A Hive of Homicides: A Henny Penny Farmette Mystery

Thank you for visiting today!  Ella's Journey by Lynne Francis is out today.  Join Ella on her journey to see what happens to her and her family.  The Girl Who Saved Ghosts by K.C. Tansley will be published on October 17.  It is the second book in The Unbelievables series.

A Hive of Homicides by Meera Lester is the third A Henny Penny Farmette Mystery.  Abigail “Abby” MacKenzie runs a farmette in Las Flores, California since she left the police force.  Abby is attending the vow renewal of her friend and truffle maker, Paola Varela and Jake Winston, owner of Country Schoolhouse Winery (and notorious womanizer).  There is a bit of kerfuffle after the ceremony with a blonde, but then everyone is off to the reception.   Abby heads off to locate Chef Emilio Varela to deliver the honey she promised as gifts for the guests.  The sous chef points Abby in the direction of the alley outside the kitchen.  Abby is outside looking for Emilio when she hears gunshots and then sees the shooters car.  Abby finds Jake and Paola in their car with Jake dead and Paola severely wounded.  A week later, Paola is in a coma and the case is going nowhere.  Abby is warned to not investigate, but she can think of little else.  She decides to start asking questions to see who would want to harm Jake and Paola.  Jake had created a lot of buzz around town with his numerous conquests and the blonde at the renewal seemed to dislike him as well.  When a second body turns up at the winery, Abby knows she needs to zero in on the killer before he strikes again.

A Hive of Homicides is nicely written and has a good pace.  I appreciated the bee and honey information the author included in the book (it was very interesting and informative).  The mystery is complex (I liked this part) and I think many readers will be surprised by the killer’s identity.  My rating for A Hive of Homicides is 4 out of 5 stars.  Abby was different in this book (and not in a good way).  Abby’s reaction to finding Jake and Paola was very unlike her.  For an ex-cop, you would expect her to be used to find dead bodies, seeing injured people, and finding herself in dangerous situations.  Instead, we are subject to nausea, shaking, and she is afraid of her own shadow (not our usual strong, feisty Abby).  The author did a good job at portraying PTSD as well as techniques to help Abby cope (she visits a counselor).  I did not the like the direction the author took Abby’s character in A Hive of Homicides.  It overshadowed the mystery.   There are many delightful cozy moments in the book and a sweet, hopeful ending.   The first two books in A Henny Penny Farmette Mystery series are  A Beeline for Murder and The Murder of a Queen Bee.

I appreciate you visiting and taking the time to read my book reviews.  I will be featuring Fixing to Die by Miranda James on Friday (October 6).  May you have a very happy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Protocol: A Maggie O'Malley Mystery

Greetings!  Mining for Justice by Kathleen Ernst is the eighth A Chloe Ellefson Mystery and it will be published on October 8.  You Were There Before My Eyes by Maria Riva (daughter of Marlene Dietrich) will be released on October 10.

Protocol by Kathleen Valenti is the first book in A Maggie O’Malley Mystery series.  Maggie O’Malley has just started her new job as a clinical research associate at Rxcellance.  Maggie is enjoying drinks with co-workers after her first day at work when she reminder for a meeting on her phone.  However, Maggie did not schedule the meeting nor does she recognize the woman.  As she is leaving the bar, Maggie glances at the television and sees a report about a hit and run accident involving the same woman.  Maggie checks it off to a coincidence until it happens again.  Maggie contacts Gus who purchased the phone for her.  They start looking into the victims and find a connection back to Rxcellance.  Maggie and Gus dig into the case and they soon catch the attention of the killer.  Can Maggie find the necessary proof to put the culprit away before she becomes the next victim?

