Death of the Hula Girl (Aloha Lagoon Mystery Book # ) by Catherine Bruns

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes a deadly dance in paradise!

After a brief brush with Hollywood and fame, Carrie Jorgenson is happy to be back in her adopted hometown of Aloha Lagoon, Hawaii, serving up pineapples and poi to her beloved regular customers and vacationing tourists alike at the Loco Moco Café. She's once again surrounded by good friends, her fur baby Benny, and reunited with her true love, Keanu.

But all is not perfect in paradise.

Shortly after Carrie's happy homecoming, Keanu’s gorgeous ex-girlfriend, Tammy, shows up for the Aloha Lagoon’s weekly luau, ready to hula dance her way into everyone’s hearts. Carrie can’t help but feel a little intimidated by her graceful moves and obvious charm. However, when Tammy collapses at the end of her dance, things go from awkward to awful. Suddenly the luau is a crime scene and everyone is a suspect in the death of the hula girl. To make matters worse, Tammy was holding a secret over Keanu’s head, which shoots him straight to the top of the suspect list. Carrie will need to stay cool, stand by her man, and prove his innocence before their lives erupt like a volcano!

Delicious Hawaiian recipes included!

What critics are saying

"This cozy series will hook you so you’ll want to read all that came before!"
~ Book review Crew

"You are going to want to visit Aloha Lagoon Resort as much as possible, and you will not want to leave!"
~ Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

About Aloha
There's trouble in paradise...
Welcome to Aloha Lagoon, one of Hawaii's hidden treasures. A little bit of tropical paradise nestled along the coast of Kauai, this resort town boasts luxurious accommodation, friendly island atmosphere...and only a slightly higher than normal murder rate. While mysterious circumstances may be the norm on our corner of the island, we're certain that our staff and Lagoon natives will make your stay in Aloha Lagoon one you will never forget!  (Summary via Goodreads)

The Aloha Lagoon Mystery series published by Gemma Halliday Publishing is a GREAT series to read, enjoy, follow and fall in love with !!!  This series is written by multiple authors.  They have the resort and surrounding shops, restaurants, and other businesses in common as well as Detective Ray.  Then the author has their own story that they create with a slue of characters and businesses that they center around along with the murder .... 

Death of the Hula Girl is the twenty-fifth book in the series and the third one written by Catherine Bruns.  It centers around Carrie Jorgenson who moved to Kauai, Hawaii, to start a new life that was low on the drama side.  She gets a job waitressing at the Loco Moco Cafe where she meets Keanu Church.  Carrie has been living there for about a year and has a steamy relationship with Keanu, enjoys her job and has a small circle of friends.  

In Death of the Hula Girl Carrie has been away from the island to film a movie in Hollywood.  Yes, it's exciting but she realizes that thet isn't her big dream anymore.  She wants to be with Keanu doing what they have been doing.  Unfortunately before Carrie and Keanu can have their alone time, he is called back to the resort to help with the luau since the Loco Moco Cafe is supplying the food. Carrie goes along to help out but before the luau starts Carrie meets Tammy who insists that she is Keanu's girlfriend.  Tammy is there to perform with the hula dancers at the luau that night but wants to talk with Keanu.  

Carrie has nothing to worry about until Tammy ends up dead.  And yeah, you guessed it, Keanu is a suspect.  Luckily only for a hot minute.  But that doesn't stop Keanu and Carrie from looking into her death.  And to make things even better, Detective Ray is actually looking to them to help instead of his usual yelling at them to stay away !!  

As I have read every book in this series, and hope you have also or will be starting, there is so much to love about it.  I really wish the Aloha Lagoon Resort actually existed because this hate to travel girl would make an exception.

Check out the series, it has it's very own website !!

https://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.com/aloha-lagoon-mysteries

Sick as a Dog (A Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Book # 3) by Tracy Carter

Echoes of a past tragedy haunt Veronica Kildare as she and her talented search and rescue and drug detection dog, Leda, are drawn into an investigation surrounding odd fish and wildlife deaths in the Colorado wilderness by her friend, Kimana, an award-winning freelance investigative reporter. The mystery surrounding this backcountry region only deepens when Leda discovers the body of a dead woman in the area under scrutiny and the district wildlife manager is targeted in a devious attack.

While Veronica also trains a conservation canine and a 911 call center therapy dog who are desperately needed as service animals, and searches for lost hikers in peril, her entire team is soon involved in trying to uncover the identity of the murder victim and the reason for her violent death. Veronica and Leda tenaciously follow the trail of the criminals who have brutally disrupted the serenity of the Repentant River, and it eventually becomes clear that the ominous events originate from more than one source and the villains have far-reaching national and international connections. Can Veronica and her team decipher the sources of the evil that have turned the wilderness deadly in time to prevent further tragedy?  (Summary via Goodreads)

Author Tracy Carter is going to give me a heart attack !!  Sick as a Dog is the third book in her Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery series and dang !!!  She knows how to write an amazing story that keeps readers on their toes, turning the pages as fast as they can.

