It’s been awhile since the first two books in the Cypress Cove Mysteries were published.  Carlene O’Neil is now back with book three and it’s an entertaining story!  I hope y’all enjoy it as much as I did. 😊 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery. Protagonist Penny Lively owns a winery near the Central California coast. Her cousin, Annie’s life and livelihood are abruptly threatened when the veterinary clinic she co-owns with Brian is broken into and he’s murdered. The obvious motive would appear to be drug-related, however; is the real reason that obvious? People aren’t who they seem is the classic theme throughout this excellent mystery.

The story’s fast-paced. The author pens an amazing plot which steadily unveils layer after layer of disturbing clues. I enjoyed the cute pets, the engaging characters, and an ending you’ll never see coming! I highly recommend y’all read this mystery!

I reviewed a digital arc from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.


Image source: Goodreads

Maymee Bell (better known as Tonya Kappes) serves a delicious cozy mystery with the debut of CAKE & PUNISHMENT, the first book in A Southern Cake Baker Series.  Y’all don’t miss this one❣️ 📚


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)
Crooked Lane Books
Release Date:  5.8.18

Sophia Cummings left the hustle and bustle of New York City for much slower paced Rumford, Kentucky. Her relationship is in ruins, and resulted in her being fired from her job as a successful pastry chef. Sophia agrees to help bake pastries for several local events although she only plans to stay about a week longer. When Chef Emile at the country club is apparently murdered in cold blood; gossip says he had affairs with several of the club members, with or without their husbands’ knowledge. The number of people who disliked Emile is enormous and the suspect list is long. When Sophia casually starts snooping and asking questions, her life is threatened. Can the handsome Police Chief Carter pinpoint a killer and keep Sophia safe from harm?

I found this story a scrumptious debut cozy from Maymee Bell (aka Tonya Kappes). It’s a well written and polished Southern cozy and I felt right at home and immediately immersed in the dialogue and scenes. The pacing is steady and held my interest at all times. I like when the protagonist finds what they’ve been looking for right in front of their eyes. I believe readers who are fans of culinary Cozies will love Cake and Punishment! I look forward to reading book two. The author includes some delicious sounding, down-home recipes!


Image source: Goodreads 

I recently went on vacation, and I wanted a ‘beach story’ to read.  I found one I really enjoyed.  Happy Cozy Reading! 😊 📚


4 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

First of all, this is a new author for me. I was looking for a good beach read, and this cute cover attracted me. Secondly, I enjoyed the story, finding it steady paced with the picturesque island/beach setting I had hoped for. Protagonist Piper Lane and her French bulldog, Jasper, dig up a body on the beach soon after Piper, her sister Page, and niece Blaine arrive and see the dilapidated, 3-Story, Bed and Breakfast they pooled their money together and purchased sight unseen. The mystery that follows the discovery of the body is crisp, clean, and enjoyable! I plan to continue reading the rest of the books in the Sunrise Island series for light, summer reads.

Image source: Goodreads 

There’s a new pet cozy series! 😊🐩🐈  Kyla Colby makes a strong debut with GREYHOUND AT THE GRAVESITE, book one in the Pets Reporter Mystery series. 📚  Available today in paperback on Amazon, and on Kindle ebook on 5.21.18 ($2.99).  Enjoy!



5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

I enjoyed this debut cozy from beginning to end! It’s book one of the Pets Reporter Mystery series, and sure to be a hit with readers who love their pet cozies❣️ The story begins with seasoned crime reporter, Sam Hodges, return home to small town Birchwood, IL after being fired and ditched by her boyfriend. In the cozy town of Birchwood, pets are welcome everywhere. Living in a town such as this one is soooo appealing. Soon, Sam’s old boss, Frank, offers her the Pets Reporter position at the local newspaper and she accepts. When Sam goes to interview Henrietta Deveaux, owner of Retired Racer Greyhound Rescue, she doesn’t have a clue as to how someone in the peaceful town is hiding behind a mask of vengeance that’s strong enough to premeditate and carry out a murder.

Full of originality in its entertaining storyline, Greyhound at the Gravesite is a charming, fun, and easy read. Most of the characters—both human and animal—are endearing and memorable. The author provides several potential suspects strong enough to keep me guessing whodunnit until the end. Pumpernickel, the greyhound, is a scene stealer❣️ Pet lovers’ will definitely want to read this cozy mystery.

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


Image source:  Goodreads 

I really enjoyed the debut of BETTER OFF READ by Nora Page (A Bookmobile Mystery #1).  If you love libraries and books, you’ll love the strong protagonist who’s determined no one and nothing will take away her beloved library or bookmobile!  And...who could resist the darling cover?  Happy Cozy Reading ❣️ 📚 😊


BETTER OFF READ by Nora Page
A Bookmobile Mystery #1
Crooked Lane Books
Release Date:  May 8, 2018


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

Hand me a book with a lovely Georgia setting, a few corrupt citizens aligned against some honest folks, and combine it all with an enticing mystery, and I’m happy!  The protagonist is a young 75 year old librarian—Cleo—who is strong, capable, and fun!  When the town’s new mayor gets it in his craw that they need a fishing pier and casino and he’ll just cut out the funds for Cleo’s precious library and Words on Wheels bookmobile to pay for them, she’s determined to show him how misguided his plans are.

Then her best friend, Mary-Rose and her eccentric neighbor, Buford, get into a dispute over the fresh spring water that runs between their properties and one of them suddenly croaks!  Cleo puts her knack for sleuthing to test with the help of Henry—a nice bookstore owner—who’s enamoured of Cleo, and Gabby, a female police officer who’s also Cleo’s neighbor and friend.  Rhett Butler, Cleo’s library cat, and Mr. Chaucer, Henry’s old pug, are usually along for all the excitement!

Author, Nora Page introduces readers to an outstanding cast of characters and a lively plot.  I so enjoyed Cleo’s spirit and passion for books and her loyalty to her patrons.  The story moves along swiftly—I didn’t want to put it down!  I didn’t guess the killer’s identity or motive, so this is a great whoddunit that snared my attention.  The Hummingbird Cake recipe included is similar to one my mother used to make.

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

Image source:  Goodreads 

Ready for a new crafty crochet cozy mystery?  Betty Hechtman’s fan favorite Crochet Mystery series returns with ON THE HOOK!  Happy Reading ❣️ 📚


ON THE HOOK by Betty Hechtman
A Crochet Mystery
Crooked Lane Books
Release Date:  May 8, 2018


4 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford

A Crafty Murder Mystery 

The Tarzana Hookers gather to embrace a charity project and concentrate on crocheting much needed baby blankets in a short time period.  Protagonist Molly Pink, is the assistant manager at a bookstore where they meet to select yarn, chat, and nimbly make their hooks fly.  One of the members, Elise, is a newly licensed realtor and eagerly shows Molly and Adele one of her husband’s listings unaware that the owner’s corpse is downstairs!  One of them unknowingly leaves their scarf behind and the police find it when the body is discovered by another realtor.  Detective Barry Greenberg investigates the case and cautions Molly to stop asking questions.  Molly doesn’t want to see any of her friends get in trouble.

For fans of Betty Hechtman’s Crochet Mystery series, you’ll recognize familiar characters and enjoy Molly’s menagerie of pets throughout the story.  The plot makes for a quick and easy read.  I was surprised at who the culprit turned out to be.  Crochet pattern included for your enjoyment.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books.

Image Source:  Goodreads 

I loved FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY by Amanda Flower, the debut of her new Forgotten Garden Mysteries.  If you enjoy stories by Heather Blake and Bailey Cattrelll’s ‘Enchanted Garden’ Series, I believe you’ll enjoy this para-cozy series.


FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY by Amanda Flower
A Forgotten Garden Mystery #1
Release Date:  May 8, 2018
Crooked Lane Books


5 Star Review by Chatting About Cozies (Linda Langford)

I’d been wishing for a cozy that would take me away to a whimsical, magical place for a few hours relaxation.  “Flowers and Foul Play” is that creation.  The story is a combination murder mystery and the mystery of how the mystical garden comes to life in protagonist Fiona Knox’s presence.  Fiona’s godfather, Ian, has passed along his Scottish ancestors magic found in the garden behind the hobbit-like door.  I found myself completely charmed by the animal characters who often appear in scenes.  I loved the inclusion of pirate treasure nesting in the nearby sea—that part of history is always thrilling to me.  I can hardly wait to learn more about the characters introduced in this debut story; notably Presha and Raj.  I also sense we’ll learn much more about the secret gifts Fiona has inherited.  I thoroughly enjoyed the paranormal plot twists!

I reviewed an advanced Readers digital copy from NetGalley and Crooked Lane.

Image Source:  Goodreads 

April 2018 Cozy Mystery Review

I read 7 cozies in April, and enjoyed each one!  My husband and I took a vacation to Galveston, TX, but that didn’t stop me from reading my Cozies while we were there!  How many cozy mysteries did you read in April?


1.  The Spook In The Stacks by Eva Gates (Lighthouse Library Mystery #4) 6.12.18
2.   Playing with Bonbon Fire by Dorothy St. James (Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery #2)
3.   Secrets, Lies, & Crawfish Pies By Abby L. VanDiver (Romaine Wilder Mystery #1) 6.12.18*
4.   A Crafter Knits A Clue by Holly Quinn (A Handcrafted Mystery #1)  10.9.18*
5.   Bear Witness To Murder by Meg Macy (a Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery #2) 5.29.18
6.   The Diva Cooks Up A Atorm by Krista Davis (Domestic Diva #11)  5.29.18
7.   Rockets’ Dead Glare by Lynn Cahoon (A Tourist Trap Novella)  6.5.18

*Debut New Cozy Series

Image from Thankful Thirteen