An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

 An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon makes her hardcover debut with an irresistible new meta-mystery series about an amateur sleuth who doesn’t just solve crimes, she writes about how to do it . . .

TIP #1: WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU COUNTS AS WORK EXPERIENCE

Meg Gates could use a guidebook for life. Indeed, she’s faced some challenges. She dropped out of college to work for a tech startup that failed—and her fiancé just took her bridesmaid to Italy on what was supposed to be Meg’s honeymoon.

Now, at twenty-six, Meg has taken the ferry ride of shame from Seattle back to Bainbridge Island to live with her family. At least she has her rescue cocker spaniel, Watson, by her side. But it’s Meg who could use a rescue—and she’s hoping it will come in the form of a part-time gig doing research for a bestselling mystery writer.

Bainbridge Island Ferry

TIP #2: WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW – OR WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW

That’s when the lightbulb goes on: Meg will write her own guidebook—a manual on criminal investigation. But before she can impress her new boss with her pet project, the author’s manager is found dead on the rocks beneath the author’s Gothic mansion.

Now it’s time to put her guide to the test, as Meg sets out to clear her employer of suspicion and solve the crime. But there’s one important caveat she’ll have to add to her guide—

TIP #3: BEWARE OF UNKNOWN DANGERS

Bainbridge Island Downtown

My Thoughts

An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon Is the first A Bainbridge Island Mystery.  The story is easy to read, but I found the pacing to be leisurely (needed a little more pep). Eliminating repetitive details would have helped.  I like Meg as well as her family, friends, and dog (such a cutie).  The characters need more fleshing out, so they have more personality like Watson, Meg’s dog.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Bainbridge Island (a great place to live in the spring, summer, and fall).  

Hobbit home on Bainbridge Island

The mystery was uncomplicated and a cinch to solve.  I wish the whodunit had been more complex and at the forefront of the story.  It took a backseat to Meg’s two jobs, walking Watson, eating (fish and chips as well as Chinese food were two favorites), and spending time with friends and family.  While Meg says she is not ready for another romantic relationship, she certainly thinks about it a lot.  An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder is a nice story, but I want it to be less women’s fiction and more cozy mystery (emphasis on mystery).  An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder has a ferry journey, beautiful Bainbridge Island, a murdered literary agent, unique assignments, old friends, an inkling of an idea, and delectable mac & cheese.

Beautiful view while shopping on Bainbridge Island

An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder is available from Amazon.  The next A Tourist Trap Mystery is a Merry Murder Season and it will be out on November 4. You can find Lynn Cahoon's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Thursday, June 26, I am stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Following the Clues by Dana Mentink. It is the fourth book in the Security Hounds Investigations series.  I hope that you have cheery 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.

A Vacation to Die For by Lynn Cahoon

A Vacation to Die For

Book Summary

In the California coastal town of South Cove, Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, discovers that wedding planning can be murder . . .

Hustling her fiancé off to a neighboring tourist town might be the only way Jill Gardner can plan her nuptials to South Cove’s in-demand police detective. But when a mystery man turns up dead at South Cove’s PD, Greg is hightailing it back home to investigate, leaving Jill to finish the vacation solo.

Bed and Breakfast in quaint ocean town

Jill can barely get in a spa day before her own respite is spoiled by a greedy hotel guest and unexpected revelations about Max Winter, the developer conniving to buy her home out from under her. Then there’s the staffing issues at the store, the strange men seen lurking about town, and an aggressive and obnoxious family member harassing Jill’s beloved employee. It’s enough to make the bride-to-be full of jitters . . . especially when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer . . . 

Coffee, Books, and More

My Thoughts

A Vacation to Die For by Lynn Cahoon is the fourteenth A Tourist Trap Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  If you read the series in order, it will allow you to get to know the characters and the town.  Lynn Cahoon has a conversational writing style that makes her stories easy to read.  Jill and Greg are engaged and living together in Jill’s charming seaside home.  They are getting ready to take a long weekend to a nearby oceanside town.  Jill is glad to getaway because a hotel developer has been bothering her.  Max Winter wants to put a hotel on her property and has offered her a sizable amount of money.  Jill has no intention of selling her beloved home.  Jill and Greg are enjoying their holiday until Greg gets called back to South Cove when a man walks into the police station with a knife sticking out of his stomach.  Jill enjoys the rest of her vacation with her bestie, Amy.  When Jill returns to town, Greg refuses to give her any details on the case.  She does know that they victim has yet to be identified.  Jill cannot help it if she happens upon helpful information on Greg’s case.  Evie, one of Jill’s employees, is having trouble with her ex-husband and ex-sister-in-law.  They want a clock that was given to her by her deceased father-in-law, and they are do not take no for an answer. 

