Purranormal Activity by Cate Conte

Purranormal Activity

Book Summary

Trouble is brewing on Daybreak Island. . .

Summer is in full swing on Daybreak Island, and JJ’s House of Purrs—and the new mobile cat café—has Maddie James running nonstop with on-site cat parties.

So when Olivia McAllister, her mother’s childhood best friend, returns to the island for the first time in decades—after a family tragedy drove her away—and asks Maddie to plan a birthday party for her granddaughter, Maddie happily agrees. It’s been forty years since Olivia’s aunt, Delia McAllister, vanished without a trace. Her disappearance was never solved, and the abandoned family house has loomed over the island ever since.

But when Maddie and her mom arrive at Delia’s old house, it’s empty—except for a white-and-gray cat that leads Maddie to a hidden room. There, she finds Olivia dead.

Soon Maddie learns the mysterious cat may be tied to a ghostly island legend. And as she digs deeper, she realizes she’s unraveling two disappearances, forty years apart—while someone is desperate to keep the truth buried.

My Thoughts

A cozy mystery with whiskers, charm, and just the right touch of the supernatural, Purranormal Activity by Cate Conte is a delightful read from start to finish. The characters—felines included—are well developed and easy to like, and JJ the cat quickly became a favorite. I also enjoyed the quirky setting of Daybreak Island, Massachusetts, where everyone seems to know one another and stay delightfully involved in each other’s lives. 

The story offers two mysteries to solve, both filled with enjoyable twists and turns. Although I guessed the resolution of the whodunits, I still wanted to keep reading to see exactly how everything would unfold. The paranormal element is balanced just right, and the humor adds extra warmth throughout. The cat café manager is especially unique, with her clear preference for felines over humans. Purranormal Activity is the tenth book in the Cat Café Mystery series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. For readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with humor, heart, and a few fabulous cats, this one is a real treat.

Ready for a little mystery with a whisker of fun? Purranormal Activity is available now on Amazon, along with the nine other books in the Cat Café Mystery series. If you’d like to be the first to know when Cate Conte has a new release, be sure to follow her on Amazon. Thank you so much for joining me this week—I always love sharing these bookish visits with you. I’ll be back on Tuesday, August 18, with The Secret in the Sampler by Abigail B. Hartwell, the first book in the Plain Truth Mystery series. Until then, I hope your weekend is full of cozy corners, good books, and just enough curiosity to keep things interesting!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A cat lounger!

*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.

Probable Caws by Donna Andrews

Probable Caws

Book Summary

Readers will flock to New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews's next installment in the award-winning Meg Langslow series.

Meg has finally found time to get some blacksmithing done when a call from her dad interrupts her--can she come out to Ragnar’s right away to help with the horses? Their friend Ragnar Ragnarsen, who is gradually turning the enormous house on his nearby estate into an authentic moated castle, has agreed to shelter nearly fifty horses for Hoof and Hearth, an equine rescue organization that has lost access to the farm where the horses have been living. The owner of the farm recently died without leaving a will, and while his older son Abel would be happy to let the horses stay, younger brother George wants to sell to a developer . . . and is suspected of sending a thug to harm the horses as part of his efforts to evict Hoof and Hearth.

That night, while Meg and her family are camping at one of Ragnar’s barns, to keep an eye on the horses, they discover that the thug has been murdered. Unfortunately George is alibied . . . but his horse-loving brother Abel is not. Neither are the hot-tempered founder of Hoof and Hearth or the passionately protective ex-jockey who serves as its stablemaster. Meg juggles helping keep the horses safe and doing what she can to help the chief solve the thug’s murder . . . all the while hoping that the killer won’t turn out to be one of the dedicated horse rescuers she has come to like and respect.

My Thoughts

Feathers, horses, and a mystery with plenty of heart—what more could a cozy mystery fan want? Probable Caws by Donna Andrews is a witty, charming addition to this engaging series. I enjoy Andrews’s writing style; she has a wonderful gift for world building, weaving in interesting details, and adding just the right touch of humor. Meg is as strong and compassionate as ever, and her wonderfully eccentric family adds to the fun. 

The story also features a delightful cast of familiar secondary characters, along with a few new faces who fit right in. I especially enjoy the sense of community and the way everyone jumps in to help when trouble arises. And speaking of scene stealers, the horses, Trouble and Spooky, absolutely earn their moment in the spotlight. Meg even gets to do a little blacksmithing, which adds another enjoyable touch. The mystery kept me interested, and the ending had me laughing. Probable Caws can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading all the books in this delightful series. This one left me smiling, chuckling, and ready to saddle up for Meg’s next adventure!

