ARC Review: Bending the Paw

 

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 fun, light cozy mystery series where readers get the perspective of the K-9 as well as the human detective, this entry has newly-engaged officer Megan wrestling with a crime scene drenched in blood, as well as a possible scam artist making their way through her city.

I enjoyed the characters and their relationships, especially Megan and her now-fiance Seth, and the bond each of them have with their dogs. The search for the scam artist, as the lower stakes crime, lends itself to some moments of humor and clever detecting, while the bloody home has heartbreakingly high stakes. I did figure out the solution to the bigger crime before it was officially revealed, but that didn't mean it felt any less clever or unique. 

This isn't a series I go and actively seek out, but when I get to read one, I always end up enjoying it. This is a great match for dog lovers and mystery lovers alike.

ARC Review: Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe

 

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.

Thad doesn't expect to find love when he wanders into a new restaurant, but he is instantly smitten with the chef, Sam. The feeling seems to be mutual, but the secrets Sam and his family are hiding may be too much for Thad to handle. Meanwhile, while Sam is unavailable every full moon, a beast is stalking and brutally murdering gay men.

The cover and summary make it pretty clear this is going to be a story that includes a minimum of one werewolf. While this isn't my favorite book including shifters (The Parasol Protectorate and They Bite series are much stronger to me), I did enjoy reading this. Thad and Sam have a lot of chemistry, and the horror aspect of this book is truly scary. The story felt a little rushed at times, like there were some scenes missing, but the story came together well.

ARC Review: Invisible Girl

 

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

In Invisible Girl, readers see the story through the eyes of three main characters: Owen, a man accused of sexual misconduct, full of fury and disbelief at the way his life has turned out; Saffrye, a young girl with an attachment to her former therapist, hoping to figure out a way to fix the parts of her she fears are irrecovably broken; and Cate, the wife of Saffrye's former therapist, who just wants to keep her family safe and together. When Saffrye disappears, every character is forced to look inside themselves and face the truths they've been hiding from.

Jewell tackles the difficult topics of sexual assault and the incel "community" head on, with her complex characters and suspenseful storyline keeping readers turning pages. This is definitely not a light read, but it flies by. My one complaint is that, even though Jewell explicitly has her characters say that there is no such as a perfect happy ending, the ending seemed a little too pat for everything that had come before.

ARC Review: Without a Brew

 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.

This cozy mystery series, centered around a female brewmaster, continues to be one of my absolute favorites. In this entry, said brewmaster Sloan and her business partner/friend/partner in crime Garrett are getting ready to open the bed part of their bed and beer and breakfast. But some unexpected arrivals means a combative combination of guests, an unfortunate circumstance that leads to murder.

Alexander's excellent descriptive writing style makes me want to visit this small village and try all the beers at Nitro-and also hang out with Sloan and Garrett, who have such a fun, lovely, supportive friendship (that may someday lead to something more). The mystery is an excellent one as well, with lots of twists and turns, secrets from the past, hidden connections, and suspense. My only complaint is the subplot about Sloan's past and the truth about her former in laws is starting to feel a little farfetched and like it doesn't really fit in with the tone of the series.

I've said it before, and I will say it again-if you are a cozy mystery fan, this is a series you should definitely check out. I would recommend starting from the first book in the series so you really get all the character development and backstory,

ARC Review: Cardiff, By the Sea

 

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.

Cardiff, By the Sea is a collection of four new Joyce Carol Oates novellas. While classified as suspense on the cover, there is absolutely an element of horror to these as well, a discomforting creeping sense of dread in each story.

Oates once again expertly explores the complicated and complex realities of life as a woman, whether it is a young woman's fear of her changing body and the effect it has on the men around her, or the authority a male professor can wield over a female student. Oates also plays with the effect of the past on the present, especially how the past still has the power to haunt and hurt.

I love Oates' writing, but I wasn't as in love with this collection as I had hoped I would be. Every story was strong and gripping, but then the endings left me feeling unsatisfied or confused. The story "Miao Dao" is the only one that was full of twists and turns and still managed to leave me feeling like I understood. This uncertainity may very well be the point of the collection, or I may just be the only one who was left confused, but I definitely prefer other Oates' stories I have read. This is absolutely an incredibly well written read, just not my favorite.

Review: Beyond a Reasonable Stout

 

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Set in the small village of Leavenworth, Washington, the series is centered around Sloan Krause, a beer brewer. Sloan previously worked at the largest brewery in the village, with her (soon to be ex) husband and the family who took her in as one of their own. Now, finding her own path, Sloan helps run Nitro, a small brewery specializing in unique craft beers. 

Sloan also has a tendency to find herself involved in mysteries, and in this story, she is asked by a murder suspect to help prove her innocence. A very unpopular politician has been murdered, and Sloan must wade through the plethora of suspects. By her side, she has her business partner and close friend Garrett, their coworker Kat, and Sloan's son Alex. During this, Sloan, who was a foster child, has also gotten back in touch with her case worker, and is finding out some disturbing information about her past.

I just really love this series. The characters and relationships are all so well-written. I have a special place in my heart for Sloan, a strong and smart businesswoman finding her way after the breakdown of her marriage. I also love Garrett, who is a self-proclaimed beer nerd and a deeply loyal friend. Sloan  and Garrett's friendship is my favorite relationship in the books, and I would not be opposed to the possibility of romance that is being hinted at. 

The setting really comes alive, and the mysteries always have great twists and turns, and suspenseful surprising endings. I highly recommend this series!

ARC Review: Lost and Found

 

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.

Benjamin lived through war, survived to Armistice, but cannot remember so much of what happened. Clinging to what he does know, he travels to Paris in an attempt to find his best friend Elias, who also fought in the war. In Paris, he meets Louis, a dance teacher who can no longer fully dance, and Louis offers to help him in his search. As they travel around Paris, they find themselves falling for each other, but Benjamin must reconcile what he's been taught and what he can't remember with what he truly feels.

With not being able to travel right now, being able to read about Paris like this was wonderful. The descriptions really come alive and, though I visited in a different time period, it made me remember what it was like to be in that amazing city.

Benjamin and Louis's romance is definitely a slow burn, but it makes complete sense given their backgrounds and what they are going through. I was rooting for them both as individuals and as a couple the entire story, and was very happy with where they ended up.

This book does not pull punches when it comes to sorrow and loss, but there is so much love and life in the story as well.

ARC Review: Premeditated Myrtle

 

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. 

Myrtle is the twelve year old daughter of a widowed lawyer, armed with her exceptional studying of all things criminal science and her brilliant and extraordinarily competent governess. When Myrtle notices something seems to be wrong with her neighbor, she sets off a murder investigation that will have her using all her skills and all her strengthes to save the day.

I absolutely loved this book. Myrtle feels like a real twelve year old. Her emotional states, reactions, humor, and relationships all feel authentic. She has an area of expertise few twelve year olds have, but that's because that is the area she has chosen to focus her attention on. 

Every supporting character is so well-done, and all play an important role. It's truly hard to pick a favorite, though I am partial to Myrtle's wonderful governess, Miss Judson. The settings are so well-described, you feel like you've walked through every one of the buildings and along every street. The solution to the mystery is an excellent one as well, with lots of suspense and daring.

I'm very excited to see what comes next in this series, I can't wait!