Rockets' Dead Glare: A Tourist Trap Mystery

Hello!  I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.  An Amish Family by Kathleen Fuller comes out on June 12 along with The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck.  Buried in the Books by Kate Carlisle releases on June 26.  It is twelfth A Bibliophile Mystery.

Rockets’ Dead Glare by Lynn Cahoon is A Tourist Trap Mystery novella.  Jill Gardner is the owner of Coffee, Books and More in South Cove, California.  The town is getting ready for the annual Fourth of July Festival, but new volunteer fire chief Barry Gleason is putting a crimp in the plans.  He has created a stir with his list of violations for each business along with the threat of closing them down for the holiday weekend.  Barry has scheduled a controlled burn of an old barn on Beal Street.  The volunteer fire fighters complete the training exercise but get a shock when they find Barry dead inside the barn.  Jill, with her natural curiosity, cannot help but look into the case.  Come along to South Cove for the Fourth of July and Jill’s latest case in Rockets’ Dead Glare.

Rockets’ Dead Glare is satisfying cozy mystery.  It is a short novella (only 77 pages), but the author packed a lot into those pages.  We get to catch up on our favorite characters as they plan for the town’s Fourth of July.  The characters are well-developed and are relatable.  South Cove is a charming small town with quaint shops and festivities for every holiday.  I thoroughly enjoyed the cunning mystery.  I believe some of you will be surprised with the solution.  The mystery was not neglected in this short story (it was not rushed or incomplete).  I do wish that Greg King, Jill’s boyfriend, would get on board with her sleuthing.  Jill’s inquisitiveness is a part of her and he needs to be more understanding.  If he is worried about her being in danger, then he needs to teach her self-defense (I cannot see Jill carrying a gun).  Rockets’ Dead Glare is well-written and has a nice, steady pace.  I can relate to Aunt Jackie wanting to use walkie talkie’s for communicating with her off-site employees (they do come in handy when you have a technologically challenged person in your life--I do own walkie talkies for communicating with my mother when I am outside).  There are delightful cozy moments in the book with Emma (Jill’s dog), talking about books, food, time with friends, and walking on the beach.  While Rockets' Dead Glare can be read alone, I recommend reading the series in order.  You get to see the characters grow throughout the series.  Rockets’ Dead Glare is a gratifying cozy mystery that will tide me over until the next A Tourist Trap Mystery (which is A Deadly Brew on September 4).  Guidebook to Murder (Book One) is currently $1.99 on Amazon.

Thank you for reading my review of Rockets' Dead Glare.  I will be featuring A Deadly Eclair by Daryl Wood Gerber tomorrow.  The paperback version of the first A French Bistro Mystery comes out on June 12.  I hope you have a auspicious day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Death of No Importance: A Mystery by Mariah Fredericks

Happy Saturday!  The Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates along with Death and a Pot of Chowder by Cornelia Kidd will be out on June 12.  Murder at the Mansion by Sheila Connolly comes out on June 26.  It is the first book in A Victorian Village Mystery series.  I am featuring Mariah Fredericks A Death of No Importance today.  It is her first adult mystery.  Mariah has written The Girl in the Park, Season of the Witch, and Crunch Time.

A Death of No Importance by Mariah Fredericks takes readers back in time to New York City in May of 1910.  Jane Prescott is a lady’s maid for the Benchley’s daughters, Louise and Charlotte.  Charlotte is the more vivacious and fashionable of the girls.  She sets out to capture Robert “Norrie” Newsome despite the rumors that he is practically engaged to Beatrice Tyler.  In September, Charlotte tells her mother that Norrie has proposed, and it is decided to announce the event on Christmas Eve at the Newsome Annual Christmas Eve Ball.   When it is near time for the announcement, Jane goes looking for Charlotte and finds Norrie dead on the library floor.  Inspector Thomas J. Blackburn is assigned the case and Charlotte finds herself a suspect.  Jane with the aid of reporter, Michael Behan delves into Norrie’s life.  There is a myriad of suspects who all had good motive to eliminate the victim.  Join Jane Prescott as she sets out to catch a killer in A Death of No Importance.

