Conjuring Up a 5 Star Mystery in Stirring the Plot by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

 

 

Stirring The Plot A CookBook Nook Mystery by Daryl Wood Gerber conjures up a great mystery. This third book in the CookBook Nook Mystery series is 5 stars plus. Halloween is a special time in Crystal Cove and this year not only do the Winsome Witches go all out to make it a fun unique adventure for the tourists and town, it becomes even more spooky and mysterious when the leader of the Winsome Witches is murdered and Jenna’s Aunt Vera is a suspect in the murder. Jenna has to help Aunt Vera find who killed her friend and fellow Winsome Witch and clear Aunt Vera’s name before something happens to her too.

This book is great and just in time to make it a must read to get you into the Halloween spirit. I love Aunt Vera and her quirkiness.   All of the Winsome Witches have an unique story of their own and the way they all fit into to the plot makes it a guessing game of who could be the murderer. I always like a good mystery that is unpredictable and has enough different suspects that you don’t figure out whodunit right off the bat. I like a good puzzle that you have to keep reading to get all the puzzle pieces before you know who the killer is and that is exactly what you have in this book.

Jenna is becoming more comfortable at Crystal Cove and is becoming a strong independent woman who has moved on for the most part from her husband’s death. Her relationship with Rhett is taking off and that just adds an extra plus to the book. This book is full of suspense, unique suspects, romance, mystery, a surprise ending and is all tied up with the Halloween spirit and fun. It is a must read,  you won’t be disappointed. I recommend it highly. It also includes recipes!

Look for it and the other Cookbook Nook Mysteries this is a great cozy mystery series. For more info on the book and author go to:

www.darylwoodgerber.com

Look for it on sale starting 9/30/2014

 

I received this ARC from the author for my honest opinion and review

 

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Another 5 Star Delicious Mystery To Fudge or Not to Fudge by Nancy Coco Wow Factor 5+

To Fudge or Not to Fudge A Candy-Coated Mystery by Nancy Coco is another great book from Nancy Coco aka Nancy J Parra.

Allie McMurphy who runs the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Mackinac Island is busy keeping the place running and fudge made daily which would mean,you might think, she wouldn't have time to get into the middle of a murder investigation, wrong. When her old mentor comes to Island and asks her to be on a fudge making reality TV show how can she turn him down, but she wishes she had when things go from bad to worse including murder.

I never watch reality TV but it was fun reading about it in this book. Nancy shows just how these shows might really be run and it adds an extra dimension to the mystery.

 I just love to read a good mystery that has great characters, a good plot and a surprise ending. I found all of these in To Fudge or Not to Fudge book 2 of A Candy-Coated Mystery series by Nancy Coco. The setting on Mackinac  Island is not only an unique setting but is also an integral piece, really an important  character, in this mystery.  The murder and mystery itself is one that is different from what you would expect. I like that the book starts right out with the mystery and keeps adding to it with more intrigue and murders. I was really surprised by the ending and how it all fit together, which to me is very important. I like when I cannot figure out “who done it” right away and when I am not expecting it to develop the way it does. Really don’t you agree that a good mystery needs a great element of surprise in it too? This book sure does do that and more. If you like a good mystery with more than one suspect and a surprise ending then rush out to get this book and read it, but be sure you have the time since once you start you won’t want to put it down, I know I couldn’t and you can tell by the dark circles under my eyes from lack of sleep. I give this 5 Stars and a Wow Factor of 5+ because I didn’t put all the pieces together and was surprised by the ending. The fudge recipes included in the book all sound wonderful. I will be trying them all and will let you know how they turn out. I am thinking that a gift basket filled with the fudge from the recipes in this book, along with a copy of the book, some hot chocolate mix and/or coffee, and a nice mug would be a great Christmas gift.

 If you would like to learn more about this book or the author check out her site
www.nancyjparra.com

Book release is Sept 2 2014 mark your calendars because you won't want to miss this one.

