Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson

 Pumpkin Spice Puppy

Book Summary

It’s autumn in Connecticut and there’s a chill in the air, the fall leaves are a riot of color, and pumpkin spice is the flavor of the season. Melanie Travis is perennially busy, of course—but when the owner of a local pet supply shop is found murdered, sleuthing tops her To Do list . . .

Between taking care of her family and assorted Standard Poodles, Melanie is also working as a special needs tutor for Howard Academy, a private school in Greenwich, where her younger son attends kindergarten. This year, the headmaster has come up with an idea for a school fundraiser. All students will participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, with grades competing against each other.

Tokens shaped like pumpkin spice muffins have been hidden in downtown stores. Students will scramble to collect as many as they can in exchange for prizes. At first all goes smoothly, and the uptick in foot traffic to the stores is a win-win. . . . . Until the pet supply shop owner lodges a complaint. When Melanie stops by to smooth things over, she instead finds the man dead, a knife in his back, and his loyal, ever-vigilant Chow Chow locked in the storeroom.

Over the headmaster's objections, Melanie is once again drawn into an investigation. It doesn't take her long to gather a list of suspects, from neighbors balking about the number of rescue Chows the man was fostering in his home, to the landlord who’d filed an eviction notice against him, to the bitter ex-wife who is happy he's gone. With the fundraiser soon drawing to a close and celebrations imminent, Melanie will have to follow every clue—before the biggest prize is staying alive . . .

My Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson is a cute cozy mystery.  Melanie Travis and her standard poodle sidekick, Faith discover a shopkeeper dead and, naturally, she finds herself drawn into the investigation. Pumpkin Spice Puppy is easy to read with steady pacing.  The author captured fall in New England (makes me eager for fall to arrive which will be November in Florida).  I was able to identify the killer from the moment of their introduction (I have read a number of mysteries over the years, so it is not often that I am stymied), but I did not know their motive (and I want to know why they did it).  There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit (if you pay attention).  I like Melanie’s straightforward method of questioning.  Melanie and Faith have a great relationship (it’s like they know what each other is thinking).  

Melanie has a very busy life with her job, husband, the two boys, the dogs, and dog shows.  And let us not forget the formidable Aunt Peg.  I do not know how she fits in sleuthing.  It helps that she has Sam who is an understanding and helpful husband. The story has a good ending.  I am looking forward to Melanie’s next sleuthing adventure. Pumpkin Spice Puppy is the thirtieth A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Pumpkin Spice Puppy is a fun fall whodunit with treasure hunt troubles, a Chow called Cider, pumpkin spice cookies, falling leaves, dog show season, and a happily hectic home.

Pumpkin Spice Puppy can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries here (many of the Kindle versions are on sale).  If you follow Laurien Berenson on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, September 3 with A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele. It is hard to believe that August is almost over.  The month whizzed by so quickly that I almost got whiplash.  I hope that you have a relaxing and happy Labor Day weekend.  It is  a great weekend to cook on the grill and spend time at the pool or the beach (a great way to beat the heat and humidity). Take care, stay safe, 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.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Death Scene by Carol J. Perry

Death Scene

Book Summary

It takes a lot for Salem locals to get excited about their historic Massachusetts town being known as “the witch city.” But when a major studio arrives to shoot a witchcraft-themed movie, folks go Hollywood. For WICH-TV’S program director and chief documentary-maker, Lee Barrett, however, the project may come complete with a real-life death scene . . .

Between documenting the progress of the movie, corralling starstruck autograph seekers and fans, and managing unmanageable traffic on Salem’s narrow streets, Lee and her police detective husband, Pete Mondello, are beyond busy. Even Lee’s best friend, River North, tarot card reader and practicing witch, gets in on the action, landing a job as a stand-in and body double. But it only takes one interview for Lee to realize that the male and female leads—whose roles include torrid love scenes—despise each other. Yet the problem is short-lived, literally . . .

When the gorgeous lead actress is found dead on a set staged to replicate the room where suspected witches were tried in 1692—and her on-screen lover, in full costume, is discovered sound asleep in her trailer—the hunt is on for a killer on the loose. Nevertheless, the producer decrees “the show must go on!” Now, even with help from River, Lee’s Aunt Ibby, and O’Ryan, a remarkably clairvoyant gentleman cat, sorting out a witch’s brew of secrets, sorcery, and special effects might turn Lee’s documentary into her own final act . . .

