Sweet Tomorrows

Welcome Back!  I have returned from my doctor's appointment.  An hour and a half each way (in the rain) for five minutes with the doctor.  I am glad I only have to do this every three months.  My Doozy was so happy to see me.  His tail was wagging so hard, I thought he would start to fly like a helicopter.  I also got kisses. The cats, of course, were no where to be seen (sound asleep).  Today I am reviewing Debbie Macomber's latest novel Sweet Tomorrows. My favorite series of Debbie Macomber is the Blossom Street series.  I love the characters, the town, feeling of friendship and family as well as the yarn and knitting projects described.

Sweet Tomorrows by Debbie Macomber is the final book in the Rose Harbor series.  Jo Marie Rose owns the Rose Harbor Inn in Cedar Cove, Washington.  She really misses Mark Taylor.  Mark and Jo Marie are in love, but Mark does not feel he can commit to Jo Marie just yet.  He needs to go back to Iraq and get his informant, Ibrahim and family out of the country.  Mark’s unit had to leave so suddenly they were not able to help the local people (informants) who worked with the soldiers.  Jo Marie told Mark that she would not stop her life while he was gone.  It takes many months but eventually Jo Marie meets someone she is interested in dating.  Just as their relationship is starting to progress, Mark comes home.  What will Jo Marie do?

Emily Gaffney has obtained a teaching position in Cedar Cove.  Until she finds a place to live, she is staying at Rose Harbor Inn.  Emily is getting over a break-up and feels that it is time to give up on love.  But it looks like love is not ready to give up on her.  Enter Nick Schwartz into Emily’s life.  Nick has the one house in Cedar Cover that Emily wishes to purchase.  Nick, though, is not willing to sell.  Nick is having troubles of his own.  Can these two help each other? 

Sweet Tomorrows is the final book in the series, but you can read it alone.  What happened in the previous books is brought up and gone over in detail.  This book (unlike the previous) is told in the first person from the main character’s point-of-views (Mark, Jo Marie, Emily, and Nick).  There is a lot of information repeated in this book (because of the different pov's).  I was a little disappointed in Sweet Tomorrows.  I have read the majority of Debbie Macomber's books, and this is not up to her usual standard.  I found the book lacking and thought it was very predictable. I give Sweet Tomorrows 3.5 out of 5 stars (it was okay).  Sweet Tomorrows is well-written (as are all of Debbie Macomber's novels) and has a good flow/pace.  I did like the sweet ending and the updates on past guests.

The other novels in A Rose Harbor Novel series are The Inn at Rose Harbor, Rose Harbor in Bloom, Love Letters, and Silver Linings.  You can follow Debbie Macomber on Amazon and Facebook to get updates on her latest releases and contests.  I received a complimentary copy of Sweet Tomorrows in exchange for an honest evaluation.  The comments and opinions expressed are my own.

I am off to feed the children (cats and dogs) and then relax (per doctor's orders).   I hope all of you have a great evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Grave Prediction

It has been another rainy day here in "Sunny Florida"!  I am hoping the rain will stay away tomorrow when I have to drive to my doctor's appointment in Tampa (an hour and a half away).  I do not drive well in the rain.  My father used to drive me when I had to go out and it was raining.  The author I am featuring today, Victoria Laurie also writes the Ghost Hunter Mystery series.  A combination of paranormal and mystery in one book (a good combination).  I have not yet read any of the books in the series, but I am going to now (after reading the book below).

A Grave Prediction by Victoria Laurie is the fourteenth book in A Psychic Eye Mystery series.  Abby Cooper is a psychic in Austin, Texas and a consultant with the FBI.  Her boss (Austin FBI Special Agent in Charge), Brice Harrison (Abby’s husband’s boss as well) is sending her to Los Angeles to show her stuff.  Brice has been getting a little flack for using a psychic.  Abby needs to prove her worth (she has to solve at least one high profile case) or she will be cut from the budget (government is always doing budget cuts).  Abby is also to teach a group of agents how to use their intuition.  Brice reminds her to behave herself and tells her that his wife, Candice (a licensed PI and Abby’s best friend) cannot come along.  Now, you know that Candice is going to find a way to tag along.  Needless to say, the agents in LA are very skeptical, and Abby is tested right away.  The only agent who deals with Abby nicely is Agent Hart.  Abby is asked to consult on a series of bank robberies.  The robbers have done a good job at leaving no clues to their identity (very synchronized).  When Abby goes to the scene of one of the robberies, Abby senses lead her to some land.  She is sure that there are bodies buried there.  Unfortunately for Abby, the remains found are those of Indians which raises a lot of hoopla.  Abby is fired and told to go home.  Abby does not give up that easily.  She sets out to solve the robbery case with the help of Candice and Agent Hart as well as figure out why she saw a vision of four bodies.  Will there be four murders in the future?  Join Abby in A Grave Prediction and find out how she proves her worth to these skeptical agents.

