2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
2026 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
Booklist Queen's 2026 Reading Challenge
2026 52 Club Reading Challenge
2026 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge
2026 Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge
2026 Mount TBR Reading Challenge
2026 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge
Shelf Reflection Candy Reading Challenge for Kids (and Adults)
2026 Countdown Reading Challenge
Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo
2026 Southern Literary Reading Challenge
2026 Reading Challenge (by Linz the Bookworm)
2026 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge
European Reading Challenge 2026
2017 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge (retired challenge - doing old boards for fun)
2026 Reading Challenge Addict Reading Challenge
The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge
The Life Skills Reading Challenge
Showing posts with label U.S. Settings: Ohio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. Settings: Ohio. Show all posts
Friday, January 30, 2026
MG Ghost Novel offers Spooky, Shivery Fun
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
I like a shivery ghost story, but I prefer atmospheric spine-tinglers over the kind of terrifying tales that are bound to give me nightmares. The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly, a horror lite novel written for the middle-grade set, fits that bill quite nicely. It's creepier than your average children's book, but it never gets too dark or graphic for its intended audience. In fact, in spite of its grim subject matter, it's actually a rather upbeat and hopeful read. This is a good place to start for young readers who want to dip their toes into the supernatural/horror genre, or for wimpy adults like me who just want a touch of scary sans night terrors.
The story stars Lila Clement, an 11-year-old Arizona girl who's often accused of being melodramatic, immature, and "too much." And, okay, a lot of the time she is making what turns out to be a big to-do about nothing. Not this time, though. When the eccentric grandfather she never knew dies, she travels with her family to Ohio. After an almost-accident on the road that leaves them all a little shaken, Lila discovers that she can now see ghosts. This is unfortunate considering that she'll be staying in the haunted inn that her Grandpa Clem owned for the forseeable future. When her newly-deceased relation appears to Lila, insisting that he did not die of a heart attack but was, in fact, murdered, she sets out to figure out who killed Grandpa Clem and why. She soon discovers that the Castle Hill Inn isn't just a spooky old hotel, Clem wasn't just an ordinary old man, and she's not just a drama queen who's being left behind by friends who think she's too babyish. In Castle Hill, Lila has an important mission to perform, a new pal to help her accomplish it, and maybe, just maybe, a place where her "too much" is exactly right.
Lila is a fun narrator who will help kids who are labeled "extra" feel seen. She's sympathetic, sensitive, caring, and brave. Her new friend, Teddy, makes an appealing right-hand man with his compassion, curiosity, and reluctant courage. Along with Lila's younger brother, the kids make an unlikely but intrepid team who tackle a murder mystery, a host of ghosts with varying needs, and a malevolent force who doesn't want them to succeed. What unfolds is an exciting story with lots of action, suspense, and ghostly encounters. While it's predictable, it's also a quick, entertaining page-turner that's creepier than you might expect. In spite of that, it teaches some healthy, healing lessons about death that can help kids grappling to understand death or dealing with the loss of a loved one find comfort. The Last Resort may not be the right reading choice for younger middle-graders or those who are particularly sensitive; for the rest of us, though, it's an eerie, enjoyable read that will provide shivers but not nightmares.
The Last Resort is the first installment in a planned series (a trilogy, maybe?). The second book, The Claiming by Jasmine Warga, came out earlier this month. In addition to reading the books, you're supposed to be able to launch an extra "experience" using a phone app that lets readers have their own ghost-hunting fun. By scanning the books' illustrations, you're supposed to be able to "talk' to the ghosts in the stories, solve puzzles within the pictures, and encounter further mysteries. It all sounds super cool. Unfortunately, despite trying multiple times on both my phone and PC, I could not get the "Launch Experience" button to work for me. Maybe it functions better with a paper book than an e-book? I don't know, but I feel like I'm missing out...bummer.
(Readalikes: reminds me of The Inn Between by Marina Cohen)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scary situations
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Last Resort from the generous folks at Scholastic via those at NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Friday, October 01, 2021
New YA Post-Apocalyptic Novel Not Super Memorable, But Still Entertaining
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Once upon a time, Paige Miller had big plans for her life. She was going to rock her last year of high school basketball, accept a full-ride athletic scholarship to UConn, then aim for a career in the WNBA. That was before everyone got sick, before she herself fell ill. When she wakes up in her bedroom attached to an IV, Paige realizes she's been in a coma and that everything—not just her world, but the entire world—has changed completely. Not only has her family been wiped out by the lethal flu, but there are few, if any, other people still alive. Life is no longer about basketball. Now it's about survival.
