Tag: cozy murder mystery

Stone Cold: A Southern Mystery Novel (Book 1 of the Zoe Nichols Van Life Series) by Abby Rice Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A woman seeking her biological father must unmask a killer in a small town full of secrets in author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold: A Southern Mystery Novel,” the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van Life Series.

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The Synopsis

A quiet Southern town. A stow-away kid. A page-turning mystery!

After DNA results turn her whole world upside down, Zoe Nichols traces her mysterious biological father to a small Georgia town. But a shocking murder the day she arrives and a stow-away kid catapult Zoe into a search for the killer. In a small town brimming with secrets, can Zoe unmask a murderer and clear an innocent boy – before she becomes the killer’s next victim?

This is the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van-Life series. A fun Southern mystery with a female amateur sleuth and a splash of romance!

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The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping story. The fast-paced narrative was balanced with rich character development, which quickly drew the reader in and connected them with the characters. The mystery was well-developed, lined with realism as it captured both small-town life and the intricacies of murder investigations. The powerful imagery really brought this small Southern town to life, allowing readers to engage with the story fully.

The powerful, multi-tiered story and the rich themes surrounding justice really made this story what it was. The murder mystery took center stage, but still left enough breathing room for readers to engage in this personal mystery of Zoe’s father and who he is. The examination of the justice system and how young teens considered “at risk” are often forgotten or used as scapegoats for crimes, and the need to explore all options in an investigation is crucial to the truth.

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and thrilling, author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The infusion of small-town murder mystery and romance, filled with shocking twists and turns, makes this story a great introduction to the larger Zoe Nichols Van Life series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Abby Rice’s life has been as adventure-filled as her heroines’. Abby spent nine months on a square-rigged sailing ship and once rode cross-country on her motorcycle. She’s built houses — and wired them, too. And in her alter ego role as an attorney, she’s battled bad guys and sought justice for victims of crime.  

But first and foremost, Abby’s always been a writer. She cut her teeth in the magazine market, with over two hundred national and trade stories in print. She transitioned to nonfiction books, with two dozen now behind her. History was Abby’s primary book niche, and she especially enjoys tales of the Victorian era and Comstock Lode. And most recently, she’s ventured into historical romance.

These days when Abby’s not dreaming up new stories about hidden history and feisty heroines, she can be found scanning 1860s newspapers for forgotten bits of Victorian gossip.

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https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stone-cold-abby-rice/1144388206?ean=2940186082576

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Depths of Deception by J.J. Macaw Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A journalist uncovers a deadly conspiracy in her small town at a local book fair in author J.J. Macaw’s “Depths of Deception.”

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The Synopsis

The beautiful vibrant seaside village of Coral Cove is hosting its famous book fair and Tony Blane anticipates unveiling his manuscript exposing an increasing environmental crisis affecting the cove’s water and wildlife. Maxy Harper, a renowned journalist, returned to her childhood home to detox from the 24/7 stress of the crime beat in Washington. She was Tony’s fierce childhood friend and high school sweetheart and is covering the book fair for her podcast.

Excitement turns to horror when Tony’s manuscript vanished and things take a darker turn when Tony’s mentor is found dead at the fair. Maxy’s instincts kick in with a vengeance, and she dives into questioning witnesses, uncovering secrets past and present that point to the imminent risks to Coral Cove’s children and wildlife. Maxy and Tony embark on an investigation filled with danger, quirky locals, including a witchy “wise woman”, a Haitian grandmother known to be a voodoo priestess, and dangerous corrupt officials.

Threats build to stop the investigation. The arrogant police chief is aggressively pressured to downplay the concerns and wrap up the murder quickly. Maxy follows clues and leads a covert expedition to a neighboring island, exploring pirate caves and discovering toxins that explain the poisoning of the cove. A deadly confrontation ensues, forcing her to use every ounce of her wits to outsmart their pursuers. As things heat up and danger lurks, Maxy and Tony grow closer, rekindling their affections of long ago.

An aggressive grass roots campaign brings the community to a rapid boil creating intense pressure on officials that can’t be ignored. Reluctant state and federal authorities are forced into Coral Cove’s fight. The heir of the Allen family businesses joins Maxy and newfound official support to uncover the fraud and corruption at the root of the increasing jeopardy to Coral Cove.

