Posts Tagged ‘review’

I’m so happy to be sharing another of Lauren Carr’s thrilling mysteries. This one has so much going on, from a sixteen year old murder to some current ones, it could all be connected.

Enjoy my review of Crimes Past.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

 Crimes Past by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 13)
Category: Adult fiction, 322 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: October 16, 2018
Tour dates: Nov 12 to Dec 14, 2018
Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion)

My Review

So much happens in this book and I’m hard pressed to not spoil it for you when sharing my review.

Lauren gives you a mystery within a mystery, more suspects than you can shake a stick at, a cold case, and a cast of characters that will charm your pants off. Well, maybe not literally.

Mac Faraday feels guilty about not solving the murder of two police officers,, gunned down on their wedding day sixteen years ago. He made a promise to one of the murdered officer’s young daughter’s and he plans to keep it even now. So, when the daughter is set to be married, he offer’s up his five star resort for the ceremony and invites all of the people from that long ago wedding to attend. Surely he can find and nail down the killer.

Well, I sure didn’t see the killer coming. Lauren had me hopping from one likely suspect to the next. I’d feel like this one did it, then that one did it. When several more murders occurred, I gave up and let the author reveal things for me. I was having so much fun with other things and I just went with the flow.

As usual the characters are plenty and the author does this handy thing at the beginning of the book. She lists all of the main players and how they connect to each other, even the four legged ones. I do confess, I’m always excited when Mayor Gnarly shows up. Yes, he’s the mayor and a darn good one when he’s not stealing cell phones from purses or the food from your plate. He’s a hundred pound  German Shepherd, a hero and a lovable scamp. He stole my heart the first time I met him and still has it.

Being familiar with how Lauren springs surprises, I couldn’t wait to see what she offered up this time. There’s some doozies. She managed to make me feel giddy as each one was revealed. If I wasn’t holding the book to read it, I’d be clapping my hands.

Another fun, exciting mystery from Lauren that will have you using your brain pan. If you’ve read her books before, you’ll have fun settling in with these characters again. If you haven’t, jump in and meet them. You’ll be comfortable soon enough.

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Synopsis

It’s a bittersweet reunion for Mac Faraday when members of his former homicide squad arrive at the Spencer Inn. While it is sweet to attend the wedding of a former colleague’s daughter, it is a bitter reminder that the mother of the bride had been the victim of a double homicide on her own wedding night.

The brutal slaying weighing heavy on his mind, Mac is anxious to explore every possibility for a break in the cold case—even a suggestion from disgraced former detective Louis Gannon that one of their former friends was the killer.

When the investigator is brutally slain, Mac Faraday rips open the cold case with a ruthless determination to reveal which of his friends was a cold-blooded murderer.

 

Buy Crimes Past:
Watch the trailer:
 
 
Praise for Lauren Carr’s books:
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“Lauren Carr is a master storyteller who combines the humor of Janet Evanovich and the investigative skills of Patricia Cornwell. She is always at the top of my reading list.”
– Sherry Fundin, Fundinmental

“Lauren Carr could give Agatha Christie a run for her money!”
– Charlene Mabie-Gamble, Literary R&R

“Lauren Carr’s books are never boring, that’s for sure. They entertain, give us a good mystery to dig into, keep the reader guessing, give us a few good laughs and make us eager for the next book. Warning: Lauren Carr’s series are addictive, so be ready to read more than just one book!”
– Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads

“She is an amazing author that draws you into the story, makes you fall in love with the characters (they feel like family!) and keeps you guessing right to the very end.”
– Working Mommy Journal

“Lauren Carr does a good job of moving the quirky storyline along nicely with an abundance of witty dialogue. And you have no idea who the good guys are and who the bad guys are until the end.”
– Every Free Chance Book Reviews

To read reviews, please visit Lauren Carr’s page on iRead Book Tours.

Meet the Author:
 
 

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

​Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

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Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Dec 22, 2018
.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

I’ve been reading Lauren’s books for a while now. Each series has genuine, fun characters that have charmed me from one book to the next. I’m thrilled to be able to share some short stories from her collection, Spring Thaw.

