Caught on Camera by Kara Lacey

 

Caught on Camera

 

Caught on Camera: A Camera Club Mystery by Kara Lacey

About Caught on Camera

 

Caught on Camera: A Camera Club Mystery 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series 

Setting - Vermont 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books (September 24, 2024) 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 307 pages 

 

Blue skies and wildflowers signal the start of summer in southern Vermont, and the Stonebridge Keep it Snappy Camera Club lenses are zoomed in on…murder.

It's been more than a year since the sudden death of her husband, and photographer Bobbie Brooks wants nothing more than to escape her grief. Fleeing her life in the city, she seeks a fresh start in the serenity of the Green Mountains. But Bobbie’s new beginning comes to a halt when she finds a member of her camera club dead beneath the village’s idyllic covered bridge. Tragic accident or something sinister? With a keen photographer’s eye, Bobbie suspects murder.

As if transitioning to small-town life wasn’t challenging enough, Bobbie’s missing scarf is found at the murder scene, making her the primary focus. Scorned by local gossips, she enlists the help of her camera club and shifts her lens from photographer to amateur sleuth. Using photos found on the victim’s camera, they waste no time setting out to catch the killer—and discover no shortage of suspects. Secrets, lies, and blackmail…Danger abounds as they close in on the killer. Her camera holds the answers… But can she develop the clues in time to stop the killer?

About Kara Lacey

Kara Lacey is the author of the Camera Club Mysteries. Along with her husband, she lives in a tiny village nestled in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont—the inspiration for her novels. Kara is a photography enthusiast who also enjoys hiking, skiing, and getting cozy with a good book. When she’s not at her laptop creating havoc for her characters, you can find her rambling through the forest with her husband and spirited Labrador retriever, camera in hand.

Kara is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime-New England, and Mystery Writers of America. She is also a co-Member at Large for Vermont SinC NE writers.

Click here to get your copy of "Taste of Stonebridge"

Author Links

Instagram https://instagram.com/karalaceyauthor 

Facebook https://facebook.com/karalaceyauthor 

Website https://karalaceyauthor.com 

My Thoughts

Caught on Camera by Kara Lacey has Bobbie Brooks getting a fresh start in Stonebridge, Vermont.  I found the story easy to read with varied pacing. Bobbie is adjusting to life after the death of her husband. I could relate to Bobbie wanting a fresh start after the loss of a loved one. It is hard to move on when you are surrounded by memories of the one you lost. I do not blame Bobbie for wanting that house (I wanted it).  

The murder takes place at the beginning of the book (I thought it was a tad early).  Troublemakers do not last long in a cozy mystery.  Detective Cram has Bobbie at the top of the top of the suspect list.  Bobbie is determined to prove her innocence, and she enlists the help of her fellow Snappy Camera Club members.   The victim was not well liked, so there is no shortage of suspects.  The group uncovers more than they expected during their investigation.  The case has a good wrap at the end.  I was not a fan of the cliched detective (I hope he gets the boot and someone more open-minded takes his place).  I like the photography information included in the story.  I had no idea of all that goes into capturing the perfect photo.  Caught on Camera is a cute cozy with a missing scarf, barn renovations, an odd discovery, curious clues, rampant rumors, surprising secrets, and a helpful camera club. 

Caught on Camera is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Kara Lacey on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Would you like to win a print copy of Caught on Camera along with some swag?  Click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on The Color of Home by Kit Tosello.  Are you ready for the trick or treaters? Halloween is my favorite holiday. When I was a child, we went trick or treating on October 30 (in Ohio and it was called Beggar's Night).  The school party would be on Halloween as well as town events (two nights to get candy).  I hope that you have a spooktacular day! Don't forget to enter the giveaway! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

October 24 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 25 – Celticlady's Reviews – RECIPE

October 25 – Maureen's Musings - SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 26 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 28 – Baroness Book Trove – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 29 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

October 30 – Jody's Bookish Haven – REVIEW

October 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 31 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 31 – Deal Sharing Aunt – RECIPE

October 31 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

*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.

A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke

 A New Lease on Death

Book Summary

Death is only the beginning in Olivia Blacke's A New Lease on Death, a darkly funny supernatural mystery that introduces an unlikely crime-solving duo.

Ruby Young's new Boston apartment comes with all the usual perks. Windows facing the brick wall of the next-door building. Heat that barely works. A malfunctioning buzzer. Noisy neighbors. A dead body on the sidewalk outside. And of course, a ghost.

Since Cordelia Graves died in her apartment a few months ago, she's kept up her residency, despite being bored out of her (non-tangible) skull and frustrated by her new roommate. When her across-the-hall neighbor, Jake Macintyre, is shot and killed in an apparent mugging gone wrong outside their building, Cordelia is convinced there’s more to it and is determined to bring his killer to justice.

