A Death by Any Other Name: Lady Montfort Mystery

Welcome.  I will be featuring Girl in Disguise by Greer Macallister on Tuesday, March 21 as part of a blog tour.  It is set in 1856 in the city of Chicago.  If you appreciate Amish novels, The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis will be out on March 28.

A Death by Any Other Name by Tessa Arlen is the third book in the Lady Montfort Mystery series.  Mrs. Edith Jackson has just returned to Iyntwood (the house where she is the housekeeper) after a ten-day vacation.  Mrs. Jackson loves her job except for Lady Montfort’s new habit of involving herself in other’s problems (and she always manages to drag Mrs. Jackson in with her).  Mrs. Jackson is told there is a woman at the backdoor requesting to speak with her.  It is Beryl Armitage, the sister of Walter, the dairyman on the estate.  Beryl needs Lady Montfort assistance with a problem.  Five months prior Beryl had been let go from her position as cook at Hyde Castle.  A guest, Mr. Bartholomew, had died unexpectedly, and it was blamed on tainted dish of kedgeree.  Beryl knows the dish was fine when she sent it up to the dining room.  She had sampled the dish herself.  Beryl would like Lady Montfort to look into the case and clear her name.  She has been unable to get a job since she was fired because she has no reference.  Mrs. Jackson feels compelled to take the case to Lady Montfort.  Clementine (Lady Montfort) wants to help Mrs. Armitage and quickly arranges a visit to Hyde Castle.  She has the perfect reason to visit with renowned flower expert, Miss Jekyll.  Mrs. Maud Haldane has created the Hyde Rose Society and the members are currently staying at Hyde Castle.  The group welcomes a chance to speak with the renowned Miss Jekyll.  Clementine, Miss Jekyll, and Mrs. Jackson head off to Hyde Castle.  Lady Montfort hopes to get the bottom of Mr. Bartholomew’s death with the help of Mrs. Jackson.  Can this duo clear Beryl Armitage’s name and bring Mr. Bartholomew’s killer to justice?

A Death by Any Other Name is the third book in the series, but can easily be read alone.  The author provides readers with the necessary details to understand and read the story.  Lady Montfort is a delightful character.  I like her spirit, intelligence, and desire to help others.  It is wonderful that her husband endorses her pursuits.  The story is set in August of 1914 just as war is about to break out in Europe.  A time of great change for England.  I appreciated the setting and time period.  The author did a good job at capturing the history and how people behaved in the big houses of England.  I give A Death by Any Other Name 3 out of 5 stars.  I did feel that the pace of the novel was lethargic and the novel was too long in length (it really needed to be shortened).  I found information about the case to be repeated throughout the story as well as a few other details.  The mystery was complex and the author provides several suspects (any one of them could have done the deed).  I liked the method of murder and how the killer achieved it.  The writing style was a little formal which made the book hard to get into and enjoy.  I believe the idea and characters have potential.  The book just needs a less stilted/stuffy writing style.  The first two books in a Lady Montfort Mystery series are Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman and Death Sits Down to Dinner.

I sincerely hope you have a lovely Saturday.  The weather has warmed up in our area so it is once again back to t-shirts and capri pants.  I will return soon to share another book review with you. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Murder is No Accident: The Hidden Springs Mysteries

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Don't forget to wear green today.  The only green in my wardrobe is mint green.  I do have a pretty sterling silver shamrock pendant to wear though!  I will be spending the day running errands with my mother (wish me luck).

Murder is No Accident by A.H. Gabhart is the third book in The Hidden Springs Mysteries.  Maggie Greene is up in the tower room writing of the Chandler house when she hears noises below.  Maggie stays as still as possible so she will not be discovered.  Then Geraldine Harper, the local realtor, enters the house.  Maggie hears Geraldine find the intruder and an argument ensues.  Geraldine goes to call the sheriff, but it is her last act.  Only after she is sure the trespasser has departed, does Maggie venture down from the tower.  She finds Geraldine dead at the bottom of the back steps (many big Victorian homes had a fancy front staircase and a serviceable back staircase that was very narrow).  Maggie is afraid she will be accused of trespassing even though she has permission from Fonda Chandler, the owner of the house.  Maggie uses Geraldine’s phone to call 911 anonymously and then she quietly leaves.  While Maggie did not see anyone nearby, someone saw her.  Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane receives a call that Miss Fonda (as she is called) has once again escaped from the Gentle Care Home where she is looked after by Mrs. Gibson.  Miss Fonda has dementia and forgets that she no longer lives at Chandler house.  Michael arrives at Chandler house as he is notified of the 911 call.  He notices that her car is out front and enters the open house.  He finds Miss Fonda holding Geraldine.  She believes it is her deceased sister, Audrey who died in a very similar manner.  Geraldine’s death is ruled accidental.  But soon another person is found dead inside the Chandler home.  Maggie is afraid to come forward after she receives a threatening call from the killer.  Has someone decided to search for the rumored treasure of Chandler house?  Michael will need to work quickly to find the guilty party before the killer takes further action.

