Last But Not Leashed review

This is the second book in the Dr. Kate Vet Mysteries by real-life veterinarian cozy author Eileen Brady. I love that a real vet writes this series, and you know there’s probably some firsthand experiences that somewhere along the line might’ve made their way into the books. The dogs were all so awesome, and I fell in love with the pit bull that Mari named Mr. Pitt. He did get his happy ending though, so eventually Kate went back to her usual one dog, Buddy. I should actually mention how much I love Gramps’s character! Kate did have her dad who apparently she’s not close to, so it was really cool that she could call Gramps and talk over her issues.

I want to read the first book now so I’m caught up for whenever the next book comes out. It’s a new to me series that pretty much puts the cozy in cozy mystery! On Goodreads, I looked Dr. Brady’s other series written in 2014 which was called Kate Turner, DVM. I’m not sure if this series is supposed to continue exactly from those books, but reading the blurbs especially the one for books 3 and 4 of that series, it does seem as if that’s the case. The covers of the older series seem a little darker while this newer series definitely has cozy covers. I’d love to get the time to dig into the older series once I read the first book in this one.

#PoisonedPenPress #EileenBrady

My Goodreads review:

Last But Not Leashed (Dr. Kate Vet Mysteries #2)Last But Not Leashed by Eileen Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love a good cozy mystery where animals play a big part, especially in the showdown! This one was especially epic! Dr. Kate was a great main character but unlike you’d think at a vet office, the receptionist Cindy seemed to be the one in charge which made sense since she’d been there twenty years and the vet who owned the practice had only contracted Dr. Kate for a year. But Kate, Cindy and Mari made for a fun work trio and seemed even to be friends outside of work. They had the advantage that the police chief was her brother-in-law and sometimes she could sneak in tidbits of a case. Cindy was like an older sister who kept them all on track but loved some good gossip!

I loved how Kate’s dog Buddy got along with newcomer Mr. Pitt, a poor pit bull that someone rescued from fighting and left at the vet office. Kate suspected the shy teen that was hanging around and knew he or whoever left the dog had saved the dog’s life.

Another quirky little stinker of a dog was Little Man, a chihuahua that was being boarded at the vet and Dr. Kate being the softie she is, well I figured she’d give in on some of the stuff his mom told her he liked! Mari insisted that since there was a killer on the loose that Kate keep her other Rottweiler, Desi who had Schutzhund training. I’m pretty sure Kate was super glad she decided to keep Desi for a few extra days! But never underestimate a chihuahua either! When the perp needed taken down, these dogs were perfect for the job! Add to that a vet who’d had enough and a kind but intimidating-looking neighbor, and that perp didn’t stand a chance! What an incredibly satisfying showdown/takedown!

Since I have the first book in the series which I never got around to reading before this one came up, I do intend to go back and read it. I’ll definitely be reading more in this series as it comes available.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher Poisoned Pen Press, and my opinions are my own.

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A Vacation to Die For review

This is the fourteenth in the Tourist Trap Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon who writes several cozy series, all of which I’m crazy about. Tourist Trap is the longest running of the series, and I gotta admit I wasn’t exactly caught up yet when I started getting the ARCs to read and review, but I’ll get there someday. From reading blurbs ahead, I already knew about Jill and Greg being engaged anyway, so now I’m just looking forward to the book that has their wedding!

#KensingtonCozies #LynnCahoon

My Goodreads review:

A Vacation to Die For (A Tourist Trap Mystery #14)A Vacation to Die For by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was hard to believe, but Greg and Jill actually got away on a little vacation before he got called back, probably a record of some kind for them, lol. I wondered if the slight weirdness of seeing various people in their vacation getaway of Apple Valley might turn around and be connected to the current case Greg got called to.

I love the crossovers going on with this series and the author’s other two. I decided to review this one first but I did also finish another one where Deek went to a writer’s conference, although the one he attended in this book probably wasn’t that since this book’s taking place in spring. And I’d read the first with her new MC Eddie in it a while back and learned Esmerelda was girlfriend to one of the guys. He got a mention in this book but not by name or location, just that he’s halfway across the country. It’s just fun when authors plan those little surprises for readers.

I honestly had trouble trusting some of the newer characters in the book this time but now that I know who can be trusted, I’m eager to read the next book and find out more about them. Jill did once more find herself as the blurb said, in the crosshairs of a killer but she always thinks of something smart to do. I enjoyed the ending and can’t wait to read about Greg and Jill’s wedding hopefully the next time around.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, an my opinions are my own.

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Dewey Decimated review

This is the sixth book in the Haunted Library Mysteries by Allison Brook aka Marilyn Levinson. I’ve loved this series and enjoyed it from the beginning when we first met Evelyn, the friendly library ghost who only Carrie and her little kid cousin can see.

