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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A recently widowed woman finds herself finding the things in life that finally make her happy, including a new romantic interest, until he is later found dead, and she becomes the main suspect in his demise in author Sasscer Hill’s “Murder at the Willcotts Hotel”, the third entry in the Janet Simpson Cozy Mysteries series.
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The Synopsis
Sheltered from life by a domineering father and an overprotective husband, middle-aged Janet Simpson suddenly becomes a very rich widow. She always wanted to own a racehorse, but her husband never allowed it. Her newfound freedom and wealth provide her with a race filly and the kind of trouble from which only her wits can save her.
Wintering at a five-star South Carolina hotel, with her young racehorse at a nearby training track, Janet finds a new love interest. Until he’s a no-show for dinner. She is horrified to find his battered corpse and, the local police consider her a suspect.
Her anxiety doubles when she realizes the niece who has come to stay with her has been trailed by a stalker. Two killers are on the loose at her elegant, southern hotel. Can she sniff them out before death strikes again?
The Review
This was a fast-paced yet gripping read. The author does a remarkable job of capturing the suddenness and gripping nature of the mystery of this story while also delving into the heart of horse racing and life as a racehorse owner. The balance of these two worlds really speaks to a specific audience, while also leaving room for the general audience to get lost in this world and become enraptured with the narrative.
The heart of this story was the author’s incredible character development. The evolution of Janet as a character, who came from a life of domineering men in her life to gaining strength and resilience as a character showcases the powerful female protagonist she has become over time. The classic storytelling device of the protagonist becoming the main suspect in the case and the fight she takes on to not only prove her innocence but also stop two killers loose on the grounds of this hotel made this a compelling read.
The Verdict
Memorable, fast-paced, and engaging, author Sasscer Hill’s “Murder at the Willcotts Hotel” is a must-read novella and cozy mystery, as well as a great entry in the Janet Simpson Cozy Mysteries series. The twists and turns the narrative takes on and the gripping character twists that keep the action and suspense propelling forward made this a memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on October 1st, 2023 or preorder today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Sasscer Hill, a former Maryland racehorse breeder, trainer, and rider, uses the sport of kings as a backdrop for her mysteries. Her “vivid descriptive” prose about greed, evil, heart, and courage propelled her “Nikki Latrelle” novels to multiple award nominations, including an Agatha, a Macavity, and the Dr. Tony Ryan Best in Racing Literature Award.
Her 2020 novel, TRAVELS OF QUINN, is “A heart-stopping thriller of a murder mystery”– Charles Todd, Anthony, Edgar, and Barry Award-winning author.
Born an Irish American gypsy Traveller, can Quinn escape a dreaded marriage contract and the life of crime forced upon her?
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman arrives at the mansion of a billionaire in Kentucky to feature her horses in the upcoming Spring Meet, only to become engrossed in a mystery that forces her to escape a nefarious killer in author Sasscer Hill’s “Murder in the Bluegrass”, the latest entry in the Janet Simpson Cozy Mystery Novella series.
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The Synopsis
Janet is invited to stay with the billionaire O’Sullivan family in Lexington, KY, for Keeneland’s spring racing meet. Shipping her horses to the track, she arrives at the O’Sullivan estate only to discover it resembles a castle in a horror movie, complete with a dark and eerie tower.
Jealousy, rage, and sadness reside in this mansion. Sudden death and unraveling secrets leave Janet fearing for her life. Can she save herself or will a killer destroy her?
Sasscer Hill’s horse racing mysteries and thrillers have won multiple awards, including the $10,00 Ryan Award for Best Book in Horseracing Literature.
The Review
This was an engaging and fast-paced mystery. The tension that builds within this family unit that the protagonist comes across is felt early on, and the atmosphere the author builds made the story feel like a classic whodunnit, much in the style of recent films like Knives Out. The suspense the narrative builds as the mystery is unraveled layer by layer really keeps the reader engaged.
Yet it was the rich character development and the honest and thoughtful inclusion of the racehorse lifestyle that made this feel like such an authentic and gripping mystery read. The author’s ability to develop these characters and the long history many of them shared together in such a short amount of time was amazing, and the inclusion of the author’s personal experience with horses and the life of a racehorse breeder and trainer made the protagonist feel more alive on the page.
