Identity by Nora Roberts

 Identity

Book Summary

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author's terrifying new thriller about one man's ice-cold malice, and one woman's fight to reclaim her life.

Former Army brat Morgan Albright has finally planted roots in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore. Her friend and roommate Nina helps her make the mortgage payments, as does Morgan's job as a bartender. But after she and Nina host their first dinner party—attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who'd been chatting her up at the bar—her carefully built world is shattered. The back door glass is broken, cash and jewelry are missing, her car is gone, and Nina lies dead on the floor.

Soon, a horrific truth emerges: It was Morgan who let the monster in. "Luke" is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.

What the FBI tells Morgan is beyond chilling. Nina wasn't his type. Morgan is. Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Morgan's nightmare is just beginning. Soon she has no choice but to flee to her mother's home in Vermont. While she struggles to build something new, she meets another man, Miles Jameson. He isn't flashy or flirtatious, and his family business has deep roots in town. But Gavin is still out there hunting new victims, and he hasn't forgotten the one who got away.

My Thoughts

Identity by Nora Roberts is an intriguing story.  I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I was quickly drawn into Morgan Albright’s story.  I felt bad for her.  She let herself relax and enjoy an evening with a date.  Morgan quickly came to regret it.  I liked Morgan’s mother and grandmother.  Three generations of Albright woman living in one home.  Morgan’s mother and grandmother were strong, supportive women.  There is plenty of drama to keep readers intrigued.  I like that the author included chapters from the killer’s point of view.  It gave the reader insights into his sick mind.  I liked the Jameson family and their establishment.  They take care of their employees which inspires employee loyalty.  

The romance was a slow burn which suited this story.  Morgan is not the type to rush into romance, especially after being hurt by Gavin.  Miles and Morgan are perfect for each other.  Of course, they cannot have their happily ever after until Gavin is caught.  Gavin is intent on getting the woman who got away.  The author combined intrigue, drama, suspense, and romance into one engaging story.  I can tell the author did her research.  I am amazed how much personal information on an individual a nefarious person can amass and then the havoc they can create out of a person’s life.  I did feel the story was a touch long (448 pages) plus there was repetition of key details along with a substantial amount of foul language (it was not needed).  The ending will leave the reader smiling.  Identity is a captivating tale with charming criminal, a murdered roommate, a purloined identity, coming home, the perfect position, a killer clue, and a shocking showdown.

Identity is available from Amazon*.  You can find Nora Roberts' other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Second Chances on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand.  It is the eleventh book in the delightful The Matchmaker of Huckleberry Hill series.  I can always count on hours of entertainment when I pick up a book in this series.  I hope that you have a satisfying day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower

Blueberry Blunder

Book Summary

Bailey King, star of TV’s Bailey's Amish Sweets, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. But no sooner is the frame of the new building up than she finds the dead body of a surly contractor who has a long list of enemies—including people in the Amish community. To add to the drama, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for her upcoming show. . .

 

When Bailey’s TV producer pitched a reality show about building the factory, Bailey was shocked that the network picked it up. She’s not shocked that many of the Amish working on the jobsite refuse to be on camera. However, local community organizer Margot Rawlings is ecstatic—because the filming coincides with Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash. Margot believes the media attention will make Harvest the most popular destination in Holmes County. But now, the county may become known for all the wrong reasons . . . 

Bailey will have to sift through a crowd of angry villagers and thousands of blueberries to solve the murder, save her new venture, and protect her Amish friends. At the same time, she and her longtime boyfriend, Aiden Brody, are making big decisions about their future together—a future that may be in jeopardy if Bailey is the next pick on a killer’s list . . .  

My Thoughts

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower has Bailey King building a candy factory in Harvest, Ohio.  After numerous delays from the belligerent contractor, Bailey fires him (good for her).  Bailey has a camera crew following her around for a new series featuring the building of the factory.  The ambitious producer is thrilled with the drama around the construction and Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash.  Margot Rawlings ropes Bailey into being the Blueberry Princess and she hopes the film coverage will draw more tourists to their town.  Harvest may become famous for another reason when the surly contractor is found dead.   

Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower is a witty tale.  I laughed often while reading this story.  I enjoyed returning to Harvest, Ohio for the Blueberry Bash.  I felt bad for Bailey King who has her hands full with making candy for Swissmen Sweets, the construction of the new factory, the filming of her new show, and Jethro (Juliet’s polka dotted pig) constantly being foisted on her.  Juliet takes advantage of Bailey.  She should not continually thrust Jethro on Bailey (Juliet needs a pig sitter).  Jethro is one mischievous pig who can only be left unsupervised at nap time.  I felt bad for Nutmeg who had to share her bed at Swissmen Sweets with the polka dotted porker.  I like that we are getting to know more about Charlotte.  She is really coming out of her shell.  Charlotte is getting to marry the love of her life in just a few days.  Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash provided many laugh out loud moments.  The Blueberry Princesses dress and throne are indeed something.  I had to laugh when I learned who came up with the idea for the festival and why. I do not know if it will help the person or not (I hope it does).  

Harvest is a blend of Amish and Englisch.  Millie and Lois from Amanda Flower’s An Amish Matchmaker Mysteries are included.  Lois is a hoot.  Millie and Lois are polar opposites in looks, but they both have good hearts.  The mystery was straightforward.  I knew who would die and the identity of the guilty party before the crime took place.  The reason why took me a little longer to untangle.  My reading enjoyment was not dimmed by this knowledge.  I had a fun time following Bailey on her latest adventure.  I am glad Aiden is returning to town (it is about time).  The ending made me happy.  I see changes ahead in Harvest.  I cannot wait to see what happens in the next An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  Blueberry Blunder can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I recommend reading this entertaining series in order. I like Amanda Flower’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging.  I was drawn immediately drawn into Blueberry Blunder.  It is a lighthearted story that made me laugh.  My visit to Harvest was over far too soon.    Blueberry Blunder is a comical cozy with a blueberry bash, a construction catastrophe, a poufy princess dress, a playful pig, a killed contractor, blended nuptials, and a special surprise. 

Blueberry Blunder is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other An Amish Candy Shop Mysteries here.  Dating Can Be Deadly is the fifth An Amish Matchmaker Mystery and it will be out on October 24.  Amanda has Crime and Cherry Pitts releasing on February 27, 2024 and it is the fourth a Farm to Table Mystery.  You can find Amanda Flower's other novels here.  

A few of the other books out today are Identity by Nora Roberts, The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis, Give Fudge a Chance by Nancy Coco, Second Chances on Blueberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand, Witch Upon a Star by Angela M. Sanders, and Breaking McKinley's Curse by Mindy Steele. Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Identity by Nora Roberts.  I have started walking for twenty to thirty minutes each evening.  My doctor said walking is the best exercise for me with my fibromyalgia and my bad knees. I did not want to walk alone and I am not ready to get another dog, so I picked up a cat stroller.  I have two cats (sisters) who are complete opposites.  Dickens who lives up to her name (she is a wily cat) and Bucky (for Buckeye) who is shy.    Dickens enjoys going outside (she is constantly sneaking out the door).  The stroller allows Dickens to get outside and for me to have a companion.  People are enjoying meeting my friendly feline. I hope that you have a joyful day.  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Letter Reader by Jan Casey

 The Letter Reader

Book Summary

She read their secrets during the war. Now she cannot forget them...

1941. London. Keen to do her bit in the war, Connie Allinson joins the WRNS and is posted as a letter censor. Her task: to read and alter correspondence to ensure no sensitive information crosses enemy lines. At first, she is not sure she's up to it, but is soon drawn in by the letters she reads, and their secrets...

1967. Doncaster.

 Bored of her domestic life, Connie desperately wants a job, but her controlling husband Arthur won't hear of it. Looking for an escape and plagued by memories of letters she read during the war, she makes a bid for freedom and starts secretly tracking down their authors. Will uncovering their past give Connie the key to her present? And will she be able to find them all before Arthur discovers what she is keeping from him?

