small town vibes

Review: Murder, She Wrote: The Body in the Trees by Terrie Farley Moran

~ megs14malloy

The Body in the TreesThe Body in the Trees by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

**3.5-stars**

The Murder, She Wrote series holds a special place in my heart. I have read over 50-books in this series that I started when I was a kid. My Mom used to buy the mass market paperbacks upon release and I gobbled them up.

It’s been the longest committed relationship of my life.

The series, originally written by Donald Bain, began in 1989. 37-years later, we are getting the 62nd-installment of this long-running series, The Body in the Trees. Since Mr. Bain’s passing in 2017, the series has had a few different authors contributing to keep the series going.

I do feel like the series has struggled to maintain consistency since Bain’s passing, and some of the newer authors have seemed more natural to the series than others. Terrie Farley Moran, so far, has been my favorite.

Admittedly though, I struggled a bit with this one. It’s definitely not my favorite in the series. It did scratch an itch though, and I was happy to be back in Cabot Cove. I have lots of thoughts and opinions on the way this one came together, but I’m trying not to get salty.

With long series like this, you aren’t going to love every one and that’s absolutely fine.

This story centers around a group of young tourists who are visiting Cabot Cove. The young women end up staying at the Hill House Hotel, the best hotel in Cabot Cove, and a setting that will be familiar to veteran Readers of the series.

Jessica and her friends have a run in with these young ladies while they are dining at the Hill House restaurant one night. It was from this initial scene where the tourists are introduced, that I started to realize this one might not be for me. The way the young ladies were written, I just didn’t find it believable. Sweatshirts and sneakers at a nice restaurant?

Nevertheless, even though little bits and bobs got under my skin about it, the mystery did keep me invested and guessing. I predicted where it was heading, which is absolutely fine, but I ultimately didn’t enjoy who the baddie ended up being. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

I know this is nit-picky, especially for a Cozy Mystery series that is just supposed to be escapist and comforting. I just have read all of Terrie Farley Moran’s contributions to the series and was expecting to enjoy it a bit more.

Nevertheless, I love this series with my whole heart. As mentioned above, in long series like this, you are going to have some you prefer more than others. If I were ranking them all, this would fall in the lower end. For long-time Readers of the series, it’s still worth picking up, especially if you enjoy the mysteries set in Cabot Cove.

For new Readers of the series, I wouldn’t suggest starting with this one. I think you would be best served picking an earlier installment, though they can be read in any order.

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I will never stop reading this series. As long as they’re being published, I’ll be reading them!

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Review: The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder (Nosey Parker #9) by Fiona Leitch

~ megs14malloy

The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder (A Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery, #9)The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder by Fiona Leitch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**4.5-stars**

❤️💚🤍❤️💚🤍❤️💚🤍❤️💚🤍❤️💚🤍

The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder is the 9th-book in the Nosey Parker Mystery series by Fiona Leitch. This is my favorite currently-running Cozy series. I absolutely adore it and look forward to each new installment.

For someone who tends to shy away from commitment, to be here at book #9, already anxiously anticipating the next, is definitely saying something.

These books follow Jodie Parker, who resigned from the Metropolitan Police in London after a close call and returned to her native village of Penstowan, in Cornwall, with her daughter, Daisy, to live a simpler life.

Even though she now runs her own successful catering company, old habits are hard to break and Jodie has helped the local police with some challenging cases. It’s through this that she first met her beau, DCI Nathan Winters. Her Pomeranian, Germaine, rounds out their crew.

This mystery, set around the Christmas holiday, begins at the local theater where the amateur dramatics group, the Penstowan Players, are putting on their annual pantomime. Both Jodie’s daughter, Daisy, and her mother, Shirley, are taking part.

Jodie got away with not participating by agreeing to cater the Opening Night Party. Unfortunately, before the party can even get started, in fact, barely halfway through the show, a cast member’s murdered body is found in the wings.

The show cannot go on. The police swiftly take control of the scene and an investigation begins. And just because she’s not formally with the police anymore, doesn’t mean Jodie’s not going to be asking some questions as well.

This was another fabulous installment. I love this series so, so much. Settling in with each consecutive book feels like reuniting with old friends.