Okay in Sick as a Dog readers get to see Veronica and her dynamo dog Leda in action immediately as they have been brought in to find a missing hiker.  They work well with everyone involved especially Sgt. Tim Donovan and Leda finds the missing hiker and they are able to get him to safety and on his way to the hospital.

Veronica and Leda have a great circle of people that are there for whatever situation comes their way.  They have Tim, his wife, Sylvia, and their two sets of twin girls plus Veronica's dad and her employee Michael who is like the brother she never had.  Oh and let's not forget all the dogs .... (Veronica owns Dogged Pursuit K-9, a dog training business)

Veronica is called by Kimana, a freelance investigative reporter, that Margo the district wildlife manager of a local area is looking into possible contamination that is running into a river killing the fish.  Little do they know the extent of the situation and how things unfold !!

I know that Veronica is not real and the peopleand the cases and situations did not happen but if it were true and there was a chance, I would totally be there to be a part of it all .... even though I am a cat person.

Not only does Veronica run her business with the help of her dad who has a house on the property and Michael who lives in an apartment in the training facility, but she is always called to assist in missing person cases, and as you will see in this book, other crazy cases.

There is so much that I could tell you and believe me I would love to but I think you need to read it for yourself so you can enjoy the rollercoaster ride !!!  But I will say this .... the way that Carter ends this story is opening up for the next book and I can almost guarantee that you will be as shocked as I was .... but if you have read the other two books, she has hinted at things and we knew it was only a matter of time.

 

  

A Pawsome Summer For Murder ( Samantha Davies Mystery Book # 7) by S.A. Kazlo

It's summer in Wings Falls, New York and Samantha Davies is geared up for the annual trout tournament sponsored by Al Gorman, owner of the Sport's Shop.  Sam, along with her Southern Belle cousin, Candie Parker-Hogan, are determined to beat the pants off their significant others, Sam's new fiancé, Hank Johnson, a detective on Wings Falls police force and Mark Hogan, Candie's husband. The ladies feel they have a secret weapon—they learned from the best fisherman in Hainted Hollar Tennessee, Grandpop Parker. Sam once won a trophy for the largest fish in the Fins and Tails Fishing Derby.

To Sam's surprise instead of reeling in the day's biggest catch, she "hooked" into the body of the town's most vocal activist, Luna Wheeler.

Raylene Carrigan, owner of a traveling doggie daycare Sam uses for her lovable dachshund, Porkchop, becomes a prime suspect, when it becomes known Luna tried to shut down the town's doggie park she depends on for the pets in her care. Since Sam has successfully helped solve murders in the past, Raylene begs her for help to prove her innocent.  Sam reluctantly agrees but knows her fiancé won't be happy with her involvement in yet another murder case.

Determined to help Porkchop's buddy, Sam starts digging for clues only to discover that Luna, with her over-zealous demands to many of the town's businesses to recycle, upset more than a few of her friends. Can Sam land Luna's murderer before she gets 'hooked' by the killer?  (Summary via Amazon)

A Pawsome Summer For Murder is the seventh book in the Samantha Davies Mystery series written by S.A. Kazlo and every time a new book is published I cannot wait to open the book and spend some time with Sam and her friends in Wings Fall.

A local business, Al's Sports Shop, is hosting a catch and release trout tournament.  When you catch a fish, if it worthy of winning, they take a picture and they return it to the river.  Sam and her cousin Candie have decided to make things interesting with their significant partners. Sam is engaged to Detective Hank Johnson and Candie is married to Mark, the Mayor of Wings Falls.  The bet was girls against boys and  whoever caught the biggest fish had to buy for dinner at The Smiling Pig.

Unfortunately when Sam hooks a dead body instead of a fish, the tournament ends.  On the end of Sam's hook is activist Luna Wheeler ... and she didn't end up in the river by accident, she was murdered.

Sam has "helped" the police in the past, only because she is curious and usually asked for help by someone on the suspect list.  So when Raylene, owner of Adirondack Pawfari doggie daycare, asks for help, Sam cannot say no.  After all Sam's dog Porkchop and Candie's dog Annie, love her, her doggy treats and spending time at the doggie park.

Sadly Sam and her side kick Candie soon find out that Luna harassed a lot of business owners as well as any animal related businesses.  So any one of them could be guilty ... but Sam cannot believe that they could have done it.

On a happier note .... We tend to focus on the murder but there are other things going on as well.  Mainly getting Sam to set a date for the wedding,  Sam has cold feet because her previous marriage ended with her husband cheating on her.  Although she knows that Hank would never do that, she still hesitates.  Luckily most of the suspects own businesses they need to hire for the wedding.  So she can do both.  Dang it we are back to the murder.

Well I guess I will end by suggesting you go and get your copy of A Pawsome Summer For Murder and spend some time with Sam and everybody in Wings Falls.  Kazlo ends this book with a crazy, surprising ending that will have you flabbergasted !!!

   

  

Shot Through the Book (Lighthouse Library Mystery Book # 12) by Eva Gates

In the twelfth installment of the Lighthouse Library mysteries, Lucy McNeil is back on the case, but this time she’s on the case alone.

