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Now that the COVID crisis has been declared “over,” I’ve started a new page of mystery reviews. Here we go!
“An Irish Village Mystery Book”
Murder at an Irish Bakery: An Enchanting Irish Mystery (#9) [04/10/2023]
The ninth book in the series has Garda Siobhan O’Sullivan working as security for a baking contest at the O’Farrell’s old flour mill. Owner Fia O’Farrell hopes that the baking contest will generate money to help keep the bakery/mill from closing. Of course, things don’t go smoothly and the famous baker who is part of the contest, falls head first in her first contest effort.
It’s now up the Gardas to discover who the killer is and hope that the killer doesn’t strike again.
Another fantastic entry in the series though I did miss not reading as much about her family as previous books.
5 baking paws
“Lord Edgington Investigates”
Murder at the Spring Ball: A 1920s Mystery (#1) [03/10/2023]
Since the death of his wife, former Scotland Yard superintendent, Lord Edgington of Cranley Hall became a recluse but not totally as he read the newspaper each and every day.
He pulled himself out of his funk and with the help of his teenaged grandson, Christopher, he decided it was time for Cranley Hall to host another one its spectacular spring balls. Unfortunately, one of his family members ends up drinking poisoned champagne (a fate which could have befallen the entire family). The former Scotland Yard superintendent puts on his investigative hat and with the assistance of his grandson, Christopher, sets out to find out whodunit.
I really enjoyed the book especially since it was from the viewpoint of grandson Christopher. I adore British mysteries set in between the major wars and if this is your cup of tea, by all means, go for it.
5 British paws
“A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery”
Death on Deck (#13) [04/04/2023]
Lady Eleanor Swift accompanied by her whole staff, including her bulldog Gladstone take the maiden voyage of the luxury cruiser, The Celestina, making its way to New York City (no doubt, the next book will be set in NYC).
She didn’t initially want to take the cruise, preferring to spend her birthday with her Beau Detective Hugh Seldon but as fate had it, Hugh was called off on a case leaving Eleanor to not want to spend her birthday alone, accepted the invitation to be on the Celestina.
Of course, murder isn’t far behind and she ends up working with a surprising investigator to ferret out exactly who committed the murder.
Another excellent entry in the series and I can’t wait to read the next book!
5 cruising paws
“The Inspector de Silva Mysteries”
Trouble in Nuala (#1) (4/5) [04/30/2023]
Dark Clouds Over Nuala (#2) (5/5) [05/06/2023]
Offstage in Nuala (#3) (5/5) [05/12/2023]
I love mysteries that take place outside the United States and if they are set between the world wars, so much the better.
I stumbled upon this series because the first book was offered for a reasonable price (like $2) and honestly, I’ll take a chance on any series if the price is right. I was so glad I did.
The book takes place during the wars, during the 1930s, set on the exotic island of Ceylon (later to be called Sri Lanka) when Britain was still running the island nation. The protagonist is Inspector de Silva a middle aged Ceylonian (not even sure if that’s the correct term) police inspect of the town of Nuala. He is married to Jane who was working as a British family’s nanny when they met and wed. Of course, Jane being Christian and British and Inspector de Silver being from Ceylon and Buddhist could prove to be dicey, but both have easily fallen into a compatible marriage and their marriage nicely melds the two different worlds.
The mysteries are straight forward but I find the culture to be of more interest both that of Ceylon and the British occupiers.
I highly recommend these mysteries to anyone who enjoys mysteries from that time period or mysteries where cultures could potentially clash.
5 colonial paws
“A Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery”
Murder at a Yard Sale (#22) [05/24/2023]
Myrtle is at it again. Trying to solve a mystery while her anal-retentive son wants her to relax and enjoy her 80+ years. Besides, it’s hard not to be involved in a murder mystery when one discovers the body.
Myrtle’s friend Georgia is having a yard sale because she’s running out of room to buy more of the angels that she collects (of course, she’s selling angels to buy more angels — makes sense to me!) During the beginning of the sale, Myrtle stumbles over the body of a fellow collector (actually, he’s one of those folks who goes around to various yard sales to find those items he can resale on places like eBay) and we’re off to the races.
Normally, Myrtle’s friend Miles assists her in her investigations but he’s busy entertaining his daughter and grandchild, yet Miles still finds the time to be Myrtle’s Dr Watson.
It’s another great book in the series and I really liked the revelation of whodunit (it was a bit tense). As always, highly recommended!
5 angelic paws
“Miss Underhay”
Murder at the Beauty Pageant (#12) [05/30/2023]
The Dolphin Hotel is the host of the Miss Dartmouth Jubilee beauty pageant to raise funds for a party for the town’s children in celebration of the King’s Silver Jubilee.