The community simmers as the mysteries behind the poisoning and death are uncovered.

The Review

This was such a compelling and driven cozy mystery thriller. The author did an incredible job of building on the mystery and intrigue of the first novel in this series, capturing the setting of Coral Cove perfectly while delving deeper into the town’s past and the history that shaped it into what it is today. The rich character dynamics at play, both in terms of the protagonists and the townspeople themselves, all kept me invested in the overall story being told.

It was the way the author balanced the narrative that made this feel so fresh and engaging. The blend of environmental justice with the murder mystery and conspiracy angle the story took kept the steady pacing exciting, and the tension as the investigation was brought to new heights made this an exhilarating journey. Blend this with the fantastic trio of Maxy, Tom, and Tony, and their dedication to the truth, along with the promise of a possible rekindled romance, and this is the perfect small-town mystery to get lost in.

The Verdict

Harrowing, mystery-driven, and entertaining, author J.J. Macaw’s “Depths of Deception” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the story, the depth of character arcs in this narrative (including the town itself), and the atmospheric nature of the story will keep readers invested in the story and these characters for hopefully more stories in the future. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J.J.Macaw is a pen name, but the biographical information here is real. His  prose reflects  the experience of being a husband of 34 years, parent and grandparent.  It also reflects his four decades of entrepreneurship, having founded several companies in such diverse fields as water treatment, public policy consulting, fertilizer manufacturing and engineering. This experience lends authenticity to the settings, characters and descriptions of science, technology and business operations as they occur in his novels.

J.J. is an avid sailor spending years sailing San Francisco Bay and its environs.  He also holds Dan rank in Aikido.

There are no spicey sex scenes nor an abundance of cursing or overt graphic violence in his novels . That said, his characters do what real people do and the characters reflect the fullness of their lives.

J.J. lives with his wife and two cats (who own the house). Panama became their home  a few years ago and enjoys writing in that beautiful country.

https://www.jjmacaw.com/

The Maid by Nita Prose Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman working as a maid must unravel the web of lies she is caught in to discover the identity of a murderer in author Nita Prose’s “The Maid.”

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The Synopsis

In development as a major motion picture

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?

A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

The Review

This was such a richly developed and compelling thriller. Molly is such a unique protagonist and the instant draw of this narrative. Her candid view and open way of speaking freely about what’s on her mind, as well as the struggles she faces with conversing and understanding others in social situations, make her relatable. The harrowing experiences she encounters throughout this narrative add a special twist to the classic murder mystery narrative. The way this cast of characters comes together is fantastic, and the way Molly can find her community and group of friends to come together and face this growing conspiracy of murder makes this a thrilling narrative.

The fast-paced and tense atmosphere of this novel’s story was perfectly laid out for readers, allowing them to search high and low for their list of suspects as the mystery unfolded. The emotional backstory that unfolds as readers learn more about Molly, Giselle, and so many others not only keeps the narrative fascinating and moving but also speaks to the nature of human connection and how people connect and communicate with one another as a whole.

The Verdict

Enthralling, memorable, and thrilling, author Nita Prose’s “The Maid” is a must-read murder mystery and crime thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative will speak to fans of Only Murders in the Building and Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club, adding humor and wit to the dialogue and directness of Molly and her friends, and the intrigue of the mystery behind Mr. Black’s death will have fans on the edge of their seats for much of this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nita Prose is the author of the The Maid series, which has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide and was published in over forty countries. A #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller and a GOOD MORNING AMERICA Book Club Pick, THE MAID won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Novel of the Year, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and the Barry Award for Best First Mystery. THE MAID was also an Edgar Award finalist for Best Novel. Nita lives in Toronto, Canada, in a house that is moderately clean.

https://www.nitaprose.com/

Dinked: Serenity Acres by Crystal Quast Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Secrets are unraveled and rivalries are ignited as a battle between the pickleball and tennis communities leads to deadly consequences in author Crystal Quast’s “Dinked: Serenity Acres.” 

