Katie's Reading Corner

Scheduled Release Date: October 25, 2016

Dangling By A Thread is the 4th installment of the Mainly Needlepoint Series. I have read the first book in the series, but somehow missed reading the next 2. It didn't make me feel like I needed to read the others first. There were a couple of things that were referred to from the past books but it was explained enough that I didn't feel lost. It does, however make me want to go back and read the 2 that I have missed, and I will do!

I enjoyed the mystery of this book. Jessie Lockhart is a hermit who lives alone on King's Island. It's a sanctuary for an endangered bird species, the Great Cormorants, and he's made it his mission to keep the island safe for his birds. But a wealthy family shows up in the area, and wants to buy King's Island and Jessie will have none of that. When Jessie turns up dead, Angie is determined to find his killer and take up the cause to save the island.

There were lots of twists and turns throughout the course of the story, it wasn't easy to figure out 'whodunnit' I'm a bit torn on the story though, I would have liked more interaction of the Needlepointers. Angie didn't seem to do much for the business throughout the story.. she did check in here and there with people but, it seemed like she wasn't really running a business at all. I enjoy the backstory or I guess the secondary stories in most cozy mysteries with the main character running their business, not just all mystery. I did like that at the beginning of each chapter, there is a quote of a sampler and the history behind it, it's quite unique. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a solid cozy mystery series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Review: The Girls Next Door (Detective Eden Berrisford Crime Thriller Series Book 1) by Mel Sherratt

Preorder Your Copy Today!

Scheduled Release Date: October 27, 2016

I absolutely loved this book. So much so, that I had to complete it in one day, I had to know what was going to happen, it just totally drew me in!

This is the first novel that I've read by Mel Sherratt, but it certainly will not be the last. I enjoy reading Police Procedurals, but this one is different than ones I've read in the past.

Detective Eden Berrisford is on the hunt for the suspects who have been attacking teenagers in the area. All this, after sixteen year old Deanna Barker was murdered. The story is already intense, but when Eden realizes her neice Jess has gone missing, then all bets are off. She's determined to find the kidnapper and bring Jess home safely...but time is running out.

The characters in the story are well developed and quite believable. It's easy to believe that the situations they find themselves in could happen in our world. I really enjoyed the interactions of Eden and her team, and can't wait to read more about them in the future. The story is quickly paced and doesn't get boring. On the contrary I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this novel for an honest and unbiased review, also a huge thank you to THE Book Club on Facebook TBConFB for introducing me to some great authors!

Review: Muffins And Mourning Tea (Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series Book 5) by H.Y. Hanna

Now Available!

Muffins and Mourning Tea is the 5th book in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. H.Y. Hanna once again brings us a truly wonderful cozy mystery. Each book in the series is better and better, for me anyway! I seriously can't get enough!

When we pick up where we left off with Gemma, she's now moved into her own quaint little cottage, enjoying her freedom and privacy. But of course, Gemma's mom, being who she is, has decided that she needs some plants to liven up the place ... and so starts the hilarity!

Unfortunately for Gemma, she's again dragged into a murder investigation when she inadvertently on the scene where an Oxford Student is killed during the early morning May Day Celebrations. Her employee Dora's friend Miriam, asks her to look into it. After all, she's looked into all the previous murders recently hasn't she? So, along with The Old Biddies, Gemma sets out to solve the case, even though her boyfriend CID Devlin O'Connor insists she has to stop interfering in investigations.

There are some absolutely incredible laugh out loud moments in this book, especially with The Old Biddies and the Krav Maga class they take part in! I think this is one of my favourite scenes in the series. We can't forget dear sweet Muesli, she's also got some antics up her kitty sleeves, and I hope to see more of her actions as a therapy cat. On the flip side, there is quite a bit of tension building up between Gemma and Devlin... and while it hasn't been completely resolved by the end of the book, I am hoping it is soon into the next one!