Of course, one can’t have a murder mystery without a murder and unfortunately, one of the contestants is brutally knifed during the pageant intermission. The newly married Kitty working with her husband Matt are on the case despite having to work around the newly appointed Inspector Lewis who doesn’t think much of “amateurs” interfering with police business.
But Kitty and Matt prevail, if nothing else, because her grandmother’s Dolphin Hotel’s reputation is at stake but also, she and Matt want to find the killer.
Oh, and Kitty and Matt add a new member to the household. I approve.
Another great entry in the series. Despite Kitty being married, she’s still the same Kitty, inquisitive and wanting to get to the bottom of any mystery.
5 beautiful paws
“The Inspector de Silva Mysteries”
Fatal Finds in Nuala (5/5) [06/13/2023]
Christmas in Nuala (4/5) [06/26/2023]
Passage from Nuala (5/5) [07/02/2023]
In Fatal Finds in Nuala, Inspector De Silver along with Archie Clutterbuck (not too surprising since his wife Florence is on a cruise and he can do what he wants) try to discover why a body in the jungle was buried along with mysterious coins. I thought the book was going to be a typical cozy mystery but the ending surprised me and I was glad it did! Totally recommended.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find Christmas in Nuala to be as compelling as the previous book or the next book. It’s Christmas time in Nuala and I found the book a bit tired and tedious to read. But definitely read it because it is part of the series.
Passage from Nuala was amazing. Not because of the mystery (which was interesting) but because it really high-lighted the class differences between a someone like Inspector de Silva who worked for a living and his boss’ boss, William Petrie (who is married to Lady Caroline, daughter of an earl).
Inspector de Silver surprises his British wife Jane with cruise to Egypt to see the Pyramids. They are delighted to find out that his boss’s boss, William Petrie and his wife, Lady Caroline are also on board, except they are in cabin class while the de Silva’s are in tourist class. During the voyage, there is a murder and Petrie is asked to head up the investigation by the captain of the cruise ship whom he had worked with in the military. Of course, Petrie taps de Silva who assists (and figures it out in the end).
What I appreciated about the book was de Silva’s discomfort with being on the cruise with his wife. While they were accepted in their small town of Nuala on Ceylon, he wasn’t sure how someone like him would be accepted by the cruise denizens. Even Petrie realized that they couldn’t just be seen together all the time and in fact, had to be careful about that as it wouldn’t be right for someone of the status of Petrie to be seen with someone in tourist class like de Silva, never mind he was Ceylonese.
Given how much I didn’t really like the previous book, I really liked this one and I hope the author continues to point out the subtle class differences in subsequent books.
“Lord Edgington Investigates”
A Body at a Boarding School: A 1920s Mystery (#2) [06/24/2023]
I really enjoyed the first book in this series but I found myself having to slog through this book. It could have been an interesting story and a chance for readers to see Christopher (Lord Edginton’s grandson) at his boarding school, the Oakton Academy for Distinguished Young Gentlemen.
During the final day of school, a teacher is found murdered by Christopher. Of course, even though he’s totally retired, Lord Edgington can’t resist trying to discover the culprit ably assisted by his daughter and Christopher.
As I mentioned, I liked the first book but I didn’t find the second book as interesting. Unless the remaining books in the series are on sale (or free), I don’t see myself continuing the series.
4 boarding school paws
“A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery”
Murder in Manhattan (#14) [07/07/2023]
As I had expected with the previous book being the murder on a cruise ship, I figured that the next book (this book) would be adventures and murder in Manhattan.
I’m a native New Yorker, having grown up in Manhattan in the 60s before my folks moved my sister and I to the burbs. With that in mind, I was rather looking forward to reading about New York back in the day.
Perhaps it was my anticipation, but I didn’t find this book as engaging as previous books had been. This isn’t to say that this was a bad book but I’d rank it towards the bottom of all the books I’ve read. Perhaps I don’t enjoy Lady Eleanor and Clifford outside of England and their small village.
Still, I would recommend this book if you’ve read any books in the series. It was still enjoyable, but not as much as previous books.
4 New York paws
“A Dora and Rex Mystery”
Murder at the Front [07/14/2023]
This free novella serves as an introduction to the “Dora and Rex” series of books in which Dora and Rex meet up. The novella takes place during World War I where Dora is married and widowed on the same day. Her suspicions as to why Rex was spared while her new husband was killed culminates with Dora suspecting Rex.
Rex wants to know who killed his friend and wounded him. Eventually, Dora and Rex cross paths and work together to bring the miscreant to justice. Dora and Rex make a cute couple and there’s even a kitten that Rex ends up adopting.