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A Great Read Muffin But Murder By Victoria Hamilton

You will find  fun, excitement, mystery and romance all wrapped up in  a great read with Muffin but Murder A Merry Muffin Mystery by Victoria Hamilton.

Merry Wynter has inherited a castle from her Uncle but she doesn't know how she will be able to keep it. She has left NY City to come to Autumn Vale along with two of her best friends Pish and Shilo, and is living in the castle while trying to get it ready to sell.  When a long lost cousin Cranston, who she never heard of, shows up claiming to be a grandson of her Uncles and wanting his share of the inheritance things get interesting. Merry has found a niche in Autumn Vale by making and selling her muffins and she has made friends there also but doesn't see a way to be able to keep the castle so Merry throws a party for locals, a few chosen N Y friends, as well as some whom she hopes will be interested in buying the castle, but things get out of control  and then someone is killed. Merry's best friend Pish is a suspect so Merry has to figure out who is really behind the murder and help Pish while trying to figure out if Cranston is really entitled to part of the inheritance from her Uncle.


This book has everything you could want a good plot with twists that you don't see coming, a great interesting setting with the castle and unique quirky characters that you can connect with as well as romance thrown in for good measure. I love that Merry is such a strong level headed, most of the time, spontaneous woman.  I could see myself getting into some of the same situations as Merry with going on the spur of the moment to investigate this murder and realizing after words that it wasn't the safest or smartest thing to do. Pish and Shilo are unique and they add a lot to the story, besides as I was reading this I could think of people I know that reminded me of them, which helps you to connect with the book more. I really enjoyed this book and was glad to see that this is another great series to add to my list of series I must read. I think if you like a good mystery that you can't figure out in the first chapter and keeps you guessing to the end,  with strong yet quirky characters you will want to read this. It also has recipes which is always a plus.

I had not read the first book in this series Bran New Death  but that wasn't a problem this can be read as a stand alone but after reading this book I don't want to miss out on a single book in the series so I will be getting the first one to read also.

If you want more on this book and all the other series that Victoria Hamilton has check out her website at
http://www.victoriahamiltonmysteries.com

Don't miss a good book pick up Muffin but Murder it is in bookstores now.

I received a free Advance Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

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Fantastic Addition To The Granny Apples Mysteries The Silent Ghost Novella by Sue Ann Jaffarian

The Silent Ghost A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery Novella by Sue Ann Jaffarian is another fun read in the Granny Apples Series. I love Granny Apples and this Novella is no exception. 

This time Kelly Whitecastle, Emma's daughter, with the help of the ghost of her ancestor Granny has to help a girl, Tanisha, who is being bothered by a ghost. Kelly is off to college and since finding out that Kelly can see and hear ghosts her and Granny Apples spend time together. Granny and Kelly meet up with a Tanisha who is a reporter and at first Kelly thinks she is just trying to snoop into her family. When she asks Kelly for help Granny checks out her story and talks Kelly into helping. Will Kelly and Granny be able to help Tanisha before the ghost in Tanisha's apartment makes Tanisha anymore depressed or emotional?

I like that Kelly can also see and hear ghosts like her mother, even though she is fairly new to this, and it is fun to see how she interacts with Granny and the ghosts. This is a great and different dynamic than Emma and Granny and I like this story as much as the Granny Apples Books. Sue Ann Jaffarian draws you into the story and you feel the emotion and pain that Tanisha and the ghost in her apartment feel. Kelly is strong like her mother Emma in this story and I like that she is. This is a hit and a great addition to the Granny Apples Mysteries.

I would give this 5 stars and though I know it is a Novella between books, I still wanted more when I reached the end. It is a must read if you like ghosts, paranormal and suspense as well as a good mystery. I recommend you read this novella and all of the Granny Apples Mysteries.

Next up in my reading schedule for the summer is
1.  Dummy of a Ghost by Sue Ann Jaffarian
 

2. Muffin but Murder A Merry Muffin Mystery by Victoria Hamilton 




3. To Fudge or Not To Fudge A Candy-Coated Mystery by Nancy Coco  




4. Dirty Little Murder The Plain Jane Mysteries by Traci Tyne Hilton 



I just finished The Proof by Cheryl Colwell 
and will be reviewing it next time on this and my other book blog @ debsbooksgalore.blogspot.com so till next time

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My Review Good, Clean, Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton

Good Clean Murder The Plain Jane Mysteries bk 1 by Traci Tyne Hilton is a fun read. Jane is in school to be a missionary and working at cleaning houses to stay in school and to live. She didn't want to take anything from her parents and wanted to make it on her own but trouble with a roommate, finding two of her clients dead, and being evicted and lets not forget the good looking teacher that she likes adds up to real trouble for Jane.  She needs to solve all this and fast.


When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure I would like it but as I went I found that I enjoyed reading it. I think that if you are expecting an Agatha Christie or a Kathy Reichs then you will be disappointed but if you want a good mystery with a few twists, enough suspects to make you guess, a surprise ending, and some romance then you will enjoy this book. I think if I would add anything to it maybe I would have Jane  doing more investigating the murders than she does but all in all it is a good book. This is a Christian Cozy but I think anyone would enjoy reading it. Jane has some of the same problems that we all at times have faced with, finances, uncertainty of our future and questions of how to solve them all. This makes you connect a little more with her.


All in all I think this was a good, fun fast read and I will read the next one in the series.


If you want more info on the author or her books you can check out
http://tracihilton.com/




Next up

The Silent Ghost (Novella) (Ghost of Granny Apples) by Sue Ann Jaffarian

UNTIL NEXT TIME


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5 Stars For Engaged in Murder by Nancy J Parra

Engaged in Murder A Perfect Proposals Mystery Book 1 by Nancy J Parra is a great fun read. What does a recently unemployed event planner do, she plans the perfect setting for her sisters fiancé Warren to propose. She wants everything perfect for her sister Felicity and Warren makes arrangements to use a plane for the proposal, Pepper is excited to decorate the plane and make it just the way her sister Felicity always dreamed her proposal would be. Everything is going great until Pepper stumbles upon a man, who she thinks is passed out, in the women's bathroom. Things are not always what they seem. Pepper needs to solve the mystery, save her sisters day, and get her business started. I really enjoyed this book and think it will be another great series from author  Nancy J Parra.

Pepper is a resourceful, creative woman who has a knack for finding trouble. She is strong, inquisitive, and independent which makes her just right for being an event planner and for doing her own detective work into this mystery. I like the dynamic between Pepper and her sister as well as her and her parents. I love how they could all be one of us. You really can relate to Pepper and her family. I enjoyed her creations for the different engagement parties and Nancy J Parra describes these parties in a way that makes you be able to imagine stepping into the party yourselves.  There is more to the story than just a mystery I believe. There is the hope of love, romance, but also it is Pepper learning to grow into her own person and becoming a force in her love life, her family, and her business. This is an unique book just by Pepper being an event planner but add to that murder, mystery and love and it mixes into a unique great read. I propose you engage in reading this book and be prepared to be swept away in the mystery and the creativity of Pepper. I loved this book and will look forward to the next one in the series.

Remember the book release day is tomorrow June 3, 2014 so be sure to pick up your copy and enjoy.

If you want more information on this book and the author go to her website at
nancyjparra.com


I was given this ARC by the author and publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion of this book.


Next I will be reviewing

Good, Clean, Murder (The Plain Jane Mysteries #1)  by Traci Tyne Hilton

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Another Delicious Mystery Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle 5 Stars

Latte Trouble A CoffeeHouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle


Cleo Coyle has served up another delicious mystery with this book. Clare's Coffeehouse the Village Blend is chosen for a party during Fashion Week and she is excited to do it until one of the people at the party is murdered and her barista is arrested for the murder. Clare has to find out who murdered her party goer and help Tucker get out of jail. Clare dons her detective hat so to speak to find the culprit and clear Tucker while saving her coffeehouse's reputation too.