This cast of characters fills my heart to the brim and then some. I love their cheeky humor and the mysteries are always engaging. Jodie and her family are such a focal point in the stories, and I appreciate so much how Leitch has portrayed their relationships.

This one kicks off very quickly, which gave plenty of time for the investigative portions, which is something I tend to look for in my Cozies. Other things I frequently look for that Leitch excels at are the humor and the small village vibes.

I also liked the number of different suspects we had in this mystery, as well as their varied potential motives. It made it a fun and engaging mystery to try to solve.

Finally, I love that this series doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s still incredibly well-written, paced and plotted. Fiona Leitch is a true gem in the Cozy space.

I’m really hoping for more; meaning, I hope it never ends!

Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I will patiently be awaiting news on Book #10!!!

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Review: All My Bones (An Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery #2) by P.J. Nelson

~ megs14malloy

All My Bones (An Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery, #2)All My Bones by P.J. Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All My Bones is the 2nd-book in P.J. Nelson’s An Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery series. I enjoyed the 1st-book, Booked For Murder, when I read it in December of 2024.

I adore Cozy Mysteries, and loving finding new series to follow along with as they’re released. In these books, the small town and bookshop vibes definitely deliver the type of cozy vibes I’m generally looking for.

In this series, we’re following Madeline Brimley, who has returned to her hometown of Enigma, Georgia, after the passing of her Aunt Rose, as she’s inherited Rose’s property, including the Old Juniper Bookshop.

An actress by trade, Madeline initially has mixed feelings about going back to the small town. Leaving the theater circuit in Atlanta behind is though, but she decides to give it a shot nevertheless.

We saw a lot of development of her character in that 1st-book, and that trend continues here. She’s now well-established back in Enigma, having made friends and other connections. She seems comfortable in her new life, and it makes me happy to see it.

The mystery in this installment centers around a body Madeline discovers while trying to plant azaleas in the garden in front of the shop. Her friend, Gloria, the local episcopal priest, is with her at the time of the morbid discovery, and soon becomes the prime suspect.

Madeline knows that Gloria wouldn’t hurt a fly, and certainly isn’t responsible for this body buried in the garden, but now she needs to prove it.

I’m so happy I continued on with this series. After the 1st-one, even though I enjoyed it a lot, I was on the fence as to whether I would pursue any follow-up books.

When I was offered access to this one a little early though, I found that I did really want to continue on. This was such a strong installment too. I really hope we get more Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery stories, because I’m having a lot of fun with this cast of characters.

Madeline has grown so much, and I love how grounded she feels now in her new life in Enigma. She’s making good friends, and I feel like she is a valued member of their community. The bookshop caters to the local college crowd, and I also enjoy those vibes.

I appreciated how quickly Nelson kicked off the mystery in this one. It all happens so quickly at the beginning, the discovery of the body, which allows plenty of time for the subsequent investigation.

It was fun going along with Madeline as she tried to work out the whodunit, in order to save Gloria from going down for the crime. I feel like her close relationship with Gloria definitely upped the stakes for her, and gave the plot an additional sense of urgency.

I would recommend this series to Cozy Mystery Readers, particularly if you enjoy ones centering around bookstores, or libraries. Additionally, I would recommend the audio format if you have access to it. The narration perfectly matches Madeline’s character and I love it!

Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with copies to read and review. If a 3rd-book releases, which I’m really hoping for, I’ll be the first in line to read it!

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Review: Girls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington

~ megs14malloy

Girls Who Play DeadGirls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**3.5-stars rounded up**

Girls Who Play Dead is the 3rd-full length novel from one of my new go-to authors, Joelle Wellington. Wellington’s debut, Their Vicious Games, which published in 2023, was one of my top reads of that year.

I absolutely loved it and have anxiously anticipated her next 2-books, and while this isn’t my favorite from her, I still really enjoyed it.

This story follows siblings, Mikky and Kyla, who live in the small town of Prophets Lake, Massachusetts. Kyla is a dancer, popular and connected at the hip to her BFF, Erin.

Mikky, on the other hand, felt suffocated by their hometown, and ended up leaving to go live with his estranged mother closer to the city of Boston.

When Kyla’s best friend Erin is murdered though, Mikky returns in a desperate effort to be their for his sister during what’s sure to be the most difficult time of her life.