When I read the blurb for Protocol, I was intrigued.  It sounds like a great medical suspense/mystery novel.  However, the final product was disappointing (for me).  The story lacks suspense or scare factor.  I wanted to be drawn into the story and riveted until the very last page.  Instead, I found myself bored and skimming to get to the end (to see if I correctly identified the perpetrators).   I think, though, that some readers will be surprised when some of twists are revealed.  For the most part, the book is easy to read and has a good pace.  There are technical sections relating to medical research (medical conditions, chemistry, drug interactions) that slow down the pace (some of it is a little too technical for laypeople).  The writing is unpolished.  I wish the editor had given the book another going over and tightened it up.  The book is too long and the author left some dangling threads at the end.  My rating for Protocol is 2 out of 5 stars (I was not a fan).  The big problem was the main character—Maggie O’Malley.  She bumbles, stumbles, overreacts, loses items, breaks things and blushes her way through the book.  I am surprised that she has not started an epidemic (by dropping something deadly in the lab).  Maggie “trusts” a man that she has only been out with twice more than Gus she has known since childhood.  She barely knows him, but Maggie is willing to risk her life for him.  Most of the characters were not fully developed and the plot seems implausible (which I can overlook if the rest of the book was captivating—which it was not).  I do want to warn readers that Protocol contains foul language and gory crime scenes (great crime scene descriptions).

I hope you have found my review helpful.  I will be sharing my thoughts on A Hive of Homicides by Meera Lester on Thursday.  May each of you have a wonderful Wednesday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Death on Tap: A Sloan Krause Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  Familiar Motives by Delia James is out today.  Third book in A Witch's Cat Mystery series (along with all the books I mentioned yesterday).  I have added it to my TBR list.  

Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander is the first book in A Sloan Krause Mystery series.  Sloan Krause is working on a new brew and quickly runs to her office at Das Keller (a Krause family business) to get her notes.  She opens the door to discover her husband, Mac playing hide the sausage with Hayley, the new barmaid.  Three weeks later, Sloan is ready to start her new job at Nitro, a new nanobrewery in Leavenworth, Washington (a Bavarian themed town).  Garrett Strong inherited the building from his great aunt Tess and has completely renovated the inside (looks like a sterile science lab).  The morning after the soft opening, Sloan goes to toss some hops into the fermenting tank and discovers Eddie Deluga, brewmaster at Bruin's Brewing) face up in the Pucker Up IPA brew.  Mac ends up at the top of Chief Meyers suspect list.  Mac may be a cheater, but he is no killer.  To clear Mac of suspicion, Sloan sets out to discover who could have wanted to harm Eddie. 

I do have to say that the first sentence of Death on Tap is an attention grabber (it really creates a visual). Death on Tap is unique in that it dives into the world of beer brewing.  I have not experienced another cozy mystery with this theme (unique).  It is obvious that the author did her research into the topic.  We get to learn a great deal about what goes into creating, distributing and selling beer.  The mystery did not take place until I was 24% of the way into the story.  By the time Sloan found the body, I already knew who committed the crime (secondary mystery is equally easy to unravel).  The mystery takes up a small portion of the story.  More of the book is devoted to beer brewing, regulations, etc.  I admit that it is interesting (even though I do not drink the stuff), but I would have liked a better mystery.  I like the sound of the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (loved the descriptions of the town and buildings).  It reminds me of German Village (in Columbus, Ohio) where I grew up.  It had me longing for a real German bratwurst from Schmidt's (not the type you find in your local grocery).  My rating for Death on Tap is 3 out of 5 stars.  I found it odd that Garrett Strong is having the soft launch of Nitro without any staff (except Sloan), no planned menu, no remodeled kitchen, no furniture or décor (Sloan mentions having to find tables and chairs), and a limited beer menu.  For a man with a business/corporate background, it shows a distinct lack of planning.  I was not a fan of Mac Krause and his constant use of the word “baby” when talking to Sloane (big pet peeve of mine).  The pacing was slow in places causing me to lose interest (more about beer).  I know that the author needs to set the stage for readers, but I do not believe we needed quite so much detail (it seemed like Ms. Alexander wanted to put in everything she learned while researching the topic).  Many details are repeated frequently throughout the story (hops, Sloan’s lack of family growing up, description of Sloan’s farmhouse, etc.).  It will be interesting to see what direction the author takes with the next book in the series (I hope a divorce is in the works for Sloan).  

