Showing posts with label Berkley Mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berkley Mystery. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

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 COVER 3 

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 

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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



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.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

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.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Hounding a Killer by Kallie E. Benjamin

 Hounding a Killer
Book Summary

It’s chaos in Crosbyville when someone tries to swindle a large inheritance, but as Pris and Bailey start digging for the missing money, they uncover the wrong kind of bones….

Finally finished with the renovations on her new house, bestselling children’s book author Pris and her trusty bloodhound, Bailey, are finding more opportunities to join the community, including attending the annual town festival. But their efforts are paw-sed when David Townsend, volatile grandson of the late wealthy resident Edward Townsend, comes to fetch his inheritance.
After the new arrival riles up several other locals with petty arguments, the once sleepy town goes barking mad. Before long, the wealthy bachelor disappears without a trace, and the police suspect foul play. Bailey’s tracking instincts helped them collar the last criminal in Crosbyville, so the cops turn to Pris and her sweet hound to track down David.

But on their search-and-rescue mission, Pris and Bailey sniff out fraud, theft, and a body. Before they know it, both are hackles-deep inside another homicide investigation. Can the unlikely duo chase down the killer, or will they be left chasing their own tails?

My Thoughts

Hounding a Killer by Kallie E. Benjamin is a cute cozy mystery.  My favorite character is Bailey the Bloodhound.  I found Pris to be a little off in this book.  Pris was too timid, she overreacted, her feelings got hurt easily, and she took things the wrong way (often).  It got old quickly (I wanted to recommend that she see a counselor).  I did not feel the chemistry between Pris and her boyfriend.  They felt like good friends instead of romantic partners.  The mystery was interesting with red herrings plus a twist or two.  There was a long reveal at the end.  I found the pacing to be a tad slow and there were repetitive details.  I enjoyed the excerpts from the Bailey the Bloodhound book that Pris was working on.  Hounding the Killer is the second A Bailey the Bloodhound Mystery and it can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Sniffing Out Murder.  Hounding the Killer is a chaotic cozy mystery with a transferred festival, a departed recluse, heir issues, a missing man, a body found by a bloodhound, and catching a killer.

Hounding a Killer is available from Amazon.  The first book in A Bailey the Bloodhound Mysteries is Sniffing Out Murder.  Kallie E. Benjamin is a pseudonym  for V.M. Burns. Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Thursday, May 8 with The Marriage Pact by Kathleen Fuller.  I am off to get some work done outside.  I am trying to get all the outside work done before the heat and humidity descent in full force. I hope that you have a fulfilling 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.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis

 The Wagtail Murder Club
Book Summary

Holly Miller gets much more than she bargained for when she rescues an adorable stray pup by the side of the road in this all-new Paws & Claws Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.

Holly Miller is on her way home to Wagtail, Virginia when she spots something in the grass not far from her car. It turns out to be an adorable black Labrador in a cage with a note attached to his collar. 
My name is Squishy. I am a very good boy. Please take good care of me. Holly takes Squishy home to the Sugar Maple Inn, which she owns with her grandmother, who also happens to be the mayor of Wagtail. They decide to foster Squishy at the Inn. Days later, Holly is surprised to see her ex-boyfriend Ben checking in with a group of his attorney colleagues who all seem to think that he and Holly are still an item!

Aided by Squishy, Holly’s rascally dog and cat find one of Ben’s fellow attorneys who has died from a non-accidental fall. Is the fiend a resident of Wagtail or a visitor? Holly bands together with her mom, grandmother, and beloved elderly Inn butler, Mr. Huckle, to uncover the killer and the truth about Squishy. Because nothing brings a town together like murder.
My Thoughts

I enjoy my visits to Wagtail each year.  I wish Wagtail was a real town because my cat and I would love to live there. I found The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis to be easy to read. There is a great core group of characters in the series that includes Holly, Oma, and Mr. Huckle.  Of course, we cannot forget Trixie and Twinkletoes.  Squishy was a delightful addition.  I was unhappy, though, to see Ben return to town.  I wish Holly would take a firmer stance with him (it would serve her better in the long run).  Ben, naturally, wishes to utilize Holly’s guest room.  I have a feeling that the freeloader does not pay for one thing at the Sugar Maple Inn during his stay.  I was unhappy with how a certain scene played out between Holly and Ben.  I can understand not wanting to embarrass someone, but I do not feel that Holly took Holmes feelings into account. 