After he arrives home though, Mikky is confused by the Kyla he encounters. She hardly resembles the sister he remembers. She’s hard-edged, angry and demanding, a mean girl at school, and seems barely affected by Erin’s death. It’s hard to get close to her, but Mikky won’t give up.

Everyone grieves differently it’s true, but Kyla seems to be into something. She’s keeping dangerous secrets, Mikky can tell. He decides if he’s going to help Kyla, he needs to figure out who killed Erin and why.

Teaming up with a cute boy at school, Nasim, Mikky begins digging into Kyla and Erin’s relationship and the secrets they held together.

I didn’t have any trouble getting into this story. Wellington has the ability to pull you completely in. I find her stories fluid, engaging and easy to completely immerse yourself in.

I thought the characters were great and I loved the exploration of the different relationship dynamics, especially Kyla and Mikky, but also even learning about Kyla and Erin’s relationship was interesting.

As the Reader, we never meet Erin while she’s alive, but through the other characters it does feel like you can get a real sense of who she was. As best friends go, Kyla and Erin were as close as you can get, and I couldn’t imagine everything Kyla was going through after losing her, which made her anger understandable.

I loved Mikky’s investigation. Amateur sleuthing is one of my favorite things in a novel like this, especially with teens, and I like how Wellington incorporated it here.

In addition to the mystery though, there are some well done IRL issues being explored as well. Kyla and Mikky’s Dad is struggling with some financial hardship, trying to keep their family-run funeral home open, and we also get to see the impact of grief on Erin’s loved ones.

Mikky and Nasim’s budding relationship was another one of my favorite aspects. I liked them working together and getting to know one another, even though I may have done without some of the 3rd-act drama between them at the end.

I also always appreciate how bold Wellington’s story concepts are. This one is no exception. It does involve beauty influencing, so if that is something that interests you, this is definitely worth picking up. In general though, this is a strong YA Thriller and I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of that genre.

Thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I’m excited to see what Wellington comes up with next. Regardless of what it is, I’ll definitely be reading it!!

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Review: Final Cut by Olivia Worley

~ megs14malloy

Final CutFinal Cut by Olivia Worley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**4.5-stars**

Hazel Lejeune dreams of becoming an actress. Shortly after she graduates from high school, she ends up landing the lead role in a low-budget Slasher Horror movie. The filming of the movie will require Hazel, who goes by Haze, to travel to the small town of Pine Springs, Louisiana.

The thing that no one else knows, the secret that Haze is keeping, is that she’s been to Pine Springs before. It was actually in that very town that her father, known as the Pine Springs Slasher, was convicted of a series of murders 15-years previously.

Haze has mixed feelings about returning to the town she lived in prior to her father’s conviction. Mostly though, she just hopes no one will recognize her.

As the cast and crew arrive on set, Haze ends up in a situation she never could have dreamed of. Mysterious accidents plague them from the start and mentions of her Dad can be found throughout the script.

Then a gruesome murder shocks everyone involved. Clearly, there’s a real killer stalking the set, but it is just a Pine Springs Slasher copy cat, or is perhaps the wrong man behind bars?

Obviously, this is a crucial question to many, but to Haze it means even more. Now she’s left to try to piece together the truth of what happened 15-years ago, while also trying to get through this film alive.

Final Cut is a really strong YA Slasher. I loved the vibes, setting and the mystery behind the slashes. It did feel a little drawn out in the 2nd-half to me, but overall, a very fun read.

Olivia Worley is quickly becoming one of my go-to YA Thriller/Horror authors. I just love her plotting, atmospheres and intense dramas. Her writing is addictive, fluid and always a darn good time.

I love that she brought us back to Louisiana in this one, a setting I also enjoyed in The Debutantes. This felt secluded and dangerous, in a small town way, from the very start.

She also brought true slasher vibes to this. The danger and the kills were just boom, boom, boom, and definitely kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading further.

I would definitely recommend this to any Slasher fan, even if you aren’t a big YA Reader. I don’t think you necessarily have to be to enjoy this one. It doesn’t feel overly-YA, if that makes sense. More New Adult feel to me personally.