I love this book and series. Clare is a strong, tough and independent woman who can also be loving , kind and caring. She protects her family and her coffeehouse family even when it means she has to put herself in danger to snoop and find answers to the murder.  This book has some twists that keep you guessing. The suspects are many and the ending is a surprise. Cleo Coyle really shows you just how cut throat the fashion industry can be and I loved how she intertwines the fashion week into the mystery by making it  an integral part of the plot.  Cleo Coyle always has a surprise or two in her mysteries that make them unpredictable. Latte Trouble will keep you guessing and will surprise you when you find out who is the murderer and why.  Just like my coffee I can never get enough of the Coffeehouse Mysteries and Latte Trouble is no exception.


If you like a good mystery that has a surprise ending then don't miss Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle.


If you would like to learn more about Cleo Coyle and her books check out her site at




http://www.coffeehousemystery.com/




until next time:


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Childrens Book Week May 12-18 Suggested Reads for Kids

This week is Children's Book Week and I thought I would give you just a few suggestions of mystery adventure books your kids might like. I will start with the young ones with and a good series for younger children one that they can change the adventure as they read it is a Choose Your Own Path book Quest For The Lost Treasure by Gerry Gaston. Another series of books for just a little older child is the Choose Your Own Adventure books like this set which is Mystery of the Maya/House of Danger/Race Forever/Escape (Choose Your Own Adventure 5-8) by R A Montgomery.  Another mystery series for 1- 3rd grade is the Jeffery Bones Mystery series by David A Adler.  A great series for 3rd grade to 6th is the Encyclopedia Brown mystery series by Donald J Sobol. There is always the good old stand by mysteries of Nancy Drew and  The Hardy Boys for older children as well as a fairly new series the Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson. My grandkids always liked The Magic Tree House Series and this is another great series for grade school to beginning middle school children.  A new to me mystery series for kids  is a series for 6-9 year olds called Ball Park Mysteries by David A Kelly this is unique because each mystery is set in a different ball park something that a baseball fan would love to read and others too. Last is the mystery books for kids by well known adult mystery writer John Grisham and it is the Theodore Boone Series which sounds like a great series for  8-12 year old kids.
I hope this gives you some ideas for the children in your life. It is so important to read to and get kids reading. There is an adventure waiting for them in books.

TBT and Get Kids Reading choice

I thought I would combine my Throwback Thursday choice with a Get Kids Reading choice and so I choose. Changing Tides (National Treasure A Gates Family Mystery book 1) by Catherine Hapka



This first book in a series based on the National Treasure books is an excellent mystery to start with for kids to read. I must say as an adult I like them too and will read the others in the series.
This book starts with how the Gates family got to America. Samuel Gates and his brother in 1612 sail for America and on the way learn of a treasure and decided to try and find it. They land in Jamestown hoping to find the treasure, gain wealth and repair their families reputation. This book and the others in the series is a great way to read about history while following along trying to solve the mystery and locate a treasure. Young kids will be learning history and not even realize it. This is a great book and each chapter builds excitement and leaves you wanting more. I think it is worth a look and read for young chapter book readers.


I hope you will try these mysteries but start with the first one here and follow the Gates family through American history.


Until Next Time:
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5 Stars to Murder Gone A Rye by Nancy J Parra

Murder Gone A-Rye (A Baker's Treat Mystery #2) by Nancy J. Parra  is another great book in this series. I give it 5 Stars out of 5 Stars. This has fast become one of my favorite cozy mysteries.