While Murder is No Accident is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.  I was never able to get into and enjoy this book.  It is hard to describe the writing style.  Murder is No Accident is jam packed with activity.  There is just one incident after another.  Besides the main mystery there is Miss Fonda escaping from the care home (frequently which does not speak well for their care or vigilance), fishing, the fifty-year-old mystery of how Audrey, fishing, Miss Fonda’s sister died, Sonny trying to sell Miss Fonda’s home, fishing, the romance between Michael and Alex Sheridan (which was very prevalent), Betty Jean Atkins dating life, Lana Waverly’s tea shop and investigation, and more fishing. In the small town of Hidden Springs, everyone gets involved in your life (even if you wish they would not).  One of the problems with Murder is No Accident is the number of characters.  I stopped keeping track after twelve.  I did not like how fifteen-year-old Maggie was portrayed as simple minded when she actually is creative and smart (she likes to write).  The Christian element is very subtle (mostly prayer).  Murder is No Accident is more cozy than mystery. I give Murder is No Accident 3 out of 5 stars.  The mystery may seem complicated, but the solution was not (at least part of it). I enjoy Christian mysteries (I get new ones every month), but this one was not for me.  I think the right elements are present, they just needed to be put together differently.  The first two books in The Hidden Springs Mysteries are Murder at the Courthouse and Murder Comes by Mail.

I hope all of you have a fun St. Patrick's Day.  If you enjoy Christian Mysteries, I highly recommend Guideposts Patchwork Mysteries, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries, Secrets of the Blue Hill Library, and Tearoom Mysteries.  I read each of these series and love them. I am currently reading If Not for You by Debbie Macomber.  She is one of the few romance authors I still read.  I will see you tomorrow when I return to share another novel with you.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table: A Kelly Jackson Mystery

Greetings!  There are a couple of new books coming out next week. They are:  Single Malt Murder by Melinda Mullet, If Not for You by Debbie Macomber, The Hope Chest by Viola Shipman, Dying on the Vine by Marla Cooper, Girl in Disguise by Greer Macallister, and Shipyard Girls at War by Nancy Revell.  I will be reviewing all of them.

Murder at the Fortune Teller’s Table by Janet Finsilver is third book in A Kelly Jackson Mystery series.  Kelly Jackson is the manager of the Redwood Cove Bed-and-Breakfast in Redwood Cove, California.  Kelly is attending the local school’s annual fundraiser (and get to know your school event).  She notices a woman come away from the fortune teller’s booth very upset and leaning on the arm of her son.  The woman Amy “Summer” Winter later approaches Kelly and asks for a meeting with the Silver Sentinels.  At the meeting, Summer explains that she needs two people found that she has not seen since 1967.  Summer is able provides the group with the names, Diane Morgan and Ken Nelsen, but no further usable information (not even why she is looking for them).  With a little computer sleuthing, the group is able to give Summer current addresses of Diane and Ken.  It turns out that Mark, Summer’s son, is not her biological child. Mark is ill and needs a donor.  After Auntie, the Greek fortune teller, saw the evil eye and stated that someone will die, Summer felt the need to urgently contact Mark’s biological parents for assistance.  Kelly arranges for Ken Nelsen, his family and Diane to get a free weekend at the B and B courtesy of an anonymous benefactor.  Summer does not want them to know it is her until after they arrive.  They just have to agree to a meeting with the benefactor. The next day Mary is attacked in her home, and it is blamed on the Lunch Thief that has been plaguing the area.  But then Summer and Auntie (the fortune teller) are found dead in Auntie’s home.  The Silver Sentinels do not agree with the police ruling on the cause of death and start seeking answers.  The killer does not appreciate Kelly’s pursuit of answers and sets out to stop her. 

