#Contemporary Cozy Mystery

[bargainsleuthbooks]

#ARC #CharlotteIllesIsNotADetective by #KatieSiegel #NetGalley #CozyMystery #LGBT #Humor #Contemporary #BookReview #KensingtonBooks

Imagine being a teen sleuth like #NancyDrew but grow up and want to move past that? For #CharlotteIlles, it's not that easy. #KatieSiegel #NetGalley #BookReview #kensingtonbooks #cozymystery #teensleuth #teendetective #June2023Books #newbooks #ARCReview

As a kid, Charlotte Illes’ uncanny sleuthing abilities made her a minor celebrity. But in high school, she hung up her detective’s hat and stashed away the signature blue landline in her “office”—aka garage—convinced that finding her adult purpose would be as easy as tracking down missing pudding cups or locating stolen diamonds. Now twenty-five, Charlotte has a nagging fear that she hit her peak…

[meezcarrie]

Top Ten Tuesday: Fiction With a Side of Food

Tuck that napkin-bib into your collar and bring your appetite because your order's up for Fiction With a Side of Food! These titles all feature food significantly in either plot or setting (or both)! #BookTwitter #readingcommunity #topten #bookblogger

Happy Tuesday! Today’s theme for Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl) is Books Involving Food (That are Not Cookbooks) – an idea submitted by Cathy @ WhatCathyReadNext and Hopewell’s Public Library of Life. For my own list, I didn’t have to look farther back than books I’ve reviewed this year to find several books where food played a significant role in the story or setting. So…

[danielleurbansblog]

Review: Written in Stone

Synopsis: “What happens at Grandma’s house, stays at Grandma’s house.” The problem is A. J. (Alison Jane) Cadell can’t remember Grandma or her house. Dreaming of becoming a best-selling romance novelist, Alison is invited to Beech Grove, British Columbia to be a Writer-in-Residence and reside at Thistlewood Manor for a month. When a resident of the manor is found dead, Alison is drawn into a…

[protagonistspub]

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack was a library find. It is my first, and most DEFINITELY the last, book from the author. It is in theory a cozy mystery. I will also never read anything by this author under her other publishing name of Catherine McKenzie. I’m just going to be upfront, this book is utter trash. So much so that I VLOG’d the reading experience. The…

[melaniem54]

Review: A Carriage of Misjustice (Lindenshaw Mysteries Book 5) by Charlie Cochrane

Rating: 3.5🌈 It’s been a while since I’d read this series, the last book I read being Old Sins. And I think coming back into a series after a long break and diving in at book 5 just highlights the importance of perhaps going back to the beginning and rereading the series again. Particularly with A Carriage of Misjustice because of some of the things I found within the novel ‘s narrative , and…

[taylorfennersbookishworld]

The Sunday Post: Editing, Hiking, and Back to Routine

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme. Editing, Hiking, and Back to Routine Hey Book Blogger Friends! How was your week? I got the line…

[katenewmanwrites]

Treasure Hunt Part 1

I drop onto my couch, stretching my legs out and resting them on the coffee table. The warmth of the room envelops me, making me feel at ease. Zach glances up from his stacks of books and gives me a quick smile before returning to his organization. Emily scribbles away in her notebook, lost in her own world. And Dean stretches out his legs, plopping them down on my lap, flipping through his phone like it's going out of style.

My heart skips a beat as his legs brush against mine, sending tingles up my spine. It's been like this for so long now, this strange, fluttery feeling I get whenever he's close. I try to focus on my laptop, opening an article on Neanderthal markings in a french cave. Pretending not to notice the way my body responds to his presence, but it's hard. Emily glances up from her writing, a small knowing smile playing on her lips.

The fireplace crackles in the background, casting dancing shadows across the walls. I close my eyes and breathe in the familiar scent of pine from the logs. It's been a long day, and I can feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. The thought of escaping into another world, one filled with adventure and excitement, is very appealing tonight.

I glance over at Emily, her attention back on her notebook as her pen moves across the page with a fluidity that's almost hypnotic. Her long, dark hair is pulled back into a messy bun, revealing her delicate features. There's something so serene about her when she's like this, lost in her own thoughts, her imagination running wild. It makes me wonder what worlds she's creating in that head of hers.

Dean, on the other hand, is a whirlwind of energy. He's always got a joke or a story to tell, and he's never still for more than a few seconds. Even when he's just sitting on the couch, his fingers are currently drumming against his thigh. His brown hair is a mess, but somehow it always manages to look cool. His hazel eyes are sparkling with excitement, and his grin is infectious.

I feel a flutter in my stomach as I look at Dean. He's always been one of those people who could make me feel this way, even when we were in highschool. It's like there's an electric current running through my veins every time he's around. It's both exciting and terrifying, but in a good way. His touch is gentle but firm, and for a moment, all I can focus on is the sensation of his legs against mine.

