The Poisoner's Ring

Title: The Poisoner's Ring
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Published: May 23, 2023 by Minotaur Books
Format: Kindle, Harcover 352 pages
Genre: Time Travel
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: A Rip Through Time #2

First Sentence: There are many skills I hoped to master in my professional career. Scrubbing chamber pots was not one of them, and yet here we are.

Blurb: Edinburgh, 1869: Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell―even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body―and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and their latest case hits close to home. Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison, and all signs point to the grieving widows… the latest of which is Gray’s oldest sister.

Poison is said to be a woman’s weapon, though Mallory has to wonder if it’s as simple as that. But she must tread carefully. Every move the household makes is being watched, and who knows where the investigation will lead. (GoodReads)

My Opinion: The second book in the "Rip through Time" series continues Mallory's reality of time travel and Dr. Duncan Gray and his family's acceptance without much fuss.

The story combines Mallory's present-day investigative knowledge with Edinburgh in 1869, resulting in amusing conversations and adventures between her and Gray. Mallory, who poses as a housemaid and assistant to an undertaker, works with Gray, who moonlights as a medical examiner. Together, they find themselves entangled in twisty investigations that require modern-day skills and Victorian-era methods.

What's interesting about "The Poisoner's Ring" is how it combines modern-day acceptances into the storyline and makes readers wonder how Edinburgh, in Victorian Times, would have treated those who lived outside the norms of the time.

As a fan of Kelley Armstrong, I'm glad she unknotted the twisty plot and tied it up neatly, as some situations and relationships confused me. I enjoyed the ending and felt for Duncan when he expressed his feelings for Mallory and how he will miss her when their time together comes to an end.

Death on a Moonlit Night

Title: Death on a Moonlit Night
Author: Matthew Costello and Neil Richards
Published: June 13, 2017 by Bastei Entertainment
Format: Kindle, 113 Pages
Genre: Police Procedural
Series: Cherringham #26

First Sentence: Lee Taylor hit “send” on his weekly sales analysis email, listened for the satisfying whoosh, then shut down his laptop.

Blurb: When the boss of the big local DIY outlet is murdered on a moonlit night, all the evidence points to the store's junior manager. And when police retrieve the murder weapon from the Thames, the manager goes on the run. But Jack and Sarah are not at all sure of his guilt. Can they uncover the real killer before it's too late for the runaway suspect? (Amazon)

My Opinion: If you have a secret, it's best to keep your distance from ex-NYPD detective Jack and web designer Sarah since they have a knack for uncovering every little detail.

However, they do come in handy if you are engaged to fan favorite Grace, as Jack and Sarah will do everything in their power to protect you from any wrongful accusations.

As this novella reminds you, if someone from your past comes knocking on your door, it's best to avoid answering, especially if you have a gun in the house and a mentally unstable person is seeking revenge.

Overall, I find this series enjoyable as it's always entertaining to catch up with Jack and Sarah and see what adventures they are up to in the village of Cherringham.

Give Fudge a Chance

Title: Give Fudge a Chance
Author: Nancy Coco
Published: May 23, 2023 by Kensington Books
Format: Kindle, 274 pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Candy-Coated Mysteries #11

First Sentence: "Are you entering the cornhold contest?" my best friend, Jenn asked.

Blurb: The Mackinac County fair is in full swing, and the air is rich with the scent of funnel cakes and the sound of carnival rides. Allie is focused on the fudge competition—another win would really put her hotel and fudge shop on the map. But she’s willing to take a little break and walk through the haunted house attraction with her friend Jenn.

When they come across a body, though, it turns out not to be a prop. Soon Allie’s cop boyfriend is on the scene, and the sleuthing confectioner is hunting for clues. Danger strikes too close to home when the hotel becomes the scene of a suspicious fatal accident, and Allie suspects the two deaths are connected. The case is turning into a real rollercoaster. Allie will need to hold on tight

My Opinion: I am not sure how the title of this book connects to the plot. Give fudge a chance to do what?

It is unusual for a murder victim to be skilled in rooftop parkour, but it made for an intriguing twist and explained how they were in proximity of the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. The victim’s age was also surprising since I had assumed Hazel was much younger based on the first part of the book.

I was puzzled by the reaction of another fair entrant towards Allie but dismissed them as suspects because they seemed too obvious. However, one of the culprits came out of nowhere. Their name was only mentioned a few times at the beginning of the book, and even Allie didn't remember them. Thankfully, there was a recap at the end to tie up loose ends. Then Harry's sudden romantic interest in Allie and Rex's exaggerated reaction seemed out of place. The book was full of many odd plot twists, including how Mal, the dog, could hear a cell phone ringing blocks away in an underground tunnel. It made me question the author's credibility -- and that is saying a lot when it comes to this genre.

