The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler

 The Heart Knows the Way Home

Book Summary

The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler has Janna Carpenter returning to Lancaster County with her daughter after having left fourteen years ago with her mother.  She pulls up in front of her new rental to find a tree has fallen onto the roof causing damage.  Until work is completed, Janna and Kayla are unable to move into their new home.  Needing time to think, Janna drives around until her car runs out of gas.  They are fortunate to be rescued by twin sisters whom Janna know quite well.  She grew up near the Martin family and spent more time at their home than her own.  Luke Martin was her friend, and his grandmother was the mother figure in her life.  The Martins offer her the use of the daadi haus until their new home is ready.  It seems like the perfect arrangement.  There are times, though, when Janna and Luke butt heads.  Janna is used to being independent while Luke, the head of the Martin family, is used to taking care of the women in the family.  As Janna and Luke renew their friendship, they begin to feel something more for each other.  Their differences, though, could keep them apart.  What does God have in store for them?

My Thoughts

The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler is a sweet Plain story.  I thought it was well-written with developed characters.  Janna Carpenter and Luke Martin are both strong characters.  I liked seeing them work through their issues and grow as individuals.  Kayla and Joah were sweeties.  I like how their friendship mirrored that of Janna and Luke as children.  I enjoyed the setting of the Martin farm.  It sounded beautiful and peaceful.  It was interesting learning about the differences between Amish and Mennonite.  I was not aware of the different levels of Mennonite (Old Order, Progressive, Wenger are the ones mentioned in the book).  There is much discussion regarding head coverings for women.  I like the scripture that was quoted and how it is the woman’s personal choice after much thought and prayer.  I like how the romance developed between Janna and Luke.  It was not something that was rushed into. There are obstacles that must be overcome before they can think about a romantic relationship. It was interesting to learn about the diseases that affect the Amish and Mennonite people.  The author incorporated the Clinic for Special Children (CSC) into the book.  This is a wonderful nonprofit medical facility in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.    I enjoyed reading this charming story.  I hope Christy Distler continues to write Plain fiction.  My favorite phrase from The Heart Knows the Way Home is, “The wings do the flying, but the heart knows the way home.”  The Heart Knows the Way Home is a special Plain tale about friends, family, and faith.

The Heart Knows the Way Home can be obtained from Amazon*.  It can be borrowed if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on From Rome with Love by Kate Lloyd.  I hope all of you have an inspirational day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day

 Murder at the Taffy Shop

Book Summary

Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day has Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida stumbling upon her friend, Gin Malloy bending over the prone body of Beverly Ruchart.  One touch confirms that Beverly is dead.  Beverly was not a liked woman in Westham thanks to her constant stream of complaints and insults.  Gin quickly rises to the top of suspect list when it is learned that Beverly insulted her at a dinner party the previous night and Gin had brought a box of her chocolates to the poisoned victim.  Mac and the Cozy Capers work to prove Gin’s innocence and unwrap the killer.  

My Thoughts

Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day is the 2^nd book in A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series.  The book can be a little confusing in the beginning, but everything a new reader needs to know is soon provided.  There is a group of friendly characters in this series.  I like the members of the book group as well as Mac’s family, especially her spunky grandmother.  Mac’s African Grey, Belle is a delight.  He has some great lines with my favorite being, “Cheese it, call the cops.”.  Westham, Massachusetts is a cozy town with some charming shops. I enjoyed the descriptions of this tourist town (I want to visit).  I did find the pacing to be on the slow side. The story needed more action.  There is also a repetition of information that is annoying.  In the first third of the book, it is mentioned a minimum of four times how Mac is not ready to marry and have children (I got it the first time).  Case details are repeated as well (how the body was found especially).  The whodunit had several suspects since Beverly rubbed most people the wrong way.  I found it particularly easy to solve this whodunit (my mother says it is because I read so many mysteries).  I have no doubt that most readers will solve this one long before the reveal.  I enjoyed the references to other cozy mysteries.  I would love a cozy mystery book group in my complex. Cozy mystery readers who like warm, relatable characters living in a cozy town where they can follow their day-to-day activities, will enjoy this book.  Murder at the Taffy Shop is a cute cozy mystery with a bothersome Beverly, a verbose Belle, a gregarious Gin, a cute Cokey, and a well-meaning Mac.  