The mystery was on the light side.  I kept waiting for something (anything) to happen.  It all comes together at the end with the reveal.  I wanted more mystery and less of Jill jogging with Emma, eating, and reading.  Jill and Greg are working on their wedding plans.  They are picking the date and venue.  Jill is nervous because they have yet had a discussion regarding their finances.  Readers who prefer the cozy over the mystery will enjoy this story.  A Vacation to Die For is a sweet story, but I felt it needed some action (a little oomph) and definitely more investigating.  A Vacation to Die For is a charming cozy with a troublesome ex-relative, a weekend away, a determined developer, an importunate mayor, tasty sweets, a mysterious victim, a curious clock, timely repasts, and premarital planning.

A Vacation to Die For is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Tourist Trap Mysteries here.  Secrets in the Stacks coming out November 1.  It is the second A Survivors' Book Club Mystery.   You can follow Lynn Cahoon on Amazon to receive an email when she has a new book release.  You can find the rest of Lynn Cahoon's novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for The Mystery of the Tea Cup Quilt.  It is the first book in the Harland Creek Mystery Quilters. I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club by Lynn Cahoon

 The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club

Book Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of the Tourist Trap mysteries launches a new series perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club. New-age Sedona, Arizona seemed like the perfect place to open up a bookstore devoted to healing. But when a member of a local cancer survivor support book club goes missing, will this group’s sleuthing skills be enough to find her?

Two things got Rarity Cole through her breast cancer treatments: friends and books. Now cancer-free, Rarity is devoting her life to helping others find their way through the maze to healing. She’s opened a bookstore focusing on the power of healing—Eastern medicine, Western medicine, the healing power of food, the power of meditation, and the importance of developing a support community. To that end, she’s also started the Tuesday Night Survivors book club. With its openness to new-age communities, Sedona, Arizona, is the perfect fit for Rarity’s bookstore and the tightly knit group.

But their therapeutic unity is disrupted when one of their members suddenly goes missing. Martha has always kept to herself, never opening up much of her personal life to the group. Now she’s nowhere to be found. With her car abandoned on a trail and her dog left with a friend, Rarity is sure something terrible had happened—but will she be able to uncover Martha’s secrets before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

The Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club by Lynn Cahoon is the debut of A Survivors’ Book Club Mysteries.  I found this story easy to read.  It contains good writing and realistic characters.  The story is set in Sedona, Arizona where Rarity Jones, a breast cancer survivor, has opened The Next Chapter, a bookstore.  The bookshop is next to a crystal shop owned by her best friend, Sam Aarons.  Rarity needed a fresh start after beating breast cancer and her fiancé deserting her.  She advertises for a Tuesday night book group for cancer survivors.  I like the group of women that come together each week to support each other and discuss books (plus eat snacks).  When one of the members is murdered, the group becomes a sleuthing club as well.  The ladies ask questions, search for clues, and do “research” trips.  Detective Drew Anderson is in charge of the case.  He is a nice man who becomes friends with Rarity.  They bond over the victim’s dog, Killer which comes to live with Rarity.  Drew accepts information from Rarity along with her help a time or two.  The mystery is straightforward with a red herring, several suspects, and good clues.  The crime can be solved early on, but I did not know why.  I enjoyed following Rarity and the group as they worked together to identify the guilty party.  

The Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club is an emotional novel as the ladies discuss their cancer and what they endured.  You need to be strong and have a good support system if you are to get through cancer treatments.  I can tell the author has knowledge on this subject.  I like Lynn Cahoon’s engaging writing style.   She also created realistic and relatable characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Rarity, Sam, Drew, and the others.  I know we have just touched the surface in The Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club.  There is also a new love interest for Rarity and her friend, Sam.  The descriptions of Sedona were lovely.  It sounds like a beautiful area.  I like it when authors include real life locations in their books.  The main theme of this engaging cozy mystery is friendship.  I liked seeing women support each other instead of tearing each other down.  I agreed with Rarity’s description of a mammogram machine.  It is a painful torture device (definitely invented by a man).  I am looking forward to reading Secrets in the Stacks when it comes out later this year.  There is a recipe for Texas Sheet Cake at the end.  The Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club is a warm cozy mystery with a novel bookstore, a cancer survivors’ book club, a missing member, a cute Killer, a dedicated detective, a good-looking guide, and an astute bookshop owner.

