New Releases For The Week Of June 16, 2024–Part 1
After a life-changing injury, Mel O’Rourke trades in her badge for bed sheets, running a B & B in the quirky mountain town of Pine Cove. Her peaceful life is interrupted when an old frenemy, the notorious and charismatic cat burglar, Poppy Phillips, shows up on her doorstep, claiming she’s been framed for murder. While she’s broken plenty of laws, Mel knows she’d never kill anyone. Good thing she’s a better detective than she is a cook as she sets out to prove Poppy’s innocence.
The situation gets complicated, however, when the ruggedly handsome Deputy Sheriff Gregg Marks flirts with Mel, bringing him dangerously close to the criminal she’s hiding. And just when her friendship with café owner Jackson Thibodeaux blossoms into something more, he’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime in New Orleans. Should she encourage him to go, or ask him to stay? Who knew romance could be just as hard to solve as murder? (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback
In USA Today bestselling author Connie Berry’s fifth Kate Hamilton mystery, American antiques dealer Kate Hamilton follows bloodstained clues to discover the truth about the murder of a modern-day Victorian gentleman. As Kate Hamilton and her new husband, DI Tom Mallory, honeymoon in Devon, a local history museum asks them to trace the provenance of a bloodstained dress said to belong to a Victorian lacemaker accused of murder. If genuine, the dress and its puzzling connections to a nineteenth-century Romani family who camped on Dartmoor will be the centerpiece of a new historic crimes exhibit—exactly Kate’s kind of mystery. But matters turn deadly when a shot is fired during a fundraising gala, injuring the man who donated the dress. The injured donor, Gideon Littlejohn, is a cybersecurity expert who lives and dresses as a Victorian gentleman, but everyone believes the real target of the attack to be another attendee—a controversial politician intent on rooting out local corruption. This belief is overturned when Gideon is found dead in a pool of blood. But then the politician receives a death threat. Who was the real target? Who would want to kill both a man with an obsession for history and a tough-on-crime politician? When asked to assist in the investigation, Kate races to discover the truth, as it becomes clear the killer isn’t going to come quietly. (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle, Hardcover, Audiobook
‘A fast read, and I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and the series to mystery lovers.’ Reader review,
Maple Grange is the perfect place to retire for the residents of Merrywell. But when a murder investigation unfolds on its grounds, Violet Brewster must dust off her sleuthing skills once again!
Violet Brewster has just finished a project at local retirement village Maple Grange, when she learns that one of the residents, Phyllis Gibson, has passed away suddenly.
Violet is surprised that Phyllis left her a beautiful jewellery box in her will. When she goes to collect it, Maureen Bond, Phyllis’s best friend, tells Violet that Phyllis had become paranoid during her last days, and was convinced that someone was trying to kill her.
When Maureen is pushed off her balcony, it becomes clear that something ominous is happening at Maple Grange. Violet is certain that the clues lie within the jewellery box. As the dangerous occurrences continue, can Violet unlock its contents and uncover the killer, before someone else gets hurt?
Don’t miss the third book in the Violet Brewster Mystery series, perfect for fans of Clare Chase and Fiona Leitch!