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The Synopsis

If you love cozy mysteries, welcome to Serenity Acres in the town of Southpoint, where everyone is a hot mess with a secret to hide.

Dinked: Secrets of Serenity Acres, dives deep into the deadly tensions between pickleball and tennis players in the bucolic, ball-buster neighborhood. When Margot Fields tries to push through a plan to expand the local courts, secrets start to come to the surface and residents start to unravel. It’s a death match to the end, but who will come out unscathed in this fun, feisty thriller?

The Review

This was such a compelling and engaging cozy mystery thriller. The balance of wit and charm that the story brought to life, both in the humor of the character interactions and the drama as tensions rise between them all, made this a thrilling read. The Imagery in the author’s writing allowed the reader to feel fully immersed in this small community, and the author did a great job of making sure the violence and more mature content happened off-page, leaning heavily into the cozy mystery atmosphere that the genre is known for.

What drove this narrative forward so well was the character development and the theme of change that the book embraced. The ways these characters either fought against change or tried to embrace it speak to the struggle so many communities have with adopting new approaches over time. The drama and the tension between this cast of characters, whether it was protagonist Margot and her rival Daphne, each of whom have their struggles behind closed doors, or the competitiveness of those who see pickleball as a progressive step in a new sport or those who see it as the death of tennis as a whole, these dynamic character events infuse both drama and humor into the narative, which helped elevate the overall mystery of these threats and the twisted nature of the town’s secrets. 

The Verdict

Visceral, humorous, and mysterious, author Crystal Quast’s “Dinked: Serenity Acres” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking revelations about the town and its citizens, and the complex web of connections among the citizens of this town will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the book’s final shocking pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres. Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, Crystal loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.

All That Sparkles (Glitter Bay Mysteries Book 1) by Diane Bator Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The discovery of a trunk of vintage clothes leads to a mystery involving a land developer and a 50-year-old heist that will have one person rushing to end the cycle of violence coming for them next in author Diane Bator’s “All That Sparkles”, the first book in the Glitter Bay Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

What do a trunk full of vintage clothes, a handsome land developer, and a fifty year old diamond heist have in common? Laken Miller receives a trunk full of expensive vintage clothing and a stack of newspaper clippings about a fifty-year old diamond heist. Now all she has to do is figure out who murdered Tilly San Vicente before the killer silences her as well.

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The Review

This was a compelling and delightful cozy mystery read. The rich atmosphere and powerful imagery the author’s writing style brought out allowed the reader to feel both transported into this narrative and engaged in the witty banter and gripping character development that the story brought to life. 

The way the author was able to craft a thoughtful mystery while also providing memorable imagery throughout this story, from the dynamic vintage clothing that started this journey to the tense moments of the heist that drive this story forward. The layer of romance that the story brings forth is a great balance to the overall narrative and allows the characters to become more relatable and engaging overall.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and captivating, author Diane Bator’s “All That Sparkles” is a must-read mystery novel and a great entry in the brand new Glitter Bay Mysteries series. The twists and turns the narrative takes on and the shocking revelations, as well as the impactful and emotional bonds that the characters form with one another, make this a fantastic start to a brand-new mystery series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A prolific mystery writer, I am the mom of three kids and two cats as well as author of Wild Blue Mysteries, Gilda Wright Mysteries, Glitter Bay Mysteries, and the Audra Clemmings Mysteries from Books We Love Ltd. with many more to come!

You can find me at:

Blog: http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Website: http://penspaintsandpaper.com/index.html

Publisher Website: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dianebatorauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179945.Diane_Bator

The Killer Enigma (Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles Book 16) by Charles V. Breakfield & Rox Burkey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A desire to find peace and isolation away from the glaring lights of the paparazzi leads a young couple to the small town of Magnolia Bluff, but dark secrets of the past collide with the threats of the present in author Charles V. Breakfield & Roxy Burkey’s “The Killer Enigma”, the 16th entry in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. 

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The Synopsis

Enough is Enough – JJ rumbled when the Paparazzi invaded dinner

When JJ and Jo recognize privacy doesn’t exist for them, they head back to Magnolia Bluff to check on their friends and recapture the small-town anonymity.