A Death of No Importance had a good beginning that drew me into the story.  After a while, though, the pace slowed down and the content was less captivating.  The book became political with the author being on the side of the poor (the rich industrialist versus the working-class poor).  We get detailed descriptions of the indulgences of the upper classes.  The author tried to capture the time-period by including various historical happenings including the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (it was a devastating fire that killed 146 people—mostly immigrant women), Hull House, and the bombing at the LA Times Building  They were not integrated into the story properly (felt like add-ins) and had nothing to do with the mystery. The murder mystery appears complex, but the solution was apparent.  The book needed action and active investigating that would help move the book forward.  The investigating that Jane can do is limited due to her gender and ability to leave her work (she does manage it at times though).  The story is told from an older Jane Prescott (reliving her younger days).  Jane is an observant main character whose eye for detail aids in her solving the case.  A Death of No Importance had a disappointing ending (a big letdown).  A Death of No Importance was not the right fit for me.  I suggest you obtain a sample and see if it attracts you.  

Thank you very much for stopping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Rockets' Dead Glare by Lynn Cahoon.  It is a Kindle Single in A Tourist Trap Mystery series.  May you have a fantabulous day.  Relax and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles: A Food Lover's Village Mystery

Welcome!  Leslie Budewitz is the author of A Food Lover's Village Mystery series and A Spice Shop Mystery series.  She is the first author to win Agatha Awards for both fiction and nonfiction. Leslie lives in northwest Montana with her husband, a musician, and doctor of natural medicine, and their cat Ruff, a cover model, and avid bird-watcher.  You can connect with her on her website, http://www.LeslieBudewitz.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles by Leslie Budewitz is the fifth novel in A Food Lover’s Village Mystery series.  Erin Murphy is the manager of Murphy’s Glacier Mercantile (aka The Merc) in Jewel Bay, Montana.  The town is getting ready for Christmas with Decorating Day.  While switching out a tub of lights, Erin witnesses (along with the rest of the town) an unpleasant scene between Taya Thornton and her daughter, Merrily.  Erin is shocked at the bitterness expressed by Taya towards Merrily after eighteen years.  Erin invites Merrily over to The Merc and to the cookie swap at her house on Sunday.  Merrily does not show up for the cookie exchange, and she is AWOL from Building Supply where she works on Monday.  Not only is Merrily missing, but cash from the business is as well.  Many say that Merrily failed to change her ways.  Then Merrily is found dead with a string of Christmas lights around her neck.  With Greg Taylor as a prime suspect, Erin starts snooping (not that she needed a reason).  Who would risk going on Santa’s naughty list by killing Merrily? Can Erin wrap up the case before her wedding?

As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles is well-written and has a steady pace.  I found the authors conversational writing style to be pleasing.  I was drawn into the story and my attention was held throughout.  Jewel Bay is a charming, small town that goes all out for Christmas.  I loved the descriptions of the shops and the decorations (I wanted to visit and do some shopping).  I like how everyone pitches in to help with various activities.  The characters are nicely developed and, for the most part, are friendly and relatable.  Detective Bello is the grinch of the story (I could imagine him saying Bah Humbug).  I enjoy Erin’s approach to sleuthing with her Spreadsheet of Suspicion.  The mystery was well-crafted and multi-faceted.  There are many gratifying cozy moments in As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles.   Erin is preparing for her wedding, buying Christmas presents, cooking, cookie exchange, Erin and Adam with their new home, baking, Adam worrying about his brothers coming to town, and spending time with family and friends.  While there is a lot going on in the story, it is not overwhelming.  I agreed with Erin about the cuteness of the Property Brothers.  I recommend reading the books in A Food Lover’s Village Mystery in order.  I am grateful for the list of characters at the front of the book (helpful).  It was a pleasure to visit Jewel Bay in As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles and I look forward to returning in the next A Food Lover’s Village Mystery.  As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BookBub, GooglePlay, and Kobo.