When Paige decides to venture out into the empty world, she's ecstatic to encounter another teenager. Trey Dawson is also an athlete, also alone. Although he has more answers than Paige, neither knows exactly what's going on. As they navigate their way through their strange new reality, they make some shocking discoveries about what's happening and why. Armed with this knowledge, they have a slim chance to save what's left of humanity. Can they succeed against a threat that's much, much worse than a deadly virus?
I enjoyed Rae Carson's Gold Seer trilogy, so I was excited when I learned she had a new book coming out. And a YA post-apocalyptic/dystopian novel at that. Yes, please! Although as it turns out, there's nothing super original or memorable about Any Sign of Life (available October 12, 2021), I still enjoyed the read. It's tense, fast-paced, and exciting. The characters are likable despite not being very complex or fleshed-out. I definitely wanted them to be victorious, even if they didn't quite feel like real live people. While I generally prefer realistic doomsday scenarios, this more sci-fi version still appeals. I assume Any Sign of Life is the beginning of a series and, while I can't say I'm chomping at the bit for the next installment, I'm always here for an entertaining end-of-the-world novel.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a half dozen or so F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Any Sign of Life from the generous folks at Greenwillow Books (a division of HarperCollins) via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Monday, July 26, 2021
Sixth Noodle Shop Cozy A Bit Lackluster, But Still Fun
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Killer Kung Pao by Vivien Chien, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier installments in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
As manager of Ho Lee Noodle House, her family's popular Chinese restaurant, Lana Lee is always at the center of the action in Cleveland's Asia Village shopping center. Dealing with her overbearing mother and annoyingly perfect sister causes enough drama for the 28-year-old, but there's always tension and intrigue boiling among Asia Village's many strong personalities. Add in the center's weirdly high murder rate and she's got a lot on her plate...
When Lana witnesses an altercation in the parking lot between two aging village divas—competitive mahjong player Millie Mao and heartless tea shop owner June Yi—she has no idea that one of them will soon end up dead When Millie is electrocuted during a pedicure, it becomes apparent that it was no accident. Did the argument in the parking lot lead June to kill Millie? Is there someone else who had it in for the mahjong matron? Although her detective boyfriend warns Lana to stay out of it, she's once again on the case. Can she solve Asia Village's latest murder?
I'm a big fan of Vivien Chien's Noodle Shop mysteries. The series is fun, light-hearted, and entertaining. Like most cozies, the books are a little silly and a lot far-fetched, but who cares? They're easy, enjoyable, clean reads. That being said, Killer Kung Pao—the sixth installment—might be my least favorite of them. Why? Although Chien's characters are always fun, the mystery in this one is a bit...lackluster. The book is still a fast, engaging read; it's just not as compelling as some of its predecessors. A bummer, yes, but not one that will keep me from continuing with this series. Even the less satisfying books are more enjoyable for me than other cozies.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Noodle Shop Mystery series, as well as culinary cozies by Ellie Alexander, Amanda Flower, Eve Calder, etc.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and violence
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, May 10, 2021
Shout-It-From-the-Rooftops Amazing? No. Engrossing and Enjoyable? Yes!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Jazz Ramsey is crazy about Nick Kolesov, her cop boyfriend. His mom? Not so much. Kim's not only a lousy mother, but she's also an alcoholic with a flair for the dramatic. So, when Jazz answers a phone call in the middle of the night to hear Kim raving about how she's just killed a man who was trying to break into her home, Jazz isn't sure what to think. There's no evidence of trespassing at Kim's house, nor a body in the drunk woman's yard. Most likely, her wild bender caused her to hallucinate the whole sordid affair. The fact that Wally—the human remains detection dog that Jazz is training—finds no evidence of human decomposition on the property confirms it.
Then, a body is discovered in a local park. Murder isn't uncommon in Cleveland, but what is weird is the photograph the dead man had in his pocket. The snapshot clearly shows Kim holding an infant Nick. Although Kim swears she doesn't know Dan Mansfield and had nothing to do with his death, Jazz can tell she's lying. Who was Dan? Why was he killed? Although Nick insists Jazz stay out of it, she's not about to back down now. She can't rest until she finds out what happened, why, and what exactly Nick and his mother aren't telling her.
I've enjoyed all the books in the Jazz Ramsey mystery series by Kylie Logan and A Trail of Lies (available May 12, 2021), the third installment, is no exception. While the main characters are kind of ho-hum, they're definitely likable. Jazz's warm, strong bond with her family is palpable and is one of the highlights of the series. The working dog aspect is my other favorite element, although I never feel like the canines get enough stage time. As far as the mystery in this one goes, it's actually a lot twistier than I expected it to be. I did not see the killer coming at all. So, while there's nothing super original or shout-it-from-the-rooftops amazing about the book, A Trail of Lies is still an engaging, engrossing read that I enjoyed. I'm excited to see where the series goes next.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books in the Jazz Ramsey series, including The Scent of Murder and The Secrets of Bones as well as A Borrowing of Bones by Paula Munier)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of A Trail of Lies from the generous folks at Minotaur Books (an imprint of St. Martin's Press) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Third Installment in Appealing Historical Mystery Series Another Compelling Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for The Stills, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessors, The Widows and The Hollows. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
As sheriff of Kinship, Ohio, Lily Ross is sworn to protect and serve her small Appalachian community. She takes her responsibilities seriously, striving to uphold the law in a fair, consistent manner. When it comes to the popular past-time of making moonshine, however, pragmatic Lily has been known to look the other way a time or two in spite of increasingly restrictive Prohibition laws. Then, a young boy gets dangerously sick after drinking tainted home-brewed alcohol while guarding a local still. Lily is appalled. She vows to find out who is poisoning the moonshine and why.
That's not the only problem on Lily's plate, however. A special agent from the Bureau of Prohibition who was supposed to show up in Kinship has not yet arrived. The man is at least missing, possibly dead. In a move that can't be a coincidence, Lily also discovers that her nefarious brother-in-law, Luther, is working undercover for the Bureau in an effort to take down her least favorite businessman, George Vogel. Although Lily doubts Luther's intentions, she has a vested interest in seeing Vogel imprisoned. His new wife, Fiona, seems to feel likewise. Can she trust Luther and Fiona to help her put their boss and husband behind bars? Or is Lily just a pawn in their bigger game? As she attempts to locate a missing agent, figure out just what Vogel is up to, and keep her town safe from tainted alcohol, she also has decide how she feels about a new suitor as well as an old friend who's breaking the law with the habits she swore she'd left behind for good. Can Lily find a way to solve all the problems in a quaint little town with some big issues?
I enjoyed the first two books in Jess Montgomery's appealing Kindship series, so I was naturally thrilled to get an early copy of the third installment, The Stills (coming March 9, 2021). The books feature an atmospheric Appalachian setting, likable characters, and intriguing mysteries. Although females were extremely rare in law enforcement in the 1920's, Lily makes a believable sheriff. She's brave, determined, and unfailingly loyal to her community. In The Stills, she shines once again as she's pitted against powerful men with sinister intentions. The resulting plot is interesting and exciting, which makes the novel an engrossing read. While this third book in the series is probably my least favorite, it's still a compelling, well-written historical mystery that I very much enjoyed.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Kinship series, including The Widows and The Hollows; also reminds me of the Bell Elkins series by Julia Keller)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and blood/gore
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Fourth Amish Candy Shop Mystery Just as Frothy and Fun As Its Predecessors
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Toxic Toffee, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Amish Candy Shop mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
It's Springtime and the town busybody of Harvest, Ohio, has come up with yet another brilliant scheme to lure tourists to the quaint little town. For the Easter Days festival she's dreamed up, she wants Bailey King, resident chocolatier, to craft the world's largest Easter bunny—out of toffee. And she needs it done yesterday. Bailey reluctantly agrees. Minutes after saying yes, she's stunned when a man keels over right in front of her. Stephen Raber, a rabbit farmer who looks like an Amish Santa Claus, is dead of an apparent heart attack.
When Aiden Brody, Bailey's sheriff's deputy boyfriend, informs her that Stephen really died because he ate a piece of poisoned toffee, she's shocked all over again. Everyone in town agrees that Stephen was a jolly, kind-hearted man. Why would anyone want to murder him? When a skittish young man surprises Bailey at home with a plea to find Stephen's killer—and a bunny—she knows it's time to channel her inner Nancy Drew once again. The Amish are mistrustful of the police, but they seem to believe in Bailey's detecting skills. She doesn't want to let them down.
With a giant bunny to craft, a real-life rabbit to watch, and a murder to solve, Bailey's got a lot on her plate. Can she figure out who used Stephen's notorious sweet tooth against him? Or will she become the next victim of someone with sour intentions?
The books in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower always make me smile. They're light, fun, and entertaining, and honestly, that's all I want sometimes! Sure, they're far-fetched, even silly, but when I'm looking for a diverting read, this is where I turn. Toxic Toffee, the fourth installment, is just as enjoyable as its predecessors. It features the usual likable characters, interesting English/Amish dynamics, and an intriguing enough mystery. I was introduced to at least one facet of Amish life that I wasn't familiar with and found very intriguing (I won't tell you what to avoid spoilers). While I noticed a couple of inconsistencies in the plot/writing, they weren't enough to deter me from enjoying Toxic Toffee. It made for a fun, frothy read in between heavier books. Given my taste for these sweet, clean mysteries, you won't be surprised to find out that I already have the next installment out from the library.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books in the series, including Assaulted Caramel, Lethal Licorice, and Premeditated Peppermint as well as cozy mysteries by Vivien Chien, Ellie Alexander, Eve Calder, Kylie Logan, etc.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Noodle House Mystery Series Always Fun, Entertaining
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Egg Drop Dead, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Noodle Shop mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Lana Lee is always looking for ways to promote her family's Chinese restaurant, Ho-Lee Noodle House. As manager, it's her responsibility to keep the place running smoothly as well as look for new ways to bring in business. Offering catering services seems like a good idea. Especially when Lana sees just how swanky their first catered party really is. Wealthy guests are eating up all of Ho-Lee Noodle House's delicious offerings and promising to use the restaurant for their own fancy galas. Everything is going swimmingly until a dead body is found in the backyard pool.
Donna Feng—the party hostess and co-owner of the Asian Village shopping center where Ho-Lee Noodle House is located—swears she has no idea how her children's nanny ended up dead. Everyone heard Donna screaming at the young woman earlier in the party. Everyone knows Donna hasn't been quite right since her husband died. Everyone seems convinced that the widow snapped and killed Alice Kam in a fit of rage. Lana seems to be the only one who believes Donna, an old family friend whom she's known for years, is innocent. True, the woman is not exactly who she says she is. Still, Lana knows she isn't capable of murder. So, who did the dastardly deed? It's up to Lana to find out...
Vivien Chien's Noodle House Mystery series is one of my favorites. The books don't take themselves too seriously which makes them fun, entertaining reads. Lana is a spunky heroine whose natural curiosity leads her into plenty of far-fetched but exciting mystery-solving adventures. Her relationship with her colorful, complicated family adds humor and tension to every book. While Egg Drop Dead isn't my favorite installment in the series, it's still an enjoyable romp that kept me smiling while I zipped through its pages. Even though the killer in this one is pretty obvious and Lana's boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, drove me crazy with his condescending "dollface" comments, I still liked Egg Drop Dead. I'll continue with the series, no question, because it really is a whole lot of fun!
(Readalikes: Other books in the series, including Death By Dumpling, Dim Sum of All Fears, Murder Lo Mein, Wonton Terror, Killer Kung Pao, Fatal Fried Rice, and Hot and Sour Suspects; also reminds me of culinary cozies by Ellie Alexander, Amanda Flower, Kylie Logan, and Eve Calder)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, November 13, 2020
Christmas Cozy Mystery Another Fun Romp in Amish Country
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Premeditated Peppermint, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier installments in the Amish Candy Shop mystery series. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Bailey King is looking forward to a cozy Christmas in Amish country, celebrated simply with her devout grandmother. Peppermint is the dominant scent at Swissmen's Sweets as the chocolatier cheerfully bakes up a sleigh-full of goodies for her eager customers. Bailey's enthusiastic ho ho ho's soon turn to bitter "bah humbugs" when her ex-boyfriend, celebrity pastry chef Eric Sharp, shows up in town to film a documentary on Amish Christmas practices. His producer wants an "authentic" story greedy t.v. viewers will eat up, which Bailey fears will involve exploiting her friends, family, and business for ratings.
When the documentary's executive producer, Rocky Rivers, is found dead in a Harvest gazebo, Eric becomes the primary suspect in her murder. The town's sheriff's deputy, Aiden Brody, who has been sweet on Bailey ever since she came to town, seems only too eager to slap some cuffs on Eric's wrists. Bailey's hardly Eric's biggest fan, but she doesn't want him to be wrongfully convicted. Reluctantly, she agrees to play detective. She believes in Eric's innocence (doesn't she?), but if he didn't kill Rocky, who did? And why? If she doesn't find the killer soon, no one in little Harvest is going to have a very merry Christmas ...
Premeditated Peppermint is the third book in Amanda Flower's delightful series revolving around the folks in Harvest, Ohio. Although the quaint little town has a surprisingly high crime rate, it's still a fun place to visit. The residents are appropriately quirky and there's plenty of Amish/English tension simmering under the surface to create lots of intriguing conflict. Although the stories get far-fetched, I'm happy to suspend my disbelief in order to be entertained by the townfolks' antics. Just like its predecessors, Premeditated Peppermint offers likable characters, a compelling mystery, and a unique setting. Its vibe is Christmas-cozy, remaining warm and upbeat throughout. I'm picky about which cozy mysteries I read; this series is one of my favorites. The stories are fun, light, and entertaining. Premeditated Peppermint is no exception. I enjoyed it, just as I have all the previous installments.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books in the Amish Candy Shop series, including Assaulted Caramel, Criminally Cocoa [novella], Lethal Licorice, Botched Butterscotch [novella], Toxic Toffee, Marshmallow Malice, Candy Cane Crime, and Lemon Drop Dead, as well as cozies by Kylie Logan, Ellie Alexander, and Vivien Chien)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, November 05, 2020
A Diverse Cozy Mystery? Yes, Please!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
A light bulb moment sends Win on a late-night traipse down an isolated, snow-covered path. What she finds freezes the very blood in her veins. Although she doesn't recognize the man lying dead at her feet, he's soon identified as a drifter who once caused financial ruin for the Crewse Family. When it's discovered that he was poisoned with a difficult-to-find drug, Win's physician father becomes the prime suspect. With a fledgling business and her family's reputation at stake, Win's not leaving the murder investigation to a biased police force. As she does her own sleuthing, she makes some shocking discoveries that will put her vulnerable neck on the line. Can she crack the case and save her family's beloved ice cream shop before it's too late?
The first in a new culinary cozy mystery series, A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette brings some fresh ingredients to the genre. It's written by an author of color and features a professional Black family, which is something I haven't encountered before in a cozy. While I've read cozies set in candy stores, cafés, bakeries, breweries, and all kinds of restaurants, I've never encountered one set in an ice cream parlor. These elements bring some originality to a book that otherwise ticks off all the usual cozy boxes: an unlikely death in a small town, quirky characters, an amateur detective, and a mostly predictable storyline. While the plot's a little slow, I still enjoyed A Deadly Inside Scoop overall. I appreciated its original elements, its emphasis on family loyalty, and the fact that it's a clean, entertaining enough read. I can't say this series debut knocked my socks off, but it engaged me enough that I'm keeping an eye out for the next installment.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other culinary mystery series, including those written by Vivien Chien, Eve Calder, Kylie Logan, and Ellie Alexander)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Amish Cozy Mystery Series Just What I Need Right Now
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for Lethal Licorice, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, Assaulted Caramel. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
The Amish Confectionary Competition is a big deal ("It's like the NBA playoffs, but with way more sugar"), as is the fact that little Harvest, Ohio, is playing host. Not only would winning the competition be the perfect way to honor Bailey King's late grandfather, but it would also mean great publicity for her Amish family's candy shop, Swissmen's Sweets. Although Bailey herself is not Amish (a fact that at least one other competitor thinks should disqualify her) and the rules stipulate all sweets must be made in the Amish way (which is not at all how things were done at the exclusive Manhattan shop where she trained as a chocolatier), Bailey is determined to win the competition.