The upcoming YA book festival at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is bringing in renowned authors from all over the world. When best selling author Todd Harrison unexpectedly visits librarian Lucy McNeil at her Outer Banks beach house after a meeting, she is puzzled by his presence, since they’re virtually strangers. After she steps inside to get him a drink, she’s shocked to discover that he’s been murdered on her deck in the few minutes she left him alone. 

Not knowing why he wanted to meet with her in private, or how someone managed to kill him in the time it takes to make lemonade, Lucy is determined to help with the investigation and figure out what happened. WhenHeather Harrison, Todd’s widow, shows up in town, her motivations aren’t inspired by grief. She’s intending to use her husband’s tragic death to launch her candidacy for state senator and her first order of business is to go after the local police force–and Lucy herself.

Caught between an intrusive fan club mourning Todd, squabbling authors fighting for prominence in his absence, and a politically ruthless widow, Lucy must roll up her sleeves and and catch the killer before the chapter closes on justice.  (Summary via Goodreads)

Shot Through the Book by Eva Gates is the twelfth book in her Lighthouse Library Mystery Book series.  I have read almost all of them and honestly can say I am a HUGE fan.  Once you begin reading you are totally engrossed in the story and will not want to leave when you get to the end of the book.

In Shot Through the Book Lucy and the gang at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are organizing a YA (young adult) book festival with local authors and plenty of fun activities for all.  After one of the meetings Lucy has the night to herself as her husband Connor is at a dinner for his mayoral role.  She is looking to relax and enjoy her alone time. Then the doorbell rings and Todd Harrison, one of the authors scheduled for the festival, is at the door.  He claims he needs to talk to her.  Unfortunately while Lucy is in the house getting drinks while Todd waits on the deck  someone shoots Todd with an arrow killing him !!!

And that is only Chapter one !!!

Of course Lucy wants to know who killed Todd as much as the police want to solve the murder.  But Todd's widow starts politicing saying she is running for state senator more than she wants to find out who killed her husband.  This causes a lot of problems for Lucy and Detective Sam Watson.  Todd's widow, Heather, starts trouble all over Nags Head.  The major one is when the police chief tells the detective that he needs to stay away from Lucy because Heather says the police can't solve cases without the help of a civilian.

Regardless as to what Heather says and what the Captain believes, Lucy is still going to look into Todd's murder because he was killed on her deck with her inside the house !!

Todd had a devoted fanbase and the local fanclub is constantly showing up at Lucy and Colin's house to pay their respects .... Lucy is looking into them to see if one of the fans may have killed Todd.  There is also his wife, can't rule her out, his publisher, the other two local authors that will be attending the book festival, and any number of other people she doesn't even know about.

Lucy hardly knew Todd and cannot think of a reason why he would show up at her house to talk .... but that doesn't stop her from looking into it.  Hey, it's the twelfth book so that shouldn't surprise readers at all !!!!

I just love this series.  I know there aren't any lighthouses that fit an entire library, breakroom, children's center, offices, and an apartment at the top but it's fun to picture !!!  When you open up any of these books, your imagination will be on overload picturing the library, Lucy and Colin's house, and the town ... and you know that if it was real and existed you will be packing to go for a visit.

The Catalyst (An Annabelle Sweeting Mystery) by LK Billips

Annabelle Sweeting has come to London. Set in a steampunk world, a country girl with a quirk for gears and fashion makes her way through the busy streets in the hopes of discovering herself. What she does discover, however, are two dashing men vying for her attention, an unexpected series of murders, and an underestimated talent for being in the middle of it all. Can she navigate her way through the haughty ton, help the handsome Constable Weston solve the murders, and not get killed herself?  (Summary via Goodreads)

The Catalyst by LK Billips is a delightful story, even though there is murders to be solved, with an electic group of characters.

In The Catalyst main character Annabelle Sweeting moves to London to live with her cousin Jaime to pursue her passion.  She makes all of her own outfits using bold colors and fabrics as well as nuts, bolts, and gears making her a very unique and one of a kind dresser.  She hopes to open up a shop or do something with her creations.

Little does Annabelle know that she would meet some amazing people and get herself in the middle of a murder investigation !!  Annabelle meets Nathan while just getting off train when he tries to pickpocket her.  After a brief conversaton, she decides he will be helpful while she is there and hires him immediately.  She also meets Constable Weston there as well.  Little does she know how important the two are going to be to her.

Before Annabelle has enough time to unpack and settle in at her cousins they are invited to a party at the Thetford Estate where she meets more interesting people ... some she will find out are jealous and manipulating individuals.

One thing that sets this book apart from other books is that it is set in 1817 and there is a gentleman Miro who builds "bots" (in this story they are flying robots that have multiple features and are different mythical creatures).  While at the above mentioned party she catches the eye of one of them which is a manticore and Miro insists that she take it home.  Annabelle names it Purgatorio and it will also play a big part throughout the story. 

Also during this party Annabelle is drawn to the band playing, especially the fiddler player.  The next morning Annabelle is out for a walk with Purgatorio when she comes across Constable Weston.  The two proceed to a nearby garden where they come across the fiddler from the party the night before dead and staged like she is dancing.

Annabelle and Constable Weston are about to be thrown into a very disturbing case .....

Oh there is so much I could tell you but I really hope that you grab your copy and go on this ride with them.  There is so much to love about the book, the characters, the outfits, the parties, the case, the relationships, the food and so much more !!!  One thing I really loved was that Billips gives the chapters names/headings that entice the reader even more !!!

I am very excited to dig into the next book, The Coggery, to see what trouble Annabelle gets herself into.

 

Put Another Crime in the Jukebox ( A Sunny Side Up Mystery Book # 2) by Misty Simon

Welcome to the Sunny Side Up Diner, where the jukeboxes jive and the secrets thrive...

With her dream of opening a diner in her small hometown realized, Jax Tapman finally feels like her life is on the right track. She and her best friend and business partner, Dani, have lots of customers. Things are promising with her new boyfriend, Eliot. And she's looking forward to a relaxing evening at the local movie theater with Dani and her bestie's mom. Unfortunately, there's one thing that can always ruin a gal's good mood—murder.

When the curtain goes down on the film, Jax finds a woman's dead body in the front of the theater. Worse yet, the victim was last seen alive in a knock down drag out fight with Dani’s mom. Suddenly Dani's desperate, her mom's a suspect, and Jax finds herself caught up in another murder investigation that has her in way over her head. She quickly finds that diving into the history of the two older women is not as easy as whipping up the fluffy pancakes everyone loves on a Sunday morning. Between the secrets, lies, and a pair of mysterious keys Jax finds hidden in her vintage jukebox, she's not sure who to trust. With her friendship on the line and danger closing in, it's up to Jax to uncover the truth...or die trying.

"This new series is off to a great start. Misty does an excellent job showing readers all the details of the small town, the diner, and a cast of entertaining characters."
~ Kings River Life Magazine

"Readers cannot help but fall in love with this first book!!! Simon has you laughing out loud... I, for one, look forward to more books in the series!!!!"
~ Cozy Mystery Book Reviews   (Summary via Goodreads)

It is no secret that I loved the first book in the Sunny Side Up Mystery series, Diners, Drive-In's and Lies, so it also shouldn't come as a surprise that I couldn't wait to dive into this second book.

In Put  Another Crime in the Jukebox Jax and Dani just want to put everything they have into running the diner they couldn't wait to co-own.  This has been a dream since they started working there in high school.  And now it is their's and they solved the murder that Jax's Aunt Hildy was a suspect of, so all is good .... but not for long.

Jax and Eliot are going on a double date with Dani and Ian who she met online.  Jax and Eliot have only been "dating" for a few weeks and are up for anything and this way they can make sure Ian isn't a complete loser.  Unfortunately things don't start off well when they all witness Dani's mother in a heated argument with June, a woman that worked in the local bank.  The fight is broken up, Dani's mother leaves, and the foursome can go on their movie date.  Sadly after the movie ends, June is found dead in the back of the theater .... and they all witnessed Nancy, Dani's mother, threaten June a few hours ago.

So now Jax and Dani again see themselves working on another murder in town even though Jax's detective father is more than capable of doing his job.  Dani was there for Jax when Aunt Hildy was in trouble and they did have a good networking system within the diner so they put the employees on guard to listen to anything the customers might be saying regarding the murder.

Luckily for this case Jax and Dani also have Eliot and Ian to help which allows everyone on get to know each other ... and why not over a murder investigation.  

This case will test Dani a lot.  Her and her mother do not have a great relationship and her mother is not an easy person to get along with, even her husband will agree.  Nancy expects the impossible and expects it immediately no matter how hard the foursome is working.

Readers, I hope, will enjoy this series as much as I do.  The characters are relatable, the town is one you will want to visit, and you will definitely want to eat out while there.  So grab your copy and sit back in your comfy chair with a snack and a drink and enjoy !!!!

 

Friends are Forever (Sgt. Windflower Mysteries Book # 16) by Mike Martin

Peace is precious in Grand Bank. So is justice.

Sgt. Windflower Mysteries — Bestselling and Award-Winning Light Mysteries

#1 Bestselling Cozy Mystery on Amazon

Winner of the Bony Blithe Award for Best Light Mystery

Silver Medallist at the Reader’s Choice Awards


Shortlisted for LOLA 2024 Must-Read Book of the Year

Welcome back to Grand Bank, where community is everything—and nothing stays hidden for long.

As Winston Windflower and his RCMP colleagues gather in Marystown, Newfoundland, to celebrate promotions and milestones, trouble is brewing far beyond the banquet hall. A sophisticated heist operation—led by international mobsters and local biker gangs—is sweeping through the province, hitting banks and businesses in a coordinated crime spree that leaves more than just empty vaults behind.

In Book 16 of the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series, bestselling author Mike Martin returns readers to the beloved, fog-kissed coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, where the bonds of family, friendship, and community are as strong as ever. But even in the coziest corners of Grand Bank, danger can creep in like the tide.