Murder at the Taffy Shop can be obtained from Amazon*.  The first novel in A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series is Murder on Cape Cod.  The third book in the series is Murder at the Lobstah Shack which publishes November 30.  You can find Maddie Day's other novels here and Edith Maxwell's here.   Thank you for stopping by today.  I will see you next time when I return with another book review.  I hope that you have a captivating day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front by Nancy Revell

The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front

 Book Summary

The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front by Nancy Revell takes us back to December of 1943 where our favorite ladies have just finished celebrating Christmas in Sunderland.  Gloria arrives at home to find Jack on her doorstep.  After two years, Gloria and Jack are finally reunited.  While over the moon to be with Jack, Gloria is worried about the reactions of her sons to her news.  Gloria must tell them about her divorce, Jack, and their baby sister. Rosie received news that Peter is alive and well.  Rosie knows that he is working undercover in France, and that she will not see him until the war is over.  When the shipyard receives a special commission for Royal Navy landing craft tanks, Rosie pushes the ladies to finish as many as possible since they will used to help liberate France.  Dorothy has been dating Lt. Toby Mitchell and knows that a proposal is imminent when he asks to meet with her parents.  But then a new man enters her life.  What does 1944 hold for the Shipyard Girls?

 My Thoughts

The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front by Nancy Revell is the 10^th novel in The Shipyard Girls Series.  This tale picks up where A Christmas Wish for the Shipyard Girls ends.  This is a series that is best read in order (so you can understand the characters and what they have been through).  I thought The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front was well-written.  The author captures the time-period and locale. I can tell Nancy Revell did her research for this series and especially this book. I like how current events were included.  This series has delightful characters (Rosie, Martha, Dorothy, Gloria, Angie, Hannah, and Helen).  I look forward to each book in this series so I can find out what is happening next with this group of ladies.  This group has dealt with many challenges since the outbreak of war.   My attention was caught from the very first page and it was held throughout the book. I enjoy reading about the ladies’ latest experiences. The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front is an emotional novel.  When one of the ladies receives devastating news, you need to have a tissue handy.  The characters have gone through so much over the course of the series and the war is not over yet.  I like how these women have formed a family.  They care for each other and look after each other.  It is wonderful to read about such a caring group of people.  Each book in this series is better than the last.  I am eager to read Shipyard Girls Under the Mistletoe.  The Shipyard Girls Series would make a great PBS program.  The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front is a charming book that has joy, love, grief, loss, humor, drama, and heartache.

The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Shipyard Girls Series here.  The next release in this series is Shipyard Girls Under the Mistletoe which publishes October 28.  You can follow Nancy Revell on Amazon so you can get updates on her latest releases.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day.  It is the second book in A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott

Under the Cover of Murder

Book Summary

Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott has Addie Greyborne as the maid-of-honor for Serena Chandler who is marrying Zach Ludlow.  Serena is ready to call off the wedding thanks to Zach’s dragon of a stepmother who has changed every plan the happy couple made for their nuptials.  The vows will now be exchanged on a luxury yacht and their intimate ceremony flew away with the seagulls.  The one upside is Addie gets to spend the night after the ceremony is a luxurious stateroom.  The day of the ceremony the chief of police visits Addie to see if she recognizes a man found dead on the beach with only a piece of a torn book page on him.  Unable to assist, Addie returns to calming down the bride and getting her down the aisle.  The morning after the ceremony, Addie is enjoying breakfast on the yacht with her friends when Chief Marc Chandler arrives.  A body has washed up on the beach and everyone on board is a suspect.  While the police are conducting their questioning, Addie browses the yachts library that contains valuable first editions.  She finds a clue inside a rare Agatha Christie that may help lead them guilty party.