When a body was found and Uncle Alec joined the library as a ghost, I wondered at first if Evelyn thought it was a little fun to have someone like her. She was really good to him since he was pretty depressed, and Carrie needed him to not get too excited or he’d scare everyone without meaning to. But part of me thinks Evelyn was a little relieved knowing that hopefully her charge would get to where he was destined once his murder got solved. I’m glad we’ve been getting these books more often than just once a year because I’m always eager to read the next!

#CrookedLaneBooks #AllisonBrook

My Goodreads review:

Dewey Decimated (The Haunted Library Mysteries, #6)Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought it was pretty awesome that the library acquired another ghost when a body was found during renovation of the building next door the library bought for expansion. It was especially cool that the ghost turned out to be Dylan’s Uncle Alec, an uncle he’d idolized as a kid but drew distant from as an adult. Anyone following this series knows that Dylan was told about Evelyn already, but was he ready to hear about his own uncle being a ghost? You might wanna read and find out! Evelyn’s job was to herd this ghost and keep track of him, but he was pretty depressed. Was he a temporary visitor or what?

Poor Alec was stuck there until Carrie could solve this. As always she was torn in every direction especially with the pesky reporter who wanted to go full-out Sherlock Holmes with Carrie as her sidekick. Carrie handled everything the best she could and I was proud of her for not letting that reporter walk all over her at one point.

The showdown brought on by the reporter was a good one and I gotta say the woman had guts to do what she did. Carrie did help too but wanted no part of the recognition. I hadn’t for sure suspected this person due to so many great red herrings.

The ending was so cute when Steve and Angie got their puppy which sort of helped nudge Carrie in the right direction to talk with Dylan about their own future (which I was happy to hear might include a couple dogs! Smokey Joe’s a cool cat, he’ll adjust great I’m sure!). I feel like she was much more peaceful in her mind and felt ready to move toward setting a wedding date soon.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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A Good Dog’s Guide to Murder review

This is the eighth book in the Paws & Claws Mysteries by Krista Davis who writes three awesome cozy series. Isn’t this just the cutest book cover? You can tell right away Trixie and her kitty pal Twinkletoes are up to no good, lol. Trixie has such a cute and sneaky look! Yep, there’s a scene to go with this picture too!

I love that Holly and Holmes are in a good place in their relationship and not to sound like her mom or anything, I kinda hope they gravitate toward something a little more permanent soon!

#BerkleyPublishing #KristaDavis

My Goodreads review:

A Good Dog's Guide to MurderA Good Dog’s Guide to Murder by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! From Trixie and Twinkletoes’ mischief at the gingerbread contest to Twinkletoes’ assistance with the showdown, it was everything I’ve come to love in a cozy AND about the town of Wagtail itself. It always makes me wish it was real and I could visit there with my dog!

There was an old murder case to solve but it wasn’t long before another new one popped up as well as attempts on a few people’s lives. It had everyone including Officer Dave wondering who the heck this crazy killer was, and did all these present day shenanigans have anything to do with the body in the tree?

I really like Holly’s mom and the fact that the two of them get along great together. She seemed interested in moving to Wagtail, so it should be fun for Holly to have her around–as long as she doesn’t bug her too much about hurrying up and giving her some grandbabies! 😉 Nina did seem pretty happy with her furry grandkids for the moment.

Speaking of grandbabies, the sweetest couple in town (aside from Holmes and Holly) got the best surprise. I’m not gonna say a word about what it was, but I thought it was so darn awesome with how things turned out for their little family. And what better time for something good to happen for a family than at Christmas.

The body in the tree did get some closure as well as someone was caught for the present day murder. I can’t wait to see what my fave characters get into in the next book! Always such a fun visit that I never want to come home from!

I couldn’t possibly leave out the cute excerpts written from Trixie’s viewpoint, hence the guidebook to murder reference. She has a few paragraphs every several chapters or so and it’s just cute and hilarious how she lets her fellow pets in on all her expert tracking secrets. After eight murder adventures, I’d say Trixie’s pretty well qualified to write a little guide like that! Even Officer Dave admits her corpse-sniffing nose works like nothing else. It’s not always corpses though. She can detect pretty much any trouble.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Death on the Argyle review

This is the fifth book in the Black Sheep Knitting Society which never got linked on Goodreads, so I can’t provide a link to the other four books. They were additions to the original Black Sheep Knitting series and I believe it just changed names slightly when another publisher picked it up. I guess in other books I always felt like Maggie Messina was the main character, but in this book it’s clearly her younger friend Lucy who’s leading the show as far as the mystery goes. The ending was super sweet with Lucy and Matt’s baby being born and officially welcomed to the knitting shop. It also hinted at Lucy starting a new (additional) career, so it’ll be interesting to read about that next time.