Okay, fellow cozy sleuths—have you read Probable Caws, or do you have another Meg Lanslow favorite tucked up your sleeve? Swoop into the comments and tell me which mystery has you happily following the clues!

Looking for your next cozy mystery obsession? Probable Caws is available on Amazon, along with the other delightful novels in Donna Andrews’ A Meg Lanslow Mystery series. Follow Donna Andrews on Amazon to get an email whenever she has a new book release, and be sure to stop back on Thursday, August 6, for my thoughts on K-9 Wilderness Rescue by Monique DeVere. Until then, keep your bookmark handy, your TBR pile towering, and your reading spirits bright. 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.

Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber with Amayah Shaienne

SISTERHOOD ABOVE ALL

Book Summary

Being a Gamma at Southern State University means belonging to the most desirable, exclusive sisterhood there is. For Ava, it means even more—it’s the last connection she has to her beloved late mother, and she’ll do anything to wear the Gamma letters.

But the Gammas didn’t become the best house on campus by letting just anyone in, and every prospective pledge is expected to earn her spot. As president, Madison is the ultimate gatekeeper, and she has a special test for Ava.

Rival sorority Theta is nipping at the Gammas’ heels for the top spot on campus, and president Shay is proud they’ve gotten there by rising above the hyper-competitive gamesmanship that consumes other houses. She knows she’s made some enemies in her quest to change the Greek system from the inside, but she can’t imagine the depth of Madison’s resentment for her … or how far Ava will go to become a Gamma.

The sisterhood, the parties, the elite status—and the connection to her mother—are what Ava has always wanted, but she never guessed the cost of membership would be so high. Three women, two houses, one dead body: rush has never been this messy.

My Thoughts

Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber with Amayah Shaienne drops you right into rush-week chaos with sparkle, secrets, and plenty of drama. This fun, fast-paced sorority mystery kept me turning the pages, thanks to its multiple points of view and short, snappy chapters. With two rival houses competing for the best pledge class, things get deliciously messy fast. I loved the steady stream of twists, surprises, and reveals that kept the momentum going. The peek behind the polished sorority image added just the right dose of intrigue, making the drama feel extra juicy and fun.  I would have loved the characters to have a bit more depth, but overall, this was an entertaining, twisty read that’s easy to fly through. If you’re craving something juicy, quick, and full of sorority secrets, grab this one and let the rush-week games begin!

Sisterhood Above All is available from Amazon. If you enjoy Sisterhood Above All, take a moment to check out Kathleen Barber's other novels.  I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Mabel and the Privy of Doom tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15.  It is a Mysteries of Medicine Spring novel.  Enjoy the little things today.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews

Road Trip

Book Summary

Pack your bags for a summer journey shaped by family secrets, long-buried history, and charming men with Irish accents.

Maeve and Therese Dunigan haven’t spoken in years. Raised under the same roof in Savannah, the two sisters could not be more opposite—Maeve the rule follower, Therese the unapologetic rebel. But when their mother’s death pulls them back together, they inherit more than just grief: a mysterious painting that may be worth millions…if it’s real.

Determined to uncover the truth—and desperately in need of the money—the sisters set out on a journey to Ireland, tracing their family’s roots and the origins of the portrait. What begins as a search for answers soon becomes something deeper—a reckoning with the past, as they uncover secrets that span generations and reshape everything they thought they knew about their family.

With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs, and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm.

Can Maeve and Therese actually survive the journey without killing each other? Join Mary Kay Andrews on a road trip that will entertain you for miles.

My Thoughts

I picked up Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews because the combination of family secrets, family drama, and a road trip sounded especially appealing. There were certainly interesting ideas throughout, and I could see what the story was aiming for, but it didn’t connect with me as strongly as I had hoped. I had a hard time warming up to some of the characters, especially Therese, and the number of secondary characters occasionally made the story feel a bit crowded. At 439 pages, the novel also felt somewhat longer than necessary, with certain details revisited more often than I would have preferred. The romance moved a little quickly for my taste, and I wasn’t fully convinced by the chemistry between the couple. I also found some of the language not to my personal preference. For me, this story lacked the charm and spark I usually associate with Mary Kay Andrews. The premise was strong, but the execution didn’t fully live up to its potential.

