Fourth of July Forgery

Fourth of July Forgery is the 6th Holiday Cozy Mystery from Tonya Kappes. It is a charming, fast paced cozy mystery that was published on June 29, 2023. 

The publisher's summary:

Fireworks aren't the only things causing sparks this Fourth of July in Holiday Junction! The much-awaited sixth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series, Fourth of July Forgery, immerses readers in a mystery that's more intricate than a firework's design.

When the festive atmosphere is dampened by the grim discovery of a body on the shore, it's up to our firecracker reporter, Violet Rhinehammer, to fizzle out the truth. Delving into the shadowy world of art dealing and potential forgeries, Violet must crack this case faster than a skyrocket, all while trying to keep her relationships and reputation from going up in smoke.

As she navigates the labyrinth of deception and accusation, Violet realizes that even in Holiday Junction, secrets can still explode like a M80. Can she solve the puzzle before the last sparkler has fizzled out, or will the fuse on this mystery burn too quickly for her to handle?

Violet is a news reporter for the Junction Journal and the amateur sleuth for the story. She uses her job as a journalist to investigate the murder of art dealer Graham Winston, whose body was found during the annual fireworks display. The police have no involvement in searching for the perpetrator, which is a little odd. The only time the police chief is mentioned is when he drives a car in the town’s Fourth of July parade and when he arrests the perp. However, this suspension of belief did not bother me much because Violet's mind worked fast. As a result there was a new twist on just about every other page. The reveal of the whodunnit was satisfying.

All of the characters were memorable. From Violet to her southern mother Millie Kaye, town gossip Goldie and the paper's newest journalist Radley. Violet is a return character from a prior cozy series by the author. She is the main character in each installment of this Holiday Cozy Mystery series so I already know I am going to be reading all of them.

4 out of 5 stars.

The Fatal Farandole

This delightful cozy mystery was published a few days ago on May 29, 2026. It is the 9th installment of the Provence Cozy Mysteries series by Ana T. Drew. The main character is baker Julie Cavallo. Please note that I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.

The publisher's summary:

A beloved Provençal festival.

A murderous conspiracy.

A bullfighter who knows too much.

When two local chefs are killed within a week, shockwaves ripple through the region’s tight-knit culinary world. Suspicion lands squarely on baker Julie Cavallo. As whispers turn to accusations, her eccentric family closes ranks, and her loyal friends rally to her side.

But Julie’s running out of time. Her pastry shop is at risk. Her love life is unraveling. The gendarmes are tracking her every move. Julie can’t afford to wait for the official investigation to uncover the truth. Her instincts go into overdrive. Dots connect. Patterns appear. . .

Can Julie make it through this case, when asking the right questions has already gotten others killed?

The story opened with a bang. Our main character Julie wakes up freezing and soon sees her grandmother’s dog Lady lying near her. Lady is whimpering. She is freezing also. Julie soon realizes that she is locked in a walk in freezer. With her mind moving fast Julie sees a metal grate that she can probably fit through. All she has to do is unscrew the nails. After several nerve-wracking minutes, the grate comes off and Julie squeezes through the space, then grabs Lady. The next thing she knows she is in a hospital.

While scrounging her memory for details on how she ended up in the freezer, Julie remembers chatting with fellow chef and friend Mylene Nivault. She cannot remember anything else. After hospital discharge Julie returns to work at her gluten free pastry shop. Unfortunately, she finds out that she is a suspect in Mylene's murder. Julie didn't even know Mylene was dead, let alone murdered. Capitaine Bauer has focused on her because she is always at the scene of suspicious deaths. The news travels fast in her village, Beldoc, and Julie’s shop is not approved to be a caterer at a local festival. Friends intervene and she is finally approved. Once the bull fest begins, all hell breaks through both before and after the farandole.

So what is the farandole? I asked my french teacher. I thought she said it was a festival. After reading a few more pages I learned that the farandole is a dance. Dancers wear a cultural dress, the l'arlesienne, and the dance music was written by composer Bizet. After listening to the music on YouTube I realized that I have heard it several times in the past. 

The story had many twists, much more than I am accustomed to seeing in cozy mysteries. This was a nice surprise. Another surprise was the extensive descriptions of the Provençal setting. I learned alot more than new insights into the culture but also quite a few new French words. How the police, gendarmerie, investigated crimes and how wine appellation laws mandate which grape varieties can be used, yield limits, and specific aging processes was interesting to say the least.

Note that the differences between the wine appellation laws figure prominently in the plot. It was fascinating see how fraudsters can exploit these laws both legally and illegally. There are other laws regarding what type of paperwork is required to prove provenance. The requirements under these laws vary significantly. They, too, can easily be exploited and this created alot of suspense in the story.

The characters were well developed. Julie is an amateur sleuth who, in the past, was at the scene of several murders. Her sleuthing always puts her in danger. Julie’s grandmother Rose is a fine example of a woman aging gracefully. Rose always chooses to participate in village events and takes chances on ruining her reputation in order to have fun. Julie has a boyfriend named Gabriel. Gabriel is a police officer who seems to good to be true. However, he really is that perfect caring man. Julie has an assistant, Flo, who is the voice of reason in Julie’s circle of friends. Flo can discern the best action for situations in which Julie finds herself and force Julie to think objectively. 

I loved The Fatal Farandole and am planning on reading the entire series. While I have already read several books that I think will be in my top ten for 2026, I am adding The Fatal Fandole to my prospective list. 5 out of 5 stars.

Ice Cold Body

I selected this book for the What's in a Name Challenge. I needed a book title that referenced cold weather. Icy Cold Body is a cozy mystery set in Alaska and is the first book in a five book (to date) series by Kelli Fudge. The Snowy Alaskan Murder Mystery series features Maggie Calloway as an amateur sleuth. 

The publisher's summary:  

She came to Alaska for peace. Her cat found a killer.