Haze was an interesting main character and I liked the growth she displayed throughout the story. Being back in Pine Springs really forced her to face her past, in a way she never had before. Well, that and the fact that she had a serial killer on her heels.

I liked learning about her background, and also the investigation into the murders that happened when she as a kid. I think that whole aspect added a little depth to the story that was needed and appreciated.

Overall, I feel this was well-plotted, while also keeping it fun and true to the Slasher style. Another success for Worley.

Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I can’t wait to see what Worley delivers next!!!

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Review: Mistletoe & Rodeo (Frosted Firs Ranch #2) by Janet Dailey

~ megs14malloy

Mistletoe and Rodeo (Frosted Firs Ranch)Mistletoe and Rodeo by Janet Dailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

**3.5-stars**

Mistletoe and Rodeo is the 2nd-book in Janet Dailey’s Frosted Firs Ranch series. I read the 1st-book, Evergreen Christmas, and had so much fun with it.

In that 1st-book, we’re introduced to the town of Noel, North Carolina, the Christmas tree capital of the world. The story follows a new girl to town, Jordyn, and a local resident, Nate, who does in fact own a Christmas tree farm.

That story followed them getting to know one another, learning all about the town and their traditions, and was full of wild and wacky Christmas fun.

This book follows Nate’s younger brother, Tucker, a bull rider hoping to soon return to the circuit, and another new girl to town, Nicky, as well as Nicky’s daughter, Kyle. I was excited to get to follow Tucker, as I thought he was a very interesting character in the 1st-book.

While I did still enjoy this, it didn’t quite deliver the same level of Christmas magic that Evergreen Christmas did, which I’m sad about, as that’s what I was hoping for.

Additionally, I wasn’t crazy about Nicky, and wasn’t 100% rooting for the romance to succeed. In the 1st-book, I loved both Jordyn and Nate, as well as they way they were with one another. They complimented each other perfectly.

Whereas here, it felt a bit like Nicky just needed a savior, and Tucker was willing to give up all his hopes and dreams to be that for her. I guess I just prefer more of an even partnership, but that’s completely personal taste.

I also didn’t feel like we got as involved in town life as we did in the 1st-book, although we did follow a continuing storyline of one of the Noel Nanas, Kandy. I did enjoy that aspect, but missed seeing all the other ladies in her friendship group.

I’m thinking maybe if I hadn’t read Evergreen Christmas so recently, I may have enjoyed this more. I was still high off how much I adored that one, so this just did quite live up to that standard for me.

Nevertheless, this is still a good book, with a lovely romance, featuring light drama. I love the setting of Frosted Firs Ranch, and would absolutely pick up more books in the series.

Thank you to the publisher, Kensington Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This is charming and sweet. I’d expect no less from Janet Dailey!

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Review: A Lost Claus (A Christmas Cozy Mystery #3) by Mona Marple

~ megs14malloy

A Lost Claus (A Christmas Cozy Mystery, #3)A Lost Claus by Mona Marple
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Lost Claus is the 3rd-installment in Mona Marple’s A Christmas Cozy Mystery series. To this point, these stories have all been quick novellas, but I believe as the series progresses, the books get longer.

These stories are all set in a magical village and are sure to leave you in peak-Christmas mood. They’ve certainly lifted my spirits and gotten me there.

These stories follow Holly Wood ((yes, that is her real name)), who in the 1st-book is rescued from her car after a snow-related accident by a woman claiming to be Mrs. Claus. Holly is then brought to the Claus family home, in the town of Candy Cane Hollow, to recuperate.

Holly becomes enmeshed in village life, even helping to solve the homicide of their doctor’s receptionist. She also meets and becomes quite enamored with Mrs. Claus’s son, Nick, and he is with her as well.

In this story, Holly and Nick’s relationship has progressed significantly since that 1st-book. Christmas is approaching again and it’s time for the Claus annual ice fishing trip.

Holly is nervous about meeting Nick’s extended family for the first time, but for the most part, she needn’t have worried. However, no good family trip goes by without at least some drama, apparently even when you’re a Claus.

When one of the family members doesn’t return from their time on the ice, Holly finds herself enmeshed in another dangerous mystery. Will she be able to solve it in time to protect those she loves?

While I would say A Lost Claus is still a very cute story, I definitely wasn’t as invested in this particular mystery as I was with the previous 2-books.