You can obtain a copy of the book using this URL: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8ln9kn5234.
If you enjoy mysteries that are set between the wars, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. It’s not a difficult read and the story moves along at a good pace.
I’m not sure if I’ll read the rest of the series as I’m really not into espionage books but I’ll certainly consider it if the books are being sold at a reasonable price.
4 WWI paws
“Cat in the Stacks”
Hiss Me Deadly (#15) [08/01/2023]
I want to return this book to the library, so I’m doing this review out of order (I usually write the reviews in the order that I finish the book).
“Hiss Me Deadly” is the 15th book in the series chronically the adventures of Charlie Harris and his faithful companion Maine Coon, Diesel.
Unlike other mysteries that feature cats, Diesel is a cat and doesn’t usually assist in the mystery — he just looks cute.
This time, Charlie gets mixed up with a former classmate who has struck gold in California as a musician. Wil comes back to Athena to receive an honorary degree from the college and to re-unite with his old bandmates. Unfortunately, some of his bandmates start dying off making his visit some what uncomfortable.
Another great book from “Miranda.” I’ve read the series from book #1 and look forward to #16 when it comes out. One warning: you’ll get more of out of the series if you start with book #1.
5 Musical Paws
“The Catherine Tregowyn Mysteries”
An Oxford Murder (#1) [07/20/2023]
Published poet Catherine Tregowyn goes back to Somerville College for the retirement of one of her tutors. Unfortunately, she and her nemesis, Dr Harry Bascombe (who gave her a bad book review) find a body in the chapel and the police assume they were there for a “lover’s tryst.”
Wanting to clear her name, she works with Dr Bascombe to uncover who killed Agatha Chenowith.
Other than the book being on the long side, I enjoyed it. However, in reading some of the reviews in Goodreads, there were a number of reviewers who felt that the dialogue wasn’t true to 1930s England along with other nitpicks.
I enjoyed it and didn’t find some of the reviewers objections to be an issue.
4 Scholarly Paws
“Noodle Shop Mystery”
Misfortune Cookie (#9) [08/12/2023]
Lana and Anna May travel to California to stay with their mother’s sister and for Lana to attend a restaurant convention.
At the convention, Lana witnesses a fight between a fortune cookie vendor and a lifestyle journalist. As it happens, Lana and Anna May are taken to a very swank cocktail party where the journalist just happens to fall from a tall building dead. The journalist, it turns out, is a co-worker (and good friend) of their aunt who refuses to accept the fact that her friend may have jumped to her death. She begs Lana to investigate and Lana reluctantly agrees to undertake the mission.
I really enjoyed this book and was glad to see Lana and Anna May (who was named for the actress Anna May Wong!) work out some of their differences. It’ll be interesting to see how their relationship plays out in subsequent books. I have to admit that I missed the Mahjong Matrons and Lana’s mother admonishing Lana over something or the other, but I especially missed her friend Kimmy and Lana’s roommate Megan.
Another great entry in the series but just a touch different than the other books.
5 Fortune Cookie Paws
“Miss Underhay”
Murder at the Village Fair (#13)
Newlyweds Kitty and Matt take a belated honeymoon motoring in the Yorkshire countryside and staying with Matt’s aunt, Effie.
They are just in time to attend the village fair. Of course, there is a dead body who isn’t exactly the most liked person in the village. Kitty and Matt put on their detective hats and work with a police inspector who doesn’t seem to mind their investigations.
If you’ve enjoyed the other 12 books in the series, then you will just love this newest addition.
5 Fortunate Paws
“The Inspector de Silva Mysteries”
Rough Time in Nuala (#7) [07/24/2023]
Inspector de Silva is involved in a touch situation where a member of the exclusive golf club is murdered on the links. Obviously, the British don’t want their perfect world rocked, so the Inspector has to approach the situation delicately. What I liked most was how the author pointed out class differences, especially between the native to Ceylon.
Taken in Nuala (#8) [07/28/2023]
Another excellent mystery. Not much really to say about it except it was another worthy entry in the series.
High Wire in Nuala (#9) [08/21/2023]
I found this book puzzling because it felt a bit rushed. I didn’t really enjoy all the fuss (and murder) occurring during the Russian circus performance and then the situation concerning Inspector da Silva’s big case becomes important. I may have enjoyed the book a bit more had the story have been a bit longer. It’s the only one of the series I’m giving 4 paws to.
“Gethsemane Brown Mysteries”
Murder in G Major (#1) [09/03/2023]
I can’t remember where I read about this book but the fact that the protagonist is a black woman and so was the author, I was immediately interested. Besides, the subject of the cozy mystery sounded interested.
I was less than thrilled to find out that this was partially a paranomal story because generally, that’s not my cup of tea. But all in all, I enjoyed the book despite some of the plot lines not being entirely believable (a minority woman in a small Irish town and no one says anything? Please.)
Gesthsemane’s job opportunity falls through and she takes a job in Ireland to lead a boy’s orchestra to win the coveted prize. Along the way, she is determined to discover who killed Eamon McCarthy, dragging everyone she can into her dogged determination to ferret out the truth.
As I said, this book was ok and I’m giving it four stars because it was well-written. However, after reading the synopsis of subsequent books, I won’t be adding them to my pile of To Be Read anytime soon.
4 Orchestral Paws
“Cornish Castle Mystery”
Death Plays a Part (#1) [09/08/2023]
Theatrical costume designer Guinevere ends up on the Cornish coast as she takes a temporary job working on costumes for a reenactment of a medieval trial in a castle. Unfortunately, the reenactment takes a sinister turn with the murder of a lead character leaving Guinevere and her faithful pooch Dolly to discover who the miscreant is.
Sigh… it was an ok murder mystery but I don’t see myself reading too many more books in the series unless they are being sold for a seriously cheap price.
3 Gothic Paws
“The Father Brown Stories”
The Innocence of Father Brown (Book 1) [09/183/2023]
I was curious about how Father Brown was presented in the books as I had seen a few of the dramatizations.
And boy, are the books a lot different!
The book is a series of short stories where Father Brown is able to observe and deduce what had occurred. Just as Sherlock Holmes had Dr Watson, Father Brown as “retired” jewel thief Flambeau as someone to discuss the case with.
While I appreciated the stories and solutions, the prose was a bit rough to read as it was written in a style that was likely popular back in the early 1900s but not one that would cause me to want to read any further books in the series. Though honestly, I did enjoy them and would probably read more if the price is right.
3 Saintly Paws
“Hercule Poirot”
The ABC Murders (#13) [10/11/2023]
Through the magic of Libby, my local library’s online application, I am borrowing books that I’ve read previously in digital form. Up first is The ABC Murders featuring Belgium detective Hercule Poirot. Poirot isn’t my favorite of the continuing characters that Dame Agatha Christie wrote about but this book popped up first on the list and I thought it would be a good one to read.
And it was.
The plot was interesting. An apparent serial killer is using the alphabet to plan his murders and he, of course, starts with “A” — this sends a letter to M. Poirot, who is quite retired at this point in his career, announcing his (or her) intention of committing a murder. M. Poirot takes the bait and sets off to figure out who is doing this foul deed.
If you haven’t read any of Dame Agatha’s works, this is a good one to start with (though others may suggest other books as I’ve not read all of M. Poirot’s adventures) as it is a compelling read.
Highly recommended.
5 Alphabetical Paws
“A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery”
Murder by Invitation (#15) [10/18/2023]
The town of Little Buckford is a flutter preparing to celebrate the birthday of sovereign, King George.
The celebrations are suddenly interrupted by the death of the Little Buckford’s chairman of the organizing committee, Mr Prestwick-Peterson, a man who didn’t seemingly get along with many in the hamlet. Despite being a newly engaged woman, of course, Lady Eleanor Swift along with her intrepid butler Clifton and her bulldog Gladstone (and the newly “acquired” kitty Thompkins) set out to find out whodunit. Never mind, keep the committee on track with the celebration when she is named chairman.
Another great entry in the series and I’ve already pre-ordered the next book!
5 Royal Paws
“Country Cottage Mysteries”
Spotted at the Cemetery (#26) [10/24/2023]
The problem I found with this book is that it is the 26th in the series and the author assumed that as a reader, I would know who everyone was, their relationships and everything about the characters.
There were so many characters that I could barely keep up with it.
The protagonist is Bizzy Baker who has the ability to communicate with animals. She is married to Jasper and his brother is getting married. The fiancé wants to get married in a graveyard during the annual multi-day Halloween celebration. Of course, this being a murder mystery, a murder occurs.
I really don’t want to spend too much time writing a review because I found the story merely, “OK,” but I’m sure if I was a long-time follower of the series, I would have found it delightful.
3 Pumpkin Spice Paws
“Hercule Poirot”
The Murder on the Links (#2) [11/12/2023]
I honestly thought this book was going to be about golf. Instead, the body was found on a golf course and there wasn’t anything about golf in the book.
No biggie, but it was still a good book. I much prefer Agatha Christie’s “Miss Marple” mysteries but there are many more “Hercule Poirot” which I am slowly making my way through.
Poirot and his side-kick Captain Hastings are summoned to France to attend to wealthy businessman Paul Renauld. However, rather than meeting his erstwhile employer, instead finding him stabbed in a shallow grave.
I found the book worth reading though it felt slow at times. This was the second book of Hercule Poirot, so I can excuse the rough edges. Well worth reading especially if you enjoy Dame Agatha’s books.
4 French Hens
“Miss Underhay”
Murder at the Highland Castle (#14) [11/23/2023]
Kitty and her husband Matt are hired by Lord Barlas because he feels his life is in danger. They, along with their dog, Bertie, trapse up to Scotland to a castle situated in a remote part of the country for the New Year’s. They were introduced to the other guests as very “distant” cousins on Lord Barlas’s side.
So here they are: remote castle, New Year’s and a threat of a murder. What could go wrong? Plenty as, unfortunately, Lord Barlas’s worse fears came to fruition as he is killed during a very bad snow storm leaving the guests stuck in the castle with a possible killer.
This is a rather long book, but a really good and compelling read. Despite this being the fourteenth book, the characters are still fresh and the stories very well done.
It may not be the best book to start the series with but I don’t believe that if you haven’t read the series, you’ll find it difficult to follow what’s going on as there is adequate explanations for past exploits.
5 Snowy Paws
“Murder, She Reported”
Murder, She Reported (#1) [11/25/2023]
Elizabeth “Biz” Adams, would-be socialite, decides that there has to be more to life than parties and goes to work as a ‘girl Friday’ at a newpaper, the Daily Trumpet. When the regular photographer wasn’t available for an assignment, reporter Ralph Kandinsky drags her along to take pictures of the newest “it girl,” debutante, Gloria DeWitt. However, the assignment turns into a murder when Gloria’s step-mother is found shot.
I usually read books from the pre-World War II era focusing on British “Bright Young Things,” but I really enjoyed the very gritty New York feel of the story as we follow Biz as she photographs other murders and other situations from the seamier side of life. I also liked the contrast to her very privileged life with her mother worrying about getting Biz married off into a suitable family.
I’m definitely going to read more in the series assuming I can get them at a good price. If you are a fan of mysteries set between the war, socialites and the gritty side of life, this is your series.
4 Socialite Paws
“A NOLA Tail Mystery”
The Great Catsby (#1) [11/28/2023]
New librarian Jade with her intrepid kitty cat Sir Chonksworth the Bold (better known as Chonks) inherit a house (that is, Jade does) and she moves to Louisiana to take possession. She starts a book club and of course, there are the murders.
This was an OK mystery but my biggest gripe is that there wasn’t enough of Chonks to make it worth while. If the name of the books is The Great Catsby then there needs to be more of the kitty. I did find the mystery a bit far-fetched and the characters weren’t all that interesting except for handyman Ethan and of course, Chonks.
I don’t think I’ll be reading too many more in the series, if at all.
3 Chonky Paws
“Her Royal Spyness”
The Twelve Clues of Christmas (#6) [12/14/2023]
I love this series. This is the second book I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the rest. I picked this one up because it has a Christmas theme (I like reading Christmas themed mysteries around the Holidays) and I wasn’t disappointed.
Lady Georgiana Rannoch, part of the Royal Family (actually in line for the throne, but way down the line) decided she didn’t want to spend her Christmas with her brother and sister-in-law. Unfortunately for Georgie, she doesn’t have a lot of money so while she was pondering what to do with herself, she spies an ad looking for someone to help host a traditional English Christmas (as it turns out, for paying customers).
Since this is a murder mystery, you can expect murders where one by one, people are turning up dead in a sinister manner. The rationale behind the deaths was really well-done and the story itself was well-written. Despite this being part of a series, the author is able to fill in the necessary gaps without taking away from the main story.
I totally recommend this book and the series and I just found out that my local library has digital copies to borrow. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
5 Royal Paws
“Candy-Coated Mysteries”
Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas (#8) [12/22/2023]
I’m pretty sure I read the previous book in this series and enjoyed it.
In this book, we find Allie McMurphy close to re-opening her family’s Historic McMurphy Hotel and her Fudge Shop after the hotel had a collapse of the upper floor.
But this is a busy time for Allie and she finds herself knee-deep in making fudge to send out to buyers as Christmas presents. She’s currently living in Frances‘s old apartment as she now lives with her husband. A mysterious note is tacked on the apartment door asking for a meeting causes Allie to think that the note was actually meant for Frances but Allie goes ahead to the meeting to let the mysterious person know that Frances doesn’t live there anymore. Unfortunately for Allie, the person she was going to meet becomes ill. Not only that but the man who lives in the apartment above her becomes sick as well.
I admire any author who manages to write a book in a series where the author is able to invite new readers in without alienating those readers who have stayed with the series from book #1. There is just enough background to help the new reader but not alienate the older readers.
