How to Kill a Crime Writer by Sarah Lotz

How to Kill a Crime Writer

Book Summary

After the untimely death of her bestselling crime novelist mother, a young woman teams up with the fictional “ghost” of the heroine from her mother’s series in order to solve her mother’s murder.

After the tragic death of bestselling crime writer Annie Morrisey, her daughter, Niamh, moves into her mother's country cottage to take care of her mother’s estate. Shut away from the world, Niamh doesn't actually have to deal with the grief of her mother's untimely passing. Until the day that two things happen: the advance copy of her mother's final book lands on the doorstep and Leah Rebecca Overton appears in the kitchen.

Having a stranger show up in your house would be concerning at the best of times, but Leah isn't a stranger—she's the ultra-competent sleuth heroine from Annie’s novels. The antithesis of Niamh in every way, she's lived in the fictitious character's shadow for years. But why (and how) has Leah turned up now? And why can only Niamh see her? Leah is the last thing Niamh wants in her house or in her head, but she can't ignore the sleuth...especially when Leah suspects there may have been more to Annie's death than first suspected.

About the Author

Sarah Lotz is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter based on the Welsh borders. Her novels include The Impossible Us, The Three, and Day Four.

My Thoughts

How to Kill a Crime Writer by Sarah Lotz is such a fun, lighthearted read. It is well written, with steady pacing and a smooth flow that kept me happily turning the pages. The dialogue feels realistic and lively, and I could easily picture the characters and settings as the story unfolded.  The characters are well developed, and while there are moments of grief, the humor and sarcasm really shine throughout. The mystery is entertaining from start to finish and wraps up in a satisfying way. The author’s note at the end is especially touching and adds a lovely emotional note.  Overall, How to Kill a Crime Writer is an entertaining, quirky, and memorable story that would be perfect for curling up with on a rainy afternoon.

How to Kill a Crime Writer is available from Amazon.   You can find Sarah Lotz's other novels here.  I will be featuring The Masala Chai Mystery Club by MJ Soni on Wednesday, July 22.  

Dickens is napping on the first floor!

I put together a cat house for the neighborhood cats this weekend.  Once I got past the first two steps, the rest was a piece of cake.  I need to do a few finishing touches, and it will be ready to put outside.  I hope that by the time I am done, Dickens, my cat, will be willing to give it up.  Dickens is having a good time going in and out the different entrances as well as exploring the different levels.  The novelty will wear off after a few days (maybe a week or two) and then I can put the cat house outside.  Dickens may be eighteen, but she acts like a kitten.  May your day be as breathtaking as a sunrise over a tranquil meadow.  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.

Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs

 

Death at a Firefly Tea

 

Death at a Firefly Tea (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About Death at a Firefly Tea

 

Death at a Firefly Tea (A Tea Shop Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

30th in Series 

Setting - South Carolina 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 10, 2026 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages 

 

A brazen killer sparks Theodosia Browning’s sense of justice in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V’s grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex-daughter-in-law, ne’er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets.

As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancé of Mrs. V’s son is kidnapped. It’s only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.

About Laura Childs

 

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the A Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbooking Mysteries, and A Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are: The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston. 

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here! The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality. 

Laura's Links

Website – Facebook 

My Thoughts

Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs is the thirtieth A Tea Shop Mystery.  I look forward to a new A Tea Shop Mystery each year.  This series is one of the two that introduced me to cozy mysteries and made me love them.   The story is accessible and features likable, relatable characters.  It was great to catch up with Theo, Drayton, Haley, and Earl Grey.  The author's vivid descriptions bring the tea shop, city, and characters to life. The mystery is straightforward.  I was surprised that Theo was reluctant to investigate this time around.  It seemed out of character for her.  The takedown was entertaining.  There are ideas for tea parties as well as recipes at the end of the book.  Death at a Firefly Tea can be read as a standalone.   Death at a Firefly Tea  is a diverting tale with mouthwatering morsels, tasty teas, a poisoned patron, chasing a suspect, hesitant sleuth, absent boyfriend, a Victorian visitor, and fashionable reveal. 

