This was such a heartfelt and engaging read. What starts as the story of a close-knit retirement community writers’ group quickly unfolds into something much deeper as the members try to make sense of the loss of their oldest friend, Margaret. After Margaret’s death, the group discovers a list of banned books hidden away in…
Cozy Mystery
Murder on an Irish Farm by Carlene O’Connor | Book Review
Even though I started this series at book seven and moved straight into this one, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying every minute. It’s clear this is a very family-centered series, and while I had no trouble following along, I can only imagine how much richer the experience would be starting from the beginning. Murder on an…
The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton| Book Review
This is the seventh book in the series and my first time reading it, so I do feel like starting from book one would have given me a deeper connection to the characters and their backstories. That said, I was still able to follow along and enjoy the mystery at the heart of the story….
A Dowager Is Done In by Helen Golden | Book Review
This was such a fantastic read and exactly the kind of murder mystery I love. The plot was clever, tightly constructed, and constantly had me second-guessing myself. I was convinced more than once that I had solved it… only to discover I was completely wrong by the final reveal. Although this book sits within an…
A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari | Book Review
Set in 1923, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons introduces us to Saffron Everleigh, the first woman to hold a research assistant position at University College London—a role she’s fought hard to earn. Passionate about botany and determined to prove herself in a male-dominated academic world, Saffron is no stranger to being underestimated. Still,…
Deadly Director’s Cut by Vicki Delany | Book Review
This is the second book in the Catskill Summer Resort Mysteries, and although it’s my first time reading Vicki Delany’s series, I had no trouble jumping right into the drama of Haggerman’s Resort. Elizabeth, the ever-capable resort manager, is once again juggling demanding guests, unpredictable staff, and—this time—a full film production taking over the grounds….
An Heir Is Misplaced by Helen Golden | Book Review
An Heir Is Misplaced by Helen Golden is a delightful novella that blends wit, mystery, and a dash of drama into the perfect cozy historical read. We meet Alice, the Duchess of Stortford, who is struggling with her marriage and in need of a distraction. That distraction comes in the form of a puzzling case:…
Toffee Apple Strudel by Susan A King | Book Review
Beatrice and Doug are juggling more than most couples could handle: moving into a sprawling new five-bedroom home, planning a September wedding, and unexpectedly taking in a distant teenage relative. Beatrice assumes it will be simple, but quickly learns that caring for a teenager comes with its own set of challenges and plenty of growing…
The Case of the Body on the Orient Express by Kelly Oliver | Book Review
After enjoying the first book in Kelly Oliver’s The Detection Club series, I had high expectations going into The Case of the Body on the Orient Express—and I wasn’t disappointed. This clever and captivating mystery perfectly blends historical fiction with cozy sleuthing, bringing to life some of the most iconic literary figures of the era…
Murder Most Wilde by Helen Golden | Book Review
This was my first time reading a book from the Right Royal Cozy Investigations series—and wow, what a treat! Helen Golden masterfully crafts a murder mystery that stands perfectly on its own while hinting at a wonderfully rich world of recurring characters. If you’re a first-timer like me, don’t worry: there’s even a character guide…
