
Shakespeare, Magic and a Missing Book
Midsummer Night's Mischief by Jennifer D. Hesse Kensington Books Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 26 Jul 2016 Review Take Shakespeare, add some magic and a lawyer in search of love, mix well and add a touch of intrigue. The result - Midsummer Night's Mischief, a light cozy with a paranormal touch. Unlike most cozies, there isn't a murder to be solved. Instead, an exceedingly rare collection of Shakespeare's plays is stolen. Also, rather than having to counter a false accusatio

Pancakes with Murder on the Side
The Crêpes of Wrath A Pancake House Mystery by Sarah Fox Random House Publishing Group - Alibi Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 16 Aug 2016 Review Who doesn't like pancakes? Whether savory or sweet, pancakes are a delectable treat but not the most nutritious selection. Like its namesake, Crepes of Wrath is an enjoyable treat, a light mystery that is a pleasant way to pass a lazy afternoon. Don't expect complex puzzles or nail-biting suspense. Instead Crepes of Wrath offers a

Caturday Reads: Prozac the Cat Becomes a Star
Murder Has Nine Lives by Laura Levine Kensington Books Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 28 Jun 2016 Review While I'm not a doctor, I can prescribe Laura Levine's Prozac to anyone in need of copious quantities of laughter and wide eyed amazement. I'm not talking about the drug. I'm talking about Jaine Austen's unpredictable, more than a bit manic feline with an incomparable ability to scarf food and shred angora. Always a scene stealer, Prozac steps into the spotlight in Murder

Corpses, Kittens, and Hidden Treasure
Engaged in Death by Stephanie Blackmoore Kensington Books Mystery & Thrillers, General Fiction (Adult) Pub Date 28 Jun 2016 Review Finding a new cozy series that is well written and has an enticing cast is always a treat, and Engaged in Death is as delicious as Rachel's whiskey orange wedding cake promises to be. (Yes the recipe is included). Engaged in Death introduces readers to Mallory Shepherd, a corporate lawyer in the midst of planning her wedding. Her fiancé's infide

Detective Jude Fontaine perceives what others can not
The Body Reader by Anne Frasier Thomas & Mercer Mystery & Thrillers, General Fiction (Adult) Pub Date 21 Jun 2016 Review While dark and troubling, The Body Reader is an enthralling novel that keeps you pinned to the page. Detective Jude Fontaine knows evil. She grew up with it. She became a detective to help eliminate it. She was abducted and spent the last three years being tortured by a man who embodied it. Her long-term isolation left her with two things - hyper acute se

Explore the fine line between terrorist and freedom fighter in Bruno's exciting scifi thriller
Titanborn by Rhett C. Bruno Random House Publishing Group Hydra Sci Fi & Fantasy Pub Date 21 Jun 2016 The line between freedom fighter and terrorist is a thin one, and what is just is not so easy to determine. It is particularly visible in many works of classic science fiction. Rhett C Bruno is not afraid to explore that line in his incredible novel, Titanborn. I was so enthralled, that I sat for hours, unwilling to put the book down until it was finished. The beginning and

Not entirely vintage but a thoroughly enjoyable mystery
Death in Disguise A Police Procedural set in 1970's England by Sally Spencer Severn House Publishers Mystery & Thrillers, General Fiction (Adult) Pub Date 01 Aug 2016 Review Why would a glamorous New Yorker come to Whitebridge, purposefully dressing dowdily, wearing a wig and makeup to appear less attractive? Why was she using an assumed name? Who is she and why would someone want to murder her? The case is made even more sensitive, and unusual in that the murder occurred at

Caturday Reads: This black cat means good luck for readers
The Black Cat Knocks on Wood A Bad Luck Cat Mystery by Kay Finch Berkley Publishing Group Berkley Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 07 Jun 2016 Review Readers are always lucky when Hitchcock strolls into town - after all it means a great mystery with a stunning and mischievous cat at its heart. The second Bad Luck Cat mystery is easily as entertaining as the first, establishing Kay Finch as a solid contributor to the pet mystery subgenre. Not only does Kay Finch present readers w

A compelling fantasy saga begins with Age of Myth
Age of Myth Book One of The Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Del Rey Sci Fi & Fantasy Pub Date 28 Jun 2016 Review I’ve always loved a good fantasy novel. Since I was a child, my nightstand has been piled high with the classics. But that doesn’t mean I’m not selective. Age of Myth is one of the better works of epic fantasy that I’ve read. The central characters, Raithe, Malcolm, Persephone, Suri and Arion are all

Crime on the Fens is a compelling British police procedural
CRIME ON THE FENS by Joy Ellis Joffe Books Mystery Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 21 Jun 2016 Review If you are looking for a compelling British police procedural, look no further. Crime on the Fens is a great introduction to DI Nikki Galena and her new partner DS Joseph Easter. This isn’t a light mystery, and some may be disturbed by the implied violence, but if you are willing to take the risk, Crime on the Fens is a great read. A disastrous case at the beginning of her car