A Grave Prediction was just delightful.  It was an entertaining novel.  I like the characters and their humor (Candice and Abby were funny).  The mysteries were very good (complex) with various details.  They can be solved if you pay close attention to the clues (especially the robberies).  There are several twists, turns, and curve balls thrown at the reader.  The book is written in a nice conversational style (and it has a good fast pace) which makes A Grave Prediction easy to read. There is a little romance (between the two couples).  I give A Grave Prediction 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).  While this is the first book in the series that I have read, I did not feel like I was in the middle of a series.  The author updates the readers on the characters (not all the cases) and their past history.  I look forward to going back and reading the other books in A Psychic Eye Mystery series.  I am definitely going to read future books in this series.

You can check out the other A Psychic Eye Mystery series books here (I am not listing all thirteen).  I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation.  The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.

I am off to cook my dinner.  Thank you for visiting and reading my latest book review.  I will be back tomorrow after my appointment. I hope all of you have a lovely evening and a glorious Tuesday! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

When Death Draws Near

Happy Sunday!  I hope all of you are having a superb Sunday.  It has continued to rain in my area (all night).  Soon I will need a boat to navigate my front yard.  If you enjoy suspense novels, I highly recommend Angela Marsons' Detective Kim Stone Crime Thriller series.  There are currently four books in the series and they are excellent.  Kim Stone is a complex character and the mysteries have more turns than licorice twists.

When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks is the third A Gwen Marcey Novel.  Gwen Marcey is a forensic artist and her latest job takes her to Pikeville, Kentucky.  Gwen was hired to help with their serial rapist case.  The latest victim, Shelby Lee, is in the hospital, and Gwen cannot speak with her until the next day.  While she waits, Gwen helps Sheriff Clayton Reed by doing a sketch of a John Doe in their morgue (he needs identification).  Unfortunately, Gwen does not get a chance to speak with the victim, Shelby Lee.  She disappeared from the hospital overnight and has left town just like all the other victims and their families. What is going on?  Gwen is staying at a local motel where she meets Ina Jo Cummings, who mans the front desk (and her baby). Gwen goes into the lobby one evening, and Ina Jo is not there, but the baby is and crying.  Gwen contacts the police.  Ina Jo is the latest victim of the Hillbilly Rapist (as the press of dubbed him).  After Gwen is almost run over by car and then finds a rattler in bed, she moves to Campbell house.   Arless Campbell is a state senator and the local buzz states he is getting ready to cast his hat in the ring for President.  When they hear that Gwen connected with John Doe’s (Samuel Adkins) parents (Elijah and Ruby Adkins), Arless and Blanche see an opportunity for Gwen to help with another case.   There is an underground church that uses snakes in their service (can you imagine)!  They belong to Church of the Lord Jesus Christ with Signs Following.  Arless had gotten legislature passed to make it illegal (the snakes).  They feel that Gwen is their best chance for them to get someone on the inside.  Gwen agrees but then she finds out that her daughter, Aynslee (15) is coming (ex-husband, Robert has an emergency with new wife’s family).  Gwen and Aynslee goes to Samuel’s funeral and get invited to the church’s revival.  Their adventure is just beginning.   Join Gwen in When Death Draws Near.

When Death Draws Near contains good writing and has a good pace.  It was interesting to read about Gwen’s job as a forensic artist.  This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read alone (the author brings the reader up-to date).  The mystery is very complex and full of surprises.  The only annoying thing for me was Gwen’s self-doubt and questioning herself through other people’s eyes (she imagines what they will say).  I took to skimming through those areas.  I give When Death Draws Near 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I tried to summarize When Death Draws Near, but it is a complicated book.  There is quite a bit going on in the novel.  Be warned that snakes are mentioned in this book (with descriptions).  I have to admit that I cannot stand snakes (they give me the creepies and nightmares).  When Death Draws Near is a Christian mystery novel, but it is light on the Christian element.  I will definitely be reading the next book in A Gwen Marcey Novel series.