The Verdict
Mesmerizing, heartfelt, and chilling, author Sasscer Hill’s Murder in the Bluegrass” is a must-read mystery novel that you won’t be able to put down. The twists and turns in the narrative, including a surprise character arc and the reveal of the killer, will have readers eager for the next entry into this engaging series. If you haven’t’ yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Sasscer Hill: Author, Amateur Jockey, Horse Breeder and Mystery Lover
Sasscer Hill, a former Maryland racehorse breeder, trainer, and rider, uses the sport of kings as a backdrop for her mysteries. Her “vivid descriptive” prose about greed, evil, heart, and courage propelled her “Nikki Latrelle” novels to multiple award nominations, including an Agatha, a Macavity, and the Dr. Tony Ryan Best in Racing Literature Award.
Her 2020 novel, TRAVELS OF QUINN, is “A heart-stopping thriller of a murder mystery”– Charles Todd, Anthony, Edgar, and Barry Award-winning author.
Born an Irish American gypsy Traveller, can Quinn escape a dreaded marriage contract and the life of crime forced upon her?
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
After a bestselling author turns up dead at his own wedding, a small town will be turned upside down as a police detective, a shop owner, and her pet search for the killer in authors Krista Lockheart and Dorothy Danger’s “Howl Once For Murder”, the first book in the A Baked Books Murder Mystery series.
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The Synopsis
Not every dog can howl . . . or solve a murder.
Adelaide and Truman—Belle Chasse’s funniest and smartest Basset Hound—are practically inseparable. And when a murder mystery comes barking at their doorstep, they band together to fight for the town they love.
After opening Baked Books with her human bestie, Georgia, Adelaide is delighted when a world-famous author agrees to sign books at their bookstore and bakery’s anniversary event. Truman’s so excited he wears a tuxedo for the occasion!
But Oscar Paris’s life as a bestselling author isn’t exactly everything Adelaide fantasized about in her wildest dreams . . .
especially when he turns up dead at his own wedding, which is regrettably Baked Books’ first big catering gig!
In this funny, charming, and exciting mystery with a sweet romance, “till death do us part” comes much too soon for Belle Chasse’s famous resident.
But with Adelaide and Truman—along with a wildly attractive police detective—on the case, this band of quirky characters, charming animal shenanigans, and puzzles to solve will leave you howling with laughter.
Howl Once for Murder is the first book in the Baked Books Mysteries series that follows Adelaide and her brilliant Basset Hound, Truman, as they solve mysteries and capture your hearts.
Though the main mystery is resolved in each book of the series, the sweet romance will start in book one and continue throughout the series.
The Review
This was the perfect murder mystery novel. The small-town, quirky cast of characters vibe the author crafted really honed in on what makes this genre so special. The citizens who take on the role of detective to solve the mystery; the lone cop trying to unmask the killer; the cadre of suspects; and the mysterious events surrounding the victim’s final days all make this a memorable story. The fun yet chilling atmosphere the author was able to conjure up made the imagery feel even more compelling. The flare of romance in this story added another layer of intrigue for readers to enjoy.
The mystery and character development were at the heart of this narrative. The twists that this narrative took and the clues that this story uncovered kept me invested in the book, yet it was the dynamic relationships the cast of characters had with the protagonist, from her bond with her pet Truman and her best friend Georgia to her budding romance with Trent and even hair-raising confrontations with the list of suspects made this story feel vibrant and alive on the page.
The Verdict
Captivating, fun, and engaging, author Krista Lockheart’s “Howl Once For Murder” is a fantastic murder mystery and a grand first entry into the A Baked Books Murder Mystery series. The twists and turns in the story and the humorous dialogue between the main cast of characters serve as a great mirror image of one another, and the emotional beats in the story hone in on the emotional impact of the loss felt by those close to the victim made this a well-rounded and engaging story to behold. 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.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman struggling during the holidays after a year of hardship finds old family secrets and a mystery brewing in her small Georgia town in author Barbara Barth’s “A Wingman for Christmas”.
