Two Challenge Wrap Ups

I completed two challenges and here are the wrap up posts...

Blog Tour: Dead in the Water by Denise Swanson (Review)

About the Book

Genre: Cozy Mystery, #1 in Welcome Back to Scumble River Mystery Series
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Release Date: September 5, 2017

Blog Tour: Body on Baker Street: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by Vicki Delany (Review/Tour-Wide Giveaway)

Body on Baker Street: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
by Vicki Delany

Body on Baker Street: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Crooked Lane Books (September 12, 2017)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1683312994
E-Book ASIN: B06XW3K7F5

Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson are busy managing the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium on Baker Street and adjoining Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room in anticipation of the store’s upcoming book signing with the illustrious Renalta Van Markoff, author of the controversial Hudson and Holmes mystery series. But during the author Q&A session, dedicated Sherlockian Donald Morris verbally attacks Renalta and her series for disgracing Sherlock’s legacy, only to be publicly humiliated when the author triumphantly lashes back and gains the upper hand. That is until Renalta collapses on the table―dead.

Donald insists he didn’t do it and pleads to his friends to clear his name. Fortunately, Gemma and Jayne have no shortage of suspects between author’s bullied personal assistant, her frustrated publicist, the hapless publisher, a handsome rare book dealer, an obsessively rabid fan, and a world of other Sherlock enthusiasts with strong objections to Renalta’s depiction of the Great Detective. It’s up to the shrewd sleuthing duo to eliminate the impossible and deduce the truth before the West London police arrest an innocent man in Body on Baker Street, the second Sherlock Homes Bookshop mystery perfect for fans of Miranda James and Kate Carlisle.

My Review

Along with her uncle, Arthur, Gemma Doyle is co-owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Their shop is connected to her friend Jayne’s Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room. Gemma is thrilled when she’s asked to host a popular mystery author in her shop for a book signing event. It’s very short notice, but that’s not going to stop Gemma. This is a chance to make her bookstore a success and she’s not going to let it slip by. With help from Jayne, they quickly get both shops ready to accommodate the event.

Bestselling author Renalta Van Markoff has a huge following for her Hudson and Holmes mystery series. It doesn’t take long for word to get out about the book signing. The day of the event, Gemma finds herself with a packed house including all kinds of people - from obsessive fans to handsome book collectors. There’s also a devoted Sherlock fan who publicly attacks Renalta for ruining the Sherlock legacy. Plus, another person making wild accusations against Renalta. All of this leads to Renalta’s untimely death and possible murder.

With quite a few suspects in the mix, Gemma fears the police are going in the wrong direction in their investigation. So, she lends a helping hand, whether they want it or not.

This is the second book in the “A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery” series. I didn’t read the first one, but I don’t feel as if I missed anything. There is enough information in this book so readers don’t feel lost at all.

The characters are strong, well-developed and intriguing. There is even a cute cat named Moriarity. This felt like a classic cozy murder mystery. The perfect setting in a Sherlock Holmes bookstore in a small town.

Vicki Delany gets your attention from page one and doesn’t let you go. It’s a quick read and an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. I’ve read other series by this author and she certainly knows how to write clever cozy mystery series. She’s a proven expert at bringing mysteries to life.  I'm already looking forward to book three and, yes, I'll be going back to read the first one.




For reading challenges:
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2017
Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge 2017

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than twenty-five books:  clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. Under the name of Eva Gates, she writes the Lighthouse Library cozy series for Penguin Random House. Her latest book is Body on Baker Street, the second in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane.

Vicki is the past president of the Crime Writers of Canada.  Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and the Arthur Ellis Awards.

www.vickidelany.com  Facebook:  Vicki Delany & Eva Gates  and twitter: @vickidelany and @evagatesauthor

Purchase Links

Amazon  B&N

Tour-Wide Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 11 – Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf - CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 11 – A Blue Million Books - CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 12 – Valerie's Musings - REVIEW, GUEST POST

September 12 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

September 13 – The Book's the Thing - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 13 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

September 14 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW, INTERVIEW

September 14 – Book Club Librarian - REVIEW

September 15 – Reading Is My SuperPower - REVIEW

September 15 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW

September 16 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW

September 16 – Carole's Book Corner – REVIEW

September 17 – Bookworm Cafe - REVIEW, GUEST POST

September 17 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 18 – CelticLady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

