Sconed to Death by Betty Hechtman

 Sconed to Death

Book Summary

The perfect ingredients for murder . . .

Annie Hart has transformed the yarn shop she inherited into a thriving business and tea shop. Now she needs to sell it so she can move back to LA. She just has to ensure that young Toby Swanson is kept on as the supplier of their famous scones.

Annie decides to secretly enter Toby in a new reality TV cooking show. But his application video takes a deadly twist when Annie and her business partner, Gray, discover a body on the beach while filming. Even worse, it looks like the young woman had been enjoying Toby’s cherry scones and the shop’s rose tea before her death.

With the help of her misfit group of local yarn artists, can Annie find a killer and save her reputation?

My Thoughts

This one had all the ingredients for a charming cozy mystery, but the final result fell a little flat for me. On paper, Sconed to Death by Betty Hechtman sounded like a book I would really enjoy, especially with its yarn shop and tea shop set in an old schoolhouse. Unfortunately, the story didn’t quite work for me. The writing felt repetitive, the dialogue was awkward at times, and the mystery was far too easy to solve. 

I kept wanting more emotion, more charm, and a stronger connection to the characters. I was also hoping for more real investigating, but the whodunit felt underdeveloped. I noticed the Hoosier jabs as well, though they weren’t quite as heavy-handed here as they were in Death Among the Stitches. More than anything, I wanted this book to deliver the cozy, engaging escape I look for in this kind of mystery, but it never quite got there. In the end, Sconed to Death just wasn’t the cozy, charming escape I had been hoping for.

 

Sconed to Death can be purchased from Amazon.  The first book in A Crochet and Crumpets Mysteries is Death Among the Stitches.  While A Crochet and Crumpets Mysteries are not my cup of tea, I did enjoy Betty Hechtman's A Crochet Mystery series. 

I will return on Tuesday, June 9 with Whose Body in the Library by Eva Gates.  It is the thirteenth A Lighthouse Library Mystery. The author switched things up in this book.  Hope you have a relaxing weekend.  I have a bookcase to put together this weekend if I can convince my cat, Dickens to sleep elsewhere. Anytime a new item enters the house, Dickens claims it for herself (she even plays in the grocery bags).  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 Among the Stitches by Betty Hechtman

Death Among the Stitches

Book Summary

Meet Annie Hart: newly inherited yarn and tea shop owner and reluctant amateur sleuth.

Annie Hart, daughter of Bryan Hart – talent agent to the stars – spends her life getting roped into whatever new task her father needs her to do for his VIP clients. So when she inherits a yarn shop in the small Indiana town of Franklin, she is curious to see what it feels like to have something that is solely hers!

But when her arrival is greeted by the local law enforcement, Annie senses things are not quite as they seem in this idyllic town . . . everyone knows everybody in Franklin yet when it comes to the death of the shop's previous owner, nobody seems sure of anything!

Annie soon discovers that Eleanor Danton was in fact murdered, strangled with her own yarn . . . invigorated by her need to find out the truth, and feeling somehow at home with the friendly bunch of local yarn artists who frequent the shop, she sets out to finding the killer. Much can be achieved over a cuppa and a yarn . . .

My Thoughts

Death Among the Stitches by Betty Hechtman is the debut of A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery series. I enjoy cozy mysteries that incorporate crafts, so I was looking forward to reading Death Among the Stitches.  The story moved at an unhurried pace (I swear I saw snails zipping by me).  I did not like the main character, Annie Sara.  I wanted to tell her to grow a backbone and learn to say no.  The author needed to flesh her out more.  I wish the author had not included Gray in the book (this character was more developed than Annie Sara). The girl cannot please her mother who is a famous actress.  I did not like the body shaming (there was so much of it).  I did not enjoy the talk about the “diet,” getting Gray to fit into these ridiculously tiny jeans, and Annie Sara afraid to eat regular food in front of Gray.  There is also Gray’s romance with Officer Smith.  It is just plain silly (a police officer is, of course, no good enough for the daughter of Camille Constatine).