The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club is available from Amazon*.  The second The Survivor's Book Club Mystery is Secrets in the Stacks which releases November 1, and it can be preordered from Amazon. Lynn Cahoon has A Vacation to Die For publishing September 6.  It is the 14th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I will return tomorrow with Among the Innocent by Mary Alford.  I hope that you have a calm day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

A Fatal Family Feast by Lynn Cahoon

 A Fatal Family Feast

Book Summary

Angie Turner’s Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, is the perfect site for a picturesque country wedding, but the party planning skids to a halt when the groom-to-be is implicated in a murder investigation…

When Angie’s best friend and business partner, Felicia Williams, picks the County Seat to host her upcoming nuptials, Angie wants it to feel like a family affair--especially since Felicia is set to marry the farm-to-fork restaurant’s talented sous chef, Estebe Blackstone. Unfortunately, the bride’s actual family is far less enthusiastic about the union. They’re pulling out all the stops to cancel the couple’s wedding, even arranging for a surprise visit from Felicia’s ex-fiancé (and her father’s current lackey). But when her ex is killed days before the ceremony and Estebe is framed for the crime, Angie and the County Seat crew must scramble to solve the murder and save the wedding . . .

My Thoughts

Felicia Williams, Angie Turner’s business partner, is getting married to Estebe Blackstone in a week.  Angieis busy with last minute preparations for the big event.  Unfortunately, Felicia’s family is not happy about the upcoming nuptials.  They send Felicia’s former fiancé to town to try and dissuade her from marrying Estebe.  The meeting does not go well.  When the former fiancé turns up dead, Estebe is at the top of the suspect list.  Someone has set him up.  If the wedding is to take place as planned, Angie needs to don her sleuthing cap and finds the guilty party.  Can Angie solve the murder in time, or will the nuptials take place in the jailhouse?  

A Fatal Family Feast by Lynn Cahoon is the sixth A Farm-to-Fork Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  All our favorite characters are back in this lighthearted cozy mystery.  Angie, Dom, Mabel, Ian, Felicia, Estebe, and the rest of the County Seat staff.  The characters are realistic and relatable.  I love hearing about the antics of Angie’s menagerie.  It is down to the final week before the wedding.  They have enough to do without a murder on their hands as well as Felicia’s snooty parents.  The mystery suited the story.  There is misdirection along with several suspects.  I like how the Scooby Gang worked to gather information and put together the clues to solve the crime.  I wish the crime had been more of a challenge (I pegged the killer very early in the book).  The ending will have fans smiling.  The food descriptions will have your mouth watering.  A Fatal Family Feast is a charming whodunit with imminent nuptials, a bothersome ex-beau, patronizing parents, a fervent fiancé, an incommodious murder, and a busy bridesmaid.  

A Fatal Family Feast is available from Amazon*.  Check out the other A Farm-to-Fork Mystery Novels.  You can find Lynn Cahoon's other novels here.  Lynn Cahoon has Wedding Bell Blues publishing March 1.  It is the 13th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  I appreciate you reading my review today.  I will return on Monday as a stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrams.  There is a giveaway.  Please stop by to enter.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

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

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon

 Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas

Book Summary

Mia Malone is planning a holiday party to promote her catering and cooking school business—but she’s got a Christmas spirit to deal with first, in this new Kitchen Witch Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon . . .

 

For all its merriment, Christmas can also bring melancholy—and in Magic Springs, Idaho, Mia finds that the season has brought her an unhappy ghost who’s pulling poltergeist-style pranks to get her attention. When she demands an explanation, the ghost just sends a message: Ask Mary Alice—that is, Mia’s beloved Grans, who’s been training her to develop her witchy talents. If anyone can figure this out, it’s Grans . . . even if she still hasn’t managed to free Mia’s cat from a previous spell that she cast.

 

The restless spirit turns out to be Magic Spring’s most well-known ghost, Dorothy, who supposedly died peacefully in her sleep. Now Dorothy claims she was murdered, and she wants her killer brought to justice. And she doesn’t have much patience about it, so the pressure is on Mia—with some help from her boyfriend, Trent, and a strangely secretive Grans. There aren’t many dicing-and-chopping days till Christmas—but this year, the most important gift Mia can give is to cheer up this troubled spirit . . .