Enjoy my review.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Spring Thaw

by Lauren Carr

Category: Adult fiction, 237 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery, Short Stories
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: August 12, 2018
Tour dates: Nov 12 to Dec 14, 2018
Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion)

My Review

When I like a series, and Lauren has several that I’ve been enjoying, I also like to grab any side or short stories collections that go along with them. Spring Thaw dips into a couple of her series. Each one has a lot of characters and the author provides a list at the beginning of the books explaining who’s who . By the end of the first book in each series these characters were so memorable I no longer had to refer to her list to know who was who. So when I started reading each of these stories, the characters were familiar and I just dove in to see what was going to happen.

I quickly engaged with the character’s, human and critters. And the mystery was established without fanfare so the author get right to the meat of it. I enjoyed the dialogue, either cracking a grin or laughing while following along. And the critters are a huge bonus. They’re all shapes and sizes and have unique personalities. It’s common for them to steal the limelight.

I was hoping for and got an appearance from Mayor Gnarly, a mischief making German Shepherd that stole my heart the moment I met him. Yes, you read this right, he was actually elected Mayor. Lauren describes him so clearly it’s like I’m watching his scenes, not reading them. When he’s kidnapped by two bungling thieves, he actually made me snort and think, oh no, you didn’t. LOL

If you’ve read Lauren’s books, you’ll enjoy these fun nibbles. If you haven’t, you can easily read this collection and meet some of the stars. There’s plenty of humor, snark and twists to keep you entertained.

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Synopsis

In today’s hectic world, many whodunit fans don’t have time to get their mystery fix diving into a whole novel. Lauren Carr’s SPRING THAW AND OTHER MYSTERY SHORT STORIES is for these fans—but that doesn’t mean whodunit fans who do have time can’t dive in as well.

A novella, Spring Thaw features retired federal agent Chris Matheson from Lauren Carr’s newest bestselling cold case series. When his late father’s former friend is indicted for the seven year old murder of a church bishop, Chris renews old broken friendships to thaw out the cold case.

Featuring Mac Faraday from Lauren Carr’s popular Mac Faraday Mysteries, an estate auction turns into a deadly affair after Gnarly’s antics cause Mac to purchase a gem of a dress, which isn’t his color in Killing Bid. (Previously published in Lauren Carr’s BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)

Beauty to Die For features the Lovers in Crime, Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates in a race against the Angel of Death to clear the name of a dying woman’s son, who was framed for murdering Miss Pennsylvania. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)

Countdown to Murder returns to the Lovers in Crime where Cameron and Joshua try to solve the murder of a young pregnant widow before it happens. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)

Mystery fans will see that every dog has his day, especially if that dog is Gnarly. In Lucky Dog, Gnarly helps Mac Faraday to solve the murder of a wealthy society girl. (Previously published in BEAUTY TO DIE FOR.)

Dog Loving Mystery Fans will get a special treat when they read The Gnarly Rehabilitation Program. In this Gnarly Mystery Short, Bert and Ernie learn the hard way that crime does not pay when they dog nap Gnarly. (Previously published as a bonus feature with A WEDDING AND A KILLING.)

Gnarly, the rambunctious German shepherd, is also featured in Lauren Carr’s Christmas short, A Gnarly Christmas. It is Christmas day and Gnarly has been up to his old tricks again. Now he’s in the dog house–or rather the boathouse–after stealing the Christmas feast! Moments after Archie and Mac leave Spencer Manor, Gnarly hears a call for help from Rocky, the Maltese down the street. Four assassins for hire have invaded the home of Rocky’s elderly owners. While the home invaders wait for instructions from a mysterious caller, Gnarly must plot to stop them. Can Gnarly save Christmas with only the help of an 8-pound Maltese dressed in an elf suit? (Previously published as a single short story by the same name.)

 
Buy Spring Thaw:
Praise for Lauren Carr’s books:
.