I take a deep breath and return my attention to my laptop, trying to pay attention to the article. Dean leans into the couch, stretching his arms above his head, and yawns loudly, the sound echoing through the room. His legs pressing into mine. I place a hand on his calf, patting him affectionately. "Aw, are you tired, little baby?" I tease, glancing down at him. He laughs, his eyes sparkling with mischief, and my heart skips a beat.

Zack glances up from his books, creasing his forehead. "You okay, Dean?" he asks, his voice barely audible over the crackling fire.

Dean waves him off. "I'm fine. Just bored." He glances over at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I smirk back. "You know what they say about idle hands."

Emily looks up from her notebook, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Oh? And what's that?" She sets her pencil down on the coffee table, leaning forward expectantly.

"They get into mischief," I say with a grin.

Dean smirks back, his eyes twinkling. "Is that so?" he asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He reaches over, swiping a strand of my hair away from my face. "Well, we wouldn't want that, would we?"

"I think you two could find trouble anywhere," Emily says, shaking her head. Her eyes drifted back to her notebook. "But I suppose that's part of what makes me love you both."

Dean leans forward, elbows resting on his knees, and grins mischievously at me before his attention turns to Zach. "So, what's the plan for tonight?" he asks eagerly. "I'm ready for some epic adventures and daring escapades."

Zach looks up from his books, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'm not telling you anything," he replies, his voice tinged with excitement. He takes a deep breath and begins to organize his materials, carefully arranging them on the coffee table.

Dan swings his legs off me, sitting up and stretching. His arm gilded behind me, hand resting on my shoulder. I feel the heat of his touch. My heart skips a beat as I breathe in the scent of his cologne, a mixture of orange and oak. "Oh come on Zach, just a hint?" He teases, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"That's not how this works and you know it Dean." He retorts with a playful tone.

Emily tilts her head slightly, her interest clearly piqued. "Oh, Zach I think you left something for Dungeons and Dragons in this book," she says, gesturing to the bookshelf where the adventure manuals are kept. "It looks like an old map or something." She carefully removes the map from the book and hands it over to Zach.

Dean's eyes widen in excitement as he leans closer. "could it be?" he whispers, barely containing his excitement.

"What do you mean 'could it be'?" I ask, my curiosity piqued. I lean in closer to examine the map more closely. The parchment is yellowed with age, the ink faded but still legible. It depicts a winding path through dense forest, with a few landmarks marked along the way. There's a river, a mountain range, and what appears to be a mine at the end. "It looks familiar," I suggest.

"That's because it is. That's the river by the forest just outside." Dean says, pointing to the map. "I think this map leads to the entrance to the mine, the one with the treasure, from your dad's stories, Alice." He leans in even closer, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "We should totally plan an adventure to go find it tonight!"

"And that's what they were, stories," I remind him. But even as I say it, a thrill runs through me at the thought of there actually being treasure out in the forest. I can't help but wonder if it's true. "You know how my dad could spin a tale," I say, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

"So you're saying we shouldn't go look for it?" Dean asks, his expression a mixture of disappointment and determination. He turns to face me, leaning in closer.

I take a deep breath, feeling the excitement building inside of me. "No," I reply with a grin. "I might not believe it, but it might be fun to find out." I glance around at the others, their eager expressions mirroring my own. "I mean, what could possibly go wrong?"

I glance at Emily, who nods eagerly, her eyes shining with determination. "I'm in," she says, her voice steady despite the thrill in her voice.

"Zach?" I say, turning to him expectantly. "What do you think?"

Zach looks up from the map, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I think it's about time we found adventure outside this living room. Let's do it!" He grins at Emily, who nods in agreement. They exchange a quick high-five.

Dean, unable to contain his excitement, bounds to his feet and lifts me up in a bear hug. "This is going to be epic, Alice. Just you wait and see. We're going to find that treasure and make your dad proud!" He sets me down, a mischievous grin on his face.

I roll my eyes, but can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation running through me. "Fine, fine. But you owe me big if we don't find anything," I say, trying to sound tough. Emily grins at this, clearly amused.

"What will I owe?" Dean teases, grinning.

"How about you take my days to do the dishes for a month?" I suggest, feeling a bit more confident in my bargaining skills. Dean laughs, shaking his head.

"Deal," he says, holding out his hand. I take it, sealing the agreement with a firm shake. "But first, we've got to get some supplies. Where do you keep the torches?"

"Oh, ah yeah, in the laundry room." I nod, my heart racing with anticipation. The thought of exploring the forest and finding the treasure is both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. "I'll go get them while you guys gather some other supplies." I hurry off, my footsteps echoing through the house.