The mystery was lackluster.  The murder took place long before Annie Sara inherited the schoolhouse.  Annie Sara makes a half-hearted attempt to learn what happened to the murdered woman.  The clues drop at the end of the story before the anticlimactic reveal.  Those who are avid cozy mystery readers will have no problem unraveling the puzzle.  I enjoyed the snippets about knitting and crochet.  I wish the story had focused more on the craft.  My favorite part of the book was hearing about the Hoosier cabinet Annie Sara picked up for the kitchen at the schoolhouse (there was one in our kitchen when I was a child). I like that the history of the cabinet was included. Death Among the Stitches mostly dealt with Annie Sara’s day to day activities.  There were repetitive details particularly about the summer people who rented homes and liked to party. I wish Death Among the Stitches had likeable characters, more depth, and an intriguing mystery.  I felt that this story missed the mark.  

Death Among the Stitches is available from Amazon*.  You can find Betty Hechtman's other cozy mysteries here.  Two other books that came out today are The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis and Schooled in Murder by Victoria Gilbert.  Tomorrow I will feature The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis.  It is a captivating tale.  A cold front arrived last night, so I am keeping warm under my electric blanket with my cat, Dickens perched right next to me.  My mother is under her electric blanket along with a couple of other blankets.  It is hard to believe that I was wearing a t-shirt and capris yesterday.  Do you have snow in your area?  I have not seen snow since I was twelve (the last time I was in Ohio). I loved school, but I also enjoyed the occassional snow day (I could read all day). I hope that you have contented day.  Take care, stay warm, 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.

Bitter Roots by Ellen Crosby

 Bitter Roots

 Book Summary

The brutal murder of a beautiful vineyard expert and a devastating storm force Virginia winemaker Lucie Montgomery to confront painful changes on the eve of her wedding.

In just over a week vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery and winemaker Quinn Santori will be married in a ceremony overlooking what should be acres of lush flowering grapevines. Instead they are confronted by an ugly swathe of slowly dying vines and a nursery owner who denies responsibility for selling the diseased plants. With neighboring vineyards facing the same problem, accusations fly and the ugly stand-off between supplier and growers looks set to escalate into open warfare.

When Eve Kerr, a stunning blonde who works at the nursery, is found dead a few days later, everyone wonders if someone in the winemaking community went too far. What especially troubles Lucie is why Eve secretly arranged to meet Quinn on the day she was murdered - and whether Lucie's soon-to-be husband knows something he's not telling her.

Then a catastrophic storm blows through, destroying everything in its path. With no power, no phones, and no wedding venue, Lucie needs to find out who killed Eve and what her death had to do with Quinn. 

 My Thoughts

Bitter Roots by Ellen Crosby is the twelfth A Wine Country Mystery.  I did not know Bitter Roots was part of a series when I requested the book.  Bitter Roots can be read as a standalone since the author provides all the necessary background information.  However, I believe it would have helped me if I had at least read the first book in the series, The Merlot Murders.  Reading a series in order allows you to get to know the characters and watch them grow as the series progresses.  I thought Bitter Roots was well-written with developed characters.  Ellen Crosby is a descriptive writer.  She paints a picture so readers can envision Virginia’s wine country.  I could imagine myself sitting on the patio behind the house sipping a glass of wine while looking at the grape vines blooming.  The detailed descriptions, though, do slow down the pace of the book.  The story goes into details on growing grapes, making wine, diseases that affect grapes, climate change, and the myriad of other details that go into making wine.  It is interesting to learn, but I wish it had been presented in a different manner. There are numerous characters.  It is difficult to keep track of all of them (vineyard owners, the vineyard managers, employees, family, townspeople, etc.).   I did feel there was too much repetition, especially regarding the affected grapes. 