It’s a great book and I loved reading it. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fudge and mysteries set around the holidays.
5 Fudgy Paws
“Honey Driver Mystery”
Murder for Christmas (#8) [12/26/2023]
When I read the first couple of pages of this book, I realized that I really didn’t like it. It’s not that the story (so far) wasn’t interesting or the characters were annoying, it’s just that, for what ever reason, I just couldn’t really enjoy the book. But, it was a book set around Christmas and this is what I like reading around Christmas, I plowed through.
I found the mystery itself to be intriguing and I found the book easier to read as I plowed forward.
The story is a relatively simple one. Honey owns a hotel and, of course, is extremely busy during the Christmas Season. She hosts workers from a publisher, who, once they arrive, explain to Honey that they are extremely surprised that the old skinflint is paying for their party and over-night stay. Of course, since this is a mystery, said skinflint never shows up at his own party, instead, ends up dead in the office.
If that isn’t enough, Honey plays host to someone who knew her dead husband well. This is someone whom she doesn’t remember but her adult daughter is intrigued by the visitor to find out more about her father.
As I said, it was hard to get into but eventually, I found it a decent mystery.
4 Hotel Paws
“Her Royal Spyness”
Masked Ball at Broxley Manor (#.05)
Her Royal Spyness (#1)
A Royal Pain (#2)
Royal Flush (#3)
Naughty in Nice (#4)
Heirs and Graces (#7)
Queen of Hearts (#8)
Malice at the Palace (#9)
Crowned and Dangerous (#10)
On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service (#11)
Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding (#12)
I came down with a horrible head cold and for over two weeks, I really didn’t want to do much (never mind, write reviews). So I did the next best thing, I read books. I had read two of the Christmas themed books and loved what I read. I discovered that my local library had the ebooks available to borrow, so I went to town.
The overall story is a great one, with Lady Georgiana Rannoch, while part of the British Royal Family, was way down on the succession. In fact, because her father lost most of his money (and died by suicide), it left Georgie and her brother, the current Duke of Rannoch penniless. But luckily for Georgie, Queen Mary was overly fond of her and would entrust her to perform a few things for the Queen, especially when it concerns her way-ward son, the Duke of Windsor and his current paramour, the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson.
It’s a great series, especially if you are interested in Britain between the wars and the rise of Hitler in Germany. I’m looking forward to reading the next book as soon as it’s available from the library.
5 Royal Paws
“Gracie Andersen Mystery”
The Mistletoe Murders (#6) [12/17/2023]
This was a decent Christmas-themed book. Gracie Andersen’s friend, Marci is opening The Mistletoe Bed-and-Breakfast and while renovating the house, find a body in the basement.
5 Christmas Paws
“Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery”
Murder in a Cape Cottage (#4) [12/20/2023]
While renovating their house, Mac and her fiancé, Tim, open up a wall to find a skeleton—sitting on a stool, dressed in an old-fashioned bridal gown.
What I liked about this book was the characters trying to find out who belonged to the skeleton.
4 Renovation Paws
“Myrtle Clover Mysteries”
Doom and Bloom (#23) [01/13/2024]
My favorite octogenarian is at it again, solving mysteries and growing her flowers. This time, she and Miles are at a flower show when she comes across the judge, her skull bashed in by a flower pot.
Of course, Red doesn’t want her to be involved in the mystery and to annoy him, she purchases a special garden gnome. And who knew that Wanda liked to garden?
Another great entry in the series. Always fun to spend time with Myrtle.
5 Blooming Paws
“The Inspector de Silva Mysteries”
Cold Case in Nuala (#10) [02/09/2024]
Break from Nuala (#11) [02/11/2024]
In Cold Case in Nuala investigates a pile of old bones that turn out to be a murder victim.
In Break from Nuala finds himself and Jane on vacation and of course, there is a murder. It takes all of the Inspector’s will not to be involved with solving the murder.
Both books are excellent additions to the series and you won’t be disappointed.
5 Ceylonese Paws
“Her Royal Spyness”
Love and Death Among the Cheetahs (#13) [02/17/2024]
I usually greatly enjoy this series but this book seems to be the exception.
The story centers around Georgie and Darcy going on their honeymoon to Kenya. Keep in mind, this is the Kenya of between the wars, closer to WWII as Hitler’s influence is increasing. It was also the time where white Britains and other white nationalities were colonizing Africa, treating the native population as paid slaves thereby proving their white superiority.
Despite the author’s notes on the subject before the story commenced, I found the situation disheartening, especially as a black American. Nevermind the fact that the characters were so despicable with their “reindeer games.”
I would still recommend the book for those who want to read the complete series, but I really don’t see myself reading the story again.
4 Disappointed Paws
“Her Royal Spyness”
The Last Mrs. Summers (#14) [02/23/2024]
After being a bit disappointed with the previous book, The Last Mrs. Summers is a good one. Now granted, I wasn’t all that thrilled as I dove into the book but the more I read it, the more I enjoyed it and was surprised by the ending!
Belinda, Georgie’s BFF has inherited a ton of money including what turns out to be a ramshackle “house” on the Cornish coast. Of course, Belinda has to see what she has inherited and invites Georgie along on a road trip since Darcy is on one of his missions. The come upon the house and it’s not what she had expected and even sees the old house her grandmother had lived in, now owned by foreigners.
While in town, they come across an old school chum, Rose, who has married well and is living in a large house. She happened to be the daughter of Belinda’s grandmother’s cook and because of snobbery, really isn’t accepted as mistress of the manor. Rose invites Belinda and Georgie to stay with her and that’s what the “fun” begins.
If you’ve ever read the book Rebecca, you’ll see an echo of the story within this latest story.
Well worth reading and a worthy entry in the series.
5 Cornish Paws
“Her Royal Spyness”
Peril in Paris (#15) [02/27/2024]
With a bun in the oven and Darcy off on another one of his “jobs,” Georgie finds herself at loose ends until her BFF Belinda invites her to stay in Paris with her as Belinda is now working under the famed designer Coco Chanel.
Darcy unexpectedly asks Georgie to retrieve an important item from a German attendee of a fashion show where Coco is showing off her Autumn collection. Unfortunately, not only doesn’t Georgie retrieve the object but is accused of killing one of the attendees.
Another great entry in the series and it was fun to see Mrs Simpson come to Georgie’s aid.
5 Fashionable Paws
“Her Royal Spyness”
The Proof of the Pudding (#16) [03/04/2024]
Georgie is finally back home awaiting the birth of her first child and settling in as mistress of the manor. Her newly arrived French chef is ruffling a few feathers (especially Queenie’s) but is an excellent cook. When the enigmatic author Sir Mortimer Mordred requests the use of her French chef, Georgie agrees only to rue her decision as a number of guests became ill and one has died. It’s a race to see if Georgie can discover how the guests were poisoned before her bundle of joy arrives.
5 Baby Paws
“An Irish Village Mystery”
Murder at an Irish Chipper (#10) [03/08/2024]
Siobhán and Mac are finally going on their honeymoon, along with Siobhán siblings to a lovely coastal town. Of course, murder has to follow them despite their being on vacation when a chipper apparently is murdered in her restaurant.
4 Fishy Paws
Murder at Merewood Hospital [04/23/2024]
Any time I see an ebook that is priced reasonably and is concerning the medical profession — I’m there.
I wasn’t family with the author’s work but again, the subject matter and price made it a book to be read.
I enjoyed the book very much as it was set after World War I in an idyllic setting at a manor to assist soldiers transitioning to either their homes or other places depending on their infirmity. There was a murder committed their of one of the nurses and that, of course, hung a pall over the hospital, but then one by one, the remaining patients are killed off.
As I said, I enjoyed this book very much. It kept my interest and while the characters were marginally interesting, they were interesting enough for me to not only read the rest of the book but enjoy the ride.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in post WWI mysteries especially set in a hospital or stately manor.
5 Nursing Paws
“An Ivy Meadows Murder”
Macdeath [05/16/2024]
This has to be the fourth mystery I’ve read that centers around the Shakespeare play, “Macbeth.” The Scottish play is my favorite of all of Shakespeare’s works, hence my interest in reading any book centering around the play.
The story was a simple one, actress Ivy is hired to play one of the witches in an avant-garde production of the play (honestly, I’m not sure I would have enjoyed this version but I would have given it a fair shake). Their alcoholic star is murdered and Ivy is thrust into trying to solve the mystery.
The characters were fairly interesting but my favorite was Ivy’s private investigator uncle (she ends up working for him but it’s not quite a good fit for her or him).
It wasn’t a bad mystery, it isn’t one that I would be interested in re-reading or perhaps reading the series of mysteries with Ivy. Having said that, if the price is right, I’m willing to give it a go.
4 Theatrical Paws
“A Jane Austen Society Mystery”
Pride, Prejudice and Poison (#1) [05/28/2024]
Anyone who has been a member of a group that periodically meets and has to decide things will appreciate the mystery story, Pride, Prejudice and Poison, which centers around a group of Jane Austen aficionados.
Of course, there is a murder of the president of the society and member Erin Coleridge is determined to discover who killed her as well as navigate her feelings for the Detective Inspector assigned to the case.
I enjoyed this book and would probably recommend it to anyone who likes cozy mysteries set in England and maybe even a Jane Austin fan. I will say that I’d never read any Jane Austin books and this mystery prompted me to remedy my oversight by reading Pride and Prejudice (which I totally enjoyed).
5 Jane Austin Paws
“Kate Reilly Mysteries”
Kiss the Bricks (#5) [06/17/2024]
I love auto racing. I follow NASCAR pretty closely (and have done so for years) as well as IndyCar and Formula 1 — but not as closely as NASCAR so when this mystery came up on one of my emailings of discounted ebooks, I was like yowza!
Kate Reilly is a fairly successful open wheel race car driver for the IndyCar series and the mystery takes place in the several weeks culminating in the Indianapolis 500, which is probably the one race that even non-racing fans know about. As the author stated in the preface, everything that Kate does is true what drivers actually do except for investigating a murder mystery as the drivers wouldn’t actually have the time.
But this is fiction and Kate has the time. During those several weeks before the Indy500, Kate is contently compared to a previous driver PJ who had died by suicide. But PJ’s family isn’t so sure and wants Kate to investigate. Of course, we wouldn’t have a mystery if Kate didn’t take up the challenge, which she does with her “Scooby Gang.”
This is a good, solid mystery that would be of interest to mystery fans but if you love racing like I do, you definitely want to check this book out. I’m hoping I’ll be able to score other books in the series for a reasonable price.
5 Open Wheel Paws
“A Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery”
A Toast to Murder (#24) [06/21/2024]
I love Myrtle Clover — she is my favorite octogenarian who happens to solve mysteries.
This time, Myrtle and Miles accompany Elaine to a wine tasting as wine tasting is Elaine’s new hobby (previous hobbies, as loyal readers know, haven’t worked out) and of course, they are involved with a murder.
While I’ve enjoyed the Myrtle books previous and have read them all, I found this one fell a bit short from the others in that I didn’t feel there were enough suspects that could have done it.
But be that as it may, it was still a fun read as all the Myrtle Clover mysteries are.
4 Wine Tasting Paws
“Starlight Detective Agency Mysteries”
Murder in the 11th House (#1) [07/23/2024]
I’ve always had a passing interesting astrology so when this book was listed on one of my many bargain e-book list, I snapped it up.
I wasn’t disappointed.
This is a really solid mystery and yes, astrology plays a large part of how the mystery is solved, but it’s so much more than that. The characters are well-thought out and the plot was really well done.
I can’t recommend this book any more highly.
Unfortunately, when I looked to see if there were any other books in the series, I found that there were but the price was rather more than I wish to spend. I just hope that any subsequent books find their way to being discounted.
5 Astrological Paws
“Miss Underhay”
Murder at the Island Hotel (#15) [08/05/2024]
Murder on the French Riviera (#16) [08/09/2024]
Kitty and Alice need to spend some time at the new Bird Hotel to review the facilities so they can write a report for the hotel association concerning the Hotel’s membership application. Of course, while they are there, the owner of the hotel is found dead, leading to a number of questions about the Hotel and its finances.
In Murder on the French Riviera, Kitty and Matt are asked by Matt’s mysterious employer to simply pick up a package from a spy in France. Of course, they agree as it was a nice vacation on the French Riviera. Unfortunately for them, their contact is mysteriously killed, leaving them with a mystery and possibly their lives in danger.
Both are really excellent books and well worth reading, especially if you’ve been reading the series all along. I look forward to the next installment!
5 Mysterious Paws
“The Inspector de Silva Mysteries”
Stardust in Nuala (#12) [08/28/2024]
Nuala is all aflutter as a, what we would term, a Bollywood film is being filmed there. Unfortunately, the leading man and owner of the film company drops dead though, at first, it was thought it was just his poor health. Later an autopsy discovers that he had a lethal dose of medication. It is up to Inspector de Silva to uncover the truth as well as mysterious disappearances of items as the Residence.
Another most excellent book in the series. I look forward to reading more of the Inspector’s adventures.
5 StarStruck Paws
“Cat in the Stacks”
Requiem for a Mouse (#16) [08/31/2024]
Charlie Harris hires a mysterious assistant to help catalogue the rare books that have accumulated. He knows very little about his assistant and any queries are quickly cut off by Tara Martin. One evening, Tara is killed by a hit and run driver, leaving Charlie (and his intrepid kitty Diesel) with a mystery to solve.
I really enjoyed this mystery because the reader and Charlie were left in the dark as to who Tara really was and what she was doing in the sleepy little town of Athena.
I am looking forward to the next book: Charlie and Helen Louise’s marriage and their trip to Ireland (where, I’m sure, they’ll be involved in a mystery or two).
5 Bookish Paws