Buried Secrets: An Amatuer Amish Sleuth Cozy Mystery by Tracy Fredrychowski

I love an intriguing mystery and this book filled the bill!  The storyline kept me wondering just what would happen next.  I never knew what to expect.  Many people knew "bits and pieces"  And everyone has their opinions as to what happened and things continue to worry the townspeople. I think this book will be enjoyable and interesting reading for all. There are some exciting moments that will keep you on your toes.  Rosie, Irma and Lovina, bookclub sleuths, will leave no stones unturned!

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Murder Unshelved by Vannetta Chapman (A Stitches, Perks and Pages Cozy Mystery)

This was a fun read.  It started out quickly with a murder discovered by the two sisters who have just purchased a building to start their two individual businesses.  Not a great way to start. The sisters proceeded with their plans, but there are more difficulties yet to come.  It's a great mystery with a little romance, as well.  The story is well paced and has some Amish people in the "cast" as well.  The sisters work together to resolve their difficult situation and to start their new lives in the little town of Fox Hollow.  I have always loved a good mystery so this just fit the bill for me.

I received an Arc copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tinsel, Trees and Treachery by Bruce Hammack (A Smiley and McBlythe Mystery)

Steve and Heather are at it again.  These stories are always fun to read.  As the duo plus dogs start their adventure to find out who is putting fear into the life of a friend of Steve's, they set out to Branson, MO.  I enjoyed being reminded of my visit there some years ago so that added more enjoyment for me as I followed the adventure.  Its a cozy mystery, which is a genre that is always a good match for me.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.  I recommend this book!

Sabotage at Cedar Creek by Janice Thompson (The Little Red Truck Mysteries Book 2)

 I love when books are based in Texas, one of my fave places to visit.  This is book 2 and unfortunately, I missed book 1.  I loved the mystery and the romance and the small town feel of the book with its interesting characters. There is a little suspense, but is definitely a cozy mystery. There is also a bit of humor in the book.  I love going to B&B's and so this story definitely resounded for me.  There were several possible suspects that were making it a bit difficult to be certain of who was doing the sabotage and why.  You will enjoy the fun story.

I received an ARC copy from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hemlock and Homicide A Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series. Book 13

This next book about Smiley and McBlythe was another excellent mystery by this author.  I loved the dog factor that is added into the book. As Steve, the blind homicide detective, adds a dog to his arsenal, we see that this dog has special abilities that does a lot for him. Heather is swamped with work at the time a murder occurs and Steve needs some additional help for this case and hires a driver, Rasheed.  There is a lot of action that occurs in the poisoning cases that Steve tries to solve. Rasheed is a new character that brings new and interesting things to the story.  I think you will like this mystery, the suspense and really enjoy all of Steve's special talents in solving cases!

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dig Deep For Murder: A Cozy crime whodunit mystery (Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series Book 11)

 A discovery of a body always brings Steve Smiley into action.  He is blind, but that doesn't stop him from solving a serious crime.  Although Clyde finds the murder victim  and it is his former girlfriend, Smiley and McBlythe start investigating to see what they can determine.  The mystery is enthralling and you will want to read this one.  The characters are interesting and well developed.  I already look forward to seeing what is next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Beach To Die For: A Clean Private Detective Mystery (Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series Book 9 by Bruce Hammack

 A wedding vacay turns mystery when a wedding guest says someone is trying to frame her. The mystery takes place in the beautiful Caribbean.  The blind detective is on it!  It is nice to read a clean mystery without the violence of some mysteries. This was an enjoyable read and the characters continue to really become friends as you get to know the personalities and quirks. I tried to figure out who dun it, but didn't quite figure things out.  A good mystery and entertaining read.

I received an ARC and was not required to give a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary (A Sunflower Café Mystery)

I love a nice cozy mystery.  And this one suits me quite well.  I love the book cover, and the story ran smoothly and was very enjoyable.  I love that cozy mysteries are exactly that and even have a little humor in them as did this one.  It's the beginning book of a cozy series.  Which I suspect will be fun and mysterious. The story was in the Amish town of "Yoder", a good Amish name, where most of the towns' people had that surname.

I wondered who had the most reason to commit the murder of the milkman. There were several that might have had some grounds to do just that. But is was hard to be sure of anyone. 

I enjoyed Sissy's character and hoped she would find the answer to "who dun it". The murder appears to have been blamed on her, and things don't go to well in her favor with the sheriff.

Each chapter heading had a little quote by "Aunt Bess" and I loved the quote for chapter 11.  I could completely relate to that one!

A nice story that you will have a hard time figuring out because of the twists and turns.  I was given a complimentary copy and was not required to give a positive review.   All thoughts are my own.

Amelia Moore Mysteries, Vol. 3 Audible Version, Compilation by Linda Weaver Clarke

I just recently finished listening to the Audible version of The Amelia Moore Mystery Series, Vol 3, Mystery on the Bayou.  I really enjoyed it.  As a young girl reading was my beloved pastime that my friends and I continued to do together through our elementary school years.  Mysteries were my favorite genre in those days, and I can see that my love for mysteries has not waned.

Linda writes a fun and interesting story line.  We find Amelia and Rick, two happy newlyweds in a cozy retreat for their honeymoon, only to be approached by a woman who asks Amelia to locate a son she gave up for adoption 16 years ago.  She has discovered she has a hereditary disease that she feels an urgent need to inform her son about.  Not knowing could be deadly for him.  Amelia takes on the case which leads her to Bayou country and a not so easy to resolve case. 

There are several twists and turns making lots of interesting listening. I enjoyed listening to the Audible version very much and if you enjoy cozy mysteries, with a little touch of romance, you will surely enjoy it as well! 

The narrator Carolyn Kashner has a great way of changing voices of each of the characters.  It's really enjoyable listening and relaxing to this fun Audible book after a long stressful day.  She is so full of expression and very talented!  I loved listening to someone "tell me a story".  I could listen as I drove to and from errands and even while fixing dinner.  It's a great way to "multi-task".

The second story in Vol 3, is The Lighthouse Mystery. It's a great cozy mystery and for me it was awesome because she often writes about places that I know.  This time her book took me to my old home in California, Palm Springs, and as she described it, I could totally visualize it!  Then they were headed to Ventura Harbor.  I used to live in Ojai which is very close by and trips to the beach in Ventura were a remembrance of years past for me!

But aside from this, the Audible book held my attention to the very end.  I loved this clean romance and the resolution to the mysteries.  I look forward to reading and listening to other books from this great author.

I received an Audible version of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given.  All thoughts are my own.

Widow's Secrets by Shelley Shepard Gray

I was lucky to receive this book gifted to me by the author!  It was fun and interesting to read a contemporary book with mystery and some romance and a touch of Amish life.  I am very used to reading this author's Amish books, and loved this one too.

The main character, Liana, suffered for years at the hands of her abusive husband.  Suddenly he is gone without a trace.  And ten years later, a police officer takes on this cold case.  Will the results be devastating in Liana's life or bring the closure needed for her?  

There is lots of intrigue and hints of what might have happened, yet I wasn't sure until the end how things would work out.  It was a good read and kept me guessing!

September Shadows by Debbi Migit

This is the first book from this author that I have read.  It is also the first book in a series.  The book is about family, healing and overcoming.  The deaths of their parents is difficult as the children struggle with unexpected troubles and  suspense to keep you reading. I enjoyed this novella length mystery.

I received an ebook from the author.  All thoughts are my own

From Rome With Love by Kate Lloyd

 The day I was lucky enough to win this book, was truly my lucky day!  This was such a good book.  I was totally immersed in it.  The minute I started reading, it grabbed my immediate attention, and never let go.

I felt I was right there with Lucy as she tells in first person of her job as nanny of a teenage girl with lots of challenges and their subsequent trip to Rome for a Christmas trip.  The descriptions of the city were very realistic and I found myself in Italy, enjoying the trip and the interesting mystery that developed.  

I felt her thoughts as she was uncertain as to who to trust and who not to trust.  Who to believe?  I did have to laugh where perhaps others might not.  She had a fall and I so totally related.  Seriously, every time I go to Europe, I fall!  In fact, my last trip, I told my family, just wait.  I am going to fall and I did.  Must be the European cobblestones!

I enjoyed every bit of this book.  It had no dull moments and moved at a good pace to keep me reading.  I totally loved this book.  

I received a copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Author Guest Post by Linda Weaver Clarke

Author Guest Post

A Cozy Mystery Series

In this mystery series, Amelia Moore is the founder of the Moore Detective Agency and specializes in missing persons. Her cases have taken her to some very interesting places and put her in some dangerous situations. With the help of Rick Bonito, her business is flourishing. This series is available as seven individual novels or as a three volumes.

In Amelia Moore Mysteries, Volume 1, they travel to exotic places such as Bali Island in Indonesia, Ireland where she gets to kiss the Blarney Stone, and Mexico where she experiences what a rain forest is really like. Volume 1 includes three cozy mysteries.

If you have longed to visit an exotic island, The Bali Mystery will take you there. When Mrs. Brody hires Amelia and Rick to find her missing brother, they find themselves in Bali, Indonesia. They are mystified why her brother quit his job, put his home up for sale, and ran off to this mysterious and exotic island without telling a soul.

Ireland is the next place you can visit with Amelia and Rick. When Amelia is hired to search for her client’s grandparents in The Shamrock Case, the case takes them to Ireland. Kate must learn about her heritage. Who are her grandparents and could they still be alive after all these years? Why did her parents leave Ireland suddenly and move to America? Is there more to this case than meets the eye?

The last place Amelia was thinking of visiting was Mexico. In The Missing Heir, Dell Murphy has passed on and left a fortune to his nephew. He wants his nephew to continue his work at the orphanage in Mexico, but there is one problem. Neal Woods is missing! If Amelia and Rick can’t find him soon, the fortune will be turned over to Dell’s brother and sister who intend to close down “Uncle Dell’s Orphanage.” If that happens, where will the children go?

In Amelia Moore Mysteries, Volume 2, they travel to the haunted Stanley Hotel at Estes Park in Colorado and Color Country in Southern Utah where they visit Zion National Park. Volume 2 includes two cozy mysteries.

In The Mysterious Doll, Pauline Jones is confused why her boyfriend took off without telling a soul where he was going. But that isn’t all. Sam Whitaker is accused of stealing a valuable porcelain doll from the museum. His disappearance makes him look guilty, but Pauline is convinced he is innocent. When Amelia finds Sam, she realizes they need to prove his innocence. Where is the antique doll and who has taken it?

In Her Lost Love, Julie Anderson feels a need to find the man she fell deeply in love with during her youth. That was twenty-five years ago. When Julie went off to college to become a lawyer, she lost contact with her high school sweetheart. She now wants to know what became of Joey and why he stopped writing to her? This is an assignment that intrigues Amelia. The thought of finding a long-lost love seems quite romantic.

In Amelia Moore Mysteries, Volume 3, they travel to the beautiful Louisiana Bayous and visit many intriguing lighthouses along the coast. Volume 3 includes two cozy mysteries.

In Mystery on the Bayou, Amelia is approached by a woman who is concerned about the son she gave up for adoption sixteen years ago. Millie fears he has inherited Marfan’s Syndrome from her side of the family. Not only that, but she has been having nightmares that make her fear he is in danger. She petitioned the court to view the sealed records but was refused. Will Amelia and Rick be able to convince the courts to help them? If her son is in danger, will they get there in time?

In The Lighthouse Secret, Rick Bonito’s uncle supposedly drowned five years ago and his body was never found, but something did not seem right about the report. Uncle Antonio was an excellent swimmer. His disappearance seems quite suspicious to Rick’s father. He never felt the complete truth had come out about his brother. It is now up to Amelia and Rick to find out the truth about his uncle.

“This is a cozy mystery, but there is also suspense, danger and, of course, romance. You have all the makings of an exciting novel.” --Library of Clean Reads

“Amelia and Rick have the makings of being a lasting couple that readers will adore and root for. Clarke knows both her characters and locations well and it shines through each word she writes.” --Socrates Book Review

You can get your copy of Vol 1 by clicking here!
Vol 2 Click here!
Vol 3 Click here!

Author’s Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Historical Romance Blog: 
https://historicalromances.wordpress.com

Cozy Mystery Blog: 
https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com

Audiobook Blog:
https://family-friendly-audiobooks.blogspot.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindaweaverclarke

You Can't Judge a Book By It's Murder by Amy Lillard Book 1 Main Street Book Club Mystery

This was a fun cozy mystery and I totally enjoy a good mystery-who-dun-it type of book.  I liked the idea of the All-school reunion, having been to one that was so fun.  So the book starts right out with a body and the police are convinced it was a suicide, but Arlo and Chloe, best friends, feel differently.  They are convinced he was pushed. 

This book takes place in Mississippi and has a fun Southern flavor to it.  There are some rather fun villagers among the "cast of characters" and I enjoyed the fun that these people brought to the story-line. 

Enjoyed it and think you will too!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Lost Memories and New Beginnings by Lorana Hoopes

I really enjoyed this latest book by Lorana Hoopes. There was a lot of suspence and I loved the storyline very much.  It was a great read and keeps you turning pages.  A quick read and very entertaining.  I enjoy the clean writing and the uplifting spirit of the book.

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman

I have been a long-time fan of author Vannetta Chapman.  She writes Amish books and mysteries so well!  Combine the two genres and you have an amazing book!  And so it is.

This mystery is one that keeps you wondering what is happening through out-a real page turner.  It's book 2 of her Amish Bishop Mysteries series.  So I am going to have a hard time waiting for the next installment.

I love the interaction between the Amish and the "Englishers" and the kind and helpful nature of Henry and his many artistic talents.
I feel that anyone who enjoys Amish mysteries will find this book a great work.  

I received a copy of this book from the author for my review.  All thoughts are my own.

You can grab your copy here!