They reject the status of urban legends in favor of acceptance and a quiet, peaceful life. A supermodel needs time and space to recharge herself between jobs, and he needs time to adore his wife.

Does Magnolia Bluff hold the answers to their prayers, or will a dark past overtake them?

Past, present, and future collide in a perfect storm no one expected. JJ and Jo need to take action. Chief Tommy Jager states he likes them, but he can’t wait for them to get back to their day jobs.

Who will live or die to prevent the truth from being exposed? The answers may be in the graveyard with the fresh flowers.

Their friends are targets – Their dreams are broken – They must fight

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The Review

This was a riveting and engaging mystery. The author does a fantastic job of balancing the murder mystery aspect of the narrative with the character growth, and the way the author is able to fold in mystery, thriller, and romance genre storytelling devices into the story in a way that seems natural kept me invested in the story, as did the even pacing.

The things that stood out to me in this novel were the fantastic character development, the clash of these character’s backgrounds with the small-town life, and the shock of the murder itself. The characters exude power and control in the early parts of the novel, but as time goes on and these two protagonists leave behind the life they knew, the dangers they come across, and the small town life they are immersed in showcase the vulnerability and human connection these two characters develop.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and gripping, authors Breakfield and Burkey’s “The Killer Enigma” is a must-read cozy murder mystery and a great entry in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the tense atmosphere that builds around this mystery make this one book you won’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

BREAKFIELD-Charles works as a data/telecom solution architect and supports digital security, blockchain solutions, and unified communications. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles’ love of wine tastings, cooking, and Harley riding often provides writing topics.

Much of his personality comes from his father who served in the military for 30 years and three wars. Charles grew up on multiple bases and different countries. The multi-cultural exposure helps him with the various character perspectives they bring to the series. His personal ambition is to continue to teach his co-author Burkey, humor.

BREAKFIELD AND BURKEY together build stories as fictional story writers. Storytelling is the best method to share excitement, thrills, and insights to today’s technology risks.

EnigmaSeries.com has information on their 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the upcoming Enigma Heirs. 

Look for our cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. 

Rox Burkey is a Customer Experience Specialist who works with businesses around the world. As a gifted speaker and accomplished listener, she bridges the chasm between business problems and technical solutions to optimize business productivity. She has written technology papers, white papers, but launches into high gear when plotting our next technothriller or short story. 

As a child, she led the other kids with her highly charged imagination generating new adventures with make believe characters. She is proud of being a Girl Scout until high school, and contributed to the community as a member of a Head Start program. Rox enjoys her family, learning, listening to people, travel, outdoor activities, sewing, cooking, and thinking about how to diversify the series. 

BREAKFIED AND BURKEY

We have traveled to many places around the world. These travels are pulled into stories that requires real knowledge of specific locals. We deliver well-rounded thrillers that include levels of humor, romance, intrigue, suspense, and mystery. 

We love to talk about their stories at private and public book readings or events. Burkey conducts podcast style interviews with a couple of author groups, and enjoys extracting the tidbits from authors, especially new ones. Her first interview was, wait for it, Breakfield. You can learn where they will be from the calendar on their website. 

EnigmaSeries.com has information on the Enigma Series, 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the newest series Enigma Heirs releasing in 2023. We have proudly earned multiple awards for our fictional creations. 

We are also part of the Underground Authors group writing cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. We are committed to providing an installment for Season 2 and Season 3 to accompany The Flower Enigma, released in Season 1.

Please enjoy snippets of our stories, book trailers, audible sections, CONTEST and get FREE stuff at www.EnigmaSeries.com. 

A Desperate Cat Lady (The Cat Lady Series Book 2) by D.C. Gomez Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The life Angela has found herself in gets more complex when a body brings more attention from law enforcement, and a gang of elderly people seeks the killer for themselves as the killer sets their sights on Angela and her family in author D.C. Gomez’s “A Desperate Cat Lady”, the second book in the author’s The Cat Lady series.

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The Synopsis

Illegal guns. Dangerous old-ladies. Now a dead body. Angela’s life is getting more complicated by the minute.