I liked that there was more than one whodunit to solve (I love solving mysteries).  There is the present day mystery and one from the past where the wrong person may have been convicted.  I knew who committed each crime, but I did not know the why on one until later in the book.  The story had a sweet ending that will delight fans of the series.  The Wagtail Murder Club is the tenth book in A Paws & Claws Mysteries.  While it can be read as a standalone, a new reader may be a little lost in the beginning (the background details needed are soon provided). The Wagtail Murder Club is a dogtastic tale with cuddly creatures, a former boyfriend problem, convict moving into town, multiple murders, a sweet Squishy, offended feelings, and a joyful family. 

The Wagtail Murder Club is available from Amazon as well as other major retailers.  You can find the other novels in A Paws & Claws Mysteries here.   Check out Krista Davis's other books here.   Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that I have helped you find a new book and/or series to read.  On February 6, I am featuring A Protector for Her Baby by April Arrington.  I am still working on estimates for the various repairs that need to be completed to the house thanks to Hurricane Milton.  One estimate for a new air conditioner is outrageous.  It is almost the same as a new carport (plus a roof to the porch and storage shed).  I am going to get a second and third estimate (I am not a leprachaun with a pot of gold hidden away).  I hope that you have a charmed 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.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

A Deadly Dedication by Margaret Loudon

 A Deadly Dedication

Book Summary

When murder taints writer-in-residence Penelope Parish’s charming British bookshop, she must follow the clues to catch a killer before tempers boil over.
 
Penelope Parish thought she’d turned the page on her amateur sleuthing days but when the owner of Upper Chumley-on-Stokes’ proposed first high-end gourmet shop is poisoned, the American novelist starts to wonder if she and her quaint British town are in for another rewrite. It turns out that not everyone was a fan of Simeon Foster’s farm-sourced charcuterie and imported pastries—many of the locals were outraged by the potential new competition.
 
With a full menu of suspects on her hands, this just might be Penelope’s toughest case yet. Luckily, her friends at the Open Book are there to help with every twist of the poisoned pen.

My Thoughts

A Deadly Dedication by Margaret Loudon returns readers to Upper Chumley-on-Stokes where Penelope Parish finds herself investigating the latest murder in the village.  Simeon Foster wants to open a high-end gourmet shop in the village which has the shop owners up in arms.  Penelope finds Simeon dead during the Guy Fawkes Night celebration.  There is no shortage of suspects.  Pen must sift through the clues and dig into the suspects’ lives.  The mystery is straightforward.  The guilty party could be easily identified early in the story.  I wish the whodunit had been more complex.  I would have liked some action (the story desperately needed it).  The mystery is neatly wrapped up at the end.  We get to follow Pen as she goes about her day-to-day life.  She works at the Open Book bookstore, chats with friends, works on her latest manuscript, enjoys tea and scones, and spends time with her boyfriend.    The story moves along at a leisurely pace (I believe snails move faster). 
The author captures life in a small, English village.  Her vivid descriptions allow readers to visualize Upper Chumley-on-Stokes and its characters.  There is some romance as Pen spends time with her boyfriend, Detective Maguire.  A Deadly Dedication is the fourth book in The Open Book Mysteries.  It can be read as a standalone.  I wanted to give this series one more chance before saying adieu.  I am not a fan of Penelope, and the series is just ho hum.  I feel the series needs a jolt of humor and action.  I also do not see where the characters are developing (an example is Pen or her sister, Beryl Kent).    It is evident that I am not the right audience for this series.  I suggest you download a sample to judge for yourself.  A Deadly Dedication is a culinary cozy with scrumptious scones, upset shopkeepers, Guy Fawkes celebration, a deceased Simeon, a surplus of suspects, and vast quantities of tea. 
 
