Tag: halloween time

Death at the Dinner Party review

Tari Hann

This is the third book in a new series, Secret Bookcase Mysteries by a favorite cozy mystery author, Ellie Alexander. I’ve read all three so far as ARCs and the stories do build on each other as far as Annie’s backstory and her growing relationships with people (one handsome guy in particular!). Which means I highly recommend reading in order for the most enjoyment possible.

I can’t wait for the next book, A Holiday Homicide which publishes November 30, and it’s already up for pre-order as well as on Goodreads. The link to that book takes you to its Goodreads page for a little sneak peek. From the Goodreads page, you can go to your favorite bookstore and pre-order.

My Goodreads review:

Death at the Dinner Party (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #3)Death at the Dinner Party by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It sounded like a super fun adventure to Annie as far as helping her friend’s girlfriend throw a murder mystery dinner party at her old farmhouse as a fundraiser. But like all good mysteries, there had to be a storm trapping everyone inside and of course a murder. It was a good thing Annie had a criminology background or she probably would’ve fallen apart like her pal Pri almost did. I knew her mentor was gonna be really proud of her once the police made it there.

I’m loving how things have changed for the better between Annie and Liam and I’ll be eager to see things progress. And I just love that sweet Hal! What a great guy who runs the bookshop but he’s more like a grandpa to Annie and Fletcher than a boss. Annie’s really blessed to have such a great work family. The showdown was a little scary, in a human way of course but with a little help and some perseverance, Annie and Pri lived to sleuth another day. I can’t wait to read the next book which is Christmas themed!

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

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Murder in the Bayou Boneyard review

Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Cajun Country series by Ellen Byron, another of my favorite authors. I’ve been reading this series since its beginning and have fallen in love with this sweet Louisiana town and the Crozat family. And yup, even ol’ Rufus has grown on me, since he’s changed a lot since the very first book. Now first book Ru, I didn’t like him at all! Halloween at Crozat and the neighboring B&Bs was an adventure, to say the least!

My Goodreads review:

Murder in the Bayou Boneyard: A Cajun Country MysteryMurder in the Bayou Boneyard: A Cajun Country Mystery by Ellen Byron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pelican at Halloween time was pretty awesome! I never completely guessed the killer, because all the red herrings and clues were so good and leading in all different directions. I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. I got a kick out of Gran and her wedding plans right in the middle of a murder. I love that little Xander has come such a long way, and I can’t help but feel that Maggie can claim some credit for that with giving him art lessons ever since she met Bo. Xander also taught Maggie that Halloween can be fun again.

That picture of Gopher on the cover is so darn cute! I think it might be my favorite cover so far! And yes, he did get to wear his costume along with his other dog friends. I’ve absolutely loved this series since the very first book, and I hope it runs for a very long time. Trips to Pelican, Louisiana are always a lot of fun. The baddies get theirs, and the wrap-up always gives that extra closure readers like. As always, I can’t wait for the next book!

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

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Prose and Cons–review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Magical Bookshop series. A little crow, er I mean bird told me that Amanda Flower is planning on releasing the third book in January 2019. I can’t wait! In the first one, we found out about Violet’s past and what has haunted her for twelve years. She got her closure on that but now in this one, we get to find out a little bit more about her past which I do hope carries on to the next book (and the next and the next…sorry I do love this series and I’m not even getting paid to say that lol)

My Goodreads review:

Prose and Cons (Magical Bookshop, #2)Prose and Cons by Amanda Flower

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to start this book after the first one and I had a hard time putting it down. This one takes place around four months later from the first and it’s Food and Wine Festival time in Cascade Springs, NY as well as getting closer to Halloween. How appropriate that the Red Inkers author group has decided to do some Poe readings during the Festival at Charming Books. The festivities are temporarily stopped by the murder of one of the Red Inkers right there in the bookshop. Despite warnings from pretty much everyone she knows, Violet is determined to solve this case too especially since her friend Sadie is the main suspect!

I liked that Violet had accepted her job as Caretaker of the books and even found a job in Cascade Springs. She hadn’t had a close friend since her high school friend died twelve years ago so it’s nice to see her getting closer to the people in town. I’m not sure if she’ll ever have a bestie like some of our favorite book sleuths but if she would, my guess might be Sadie.

There’s still the issue of two handsome men in her life although lately she hadn’t given Nathan the time of day. She did get to meet David Rainwater’s adorable niece and seemed to gain a little more of his trust. I still think they’re more connected spiritually and wouldn’t be surprised if David already knows the secrets behind the shop and the birch tree since he’s already more in tune to the earth and his surroundings.

I thought it was super fun to hear the crow Faulkner actually say “Nevermore!” in this book! I had made a reference to him reminding me of the raven in the Munster house in the first review but at that time had no idea this book would be Poe-themed as far as the books giving suggestions on solving the murder. Excitedly looking forward to the next book!

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