Ellie Alexander is the author of A Bakeshop Mystery series and writes A Pacific Northwest  Mystery series (In Cave Danger out November 28) under the pen name Kate Dyer-Seeley. Thank you for visiting and reading my latest review.  I will return on Wednesday with my evaluation of Protocol by Kathleen Valenti.  I hope that you have a remarkable day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Away with the Fairies: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

Thank you for visiting today.  A Room with a Brew by Joyce Tremel will be out on October 3 along with A Plain Leaving by Leslie Gould, A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden, The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey, Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander, Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander, Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber and Fixing to Die by Miranda James.  I hope that you find something to add to your TBR list.

Away with the Fairies by Kerry Greenwood is the eleventh book in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.  Marcella Lavender, children’s author, was found dead in her home.  The Honorable Phryne Fisher is asked to assist on the case by Detective Inspector Jack Robinson.  Miss Lavender had recently come to the police about threatening letters she had received, but she was not taken seriously (which distresses Jack).  Miss Lavender was a contributor to Women’s Choice magazine (the advice column).  Phryne goes undercover at the magazine to see if she can discover who wanted Miss Lavender dead.  Phryne’s attentions are not fully on the case though.  Phryne’s lover, Lin Chung has failed to return from his latest buying trip and Phryne is worried.  Lin’s family is less than helpful (they do not approve of Phryne) leaving Phryne on her own.  Miss Fisher will need to work overtime if she is to catch Miss Lavender’s killer and rescue Lin Chung especially since someone is determined to stop her by any means necessary.

Away with the Fairies is well-written and full of action.  The two mysteries keep the story lively (murder, adventure, international intrigue).  I do wish, though, that the killer of Miss Lavender had been harder to identify.  I believe many people will be surprised who is behind Lin Chung’s disappearance.  The book has nice pacing and flow which makes for an easy to read story. I am giving Away with the Fairies 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  The language or word usage suits the time period (people had a better vocabulary back then).  I love the characters especially Phryne Fisher (I wish I was more adventuress like her).  Phryne is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin.  She is not willing to change to conform to societies standards or expectations.  Phryne is a strong, passionate, confident woman who will protect those she loves and cares about (her family and friends).  I do recommend reading the books in the series in order.  Otherwise, you will be missing some pertinent details.  Away with the Fairies is an entertaining historical mystery.

I will return tomorrow to review Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander.  I suggest you check out Trouble is Brewing by Ellie Alexander.  It is A Bakeshop Mini-Mystery introducing Sloan Krause.  May you have an enchanting Monday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Purring Around the Christmas Tree: A Pawsitively Organic Mystery

Happy October!  Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport and A Place to Call Home by Tania Crosse are out today. Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander will be released on Tuesday, October 3.  It is the first book in A Sloan Krause Mystery series.  Ellie Alexander is the author A Bakeshop Mystery series.

Purring Around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero is the sixth installment in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series.  Stan Connor is watching the annual Christmas parade in Frog Ledge, Connecticut.  Just before the tree lighting, Santa pulls up in his sleigh and then quickly takes off again.  When Stan goes to investigate, she discovers that the Santa has done his last ho-ho-ho.  People are shocked when they pull off Santa’s beard and it is not Seamus McGee (who always plays Santa).  The victim is Harold Dewey, a drunk who spent his winters in Frog Ledge working at a local Christmas tree farm.  Who was the intended victim—Harold or Seamus?  Matters are further complicated when Seamus and Ray Mackey cannot be located or reached (Char takes to her bed).  The McGee family figures that Seamus is involved in another scheme and he dragged Ray into it with him.  Stan works to identify Harold’s killer and locate Seamus and Ray.  Will Stan succeed in time for everyone to have a merry Christmas?