Retired schoolteacher Margaret "Maggie" Calloway traded her Ohio life for a cozy cabin in remote Frosthaven, Alaska. With her enormous cat, Kodiak, by her side, she dreamed of quiet days amid breathtaking wilderness. But on the first big snowfall, Kodiak drags her to Frosthaven Lake—where the ice-entombed body of beloved fish hatchery owner Earl Benton stares up from below.

The sheriff calls it a tragic accident. Maggie spots the truth: Earl's boots are bone dry. He didn't drown—he was placed there. As Maggie digs into Frosthaven's secrets—over diner coffee, in dusty archives, and among tight-lipped neighbors—she uncovers land disputes, buried grudges, and a missing deed worth a fortune. Someone will kill to keep it hidden.

With a blizzard sealing the town off and 300 suspects snowed in, Maggie and Kodiak race the storm. Clues are vanishing under feet of snow, and the killer knows she's closing in.

I loved this story! Maggie discovered a frozen body on the lake and was struck by the deceased's boots being dry. I never figured out how this could happen because the entire body was in the lake. It was never explained either. However, the story moved along at a quick pace and I kept reading. Initially, there weren't many characters introduced. There was basically Maggie and her cat Kodiak. About the midway point in the story we are introduced to town archivist Harriet Voss, Leland Gruber, owner of the Trading Post diner, Sheriff Miller and a few secondary characters. 

Harriet and Maggie became a team. They researched the belief among Frosthaven's citizens that their lakefront could not be developed. There were whispers that a deed from 1972 prohibited any development. Earl Benton, the deceased, was known to have proof. Together these two ladies solved the mystery of the deed as well as who killed Earl. Harriet and Maggie worked so well together that I think they will be the amateur sleuths in future releases of the series. 

Maggie's former career as a schoolteacher helped her deal with adversary characters. On almost every page Maggie is thinking back to her classroom and how she dealt with students, other teachers and school administration. She instinctively knew how to handle difficult people. It was fascinating to see how she was able to use her skills in a different setting.

I was surprised that the book only had 145 pages. I checked the page length of subsequent books in the series and they all were short. Despite this, the book followed the mystery formula to a T. It was an exciting novel. 5 out of 5 stars.

Buried Secrets

I was in alot of pain a few days ago and I thought an Amish fiction novel would be beneficial. This genre is my go-to place for comfort. It always works. Buried Secrets is the first novel in the author's Amish Book Club Mystery series. She states that it is a cozy Amish mystery, not Amish fiction. I guess that it qualifies as a cozy mystery. Tracy Fredrychowski is a new to me author and I loved her take for the series. The book was just published on April 1, 2026.

The publisher's summary:

A grave opened in the night. An empty coffin. And a group of elderly Amish sleuths must confront the secrets Sweet Briar tried to bury. Rosie Weaver treasures her simple, steady life — tending her garden, sharing tea with her monthly book club, and keeping danger safely tucked inside her books. Still, widowhood has left her the time to be watchful, even when she pretends otherwise.

When a young man’s coffin is discovered empty in the cemetery, Sweet Briar’s calm fractures overnight. The discovery unsettles Rosie and her group with a mystery they cannot ignore, prompting them to wonder what else lies buried beneath their small town.

As whispers about Josiah Miller’s rough past and bad crowd grow louder, Rosie, Irma Gingerich, and Lovina Frey realize they can no longer stand aside. Teaming up and cautiously sparring with English Sheriff Johnathan Carr, the three friends begin to untangle a story far more complicated than anyone expected. What kind of man is worth stealing from the grave, and who’s trying to protect his sins?

I must say right away that the book is written as a cozy mystery. The fact that most of the characters are Amish is coincidental. The cozy formula was used to write the story. 

The story opened with Clara Miller tidying up her fabric shop and complaining to herself about her son Josiah. Josiah was hanging out with Englishers, staying out late and, shock of all shocks, purchased fabrics for the shop that had modern designs. As an Amish woman Clara was fuming about the waste of money on these awful fabrics. She was also upset that she couldn't control Josiah. She thought he might leave the Amish community. By the end of the day Josiah had a buggy accident and died. 

Owen Kurtz is a gruff Amish man who saw the accident. He is a carpenter who just happened to have a pine coffin on his trailer. Owen kept passersby from seeing the body. He immediately put Josiah's body in the coffin, covered him with a horse blanket and drove the coffin to Bishop Zook's home. No one other than Owen saw the body. He maneuvered to keep folks away from the body and Josiah was buried the next day. Suspicious huh? As the summary above states, someone dug up the coffin and found that it contained bricks. No Josiah though. Later the body was found in Owen's barn.

Rosie Weaver hosts a weekly book club meeting with two other ladies in her cafe where a chapter is discussed each week. The plot of the book they were reading was eerily similar to an ongoing death investigation in their Sweet Briar community. After discussing their book they couldn't help but talk about the mystery surrounding the death of Josiah Miller. These three ladies, Rosie, Irma and Lovina, decided to do a little sleuthing of their own which irritated the Sheriff.

The Sheriff mentioned to Rosie that the death was a homicide. The way Owen described the body was very different from the way it actually appeared. There were witnesses to the buggy crash whose testimony differed from that of Owen.  The trio managed to identify the whodunnit and there was a big reveal at the end of the story.

Rosie Weaver is the main character. Her sleuthing abilities are extraordinary and she will make a fantastic amateur sleuth for future installments of the series. The mystery was perfectly plotted with a fast pace. I adored this story and am looking forward to reading more cozy Amish mysteries from the author. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Fatal Foliage

I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review. Amy Prescott's Fatal Foliage was published on March 22, 2026. It is the first book in a new cozy mystery series Ridgeway Springs Inn Mysteries. 

The publisher's summary:

A dead guest. A missing page. And a secret thirty-seven years in the making.

When foliage tour organizer Phillip Swanson is found dead in the Ridgeway Inn's beloved library annex, the town of Ridgeway Springs is ready to call it a tragic heart attack. But former archivist Eloise Stevens knows something doesn't add up. A rare first-edition book appears out of nowhere. A page has been torn from a decades-old guest ledger. And buried in her late father's private records is a notation that suggests Swanson's visit was no coincidence.