The author is giving away to print copies of As the Christmas Cookies Crumbles (Rafflecopter form below or click here). Make sure to leave a comment on my blog to get an extra entry.  Thank you for stopping by today. Please take the time to visit the other stops on the tour.  I hope you have a very merry day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – COZY WEDNESDAY

June 7 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW

June 7 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW

June 7 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 8 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

June 8 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW

June 8 – Carole's Book Corner – GUEST POST

June 9 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

June 9 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

June 10 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

June 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – GUEST POST

June 11 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

June 11 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

June 11 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

June 12 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

June 12 – Island Confidential – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 12 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

June 13 – Valerie's Musings - REVIEW

June 14 – cherylbbookblog – REVIEW

June 14 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT

June 15 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

June 15 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW

June 16 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

June 17 - Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 18 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW

June 18 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

June 19 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

June 19 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

June 19 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT

June 20 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

June 20 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

The Diva Cooks Up a Storm:

Greetings!  Krista Davis is the author of A Pen & Ink Mystery series, A Paws & Claws Mystery series (I just love visiting Wagtail), and A Domestic Diva Mystery series.  The Diva Runs Out of Thyme is the first book in A Domestic Diva Mystery series.  Readers can follow Ms. Davis on Facebook where you can find out the latest releases and enter her contests.

The Diva Cooks Up a Storm by Krista Davis is the eleventh installment in A Domestic Diva Mystery series.  Sophie Winston enjoyed dining at an underground restaurant with her friends the night before.  She is out walking Daisy when Hollis Haberman staggers from his house and collapses in the street.  He is struggling to breeze.  The police check on his new wife, Kelsey and she is coughing.  Later that day, Wolf Fleischman, Criminal Investigator for Alexandria Police Department, informs her that Hollis did not make it.  Kelsey is at the top of the suspect list and asks for Sophie to help clear her name.  Since approaching storms have called off her beach vacation, Sophie does have time on her hands.  Sophie needs to figure out who disliked Hollis Haberman enough to do him in.  Then a second person connected to Hollis ends up dead.  Can Sophie zero in on the killer before he strikes again?

The Diva Cooks Up a Storm is well-written and has a steady pace.  Sophie is an engaging main character and there are equally delightful secondary characters.  If you are new to the series, you would have a hard time starting with The Diva Cooks Up a Storm.  The author introduces a number of people in the beginning and it can be confusing to keep track of them along with their relationships.  The author crafted a multi-layered mystery with twists that will surprise many readers.  I enjoyed solving this challenging mystery.  The underground or pop-up restaurant concept is unique, and I have not encountered it in a book previously.  There are many charming cozy moments in the story that include cooking, a library book sale, neighbors helping each other, an impromptu food gathering in the neighborhood, close friends, romance, and cute animals.  Recipes are included at the end of the book.  At the beginning of each chapter are advice letters with answers provided by Sophie and Natasha.  While Natasha’s advice made me chuckle at times, I would not follow her counsel (Sophie is more reliable).  The Diva Cooks Up a Storm is an appealing story that will delight cozy mystery readers. I am giving The Diva Cooks Up a Storm 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Thank you for visiting!  Tomorrow I will be featuring As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles by Leslie Budewitz.  It is the fifth A Food Lover's Village Mystery.  May you have a brilliant day.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Arms of Mercy: An Amish Mercies Novel

Good Morrow!  Amish Celebrations by Beth Wiseman comes out on July 10.  Cherry Pies and Deadly Lies by Darci Hannah releases on June 8.  Panty Raid by Diane Vallere is now out.  It is the eighth Samantha Kidd Mystery. There are many new books coming out in the next couple of months.

Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid is the second An Amish Mercies Novel.  Catherine Glick is hoping her boyfriend of five years, Zach will propose to her on New Year’s Eve.  Her old beau, Elijah Graber arrives bringing up old feeling in Catherine along with resentment and anger.   When her cousin from Sarasota writes about needing help in the bakery, Catherine decides it is providence.  Elijah knows that he has hurt Catherine and he would like the opportunity to explain his actions. The bus trip will allow them time to talk and hopefully rekindle their relationship.  Elijah has never stopped loving Catherine.  Just when they start to grow closer, an accident tears them apart.  Elijah is determined to find Catherine and prays for God to assist him in his venture. 

Arms of Mercy may be the second book in An Amish Mercies Novel series, but it can be read alone.  I thought the book was well written and it had an interesting scenario.  My attention was captured and held until the middle of the book.  The pacing is good in the beginning, but it slows down considerably in the middle.  I was glad when the pacing increased towards the end and I was once again invested in the story.  Do you believe that God would send one of his angels to assist you?  I believe that God guides us, and it is not beyond belief that in challenging situations, he would send an emissary.  It is a thought-provoking concept.  Ruth Reid does a beautiful job at weaving Christian beliefs (prayer, having faith, forgiveness) into the story.  At times, though, I did feel that there was too much scripture (felt preachy).  It is amazing how a lack of communication, misunderstanding and miscommunication can change a person’s life.  I could feel (and understand) Catherine’s frustrations with Zach as he continued to drag out their courtship and focused on his watch/clock business.  Five years is a long time to wait for a person to commit.  The ending did feel a little rushed after the long search (the area that dragged for me), but I appreciated the epilogue.  Arms of Mercy is an intriguing story.  I am rating Arms of Mercy 4 out of 5 stars.  This is a story that will stay with you after you finish it.  Abiding Mercy is the first book in An Amish Mercies Novel series.

Thank you for visiting today.  I hope you have found a new book to add to your TBR stack.  I will be sharing my review of The Diva Cooks Up a Storm by Krista Davis tomorrow.  I hope you have a thoughtful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

 

Pasta Mortem: A Supper Club Mystery

Felicitations!  Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid, Bought the Farm by Peg Cochran, A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden, The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter, and Rockets' Dead Glare by Lynn Cahoon are out today.  

Pasta Mortem by Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens is the seventh tale in A Supper Club Mystery series.  James Henry and his wife, Jane are awaiting the birth of their second child.  The Supper Club has decided to start a new Mediterranean diet, but thanks to Murphy Alistair the group gets off to a poor start.  They believed she was taking their picture for the Shenandoah Star Ledger.  Unfortunately, she used their photos in Southern Style magazine to advertise her upcoming book and Quincy’s Gap as one of five undiscovered small towns in America (there goes their small town).  Murphy has teamed up with real estate developer, Ray Edwards to build condos, apartments and shops on a local farm.  In nearby Cardinal’s Rest is the twenty-fifth reunion of the cast of Hearth and Home.  The Supper Club members are attending a special VIP event at Red Bird B&B.  Murphy is on the arm of Ray Edwards and the two have overindulged in the liquid refreshment.  The next day, James hears that Edwards is dead and Murphy is accused of the crime.  Despite the groups dislike of Murphy, they know she is not a killer.  When a second person turns up dead at the Red Bird B&B with Murphy present once again, James knows they need to narrow down their suspect list.  If they do not identify the killer soon, Murphy will end up wearing an orange jumpsuit for the rest of her life. 