My Thoughts

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon is A Kitchen Witch Mystery Novella (#2.5).  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I believe it is best if you read the other two books first.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a cute short story.  Mia is busy preparing for a Christmas party to promote Mia’s Morsels.  Unfortunately, a ghost starts wreaking havoc causing delays.  The ghost is Dorothy Purcell who believes she was murdered.  If Mia is going to have a successful party and a jolly holiday, she will need to do a little sleuthing with help from her friends.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a fun story.  It is well-written with friendly characters and the story moves along at a quick pace.  When Mia is not digging for clues, she is decorating the lobby for the holiday party or busy cooking.  Grans, Trent, and Christine are back, and they help Mia with her investigation.  Mr. Darcy/Dorian is present too.  The mystery was cute and suited the length of the book.  I was left with an unanswered question at the end of the book (and I really wanted the answer).  I would have liked more magic.  There was very little magic in the story (except for seeing ghosts).  I would like more of the magical elements.  I enjoyed reading Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas and I am looking forward to reading Three Tainted Teas when it comes out in the spring.  Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is a spirited cozy mystery with sweet sugar cookies, a grumpy ghost, an enigmatic Grans, a beau with a talent for bedecking the halls, a cooperative college student, and a harried kitchen witch.  

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Kitchen Witch Mysteries here.  The next A Kitchen Witch Mystery is Three Tainted Teas which publishes April 26, 2022.  Lynn Cahoon has Wedding Bell Blues releasing March 1, 2022.  It is 13th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back on Monday with Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost.  It is the 3rd A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery.  I hope that you have a happy and safe Halloween.  Do not eat too many sweet treats (I have caramels and chocolates).  Tomorrow I will share pictures of my outdoor Halloween decorations.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Two Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon

Two Wicked Desserts 

Book Summary

Mia Malone conjures up delicacies while casting about for clues in New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon's Two Wicked Desserts, continuing her Kitchen Witch Mystery series...

Magic Springs, Idaho, may be a small town, but Mia Malone is living an enchanted life running her own catering business and cooking school. And while she's teaching the locals culinary craft, her grandmother is teaching her witchcraft for the day she inherits the family magical spells that have been passed down for generations. Unfortunately, all that knowledge is not helping Mia or her grandmother in removing the spirit of warlock Dorian Alexander from Mia's cat Mr. Darcy.

But even though Dorian hasn't yet left this earthly plane, his spells have already been transferred to his daughter Cindy's grimoire. An actress looking for her big Hollywood break, Cindy is hoping there's something in her father's bag of tricks to make her a star. But playing with magic has only resulted in a trip to Idaho where Cindy finds herself the number one suspect in the murder of a hitman whose body was found in the garden of Mia's Morsels. Now it's up to Mia to conjure up a killer before everything she's worked so hard for vanishes with a poof! 

My Thoughts

Two Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon is the 2^nd book in A Kitchen Witch Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading One Poison Pie first.  It gives you the backstory on Magic Springs, Idaho.  Mia Malone is getting Mia’s Morsels up and running with help from her grandmother and ex-fiancé’s sister, Christina.  Mia is also learning about magic and spells.  I find the characters to be developed and realistic.  We get to follow Mia as they go about her everyday life (cooking, eating, learning magic, shopping, making menus, going out with Levi).  A stranger is found dead behind Mia’s new residence.  Mia finds herself once again dealing with Detective Mark Baldwin.  When Baldwin becomes fixated on Dorian’s daughter, Cindy as the guilty party, Mia works to prove she is innocent.  The mystery was light.  It was not the central focus of the story.  There are a limited number of suspects which makes solving it a cinch.  I believe more time was spent helping Cindy figure out which spell she activated than on the mystery.  The paranormal element is sprinkled throughout the story.  We get to learn more about kitchen witches and how they are different from other witches in town.  The school may also have a dark history.  Mia is trying to learn more about the school and the witches who helped build it.  Mary Alice, Mia’s grandmother, and Mia spend time trying to find the correct spell to free Dorian from Mr. Darcy’s body.  Dorian is not enjoying his time in a cat’s body.  Gran, though, does not seem to be giving it her best effort.  The grandmother has something she wishes to discuss with Mia, but she never gets out the full story.  I hope we get closure on this issue soon.  Christina is having relationship issues plus problems with her new friend.  I found the pacing to be mixed (sometimes the story moved along at a good pace and other times it was slow) and the ending was anticlimactic.  Two Wicked Desserts is a charming story with fun characters, but I felt it needed a little more work.  I am, though, curious to find out what happens next with Mia and the gang especially as to why Trent can hear Gloria.  Two Wicked Desserts is a magical tale with a spell gone amiss, a gifted grimoire, a selfish friend, a covert room, a deceased stranger, and mouthwatering meals.  

