I believe I enjoyed the second fantastic story in Maymee Bell’s (Tonya Kappes) Southern Baker Mysteries even more than I did the first!  Happy Reading to you, also❣️ 📚 😊


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

BATTER OFF DEAD will have you craving something sweet and wanting to bake one of several recipes shared by the author after the story ends. Bakery owner, Sophia Cummings has found her niche in a charming southern Kentucky town where she bakes pastries to her hearts content at For Goodness Cakes. While catering a fundraiser for a new addition to the local library, Sophia is as shocked as everyone else when a wealthy patron withdraws his half-a-million dollar pledge at the last minute. She’s even more shocked when she stumbles over a body shortly thereafter! The victim managed to aggravate a lot of people making the suspect list plentiful; however, one of Sophie’s closest friends, Madison, a realtor, seems to be at the top of the list.

Sophia’s boyfriend, Sheriff Carter Kincaid, asks her to stay out of the investigation when her shop and home are invaded. Stubborn and determined to clear her friend’s name, Sophie continues sleuthing until the killer confronts her face-to-face with the intent to silence her forever.

This delightful cozy is a treat to read! It flows fast and smooth. Sophie is a wonderful protagonist. The supporting cast is easy to like and there’s almost always something baking. Mmmm. The killer was right before my very eyes and I didn’t even realize who it was until the author reveal. I really enjoyed this book.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

If you’re hooked on Betty Hechtman’s Crochet Mysteries, her latest book should be an automatic read for you. 😊📚 It’s wonderful❣️


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

The lively Tarzana Hookers find out their crocheting skills will be featured on a national television show on the Craftee Channel. Molly befriends Marianne, a group newcomer, who joins the hookers with her companion, Connie. When a seemingly freak accident takes the life of one of the women, Molly’s ex-boyfriend, Detective Barry Greenberg, asks Molly to help him reason out the circumstances leading up to the death since he has suspicions it’s a homicide.

This cozy series features a popular cast of characters who have different personalities yet enjoy getting together socially to crochet. As usual, Molly’s dogs and cats are home to greet her and she loves each one. The killer reveal was a surprise to me. I think Cozy fans—old and new—will enjoy this fast-paced plot. The author shares crochet patterns and recipes at the end of the book.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

Obviously, I love reading cozy mysteries, however, I’ve always loved to color, too!  When super author, Krista Davis created the Pen & Ink Mystery series, it went to the top of my reading list as the protagonist manages a bookstore and is also an adult coloring book artist.  If that sounds interesting to you...read on.....😊 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

Florrie Fox manages a bookstore in Washington, D.C. and is an adult coloring book artist. When her friend Dolly shows her a rare first edition coloring book she found at an estate sale, Florrie unwittingly becomes a target when the estate wants the valuable book back plus international buyers seek to find the book, also. Dolly hid her precious find before someone killed her.

More than one mystery is skillfully blended into this plot and the pace is steady and absorbing. The author has outdone herself inserting mysterious characters into the storyline at different points making you wonder ‘who on earth is this person’ before nicely connecting all the dots at the end. The cast of characters, whether good ones or not-so-good ones, are each enjoyable in their given roles. Delicious recipes to try at end of book.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

I love antique music boxes, and that’s one of the things I enjoy reading about in Mary Ellen Hughes Keepsake Cove Mystery series.  I hope my review will encourage you to read this series. 😊 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

Keepsake Cove is a wonderful town to live in and to visit. There are charming shops to explore, and great places to eat. The protagonist inherited her aunt’s music box shop in which her grampa was the original collector. I enjoy the author’s descriptions of the music boxes and the tunes they play. Featuring some wonderful secondary characters like her shop assistant who likes to dress as ‘famous characters’, and a great new author friend, Lyssa, who has a bubbly personality, plus the male romantic interest who owns a restaurant across the street—the story is fast to pull you in and hold your interest for hours. The murder mystery is captivating and readers may be surprised at the villain. I enjoyed book two slightly more than I did book one and definitely recommend both books to cozy mystery fans.

Image source: Goodreads 

I enjoyed book 2 in Ellen Jacobson’s Mollie McGhie’s Cozy Sailing Mystery series.  Happy Reading! 😊 📚⛴  Release Date:  11-19-18.