My Thoughts

The Letter Reader by Jan Casey is a dual timeline novel.  The novel takes readers between 1941 (through the war years) and 1967.  I decided to read this book despite my ban on books from World War II (there has been a glut of books on this topic, and I needed a respite) because I had not read a book about postal censors.  Connie Allinson joins the WRNS in 1941 and is posted as a letter censor (her husband wanted her to do something safe).  For those who are nosy, it would be the perfect occupation (as well as those who are curious).  It would be exciting to find a letter written in code.  I had no idea that some postal censors traveled around from post office to post office to complete their duties.  The war years part of the story was interesting, but I did not enjoy the 1967 portion.  It was boring and repetitive.  Connie is a housewife whose husband likes a strict routine.  He wants chores done on a certain day of the week, he has a meal schedule, and he gives Connie the bare minimum for housekeeping (aka the household budget).  Connie is bored staying at home and wants to get a job.  

I do not understand why she asked her husband’s permission to get a job (it was not needed).  I would have gotten a job and then told him about it (fait accompli).  Connie finds her thoughts consumed by certain letters that she read during the war.  She wonders what happened to the people who wrote the letters.  When Arthur, her husband, suggests Connie visit London every two months for three days (he is so generous) to catch up with her brother and sister-in-law, Connie jumps at the chance.  It will give Connie the opportunity to do some research at Somerset House.  I did find it odd that she would venture to find information on people who wrote letters.  

Connie signed the Official Secrets Act plus many people do not like “knowing” (there is knowing that your letter could be read and having someone show up saying they read your letter) that someone read their personal correspondence (much less remembered it twenty years after the war).    I found the story to be long with mixed pacing.  While the war year chapters flew by, the other chapters did not.  I did not find the ending satisfying.  The Letter Reader is a historical tale with a rough war, censored letters, a repetitive routine, a humdrum husband, and facing the future.

The Letter Reader is available from Amazon*.  You can read The Letter Reader for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.  You can find Jan Casey's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I am taking next week off to get some work done around the house.  I have managed to carve out a small block of time to get a small list of items done (hopefully).  If I can get the living/dining area finished, I will be very happy (the last person I hired to paint finished the ceiling and never returned).  Wish me luck! I will return on Tuesday, May 23 with Blueberry Blunder by Amanda Flower.  It is the 8th An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.  It is a cute story that will have you chuckling often.  I hope that you have a lovely Mother's Day.  I am cooking dinner for my mother (she does not want to go out which was my choice) and I have a few gifts for her (one of them is Vera Bradley's Ohio State crossbody bag).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman

 The Spirit Girls

Book Summary

“Where are you taking me?” Rylan follows the figure through the trees. The girl’s dark ponytail swings as she turns back, then walks on without answering. Deep in the woods, she disappears… and Rylan finds her body, mouth wide in a silent, final plea for help.

Rylan Flynn has always been able to see what others don’t—the restless spirits haunting Ashby, Indiana. She’s learned to live with her “gift” but sometimes she longs to escape.

The woods have always been a peaceful place for Rylan. But on a visit to her aunt’s cabin, she catches sight of a spirit in the trees. The ghost of a young woman approaches, leading Rylan to her body.

With a flood of horror, Rylan realizes that the girl, 

Celeste Monroe, has been murdered. An outgoing newcomer to town, Celeste had no enemies. Who on earth would want to see her dead?

When a coin carved with strange symbols is discovered in Celeste’s throat, it’s clear that a twisted, cold-blooded killer is at work.

Rylan’s abilities could be the only way to prevent further deaths. But Ashby’s handsome head detective, Ford Pierce, has made it very clear that he doesn’t want her help.

And any unexplained knowledge of the case could make Rylan the perfect suspect.

When another body is discovered and blood at the scene points to Rylan’s family, she is more determined than ever to uncover the truth. She must race against time to untangle a web of dark secrets… but can she find answers before the murderer claims another victim?

My Thoughts

The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman is the debut of A Rylan Flynn Mystery series.  Rylan Flynn can see ghosts that present themselves to her.  Her goal is to help them move on.  She pays the bills by filming what she does for her You-Tube channel.  Rylan is visiting her Aunt Val for breakfast when she sees a female ghost.   The ghost leads her to a body hanging from a tree.  It turns out to be the ghost’s body.  One of the responding detectives is Detective Ford Pierce who makes Rylan heart zing.  Ford does believe Rylan can see spirits, but he would prefer she not trespass (like she did the previous evening) and stay safe.  When Aunt Val ends up at the top of the suspect list, Rylan will do whatever it takes to clear her.

The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman is easy to read.  I wish the author had given us more information on Rylan and there were other questions I wanted answered (how she got her powers, her mother, what is in her brother’s old bedroom).  The plot never developed to its fullest extent.  The story had potential, but it did not reach it.  It just scratched the surface.  The paranormal element was light (I thought there would be more).  I wanted a tricky mystery, some scary moments, and a little humor.  I was able to solve the crime early in the story.  The twist was not a surprise.  The ending was expected.   The repetition of details was not needed (the whispers through the walls at home, Rylan’s dead mother, Rylan’s attraction to Ford).  I wanted a surprise or two, more paranormal, less romance, and a more challenging mystery.  A Rylan Flynn Mystery series has potential, but it was not achieved in The Spirit Girls.  The Spirit Girls is a paranormal tale with lost souls, a dishy detective, an accused aunt, a horrific killing, and a sassy spiritualist.  

The Spirit Girls is available from Amazon*.  The Spirit Girls can be read for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Thursday, May 11 with The Letter Reader by Jan Casey.  I am off to put up my Memorial Day decorations outside.  I hope that you have a spirited day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Ghost Goes to the Dogs by Cleo Coyle

The Ghost Goes to the Dogs

Book Summary

A stray dog leads bookseller Penelope McClure and her gumshoe ghost on a chase for a cunning criminal in this brand-new entry in the "UTTERLY CHARMING" (Mystery Scene) Haunted Bookshop Mysteries from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

Pet Mystery Week brings brisk business to Penelope's Rhode Island bookshop, but a real mystery comes barking at her door when a lost dog turns up in a panic. Pen and her son Spencer follow the furry fugitive to a wooded area where the dog's owner lies unconscious. Mrs. Cunningham is a warm-hearted widow who volunteers at the animal shelter and runs Buy the Book's pet lovers book club. Why would anyone shoot such a sweet soul?

The police believe it's an accident, a shot by a careless deer hunter, but Pen remains skeptical. To straighten out this doggone mess, she whistles for the ghost of PI Jack Shepard, an expert in hounding as well as haunting. Jack has a dog story of his own, a case from the 1940s that may help Pen sniff out clues to her present predicament. Yet even with Jack's hard-boiled help, Pen may not be able to stop the killer from striking again or letting this whole case go to the dogs...

My Thoughts

The Ghost Goes to the Dogs by Cleo Coyle has Penelope embroiled in another mystery.  I always look forward to reading Penelope and Jack’s latest adventure.  They are an entertaining duo.  The characters are realistic and relatable.  I especially love Jack with his 1930s and 1940s lingo.  I like the author’s writing style.  I was quickly drawn into the story.  There are two mysteries in this story.  In the present day, a lost dog leads Penelope and her son (plus Jack) to its owner who has been shot.  The local law enforcement (the keystone cops) is a joke.  The only decent member is out of town at a seminar much to Penelope’s dismay.  Penelope, of course, decides to search for answers on her own (well, she is technically not alone since Jack is with her in spirit).  It is a well plotted, complex mystery.  I had a good time solving it.  

Rin Tin Tin & Rusty

The secondary whodunit is one of Jack’s old cases.  Jack visits Penelope in her dreams.  He takes her back to the 1940s when he was working as a PI when someone left a dog tied to his door with a note under the dog’s collar.  Penelope uses the information provided by Jack along with a little sleuthing to solve the cold case.  I liked how this mystery tied to the present day.  It is like we are getting two stories in one book.  Both mysteries were nicely wrapped up by the end.  The Ghost Goes to the Dogs is the ninth A Haunted Bookshop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading all the books in this unique series.  I love how Jack talks (how you expect a private investigator from the 1940s to talk).  I enjoyed his references to Lassie and Rin Tin Tin.  I like how he flirts with Penelope.  He really is the perfect man for Penelope (if he was alive).  I enjoyed my latest visit to Quindicott.  I can tell that the author has been around cats and dogs.  She captured their behavior and attitudes.  I am eager for the next A Haunted Bookshop Mystery.  The Ghost Goes to the Dogs is a killer diller with a dame downed with a cannon, an eager beaver bookseller, knucklehead cops with a cockeyed concept, a clever cookie, a dreamboat apparition, a canny canine, and a humdinger of a whodunit.  