Two Wicked Desserts is available from Amazon*.  The other books in A Kitchen Witch Mystery series are One Poison Pie (can be borrowed with Kindle Unlimited) and Murder 101 (a novella which can also be borrowed with Kindle Unlimited).  The next A Kitchen Witch Mystery Novella is Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas releasing October 26.  You can find Lynn Cahoon's other cozy mysteries here.  Lynn has A Killer Christmas Witch publishing September 14.  It is the latest A Cat Latimer Mystery.  Thank you very much for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Murder, She Edited by Kaitlyn Dunnett.  It is the 4th A Deadly Edits Mystery.  I am off to put together a metal planter that is going near out front door (it is powder blue).  I hope that you have an enchanting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

A Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon

 A Pumpkin Spice Killing

Book Summary

Angie Turner’s Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, owes its success not only to its farm-fresh fare, but also to its devoted and passionate staff. But a team-building retreat turns into much more than they bargained for . . .

Angie and her County Seat staff are all prepared for some much-needed R&R. Hope’s been hinting at an arts-and-crafts themed retreat. Instead, they end up at a military veteran’s home, where it’s their job to get it spic and span for summer. In between weeding the garden and painting the rooms, Angie starts up a conversation with an older vet who wants to make amends with his son before it’s too late. Unfortunately, he has no idea of his son’s whereabouts. It’s the perfect side job for the County Seat team, but someone keeps blocking their efforts. And the more they try to find out why, the more they’re certain someone’s life might be in danger . . .

My Thoughts

A Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon has Angie Turner and the staff from the County Seat heading off on a team building retreat to River Visa Veteran’s Home.  The group has four days to get the place up to code for the residents plus provide them with nourishing meals.  Angie and her St. Bernard, Dom make friends with a Vietnam veteran, Randy Owens.  Randy regrets the way he treated his son and wishes to make amends before it is too late.  Angie agrees to look for his son.  Dom seems to sense that something fishy is going on at the veteran’s home.  While Dom protects Randy, something happens to the other resident.  It seems that Angie has stumbled upon another mystery.  A Pumpkin Spice Killing is the latest novella (book 5.5) in A Farm-to-Fork Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading all the books in this charming culinary mystery series.  A Pumpkin Spice Killing is easy to read with friendly characters.  The mystery was interesting and light (which goes with a novella).  Angie spends time trying to figure out if foul play is involved. Everything comes together at the end.  It is not my favorite type of mystery, but I can see what the author used this approach for a novella.  I enjoyed seeing the cast come together to do help others in need.  There is plenty of good food and friendship in this engaging tale.  A Pumpkin Spice Killing is a touching cozy mystery with Vietnam veterans, a dedicated dog, an absent son, an apprehensive administrative, a major regret, mouthwatering meals, and fine friends.  

A Pumpkin Spice Killing is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Farm-to-Fork Mystery novels here.  The next A Farm-to-Fork Mystery is A Fatal Family Feast which publishes on January 4, 2022. The next A Cat Latimer Mystery is A Killer Christmas Wish releasing September 14.  Lynn Cahoon's other cozy mysteries are here.  Thank you for visiting today and reading my review.  I will be sharing my thoughts on It's Better This Way by Debbie Macomber next time.  Have you checked out Making the Cut on Amazon Prime Video with Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn?  I started watching season one and I am looking forward to season two starting soon.  I love competition shows featuring fashion and I especially like Tim Gunn.  I hope that you have a hopeful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon

 

Book Summary

Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon has Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, enjoying a paint-and-sip event at South Cove’s newest business Drunken Art Studio with Greg and some of her friends.  They are enjoying the wine, food, and each other’s company until a woman from out of town who overindulged begins making a scene.  Jill learns that she is no Picasso as evidenced by the blobs on her canvas.  During the night, Greg receives a call that has him heading into town.  When Jill arrives at work, she discovers that a woman was found dead inside the Drunken Art Studio.  It is the same woman who caused a scene the night before.  The victim’s husband is quick to point the finger at Esmerelda whom the couple have visited regularly.  Esmerelda is a part-time police dispatcher as well as a physic.  Greg and Lisa know that Esmerelda is innocent, but they must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt because someone is going to a lot of trouble to make her look guilty.  

My Thoughts

Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon is the 12^th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  While Picture Perfect Frame can be read as a standalone, I do not recommend this as your first foray into A Tourist Trap Mysteries (Guidebook to Murder is a good place to start). It can be confusing in the beginning with the large cast of characters (trying to learn who each one is and their various relationships).  Picture Perfect Frame contains Lynn Cahoon’s easy breezy writing style.  Returning to South Cove, California is like visiting old friends.  There is a diverse cast of characters from Jill to Esmerelda.  The characters are developed and continue to evolve.   There is a new business in South Cove run by Meredith Cole and her husband, Neal called Drunken Art Studio.  They host paint-and-sip events.  Jill, Greg, Amy, Justin, and others attend including Jill’s new barista, Evie Marshall.  The evening is disturbed by an out-of-towner who enjoyed the sip part of the event a little too much.  Early the next morning, the drunken painter is found dead inside the studio by Meredith.  The victim’s husband is quick to point the finger at Esmerelda who has been acting odd recently.  Jill and Greg know that Esmerelda is innocent, but it will be tricky to prove it.  I thought the mystery was straightforward with a couple of suspects along with subtle clues.  Jill did some sleuthing, but she did not do as much as in previous tales.  I wish Jill had a more active role from beginning to end.  She is busy at Coffee, Books, and More which is bustling with business plus helping Amy with her upcoming nuptials.  Amy has turned into a bridezilla that does not have a stop button.  Jill must calm Amy down and talk her off the ledge several times.  Personally, I found the wedding planning overshadowing the mystery and the wedding details became tiresome after a while (Jill is a much more patient woman than I am).  We also get to know the newest member of the Jill’s staff, Evie Marshall.  She is new to town with her dog, Homer.  Evie has ties to a former member of the staff.  There is also the normal eating, drinking, chatting, and runs along the beach with Emma.  The ending of Picture Perfect Frame leaves us with an unfortunate, but highly anticipated cliffhanger.  While I found it sweet, I also found it frustrating.  Picture Perfect Frame is a quick and easy book to read.  I like how the series has progressed since the beginning.  I look forward to the next A Tourist Trap Mystery.  Picture Perfect Frame is a charming cozy mystery with wedding woes, a jammed-up medium, a freaked-out friend, a honeymoon hurdle, a drained detective, a blobby beach scene, a bonanza of books, and a cliffhanger at the conclusion.

Picture Perfect Frame is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Tourist Trap Mysteries here.  Check out Lynn Cahoon's other cozy mysteries here.  Lynn has Two Wicked Desserts publishing July 27.  It is the second A Kitchen Witch Mystery.  This is a delightful paranormal cozy mystery series.  Thank you for popping by today and reading my review.  Next time I am sharing my thoughts on A Sister's War by Molly Green.  It is the 3rd novel in The Victory Sisters series.  I hope that each of you have a merry day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

 

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

One Poison Pie by Lynn Cahoon: Review & Giveaway!

 

One Poison Pie (Kitchen Witch Mysteries) by Lynn Cahoon

About One Poison Pie

One Poison Pie (Kitchen Witch Mysteries) by Lynn Cahoon 

 

In the first in New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon’s Kitchen Witch series, Mia Malone is starting over in Magic Springs, Idaho—where murder is on the menu . . .

What’s a kitchen witch to do when her almost-fiancé leaves her suddenly single and unemployed? For Mia Malone, the answer’s simple: move to her grandmother’s quirky Idaho hometown, where magic is an open secret and witches and warlocks are (mostly) welcome. With a new gourmet dinner delivery business—and a touch of magic in her recipes—Mia’s hopes are high. Even when her ex’s little sister, Christina, arrives looking for a place to stay, Mia takes it in stride.

But her first catering job takes a distasteful turn when her client’s body is found, stabbed and stuffed under the head table. Mia’s shocked to learn that she’s a suspect—and even more so when she realizes she’s next on a killer’s list. With Christina, along with Mia’s meddling grandma, in the mix, she’ll have to find out which of the town’s eccentric residents has an appetite for murder…before this fresh start comes to a sticky end. . . .