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

Scooter and Mollie are a married, rather oddball couple, yet entertaining characters who spend a lot of time at the Marina where their fixer-upper boat is moored. Since Scooter purchased the boat, the Marina has been plagued by murders and Mollie’s like a magnet when it comes to stumbling over dead bodies. They’ve adopted a cool calico cat named Mrs. Moto, and she goes back and forth with them from their cottage to the boat. The supporting cast of characters are quirky, as well, and keep levity in the plot scenes.

Book 2 is a keen cozy mystery revolving around sea turtle nesting, poaching, blackmail and murder. There are several fishy-acting suspects to untangle as to who had the greatest motive, means, and opportunity. I liked this enjoyable, relaxing cozy mystery.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by the author for an honest review. Thank you.

Image source:  Goodreads 

One of the fabulous newer cozy mystery series...A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery By Jacqueline Frost.  It will put you in the Christmas fun spirit! 😊 📚 🎄


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

Reindeer Games is a beautiful Christmas Tree Farm in Mistletoe, Maine, and it’s the perfect winter wonderland to escape to for lots of fun and relaxation. Construction is underway for the new Inn that Holly White will manage, and her family hopes it will be ready by Christmas Day.

Alarm bells start ringing when a local investor, who’s also a womanizer, is found dead in a huge bowl of peppermint candy at the tree lighting ceremony. Caroline, Holly’s best friend, is the top suspect, so Holly starts asking questions around town even though Sheriff Evan Gray, her boyfriend, tells her to let him handle the investigating. I found the writing top-notch as the author skillfully ribbons suspicious characters, including Santa Claus’s, throughout the brilliant plot. Threats to Holly snowball as the real killer’s tension escalates.

The story is a pageturner! Rich in details, the originality of the setup of the town of Mistletoe and the Reindeer Games Tree Farm is simply captivating. I want to visit and stay at the new Inn! The characters are written so friendly and likable or they’re detestable. I loved the magical ending for Holly. I’m excited about book three and looking forward to reading it.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

Tea and cozies—What more can you ask for? 😊📚 A delicious new cozy mystery series from Joy Avon.....


4 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

The debut of the Book Tea Shop Mystery is a nice, quick read. Protagonist, Callie Aspen, a tour guide who’s travelled the world, is visiting her Great Aunt Iphy’s vintage tearoom, Book Tea, in Heart’s Harbor, Maine. Callie brings along a sweet Boston Terrier she’s fostering. The Book Tea is catering at Haywood Hall mansion where matriarch Dorothea Finster is ready to reveal the changes in her new will and, thus, has summoned a family gathering. However, the tea party is interrupted by a vicious crime.

New author, Joy Avon, scatters trails of cookie crumbs from one suspect to another, and so forth, and does a good job of keeping the murderer’s identity a secret until the reveal. There is a second mystery plot that ties up all loose ends, and I enjoyed it, also. As I read this cozy, some of the characters grew on me, and I look forward to future developments with them. I just couldn’t get into the Deputy Falk. The story’s premise has great potential and it will be interesting to read the next book and see what happens to Book Tea.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

3 Star Review By Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

I liked several of the same things in this second book of the Magic Garden series—the mystical garden, the animal characters, and several secondary characters, Hamish, Presha, and Raj—that I enjoyed in book one. In this story, although Fiona should be enjoying the opening of her florist shop, Climbing Rose, instead she’s pulled into a murder involving a prominent citizen in the Scottish village, who had made it clear he didn’t like her or her ancestors before her. There are several suspects to sort through their relationships with the deceased, however, the killer reveal didn’t really surprise me. There aren’t near as many magical garden scenes, and I felt the tone of the plot was overall dreary. Fi’s sister, Isla, has come to stay with her and they bicker constantly. On a positive note, the author continues her great world building and characterization and seems to set the stage for more mystical revelations in the third story. I recommend reading the first book before you read this one or you’ll be lost as to what’s going on.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

Author Lynn Cahoon’s Tourist Trap Mysteries are long-time favorite stories of mine.  I loved this novella, SANTA PUPPY, and hope you will too❣️ 😊 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)
Release Date:  11-6-18

This wonderful Christmastime novella will put you in good spirits for the holidays! Jill and the South Cove gang are volunteering at an animal shelter helping groom dogs and cats for an upcoming adoption event. An older terrier mix, Baby, catches Jill’s eyes, and his background is tied to a recent death, and the heartfelt story of his owner’s past. A happy ending is the gift Cozy Mystery Readers receive at the story’s end. Cookie recipe included.

Image Source: Goodreads 

Looking for a quick read?  Try new cozy author, Jody Holford’s DEADLY NEWS!


4 Star Review by Chatting About (Linda Langford)

First of all, I love the adorable cover showing cute puppy, Tigger. This new series has potential with a likeable protagonist, Molly Owens, and an interesting supporting cast of characters. I found the starting pace peppy, then it slowed in the middle, and picked back up in the latter part of the story. The plot is centered around reporter, Molly, and the newsroom and employees she’s just started working with in the charming seaside town of Britton Bay, Oregon. When one of the staff starts researching a news story and is murdered, can newcomer Molly help police solve the mystery?

Being a very traditional cozy mystery reader, I was both surprised and shocked that Molly quickly established a romantic relationship with mechanic, Sam Alderich. I’m happier when the mystery stays centerstage and any romance develops slowly, along with trust. I also found the killer reveal quite abrupt, and the reasoning a scenario I’ve read many times before. I give this story 3-1/2 Stars which I graded up to a 4 Star Review because I did like Molly and many of the other characters, and I hope to see more originality in future books.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Underground. Thank you.

Image Source: Goodreads 

If you’re looking for a ghost since it’s getting close to Halloween, the Merry Ghost Inn is a great place to visit!  My review is for the third story in the series, so be sure to pick up books one and two and read them all! 👻 😊 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

The body count is rising at the haunted Merry Ghost Inn. The ghost, Orville, has become more active laughing and moving things around and trying to communicate. Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza, love the peace and quiet of the Oregon coastline where their Bed and Breakfast Inn is located. Trouble begins when a local businessman, Jason Northwood, pushes council members to vote for a huge games arcade with a bar he wants to build. Hours after the meeting, Northwood is dead. The author sets up numerous well-known townspeople as suspects. Liza is determined to clear her friend, Doug Griffith’s name with Melanie’s amateur sleuthing help.

I found book three as enjoyable as the first two stories. The plot immediately captured my attention and kept me wondering who the villain was and what their motive could be. The interwoven mystery of Melanie’s missing mother is another interesting part of this plot, and I enjoyed the progression of that investigation, also. Delicious recipe included for your enjoyment.

Note: Spider sightings! Just skip a couple of lines and keep reading. 😊

I reviewed an arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.

Image source: Kate Kingsbury Author

Love crafty Cozies?  New Author, Holly Quinn, debuts the first story in her Hancrafted Mystery series!  Read on.....😊 📚


4 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

Author Holly Quinn debuts a crafty new cozy series set in scenic Wisconsin. Right away, the story appeals emotionally as Sammy Kane, owner of the Community Craft Store thinks of her late friend, Kate, and the close relationship Sammy’s developed with her teenage son, Carter, since Kate’s unexpected death. The town of Heartsford is a close knit and caring community, and Sammy’s store stocks many handmade goods by the townsfolk. Local craft groups also meet at the store.

The victim is a woman not well-liked in the town. Detective Liam Nash is assigned the murder case and Sammy likes his personality. When the investigation isn’t progressing fast enough to suit Sammy, she and her sister, Elle, and their cousin, Heidi, resurrect their childhood detective club, S.H.E., by channeling their inner Nancy Drew’s, and pledge to solve the crime!

Protagonist, Sammy’s character comes across as brusque, at times, and impulsive, however, she’s obviously a caring and concerned citizen. I liked her sister and cousin, too, and Sammy’s faithful golden retriever, Bara. I look for Liam and Sammy’s relationship to heat up in future books.