The other two novels in A Gwen Marcey Novel series are A Cry from the Dust and The Bones Will Speak.  I believe When Death Draws Near is the best book in the series.  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

I am off to feed my children their dinner (the cats and dogs). May all of you have a delightful evening.  Make sure to take time for yourself today. All of us need a little quiet time (I know I do or I get snippy).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

In the Land of Milk and Honey

It has been a very overcast day in my area today with intermittent rain.  I still had to go to the grocery store, though.  The cats were quite insistent since I was out of their hard food (they can get pushy when it is time to eat).  Do you like Amish novels?  Some of my favorite authors write delightful Amish Fiction.  Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Wanda Brunstetter, Jennifer Beckstrand, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kelly Long are just a couple of them.    Emma Miller writes a good Amish mystery series called An Amish Mystery (simple but effective).  If you enjoy Amish fiction, please take a moment to check out these authors and their books.

In the Land of Milk and Honey by Jane Jensen is An Elizabeth Harris Novel.  Detective Elizabeth Harris is a homicide detective in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (in April 2015).  Elizabeth is called out when a whole Amish family is found dead in their home.  Elizabeth notices that there are empty milk glasses around the kitchen.  When they check out the cows in the barn, they discover that they are sick.  The police are hoping that this is just an isolated incident.  But then more victims turn up.  What is going on?  Dr. Glen Turner from the CDC is called in to help with the investigation.  Glen works closely with Elizabeth to help find the cause of the problem.  It seems that someone is targeting the Amish.  Can they catch the culprit before he racks up a higher body count?  Elizabeth comes up with a plan to foil the perpetrator.  Join Detective Elizabeth Harris on her latest case In the Land of Milk and Honey.

In the Land of Milk and Honey was a very good novel.  I liked the writing, the characters, and the setting.  The mystery was interesting and unusual (very unique method of killing as well as scary).  This book grabbed my attention and held it.  While I liked the mystery, I was able to solve it early in the book.  I picked out the culprit as soon as the person was introduced.  I did enjoy following the clues in the story to see if I was right.  The book had a fast pace that suited the storyline.  I give In the Land of Milk and Honey 4.5 out of 5 (I lowered a bit since I was able to solve it so early in the book).  It has an especially sweet ending.  I look forward to the next book in An Elizabeth Harris Novel series.

The other novel in An Elizabeth Harris Novel series is Kingdom Come.  If you have not read Kingdom Come, you can still enjoy In the Land of Milk and Honey.  The author does bring the reader up-to-date on what happened in the first book.  I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

I hope you had a wonderful Saturday.  I am finishing Seasons in Paradise by Barbara Cameron (finishing up my books from August 2).  I am off to relax.  I will return tomorrow to review When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

Skinny Dipping with Murder

I hope everyone is having a sunny Saturday.  We certainly deserve some sun after all the rain (every day it rains).  I thought I would tell you about Misty Manor by Linda Rawlins today.  It is a new cozy mystery that looks like it will be good (I read the sample and then purchased it).  I have added it to my TBR pile.  You should get a sample and see if Misty Manor will appeal to you.

Skinny Dipping with Murder by Auralee Wallace is An Otter Lake Mystery novel.  Erica Bloom is returning home at her mother’s request.   Her mother, Summer needs a favor to help save her business.  Summer hosts retreats for women.  The latest retreat is “Earth, Moon, and Stars” where women get in touch with a person’s inner goddess.  Erica has not been home in eight years because she was the victim of a practical joke that left her feeling humiliated.  The three “Fluffateers” were responsible for the prank.  Tommy (leader and cousin to Grady Forrestor, local sheriff), Dickie, and Harry are the members of the group.   Erica has barely unpacked her suitcase when Dickie Morrison is found dead.  He is at the bottom of a well impaled on a weenie skewer (what a way to go).  Sheriff Grady Forrestor immediately suspects Erica of killing Dickie.  When Harry Drummond pops up dead, Erica is really in the hot seat.  Erica needs to find the real killer before Grady locks her up (not that Erica would mind spending a little alone time with Grady).  Who is killing off the fluffateers and why now?  Looks like Erica will be sticking around Otter Lake a little longer than planned.

