Mystery

Review of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

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Synopsis:
Everyone in Fairview knows the story.

Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.

But she can’t shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?

Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn’t want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.

Review:
This book had so many twists and turns. I wasn’t sure how to feel about Pip becoming close to Sal’s family, but I was glad for how invaluable that relationship became throughout the book. I definitely didn’t expect 99% of the stuff that came out about Andie and her life, and the few things I managed this puzzle out hadn’t been enough to reveal the entire mystery to me. I thought it was quite well done, and I really enjoyed reading it. Shout out to the family member who suggested I read this one!

This book greatly reminded me in style of Sara Shepherd’s Pretty Little Liars series and The Lying Game series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic by Rosalie Oaks

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Synopsis:
A Regency widow shouldn’t be hunting spectres all night.

Lady Judith Avely’s magical gift for divining the truth makes her prodigiously good at lying. To absolve a guilty secret, she travels to the exiled Duke of Sargen’s estate, but the last thing she expects is to run into the duke himself, who is lamentably now even more attractive than in his volatile youth.

The duke has his own concerns: he has returned home to a haunted house, with skulls floating about and a footman apparently bashed by a book. Such vulgar circumstances are best avoided, but the duke needs Judith’s unique talents to help uncover the culprit – even if it might put her in the sights of a killer.

With the help of a tiny vampiric acquaintance and a continuous supply of drinking chocolate, Judith should be able to solve the uncanny mystery…if only the duke will stop making improper remarks about her mobcaps.

A lady who can discern lies, the duke who lied to her, and a gothic cosy mystery full of bats, skulls, and cocoa.

Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic features a mid-life heroine, a slow-burn second-chance romance, and a magical version of Regency England.

Review:
This book was absolutely amazing. I adored the mystery and the mysteries/backstories wrapped together. Throughout the book there are bits and pieces of advice and truths scattered about how lies work, can be detected, and effect others. One such tidbit is, “One lie can give rise to a cascade of untruths.” (Chapter 9, Page 95)

While there are so many bits and pieces of lies and mistruths and withheld information, it was interesting to see how Judith traversed through everything to find out what was actually happening. I quite enjoyed this mystery and how she had to work both with Dacian and on her own; for who could expect a widowed woman to be good at anything? The ending left me greatly wanting to continue with the second book, which was not yet out at the time of reading. There was both magic and realism, and I quite recommend this book to any who enjoy intrigue, mystery, and a hint of fantasy/magical powers thrown in.

“A lie can last for many years before you stumble across it.” (Chapter 33, page 356)

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Of Owl the Nerve by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Emma and Eddie’s wedding preparations kick into high gear in Forkbridge, Florida, Astra Arden, Emma’s best friend and witch extraordinaire, is eager to play her part. But a deadly accident at the rehearsal dinner throws a wrench in the festivities.

As Emma’s big day approaches, Astra is caught in a whirlwind of wedding shenanigans—which she isn’t exactly thrilled about. But when an intoxicated guest dies chokes to death at the rehearsal dinner, Astra’s excitement quickly turns to suspicion.

Increasingly mistrustful of the guests and their dubious motives, annoyed that best man Lothian is there every time she turns around, and frustrated that Archie—Astra’s mischievous familiar owl—keeps helping himself to the catered snacks instead of helping her solve the case, can Astra uncover the truth behind this mysterious mishap and save the wedding from disaster?

Review:
This book was awesome. We see our usual stubborn Astra as she attempts to avoid anything to do with her feelings and anything beyond a task. While I was so enthralled with this book, it was truly because we see a completely different side of Lothian. He is always there for Astra, willing to help and trying to be the partner she needs and while it takes her a while to realize it, she has openly asked his opinions and kept him in the loop. Archie does not eat catered snacks and I was a bit disappointed in how little he appeared in this particular novel. I did like all the poolside and outdoor situations we got to see between Astra, Lothian and Emma’s guests. It is also nice to see less of Jason, given the circumstances. I greatly look forward to seeing what happens in book 14!

