How has the blog changed over the years?

Take a look at February 28 four years ago!

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I'm thrilled this weekend to be hosting a giveaway for one copy of  

PUPPIES IN PARADISE 

Book 5 in the Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series.

by author 

Kathi Daley 

When a friend of Tj's is killed and her dog injured, Tj takes responsibility for the litter of puppies left behind as she works with Kyle, Jenna, and the gang to catch a killer.

Open to US and Canada

US - Choice of Print or Kindle copy

Canada - Kindle copy only

Please use the Rafflecopter for at the end of the post.

Guest Review by

 Dawn Frazier

5.0 out of 5 stars

 I loved it! This is the perfect cozy Winter book, February 23, 2015

I loved it! This is the perfect cozy Winter book! It is book five in the TJ Jensen series. TJ is taking care of a friends dog and her litter of puppies when she gets involved in another murder mystery. This book has a mystery within a mystery, and it was a lot of fun to read. I really like TJ, and her sisters that live with her. Ashley and Gracie are two of my favorites characters in this series. I love the sense of family with them and TJ. This book also has a bit of a romance going on, and I will be very happy if it goes where I want it to!! I didn't stop reading until I finished the book, I was very surprised at who the killer turned out to be. Looking forward to the next in the series!

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(I sure am happy I changed from the pink background.)

I love that 4 years ago today was a giveaway from author Kathi Daley. 

Kathi has been a wonderful supporter of my blog. We still do giveaways about every 3 weeks!

And check out . . . 

Kathi Daley Books Share the Love Giveaway

 . . . for the last day to enter for prizes. Kathi is giving away a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card!

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Thank you everyone for your support over the years.

Here's to many, many more!

GRANNY BRICKS A BANDIT

Book 6 in the Fuchsia, Minnesota Mysteries

by author

Julie Seedorf

Granny and her cohorts are at it again! When Granny and her neighbor Mavis, go water-skiing and discover a dead body, Granny’s sleuthing instincts take over! She is determined to identify the corpse and find the killer. But wait! No sooner are Granny and her cohorts on the murderer’s trail, then Mavis’ husband George suddenly disappears! Could he be the killer’s next victim? Or could he be the killer? When the gals take a side trip to the Mall of America, they find a man fell to his death on a climbing wall––and Mavis is certain she spots George nearby! What does it all mean? Will Granny get to the bottom of it, with the help of her entourage of buddies and pets?

MY REVIEW

Granny is back and she’s as ornery as ever!

GRANNY BRICKS A BANDIT, the sixth installment of the Fuchsia, Minnesota Mysteries, has been highly anticipated by fans of the series. I know I’ve been looking forward to it. It does not disappoint. It’s the perfect addition to this fun series.

Hermiony Vidalia Criony Fiddlestadt aka Granny, is one of the most original cozy mystery heroines you are ever likely to read. This saucy senior lets nothing and no one stand in her way when she has set her mind on something.

It’s a point of fact that author Julie Seedorf knows what it takes to hook a reader. GRANNY BRICKS A BANDIT had me laughing through practically the entire book. When I wasn’t laughing, I was as intent on discovering the mysteries (Yes. More than one.) in this wonderfully penned tale as Granny herself was. I didn’t do half as well as Granny did. I was surprised at what I read when all the secrets came out.  

Rather you’re a returning fan of this series, or a new reader, you won’t go wrong with, GRANNY BRICKS A BANDIT.

As always, please leave a comment and 

let me know what you think!

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Take a look at all of the amazing 

new releases out today!

The Hathaway Sisters is a new mystery series by USA Today Bestselling Author Kathi Daley. In book 1, Harper Hathaway, a former member of the armed services on her way home after suffering a personal tragedy is pulled into a race against time when a puppy runs onto the road alerting her to a vehicle which had been in an accident but is not visible from the road. Her attempt to avoid hitting the puppy lands her in the ditch herself. Unharmed she tries to help the occupants of the vehicle which include a man, a woman, and a baby. The driver of the vehicle demands that she hide the baby who, as it turns out, is being sought by powerful men with far reaching connections. In order to protect the baby, and find a way out of the mess she has gotten herself into, Harper calls her old friend Ben Holiday, a former cop and current PI, who hooks her up with his friend Michael Maddox, a computer genius with a particular skill set that will aide Harper in her quest to bring the baby to safety. 

With the men who are searching for the baby on their heels, Harper and Michael set off across the country with the baby and the puppy, and a desire in their hearts, to find the answers they’ll need to ensure the safety of the child. 

A cold case update in Salem, Massachusetts . . .  

 

Life at the house on Winter Street is abuzz with preparations for Aunt Ibby’s 45th high school reunion, and Lee Barrett is happy to pitch in, tracking down addresses and licking envelopes. But as a field reporter for Salem’s WICH-TV, her priority is to be on top of the town’s latest news before anyone else.

 

When the local police dredge up a vintage sports car containing human remains, Lee is thrilled to be the first reporter on the scene. Once she learns the car is connected to the cold case her boyfriend Pete happens to be working on, her powers of investigation are quickly alerted. But it’s her Aunt Ibby’s emotional reaction to Lee’s TV report that puts her on the case. With the help of O’Ryan, her psychic feline sidekick, she’ll have to unravel a tangled past of secrets and promises to stop a killer from making history again . . .  

As summer comes to an end in her Jersey Shore town, Lucy Berberian continues to manage her family’s Mediterranean restaurant. The Kebab Kitchen also has a food tent at this year’s beach festival. But now a local businessman is under the boardwalk—dead by the sea …

 

With a sand castle contest and live music, Ocean Crest bids a bittersweet farewell to tourist season. Summer will return next year … but Archie Kincaid won’t. The full-of-himself store owner has been fatally shot, soon after a screaming match with Lucy’s best friend. Katie’s far from the only suspect, though, since Archie had some bitter rivals—as well as some relationships no one knew about. It’s up to Lucy to look into some seedy characters and solve the case before the wrong person gets skewered …

 

Recipes included!

Will Val pie hard on national TV?

 

Business at the bakery may have slowed down, but Val Harris isn’t about to eat humble pie—not until a reality cooking show decides to whip the struggling Pie Town into shape. If Val can tolerate criticism from an abrasive pastry chef during filming, the free publicity might turn the unusual opportunity into the sweetest deal she didn’t know she needed.

 

Except no one in San Nicholas has an appetite for dessert once murder steals the spotlight. When the show’s bossy producer gets pushed to her death, Val and her flaky, septuagenarian pie crust expert, Charlene, follow crumbs in hopes of finding the killer. But with cameras still rolling and the shocking identity of the victim’s replacement a guaranteed recipe for disaster, Val needs to stay cool long enough to solve the crime and keep Pie Town from falling apart—or else she just might go up in smoke before she ever graces the small screen.

Giving up murder for Lent won’t be easy . . . 

 

With the Lenten season fast approaching, Sister Louise “Lou” LaSalle looks forward to a final day of indulgence before giving up her favorite sweets. But one Briar Coast resident won’t get the chance to repent. Opal Lorrie, the mayor’s director of finance, was just found in the parking lot of the Board of Ed--with a broken neck. 

 

The sheriff’s deputies are calling the apparent slip-and-fall a freak accident. But Opal was driving her boss’s car and wearing her boss’s red wool coat. Mayor Heather Stanley has been receiving threatening letters and is clearly the real target. Offering her sanctuary could put the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Hermione of Ephesus at risk, but how can Sister Lou turn her back on a neighbor in need? Aided by her loyal sleuthing partners—her well-connected nephew Chris and reporter Shari Henson—Sister Lou must confront the mayor’s myriad detractors during this critical election year. And as the first day of April nears, it’s up to her to unmask an unrepentant killer who has everyone fooled.

When competing card sharps stir up Siobhán O'Sullivan’s quiet Irish village, a poker tournament turns into a game of Hangman . . .

 

In the small village of Kilbane in County Cork, for a cuppa tea or a slice of brown bread, you go to Naomi’s Bistro, managed by the many siblings of the lively O'Sullivan brood. For a pint or a game of darts—or for the poker tournament that's just come to town—it’s the pub you want. 

 

One player’s reputation precedes him: Eamon Foley, a tinker out of Dublin, called the Octopus for playing like he has eight hands under the table. But when Foley is found at the end of a rope, swinging from the rafters of Rory Mack’s pub, it’s time for the garda to take matters into their own hands. Macdara Flannery would lay odds it’s a simple suicide—after all, there’s a note and the room was locked. But Siobhán suspects foul play, as does Foley’s very pregnant widow. Perhaps one of Foley’s fellow finalists just raised the stakes to life and death.

 

With conflicting theories on the crime—not to mention the possibility of a proposal—tensions are running high between Siobhán and Macdara. Soon it’s up to Siobhán to call a killer’s bluff, but if she doesn’t play her cards right, she may be the next one taken out of the game . . .

A taste for trouble . . .   

 

As if being in New York City for Easter isn’t exciting enough, Charlotte Weaver has another reason to be thrilled. She’s helping her cousin, Bailey, on the set of her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey will even be re-creating the delectable hand-woven chocolate Easter baskets she once crafted for the city’s world-famous JP Chocolates. But once things start rolling, Charlotte starts to notice odd things 

happening—things that seem intended to make Bailey look bad . . .

 

With Bailey feeling extra nervous about being on camera, Charlotte decides to keep her suspicion of sabotage to herself. But she knows that among Bailey’s fans at the Gourmet Television network lurks a dangerously jealous rival. Now Charlotte will have to find out who that person is—before sour grapes turns one of the sweetest times of the year fatally bitter . . .

 

Recipe Included!

Cape May, New Jersey, is the site of a big culinary competition—and the knives are out . . .

 

Poppy McAllister is happy about opening a Jersey Shore B&B—but working in a professional kitchen has always been her real dream. Now it’s coming true, at least briefly, as she teams up with her former fiancée, Tim—and his condescending partner, Gigi—during the high-profile Restaurant Week challenge. Poppy’s specialty is pastries, despite her devotion to a Paleo diet. But if anyone can make glorious gluten-free goodies, it’s Poppy.

 

Things get heated quickly—especially when some ingredients get switched and Tim’s accused of sabotage. Relatively harmless pranks soon escalate into real hazards, including an exploding deep fryer. And now one of the judges has died after taking a bite of Poppy’s cannoli—making her the chef suspect . . .  

 

Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen!

Not even Lake Eden’s nosiest residents suspected Hannah Swensen would go from idealistic newlywed to betrayed wife in a matter of weeks. But as a deadly mystery unfolds in town, the proof is in the pudding . . .

 

When The Cookie Jar becomes the setting of a star-studded TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes to shine the spotlight on her bakery—not the unsavory scandal swirling around her personal life. But that’s practically impossible with a disturbing visit from the shifty character she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, swapping the crime scene in her condo for her mother Delores’s penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case that’s messier than an upended chocolate cream pie. As suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must serve a hefty helping of justice to an unnamed killer prowling around Lake Eden . . . before someone takes a slice out of her!

So many great titles! Which one(s) are you the most excited about?

As always, please leave a comment and 

let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 

upper right hand corner of this page. (on the side bar).

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PENNE DREADFUL

Book 1 in the Italian Chef Mysteries

by author

Catherine Bruns

Tomato sauce isn't the only thing that runs red...

Local chef Tessa Esposito is struggling to get back on her feet following her husband's fatal accident. And when the police knock on Tessa's door, things just get worse. They've discovered Dylan's death wasn't an accident after all, and they need Tessa to start filling in the blanks. Who would want her beloved husband dead, and why?

With the investigation running cold, Tessa decides it's time to save her sanity by reconnecting with her first love-cooking. And maybe the best way back into the kitchen is to infiltrate Dylan's favorite local pizza parlor, which also happens to be the last place he was seen before he died. But the anchovies aren't the only thing that stink inside the small family business, and with suspects around every corner, Tessa finds that her husband's many secrets might land her in hot water.

MY REVIEW

Well done to author Catherine Bruns for penning a cozy mystery unlike any other I have ever read. Her seemingly effortless writing once again ensures this will be another big hit for her.

PEENE DREADFUL wan an intriguing mystery with more twists than corkscrew pasta. With each new chapter came jaw dropping revelations that made this story so much more than it originally seemed.

Love, loss, deceit, betrayal, grief, hope . . . there was so much going on in this tale that I was left emotionally drained by the last page. However, the author included wonderful recipes at the end, so I bounced right back. 😉

If you’re a fan of cozies, surprises, and a good tomato sauce, look no further than PENNE DREADFUL!

As always, please leave a comment and 

let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 

upper right hand corner of this page

(on the side bar).

Reading from your phone? Scroll to the bottom of your page and click "View web version".

Then follow the above directions.

TONIGHT!!!

Chronicles Mysteries: The Wrong Man

Podcaster Alex McPherson seeks the truth behind the tragic death of a young lawyer, while partner Drew finds himself diving into the shady mishaps of a shipping company.

Starring

Alison Sweeney

For Alison Sweeney, anything is possible. She’s an award-winning actress, TV host, producer, director and author who constantly inspires others with her balance of career with her focus on family, health and wellness. 

Combining her passion for true crime podcasts with rom-com, Sweeney stars in and executive produces the new “Chronicle Mysteries” franchise. Her previous Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movies include “Christmas at Holly Lodge,” “The Irresistible Blueberry Farm,” “Love on the Air” and the “Murder She Baked” franchise. She also recently co-hosted Hallmark Channel’s popular “Kitten Bowl” special. 

Benjamin Ayres

Benjamin Ayres’ career has spanned both television and feature films. On the film side, he was most recently seen opposite Catherine Keener and Matt Craven in Alan Gilsenans Unless which premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.

On the small screen he starred as Dr. Zachary Miller in the highly acclaimed, CTV/NBC medical drama “Saving Hope,” which ran for five seasons. Most recently, Ayres was a series regular in season 1 of the CW series “Burden of Truth,” and in Hallmark Channel’s “Falling for Vermont.”

I'll be live Tweeting during the movie TONIGHT 

(9:00 - 11:00 pm EST)

@LisaKsBkReviews

I hope you'll join me for the fun!

Please include 

#ChronicleMyteries   #Sleuthers   @HallmarkMovie

in all of your Tweets.

I hope to see you 

TONIGHT!!!

Have a Happy Sunday!

It's

Cozy Food Friday!

That means it's time to share a recipe from 

another great cozy mystery!

This week's recipe is from author

Susan Bernhardt.

Susan writes the

Irina Curtius Mysteries

and the 

Kay Driscoll Mysteries

Irina Curtis Mysteries

Kay Driscoll Mysteries

Coming April 9, 2019

Book 5 in the Kay Driscoll Mysteries

MURDER MISUNDERSTOOD

🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄

This recipe is from the Kay Driscoll Mysteries.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TRUFFLE

Photos from Google Images and/or Pinterest

In the Kay Driscoll mysteries, Kay and her friends, the free-spirited herbalist Deirdre and the untamed modern woman Elizabeth, discuss new clues over tea and pastries at Sweet Marissa's Patisserie, their crime-fighting headquarters.

Below is Kay's favorite chocolate dessert featured in my mysteries. Kay's favorite dessert never changes. My favorite cake is also this chocolate creation.

This recipe is tried and true.

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
Pinch of salt 3/4 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature
6 large eggs, at room temperature
1 Tbsp raspberry-flavored liqueur or 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Cocoa powder, for garnish
Raspberries, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment paper. Butter the paper and the sides of the pan.

2. Combine the chocolate, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and process until the chocolate is finely ground. With the processor running, add the boiling water through the feed tube and process for about 15 seconds, until the chocolate is completely melted. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl, then add the butter and process for about 5 seconds, until the batter is smooth. Add the eggs and raspberry liqueur and process until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

3. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the edges of the torte are puffy and cracked and the center is just set (it will still look moist). Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes (the torte will sink as it cools). Cover the pan and refrigerate for 3 hours.

4. Remove the sides of the springform pan and invert the torte onto a flat serving platter. Lift off the bottom of the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to garnish the torte.

5. Sprinkle with cocoa powder (optional) and garnish with the raspberries. 

I can see why this is Kay's and Susan's favorite dessert.

It looks amazing!

Susan's town in northern Wisconsin was an inspiration for the quaint setting of her Kay Driscoll novels. Like Kay Driscoll in her cozy mysteries, Susan is a retired nurse who volunteers at her local free clinic. She also writes the Irina Curtius mysteries. She lives with her husband, William, and has two sons, Peter and David.

An avid reader of mysteries, she is a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and the Wisconsin Writers Association.

Her published works include: A Manhattan Murder Mystery: An Irina Curtius Mystery, The Ginseng Conspiracy (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 1), Murder Under the Tree (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 2), Murder by Fireworks (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 3), Paradise Can Be Murder (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 4). "October 31st", "Midsummer", and "John and Madeline."

When not writing, Susan loves to travel, bicycle, kayak, and create culinary magic in her kitchen. She works in stained-glass, daydreams in her organic garden, stays up late reading mysteries, and eats lots of chocolate.

The Ginseng Conspiracy (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 1) - https://amzn.to/2DglFzk

Murder comes to town and so does Kay Driscoll, whose tenacious nature tells her city officials are attempting a cover-up and she must expose the truth.

Murder Under the Tree (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 2) - https://amzn.to/2T9v5C1

During the season of peace on earth, good will to men, Kay uncovers sinister plots of corruption at a retirement home, while investigating the suspicious death of a beloved caretaker.

Murder by Fireworks (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 3) - https://amzn.to/2QClpyl

An obnoxious member of Kay's book club is found dead on the beach. When Kay investigates, she discovers that the death, covered-up to look like suicide, was in fact murder.

Paradise Can Be Murder (A Kay Driscoll Mystery Book 4) - https://amzn.to/2DBp0do

Kay's cruise with family and friends soon leads to a murder investigation on the high seas, and the clock is ticking to find justice for the victim before their time in paradise ends.

A Manhattan Murder Mystery (An Irina Curtius Mystery) - http://amzn.to/2cPlxqq 

When a neighbor's failing health is suspicious and he dies, a vivacious, retired ballet dancer investigates so that justice prevails.

As always, please leave a comment and 

let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 

upper right hand corner of this page. (on the side bar).

Reading from your phone? Scroll to the bottom of your page and click"View web version". Then follow the above directions.