Review: The Twelve Clues of Christmas (Royal Spyness #6) by Rhys Bowen

Over the last year or so, I have been making a big effort to go back and catch up on some long running historical mystery series that I have loved but haven’t read all the books.

The Royal Spyness books are at the top of that list. I read a few of the later books and then went back and read a few of the first books in the series but then I kind of stalled on the series and moved on to something else.

I meant to pick this one up at Christmas time as this one is obviously set around the holidays, but I didn’t and then I just forgot about it. I needed a pallet cleansing book lately though and I thought this was the ticket to clearing my head after some heavy reading. Continue reading “Review: The Twelve Clues of Christmas (Royal Spyness #6) by Rhys Bowen”

Review: Riviera Gold (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #16) by Laurie R. King

I absolutely adore the Russell and Holmes books! Sadly I have only read a couple of them but this is a series that I knew I would love the second I cracked open the first book a few years ago.

But as you can see this is a very long standing series and while I only read a couple of the books in the series, it’s a series that I know I would pick up again when I needed something guaranteed to be enjoyable.

When I was approached to read this book I debated about passing, simply because I knew there were a number of books I would need to read to get caught up on the series, but I also really loved the sound of this mystery and I ultimately caved and couldn’t wait to get reacquainted with some of my favorite characters. Continue reading “Review: Riviera Gold (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #16) by Laurie R. King”

Review: Passing Fancies (Julia Kydd #2) by Marlowe Benn

Last year I read the first book in this series and I thought it was a promising start and was eager to see how this book would be. I remember that the first book was a little on the slower side but I loved Julia the heroine and that’s what made me want to read this one.

One of the things that always caught my attention was that one of the featured characters was a black singer, so right away I thought that this book would likely tackle some big issues like race.

At a time like this, I am looking to diversify my reading and while this book isn’t by a black author and isn’t meant to be a book about race, it did have racial issues and themes not to mention white privilege in the story, and I thought it was an interesting mystery. Continue reading “Review: Passing Fancies (Julia Kydd #2) by Marlowe Benn”

Review: The Lost Boys of London (Bianca Goddard Mysteries #5) by Mary Lawrence

Bianca Goddard is a completely new to me sleuth, last year was the first time I discovered her and it was the fourth book that I picked up. I was told that each book in the series could be read as a standalone, so I was excited to dive in, even if I was skeptical.

I was thrilled that the book was indeed possible to read as a standalone and thought it was a very interesting and enjoyable series so I was excited to read the next book, even if I haven’t gone back and read the other books in the series.

This book sounded exceptionally good as it is set in the final days of Henry VIII reign and seemed to include a Catholic reference so I was excited to see how this one unfolded and as always, to read a well done mystery. Continue reading “Review: The Lost Boys of London (Bianca Goddard Mysteries #5) by Mary Lawrence”

Special Feature: Sugar and Vice (A Cookie House Mystery #2) by Eve Calder

There is just something about a cozy foodie mystery that provides so much comfort and escapism. I mean not only am I solving a murder mystery but I am also getting to do it while dreaming of my favorite treats! It’s a great combo for me.

This series, The Cookie House Mystery series, is new to me it sounds like it’s a fun way to pass the time. I also think the covers are adorable and that sweet dog on this cover just stole my heart!

While this is the second book in the series, it sounds like it could also be read as a standalone so if you are looking for a little escape featuring food then you might want to give this one a go!

Summary

Kate McGuire has a lot on her dessert plate. She’s launching a cookie-of-the-day challenge in the heart of Coral Cay, providing sweet treats for the reception of the town’s handsome new veterinarian—not to mention dealing with tourists in town for a pirate festival and the surprise arrival of her former fiancé, Evan, who seems determined to win her back.               

And if that’s not enough, a skeleton has been discovered—in the backyard behind her best friend Maxi’s floral shop. Could the remains belong to Sir George Bly, the legendary pirate founder of Coral Cay? Or is something more sinister afoot? This time, Kate will need every trick in her recipe book to help Maxi find the truth, before the last of the cookies crumble …(summary from Author web page) 

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