#KensingtonCozies #AnneCanadeo

My Goodreads review:

Death on the Argyle (A Black Sheep & Co. Mystery Book 5)Death on the Argyle by Anne Canadeo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was fun to visit with some of my favorite knitters in cozy series just as Lucy was ready to bring her little baby into the world. The ladies had a new friend to add to their group, for a while anyway and a new case to sleuth out. Poor Maggie found herself dragged along but was mainly going to keep an eye on Lucy since they all knew how she could be when sleuthing!

I had a feeling of whodunit and why which turned out to be right, but it was sort of a sad showdown in a way with no one in any real danger. It was sweet to read about the baby visiting the shop a couple months later, then a little more was mentioned in Maggie’s knitting newsletter that always follows the story. That’s always a treat and not to be skipped. 😉 It’ll be interesting to see if Baby Binger-MacDougal gets broken in right as a mini investigator in the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Peg and Rose Solve a Murder review

This is the first book in a new spin-off series simply called Peg and Rose, and it’s by Laurien Berenson who introduced Aunt Peg Turnbull in her long-running Melanie Travis series. I really got a kick out of Peg being the main character and her sister-in-law Rose being her sidekick. This book had all the scoop and backstory you could want on both the ladies’ characters. Rose might come off as a meek ex-nun, but she can tell people off or do things when needed like when she’s facing down a killer!

#KensingtonCozies #LaurienBerenson

My Goodreads review:

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder (Peg and Rose #1)Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, these two ladies are a real hoot and so much fun to read all their bickering and banter, which actually did get better from the original kinda-hatred state for each other they’d been in. This is a spin-off series from the Melanie Travis Mysteries by the same author, only I hadn’t really read enough of that series to know a whole lot about Aunt Peg except she was no-nonsense, stern and very into her dog shows and poodles. It was cool to see her be the star and comment on how Melanie probably would be jealous of all this action they were seeing, lol.

I hadn’t really suspected whodunit, but I sure loved what cute little creature got to help at the showdown! And Peg’s heart seemed to grow a size or two throughout the book because she did something super sweet at the end for Rose. (Just don’t tell Peg I said she was being sweet LOL!)

Gotta admit I wasn’t really into the bridge playing aspect of the story at all but luckily it was fairly short-lived as far as actual bridge scenes. Wonder what these two will get up to now that the murder’s solved? I guess the next book might tell us that! This one releases tomorrow, August 30, 2022.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder review

This is the first in a brand new cozy series called Baker Street Mysteries by Valerie Burns or V.M. Burns as she’s known in her other cozy series, Mystery Bookshop and the Dog Club Mysteries. Her V.M. Burns Goodreads page gives more of a bio and her other series.

I’ve loved all the characters she’s created and knew I was gonna enjoy meeting these characters as well. I absolutely love that book cover–isn’t Baby the cutest? There were times I couldn’t read fast enough just to see what happened next, but of course, once I got to the end, I was wishing the book wasn’t finished. I really can’t wait for the next one now!

#KensingtonCozies #ValerieBurns

My Goodreads review:

Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder (Baker Street Mystery #1)Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this! Maddy might’ve been a spoiled daddy’s girl, but I had to hand it to her for her determination to break that mold and prove she could take over Aunt Octavia’s bakery. Once I learned who all I could trust, I was totally drawn into the key characters along with Maddy. And that sweet, slobbery dog Baby! He was such a good boy and like Maddy, I trusted him to ferret out the killer. Baby did end up playing a heroic part in the showdown too.

The Baker Street Irregulars group was too cool and it reminded me of Nana Jo’s friends’ group in the author’s Mystery Bookshop series. Miss Hannah was one of my faves! She didn’t let dementia stop her one little bit and was sharp as anything most of the time while being one of Maddy’s best advocates. It was great how Maddy’s new friends took her under their wing and tried to make her feel more at home. And Maddy sure did a nice job of promoting the shop even when they needed to be closed after the murder.

That showdown was a tense one and I wasn’t sure how Maddy was gonna get herself out of this mess! But with some friendly help, the perp definitely wouldn’t be bothering anyone again.

The ending of the book was great, and I loved how Maddy didn’t waste time in going after what she wanted! If you’ve read and love this author’s other cozy series, you’re in for another treat! I can’t wait for the next book! This one releases this coming Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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A Colorful Scheme review

This is the fourth book in the Pen & Ink Mysteries by one of my fave cozy authors, Krista Davis who’s also one of the first cozy authors I read when I got into cozies around six years ago. I’ve loved all her series. They always have the kinds of characters that you just want to be friends with, some cute pets and plenty of murder and mayhem! A very cozy set of cozy mystery series! The really cool thing about this series is that if you’re into coloring, you can get the paperback book and color in both covers.