Again, as with the other books in the series, there are lots of red herrings and just when I thought I knew whodunnit, there was another twist. This makes for a very enjoyable book, I love trying to figure out who the murderer is and was wrong yet again!

I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the series, and am hoping in the next one there will be more interaction between Cassie and Seth. There is a great potential story there and I can't wait to see how that all unfolds. If you're looking for a great cozy series, look no further. The Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series fits the bill and I highly recommend it!

I received an ARC for an unbiased and honest review.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Review: The Devil's Work by Mark Edwards

Now Available:

For a while now, I've been hearing about Mark Edwards' books and how amazing they are, but I've never read one.. until now. And all I can say is wow, I've been missing out! Why have I waited so long to read any of his work?

The Devil's Work was a great introduction for me to Edwards' novels, and although it was the first I've read, it definitely will NOT be the last! I was so absorbed in the story,

I had to finish it in one day.

A riveting psychological thriller with plenty of twists and Oh! My! Gosh! moments, I felt myself getting so involved in the story I started reading faster as I felt the tension Sophie was feeling. I'd realize how involved I was and would have to sit and take a breath. Fantastic!

The book goes back and forth between the past and the present and normally I don't like this since many times it comes across as disjointed and bumpy. However, Edwards' has written it in a way that it is smooth and transitions well consistently throughout without interrupting the pace of the increasingly frantic and gripping tale.

I honestly can't praise this book enough! If you are looking for an 'oh-my-gosh-frantic-page-turning-nail-biting-mind-messing-with-I-just-can't-put-this-down!!' kind of book, this is it! Mark Edwards, you have a new fan!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book for an honest and unbiased review, to Mark Edwards for writing such a gripping story, and to the members of THE Book Club on Facebook (TBC; #TBConFB) for introducing me to some truly awesome writers!

I Finally Caught Up!

It's been a busy couple of weeks! Between getting some things organized, getting some crafts done for a few craft fairs, watching hockey tryouts (not mine! haha) and other day to day boring things... I finally did it, I am actually 4 books ahead of my Goodreads Challenge to read 100 books this year! From being behind to getting ahead.. well I'm pretty excited! I've read some pretty great books, and a few not so great, but that comes with the territory. The good thing is, that means I have some great reviews to post!

So in the coming days, watch for reviews of books by some great authors, including H.Y. Hanna's "Muffins and Mourning Tea", Mark Edwards' "The Devil's Work", M.A. Comley and Tara Lyons "The Caller" just to name a few!

And now that summer is officially over and done with (boooo!) it's time to get back to the grindstone and get back down to a regular schedule. So, I'm off to get more reading done, and get some more reviews ready to go.

Happy reading!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Review: Clever Deception by M.A. Comley and Linda Prather

Now Available!

Absolutely brilliant novella! Right from the get go, we are drawn into the world of the serial killer known as the Escape Artist who is abducting, torturing and murdering women.. ten of them so far this year! He enjoys contacting the families, many of them police officers, and letting them hear the screams of terror and pain he is inflicting upon them. The main character, Sergeant Alexandra Fox, is on the hunt for justice, and is determined to bring an end to the Escape Artist's spree. But when she gets a warning to back off and doesn't, she couldn't even begin to imagine what he could possibly do to punish her...

From the moment I started reading this book I was hooked. The Escape Artist is evil, and sadistic.. and I think is really going to be a fantastic villain. He brings to mind another of Mel Comley's villains (The Unicorn). I love the character of Alex Fox. She is immediately likable, as is her colleague Bob. They work well together, she is impulsive and Bob (does his best) to really keep her grounded and thinking before acting. I'm very... leery about the lead on the case, Inspector Jordan. There's just something that doesn't sit right with me. I know this was a novella but I wish it was longer! I am just dying to find out what happens next, which is just what you want in a book like this, bravo!

