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: 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.

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!

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**

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Review: Silence Of The Lamps by Karen Rose Smith

Happy Publication Day!

Now Available

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This series just keeps getting better and better!

Silence of the Lamps is the 5th installment of the Caprice De Luca Mystery Series by Karen Rose Smith. Caprice is again on the case, determined to clear the name of her sister, Nikki, when former employee turned rival Drew Pierson winds up dead. Drew has been pummeled to death with his very expensive (and very authentic!) Tiffany lamp, and of course, Caprice and Nikki are the ones to find his lifeless body. What choice does Caprice have, she MUST find out what really happened before the police try to pin the murder on her sister!

There is no shortage of suspects in the case, and it keeps the story moving at a great pace. I wasn't able to figure out 'whodunnit' until it was actually revealed in the story, well done!! It really kept me guessing, which is something that I am looking for in a great cozy mystery. I love the characters in this series, especially Caprice and her vintage wardrobe. Smith uses great descriptions throughout the book, from her outfits to how she is staging a room and I can just picture everything perfectly!

This has everything a great cozy should have: Great characters, an interesting story that keeps you wanting to read more and more, and some great recipes shared with the reader, can't forget those! I am really looking forward to the next in the series to see what happens with Caprice and her friends!

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Review: Raisin The Dead by Karoline Barrett

Available Now:

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Raisin The Dead is the 2nd book in the Bread and Batter Mystery Series by Karoline Barrett. Even though I have not read the first book in the series, I didn't feel at all lost or that I was missing information from the first book.

Molly, co-owner of the bakery, Bread and Batter, is surprised to find her mother, Anne, on the front page of the local paper. There's a picture of her in a romantic restaurant with a member of the library advisory board, Philip Baldeli. Anne, who is the library director, has been working on an expansion project for the library which has the town divided. What's even more surprising, and most troubling, is that a few days later, Philip turns up dead and Anne becomes a 'person of interest' in the case.

Molly's love interest, Detective Sean Corsino, is in a difficult position. He's involved with the daughter of the person he must begin investigating. But he's determined to keep everything professional and by the book. Molly is determined to help clear her mother's name, even if she's getting nowhere pumping Sean for information or not. She must ramp up her investigation when Sean is injured on the job. Can Molly and her business partner, Olivia, find the clues they need to finally clear Anne?

A lot of the book is focusing on the romance between Molly and Sean and the difficulties they encounter. Sean's ex sister-in-law is in town and causing trouble between them (she's the twin sister of his deceased wife) and he needs to interview Molly's mother as a person of interest in the murder. To me, it focused a bit too much on the romance and not enough on the mystery. Some people like a bit more romance in their cozies and if that's something you enjoy then I believe this book is for you! She didn't seem to spend much time in her bakery which really could be a source of information and gossip from the folks in town while providing some character development for secondary characters for upcoming books.

I really wanted to like this book more than I do. Don't get me wrong, I did like it, I needed a bit more mystery though. There are some fun characters and good moments in the book, but there are parts of Molly's character I just didn't like. I think I would class this more of a romance with a bit of mystery rather than a full out cozy, but that's just my opinion. It's still a good story with some very enjoyable characters and I really like their town, Destiny. I haven't given up on this series by any means, I plan on reading the first in the series and the next to see what develops next for these characters.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Review: A Grand Murder by Kate Lucky

Available Now!

I like reading cozy mysteries that have a different theme than the 'norm' In Kate Lucky's debut cozy novel A Grand Murder, the main character, Sammy Young is piano tuner who runs her own business not only tuning pianos, but repairing
and restoring them as well.

When Sammy is accused of murder, her business begins to suffer, so she decides that it's up to her to find out who the real killer is. Things aren't always as they seem in this book, and there are some fun, quirky characters along with a few creepy ones!

Definitely a little bit edgier than some of the other cozies I've read, there are some really great moments (I won't spoil them, you've got to read for yourself!) and I often found myself laughing out loud. I look forward to see what's next in store for Sammy and her friends!

If you're looking for a cozy that has just a bit more edge (think different settings and maybe some unlikely allies) but still all the elements that makes a cozy a cozy, then this series just may be for you!

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

Review: Two Down, Bun To Go by H.Y. Hanna

Now Available!

(If you missed my reviews of the previous 2 books in the series, you can find them HERE and HERE)

If you are looking for a fantastic cozy mystery series to read, look no further!

Two Down, Bun To Go is the third installment of the Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series by H.Y. Hanna.

Right from the start, you are drawn into the book with Hanna's excellent story telling, well rounded characters and laugh out loud moments.

Gemma gets a strange late night phone call from her friend, Seth... begging, pleading with her to help him. Of course she has to help Seth, they've been friends forever! As it turns out, Seth ends up being arrested for murder (but.. he could never commit murder... or... could he??) and who ends up being assigned to the case, none other than CID Devlin O'Connor! Gemma begins looking for clues to the real murderer (no matter what Devlin says!) and of course the "Old Biddies" are there to lend a helping hand. Gemma has her hands full, with Museli getting into mischief, trying to find a new baking chef for the tearoom, trying to solve a murder mystery all while trying to figure out her love life since she's caught between two wonderful men.

This series just gets better and better with each book. As usual, I was completely drawn in to the story and loved revisiting some of my favourite characters. I really do love the "Old Biddies" and can picture them holding court in Gemma's tearoom. The relationship between Gemma and her mother is hilarious as ever and doesn't disappoint. As for the mystery, I wasn't able to piece together the whodunnit until quite late in the book, and there isn't a shortage of suspects or twists to keep you wondering. There were some moments where I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen, it got pretty intense! During the entire book, I was wanting to read faster to see what was going to happen, all the while wanting to read slower because I didn't want it to end. Another fabulous book!

I recommend this to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery, you will not be disappointed! I look forward to the next installment in the series.

Thank you to H.Y. Hanna for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Great Giveaway Alert: Storytellers Unlimited 4/11/16

Hello friends!

I stumbled upon this great giveaway while I was on Facebook today. Over on the Storytellers Unlimited website, they are giving away a Kindle Fire and 35 ebooks ! What a great way to find some new authors, and who wouldn't love to win a new Kindle?

To enter the giveaway, you just have to

click HERE

Good luck to everyone that enters!

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Review: Killer Takeout by Lucy Burdette

Available Now: