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

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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 !!!