A Deadly Dedication is available from Amazon*.  The Open Book Mysteries can be found here.  Margaret Loudon is the non de plume for Peg Cochran.  You can find her other novels here.  While The Open Book Mysteries are not my cup of tea, I do enjoy Peg Cochran A Cranberry Cove Mysteries.  The eighth book is Berried Grievances, and it will be out on August 8.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Ranch Showdown by Tina Wheeler.   Please join me to learn more about the story and enter the giveaway.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo

 An Evil Heart
Book Summary

Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates the brutal death of a young Amish man in An Evil Heart, the latest installment of the bestselling series by Linda Castillo.

On a crisp autumn day in Painters Mill, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder responds to a call only to discover an Amish man who has been violently killed with a crossbow, his body abandoned on a dirt road. Aden Karn was just twenty years old, well liked, and from an upstanding Amish family. Who would commit such a heinous crime against a young man whose life was just beginning?

The more Kate gets to know his devastated family and the people—both English and Amish—who loved him, the more determined she becomes to solve the case. Aden Karn was funny and hardworking and looking forward to marrying his sweet fiancé, Emily. All the while, Kate’s own wedding day to Tomasetti draws near...
But as she delves into Karn’s past, Kate begins to hear whispers about a dark side. What if Aden Karn wasn’t the wholesome young man everyone admired? Is it possible the rumors are a cruel campaign to blame the victim? Kate pursues every lead with a vengeance, sensing an unspeakable secret no one will broach.

The case spirals out of control when a young Amish woman comes forward with a horrific story that pits Kate against a dangerous and unexpected opponent. When the awful truth is finally uncovered, Kate comes face to face with the terrible consequences of a life lived in all the dark places.
My Thoughts

An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo takes us back to Painter’s Mill, Ohio days before the wedding of Kate Burkholder and her fiancé, John Tomasetti.  An Evil Heart is the fifteenth A Kate Burkholder Novel.  While it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the series in order.  It allows readers to get to know Kate and see how her relationship with John came about.  Each book in the series builds upon the previous one. I thought An Evil Heart was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  Kate Burkholder is a strong, smart woman.  Her background (being raised Amish but she is now Englisch) helps her when it comes to cases she handles.  John Tomasetti works for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.  He is a good partner for Kate.  He understands her long hours and her devotion to her job.  The pair work well together when John joins Kate on a case.   

Chief of Police Kate Burkholder’s latest case is a gruesome one.  Amishman Aden Karn was killed on his way to meet his ride to work.  Kate delves into the case.  Kate questions Karn’s family, friends, girlfriend, roommate, and coworkers.  She wants to get to know the victim and discover what could have led to the victim’s demise.  Kate works to piece together the clues and then narrows in on the guilty party.  Kate is methodical in her investigation.  She is a hard worker.  Kate has a good team to assist her.  The mystery can be solved early in the story.  The why takes longer to uncover.  The reveal scene was action packed and full of suspense which had me quickly flipping the pages.  There are graphic details that could disturb some readers and trigger others.  The story also contains foul language.  Kate and John’s wedding day is special.  

The planning is emotional for Kate.  She grew up Amish and dreamed of an Amish wedding.  But now she is English.  Kate wants to find a way to merge the two cultures.  Kate is also working on her relationship with her family.  The wedding can, hopefully, bring the Burkholder clan closer.   The author beautifully blends the whodunit and Kate’s life into one engaging story.  I especially enjoyed the ending.  An Evil Heart is a suspenseful story with a macabre murder, wedding worries, dubious acquaintances, an unusual weapon, a curious clue, and a cruel killer.  

An Evil Heart is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Kate Burkholder Novels here.  If you follow Linda Castillo 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 with A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert.  It is the first A Hunter and Clewe Mystery.  On July 17, Pine Creek Matchmaker by Amity Hope comes out.  It is the third Pine Creek Amish series. I hope that you have an energizing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Death Knells and Wedding Bells by Eva Gates

 Death Knells and Wedding Bells

Book Summary

Librarian Lucy’s wedding is nearly perfect—aside from a missing guest and the strangled body she finds. Now, she must vow to find the killer in this 10th Lighthouse Library mystery.