I've never read any of Linda Prather's books, but I have read quite a few of Mel Comley's and have never read one that I haven't loved! I'm looking forward to book 1 in this series, as well as looking up some of Prather's novels. If I could have rated this more than 5 stars I would have!

Monday, September 12, 2016

Review: Murder Most Fowl (Local Foods Mystery Series Book 4) by Edith Maxwell

Now Available:

I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you Netgalley!

Murder Most Fowl is the 4th book in the Local Foods Mystery Series. I hadn't previously read the other books in the series, but it didn't matter; I was able to follow along and not feel like I was missing something, and I went back to the beginning to read the others once I finished this one, I enjoyed it so much!

Cam Flaherty is a local organic farmer who just can't seem to stay away from trouble! When one of her fellow chicken farmers is found dead, Cam is ready to jump in and solve the case. But can she balance her daily life, dealing with vandalism on the farm, and a murder investigation?

Definitely a page turner, I would have read this all in one sitting had I not started it late in the evening. The characters in this book are really great and it's fun to read and learn about life on an organic farm. The mystery is well done and there are lots of twists and turns. I wasn't able to figure out the 'whodunnit' right away which is something that I like. If you are looking for a well written cozy mystery, look no further!

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Review: Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman

Now Available:
In Canada

I received an ARC of this book for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you NetGalley.

I think this is one of my favourite reads for this year, it's definitely in my Top 5!

Britt-Marie is a quirky character. She knows how she wants things, and that's just the way things have to be. She's a lady that firstly just seems to be quite passive-aggressive, suffering from OCD and very set in her ways. But, she's much more than what is showing on the surface. Throughout the course of the novel, we see just why she's left her husband, what has made her the way that she is today, learn why she has no self esteem and why she is so obsessed with cleaning. Suddenly she's not the annoying lady we first meet looking for a job at the employment office (that poor girl!) she is someone who finds herself, who becomes important to those around her, and is finally seen. I don't want to give anything away with this review. It's such a wonderful story that I think you really need to read it for yourself. If I could give it more than a 5 star rating, I certainly would!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

So Many Books, So Little Time...

Hey everyone!

So, I've taken some time for me this summer, for learning new things, lots of hockey (yes in the summer!) and other things. I've been reading, though not as much as I normally have. I got as close as being 3 books behind schedule for my 100 books read that I challenged myself on Goodreads, and currently I am sitting at 5 books behind schedule though I do have 2 that I am almost finished! I always have a couple of books on the go and read them depending on the mood that I am feeling.

I've been getting ready and creating things for the Christmas craft shows this fall, and we've got tables in 3 of them so that is where some of my free time has been going. It makes me want to read cozy mysteries about knitting and crocheting!

I've got a backlog of reviews that I have to get done, and really will just need to take a day and punch them all out and get them posted properly. My *plan* is to have most of them finished up by Friday. Let's see how that goes, I also have to start getting some pickles made and other canning projects. I really should make another blog for all the other things that I get involved in.... maybe someday soon :)

Hope you are all enjoying what is left of the summer!

Monday, August 8, 2016

Review: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen (A Year-Round Christmas Mystery Book 1) by Vicki Delany

Now Available:

In UK

Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany is the first book in A Year-Round Christmas Mystery Series. First off, what a wonderful cover! I don't always speak about the covers of books when I am writing a review, but... I just had to mention it. There's something about it that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love Christmas, and even though I'm reading this in August, it's put me in the Christmas spirit!

Merry Wilkinson had lived her dream with a great job in the big city. But she's since moved back home to Rudolph, New York aka "Christmastown" where she is the owner of Mrs. Claus's Treasures, a wonderful store filled with beautiful creations made by local artisans. It's Christmastime all year round in Rudolph, and we find ourselves at the semi-annual Christmas parade (Because they have it every 6 months, can't forget about Christmas in July!) and the tractor that is supposed to pull Merry's float has been sabotaged! And she was a favourite to win the best float prize this year. When she stumbles across a body in the park, her best friend, Vicky, is implicated in the murder and it's up to Merry to figure out who the real murderer is and if all these strange happenings around town are related or just a string of coincidences.... Can Merry discover the truth before the Grinch steals Christmas from Christmastown?

What a great start to a series! The characters are likable, fun and quirky. I was able to picture myself transported to Christmastown, wandering through Merry's shop with the beautiful glass ornaments, handmade train sets and beautiful jewelry. They mystery was fun to try to solve, there is no shortage of suspects and I was left guessing right to the end.. and still got it wrong! Filled with lots of laugh out loud moments, I didn't want to put this book down and would have finished it all in one day had I not started it so late in the day.

This is definitely going to be a series I will be following and I am very much looking forward to the next installment!

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Review: All-Butter Shortdead (Prequel. Oxford Tearoom Mystery Book 0) by H.Y. Hanna

Now Available!

*Free for a limited time!!*

All-Butter Short Dead is the story of how Gemma comes back to Oxford and sets up her lovely new business, The Little Stables Tearoom. There is also, of course, murder afoot! Gemma is the prime suspect when the mysterious stranger that she sat next to and befriended on her plane ride home is murdered. It's now up to her to clear her name and find out who the real killer is!

Whether you read this prequel before you actually start the series, in the middle of it, or after you've finished the current installment it truly does not matter. It can be read as a standalone book and won't ruin anything in the series.

I was really excited when I received this book! I'm already a huge fan of the series (as you know!) and this peek into how everything came about was just my cup of tea. It was fun reading the history of how things actually started, and some insight into how her relationship with "The Old Biddies" started, and of her first meeting of good old Muesli :)

As with Hanna's other books in the series, there are lots of great laugh out loud moments and I did not want the story to end. It's a great little story to tide me over until the next book is released, which I am looking forward to immensely!

*This book was being offered by H.Y. Hanna free at the time of posting. I don't know how long it is going to be free so head on over and download it and get started!*

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Review: Grilled For Murder (Country Store Mysteries #2) by Maddie Day

Now Available:

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Grilled For Murder by Maddie Day is the 2nd book in the Country Store Mystery Series. In the small town of South Lick, Indiana, Robbie Jordan has turned a run down store into a wonderful, successful restaurant in which she also sells retro cookware called Pans n Pancakes. She's stayed open late to cater a welcome home party for Erica, but the next morning when Erica turns up dead... in the STORE!... it's up to Robbie to figure out who hated Erica enough to commit the crime, and there is no shortage of suspects!

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery it really has everything that a good cozy should! There are some really great characters, a wonderful small town setting and a great mystery that will just keep you guessing! I loved the local dialect, I admit it did take a bit of getting used to, but that's part of what makes the characters unique. I wanted to read it as quick as I could, but at the same time I wanted to slow down. I wanted to know what happened, but just didn't want the story to end.

I liked this book so much that I went online right as I finished it, and purchased the first book in the series "Flipped For Murder" If you are a cozy mystery fan, I definitely recommend this series, you won't be disappointed!

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Review: Till Death Do Us Tart by H.Y. Hanna (Oxford Tearoom Mystery Book 4)

Now Available!!

In USA

In UK

**Missed my reviews for the previous books in this series? You can find them by clicking each link: Book 1, Book 2, Book 3**

Till Death Do Us Tart is the latest in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Series by H.Y. Hanna. The "Old Biddies" are at it again and take it upon themselves to investigate the latest murder. Only, is it murder? They have decided that it is, and have involved Gemma's mother in the case! But, the victim's own doctor was on the scene of the 'crime' and ruled that the death was due to natural causes. But now, Gemma has been convinced, and of course our favourite Tearoom owner can't let someone get away with a crime unpunished! Can she convince Devlin to change his mind and begin an official investigation, all while dealing with some strange happenings in her very own

tearoom kitchen (Was that an explosion?!?)

and looking for a new place to live?