When a town-wide search for a missing pot-bellied pig leads to the corpse of Bailey's biggest competition rival, Bailey is shocked. She becomes even more distressed when she learns she's the primary suspect in the woman's death. As if she's not stressed enough trying to bake her best sweets for the confectionary contest, now she has to convince the authorities she's not a killer. But who is? Once again Bailey must channel her inner Nancy Drew to solve a perplexing mystery.
Lots of cozy mystery series feature eateries of some sort—bakeries, cafes, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, etc.—but none are set in quaint Amish country. The unique setting is what first drew my attention to the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower. After reading the first installment, Assaulted Caramel, I definitely wanted more of Harvest with its fun characters, Amish/Englischer interactions, and upbeat vibe. Lethal Licorice delivered all this as well as a new mystery to entertain me. Once again, I enjoyed my visit to the small town. This second book in the series is just as fun as the first, offering a light, diverting read that made me smile. It even kept me guessing, which doesn't always happen in cozies. Although the books have their flaws for sure, I still like this series a lot and will absolutely keep reading it. A little light reading is pretty much exactly what I need right now, thank you very much!
(Readalikes: Other books in the series, including Assaulted Caramel, Criminally Cocoa [novella], Botched Butterscotch [novella], Premeditated Peppermint, Toxic Toffee, Marshmallow Malice, Candy Cane Crime, and Lemon Drop Dead, as well as cozy mysteries by Vivien Chien, Ellie Alexander, and Kylie Logan)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, September 07, 2020
A Murder Mystery Set in an Amish Candy Shop? Sweet!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Bailey King learned everything she knows about sweets from her beloved Amish grandparents, who run a candy shop in sleepy Harvest, Ohio. Although she's poised to become New York City's next great chocolatier, when she learns her grandfather's heart condition is worsening, Bailey books it to Harvest. The old man is doing better than expected, but that doesn't last long. When the corpse of a real estate developer who was pressuring Bailey's grandfather to sell is found at Swissmen Sweets, the elderly candymaker becomes the prime suspect in the dead man's murder. Bailey doesn't care how hot the local deputy is, she's not going to let anyone accuse her family of doing something so nefarious. If the police aren't willing to search for the real killer, she will. As she channels her inner Nancy Drew, Bailey discovers that while Harvest may look quaint and sweet, something very rotten is going on underneath its placid surface ...
I used to be a big hater when it came to cozy mysteries, but my heart has softened toward them considerably in the last few years. Although I'm never going to find one that is realistic or Nobel Prize-worthy, I can appreciate what the genre does offer—quick, clean, entertaining reads that don't tax the brain or cause nightmares. I'll take it! I'm still choosy about the cozies I do read, so I'm always happy when I find a series that appeals to me. Carla over at Carla Loves to Read raves about the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower, so I gave the series opener, Assaulted Caramel, a go. The setting charmed me right off the bat, not just because it's warm and unique but also because Flower imbues her little town with some Amish/Englischer tension that I didn't expect. That makes the community feel more authentic while adding some interesting conflict to the story. There are some fun characters in Harvest, although Bailey and Deputy Brody could both use some fleshing out. Plotwise, this isn't exactly a nail-biter and you'll probably see the killer coming, as I did, but the story is still engaging enough to keep the reader turning pages. All in all, I found Assaulted Caramel to be a fun, easy, entertaining read. I'll definitely continue on with the series.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, April 04, 2020
Second Installment of Cadaver Dog Mystery Series Not Quite As Enjoyable As First
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for The Secrets of Bones, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, The Scent of Murder. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Although Jazz Ramsey makes her living as an administrative assistant at St. Catherine's Preparatory Academy for Girls, her real passion is training cadaver dogs. As the school embarks on its annual career day, in which local women visit campus to teach the students about their jobs, Jazz is asked to showcase her work with the animals. To give the girls an exciting demo, she hides a bone in an unused attic space. Her audience is delighted when Gus finds it easily; they're all shocked, however, when he scents human remains that were not hidden by Jazz. When a skeleton is recovered from its hiding place in the attic, Jazz gets an even bigger surprise—the bones appear to belong to a fanatical religion teacher who mysteriously resigned from her job three years ago.