Whether you're a longtime fan or meeting Sgt. Windflower for the first time, you’ll be swept up in a mystery rich with charm, warmth, por’ cakes, movie nights, and the unmistakable magic of a lighthouse that’s long overdue for a facelift.

★★★★★ Praise for the Best-Selling and Award-Winning Sgt. Windflower Mysteries ★★★★★“Be prepared to be charmed by Windflower, a food-loving sergeant who could possibly be Canada’s most polite Mountie.”— Halifax Chronicle-Herald

“Another full-faceted Windflower mystery which brings community, causes, and protective instincts to life in a swirl of dilemmas and responses that will especially attract readers and libraries seeking superior Canadian-based intrigue and characters whose personal lives shine as much as the mystery.” — Midwest Book Review

“Master storyteller Mike Martin has created a singularly unique concept in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series by blending police procedures with Cree spiritual traditions. The series abounds with life lessons. He has cleverly crafted an elaborately complex series wisely presenting a myriad of human foibles and the challenges faced by his protagonist.” — The Reading Room

“If you love murder mysteries that are well-crafted, majorly entertaining, and interesting enough to keep you reading way past your bedtime, I can recommend trying the latest Sgt. Windflower Mystery.” — Perfect at Midnight Blog

“Readers cannot get enough of Windflower and this series. Fall in love with the relationships, the cases, the town—and when they talk about food… I highly encourage you to grab a snack and a drink, go to your comfy seat, and dig in.” — Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

“The Sgt. Windflower Mystery series is so much more than just stories about criminals and the amazing police force that catch them.  (Summary via Goodreads)

When you read books in a series there isn't a lot to say as the number of books increases.  Friends are Forever is the sixteenth book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series written by Mike Martin.  Hopefully by now you are as big a fan as I am ..... if not you have some catching up to do.  Don't worry it will be worth it !!

I have said it before that I could read a book with just following Sgt. Winston Windflower around.  He has a pretty busy life between his personal and professional lives.  He is married to Sheila, they have two daughters, a dog and a cat.  Windflower is always changing jobs within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, luckily right now he is back in Grand Banks where he and Sheila call home.   Sheila use to be the mayor but now has other things keeping her busy and the girls keep her on her toes.  Windflower has some great friends through work and through Grand Banks.  Windflower is also a dream weaver, as were his aunt and uncle, which is interesting in the story to see how things relate.

Okay that is just to give you a little history into this series in case you haven't read any of the previous books or needed reminding.  Now let's get to Friends are Forever ....

In Friends are Forever Eddie Tizzard is being promoted to Sergeant and will be working out of the Marytown Headquarters and his partner Carrie will be working there also.  Unfortunately while they are at the ceremony with other officers a group of masked men are robbing multiple businesses ... one being a bank where they left the bank manager tied up.  Sadly once they begin their investigation, the criminals are long gone.

Things take a turn when they find the bank manager, Tom Rideout, dead. And when they look into it, it seems that Tom was more involved in things than they first thought. This case is going to take them on a wild ride for sure !!

I would love to say more but I feel that what I want to talk about is crucial to the story and would ruin it for the readers.  I will leave you with this .... I am thankful that I know the author, through emails, and I have been able to voice my concerns and feelings even though there is nothing he can do seeing as it's already written, published and done but it helps me move on.  Seriously SIXTEEN books .... you're not just a fan but it becomes a part of you.  I hope that is how you feel with this series or any series, even books in general.

Vice and Virtue (A Layla Virtue Mystery Book # 1) by Libby Klein

Layla Virtue, a blue-haired, 30-something recovering alcoholic and former cop is trying to reinvent herself as a musician—between AA meetings, dodging eccentric neighbors at her trailer park, and reconnecting with her rock star dad—in this unforgettable new mystery brimming with hilarity and heart for readers of Margot Douaihy, Jane Pek, and Darynda Jones.

Layla is taking her new life one day at a time from the Lake Pinecrest Trailer Park she now calls home. Being alone is how she likes it. Simple. Uncomplicated. Though try telling that to the group of local ladies who are in relentless pursuit of Layla as their new BFF, determined to make her join them for coffee and donuts.
 
Meanwhile, since her first career ended in a literal explosion, Layla’s trying to eke out a living as a rock musician. It’s not easy competing against garage bands who work for tacos and create their music on a computer, while all she has is an electric guitar and leather-ish pants. But Layla isn’t in a position to turn down any gig. Which is why she’s at an 8-year-old’s birthday party, watching as Chuckles the Clown takes a bow under the balloon animals. No one expects it will be his last . . .
 
Who would want to kill a clown—and why? Layla and her unshakable posse are suddenly embroiled in the seedy underbelly of the upper-class world of second wives and trust fund kids, determined to uncover what magnetic hold a pudgy, balding clown had over women who seem to have everything they could ever want. Then again, Layla knows full well that people are rarely quite what they seem—herself included . . .   (Summary via Goodreads)

Libby Klein is the author of the very popular and well loved Poppy McAllister Mystery series and with nine books in the series there is a lot to love.  She has provided readers with great storylines, lovable and quirky characters, unique murders and so much more.  I know, as a fan who has read all of the books in this series, I would read anything Libby wrote.