Road Trip can be ordered from Amazon as well as other major booksellers.  You can find Mary Kay Andrews other novels here.  The pictures that I shared today are from Ireland. It is a country that I have always wanted to visit.  How about you?  In Ireland, you could you greet somone casually by saying, "What’s the craic?" (How's it going?) or Haigh (which is Hi). 

I will be sharing my thoughts on Silent Witness by Tracy Fredrychowski on Wednesday, June 3.  It is the third An Amish Book Club Mystery. I am off to take care of some chores (I wish the house could sweep and dust itself). Take care and I hope today treats you kindly. 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.

The Final Target by Nora Roberts

The Final Target

Book Summary

A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire—and rage—in the gripping thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.

He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude—but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden's purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

My Thoughts

The Final Target by Nora Roberts is a tense, emotional thriller that held my attention from beginning to end. It is a well-written story with strong characters, steady pacing, and an especially effective villain. The multiple points of view add depth, and I liked how suspense, obsession, and family drama are woven throughout the story. The relationships felt genuine, which gave the book added emotional weight. The assault is graphic and may be upsetting for some readers, but the story is ultimately about hope, healing, and reclaiming independence. There is also romance, and Gideon brings warmth and calm to the darker parts of the novel. The unexpected twists and satisfying ending made this a suspenseful, compelling read.

The Final Target can be purchased from Amazon (it is also available from other major booksellers including Barnes & Noble, BAM, Kobo, Target, Waterstone's).  Nora Roberts has published many wonderful books since her first publication, Irish Thoroughbred in 1981.  I have been reading her books since I was twelve (young adult fiction did not exist when I was kid), and I look forward to each new release.  You can find her other novels here.  On Thursday, May 28, I am featuring Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed. It is the third book in the Colorado K-9 Unit series.   Hope today treats you kindly. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

I had to share this with you!

*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 is my philosophy!  

I, Spy by L.M. Kemp

I, Spy

Book Summary

Kendal Carter is out in the cold and she wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been four years since her daughter Rosie was born and Kendal has kept her miles away from the danger of her former life as a spy. But when their hiding place is discovered, Kendal is forced to turn to old contacts for help. Her longtime friend and ex-handler Rico doesn’t miss his chance to pull his best spy back in. Whisking them to London, Rico offers them a luxury safe house in an area with good schools. How can Kendal resist?

But there’s a catch, of course. Rico wants Kendal to come back to work for his espionage agency Bon Temps. He’s offering an assignment with no apparent downside, investigating one of the dads at Rosie’s new school who works at one of London’s biggest, murkiest tech firms and suspected of being up to no good. It should be easy enough for someone with her experience, and luckily, mother is the perfect cover.

However, it doesn’t take long for Kendal to realize that Rico’s got an agenda of his own. The tech firm may be dealing in darker and more deadly secrets than they all realize, plus the world of coffee mornings and playdates comes with its own web of allegiances and betrayals. Kendal soon finds herself in way too deep . . .

A gripping blend of suspenseful spy thriller with heartfelt women’s fiction, I, Spy is the first in a propulsive debut series about the masks we all wear, whether as a spy or as a parent.

My Thoughts

I, Spy by L.M. Kemp is a fun and fast paced spy story.  This was an original take on a spy story.  I thought the interactions between Kendall and Rosie were sweet. Kendall is clever and capable (watch out bad guys).  The side characters were engaging and droll.  I enjoyed the twists and turns which kept things lively along with the action.  I loved all the humor.  The author left room for a sequel or series.  I am looking forward to Kendall’s next adventure.  

I, Spy can be obtained from Amazon. If you follow L.M. Kemp on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for popping by today.  On Tuesday, May 12, I will be featuring The Island Bookshop by Roseanna M. White.  May your weekend be a little island of sunshine in the ocean of your week. 🌴🌞  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.

The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly

The Barn Identity

Book Summary

The eighth in the House-Flipper mystery series set in Nashville, where the real estate market is to die for.

In Nashville, carpenter Whitney Whitaker is ecstatic when the owner of an antebellum livery stable approaches her about rehabbing the barn and offers Whitney free rein with the design. While unproven, it’s rumored that the building once served as part of the Underground Railroad. The project presents a unique opportunity to work on a site of significance and help preserve history, and she convinces her cousin to take a chance on the old property.