I’m not sure why. They’ve all been short, but this one felt extremely surface level to me. Maybe it was because we were getting introduced to so many new characters, with Nick’s family, and I sort of missed the people I’ve come to know in Candy Cane Hollow.

Nevertheless, I’m certainly continuing on with the series. There’s just something so charming about the world that Marple has created here. It brings back a little of that Christmas magic from my youth.

Thank you to the publisher, Tantor Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I’m so glad that I’ve been introduced to this series, and this author!

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Review: Slay Bells Ring (A Christmas Cozy Mystery #2) by Mona Marple

~ megs14malloy

Slay Bells RingSlay Bells Ring by Mona Marple
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Slay Bells Ring is the 2nd-installment in Mona Marple’s Christmas Cozy Mystery series. I finished the 1st-book, Christmas Corpse, yesterday and thought it was so cute and fun, I couldn’t wait to start this next installment.

I ended up reading this entire thing today. They are novellas, so that wasn’t a difficult feat, but nevertheless, I did and now feel like I’m in peak Christmas mode.

This series centers around Holly Wood ((yes, that is her real name)), who in the 1st-book is rescued from her car after an accident by a woman claiming to be Mrs. Claus. Holly is then brought to the Claus family home in the magical town of Candy Cane Hollow to recuperate.

Holly becomes enmeshed in the village life, even helping to solve the homicide of their doctor’s receptionist. She also has become quite enamored with Mrs. Claus’s son, Nick, and he seems to be with her in turn.

This installment is a New Year’s Eve mystery, but the Christmas vibes are still heavy throughout. It is Candy Cane Hollow after all, where every day feels like Christmas.

The entire town, including Holly and Nick, attend the annual New Year’s Eve Ball, where all is going well, until a giant glitter ball comes crashing down, crushing an elf, Greasy, a local restaurant owner and chef, to death.

Though the local authorities believe it was an accident, Holly’s not convinced. She decides to lean into her new-found sleuthing skills and see if she can find the truth of what happened to Greasy.

Just like the 1st-book, this was such a pleasant read. It’s simple in its construction, and the perfect read for the holiday season when my brain feels pulled in a million different directions.

There’s something so warm and comforting about these little mysteries. Holly’s life outside of Candy Cane Hollow wasn’t going well. She had just got done at her job, and she had no close relationships. She felt very alone.

In Candy Cane Hollow, she’s found a place to belong, with residents being welcoming and inclusive. It has a found family element that’s so charming.

I also am enjoying the slow romance evolving between Holly and Nick. It’s very charming and I’m looking forward to watching that progress.

I do have the 3rd-book in the series on audio, they’re currently being released on audio and the narration from Charlie Albers definitely fits Holly’s personality. I would recommend the audio if you can get them, but I’m sure the physical copies are just as fun.

Thank you to the publisher, Tantor Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I am having so much fun with this series. It’s exactly what I needed right now!

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Review: Christmas Corpse (A Christmas Cozy Mystery #1) by Mona Marple

~ megs14malloy

Christmas Corpse (A Christmas Cozy Mystery #1)Christmas Corpse by Mona Marple
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cutest Cozy Christmas Mystery Novella!

Christmas Corpse was exactly what I needed to put me into the holiday spirit. This story follows Holly Wood ((yes, she knows her name is ridiculous)). After losing her job, Holly is driving home to her empty house for Christmas.

Along the way, she ends up in a spot of trouble and goes off the road. When she awakens in her freezing cold car hours later, it’s to a Good Samaritan coming to her rescue.

The Samaritan in question claims her name is Mrs. Claus, and she whisks Holly away to her home in the magical, seemingly secret, village of Candy Cane Hollow.

Holly is more than happy to recuperate at Mrs. Claus’s home, where she gets to know the jolly, kind-hearted woman, as well as her handsome son, Nick.

Shortly after Holly is coming to realize just how magical a place Candy Cane Hollow is, they receive word that the local doctor’s receptionist, Persephone, has been murdered, apparently poisoned by a mince pie.

Well, most unfortunately, Mrs. Claus happens to be the best mince pie baker in the village, and therefore becomes the prime suspect. Holly vows to stay on and clear Mrs. Claus’s name. After all, Mrs. Claus saved her from freezing to death in a snowbank, it’s the least she can do in return.