Vice and Virtue is the first book in her new Layla Virtue Mystery series and although it is quite different than the Poppy series, there are similar aspects readers will appreciate.  Both main characters are strong women who need to be reminded of that in order for them to believe it, they both are works in progress also.  Where Poppy has her Aunt Ginny who tries her every nerve, Layla has her father who does that.  Poppy has a small supportive group of friends and family to help her navigate life where Layla has been pushing everyone away but is starting to change that.

Okay let's talk about Vice and Virtue .....  Main character Layla is living in a run down trailer park after losing her job as a police officer, working on getting her life back on track with attending AA meetings as well as getting whatever gigs she can get as a singer/guitarist.  

Unfortunately while working at a kid's birthday party for a rich family, the clown they hired to entertain the kids dies.  It looks like it was a heart attack but Layla soon learns that it wasn't.  She has a brief encounter with her old precinct which almost pushes her over the edge.  And to make matters worse, there are a few ladies in her AA meeting that want to be friends with her, she has a hard time with trusting people, but ends up letting them in and they begin to "investigate"  Chuckles the Clown's murder .... off the record of course.

In Vice and Virtue there is a lot going on but Libby writes it so beautifully that you have no trouble keeping up.  I know when I read a book and get really into it, I can picture the scenes, the people and everything else.  The stage is set perfectly for whatever books follow in this series.  

I have left out some key components within this book because I want you to have as much fun as I had when you read it.  I can't tell you everything now, can I ??

Yes the Layla Virtue Mystery series is quite a bit different from the Poppy McAllistey Mystery series and that's good.  It allows readers to see another side to the author and really we never know what authors have bouncing around in their brains ..... 

So go grab your copy of Vice and Virtue and let me know what you think.  Happy Reading !!!!

 

Murder Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry

Amber thought she had troubles before her grandma was arrested for murder…

Amber Winslow's life has taken a serious turn for the worse. When an impulsive decision forces her to flee her former life carrying nothing but the clothes on her back, she heads to the sunny state of Arizona and the luxury accommodations of her grandmother's retirement community. Never mind that Amber's never actually met her estranged and eccentric grandmother.

As soon as she sneaks her things into Seven Ponds (a place she technically doesn't qualify for and definitely can't afford), she's shocked to learn that George Vincent, a.k.a. the Admiral, was found dead the very night of her arrival. Much to Amber's dismay, no one seems particularly distraught over the news of the Admiral's death or the disappearance of his prize pet tortoise. All anyone can talk about is a missing Vincent family heirloom, and they're quick to blame Jade for both the Admiral's murder and the theft of the priceless ring.

Amber doesn't want to admit the woman she's just met—and who accepted her without question—could be a villain, and she's determined to clear her grandmother's name no matter the cost.  (Summary via Goodreads)

In Murder Runs in the Family by Tamara Berry main character Amber has nowhere to go when she decides to leave her boyfriend Bones.  All she wanted to do was become a private investigator like him and all he had to do was fill out the paperwork but he refused.  So she took his "lucky charm", her clothes and hopped on a bus and went somewhere to see someone she has never met .... her grandmother.  Amber's mother has always said how evil she was but Amber couldn't go home and had nowhere else to turn.

Luckily her grandmother was nothing like what  Amber thought she would be and was very surprised to learn that her grandmother and her group of friends at the retirement community have a podcast centered around cold murder cases.  Unfortunately soon after she arrives the Admiral, a member of the group is found dead inside the podcast studio and Amber's grandmother is at the top of the suspect list.

And if all that isn't crazy enough, the Admiral's pet tortoise is missing and when his children show up at Seven Ponds to claim their father's belongings, a ring that costs three million dollars is missing also.  

Amber dives head first into finding out who killed the Admiral and where the ring and tortoise are with the help of her grandmother and friends.  And when the cops show up and arrest her grandmother for murder she will take all the help she can get even from Bones when he show up. 

Readers will be kept entertained in Murder Runs in the Family as soon as you open the book.  Berry has a great cast of characters for readers to love.  You may even become attached to the tortoise and even Bones ... As soon as you finish reading this book you are going to be wanting the next book to see where the crazy train is going next.

 

Scone Cold Dead (Country Store Mystery Book # 13) by Maddie Day

After a body is found in a local farmer’s field, country store and café owner Robbie Jordan suspects that a newcomer in South Lick, Indiana, may not be a stranger to everyone in town . . .

Robbie is just weeks away from giving birth. While her husband Abe scrambles to get the house ready for their baby’s arrival, Robbie makes last minute arrangements to keep her shop and restaurant, Pans ’N Pancakes, up and running when she’s on maternity leave. And it seems Robbie and Abe aren’t the only ones grappling with anxiety—a stranger is causing a stir in town and Robbie’s Aunt Adele appears unusually preoccupied at the baby shower . . .
 