While the first half of this story moved slowly and dialogue or description was somewhat choppy and stilted at times; the second half read swiftly as revelations came to light and the motive behind the mystery began to make sense. I was flipping pages fast, thoroughly absorbed in the developing plot and eager to know what was going to happen and who the killer would be.

I’m so glad I kept reading because I enjoyed all the bits and pieces coming together for a satisfying conclusion. The author includes two sock patterns for knitters.

I reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books.  Thank you.

Image source:  Author Holly Quinn

Who loves Mardi Gras season?  Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country cozy series may be just the kind of mysteries you’re looking for! 😊 📚


4 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

It’s Mardi Gras time in Pelican, Louisiana, and everyone wants to let the good times roll! However, after a flood, a murdered body floats up with no ID, and the partying must wait. Protagonist, Maggie Crozat, her lawman boyfriend, Bo, plus family and friends; must piece together remnants from the past that intertwine with current situations to find out the killer’s motive and solve the mystery. There are interesting historical facts in the plot and the characters are realistic and well-developed. An enjoyable whodunnit with humor!

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane. Thank you.
Release Date: 10.9.18

Image Source: Goodreads 

One of my all-time favorite cozy mystery series....A Scrapbooking Mystery by Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran ❣️ 📚  This is Book #15, GLITTER BOMB, and I highly recommend you read every book in the series, beginning at book one. 😊


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)
Release Date:  10/2/18

Scrapbook Mystery # 15 begins with a Mardi Gras float that goes BOOM and rains a glitterstorm upon the surrounding crowd which includes Carmella Bertrand and bestie, Ava Gruiex. Through the shimmering haze they see a body sprawled on the ground. Carmella’s ex-husband, Shamus, was on the float, and he’s okay, however; his krewe captain’s last breath was smothered out with his airway blocked by glitter. Detective Edgar Babcock, Carmella’s love, is fast to the scene, questioning witnesses, and organizing a search for the “Neptune Bomber”. It seems the victim, Hughes Wilder, had made some bad investments with a huge wad of investors’ money, and somebody decided he should pay with his life.

Humor-filled scenes with non-stop action make this story a pageturner. Ain’t nobody put a ring on either Carmella or Ava’s fingers so the two bachelorettes continue to party, drink, and enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities while they make their way around the French Quarter snooping, asking questions, and nearly getting themselves blown to smithereens. Ms. Childs and co-author, Ms. Moran, keep the dialogue snappy and the pace fiesty hoping their sleuthing efforts will stamp out one suspect in particular with motive to kill and some detonation skills. The plot in this long-running, fan favorite cozy series sparkles and shines like strands of Mardi Gras beads. The trademark originality from both the writer’s guarantees a genuine keeper for cozy mystery book shelves! Handy Scrapbooking Tips and Delicious Recipes to try follow the story.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 What’s A Cozy Mystery? 📚 📚 📚 📚 📚 

Normally, there’s a murder; a whodunnit storyline. (Nothing really gory, though.)

Plenty of red herrings cast about to trick you into believing A, B, C, or D did it; then near the end, you find out it was actually E!! (Writer’s are sneaky!)

Hardly any mushy, lovey, kissy stuff...or just a hint of it.

Usually, a cute dog or cat companion to help the (usually) female sleuth find the killer.

Humor.

Quaint setting.

None, or very little offensive language.

Cozies are for the ladies and the gentlemen to enjoy!

I enjoy the Deputy Donut Mystery series.  This is book 2.  It’s well-written and entertaining.  Enjoy! 😊 📚



5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)
Release Date:  8.28.18

As the story begins, Emily and Tom, co-owners Of Deputy Donut Cafe, are preparing a donut wall for the wedding reception of the business owner next door, Jenn. After the “I Do’s”, Roger, the groom, stuffs himself with crullers and keels over dead. Tox reports point to poison. Tough and gruff outsider, Detective Passenmath, would enjoy pinning the murder on Emily and Tom and be done with it; however, they have friends with the local police department, and that’s not going to happen.