Bernadette Quinn was almost universally disliked by St. Catherine's student body, administration, and presumably everyone who knew her. Still, who would murder the pious teacher? When the police zero in on Sister Eileen, Jazz refuses to stand by and let her beloved boss's name get dragged through the mud. If the authorities are too inept to find the real killer, she'll launch her own investigation. The more she digs, the closer Jazz gets to shocking secrets someone doesn't want revealed. It soon becomes obvious that someone will stop at nothing to stop her from digging. Can Jazz find the murderer before she becomes the next victim?
I enjoyed The Scent of Murder, the first installment in Kylie Logan's Jazz Ramsey mystery series, so I was eager to read the second, The Secrets of Bones (available May 5, 2020). While I ended up enjoying the former more than the latter, I still found The Secrets of Bones to be intriguing and entertaining. Jazz is a likable character, as are her canine companions. It's always interesting to see working dogs in action; in fact, I wanted more of that in this installment. As far as the mystery goes, I saw some of the plot twists coming, but not all of them. There were a few plot holes that didn't get tied up satisfactorily to me. In addition, I wanted more personality from Nick, Jazz's love interest. Overall, then, I didn't love The Secrets of Bones. Still, it was engaging and entertaining enough to convince me to keep with the series. I just hope the next installment is a little tighter, with a stronger emphasis on Jazz's work as a cadaver dog trainer.
(Readalikes: The Scent of Murder by Kylie Logan; also reminds me of A Borrowing of Bones by Paula Munier)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, innuendo, and disturbing subject matter
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Second Appalachian Historical Mystery As Intriguing As First
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for The Hollows, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, The Widows. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
When an elderly woman is hit by a train on an isolated piece of railroad track, Sheriff Lily Ross is called in to investigate. While it's immediately clear that the woman is dead, it's not apparent just what she was doing out in the middle of nowhere in the dead of night, wearing only a flimsy nightgown. Marks on her wrists indicate she had been restrained recently. Was the death a tragic accident caused by a roaming senior citizen with dementia? Suicide? Or did something more sinister occur? Lily doesn't believe the brakeman's tale about a ghost pushing the old lady off a cliff directly into the path of an oncoming train, but she can't shake the feeling that there's more to the incident than meets the eye.
Determined to figure out Jane Doe's identity and the truth behind her death, Lily starts digging. Her probing leads her to a facility deep in the holler. Hiding secrets both old and new, The Hollows asylum may be the key to solving Lily's current mystery as well as answering disturbing questions from the past. In the midst of working the Jane Doe case, Lily's also dealing with the fallout from attempted integration at the mines, an upcoming election that could win her the sheriff's seat in her own right, and a shivery ghost story she's starting to believe in spite of herself. Can Lily close the case? Will she keep her job as sheriff, despite many thinking it's an unsuitable job for a lady? And what about the ghost that haunts the holler? Will it make a believer out of pragmatic Lily Ross?
I enjoyed The Widows—the first installment in Jess Montgomery's historical mystery series featuring Lily Ross—so I was eager to read its sequel, The Hollows. Like its predecessor, the novel features an atmospheric Appalachian setting in an intriguing historical time period. It discusses issues/groups I don't know much about, including prohibition, integration in the mining industry, women's issues in the 1920s, and the Women's Klu Klux Klan. In addition, it brings together a cast of colorful characters, most of whom are likable and fun to read about. Lily is no exception. She's an understated heroine, which makes her all the more alluring. To top it all off, Montgomery writes with assured, engrossing prose. All of these elements come together to make The Hollows another winning historical mystery from Montgomery. You better believe I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment in this enjoyable series.
(Readalikes: The Widows by Jess Montgomery)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, disturbing subject matter, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Hollows from the generous folks at St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Need Some Light, Fun Reading for the Apocalypse? Look No Further.
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Wonton Terror, it may inadvertently spoil plot surprises from previous Noodle House mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
The opening of the Asian Night Market is Cleveland's culinary kick-off to summer. It's a weekly food festival that brings the community together for delectable eats, lively entertainment, and warm conversation. Lana Lee is thrilled to be at the festival selling Ho-Lee Noodle House's unparalleled cuisine, even if it seems they might be outsold by the popular Wonton on Wheels food truck parked next to them. It's obvious something odd is going on with the truck's owners—who are old friends of Lana's parents—but Lana's shocked when their truck explodes on the first night of the festival, leaving one of its owners dead. Was it a tragic accident or something more sinister?