Purring Around the Christmas Tree is easy to read and has engaging characters.  The mystery has several aspects to it, but the murderer is easily identified early in the story (insert disappointed sigh).  Most of the investigation consists of Stan running around town asking questions (I just want something more).  It is a good thing that Stan has good help (Brenna) or her business would have tanked opening night (since she failed to show up to open the bakery).  The cozy aspects are entertaining.  Stan is opening Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie, picking out and decorating Stan’s Christmas tree, Jake’s extended family is visiting for Christmas, Patricia and Tony are planning their wedding, Caitlyn is adjusting to life in Frog Ledge, and so much more.  My rating for Purring Around the Christmas Tree is 3.5 out of 5 stars (I just wish the mystery had been more complex).  Jake got on my nerves in Purring Around the Christmas Tree.  He became defensive and rude to Stan regarding his uncle, Seamus (Jake does not want to face facts).  The zany factor seemed to be amplified in this A Pawsitively Organic Mystery novel.  There is always some whacky antics, but the author really turned up the volume on it this time.  Purring Around the Christmas Tree (I inserted the title into Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and now the song is stuck in my head) is not a standalone novel.  You do need to read the previous books in order to understand the town and the relationships (or you will be lost).  Purring Around the Christmas Tree is an entertaining cozy mystery that will leave you singing Christmas carols and wanting to put up your tree early!

May each of you have a very special day.  I will return on Monday with my review of Away with the Fairies by Kerry Greenwood.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

12 Days at Bleakly Manor: Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

Welcome Back!   Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber will be available on October 3.  I look forward to reading Debbie Macomber's latest Christmas novel each year.  Ella's Journey by Lynne Francis is a historical British novel that will be published on October 5.  Seashells, Spells and Caramels by Erin Johnson is a new cozy mystery with paranormal elements that will be published on October 31 (it is not listed on Amazon yet).  

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep is the first book in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas.  Clare Chapman lost everything nine months ago.  She is surprised when she receives an invitation to spend twelve days Bleakly Manor.  If Clare lasts the full duration, she will receive a sum of 500 pounds.  When Clare arrives at the manor, she finds she was not the only person to receive the unusual invitation and promised something in return.  Ben Lane was arrested on his way to marry Clare for a crime he did not commit.  He was promised his freedom if he stays through the twelfth day of Christmas.  Their anonymous host has decided that only one of the guests will win their promised prize.  Which guest will last the full twelve days and what is the person willing to do to win? 

12 Days at Bleakly Manor is a well-crafted and entertaining novel.  It is short, but it is packed full of action and intrigue.  The mystery was delightful (see if you can figure out the culprit in this one) and the characters interesting.    I like the Christian beliefs expressed in the story (compassion, prayer, faith, forgiveness, second chances, God is in control, trust, and hope).  The Christian theme is light but the point is gotten across.  My rating for 12 Days at Bleakly Manor is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  The author combined Bleak House by Charles Dickens with And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie in 12 Days at Bleakly Manor.  I appreciated the colorful, unique characters (especially the lady with the mice) that Ms. Griep created.  I am looking forward to the next installment in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas in A Tale of Two Hearts.  

If you enjoy reading Christian Christmas stories, check out Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport.  Thank you for visiting.  I will be reviewing Purring Around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero next time.  May you have a satisfying and relaxing Saturday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Whispers of Warning: A Change of Fortune Mystery

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone has a good week.  Ellery Adams has a new book coming out on October 31 titled Secret, Book and Scone Society.  It is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. Ellery Adams is the author of The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery series, A Book Retreat Mystery series, A Hope Street Church Mysteries, Antiques and Collectibles Mysteries, and A Books by the Bay Mystery series.  

Whispers of Warning by Jessica Estevao is the second story in A Change of Fortune Mystery series.  Ruby Proulx and her Aunt Honoria are thrilled when suffragist and spiritualist, Sophronia Foster Eldridge checks into the Belden for a month long stay (quite a coupe for the hotel).  At a suffrage rally, Sophronia states she is writing a book about corruption and secret dealings by powerful men. She will sell her manuscript to the highest bidder and use the money to further suffrage movement.  Despite a threatening letter and a sabotaged stage, Sophronia will not be deterred.  Is Sophronia that dedicated to the cause or does she have a hidden agenda?  Sophronia is soon found dead a pool at Pinkney Ferris’ bathhouse.  Ruby starts looking into Sophronia’s life and sets out to expose her killer.