The Ghost Goes to the Dogs is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other eight A Haunted Bookshop Mysteries here.  You can find Cleo Coyle's other books here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on May 9 with The Spirit Girls by Dawn Merriman.  I hope you have a fun weekend and enjoy Cinco De Mayo.  I have my decorations up and a T-shirt to wear.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Secret to Happiness

Book Summary

Escape to Cape Cod--where you just might find the secret to happiness

Callie Dixon had the world by its tail . . . until it all slipped away. Fired from her dream job after making a colossal mistake, she's escaped to her aunt's home on Cape Cod for time to bounce back. Except it isn't a home, it's an ice cream shop. And time isn't going to help, because Callie's bounce has up and left. There's a reason she made that mistake at work and she's struggling to come to terms with it.

Things go from bad to worse when Callie's cousin Dawn drags her to a community class about the secret to happiness. Happiness is the last thing Callie wants to think about right now, but instructor Bruno Bianco--a curiously gloomy fellow--is relentless. He has a way of turning Callie's thoughts upside down. Her feelings, too.

Could Bruno be right when he says that hitting rock bottom is the very best place to be? If so, how is that supposed to help her find exactly what--or who--has been missing all along?

My Thoughts

The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher takes us back to Cape Cod.  Callie Dixon has always excelled at everything she has gone after.  At twenty-eight, Callie became an executive chef at a hotel.  Unfortunately, a sauce got left out overnight and a sous chef served it to two hundred guests.  Callie became the scapegoat and was fired.  When Callie’s aunt, Marnie sees her normally vivacious niece at the Penn State Ice Cream Short Course, she is shocked by her appearance.  When Callie asks to visit Marnie and Dawn at Cape Cod, she cannot say no (much to Dawn’s dismay).  When Callie lays in bed day after day, Dawn comes up with a plan.  She drags Callie to the Saturday community class on the secret to happiness taught by author and professor, Bruno Bianco.  Marnie feels that there is more going on than a lost job.  She is hoping that Callie will share it with her when she is ready.

The Secret to Happiness is the second book in the Cape Cod Creamery series.  It can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading The Sweet Life.  I like how The Secret to Happiness tied into the Three Sisters Island series.  I like the author’s writing style.  It made the story easy to read.  The point-of-view switched between Dawn, Marnie, and Callie.  I liked getting to see each woman’s perspective.  Callie’s evolving relationship with Marnie and Dawn was heartwarming as well as realistic.  I like how Marnie subtly shared her faith with Callie.  It was the right approach for Callie.  The happiness instructor’s theory is interesting.  A way to retrain the brain.  As Callie found happiness, so does the reader.  

I loved Callie’s relationship with six-year-old, Leo the Cowboy.  He is a frequent visitor at the Main Street Creamery (he seems to know when a new batch of ice cream is ready for taste testing).  He wormed his way into Callie’s heart (as well as the readers).  Dawn and Kevin are planning their wedding.  Dawn will not go on her honeymoon until she knows Marnie can make ice cream (from scratch).  Plus, Dawn needs to find a venue.  Marnie and Lincoln’s friendship might develop into something more.  Marnie is not sure if she is ready.  I enjoyed the humor scattered throughout the story.  Kevin’s landlady is a doozy (I can understand why Kevin wants to move).  There are ice cream quotes before each chapter and delectable sounding ice cream (and adult ice cream pops) in the story.  I am looking forward to the next book in the Cape Cod Creamery series which will feature Dawn’s best friend, Brynn.  The Secret to Happiness is about family, friendship, forgiveness, faith, love, ice cream, and second chances.  The Secret to Happiness is a touching tale with a depressed chef, a cute cowboy, happiness sessions, surreal sunrises, appetizing popsicles, venue issues, and a secret discovered.   