Lucy and Connor planned for the perfect Outer Banks wedding—and that’s exactly what they got. Aside from typical rumblings of familial tensions, the late spring weather allowed for a beautiful day, the food was delicious, and everyone had a good time, until one of the guests goes missing.
Before Lucy can look forward to the rest of her life in Nags Head and the work she does at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, she gets a phone call from her boss, Bertie James. Eddie, Bertie’s friend, never made it back home after the reception. Initially, Lucy doesn’t think anything of it—sometimes wedding guests simply have a little too much fun. But this quickly turns to something darker when she discovers the body of a wedding guest strangled in a locked closet, and the police immediately start asking questions about Eddie. Lucy must figure out if the two are connected before it’s too late—both for Bertie’s friend and the rest of her wedding guests.

With the Classic Novel Reading Club reading the Selected Works of Edgar Allan Poe—Lucy wonders if the master of the macabre can assist her investigation or if the hunt for the killer’s identity will remain as nothing more than an unsolved mystery.

My Thoughts

Death Knells and Wedding Bells by Eva Gates has readers returning to Nags Head, North Carolina for Lucy and Connor’s wedding.  I like how everyone (family, friends, co-workers, and even a soon-to-be ex-wife) came together for the couple’s wedding.  There was a wrinkle or two during the day, but it was overall a wonderful wedding day which Lucy and Connor deserved.  The murder of Aunt Joyce’s plus one casts a shadow on the wedding weekend.  I know Lucy was enjoying her wedding weekend, but I have a feeling that a murder was icing on the cake (she loves solving a whodunit).  The force’s newest detective, Detective North, is not happy with Lucy’s sleuthing and is vocal in expressing his displeasure to Detective Sam Watson.  The mystery was straightforward.  It is a whodunit that can easily be solved early in the book.  I did, though, enjoy following Lucy as she questioned people and searched for clues.  I love Charlie’s role in the takedown.  I could envision the scene in my head and it had me laughing.

Eva Gates has created a great cast of characters for this series.  I like Lucy’s curiosity.  She has questions and Lucy likes to get answers.  Lucy is a natural born sleuth.  It is also what makes her a good librarian.  I like how the characters are there for each other.  Bertie may be Lucy’s boss, but she is also a friend.  The same goes for the rest of Lucy’s coworkers.  I understand Lucy’s motivation for wanting to help Bertie’s plus one, Eddie.  I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Nags Head, Lucy and Connor’s new home, and Bodie Island Lighthouse Library.  I like how the author likens the library to the TARDIS.  There is no way the lighthouse could be big enough to house the library and Lucy’s Lighthouse Aerie (now Louise Jane’s).  It gives readers a chance to use their imagination (I see this regular lighthouse on the outside with a beautiful, big library on the inside).  Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the tenth A Lighthouse Library Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone, but new readers will struggle in the beginning (gets easier the further you get into the story).  I did find the pacing a little slow at times, especially in the beginning.  In addition, there is repetition of information (case details, background on suspects and victim). Overall, though, I enjoyed my latest trip to the Outer Banks, and I am looking forward to my next visit.   There is humor sprinkled throughout the story.  Louise Jane provides several mirthful moments.  I enjoyed the book club discussions about Edgar Allan Poe’s stories (A Tell-Tale Heart is my favorite).  I like how the death of Aunt Joyce’s plus one related to The Cask of Amontillado.  Death Knells and Wedding Bells takes readers to the Outer Banks with beautiful beaches, jovial nuptials, a snuffed out plus one, an absent date, a single-minded detective, and a probing bride.  

Death Knells and Wedding Bells is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Lighthouse Library Mysteries here.  You can find Eva Gates aka Vicki Delany's novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, June 13 with The Spectacular by Fiona Davis.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend. I am going to get some chores done around the house (and hopefully not injure myself this time).  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader 

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