#KensingtonCozies #KristaDavis

My Goodreads review:

A Colorful Scheme (Pen & Ink Book 4)A Colorful Scheme by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These characters are like visiting old friends now, and I was happy to see that Jacquie and Maxwell were getting married. There were literally so many suspects to pick from for the murder, but one stood out to me sort of early on. But it’s so much fun going down the red herring paths that I let myself go down those and entertained other ideas for whodunit. My original idea was right.

There was a fun side story featuring a couple of the authors that were visiting for this book, and I had part of that mystery right. And whoever would’ve thought that pesky Nelson the guy who’s forever been in love with Florrie would end up being a private investigator? That was featured in someone else’s side story. The continuing thread of John Maxwell’s missing daughter continued although I have absolutely no idea what might’ve happened to her if she’s not dead by now. Somehow I think it might get solved someday, but it’s interesting whenever it’s brought up.

I love where Florrie and Eric are in their relationship. They’re so cute together! And Florrie’s sister Veronica’s taking more hours than I remembered at the bookshop and seemed to be happy with it. I really enjoyed two new characters we met, especially Jezebel! I hope that spunky grandma sticks around in future storylines! She’s such a hoot and provided a little comic relief at times. Can’t wait to find out what Florrie and her crew get into next time! This releases next Tuesday, August 30, 2022. See the little pig on the cover? You’ll find out about her too!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Six Feet Deep Dish review

This is the first book in the brand new Deep Dish Mysteries series by Mindy Quigley. I felt drawn in by the characters immediately and had a hard time putting the Kindle down when I needed to! I was excited to see that the next book’s already listed on Goodreads as coming out in April 2023, and it’s called Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust. The blurb definitely makes me eager to read it, and I was pretty fast to add it to my ginormous WTR shelf. I’m glad we don’t have to wait a whole year!

This book definitely fits the description of a fun cozy mystery that has some strong characters, but there’re a lot of family vibes going on too. I could already see the team camaraderie among Delilah’s employees and how she and her aunt were very close. Sometimes I don’t get those feelings about a book right away, so when I do, I feel like it’s a sign of a strong series that’ll survive well.

#St.MartinsPaperbacks #MindyQuigley

My Goodreads review:

Six Feet Deep Dish (Deep Dish Mysteries, #1)Six Feet Deep Dish by Mindy Quigley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the start of this new series! When characters grab my attention as quickly as these key characters did, in my book that’s a winner of a cozy mystery. Biz and Delilah were a little out of the ordinary type cozy characters since Biz was definitely not your typical cute, squishy-huggy great aunt and Dee (as Delilah was called) was a real force to be reckoned with but still had her soft side moments.

The ladies were both strong yet didn’t mind (too much anyway) having people look after them when needed. Although Dee could get on my nerves a little bit being such a control freak, lol. I’m not sure I could work for her, but her team sure seemed happy, so that’s the main thing. I mean, I thought I was bad at giving up control over certain things, but that lady’s got me beat haha! Some of the stuff she wanted to say to people absolutely cracked me up because it’s just what I would’ve been thinking of saying but not saying, particularly when it came to teen employee Carson!

Wow what a showdown! I honestly had the actual perp in mind but not for the reasons they ended up being the killer. It almost made me feel sad for the perp, but that’s all I’m gonna say about it without going and spoiling things. Kind of a case where the person killed was a pretty lowdown scoundrel and some people figured the person deserved it. I enjoyed the ending and hope we find Delilah and Cal becoming better friends in the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin’s Paperbacks via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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A Treacherous Tale review

This is the second book in the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney. I really enjoyed her Apron Shop series, and this one has some great characters that I’ve come to know her for, and a really fun location. I love that Molly and Kieran’s relationship’s already established by this second book and they seem to be in a good place. I noticed the author had a good way with doing that in the other series too. Can’t wait for book 3!

#StMartinsPaperbacks #ElizabethPenney

My Goodreads review:

A Treacherous Tale (Cambridge Bookshop #2)A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun to go back and visit with Molly, her aunt Violet and her mom in their amazing Cambridge, England bookstore. I love that Molly and Kieran are officially dating and can now double with Daisy and her boyfriend Tim.

This was a mystery full of twists and red herrings. I suspected someone kinda early but wasn’t sure why, but it turned out to be right. When a local antiquities dealer was killed and the daughter of a new good friend went missing, Molly was eager to investigate again especially since they had Sir Jon on their side. How cool was that to know an ex-M16 agent who’s also a lawyer?

When Molly used a book a local author had written to help her with clues, the search for the missing woman Poppy took a really fun type of creepy vibe since they searched all through an old castle-like house and grounds. After Molly discovered whodunit and the gang was left to their own devices, they plotted a cool getaway and a great trap for the killer. I love the way they were thinking!

The author event finally got to happen and handyman George was back from his vacation. Hey George, you missed all the fun this time! I’m eager to read more in this perfectly cozy cozy mystery series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin Paperbacks via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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