As it becomes increasingly apparent that someone tampered with the food truck, Lana launches a clandestine investigation into the incident. The more she digs, the more she realizes that Ronnie Chow was not a pleasant person. A number of people had grudges against him, but who hated him enough to kill him? Or did Ronnie do it himself in order to collect the insurance money? The closer Lana gets to the truth, the more dangerous her life is becoming. Someone doesn't want the truth to get out—and they will do anything to keep Lana from getting too close. Has Lana finally gone too far with her amateur sleuthing? Will her restaurant be the next one that goes up in flames?
I always enjoy reading about Lana's antics with her overbearing family, her quirky friends, and her dangerous investigations. The Noodle House Mysteries by Vivien Chien are just fun. Wonton Terror, the fourth installment in the series, is no exception. It's entertaining, even though I solved the mystery pretty early on. I don't expect a lot of surprises in a cozy mystery—I enjoy them because they make for clean, easy, distracting reading. This series is one of my favorites for all those reasons. I'm definitely in for seeing what happens to Lana and Co. next.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books in the Noodle House Mystery series, including Death By Dumpling, Dim Sum of All Fears, Murder Lo Mein, Egg Drop Dead, and Killer Kung Pao)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, December 30, 2019
Raw, Hard-Hitting Drug Addiction YA Novel a Difficult, But Important Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Although she's awkward in most aspects of her life, there's one place where Mickey Catalan feels perfectly in control—on the softball field. There, she's seen as a beast, a gifted athlete with enough talent to not just help win an upcoming high school tournament, but also to get recruited for a college team. Between Carolina Galarza, the team's equally skilled pitcher and Mickey's best friend, their team can't be beaten.
Then, the girls are in a car accident that severely injures them both. Carolina's pitching arm is broken and Mickey, who was driving, has a fractured leg and a screwed-on hip. If the two don't recover—and fast—their team will be in big trouble. Despite her determination to rehabilitate her body as quickly as possible, Mickey struggles with guilt, lack of energy, and brutal pain. The OxyContin she's given to manage the pain masks the hurt while giving her an extra boost that makes her feel loose and confident, so much so that she can't stop taking it, even after her prescription runs out. Desperate for her next hit, Mickey—who's always been a good girl—is suddenly lying, stealing, and letting down her teammates. Eventually, her new group of young addict friends turns her on to heroin, an even higher high. It's only when tragedy occurs that Mickey realizes her drug addiction could cost her everything—and everyone—she cares about. Can she stop herself before she destroys her whole world?
If you ask people what a junkie looks like, chances are good they're not going to describe the fresh-faced girl next door, the stressed-out housewife who lives down the street, or their boss with his high-end job and fancy car. The thing with opioid addiction is that it's changing the face of what an addict looks like, a point aptly addressed in Heroine by Mindy McGinnis. Mickey's softball star status might make her a bit extraordinary, but she's still an average, middle-class Jane whose opioid dependency starts as it does for many people—with a legitimate prescription. The book traces her downward spiral, a trajectory that's familiar to anyone who's experienced drug addiction or watched someone else go through it. McGinnis starts the novel with a warning about graphic depictions of drug use and indeed the story has many. For that and other reasons, it's a difficult read. A necessary cautionary tale, but not a pleasurable one. In addition, the characters are not easy to like. Edith is a particularly slimy one, but Mickey's not the most sympathetic one either. The ending of the novel is hopeful, but I don't feel that Mickey loses quite enough to really understand the consequences of her actions. In the end, I can't say I liked Heroine. For me, it was just too difficult and disturbing, so much so that I had to force myself to keep reading. I do, however, feel that it's a powerful, timely novel that is well-crafted and tightly-written. The story offers a real, eye-opening, hard-hitting picture of the effects drug abuse can have on an individual, a family, and a community, without glamorizing any of it. For these reasons, I feel that it's an important read with the power to keep kids from taking even the first step toward drug addiction. If it saves just one life, then it's worth the difficult, disturbing read.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Crank trilogy (Crank, Glass, and Fallout) by Ellen Hopkins and Invisible as Air by Zoe Fishman)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, graphic depictions of illegal drug use and prescription drug abuse, innuendo/rude humor, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Heroine from the generous folks at HarperCollins for the purpose of Cybils Award judging. Thank you!
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