The mystery was straightforward.  Lucie investigates Eve’s death because her fiancé, Quinn is at the top of the suspect list.  There is misdirection, several suspects, and helpful clues.  A severe storm hinders the investigation and there is a chance the wedding will not take place.   I did not find the whodunit challenging.  I kept hoping for a twist that would surprise me. The reveal explained who and why they committed the crime.  The ending will have fans of the series smiling.  Bitter Roots is not a lighthearted, fun cozy mystery.  Bitter Roots has a serious tone that delves into issues affecting grape vines.  I do want to let you know that there is foul language in the story.  While Bitter Roots was not a good fit for me, it appeals to many readers.  If you like the sound of Bitter Roots, you should read a sample to see if it is the right fit for you.  Bitter Roots transports readers to Virginia’s wine country where there is a vine virus, nursery controversy, blending get-together, a severe storm, wedding worries, confrontation with killer, and, hopefully, a happily ever after.

Bitter Roots is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other eleven A Wine Country Mysteries here.  You can follow Ellen Crosby on Amazon so you will be notified when she has a new release.  If you like the sound of Bitter Roots, please read a sample to see if this book suits you.  That is the beauty of books.  There is something for everyone.  I appreciate you reading my review today.  I will return tomorrow with Knit or Dye Trying by Allie Pleiter.  It is the second A Riverbank Knitting Mystery.  I hope that you have a stress free day (wouldn't that be wonderful).  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.

The Fool Dies Last by Carol Miller

 The Fool Dies Last

Book Summary

The Bailey sisters may be the only ones able to interpret the meaning behind a bizarre series of murders in the first entry in the hilarious The Fortune Telling Mysteries series.

Sisters Hope and Summer Bailey run Bailey's Boutique, a mystic shop in Asheville, North Carolina. While Hope's performing a palm reading a local doctor, Dylan Henshaw, bursts in, accusing them of trying to kill his patient with a tincture.

The confrontation is interrupted by the arrival of the sisters' grandmother, Gram, who announces that one of her friends has died suddenly. It looks like a simple allergic reaction . . . but why has a solitary Tarot card - the Fool - been placed on the body? When another of Gram's friends dies in similar circumstances, with the Fool card also left at the scene, it's surely no coincidence.

Although Hope is hesitant to read the Tarot again following a recent tragedy, she might be the only one capable of deciphering the clues. Can she overcome her fear and uncover the card's meaning before the killer strikes again?

My Thoughts

The Fool Dies Last by Carol Miller is the beginning of The Fortune Telling Mysteries.  We meet Hope and Summer Bailey who run a boutique that deals with homeopathic remedies (tinctures), spiritual items (crystals) plus Hope offers palm readings.  There is mention that tarot readings were done in the past until a tragedy happened.  The Fool Dies Last is a character driven story.  The main characters are Hope and Summer with a charming cast of secondary characters that include their grandmother, the local doctor (who is smitten with the grandmother), the doctor’s son, and a local detective.  The characters are unique and developed.  Unfortunately, the mystery takes a backseat to learning about our characters and their lives.  There are two deaths and the potential for more if the killer is not caught.  The mystery had some interesting aspects, but it is a cinch to solve.  I would have liked the whodunit to be more developed and there to be more of an investigation.  The story needed a balance between getting to know the characters and the mystery.  The reveal provides the reasoning behind the killer’s actions.  There is a hint of paranormal activity in the Bailey home that centers around the attic.  They had to bargain with the spirits there to get a table and its chairs out of the attic for the shop.  I would actually like more paranormal in the book (plus, I want to know what exactly is going on in the attic).  There are potential suitors for the sisters.  It looks, though, like the road to happily ever after will be bumpy because the men are skeptical about otherworldly matters.  The biggest problem I had with The Fool Dies Last is the writing.  The author is overly descriptive, which bogs down the story.  It makes the pacing so slow.  We do not need to know every little detail (like what is on a table, what a person is wearing, etc.).  I ended up skimming to get through the book.  The story could have benefited from humor.  The Fool Dies Last is a spirited whodunit with a spiritual shop, a mysterious murder, an atypical tontine, a taxing two-timer, a doubting doctor, a troublesome tarot, and two spirited sisters. 

Happy April Fool's Day!  The Fool Dies Last is available from Amazon*.  You can find Carol Miller's other novels here.  Carol has written the Moonshine Mystery series. You can follow Carol Miller on Amazon and receive an email when she releases a new book.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am a stop for the Celebrate Lit Tour of Strength in the Storm by Laurel Blount.  It is the second A Johns Mill Amish Romance.  There is a giveaway.  I hope you get through the day safely (without too many pranks or jokes pulled on you).  My mother and father have always loved pulling pranks on me this day.  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.