I found Skinny Dipping with Murder to be a moronic book (just being truthful).  It was just to over-the-top with nonsense to be enjoyable (at least for me).  The mystery was so simple.  I solved it right away (the killer was so obvious).  The novel is easy to read and had a good pace (that is it for my compliments).  I found Erica Bloom (the main character) to be infantile, and she had severe anger management issues.  I also got tired of her admiring the local sheriff (his bulging biceps, handsome thighs, etc.).  I do not believe I am the right audience for this book.  I give Skinny Dipping with Murder 2 out of 5 stars. 

The second novel in An Otter Lake Mystery series is Pumpkin Picking with Murder and it will be out on August 30.  I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Thank you for stopping by.  I will be back later with my review of Land of Milk and Honey by Jane Jensen.  I have to run a few errands first.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

(and Honest Reviewer)

Shots in the Dark

Can you believe it is Friday already?  This week just flew by for me.  I discovered a new cozy mystery series in July that I wanted to share with you.  It is the Psychic Eye Mystery series by Victoria Laurie.  Abby Cooper uses her abilities to help law enforcement solve crimes.  There are fourteen books in the series.  I read the latest A Grave Prediction and it was a very good (4.5 out of 5 stars).  It had a good mystery with just the right amount of humor (I did a lot of laughing while reading it).  I hope you take a look at this series and see if it is for you.  I will definitely be going back and reading all the books in the Psychic Eye Mystery series.

Shots in the Dark by Allyson K. Abbott is the fourth book in A Mack’s Bar Mystery series.  Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton owns Mack’s Bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Her boyfriend, Duncan Albright is a homicide detective, but they have had to keep their relationship under wraps.  Duncan got into trouble with his superiors for using Mack’s ability on a few cases and because of the letters.  Someone does not believe in Mack’s synesthesia (a neurological disorder where she experiences every sense in two ways).  They are now sending her letters that are puzzles.  If she does not figure out the clues before the deadline, someone she knows and cares about will die.  Mack was unable to meet the last deadline because of a car accident and Gary Gunderson was killed.  Mack broke her leg in the accident and is still in a cast.  The Capone Club is approached by Sandra Middleton.  Sandra would like them to look into her brother, Ben’s case.  Ben was convicted of killing his wife, Tiffany and Sandra does not believe he committed the crime.  The Capone Club decides to take the case after making sure Sandra understands that their investigation could uncover that Ben is guilty.  Sandra just wants the truth.  Mack is glad the group is busy with another case while she handles the mystery letter writer.  She does not want another friend to die because she could not figure out a clue in time.  Who is behind these letters?  It is obvious they do not believe in her skills (her synesthesia).  Each letter with its clues are getting increasingly more difficult.  Will they be able to find the person responsible before there is another victim?  Is Ben Middleton innocent or guilty?  Join Mack, Mal, Duncan, and the Capone Club as they set out to get answers.

Shots in the Dark was an engrossing novel.  Mack is a unique character.  Her synesthesia is an interesting disorder, and I like how it used to solve the puzzles.  The mysteries are complex and twisty (just wonderful).  Shots in the Dark is well-written and goes a good pace (fast).  I give Shots in the Dark 4.5 out of 5 (I more than liked it).  There was some repetition of information (about Mack’s disorder especially).  I believe that the love triangle between Mack, Duncan, and Mal needs to be resolved (soon).  I hope Mack picks Mal (I like him better than Duncan).  I thought it was odd that Mack would “sleep” (euphemism) with Duncan when she is falling for Mal.  This book, like the previous one, ended with the mysterious letter writer case still unsolved.  I am hoping this case will get wrapped up in the next book (how long can it drag on).  This is the fourth book in the series, but it can be read alone.  The author rehashes the previous books right away to bring readers up-to-date.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in A Mack’s Bar Mystery series to see if I am on the right track with the mystery letter’s writer identity.

The other books in A Mack's Bar Mystery series are Murder on the Rocks, Murder with a Twist, and In the Drink.  I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation.  The comments and opinions expressed above are strictly my own.

I want to thank all of you for visiting.  I really do appreciate your patronage.  There would be no blog without all of you.  I will be back tomorrow with another honest review (or two).  May you have an lovely evening!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Murder in the Secret Garden

Happy Wednesday!  I hope all of you have had a good day so far. Are you with familiar with the author Ellery Adams?  Ms. Adams is an excellent writer with some delightful book series.  The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery series, A Books by the Bay Mystery series, and A Book Retreat Mystery series are my favorites (though all of her books are very good).   If you are not familiar with her work, please take a moment to check out her books.  You will not regret it.