Pasta Mortem is an enjoyable cozy mystery.  It is nice to visit Quincy’s Gap and catch up with James Henry and the rest of The Supper Club.  I like how the members of the group continue to develop.  In each book we learn a little more about a different character.  I like to see them change (personal growth which helps enrich their lives).  The mystery was compelling.  It had some unexpected developments that will surprise readers.  However, with the aid of a few pointed clues, I was able to peg the killer before I was halfway through the novel.   I thought Pasta Mortem was well-written and it had a steady pace.  While it can be read alone, you will miss out on the characters back stories.  I do recommend reading the books in order or at least reading Carbs & Cadavers first (that way you get the basics).  There are many delightful cozy moments in Pasta Mortem that will having you smiling and chuckling.  In Pasta Mortem the group is learning new recipes, going to events for Hearth and Home reunion, preparing for Valentine’s Day, Jane is expecting and having difficulties, Eliot is loving school, Lucy is having relationship issues, Luis’ mama has yet to leave town, and so much more.  I am giving Pasta Mortem 4 out of 5 stars.  I was left with unanswered questions at the end of the book.  While the murder was wrapped up neatly, another issue was left unresolved.  I just love the name James and Jane picked for their new baby.  I hope we get to revisit Quincy’s Gap again soon in another A Supper Club Mystery.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my review.  I will be featuring Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid.  May you have a day filled with wonder.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader  

Confessions of a Red Herring: A Red Herring Mystery

Welcome!  Cherry Pies and Deadly Lies by Darci Hannah will be out on June 8.  The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck releases on June 12 along with Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier.

Confessions of a Red Herring by Dana Dratch is the first book in A Red Herring Mystery series.  Alex Vlodnachek is a former reporter now working at the D.C. public relations firm of Coleman and Walters.  After an incident with managing partner, Everett P. Coleman on Friday, Alex decided to call in sick on Monday.  She is surprised when two detectives come knocking on her door to question her about Everett’s murder and Alex is their prime suspect in his death.   When Alex goes into work, she is promptly fired.  As if her week could not get worse, her younger brother, Nick shows up looking for a place to stay with Gabrielle, his new lady friend from Vegas, as well as a puppy named Lucy.  Then Baba, her Russian grandmother, arrives which means inedible cooking (they will have to sneak in snacks).  To escape the chaos in her tiny home and clear her name, Alex puts her investigative reporting talents to work.  Coleman and Walters is working overtime to throw Alex under the bus in the court of public opinion.  Who inside the agency wanted Everett dead?  The wife, the business partner, and the mistress are all viable suspects.  Someone, though, is attempting to thwart Alex with unscrupulous tactics (stealing her mail, turning off her electricity).   Can Alex expose the killer before her death is the next media sensation?

Confessions of a Red Herring is full of off-beat characters.  Alex is spunky go-getter.  She is not going to let the PR firm set her up for murder.  Nick, the younger brother, goes from one job to another.  He does not know what he wishes to do with his life.  His last venture (an emu farm) was sabotaged by his pot smoking partner.  Gabriele is Vegas waitress that Nick picked up on his way to Alex’s house.  She is a pickpocket with a questionable online business.  We have Lucy the puppy who is destructive with Alex’s belongings.  Baba, the Russian grandmother, who cooks grey, slimy food (the descriptions will put you off your next meal).  I wish the author had taken the time to establish her main character and provide a thorough backstory. The book consisted of one madcap incident after another.   The murder occurred in the first chapter and solving it was a snap.  There was a great deal of speculation and repetition of details (not needed).  My favorite scene in the book was the showdown at the unemployment office.  I found it entertaining.  The description of a banks fee system was spot on.  My rating for Confessions of a Red Herring 3 out of 5 stars.  I do want to mention that there is foul language in the book along with the mention of intimate scenes, drugs and copious amounts of alcohol.  Those readers who prefer their cozy mysteries to be light and humorous, then Confessions of a Red Herring is for you. Seeing Red will be the next book in A Red Herring Mystery series.

Thank you for visiting The Avid Reader today.  I will be reviewing Pasta Mortem by Ellery Adams and Rosemary Stevens next.  On June 8, I will be featuring As The Christmas Cookie Crumbles by Leslie Budewitz as part of the Great Escapes Tour.  May you have an angelic day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Murder with Cinnamon Scones: A Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery

Good Day!  Falcon's Prey by Terry Odell is the eighth book in A Blackthorne Inc. series and is now available.  Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid along with A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden will be published on June 5.  

