Today's book was Lost and Fondue, the second in the Cheese Shop Mystery series by Avery Aames. Her first in the series Long Quiche Goodbye was a bestseller and won her an Agatha for Best First Novel in 2010. This one shows no less promise.
Charlotte Bessette, owner of The Cheese Shop, agrees to cater her friend Meredith's fundraiser to turn an old winery that is rumored to hold buried treasure into a college. During a scavenger hunt at the event, Charlotte discovers not buried treasure, but a body. When Meredith's niece, Quinn, is arrested for the crime, Charlotte turns from caterer to crime solver for her friend. But as she begins to unravel the mystery, the killer may decide to silence her forever.
There are plenty of probable suspects in this story- from the art students and treasure hunters to Charlotte's cousin Matthew's ex-wife who has mysteriously decided to reappear after abandoning him and their twin daughters. Does she really want to reconcile, is she hunting for treasure, or is she there for a more sinister purpose, like murder?
I really love the way Avery Aames describes a scene. The descriptions of the cheeses leave my mouth watering. Her theatrical grandparents are adorable and the Poe references were most appreciated by this lover of his work. The ending had me tearing through the pages to the end and then wishing that the next in the series, Clobbered by Camembert, was already out.
While this book will keep you guessing until the end, there's no mystery to funding literacy. Buy this book from http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ and your purchase will help fund libraries and literacy programs. And don't forget to donate your books to them as well. Purchases and donations have meant almost 10 million dollars in funding so far.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Better World Books August Book Drive Day 13
Sheriff Buck Peterson: "I don't know why you're so riled up, May. I'm not accusing Skye of nothing."
May: "Right. And I'm not saying if brains were water, you wouldn't have enough to baptize a flea."
Denise Swanson- Murder of a Real Bad Boy
Today's choice for my book to read and then donate to Better World Books was another in the Scumble River Mystery Series by Denise Swanson. Along with the witty dialogue I have come to expect from her books, this one held my interest with some clever side stories as well as some intriguing new characters.
In Murder of a Real Bad Boy, Skye Denison soon discovers that while the contractor she hired is easy on the eyes, he is definitely hard on the bank account. The little work that is actually getting done on the house she inherited is subpar to say the least. She realizes that she is not the only one displeased with Beau Hamilton when she arrives home and finds that he has been murdered. And as an unhappy home owner, Skye looks like a prime suspect to Sheriff Buck Peterson.
In between finding her lost cat, exploring her feelings for Wally, and finding out what secret her brother is keeping, Skye needs to figure out who really killed the all-thumbs contractor. But her meddling may end up getting her killed.
This is one of my favorites in the Scumble River Series. Even though I did not read them in order, you may want to start with book 1 in the series (Murder of a Small Town Honey) and go from there. All of them can be found at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ , where each purchase and donation helps fund libraries and literacy projects.
May: "Right. And I'm not saying if brains were water, you wouldn't have enough to baptize a flea."
Denise Swanson- Murder of a Real Bad Boy
Today's choice for my book to read and then donate to Better World Books was another in the Scumble River Mystery Series by Denise Swanson. Along with the witty dialogue I have come to expect from her books, this one held my interest with some clever side stories as well as some intriguing new characters.
In Murder of a Real Bad Boy, Skye Denison soon discovers that while the contractor she hired is easy on the eyes, he is definitely hard on the bank account. The little work that is actually getting done on the house she inherited is subpar to say the least. She realizes that she is not the only one displeased with Beau Hamilton when she arrives home and finds that he has been murdered. And as an unhappy home owner, Skye looks like a prime suspect to Sheriff Buck Peterson.
In between finding her lost cat, exploring her feelings for Wally, and finding out what secret her brother is keeping, Skye needs to figure out who really killed the all-thumbs contractor. But her meddling may end up getting her killed.
This is one of my favorites in the Scumble River Series. Even though I did not read them in order, you may want to start with book 1 in the series (Murder of a Small Town Honey) and go from there. All of them can be found at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ , where each purchase and donation helps fund libraries and literacy projects.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Better World Books August Book Drive Day 12
Murder of a Wedding Belle opens with Skye Denison reluctantly agreeing to be maid of honor in her cousin Riley's wedding. She quickly regrets that decision when she finds out that her duties include being at the beck and call of Belle, a very demanding wedding planner. Just when it looks like things can't get any worse, Belle ends up murdered a week before the wedding and Skye must pull double duty- as a wedding planner to ensure the wedding goes smoothly and as a consultant for the police department to help find the killer.
As with the others in the Scumble River Mystery series, there are plenty of laughs and no shortage of suspects. The Doziers and Simon's mother Bunny provide much entertainment and the fight between Wally and Simon for Skye's affection provides some very interesting moments as well.
I did happen to notice when I grabbed this title off my shelf that I had two other Scumble River Mysteries that I had not yet read. I have no idea how this happened, but I am looking forward to reading them this weekend and then patiently waiting hounding Denise Swanson until the next one comes out.
You can pick up Denise Swanson's Scumble River Mystery series (including Murder of a Wedding Belle) at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ . And if you're into the whole "circle of life" thing, donate them back to Better World Books when you're done with them. Each purchase and donation helps fund libraries and literacy projects.
As with the others in the Scumble River Mystery series, there are plenty of laughs and no shortage of suspects. The Doziers and Simon's mother Bunny provide much entertainment and the fight between Wally and Simon for Skye's affection provides some very interesting moments as well.
I did happen to notice when I grabbed this title off my shelf that I had two other Scumble River Mysteries that I had not yet read. I have no idea how this happened, but I am looking forward to reading them this weekend and then
You can pick up Denise Swanson's Scumble River Mystery series (including Murder of a Wedding Belle) at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ . And if you're into the whole "circle of life" thing, donate them back to Better World Books when you're done with them. Each purchase and donation helps fund libraries and literacy projects.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Better World Books August Book Drive Day 11
For some reason I am a huge fan of the culinary cozy mysteries. You know the ones that take place in a bakery, coffeehouse or restaurant and usually include some recipes in the back for you to try out on your own. I am not the only one who is confused by this. Anyone who knows that the espresso machine is the only appliance in my kitchen getting a daily workout is equally perplexed.
Having said that, I was fortunate enough to come across a new series of this type which made me downright giddy with anticipation. Jacklyn Brady's A Sheetcake Named Desire is the first book in the A Piece of Cake Mystery series and has a playful title (which I am also a sucker for).
Rita Lucero has decided to track down her estranged husband and make him finally sign the divorce papers he has been ignoring. She arrives at Zydeco Cakes, Philippe's new bakery in New Orleans, to try and get some closure but quickly discovers that instead of a divorcee, she is now a widow. And as if her showing up right before her soon-to-be ex is stabbed to death wasn't suspicious enough, she has now inherited part ownership of the cake shop, making her a prime suspect to many. Her mother-in-law has complete trust in her though, insisting Rita stay on at least for a while and help her figure out who has been sabotaging the shop and who killed her son. She needs to get the shop out of financial trouble and the killer behind bars before he or she can strike again.
I loved the setting (New Orleans), the characters (Miss. Frankie and Dog Leg were my favorites) and the plot twists that kept me hanging on every word. The only downside is that I will have to wait until February 2012 when the next in the series (Cake on a Hot Tin Roof) is released to see what happens next. In the meantime, I may just surprise everyone and make Aunt Yolanda's Chocolate-Banana Coffee Cake. If it's anywhere near as good as the story, it's sure to be a hit!
Don't forget to check out http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ for this title. Remember that each purchase and donation to Better World Books helps fund libraries and literacy programs.
Having said that, I was fortunate enough to come across a new series of this type which made me downright giddy with anticipation. Jacklyn Brady's A Sheetcake Named Desire is the first book in the A Piece of Cake Mystery series and has a playful title (which I am also a sucker for).
Rita Lucero has decided to track down her estranged husband and make him finally sign the divorce papers he has been ignoring. She arrives at Zydeco Cakes, Philippe's new bakery in New Orleans, to try and get some closure but quickly discovers that instead of a divorcee, she is now a widow. And as if her showing up right before her soon-to-be ex is stabbed to death wasn't suspicious enough, she has now inherited part ownership of the cake shop, making her a prime suspect to many. Her mother-in-law has complete trust in her though, insisting Rita stay on at least for a while and help her figure out who has been sabotaging the shop and who killed her son. She needs to get the shop out of financial trouble and the killer behind bars before he or she can strike again.
I loved the setting (New Orleans), the characters (Miss. Frankie and Dog Leg were my favorites) and the plot twists that kept me hanging on every word. The only downside is that I will have to wait until February 2012 when the next in the series (Cake on a Hot Tin Roof) is released to see what happens next. In the meantime, I may just surprise everyone and make Aunt Yolanda's Chocolate-Banana Coffee Cake. If it's anywhere near as good as the story, it's sure to be a hit!
Don't forget to check out http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ for this title. Remember that each purchase and donation to Better World Books helps fund libraries and literacy programs.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Better World Books August Book Drive Day 10
Judi McCoy's Till Death Do Us Bark was my book choice for today. Professional dog walker and amateur sleuth Ellie Engleman gets a much needed break when she heads to the Hamptons with her best friend Viv to attend Viv's sister Arlene's wedding. Even better their dogs Rudy and Twink are also invited. But a relaxing vacation is not to be. A murder means they will be holding a wake instead of a funeral and Ellie is brought into the investigation when the housekeeper's son is suspected of the crime.
The investigation turns up family drama and an epidemic of drug use among the well-to-do. Rudy and Tink (a.k.a. Mr. T) are a riot as usual and they are joined by a parrot who heard more than he should have in helping Ellie with the case.
