Pages: 352

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Published: December 12, 2017

Amy has moved to Taylorsford, Virginia to be the head librarian and help her aunt who recently suffered a bad fall. By moving, it allows her time to heal from a disastrous relationship and not worry about love for a bit, or so she thinks. Her aunt’s next door neighbor, Richard, has enlisted the help of Amy, as a neighbor and the town librarian to help him uncover the truth of his family’s past. While beginning their search they discover a local resident dead in the library archives. Now Amy has found herself spending even more with Richard to solve the murder. Will sparks fly between Richard and Amy or will the murders stop it before it begins?

Book one in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries feels more than a cozy mystery. The story has a lot of what I like to call “meat”. You can sink your teeth into this story and read for chunks of time. You have a several side mysteries within the main mystery which all are very intriguing. The characters are well rounded and full of life.

Amy is a real girl in she is a little overweight and has insecurities about it. She feels like her failed relationship is her fault and fights with that quite frequently. She is slowly gaining self-confidence back with the help of her loving Aunt Lydia.

I am curious to see how this series progresses. I am always up for series that involve libraries, bookstores, books, etc.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC in exchange for a review based on my own honest opinion.

Pages: 320

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Published: November 7, 2017

A yummy start to a new cozy series, A French Bistro Mystery.

After the death of her husband, Mimi has opened a French restaurant and inn in the heart of Napa Valley with the help of a close friend. During her first big event, her close friend is murdered. Mimi is heartbroken and promises to find his killer. As she works with her close knit staff to keep her customers happy, she investigates the murder as well as her future love life. Will Mimi find the killer or will the killer find her first?

The scenery descriptions are great. I felt like I was in Napa Valley sitting right there with Mimi, Jo and Heather eating the delicious food Chef C prepared. I’ve learned that I need to learn more about French food. When the author gives the French name for the dish I was happy she continued with the description if what it was the diners were eating.

I will be looking for the second book in the series.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for a review based on my own thoughts and put in my own words.

Pages: 336

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Published: October 10, 2017

I rarely read books with paranormal characters but I’m pleased I gave Death Overdue a try. It was a real treat to read.

Carrie has been working at the local library and living with her aunt and uncle. As she contemplates moving on to the next exciting town, she is offered a full-time permanent position as the P and E librarian. While getting in the swing of her new job she meets Evelyn, the resident ghost librarian. Carrie’s first program is a retired police officer who discusses the case of the murdered librarian. During his presentation he keels over dead from an apparent poisoning. Will Carrie get spooked before she even has a chance at this job?

I was impressed that there was only a small love triangle and that it did not take center stage. I’m interested to see how the author builds Carrie’s romantic life. My fingers are crossed for a certain landlord.

This is a straight cozy mystery with little to no foul language, no sex scenes and no grisly, murder scenes. I’m definitely looking forward to the second book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy for a review based on my own honest opinion.

Pages: 320

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Published: October 10, 2017

Christmas is supposed to be filled with love and magic no matter your age but Holly has returned home to Mistletoe as a jilted bride and a murder to solve. On the eve of the Reindeer Games Holly finds the local historical society grouch dead in a sleigh on her parents Christmas tree farm which also hosts the twelve days of the Reindeer Games. Can Holly solve the murder and save the Reindeer Games all before Christmas?

Holly is a very likeable and realistic character. She has spunk when it comes to searching for clues to solve the murder and is cautious with her heart after realizing her fiancé did her a favor when he called off the wedding two weeks prior to the big day. She doesn’t let that get her down and out. She throws herself into helping around the Christmas tree farm and making the Reindeer Games as successful as ever.

In interested in learning more about the Sheriff as the series goes on. He sounds like a catch but will the local newspaper photographer sometimes reporter nose his way in on the possible romance between Holly and the Sheriff?

Grab a mug of cocoa and curl up in front of the fire and let the Christmas spirit envelope you as you read the first in a new series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC in exchange for a review based on my own honest opinion.