My Thoughts

Death Scene by Carol J. Perry is the fourteenth A Witch City Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series as there is a recap in the first chapter. I enjoyed visiting Lee in Salem, Massachusetts in late October (Halloween is my favorite holiday).  I am glad, though, that I did not have to deal with the traffic.  Lee is a strong, likeable protagonist with a special talent.  I always enjoy Lee’s visits with Aunt Ibby (Aunt Ibby is smart and resourceful plus she is supportive of Lee).  My favorite character is O’Ryan.  I like how he goes back and forth between two abodes (Aunt Ibby’s and Lee’s) since Lee and Pete acquired their row house.  I grew up in a home very similar to Lee and Pete’s (two brick row homes that share a wall—an early version of a duplex).  

I liked the author incorporated Salem history, historical events, and myths.   The whodunit is one that I was able to solve early in the book. I did not know why this person committed the crime, though, and I had to know.  I like how Lee’s gift played into the mystery as well as River’s readings.  The ending will have fans of the series smiling.  Death Scene transports readers to Salem for movie madness, troubling traffic, a murdered actor, revealing cards, a protective cat, and a Happy Halloween.

Death Scene can be obtained from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Witch City Mysteries.  If you follow Carol J. Perry on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  I enjoy reading Halloween cozy mysteries.  Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I look forward to decorating my front yard each year with a new theme. I was torn between two ideas this year.  I was leaning towards spiders, of all sizes, climbing down lighted webs and crawling across the yard towards the witches who are working on a spell.  Then I remembered the grandkids of the residents in our community.  I decided the witches are throwing a monster of a party (a Monster Mash). 

Two of the party guests! One has trouble holding onto his head!

I have been having fun tracking down some unusual creatures to attend the bash.  Music will be playing as well (the Monster Mash, of course).  I know it is August, but the first of October will be here before you know it.  Thank you for popping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Pumpkin Spice Puppy by Laurien Berenson.  It is the 30th A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery.  I hope that you have an enchanting 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.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly

 An Irish Bookshop Murder

Book Summary

Meet Ireland’s newest daring detective: she’s a bookstore owner, a coffee lover, and a crime writer. Now Mercy McCarthy needs a little Irish luck as she takes on her first case!

After receiving unexpected inheritance from her grandfather, Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are now the proud owners of a charming antique bookshop in the tiny Irish village of Shamrock Cove. But before they can take in the beautiful view of the sea, one of their neighbors drops dead!

Mercy finds the Judge, a well-respected man who lives next door, dying on his own doorstep. She rushes to help, but with his final words, he accuses Mercy of murder! Most of their new neighbors hear his words and, with suspicion pointing at Mercy, she decides to investigate the case to clear her name.

Searching amongst the Judge’s old books, Mercy uncovers letters proving several of the townsfolk had reason to dislike the older man—but was it the local pub landlord, the kindly cook or neighborly knitter who killed him?

Then Mercy’s chief suspect turns up dead and she receives a threatening note, typed on paper from her own bookstore… Ireland was supposed to be a fresh start for Mercy and Lizzie, but dead bodies keep turning up.

Does Mercy have what it takes to nail the culprit or will the killer close the book on her time in this charming Irish village?

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly which is the debut of A Mercy McCarthy Mystery series. I liked Mercy McCarthy who is a mystery writer.  Mercy is protective of her twin sister, Lizzie.  Lizzie is delighted with the bookshop (I do not blame her!) that the ladies inherited and that she will be running.  I enjoyed the banter between the sisters and their close relationship.  Shamrock Cove, Ireland sounded delightful with its colorful buildings.  I especially loved the color of the bookshop.  I thought it was unique that there was a hidden entrance to Hidden Way Court where Mercy and Lizzy McCarthy were residing in the home they inherited from their grandfather. The twins’ grandfather had a penchant for puzzles, and I have a feeling there are more surprises awaiting the ladies. The residents of the court welcomed the twins with open arms except for the judge who does not have a kind word for anyone.   

The move to Ireland is a fresh start for the twins.  Unfortunately, the murder of the disagreeable judge puts a crimp in their plans.  Mercy does not like that the sisters are under a cloud of suspicion.  She dives into the whodunit to clear their names.  The suspect list is lengthy since the judge was not well liked. Mercy manages to butt heads with Kiernan, the local detective, along the way.  I had fun solving the puzzle.  There is a good cast of secondary characters with my favorites being Lolly and Kiernan.  I am looking forward to the next A Mercy McCarthy Mystery.   An Irish Bookshop Murder is a craic cozy mystery with a gan choinne inheritance, a gnóthach bookstore, cairdiúil neighbors, a dúnmharaíodh judge, and a fresh start for Cúpla sisters.  

An Irish Bookshop Murder is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  You can read it for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.  The next A Mercy McCarthy Mystery is Death by the Book which comes out November 12 (it will be on Kindle Unlimited as well).  If you follow Lucy Connelly on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Death Scene by Carol J. Perry.  It is the fourteenth book in The Witch City Mysteries.  I told you about my mother getting a new recliner last week.  She just loves it. I thought her favorite feature would be the electric component.  She can adjust the head, back, and feet (all with the remote).  She loves that the chair is also a rocker.  She sits there reading and rocking for hours. Amazingly, she has only lost the remote once (the find me feature comes in handy).  I hope that you have a pleasant 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.

 

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright

 Her Surprise Amish Match

Book Summary

They have nothing in common…

Until an unexpected matchmaker proves them wrong

Amish business owner Amity Schroder can’t stand her neighbor Ethan Zehr. Sharing a building for their individual shops has never been easy, since the stern widower bristles at every one of Amity’s too-progressive business ideas. So when Amity starts to fall for her new anonymous pen pal, she knows there’s no way it could be Ethan. Their constant arguments are nothing like the heartfelt letters she’s been receiving. But as she gets closer to discovering her secret admirer’s identity, will she let the truth stand in the way of her happiness?

My Thoughts

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright is a charming story.  I found this sweet story to be easy to read.  I enjoyed getting to know Amity Schroeder as well as Ethan Zehr and his family.  Amity is smart, kind, has an easy-going nature, forgiving, and outspoken. Amity has a good head for business and has found a way to incorporate English technology into her business.  Ethan is a widower with two children and his father is living with them as well.  The family is looking for a fresh start.  Ethan is straightlaced and is not open to embracing English technology.  It leads to some amusing and sticky situations.  There are good life lessons in the story. Faith was nicely woven into the story.  The book has family, hope, love, forgiveness, and faith.  Her Surprise Amish Match is a heartwarming tale with delectable coffee, a Wi-Fi quandary, building boundaries, a matchmaking dilemma, a rebellious son, and a lasting love.  

Her Surprise Amish Match is available from Amazon*.  Pamela Desmond Wright has Her Amish Refuge coming out April 29, 2025. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other books here. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, August 27 with An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly.  It is the debut of A Mercy McCarthy Mysteries.  I have a new activity to do.  I have a bookcase to put together for my mother.  She had a small bookshelf in her bathroom to hold a random assortment of items, but now she wants a taller one (I am amazed at what she fits into that small room).  I measured the space and actually found a bookcase that will fit.  I just hope the directions are clear.  Wish me luck!  I hope that you have a restful weekend.  We all need time to recharge our batteries (and read books).  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.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink

 

About the Book

Book: Fugitive Search (Security Hounds Investigation Book 2)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction (Romantic Suspense)

Release date: August 20, 2024

A murderer out for revenge…

who is closer than they think.

When the man who killed her father is finally arrested, Catherine Hart thinks it’s safe to come out of hiding…until he escapes and abducts her. But private investigator Garrett Wolfe and his tracking dog rescue her just in time. Now they must work together to escape the criminal on their heels, find Catherine’s kidnapped uncle and stop her sister from walking straight into the fugitive’s path. But when their search yields more questions, can Catherine and Garrett survive the terrifying truth?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

After dreaming up Wally, the supremely naughty bloodhound, in book one (Tracking the Truth) of the Security Hounds series, I didn’t think the next fictional dog could possibly compete in the personality department. Surprise! Pinkerton, the stalwart bloodhound companion to Garrett Wolfe, scrambled onto the scene and into my heart. His faithful dedication and selflessness make up for the streams of slobber he leaves everywhere. He’s also instrumental in solving the latest case complete with twists, turns, and an ending you won’t see coming. (I hope!)