This is just the cutest story. It’s like a warm hug, with just a touch of murder. I won’t deny it’s a simple story, but it’s also funny, engaging, full of likable characters and cozy Christmas cheer.

If you’re like me, and your brain feels pulled in a million different directions this time of year, this could be the perfect holiday read for you. I know it certainly made me much more in the mood for the holidays than I was before.

I love how Holly gets pulled into this magical little village, seemingly hidden from the rest of the world, and becomes completely enmeshed in local life. The villagers were more than happy to take her in and treat her like one of their own.

This is the 1st-book in a Cozy Christmas Mystery series, and I already have the next 2-books on audio from the publisher. I’m so excited to keep going with the series.

I have no doubt that the further I go with it, the more attached I’m going to become to this cast of characters and the adorable setting. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for some Christmas Cozy vibes!

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Review: Bidding for Murder (Stamford Mysteries #3) by E.C. Bateman

~ megs14malloy

Bidding for Murder (The Stamford Mysteries 3)Bidding for Murder by E.C. Bateman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bidding for Murder is the 3rd-installment in E.C. Bateman’s Cozy Mystery series, The Stamford Mysteries.

If you’re unaware, this series follows Felicia Grant, a single-mom, who has returned to her home village of Stamford to help her Dad run their family-owned Auction House after her Dad’s health took a turn.

At this point, Felicia has been back in the village a while, and a lot has happened, including a few murders, which she’s become embroiled in solving.

Felicia’s ex, Dexter, the father to their son, Algernon, now 13-years old, has also returned to the village, so the family dynamics are chaotic and fun to follow. Add in her curmudgeon father, and you’re sure to be chuckling.

The mystery in this book kicks off when an old classmate of Felicia’s, Lucia, comes to town and asks Felicia to appraise some of her jewelry. The two meet up at the exclusive and mysterious Aquitaine Club, a private lodging and club in Stamford that regular residents really know nothing about.

Lucia, wife to a powerful politician, is staying there at the invitation of a friend, and Felicia is a bit overwhelmed and intrigued to even be invited in.

The meeting with Lucia is memorable indeed, and Felicia is drawn into the dramatic and secretive world of the Aquitaine. In fact, she’s invited back, along with her family, for their annual Halloween celebration the following day.

The evenings activities include a truly haunting Mummers performance, but everyone seems to be in good spirits. That is until the first body falls, followed quickly by another.

Before she knows it, Felicia is caught up in another investigation. Will she be able to weed out the killer lurking in the shadows before they successfully take another life?

There’s no doubt this is my favorite of the series thus far. A Murder Mystery set on Halloween night at a prestigious private club? Yes, please.

As a Spooky Season girlie through and through, I was loving the atmosphere Bateman was bringing to this story. It definitely had full-fledged Halloween vibes.

Additionally, I’m so attached to these characters now. As with many Cozy series, I feel like the further you go along, the more you feel like returning to the main characters is almost like going home. You get attached to their lives and whatever they have going on in it.

I found the mystery in this story so fun. I loved the locked room feel. Since it is set at the Aquitaine, and its being a private club, it is quite insular. The only people involved were those members staying there, as well as the employees, and Felicia and her family.

Over the course of the story, you learn a lot about the members and employees, and boy are they messy. There was so much going on amongst them, a lot of unlikable folks and certainly plenty of motives for any potential killers.

Pettifer and Jess are the police called to the scene, who we’ve come to know in previous books, and I loved having them back. I love how Pettifer and Felicia’s relationship has grown an developed across the books.

I really enjoyed trying to solve this one. There were so many clues, and I did have a lot of theories. It kept me hooked and therefore, up late into the night until I was able to finish. There’s no way I was sleeping on it.

I’m guessing from the final chapter and Epilogue that we’ll be getting another installment too, which I’m very happy about. I have no idea how long this series is slated to be, but I’m here for the long run.

I would definitely recommend this to Cozy Mystery fans, particularly if you enjoy charming village vibes and an amateur sleuth with a lot of pluck and a fun family dynamic.

Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me for a copy to read and review. I’m so excited for more Stamford Mysteries!

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