Praise for Jane Bettany:
‘ An enjoyable cozy, with plenty of twists and turns , and a fun glimpse into village life.’ Clare Chase
‘Jane Bettany delivers a cozy with a dash of sass – thoroughly enjoyable and utterly irresistible .’ Peter Boland
‘A murder mystery with a blossoming romance… what more could one ask for? Delicious !’ Katie Gayle
‘ Murder at the Book Festival is a delightful cozy mystery … I can’t wait to follow Violet and her friends in their next adventure!’ Reader reviewer,
‘Another enjoyable and entertaining mystery in a well imagined and delightful setting, a credible and deftly drawn cast and a solid mystery at its very heart .’ Reader reviewer, (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle, Audiobook
An addictively cozy and gripping murder mystery introducing a brand-new amateur sleuth and lovable heroine to the crime scene… Welcome to The Secret Bookcase, a quirky bookstore in a grand, converted manor house, where the selection of crime fiction is dangerously good. The store has been bookseller and events manager Annie Murray’s sanctuary ever since her dreams of starting a detective agency with her best friend died, literally, when Scarlet was murdered. Annie has never stopped trying to solve the mystery of her friend’s death, but her quiet life in leafy Redwood Grove, with its warm community of likeminded local business-owners and book-lovers, has provided the solace she needed. Until now. When a body is discovered in the bookstore during the town’s inaugural Mystery Fest, Anne finds herself catapulted to the centre of a real-life whodunit. Dusting off her criminology degree, Annie is determined to put her sleuthing skills to good use and catch the killer – before it’s too late. Full of lovable, quirky characters and small-town charm, The Body in the Bookstore serves up an irresistible blend of intrigue for fans of cozy crime, including Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton. Readers absolutely love The Body in the Bookstore : “ Knocked me out of my seat!!! Loved this first book and I am eagerly waiting the next… Five stars hands down .” Reader review, “ Kept me glued to the page as I raced to find out whodunit. A winner! ” Reader review, “ This book was AMAZING! A great start to a new series… I can’t wait to read more!” Reader review, “ Absolutely loved this!!! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and had no idea whodunit until it was revealed… I love a good twist! ” Reader review, “ Unputdownable cozy mystery!! This was such a fun read, I could not get enough. It felt like a classic Hercule Poirot or Benoit Blanc mystery. Perfection! ” Reader review, “ Ellie Alexander has done it AGAIN!! As cozy mysteries go this is one of the coziest… So good I devoured it in one sitting. ” Reader review, “ What a magnificent read! A perfect cozy mystery. ” Reader review, “ ELLIE ALEXANDER HAS A NEW SERIES!!!!! I immediately wanted to hop on a flight to Redwood Grove to take part in the festival and meet Annie, her friends, co-workers, and townspeople. The characters and the setting seemed so real. I’m looking forward to book two…” Reader review, “ A page-turner. Ellie Alexander has once again proven herself as the queen of cozy mysteries. ” Reader review,
“ I have loved every series Ellie has written so far and this one did not disappoint! I truly was hooked and I stayed up way too late because I just needed to finish the book.” Reader review, “ I simply loved everything about The Body in the Bookstore . With enough mystery references to make my mystery-loving heart soar, the story runs at a fast pace and leaves readers absolutely enthralled .” Reader review, “ I’m SO happy, this was brilliant! Wonderful and exactly what I want in a cozy.” Reader review, “ This cozy mystery is a mystery book-lover’s dream … Should be on every cozy mystery-lover’s list.” Reader review,
“ I love cozy mysteries, and I enjoyed this one so much! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out whodunit. ” Reader review, “ Dang, I did not see that ending coming… I couldn’t put the book down, I enjoyed it so much! I had so much fun reading this book . I recommend!” Reader review, (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook
From author B.A. Timmer comes a honey of a murder mystery! As the wedding planner at the Aloha Lagoon resort in Hawaii, Kristy Piper has seen some strange parties…but bride Claire Jackson’s wedding party may be the oddest yet! Between a man-hungry bridesmaid, an overbearing mother of the groom, and a feisty tween guest, Kristy has her hands full! But when Claire’s former fiancé is found dead—murdered by a luau serving fork!—things go from strange to downright dangerous. To make matters worse, Claire is discovered next to the dead body, sobbing uncontrollably. Is it shock…or guilt? The local homicide detective is sure Claire is to blame for the death. Luckily he works on “island time,” which gives Kristy the opportunity to prove her latest bride-to-be is innocent. With the help of her longtime office manager, her best friend Leilani, and her dreamy new boyfriend, photographer Jake Hunter, Kristy takes it upon herself to wade through an entire wedding party full of suspects. Together, they’ll solve the murder and save the wedding…or die trying! What critics are saying: ” Hula Homicide Earns 5/5 Wedding Woes…Wonderful!” ~ Kings River Life Magazine “You are going to want to visit Aloha Lagoon Resort as much as possible, and you will not want to leave!” ~ Cozy Mystery Book Reviews About Aloha Lagoon: There’s trouble in paradise… Welcome to Aloha Lagoon, one of Hawaii’s hidden treasures. A little bit of tropical paradise nestled along the coast of Kauai, this resort town boasts luxurious accommodation, friendly island atmosphere…and only a slightly higher than normal murder rate. While mysterious circumstances may be the norm on our corner of the island, we’re certain that our staff and Lagoon natives will make your stay in Aloha Lagoon one you will never forget! (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback
Sometimes it’s about doing the right thing. Sometimes it’s about getting even. Sometimes it’s about taking what you think you deserve. And sometimes, it’s your last, best, chance. Edited by Judy Penz Sheluk and featuring stories by Christina Boufis, John Bukowski, Brenda Chapman, Susan Daly, Wil A. Emerson, Tracy Falenwolfe, Kate Fellowes, Molly Wills Fraser, Gina X. Grant, Karen Grose, Wendy Harrison, Julie Hastrup, Larry M. Keeton, Charlie Kondek, Edward Lodi, Bethany Maines, Gregory Meece, Cate Moyle, Judy Penz Sheluk, KM Rockwood, Kevin R. Tipple, and Robert Weibezahl. (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle, Paperback
When someone is found dead, Clementine Honeycutt dives into a new mystery with a splash–along with her puppy, Splash! (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle
Liverton Ladies’ Academy teaches Britain’s finest young women etiquette, deportment and … murder?
England, 1922. At a sprawling Devonshire estate, surrounded by wealthy girls targeting excellent marriages, Lady Felicity Quick has abandoned her exciting, hard-won career in journalism to teach letter-writing and table manners at an exclusive finishing school…
Except nothing is as it seems.
Answering an irresistible plea for help, Felicity is undercover, hunting a Great War spy who betrayed the British and cost countless lives. Between lessons in dance, French, and flower arranging, Felicity edges closer to unmasking her foe, but then chaos erupts: a body is found. Are more sinister schemes afoot than first thought?
With the students’ futures under threat and a promise made to loved ones to fulfil, Felicity is determined to uncover the truth — even if dodging deadly perils was never part of her lesson plan.
Delve into the secrets of Liverton Ladies’ Academy in this gripping 1920s English mystery!
Full of twists, humour, and unique characters, Murder at a Boarding School is perfect for readers who love the bold lady sleuths of Verity Bright and Magda Alexander and the cosy British settings of Helena Dixon and classic Agatha Christie.
Get your copy today! (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle
As Misty Meadows bursts into bloom this spring, a deadly murder plot also takes root. Lily Roberts is in for a whirlwind this spring. She’s busy juggling wedding cake designs, planting begonias, and corralling her spirited dachshunds, Casey and Copper. Her schedule is so packed, she can’t even squeeze in setting up a booth at the upcoming garden festival. However, when a local flower art designer turns up dead and the sheriff is put out of commission due to an accident, she might just have to become a sleuth as well. The catch is that unless Casey and Copper start digging up clues, Lily’s at a dead end. To top it all off, Lily’s the one who’s verifying the main suspect’s alibi! With a slew of missing pieces to the puzzle, pressure is mounting for Lily. A grieving family is begging for answers, and danger lurks around every corner, casting a shadow over the once-peaceful town. With the entire community on the brink of panic, it’s up to Lily and her dogs to crack the case. Can Lily juggle her responsibilities and still uncover the truth before another tragedy strikes? Or will she become the next target in this deadly game? For cozy mystery fans who love tricky mysteries and a tail-wagging good time, this is the perfect series! ***Doggie and human-friendly recipes are included! (Amazon)
Editions Available: Kindle
