ARC Review: The Heiress

 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.

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Ruby is perhaps the nation’s most infamous heiress, having been kidnapped as a child and then found, as well as having been married to four husbands who all died in different ways. Her adopted son Camden wants nothing to do with the family after she dies, starting a new life with a wife and a teaching job. But Camden and his wife, Jules, find themselves pulled back in to the McTavish empire, with consequences far beyond what they could have imagined. 

This book was so good, as is everything Hawkins writes. The mysteries around Ruby’s life are so intriguing, and so well laid out. And the twists! One actually had me gasping out loud. I would definitely recommend this book, and all of Hawkins’ works. 

ARC Review: Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe Investigations

 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.

Holmes. Miss Marple and Poe Investigations by James Patterson and Brian Sitts

Three detectives with famous last names and unknowable pasts. A plethora of cases for them to solve. Patterson and Sitts have created a fun new series with great unique, complex characters, and good mysteries for them to solve. I flew through this book, finding myself really invested and really enjoying it. I’m hopeful that this series continues. 

ARC Review: Coconut Drop Dead

 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. 

Coconut Drop Dead by Olivia Matthews 

Spice Isle Bakery is thriving, and is lined up to be a vendor at the Caribbean American Heritage Festival. Lyndsay Murray, who owns the bakery with her family, has also earned a reputation as a bit of a Nancy Drew, who has solved two previous murder cases. So when the lead singer of a popular band dies, Lyndsay begins working with the police, including her crush Detective Bryce, to solve the crime.

This is a great cozy mystery series. The descriptions of food and drink alone are amazing. The family is such a strong, loving, resourceful group of characters, each unique. Lyndsay is a very strong main female character. The mystery is a great one as well, with lots of suspects and possibilities. I would recommend this series, and this book. 

Cozy ARC Reviews: The Twelve Books of Christmas, and Public Anchovy #1

 I received an ARC of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. These did not affect my opinions of the books or my reviews themselves. 

The Twelve Books of Christmas by Kate Carlisle

When Brooklyn, a rare book restorer, and her husband Derek are called to Scotland to celebrate their dear friends’ wedding, they jump at the chance. Brooklyn also may be able to help solve the mystery of the missing books, but she’ll have to contend with murder as well.

This was an okay cozy mystery. My biggest complaint was that the ostentatious wealth of everyone involved got to be a little much. The characters were fun and engaging, but them being just so casually rich took some of the fun out of it. 

The mystery was a good one, but the solution was a little predictable-not the why, but the who. I seem to remember liking this series, so maybe it’s just this particular entry that was merely okay for me. 

Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley 

Delilah and her staff at her pizza restaurant have been hired to cater a large fancy party. But during the evening events, a death occurs-accident or murder? Delilah and Detective Capone must once again team up to solve the crime before there’s more death during the night. 

I loved this book. The reoccurring characters are so great, and the steps ahead in the romance department finally happened, which made me very happy. The setting of an isolated party, which no one could leave due to weather circumstances, where everyone is trapped with the unknown killer, is one of my favorites, and Quigley does a great job with it. I would recommend this book, and this series. 

ARC Review: Finding My Elf

 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. 

Finding My Elf by David Valdes

Cameron’s life isn’t going the way he always planned. He’s not succeeding in theater at NYU, and is in danger of losing his scholarship. So he finds himself back in his hometown for Christmas, working as an elf at Santaland in the mall in an attempt to make enough money to help out with college. But little does he know becoming an elf may just be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

I loved this book-found family, romance (and oh, the romance! I shipped Cameron and his true paramour so hard!), the magic of the holidays, finding your true self…this is a perfect read for the holiday season. It will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. I definitely recommend this book, especially during this month. 

ARC Review: Sniffing Out Murder

 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. 

Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin

Pris has decided to focus her full attention on her children’s book series, featuring her beloved bloodhound as a detective. What she hadn’t counted on was some romance, and even murder!

This is a fun cozy series. Bailey the bloodhound is a great character in his own right, and reads as a very sweet and realistic dog. Pris has some great bonds with some of the townspeople, and I was a big fan of the developing romance. The mystery was also a good one, with a lot of twists, and a final twist I didn’t call until right before it happened. I would recommend this book.

ARC Review: Death in the Dark Woods

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

Death in the Darks Woods by Annelise Ryan

This is the second book in a new mystery series following a cryptozoologist investigating possible sightings tied to murders. The cryptozoologist, Morgan, also has a fabulous dog and a fascinating bookstore. In this entry in the series, Morgan is called in to investigate some brutal attacks that some have attributed to Bigfoot. 

I am really enjoying this series. The books are a little darker than a cozy mystery, but still much lighter fare than a psychological thriller. Morgan is a great, strong character with a complex background, and the supporting characters are strong as well. I am especially enjoying the hint of romance sprinkled throughout. It’s also fascinating to have a cryptozoologist as a main character and learn about that world. I would recommend this book and this series.