Whispers of Warning is the second story in A Change of Fortune Mystery series and it can be read alone.  Ruby’s past and her abilities along with what occurred in the first book is discussed (in great detail).  I like the paranormal and historical aspects of the story (suffrage, spiritualist, Hay Feverist Society). The writing style, though, hindered my reading enjoyment.  It lacks an ease.  The pace was glacial thanks to the overabundance of details (the author needed to find a balance) and repetition of information.  The dialogue seems stilted and awkward. I am rating Whispers of Warning 3 out of 5 stars (it was okay).  The murder did not occur until almost halfway into the story.  By the time Sophronia was killed (there was no doubt she would be the one murdered), I already identified the evil doer.  Suffrage instead of mystery dominates Whispers of Warning.  Whispersof Warning has an interesting premise, but I did not enjoy the final outcome.

Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will be discussing 12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep next visit.  May you have a fantastic Friday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Turkey Trot Murder: A Lucy Stone Mystery

Hello!  Leslie Meier is the author of A Lucy Stone Mystery series which consists of twenty-four books.  I have read each delightful installment in this series.  The series began with Mistletoe Murder in 2008.  Readers can revisit two A Lucy Stone Mystery holiday classics in Holiday Murder.  It contains Mistletoe Murder and Christmas Cookie Murder (it will provide you with many laugh out loud moments).

Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier is the twenty-fourth A Lucy Stone Mystery.  Lucy Stone is out jogging (really) preparing for Tinker’s Cove annual Turkey Trot 5K race.  She is going by Blueberry Pond when she notices something pink near the reeds.  Upon closer (and careful) inspection, Lucy finds the body of a girl and immediately contact the police.   The victim is Alison Franklin, daughter of new board of health member, Ed Franklin.  Alison’s death is blamed on drugs which has been a problem recently in the local area.  Lucy, however, is unsure that drugs were Alison’s undoing.  Chef Rey Rodriguez has purchased the Olde Irish Pub and plans to turn it into Cali Kitchen.  Locals are in an uproar over this new addition thanks to Ed Franklin (he is lumping the Rodriguez family in with Mexican drug dealers).  Things are heating up in Tinker’s Cove and Lucy will need to work quickly if the town is to have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving!

Turkey Trot Murder is well-written and engaging.  It has a nice easy writing style and flow that makes for a pleasurable read.  It is always delightful to revisit Lucy Stone and her family.  Lucy has certainly changed since readers were introduced to her (and her family) in Mistletoe Murder.  There is plenty of action in Turkey Trot Murder (murder and mayhem—just the way I like it).  I like how Ms. Meier tackled the issues of opiate dependency and immigration.  Ed Franklin will remind readers of a real life figure that holds a high political office in our country.   I give Turkey Trot Murder 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).  Ms. Meier creates such engaging, personable characters (Lucy, Bill, Rachel, Pam, Ted) and a charming town (that is facing some troubles).  I like the humor that is injected into the story creating many laugh out loud moments (which I really needed since I read this while we were without power after Hurricane Irma).  The mystery was absorbing, and I liked following the clues to solve the case. I really appreciate the lovely ending and how the author wrapped up all the storylines.  I look forward to reading the next A Lucy Stone Mystery when it is published.

I appreciate you visiting today and reading my latest book review.  I will be sharing my thoughts about Whispers of Warning by Jessica Estevao next time. May each of you have a delightful day! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart

Welcome!  Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport will be out on October 1 along with A Place to Call Home by Tania Crosse.   Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander will be released on October 3.  

These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart takes readers back to 1945 in Hyden, Kentucky.  Francine Howard needs to get away from Cincinatti, Ohio before her former fiancé, Seth Miller returns home from the war with his English bride.  Fran has a nursing degree, can ride a horse, and looking for an adventure so she signed up for the Frontier Nursing Service Midwifery School in the Appalachian Mountains.  It will be a life style change for Fran, but she feels she will be something worthwhile.  Ben Locke is returning home from the war.  He cannot wait to return home to the mountains, but he has not thought of what he will do with his future.  Ben is on his way home when he encounters a very lost Fran.  They are immediately comfortable around each other, but they come from very different backgrounds.  But Fran feels at home in the mountains and has fallen in love with the people.  Is there a chance for a future between Ben and Fran?

