town gossip Netta. The next morning, Alex shows up at Jane’s house to watch the show, but instead discovers Jane's body, with a box of Killer Chocolates nearby.

The sheriff quickly zeroes in on two suspects: Alex, a beneficiary in Jane’s will, and Zack, a handyman who was seen leaving the crime scene. But Alex maintains her innocence and sets out to draft a list of other potential suspects—townsfolk who’d recently been seen arguing with Jane.

When Alex gets hold of Jane’s journal, she begins to understand the truth. But a bearer of ill tidings is arriving early this year—and Alex just might not make it to Christmas.

About Christina Romeril

Christina Romeril loves to plot murders, especially by poisoning. When she’s not plotting how to kill one of her characters she’s coming up with ways to dispose of the body. Since writing her debut novel her husband’s friends have been regularly checking on his well-being.

Christina also loves to read, eat chocolates, and travel when she’s not in her she shed writing. She grew up in Southern Ontario and spent most of her summers in Muskoka swimming, boating, and generally getting into mischief. She’s lived on both coasts of Canada and has a love of being near the water and close to a forest. Thus, it makes perfect sense that she moved to the prairies of Southern Alberta over twenty years ago.

Author Links

Webpage https://christinaromeril.com/

Blog https://christinaromeril.com/blog/

Twitter https://Twitter.com/romerilchris

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

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22222730.Christina_Romeril

Facebook

My Thoughts

A Christmas Candy Killing by Christina Romeril is the debut of A Killer Chocolate Mysteries.  I enjoyed this fun cozy mystery.  We get to meet Alex and Hanna Wright.  They are twins who own Murders and Mayhem which is a shop that sells books (mostly mysteries) and killer chocolates.  I love that they name the chocolates after different poisons (very clever). I enjoyed getting to know the twins.  There is a good cast of secondary characters.  The story moved along at a steady pace. Alex finds herself at the top of the suspect list for the murder of a dear friend.  Unfortunately, it is an election year, and the sheriff wants to make a quick arrest. Alex who has been reading mysteries since she was a child and belongs to the Sleuth Book Club is eager to solve the case.  

Alex gets assistance from her twin along with other Sleuth members (plus the ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor).  They make a list of suspects and Alex sets up a murder board.  One by one she works through her list until there is one person with no alibi.  I enjoyed following the clues and solving the whodunit.  There was a surprise or two along the way to the reveal.  I did feel there was a little too much repetition of case details as well as information regarding Alex’s life (I got it the first time that she did not like banking).  There are wonderful descriptions of the handmade chocolates (had me heading to local chocolate shop).  I loved Alex and Hanna’s dog, Miss Marple.  This was a good debut and I look forward to the next A Killer Chocolate Mystery.  A Christmas Candy Killing is a mouthwatering tale with winter weather, delectable chocolates, a mysterious murder, a stubborn sheriff, rampant rumors, a cold case, and Christmas cheer. 

A Christmas Candy Killing is available from Amazon*, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.  You can follow Christina Romeril on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.   As part of the tour, the author is hosting a giveaway.  You can win a copy of the book, chocolates, bookmark, and stickers.  You can click here to enter or use the form below.  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Murder in Plein Air by Karen Leigh Charles.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Tour Participants

October 17 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE 

October 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

October 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 18 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

October 18 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

October 19 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

October 19 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 19 – Angel's Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT 

October 20 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 20 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT 

October 20 – Reading Authors Network – SPOTLIGHT 

October 21 - Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 - Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST 

October 21 - MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

October 22 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews –/ REVIEW

October 23 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 24 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

October 25 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 

October 25 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT 

October 26 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

October 26 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

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