“Lauren Carr is a master storyteller who combines the humor of Janet Evanovich and the investigative skills of Patricia Cornwell. She is always at the top of my reading list.”
– Sherry Fundin, Fundinmental

“Lauren Carr could give Agatha Christie a run for her money!”
– Charlene Mabie-Gamble, Literary R&R

“Lauren Carr’s books are never boring, that’s for sure. They entertain, give us a good mystery to dig into, keep the reader guessing, give us a few good laughs and make us eager for the next book. Warning: Lauren Carr’s series are addictive, so be ready to read more than just one book!”
– Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads

“She is an amazing author that draws you into the story, makes you fall in love with the characters (they feel like family!) and keeps you guessing right to the very end.”
– Working Mommy Journal

“Lauren Carr does a good job of moving the quirky storyline along nicely with an abundance of witty dialogue. And you have no idea who the good guys are and who the bad guys are until the end.”
– Every Free Chance Book Reviews

To read reviews, please visit Lauren Carr’s page on iRead Book Tours.

Meet the Author:
 
 

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

~~~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Dec 22, 2018
.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Cozy Corgi Mysteries Banner

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Welcome to my stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Mildred Abbott’s The Cozy Corgi Mysteries hosted by Pump Up Your Book from October 1 – November 30, 2018.

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Title: QUARRELSOME QUARTZ (Book 7)
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications LLC
Pages: 340
Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Review

We’re back is Estes Park and things are really hopping. A New Age Conference is beginning and there’s lots of new faces, some of them famous. When one of the headliners is found dangling at the end of a rope, wrapped in crystals, Fred and Watson are once again on the case. Fred is hard pressed to solve this quickly as some people she cares deeply about are on the suspect list. And some of them don’t want her digging too deep.

This was a bit of a change for Estes Park. Usually Fred is the only one to ruffle the feathers of it’s inhabitants. But when a group gets them all riled up, they’re divided and fingers are pointed at neighbors and friends. This made the mystery even harder to figure out.

After having read the previous six books in this series, I’ve come to know the characters that roam these pages. I’ve learned there secrets. Walked the streets and visited their shops when Fred and Watson went sniffing for clues. And enjoyed seeing how they react to different situations.  I wonder how it would feel to visit Estes Park. I imagine I’d be putting faces to characters from these pages. And I know I’d be on the lookout for Fred and Watson.

Quarrelsome Quartz was another delightful mystery. Every time I start the next book in this series I have my fingers crossed it will be as fun as the last one was. I’m happy to say it was and I’m now waiting anxiously to get my hands on the next book.

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Synopsis

A New Age conference comes to Estes Park, Colorado, bringing a cacophony of tie-dye, crystals, and murder…

As summer draws to a close, the Spirit, Health, and Heart Conference arrives, just in time for Winifred’s sisters to open their store next to the Cozy Corgi Bookshop. To Fred’s surprise, Chakras turns out to be a beautiful addition to the delightful mountain town. The shop even has a room so pleasing in its crystal tranquility that Fred’s corgi, Watson, approves—and hardly anything impresses him.

But not everyone is charmed by the crystals, tarot readings, and messages of personal enlightenment. When a famous spiritualist is found dead, Chakras and the entire town is plunged into a conflict that touches the lives of those closest to Fred.

Although she is hesitant to become involved, it is simply not in the cards for Fred to sit out the investigation. As she and Watson embark on a journey that forces them to take a look into the darker shadows of Estes Park, Fred soon finds herself digging into the secrets of those she loves…

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon

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Meet the Author

Mildred Abbott

Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods.  She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality.  Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Secret Club / Instagram / Audible

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Cozy Corgi Mysteries Banner

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Welcome to my stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Mildred Abbott’s The Cozy Corgi Mysteries hosted by Pump Up Your Book from October 1 – November 30, 2018.

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40610758

 CHAOTIC CORGIS(Book 6)
by Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications LLC
Pages: 213
Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Review

I love the covers for this series and how each one relates to each story. Take a good look at this cover. It shows the story in such a fun way.

When Paulie, a friend of Fred’s, is arrested for murder, she offers to help in any way she can. She’d investigate all leads. And take care of Paulie’s two crazy Corgi’s, Flotsam and Jetsam. Watson is quite put out. You see, being the laid back dog that he is, he’s never warmed up to these dogs, Sure, their Corgi’s, but they’re so exuberant and out of control he has no time for them. Looks like Fred and Watson have their hands full.

Something I’ve enjoyed in this series is how the author introduces new characters via Fred questioning them and following one lead to the next and the next. And each book has a known character take the fore as they come under suspicion. Bits of their personal lives are revealed and the secrets about them that were hinted at in earlier stories are revealed.

I’ll admit, one of the most fun parts of this book for me was the dogs. Watson doesn’t like the rowdy guests that have taken over his quiet little home. Flotsam and Jetsam treat everyone and everything like it’s the bestest toy in the world. How Watson handles these two is clever and laughable. And Fred might want to take a page from his handbook.

A fun little fact. Corgi’s shed, a lot. Going by how Fred described it, I pictured Watson as a doggie Pig Pen from the Charlie Brown cartoons, with a cloud of dog hair following him everywhere he went.

Almost forgot, Fred and Branson are officially dating. These two butt heads all the time as he wants her to stay out of police business and she continues to stick her nose in it. I’m not sure how they’ll work that out and still feel romantic. It was fun finding out.

Be sure to check out the Author’s Note at the end of the book. You’ll learn more about Watson. And there’s also a recipe for healthy dog treats, Watson’s favorite food group.

Once again the author gave me a tangled mystery, quirky, delightful characters and sweet puppy fun, and I’m still loving this series.

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Synopsis

At the height of the summer season, Estes Park explodes with people, wildlife, fireworks, and… murder.

The Cozy Corgi Bookshop and Bakery is buzzing with tourists, and Winifred Page and her quirky corgi, Watson, celebrate the Fourth of July picnicking with family and friends—of the human and four-legged variety. As summer blooms with romance for Fred and Sergeant Branson Wexler, murder lurks around the corner.

With a friend’s life in danger, Fred and Watson doggedly pursue the investigation, even as Fred finds herself once again at odds with the police department. But caring for two chaotic corgis while navigating emotions from the past in the midst of solving a mystery might be too much, and Fred hits a roadblock.

As relationships are tested and secrets exposed, Fred might lose more than one person she loves…

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon

~~~~~

Meet the Author

Mildred Abbott

Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods.  She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality.  Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Secret Club / Instagram / Audible

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

INKLING ban

INKLING
by Kenneth Oppel

INKLING cov

Pub. Date: November 6, 2018
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 272
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonAudibleB&NiBooksTBD

My Review

Books that encourage me to use my imagination, to stretch it, are always a delight. And Inkling was quite a stretch. Imagine an inkblot coming to life. All the things it could become.

Ethan Rylance got himself in a big pickle. He volunteered to do the illustrations for his school’s project. What was he thinking? He can’t draw. Mr. Rylance is in a bigger pickle. It’s been two years since his last graphic novel and he’s got writer’s block in a big way. One night, while everyone is sleeping, the ink from his sketchbook comes together and escapes the page. Inkling is about to create.

While this story touches on dealing with the loss of a loved one, it’s not the main focus and most of it’s good plain fun. Some extra thrills are added when the Rylance family’s little secret is discovered by someone not so nice.  This part I could go on and on about, but I’ll not spoil it for you. I was equal parts angry at the bad guys, worried about Inkling and hopeful for this family that needs something magical in their lives.

Inkling is such a fun book. I gobbled this up as fast as Inkling slurped up ink.

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Synopsis

From the acclaimed author of The Nest, The Boundless, and Airborn comes a brilliantly funny, breakout book about a boy who discovers an ink blot that’s come to life! Perfect for those who love Hoot and Frindle and sure to be a hit with kids everywhere!

The Rylance family is stuck. Dad’s got writer’s block. Ethan promised to illustrate a group project at school–even though he can’t draw. Sarah’s still pining for a puppy. And they all miss Mom. So much more than they can say.

Enter Inkling. Inkling begins life in Mr. Rylance’s sketchbook. But one night the ink of his drawings runs together–and then leaps off the page! This small burst of creativity is about to change everything.

Ethan finds him first. Inkling has absorbed a couple chapters of his math book–not good–and the story he’s supposed to be illustrating for school–also not good. But Inkling’s also started drawing the pictures to go with the story–which is amazing! It’s just the help Ethan was looking for! Inkling helps the rest of the family too–for Sarah he’s a puppy. And for Dad he’s a spark of ideas for a new graphic novel. It’s exactly what they all want.

