Cozy Review: Murder at the Breakers

 

* Book 1 in the Gilded Newport Mystery Series * 

Emma Cross is a relation of the Vanderbilt family, but as she's a distant relative, she isn't required to live by the same rules. She lives in Newport, not in a mansion, but in a small house. Her parents are abroad. She lives with her surrogate grandmother in her aunt's house. She writes for the local newspaper.

While on assignment, sharing the details of the ball at the Breakers, she witnesses a murder. Her half-brother is arrested for the murder. She knows Brady didn't murder anyone. Brady has been in trouble with the law previously and Emma's theories are just theories, which are dismissed.

Emma takes it upon herself to uncover the truth about the murder.

My Thoughts: I've been meaning to read this book for ages. Someone at work was telling me they read it and I placed a hold on it. I adore the Gilded Age TV show, so this eased a little of the waiting period for me. I loved the Emma was connected but not so connected. She wouldn't have been able to do most of the investigation if she had been a true Vanderbilt. Instead, she's able to talk with people from society and from below stairs. She might not have money, but she has more freedom. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Hand this to: Readers who enjoy the TV series The Gilded Age

Review: The Diva Cooks up a Storm

* Book 11 in the Domestic Diva series *

Before a social event, one of Sophie's acquaintances reveals he thinks he's being poisoned. He asked her advice. At a pop-up gourmet party, Sophie witnesses the same friend in a series of awkward social interactions. When he turns up dead later that night, Sophie knows something fishy is happening. Everyone's pointing the finger at someone else, but someone's lying. Can Sophie uncover the truth?

My Thoughts: I'm so glad this series is back; I've missed it. I loved reading my old friends and seeing what they were up to again. As usual, I enjoyed the moments between Sophie and Natasha. I felt terrible for Hollis's family and what all of them went through.  I loved the aftermath of the storm and how everyone came together to eat. I love the bit in the library and the romance. I liked trying to unravel all the secrets and lies told in this one, the ending kept me guessing. So looking forward to the next book in this fun series!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: This book comes out tomorrow, so you don't have to wait for it!
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your cozy section, especially where this series is popular.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Criminal Confections

* First in a new series *

Hayden knows everything about chocolate - that's why people request her services when something goes wrong. She just wrapped up a job for Lemaitre's Chocolates - all except for the report. She's attending their chocolate retreat as a favor.

Even though she dreads it, Hayden knows that attending could be good for her career and at the very least, she's going to taste some wonderful chocolates. Nothing goes according to plan and when her friend dies the first night, she doesn't think it was an accident.

The potential killer must be one of the chocolate players. Hayden will have to walk a very fine line to see which one of them might be a killer.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book; it made my mouth water the whole time I was reading it and now I want to go on a chocolate retreat (minus the murder of course.)

I liked the relationship between Hayden and Danny - old friends who know each other well. Although I don't like the fact that Hayden's inheritance is a sore spot between them. And I'm curious to know how she inherited her money. I hope to learn more about that in the next book.

Her relationship with her accountant provides a little sexual tension and some humor. I love their banter and hope that they meet one day soon. 

I liked learning more about Hayden's job - which would be fun to have. Who wouldn't want to work with chocolate all day?

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A mouth-watering read.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Missing Dough

 * 6th Pizza Lovers Mystery*

Maddy's ex-husband comes into the pizza shop one day, looking for a fight. Maddy and Eleanor ask him to leave. Unfortunately the meet up with him again at the Founders Day Festival. After another incident - this time including their boyfriends, everyone walks away.

It's not long before Grant turns up dead. The Sheriff has a few questions for the four of them. As Maddy's boyfriend Bob argued with him and doesn't have a solid alibi, he immediately becomes the prime suspect. 

Maddy and Eleanor aren't about to let anything happen to Bob. Of course their going to work together to clear his name.

My Thoughts:  I really enjoy this small town series that always makes me crave pizza. I liked learning more about Maddy's past, even though it was sad. I love how the two sisters work together to help their friends and loved ones. As always, the victim had several enemies who wanted him dead. I love Art and can't wait to read more about his friendship with Eleanor. A fun addition to the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library