Would you like to win a hard copy of Death at a Firefly Tea?   Use the form above to enter or click here to enter.  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!

Death at a Firefly Tea can be obtained from Amazon*, B&N, Kobo, Bookshop.org, and PenquinRandomHouse.  You can find the other books in A Tea Shop Mysteries here.  You should check out Laura Child's A Scrapbooking Mystery series (they are entertaining).  You can find Laura Child's other cozy mysteries here.  You can follow the author on Amazon and they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow, March 11 with Tangled Past by Mary Alford.  I am off to an appointment (hopefully--I gave my mother the wrong time in the hopes that we will get there on time).  I hope that you have a fantastic day.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway (you will see a little pop up in the lower right hand of the screen).  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 Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz

 The Shop on Hidden Lane

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz dives into an enthralling new romantic suspense novel filled with deeply entrenched grudges, psychic dangers, and a conspiracy that threatens not only two families but also the entire paranormal community.

The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.

Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored.

Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.

My Thoughts

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz was not up my alley.  I have been reading this author’s novels since I was teen, and this is the first time that I did not want to finish one of Jayne Ann Krentz’s books.  It would have been helpful if the blurb had specified the type of creature (demon) that Sophy Harper is (I would not have requested the book if I had known).  There is quite a bit going on in the story that includes a murder, two missing people, feuding families, and antagonistic main characters.  I did not connect with any of the characters including Sophy and Luke.  Some characters are introduced only at the end, while others appear sporadically throughout the chapters. 

I found the foreshadowing to be heavy handed which is unusual for this author.  The suspense was lacking much to my dismay.  I wanted a thrilling mystery and suspense, but I did not get it with The Shop on Hidden Lane.  The pacing was slow and there was too much going on.  My favorite character was Bruce, the dog/ hellhound.  I kept putting down The Shop on Hidden Lane, and I was reluctant to pick it back up.  I was happy when I turned the last page of The Shop on Hidden Lane.

The Shop on Hidden Lane is available from Amazon*.  If the blurb appeals to you, I suggest you download a sample of The Shop on Hidden Lane.  As they say, not every book is for every reader.   Jayne Ann Krentz (contemporary) also writes under the pen names Amanda Quick (historical) and Jayne Castle (futuristic).  Thank you for joining me today.  On Thursday, January 8, I am featuring Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen tomorrow.  It is the first book in the Thunder Ridge Justice series.  

Guess who has returned to my porch?  Mama Duck along with two little ducklings.  It is unusual for a duck to have babies in the winter.  Mama Duck is taking good care of the little ones.  She surprised me the other day.  I came out of my bedroom to find Mama Duck and her ducklings in the house.  I thought the ducklings were too small to get up the steps.  This is what happens when I forget to put food out for them.  We are having some nice weather which gives me an opportunity to get the porch furniture put together (two rockers, a table, a cat tree--for my cat, Dickens, and a cat house--will go outside the porch for the neighborhood cats).  I hope that you have 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.

The Botanist's Assistant by Peggy Townsend

 The Botanist's Assistant

Book Summary

A murder in the science lab shatters a woman’s quiet and ordered life when she decides she must solve the crime herself in this entertaining and uplifting mystery.

Plenty of people consider Margaret Finch odd. Six-feet-tall and big-boned, she lives alone in a small cabin in the woods, drives a 20-year-old truck, and schedules her life so precisely you can tell the time and day of the week by the chore she is doing and what she is wearing. But the same attributes that cause her to be labeled eccentric—an obsessive attention to detail and the ability to organize almost anything—make her invaluable in her job as Research Assistant II to a talented and charismatic botanist.

It's those very same qualities, however, that also turn Margaret into a target after a surprising death shakes the small university where she works. Even as authorities claim the death appears to be from natural causes, Margaret fears it might be something more: a murder born of jealousy and dark secrets. With the aid of a newly hired and enigmatic night custodian, Margaret finds herself thrust into the role of detective, forcing her to consider that she may not be able to find the killer before the killer finds her.