September 19 – Queen of All She Reads - REVIEW

September 19 – Laura's Interests - REVIEW, GUEST POST

September 20 – Book Babble – REVIEW

September 20 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

September 21 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

September 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

September 22 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – INTERVIEW

September 22 – Melina's Book Blog - REVIEW

September 22 – That's What She's Reading – REVIEW

September 23 – Socrates' Book Reviews – REVIEW

September 23 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers - CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 24 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Blog Tour: Hair Brained (The Bad Hair Day Mysteries) by Nancy J. Cohen (Review/Tour-Wide Giveaway)

Hair Brained (The Bad Hair Day Mysteries)
by Nancy J. Cohen

Hair Brained (The Bad Hair Day Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
14th in Series
Orange Grove Press (September 12, 2017)
Print Length: 342 pages
E-Book ASIN: B072XVHPPH

Was the car crash an accident or a deliberate attempt to run Marla's friends off the road?

When hairstylist Marla Vail's best friend is hurt in a suspicious car accident, Marla assumes guardianship of her infant son. No sooner does Marla say, "Baby want a bottle?" than she's embroiled in another murder investigation. Her husband, Detective Dalton Vail, determines the crash may not have been an accident after all. But then, who would want Tally--or Ken in the car with her--out of the way? As Marla digs deeper into her friends' lives, she realizes she didn't know them as well as she'd thought. Nonetheless, it's her duty as their son's guardian to ensure his safety, even if it means putting her own life at risk. Can she protect the baby and find the culprit before someone else ends up as roadkill?

My Review

It’s a New Year’s celebration at Marla and Dalton Vail’s house. They are surrounded by family and friends, but two important people are missing. Her best friend Tally and her husband, Ken. The party is interrupted when Marla’s husband, detective Dalton Vail, receives a phone call. Tally and Ken have been in a car accident, but it’s not looking like an accident at all.

As Tally fights for her life, Marla accepts guardianship of Tally’s baby boy and delves into the mystery of her friend’s so-called accident. Along with her detective husband Dalton, Marla begins to uncover things about her friends that makes her wonder what is really going on in their lives. From possible insurance fraud to a strange group of ladies Tally recently joined in a tea group.

Regardless of what she uncovers, Marla is determined to protect their son and find out who is behind this. This, also, has Marla considering if motherhood would be something for her in the near future.

There were several twists and turns, plus many red herrings in this book. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, the author threw in a few extra curves to have me scratching my head.

The characters are well-developed and realistic. They have quickly become old friends. I always look forward to another visit to South Florida to spend some time with Marla and her family.

Nancy J. Cohen does it again and brings us another exciting “Bad Hair Day Mystery” story. This is the 14th book in the series. I came into it at #10 and I don’t feel as if I’ve missed a thing. There is plenty of character history given throughout the book. The actual mystery is contained in this book, so you don’t really need to read the previous books. However, I always find it fun to start at the beginning of these type of series. Eventually I will have a chance to read books #1-9. Until then, I’m enjoying each of the new books very much.

Overall, this is a fun, enjoyable series filled with lovable characters. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours.



For reading challenges:
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2017
Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge 2017

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have made the IMBA bestseller list and been selected by Suspense Magazine as best cozy mystery. Nancy has also written the instructional guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery. Her imaginative romances, including the Drift Lords series, have proven popular with fans as well. A featured speaker at libraries, conferences, and community events, Nancy is listed in Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who's Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets. When not busy writing, she enjoys fine dining, cruising, visiting Disney World, and shopping.

Author Links:

Website:  http://nancyjcohen.com

Blog: http://nancyjcohen.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyJCohenAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nancyjcohen

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/91508.Nancy_J_Cohen

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/njcohen/

Linked In:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyjcohen

Booklover’s Bench: http://bookloversbench.com

Newsletter Sign-Up: http://nancyjcohen.com/newsletter/

Purchase Links:

Amazon  B&N  kobo  iBook  Google Play

Tour-Wide Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 12 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

September 12 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf - INTERVIEW

September 13 – Socrates' Book Reviews - REVIEW

September 13 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

September 14 – Community Bookstop - REVIEW

September 14 – Island Confidential - CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - REVIEW

September 15 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW

September 16 – Brooke Blogs - CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 17 – A Holland Reads -  GUEST POST

September 18 – Deal Sharing Aunt -  INTERVIEW

September 18 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

September 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy - GUEST POST

September 19 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

September 20 – StoreyBook Reviews - GUEST POST

September 20 – Celticlady's Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Blog Tour: Murder Wears Mittens (Seaside Knitters Society) by Sally Goldenbaum (Review/Tour-Wide Giveaway)

Murder Wears Mittens (Seaside Knitters Society)
by Sally Goldenbaum

Murder Wears Mittens (Seaside Knitters Society)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Kensington (August 29, 2017)
Hardcover: 272 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496711021
E-Book ASIN: B01MSVCTH9

As autumn washes over coastal Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, the Seaside Knitters anticipate a relaxing off-season. But when murder shatters the peace, the craftiest bunch in town must unravel a killer’s deadly scheme . . .

