One bad apple by Sheila Connolly

Book: One bad apple by Sheila Connolly

Series: An Orchard Mystery

Published:2008
Extras: Apple based recipes

Plot (Goodreads):Meg Corey has come to the quaint New England town of Granford, Massachusetts, to sell her mother's old colonial home and apple orchard. Instead, she becomes embroiled in development plans that include her land, and her former flame from Boston. When he's found dead in the new septic tank on her property, the police immediately suspect Meg, whose only ally in town is the plumber Seth Chapin. Together, they'll have to peel back the layers of secrecy that surround the deal in order to find the real murderer, and save the orchard

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Meg Corey (Core-y--ha! Apple based puns!) moves up to a dilapidated Massachusetts Colonial house to quickly flip it. Of course, it's a giant money-trap style disaster, complete with fading Orchard. When her ex-husband is found dead and stuffed in her septic tank, she's an obvious suspect and has to clear her name.

Rating: 7

What worked: I liked this book. I learned quite a bit about apple orchards and I thought the state of the house (and orchard) was believable, especially as a rental with out-of-state owners. I also liked that Meg wasn't immediately accepted in to the small town--I always find that very hard to believe in cozies.

What didn't: I wasn't surprised at all by the "big reveal". I like more of a mystery than this book gave me.

Keep reading? Absolutely

Buzz off by Hannah Reed

Book: Buzz off by Hannah Reed

Series: A Queen Bee Mystery

Published:2010
Extras: Honey based recipes

Plot (Goodreads):It's September - National Honey Month - in Moraine, Wisconsin. After her mentor in the honey business is found suspiciously stung to death in his apiary, beekeeper Story Fischer must sort through a swarm of suspects, including her ex-husband.

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Story Fischer is shopowner who is also dabbling in beekeeping. Her beekeeping mentor is murdered, honeybees are implicated, and Story and her ex-husband are both potential suspects.

Rating: 6

What worked: I liked the beekeeping concept--it was different, which is saying quite a bit in the cozy mystery world.

What didn't: I hated (HATED) the bulleted points that are sprinkled throughout the book. It also felt like I was reading a guidebook about Wisconsin at times. I expect to learn during a cozy mystery but I don't expect it to be so obvious. I know the character of Story's mom was supposed to be off-putting but she was so incredibly unlikeable it was distracting. The cheating ex-husband in a small town trope is getting pretty played out in cozy mysteries.

Keep reading? I will give the next book a chance.

An Uplifting Murder by Elaine Viets

Book: An Uplifting Murder by Elaine Viets

Series: Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper

Published:2010
Extras: Bra shopping tips (yes, you read that right)

Plot (Goodreads):On Josie's latest assignment, her former teacher-now working in a lingerie shop-is in need of some serious support when a customer is found murdered. Unfortunately, the teacher's alibi is flimsier than the camisoles she sells, so Josie will need to bust out her sleuthing skills to expose the real killer...

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Josie Marcus, a mystery shopper, is evaluating a lingerie chain, in which one of her old high school teachers now works. Of course, she is immediately embroiled into a murder investigation when she stumbles on a corpse in the toilet.

Rating: 3

What worked: Not much in my opinion. Even the characters are starting to get pretty repetitious. I like Viets Dead-end series much better.

What didn't: Look, I can suspend disbelief while reading a book. I can believe that detectives wouldn't get incredibly suspicious about a person who always "happened" to be around dead bodies. I can even take the "cops find it helpful that I'm investigating" bit. But WHY would anyone accused of murder ask a mystery shopper (not a cop, not a PI, not even a reporter) who they haven't seen in about 15 years, to look in to the murder they are getting charged with? It defies belief to an extent that throws me right out of the book.

Keep reading? I'm not sure. Probably give it one more shot.

Sink Trap by Christy Evans

Book: Sink Trap by Christy Evans

Series: A Georgiana Neverall Mystery

Published:2009

Extras: "Top ten tools for most home repairs"

Plot (Goodreads):Former corporate drone Georgiana Neverall loves her new occupation as a plumber's apprentice, but is a bit surprised when she finds the favorite brooch of Martha Tepper, the town's former librarian, clogging a sink. Georgiana has a sinking feeling that Martha may have been retired permanently-and suddenly it's up to a plumber's apprentice to flush out a killer.

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: After Georgie's high-powered computer security job dissolves, she moves back to her hometown to become a plumber (much to her mother's dismay). When Georgie finds a brooch while unclogging a sink, she becomes worried that the brooch's owner might have been subject to foul play so she (of course) goes investigating the mystery by herself. Between dodging her overbearing mother and trying to learn a new job, Georgie has a full plate.

Rating: 7

What worked: I thought the plumbing theme was a novel (hehe!) concept. I liked the plumbing tips. Georgie was an interesting character and I thought she reacted well to the challenges of her new profession (like sexism).

What didn't: It was spectacularly obvious who the crooks were from about the second chapter. Georgie got kind of annoying with her constant suspicion of the same couple of people, for no real reason (ie Greg, her mother's boyfriend). I also am getting a little sick of the "I moved away when I was "important" and ignored all my friends but now I'm back, accepted, and enjoying my small town" trope. Honestly, I wouldn't be a fraction as understanding about my friend totally ignoring me for years and then wanting to be besties again when their life imploded and they moved back.

Keep reading? Sure.

Diva Las Vegas by Eileen Davidson

Book: Diva Las Vegas by Eileen Davidson

Series: A Soap Opera Mystery

Published:2010

Extras: None

Plot (Goodreads):Alexis Peterson is delighted when her friend, ex-Playboy Playmate Shana Stern, invites her to Hugh Hefner's infamous Halloween party. But the fun ends when, after a few drinks, Shana is found dead. Alex's investigation leads ger to a soap opera convention in Las Vegas, and bodies continue to pile up on the strip. She must catch this killer who is more vicious than any television critic..

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Soap opera star Alexis Peterson is surprised when her old friend, ex-playmate Shana Stern, invites her to the Playboy Halloween party. Of course, with this being a cozy, the friend is murdered almost immediately. Alex decides it's up to her to solve the mystery while simultaneously getting more serious with her new love interest.

Rating: 9

What worked: I'll admit, I love this series. Alexis is a great character and the insight into the soap opera industry and soap opera conventions is terrific. The side characters are extremely well-rounded and interesting.

What didn't: It's apparently the last in the series! No! That's actually really annoying because the book ends on a solid cliffhanger including Alex's ex-husband.

Keep reading? Absolutely! I love this series. I hope the rumor that it is over is wrong.

Defending Angels (2008), Angel's Advocate (2009), and Avenging Angels (2010) by Mary Stanton

Books: Defending Angels (2008), Angel's Advocate (2009), and Avenging Angels (2010) by Mary Stanton

Series: A Beaufort and Company Mystery

Extras: None

Plot (Goodreads):

Defending Angels:

With a long list of ethereal clients who need her help, Savannah lawyer Brianna Winston Beaufort's career choice is beginning to haunt her. An already dead businessman needs Bree's help to find his murderer and prove his innocence against the charge of greed, which comes from the mightiest hand of the law, the Celestial Court. And the verdict in this case could put Bree's life on the line-as well as her client's afterlife

Angel's Advocate:

Money's been tight ever since Bree Winston Beaufort inherited Savannah's haunted law firm Beaufort & Company along with its less-than-angelic staff. But she's finally going to tackle a case that pays the bills representing a spoiled girl who stole someone's Girl Scout cookie money. But soon enough she finds that her client's departed millionaire father needs help too. Can she help an unsavory father/daughter duo and make a living off of the living?

Avenging Angels:

Law school hasn't prepared Bree to appeal cases for the dead. After inheriting her great-uncle's haunted law firm, she must now represent ex-banker O'Rourke, who supposedly killed himself after losing a fortune. But with a merry widow and evidence mounting, it's beginning to look like murder. So Bree and her team of angels begin to investigate. But Bree soon discovers that someone would rather see her deceased than debriefed.

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Much to Briana Winston-Beaufort's surprise, the law firm she inherits from her great-uncle deals with celestial matters (mortals can't even find the building). While trying to balance the pieces of a normal life (her family, her mortal law clients, trying to date) and the haunted law firm, she is forced to solve crimes for her clients.

Rating: B

What worked: Bree is likable, as are all of her employees and friends. She reacts in a realistic way to most of her situations and the mysteries are interesting. I didn't figure any of the whodunits out before the end of the book, which is always a huge plus. The angel aspect is interesting and different.

What didn't: The whole "evil in the graveyard" thing and the haunted painting isn't working for me. I'm confused by it (feel free to explain it to me, readers!). I also don't understand why a lawyer is doing so much private investigation.

Keep reading? Yes but not at full price

Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn McKinley

Book: Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn McKinley

Series: A Cupcake Bakery Mystery

Published:2011

Extras: Recipes including Kiss Me Cupcakes, Mint Buttercream frosting, Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes, Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, Cupid's Bliss Cupcakes, White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, Raspberry Syrup, and Moonlight Madness Cupcakes

Plot (Goodreads):

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura's Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery is gearing up for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately someone has iced Baxter Malloy on his first date with Mel's mother. Now Mom's a suspect, and Mel and Angie need to find time around frosting to dig into the man's shady past and discover who served him his just desserts.

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Best friends Mel and Angie (along with their friend Tate) own a cupcake bakery. Mel's mother goes on her first date in years and, in an unlucky twist, her date is killed with her pantyhose on the date. Mel knows her mother didn't do it and must prove she is innocent. And, of course, the relationship turmoil between Angie/Tate/Angie's brother Joe/Mel and a new admirer.

Rating: B-

What worked: I liked seeing Mel's interaction with her mom. The sections with their rival cupcake owner, Olivia Pickett, were always funny.

What didn't: The constant and never-ending movie quotes. I know some people probably love these, I found them amazingly obnoxious. A few, fine. Almost every page? Come on. If I knew someone that talked this way in real life I would serious limit my time with them. The characters were less fleshed out than they were in the first book and I felt they were less likable.

Keep reading? I will give the series another chance to fold (haha!) me back in.

Town in a Blueberry Jam by B.B. Haywood

Book: Town in a Blueberry Jam by B.B. Haywood

Series: A Candy Holliday Murder Mystery

Extras? Recipes including Candy Holliday's Blueberry Whipped Cream, Herr Georg's Bavarian Blueberry Pretzels, Blueberry Lemon Shortbread, and Blueberry Gingerbread

Published: 2010

Plot (Goodreads):

In the seaside village of Cape Willington, Maine, Candy Holliday has an idyllic life tending to the Blueberry Acres farm she runs with her father. But, when an aging playboy and the newly crowned Blueberry Queen are killed, Candy investigates to clear the name of a local handyman. And as she sorts through the town's juicy secrets, things start to get sticky indeed...

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Candy Holliday is a blueberry farmer with her father in the small town of Cape Willington, Maine. An unprecedented two murders occur back to back, shocking the town, and casting suspicion on one of Candy's friends. Candy decides to investigate the mystery to clear her friend and gets a love interest and a second job along the way.

Rating: 8

What worked: As an intro to a new series, this was a great start. A lot of interesting, bizarre characters were introduced (always a good idea in a cozy), the blueberry theme was interesting and different (I knew nothing about blueberry production), and the backstory was believable. The mystery was solid and there were several twists and turns along the way. Plus the Blueberry Queen pageant is a hilarious trainwreck that anyone who has ever been to a small "Queen" pageant will totally get.

What didn't: It was a solid book, it just had some growing pains. I wasn't attached to any of the characters yet, which is the reason I always think first books in a series are usually weaker than the rest. So many mysteries seem to have that "girl moved to big city, failed, and moves to the country" theme that it's getting a bit old for me.

Keep reading? Yes

Howl Deadly and Never Say Sty by Linda O. Johnston

Book: Howl Deadly and Never Say Sty by Linda O. Johnston

Series: Book 7 and 8 in the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mysteries

Published: Both in 2009

Plot of "Never Say Sty" (Goodreads):

Already an L.A. attorney and pet-sitter, Kendra’s taken on a third job, masterminding a new reality show called “Animal Auditions.” But things get messier than the show’s pot-bellied pigs when her hot new producer is suspected of murder.

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Kendra, both a pet-sitter and a lawyer specializing in animal cases, is involved in the new potbellied pigs-based reality show "Animal Auditions". When a judge is killed and a couple of Kendra's friends are implicated, she is pulled back in to detective work. Additionally, a wealthy animal-lover, Dante DeFrancisco, is introduced as both a suspect and a love interest.

Rating: 7

Plot of "Howl Deadly" (Goodreads):

Kendra's weekend getaway with gorgeous millionaire Dante DeFrancisco turns chilling when a mother she-wolf goes missing from Dante's pet sanctuary. Now Kendra must find her-along with a killer hiding right before her eyes.

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Kendra and Dante are heading out for vacation when they get word that a wolf is missing from Dante's rescue society. Kendra suspects everyone of the crime, including the HotRescue workers, Dante's best friend Brody, and Dante himself. Even though I only read this a couple of weeks ago, I'm having trouble remembering details (not a good sign).

Rating: 6

What worked: I'm a big fan of the Kendra Ballantyne mysteries. I like Kendra. She is a smart go-getter who makes realistic decisions. She gets drawn into mysteries in a realistic way (as realistic as cozy mysteries get) and I like all of her pet-sitting charges, along with all of the recurring characters (and there are a lot of recurring characters--two law firms worth of lawyers, all of her pet sitting and law clients, police officers, etc.). The books are interesting and have a great pace, plus I like the details about the animals.

What didn't: I actually like these two books the least of the series. I think it's partially because I don't like the character of Dante DeFrancisco and I think Kendra dramatically overreacted in ending her last relationship with Shiba Inu-owning private detective Jeff. I know the whole "HotRescue" "HotPets" "HotWildlife" thing was started partially to tie-in to Johnston's other series about a HotRescue worker but I just found it bland. I hope Kendra kicks Dante to the curb and gets back to her roots of pet sitting soon.

Keep reading? Absolutely and hope to try the new series soon.

Question for you: Who do you like better--Dante or Jeff? Any opinion?

Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard

Book: Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard

Series: An Ophelia and Abby Mystery

Published: 2005

Extras: None

Plot (Goodreads):

Bewitched meets Murder She Wrote in this delightful new cozy mystery series featuring Ophelia Jensen, small town librarian and reluctant psychic, and her grandmother Abby, a benevolent witch.

Thirty something Ophelia Jensen wants to live a quiet life as a small town librarian. She's created a comfortable existence with her kooky, colorful grandmother Abby, and if it were up to her, they could live out their days—along with Ophelia's dog Lady and cat Queenie—in peace and quiet. But, to Ophelia's dismay, she and Abby aren't a typical grandmother/granddaughter duo. She possesses psychic powers, and Abby is a kindly witch. And while Ophelia would do anything to dismiss her gift—harboring terrible guilt after her best friend was killed and she was unable to stop it—threatening events keep popping up, forcing her to tap into her powers of intuition. To make matters worse, a strange—yet devastatingly attractive—man is hanging around Ophelia's library, and no matter how many times she tells him she's sworn off men forever, he persists. Soon this handsome newcomer reveals he's following a lead on a local drug ring, and then a dead body shows up right in Abby's backyard. And much as Ophelia would like to put away her spells forever, she and Abby must use their special powers to keep themselves, and others, out of harm's way.

My four-sentence or less take on the plot: Ophelia Jensen is a small-town librarian with some major issues with her family, her paranormal abilities, and her personal relationships. When a mysterious and nosy "chemical salesman" comes to town and a body is found, Ophelia's world is turned upside-down. Ophelia knows she's involved (through her grandmother's visions) and is pulled in to the investigation.

Rating: B

What worked: I'm from Iowa and I can tell the author is from Iowa too. The characters are well portrayed and it never falls into the "generic hick" stereotype of so many books. The mystery, centered around a methamphetamine ring, makes a lot of sense in the setting (meth production is a major problem in Iowa).

I thought the characters of Rick (the love interest), Darci (Ophelia's friend and co-worker), and Abby (Ophelia's grandmother) were well fleshed out and interesting.

What didn't: It took me a long time to warm up to Abby. She seemed rather obnoxious and it was hard to understand why anyone would want to get to know her. I also thought her paranormal abilities were a bit confusing and could have been more fleshed out.

Keep reading? I will absolutely keep reading the series.

The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olson

Book: The Missing Ink by Karen E. Olson

Series: A Tattoo Shop Mystery

Published: 2009

Extras: None

Plot (Goodreads): Brett Kavanaugh is a tattoo artist and owner of an elite tattoo parlor in Las Vegas. When a girl makes an appointment for a tattoo of the name of her fiancé embedded in a heart, Brett takes the job but the girl never shows. The next thing Brett knows, the police are looking for her client, and the name she wanted on the tattoo isn't her fiancé's...

My four-sentence take on the plot: Brett Kavanaugh is a tattoo artist and owner of a fancy Las Vegas tattoo parlor. She consults with a woman (who is not as she appears) about a tattoo and gets wrapped up in a missing person/murder mystery, all the while getting harassed and stalked by an unknown assailant. And, of course, romance is in the air with a Pierce Brosnan-style English casino manager.

Rating: A

What worked: I loved this book! LOVED it. First off, it was something different. I liked the whole tattoo artist/tattoo shop/almost circus theme. I have a lot of tattoo artist and piercer friends and the characters really rang true.

The mystery was solid. Sometimes "mistaken identity" plots get sort of a Scooby Doo feel but The Missing Ink managed to avoid that. Nobody was too-stupid-to-live, which is always a plus. Brett has believable relationships with her co-workers and her brother, all who are interesting characters on their own.

Brett is the daughter of a cop and the sister (and roommate) of her cop brother, which gives her a real reason to have knowledge about police work and procedure, as well as leads. This is something that greatly annoys me in some cozies--how can some of the protagonists get involved in murder after murder, assault after assault, and not have the cops throwing them in jail for something (anything)?

Plus, the cover is gorgeous.

What didn't: I actually really liked this whole book. It was an easy, breezy read but it's a cozy mystery and that's expected. I'm on board for the next one.

Accessory to Murder by Elaine Viets

Book: Accessory to Murder by Elaine Viets

Series: Book 3 in the Josie Marcus: Mystery Shopper series

Published: 2008

Extras? Yes, information about mystery shopping, as well as details about shopping for accessories.

Plot (Goodreads):

Someone has killed Halley Hardwicke, the hot young designer of thousand-dollar Italian silk scarves, in the mall parking lot-and police have their eye on Jake, the husband of Josie's best friend Alyce. The couple lived near the wrap maven, but it seems Halley and Jake were a little too neighborly.

So Josie decides to do what she does best to help out her friend-go undercover and see if she can find some clues. Because this time, there's a lot more at stake than a scarf, even if it's to die for...

Rating: B

What worked: Elaine Viets knows how to write a cozy mystery. The characters are fleshed out and I particularly like the female relationships (Josie and her best friend Alyce, Josie, her mom Jane, and her daughter Amelia). The story was interesting--there were so many potential villains I honestly had no idea who did it until the very end of book.

Oddly, I used to occasionally mystery shop a few years ago. Viets does a good job pointing out the pluses and minuses. It would have taken a TON of work to make a full-time jobs worth of money but I did enjoy it. My favorite jobs were mystery shopping a local bank for mortgage brokers--they always did excellent (so I could write positive reviews) and I learned a lot about mortgages. The best part, as Viets points out, is the spy-like experience and the feeling that you can make a difference.

What didn't: The books (the Mystery Shopper and the Dead-End jobs) are starting to feel a little formulaic. I almost feel some reverse snobbery oozing through the books--rich and expensive equal phony and poor or middle-class are superior. Plus every man ends up being a crook or a loser.

Caution: SPOILERS! (Whited out for those who don't want to be spoiled)

And how did Amy the Slut know an important plot point? I just couldn't figure that piece out (although, admittedly, that is a small detail). It was also very difficult for me to believe that a middle-aged white woman could pass as a teenaged African-American without anyone noticing. I mean, really.

Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle

My first review!

Book: Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle

Series: Book 4 in the Coffeehouse Mystery series

Published: 2006

Extras? Yes, recipes including a complex sounding 8-layered drink, plus various drinks and desserts.

Plot (from the back of the book):
Clare Cosi's new friend, millionaire David Mintzer, has an offer no New York barista could turn down: an all-expenses-paid summer away from the sticky city. At his Hamptons mansion, she'll relax, soak up the sun, and, oh yes, train the staff of his new restaurant. So Clare packs up her daughter, her former mother-in-law, and her special recipe for iced coffee-for what she hopes will be one de-latte-ful summer-

Soon, Clare tends the coffee bar at her first Hamptons gala. But the festivities come to a bitter end when an employee turns up dead in David's bathroom-a botched attempt on the millionaire's life. Thanks to the Fourth of July fireworks no one heard any gunshots, and the police are stuck in holiday traffic. Concerned for everyone's safety, Clare begins to investigate. What she finds will keep her up at night-and it's not the java jitters...

Rating: 8

Review: Cozy mysteries almost always have an overriding theme and this series is no different--Clare and her ex-husband Matt are co-owners of a renowned Manhattan coffee shop and experience all the trials and tribulations of running a business with your ex. The first three books in the series are set in New York City while this book moves the action to the Hamptons, which is an interesting change of pace.

Clare is a very likable heroine. She is smart and makes minimal too-stupid-to-live choices. Even though I'm only 29, I like when mysteries have heroines in their 40's who are still considered very desirable with active social lives--I am too used to urban fantasy and romance where anyone over about 35 seems to be considered halfway to the grave.

The plot of Murder Most Frothy isn't particularly deep but it does broaden the characterization of several minor characters (David, Bree, Joy) and introduces a new love interest for Clare. The book had good pacing and I was actually surprised by the ending, which is saying a lot for a cozy mystery. I thought this mystery was more realistic than most--Clare has valid reasons for thinking that her friend and employer David Mintzer is in danger although nobody believes her, she has realistic ongoing problems with her daughter and ex-husband, and she is hired for a job for which she could realistically be hired (not always the case in cozy mysteries).

Like most cozy mysteries, I learned a lot about the coffee industry by reading this book, which was very interesting even though I don't drink coffee. I now know that my espresso, if I ever was to order an espresso, should not pour out of the spout but should ooze.