Newly returned to Vermont to run her family's historic inn, Eloise never planned to become an amateur sleuth. But as she pieces together old land disputes, forgotten easements, and the quiet connections between longtime residents, she realizes this mystery began long before the autumn leaves turned crimson.

With a retired judge guarding his composure, an antique dealer collecting more than antiques, and a small town where everyone knows everyone else's history, Eloise must untangle the past to protect the inn's future.

Because in Ridgeway Springs, some secrets aren't dead. They're just pending.

There are a few problems with the book. 95% of the writing is narration. More dialogue between the characters would bring both the plot and the characters to life. The characters were flat. We read about their backgrounds but without listening to them talk with the other characters we don't know who they really are. We don't know what makes them tick. In a cozy mystery, especially the first in a series, meeting the characters is important. It’s also important to see how they react to events in the story. I don't believe the author has done a good enough job for readers to want to continue to read the series. 

The mystery itself was plotted well and the pace was fast. I liked that the death occurred in the first chapter so the remainder of the book could be about solving the crime. The development of events was written well. The planting of clues and the twists were perfectly timed.

Concerning Eloise's amateur sleuth skills, she is a fantastic researcher. While the police were interviewing all of her customers, Eloise began to read her father’s notebooks and ledgers. She eventually finds a page about Phillip Swanson, the man who was killed in her library in the first chapter. In order to solve the crime Eloise had to run a title examination. It turns out Swanson did not come to Ridgeway Springs as a tourist but as a man who had come to finish something that he had started in 1987. At that time Swanson and two others filed papers questioning an easement to Eloise's property. I was impressed with the author's knowledge of land records. Running a title search on a piece of property is not a skill most legal professionals have. Eloise's knowledge here is amazing.

As I mentioned above, there was too much narration. This is why the story suffers. Rating the book takes some consideration because the mystery itself was plotted well. I am going to rate the book 2.7 stars out of 5 stars.

Death at a Firefly Tea

It is always exciting when a favorite author publishes a new novel. I have been anxiously awaiting the publication of Death at a Firefly Tea. It's the 30th installment of the Indigo Teashop cozy mystery series by Laura Childs. The series protagonist is tea shop owner Theodosia Browning. She is an amateur sleuth who investigates murders in Charleston, South Carolina where she lives and works. Death at a Firefly Tea is my selection for March's Calendar of Crime Challenge. I got behind in my reading last month.

The publishers summary:

As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston's local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V's grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex- daughter-in-law, ne'er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets. As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancae of Mrs. V's son is kidnapped. It's only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.

This book is another great entry into the Indigo Teashop series. It is a perfectly plotted mystery with several unexpected twists. I was trying to read slow in order to savor the story because I know I have to wait another year for the next book. However, that proved to be impossible. I read the book in one sitting. Author Laura Childs' last couple of books were perfectly written and this one fits into that category. Initially I didn't understand what a firefly tea was supposed to be. It all made sense in the first chapter as a group of folks had an afternoon tea of sorts after dark. The fireflies were lit up. I can remember looking at them when I was young but I certainly did not get tea. As usual, several relatives of the deceased asked Theodosia  to investigate and find the murderer. Police detective Burt Tidwell told her to not interfere but throughout the story he keeps asking for her opinion on the investigation. Tidwell is usually gruff and rough around the edges but he was different in this novel. He did not appear in the past few books so I am glad to see him again. 

The teas and food served at the Indigo Tea Shop are described so well that I began looking for restaurants in my area that serve afternoon tea.  There was afternoon tea hosted by Theo in this novel. There was a Victorian Tea. The Indigo Teashop was lavishly decorated for the event and the food served fit the Victorian era. The food descriptions made me hungry and I felt like I was there in person at the Indigo Teashop. It's the best part of this cozy mystery series. Drayton Connelley is Theo's tea sommelier and Haley is the baker. I love Drayton. He is my favorite character in the series. Drayton is always well dressed and has a debonair attitude around him. He helps Theo investigate the murders and the two of them always end up in a precarious situation. Haley basically stays in the background. Another nice feature in these books are the recipes. For every food and dessert concocted by Haley, there will be recipes at the end of the book. I am going to have to make Drayton's Shrimp Chowder.

Death at a Firefly Tea is a superb cozy mystery. Cozy fans will want to read it. 5 out of 5 stars.

The Star From Calcutta

The newest Perveen Mistry cozy historical mystery was recently published on March 3, 2026. The Star From Calcutta is the fifth installment of the series and takes place in 1922 India. In this story there was a movie censor  murdered at a movie premiere. The  leading lady disappeared at the same time. 

The publisher's summary:

India, 1922: Perveen Mistry, the only female lawyer in Bombay, has secured her biggest client yet: Champa Films, a movie studio run by director Subhas Ghoshal and his wife, Rochana, the biggest name in Indian cinema. In the public eye, Rochana is notorious for her beauty and her daring stunts—behind the scenes, she has recently left the studio in Calcutta that made her famous, and the studio owner is enraged by what he claims is a breach of contract. Rochana needs Perveen’s legal help to extricate Champa Films from the impending controversy.

To study Rochana’s glamorous world, Perveen attends a special screening and brings her film fanatic best friend, Alice Hobson-Jones. But in the aftermath of the event, one of the guests is found dead, and to make matters worse, Rochana has disappeared.

To protect her clients, Perveen begins to investigate the developing murder case, peeling back the glitz to reveal a salacious web of blackmail, deceit, and romantic affairs. For the first time in their friendship, Alice seems to be keeping a secret from Perveen. Is she hiding key information about the night of the murder? Will Perveen be able to detangle the truth from lies while protecting herself—and her closest friend?

This installment of the series was somewhat different than the earlier novels. In the past Perveen was investigating murders as a defense of her clients. In Star, Perveen was a witness because she attended the film preview and because she found the body. It was a nice twist that keeps the series fresh. However, she was still able to gather information for her investigation, although she had to ensure that the police did not know what she was up to. As a potential witness in a trial, or even the defendant, Perveen had to lay low. She hired a retired detective to help her with research into the movie companies, the censors and even her clients. 

While I have always enjoyed the Indian setting, this particular novel sheds light on the beginnings of Bollywood. Up until the time of the story, 1922, the movies that were shown in India were primarily made in Britain and had British storylines. None of the movie companies were creating stories about the lives of the Indian people nor were the actors Indian. If a character was ethnic, a mixed race actor was hired and, in all cases, the names of the actors were changed to Indian names. Around 1922 several Indian owned movie companies sprang up. They told Indian stories and used Indian actors. 

The pace was pretty quick, although the murder didn't occur until page 100 (out of 415). Perveen is a brilliant amateur sleuth. She relies on her law school education and work experience to help her create lists, in her mind that is, on how to approach each investigation in a rational manner. She pretty much knows what information she needs to obtain, in what order to obtain it and the names of those people who might have the information. Perveen thinks analytically as a lawyer would think. When she gets into trouble her father is a great resource. With twenty five years experience as a lawyer himself, he has the gravitas to know how best to handle unexpected challenges.

Perveen has a romantic interest in another character. The romance cannot go anywhere because she is still married to Cyrus Sodawilla and is not eligible for a divorce. Perveen is skating on thin ice in her liaisons with him but as a twenty-six year old woman she cannot turn her passion off. To make matters worse, her best friend's parents, the Hobson-Jones, are trying to marry him off to their daughter Alice. Of course, Alice isn't interested in him because she prefers women.

To say anything more about the book would be a spoiler. Suffice it to say that The Star of Calcutta is a perfect cozy mystery. I am rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

Aunty Lee's Delights

Aunty Lee's Delights has been on my TBR list for several years. I finally got around to reading this wonderful cozy mystery.  This first installment of the series was published in 2013. The series takes place in Singapore.

The publisher's summary:

"The culture and culinary delights of Singapore come alive in Yu’s novel. Rosie “Aunty” Lee, something of a busybody, has shrugged off widowhood to open her own restaurant. But when she gets drawn into a local murder investigation, it soon becomes clear she has a real talent for sleuthing... Guaranteed to make you hungry!--Sarah Weinman, New York Times Book Review

This delectable and witty mystery introduces Rosie “Aunty” Lee, feisty widow, amateur sleuth and proprietor of Singapore’s best-loved home cooking restaurant.

After losing her husband, Rosie Lee could easily have become one of Singapore’s “tai tai,” an idle rich lady devoted to an aimless life of mah-jongg and luxury shopping. Instead she threw herself into building a culinary empire from her restaurant, Aunty Lee’s Delights, where spicy Singaporean home cooking is graciously served by Rosie Lee herself to locals and tourists alike. But when a body is found in one of Singapore’s beautiful tourist havens, and when one of her wealthy guests fails to show at a dinner party, Aunty Lee knows that the two are likely connected.

The murder and disappearance throws together Aunty Lee’s henpecked stepson Mark, his social-climbing wife Selina, a gay couple whose love is still illegal in Singapore, and an elderly Australian tourist couple whose visit—billed at first as a pleasure cruise—may mask a deeper purpose. Investigating the murder is rookie Police Commissioner Raja, who quickly discovers that the savvy and well-connected Aunty Lee can track down clues even better than local law enforcement.

Wise, witty and unusually charming, Aunty Lee’s Delights is a spicy mystery about love, friendship and home cooking in Singapore, where money flows freely and people of many religions and ethnicities co-exist peacefully, but where tensions lurk just below the surface, sometimes with deadly results.

I was hooked from the first chapter. The setting was prominent here and I loved all the references to the food and slang terminology. I must admit, though, that I had to look them up on Google. Aunty Lee is as charming as I have been told. She is a vibrant, loveable character who loves experimenting with flavors as well as cooking the usual Singapore fare. Aunty Lee is a caterer and an intriguing investigator. She can determine the true character of people from the way they eat her cooking.

The murder occurred in the second chapter. I love it when an author gives the reader an upfront kill so that the rest of the book can be about the investigation of the death. Aunty Lee becomes interested in a news story about an unidentified body found on a beach near a luxury resort. She and her maid, Nina, then scour the news sites for more information.

I adored this novel and definitely will be reading the series. 5 out of 5 stars.

At Death's Dough

At Death's Dough is the 5th Deep Dish Mystery by Mindy Quigley. I love this series. It takes place in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin which is a resort town that I have visited and am familiar with. The pizzeria scenes make me hungry as pizza is my favorite food group. What's not to like? The book was published in October 2025.

The publisher's summary:  

It’s February in the ritzy lakeside resort town of Geneva Bay, Wisconsin, and love is in the air. Pizza chef Delilah O’Leary is gearing up to celebrate her first Valentine’s Day with hunky police detective Calvin Capone, great-grandson of the infamous Chicago mobster. But their romance is put on ice when a shocking discovery plunges them into a century-old crime with ties to Capone’s notorious forefather.

As old secrets surface, Delilah realizes that nearly everyone in town―from Capone’s cagey cousin to her own quirky customers―has something to hide. With the pressure mounting and the past closing in, Delilah must help Capone follow a trail of clues that could lead them to a priceless treasure... or into a deadly trap. Can Delilah serve up justice before history repeats itself? Or will she and Capone end up sleeping with the anchovies?

I enjoyed getting reacquainted with my favorite characters. Delilah is the main character and she is dating a police officer who is Al Capone’s grandson; Calvin Capone. Her sous chef and best friend Sonya is rather quirky. Sonya is always doing something new and exciting and the something usually ends up being related somehow to the murder. In this installment of the series, the death did not occur until the one third point in the story and we don't know whether it's a murder just yet. Normally I get prickly when the death/murder doesn't happen in the first couple of chapters. That did not happen because I was enjoying the setting and the characters. Another fun character is Delilah’s Aunt Biz. Biz is an octogenarian with a sassy mouth and zest for life. It seems that Delilah is the only character with common sense. She navigates all of these fun folks with aplomb.

The death investigation didn't actually happen. No witnesses were interviewed. I found this unbelievable but remembered that cozies require a suspension of belief. It seems that Capone’s shady cousin Dominic was secretly in town for an unknown reason. Delilah believes that he was searching for a treasure that disappeared after a train robbery 100 years ago because who, in their right mind, would scuba dive under a frozen lake in the winter. When Delilah and company realized that the treasure might be stashed in Geneva, she and friend Daniel dived under the ice to see if it was buried there. The results of the dive could determine whether Dominic was murdered or accidentally drowned under the ice.

I loved this cozy mystery and am rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

The Hildegard Seeds

I have one additional books to read in Gary McAvoy's Vatican Secret Archives Mystery series. I will then begin reading his Vatican Archaeology series. I have enjoyed every book he has written to date and The Hildegard Seeds is no different. It was awesome. 

The publisher's summary:

When investigative journalist Hana Sinclair uncovers a cryptic reference to an ancient botanical manuscript left to by her late grandfather, she unravels a thread tied to Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century abbess, healer, and mystic. Her findings reveal that Hildegard’s work holds more than historical value—it may conceal the key to curing some of humanity’s most devastating diseases. But someone is determined to ensure her secrets stay buried.

As Hana teams up with Father Michael Dominic, prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, and Marcus Russo, a Vatican archaeologist, they discover that a powerful biotech corporation, Zentara, has been systematically suppressing cancer cures for profit. Zentara’s reach is vast, its operatives ruthless, and its agenda clear: control the narrative of medical progress at any cost.

The team races to uncover and protect Hildegard’s work, their journey taking them from Geneva to Rupertsberg Abbey, where Hildegard lived and worked, to Zentara’s high-tech laboratories. Along the way, they face betrayal, danger, and the weight of their own convictions. For Hana, the fight becomes deeply personal, challenging her notions of justice and the role of science in society.

But when Zentara accelerates its plans and begins human trials with catastrophic consequences, the stakes grow even higher. Can the team expose the corporation’s crimes, safeguard Hildegard’s legacy, and ensure her healing vision is not lost to history?

A gripping tale of courage, faith, and the pursuit of truth, The Hildegard Seeds explores the timeless struggle between greed and the greater good, weaving historical intrigue with modern-day suspense in a story that will resonate long after the final page.

The action in this story began in the first chapter, must sooner than in previous novels which is a good thing.  My interest in the story began quickly as the short chapters brought the suspense level up. It was impossible to put the book down. The vial referenced in the summary above contained a substance that Hildegard's manuscript promised to be able to cure tumors.  A substance that can cure cancer would be coveted by every pharmaceutical company in the world which naturally created danger for Hana and Michael. 

The story contained alot of scientific information concerning botanicals, such as ferns and ricinus aureum as well as the scientific method of isolating the properties of these plants. Ricinus aureum isn't a recognized plant name, but likely refers to ricinus communis, the castor bean plant, known for its stunning foliage (often purplish, hence "aureum" might imply golden/colorful) and highly poisonous seeds, containing the toxin ricin, used medicinally and industrially for castor oil but dangerous if ingested. In this novel the ricinum aureum plant is referred to as a "golden castor, " so I assume we are referring to the same plant.

Also, the story includes Hildegard’s mystical language Lingua Ignota (Latin for "unknown language") which consists of 23 letters and a vocabulary with no known grammar. The only known text are individual words embedded in Latin. To write it, Hildegard used denominated litterae ignotae (Latin for "unknown letters"). It was pretty cool to see how Father Michael Dominic deciphered it. The story also contained several of the riddles in Hildegard’s writings that Hana and Michael had to decipher making this book a first rate mystery.

As I usually do when reading McAvoy's novels, I stopped reading in the middle of the book to check Wikipedia in order to determine what is true in the story and what isn't. While I know that I will find this info at the end of the story, I am too impatient to wait.

This installment of the series may be the best. The plot is more intricate and together with all the science behind Hildegard’s ideas, I was fascinated with the story. The twists and turns are ramped up and Hana and Michael find their lives in mortal danger multiple times. I am rating it 5 out of 5 stars. 

Death on a Scottish Train

I have anxiously been awaiting the publication of this book. Death in a Scottish Train is the 4th book in Lucy Connelly's Scottish Isles Mystery series. It is a cozy mystery featuring Dr. Emilia McRoy, an American who moved to Scotland for a new start in life. She acts as both a physician and the coroner in the village of Sea Isle. The book was published on October 14, 2025.

The publisher's summary:

Dr. Emilia McRoy, an American in Scotland, has a killer in sight in the fourth installment of the Scottish Isle mystery series, perfect for fans of Paige Shelton and Connie Berry.

Summer is coming to a close on beautiful Sea Isle in Scotland, and Dr. Emilia McRoy is celebrating one year since her big move. With a weeklong festival to end the season, the town gathers for a magical ride on the newly refurbished Storyteller’s Train, but the launch’s success is dampened by an unexpected death.

What appears to be a case of deadly allergies is soon revealed as murder. As Emilia, her assistant Abigail, and the local constable Ewan McGregor unravel the mystery, the killer sets their murderous intentions on them.

If they want to survive, they will need the help of all of their friends—before they become the latest victims.

While the story is a mystery, what I immediately feel when I open any book in this series is the coziness of the Sea Isle village. Everyone gets along and they all look out for each other. Everyone also seems to be happy. If I could move there I would. This is the only cozy mystery that gives me that feeling.

The plot was captivating. It revolved around the investigation of the death of accountant Donald Jacks. Jacks was scheduled to be a storyteller for a vintage train ride. While he was seen at the train station, he didn't board the train. He was later found stuffed in a cupboard at the station. Em and Ewen quickly learn that he invested several residents' retirement funds in risky schemes and they lost everything. The pool of suspects is wide but perhaps Jacks just met his karma. Jacks had an allergy to bees that few people knew about. Since he constantly put lip balm on his lips, the killer decided put bee venom in the lip balm. As Jacks used it he was not aware that he was killing himself with it. There were plenty of suspects and red herrings as Emilia and Ewen investigated the death, The big reveal is in the last chapter.

Emilia has now resided in Sea Isle for one year. There is a hint of her having romantic feelings for Ewen who has been always been a  annoyance to her. I think we are going to see these two characters becoming close in future installments of the series.

Death on a Scottish Train was a fun and relaxing read. Cozy lovers who haven't read the series yet should look into it. 5 out of 5 stars.

Deeds Left Undone

Deeds Left Undone is the 13th installment of Wine Country Mystery series by Ellen Crosby. It was published on August 5, 2025 and is another awesome entry for the series. The Wine Country series is a cozy mystery series that I have loved from its beginning. 

The publisher's summary:  

When a vineyard accident during harvest season leaves Lucie Montgomery without a valuable employee, it’s her worst nightmare. But before she can search for a replacement, there’s more bad news: Paul Merchant, her winery manager’s husband, is found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool.

Police rule Paul’s death an accident, but his wife insists he was murdered because of his leadership of Don’t Pave Paradise, a conservationist group lobbying to keep the region’s beautiful country roads unpaved. And six weeks ago, Paul’s predecessor also died under mysterious circumstances.

As Lucie is drawn into investigating Paul’s death, she discovers more than one motive for the crime—and more than one person in their close-knit community who wanted Paul dead. And when she finds an old photo of a beautiful local heiress who died tragically in a fire eighty years ago among Paul’s papers, she starts to wonder if the modern-day crime might have roots in the past.

Either way, someone is determined to make sure Lucie, who’s agreed to continue the work of Don’t Pave Paradise, hits a dead end before she even gets started. Even if it means committing murder. Again.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting reacquainted with some of my favorite characters. Lucie, Quinn and the gang are all lovable characters who get along with each other. I find it fascinating that all of the characters in a mystery series like each other. Where's the villain? Villains pop up in every novel but they're not associated with the day to day activities on the farm. I especially love that Lucie has a mobility impairment but manages to run a vineyard. It's not your average job for a person with a disability. 

I had some difficulty believing that opponents of the Don't Pave Paradise were responsible for the death of Paul Marchand and maybe another person associated with the group too. It seemed a ridiculous reason to kill someone. However, that is exactly what happened but the reason was totally unexpected. An interesting side story about an eighty year old fire exposed decades of conflict among the families in the region and filled the middle of the story. The families, however, are all connected to the crimes that are being solved in the book. Questions abound concerning whether today's families are attempting to clear their ancestors of crimes committed or whether there is another reason. There is another reason!

Deeds Left Undone is the perfect cozy mystery.  I am rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

The Apostle Conspiracy

It's hard to believe that there are now nine books in this series. I have enjoyed them all, including this one.

The publisher's summary:

Amid the grandeur of the Vatican, the bones of Saint Peter-the Church's most sacred relics-hold secrets that could reshape its history. Father Michael Dominic, Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, uncovers a mysterious, nearly forgotten inscription linking Linus, Saint Peter's first successor, to foundational decisions that shaped the early Church. What begins as a scholarly exploration of Linus's legacy quickly turns into an urgent quest to protect the truth. With the help of Vatican archaeologist Marcus Russo, Michael follows cryptic clues buried deep within the Archives, revealing Linus as a pivotal yet hidden architect of the faith-and uncovering a history the Church may not be ready to face.

But Michael's work draws the attention of Elliot Voss, a shadowy and powerful figure obsessed with the bones of Saint Peter. For Voss, the relics are more than sacred artifacts; they are a path to immortality and ultimate control. His dangerous ambition drives him to manipulate and deceive, drawing Michael into a web of intrigue where every revelation is a potential threat to the sanctity of the Church. Voss's relentless pursuit of power forces Michael to confront the darker side of faith and the fragility of legacy, as the sacred bones become the centerpiece of a deadly game.

As Michael and Marcus uncover Linus's hidden legacy and navigate the peril surrounding Saint Peter's relics, their discoveries bring more questions than answers. Meanwhile, Michael's evolving relationship with Hana Sinclair takes an unexpected turn, challenging his convictions and forcing him to face personal truths as profound as the mysteries he's working to unravel. Set against the shadowy intrigue of the Vatican, this gripping novel explores the tension between history and faith, power and preservation-where even the holiest of relics can become the battleground for humanity's greatest struggles.

All of the books in the series are fast paced. After beginning to read, my next realization is that I have already read 100 pages. I decided to read a few more and take a break but forgot about the time and finished the book in one sitting. The story is that entertaining.

I wouldn't say that there is heart-pounding suspense as most thrillers are known for. The chapters end without cliffhangers but the reader will need to use their intellect in order to decifer the challenges that Father Dominic is facing. Just plain curiosity is also what keeps you reading. The identity of Linus and his relationship to Peter is the biggest challenge. Father Dominic meets with the Vatican's chief archeologist several times to view and discuss the writings on the sarcophagus that Peter's bones were found in. There are several other decisions that he must make as the story evolves such as how best to protect the bones of St. Peter while they are publicly displayed for the 1100th anniversary of their re-intombment in the Vatican. I found myself googling throughout my read to find out the background on every detail of this mystery. I couldn’t wait for the ending to read the Author’s Notes. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this intellectual mystery. I think all mystery lovers will enjoy it and I highly recommend it. 5 out of 5 stars.

The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras

This is the first book in a humorous mystery series featuring a New Mexico pottery dealer who has a side job as an amateur sleuth. Hubert Schuze studied math in college and is familiar with Pythagorus and his theorems. Hubie uses his knowledge of math when creating his own pots, most of which are duplicates of ancient pots.

The publisher's summary:

A dealer of ancient Native American pottery, Hubert Schuze has spent years combing the public lands of New Mexico, digging for artwork that would otherwise remain buried. According to the US government, Hubie is a thief—but no act of Congress could stop him from doing what he loves. For decades, Hubie has worn the title of pot thief proudly. Outright burglary, though, is another story.

But an offer of $25,000 to lift a rare pot from a local museum proves too tempting for Hubie to refuse. When he sees how tightly the relic is guarded, he changes his mind, but the pot goes missing anyway. Soon a federal agent suspects that Hubie is the culprit. After things take a turn for the serious, Hubie knows he must find the real thief quickly, or risk cracking something more fragile than any pot—his skull.

Hubert used many Pythagorian measurements in order to plan his heist. Hubert is not only a math major but he is also a treasure hunter turned pot thief. He is only considered a thief because of a new American law disallowing archeologists and other diggers from keeping things they find. Hubert doesn't dig on Indian lands or private property, but he feels that he's part of the public, so public land finds belong to him too! He runs a pot store in New Mexico selling his great finds.

This book is a humorous, intellectual mystery full of stories about Pythagorus' life and theories. Hubert and his friend Susannah have intellectual discussions on this mathematician while they enjoy their daily evening drinks. The book is a great start for this new cozy mystery series.

The Great British Bump Off: Kill or be Quilt #1

Following the success of the Great British Bump Off baking murder mystery series, John Allison brings us a companion series. The Kill or Be Quilt series will have five releases and takes place in a fabric shop that we quilters refer to as a quilt shop. The next release will be published later today.

The publisher's summary:

When wildcat arson hits her new employer right where she lives, Shauna Wickle is drawn into the brutal and vindictive world of quilting, as sisterhood and community needlecraft deteriorate into internecine strife. With the promise of an end to all her financial worries, Shauna must cross enemy lines and infiltrate a cadre of “monsters in human skin”. But they seem…so nice

This is a light hearted cozy mystery in graphic novel format.  Shauna Wickle is the main character. She is a bright, kind, peppy girl who embarks on a relaxing vacation, sailing down English canals in a boat she borrowed from her uncle. However, Shauna is not an experienced sailor and soon finds that the boat has run aground and needs to be fixed before Shauna can continue her vacation. She is lucky to land in Barton-on-Wendle, and gets a job working at a fabric shop in order to earn money for repairs. At the shop she learns what a fat quarter is and is delighted to see bobbins of thread organized by color. Because of her bubbly personality, the shop owner believes Shauna will scare off their customers. We have to wait for the next release to find out how she fits in with the employees.

Way, way over 5 out of 5 stars.

Old Habits Die Hard

I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review. It is the first book in a new series called Nun the Wiser. It was published on April 2, 2025.

The publisher's summary:

When retired nun and teacher Sister Bernadette returns with her fellow residents to The Abbey: Senior Living, she is the first to discover the body sprawled in the hallway of the converted school where she once taught English and now lives. Instead of freezing with horror, Sister Bernie has questions. Lots of them. Why does Toni Travi, the bedazzled and bejeweled resident from apartment 218, have so much chest hair? Did anyone at The Abbey know Toni was a man? Was Toni’s death related to allegations that she cheated at cards? Where’s the murder weapon? Who had motive? And did someone kill Toni, or the man hiding beneath the Revlon foundation and blonde wig?

Detective AJ Lewis is in charge of the investigation though Sister Bernie acts as if he is still her student. With unholy stubbornness, she dogs his every step, eavesdrops, sneaks beyond the police tape and offers unsolicited conjecture and clues. He wants to keep her safe, but she’s determined to lend a helping hand—it’s her habit, after all!

Old Habits Die Hard is a cute cozy mystery with a retired nun as the amateur sleuth. The murder of a resident at a senior residence happened early in the story and the investigation began quickly. It was realistic with the police following protocol regardless of how fast it took them to solve the murder. Protocol prioritized over untangling the mystery. The officer charged with the investigation used to be a student of Sister Bernadette/Bernie, our amateur sleuth and he was a little afraid of engaging her with his questions. He also spent alot of time ignoring her questions about the investigation. Their relationship will make this new series unbeatable.

Several of the characters who lived at the residence will make interesting villains, or at least suspects, in future installments of the series. I can even see Bernie as a suspect. She's nosy and knows everyone's business. She also knows where all the secret nooks and crannies are in the senior building because it used to be the school where she taught for 48 years. Bernie used these spaces to eavesdrop on AJ's witness interviews. She then used the information gleaned to further her own investigation.

5 out of 5 stars. Cozy lovers should check this one out.

An Irish Bookshop Murder

Last year I read three books from Lucy Connelly's Scottish Isles series and loved them. When I found out about this new Mercy McCarthy mystery I had to get it. This series takes place in Shamrock Cove, Ireland and I love the setting. 

The publisher's summary:

Meet Ireland’s newest daring detective: she’s a bookstore owner, a coffee lover, and a crime writer. Now Mercy McCarthy needs a little Irish luck as she takes on her first case!  After receiving an unexpected inheritance from her grandfather, Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are now the proud owners of a charming antique bookshop in the tiny Irish village of Shamrock Cove. But before they can take in the beautiful view of the sea, one of their neighbors drops dead!

Mercy finds the Judge, a well-respected man who lives next door, dying on his own doorstep. She rushes to help, but with his final words, he accuses Mercy of murder! Most of their new neighbors hear his words and, with suspicion pointing at Mercy, she decides to investigate the case to clear her name.  Searching amongst the Judge’s old books, Mercy uncovers letters proving several of the townsfolk had reason to dislike the older man—but was it the local pub landlord, the kindly cook or neighborly knitter who killed him?

Then Mercy’s chief suspect turns up dead and she receives a threatening note, typed on paper from her own bookstore… Ireland was supposed to be a fresh start for Mercy and Lizzie, but dead bodies keep turning up.  Does Mercy have what it takes to nail the culprit or will the killer close the book on her time in this charming Irish village?

Connelly has recently become one of my favorite authors. I am thrilled to have discovered her. An Irish Bookshop Murder is a great start for the series. Many times first novels have too much backstory and character information to the detriment of the actual mystery. Here, however, we have a rich mystery to solve and it has many twists. The pace is fast and with quirky characters it is an engaging story. I can see future installments of the series having a wide variety of plotlines with all of these eccentric characters. 

If there is anything negative to say about the book, it is the suspension of belief required to accept Mercy’s  investigation of the Judge’s murder. It seemed bizarre that she would investigate when she had only lived in the community for one week. Who does that? Most people would be busy unpacking and arranging their new home to their taste. Most people wouldn't be able to remember all the names of their new neighbors yet alone consider whether they are guilty of murder.

The story is a fast read. Cozy mystery lovers will enjoy it. 5 out of 5 stars.

Knife Skills For Beginners

Knife Skills for the Beginner is the first book in a new cozy culinary mystery series. It's fantastic! The plot is about a chef who is talked into substituting for a famous chef/friend who teaches a week long residential cookery course. 

The publisher's summary:

The Chester Square Cookery School in the heart of London offers students a refined setting in which to master the fine art of choux pastry and hone their hollandaise. True, the ornate mansion doesn’t quite sparkle the way it used to—a feeling chef Paul Delamare is familiar with these days. Worn out and newly broke, he’d be tempted to turn down the request to fill in as teacher for a week-long residential course, if anyone other than Christian Wagner were asking.

Christian is one of Paul’s oldest friends, as well as the former recipient of two Michelin stars and host of Pass the Gravy! Thanks to a broken arm, he’s unable to teach the upcoming session himself, and recruits Paul as stand-in. The students are a motley crew, most of whom seem more interested in ogling the surroundings (including handsome Christian) than learning the best ways to temper chocolate.

Yet despite his misgivings, Paul starts to enjoy imparting his extensive knowledge to the recruits—until someone turns up dead, murdered with a cleaver Paul used earlier that day to prep a pair of squabs. Did one of his students take the lesson on knife techniques too much to heart, or was this the result of a long-simmering grudge? In between clearing his own name and teaching his class how to perfectly poach a chicken, he’ll have to figure out who’s the killer, and avoid being the next one to get butchered.

 

Knife Skills is an entertaining story. I loved everything about it. The plot was good and the characters were remarkable. All of them were a little eccentric which made them seem suspicious. This is the first book I have ever read where every character could have been the killer, except Christian, the deceased. When the killer was revealed I was shocked. I wondered what clues I could have missed. How many of these characters return in the next book is questionable and I am wondering if Paul will be teaching classes in future books or if his setting is going to be a restaurant.

This is the author’s debut fiction novel. Orlando Murrin is a former editor of BBC Good Food, founder of Olive Magazine, a semi-finalist on Masterchef and has written seven cookbooks. I guess he knows how to write! Not every one can write fiction though but he has begun the series well. I look forward to reading more from him in the future. 

Everything Bundt the Truth

I received a free copy of this cozy mystery from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.  It is a Dinner Club cozy mystery that was published in 2016. I thought it was OK but it didn't do much for me.

The publisher's summary:

She cheated on dessert. A murderer killed before dinner. If she doesn't dish up the solution, she'll be banned from the club. A recent widow, Jane Marsh, is determined to recapture a rich, full life. She strives for youthful fun by riding a bicycle downtown on her lunch hour in a suit and heels, smoking cigars, eating at hipster restaurants, and re-entering the dating scene, even if her dates prove to be peculiar. Her most fervent desire, though, is to join an exclusive dinner club. She auditions but is barred when her housekeeper is found murdered, and she and her guest list become the suspect list. Her, a killer? So what if her two late husbands died under suspicious circumstances. It doesn't make her a killer. Having passed off a store-bought Bundt cake as her own creation, she may have committed a culinary crime, but never murder! This first in the dinner club murder mystery series is similar to cozies written by authors Jessica Beck, Joanne Fluke, and Leslie Meier. If you like cozy mysteries, tight friendships, and gripping who-done-its, you'll love Whalen's Everything Bundt the Truth. Buy the book now to join the dinner club craze today.

My initial attraction to the book was the inviting red book cover with the bundt cake pan. The cover is gorgeous. However, the writing style was simple and didn't entertain me. There are a few positives though. I thought that the murder occurring in the first chapter was a good idea as then the rest of the book is about the investigation. The plot premise was also good. Murdering the housekeeper was a great idea but being denied entry into a dinner club because she was killed didn't make sense to me. It was a stretch too far. 

Jane was an obvious suspect since the death occurred in her home. The police were also interested in her because both of her husbands died in similar accidents. The author focused alot of attention on Jane's interactions with family and friends. I prefer a storyline that spends most of the pages on the murder investigation. . 

Many cozy lovers will enjoy this traditional cozy but it wasn't my cup of tea. 3 out of 5 stars.

High Tea and Misdemeanors

The Indigo Teashop mysteries are one of my top three cozy mystery series. High Tea and Misdemeanors is the 29th installment of the series and it is one of the best to date. If you haven't yet read the series, you simply must. It's magnificent and has the fastest pace of all 29 books.

The publisher's summary: 

When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

I always have a good laugh at some of the rhyming two word adjectives that author Laura Childs uses; eg, a florist shop in Charleston is called Flora Dora and a sound was thump-thumpering. What I particularly noticed in this novel was that tea sommelier Drayton Conneley was described as being sixtysomething. He has been this age for 29 years! I must acknowledge, though, that if the characters aged throughout the series, none of them would still be alive and there would be no books anymore. We can't have that.

The murder occurred in the first chapter which I always appreciate because the rest of the story can be about the investigation. I noticed how well written the first chapter was compared to earlier books in the series. The story opens with the killer doing his thing. I don't believe Childs has written this chapter with a hook before. Usually we see setting descriptions and introductions to the main characters. The hook is the reason the chapter was so fast paced. 

The pace was maintained throughout the story. Theodosia didn't think about investigating, she just started to do so. While cozies require a suspension of belief, I thought it was bizarre that Theo's boyfriend, police detective Pete Riley, followed her ideas on how to investigate the murder. He did what he was told. Then again, with a long series it becomes dry reading about the amateur sleuth always scratching for leads from the police. I guess in this case the suspension of belief is appropriate.

High Tea and Misdemeanors is a wonderful entry into the Indigo Teashop series. 5 out of 5 stars.