This book picks up just where the first one left off. Toni is trying to become a welcome part of the business community of her hometown with her gluten free bakery. She is entering a float in the Homer Everett day parade to try to show she is a part of the community. Things get a little hectic though when Toni's Grandma Ruth, who has been investigating an old murder which Grandma thinks Homer Everett committed, gets arrested for the murder of Lois who was going to share information with her on the murder. Toni tries to keep her Grandma out of trouble and stay out of the investigation but things go from bad to awful quickly when Grandma Ruth and Aunt Phyllis continue to get into trouble. Toni has to find out who is trying to hurt her family and solve the murder before someone else in her family is hurt or killed.


This is a fun book with so many things that you as the reader can relate too. The small town is one that reminds me of the small towns in my area where something in the community is always going on and everyone knows everything about everyone. The Oiltop gossip train runs swiftly through town just like other small towns. The characters make you think of people you know and people you would want to know. Grandma Ruth is feisty and always into something and trouble finds her all the time. She is opinionated, smart and she has away of pulling others along with her into trouble but you just love her and her ways. I love the big family and understand the fun and frustration of big families and Nancy captures this part of the story and it becomes a part of the mystery in a believable way. I think that is what I like about the series is that the people are real and the town, it's people, her bakery all fit and make the book and doesn't take away from the mystery.






This book has everything, a good mystery with an ending that is surprising, family, small town atmosphere, and a little bit of romance added in. This book will not disappoint. If you love mysteries and culinary cozies you have to read this book and series. The gluten free recipes that are included are wonderful too.


check out Nancy J Parra's website for more info on her and her books at
http://www.nancyjparra.com/
Be sure to pick up it comes out on May 6, 2014







Until NEXT TIME:


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I received an advanced reader copy from the author for my honest opinion of this book.

Reading is Important for Children

My love for reading started around fourth grade in school when a teacher took the time to teach me how to sound words out and help me read better. It wasn't a chore anymore and I fell in love with it. As a parent I made sure my kids were read to when they were little and then made sure they had books. They both are readers now, especially my daughter who, like her mother, never leaves home without a book. When my Grandkids came along I started reading to them from the day they were born. When they got older I bought them books. In fact my Granddaughter really began to read when I started buying books that were her own.  They are both adults now and they still read all the time. They still get books from me for their birthdays, Christmas and just any time I can get them one. My littlest Grandson is 2 yrs old and we have made sure he has books too. His mom takes him to the library all the time and he loves to go. I make sure he gets books of his own too and though I don't see him except on weekends I try to make sure we read something when I can. I have been thinking about getting on Skype and read to him but that has not happened yet.


I think it is so important for children to have books and to read. Start them young and hopefully they will learn to love books too. I have said all of this because I thought each week I would try to suggest a book for children and teens. I will not suggest any books that I have not read since I would not know if the content would be suitable. I hope if you have any suggestions for books for kids you will let me know.  I want to get our children back to reading and enjoying books as much as we do.


This week I was thinking the book for kids that my Grandkids loved in grade to middle school was the Charlie Bone series.





Midnight for Charlie Bone (The Children of the Red King #1) by Jenny Nimmo is a great book if you like the unusual. Charlie Bone finds out he is a descendant of the Red King and all of the Red King's descendants have special abilities.  Charlie's father is gone and his mean Aunts make his life miserable. They send him to Bloor Academy which is for special kids, exceptionally smart kids. He finds things to be a little strange at the Academy and that there are secrets to the school, the kids, the Red King and his family. The book is full of magic, intrigue and suspense. If your kids like Fantasy with a little magic and mystery they will like this book and series.


I think that this is suitable for older children maybe grades 4-8 depending on the child. I read it because it was one of my Grandkids favorite books and they wanted me to read it. Reading books that your kids love and want to share with you is a great way of keeping them reading. I read this for that reason but found I enjoyed this book also.


The most important thing is to get the children to read and find something that will keep there interest. If fantasy is something they like then give this book and series a try.


Until Next Time:


GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!
LET'S GET OUR CHILDREN READING TOO!