It’s not until Inkling goes missing that this family has to face the larger questions of what they–and Inkling–truly need.

Kenneth Oppel has given us a small masterpiece of middle-grade fiction. Inkling is funny and fizzy and exciting, and brimming with the kind of interesting ideas and dilemmas that kids will love to wrestle with. And Sydney Smith is creating wonderfully inky illustrations to bring the story to vivid life. Get ready. A little ink blot is about to become your new favorite character!

About Kenneth Oppel

I was born in Port Alberni, a mill town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but spent the bulk of my childhood in Victoria, B.C. and on the opposite coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At around twelve I decided I wanted to be a writer. I started out writing sci-fi epics then went on to swords and sorcery tales and then, during the summer holiday when I was fourteen, started on a humorous story about a boy addicted to video games. Photo credit: Mark Raynes Roberts

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Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow the tour for more fun stops:

Week One:

11/1/2018- The Reading Corner for All– Review

11/2/2018- Here’s to Happy EndingsSpotlight

Week Two:

11/5/2018- Belles Book Blog– Review

11/6/2018- D Wants to Read– Review

11/7/2018- Beagles & Books– Review

11/8/2018- YA Books Central– Interview

11/9/2018- Belle’s Archive– Review

Week Three:

11/12/2018- Maddie.TV – Review

11/13/2018- Cindy’s Love of Books– Review

11/14/2018- Bri’s Book Nook– Review

11/15/2018- FUONLYKNEW– Review

11/16/2018- BookHounds YA– Review

Week Four:

11/19/2018- Twirling Book Princess Excerpt

11/20/2018- Book-Keeping– Review

11/21/2018- A Dream Within A Dream– Excerpt

11/22/2018- All the Ups and Downs- Excerpt

11/23/2018- Lilly’s Book World Review

Week Five:

11/26/2018- The Layaway Dragon– Review

11/27/2018- The Cover Contessa– Interview

11/28/2018- The Pages In-Between– Review

11/29/2018- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review

11/30/2018- Oh Hey! Books.– Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Cozy Corgi Mysteries Banner

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Welcome to my stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Mildred Abbott’s The Cozy Corgi Mysteries hosted by Pump Up Your Book from October 1 – November 30, 2018.

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Title: SCORNFUL SCONES (Book 5)
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications LLC
Pages: 302
Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Review

Fred is busy with her first tourist season in Estes Park since The Cozy Corgi opened. But she still finds time to attend an event at the Black Bear Roaster. Even though the owner can’t stand her, she stills needs to show her face. Wouldn’t you know it. She accidentally overhears an argument between two people and soon after one of them chokes to death. Fred and Watson are once again on the case.

So many fun things to talk about. I was especially excited about Ben and Nick. Twin brothers that couldn’t be more different. Fred hired Ben to work in her increasingly busy bookstore and bakery and is soon immersed in the job of his clearing his brother Nick’s name when he is arrested for murder.  I had so many hopes about these two brothers. And had such fun reading whether things went the way I wanted.

Fred was a bit off her stride this time around. Not only because of her anxiety over possibly rekindling her romance with Sergeant Branson. But also because she struggled with not one but two suspicious deaths and, for the first time, had doubts about her ability to solve them. I sure struggled with trying to solve these myself. Without even realizing it, I retained in my head some clues that didn’t even appear to be clues. How did the author do that? When the big reveal came, I remembered all those hidden hints and had a now I see moment.

Watson, our furry friend, is his usual incorrigible self. He usually avoids most people, unless you are a regular dog biscuit enabler. He does have a crush on Park Ranger Leo and Fred’s stepfather Barry. He goes all silly when they’re around. And now there seems to be another human with mysterious charms for Watson to go all waggy tailed over.

More is revealed about the character’s of Estes Park. Two suspicious deaths kept me guessing. And lots of furry mayhem had me wearing a grin all through this one.

I’m more in love with this series than ever.

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Synopsis

With summer approaching, Estes Park is abuzz with flowers, baking, tourists, and… murder.