Murder in the Secret Garden by Ellery Adams is the third book in A Book Retreat Mystery series.  Jane Steward, resort manager, is getting ready for a wedding at Storyton Hall as well as The Medieval Herbalist group (who are all knowledgeable in poisons).  The bride, Victoria Billingsley and her sister, Hannah are members of the group.  In the Henry James Library, Mr. Sinclair has a rare herbal manuscript on display for the group (from their secret collection).  Jane’s boys (Fitz and Hem) are excited about the inaugural rubber duck race to take place in town in the Storyton River.  The race is sponsored by Storyton Outfitters, a new shop, owned by Phil and Sandy Hughes (the duck descriptions and names are humorous).  When Jane’s uncle favorite hat falls into the river, Jane volunteers to capture it for him.  Jane finds the hat along with the body of Kira Grace, a guest from Storyton Hall and a member of The Medieval Herbalist.  Jane hopes that this does not put a damper upon the wedding festivities and rallies the Fins to investigate Kira’s death.  Things take an unexpected turn when Edwin Alcott returns (just as Jane finds Kira’s body).  Jane is not sure what she feels for Edwin.  Is he a book thief?  Why radio silence for the last four months?  But Jane has a full plate and no time to speculate (rhyming unintentional).  The wedding goes off without a hitch and the reception is lovely with its Hildegard von Bingen’s theme.  Jane is enjoying the event until Mr. Sinclair informs her that the rare herbal manuscript they had on display has been stolen (not good).  What else can happen?  The next day the Medieval Herbalist take a trip into the hills to visit a druid.  Claude Mason, president of the group, talked Tom Green (owns the local nursery) into taking them (despite the fact that the druid does not tolerate visitors).  Jane is curious and follows along behind the herbalists.  After they leave, Jane hears screaming coming from the druid’s cabin.  The poor man was poisoned with wedding cake.  Is his murder related to Kira’s death?  Jane is even more determined to find who is responsible for the murders and theft (and deflect attention from Storyton Hall).  Join Jane and the Fins on their investigation in Murder in the Secret Garden!

Does the book sound intriguing to you? The above is only a summary of the novel (there is so much more).  Murder in the Secret Garden captured my interest from the very first page, and I did not want to stop reading (I stayed up until I finished the novel).  The book has developed characters, a wonderful setting (a retreat full of books), and a complex mystery.  The novel is easy to read and has a good pace (flow).  While Murder in the Secret Garden is the third book in the series, you can read it as a stand-alone.  The author gives the reader the needed background information on Jane and her family, Storyton Hall, and the mission of the Fins.   Though I highly suggest you go and read the other book in A Book Retreat Mystery series.  They are wonderful.  I give Murder in the Secret Garden 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it as you can tell).  I was able to solve the mysteries (the two murders and the theft of the book).  They were complex with lots of twists and turns. You have to pay very close attention to the details to be able to figure them out.  I loved the description of Storyton Hall.  The room names are all literary.  If Storyton Hall was real, I would never want to leave.  The Harry Potter references (and the games played by the boys) were entertaining (made me laugh) especially when the Fitz and Hem were playing with the mandrake root.  I look forward to reading the next book in A Book Retreat Mystery series.

The other books in A Book Retreat Mystery series are .  You can follow Ellery Adams on Amazon and Facebook (she has some great contests). I received a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. 

I want to thank you for visiting.  Make sure to take time for yourself tonight.  Every person needs a chance to relax and have a little quiet time (I sure can use some right now). Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Read to Death

Welcome!  I hope all of you have had a delightful day.  I spent the day paying bills (yuck) and then I had to go run a few errands.  I thought I would tell you about the Ashton Corners Book Club series today.  There are five books in the series by Erika Chase.  I have loved every book in the series and loved them.  It is about a mystery book club that ends up solving mysteries.  If you have not tried this series yet, please take a look.