My Thoughts

Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott is the 6^th A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery.  This is not a standalone novel. A new reader will not know the various characters and their relationships.  While I enjoy the setting of Greyborne Harbor, you can only have so many murders in one small town.  I like that we get a change of venue in this book plus it is a good way to keep all the parties in one place.  I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the opulent yacht plus the clothing of the wedding party and the fantastic library. 

The whodunit was interesting with multiple suspects and misdirection.  I like how books were incorporated into the whodunit.  I was, though, able to identify the killer before the wedding took place (my mother says that I have read too many mysteries). The why took longer to find out.  I must admit that I was happy to see the second victim get offed (I found this character to be annoying).  Unfortunately, we are still stuck with Addie’s cousin, Kalea.  You must extend your disbelief a little with Addie’s investigating.  Addie does things she would not get away with in the real world, but it works in the story.  I like how Catherine and Paige help Addie with the investigation as well as the murder board.  The ladies uncover some surprising information.  There is repetition of the case details when Addie shares with friends and police plus with Addie rehashing the information in her head (she gets to reviewing the case details in her head and forgets the world around her).  I did not enjoy the amount of romance in the book plus I am not a fan of Addie’s relationship with Simon.  Their relationship feels syrupy (best word I can think of to use).  I prefer Addie with Marc.  They seem to have a better connection.  It seems that Marc understands Addie and he definitely cares for her.  Readers of the series will enjoy this new addition.  Under the Cover of Murder is a cute cozy mystery with wedding woes, shoe suffering, a difficult detective, surprising secrets, luxurious lodgings, and curious clues.  

Under the Cover of Murder can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series here.  To Tome of Murder is the 7th A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery and it will release on October 26.  Thank you for reading my review today.  The Shipyard Girls on the Home Front by Nancy Revell is being featured tomorrow.  It is the 10th novel in The Shipyard Girls Series.  I hope that you have a blissful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

Bookshop by the Sea 

Book Summary

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter has Sophie Lawson within days of her dream of owning a bookstore becoming a reality.  She must first get through her sister’s wedding and prevent any disasters from occurring.  Sophie must also deal with seeing her ex-boyfriend, Aiden Maddox for the first time in seven years.  She is still angry over how and when he left all those years ago.  After the wedding, Sophie falls to sleep in the beach house she is borrowing until her apartment over the bookshop is completed.  She hears noises during the night and finds Aiden entering the house.  A hurricane is bearing down on the town which means his flight was canceled and all the hotels are booked.  Sophie has no choice but let Aiden stay until the storm is over.  Sophie still cares for Aiden, but she does not know if she could trust him again.  She is also worried about getting the bookstore ready in time for her opening.  The day is set, and a famous author will be arriving to do a book signing.  Aiden’s feelings for Sophie have not changed in seven years.  Can Aiden convince Sophie that he has changed?  The pair have a lot to talk over and plenty of time with a hurricane on the way. 

My Thoughts

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter is a sweet Christian romance.  It contains Denise Hunter’s conversational writing style which draws the reader into the book.  The book has realistic characters.  I like that the characters were not perfect.  It gave them a chance to learn from their mistakes and grow.  I just love Pippa, Sophie’s dog.  She was such a sweetie.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Piper’s Cove.  It sounded like a quaint town where I want to live.  The residents are just great.  This is a special community where people help each other in time of need.  They are a welcoming bunch.  Sophie had a vision for the bookshop that was special.  I could relate to her love of books.  My favorite phrase from Bookshop by the Sea came from Sophie when she said, “I love how books can transport you to another place.”   For those who love Christian romances, you will thoroughly enjoy this charming tale.  While it is a lovely story, it is predictable and there are repetitive details.  I like how the Christian elements were woven into the book.  There are good life lessons learned by our characters.  We see that we are never too old to learn from our mistakes and change our ways.  I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the book.  Bookshop By the Sea is a story about healing, forgiveness, realizing dreams, and second chances.  