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The Synopsis
The annual Sweet Water, Georgia, Christmas parade is nearing but relationships are fractured on Wild Rose Lane. Antique dealer Cheryl Calloway’s holiday spirit has tanked. It’s been a horrible year with her divorce, her ex marrying younger and perkier Miriam across the street, and Mama moving into Cheryl’s Victorian cottage with her Amazon parrot right before Thanksgiving. A party girl in her eighties, Mama smokes up a storm, likes her nightly vodka, has a hankering for men, and now a wingman named Nigel. If that isn’t enough, the Historical Society wants Cheryl to clean up all the projects on her porch waiting to go to Spivey’s Antique Mall for their Christmas Open House. Her desire to work her booth is as dead as her marriage. Miriam, President of the Historical Society, chastises her, “If it ain’t pretty don’t put it on the porch.” Then there’s Alice, her strange neighbor with the six-foot fluorescent light bulb cross nailed to the huge Magnolia tree in the middle of her rose garden. Alice watches all the neighbors too closely. Just when Cheryl thinks things can’t get worse, an incident shakes her to the core, and a mystery follows revealing family secrets long forgotten. Cheryl wants to believe in miracles and love again, and Dr. James may just be the man of her dreams as he helps her and Mama sort things out.
Filled with quirky characters, mystery, family secrets, and sweet love, all set in a hot Georgia small town.
The Review
This was a perfect feel-good cozy mystery meets holiday romance novel. The author did a fabulous job of capturing both the holiday spirit with the rich dynamics of the Georgian setting that felt just as much like a character in the novel as any of the people. The heartfelt tone and moving ways in which the author brought the themes of relationships and the complexities of life were so engaging and showed just how much there are multiple sides to people in any situation.
The character arcs were the biggest highlight for me. As a bird parent myself, I felt instantly for the connection the protagonist, her mother, and practically everyone had for the parrot Nigel. The emotional connection that they had with this beloved bird and how it impacted the relationships they had with one another brought both the cozy aspect of this subtle mystery and the heartwarming nature of a holiday novel.
The Verdict
Captivating, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Barbara Barth’s “A Wingman for Christmas” is a must-read cozy mystery and holiday romance novel for 2022. The unique setting and relatable cast of characters will keep readers hooked, and the emotional journey that the protagonist goes on and the engaging conclusion will have readers eager for more of this author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Barbara Barth turned to writing and adopting dogs to heal after her husband died fourteen years ago. Known as ‘Writer With Dogs’, Barth currently lives with four Chihuahuas in a charming town forty miles outside of Atlanta. She is Literary Arts Chair at a small art center where she promotes writing activities, author events, book launches, and hosts an online group Walton Writers. Inspired by the wonderful artists around her, Barth started painting and has won several awards with her whimsical art. Her books are available on Amazon. Visit her Instagram page Barbara Barth Studio.
Join us at our blog The Muffin to celebrate the launch of A Wingman for Christmas. We’re interviewing the author and giving away a copy of her book to one lucky reader.
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.
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.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man and woman seeking a quiet vacation away from their busy work lives find themselves instead embroiled in one crisis to another as the small town of Magnolia Bluff experiences a new round of intrigue and terror in authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “The Flower Enigma”, the fifth book in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicle series.
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The Synopsis
JJ and Jo find the ideal spot to get away from their busy work lives—Magnolia Bluff offers Flower Bed & Breakfast, a quaint country destination within the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
They pull up to the picturesque building only to discover a crowd of citizens anxiously awaiting a special podcast, created by a group of local women, to start. Flower B&B is the sponsor of today’s show in this multi-day series. The couple works through the human log jam. As they check in, they learn that a cyber-attack may prevent the show from airing.
JJ, a technology guru, is convinced by Jo to help the group meet their broadcast promise. While he’s working on the issue, Jo spots a girl in the crowd with fear in her eyes who flashes the international help sign. The teenager vanishes into the throng. Fearful young people signaling for help strikes too close to home for Jo.