There were a few bits of wisdom in this book I especially liked, particularly that “Money does strange things to people.” (Page 25, Chapter 2), “But when adversity arises, and confidence runs thin, just remember: you are Astra. Impossibilities and adversity cower in your wake.”(Page 216, Chapter 13) as well as “Sometimes the hardest hearts to reach are the ones most in need of love… And sometimes love means not giving up, even when faced with anger and rejection–or even just simple attitude.” (Page 314, Chapter 19) There was also some quoted Shakespeare; and who doesn’t love that?!

While when I began this series I believed it was completed at 15 books, I have recently learned that apparently the 15th book isn’t out until February… and I’m not so sure it’ll be the last. That being said, I still love the series, am going to start book 14 once I’m done with this review, and highly recommend it to people who love Greek Mythology and cozy modern fantasy mysteries.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Berry Mysterious by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden’s plans to enjoy a leisurely summer vacation with her sisters and bestie Emma Sullivan’s new baby are derailed when a strawberry farmer is found dead in his field, a magical symbol etched in the dirt beside him.

As the prime suspect, the farmer’s daughter begs Astra for help in proving her innocence. With her talking owl sidekick, Archie, by her side, Astra delves into the secrets of the Forkbridge Farmers Market, uncovering a rivalry between strawberry farms and a decades-old mystery involving a stolen recipe for the world’s best strawberry jam.

But as Astra gets closer to the truth, she realizes the killer will stop at nothing to keep the secrets buried in the strawberry fields forever.

Full of unexpected twists, and a touch of paranormal magic, Owl Berry Mysterious is a delightful addition to The Owl Star Witch Mysteries series that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Review:
This book had it all; good mystery, great characterization, and a surrounding of occult/mysticism that one has to wonder just how magical it is. I quite enjoyed how many angles there are for the strawberry farmer and why he may have been killed. It was great seeing Emma in action, especially getting to see a bunch more of Hunter, which presents its own special brand of problems. Everything about this book was awesome. There were idyllic moments, moments where Astra had to confront her feelings, and rare moments of vulnerability both for Emma and Astra. Lothian has started to grow on me. The flower of life made an interesting and noteworthy appearance. If you like magic and mysteries this book was spot on.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Against Owl Odds by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When the star card glows in the direction of a vampire, Astra wonders how she’s supposed to stop him from dying—since he’s already dead.

Astra Arden is a witch with a knack for rescuing folks from precarious predicaments. But when the star card flips over for an obnoxiously rude and dedicatedly evil vampire at a local fundraiser, Astra thinks the goddess may be off her divine rocker.

The mandate is complicated further when another vampire is discovered dead outside Sanguine, the local vampire club where the fundraiser was held—which just happens to be owned by Astra’s best friend’s brother, vampire Rex Sullivan.

Astra must unravel the secrets of Central Florida’s vampire population in order to get to the bottom of the murder. Secrets the vampires definitely don’t want brought into the light.

Will Astra be able to solve the case and catch the killer, or will the mystery remain as elusive as a rare blood type?

Review:
Damian is probably the most annoying of any of the star case potential victims. That being said, everyone does a great job supporting each other, especially Astra with Emma and Eddie. I especially loved Astra’s pep talk to him about how sometimes people aren’t what you think you need but you still try to be there for them/with them; something very reminiscent to things she’d had to work out for her own relationship with Jason. The comical bits were still there and awesome as ever. One of my absolute favourite parts in this book was Archie’s little sugar high from eating jelly beans and skittles. All in all, it continued the story and cases of Astra and Emma and I quite like the new angle that seems to be happening in Emma’s life. The twists and turns in this did seem to be easy to figure out if one thought outside the box, but still fantastic nonetheless.

Full disclosure, at this time I’ve already finished the next book in the series, so suffice to say, I’m quite enjoying the series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Melt With You by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When witch Astra Arden agrees to a Valentine’s Day date with Jason Bishop, she expects a romantic evening filled with chocolates and champagne—not bread and water in a jail cell.

