Lisa Ks Book Reviews

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

What new books will June have for us?

Check them out!

June New Releases

Part 1

JUNE 6

Fans of female sleuth cozies will delight in New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon’s latest installment in her long-running Tourist Trap Mystery series.

With the Moonstone Beach Festival coming up, Jill is touching base with her fellow small business owners to make it as successful as possible. It’s frustrating when Darla, the owner of South Cove Winery, is late to a big meeting, but they manage to get the discussion rolling about the kite flying event and the big Battle of the Bands—which Darla’s musician boyfriend is hoping will be his big break. And Jill, of course, will be there with her food truck, hoping for a financial boost after a slow spring.

But amid the fun in the California sun, someone will soon be planning a funeral instead of a festival—and Jill and her detective fiancé will have to find out who ruined the Moonstone Beach mood with murder . . .

Unexpected visitors bring old baggage and big trouble to Hillside Manor, threatening the livelihood and life of innkeeper and amateur sleuth Judith McMonigle Flynn in this charming Bed-and-Breakfast mystery from beloved New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mary Daheim.

When Joe’s conniving ex-wife Vivian and her latest husband, Lord Plumbsley, suddenly show up at the B&B, they’re accompanied by an entourage, which includes three other couples who immediately raise Judith’s hackles. But while she’s suspicious of these unwanted guests, Judith doesn’t know that the Plumbsleys and their hangers-on have nefarious plans for the inn that will ensnare her and her husband, Joe.

When the guests’ real estate agent is murdered, the clues all point to the Flynns. To clear their names—and save Hillside Manor—Judith and Joe will have to outsmart and outcon a gang of clever and determined criminals with more than murder on the agenda.

JUNE 20

Debra Sennefelder whips up cookies and crime in a delicious new cozy series, perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke and Peg Cochran.

Wingate, Connecticut, is famed as one of the top ten shopping destinations in the state, and home to Mallory Monroe’s beloved Cookie Shop—a place where patrons are greeted with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies that are as beautifully decorated as they are insanely delicious.

But things aren’t going so smoothly for Mallory. Her two employees are a disaster in the kitchen, she catches her boyfriend with another woman, and she’s seen having a fierce argument with food blogger Beatrice Wright, who accuses Mallory of stealing her cookie recipe. Then Beatrice turns up dead in her kitchen, flour outlining her body and a bloodied marble rolling pin nearby. Mallory immediately becomes suspect number one, her sales plummet, and she desperately tries to clear her name—but that’s not the only murder the killer is baking up.

Debra Sennefelder has cooked up a perfect recipe—endearing characters, a picture-perfect evocation of small-town life, and a quaint sweets shop. And just when things get a little too comfy, there’s always a murder or two for good measure.

Only three titles for Part 1, but more great titles to come in Part 2 on Saturday!