The author, Vannetta Chapman

Mystery On the Bayou-Audible Version by Linda Weaver Clarke

I just recently finished listening to the Audible version of Mystery on the Bayou.  I really enjoyed it.  As a young girl reading was my beloved pastime that my friends and I continued to do together through our elementary school years.  Mysteries were my favorite genre in those days, and I can see that my love for mysteries has not waned.

Linda writes a fun and interesting story line.  This is book 6 in the continuing series of the Amelia Moore Detective series.  In book 6, we find Amelia and Rick, two happy newlyweds in a cozy retreat for their honeymoon, only to be approached by a woman who asks Amelia to locate a son she gave up for adoption 16 years ago.  She has discovered she has a hereditary disease that she feels an urgent need to inform her son about.  Not knowing could be deadly for him.  Amelia takes on the case which leads her to Bayou country and a not so easy to resolve case. 

There are several twists and turns making lots of interesting reading.  And I am happy to see that a book 7 is on its way.  I enjoyed listening to the Audible version very much and if you enjoy cozy mysteries, with a little touch of romance, you will surely enjoy it as well! 

The narrator Diane Lehman has a great way of changing voices of each of the characters and she even can sing the tunes the characters sing.  Now there's talent.  It's really enjoyable listening and relaxing to this fun Audible book after a long stressful day at work.  

I received an Audible copy of this book for my honest review, which I have given. You can get your copy here!

Her Lost Love by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible Version)

I always love a good Audible book because then I can read and multi-task.  I was really happy to read book 5 in the Amelia Moore Detective Series, because I had really enjoyed the others.  This one did not disappoint.  Narrator Diane Lehman was an enjoyable narrator and very expressive.

Ms. Clarke's books are always a good and clean read.   It is a fun cozy mystery and I love how it brings in the area in St. George, Utah, which I am so familiar with.  Ms. Clarke always makes you feel as though you are right there enjoying the scenery and the surroundings.

I loved how Rick and Amelia work so well together, have their bucket lists, and seem to always get into a few tight fixes.  I really enjoyed the book, loved the fact that it was audible and could listen without turning a page!

Great book!  You can grab a copy here!

The Author:

I received an Audible version of this book from the author for my honest review which I have given.

The Mysterious Doll in Audible Books by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Mysterious Doll by Linda Weaver Clark is book four of the Amelia Moore Detective stories.  In this story, a porcelain doll turns up missing from a museum case.  The obvious culprit appears to be Sam, an engaged museum employee who suddenly turns up missing at the same time as the doll.

Sam's fiance hires Amelia and her partner Rick to find Sam and to prove his innocence.  Amelia and Rick are followed at every corner and try to dodge the men that always seem to be after them.  Will they be able to find Sam and prove that he was not guilty of the theft and also figure out why so many people seem to be inquiring about the doll?  Is the doll worth enough to be of such great interest to several people?  What is the real secret behind the mysterious doll?

This was a fun read and I enjoyed it very much. But because this was an Audible book, I had the freedom of listening while driving and commuting to work and elsewhere.  Diane Lehman is a great narrator and I love her interpretation of the characters in the book. I think you will enjoy the other books in this cozy mystery series, as well.  Amelia and Rick seem to be getting closer as the series continue and some romance is definitely in the air.

I was given a copy of the ebook from the author for my review, which I have given.

Audible book Review: The Missing Heir by Linda Weaver Clarke

I have enjoyed listening to Linda Weaver Clarke's cozy mystery The Missing Heir very much. Linda's Amelia Moore Detective Series have been an enjoyable read for me and I have always been a fan of mysteries.  Again, I enjoyed listening to the narration of Diane Lehman, as she expressively tells the story using interesting voices and with a clear and enjoyable voice.

Having never been to Mexico myself, it was fun to experience Amelia and Rick's journey through a part of this country as they search for the nephew and heir of Dell Murphy, who is missing.  Dell's nephew was expected to continue the work at Dell's orphanage, rather than his brother and sister who would close the orphanage down.  They find many obstacles in their way as they continue their search.  

I really enjoyed book 3 of the series.  Linda's books are very interesting, enjoyable and always a clean read.  I also enjoyed the fact that it was an Audible book that I could easily listen from my Smart phone on my commute to work.  A great way to "read"!

You can find a copy of this version at this link.

About the author:

Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching and encouraging people to write their family history and autobiography. She is the mother of six daughters and has several grandchildren. Clarke is the author of an award-winning sweet romance, Melinda and the Wild West, for the "Reviewers Choice Award." She has several historical sweet romances, a mystery/adventure series, and a children's book. She has also written two non-fiction e-books: Reflections of the Heart and Writing Your Family Legacy. All her books are family friendly.