Tag: New American Library

#Review – Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early @crookedlanebks

Posted on By Dollycas 2 Comments on #Review – Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early @crookedlanebks

Death of a Toy Soldier: A Vintage Toyshop Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – New York
Crooked Lane Books (October 11, 2016)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1629538389
E-Book ASIN: B01H082DM2

 

 

Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early – Liz McCall grew up in a playful winter wonderland but it was never her dream to manage her father’s vintage toyshop. However, after he sank his entire police pension into the business, someone needed to help him turn his dreams into reality—and keep him from sneaking off to patrol the not-so-mean streets of East Aurora, NY.

The mood goes from nice to naughty when a nervous man, who was trying to have his antique toys appraised, is found in the shop with a lawn dart through his chest. Suddenly, Liz’s business plan is plunged into deep freeze, while she and her father find themselves toying with a cold-blooded killer who’s playing for keeps.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

A vintage toy shop, a perfect place for a little Christmas shopping. Liz McCall manages the place for her dad, a retired police chief, who just can’t leave his old job behind. But when a man is found dead inside the store in the middle of the night and the former chief becomes the prime suspect things are far from merry. With the store a crime scene Liz and her father need to find the real killer fast or this Christmas may be their last.

Liz McCall and my own daughter have something in common. They are both Elizabeth/Betsy/Liz. We named her after my mom and my Dad was the only one that called my mom Betsy so it was my dream for my daughter to have that nickname. It stuck until 4th grade when her homeroom teacher started calling her Liz. She will always be Betsy to family but out in the world she is Liz or Lizzie. Same with Liz in this story. She will always be Betsy to her dad.

Barbara Early really impressed me with this story. All the characters are cleverly crafted. A strong protagonist and equally strong supporting characters. I felt they were very fleshed out for the first book in a series but still have plenty of room to grow.

Setting the story in a vintage toy shop is brilliant. So many things will resonate with readers of all ages. I love that the shop was a gathering place for community game nights. Clue, Monopoly, Risk, and more, complete with old time candy. I wish the place was nearby because I would visit often.

The mystery was also so well written. Readers are drawn into the story and will find it very hard to put down. I tried to read it all in one sitting but my eyes just would not cooperate. I quickly finished it the next day. There were quite a few twists in this story and I was right there with Liz the entire way right up to the surprising ending.

A very enjoyable and entertaining read, perfect for the holiday season!

Dollycas
Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Flashback Friday – Crowned and Moldering by Kate Carlisle – #Review / #Giveaway – @BerkleyMystery

Posted on By Dollycas 4 Comments on Flashback Friday – Crowned and Moldering by Kate Carlisle – #Review / #Giveaway – @BerkleyMystery

9WbGnJTR
On Flashback Fridays I will share with you the books I missed when they were first
released that have been screaming at me from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.

When I say “screaming at me from my To-Be-Read bookshelf” the one actually fell right off the shelf and into my hand last weekend. I am glad it did.

crowned-and-moldering
Crowned and Moldering: A Fixer-Upper Mystery
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting- California
An Obsidian Mystery (November 3, 2015)
Published by New American Library
An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451469212
E-Book – ASIN: B00S75OLAA
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In the New York Times bestselling Fixer-Upper mysteries, contractor Shannon Hammer can repair even the most distressed building. But clearing out the cobwebs from her current project may distress her… to death.

When Mac Sullivan—famous thriller writer and Shannon’s new beau—first moved to Lighthouse Cove, California, he bought the historic lighthouse mansion that the town is named after. Mac needs help cleaning up the place, and Shannon is more than happy to get her handywoman hands on the run-down Victorian.

But during demolition, a grisly discovery is made among the debris—the bones of a teenage girl who went missing fifteen years ago. Locals had always assumed Lily Brogan ran away from her difficult life, but it seems her troubles followed her to the grave. If Shannon has any chance of getting her renovation back on track, she’ll need to tackle the cold case. But with new suspects coming out of the woodwork every day, she’ll have to be careful to pry the right secrets and clues from the poor girl’s problematic past…

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Kate Carlisle has laid out the blueprint for another perfect escape.

Mac Sullivan has purchased what I would call my dream home. The many rooms, the hiding holes, the staircase, and the view. I would love to own a home like that. I would even take finding the dead body as long as it was someone I didn’t know 🙂 The author’s attention to detail is just amazing. She knows how to set the scene with words so we can see everything so clearly.

The plot is very clever, a teenage girl who everyone thought had run away, found in a house so nearby. Her brother never gave up trying to find her and it was heartbreaking to read his feelings and thoughts when she is found. Shannon, our fantastic protag really wants to get at her renovation but first she needs to know what happened in this house 15 years age. There seems to be suspects galore.

Mac and Shannon are growing closer but she still is holding back. A visitor to Lighthouse Cove sheds new light on Mac’s life and his family. Another former resident returns to drum up trouble and Shannon is blessed to have Mac, her friends and family to lean on.