Their romantic vacation becomes a journey from one crisis to the next as these vacationers help the evangelizing ladies even as risks are multiplying. Threats expand to include all the podcasters, the show location owners, and suspected missing teens.
Authorities discount the gossipy group’s allegations that Mateo Hernandez built a wall around his property for more than privacy. JJ and Jo work to assemble the necessary clues to convince Chief Jager that Hernandez is a bigger menace. Their nosing around places them both in harm’s way. When Jo is attacked it becomes personal.
This romantic getaway isn’t even close to plan. Lives are at stake, and the young couple won’t accept failure.
The Review
This was such a thrilling and fun suspense thriller of a read. The blend of cyber-thriller and the cozy mystery was such a unique and captivating angle to keep the reader invested in this story, and the fast pace of the narrative gave readers an edge-of-their-seat feeling throughout the entirety of the narrative. The authors were able to find the right harmony of atmosphere that wove both lighthearted dialogues between the protagonists and the townspeople and tension-filled moments when delving into the darker mysteries at the heart of this narrative.
What drove this story, as often is the case with great cozy mystery reads, was the rich character dynamics of the book. The story’s opening chapters reflect this greatly, as Lilly, the owner of the Inn the protagonists are staying in, immediately shows a unique small-town charm as she carries on with grand storytelling and makes hilarious assumptions about people. The blend of humorous interactions like this and the twisted confrontations that arise later on made this story so engaging.
The Verdict
Captivating, thrilling, and engaging, authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “The Flower Enigma” is a must-read cozy mystery meets suspense thriller read and a great addition to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series. The rich storytelling and entertaining characters of this small town mystery will have readers invested in this narrative, and the twists and turns it takes will keep you hanging off of the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Charles Breakfield is a renowned technology solutions architect with years of experience in security, cloud computer, hybrid data/telecom environments, artificial intelligence, and unified communications. He finds it intriguing to leverage his professional skills in writing the contemporary award-winning stories of the Enigma Series and the short stories he creates with his co-author.
Never one to sit still, he uses his spare time to explore books on World War II his¬tory, travel with his family, and cultural exchanges everywhere. Charles’ love of wine tastings, cooking creations on the grill like individual pizzas, and Harley riding are sometimes sprinkled throughout the Enigma Series.
Recently, Charles commented that being a part of his father’s military career stationed at various outposts, has positively contributed to the many characters in the stories. He enjoys exploring the various character perspectives and interactions pulling from real people. He accepted the challenge to try to teach Burkey humor which is also incorporated into many of the stories in an unexpected manner.
Burkey commented that If Charles is not creating a new story he paces like a caged tiger. So yes there is another story in the works. You can enjoy snippets of their stories, book trailers, audible sections, and get FREE stuff at www.EnigmaSeries.com.
Rox Burkey is the co-author of the 13 books in the Enigma Series. The prequel, Out of Poland, historical fiction released in 2021. In addition to her award winning novels and nurmerous short stories, she is a techologist by profession. She is known for helping business customers modernize and optimize customer experience (CX) with processes, technology shifts, and building roadmaps to success. Nothing makes her workday go better than for a customer to indicate she helped reach their business goals. She is adept at learning the drivers for customers and helping to measure their success as well as adjust their journey using CX principles.
Rox loves writing fiction as much if not more than her professional job. More than once she has been a featured speaker, workshop leaders, subject matter expert, interviewer, podcaster, book reviewer through RoxBurkey.com. Her favorite is writing the novels and short stories of the Enigma Series. She convinced her co-author Charles Breakfield that writing fiction is a lot more fun than white papers or documentation.
As a child, Rox jumped at the chance to lead the other kids with exciting new adventures built on make believe characters. As a Girl Scout until high school, she contributed to the community and went on to support the local Head Start program. Rox enjoys her family, cross country travel (okay international too) listening to people, outdoors activities, sewing, cooking, baking, and imagining the possibilities.
Recently Rox indicated that her humor was lousy, and Charles was helping her. You can enjoy snippets of their stories, book trailers, audible sections, and get FREE stuff at www.EnigmaSeries.com.