A boring life is not in Angela’s future, with her being a black market guns dealer. Tripping over a dead-body is now bringing a lot more attention from law enforcement than she cares to have.

If only she could get control of the Silver Hair Gang, and their quest to find the killer themselves. Angela is running out of time to secure her next arms deal, and save her family from an unknown killer.

* A Desperate Cat Lady is book two in the Contemporary Humorous Fiction series The Cat Lady. Angela’s life drastically changed when she transitioned from depressed cat lady to arms dealer. Now she is willing to take on the world to protect her family and her empire.

The Review

This was the perfect blend of fun and exhilarating crime thriller meets cozy murder mystery drama. The author did a wonderful job of infusing the story with wit and humor through Angela and the Silver Hair Gang’s interactions with one another, showcasing the diverse and gripping action this unassuming group of people get themselves into when the narrative progresses. The tension rises in just the right places and the pacing keeps the reader on the edge of their seats as the story progresses.

The true heart of this narrative rested in the author’s rich narrative. The mystery surrounding the story and the pace in which the protagonist unravels the mystery plays well into the unique position the characters find themselves in with their “day jobs”, and the complex twists in the mystery surrounding the victim’s background and history made this story feel alive and visceral in its approach.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining, author D.C. Gomez’s “A Desperate Cat Lady” is a must-read cozy murder mystery read and a great addition to the author’s growing The Cat Lady Series. The twists and turns in the story showcase the author’s expert handle on the crime thriller genre. If you were looking for a story that brings the unique setting of a Breaking Bad type of show and blended it with the small-town crime storyline found in Fargo, this would be your series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

D. C. Gomez is a USA Today Bestselling Author, born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. She study film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army, and proudly served for four years.

Those experiences shaped her quirky sense of humor. D.C. has a love for those who served and the families that support them. She currently lives in the quaint city of Wake Village, Texas, with her furry roommate, Chincha.

https://dcgomez-author.com/

April Showers Bring Dead Flowers: Book One of the Murder on the Vine Series by Krista Lockheart Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

After inheriting her grandparent’s lavish New England estate, horticulture Professor Heather Moore discovers more than she bargained for as an attempt to restore her estate’s garden turns up human remains and puts her in the crosshairs of a deadly killer in author Krista Lockheart’s “April Showers Bring Dead Flowers”, the first book in the Murder on the Vine series!

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The Synopsis

There’s something growing in the garden . . . and it’s not a flower. A mystery is growing in the garden!

Greenhouse expert and horticulture Professor Heather Moore gets a new lease on life when she inherits her grandparents’ estate in New England. But the garden she loved as a child has seen better days. Determined to restore her grandfather’s garden to its former beauty, she’s accompanied by Ant, her charming chihuahua, and Pansy, her grandfather’s cat.

But wait, what? Heather suddenly digs up an even bigger challenge when she finds some human remains in an old potting shed. As she discovers clues and follows the evidence, a few suspects cross her mind, but ultimately they point to one wily and clever killer. Suddenly in danger herself, can Heather solve this puzzling mystery, restore her family’s legacy, and bring about justice?

Meanwhile, her chance meeting with fellow flower enthusiast, Lars Oslo, turns her world upside down as she falls in love with that handsome and kind man. Their dates are off the charts romantic, & Heather feels like she won the lottery as their relationship progresses. Read how her fresh clean romance bursts into bloom in an unforgettable way.

April Showers Bring Dead Flowers is the first novel in the Murder on the Vine series. Join Heather and Ant as they explore the seedy underworld of gardens, greenhouses, and flower shops in this ‘unputdownable’ murder mystery!

The Review

This was such a delightful read. The author did an incredible job of capturing the lightheartedness of the cozy mystery and the spine-chilling danger that comes with any murder mystery read. The atmospheric story really brings readers into the world the author has built effortlessly, and the juxtaposition of the raw beauty and inspiration that nature brings and the author’s passion for horticulture with the horrors of the murder case brings Heather into an entirely new world she never asked to be in was highly creative.