Enjoy this next installment in the series and look out for more bloodhounds in the next three books!

My Thoughts

Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink is a captivating tale.  I liked Catherine, Garrett, and Garrett’s tracking dog, Pinkerton (aka Pinky).  Garrett has his work cut out for him.  He needs to keep Catherine out of the clutches of a determined killer, find her kidnapped uncle, and prevent a madman from capturing Catherine’s sister.   I enjoyed the twists, turns, and suspense.  There was plenty of action which kept things lively.  I liked that Garrett and Catherine would turn to God for guidance and that He protect them.  While Fugitive Search is the second book in the Security Hounds Investigation series, it can be read as a standalone.  We do get to catch up with the characters from Tracking the Truth including Wally.  My favorite character from Fugitive Search was Pinky.  I just loved the sweet, slobbery dog who was determined to keep Catherine safe. Fugitive Search addresses the topics of trust, betrayal, and forgiveness. Of course, there is some romance along the way.  The danger, suspense, and mystery kept me up late to see how Fugitive Search would turn out.  Fugitive Search had a great ending.  I cannot wait for Hunted on the Trail.  

Search and rescue dog ready to work!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter. Good Luck!

Fugitive Search is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Security Hounds Investigation series is Tracking the Truth.  Hunted on the Trail will be the third book in the Security Hounds Investigation series, and it comes out December 24.  You can find Dana Mentink's other novels here. If you follow Dana Mentink on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.   Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright.  Don't forget to enter Dana Mentink's giveaway!  I hope that you have an inspiring day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 20

Lily’s Corner, August 20

The Avid Reader, August 21

She Lives To Read, August 21

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 22

Devoted To Hope, August 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23

Stories By Gina, August 24

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Betti Mace, August 26

EmpowerMoms, August 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 27

Blogging With Carol, August 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 28

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, August 29

Simple Harvest Reads, August 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 30

Blossoms and Blessings, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

Holly’s Book Corner, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 1

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 2

Lights in a Dark World, September 2

*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.

One of the book benches in London

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

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Protecting the Amish Child by Dana R. Lynn

 Protecting the Amish Child

Book Summary

A killer in pursuit…

and a little boy’s life is at stake.

When Francesca Brown discovers a dead body, bullets start flying her way. Soon FBI agent Tanner Hall arrives—only to find an autistic Amish boy hiding nearby. As a witness to a crime, it’s clear someone will stop at nothing to silence the little boy—permanently. With assailants on their trail, can Fran and Tanner unravel a lethal conspiracy before the murderer strikes again?

My Thoughts

Protecting the Amish Child by Dana R. Lynn is a story that grabs your attention right away.  I liked Francesca Brown and Tanner Hall.  They are realistic with flaws and struggles.  Francesca is a brave woman and I admired Tanner unwavering faith.  I felt for the autistic Amish boy.  I could imagine how scared he was not knowing what was happening and losing the one person that he did know under such violent circumstances.  I liked how Francesca connected with him.  I loved the mystery, suspense, and action which kept things lively.  While Protecting the Amish Child is the nineteenth book in the Amish Country Justice series, it can be read as a standalone.  I enjoyed reading Protecting the Amish Child which is a heartwarming and gripping tale filled with danger, mystery, and action.  

Protecting the Amish Child is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in the Amish Country Justice series here.  Check out Dana R. Lynn's other novels.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I am featuring Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink tomorrow.  It is the second book in the Security Hounds Investigation series.  There will be a giveaway!  I am off to run a couple of errands. I am able to get most items delivered, but there are a couple of places that do not offer delivery (and there is one item that cannot be delivered).  I go out one afternoon a month to get the tasks completed (my mother cannot be left alone for long and she does not wish to come with me).  I hope that you have an uplifting 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.s

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.