Unfortunately, Cordelia, being dead herself, can't solve the mystery alone. She has to enlist the help of the obnoxiously perky, living tenant of her apartment. Ruby is twenty, annoying, and has never met a houseplant she couldn't kill. But she also can do everything Cordelia can't, from interviewing suspects to researching Jake on the library computers that go up in a puff of smoke if Cordelia gets too close. As the roommates form an unlikely friendship and get closer to the truth about Jake's death, they also start to uncover other dangerous secrets.

My Thoughts

I was looking forward to reading A New Lease on Death.  I liked the idea of a ghost and her living roommate working together to solve a mystery.  I found A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke to be a slow starter.   The pacing was unhurried and there were repetitive details (Cordelia zaps electronics if she gets near them, it is very cold in Boston, Cordelia died in the tub, Ruby has nosy neighbors with a morbid curiosity, the dead neighbor loved pizza, ghost abilities). The job duties for the front desk position at TrendCelerate are listed at least three times.  I did not warm up to Ruby or Cordelia.  I read A New Lease on Death, but I could not get into the story (I found myself struggling to get through it).  There are some fun, quirky elements (such as how Ruby and Cordelia communicated).  The mystery is lackluster.  It needed some zip and zing (a zap of electricity to bring it to life).  It is a simple whodunit to solve.  While the story is mostly lighthearted, it does touch on serious topics (murder, alcolhism, depression, suicide, domestic violence).  I did not feel that the sensitive topics fit into the story, and they should not be taken lightly.   The book ends with a cliffhanger. My interest is not piqued enough for me to pick up the next book in the series.  A New Lease on Death left me discontented.  

A New Lease on Death is available from Amazon*.  You can find Olivia Blacke's other books here. Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Caught on Camera by Kara Lacey.  It is the first book in A Camera Club Mysteries.  I am off to fill out more paperwork for FEMA.  All this paperwork reminds me of when I worked for a nearby city government.  I hope that you have spooktacular 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.

The Knife Before Christmas by Kate Carlisle

 The Knife Before Christmas

Book Summary

Contractor Shannon Hammer hopes for a peaceful Christmas with her fiancé, Mac, until murder throws a wrench in her holiday plans in a brand-new installment of the USA Today bestselling Fixer-Upper Mystery Series.

Christmas has come to Lighthouse Cove, but business hasn’t slowed down for Shannon Hammer. She’s been contracted to renovate a local hotel owned by the Garrisons, a family that’s so devoted to the holidays they serve a seven-course dinner every night from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Last year’s festivities featured a train that transported guests around the breathtaking Cliffside property. This year, Shannon and her crew have been commissioned to build a Victorian-style carnival midway with games and prizes galore.

Everyone in town loves the hotel’s spirit, except the Garrisons’ children and their spouses, who are hum-bugged by the money being wasted on holiday cheer while their inheritance goes up the chimney. Things turn nasty when a mischief-maker close to the family is found dead. It’s up to Shannon and Mac to catch a sinister Scrooge before all of Lighthouse Cove receives coal for Christmas.

My Thoughts

I always enjoy Kate Carlise’s cozy mysteries, and The Knife Before Christmas was no exception.  We get to visit Lighthouse Cove at Christmas where Shannon Hammer and her crew are creating a Victorian carnival midway on the grounds of the Cliffs Hotel. I loved the descriptions of the hotel and the midway (I wish it was in my town). The carousel was a great addition. The story is easy to read with great characters. Shannon and Mac make a great couple. I enjoy the interactions between them.  I like Shannon’s relationship with her crew.  I find it funny that the guys do not like to borrow her pink tools.  

I appreciated that the whodunit did not take place at the beginning of the story.  We get to learn about the carnival and spend time there, enjoy the local Christmas festivities, and catch-up characters.  I had an idea who would die and who would do the deed, but I did not know why.  I enjoyed following Shannon as she asked questions and searched for clues. There is a twist or two along the way as well as with some strategically placed clues for an armchair detective like me.  I like that Shannon and Mac work together to solve mysteries by playing their Scooby Doo game.  I was sorry when my visit to Lighthouse Cove came to an end.  I hope I get to return soon.  The Knife Before Christmas is a festive story with a regal hotel, a clever carnival, a delightful dinner with friends, an adorable carousel, Scooby Doo for two, and a cheery Christmas.  