Astra is excited to spend Valentine’s Day with handsome local middle school teacher Jason Bishop—but things take a turn for the unexpected when a retired local teacher Unity Priestpoint turns up dead, shot and stuffed in a trunk covered in magical symbols.

As if the murder of a retired local teacher wasn’t enough, Astra’s date Jason becomes the prime suspect.

In order to clear his name and have any hope of going on their first date, Astra must dive headfirst into the investigation even as her best friend, Detective Emma Sullivan, moves to arrest Jason for murder. Will Astra be able to uncover the truth in time and save their budding relationship before it’s too late?

Or will she be left dateless for the next twenty-five to life?

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
This book had a whole slew of twists and turns, though I did think that the ending of this particular mystery had been a bit easy to figure out. There was a slight shift in language at a few points in this book that took me out of reading because they seemed so out of place. I agree with Althea that I would want to be in a coven of chocolate witches. I quite loved the mention of how easy Archie is to bribe now that he knows about Costco’s Extra Thick Steak Strips. (Chapter 6, page 92) I was intrigued and pleased to learn more about what’s going on with Ayla, though it was sad that all happened at Jason’s expense. Astra remains infuriating about the whole “dating and being close” to people thing and I hope that’s addressed in the next book. I will continue on and look forward to seeing what other mysteries wait Emma and Astra.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl’s Fair by Leeanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden had never expected to come back to Florida—let alone embark on a new career with a talking owl sidekick and a goddess who knew when someone was about to die. But when Alice Windrow, a philanthropic young woman from the small town of Forkbridge, comes to her sister Ami for a card reading, Astra’s life takes a turn for the unexpected.

Alice claims she just wants assurance that her marathon will go off without a hitch—but the glowing star card reveals that someone wants her dead. Can Astra and her sister unravel the plot in time to save Alice? Or will the generous girl find her marathon is officially over—for good?

The Owl Star Witch Mysteries are a wild ride full of twists, turns, and clues—and enough magical mayhem to make even the most hardened witch laugh out loud. Follow Astra and her talking owl, Archie, on a journey of magical misadventures, and see if they can save Alice from her doom.

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
“You know what’s most active between dusk and dawn in the miasma of stinky, sticky heat in the swamps of Florida?” (Page 249, Chapter 15)

A quick read where we once again get to be in the life of Astra Arden. I quite liked all of the descriptions of different creatures as well as parts of witchcraft, such as Ami being able to interpret card readings into a way the customer needs to hear. I absolutely love the intricate ways in which Leeds built up a religion piece by piece and explains later why it was created. The names of the pixies were just perfection, as were some of the descriptions. “He looked like a gym rat troll doll.” (Page 87, Chapter 6) Astra’s snark was still quite evident as she explains different races and their abilities and the prejudices between them, but she does begin to ask for help in ways sometimes unexpected that leave the reader proud and curious. The events of each book in this series are meant to take place over a couple of days so that makes sense that they are such quick and snappy reads.

While I quite enjoyed this book, the note at the end that Leeds has used Artificial Intelligence to make/edit parts of it, does make me apprehensive. It’s a hard and fine line, because as a fellow writer if I write something than I have written all of it; that being said, editing and proofreading are usually outsourced. That being said, I do enjoy this series and have already started book 3.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Fortune’s Ashes by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
A new power. A new threat. And some very new dangers.

Everything is falling apart. I’ve been cursed with the ability to catch glimpses of the future. It’s a power which Lukas despises but it’s one that I can’t seem to get rid of. I’m also in trouble at work. Somebody else is claiming that they are the one true phoenix and that my entire existence is built on lies.

At least I have a cold case to investigate which will take my mind off my woes. Investigating the mysterious disappearance of an entrepreneurial gremlin is bound to keep me busy and focused – and surely nothing else is going to go wrong and nobody is going to get hurt.

Right?