The story moves along at a steady clip with a great cast of characters. Plenty of suspects are provided for readers to sort out who had means, motive, and opportunity to snuff out the groom. This is a great cozy for an afternoon of reading. Delicious recipes follow the story.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

3 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)
Release Date: 8.28.18

I enjoy all things pet-related in the Pet Palace Cozy series. The returning cast of characters in book two is enjoyable, and I love protagonist Sue Patrick’s schnauzer, Abby. Lady Anthea’s presence livens up the scenes as I get to know her better.

The writing in the first third of this story seemed disjointed and, therefore, confusing. The last half was better. I definitely enjoyed the debut book much better. However, the plot of Support Your Local Pug does have interesting moments via the mystery path, plus some humor.

I reviewed a digital arc from NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Press. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads 

I absolutely loved this debut story in V.M. Burns new series, The Dog Club Mysteries!  😊 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)
Release Date:  August 21, 2018
Kensington Lyrical

I love cozies, poodles, and strong, capable female characters, so I definitely loved this debut book! Protagonist, Lilly Anne’s hubby of 25 years is divorcing her, and their daughter, Stephanie, is her lawyer while Albert lawyers up with high-powered attorney, Charles Nelson. Let the fun begin! Lilly’s longtime friend, Dixie (Scarlett Johnson), arrives to visit with 3 poodles along. One is a black toy poodle, Aggie, who absolutely stole my heart and Lilly Anne’s, too! Now, these two girl friends are going to have fun together and the dogs are going to help them! Before you can say ‘woof!’, however, somebody offs Albert! The books at the car dealership they owned look suspicious. Lilly Anne can’t believe Albert was so stupid and left her such a mess to decipher.

Humor scenes galore kept me giggling throughout this entertaining storyline. The poor old man in the wheelchair—bless his heart—I loved his connection to Lilly Anne. I really liked Officer Joe and his K-9 dog, Turbo. Reading this new cozy mystery was a treat! I look forward to the next book in the Dog Club series.

I reviewed an arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical. Thank you.



Image source: Goodreads 

Hi Cozy Readers!

I’ve been collecting Cozy News since March so I may have some tidbits y’all haven’t heard about.  Enjoy! 😊 📚

Sherry Harris....Let’s Fake A Deal (Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #7), July 2019.  Also contracted for Books 8 & 9❣️

Sherry Harris....*New Series In 2019!  The Chloe Jackson Redneck Riviera Mystery.  Set in the Florida panhandle.

Daryl Wood Gerber....Wreath Between the Lines (Cookbook Nook #7)

Duffy Brown....Wedding Day & Foul Play (Consignment Shop #6) in 2019.

T.C. LoTempio....Signed a 3-Book contract for A Purr N Bark Pet Shop Series.  The Time for Murder is Meow #1.

Paige Shelton....The Loch Ness Papers (Scottish Bookshop #4)  Also contracted for Books 5 & 6❣️

Jenny Kales....A Stew To Kill (Callie’s Kitchen #4).  Releasing August 2018.

Leslie Budewitz....Chai Another Day (Spice Shop Mystery #4).  May 2019.

Kay Finch....The Black Cat Steps On a Crack (Bad Luck Cat Mystery #4).  Also contracted for Books 5 & 6.

Tracey Weber....Murder Likes It Hot (Downward Dog #6).  Possibly #7, Vinyasa Vendetta (proposal submitted, but not sold).

Catherine Burns....Tomato Sauce is Lethal (Italian Cook Mystery #1), winter 2019.

Krista Davis....The Diva Sweetens the Pie (Domestic Diva #12) in 2019.

Kate Collins....New series in 2019, Goddess Of Greene St. is a spin-off of the Flower Shop Mysteries.

Julia Buckley....Death Waits In The Dark (A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery #4) April 2, 2019.

Jenn McKinlay....Buried To the Brim (Hat Shop Mystery #6), in 2020.

Juliet Blackwell....Bewitched & Betrothed (A Wishcraft Mystery)

Miranda James....The Pawful Truth (A Cat in the Stacks Mystery # 10).  July 2019.

Linda Wiken writing as Essie Lang (readers also know her as Erika Chase)....New series from Crooked Lane Books In 2019—The Castle Bookshop Mystery.  It involves a bookstore, in a castle, in the Thousand Islands.