The Knife Before Christmas is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Fixer-Upper Mysteries here.  Kate Carlisle also writes the delightful A Bibliophile Mysteries. If you follow Kate Carlisle on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on A New Lease on Death by Olivia Blacke. It is the debut of the Supernatural Mysteries.  I wanted to remind you, that you still have a few days to enter the contest for an Amazon gift card (which will allow you to buy a book on your wish list).  Click here to go to the post for more information.  I hope that you have a joyful day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower

 Gingerbread Danger

Book Summary

Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about.  She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations

begin . . .

With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . .

Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .

My Thoughts

Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower returns readers to Holmes County, Ohio where Bailey King has a little too much on her plate.  I felt for Bailey.  I do not know how she was going to get everything done.  Margot Rawlings and Juliet, Aiden’s mother, do not hesitate to ask Bailey to do more tasks or babysit Jethro (that pig gets into more mischief).  I like Amanda Flower’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging. I was quickly drawn into this cute Christmas cozy mystery.  I like the characters, including the sweet animals.  It was great to catch up with Millie, Uriah, and, Millie’s mischievous goats from An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries. The whodunit involves an employee from Bailey’s new factory.  Naturally, Bailey is curious about the case since it involved her factory and employee.  Someone, though, does not want Bailey sticking her nose into the crime.  

I enjoyed following Bailey and Jethro as they searched for clues and questioned suspects.  I believe Bailey was a tinge happy to have an investigation to keep her away from her mother who is planning an over-the-top wedding for Bailey and Aiden (the one the mother did not get).  Gingerbread Danger is the ninth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery, but it can be read as a standalone for new readers (I do recommend reading all the books in this charming series).  I was sad when my visit to Holmes County came to an end.  Gingerbread Danger is a lively cozy mystery with sweet treats, a pushy parent, a departed employee, a creepy Candyland game piece, an impish pig, tasty taffy, and a cheerful Christmas.

Gingerbread Danger is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries here.  You can find the author's other books here. Amanda Flower has I Died for Beauty coming out February 25, 2025.  It is the third An Emily Dickinson Mystery.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, October 29 with Search and Detect by Terri Reed.  It is a page turner.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  I am still filling out paperwork (I keep getting interupted) for assistance on getting the house repaired..  I have to attach copies of bills, bank statements, and pictures of the house.  I was surprised when my sister told me she set up a Go Fund Me page.  I hope that you are ready for Halloween! It is just a week away.  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.

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander

 

Hunted for the Holidays

 

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander

About Hunted for the Holidays

 

Hunted for the Holidays 

Christian Mystery & Suspense 

Setting - Florida 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired Suspense (October 22, 2024) 

Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages 

 

Keeping out of sight is the only way to stay alive. When Shae Evans spots a familiar face at a Christmas pageant, she knows her witness-protection cover has been blown. Six years ago, her testimony put a crime boss away for life, but his vengeful son never stopped looking for her. Fleeing with her daughter, Shae accepts protection from former FBI agent Mason Payne—her child’s secret father. Now they’re only seconds ahead of the ruthless crime family who want Shae silenced forever. With threats everywhere, will they live to see the New Year? From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About Deena Alexander

Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, a son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena's love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn't sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.

Author Links

Webpage

Blog 

Facebook 

  Twitter 

  Goodreads 

  BookBub

Newsletter 

Amazon Author Page

My Thoughts

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander is an action-packed tale.  I was immediately drawn into the story.  I thought the story was well-written and it moved at a quick pace.  The book has suspense, intrigue, mystery, tension, romance, and a touch a faith.  I enjoyed getting to know Shae Evans, Mason Payne, Shae’s sweet daughter, Grace.  I enjoyed the ending.  Hunted for the Holidays is a story that will keep you up late because you cannot put it down. 

Hunted for the Holidays is available from Amazon*, B&N, Kobo, Harlequin, and Google Play.  You can find all of Deena's books here.  If you follow Deena Alexander on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  

Time for the Giveaway!  You have two chances to win today.  As part of the tour, the author is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card.  To enter, click here or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Would you like a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card from the author?  Leave a comment and make sure to provide your name and email (so we can send you your prize if you win). You can also email me (the avidreaderandbibliophile@gmail.com) to enter the contest (make sure to include your name in the email).  It's that simple! The contest ends on November 3 at 11:59 p.m. Good Luck!  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with Gingerbread Danger by Amanda Flower.  It is the ninth An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  I hope that you have a positive day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Tour Participants

October 22 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

October 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

October 23 – The Avid Reader - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

October 24 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 28 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

October 29 – Boys' Mom Reads! – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 30 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 31 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 31 – FUONLYKNEW - SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

November 1 - Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 2 - Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

November 3 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 4 – Angel's Book Nook – AUTHOR GUEST POST

*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.