100 Proof Murder by Mary Ellis

100 Proof Murder 

Book Summary 

Travel writer Jill Curtis is in Louisville, Kentucky, on the next stop of her bourbon tour assignment, and is keen to explore the local distilleries with her videographer, Michael Erickson - especially since her new beau, Lieutenant Nick Harris, lives in the city.

But the night before Jill's first tour at Parker's Distillery, she is shocked to learn that the master distiller, William Scott, has died suddenly of a heart attack - and even more shocked when she discovers William's daughter, Alexis, suspects foul play. Is there more to William's death than meets the eye? Jill is soon drawn into a deadly blend of rivalry, jealously, and cold-blooded murder as she attempts to uncover the truth behind William's unexpected demise

My Thoughts 

100 Proof Murder by Mary Ellis has Jill Curtis, a syndicated travel writer, arriving in Louisville, Kentucky to tour local bourbon distilleries.  Jill and her videographer, Michael are enjoying a drink in the bar when they learn that the master distiller of Parker Estate Distillery, William Scott Parker, passed away that afternoon.  Jill has an appointment to meet with the decedent’s daughter and the distilleries operation manager, Alexis Scott Parker the next day as well as tour their facility.  Jill arrives at her appointment to find a distraught Alexis.  She believes her father is the victim of foul play, but Alexis has no idea how to prove it.  Jill, thanks to her recent experience, can aid Alexis in this matter.  Jill soon finds herself entangled in the Scott Parker family drama as she attempts to learn the truth about the master distiller’s sudden demise.  

100 Proof Murder by Mary Ellis is the 2^nd book in A Bourbon Tour Mystery series.  100 Proof Murder can be read as a stand alone for those who have not read One for the Road.  I thought Jill Curtis being a travel writer was a unique premise for a cozy mystery.  With Jill traveling, there is always a new place for a murder or crime to occur (instead of a large spike in crime in a small town).  I enjoyed the descriptions of Louisville, Whiskey Row, and the area distilleries.  The whodunit is not the focus of this cozy mystery.  The distiller’s death is not even declared suspicious until I was a third of a way through the book.  There are a variety of suspects and a red herring.  I had no problem identifying the guilty party before the reveal (a big clue gives it away).  The majority of the book deals with Jill’s job, Lt. Nick Harris having problem with his mother, Jill’s relatives causing havoc (their antics were hilarious), and Jill and Nick’s relationship.  We follow Jill as she goes about her daily life in Louisville.  There are some glaring mistakes in this book.  Michael’s last name changes late in the book from Erickson to Emerson, Michael’s gumbo because jambalaya, and Kentucky is referred to as the Keystone state (that is Pennsylvania).  The pacing is languid in 100 Proof Murder.  A book with a little over two hundred pages seemed three times as long.  I wanted less romance and more mystery.  This could be an entertaining series with some changes.  100 Proof Murder takes readers to the Bluegrass State where there are tasty tipples, a disconcerting death, raucous relatives, a masculine lieutenant, an absentminded mother, and a vexing videographer. 

100 Proof Murder is available from Amazon*.  The first novel in A Bourbon Tour Mystery series is One for the Road.  You can find Mary Ellis' other novels here.  Thank you so much for reading my review today.  I will be back tomorrow with To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano.  It is the latest novel in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series.  I wanted to let you know that I could not put together one of the planters.  I opened up the box and read through the parts list.  The planters legs were not included.  How could they forget four legs?  I have emailed the manufacturer (I am not hopeful) asking for assistance.  If I do not get a response, I will send it all back.  I hope that you have a cheerful 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.

Deceased and Desist by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

 Deceased and Desist

Book Summary

To most people, I’m a middle-aged divorced mother managing the Castleberry Historical Society.

What they don’t know is that my side job is helping ghosts solve the mysteries of their demise.

Trust me, it’s not easy, especially when the ghosts don’t like to cooperate or are just plain jerks.