Bookshop by the Sea is available from Amazon*.  You can find Denise Hunter's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today. I will be back tomorrow with Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott. It is the 6th A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery.   I am off to do some work in our yard.  I am planting flowers out front and I need to add rock along the side of the house where the down spouts drain (Too much water.  It looked like a lake during the recent rain storms).  I hope that you have a gratifying day.  Take care of yourself, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

No Way Out by Fern Michaels

 No Way Out by Fern Michaels

Book Summary

No Way Out by Fern Michaels has Ellie Bowman isolating herself in Hibbing, Missouri after waking up in the hospital and not remembering how she ended up there.  She lives on a street with friendly neighbors who, after two years, have accepted that she does not leave the house.  Ellie gets to know Jackson Haywood, a kind eight-year-old, who loves to play with her dog, Buddy.  From her perch in her attic workroom, Ellie can see what happens on the mostly quiet street.  One day Ellie receives a call from her friend, Kara letting her know that Ellie’s ex-boyfriend, Rick has resurfaced.  Ellie begins to have nightmares.  She realizes that hidden within the bad dreams are real memories.  She begins to piece together the clues of what happened the night she lost her memory.  Ellie has been hiding in fear for two years and realizes that the only way she can reclaim her life is to face what happened that fateful night.  

My Thoughts

No Way Out by Fern Michaels is not what I expected.  I was looking forward to a riveting, suspenseful story.  Unfortunately, No Way Out is not that type of book.  It is reminiscent of a light cozy mystery or a women’s fiction story.  This book lacks the suspense and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Ellie moves to the small town of Hibbing, Missouri on a quiet street where there are a variety of residents.  We get to meet the various residents as the book progresses.  I liked the residents of the lane with their various quirks.   Colleen Haywood lives with her husband, Mitchel as well as her eight-year-old son, Jackson.  Mitchel drinks too much and becomes abusive.  Colleen, Mitchel, and Jackson seem to take up more of the book than Ellie.  I liked how we get to see the neighbors helping each other.  They are supportive, kind, and accepting.  They never picked on Ellie or criticized her for not leaving her home.  They accepted her for who she was which I thought was wonderful.  I found the ending to be anticlimactic as well as too quick and smooth.  There is an epilogue, but it felt incomplete.  My favorite phrase from No Way Out is, “Even when you think there is no way out, if you try hard enough, you can usually find a way.”  If you are looking for a light book to read by the pool or at the beach, then No Way Out is just the ticket.  

No Way Out if available from Amazon* along with other major booksellers.  Fern Michaels has Hidden publishing on August 24.  It is the first A Lost and Found Novel.  Santa Cruise releases on September 28.   You can find Fern Michaels other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today and reading my review.    Next time I am featuring Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter.  I hope that you have a calming day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan

Fresh Brewed Murder

My Thoughts

Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan has Sage Caplin opening a coffee cart, Ground Rules in Portland, Oregon with business partner, Harley.  On the third day, Sage arrives early to find a customer dead in front of the coffee cart.  Unfortunately, Detective Will has Sage pegged as his prime suspect.  Sage wants to get herself out of the out seat quickly.  She begins looking into the victim and finds there are several other people with strong motives.  Sage wants answers and she sets out to get them. 

Book Summary

Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan is the debut of A Ground Rules Mystery series.  Sage Caplin is twenty-seven with a unique childhood.  She is opening a coffee cart with Harley in Portland, Oregon.  Sage’s backstory is revealed slowly throughout this first book.  We get to meet her friends and family.  There are vivid descriptions of Portland that really brought the city alive for me.  I did feel that this book was a little all over the place.  The focus never stayed on the mystery for long.  It felt like more time is spent discussing coffee than the whodunit.  I had no idea there were so many varieties of coffee nor ways to make it.  The book discusses roasting coffee beans and the flavors it brings out too. I know more about coffee than I ever wanted to know (sorry, but I do not like the beverage).  Sage has family drama that dominates the story plus the book delves into the plights of runaway teens who are homeless.  We follow Sage about her daily routine which is boring to read.  The book needed more action which would have improved the pacing.   The mystery of the dead developer is straightforward.  There are several viable suspects along with misdirection.  Avid cozy mystery readers will have no problem discerning the guilty party before the reveal.  I could not get into Fresh Brewed Murder.  A Ground Rules Mystery series is not the right fit for me.  I believe it will appeal to a younger audience.  There are recipes for items mentioned in the book at the end.  Fresh Brewed Murder is a lighthearted cozy mystery with scrumptious coffees, a dead developer, cart chaos, a runaway teenager, a determined detective, and a parental predicament. 

Fresh Brewed Murder can be obtained from Amazon*.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back tomorrow with another book review (I have not decided which one yet).  I hope that you have a perky day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon

Blackberry Beach

Book Summary

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon has Katherine Parker taking time off in Hope Harbor, Oregon.  She has rented a secluded house above Blackberry Beach. Katherine wants to remain incognito so she can have peace while she thinks about her future.  After what happened recently, Katherine is unsure that what she has worked to achieve is what she still desires.  Zach Garrett, owns The Perfect Blend, is ready for a wife and family but the dating pool in Hope Harbor is limited.  When Zach sees Katherine, he is smitten with her immediately.  He does not understand why she goes out of her way to avoid him.  A local project may be what is needed to bring the two together.  Zach’s Aunt Stephanie has retired and decides to visit Zach.   Stephanie meets Frank Simmons, and the pair are attracted to each other.  Will this pair get a late in life happily ever after?

My Thoughts

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon is the 7^th A Hope Harbor Novel.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I did find Blackberry Beach to be a slow starter.  I had a difficult time getting into the story.  I think it would have been beneficial if the reason for Katherine being in Hope Harbor had been revealed earlier.  Once I was about halfway through, I found the tale more appealing and my interest began to be engaged.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the beach, the town, and Katherine’s chocolate creations.  Hope Harbor is a charming town with friendly residents.  I especially liked Charley and the seagulls (Floyd and Gladys).  I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the storylines.  This is a nice, clean Christian romance (no intimate situations or bad language).  Three of the themes in Blackberry Beach of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption.  It was great that there was a later in life romance (gives me hope).  This is a Christian tale that is never preachy.  I like how the author incorporated Faith and God into the story.  Blackberry Beach is a good book to read while relaxing by the pool.  

Blackberry Beach is available from Amazon*.  The other The Hope Harbor  Novels are here.  Hope Harbor which began the series can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Irene Hannon's other novels here.  Thank you for popping by today.  Next time I am sharing my review of Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan.  It is the debut of A Ground Rules Mystery series.  I hope that you have a positive day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould

 A Patchwork Past

Book Summary

A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould has Sophie Deiner dealing with a Lupus flare-up.  Her doctor tells her that she needs two weeks of rest, quiet, and good food.  With her roommate’s noisy late nights, Sophie takes a chance and returns to her family farm in Nappanee, Indiana.  She is thankful that her father, the local bishop, agrees to let her stay, but Sophie can tell that her mother is not pleased.  Sophie begins helping Jane, the owner of Plain Patterns, with her bountiful garden where she reconnects with Derek.  It is through Derek that Sophie meets a local migrant family who begins having legal problems.  Sophie wants to help them with their plight, but she is unsure what she can do for them.  While weeding with Jane one day, Jane begins telling Sophie the story of Mary who got caught up in the Great Chicago Fire.  Sophie finds herself inspired by Mary.  Sophie knows she needs to tread carefully.  While she wants to help the migrant family she has come to know and care about, Sophie worries that she could make the situation worse for them.  Sophie also needs to make decisions about her own future.  What choices will Sophie make?

My Thoughts

A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould is the second novel in the Plain Patterns series.  A Patchwork Past can be read as a standalone.  I found A Patchwork Past to be a unique Amish novel.  It is not like other Amish novels.  I like how it tells two stories and ties them together.  Sophie Deiner needs rest from a Lupus flare-up and returns home to the family farm.  She never felt that she fit into her Amish community.  Jane, the owner of Plain Patterns, is kind to Sophie.  While working on Jane’s garden and quilting, Jane tells her the story about Mary, a woman who traveled to Chicago with her father and ends up in the middle of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.  While at home, Sophie becomes involved in the lives of migrant family who work on the farm next to her family.  I was quickly drawn into the historical part of the tale.  I wanted these sections to be longer.  I thought A Patchwork Past was well-written with developed characters.  The story moved along at a good pace.  I could tell the author did her research for this book.  I like how she incorporated the information into the story and wove parallels to Mary’s story.  Both Sophie and Mary want to help people and do the right thing.  Faith, friends, and family are woven throughout the story.  I thought Sophie’s story will give people a better understanding of autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Fibromyalgia.  Many people do not understand these diseases and, unfortunately, believe the person is faking it.  I appreciated that we are given an epilogue that nicely wraps up the story.  The author blended the various storylines together into one inspiring tale.  

A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould can be purchased from Amazon*.  Piecing it  All Together is the first book in the Plain Patterns series and it is a Kindle Unlimited book.  You can find Leslie Gould's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be sharing Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon next time. I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton

Deadly Editions 

Book Summary 

Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton has Delany Nichols going on a treasure hunt with a grand literary prize.  The woman sponsoring the event has an unusual reputation from things she did in the 1970s.  It seems someone has decided to resurrect her old persona and commit robberies.  Then the hunts sponsor disappears.  Delany with help from some friends sets out to solve the treasure hunt and find the patroness.

My Thoughts 

Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton is the 6^th novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  We return to Edinburgh, Scotland on a snowy day as Paige begins her day at The Cracked Spine.  Delaney is surprised when she receives a missive from wealthy Shelagh O’Connor inviting her to a pub that afternoon.  Delaney along with three others are invited to participate in a treasure hunt.  They must decipher the clues to find a valuable copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  The winner will receive Shelagh’s entire book collection and each participant also receives a cash bonus.  Delaney cannot pass up this opportunity.  Things take a dark turn when robberies begin happening by someone who dresses as Shelagh did in the 1970s and then Shelagh is kidnapped.  It is a pleasure to catch up with Delaney, Tom, Rosie, Edwin, Aggie, Elias, and Hamlet.  The characters are well-developed and friendly.  We meet some new people that are involved in the treasure hunt.  Shelagh is a unique character with a beautiful home and a gorgeous library (I wanted to win it).  The treasure hunt was interesting.  They visit various local pubs searching for unique clues.  The author provided vivid descriptions that brought them alive for me as well as Edinburgh.  It was great learning about Edinburgh and Robert Louis Stevenson.  There are interesting facts about The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  The mystery was thought out.  I like how everything tied together in this intricate whodunit.  Delaney’s bookish voices added another level to the story.  While I found the mystery complex, the solution was not.  I kept hoping there would be a twist to surprise me.  I also found the pacing to be a little slow at times.  I liked the cozy moments with Tom and Delaney as well as her time spent with co-workers and their friends (and temporary houseguests) Aggie and Elias.  I just loved Delaney’s attic library.  It sounds like a cozy and special place.  Deadly Editions is an intriguing cozy mystery with a tricky treasure hunt, clever clues, a large library, a valuable volume, and popular pubs.  

Deadly Editions is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series here.  Paige Shelton has Dark Night publishing December 7.  It is the 3rd book  Alaska Wild series.  You can find Paige Shelton's other books here.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I will return tomorrow to feature A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould.  It is the 2nd tale in Plain Patterns series.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.