The thing that stood out to me was the depth of emotions and character development that the author poured into this narrative. The first few pages set up the dynamic shift in Heather’s life when she meets Lars, and the romance that sparks between them is palpable. The humor and love that the protagonist brings to her relationship with her pets as well as a great character trait to explore in this story, providing a great balance to the author’s clash with the killer in this story.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thoughtful, and engaging, author Krista Lockheart’s “April Showers Bring Dead Flowers” is a great first entry into the Murder on the Vine series and a beautiful cozy murder mystery read. The dive into horticulture and the world of planet preservation and study was a unique character direction that highlighted a community many don’t understand, and the rich dynamics at play in both the character’s relationships and the narrative overall will have readers invested with each twist and turn that comes their way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Critically acclaimed and award-winning author Krista Lockheart writes irresistible cozy mysteries filled with humor and buzzworthy characters and plots. Her favorite activity is interacting with her readers from all over the world, and she enjoys their feedback and comments on her social media platforms. She loves good food, good conversation, and good books! Cooking is a passion, and she especially enjoys making pasta with vegetables. Chocolate, avocado, and seafood are her favorite foods to celebrate with.

Krista comes from an artistic background, and her art workshops sell out within a few hours of signup. Her work has earned cultural council grants and has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and on TV and on the radio.

In the past few months, her memoir, travel travels, and short stories were published four times in the Writer & Readers’ Magazine, and her travel tale about her expedition to Peru was the editorial feature in DRIFT Travel magazine.

She contributed a short story to a Halloween anthology and her debut novel was #1 in 12 categories on Amazon during its initial release (including in the Free Kindle Store and in New release categories).

It also earned five book awards including First Place at TheBookFest in Humorous, a Second Place and Honorable Mention at TheBookFest, a First Place award from Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, and a Silver Award from Literary Titan, along with five star editorial reviews. It was recommended by US Review of Books, and the Chick-Lit Cafe, as well as featured in the Midwest Book Review.

https://www.kristalockheartauthor.com/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WHBPNP4/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F61136419-april-showers-bring-dead-flowers%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3Duv0qAOaTxk%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Dead Man’s Doll (Sugarwood Mysteries Book 2) by Diane Bator Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The holidays bring a bit of horror to the small town of Sugarwood as a woman stumbles across the murder of a local butcher and discovers tales of voodoo and witchcraft integrated into the mystery in author Diane Bator’s “Dead Man’s Doll”, the second book in the Sugarwood Mysteries series!

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The Synopsis

Christmas blooms in Sugarwood in the form of a brightly lit tree in town square, colourful ornaments, and a snowstorm. It’s just Audra Clemmings’ luck that she literally stumbles over the local butcher in Miss Lavinia’s shop. Then a witch doctor arrives in town.

Can Audra solve the mystery before the killer turns their sights on her?

The Review

I absolutely loved the juxtaposition of the holiday settings with the cozy murder mystery meets witchcraft and horror elements of the narrative. The author did an amazing job of bringing a good dose of humor and wit to the narrative amongst the more chilling elements of the story, and the rich detail and atmosphere that the author was able to achieve were inspiring to see come to life on the page.

The character growth and the exploration of our understanding of things like witchcraft, voodoo, and other magical-based belief systems were the true heart of this narrative. The humor and relatability that the author infuses into characters like protagonist Audra and Marilee, and even the inclusion of Audra’s dog Drake, added a depth and captivating element to the cozy murder mystery, while the magical practices element of the story showcased how it is often our own prejudices and misconceptions that make people far more dangerous than the unknown and things classified by society as “supernatural” and having all of this come to life in a Christmas setting was made even better.

The Verdict

Chilling, witty, and entertaining, author Diane Bator’s “Dead Man’s Doll” is a brilliant cozy mystery for the fall/winter season of 2022 and a perfect next chapter in the Sugarwood Mysteries series. The thoughtful and thrilling narrative blends well with the funny character dynamics and rich cultural and spiritual elements explored in the story, making this a one-of-a-kind read you won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Diane Bator is a prolific writer published by BWL Publishing. She is a A member of WCYR, Sisters in Crime and a board member for the Crime Writers of Canada. She is the author of several mystery series and a budding playwright.

https://dianebator.ca/

https://twitter.com/bator_l

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