The Secret to Happiness is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Cape Cod Creamery series is The Sweet Life.  You can find Suzanne Woods Fisher's other novels here.  If you follow the author on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Suzanne Woods Fisher has Lost and Found coming out on September 26.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Ghost Goes to the Dogs by Cleo Coyle.  It is the ninth A Haunted Bookshop Mystery. I am still working on my bike.   I am having trouble with the quick link.  I can only get one side to go on (so frustrating).  I will have to call the bike guy in our community to fix it.  I prefer to fix things myself when I can.  The instruction booklet is useless (I put the bike together and the back chain is the last piece).  It says to attach to both sides and pull taut (easier said than done).  I bet the bike guy will have it done in less than five minutes.  I hope that you have a joyful spring day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Dressed to Drill by Kate Carlisle

 Dressed to Drill

Book Summary

Contractor Shannon Hammer’s new project, renovating an old church, reveals some old sins when a body is found on the premises in the latest Fixer-Upper Mystery from the New York Times author Kate Carlisle.

While Shannon Hammer is thrilled to attend the premiere of the movie based on her boyfriend Mac’s latest book, she can’t wait to trade her killer heels for work boots and start her next renovation project in Lighthouse Cove: a quaint Victorian church that has seen better days. And will see them again—as a museum—if Shannon, her talented crew, and her sister Chloe have anything to say about it.

But on the first day of demolition, work comes to a screeching halt when they stumble on the body of a beautiful young woman in one of the chapels. Who killed the assistant art director? Suspects crawl out of the woodwork as fast as Shannon can restore it. The church is hiding a century of secrets from the days that smugglers wreaked havoc on the California coast. But it’s a more recent secret that someone killed to protect. Shannon and Mac will use every tool in their toolbox to nail down the truth before any more lives are sacrificed.

My Thoughts

Dressed to Drill by Kate Carlisle takes us back to Lighthouse Cove where Shannon Hammer is remodeling a Gothic Victorian church into an art museum.  It is just the type of project that Shannon enjoys.  The church has beautiful features including a unique cabinet in the sacristy.    I enjoyed the vivid word imagery that allowed me to visualize the church and the town.  Shannon has a good team to help her with the renovations.  She has added a new lighting expert that she met in Hollywood when visiting her sister, Chloe.  It turns out that Buck has family in Lighthouse Cove (what a coincidence).  I know that Shannon has a good team of workers, and she appreciates them.  It is something that is mentioned often throughout the story (a few too many times).  The whodunit was fun.  A dead assistant in the sacristy.  Shannon found clues that she happily pointed out to Eric, the chief of police.  I like that Shannon and Mac bounce ideas off each other and their Scooby Doo game is amusing.  There are clues to help readers solve the crime before the reveal.  I wish the mystery had been more complex.  There was a repetition of details as Shannon shared information with Mac, Eric, and her group of friends (who gathered helpful information).  There were some intriguing points that I enjoyed.  An old church is bound to have secrets.  Shannon is good at finding those enigmas.  

Shannon and Mac are a happy couple.  You can tell that they love each other and know each other very well.  I did not feel, though, that we needed to be told this so frequently.  The ending will please fans of the series.  Dressed to Drill is the tenth A Fixer-Upper Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to A Fixer-Upper Mysteries.  I appreciated the humor dispersed throughout the story.  Dressed to Drill is a fun, lighthearted story with great characters and a beautiful setting (I would love to live in Lighthouse Cove).  Dressed to Drill is an entertaining tale with a movie premiere, a church reconstruction, a slain assistant, an abundance of boxes, a curious cabinet, and a special surprise. 

Dressed to Drill is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Fixer-Upper Mysteries here.  Kate Carlisle has The Twelve Books of Christmas coming out on October 24.  It is the seventeenth A Bibliophile Mystery.  You can find Kate Carlisle's other books here.  The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher came out today along with The Life She Wanted by Anita Abriel, The Ghost Goes to the Dogs by Cleo Coyle, The Secret Book of Flora Lee by Patti Callahan Henry, All the Days of Summer by Nancy Thayer, and The Wedding Planner by Danielle Steel.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher. It is the second book in the Cape Cod Creamery series.  I hope that you have a sunny day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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