But when someone finds a body in the ram field on Adele’s sheep farm, it’s Robbie’s turn to be worried. Especially after Chief Buck Bird uncovers a troubling link between Adele and the possible murder victim. Robbie has no choice but to knit the clues together and solve this mystery before anything else gets flocked up . . .
 
Includes Recipes for You to Try!  (Summary via Goodreads)

The Country Store Mystery series by Maddie Day has so much to love !!  And with Scone Cold Dead being the thirteenth book in the series, there is something for all readers to love.  As with any series that has multiple books, fans become honorary members of the family, the community and the story ... and boy or girl ('cuz main character Robbie Jordan is pregnant) I have moved in to South Lick and will remain until the end.

I could go on and on about the series but let's just concentrate on Scone Cold Dead.  Robbie and her husband are expecting their first child together.  Abe already has a son, Sean, who adores Robbie and vice versa.  But before Robbie can give birth, she has to make sure her business, Pans 'N Pancakes, is ready to run without her.  Robbie has the best employees so she should be okay as long as nothing gets in the way those last few weeks.

Unfortunately, as we all know, that is not gonna happen.  There is a newcomer to town, Ivan, and Robbie meets him at the restaurant and soon learns that he is looking for her aunt Adele.  Then she finds out Adele's boyfriend, Samuel, found Ivan dead in one of the animal enclosures on the property.

Robbie also finds out that there are a number of people who knew Ivan a long time ago and there are secrets every where.  Not only is that troubling for Robbie who cannot help wanting to solve things, especially ones surrounding her loved ones, but her little bundle of joy is letting her know that they want out ... but there are still too many things that need addressing before that can happen.

Oh how I could go on and on about more things but if you are a fan of this series, you don't need me telling you things you already know.  And if you aren't a fan yet, I am holding you up from opening the books up and digging in.  Happy reading !!!

Death Upon a Star (An Evelyn Galloway Mystery Book # 1) by Amy Patricia Meade

]

Be careful what you wish for . . . Introducing Hollywood script supervisor Evelyn Galloway, who's drawn into a murder investigation after landing her dream job on the set of Hitchcock's Rebecca.

1939, Los Angeles. Evelyn Galloway can't believe her luck! On her first day in LA, she lands her dream job of script supervisor, and on the hottest film in town - Hitchcock's adaptation of Rebecca. But her good fortune quickly changes when a legendary actor cancels their lunch the following day and is found murdered at home.

Evelyn realizes she could be a witness to the crime, having passed the bungalow's grounds on her way home the night before. Who was the man looking upset in a gazebo? And why was movie starlet Madeleine Nabors running wildly away from the scene?

When the tabloid reports contradict what Evelyn saw with her own eyes, she soon finds herself pitted against powerful studio bosses and unscrupulous journalists as she races to uncover the truth. (Summary via Goodreads)

Amy Patricia Meade has a new series with the first book just released. Death Upon A Star is the first book in the Evelyn Galloway Mystery Series and it is set in 1939.  Evelyn Galloway is fresh off the plane from New York to Los Angeles and lands her dream job of script supervisor on a movie set ... all before she has even had time to grab her luggage and see where she will be living.

Once it is confirmed that she is indeed hired, her boss, Mr. Hitchcock sends her to lunch and while on lunch she recognizing an actor, John Cunningham Margrave, in the canteen and they begin a friendship.  Mr. Margrave misses their next scheduled lunch date and when Evelyn gets off the bus stop near her apartment, she witnesses some weird occurences by the Alvarado Apartments, not knowing that the two things go together.

When Evelyn reads the story in the newspaper about Mr. Margrave's death, she goes to the police station to tell them that they got everything wrong.  When Detective Ziegler hears this, and they have a conversation, he believes that she was there and they share information, of course, he can't tell her everything.

Evelyn and her roommate Mary, who also works in the movie industry, hit it off instantly and Mary does what she can to help Evelyn settle in and discuss Margrave's murder.  Evelyn also meets Antonio, who runs the film value, and he joins the ladies with the investigating.

There is nothing stopping Evelyn from finding out the truth .... not getting knocked outside the crime scene and having to stay in the hospital overnight, or when someone confesses to the murder, or all the lies and stories that she hears.

Meade has the beginnings of a great series with this first book laying things out for readers.  There is something about reading books set back in time when things were simpler, no internet, not everyone had a landline, you read the newspaper and listened to the radio or went to the movies.  I highly recommend grabbing your copy and taking a trip back in time for a while .... and Meade leaves readers wanting more with the way she ends Death Upon a Star.  You will be trying to wait patiently for book two .....

Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery Book #1) by Daryl Wood Gerber

Emma Brennan may have her head in a cloud of eucalyptus, but her feet are firmly planted on the ground in breathtaking Carmel, California, as she prepares to open her new spa business, Aroma Wellness. But all the reiki, shiatsu, and massage in the world can’t help her relax when she’s accused of murder . . .