Part 5 

Part 4

Part 3

Part 2

[meezcarrie]

Top Ten-ish Tuesday: Cool Down Cover Love

It is almost too hot to read (almost) but thankfully these covers help me cool down just by looking at them! Do you try to beat the heat by reading books set in cooler weather too? #BookTwitter #coverlove #heatwave #cooldown #readingcommunity

Happy Tuesday! Today’s theme for Top Ten Tuesday (a weekly blog link-up hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl) is ‘Ten Things I Loved About A Certain Book’ but honestly… this insane heat is wreaking havoc on my Lyme Disease (the two don’t play nicely together). My brain fog is pretty bad right now and I just needed a topic I didn’t have to think about too hard, so I opted to do a cool down cover love…

[coffeeinkblog]

#Review #DeathTakesABath by Sharon Lynn #PartnersInCrimeTours

Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn August 14-25, 2023 Virtual Book Tour Synopsis: When Maddie McGuire lands an archeology internship at the Roman Baths in England, she assumes everything will go her way. But when this college sophomore discovers a severed human ear on her doorstep, she must solve its meaning before she becomes the next victim, or worse, gets deported. Her tentative friendship…

[thereadingcafe]

[melaniem54]

Review: Mr Mustachio is Falsely Accused (Mr. Mustachio Murders Book 1) by Dawn McKinnon

Rating: 4.75🌈 I’m utterly charmed by the new murder mystery I just finished. A story along the lines of a cozy mystery with a touch of the mysterious or perhaps mystical, I also found a new wonderful author in Mr Mustachio is Falsely Accused (Mr. Mustachio Murders Book 1) by Dawn McKinnon. Honestly, it was that cover! Then the description. But first that remarkable cover with the auburn Persian…

[taylorfennersbookishworld]

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? - 27 November 2023

#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book Date. Hey Bookdragons! True to my prediction I spent last week recovering from the flu, binging shows, and listening to audiobooks. Last Week I Read: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer I enjoyed this one. I wouldn’t say I absolutely…

[witchee1014]

Blogging A to Z: Day 9 - Impossible Crimes: Mysteries where the crime seems impossible to solve

Join the Train Wreck Mom on a journey through the captivating world of impossible crimes in cozy mysteries. From classic mystery authors to contemporary cozy writers, explore the appeal of this intriguing trope and discover tips and clues for solving thes

Welcome, my fellow cozy mystery enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of impossible crimes. No, not like the impossible task of trying to keep your cat from sitting on your keyboard while you’re typing. We’re talking about those brain-busting, Sherlock Holmes-level mysteries that leave you scratching your head and wondering how in the heck the author managed to pull it off. This…

[nejjcollectsbooks]

thrifted bookish finds 15.apr.24

today's book haul is made up of murder mysteries, irish fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction and fantasy.

The Battersea Park Road to Paradise by Isabel Losada - memoir, self help. The Appeal by Janice Hallett - murder mystery, thriller. The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman - murder mystery, cozy mystery. The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan - romance, chick lit. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - historical fiction, dark academia. The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse - historical fiction, dark academia. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood - literary fiction, mystery. The Soil by Yi Kwang Su - translated lit, classic lit, Asian lit. Celtic Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs - myths & legends, classic lit. The Oxford Book of Ireland edited by Patricia Craig - Irish lit, anthology of short stories & poetry, classic lit. The Winter Road by Adrian Selby - epic fantasy, dark fantasy. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James - sci fi, mythology, African lit.

taking the education of irish history and culture into my own hands. I'm still conflicted over my identity as someone with parents from two different countries and cultures while having been born and raised in a third country. time to stop wondering and get educated on the things, people and places that made me.

[lgbtqreads]

Do you know of any sapphic mysteries? Maybe a series?

Yes! My favorite contemporary mystery series is the Roxane Weary series by Kristen Lepionka, which has a bi female MC. Misha Popp's Pies Before Guys series is a really fun and cute lightly speculative cozy series, also with a bi female MC. The Jane Lawless series by Ellen Hart is legend, and if you're interested in historical, check out Proper English by KJ Charles, the Harlem Renaissance Mysteries by Nekesa Afia, and Pentecost and Parker by Stephen Spotswood. The Claudia Lin series by Jane Pek is only one book in so far, but the second is coming soon, and if you're into forensics, check out Fox County Forensice by Cara Malone. The Charlie Mack Motown Mystery series has six books, and Kathleen Kent has the Betty Rhyzyk trilogy. Those are all adult, but lemme know if you want YA recs as well!

[meezcarrie]

Top Ten Tuesday: Books with Characters On Vacation

Need a vacation? The books on today's list all feature characters heading out for some much-needed R&R! Come tag along with them! #BookTwitter #toptentuesday #readingcommunity #vacationmode #bookstoread #bookblogger

Happy Tuesday! Today’s theme for Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl) is “Characters I’d Like to go on Vacation With” but I’m tweaking it just a little bit so I don’t have to choose between characters lol. The books on my list today all feature characters on vacation, and I wouldn’t mind tagging along with any/all of them. Every vacation is more fun with friends, after all, and book…