When the town’s biggest high school bully of all time decides to come back and haunt Castleberry High, it’s my job to stop him. The problem is, this job is bringing up a whole lot of personal baggage and bad memories... because that bully bullied me.

The good news is, the town detective knows my secret and wants to protect me. The bad news is, the town detective knows my secret and wants to protect me.

My goal is to send this ghost back to where he came from. But he’s pushing hard for me to solve his murder. Only, I don’t believe his death was intentional, and I’m struggling to help a spirit that tortured me for two years straight.

Worse yet, school’s not even over, so now I’m pulling double duty as a school volunteer and hunting a killer. One who just might have me at the top of their kill list.

My Thoughts

Deceased and Desist by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is the 5^th novel in A Chantilly Adair Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series.  I recommend reading the series in order so that you can get to know the characters.  However, Deceased and Desist can be read as a standalone.  I did find myself a little lost in the first chapter, but then Chantilly introduced herself and her friends.  I wish I had known this was the fifth book in the series when I acquired it.  There is a cast of quirky, fun characters who live in a cozy small town.  Chantilly has good friends with whom she spends time chatting, laughing, and teasing.  She is a divorced mother with a teenage son.    Chantilly has the ability to see and speak with spirits.  An old high school bully is dead and needs Chantilly’s help.  He knows he was murdered, but the police are ruling his death accidental.  He needs Chantilly’s help in finding out who killed him and convincing Chantilly’s boyfriend that his death was a murder. Chantilly agrees to help the victim.  This was a fun whodunit.  It is a simple mystery that can be solved early in the book (it was obvious).  There was a good wrap up at the end.  I wish, though, that the mystery had been the focus of the story.  More time is devoted is chatting with friends at the café, doing her job at the Castleberry Historical Society, spending time with her son and boyfriend, and helping ghosts cross over than the whodunit.  The people in Castleberry sure do love to gossip and joke (I did not get the majority of the jokes).   I liked the sweet ending.  I especially appreciated that there was no foul language in the book.  Deceased and Desist is a lighthearted paranormal mystery with fun friends, good gossip, flavorsome food, single-minded spirits, rampant rumors, teenage troubles, and beastly bullies.

Deceased and Desist is available from Amazon*.  If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can borrow it.  The other novels in The Chantilly Adair Paranormal Cozy Mystery series can be found here.  The next book in this series is Deja Boo which releases January 11, 2022.   You can find Carolyn Ridder Aspenson's other novels here.   She has Hunted Girl publishing June 1.   It is the second book in the Rachel Ryder series.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I am taking tomorrow off and will return on Monday with Death in Bloom by Jess Dylan.  It is the debut of A Flower House Mystery series.  I hope you have a spirited 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.

Best Laid Plans by Gwen Florio

 

Book Summary

Best Laid Plans by Gwen Florio has Nora Best and her husband, Joe having a farewell party before they depart the next day.  They are going to travel the country with their new truck and tricked out Airstream.  Nora will be working on her second book plus doing freelance assignments and keeping a blog.  Nora overindulges in tequila and heads inside her sold home to the restroom.  She discovers Joe and his best friend’s wife in flagrante delicto in the restroom.  Nora jumps into the truck with the Airstream hooked up to it and takes off.  She is not going to let the fact she has no idea how to drive the truck or tow an airstream hinder her.  Nora ends up at a campground in Wyoming outside Blackbird where she immediately falls asleep.  When she wakes up, Nora enjoys a dinner of elk steak and bourbon with campground caretakers Miranda and Brad. Nora is awakened the next morning by Miranda pounding on her door. It turns out that Brad is missing and there is a large brownish stain on the ground.  Sheriff Duncan is quick to pin the crime on Nora especially after compromising evidence is found in her airstream.  Nora has no choice but to prove her innocence unless she wants her next adventure to be incarcerated in prison.