Ms. Carlisle has built a wonderful series, in her Fixer-Upper Mysteries. I have loved everyone and look forward to reading Deck the Hallways as I get ready for the holiday season.

perfect 2016

Dollycas
Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

Read more about Kate and the Fixer-Upper Mysteries at www.KateCarlisle.com!

A High-End Finish (A Fixer-Upper Mystery Book 1) This Old Homicide (A Fixer-Upper Mystery Book 2) Crowned and Moldering (A Fixer-Upper Mystery Book 3) Deck the Hallways (Fixer-Upper Mysteries Book 4)
Also by Kate Carlisle

Homicide in Hardcover: A Bibliophile Mystery If Books Could Kill: A Bibliophile Mystery The Lies That Bind: A Bibliophile Mystery Murder Under Cover: A Bibliophile Mystery One Book in the Grave: A Bibliophile Mystery Peril in Paperback: A Bibliophile Mystery A Cookbook Conspiracy (Bibliophile Mystery 7) The Book Stops Here (Bibliophile Mystery 8) Ripped From the Pages (BIBLIOPHILE MYSTERY Book 9) Books of a Feather (Bibliophile Mystery Book 10)

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I am giving away my review copy!

Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old
with a US or Canadian mailing address.

Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.

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something you like here and become a follower.

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Contest Will End November 25, 2016 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.

Click Here For Entry Form

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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#Review / #Giveaway – It’s A Wonderful Knife by Christine Wenger

Posted on By Dollycas 13 Comments on #Review / #Giveaway – It’s A Wonderful Knife by Christine Wenger

I wasn’t ready to read this when it arrived in February as the holidays had been hard. Then I learned the the series had been cancelled by the publisher and felt horrible that I didn’t do as much promotion as I could have. After reading it this past weekend I feel the publisher made a huge mistake publishing it in February. A December or even January release could have changed the sales for this book immensely and could have saved this series from the chopping block.  

its-a-wonderful-knife

It’s a Wonderful Knife (Comfort Food)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – New York
An Obsidian Mystery (February 2, 2016)
New American Library
An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451474094
E-Book – ASIN: B00X59360Y
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Comfort food and murder are on the holiday menu in the latest mystery from the national bestselling author of Macaroni and Freeze . . .

All Trixie Matkowski wants for Christmas is a break—just not the broken leg she got after slipping on some ice. With Sandy Harbor alive in the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s the busiest time of the year at Trixie’s Silver Bullet Diner. There are millions of things to do, including cater the town’s annual Christmas pageant and community dinner with some delicious holiday comfort food.

But the festivities turn into a bit of a turkey after Liz Fellows, the director of the pageant, is found with Trixie’s butcher knife in her back. Now Trixie must help the police arrest the scary gentleman—or lady—guilty of the crime if she hopes to get herself off the naughty list.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

This book is set at Christmas time in Sandy Harbor, but I read this book at the perfect time for me. I needed to laugh and laugh hard and Christine Wenger delivered just the right package to allow me to do just that.

Trixie Matkowski loves Christmas, the decorating, the food and the traditions. She has rituals she follows every year. This year just as she is getting read to start her decorating routine. she falls and falls hard on the ice. Instead of hanging all the bright and shiny holiday things, she is in the blinding light of the emergency room getting a huge cast on her leg.

Her friends Antoinette Chloe Brown (ACB) and Deputy Ty Brisco call in reinforcements to not only handle the decorating but Trixie’s Silver Bullet Diner and all the catering jobs she has scheduled. Everything seems to be under control until Christmas Pageant Director Liz Fellows is found in the church kitchen with Trixie’s knife in her back. At least the fine deputy doesn’t suspect Trixie but he knows a pair of crutches isn’t going to keep her from meddling in his investigation.

Hilarity ensues in this fantastic addition to this series. I found myself reading out loud several passages to anyone that would listen. When Trixie and ACB make up their mind to do something, snow, wind, or a measly broken leg will not stop them from doing exactly what Ty told them not to do.

This story is my favorite one in this series. The plot was not only full of surprising mystery twists it brings us many surprising characters. It also brings a moment that I have been waiting  for since book one!

I loved, loved, LOVED! this story! I cannot believe the publisher pulled the plug on this series. The characters are fabulous, the mysteries are fun and well developed. Sandy Harbor is the perfect small town. Please Christine, don’t leave us hanging! I hope you have the option to self publish more in this series or find a new publisher to see what a treasure they are.

You can read Christmas stories any time of year, winter, summer, spring or fall. And you will fall hard for the characters and want to read all 5 of these books. Then you will be with me hoping and praying for book #6!!

perfect 2016

Dollycas
Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent
Find out more about Christine and her books on her webpage here.
Do Or Diner: A Comfort Food Mystery A Second Helping of Murder (Comfort Food) Diners, Drive-Ins, and Death (Comfort Food) Macaroni and Freeze (Comfort Food) It's a Wonderful Knife (Comfort Food)

GIVEAWAY
I am giving away my review copy!
Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old
with a US or Canadian mailing address.

Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.

You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.

Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.

Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries.

If you publicize the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook or anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.

Contest Will End October 6, 2016 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.

Click Here For Entry Form

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Flashback Friday – Faux Paw: A Magical Cats Mystery by Sofie Kelly – #Review / #Giveaway

Posted on By Dollycas 6 Comments on Flashback Friday – Faux Paw: A Magical Cats Mystery by Sofie Kelly – #Review / #Giveaway

9WbGnJTR
On Flashback Fridays I will share with you the books I missed when they were first
released that have been screaming at me from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.
I am thrilled to finally be caught up on this series because the new one,
Paws and Effect will be released October 4!

faux paw
Faux Paw:
A Magical Cats Mystery
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Setting – Minnesota
An Obsidian Mystery (October 6, 2015)
An Imprint of New American Library
Published by The Penguin Group
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451472151
E-Book ASIN: B00S75OKW4
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Magical cats Owen and Hercules from A Midwinter’s Tail are back and ready to help librarian Kathleen Paulson pounce on a killer art thief…

Normally, the arrival of an art exhibition at the Mayville Heights library would be cause for celebration. But thanks to the overbearing curator and high-tech security system that comes with it, Kathleen’s life has been completely disrupted. Even Owen and Hercules have been affected, since their favorite human doesn’t seem to have a spare moment to make their favorite fish crackers or listen to Barry Manilow.

But when Kathleen stops by the library late one night and finds the curator sprawled on the floor—and the exhibition’s most valuable sketch missing—it’s suddenly time to canvass a crime scene. Now Kathleen, her detective boyfriend Marcus, and her clever cats have to sniff out a murderous thief, before anyone else has a brush with death…

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Owen and Hercules are feuding while their person librarian Kathleen Paulson deals with all the details and extra security needed to host an art exhibition at the library. She never expected to find the event coordinator, Margo Walsh, dead on the floor of her office just days before the exhibition was set to open. Margo was a difficult person to get along with but she must have really pushed someone over the edge for them to kill her. Oh and someone also stole a valuable piece of artwork from the collection too. Kathleen can’t reopen the library until the killer and the drawing is found so she is doing some investigating herself, of course, wink, wink,  she is passing information along to her boyfriend Marcus to help him build a case.

Returning to Mayville Heights is like slipping into a comfy pair of slippers. The cats are up to mischief with pieces of Fred the Funky Chicken everywhere.  Hercules is just to trying to get Owen upset and Owen doing a bit of retaliation. Micah is settling in well with Marcus but Kathleen believes this little feline as her own magical ways. We will have to see how that story develops. Marcus and Kathleen relationship is moving along nicely.  BUT things at the library are very chaotic. Added security, special lighting, moving things around to have enough space, plus all the ordinary patrons coming and going.

Then there is a turn when Margo is found dead, Kathleen doesn’t even realize anything had been stolen right away. When she does she uses all her talents, internet searches, asking leading questions, etc. to try to get a handle on the suspects and there are many.

Sofie Kelly really has created a great mystery for Kathleen to solve and in turn us readers. I enjoy Kathleen’s process and I fully understand her talking out loud to her cats and them giving her little nudges along the way. They are magical and very intuitive. My animals are not magical at all, thankfully they can’t walk through closed doors or make themselves invisible, but they are great companions and I talk to them all the time. It helps to put things in perspective when things are said out loud. Don’t judge, if you are an animal lover I know you talk to your pets too!

So you have a great place to visit in Mayville Heights and it’s wonderful library, an abundance of fantastic human characters, some delightful and magical felines and a captivating mystery to solve. You also know there are more than a few funny moments.

There may be some faux things in the midst of this story but it is a genuinely marvelous cozy.  Clearly deserving 5 PAWS, I mean STARfish!

perfect 2016

Dollycas
Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

Find out more about Sofie Kelly and her books here.

Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (A Magical Cats Mystery Book 1) Sleight of Paw (A Magical Cats Mystery Book 2) Copycat Killing (A Magical Cats Mystery Book 3) Cat Trick (A Magical Cats Mystery Book 4) Final Catcall (A Magical Cats Mystery Book 5) A Midwinter's Tail (A Magical Cats Mystery Book 6) Faux Paw (A Magical Cats Mystery Book 7) Paws and Effect (Magical Cats Book 8)

Written as Sofie Ryan

The Whole Cat and Caboodle (Second Chance Cat Mystery Book Buy a Whisker (Second Chance Cat Mystery Book 2) A Whisker of Trouble (Second Chance Cat Mystery Book 3)
GIVEAWAY
I am giving away my Review Copy!
Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old
with a US or Canadian mailing address.

Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.

You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.

Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.

Click the Like Button at the top of this post for a Bonus Entry.

Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads for 3 Bonus Entries.

Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries.

If you publicize the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook or anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.

Contest Will End September 16, 2016 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.

Click Here For Entry Form

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The Mysterious Case of the Missing Motive (The Redemption Detective Agency) by Michele Pariza WacekGet Your Copy Today!
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