Murder with Cinnamon Scones by Karen Rose Smith is the second book in A Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series.  Daisy Swanson co-owns Daisy’s Tea Garden with her Aunt Iris in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania.  The town is getting ready for Quilt Lovers Weekend in three weeks.  Daisy has been working with Reese Masemer, owner of Revelations Art Gallery and Tessa’s boyfriend, on the preparations.  Unfortunately, Reese will not get to enjoy the fruits of his labors.  He is found dead in the woods near the covered bridge and Tessa finds herself at the top of the suspect list.  Matters are not helped when Chloie Laird, Reese’s attractive assistant, openly accuses Tessa of the crime at the tea shop.  Knowing that Tessa did not commit the crime, Daisy takes a deep dive into Reese’s life.  It seems that Reese had some secrets and one of them could have gotten him killed. 

Murder with Cinnamon Scones is well-written and has steady pacing.  There is a lovely cast of characters and a charming town.  Daisy is friendly, smart main character who is moving on with her life after the death of her husband.  I think she is handling her adopted daughter’s (Jazzi) search for her biological mother very well.  It is sensitive issue that the author handled thoughtfully.  Daisy has starting dating Jonas Graft, but their path is bumpy.  I could have done with less romance and more mystery.  I prefer a romance that plays out slowly in the background.  There are beautiful quilt descriptions in the book especially of the Baltimore Album Quilt.  There are many cozy moments with cooking, baking, eating, tea events, family time, town events, quilting plus more.  I especially like that Daisy and her kids live in a converted barn.  Foster Crenshaw’s father is worried about him working at the tea garden and his relationship with Daisy’s daughter, Violet. Mr. Crenshaw does not want Foster’s college plans derailed.  The mystery had some good components, a couple of suspects and misdirection.  I am not a fan of Detective Morris Rappaport who is a cliché cozy mystery detective.  Murder with Cinnamon Scones can be read alone if you have not had the opportunity to pick up Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes.  I am rating Murder with Cinnamon Scones 4 out of 5 stars.   I thought Murder with Cinnamon Scones was an engaging cozy mystery that will delight readers of this genre and Karen Rose Smith.

Thank you for reading my review.  I am featuring Confessions of a Red Herring by Dana Dratch next time.  I hope that you have a day filled with joy.  Please take a moment to follow my blog (upper right).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Confound It: A Dreamwalker Mystery and a Giveaway!

Greetings!  Maggie Toussaint is the author of A Dreamwalker Mystery series.  The books in this series includes Gone and Done It, Bubba Done It, Doggone It, Dadgummit, and Confound It.  Readers can follow Maggie Toussaint on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.  This allows you to know when new books will be released.  For more information on Maggie Toussaint's book and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website.  Her books are sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and BAM.

Confound It by Maggie Toussaint is the fifth A Dreamwalker Mystery.  Baxley Powell and her best friend, Charlotte welcome Toby Duncan and Sam Mayes for a weekend visit.  The next morning Baxley gets an early morning call from Sheriff Wayne Thompson asking for her assistance with a case.  The day before someone had set fire to a doublewide trailer where Mandy Patterson lived with her son, Doodle.  It turns out that Mandy had been cooking meth, but her death was not an accident.  While inside the home, Baxley is able to see how Mandy died.  The authorities are more concerned with drugs than with the victim.  Baxley wants justice for Mandy and closure for her son, Doodle.  With help from Deputy Sam Hayes, Baxley dives into the case to track down a killer.  There are a host of suspect including the nutty aunt, the controlling drug dealer, the crazy neighbor, and the son.  But this is no ordinary case and it will challenge Baxley’s abilities.  In addition, Baxley is fighting her attraction to Sam.  While her husband has been declared dead, Baxley cannot move forward with Sam until she is sure of his fate. 

