Tag: cozy

Hex on the Ex (A Mind for Murder Mystery #3)

Ok, I really enjoyed this book, but I have to say the killer was screamingly obvious towards the end – like it could have ended several chapters sooner, but it seemed like the author had more to say so she kept her characters in a state of temporary stupidity until she was ready.

 

Beyond that, a great story – not quite as much woo woo, although the murder has a very occult spin to it. But it was restricted to the murder itself, so we don’t have to read about Liz’s refusal to have an open mind, which was an irritant to me in the last two books. I like Nick and the rest of the cast; they’re all fun to read. I especially love that Ms. Staab doesn’t feel the need for a nemesis, or a love triangle – thank you.

 

I was a little bit on the fence about this series after the second book, but this one has me eagerly awaiting the next book.

Gluten for Punishment (A Baker’s Treat Mystery #1)

WHY WHY WHY do cozy author’s suddenly think love triangles are the way to go?!?!?!?! They are an annoying, irritating turn-off. Ugh!

 

Honestly, if I had to read the otherwise-likeable protagonist, Toni, go on one more time about ‘I’ll never trust a man again…’ blah blah blah, I was going to toss the book down and walk away.

 

OTHERWISE…A very good first in a new series with an excellent plot – I had a major part figured out pretty early on, but it didn’t matter at all because the ending was excellent. Seriously, this is not your normal cozy climax.

 

The characters were well written – likeable, quirky. I’d like the author not to make grandma’s smoking habit so front and centre like it’s a badge of coolness or something, because it diminishes what would otherwise be a delightfully eccentric, quirky character. Best friend Tasha seems likeable enough as well. And BOTH romantic interests sound hot and lovely, but Ms. Parra – don’t do it!!! Give one to Tasha or something, but NO LOVE TRIANGLES!!!

 

Look forward to the next one.

Killer in Crinolines (A Consignment Shop Mystery #2)

A much better book than the first in this series. Fun, quirky characters and a much more plausible reason for investigating: clearing her friend of murder charges.

 

I love the inclusion of the 17th street gang and I hope they become permanent cast members – they’re a hoot! Cloud computing and HMO plans… lol.

 

Very little of the ex-husband in this book, but his appearances are as stupid and asinine as ever and I really don’t understand why the author feels he’s necessary to the story line at all. I liked the scene at the pizza place, but him coming by to threaten her about selling her house? What the hell is the point?

 

Kudos to the author though, for a plot most excellently crafted. I was as much a spectator at the denouement as I could be and certainly didn’t see the end coming at all. As is usual anymore with books, I saw quite a few editing errors – the kind where someone relies on spell check and not on an eagle-eyed proof-reader. But Ms. Brown’s book gets the award for Most Humorous Editing Error for this description of the hotter-than-hades-every-woman-wants-him lawyer and possible love interest, Walker Boone:

 

‘He was a head taller than me with perpetual scruff, buzz-length back hair, black eyes, a hard lean body….’ (pg. 30, 2nd para..)

 

At least, I certainly hope that’s an error…. 

Board Stiff (Elliot Lisbon Mystery #1)

A very strong first book. Excellent, vivid characters. Almost-tropical island setting. A sprinkle of humour, and a bit of sexual tension to keep things fun.

 

The mystery was very well crafted and I think the author did an excellent job of hiding the murderer in plain sight. There were a few slapstick moments in the book – you either like slapstick or you don’t. The only moment I found I could have done without involved getting into a poker game, and I’ll leave it at that. It all turned out well, but it just seemed too over-the-top. I’m also not loving the possibility of a love triangle – no thank you, they never end up being written to be interesting (unless your last name is Evanovich, and frankly, I can’t figure out how she manages to pull it off).

 

All in all a very fun read – it kept my interest from beginning to end and I only had to skip about a page of internal dialogue. I rate that as a success!  I’ll be looking for the next book and hope Ransom is in for the long haul.

Aunt Dimity and the Lost Prince (Paranormal Detective #18)

The books in this series are truly fairy tales for adults. No murder mystery, but always a mystery of some kind, meant to provide an opportunity for growth for the protagonist, right down to a ‘moral of the story’ of sorts at the end.

 

Because, or in spite of, this, these stories are always entertaining with fantastic, colourful, characters and really no villains to speak of. My only complaint about the books – well, two really: I wish the author could figure out a way for Aunt Dimity to pass on her wisdom without making Lori impulsive to the point of childish and make Aunt Dimity less condescending while passing on her wisdom. Secondly, if Lori could not jump to so many ridiculous conclusions, that would be great. Although I will say, she was much more rational in this book.

 

Aunt Dimity and the Lost Price centers around the fantastical tales told by a child, and the reality that lies at the heart of them. The child herself makes exactly one appearance in the story, but she makes quite an impression with everyone she meets and Lori and her neighbor Bree follow a string of clues to find the ‘Lost Price’. With an ending not quite what you’d expect, but a happy one, this was a fast, entertaining read. If you don’t try to make these books something they are not (murder mysteries with suspects, etc.), and enjoy them for what they are, they’ll never let you down.

Fonduing Fathers (A White House Chef Mystery #6)

Fonduing FathersFonduing Fathers
by Julie Hyzy
Rating: ★★★★★
isbn: 9780425251812
Series: White House Chef Mystery #6
Publication Date: December 31, 2012
Pages: 293
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

Olivia has always believed that her father was an honorable man—until a trip to visit her mother reveals that he was dishonorably discharged from the army. Olivia is even more shocked to learn that he was brutally murdered because someone at his company suspected him of selling corporate secrets. Refusing to believe that her father was a scoundrel, Olivia won’t rest until she proves his innocence.

Enlisting the help of her boyfriend, Gav, Olivia must reach out to her father’s colleagues to discover the truth behind his murder. What she’s about to discover may not only put her at risk, but threaten national security as well…

This series stared out strong enough – some good things, some bad things, but more good than bad, with interesting characters and solid plots.

But the last three books, and this book in particular – outstanding! This story builds a bit slowly, but there’s a lot of character development – not only on the part of Ollie and Gav, but in a few of the secondary characters as well and I found that kept the story moving along really well. I love the relationship building between Ollie and Josh and I’m not normally a fan of small children in my books. Authors tend to make them too exaggerated, but Ms. Hyzy makes Josh likeable without being obnoxious or precocious. Very little exposure to Virgil made the story pleasant without the bitter aftertaste.

The story line/plot about Ollie’s father and the truth about his military career and death was convoluted and interesting and Ms. Hyzy doesn’t give a single thing away until she does. The ending was climatic and was like an action movie in my head: when Ollie lost the plot at the end, I could see it clear as day and felt her fury and terror. That almost never happens to me with a cozy mystery.

The very, very end of this book was just fabulous, leaving me with a grin on my face as I put the book down. I really can’t wait for the next book, although I must admit to being a bit unsure about how Ms. Hyzy could possibly top this book.

Affairs of Steak (A White House Chef Mystery #5)

Affairs of SteakAffairs of Steak
by Julie Hyzy
Rating: ★★★★
isbn: 9780425245835
Series: White House Chef Mystery #5
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Pages: 293
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

White House chef Olivia Paras and her arch nemesis, White House Sensitivity Director Peter Everett Sargeant, must work together to solve the double murder of one of the First Lady’s assistants and the Chief of Staff-before they become the next victims of a merciless assassin with a secret agenda.

Another excellent mystery in a series that gets better and better.

Who knew just finding the bodies could end up being so dangerous? Ms Hyzy wrote an excellent plot that led me right where she wanted me to go and didn’t give anything away until it was meant to. The action at the end even got my heart rate up just a tad – not something one expects from their cozy mysteries!

I absolutely loved the interaction between Ollie and Gav – this is a couple I care very much about seeing succeed. Once again Ms. Hyzy nailed it. I don’t normally like to see my main characters start with one person and end up with another – start as you mean to go on, I say. But in this case, it was a welcome change and I can’t wait to read more about these two and where they end up.

Still need to make Virgil the next victim though….

Buffalo West Wing (A White House Chef Mystery #4)

Buffalo West WingBuffalo West Wing
by Julie Hyzy
Rating: ★★★★
Series: White House Chef Mystery #4
Publication Date: January 4, 2011
Pages: 305
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

With a new First Family, White House executive chef Olivia Paras can’t afford to make any mistakes. But when a box of take-out chicken mysteriously shows up for the First Kids, she soon finds herself in a “no-wing” situation. After Olivia refuses to serve the chicken, the First Lady gives her the cold shoulder. But when it turns out to be poisoned poultry, Olivia realizes the kids are true targets.

2022: I won’t say the best in the series now, because I know there are better coming, but the book held up really well.

2013: The best one in the series!

Buffalo West Wing was interesting from the first chapter. The plot took on a depth you don’t often find in cozy mysteries, and towards the end, I was so involved in the story, I found myself snapping at whomever interrupted my reading. The culprits were a bit of a surprise to me, which I always enjoy, and I love the re-introduction of Gavin. He was the only male character in this series that ever pricked my interest and I hope he’s back for the long haul. The romance between Ollie and Tom always left me totally flat, and I’m glad things have changed between them.

Why not 5 star? Virgil. He was immature, petulant and I don’t think his presence in the storyline added anything at all to the story.  I can’t wait to open the next book and see what happens next.

Eggsecutive Orders (White House Chef #3)

Eggsecutive OrdersEggsecutive Orders
by Julie Hyzy
Rating: ★★★
isbn: 9780425232033
Series: White House Chef Mystery #3
Publication Date: January 5, 2010
Pages: 352
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

When NSA big shot Carl Minkus dies right after eating the dinner Olivia Paras’s staff had prepared, all forks point to them. Now the Secret Service is picking apart the kitchen-and scrutinizing the staff’s every move. The timing couldn’t be worse with the White House Lawn Easter Egg Roll to prep for without access to a kitchen. Olivia must find the real culprit-before she cracks under pressure.

2022: Wasn’t the interruptions, this is still my least favourite book in the series.

2012:  I was reading this while I had a lot of stuff going on and kept getting interrupted, but I have to say this was just not my favorite of the series. It had elements I really liked, but also a lot of stuff I found myself skimming over.

The plot was strong and I didn’t see who did it until the end, but I guess I just can’t enjoy all the animosity Ollie is surrounded with – just way too much, although perhaps some of that was resolved towards the end of the story. I’m hoping the next book will pull me back in.