Tag: cozy mysteries

Posted in Audiobooks, Book Reviews, Novels

REVIEW: My Murder by Katie Williams

Posted on by elishasbookreview

*No Major Spoilers*

What if the murder you had to solve was your own?
Lou is a happily married mother of an adorable toddler. She’s also the victim of a local serial killer. Recently brought back to life and returned to her grieving family by a government project, she is grateful for this second chance. But as the new Lou re-adapts to her old routines, and as she bonds with other female victims, she realizes that disturbing questions remain about what exactly preceded her death and how much she can really trust those around her.
Now it’s not enough to care for her child, love her husband, and work the job she’s always enjoyed—she must also figure out the circumstances of her death.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I discovered this book on Goodreads’ list of highly anticipated books for this summer. The summary intrigued me, and I was excited to wait for this book. Even though the wait might have been a bit long, let’s not wait any longer for this review of My Murder.

I haven’t read a popular book in awhile. I usually avoid them because I want to shine light on the underdogs or hidden gems. However, I still wanted to read My Murder and see if it was worth the hype.

Mystery is essential, they say. Mystery. Well, I was in one of those right now, and I couldn’t say that I liked it very much.

Katie Williams; My Murder

First off, I think this was an interesting idea for a plot. Being brought back after being murdered can shed some light on some various themes and subject matter we can bring up like, how society treats victims and their murderers, how the victims loved ones are coping after the attack, and finally how the murderer’s loved ones are coping with the guilt and shame.

There are more themes explored in this novel, but I’ll leave that for you to discover and experience. I loved how fleshed out this world was, and how the characters interacted naturally. I’m not sure if it’s just the string of ‘meh’ quality books I’ve been reading, or if this book really is something special.

As I was listening to the audiobook, I was about 60-70% through it and I was thinking of not finishing it. The ‘but not everything is as it seems’ had already been brought up, but I was already trying to go through my mental list of tropes to figure out what the twist was. I’m glad I stuck with it, because the twist came out of left field and caught me off guard.

Overall, I really enjoyed My Murder. It’s more like a cozy thriller/murder mystery with a splash of science fiction. It’s a good pallet cleanser if you are looking for a book to break the monotony or to break a dry spell. I’d certainly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, the sci-fi element isn’t anything too crazy or out there. So don’t worry about that.

Posted in Audiobooks, Book Reviews, Novels

REVIEW: A Sticky Inheritance (Maple Syrup Mysteries #1) by Emily James

Posted on by elishasbookreview
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*No Major Spoilers*

Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes feels like she’s the only failure amid a family of high achievers. Her last serious boyfriend turned out to be married and her career as a criminal defense attorney is in tatters. When her uncle passes away and leaves her his maple syrup farm in Northern Michigan, she thinks it might be time for a career change—hopefully one that allows her to stay as far away from murderers and liars as possible.

For half a day at least.

Her uncle’s suicide quickly begins to look like it wasn’t a suicide after all, but the chief of police is reluctant to investigate and soil the reputation of his serene little tourist town. Murder’s bad for business. Nicole has no choice but to search for the killer on her own, with a little help from the handsome county medical examiner—who’s exactly her type and all wrong for her.

And as she closes in, she not only risks becoming the murderer’s next victim but also starts to wonder if the truth is even worse than the lie…

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This novel caught my eye because of the fall color theme, and the Maple leaf behind the title. I thought the idea of an ex-lawyer taking over her uncle’s maple farm sounded unique and I had to read it.

A Sticky Inheritance actually reminded me of a video game I love called Stardew Valley. It’s a game where your character takes over his/her’s grandpa’s farm, and you get to meet a unique cast of characters as well as uncover some hijinks going on in the small town.

However, that’s where the similarities between Stardew Valley and A Sticky Inheritance end. Other than the fact you’re taking over a family farm, and the interesting town folk this book has the mystery of figuring out who actually killed your uncle.

I enjoyed this novel. I liked the charm that this small town has as well as the possibilities this fictional small Michigan town. I hope to be continuing this series in the future.

One part of the story I liked was how this small town has a brewery that contributed to the tourism factor that the town needs to survive. One of the ingredients that’s in the beer plays a major part in the mystery.

Overall, I was slightly surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. A Sticky Inheritance is a fun entertaining read for those who are looking for a good cozy mystery. I would also recommend this novel for lovers of small towns and quirky characters.

Posted in Book Reviews, Novels

REVIEW: The Hiss-tory of Magic (Wonder Cats Mystery #1) by Harper Lin

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Major Spoilers*

Cath Greenstone, her cousin Bea, and her hippie aunt Astrid live in Wonder Falls, a small town near the mystical Niagara Falls. They run the Brew-Ha-Ha café, and naturally, they’re witches hiding in plain sight along with their three magical cats, Treacle, Peanut Butter, and Marshmallow.

When Brew-Ha-Ha’s baker is burnt to a crisp, along with their beloved café, Aunt Astrid lets out a big family secret: a powerful spell book, a Greenstone heirloom from the Salem days, has been stolen from its secret hiding spot in the café. If it’s fallen into the wrong hands, black magic could destroy not only Wonder Falls but the world.

My mom recommended this book to me. I do love the supernatural and cats. A connection I made between this book and another book I’ve read was, Pru Marlowe Pet Noir series. Both of the main protagonists has a very special talent for reading what cats are thinking and are able to help them.

This book starts at a slow simmer, gradually getting more hot as the story goes on. This mystery had me bamboozled! Even at the end, I was trying to collect my thoughts about the climax and aftermath.

All three main characters were my favorites, along with their cats Treacle, Peanut Butter, and Marshmellow. Treacle was the main cat amongst the three and belonged to Cath. Peanut Butter was an anxious and frightened orange cat that belongs to Bea. Marshmellow being the elder of the three and the one wielding the most magic; Astrid’s cat naturally.

My only complaint, and it’s just a minor one, but I wish the cats were more involved in the plot. Sure they helped the police find a clue, but other than that, Cath seemed to use the cats for eavesdropping on others.

I would recommend this novel to lovers of cozy mysteries, cat mysteries, and the supernatural!

Buy it on Amazon!