Tourist season is about to begin, and the lovely weather has Winifred Page and her corgi sidekick, Watson, leaving the comfort of the Cozy Corgi Bookshop and Bakery to reluctantly attend a celebration at the Black Bear Roaster coffee shop. But a chill of uncertainty settles over Fred when a choking death doesn’t seem so accidental—despite the dry, hazardous scones.

As Fred and Police Sergeant Branson Wexler rekindle a possible romance, Fred shares her suspicions. But is she seeing murder at every turn? Learning to trust her gut feelings, Fred risks the ire of the coffee shop owner to investigate not one, but two, deaths.
As suspects and motives abound, old resentments are uncovered, and Fred and Watson build new friendships even as they follow the crumbs to find clues to a killer.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon

~~~~~

Meet the Author

Mildred Abbott

Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods.  She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality.  Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Secret Club / Instagram / Audible

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Cozy Corgi Mysteries Banner

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Welcome to my stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Mildred Abbott’s The Cozy Corgi Mysteries hosted by Pump Up Your Book from October 1 – November 30, 2018.

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38189937

SAVAGE SOURDOUGH (Book 4)
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications LLC
Pages: 296
Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Review

Now that The Cozy Corgi is up and running and a huge success, Fred is looking forward to curling up in her favorite nook with a good mystery. That all flies out the window when another dead body is discovered in her kitchen in the bakery upstairs. Time for Fred and Watson to get back to what they love, sniffing out a killer.

I very much enjoyed the first three books and couldn’t wait to dig into this one. I was pleasantly surprised to find not only another complicated mystery to figure out, but a bit darker one. And so many new details about the characters of Estes Park. I barely came up for air as I learned so many wicked little secrets.

 I always wondered about Watson. Fred hinted about his origins in the first books but now I know how these two found each other. Or I should say how Watson found Fred. Fascinating stuff.

Still not sure what’s up with Sergeant Branson and getting more and more curious. Where does he go when he’s not working?  I’m sure Fred will eventually sort that out. And I wonder if their brush with romance is really over.

There’s also some fun happenings with Officer Susan Green. Her and Fred loathe each other, but more is revealed about Susan and the two gals might be warming to each other. I do say might be.

It’s more madcap fun with these colorful characters and a mystery that leads you down many mistaken paths. I’m still loving this series and now deep into the next book, Scornful Scones

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Synopsis

Opening the Cozy Corgi in Estes Park is a dream come true: small-town charm, fresh-baked bread, hours by the fire reading mysteries, and… murder.

For Winifred Page and her devoted corgi, Watson, the puzzle pieces of life are falling into place as they settle into their home in the Colorado mountains. Surrounded by family and friends, Fred begins to relax into the charm and beauty of being the owner of a bookshop and bakery.

The buzz of possible romance—though Fred wasn’t looking for a relationship—has quieted as one of her suitors is no longer a viable option while the other has moved into the friend zone. But all thoughts of romance, wanted or not, fly out the window when Fred finds a dead body in the Cozy Corgi bakery… again.

Things get stickier when Fred’s main suspect turns out to be a family member of one of the local police officers—the one who already despises Fred and her little dog. Determined not to let past grievances cloud her judgment, Fred tips her detective hat and pokes deeper into the murder investigation. But in a mystery that becomes smoke and mirrors, nothing is as it seems.

The revelations Fred unveils threaten not only her picture-perfect world but her very life….

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon

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Meet the Author

Mildred Abbott

Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods.  She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality.  Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Secret Club / Instagram / Audible

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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Uncle And Ants

A Silicon Valley Mystery

by Marc Jedel

Uncle and Ants: A Silicon Valley Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
BGM Press (October 11, 2018)
Print Length: 287 pages
ASIN: B07H68L6XR

My Review

I’m always excited when I start a new cozy series and Uncle And Ants tickled my fancy on so many levels. Picture it. A man kind of full of himself and sure he’s the be all of investigations takes it upon himself to solve the mystery of who tried to kill his sister. She’s a widowed mother of two teenage girls and doesn’t seem likely to be on someone’s hit list.

Marty was determined to solve the mystery and protect his family. If only he had the slightest clue what he was doing. Good thing he didn’t take himself too seriously. I can’t count on two hands how many times I laughed out loud at his fun incompetence. And don’t even get me started on him coping with two teenage girls. The horror. LOL

Fun at every turn, a convoluted mystery with quite the list of suspects and characters you can’t get enough of. You can bet I’ll be following this series.

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Synopsis

Protect his sister. Solve a murder. Get his eye-rolling, pre-teen nieces to school. And that’s just how Marty Golden’s crazy week begins to unravel.

A mysterious crash hospitalizes Marty’s sister and a nearby murder puts her in deadly danger. Too bad Marty isn’t exactly hero material.

Working in Silicon Valley, Marty’s skills lie more in navigating technology and telling dad jokes than playing an amateur sleuth. Armed with special powers of self-delusion and the inability to leave a coherent voicemail message, Marty bumbles through investigating his sister’s zany HR clients, exposing dangerous secrets and suspects, all while becoming attracted to a suspect.

In the process, Marty stumbles into a drug gang, impersonates an IRS agent, tangles with an assassin, dodges a cantankerous school secretary and is frequently outsmarted by his two sly, yet vulnerable, nieces. This quirky, fashion-backward uncle must save his sister, solve the mystery and get his life back to normal — before it’s too late.

As his eight, or maybe nine, year-old niece would say, “Betcha, you’ll like it.”

Author Marc Jedel

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In my family, I was born first — a fact my sister never lets me forget, no matter what milestone age she hits.

For most of my life, I’ve been inventing stories. Some, especially when I was young, involved my sister as the villain. As my sister’s brother for her entire life, I’m highly qualified to tell the tale of the evolving, quirky sibling relationship in Uncle and Ants: A Silicon Valley Mystery.

My writing skills were honed in years of marketing leadership positions in Silicon Valley. While my high-tech marketing roles involved crafting plenty of fiction, we called these marketing collateral, emails, and ads.

My family and friends would tell you that Marty’s character isn’t much of a stretch of the imagination for me, but I proudly resemble that remark.

Author Links – Coming Soon

Purchase Link

Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 5 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW

November 6 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST

November 6 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 7 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 9 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 10 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 10 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST

November 11 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

November 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 16 – Jane Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 17 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

November 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Cozy Corgi Mysteries Banner

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Welcome to my stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Mildred Abbott’s The Cozy Corgi Mysteries hosted by Pump Up Your Book from October 1 – November 30, 2018.

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38193271

Title: BICKERING BIRDS (Book 3)
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications LLC
Pages: 280
Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Review

I’ve been waiting for The Cozy Corgi to open. And I know it can’t be anything but a smashing success. With Fred making it all cozy and packing it with books, to Katie using the upstairs for her bakery, filling the building with mouth watering aromas, how could it not be. Opening night and the place is packed. The opening is a big success and Katie even got hired to cater a meeting of the Feathered Friends Brigade. Fred and Katie go with the group on a moonlight bird watching expedition. They don’t see any birds, but they do find a dead body. One of the members lies dead and there’s no lack of suspects. Time for Fred to get back to sleuthing.

I loved how the author showed me The Cozy Corgi. I could see it in all it’s glory. And I swear I could smell some of Katie’s delicious Lemon Bars and homemade bread. But, back to the case. This time Fred isn’t a suspect, or a witness. She just happens to be in the vicinity of the murder. But she jumps right in and starts to investigate, even though Sergeant Branson and Officer Susan Green are adamant she stay out of it. Fred cracks me up. She gets all twitchy and just can’t help herself. She has to see if she can solve the case. Even if she’ll have to face the ire of Susan. The two never hit it off. Something about Fred causes her to act like she has a burr under her saddle.

Watson is his usual grumpy, adorable self. I was thinking and came to the realization that he actually does sniff out clues. They might not seem relevant at the time but they do later.  And all he asks for in return is a bite of your scone or a nice big dog biscuit.

And Watson isn’t the only one that helps Fred investigate. Katie wants in, and Fred’s mom and stepdad, along with her uncles, know all of the latest gossip. Funny what you can discover just by eavesdropping. And you know what they say about small towns… everyone knows everyone else’s business.

Fred and Watson are on the case. The list of suspects is long. Romance has taken a back burner this time. Kind of. And there’s plenty of laughs.  I’m having such a great time with these character’s and already reading Savage Sourdough, the next book.

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Synopsis

Rocky Mountain National Park has it all: rugged peaks, pine-scented forests, enchanting bird-watching locations, and… murder.

The Cozy Corgi bookshop finally opens, and Winifred Page and her headstrong corgi, Watson, are ready to welcome their first patrons. With her new best friend, Katie, creating heavenly pastries in the bakery on the top floor of the store, Fred’s dreams are all coming together in delicious and unexpected ways.

When Katie caters a meeting of the Feathered Friends Brigade and drags Fred along, they expect nothing more than loquacious chatter about birds as they endeavor to build a professional relationship with the owner of the wild bird shop. Fred and Katie are quickly roped into a moonlight snowshoeing hike in hopes of spotting a rare owl. While the endangered bird proves elusive… the murdered man in the snow is hard to miss.

Fred’s growing relationship with Sergeant Wexler hits a snag when he forbids her from donning her sleuth hat yet again. But Fred is a lot like her corgi—she doesn’t like being told what to do, even if it puts an end to a possible romance.

As Fred and Watson delve into the lives of the ornithological club members, the tangled birds’ nest of an investigation makes Fred wonder if she should have left this one to the police. But when feathers begin to fly, Fred has no choice but to flush out a killer…

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon

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Meet the Author

Mildred Abbott

Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods.  She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality.  Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Secret Club / Instagram / Audible

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Cozy Corgi Mysteries Banner

.

Welcome to my stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Mildred Abbott’s The Cozy Corgi Mysteries hosted by Pump Up Your Book from October 1 – November 30, 2018.

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37556915

Title: TRAITOROUS TOYS (Book 2)
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications LLC
Pages: 2278
Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Review

The quaint town of Estes Park is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It looks like a perfect picture postcard. But the picture changes abruptly when Fred and her friend, Katie, dong a little holiday shopping, enter a toy store to discover a man taking his last breaths. It’s not all candy canes and ho ho ho anymore.

Once again Fred is tangled up in a murder investigation. This time she’s not a suspect, just a witness, but her friend is at the top of the list. She won’t be told what to do and bumps up against Sergeant Branson once again. These two are such fun. There’s sparks there, but Fred is busy trying to get her bookstore, The Cozy Corgi, up and running. Does she really have time for romance? And how much can Branson take of her snooping into his investigation before those sparks turn cold?

Attempted murder becomes real when the man dies. Fred and her sidekick, the grumpy Corgi, Watson, are once again on the case. It was fun following along as they grilled suspects and sniffed out clues, the list of suspects ever changing. I admit, I was lead down several false trails and when the culprit was revealed, it was sudden and surprising.

This series is fun and addictive. Next up is Bickering Birds and I’m excited about the opening of The Cozy Corgi and curious to see what befalls these captivating characters next.

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Synopsis

It’s Christmas in Estes Park, Colorado: cozy fires, twinkling lights, soft snowfall, and… murder.
The winter holidays in charming Estes Park lulls Winifred Page and her corgi, Watson, into thoughts of spiced chai and gingerbread as they settle into their new home. Fred’s dream bookshop is becoming a reality, and with Christmas only days away, her only concerns are spending time with family, enforcing Watson’s diet, and finding the perfect gifts.
The toy store beckons Fred and her friend Katie, who dash in out of the cold, during a shopping spree to discover handmade toys, cuddly stuffed animals… and a dying man on the floor.

When Katie’s desperate attempts to save the man ends in her being taken in for his murder, Fred once again dons her detective hat. She puts aside her Christmas list and—with Watson sniffing around—begins a list of suspects. But as quickly as clues point to one person, new discoveries shift the spotlight to another.
With Katie’s freedom in the balance, Fred has little time to think about gifts or to enjoy the holiday lights and music. A killer is on the loose, one who became violent in a picture-perfect Christmas toy shop, and Fred and Watson can’t begin to predict what might happen next…

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon

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Meet the Author

Mildred Abbott

Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods.  She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality.  Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Secret Club / Instagram / Audible

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.