Confound It is not a standalone novel.  You do need to read the previous novels in A Dreamwalker Mystery series to understand Baxley, her family and friends as well as her abilities.  I thought the Baxley is a well-developed with unique abilities.  Baxley discovers something new about her talents in Confound It.  I like that the author keeps changing things up, so it does not become stale or predictable.  I did find Confound It to be a bit wordy.  The author does include background details and information from the previous books which slows down the pace.  There are quite a few secondary quirky characters which adds to the Southern charm. The mystery is multi-layers and readers will be surprised at the end.  The paranormal elements enrich this mystery novel along with the Native American characters.  I could have done without the jealousy Sam Mayes felt towards Sheriff Wayne Thompson (Baxley reassures him several times without success).  I do want readers to be aware that there is foul language and an intimate scene in Confound It.  The end of Confound It will have readers teary.

The author is giving away two print copies of Confound It.  I hope you will take a moment to enter the giveaway and visit the other stops on the Confound It Tour.  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with my review of Murder with Cinnamon Scones by Karen Rose Smith.  I hope you have a fabulous day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 1 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

June 2 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

June 3 - Brooke Blogs – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 4 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

June 5 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 6 – Jane Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST

June 6 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – Valerie's Musings – GUEST POST

June 8 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 9 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

June 10 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – GUEST POST

June 11 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

June 11 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

June 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 13 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

June 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

June 14 – Socrates' Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 14 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

The Hawaiian Discovery: The Hawaiian Series

Happy June 1.  A couple of new books out today include Mulberry Lane Babies by Rosie Clarke, The Foyles Bookshop Girls by Elaine Roberts, and Confound It by Maggie Toussaint.

The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter is the sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt.  Ellen Lambright is back home in Middlebury, Indiana working at Mandy and Ken Williams bed and breakfast.  One day Mandy and Ken receive a call that his father his ill and they quickly fly to Hawaii.  When Ken’s father passes away, they are needed to stay on in Hawaii to assist his mother with the farm and they must sell their bed and breakfast. While looking for a new job, Ellen works at her father’s shoe store with Ezra Bontrager.  Ezra wishes to go out with Ellen, but he is fearful of rejection.  A few months later, Ken is in a horrible accident, and Ellen quickly flies to Hawaii to be with Mandy.  Ellen assists the Williams employee, Rob Smith with their organic chicken farm.  As Ellen spends more time with Rob, she can feel herself falling in love with him.  However, Ellen has been baptized into the Amish church and would not hurt her family by leaving.  Is there a possibility of a future between Rob and Ellen?  Rejoin Ellen and Mandy in The Hawaiian Discovery.

I thought The Hawaiian Discovery was well-written and had a steady pace.  I do recommend reading The Hawaiian Quilt before you begin The Hawaiian Discovery.  The characters are nicely developed with the realistic foibles.  We get beautiful descriptions of Middlebury and Hawaii.  The plants and sights in Hawaii sounded amazing along with the pleasing weather.  I cannot imagine working or running a chicken farm.  The smells described had me wrinkling my nose in distaste, and I could imagine the noise caused by so many birds (my neighbors have some chickens and they are a noisy flock).  It was nice to revisit Mandy, Ellen and the other ladies.  The Christian elements are masterfully woven into the story.  Forgiveness from others and of oneself being the biggest theme in The Hawaiian Discovery.  Guilt from an event can weigh a person down and change the course of their life.  Forgiveness is a healing balm.  In The Hawaiian Discovery, we see the importance of family, friendship, loyalty, faith, prayer and patience.  The Hawaiian Discovery is a special story that will linger with you and the ending will leave you with a smile on your face. The Hawaiian Discovery will be released on June 5 (the release date changed from June 1).

You can get a free extended preview of The Hawaiian Discovery on Amazon.  I hope I have helped you find a new book or two today.  I will be featuring Confound It by Maggie Toussaint.  It is the fifth A Dreamwalker Mystery.  May you have a day free of conflict (one can always hope).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader