I read and review a lot of books. This means I can often get behind on deadlines (that I set for myself).

So, there are times that I write "cozy-sized" reviews.

They're much shorter than I like to write, but I can get them out there quicker for you, and for the authors.

I hope you still get the feel of what I thought of the following books.

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MOCHA, SHE WROTE

by Ellie Alexander

When a barista competition comes to town, Torte's favorite pastry chef finds herself sleuthing once again―in the next installment of Ellie Alexander's beloved Bakeshop Mystery Series, Mocha, She Wrote!

Summer has ushered in a new season in the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon. Torte is bustling with tourists taking in star-drenched shows at the Elizabethan, setting out to hike in the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains, and sampling the bakeshop’s summer lineup of raspberry lemon tarts and mint mojito cold brews. Jules and the team are buzzing with excitement when they learn that Andy, Torte’s head barista, has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup.

The prestigious competition draws coffee aficionados from up and down the coast to Ashland. The winner will not only claim to be best-in-brew, but also be awarded a hefty cash prize. Andy’s nervous about his chances, but Jules is confident that her star barista will shine. However, things take a grim turn when head judge Benson Vargas spits out Andy’s first offering, claiming it to be the worst thing to ever touch his lips―and hours later, is found dead clutching Andy’s creamy latte. Suddenly Torte’s favorite barista becomes the number one suspect. There’s no roast for the weary. Jules will have to sleuth out whodunit to clear Andy’s name and catch a killer before she ends up with one foot in the grounds.

AVAILABLE

JUNE 29

The Bakeshop series is a must read favorite of mine. Ellie Alexander has created a cast of characters that get better with every book. With each new installment, it's liking getting to visit old friends, and I'm always sad when I have to leave.

13 is indeed a lucky number in this baker's dozen of tasty books. One of the most enjoyable of the series so far, MOCHA, SHE WROTE was a fast, exciting read, with a mystery that had my head spinning. Once all became clear, I was so shocked!

MOCHA, SHE WROTE, is a delicious treat of a read that will be devoured by returning fans of this wonderful series, and new readers a like!

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FATAL FAMILY TIES

by S. C. Perkins

S.C. Perkins's Fatal Family Ties is the captivating third mystery in the Ancestry Detective series, in which Texas genealogist Lucy Lancaster deals with murders in both the past and present.

Lucy is just about to tuck into a plate of tacos at her favorite Austin joint, Big Flaco’s, when she gets an unexpected visit from her former―and least-favorite―co-worker. Camilla Braithwaite hasn’t gotten much friendlier since the last time Lucy saw her, but that doesn't stop her from asking a favor. In her hand is a newspaper feature on an ancestor, a civil war corporal―and a liar, according to the article. Charles Braithwaite is depicted as a phony and a deserter, and Camilla wants Lucy’s help clearing his name.

Lucy would prefer to spend her free time with her new beau, special agent Ben Turner, but takes the case, making no promises that Camilla will like the outcome of her investigation. Camilla leads Lucy to the Texas History Museum, where their first clue is a triptych painting, passed down in the Braithwaite family for generations, one panel of which has disappeared. But before Lucy can get much further, a member of the Braithwaite family is murdered in his own bed, and another panel of the painting found missing.

There are no shortage of suspects among the Braithwaite clan―including Camilla herself. This case will take Lucy to Houston and back again as she works to find the truth, and catch an elusive killer.

AVAILABLE

JULY 20!

Author S. C. Perkins is back with another Ancestry Detective Mystery. FATAL FAMILY TIES, the third installment in this original series, was a page turner than had me wondering how protagonist, Lucy, was ever going to solve the mystery. Fear not, author S. C. Perkins of course made sense of it all while leaving me with my mouth hanging open. 

Full of twists and turns, FATAL FAMILY TIES is a must read for anyone interested in history and ancestry.

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I hope these cozy-sized reviews help you in 

choosing your new read.

As always, please leave a comment and 

let me know what you think!

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