Everything is going smoothly as Emma prepares for the grand opening of the spa. The therapy rooms are painted. The sales shop and café are stocked with meditative and delicious goodies, from essential oils to avocado masks and prickly pear massages. The fountain in the Courtyard of Peace is burbling with good vibrations. In fact, there isn’t a whiff of trouble until that morning when Emma is shocked to learn that a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned . . . with an item from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. Worse, a witness is pointing the finger at Emma . . .
 
With the police treating Emma like she’s the only suspect, and the town’s anti New Age anything posse badmouthing her every step of the way, she’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Incensed by the accusations but empowered by her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma reviews the potpourri of possible suspects, determined to uncover the essence of foul play—before she’s cold-pressed for murder . . .
 
Praise for Daryl Wood Gerber’s Fairy Garden Mysteries
 
“A charming cozy with gardening tips, recipes, and a raft of suspects for those who don’t believe in fairies.” — Kirkus Reviews
 
“Enchanting series launch from Agatha Award winner Gerber. . . . Cozy fans will wish upon a star for more.” —Publishers Weekly

“A winner . . . Fans of Laura Childs’ work will enjoy.” —Booklist   (Summary via Goodreads)

Essence of Foul Play is the first book in the new Aroma Wellness Mystery series written by Daryl Wood Gerber and she captures your attention immediately.  You will find yourself wanting to be a new resident in Carmel-By-the-Sea and as luck would have it, there may be a place to rent near main character Emma.

In Essence of Foul Play main character Emma is ready to open her spa, Aroma Wellness.  There is so much to do within Aroma Wellness, whether it is to have a massage, facial or mani-pedi, or eat at the cafe run by Emma's cousin, Sierra, or browse the gift shop.  This story could focus on all of this and be a great read but Gerber makes it better with a death ....

Emma's old college friend Willow also has a spa in town, which has been open for a few years already, and is not happy with Emma for opening up one.  Even though Emma insists that Carmel is big enough for both spas, Willow is not satisfied.  Emma decides to get together a gift basket and take it to Willow as a sort of peace offering.

Unfortunately Willow is found murdered in her spa and one of Emma's peace offering gifts is the murder weapon .... and it looks like the detective on the case has her at the top of the suspect list !!

All Emma wants to do is run her spa, make people feel relaxed and pretty, spend time with her famiy and friends, and cuddle with her cat.  But with that dark cloud hanging over her head, she is anything but relaxed.

Readers will love this book amd the story within.  You will love that there is a list of characters in the beginning of the story and it is broken down by human and fairies and animals ..... yes fairies !!  How cool is that ?!?!  You will want to stay inside the story for as long as you can to ensure that everything ends well and Emma can continue with her dream.  I highly encourage you to add this book to you to be read list immediately !!!

Death in the Great Dismal (Will Rees Mysteries Book # 9) by Eleanor Kuhns

Finding themselves in a slave community hidden within the Great Dismal Swamp, Will Rees and his wife Lydia get caught up in a dangerous murder case where no one trusts them.

September 1800 , Maine . Will Rees is beseeched by Tobias, an old friend abducted by slave catchers years before, to travel south to Virginia to help transport his pregnant wife, Ruth, back north. Though he's reluctant, Will's wife Lydia convinces him to go . . . on the condition she accompanies them.

Upon arriving in a small community of absconded slaves hiding within the Great Dismal Swamp, Will and Lydia are met with distrust. Tensions are high and a fight breaks out between Tobias and Scipio, a philanderer with a bounty on his head known for conning men out of money. The following day Scipio is found dead - shot in the back.

Stuck within the hostile Great Dismal and with slave catchers on the prowl, Will and Lydia find themselves caught up in their most dangerous case yet.  (Summary via Goodreads)

Death in the Great Dismal is the ninth book in the Will Rees Mystery series written by Eleanor Kuhns and this one will have you scratching your head ....

In Death in the Great Dismal Will is asked by his friend Tobias to travel to the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia to help bring his pregnant wife back to Maine.  Will knows that he shouldn't go because he and his wife Lydia are having marital problems and he really needs to deal with that.  But Lydia surprises him by telling him he needs to go but she is going with them.

Once they get to the little village where Ruth is living, things do not go as planned at all.  Shortly after arriving one of the men from the village is found dead in the woods, murdered, shot in the back.  It seems that two of the villagers, Jackman and Aunt Suke, are the ones that are in charge and when they ask Will to find out who murdered Scipio he cannot say no.  

Besides the murder delaying their departure, it seems that Ruth is not sure if she wants to leave with Tobias or stay in the village.  Will and Lydia try to help the couple out but they are also trying to work through something within their marriage .... but they never seem to find the time to talk about that.

Will is going to have a difficult time trying to find Scipio's murderer seeing as he knows nothing about the people in the village and the members of the village do not trust him at all.  

Readers cannot help getting pulled into this book, or any of the others in this series.  You will fall in love with the characters and even though this story takes place somewhere new and completely outside of anyones's comfort zone, you will be turning the pages as fast as you can to see what happens next because you never know what Kuhns will throw out there .....