My Thoughts

Best Laid Plans by Gwen Florio is the first book in A Nora Best Mystery series.  Nora Best has just turned fifty and is about to make some big changes.  Nora and her husband, Joe have quit their jobs and sold their home.  They have purchased a truck and an Airstream.  They are going to travel around the country with Nora writing her second book, a travel blog, and taking freelance writing assignments (which will pay for their adventures).  During the farewell party, Nora enters the bathroom to find her husband and his best friend’s wife in a compromising position.  Nora decides to begin her adventure early by taking off with the truck and Airstream.  Nora soon finds herself arrested for murder and she needs to uncover who is setting her up.  I was taken with the concept of this series.  Our protagonist traveling around and solving mysteries.  I liked that Nora is a woman my own age (a rarity in cozy mysteries).  I was, though, put off with the significant amount of foul language, alcohol, and talk of intimate situations.  The story is told from Nora’s point-of-view which turned me off because of her thoughts (and they say men have a one track mind).  I can understand that Nora has had some shocks, but I wish she had acted logically.  An example is when the attorney tells her that the police will soon have a warrant and will be searching her Airstream for further evidence.  I would go through the trailer with a fine-tooth comb.  Nora heads off to the lake to enjoy the view. I was hoping the whodunit would redeem the book, but I was disappointed.  It can easily be solved early in the book thanks to one little detail.  I thought the book contained many unneeded details along with repetition of information and the second half was a little off the rails (headed to crazy town).  As you can tell, I was not the right audience for Best Laid Plans.  Nora is an unlikeable protagonist who I would not let near my husband (if I had one).  She begins ogling a man less than two days after leaving her husband and has thoughts of doing more than sharing a dinner with him.  I also tired of hearing about the husband’s perfect tush.  Best Laid Plans is an outrageous mystery tale with a missing man, a ravenous bear, a razor-sharp axe, an awesome Airstream, scrumptious pie, and a remarkable ranger.  

Best Laid Plans is available from Amazon*.  You can find Gwen Florio's other novels here.  Thank you for reading my book review today.  Next time I am featuring The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby by Jennifer Beckstrand.  It is the first book in The Amish Quiltmaker series.    I hope you have a serene day.  I am off to switch out my  Valentine's decorations outside for St. Patrick's Day decorations.  I have a six foot tall leprechaun blowup as well as garden flags and lights.  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.

Murder Ink by Betty Hechtman

 

Book Summary

Murder Ink by Betty Hechtman has Veronica Blackstone working as a writer for hire when she gets writer’s block while working on her second mystery novel.  She has been hired to write booklet for Rachel Parkers memorial service to celebrate her life.  Veronica had worked with Rachel and her then fiancé, Luke to polish their wedding vows a year ago.  She is shocked when she learned Rachel was dead.  Veronica finds it equally odd that the death been deemed undetermined.  Rachel’s family is more concerned with how it looks and reflects on them than on getting the truth.  Veronica feels that something is off about the situation.  While gathering information for the memorial booklet, Veronica decides to find about more about Rachel’s last days as well to see if she can discover the truth.  

My Thoughts

Murder Ink by Betty Hechtman is the first book in A Writer for Hire Mystery series.  This story is told in the first person from Veronica Blackstone’s point-of-view.  Veronica had a successful first book, but she is having trouble completing the second book.  While waiting for inspiration to hit, Veronica has become a writer for hire as well as a writing coach.  She is hired by Evan to write a letter to a co-worker in the hopes of getting him a date.  Evan is a nervous man who can use all the help he can get.  Veronica also gets hired by Mrs. Parker to create a celebration of life booklet for her recently deceased daughter, Rachel.  Veronica is shocked that the vibrant Rachel is dead.  She worked with Rachel and her then fiancé’, Luke to polish their wedding vows a year ago.  There are some unanswered questions regarding Rachel’s death and Veronica sets out to fill in the blanks.  Murder Ink was easy to read with some quirky characters.  I liked the storyline involving Evan.  It was humorous.  I am not a fan of stories told in the first person and that includes Murder Ink.  We get too much of what Veronica thinks as well as repetition of information.  I thought the pacing was a little slow.  It could have been peppier (it does pick up near the end).  The mystery was straightforward, though, I did not feel it was the main focus of the book.  Veronica did ask people questions but I felt she missed the mark at times.  There was some suspicious activity that made the mystery more interesting.  I thought that Veronica got lucky with the solution.  I found it easy to sus out the guilty party (might as well have been a neon arrow over the persons head).  The mystery wrapped up quickly.  If I did not know better, I would think this was the author’s first cozy mystery.  I did enjoy the descriptions of Chicago and Veronica’s neighborhood.  There were some interesting tidbits about buildings relating back to the Chicago Worlds Fair.  I also enjoyed the writer’s group and Veronica’s downstairs neighbor.   Will I read the next book in A Writer for Hire Mystery series?  I believe I will skip it as this series is not a good fit for me.  Murder Ink is an easygoing cozy mystery with a matchmaking stay-at-home mom, a undefine death, invigorating dance classes, a nervous Nellie, a troublesome television, and a cute cop.

