Sunday, May 1, 2016


A USEFUL WOMAN by Darcie Wilde
BERRY THE HATCHET by Peg Cochran
IRISH STEWED by Kylie Logan

A USEFUL WOMAN
Book 1 in the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries
by Darcie Wilde


Inspired by the novels of Jane Austen, this new mystery series set in 19th-century London introduces the charming and resourceful Rosalind Thorne, a woman privy to the secrets of high society—including who among the ton is capable of murder...
 
The daughter of a baronet and minor heiress, Rosalind Thorne was nearly ruined after her father abandoned the family. To survive in the only world she knew, she began to manage the affairs of some of London society’s most influential women, who have come to rely on her wit and discretion. 
 
So, when artistocratic wastrel Jasper Aimesworth is found dead in London’s most exclusive ballroom, Almack’s, Rosalind must use her skills and connections to uncover the killer from a list of suspects that includes Almack’s powerful patronesses and her former suitor Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmaine.
 
Torn between her old love and a growing attraction to a compelling Bow Street runner, Rosalind must not only unravel the mysteries surrounding Jasper’s death, but the mysteries of her own heart as well...

MY REVIEW


Author Darcie Wilde beings Regency England to life in, A USEFUL WOMAN.

A delightful first in the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, Ms. Wilde pens a “Jane Austin inspired” story that is sure to capture the imaginations of readers from multiple genres.

Just two chapters into A USEFUL WOMAN, it was clear to me author Wilde had really done her research into the pageantry of nineteenth century England, and the upper class of that time. Her use of terms and sayings are spot on, and her descriptions made this story come to life in such a way that I felt like I was an observer in the story, more so than a reader.

Series name sake, Rosalind Thorne is witty, strong, and a refreshing protagonist. Indeed, all the characters in this story are wonderfully multi layered.

Mystery, romance, and excellent writing abound in A USEFUL WOMAN!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BERRY THE HATCHET
Book 2 in the Cranberry Cove Mysteries
by Peg Cochran


Cranberry farm owner Monica Albertson is once again bogged down in murder in the second Cranberry Cove mystery from national bestselling author Peg Cochran.

The entire town of Cranberry Cove is popping with excitement. Monica Albertson is baking cranberry goodies by the dozen and shopkeepers are decking out their storefronts for the first annual Winter Walk—an event dreamed up by the mayor to bring visitors to the town during a normally dead time of year.
 
But it’s the mayor who turns up dead during the grand opening ceremony, his lifeless body making its entrance in a horse-drawn sleigh. Monica’s mother and stepmother quickly become the prime suspects when it’s discovered that the mayor was dating both of them, and to make things worse, her half brother Jeff uncovers a clue buried near one of the bogs on Sassamanash Farm. Now it’s up to Monica to find out who really put the mayor on ice.
 
INCLUDES CRANBERRY RECIPES

MY REVIEW


A superb story, and perfect addition to the Cranberry Cover Mystery series!

I was pretty sure author Peg Cochran could not top, BERRIED SECRETS, the first book in this series. Of course, I am wrong, and happily so. I never should have doubted Ms. Cochran’s writing abilities. Every book I read by this author is more brilliant than the one before.

The characters in the Cranberry Cove mysteries are simply a joy to read, and I have loved getting to know them. It really feels as though author Cochran has let the characters take on lives of their own. I could easily see myself living in the eclectic town of Cranberry Cove.

BERRY THE HATCHET is a fast moving, exciting mystery that I read in one sitting. Chapter after chapter I found myself turning pages faster with the need to get to the reveal. Wow! The ending was not one I would had ever guessed!

I’m already counting down the time to the next installment.

Make sure to check out the back of the book for some fantastic cranberry recipes! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IRISH STEWED
Book 1 in the Ethnic Eats Mysteries
by Kylie Logan  


The national bestselling author of the League of Literary Ladies Mysteries introduces an all-new cozy culinary mystery series featuring ethnic eats.

After flopping as a personal chef to a Hollywood movie star, jobless Laurel Inwood finds herself humbled in Hubbard, Ohio, helping her aunt Sophie run her restaurant. Much to Laurel’s dismay, Sophie’s Terminal at the Tracks is not the cozy bistro her aunt would have had her believe—it’s a run-down greasy spoon in an old railroad station. To save the dingy diner, Laurel cooks up a plan to feature alternating ethnic cuisine as specials.
 
But first there’s the problem of the body in the booth. Slumped over a table with a receipt spike in his back is Jack Lancer—”the Lance of Justice”—an investigative reporter for local TV news. Assisted by the drop-dead gorgeous owner of the neighboring Irish store—who may or may not be a suspect—Laurel sets out to track down a killer who had no reservations about impaling a newshound. But as she turns up the heat, will she end up in the soup herself?

 
INCLUDES RECIPES

MY REVIEW


A great start to another fantastic series by author Kylie Logan!

If you’re looking for a great cozy mystery, it’s always a safe bet to pick up a book by Kylie Logan. Her writing is so very enjoyable. It has the feel of having flowed effortlessly onto the pages.

IRISH STEWED, the first in Ms. Logan’s new Ethnic Eats Mystery series, was impossible for me to put down. Hooked from page one, I carried this book around with me just waiting for a chance to get back to Hubbard, Ohio, and Sophie’s Terminal at the Tracks, the restaurant owned by the aunt of the series lead. Laurel Inwood may not have been thrilled with it on first seeing it, but this diner housed in an old railroad terminal, stole my heart the first time I “walked” through the doors.

I was simply captivated by IRISH STEWED. Extremely well written with an outstanding plot, the story moved at a brisk pace, leaving me just about breathless by the time I reached the exciting conclusion.

If you’re looking to start a new series, look no further than the Ethnics Eats Mystery series.

The back of the book has a recipe, and a sneak peek of FRENCH FRIED, book two in the Ethnic Eats Mysteries by Kylie Logan!


All three of these wonderful titles
are now available for 
pre-order 
and release on 
Tuesday May 3!


As always, please leave a comment and 
let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by 
clicking on the link in the 
upper right hand corner of this page.

2 comments:

  1. Thanks, Lisa. I had not heard of Darcie Wilde's book. Happy Sunday, to you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm especially looking forward to Irish Stewed for the Ohio connection. Thanks for your great reviews.

    ReplyDelete