Review:
Leaving a review of this book hurts my heart. While the book remained true to characters and style, it is so bittersweet saying goodbye. There were many different layers of things going on that Emma needed to investigate and while the mystery had me until near the end, I also really loved seeing how supes truly feel about Emma and the supe squad. I plan to go back and reread the epilogue at least once more before letting go of this series, and I loved the illusion of where you were and what was happening before the reveal. Much love to this series and absolutely adore all this writer has put out. If you love mystery, a hint of romance and some awesomely powerful but not overpowered characters, definitely start this series with Brimstone Bound.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Secrets of the Specter: A Haunted Mystery, A Magical Cat & A Modern-Day Candlestick Maker by Molly Fitz and L. A. Boruff

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Secrets of the Specter: A Haunted Mystery, A Magical Cat & A Modern-Day Candlestick Maker (Meowing Medium Book 1) by [Molly Fitz, L.A. Boruff]

Synopsis:
I’m Mags McAllister, and I am an honest-to-goodness modern-day candlestick maker. I work in my family’s shop in the historic district of Larkhaven, Georgia, and also make a pretty penny from sharing videos of my process online.

My life is simple, quiet, and all mine… until a white cat with mismatched eyes shows up outside my shop and refuses to leave. When I take him home, things get really weird. As in, I can now see things and people that were never there before.

It gets even freakier when a voiceless spirit introduces herself to me via a handwritten letter. This specter claims that I share her name and will also share her fate if we can’t solve the mystery that’s haunted our town since 1781… and quickly because she won’t be able to maintain her strength for much longer.

Talk about a cold case! Can I find a way to free my eighteenth-century counterpart? Or has my new feline companion just signed my death warrant by opening my eyes to the secret supernatural plane in our otherwise sleepy small town?

Review:
I decided to switch genres a bit to something modern and quirky in honour of Halloween, and I am oh so glad that I a) managed to finish this in one day and b) read this! I quite love Molly Ftiz’ writing style, and I absolutely adored how she opened the story. In many ways, it reminded me of doing an in character book talk where a character is coming up and telling you everything about themselves, but the way it tied into the story was excellently done and I loved it. I loved all the modern social media/internet tie ins. It’s a very pop/now book, but that’s part of what makes it so neat.

I had ideas on who the mysterious person we were looking for might be but I was constantly (pleasantly) redirected by suggestions of what Mags was thinking, which I found utterly delightful. It’s quite a light read, but quirky and fun. I would highly recommend it.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Witch for Hire by Molly Fitz

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Witch for Hire (Paranormal Temp Agency Book 1) by [Molly Fitz]

Synopsis:
My name is Tawny Bigford. I’m 35, single, and I love hot showers. Seriously, all I wanted was a hot shower to start my day off right, but when I went to confront my landlady about the broken plumbing, I wound up talking to her corpse instead.

Now everyone thinks I’m to blame for her murder—not the best way to make an impression on the new neighbors, let me tell you. But how can I prove I’m innocent when I know practically nothing about the woman I supposedly killed?

Especially not the fact that she was the official Beech Grove Town Witch. Her former boss—a snarky black cat named Mr. Fluffikins—says I have to fill her vacated role until the real killer can be caught and brought to justice.

So, whether I like it or not, I’ve just been recruited to the Paranormal Temp Agency. Now I need to solve my landlady’s murder, figure out how to wield my newly granted powers, and maybe even find a way to fit in around here.

Yup. All in a day’s work for this novice witch.

Review:
This was a light, quick read and very well written. Easy to fall into, chapters were nice, concise and gripping. There wasn’t a lot of time wasted with flowery words or unimportant details. Everything flowed well and quickly, and the chapters really flew by. It seemed to take next to no time to read this book, even though it is 214 pages (though maybe that’s because I’ve been reading so many 400+ epic novels lately). There was constantly a reason for wanting to turn the page, and no time time.

Naturally I quite adored that Molly Fitz chose an author as the protagonist! How fun is that! That made it even more enjoyable for me. What made this book even more relatable is that Tawny admits to being a flawed individual with a broken relationship in the past, who is single, and 35. I suspect there are many like myself that wonder why there are no adventures or fun stories once you get to around the 30+ age and are female, except those of being a mother. It was so much fun to have a protagonist who is a bit eccentric but still living life.

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