These Healing Hills is well crafted novel that has a unique plot.  It was interesting reading about the Frontier Nursing Service Midwifery School in Hyden, Kentucky (it still exists) and the services their nurse midwives offer.  I liked the characters and the beautiful setting.  Woody Locke was my favorite character.  He was refreshing and entertaining.  Ann H. Gabhart is a descriptive writer which brings scenes to life (especially the mountains and the people who live there), but it also makes for a slower pace novel.  I sometimes felt the author was a too verbose.  The Christian element is prominent throughout the story and I liked the Christian attitude of the mountain people.  I appreciated the spiritual wisdom that Fran’s grandmother (Grandma Howard) imparted on Fran.  I am giving These Healing Hills 4 out of 5 stars.  My favorite phrase was “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart”.  The romance was sweet, but it was predictable.  Some of the themes in the story are prayer, friendship, trust, listening to God, believing in God, and a person finding their path or place in life.  I did feel that the ending was abrupt and felt incomplete. It would have been nice if the author had included an epilogue.  Readers who enjoy rich, historical novels will appreciate These Healing Hills.

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope that you have a enchanting day.  I will return tomorrow to review Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Wagging Through the Snow: A Melanie Travis Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  Dial Meow for Murder by Bethany Blake, Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier, A Simple Wish by Charlotte Hubbard, Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse, Wagging Through the Snow by Laurien Berenson, A Hive of Homicides by Meera Lester, The Persian Always Meows Twice by Eileen Watkins, Home All Along by Beth Wiseman, This Side of Murder by Anna Lee Huber, Purring Around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero, Death by Eggnog by Alex Erickson, Dead and Ganache by Colette London, Sleep Like a Baby by Charlaine Harris, and Holiday Murder by Leslie Meier are books that are being released today.  

Wagging Through the Snow by Laurien Berenson is A Melanie Travis novella (technically it is the twenty-first book in the series).  Melanie Travis is enjoying a quiet Saturday when her brother, Frank visits.  It turns out that he made an impulsive purchase of Haney’s Holiday Home (a Christmas tree lot) in Wilton, Connecticut without the knowledge of his business partner, Bob (Melanie’s ex-husband).  The family troops out to examine the property and finds the buildings are dilapidated.  Everyone will need to work quickly to get it up and running for the Christmas season.  Davey and Kevin come running inside.  They heard a strange whimpering noise in among the trees.  The noise is coming from a cute little Maltese hidden under a dead body.  The victim is a local homeless man named Pete who had trouble with alcohol.  It looks like Pete was killed by a falling tree limb but appearances can be deceiving.  Melanie with Aunt Peg’s assistance (of course) sets out to discover more about Pete and who could have wished him harm.  Can Melanie wrap up this case before Santa comes sliding down the chimney or will she find herself stuffed in a body bag?

Wagging Through the Snow is well-written, engaging and has a good pace (which makes for an easy to read story).  I like the characters and most especially the lively dogs.  There is just the right amount and type of humor in this delightful tale.  There were some definite laugh out loud moments.  My rating for Wagging Through the Snow is 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).  It is short, but packed full of action.  The mystery was compelling and the elements are revealed as the story progresses.  One clue gave away the identity of the killer to me.  I think many readers will be surprised when the culprit is revealed.  I was glad that the story was not rushed (it happens frequently in short stories).  The ending was heartwarming.  Wagging Through the Snow is my favorite A Melanie Travis Mystery.  This delightful cozy has engaging characters, good mystery, adorable dogs, humor, family, friends, and the spirit of Christmas.    

I appreciate you visiting today and reading my review.  I will be sharing my thoughts on These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart on Wednesday.  May you have a jovial day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader