Tag: minotaur books

Hard Dough Homicide review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries by Olivia Matthews, and I’ve loved both of the first books. What’s not to love about this amazing family that loves each other so much and just wants to be a contributing and thriving part of the Little Caribbean community? Their bakery sounds pretty darn delicious too! From its great characters and location to its family camaraderie, I’m hoping this series sticks around for a good long time.

UPDATE: I just spied with my little eyes that the third book’s coming out in December, and it’s called Coconut Drop Dead. (not an affiliate link.) And it’s listed on Goodreads, but it’s not under its series name.

#NetGalley #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPaperback #OliviaMatthews

My Goodreads review:

Hard Dough HomicideHard Dough Homicide by Olivia Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love Lyndsay and her awesome family! Granny just cracks me up with how she wants to help sleuth, and Lyndsay’s always having to worry about keeping her feisty little granny out of trouble, lol. I really like how this family loves one another unconditionally and always has each others’ backs. Even any bickering done is always good-naturedly, and I also think it’s pretty awesome how Lyndsay and her family start each day at the bakery with a prayer.

This was a really baffling mystery, but with the help of her family going over motives and possible means, Lyndsay and Granny set off to solve this once and for all. Lyndsay’s always been super gracious and again credited her entire family with solving the case (her kickboxing training came in handy again too!). And to top off being declared completely innocent, the fam got a nice surprise at the end of the book. I can’t wait to see what mystery adventures Lyndsay and crew get into in the next book!

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

View all my reviews

The Raven Thief review

Tari Hann

This is the second book in the super fun Secret Staircase Mysteries by Gigi Pandian who also writes the series The Accidental Alchemist and Jaya Jones. I’d always been a fan of Nancy Drew and her never-ending times she’d find secret stairways or hidden panels, so this series is right up my alley. The characters are pretty amazing and I quickly felt like they were friends back when I read the first book. This book releases tomorrow, March 21, 2023, so don’t miss it if you read the first one! I’d honestly recommend reading in order for the most enjoyment.

My Goodreads review:

The Raven Thief (Secret Staircase Mystery, #2)The Raven Thief by Gigi Pandian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second in series was just as good as the first and in some ways even better. I liked the creepiness factor of the mysterious ravens hanging around and the descriptions of all the cool secret passageways and panels that Tempest’s dad put in all the construction he did. I’d love to have a secret room like hers!

There were quite a few suspects but eventually got suspicious of someone and it ended up being right. Although I still went down all the rabbit holes and enjoyed the ride to find out for sure if I was right. I love how misdirection always plays a part in these books, and it’s pretty awesome how Tempest figured everything out. She had her good pal Samjay helping along with bestie Ivy. Gideon got in on helping as well, so the four made a good team. It’ll be interesting to see what adventure they get into next!

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

View all my reviews