Murder at the Fortune Teller’s Table is an easy to read book that is nicely written.  I like the characters, though, I wish there were not so many of them.  I do admit that it is hard to keep track of all the various characters.  There is Kelly, the Silver Sentinels, the staff of the Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast, Helen’s son, the dog, plus others (from a sister B&B and townspeople).  It was nice to see some growth in Kelly’s character at the end of the novel.  I give Murder at the Fortune Teller’s Table 3.5 out of 5 stars.  I thought the mystery was interesting, and I do not believe that all readers will be able to identify the perpetrator.  I picked out the person I thought was the culprit and then read to see if I was right. The mystery has several suspects and any one of them could easily be the killer.  Then there is the mystery of the Lunch Time thief.  He only attacks homes during the week at lunch time.  I did appreciate how everything was wrapped up in the end.  There was one more storyline included in this book that I found captivating.  It is how dogs are being trained to help veterans with PTSD.  Michael Corrigan, owner of Resorts International, is setting up a facility to help veterans.  It is amazing what dogs are capable of with a little training.  There is also a dog (a Chihuahua) trained to help a hearing-impaired woman.  While Murder at the Fortune Teller’s Table is the third book in the series, it can be read alone.  All the necessary background information is provided. Each book in the series is better than the last (I liked this one better than the previous two).  I will be reading the next book in A Kelly Jackson Mystery series.  The first two books in the series are Murder at Redwood Cove and Murder at the Mansion.

I hope all of you have a exceptional day.  During this cold weather, it is a good time to stay inside with hot chocolate, a cuddly blanket, and a good book.  I am currently reading Murder is No Accident by A.H. Gabhart (I got behind on my reading thanks to terrible migraines).  I will see you when I return tomorrow.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

For Whom the Bread Rolls: A Pancake House Mystery

Happy Hump Day!  We are halfway through the week.  We are still enjoying cooler weather in my area, and I am loving it.  All too soon it will be extremely hot and humid outside. You perspire (in the South a lady perspires instead of sweats) just going to get the mail (I am not joking).  

For Whom the Bread Rolls by Sarah Fox is the second book in A Pancake House Mystery series.  Marley McKinney is enjoying life in Wildwood Cove.  She is glad that she gave up the rat race in Seattle working as a legal assistant.  Marley arrives at work one morning to discover hateful words painted on the windows of The Flip Side, the pancake house she owns.  Ida Winkler has been at it again.  It is the second time within ten days that this has happened.  Marley knows Ida committed the act, but she has no proof.  Then the phone calls start (you know where someone is there but does not talk) and an antique lamp base that  Marley had just purchased is stolen off her front porch.  After a couple of days of hang-up calls, Marley decides to visit Ida (bad idea).  Marley knocks on the front door and receives no answer.  A kindly neighbor suggests she go around to the back door.  Upon arriving in the backyard, Marley notices that the door to the garden shed is standing open.  She looks inside and finds Ida on the ground.  Ida was hit on the head with Marley’s antique lamp base.  Marley contacts the police and notices a clue while awaiting their arrival.  Sheriff Georgeson quickly arrives and takes Marley’s statement.  Unfortunately, while the good sheriff knows Marley would not hurt a soul, this does not look good for her.  Marley, with her natural curiosity, starts nosing around looking for clues and questioning Ida’s neighbors.  But what happens when the killer finds Marley a little too close for comfort.

For Whom the Bread Rolls is easy to read, has a good pace, and can be finished in a few hours.  I found it, though, to be more cozy than mystery.  Marley spent much of her time enjoying the beach by herself and with her boyfriend, Brett (Sheriff Georgeson’s nephew). I wish there had been less romance and more time spent on the actual mystery.  I give For Whom the Bread Rolls 3 out of 5 stars.  The murder is not the only mystery in the book.  Someone is dumping illegally around town and then an abandoned meth lab is discovered near the woods.  There is also a blackmailer among the town’s citizens.  I did enjoy how the author tied these three storylines together.  Unfortunately, they are all easily solved.  I could tell you who would die and the identity of the killer before the murder occurred.  The other two cases are equally simple to crack.  I wish the author had spent more time on crafting the mystery.  I enjoy reading cozy mysteries because there is less gore and they usually revolve around a craft, hobby or pet.  The mysteries used to be more developed and harder to unravel.  I did like the addition of Flapjack, the cat, and Bentley, the dog, Marley and Brett discovered on the beach.  I felt bad for Bentley.  He was injured and quite thin (I cannot stand to see or read about injured animals).  While this is the second book in the series, For Whom the Bread Rolls can be read alone.  The author provides the necessary background information on Marley and how she came to be living in Wildwood Cove.  If you prefer books with more of the cozy element, than For Whom the Bread Rolls is the book for you. Crepes of Wrath is the first book in A Pancake House Mystery series. The third book in the series is Of Spice and Men and it releases November 7.

Thank you for visiting and reading my latest review.  I will be featuring Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table by Janet Finsilver tomorrow.  I am currently reading Dying on the Vine by Marla Cooper (and not enjoying it).  I hope each of you have a very special day.  Take care, be careful driving (if you are in a snow area) and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Purr M for Murder: A Cat Rescue Mystery

Happy Tuesday!  It is Book Release Day (I just love this day).  A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner is one of the new releases today.  I am looking forward to reading this latest novel by her.   A Death by Any Other Name by Tessa Arlen, Cruel Winter by Sheila Connolly, Written in Love by Kathleen Fuller, and For Whom the Bread Rolls by Sarah Fox are a couple of the other new books coming out this chilly Tuesday.

Purr M for Murder by T.C. LoTempio is the first book in A Cat Rescue Mystery series.  Sydney McCall has returned home to Deer Park, North Carolina after catching her fiancé in flagrante with his secretary.  Since Preston Renshaw III was the boss’s son, Sydney quit her job as Director of Marketing at Reid and Renshaw.  Her sister, Kat needed her assistance with the Friendly Paws Animal Shelter.  Donations have been down and their last two fundraisers did not elicit many funds.  Kat is hoping Sydney can apply her marketing prowess to the shelter.  Sydney’s first idea is to hold a cat café at Dayna’s Sweets and Treats.  It will help raise funds and, hopefully, some cats will find forever homes.  Trowbridge Littleton, owner of The Brush and Canvas, is against their event and confronts Kat.  It ends with Kat threatening Mr. Littleton (not a wise move on her part).  Sydney decides to talk to Mr. Littleton the next morning and arrives at his gallery around 6 a.m.  Sydney finds the door open, but no one answers her call (you can see where this is heading).  Sydney is startled when Kat turns up next to her (she had been watching for Sydney across the street).  They find their way to office and find it has been ransacked.  Kat admires a beautiful antique cabinet and is insistent upon looking inside.  They open the doors and Trowbridge Littleton falls out. When the police arrive, Sydney is started to discover that Will Worthington (high school crush, of course) is one of the detectives.  It is soon apparent that Kat is the primary suspect.  It seems that Kat has been holding back on a few details.  Sydney puts on her detective cap and sets out to find the real perpetrator with the help of her new cat, Toby (master escape artist).  But the killer must take action when Sydney gets a little too close for comfort. 

Purr M for Murder is easy to read and nicely written.  I found that the book had a good pace which made it easy to read.  I appreciated the pet rescue element in the book.  It will help make readers aware of the problems facing animals in our society (there are too few no-kill shelters).  I liked the main characters of Kat, Sydney and Toby.  Toby was a great addition to this tale.  Without Toby, Purr M for Murder would not have been as entertaining (he elevated the story). I give Purr M for Murder 4 out of 5 stars.  I do wish, though, that the mystery had been a little more complex.  It was evident which character would get murdered (the nastiest).  Solving the crime was easily discernable.  There is one big clue that gave it away early in the story (at least to me). I am hoping that in the next book the author will not put the murder or crime so early in the novel (it makes for the book feel long).  I liked the subtle attraction between Will Worthington and Sydney.  It is low-key and plays out nicely in the background until the end.  I do wonder, though, why authors feel the need to provide a romantic counterpart for their main character in the first book.  I like a little romance in my cozies, but I like it when it plays out slowly over the course of the series.  I thought the ending was uplifting and cute.  With a few tweaks, I believe this will be a pleasurable cozy mystery series.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in A Cat Rescue Mystery series.  Purr M for Murder is out today.  T.C. LoTempio also writes Nick and Nora Mysteries.

I am off to get some work done around the house.  May each of you have a terrific Tuesday.  I will be reviewing For Whom the Bread Rolls by Sarah Fox on Wednesday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Elementary, She Read

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend.  I spent the time relaxing after being sick last week. Vicki Delany, the author I am featuring today, also writes A Year-Round Christmas Mystery series and A Constable Molly Smith Mystery series.  Under the name Eva Gates, she writes A Lighthouse Library Mystery series. You can follow her on Facebook and Amazon.

Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany is the first book in the new A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series.  Gemma Doyle moved to West London, Massachusetts five years ago, after the breakup of her marriage.  Her Uncle Arthur had been running the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop that he opened on his own, but his wanderlust is returning.   Gemma became part owner of the bookshop at 222 Baker Street and took over the day-to-day running of the store.  Since the store cannot support itself carrying just Sherlock Holmes books, she added movies, knickknacks and other Holmes related merchandise (and added Emporium to the store name).  Gemma is also half owner in Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room (next door) with her friend, Jayne Wilson.  One day while a tour group is in the shop (after having tea), a little mousy woman comes in with a white shopping bag.  Gemma watches her until her attention is diverted by customers with their purchases.  After the shop is closed for the day, Gemma checks the area where she last saw the woman.  She finds a rare copy of Beeton’s Christmas Annual from 1887 (a magazine) hidden among the books.  The white bag the woman was carrying is found in the trash along with a postcard from a local hotel.  Jayne and Gemma head to the hotel to see if they can find the owner.  They approach her hotel room and find the door ajar.  Upon entering the room, they find her dead on the bed.  Gemma sends Jayne to call 911 while she checks out the room for clues and snaps a few photos.  The police are skeptical about how Gemma and Jayne found the body.  Ryan Ashburton, West London homicide detective and Gemma’s ex-boyfriend, knows how Gemma’s mind works, but his partner, Detective Louise Estrada does not.  Gemma determines it is up to her to find the killer and clear her name.  Her observation skills are going to be put to the test in Elementary, She Read!

Elementary, She Read was one book I was really looking forward to reading.  It sounded like it would be right up my alley.  Unfortunately, the author made a very unlikeable main character.  Gemma Doyle believes she has superior observation skills and likes to flaunt it.  In contradiction, Gemma will promise to do something and then forgets.  She can keep the store inventory in her head, but forgets to make a simple phone call (for instance).  She treats her employee shabbily.  I found the writing to be very detail oriented. The readers are provided detail descriptions on people, rooms, and the many items that are sold in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium.  I give Elementary, She Read 3 out of 5 stars.  The detectives (actually the whole police department) are maligned.  Detective Louisa Estrada comes across as a villain.  Ryan tells Gemma (more than once) to stay out of the investigation.  He then shares information with her.  I know this is fiction, but I doubt this would happen in reality (especially if the person in question is a suspect).  I found information to be repeated especially the price of the rare magazine.  I would love to tell you that the mystery was perplexing, but it was not.  The culprit was easily identified.  Since the murder occurred early in the book, the story seemed long.  I wish there had been a little more of a lead in to the crime.   I enjoyed the description of Beeton’s Christmas Annual.  This captured my interest and led me to a search for more details on it. Elementary, She Read had potential with the premise, but the character of Gemma just ruined it for me.  I wish the author had made Jayne the narrator for the story (or not made Gemma so obnoxious).  Elementary, She Read will be out on Tuesday, March 14.

May each of you have a special Monday.  I am currently reading Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table by Janet Finsilver.  I will be reviewing Purr M for Murder by T.C. LoTempio tomorrow.  See you then.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Written in Love: An Amish Letters Novel

Thank you for visiting this lovely March Sunday.  Did you remember to change your clocks?  I will be glad for the extra daylight in the evenings. I miss that in the winter when it gets dark so early.  

Written in Love by Kathleen Fuller is An Amish Letters Novel.  One day Phoebe Bontrager picks up the mail and there is a misdirected letter.  She sends the letter back to the sender with a note.  Soon Phoebe receives a thank you reply from Jalon Chupp.  This is the beginning of their correspondence.  Phoebe is staying with her Aunt Bertha in Dover.  Aunt Bertha is very stern and strict, and Jalon’s letters are a welcome respite.  Jalon lives in Birch Creek and Phoebe’s letters are the high spot of his day.  An accident in his youth has clouded his life and led to many poor choices.  He is now working a construction job, and it actually thinking about the future.  Over the next few months, their letters continue and get longer in length.  Both of them, though, have secrets that they have yet to reveal.  Phoebe has made sure to get the mail each day before her aunt. But then one day, Aunt Bertha comes in with the mail in her hand.  She has opened Jalon’s latest letter to Phoebe.  Aunt Bertha forbids Phoebe from having any more contact with him and destroys the letter.  After three weeks with no letters from Phoebe, Jalon heads to Dover.   Jalon is shocked at how Phoebe is being treated by her aunt and stands up to Aunt Bertha.  This leads to Phoebe being ushered out of the woman’s home (I am putting it nicely).  Jalon suggests that Phoebe come home with him to Birch Creek (properly chaperoned, of course).  These two will need to overcome their pasts in order to have a future together.  Their faith and love will be tested.  Is there a chance for Jalon and Phoebe to be together?

Written in Love is a sweet Amish novel. It is nicely written and has some good characters.  I only told you about three characters in my summary.  My favorite character was Jalon’s sister, Leanna who is an unusual Amish woman.  Leanna is a mechanic and likes to travel.  She has a strong personality yet she is friendly.  I am hoping the author will give Leanna her own book.  The religious aspect is light.  I am glad it is not overwhelming (the author gave it just the right touch). I give Written in Love 4 out of 5 stars.  I wish the author had not taken so long to reveal the characters’ secrets.  By the time, they are disclosed, the reader has already guessed (quite accurately) what the characters were determined to keep hidden. I was frustrated at times by Phoebe and Jalon’s lack of communication.  Phoebe was particularly vexing, but she has a reason behind her reticence.  I liked the basic premise of the misdirected letter.  It is an old-fashioned idea in these modern times.  I am curious to see what will occur in the next book in Kathleen Fuller’s An Amish Letters Novel.  The next book in the series is The Promise of a Letter and it will be out in August.  I am delighted to discover that Leanna will be featured in this book. Written in Love will be out on Tuesday, March 14.  

If you enjoy reading Kathleen Fuller's novels, I suggest you join the Kathleen Fuller and Amy Clipston Book Club on Facebook. May each of you have a happy Sunday.  I will be back on Monday to review Elementary, She Read by Vickie Delany.  I hope you will return to see what I thought about this new cozy mystery.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Pressed to Death: A Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mystery

Greetings!  I hope all of you are enjoying a beautiful Saturday.  I am sharing Kirsten Weiss' Pressed to Death with you today.  The first book in the series is The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum. You can find other novels written by Kirsten Weiss on Amazon.

Pressed to Death by Kirsten Weiss is the second book A Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mystery series.  Maddie Kosloski owns the Paranormal Museum in San Benedetto, California. Maddie is getting ready to leave for the Harvest Fair, but Detective Laurel Hammer has delayed her.  Detective Hammer is accusing Maddie of dealing in stolen property.  Romeo Paganini is claiming the grape press that Maddie purchased from Herb Linden was stolen.  Maddie has a copy of the signed receipt from Romeo’s wife, Jocelyn.  It is only thanks to Frances Kosloski’s, Maddie’s mother, smooth talking, that they finally get to leave for the fair (I am sure that we will be seeing the good detective again soon).  Maddie, with help from her mother, finishes setting up her table, and then they go to check the big vat for the wine stomping event.  It is the biggest fundraiser for the Ladies Aid Society.  They arrive to find the truck still in place, and the grapes were just dumped in the vat (they need to be spread out).  Frances asks Maddie to jump in and spread out the grapes (and she does with her white tennis shoes still on).  As Maddie uses the rake to spread out the grapes, she notices an arm sticking out.  Upon closer inspection, she finds the body of Romeo Paganini.  Detective Hammer immediately suspects Maddie of committing the crime.  Frances wants Maddie to get involved in the investigation which shocks Maddie (especially after the last time). Maddie is not sure she wishes to be involved, but, after two close brushes with death, she has no choice.  Maddie must work in her investigation in between working at the museum, setting up a haunted room for the Ladies Aid Haunted House event, and discovering the history behind the grape press.  Maddie’s thoughts, however, are a little scattered.  Her boyfriend, Mason Hjelm, is acting distant and unavailable.  But when a second person is murdered, Maddie will need to focus on the task at hand. 

Pressed to Death is easy to read and it does have a decent tempo (I was tired of using the word pace).  I had trouble getting into the book in the beginning.  Things do pick up in the second part of the story.  I found the paranormal element to be nonexistent which was unfortunate (it is only hinted at subtlety).  The addition of a mystic element would have greatly enhanced the story.  I am giving Pressed to Death 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay).  I thought the romance element to be overpowering and unappealing.  There is quite a bit of activity going on in the story.  I personally felt that there are too many elements.  I am curious why authors feel the need to jam a book full of activity (it is happening in more and more cozy mysteries).  The author made Detective Hammer out to be a nasty, vengeful harpy who is bent on destroying Maddie.  It might have to do something with Maddie setting the good detective’s hair on fire (going from long hair to a pixie cut) in book one.  The detective seizes so called “evidence” from Maddie without a warrant (very unrealistic).  The cops also seem to be spinning their wheels regarding the case while Maddie put together the clues and solves it.  The main mystery is uncomplicated and the culprit easily identified (I believe even a novice mystery reader will be able pinpoint the killer).  The past mystery relating to the grape press was interesting, but there was little investigation into it.  While I have not had the pleasure of reading The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, I understood what was going on in Pressed to Death.  The author provided the necessary information on the town and main characters as well as what occurred in the first book in the series.  I had been looking forward to reading this particular book, and I ended up being letdown. 

I really do appreciate you visiting and reading my blog.  I do try to post honest reviews on each book that I read.  I am currently reading For Whom the Bread Rolls by Sarah Fox.  I will see you tomorrow when I return.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Two Good Dogs

Felicitations!  There are some new books coming out next Tuesday that I wanted to mention. Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany, Written in Love by Kathleen Fuller, Purr M for Murder by T.C. LoTempio, For Whom the Bread Rolls by Sarah Fox, A Death by Any Other Name by Tessa Arlen, Murder is No Accident by A. H. Gabhart, Murder at the Fortune Teller's Table by Janet Finsilver, and Cruel Winter by Sheila Connolly are some of the new releases. I hope you find some new books to add to your TBR pile!

Two Good Dogs is the newest book by Susan Wilson (author of One Good Dog).  Skye Mitchell and her fourteen-year-old daughter, Cody have moved to the Berkshire Hills.  Skye has purchased the LakeView Motel and is hoping this is a new start for the two of them.  Cody’s personality has taken a three hundred and sixty degree turn since the death of her father, Randy six months earlier (not that he was every around much).  She is no longer the happy sunny girl.  Cody is rebellious, sullen, and keeps to herself.  Calls from the high school principal have become a regular occurrence.  Skye does not know what is wrong with Cody, and Cody refuses to talk to with her mother. The LakeView Motel is not quite what Skye expected.  It needs many repairs, and Skye does not have the money to get them completed (income is low at this time).  One night there is a heavy rainstorm and Adam March cannot continue on to his destination.  He sees the sign for the LakeView Motel and pulls in. Skye is happy for a guest (the guest’s money), but Adam has a buddy with him that she does not want to allow in her motel.  Adam travels with his dog, Chance.  Chance is a pit bull rescue that is a certified therapy dog.  Skye reluctantly allows Adam to stay for the night (and charges him an extra fee for the dog).  Chance can tell that Cody has a lot of anger in her and needs comforting.  It turns out that Cody has a secret that she cannot share.  She is afraid and will not let anyone get close to her.  Cody is interested in art and spends time at the local Artists Cooperative in North Adams.  It turns out that Adam is in the area to do some work for the Artists Cooperative.  Adam’s one night at the LakeView Motel turns into a regular occurrence (Adam is grieving the loss of his wife).  Adam works to convince Skye to make changes to the motel (make it pet friendly), and they slowly get to know each other.  These three people and Chance are on a journey.  Another troubled soul will soon join them.  The road will be bumpy and twisty, but, hopefully, they will all make it to the end.

Two Good Dogs is told from different point-of-views.  It is told in the third person for Cody and Adam.  In the first person for Skye and Chance.  As the story plays out, it changes from one person to the next.  I found this confusing.  One minute we are hearing from Cody and then it changes.  You have to read a little bit and then you finally figure out which person it has changed to.  I wish the author had just told the story from a third person perspective (instead of each character).  I found Chance’s sections to be a little too sophisticated for a dog (if they had been more humorous, it would have helped lighten this story).  The dog cannot understand human speak, but he has very mature thoughts.  I know my dog, Doozy has one main thought—food.  His main concern is how to con more treats out of me (or find a way to steal them).  The pace of the book is leisurely (a nice way to say slow) and the segments choppy.  I give Two Good Dogs 2.5 out of 5 stars.  I did not like Cody.  She dominates the story (of course) with her teenage rebellious acts, because she will not share her secret.  I felt the author shoved in as many awful teenage acts as she could into the store.  It made the book very unpalatable.  Two Good Dogs contains foul language, drugs, thieving and inappropriate situations (an art teacher with an underage, underdressed model).  The ending was abrupt and the epilogue unsatisfactory.  There was one odd sentence.  Cody does not put on perfume that she does not own (stole or borrowed from a guest) because her mother “has a nose like a hound”.  But Cody can smoke pot and her mother does not notice?  This is an oxymoron.  Two Good Dogs had very little mystery or suspense in it.  I wish the author had played up this angle more and less on the teenage drama.