From the very first book, this has become one of my favourite cozy mystery series and I look forward to each and every one! H.Y. Hanna's characters are fun and quirky, and I really love how the book flows, filled with just enough suspense, crazy antics (I just love those old biddies!) and laugh out loud moments. The interaction between Gemma and her mother, I think is perfectly written, I can just imagine the frustration Gemma feels, even though she knows her mother has her best interests at heart. I was able to figure out the culprit a bit easier this time than in some of the previous books, but it's well done and there are lots of clues that lead you this way and that. It was a fun journey figuring out ohh I WAS right! and oh THAT'S how it happened! There are some great new characters introduced along with our old favourites and I am hoping to see a few of them possibly in future installments of the series. (I won't say who I mean, since it may be a partial spoiler really. If they are in future stories, they couldn't be involved in the crime... or, could they?) The romance isn't overpowering or 'in your face' either which is enjoyable. I like Gemma and Devlin's relationship, it's realistic and circumstances what they are, I like how it's playing out. Oh and I can't wait to see if Seth finally confesses his feelings to Cassie or if she is going to figure it out all on her own! There are lots of ways that story line can go, I enjoy both of these characters and hope they make many more appearances in the future.

I would love to visit Gemma's tearoom, and with the inclusion of some recipes I (and other readers) am able to taste some of the delicious treats they serve. While reading the stories (all of them, not just this one) I can picture everything.. the scenery, the buildings, beauty of the gardens.. I just love the writing style and completely appreciate the talent of an author who can pull you into the story.

The Oxford Tearoom Series is everything that a cozy lover wants! They are all 'can't put it down!' books that you are sorry when they are done.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery! Grab a cuppa and enjoy :) If you've not read any of the books in the series, I suggest you grab the first one and get started, you will not be sorry!

**Thank you to H.Y. Hanna for sending me an ARC for my honest and unbiased review**

Sunday, July 10, 2016

It's Been A While....

Hey everyone... It's been a bit since I've been around. Real life can sometimes get in the way and throw some wrenches at you. And that's pretty much what happened. Throw in some reading block (as opposed to writer's block), working, and other fun stuff and it equals me being away for too long.

But, I'm back around and reading as much as I can while working on some projects that I just have to get done. I have some reviews to post soon, lots to catch up on, and a couple of current ones. I'm about 15 books behind schedule on my reading challenge, but I'm hoping to catch up on that on my week's vacation. Let's see how many I can actually get done and if I'll be caught back up by July 24th. (That's 2 weeks away... fingers crossed!)

So, today's challenge is getting a couple of reviews done for books I've recently read, update my pinterest, goodreads, etc and make my list of what needs to be read next for reviews. I discovered this morning I'd pre-ordered a few books and they magically have appeared on my Kindle :) Fun stuff!

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Review: Murder In An Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor

Now available:

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Murder In An Irish Village is the first in the Irish Village Mystery Series by Carlene O'Connor. Siobhan O'Sullivan runs the family bistro along with her 5 siblings after their parents died almost a year ago in a car crash. Naomi's Bisro has always been great little meeting place, somewhere to visit with neighbours while enjoying some wonderful brown bread and tea, along with a helping of local gossip of course!

And gossip there is! One morning when they open up the bistro, they find a man dressed up in a suit with a pair of hot pink barber scissors stuck in his chest! Can Siobhan solve the crime and save her family?

To be honest, the book started out a bit slow for me, but once it got into it a bit, well, I did too! The characters were well developed, there were lots of twists and turns, like a good cozy mystery must have! There are also some fun, laugh out loud moments and I felt like I myself was in Ireland and trying to figure out 'whodunnit' (which I didn't actually. Bravo!)

Definitely would recommend to cozy readers everywhere. Give it a chance to get through the lower moving beginning, you won't be sorry!

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Review: Silence Of The Lamps by Karen Rose Smith

Happy Publication Day!

Now Available