Murder Ink is available from Amazon*.  You can find Betty Hechtman's other novels here.  Ms. Hechtman writes A Yarn Retreat Mystery series and A Crochet Mystery series.    Thank you for reading my review.  The Preacher's Son by Patricia Johns will be featured next time.  It is the first book in The Infamous Amish series.  I hope you have a sunny 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.

The Christmas Fair Killer by Amy Patricia Meade

Book Summary

The Christmas Fair Killer by Amy Patricia Meade has Tish Tarragon with a prime location for her Cookin’ the Books Café and Catering booth at the Hobson Glen Holiday Fair.  She is delivering breakfast to the members of the Williamsburg Theater Group with actor, Justin Dange.  When Jenny Inkpen fails to answer their knock, they enter her trailer where Tish finds the young ingenue dead.  Sheriff Clemson Reade is quick to arrive and appreciates Tish’s help with the case.  People open up to Tish and share information that they would not with Sheriff Reade.  Lies, jealousy, and secrets abound among the theater troupe.  Tish whips up culinary delights for the Christmas Fair visitor,  and, in between, she stirs together the clues in the hopes of serving up the killer.

My Thoughts

The Christmas Fair Killer by Amy Patricia Meade is the 3^rd A Tish Tarragon Mystery.  It can be read on its own if you have not read Cookin’ the Book or The Garden Club Murder.  Tish Tarragon owns Cookin’ the Books Café and Catering where she serves up culinary themed food.  I had to laugh at the creative names for her dishes.  It is time for the Hobson Glen Holiday Fair with food vendors, craftspeople, and entertainers.  A Christmas Carol and Twelfth Night are being performed each day by the Williamsburg Theater Group.  Tish has agreed to deliver breakfast to theirs trailers each day of the fair.  The first day begins with a bang when Tish finds Jenny Inkpen dead in her trailer.  Tish helps Sheriff Clemson Reade by asking questions.  People have a way of sharing information with Tish which provides Sheriff Reade with helpful intel.  The mystery had multiple suspects in the death of the ingenue. There are red herrings and good clues.  I am amazed at the secrets that come to light.  I thought the murder weapon was unique as well as a couple other aspects of the crime.  I found Identifying the killer, though, to be a snap while others have found it challenging.  I believe it depends on the number of mysteries you have read.  The whodunit does involve a sensitive subject that is normally not broached in cozy mysteries.  Each food dish is described in detail along with the outfits people wore.  I did feel it was a little too much detail especially in the first chapter (where each dish Tish created for the Christmas Fair was described) which slowed down the beginning of the story.  I was surprised and disappointed by what happened at the end. I hope this development is not permanent. The author captured the Christmas feeling with the cold weather, the fair, decorations, and the food.  Christmas Fair Killer has developed characters who are good friends and have become a family.  I like that they support each other and are there in times of need.  The Christmas Fair Killer is an entertaining cozy mystery with fair fun, anxious actors, earsplitting explosives, captivating cuisine, cozy cocoa, and Christmas cheer.

The Christmas Fair Killer is available from Amazon* along with the other two novels in A Tish Tarragon Mystery series which are Cookin' the Books and The Garden Club Murder.  You can find more books by Amy Patricia Meade here.  I appreciate you dropping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with Across the Winding River by Aimie K. Runyan.  I do hope that you have a day filled with laughter.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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