May each of you have a lovely Friday.  I am currently reading Purr M for Murder by T.C. LoTempio. I have gotten a little behind in my reading this week due to migraines (they have gotten worse the last few months).  I will be back tomorrow to review Pressed to Death by Kirsten Weiss.  Until then, take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Illusionist's Apprentice

Welcome!  I wanted to share some new cozy mysteries that are available for pre-order on Amazon.  A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes, A Christmas Peril by J.A. Hennrikus, Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander, Asking for Truffle by Dorothy St. James, The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns, Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinlay, Not a Creature was Purring by Krista Davis, Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost. Some of these books do not have the Kindle version listed at this time. You can add the books to your wish list (which is what I did) as a reminder.  

The Illusionist’s Apprentice is the latest novel by Kristy Cambron.  It is December 31, 1926 in Boston, Massachusetts.  Agent Elliot Matthews and his partner, Agent Connor Finnegan are standing in Mount Auburn Cemetery waiting for Horace Stapleton to start his show.  He is having a Defy Death in Public Ceremony.  Stapleton is going to resurrect Victor Peale from the grave.  Agents Matthews and Finnegan are there to observe.  Matthews notices a woman wearing a bright red cape standing in the background.  Matthews is intrigued by her appearance.  The lady is clad in gentleman’s clothing.  Matthews finds out that she is illusionist, Wren Lockhart.  Wren worked with Harry Houdini before he passed away.  Before Matthews can approach Wren, Stapleton’s show begins.  The coffin is opened and a doctor confirms that the man inside is indeed deceased.  Amberley Dover, a rich widow, joins in on the show.  Victor Peale then rises from his coffin walks across the stage and collapses.  Victor Peale is dead and Stapleton is under arrest.  Stapleton refuses to talk and Matthews needs an illusionist help to unravel this case.  Agent Matthews approaches Wren and asks for her assistance.  Wren is reluctant to agree.  She does not want anyone invading her privacy and discovering her secrets.  Matthews, though, is determined and finally gets Wren to consent to assist the FBI.  It is soon apparent that someone is out to eliminate Wren, and Matthews has his hands full keeping her safe.  Why is this person out for Wren?  For magic, mayhem and murder, read The Illusionist’s Apprentice.

The Illusionist’s Apprentice sounded like such an intriguing book with illusions, magic, vaudeville, and a mystery.  I found the pace to be catatonic.  I had a difficult time reading this tome.  Wren is a difficult character to like.  She is extremely determined to keep her private life a secret (her reasoning is lacking).  Wren is stubborn, determined, distant, and frustrating.  The conversations between the Agent Matthews and Wren just kept going around in circles.  They are exasperating to read (I was irritated).  The author did a good job at capturing the time and place.  I enjoyed the details provided on the illusions (what there was).  I wanted more magic and illusions (escaping from handcuffs is an easy illusion to figure out).  I was hoping Wren would be a more outgoing, gregarious character.  Her costumes are outlandish, but they are just a disguise to keep people from looking deeper (like Agent Matthews).  I give The Illusionist’s Apprentice 3 out of 5 stars (okay, but not for me).  The mystery that the author created was very convoluted, but with an obvious solution (you have to piece together the clues and the solution will pop out at you).  I think that most readers, though, will not guess the culprit’s identity.  The “investigation” was lacking.  Agent Matthews said he needed Wren’s help with the case, but I saw little examination of evidence.  The story starts in the present and then it goes back in time.  Every other chapter takes the reader back in time to another piece of Wren’s history.  The reader is given another tidbit on Wren’s background.  While the information is helpful on Wren, it makes it difficult to get into the story (at least for me).  The romance between the characters (Wren and Matthews as well as Connor Finnegan and Amberley Dover) was very much in the foreground and the ending was inevitable.

I hope all of you have a pleasing Thursday.  I am currently reading Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany.  I will be back tomorrow to read Two Good Dogs by Susan Wilson.   Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader