Cozy Review: Grace to the Finish

 * Book 8 in the Manor House Mystery series *

Grace's concerned about her sister exiting jail and reentering society. Now that Grace has become Bennett's heir, she knows that Liza will do everything in her power to get her fair share of the money. Grace's happy to finally convince her Aunt Belinda to come help out with Liza's reentering. But Aunt Belinda has her own view on the sisters' relationship.

With all the family drama, Grace can't wait to move forward with her new business adventure. She's the new silent partner in her roommates' business. They have a new building. But during a walk through, they discover the bank manager at the bottom of the stairs - murdered. Could this halt their project for good?

My Thoughts: I'm sad to see this series end, but I loved hanging out with the characters once again. The solving of the murder was well done, the climax terrifying. I love that the murder brought up romantic drama in Grace's life. I love how Frances tried to manhandle her love life - that made me giggle. I enjoyed the family drama - especially how it ended. I'm happy where the characters left off; the series ended well. 

Cover Thoughts: Amazing
Source: Reviewed for Fresh Fiction

Library Recommendation: Grab this cozy series for your library!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Sees Red

 * Book 7 in the Manor House series *

Grace's day changes the minute her assistant Frances calls her asking for help. Grace doesn't know much about Frances outside the office, but she drops everything to help.

Frances's ex husband lives in an upscale assisted living complex. One of his roommates has died. The police think it very likely that he's been murdered. Frances is their key suspect.

Grace starts investigating herself, hoping to clear her assistant's name. She knows Frances wouldn't kill anyone, even if she was arguing with the person just before he died.  But will the police listen to her?

My Thoughts: I really adore these books. I liked learning more about Frances and her life outside of work. I was impressed with her. I felt terrible for Bruce and Scott and the future of their business. I liked how this book took place in an alternative location - with a different police force. Although, I enjoyed the cameos by the police force and the medical examiner. Plus, I love learning more about Bennett and the mansion. The cast of familiar characters makes me feels as though as I'm catching up with old friends. While the new characters intrigue me and make me curious about them. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming - but it doesn't match the book
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series to public libraries for their cozy collection.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Cries Uncle

 * Book 6 in the Manor House Mystery series * 

Grace has finally agreed to DNA testing to prove if she and her boss are in fact related. Since she started work at Marshfield Manor, she's felt a connection to Bennett, but she isn't interested in being his heir. She doesn't want anything to change, but she would like to keep this information private.

With people showing up at the house asking questions, Grace becomes uneasy, especially when one of them turns up murdered behind her house.

So she's thrown for a loop when out of the blue her estrange sister appears on her doorstep. Liza claims that she left Eric (the man who was once engaged to Grace) and needs a place to stay. Grace reluctantly allows her sister to stay with them. Could her sister have something to do with this mess?

My Thoughts: I adore this series. I love the connection between Grace and Bennett. In this addition to the series, I enjoyed getting to know Liza. I was surprised by her and a little stunned by her actions. I hope we get more details in the next book.

I really enjoy the secondary characters - especially Frances (she's smart, sarcastic, almost thoughtful, a gossip, and loyal.) I admit even Hillary is growing on me. 

This book took a turn I didn't expect, which intrigued me all the more. I can't wait to see what happens next and how everything shakes out.

Cover Thoughts: Love this cover!
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another win for Julie Hyzy. I love this series - great characters and enough actin and danger to keep me quickly turning the pages. If you haven't started this series, get on it!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Against the Clock

* Book 5 in the Manor House Mystery Series *

The Manor's hosting a fundraiser for the town clock, which desperately needs fixing.  When Dr. Leland Keay disappears right before his keynote speech, Grace knows something is wrong.

When he turns up dead, she believes it wasn't from natural causes. She can't let the matter rest, especially since the crime happened at the manor and on her watch.  Can she uncover the events of that night that will lead her to the truth?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed that latest installment of this series. I love learning more about the manor and the people who work there - mainly Francis and Bennett. I love how Francis is warming up to Grace.  I liked the moments between Hilary and Grace and how they've been working together restoring her house. I loved the discovery of the secret passageway and learning more about the history of the house (and the town). The attempted sleuthing, uncover details about the house, friendship, and romance certainly make a winning combination.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Takes Off

 *4th book in the series *

Grace and Bennett have spent the last two weeks in Europe.  They end their journey with a visit to Bennett's oldest friend. After looking at Nico's impressive art collection, Bennett becomes uneasy.  It isn't until the next day on the plane that he confides in Grace that the piece is a fake.

Before they have time to discuss it further, Grace uncovers one of the passenger's trying to kill Bennett.

They didn't know anyone on the plane and that plane wasn't their original way home. Why would someone want to hurt Bennett? As usual, Grace isn't about to let this go. 

My Thoughts: The 4th book in the series leaves me wanting more. I love Grace - her openness, her loyalty, and her passion.  I love her interaction with people from Bennett to Francis to her roommates. I love Francis and her sharp tongue. I like the way they work together now. I love how Bennett helped her gather her strength from the last book. I found Hillary amusing but irritating. I can't wait to see what happens next between the family. 

Cover Thoughts: Cozy
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Among Thieves

 *3rd book in the Manor House Mystery series*

Grace has a great idea to bring in more patrons to the manor house - she's allowed a film crew to make a commemorative DVD of the manor. She wants to beef up the gift shop.

However, since the film crew's been at the manor house, a few items have gone missing. Grace shifted the shooting time to earlier in the day in an attempt to strengthen security.

When she hears from a friend that her museum's missing items, Grace begins to suspect there's something more to the picture. When a girl from a tour group winds up dead and an man shot in the shoulder, Grace believes the incidents might be related.

Can she figure out what's really going on or will someone stop her from trying?

My Thoughts: I find this series fascinating. I love the setting and Grace's job. I love her roommates - they're super supportive and very funny.  I found this addition to the series haunting, but wonderful. I devoured this book. I admire Grace for her beliefs, her strength, and her sense of fun. My heart broke for her at times during this book, but I can't wait to see how she rises!

Cover Thoughts: Charming, that chair looks like the perfect place to read.
Source: my Library.

Mysterious Cover Reveal: Grace Among Thieves

I LOVE this series - check out the third cover for the Manor House mysteries. It's out June 5th 2012. Doesn't it look cozy? I love the book in front of the fireplace. It just makes me want to read there the whole afternoon.

Check out my reviews of both previous books: Grace Under Pressure  and Grace Interrupted

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Interrupted

Grace's day if off to a rocky start when she has to have two women intent on revenge escorted off the property. They're annoyed with Zachary Kincade, a member of the Civil War re-enactors on the manor grounds for week, for dumping their friend via a text message 15 minutes before the wedding. Even Grace is disgusted with him.

After the women leave, Zachary Kincade gets into another altercation. This time, it's with the Embers brothers. It appears they have a past history - a past that could involve murder.

When Zachary turns up murdered, Jack Embers is the number one suspect based on the case 13 years ago. Grace and Jack have been trying to find time to date, but so far haven't succeeded. When the altercation happens, she realizes she doesn't know much about his past.

After he confides in her, Grace can't imagine he's responsible for either murder. She hopes he isn't guilty and sets out to prove his innocence.

My Thoughts: Another charming addition to the Manor House mystery series - this is the 2nd book in the series. I love the re-enactors of this book. I love the talk of Farby. I love that Francis went undercover in costume to ferret out gossip. I loved the intertwining of the two murders. I found the history between the two families painful yet fascinating. Bootsie is an adorable addition to the books. I do wish we saw more of her two roommates - as they are wonderfully entertaining. I loved how the relationship between Jack and Grace unfolds. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: I really like this cover - although the cat doesn't look quite real

Source: Inter-Library Loan Up Next: Book 5 in the White House Chef series out January 3rd

Mysterious Saturday Cover Reveal

Here's book 2 in the Manor House Mystery series which comes out in June of next year

I loved the first book, read my review. So I can't wait to dive into this one, it involves Civil War re-enactors who set up camp on the grounds of Marshfield Manor.

What do you think of the cover?

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Under Pressure

Grace works at Marshfield Manor as the assistant curator. She's still within her probationary period, when she's called downstairs to handle an unruly guest in the tea room. He's extraordinarily unhappy and pitches a fit. Grace and the rest of the staff don't realize at the time that this man's providing an excellent diversion.

The real action's happening upstairs in the private wing of the manor. Abe, the head curator, is murdered in a case of mistaken identity. Now, Grace decides it's up to her to take control of the manor. She starts straight away, to the dismay of some of the staff members. Her switch in roles makes the police a little suspicious of her. They took a look into her background. Frustrated with the police, Grace attempts to put the pieces together from the crime.

The manor resembles a large family, with Grace trying to work her way to being part of the family. She starts looking through old files, trying to learn more about her staff. Will she turn up old family secrets that should remain hidden?

My Thoughts: A wonderful start to a new series. (Hyzy is also the author of the amazing White House Chef mysteries.) Grace Under Pressure has a strong main character with a nose for trouble. She has two best friends, Bruce and Scott who provide comic relief. She has a potential romance with landscaper Jack Embers. All in all, it's smart, fun, and charming.

The Cover: Adorable

Source: I bought this one because I needed to read it and the library didn't own it yet