About the Author

Peggy Townsend is an award-winning journalist who has panhandled with street kids, taken to the skies with pararescuers, and once chased an escaped murderer through a graveyard at midnight. Her first mystery, "See Her Run," was listed as one of "13 Thrillers to Keep You Up at Night" by Kirkus Reviews. Her second book "The Thin Edge," arrived May 14, 2019 and was called "an outstanding" novel by The Associated Press. She has rafted rivers, come face-to-face with grizzly bears in Alaska and has twice lived in a van for seven weeks — which makes her seem more adventurous than she actually is. She divides her time between the Central California coast and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Book Summary

The Botanist’s Assistant by Peggy Townsend is a unique cozy mystery.  Margaret is a quirky and awkward main character (this trope seems to be the trend lately). She has several issues and is set in her way (timed morning routine and she does not like to be even a minute off schedule, five floral blouses so she has one for each day of work, same meals for lunch and breakfast).  Her attention to detail, though, is what makes her a great amateur sleuth.  When Margaret’s boss is found dead, most people believe he died of natural causes since he had heart issues.  Margaret is convinced he was murdered and sets out to catch the culprit when she cannot convince the campus police that it was murder.  The whodunit can easily be solved before the reveal if you pay close attention to the details. There is a detailed reveal.  I found poison plant facts fascinating, but the slow pace and dry storytelling less engaging. The story had an upbeat ending.  The Botanist’s Assistant did not tickle my fancy!

The Botanist’s Assistant is available from Amazon*.  While >The Botanist’s Assistant was not my cup of tea, I suggest you download a sample to judge it for yourself.  The beauty of books is that there is something for everyone.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Wednesday, November 19 with At Midnight Comes the Cry by Julia Spencer-Fleming.  It is the tenth book in A Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries.  Are you ready for Thanksgiving?  My front yard is decorated and I have all the ingredients for our dinner.  Now, I just need to get our Christmas tree up and decorated (I am behind).  I hope that you have a beautiful 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. 

A Perilous Plot by Lorna Barrett

A Perilous Plot 

Book Summary

Family reunions are killer—literally—in the newest mystery in Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series.

Everything was going great for Tricia Miles, right up until her estranged mother, Sheila, arrives on her front step with an urn she says contains the remains of Tricia's father.

Shocked and saddened, Tricia and her sister, Angelica, attempt to get to the bottom of what happened. But their efforts for clarity are dashed when Shelia disappears the very next day, leaving without a word.

Naturally, the sisters are upset—especially after they take the remains to the local funeral parlor and discover that not only is the urn filled with kitty litter, but hidden inside is a valuable (and stolen) Rolex watch. Digging deeper, the sisters find their parents are in dire financial trouble and seem to be lurking around Booktown.

Tricia and Angelica can’t help but wonder how many more secrets their mother was keeping...and whether that includes murder.

My Thoughts

A Perilous Plot by Lorna Barrett is the nineteenth A Booktown Mystery.  Tricia and Angelica must deal with their shifty parents along with a murdered family friend.  Tricia still acts like someone who is much older (she is in her 40s but acts like she is in her 60s) while dating someone twenty years younger.  I can certainly understand why Tricia and Angelica dread spending time with their parents, especially their mother, Sheila (she is a piece of work).  The story moved at leisurely pace.  The mystery was straightforward with a small suspect pool, and the ending was unsatisfactory.  

I liked the message that there is more than one type of family.  There are blood relatives that treat you terribly, and there is the family you create that makes you feel happy and whole.  The story lacked action and there were repetitive details.  Each day seemed like the one before it (get up, work, eat, drink, deal with mother, eat, etc.). I wish this story were more like the books in the beginning of the series (I believe the series has run its course).  A Perilous Plot transports readers to Stoneham, New Hampshire where there is kitty litter trickery, slow sales, missing meat, dishonest parents, box sorting, and a distressed Sarge.