I’m always interested in great food, and Daryl Wood Gerber’s French Bistro Mystery series makes for some delicious reading.  Ms. Gerber has the touch when it comes to excellent culinary cozy writing.  I recommend her Cookbook Nook Mystery series and her Cheeseshop Mysteries written as Avery Aames.  Enjoy! 📚 😊



5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

A delicious addition to the French Bistro Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber.  Amidst all the eating, drinking, and merriment at Bistro Rousseau, Mimi’s head chef, Camille, has to face the tragic death of her sister, Renee.  Evidence reveals there is a killer at large during Napa Valley’s Crush Week.

I enjoyed getting to know more about Mimi and the great cast of characters from book one as they continue in their work and personal lives.  The lengths the perpetrator goes to stop anyone from finding out their identity keeps the story lively and intriguing.  The author provides delicious-sounding recipes for readers to try.

I reviewed an ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.

Release Date:  July 10, 2018

Image source:  Goodreads 

Farm living is a happy place to be until Murder happens!  Lynn Cahoon brings us the second fabulous story in her Farm-To-Fork Mystery series.  Happy Reading! 😊 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

You’ll want to book your reservations to the County Seat well in advance for a nice table with a great view while you enjoy a batch of Chef Angie Turner’s fried green tomatoes! Angie and her friend/co-partner, Felicia, have their new restaurant running smoothly when head sous chef, Estebe takes a leave of absence after a family member, Javier, is accused of murder and jailed. Author Lynn Cahoon scatters seeds of doubt among the cast of characters who come and go through the doors of the County Seat. As one family wars for control of a legacy, the guilty wilt and show their hand under the pressure the sheriff and Angie put them under.

Fresh as rain the springtime, this fast moving plot grows on you, and there are bushels of clues to sift through. I adore Angie’s St. Bernard puppy, Dominic, who is one of her protectors, along with her boyfriend, Ian. Neighbor, Mrs. Potter, provides lots of chuckles as she moves over and spends a week with Angie and they comically ‘speak a different language’! 😊 Farm living is one of the ‘in’ themes for cozy mystery’s, and I’m sure enjoying this tasty series!

I reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington. Thank you.

Image source:  Goodreads 

If you’re a dog lover like me, a new Melanie Travis Canine Mystery is always a treat to read! 😊 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

Ruff Justice”, Book 22 in the popular Melanie Travis Canine Mysteries, is a witty masterpiece for fans of pets and dog show competitions. For the Travis family, raising and showing standard poodles is a daily part of their household life. As son, Davey, struggles to lead his dog, Augie, to a championship win, Melanie and Aunt Peg begin to follow a trail of dog treats to expose an unscrupulous theft ring using its ties to the dog show competitors to set up robberies. Ms. Berenson knows the ins and outs of the dog show business and her characters are likable and family oriented. I enjoy the combination of numerous dogs; the hecticness of Melanie and husband Sam’s life with young sons and Aunt Peg; and the excitement at the dog competitions. I doubt I could keep up with a dog in all the backstage flurry at one of the shows! The mystery is well-hidden in the plot structure, but there are clues to stir your curiosity as to who the culprit may be. I’ve never read a book in this series that I didn’t enjoy!

I reviewed an ARC provided by the author. Thank you.


Image source: Goodreads

I recently discovered a new author, Ellen Jacobson, and enjoyed reading her first venture into the cozy mystery world.  In MURDER AT THE MARINA, Jacobson takes readers on a light, fun journey that is perfect for summer reading. 😊 📚


4 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

A light, humorous and original cozy mystery! New author, Ellen Jacobson, debuts with protagonist Mollie McGhie, a wife who wants diamonds for her anniversary and instead gets Marjorie Jane; a dilapidated sailboat, from her husband, Scooter. The boat is moored at a marina where some fishy business appears to be going on. Mollie and Scooter are innocently trapped in the midst of some criminal activity when a man is murdered on their boat. Mollie is strong-willed and observant and soon begins to piece together who done what. There are many comical moments throughout the story as the suspect list is whittled down. I enjoyed the surprise ending. Cat lovers will like Mrs. Moto.

I reviewed an ARC provided by the author. Thank you.

Image source: Goodreads