Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen-ARC Review

Meet Merry Wilkinson, owner of Mrs Claus's Treasures, in Rudolph (like the Red Nosed Raindeer) New York. Rudolph is Christmastown USA with a Christmas all year atmosphere. Who doesn't want that? When a English Reporter is murdered in the town, and the leading suspect is her bff Vicky, Merry is forced to solve a murder. I must admit from the get go I was excited about the book but when I started I must admit the first 20 pages did seem to drag...BUT keep reading. Christmas is my favorite holiday and the Christmas season is my favorite time of year because of the displays and the wonder of it all. This made me throw on some Christmas music early! My only criticism seems to lie with Noel, Merry's Father who plays Santa Claus, he seems to contradict himself on gift giving. He will not give people over the age of 18 gifts but he will accept gifts because his birthday is December 25th and then he says almost after that that Merry should put jewel every in her windows because husbands want to buy their wives gifts. All of these contradictions might have changed since I am reading an Uncorrected ARC. I did not guess the killer until the end and it came as a surprise. I am also digging this Russ/Alan love triangle but I am rooting for Alan!!!!!!

Note: I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review!

Key Lime Pie Murder to Apple Turnover Murder Reviews

Key Lime Pie Murder:

Key Lime Pie murder features recipes that make my mouth water. In this novel Hannah is investigating the murder of her friend Willa at the Tri County Faire! My favorite supporting character was Ruby who makes these fried candy bars that just sound amazing. Felt a little let down by this one not going to lie. I felt like this one had a rapid conclusion and was at times very boring. My usual reading time is commuting to work on the subway and I found myself listening to music instead of reading and putting my Nook back in my bag. But I love Hannah, Lisa, Andrea and Delores along with the rest of Lake Eden so I still was able to enjoy it.

Carrot Cake Murder:

Like a delicious piece of Carrot Cake this was a great mystery! Uncle Gus shows up out of the blue at the family reunion that Lisa and Herb have put together. Hannah and the cast of characters had me still laughing and enjoying the plot. But things that got to me about the book (that did not cause me to change my rating) were the fact that Herb seemed to have no real emotional response to his uncle getting killed nor really did his sisters. Yes he disappeared for 30 years but to have a family member murdered. I think I would be more upset. I still found the book enjoyable and cannot wait to jump right into the next one!

Cream Puff Murder:

Delores has written a Regency era romance novel and is prepping for a book launch in Lake Eden. Of course the dress that she buys Hannah is far too small and Hannah is forced to go on a diet. Based on the past 10 books I think that Hannah handled the diet like a pro really thinking about her mom. All of our favorites were back in this one and I felt like all had their purposes. Many times I felt myself laughing out loud. It didn't hurt that for the last few readings I had some molasses crackle cookies (from Strawberry Shortcake Murder but mentioned in this one). Another great one Joanne!!!!!!!!!

Plum Pudding Murder:

Only Hannah could stumble upon a Murder at the holiday season. At a tree farm no less! Hannah is hell bent on solving the murder of Larry Jaeger who owns the Crazy Elf, a Christmas emporium if you will. The book is filled with crazy twists and turns and bad business practices. Throughly enjoyed this one and I did not guess who had done it till 3/4 the way through. Love Hannah and everyone in Lake Eden!!!!!!!

Apple Turnover Murder:

Hannah is back and not far behind is the assistant professor who broke her heart in college Bradford Ramsey. In this book Lake Eden is gearing up for a three day charity event. Lisa has the genius idea to make apple turnovers but of course mayhem follows when Bradford is found dead back stage at the talent show by Hannah with one of her apple turnovers it is a caper of who did what where and to whom. I absolutely loved the allusions that formed in my mind with Stephanie Bascomb the wife to the mayor. I missed Carrie in this book but it was nice to see everyone again!

Discovery

I have discovered that I am not the best blogger and have a real appreciation for those that do blog every day or every couple days. But I will continue on because I have been having fun with it. Today I attempted to be a Culinary Diva, finally caving for an iced coffee and a little reading. Tonight a Tuna Noodle Casserole is being made by yours truly. With my boyfriend out for the weekend I am left to my own devices which is exciting and fun. Last night I started Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke. In the book there is a carnival/fair complete with fried candy bars. I have always wanted to try them but never have. I think for "nutrition" I would choose a snickers because they fill me up. What would you pick?

Review: Fudging the Books

I have been a fan of Daryl's work since I first opened her amazing Cheese Shop Mysteries and after reading all that had been available I jumped into the Cookbook Nook series. I have not been disappointed. I have loved her depictions of Crystal Cove and her heroine Jenna Hart (not as much as Charlotte in the Cheese Shop Mysteries though). Fudging the Books takes place during Pirate Week and two crimes happen almost at once, Alison Foodie, indie publisher of Foodie Books, is murdered by a pair of scissors and a pot of golden doubloons is stolen which sends Mayor ZZ into a tizzy. Something i like about Daryl and some of the other "cozy" authors (another I like is Krista Davis) is the mix between food, crime and humor. These writers are sometimes laugh at loud funny in the situations the characters get themselves into and you realize very quickly that not only do they really care and craft a good story but that their voices are resonating throughout the pages. Very highly recommended!!!!!

Cheese Shop...No More?

I received a very upsetting email last night from Daryl Wood Gerber (AKA Avery Aames). According to her new newsletter Berkley Prime Crime has discontinued The Cheese Shop Mystery featuring the ever love able Charlotte!!!!! The last book will be For Chedder Or Worse. This is a real shame because this has quickly become one of my favorite series of mysteries and will miss Charlotte and the ever irresistible Jordan! 

Have you read any of the Cheese Shop Mysteries or anything by Daryl Wood Gerber?

Cheese Shop...No More?

I received a very upsetting email last night from Daryl Wood Gerber (AKA Avery Aames). According to her new newsletter Berkley Prime Crime has discontinued The Cheese Shop Mystery featuring the ever love able Charlotte!!!!! The last book will be For Chedder Or Worse. This is a real shame because this has quickly become one of my favorite series of mysteries and will miss Charlotte and the ever irresistible Jordan! 

Have you read any of the Cheese Shop Mysteries or anything by Daryl Wood Gerber?

Drape Expectations

Today I finished my first ARC! I read Drape Expectations by Karen Rose Smith courtesy of Kensington Publishing Company. It was so cool to see the book before I would normally buy it in stores. 

Question: How can you go wrong with a novel called Drape Expectations?

When I first saw a professional staging mystery I was intrigued and could only imagine the possibilities for a murder. In Drape Expectations Caprice Da Luce our Camero driving sleuth is trying to solve the murder of Alanna, a friends Fiancée. Add in that friend being rock legend Ace Richland! I found this book at times a little tedious and also at time wished it was going by a little faster. But in the end enjoyed our amateur sleuth in action either staging the house or solving the murder.  In addition Karen Rose Smith is the first author who has made me truly fall in love with all the animals in her books! I feel like they are real and truly loved by Caprice, even when they are not her own. I definitely think that I will revisit this series again. 

[I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]