Kelly Jo Sweeney grew up in England before moving to New Zealand where she lived for 15 years with her kiwi husband and four wonderful children. An avid reader from an early age, crime novels have long been a favourite. She always likes to work out whodunnit before the big reveal and writing her own novels means that there’s at least one that she’ll always get right. Her debut novel is set in and inspired by the unique scenery of New Zealand, infusing her stories with a wonderful sense of place and atmosphere.

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THE BODY AT BACK BEACH by KJ Sweeney

Blurb: Helena Statham never imagined herself as a sleuth. But when she stumbles upon the body of a young woman while on a walk, she can’t resist the urge to discover who she was and how she got there. Even if it means upsetting the tight-knit community of the small New Zealand town she lives in, and uncovering secrets that have long been buried. Thirty years ago, a young woman went missing, but no one tried to find out what had happened to her. As Helena investigates deeper, she learns more about what took place back then, putting herself in danger now. Join Helena on her journey as she becomes an unlikely amateur detective, determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to the long-forgotten young woman whose story has been buried in silence for far too long.

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SLAY BELLS RING by Nancy Robards Thompson

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Holiday

4****

Blurb: It’s one thing to write a mystery, but when your daughter is the suspect — you solve it. Wedding planner Jenna Bell doesn’t panic when the groom is a no-show to the ceremony – even though he is her former high school sweetheart and this wedding is the small town’s event of the year. However, when he turns up dead and she is falsely accused… well, yeah, now it’s the time to panic. Jenna’s mother, Maddie, puts her cozy mystery writing skills to use to try to clear her daughter’s name, stepping on by-the-book Chief of Police Jackson Bradley’s toes in the process. No matter how enticing he finds her, he doesn’t want this writer-turned-amateur-sleuth interfering with his murder investigation. With nearly all of Hemlock, North Carolina, picking sides and the town’s own Gossip Brigade churning out the rumors, Maddie discovers the mystery isn’t very cozy when it hits this close to home.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this cozy. The characters are realistic and believable, as are their conflicts and issues. Jenna has moved back home and lives in a downstairs apartment with her mother upstairs. Her mom runs a bridal gown business and Jenna runs a wedding planner business. Since the two complement each other, they work out of the same office. They’re working on the biggest society wedding the town has ever seen. 

And then trouble rears its ugly head when the drunk groom shows up at Jenna’s claiming he’s still in love with her (they dated at one time). She takes him home but when he fails to show up for the wedding, she sends her mother and his father to get him – and they find him dead.

There are a lot of suspects and it turns out that the golden boy wasn’t so golden. And Jenna’s mom and the chief of police are in tight with each other since she depends on him for his expertise when she’s writing her book. There’s a lot going on in this book, but it’s a good start to what I know is going to be a decent series. I can foresee interesting things happening for Jenna and her mom Maddie. Note: This story is written in first person from both Maddie and Jenna’s point of view, but the author delineates who is the lead with headings so you know. 

Recommended.

Disclaimer: All opinions in this review are mine and mine alone. I was not coerced or asked to write a review, nor was I influenced by anyone or anything.

DEADLY DYE & A SOY CHAI by Traci Andrighetti & Elizabeth Ashley

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Danger Cove Mystery Series

4****

Blurb: This salon’s styles are to die for. Native Texan Cassidi Conti was expecting to face some obstacles when she moved to Danger Cove and opened The Clip and Sip, a hair salon that gives away free drinks. What she wasn’t counting on was a client dying during a dye job. But when eighty-year-old Margaret Appleby comes in for her biweekly appointment, that’s exactly what happens: Margaret drinks her usual soy chai, dozes off under the dryer…and doesn’t wake up. Now The Clip and Sip is under suspicion, clients are wary, and Cassidi is on a mission to prove that while her styles may be killer, her employees are innocent! But as Cassidi wades through the myriad of suspects in the small, costal town, the killer sets his sights straight on everyone’s favorite stylist. If Cassidi doesn’t watch her back, she may just end up Danger Cove’s latest fashionable victim.

Review: Don’t mention the word “blue” to Cass, owner of the Clip and Sip salon in her uncle’s Victorian home in Danger Cove. When he was murdered, she became the owner of the building. Her uncle was definitely on the cops “most suspicious” list as he was a suspected source of running drugs and the house was a brothel. Poor Cass and her cousin Gia are trying to make a go of things when one of their customers ends up murdered in the salon. And the fun (NOT) begins.

Cass is a good character for the sleuth, but her cousin Gia is a hoot and a half. They go on the search for clues to who killed their customer, as well as her uncle, and… eventually… a town doctor. But the cops definitely do not like them interfering in the investigation (of course). And Cass even gets suspected of doing the deed. 

The characters are fun and realistic and the town of Danger Cove does live up to its name. This is the second book I’ve read in the series and both were entertaining. 

Recommended.

Disclaimer: all opinions are mine alone and not influenced by anyone or anything. I reviewed this book voluntarily and was not solicited for this review.