Includes Recipes!

About Lynn Cahoon

Lynn Cahoon is the author of the NYT and USA Today best-selling Tourist Trap cozy mystery series. She also pens the Cat Latimer series, the Farm to Fork series, and the Kitchen Witch series. Small town setting, big time fun with a bit of murder to keep it interesting. Romance novels are published under the pen name, Lynn Collins. She lives in a small river town like Mark Twain with her husband and three fur kids..

Author Links

• Goodreads –http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5857424.Lynn_Cahoon
• Twitter – https://twitter.com/LynnCahoon
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LynnCahoonAuthor
• Amazon author page – http://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Cahoon/e/B0082PWOAO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
• Website – http://lynncahoon.com/

 My Thoughts

One Poison Pie by Lynn Cahoon has Mia Malone working on the renovations of the schoolhouse she purchased for Mia’s Morsels.  She is catering Adele Simpson’s birthday party the next evening at the Lodge as commanded.  The day of the party, Adele is found dead at the Lodge.  Officer Mark Baldwin has Mia and her roommate, Christina on the suspect list which will not do.  Mia decides to do a little nosing around to see if she can reveal the killer.  One Poison Pie is the first full length novel in A Kitchen Witch Mystery series.  I suggest reading Chili Cauldron Curse first because it gives you needed background information on Mia, Grans, and the town of Magic Springs.  I like the characters especially Grans along with the setting. Mia is a great protagonist.  She is smart, strong, and a fabulous chef.  She is becoming an independent woman.  Mia is getting over her former boyfriend, Isaac who is also Christina’s brother.  No one knows what she saw in the man.  We are introduced to Trent Majors and his brother, Levi.  They are both good men with great qualities (strong, dependable, handsome, funny).  Two love interests for two women.  I want to see the romance play out slowly.  I was not a fan of the mention of Mia’s sexual feelings (this is a cozy mystery).  Mia is a kitchen witch like her grandmother. I enjoy the paranormal elements and would like more of it.  I want to know more about Mia’s magic, and I would like to see spells performed.  I also would like to know more about the history of kitchen magic.  I loved the addition of Dorothy, a spirit who visited Mia.  The mystery was straightforward but there was a surprise or two.  There are a couple of suspects, active investigating, and good clues as well as threats to Mia.  Avid cozy mystery readers will have no problem solving this one.  One Poison Pie is a busy book which I loved along with the vivid descriptions.  I enjoyed Lynn Cahoon’s conversational writing style that made the book easy to read.  I look forward to the next book in A Kitchen Witch Mystery series.  One Poison Pie is a charming tale with tasty treats, a gorgeous grocery guy, coven conundrum, a cookbook bandit, a vanishing feline, a door dilemma, and a mysterious murder.  

One Poison Pie is available from Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and Google Play.    The prequel to the A Kitchen Witch Mystery series is Chili Cauldron Curse (read it first).  The next novella in the A Kitchen Witch Mystery series is Murder 101 which releases April 27, 2021.  Two Wicked Desserts will be out July 27 which is the next full-length book in A Kitchen Witch Mystery series.  As part of the tour, Lynn Cahoon is hosting a giveaway.  You can win one a print copy of One Poison Pie (open to residents of the U.S. Only).  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below. Good Luck!  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery.   I hope you have an enchanting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

February 1 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT 

February 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT 

February 2 – Literary Gold – REVIEW 

February 2 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

February 3 – Brooke Blogs - SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT 

February 3 – The Book's the Thing - REVIEW 

February 4 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

February 4 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 

February 5 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

February 5 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

February 5 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST 

February 6 – Christy's Cozy Corners – GUEST POST 

February 6 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW, EXCERPT 

February 7 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW 

February 7 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW 

February 8 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT 

February 8 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

February 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 

February 9 – Novels Alive – REVIEW 

February 10 – Wickedly Romance - REVIEW, EXCERPT 

February 10 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews -SPOTLIGHT 

February 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

February 11 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, RECIPE 

February 12 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

February 12 – Kaisy Daisy's Corner - SPOTLIGHT 

February 13 – Nadaness In Motion – REVIEW 

February 13 – Carla Loves To Read - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 

February 14 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT 

February 14 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews - SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 15 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW 

February 15 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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