A Perilous Plot is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Booktown Mysteries here.  The earlier books in the series are better than the recent stories. Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Detecting Concealed Evidence by Dana Mentink. It is the fifth book in the Security Hounds Investigations series. 

They just finished eating!

 

They are heading for the water dishes!

I have not given you a duckling update in a while.  They are now as big as or bigger than their mother.  It is hard to believe that these were the same little ducklings that showed up on my porch a few weeks ago.  I can no longer feed them on my porch because of a neighbor who does not like cats, ducks, frogs, or any animal besides her dog (she did not like the ducks napping under her golf cart which she has not used since she moved in a year ago).  My other neighbor's have no problem with the ducks and gave me permission to feed them in their yards.  It is unusual for the ducklings to still be with their mother at this age.  She leads them to the lake (two short blocks from my house) to sleep each night (it is adorable to see them waddling down the street in a line).  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.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Something Whiskered by Miranda James

 Something Whiskered

Book Summary

A dead baron, an Irish castle, and an unexpected ghost . . . Charlie Harris, Helen Louise Brady, and their feline friend Diesel find themselves hot on the trail of a conniving killer in this delightful Cat in the Stacks Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Miranda James.

Charlie Harris and his wife, Helen Louise Brady, have arrived in Ireland for their honeymoon. After a few days in Dublin, they head to County Clare, ancestral home to Helen Louise’s extended family, the O’Bradys. Her cousin Lorcan runs Castle O’Brady as a bed-and-breakfast with his wife Caoimhe and their daughter and son-in-law. But upon arrival at the castle, the newlyweds are shocked to see a body falling from the roof.

The dead man is centenarian Finn, Baron O'Brady, Lorcan’s grandfather, which means that Lorcan now becomes the new Baron O'Brady. Was someone in a hurry for Lorcan to assume the title and ownership of the estate? Or is there another reason for wanting Finn dead? And why is a ghostly cat making an appearance in their room-is he trying to warn them? Charlie and Helen Louise must answer these questions and more as they realize the local garda can't solve the crime alone. And along with Diesel they will have to investigate themselves or risk something wicked coming their way…

My Thoughts

Something Whiskered by Miranda James is a delightful tale.  I enjoyed Helen Louise, Charlie, and Diesel’s adventures in Ireland. Their honeymoon got off to a soaring start.  The vivid descriptions of the castle and grounds allowed me to envision them.  I agreed with Charlie about the library.  It is a place where I would happily spend weeks in exploring and reading.  I was happy that the honeymooners took Diesel with them.  I love how he chimes in on conversations (getting his two cents in) and gives comfort to those who are distressed.  Diesel is also a good judge of characters.  

The mystery began right away.  The way the body was discovered was certainly unique as was the manner of death.  I liked that Charlie and Helen Louise worked together to solve the crime.  Helen Louise knew the people involved, which was helpful.  At the end of the book, I was left with a couple of unanswered questions.  It was nice to meet Helen Louise’s Irish relatives.  There were some colorful characters working and residing on the estate.  I also enjoyed the Irish slang and phrases.  Something Whiskered is the seventeenth A Cat in the Stacks Mystery.  While fans of the series will enjoy this installment, I recommend newcomers start with a different book.  I enjoyed the departure from Charlie’s normal locale, but I did miss the regular cast of characters.  Something Whiskered is a máirt tale with a charming moggy, lipstick threats, an ancient elevator, drunken rants, car troubles, and a happy honeymoon.

Something Whiskered is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in A Cat in the Stacks Mysteries here.  If you follow Miranda James on Amazon, they will send you an email when he has a new book release. Other books that came out today are Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount (a heartwarming story) and Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana R. Lynn (a suspenseful story). I will return tomorrow with A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste (there will be a giveaway). I hope that you have a joyful day.  I am off to run a couple of errands. Do you plan out your errands?  I try to arrange them out for efficiency.  I am lucky that I can usually go in a circle.  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.