Enjoyed the banter between the dogs and Ellie (who can hear their thoughts) and found the addition of a new mysterious man who seems to have more than a professional interest in Ellie interesting.
Check out Till Death Do Us Part and the other titles in the Dog Walker Mystery series by Judi McCoy at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ . And don't forget to donate your books to them as well. Every purchase and donation helps fund libraries and literary projects.
The investigation turns up family drama and an epidemic of drug use among the well-to-do. Rudy and Tink (a.k.a. Mr. T) are a riot as usual and they are joined by a parrot who heard more than he should have in helping Ellie with the case.
Enjoyed the banter between the dogs and Ellie (who can hear their thoughts) and found the addition of a new mysterious man who seems to have more than a professional interest in Ellie interesting.
Check out Till Death Do Us Part and the other titles in the Dog Walker Mystery series by Judi McCoy at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ . And don't forget to donate your books to them as well. Every purchase and donation helps fund libraries and literary projects.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Better World Books August Book Drive Day 9
Today's book is the newest in a series that I have really enjoyed- The Orchard Mystery series by Sheila Connolly. In Bitter Harvest, her apples have been harvested And Meg Corey is looking forward to a little relaxation and spending more time with Seth Chapin. They get the opportunity to do just that when a storm leaves them stranded at Meg's house. To pass the time, they decide to clean the rooms and discover a sampler that details the tragedies of a family long ago.
Meg wants to discover what really happened to that family, but she has other problems. What first appeared as a string of bad luck now seems to be the actions of someone who has it in for Meg. After she gets locked into her own barn overnight and someone shoots out her kitchen window, Seth and Meg's orchard manager Bree decide to take matters into their own hands and set a trap before someone ends up dead.
I enjoyed that this book varied from the others in the series. There was no work to be done on the orchard, so we were able to concentrate on the relationships Meg has made since moving here and taking over the orchard. The mystery was also very different from those in the earlier books and the way the sampler tied into the rest of the story was a nice touch.
If you have not read the other books in the Orchard Mystery series, I suggest you start with One Bad Apple and read them in order. All can be found at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ and your purchase will help fund library and literacy programs. Want to do even more to help? Donate your books to them as well (they even pay the shipping) and share your love of reading with others.
Happy reading!
Meg wants to discover what really happened to that family, but she has other problems. What first appeared as a string of bad luck now seems to be the actions of someone who has it in for Meg. After she gets locked into her own barn overnight and someone shoots out her kitchen window, Seth and Meg's orchard manager Bree decide to take matters into their own hands and set a trap before someone ends up dead.
I enjoyed that this book varied from the others in the series. There was no work to be done on the orchard, so we were able to concentrate on the relationships Meg has made since moving here and taking over the orchard. The mystery was also very different from those in the earlier books and the way the sampler tied into the rest of the story was a nice touch.
If you have not read the other books in the Orchard Mystery series, I suggest you start with One Bad Apple and read them in order. All can be found at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ and your purchase will help fund library and literacy programs. Want to do even more to help? Donate your books to them as well (they even pay the shipping) and share your love of reading with others.
Happy reading!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Better World Books August Book Drive Day 8
Today's book was Laura Alden's Foul Play at the PTA. Beth Kennedy has a lot on her plate- owner of a bookshop, single mother of two and secretary of the PTA. Things get even more hectic for her when she discovers Sam Helmstetter, a man who doesn't seem to have an enemy in the world, strangled in his car after a PTA meeting. Beth finds herself involved in the investigation when her new employee, who has already been falsely accused of one crime, is being falsely accused of this one as well.
Beth Kennedy knows she needs to solve this crime to clear Yvonne's name and save her bookstore from the protesters who are putting it in jeopardy.
I loved the rapport between Beth and her best friend Marina, who helps her with the investigation when she is not busy misquoting Shakespeare or breaking out a Southern accent. I also love that this story is set right before Thanksgiving. I am a sucker for mysteries set during the holidays, especially when it is August in Georgia and I find myself longing for snow. The ending was filled with both excitement and a reminder of what family really meant.
Find your copy at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ and help fund libraries and literacy projects with your purchase. And make your book do even more good by donating it back to Better World Books when you're done with it.
Happy reading!
Beth Kennedy knows she needs to solve this crime to clear Yvonne's name and save her bookstore from the protesters who are putting it in jeopardy.
I loved the rapport between Beth and her best friend Marina, who helps her with the investigation when she is not busy misquoting Shakespeare or breaking out a Southern accent. I also love that this story is set right before Thanksgiving. I am a sucker for mysteries set during the holidays, especially when it is August in Georgia and I find myself longing for snow. The ending was filled with both excitement and a reminder of what family really meant.
Find your copy at http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ and help fund libraries and literacy projects with your purchase. And make your book do even more good by donating it back to Better World Books when you're done with it.
Happy reading!
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