Read to Death by Terrie Farley Moran is the third book in A Read ‘Em and Eat Mystery series.  Sassy Cabot and Bridgy Mayfield are taking the Cool Reads Warm Climate Book Club on an outing to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.  The tour ties in with the book The Florida Life of Thomas Edison the group just finished reading.  Everyone has a good time and they return to Red ‘Em and Eat in high spirits.  Bridgy forgot her sunglasses in the van and goes out to retrieve them.  Upon hearing a scream, Sassy runs out to investigate.  Their van driver, Oscar Frieland is dead.  The police are called and Lt. Frank Anthony shows up (assigned the case).  Everyone is separated and held for questioning.  Bridgy ends up the main suspect (she just went to get sunglasses) and that does not sit well with Sassy.   Sassy is determined to find the culprit.  Of course, Bridgy’s mother, Emelia decides to come visit and brings Sassy’s mother, Sage with her (this should be interesting).  Can the group find out who killed Oscar before Bridgy ends up in the brig?

Read to Death is nicely written and had a good pace which made for an easy to read book.  The mystery was a bit of a letdown.  Oscar made a comment (before he died), and I knew he would be the victim.   A comment from someone else told me the name of the killer before the murder even occurred.  I liked the setting of the novel in Fort Myers Beach.  It was interesting to read about their trip to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates (I have always wanted to visit).  I liked most of the characters in the book the one exception was Sage, Sassy’s mother.  I thought she was too over-the-top and extremely annoying (and pushy instead of funny).  I did get a tickle out of the NCIS reference (it was my father's favorite show).  I give Read to Death 3.5 out of 5 stars.  I just felt that book was lacking.  We get quite a bit of information about the city, the sites, and books.  I wish the author had put a more work into the mystery as she did the research on the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.  I found some information to be repeated a few times and there were way too many references (more than eight) to the Heap-a-Jeep (the main characters’ car). Will I read the next book in A Read ‘Em and Eat Mystery series?  Of course.  This could have just been an off book in an otherwise enjoyable series.  In the next book it looks like Bridgy and Sassy will be taking a vacation and leaving their mother's in charge of the shop!

The other two novels in A Read 'Em and Eat Mystery series are Well Read, Then Dead and Caught Read-Handed.  I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

I want to thank you for taking time out to visit my blog and read my latest book review.  I had better go cook dinner before I fill up on potato chips (I could not resist them at the store).  Tomorrow I will tell about Ellery Adams' Book Retreat Mystery series.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Grilling the Subject: A Cookbook Nook Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  Some wonderful novels came out today.  I hope you picked up some delightful new books to enjoy. Here are a few of the books that were released today (maybe you will find a few more to add to your TBR pile).   Sweet Tomorrows by Debbie Macomber, Clock and Dagger by Julianne Holmes,  Murder in the Secret Garden by Ellery Adams, Readaholics and the Gothic Gala by Laura DiSilverio, Silk Stalking by Diane Vallere, Cat with a Clue by Laurie Cass, The Artisan's Wife by Judith Miller, When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks, Much Ado about Muffin by Victoria Hamilton, In the Land of Milk and Honey by Jane Jensen,  and Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan.  I will be reviewing all of them on my blog.  

Grilling the Subject by Daryl Wood Gerber is the fifth book in A Cookbook Nook Mystery series.  Jenna Hart and the town are getting ready for the Wild West Extravaganza that is coming to Crystal Cove.  All the shops have decorated to reflect the wild west theme including Jenna’s The Cookbook Nook.  Then Jenna finds out that the Shane Maverick is now running the WWE.  They used to work together at Taylor and Squib Advertising in San Francisco.  Shane is a type of guy that reminds you of a snake oil salesman (just what they do not need).  Cary Hart, Jenna’s father and the other homeowners in the his neighborhood have been having difficulty with Sylvia Gump over some land.  Sylvia is trying to take over other people’s property. Sylvia has taken to throwing loud parties (bands with electric guitars) and has even erected an ostentatious fountain (along with hedges and fences).  Cary has a loud argument with Sylvia on the phone when she is setting up for another party.  The next morning Sylvia is found dead by her fountain.  Cary was out fishing at the time (by himself, of course) which means he has no alibi.  Jenna will do whatever is necessary to clear her father off the suspect list (which considering Sylvia is quite long).  Will Jenna be able to wrangle the real killer?  Jenna has felt that someone is following her.  She has only been able to see a shadowy figure.  Who is it and why are the following her around town?  Jenna is in for the shock of a lifetime when she discovers the individual’s true identity.  Join Jenna as well as her family and friends for barbecue, iced tea, and other delectable delights in Grilling the Subject.