MURDER AND MAI TAIS by Sibel Hodge & Elizabeth Ashby

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Danger Cove Mystery Series

4****

Blurb: Murder is on the menu, and someone’s about to get served. Hope Foster’s motto is to let fate lead you—which it did in her case right to the quiet town of Danger Cove. But when the owner of the Smugglers’ Tavern, where Hope tends bar, is murdered, suddenly fate puts Hope squarely in the role of “prime suspect” in her employer’s murder. Not only is she the last one to see him alive, but a new will also reveals that her employer left his whole estate to Hope instead of his ungrateful daughter Elise and nephew Carter. With the local police convinced Hope is a manipulative “Black Widow” killer, Hope’s peaceful life in Danger Cove is about to turn into a white water ride. Along with a sexy underwater archaeologist from England, in town searching for a lost shipwreck, an international yoga guru, and a reformed alcoholic patron, Hope sets out to prove her innocence. But can Team Hope catch the real killer before she trades in her bartending apron for an orange prison jumpsuit?

Review: This was a really good story. Hope is an unusual character in that she’s never had a stable place to live until now, and then she gets accused of murdering her boss! She and her friends band together to prove that she’s innocent. Meanwhile there’s a hot British underwater archaeologist who captures her eye—and heart. He’s looking for an ancient shipwreck in the area but has only a limited time to do so. 

Favorite parts of the story: the description of Zen the cat (looks like John Lennon only shorter and hairier); the non-relationship between Vernon and Ruby (Hope’s friends); and the ending. Nicely done. 

Things I didn’t care for so much – too many strings left dangling for me. I assume a series is coming and they’ll be tied up there, but it really bothered me that some things were just left hanging. 

Other than that, a really good story.
Recommended. 

All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone or anything. I was not required to leave a review.

Blurb: Burdened with her empathic gift, Elizabeth Reilly wants to be free of it and fit in with normal people. Nevertheless, when the spirit of an old man asks for her help, she travels across the country to help him return home. Gio Clemente is still angry with his father who abandoned him as a child. To help the father pass on, Elizabeth must persuade Gio to let go of his anger. Though he resents her intrusion, they are both stunned to find themselves fighting a profound attraction. Elizabeth can accept his headstrong brand of love, but can Gio accept her gift—and believe in her?

Goodreads

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About the author:
Minnesota-based author, Joie Lesin is a life-long fiction writer and the author of The Passenger. She has long been fascinated by anything otherworldly including ghosts. She loves to write a good ghost story—especially when it includes a touch of romance. Originally from Massachusetts, at six years old, Joie moved to her mother’s birthplace, Minnesota. By eight, Joie lost her New England accent, however, it’s gradually returning as the years go by. She grew up in Minneapolis but now resides in St. Paul with her husband and their blended family—which includes a rambunctious grand-corgi. Joie misses the ocean, but she often finds herself walking by one of Minnesota’s many lakes and travels to one of the coasts as often as she can. In fact, she considers California her home away from home. When she’s not writing, reading, or walking, you can find her listening to music. She absolutely loves music—especially live—and songs have sparked most of her story ideas.

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LONG REACH by Nancy Stevenson

Fiction, Mystery

4****

Blurb: Long Reach is a mystery of action and adventure with an unexpected twist. Is Nora guilty of pushing her husband overboard in a fit of violent anger? Or is she a victim in an environmental conspiracy? On a fishing trip in the beautiful waters of the Georgia Strait, British Columbia, Canada, Nora is accused of attempting to murder Joe, her husband and partner of thirty years. Fearing her anger caused the incident, Nora strives to find out if she is guilty or innocent. In the search for truth, thugs shoot at Nora, she is kidnapped, jailed and tried in court for manslaughter and other crimes. With the help of a First Nation Mountie and a First Nation healer, can Nora prove her innocence and expose conspirators responsible for air, water, and land pollution and stealing rights from First Nation tribes?

Thoughts: This is a story about Nora and her husband, Joe. Mostly. She’s accused of pushing him overboard from their small boat and nearly killing him. But she’s injured herself and doesn’t quite remember the “incident”. In looking for the truth of what happened, she uncovers a lot more in this corner of British Columbia. With the help of a new Mountie and a First Nation healer, she finds out that there’s a lot of bad going on in the area—bad that gets her in even deeper trouble.

The author does an amazing job of pointing out issues with logging mills, clear cutting, environmental problems, jobs, First Nation rights, and more. I especially loved Sedna’s First Nation stories. And these are stories and issues that cross boundary lines as they exist on both sides of the Canadian/US border. They are woven in so well that you don’t realize you’re reading about deeper concerns than the surface mystery. She even includes a bibliography at the end for further reading and study. Well done. And there’s even a mostly satisfying ending so that’s good.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE AGE OF LARKSPUR by Aleighsha Parke

Fiction, Fantasy, YA Fantasy

4****

Blurb: Flora has spent her entire life hiding in the trees and ignoring the cursed, poisonous larkspur growing from her ankle and eating away at her life. She lets her anxiety and fear control her, but fate forces her hand when her adopted mother is kidnapped by a cruel witch. The only way to save her is to find the magic shards of her family’s amulet scattered throughout her land. With no time to waste, Flora sets out with her best friend, and along the way they meet a darkly intriguing stranger. But Flora is running out of time and can’t succumb to distractions. If she trusts the wrong person or lets her anxiety win, Flora risks losing more than just her mother …

Thoughts: This was an intriguing young adult fantasy (note: I’d say slightly older YA because of some rather graphic gruesome scenes, especially at the end). The author does an amazing job of setting the scene and building the world. We are immersed in Flora’s life from the first page. Based on Icelandic folklore, the myths and old sagas are woven throughout with a deft hand.

The story moves along quickly as Flora and her best friend Anise set out on a quest to find the four parts of an amulet in order to set their world to rights and save Flora’s foster mother, Rosie. Along the way, they meet Kanaan, a rather interesting character. Flora is immediately drawn to him, but he is a lot more than he seems. All the characters have issues that make them relatable. And the secondary characters were as unique as the main three.

The end was a tad gory for my tastes, but in keeping with the story and the myths. And the result was perfect. Without giving anything away, I loved how Flora deals with the end, possibly opening up room for future stories in a possible series. Nicely done.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

REFLECTIONS OF SILENCE by Raven Hush

Fiction, Historical Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Level 4 Heat

3***

Blurb: Bred on secrets and betrayals and sold to a man she doesn’t know, Gisella travels across oceans into the arms of a monster intent on devouring her. My world is flipped on a journey to the New World with a gaggle of women I don’t know. All my belongings are stuffed into a tiny box, and the ship’s crew call us the Casket Girls. Rumors abound that we are the ghouls below decks, except it’s not the monsters we are that we’re afraid of, but the man I’m sent to marry. When a shadowed stranger whisks me away from the abbey I’m sent to in the middle of the night, my new life begins. But this place is nothing like France. Raw, uncivilized. My husband won’t rise during the day, the servants refuse to speak to me, and the curtains are never opened in the large house that’s mostly empty, blocked away from the world. Until I meet him. Sebastian. Then I discover what manner of monster I married… And the one I carried across oceans that resides within me. REFLECTIONS OF SILENCE is the first book in the SILENT SENTINELS duet and a spicy, stand alone read.

Thoughts: This was a sensual vampire story based on an actual truth. The author explains the history behind “the casket girls” at the beginning of the story—women who were sold or kidnapped and sold in the colonies, specifically New Orleans and surrounding areas, to be brides. Gisella is one such woman, sold by her father. Rather than a wedding, she is married by proxy in the middle of the night by a nun then whisked away to a dark “castle” well-away from New Orleans. Then strange things start happening, and she learns the truth about her new husband. There are witches, a sorceress, vampires, and an adorable gargoyle.

This was exceptional story at the beginning. It caught my interest and pulled me in. But then the problems began. Midway through, there started to be issues with editing that only got worse as I kept reading. There were enough of them that they pulled me out of the story. And the ending was definitely not a HEA. It was kind of a downer. Actually, the whole thing kind of reminded me of the old gothic novels. Very dark all the way through. Oh, and be warned, there is some BDSM action in the story.

A better edit is definitely needed. And maybe a different ending. Recommended with caveats.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE BODY AT BACK BEACH by KJ Sweeney

Fiction, Cozy Mystery

4****

Blurb: Helena Statham never imagined herself as a sleuth. But when she stumbles upon the body of a young woman while on a walk, she can’t resist the urge to discover who she was and how she got there. Even if it means upsetting the tight-knit community of the small New Zealand town she lives in, and uncovering secrets that have long been buried. Thirty years ago, a young woman went missing, but no one tried to find out what had happened to her. As Helena investigates deeper, she learns more about what took place back then, putting herself in danger now. Join Helena on her journey as she becomes an unlikely amateur detective, determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to the long-forgotten young woman whose story has been buried in silence for far too long.

Thoughts: This was a new one for me – a cozy mystery set in New Zealand! I loved that. The setting is new and well-done. There’s some different terminology and spelling (all perfectly fitting with the scene) that adds to the flavor of the story.

In this story, Helena is trying to find something to wake up her mundane life. Kind of like a mid-life crisis. While out for a walk, she notices some bones sticking out of the ground, uncovered by a slip (what we could call a mud slide from heavy rains). The local constabulary takes over, but Helena can’t help but wonder who the bones are and how they got there, so she starts investigating. She starts putting clues together and finds out the bones are from thirty years ago… but not who they belonged to until much later. Which puts her in mortal danger.

I loved Helena. She’s determined and methodical in her sleuthing. The ending was satisfying in that the mystery was solved, but it was a bit of a downer of an ending, not like your typical cozy. It is a good ending, just not all hearts and flowers like you might be accustomed to.

Recommended

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”