After retrieving fresh lobster nets from a local Laundromat, Cass Halloran rushes to attend a last-minute gathering with her knitting circle. But Cass can’t stop worrying about the lonely boy seen hanging around the dryers, and the school uniform he left behind in a hurry. When the ladies return the lost clothing the next day, they find the child and his younger sister alone, seemingly abandoned by their mother . . .

The knitters intend to facilitate a family reunion, not investigate a crime. But the death of Dolores Cardozo, a recluse from the edge of town, throws the group for a loop. Especially when the missing mother and one of their own become tied to the victim’s hidden fortune—and her murder . . .

Before scandalous secrets break bonds and rumors tear Sea Harbor apart, the Seaside Knitters need to string together the truth about Dolores—while preventing a greedy murderer from making another move!

* Includes a knitting pattern *

My Review

After Cass Halloran sees a young boy quickly leave a laundromat, leaving behind his clothes, something strikes a chord in Cass. She can’t get the boy’s quick departure out of her mind. She tells her friends from the Seaside Knitters Society all about it. The women agree to help find the boy and make sure everything is alright. When they find him, he is alone in his house with his younger sister and his dog. There’s no adult in sight and the women wonder if they’ve been abandoned.

Things take a strange turn when a local recluse is found murdered. The children’s mother is found, but is immediately considered the prime suspect in the murder. The knitters find themselves right in the middle of a murder mystery, when all they wanted to do was make sure the children were safe and cared for. Slowly they begin to uncover a mystery they never expected.

Sea Harbor, Massachusetts and the Seaside Knitters Society are perfect for a cozy mystery. This story has everything I love about the genre…a “feel good” atmosphere with a cast of lovable characters that quickly become friends of the reader. There are many red herrings tossed into the mix which kept me guessing right along with the knitters. The author has a wonderful writing style that matches this genre perfectly. She keeps you guessing through the entire book while creating characters that jump off each page.

Although this book is billed as #1 in the Seaside Knitters Society Mysteries, it is actually a continuation of the Seaside Knitters Mysteries that was discontinued by the previous publisher. The Seaside Knitters is already a well established series.  I never read the first series, although it has been on my list to read forever. When I saw this as #1 in a sequel-type of series, I figured I would start there. It works as a self-contained mystery. There are no cliffhangers. The mystery is solved in this book, but I do admit that I wish I knew the cast better. That’s my favorite part of the cozy mystery genre - seeing the growth in characters and relationships develop. I want to know more. I’ll be going back and reading the original series from the start, but it’s not necessary to do that. This really is a standalone mystery.

This new-to-me author has a new fan who can’t wait to delve into more of this lovely series. .A huge thank you to Kensington in continuing to keep this series alive.




For reading challenges:
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2017
Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2017
Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge 2017

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Sally Goldenbaum was born on the shores of Lake Michigan, in Manitowoc, WI, to a homemaker mother and a ship-building father. Although she now lives in landlocked Prairie Village, KS, her longing for lakes and the sea is satisfied in part by writing the USA Today bestselling Seaside Knitters Mystery series, set on Cape Ann, MA. She is a sometime philosophy teacher, a knitter, and an editor, and the author of more than thirty novels. Her fictional knitting friends are teaching her the intricacies of women’s friendship, the mysteries of small-town living, and the very best way to pick up dropped stitches on a lacy knit shawl.

Follow Sally

Webpage

Twitter    Facebook 

Tour-Wide Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

August 29 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

August 30 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW

August 30 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW

August 31 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

September 1 – Socrates' Book Reviews -REVIEW

September 1 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

September 2 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW

September 3 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

September 4 – Carole's Book Corner – SPOTLIGHT

September 4 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

September 5 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

September 5 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT

September 6 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

September 7 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW

September 8 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

September 8 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW

September 9 – Island Confidential – GUEST POST

September 10 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

September 11 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  

September 11 – Back Porchervations – Review

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Blog Tour: Vangie Vale and the Murdered Macaron by R. L. Syme (Review/Tour-Wide Giveaway)

Vangie Vale and the Murdered Macaron
by R. L. Syme

This book is not yet up on Amazon or GoodReads
Release Date is set for August 1.
Approx - 380 pages

Small towns and gossip go together like flaky crust and sweet pastry cream. Between the police scanners, social media, and the senior center, it's like a zombie apocalypse where the undead consume people's secrets instead of living flesh.

But Vangie Vale wants nothing more than to stay under the radar...especially the police radar.

So when her new bakery becomes linked to a murder investigation, nothing will stop the gossip mill from connecting her to the dead body. Can't have that.

Forced into the role of investigator, this new-in-town bakery owner has to become the very thing she hates--a nosy, small-town gossip--in order to clear her good name, and keep her face off the front page. But when a dating debacle brings her face-to-face with the Sheriff, Vangie can't ignore the fact that one of her macarons was involved in a murder. She has to find the who-dun-it.

Book One in a cozy culinary mystery series from USA Today Bestselling Author, R.L. Syme.

My Review

A brand new small town cozy mystery series begins. I love getting in on the ground floor with these books.

Vangie Vale is an interesting character. She leaves scandal behind in North Carolina and heads to Saint Agnes, Montana. Not only does she open a new bakery, but she also is a part time Pastor. She must remain on her best behavior in Saint Agnes or she will not be allowed to be a Pastor any longer. So, what happens? She immediately gets tossed in a murder mystery.

The local gossips are convinced she’s part of the murder investigation which is making Vangie’s boss anxious and ready to fire her. She is desperate to prove her innocence and gets right to investigating for herself. The local Sheriff warns her to stay away, but Vangie’s livelihood is on the line and she’s not about to walk away.

R.L. Syme creates the perfect setting for a cozy mystery - a small town with many gossipy neighbors. I had some ideas who the murderer was, but I didn’t guess correctly and I didn’t put all the pieces together. I was quite surprised at all the various twists, turns, and red herrings there were in this book.

The author hooks you in right from the start. I couldn’t put it down until I knew who and what was behind the murder. Great start to a new series. I’ll definitely be looking for the next one.



For reading challenges:
Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge 2017
Foodies Read Reading Challenge 2017
Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge 2017

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Rebecca Syme writes small town romance as Becca Boyd and cozy mystery as R.L. Syme. She is a long-time foodie and loves fancy cheese. Becca calls the mountains of Montana her home and draws inspiration from the beautiful vistas and heartwarming people. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Line of Fire series of sweet romances and part of the Chick Tales series set in Somewhere, TX. You can find her on Twitter talking #fancycheese or #Chopped, and on Facebook with her fans in Becca Nation.

• Webpage http://rlsyme.com/
• Blog: same
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bighopesbigheroes/
• Becca Nation Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeccaNation/
• Twitter @beck_a_tron
• GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6878258.R_L_Syme
• Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2ptfwtp

PURCHASE LINK

http://amzn.to/2gPzdIo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

August 1 - Blogger Nicole Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 1 - Island Confidential – INTERVIEW

August 2 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW

August 2 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

August 3 – Bibliophile Reviews -  REVIEW, GUEST POST

August 3 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW

August 4 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

August 5 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW  

August 5 – My Funny View of Life – REVIEW

August 6 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

August 6 – Valerie's Musings - REVIEW, INTERVIEW

August 7 – Sleuth Cafe - CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

August 8 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 8 – Teresa Trent Author Site – INTERVIEW

August 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

August 9 – The Power of Words - SPOTLIGHT

August 9 – A Blue Million Books - INTERVIEW

August 10 – Socrates' Book Reviews – REVIEW

August 10 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, INTERVIEW

August 11 – Book Babble – REVIEW

August 12 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

August 12 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

August 13 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW

August 13 – Girl with Book Lungs – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 14 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

August 14 – Jane Reads - REVIEW, GUEST POST

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

Blog Tour: Cat About Town by Cate Conte (Review/Tour-Wide Giveaway)

Cat About Town
by Cate Conte

Cat About Town
Minotaur Books (August 1, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1250072061
E-Book ASIN: B01N0Z4ZDP

Blog Tour: Engaged in Trouble by Jenny B. Jones (Review/Tour-Wide Giveaway)

Engaged in Trouble
by Jenny B. Jones

Engaged in Trouble (An Enchanted Events Mystery Book 1)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Sweet Pea Productions (March 30, 2017)
Paperback: 368 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0998109800
E-Book ASIN: B06XX5VT7J

Blog Tour: Death on West End Road by Carrie Doyle (Review/Tour-Wide Giveaway)

Death on West End Road
by Carrie Doyle

Death on West End Road (Hamptons Murder Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Dunemere Books (June 20, 2017)
Paperback 268 Pages
ISBN-13: 978-0997270181
E-Book ASIN: B06XKLVMZC