In The Solarium

  4.5/5  ⭐ Queer Knives out? Sign me UP! This is one house that is full to bursting with secrets. One that Evander Mills is all to familiar with. One that cost him his job, his friends and almost his life. Being queer in the 50s was not just dangerous, it was a crime. And navigating raids and a disapproving population is hard. So finding a family that are all one way or another queer is unheard of and dangerous. Asked to discreetly investigate a mysterious murder, Mills is let in on the family secret and learns what it’s like to be surrounded my others just like him. And the safety and freedom offered to him behind those closed gates. But not all is well and he quickly learns that as more than just a mysterious murder take place. This was such a good mystery and having the queer rep made it even better. I was a little cautious with the comparison to Knives Out because I didn’t want just a queer book version of it. That would have been boring. But if you liked Knives Out, I...

  *Possible spoilers, read with care. 5/5 ⭐ Welcome to Shady Hollow. This village lives in harmony with one another until tragedy strikes with the sudden death of the cantankerous old toad that lived in the pond.  I love a good cozy mystery. Something lighthearted and fun but still thrilling and thought provoking. Shady Hollow  hit all the marks making this a series you won't want to miss.  I had seen this one on so many people's TBR lists that I knew I needed to read it as well. And what better time than during Autumn. It just felt right.  This mystery follows Vera Vixen, the local reporter who just so happens to be a fox. Having come from a bigger town, she seems much more in the know of what to do in the case of a murder than the local constabulary. Which is made up of two bears named Meade and Orville. They do get their chance to make up for what they lack.  Let me just put it here, the names of these characters is incredible and l loved the inclus...

5/5  ⭐ An atmospheric setting, steeping in traditions and folklore with a tightknit community on the secluded island of Saoirse make this adult fantasy impossible to put down.  Drawn together no matter the time or distance, Emery and August must face difficult facts as the truth about what drove August away all those years ago comes to light. Others, determined to keep the truth well buried will do anything to keep it that way. No matter the cost.  Young balances magic and mystery perfectly as the story progresses, reaching the climatic point that will leave you stunned.  This novel is not one to miss. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 

 4/5  ⭐ Sarah Pearse is back with another destination mystery featuring Detective Elin Warner. A family trip to an all-new eco-retreat to help reconnect and learn more about new family members starts off as they travel to the island clouded with a dark past. The cast of characters presented covers the gambit, self-absorbed influence who scored the tickets, freeloading boyfriends, distant sisters, and cousins with a tragic past. Take your pick there is one of each. And they are all stranded together on this island with a murderer picking them off one by one. We definitely get to see some character growth with Elin which I loved. Instead of being stagnant and making it a focus of her character we get to see her grow from the traumas of her past. As well as see how she does solving a crime in an official capacity and being backed by her department. I love a locked room mystery and boy, does Pearse know how to structure one. The twists in this were flawless and kept me on my toes....

5/5 ⭐ A run-down, falling-down house surrounded by the sea and a visiting family so fractured it’s a wonder if they are even related. Daisy Darker has died so many times. Ever since she was young with a heart too weak to beat properly. Her life has been one big question mark of when will it happen next. It’s no surprise that I was drawn to this one. The mere mentions of anything Agatha Christie inspired whatever has me interested. And I was not disappointed. This novel starts dark and gets darker as it plays out. One by one people start to die, clues and hints, and macabre poems are left for the remaining to find. Building the tension here is something Alice Feeney does masterfully. Blending beautifully tragic laced prose with delicate and deceiving dialogue left me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. While familiar elements to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None were there, Feeney creates her own mystery masterpiece that is sure to please many. Thank you ...

5/5 ⭐ A locked-room mystery in which no one could get in or out and with seemingly no motive for anyone to want to kill the Doctor. A real conundrum. I love a classic whodunit mystery and this definitely ticked all the boxes. The atmosphere and settings were spot on and left nothing to be desired in that respect. The cast of characters was intriguing and the author did a good job of making them real enough to not overthink them. There was definitely room to expand on certain characters but nothing that made it a disservice. I liked the fact that the sometimes sleuth was a magician. It was something totally different than what I was used to and made it more interesting. Also, there is a list of characters, which I loved! It was a little intimidating seeing all the characters but it didn’t get overwhelming. This is one, that will leave you guessing until the very end. Thank you to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 7/12/22 *T...

  5/5 ⭐ This new cozy mystery series features the classics, a small-town life, beloved bookstores, and a famous cat. I really loved just about everything in this story. The characters unlike the usual disapproving and discouraging ones were supportive of Callie Padget, once a journalist and now a bookshop employee. The setting on beautiful Cattail Island was not one to overlook. Not with its scenic views and long history looming around every corner. And as for the mystery… It was one with many interesting twists and surprises and well, I didn’t see that ending coming. Very interested in what happens next in this promising new series! 7/5/22 *This review was previously posted on my Google Site.

4/5 ⭐ Set in a quiet little town, popular for it's easy access to the Appalachian trail, this atmospheric thriller will keep you on your toes as you race to learn the truth. With 6 missing people in the past 25 years Cutter's Pass has a long history that everyone loves to ask about. After an unexpected guest turns up and jumpstarts an search for answers, Abby becomes embroiled in the search for the most recent missing person and doesn't know who to trust with clues. This mystery is filled with twists and turns and leaves you guess right up until the end. Everyone has a secret they are trying to keep buried. And you never know what might get turned up. *This title is due to be released July 26th, 2022. Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner/Marysue Rucci books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 6/21/22 *This review was previously published on my Google Site.

3/5 ⭐ While this story started great and had some really great qualities, it, unfortunately, fell flat for me. I tend to avoid historical fiction and I had hoped that the murder mystery aspect would help. And I think it would have if it had actually been about the murders. But instead, they became almost an afterthought. I was drawn in by the attention to detail and well-developed prose but after a while, it was overwhelming and tedious. It felt like it took forever to get to the point and while some build-up is good, this was too much. This is definitely for someone, but not me. 6/7/22 *This review was previously posted on my Google Site.

5/5 ⭐ Not very often am I struck with the urge to go and read more of the same books from a series as fast as I was for Laura Child’s Tea Shop Mysteries. Luckily, one of my libraries had a copy of the first story available. I ended up reading it all in just about two days. One thing that struck me right away was how well balanced it was with introducing the characters and setting while also introducing the mystery elements. It never felt like an information dump or that the mystery was pushed to the side. Which is often the case for setting up a cozy mystery series. The information we need was carefully dotted throughout the novel, explained exactly when we needed it. As for the characters, they were to be expected for a cozy mystery. An amateur sleuth thrust into an investigation after suspicion falls on them. Desperate to prove themselves innocent and find the guilty party they drag their coworkers and friends into their shenanigans. Different from most though, Theodosia (this series...

5/5 ⭐ Haunted houses, tea, and murder. The perfect pairing for a cozy mystery. I had heard plenty about Laura Childs mysteries before. But before now, never had the notion to try one myself. It just never seemed to work out. But I finally did and am I glad I did. This is the 22nd book in the series and while my first, I didn’t find that I was missing any important information that I could have learned from the first ones. I enjoyed getting lost in their day-to-day business of making and serving tea and other tasty treats. Sometimes it felt like more of the story went to these tasks rather than the actual mystery but I still enjoyed them. As a tea lover, it sparked an urge to not only brew a cup but also try some of the blends they talked about as well. As for the characters, they were so colorful and vibrant I couldn’t help but fall in love with them and their antics. Yes, sometimes it feels overdramatic. But this is the south we are talking about so it doesn’t feel out of place in the...

  4/5 ⭐ Followed by notoriety she never asked for, Natalie is looking for a way out of the darkness and evil that seems to find her. Even if that means leaving her job on the police force. Let me just start with holy cow, the imagery and language Blanchard sets us up with is... *chef's kiss, perfection. Very rarely do I feel like I am there in the scene following, watching the characters as the story unfolds. But here, I am walking with Natalie as she goes to interview potential witnesses or as she is driving along the snowy landscape of her hometown. It’s mesmerizing. I was disappointed that this was yet another story with a love triangle. And as it was introduced so early on, I knew it was going to be a prominent plot point to the story. But it made me cringe every time an interaction happened between Natalie and the one man she wasn't in a relationship with, Luke, her childhood friend, and boss. That right there should be a good sign that it wouldn't work. Too much histo...

5/5 ⭐ I love Japanese mystery novels. I can't quite put my finger on it but they offer something that just appeals to me. That being said, of course, I had to read the first Kindaichi mystery! I have read the manga adaptation about his grandson called 'Kindaichi Case Files' (there are actually a few different series and even an anime) and that sort of spurred my interest in them but when I saw that it was being republished I had to read it. Because I am used to Kindaichi being referred to as a grandfather, I was pleasantly shocked to see him presented as a younger man with unkempt hair and semi disheveled clothes. I was amused at his habits of scratching at his head and his hair becoming even more unruly. His stutter that would become more prominent the more excited he got. It was fun. That's the best word for it. As for the story itself, I was hooked. I have always appreciated Japanese culture and history so the little details and explanations for what everything was v...

4/5 ⭐ I was a little nervous when I started it that I wasn't going to like it because some of the dialogue is a bit much but I was pleasantly surprised! The setting was wonderfully designed and you felt like you were there in Las Flores, walking downtown and visiting the cute and quaint places Abby visits in her quest to solve the murder of French-Canadian pastry chef Jean-Louis Bonheur. She is aided by the victim's brother and her former colleagues in the police department to uncover the truth. And the victim's adorable and excitable dog, Sugar. I liked how the book was dotted with recipes for not only baked goodies but other things like doggie treats, chicken wraps and how to treat a bee sting. I wasn't the biggest fan of all the cheeky dialogue between Abby and her best friend Kat. Or when it was used elsewhere. There is an overabundance of nicknames used. It felt over the top and after a while it was annoying. But that was probably the only part I wasn't a fan o...

  4/5 ⭐ The second installment in the Secret, Book & Scone Society features more book quotes, more baked goodies, and more murder. I hadn't planned on picking up the second one so soon but when my hold came for it I jumped on and ended up reading it all in one day. I enjoyed that while this is still clearly a cozy mystery there is enough grit and non-coziness about it that makes it feel different than the rest. It is a good middle ground between a traditional cozy and traditional mystery in my opinion. Nora and her friends are having an uneventful night when a mysterious young woman shows up at the bookshop. Rail thin and quiet as a mouse, the newcomer is not talking about what secrets she holds. With her arrival, a new appraisal store opens offering residents a way to make some quick cash but the difference in the business partner's personalities gives Nora a reason to pause. And of course, we get some more romantic tension built up between Jed and Nora. They finally get t...

  3.5/5 ⭐ As a perpetual fan of an English detective, it was high time that I read an Agatha Raisin mystery. I had seen some of the tv series and I had really enjoyed them. This book, however, was a little painful for me. It started off okay. Maybe a little sudden when it got to the murder part but eh it's a murder mystery what do you expect? We're quickly introduced to the cast of characters in this book. One right after another. Repeated what felt like 100 times. There were so many characters, I kept forgetting who was who. Plus some we only say once or twice the entire book. Of which they ended up playing a major role in the story but we only saw them maybe three times. Obviously, there is no mistaking or forgetting Agatha Raisin. But this book left something to be desired in regards to her character. I wasn't looking for a goody two-shoes or anything like that. That's a different book. I can't say I was bored but I was over it after the fourth scene of her inter...

3/5 ⭐ Possible Spoilers - Read with care Snowed in on the French Alps, a cozy chalet filled with execs from a social media company, and murder. What started as a intriguing murder mystery said to be inspired by one of the greatest mystery writers, quickly fell down the slopes the author wrote about. I had heard mixed reviews about Ruth Ware's novels, some said they were great, some said they were left disappointed. I thought it only fair to read one and see for myself. Unfortunately, I felt disappointed. This one was talked up a lot in it's homage to  Agatha Christie's arguably best work 'And Then There Were None' which is why I decided to start with this one. Maybe that was my fault. Maybe I should have started with another one. But this one also sounded the most interesting to me anyways. It started off strong, introducing the characters and setting. Building the suspense before the first crime took place. But between the flipping back and forth POV and the dragge...

  4/5 ⭐ A family brought up learning about everything through the lens of true crime. Murder, mayhem, and death are the Lighthouse family's close companions. I was looking forward to this book since reading the summary. I have a mild interest in true crime and was interested in seeing how this story would incorporate such a widely talked about topic. For some, true crime is overdone and saturates media. And if anything, I think Collins does a fantastic job of acknowledging that fact and takes on true crime in a new and unique fashion. We are immediately introduced to the main setting, Blackburn Island, home to a serial killer who was never caught and the home of the 4 Lighthouse children and their... peculiar parents. I thought that Collins did a good job with the characters introducing them one right after another without it feeling rushed or like we were missing something. If anything it felt as though we learned a lot about the family within just the first few chapters. Without ...

4.5/5 ⭐ I never know what to expect from a cozy mystery. Which was the case for this one. A mysterious book store owner that knows how to help any problem with the right book. And in the bakery that makes scones particular to its customer and a spa, Miracle Springs is the perfect place to do some healing. As much as I love the idea of a cozy mystery, sometimes I find them repetitive and boring after a while. There are elements that can be found across the board in most cozy mysteries. The small town factor, the bookstore, b&b, or some self-owned business. Either seemingly normal backstory or one marked with tragedy. And then the murder. And yes, while all those elements were in this mystery too, it didn't feel boring or repetitive. Nora, the one with the tragic backstory, the one who likes to stay in the background and not get involved get's involved very quickly. Not from being nosy or too inquisitive but from a sense of justice and needed to make sure things are set right...

5/5 ⭐ I have a fascination with the macabre, as many of us do. And I think that is part of why this one called to me. A former sanatorium turned chic hotel on a swiss mountain takes center stage where this drama was to take place. And boy what a drama it was. With quickly deteriorating weather conditions, Sarah Pearse takes us on a dark and twisted journey into the tragic past of the hotel. And her main character Elin who is struggling after a horrific ordeal at work. She gives trauma center stage as she presents the different ways her characters deal with it head-on and in the aftermath. It was refreshing to see it treated not as just an after-effect of an event but as something happening at the moment and how it can have such an impact on a person for years to come. The dynamics Pearse creates between her characters never felt forced or shallow. The differences between Elin and Isaac's sibling issues versus Cecile and Lucas's makes for an interesting comparison. The tragic ev...