ARC Review: Madrigals and Mayhem

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion or my review itself.

It’s Christmas time in Cambridge, and Molly is thrilled to decorate the bookstore she now co owns. But after meeting Charlotte, who is passionate about bringing her grandfather’s toy store back to life, strange things start to happen. There is a poisoning, and a search for a highly valuable Madame Alexander doll. To help solve the case, Molly joins the cast of Madrigals and Mayhem.

I love the setting of this. Cambridge really comes alive, as do the stores depicted. The characters have big personalities that really work within this story, and their storylines are compelling. The various mysteries are good too. If you enjoy a nice holiday cozy, this one just might be for you. 

ARC Review: Perfect Girl

 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself. 

Jessa has always been the “perfect girl”, following all the rules, never shirking her responsibilities. But this perfect girl status now has her and her friends at the most horrifying sleepover of their lives.

First of all, the cover of this book is great. It got me interested right away. The book itself was definitely scary, and Jessa and her friends are characters to root for. While the story didn’t entirely grab me the way others in this genre have (maybe I called the twist too early?), the absolute creepiness of it all kept me reading and I’m glad I did.

If you are looking for a quick scary young adult read filled with compelling characters, I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Guilt and Ginataan

 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself. 

Lila and her Brew-ha Cafe best buddies have a booth at the Corn Festival, selling delicious food and drinks. But when they decide to race through the corn maze, one friend is found unconscious, next to a knife and a very dead woman. Now Lila, and her friends and family, have to solve the crime and prove their friend innocent. 

This, along with the Laura Child’s Tea Shop series, might just be my favorite cozy mystery series, and one of my favorites series out there. The characters are so vibrant and wonderful, and you become completely invested in them and their lives. The setting comes alive and feels like a place you want to visit. The romance is weaved in beautifully, and all the platonic and romantic relationships are great. And the food! I want to eat it all! The mystery is always really good as well. I highly recommend this book. 

Review: Still See You Everywhere

 I received a copy of this book from Novel Suspects and NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself. 

When a woman on death row asks Frankie Elkin to find her long-lost sister, Frankie very reluctantly agrees. It does mean she gets to go to paradise, after all. But when Frankie gets there, she quickly realizes nothing is quite what it seems, and she might not come out of this one alive.

First off, the main character, Frankie, is highly complicated and a total badass. She’s not perfect by any means, but she tries, and she’s a survivor. And being a survivor is definitely a skill she needs in this story.

There is so much action, so many twists and turns, so many genuinely scary moments. This is a book that does not let up and I loved that about it. I would recommend this book.   

ARC Review: Sleep in Heavenly Pizza

 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

A catering gig around the holidays and a snow sculpture contest reveal a murder to Delilah, the main character/amateur detective of the story. Complicating matters even more is her policeman boyfriend working the case, on top of her semi-estranged family unexpectedly arriving in town. 

While this is a cozy mystery about a murder (and a chilling one, at that), this is also a story about the holidays and family. There’s a real poignant nostalgia for the days of a big family holiday celebration that Delilah remembers so well. Exploring this, and Delilah’s complicated romance, add real layers to the book. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Knife Before Christmas

 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself. 

In this cozy mystery, Shannon is in charge of the construction and restoration of a big deal local hotel. She is even helping them build a giant Christmas carnival on the grounds, complete with a carousel. But when murder strikes, can Christmas be saved?

This is a fun cozy mystery series, with a strong female lead character. The supporting characters are complicated and interesting, and the romances are sweet. The setting is fantastic, especially the carnival, and the mystery is a good one. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Bitter End

 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

A group of mostly-privileged teenagers ends up on a digital detox excursion rather than the more glamorous trips the other students get to go on. But it turns out it’s all by design when the teens start dying one by one.

This is my kind of book, a homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. It’s got a real eerie, horror movie sense to it, and is full of suspense. I liked the twist ending as well. I would recommend this book.