Grilling the Subject is an entertaining novel.  It has developed characters, a gorgeous setting in sunny California, and great descriptions of cookbooks.  The book is easy to read and has a good pace.  The book is 277 pages long and has some recipes from Katie, Jenna, and Bailey at the end (with their comments).  I give Grilling the Subject 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  The mystery will lead you on a merry chase, but I thought it was easy to solve (I read a lot of mysteries and love solving them).  I was surprised by the person who is following Jenna.  It was a great twist.  While this is the fifth book in the series, it can be read alone (the author gives the reader’s Jenna’s backstory to catch them up).  I do, though, highly recommend you go and read the other four books when you get a chance (if you have not enjoyed them yet).  I look forward to the next A Cookbook Nook Mystery (and any other books by Daryl Wood Gerber).

The other novels in A Cookbook Nook Mystery series are Final Sentence, Inherit the Word, Stirring the Plot, and Fudging the Books.  I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions and comments expressed above are strictly my own.

This review has put me in the mood for barbecue chicken (little drumettes smothered in bbq sauce cooked on the grill).  I am off to cook my dinner.  I hope all of you had a delightful Tuesday and will have a nice, relaxing evening (you deserve it).  I will return tomorrow with another book review (fair warning).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Kilt at the Highland Games: A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery Novel

Happy Monday!  I am trying to figure out how my mother messed up her medication.  I filled it (her med box thingie) to last her through Wednesday. Somehow it is empty today.  I am now investigating talking reminder clocks for her (I am sure she will find a way to mess it up)!  Some great new books come out tomorrow.  Clock and Dagger by Julianne Holmes, Silk Stalking by Diane Vallere, Grilling the Subject by Daryl Wood Gerber by are just a few (and I will be reviewing all of them).  I will list more of the new releases tomorrow.

Kilt at the Highland Games is the tenth book in A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series.  Liss MacCrimmon Ruskin is getting ready for the Western Maine Highland Games which are being held in Moosetookalook, Maine (what a mouthful) this year.  Liss’ shop The Scottish Emporium will have a booth at the event.  One evening Liss awakens and looks out the window.  Angie’s Books is on fire.   The emergency bells rings out calling for assistance from the volunteer fire fighters (Dan Ruskin, Liss’ husband is a member).  Liss rushes over as well worried about her friend, Angie Hogencamp and her family.  Angie is nowhere to be seen and neither are her two children, Beth and Bradley.  It turns out that they are not in the burning building either.  Where are the Hogencamp’s?  Liss starts checking around town to see who saw Angie last.  Liss thought she knew Angie very well, but everyone has secrets. 

The Western Maine Highland Games begin and Liss hopes this will distract her from her worry over Angie.  But then town selectman, Jason Graye is found dead.  Jason was not a well-liked man.  He was trying to close the library to save the town money and Dolores Mayfield, town librarian, had declared war (want to guess who is a main suspect).  Liss, of course, is drawn to the crime and cannot help but look into it (she just loves investigations).  Liss is going to be busy tracking down Angie and her family as well as Jason’s killer.   

While Kilt at the Highland Games is the tenth book in the series, it can be a stand-alone novel.  Kaitlyn Dunnett updates the readers on Liss and her history.  The characters in the book are well developed and likeable (Aunt Peg is entertaining).  I found the novel easy to read as are all of the book in this series.   There is a wonderful description of Dan Ruskin’s puzzle tables in the book.  Anyone that loves putting together puzzles will want one of these tables (I do)!  The two mysteries in Kilt at the Highland Games are appealing and complex.    I give Kilt at the Highland Games 4 out of 5 stars.  Kilt at the Highland Games is told from more than one point-of-view which is a little confusing (it gets easier the further you get into the book).  I have read every book in this series and have liked all of them.  I will definitely read the next book in ALiss MacCrimmon Mystery series.

The other novels in A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series are Kilt Dead, Scone Cold Dead, A Wee Christmas Homicide, The Corpse Wore Tartan, Scotched, Bagpipes, Brides and Homicides, Vampires, Bones, and Treacle Scones,  Ho-Ho Homicide, and The Scottie Barked at Midnight.  I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation.  The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.

I hope all of you had a wonderful day (you deserve it).  I am off to read (In the Land of Milk and Honey by Jane Jensen) and enjoy my dinner.  I will return soon with another book review.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader (and Honest Reviewer)