When a local journalist reporting on the renovation is found dead on the property, investigators suspect he might have been murdered for any one of several exposés he’d published about local politicians, movers, and shakers. Whitney wonders if there’s more to the story and whether the journalist’s fate might be tied directly to the stable renovation. Can she solve the murder and bring a killer to justice? Or might this goal be too lofty?

My Thoughts

The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly takes Whitney Whitaker Flynn and her cousin, Buck to Leipers Fork, Tennessee.  I always look forward to the latest A House-Flipper Mystery because I like the characters, the animals, and the setting.  Whitney is a spunky woman who is also smart, a talented designer and renovator.  Whitney and her husband are expecting their first baby.  They are excited and wondering how the new baby will change their lives.  I enjoy the chapters from Sawdust’s (Whitney’s cat) point of view.    I find them cute. I have a feeling that Sawdust is going to be a little put out by the new addition to the family.

The mystery of the murdered podcaster was appealing.  I followed Whitney as she asked questions and searched for clues.  The source of the last puzzle piece truly delighted me. The barn renovation was interesting plus it added realism to the story.  The information on plant-based diets was not something that I had heard before (I avoid vegetables since I am allergic to most of them).  I liked the animal cameras with the live feeds in the restaurant (clever idea).  The Barn Identity is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a pregnant renovator, a snuggly Sawdust, a barn renovation, a murdered podcaster, scrummy smoothies, and a cow camera.  

The Barn Identity can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in The House-Flipper Mysteries here.  If you follow Diane Kelly on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  You can find Diane Kelly's other cozy mysteries here.  

I appreciate you joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, April 7 with Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson. It is the third Forest Ranger Rescurers book.  I hope that you have a Happy Easter and the Easter Bunny leaves your favorite candy (I want Werther's Soft Caramels).  I have my Mother's Easter treats ready and I have purchased the items for our Easter dinner. 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.

Murder Will Out by Jennifer K. Breedlove

MURDER WILL OUT

Book Summary

Come for the memories. Stay for the murder...

Little North Island, off the coast of Maine, is so beautiful it could be a postcard. Organist Willow Stone cherishes her memories of childhood summers spent on the island with her godmother Sue... even though her visits ended abruptly, and she hasn't seen or heard from her godmother in over fifteen years. Until a letter from Sue—and word of Sue’s death—brings Willow back to the picturesque island.

The islanders rarely mention Sue without also bringing up Cameron House, and the controversy around Sue’s unexpected inheritance of the sprawling mansion. When Willow overhears someone threatening the next heir to the property, she starts to question whether Sue’s death was really an accident, and can’t help but wonder whether someone on this sleepy island is willing to stop at nothing—even murder—to claim Cameron House for their own.

Through Willow’s eyes, as well as those of others on the island, a mystery unfolds that keeps drawing Willow back to Cameron House and the very real ghosts that walk its corridors.

My Thoughts

Jennifer K. Breedlove’s debut novel, Murder Will Out, transports readers to Little North Island, located off Maine's coast. This atmospheric, gothic mystery perfectly captures a moody setting.  Willow started out meek and awkward but grew stronger and more assertive by the end. The house was an interesting character, though the mystery wasn’t compelling.  The whodunit reveal reminded me of a cartoon where the evil villain twirls the end of his mustache just before he is caught.  The story also incorporates supernatural elements, including ghosts who engage with the living characters.  The dialogue was more suited to young adults than adults and three-toed sloth moves faster than the pace of the story.  The story had a couple of good elements, but it needed more to make it an enjoyable read.  I am sure that Jennifer K. Breedlove will do remarkably better on her next novel.

You can get a sample of Murder Will Out from Amazom*, so you can see if the novel suits you. Just because it was not up my alley, does not mean you will not love it. That is the beauty of books.  There is something for everyone! Thank you for stopping by today!  I will be sharing my thoughts on Easter Egg Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart tomorrow (Thursday, February 19).  I am off to do a little work in my garden.  The last cold snap had freezing winds which killed most of the plants in my front raised garden bed.  I need to remove the dead plants and then get the raised beds ready for new seeds.  I have been searching online for plants that can handle drought and the heat.  I can plant the seeds in another week or so.  I am looking forward to spring and I bet you are too (it has been such a cold winter)!  I hope that you have a 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.