I enjoyed that the story takes place on Mackinac Island, where cars are not allowed, and bicycles are the primary mode of transportation during the summer season. Even the police use bikes to reach crime scenes and take their time to put down their kickstands before apprehending suspects and walking them to the police station.

No release date for the next in the series – Three Fudges and a Baby.

Peg and Rose Solve a Murder

Title: Peg and Rose Solve a Murder
Author: Laurien Berenson
Published: August 30, 2022 by Kensington
Format: 304 pages, Hardcover
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Series: Senior Sleuths #1

First Sentence: Peg Turnbull was standing in the hot sun on a plot of hardpacked grass, staring at a row of Standard Poodles that was lined up along one side of her show ring.

Blurb: Rose Donovan looks for the good in everyone. With her sister-in-law, Peg, that sometimes requires a lot of searching. Even a sixty-something former nun like Rose has her limits, and gruff Peg Turnbull sure knows how to push them. But after forty years of bickering, they’re attempting to start over, partnering up to join the local bridge club.

Peg and Rose barely have a chance to celebrate their first win before one of the club’s most accomplished players is killed in his home. As the newest members, the sisters-in-law come under scrutiny and decide to start some digging of their own. Bridge is typically seen as a wholesome pastime, yet this group of senior citizens harbors a wealth of vices, including gambling, cheating, and adultery.

By comparison, Peg and Rose’s fractious relationship is starting to feel almost functional. But as their suspect list narrows, they’re unaware that their logic has a dangerous flaw. And they’ll have to hope that their teamwork holds steady when they’re confronted by a killer who’s through with playing games. (GoodReads)

My Opinion: This book is a spin-off of the Melanie Travis Canine series and follows the adventures of Melanie's elderly aunts and is heavy on Bridge, poodles, cake, and disagreements.

The story picks up around a quarter of the way when a murder occurs. The dynamic duo of Peg and Rose, with Peg's inquisitive nature and Rose's past as a nun, make for an intriguing team when their nosiness takes over. During the last quarter of the book, they finally make a breakthrough.

By the end, readers will understand the out-of-left-field reason why the murder occurred, but it may feel like too little, too late.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Title: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Published: September 22, 2015 by Riverhead Books
Format: Hardcover, 276 Pages
Genre: Non-Fiction

First Sentence: Once upon a time, there was a man named Jack Gilbert, who was not related to me – unfortunately for me.

Blurb: Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Gilbert offers insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy. (GoodReads)

My Opinion: Recommended read from a Women’s Group at work.

Big Magic entails the hunt to find the buried treasures within ourselves. To unleash the paradox of our creativity and not let fear shut us down. If you want creativity in your life, you need to make space for failure. Do not take yourself so seriously and do not lead a life of a tortured soul.

Once you get past the definitions of creativity, the reach of her stories become interesting. They will hit each reader differently depending on where they are in their life. There will be a few moments of reflection, sadness, hope, and laughter. Really, who couldn’t laugh at the concept of a court lobster.

My struggle with the first chapters of the book is that I’m not a free-range creative person, I follow along a practical creativity path which is the ability to discover solutions that will solve problems, so the beginning of the book was almost the end for me. But I stuck with it and I do hope that people reading this book do not give up too soon. If the beginning begins to bog you down, skip to the stories. They will sustain you to the end.

The Golden Spoon

Title: The Golden Spoon
Author: Jessa Maxwell
Published: March 7, 2023 by Atria Books
Format: Kindle, Hardcover 288 pages
Genre: Culinary Mystery
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

First Sentence: Prologue: Betsy. Betsy presses her cell phone to her ear, trying to hear.

Blurb: For six amateur bakers, competing in Bake Week is a dream come true.

When they arrive at Grafton Manor to compete, they're ready to do whatever it takes to win the ultimate The Golden Spoon.

But for the show's famous host, Betsy Martin, Bake Week is more than just a competition. Grafton Manor is her family's home and legacy - and Bake Week is her life's work. It's imperative that both continue to succeed.

But as the competition commences, things begin to go awry. At first, it's small acts of sabotage. Someone switching sugar for salt. A hob turned far too high. But when a body is discovered, it's clear that for someone in the competition, The Golden Spoon is a prize worth killing for.

My Opinion: Combines The Great British Show and a murder mystery. With the murder taking a backseat to all the other shenanigans.

At the start of the book, I found it confusing as all the characters were introduced without any context to allow me to remember who was who. However, by the end of the book, when each character was reintroduced with insight into missing parts, everything fell into place perfectly.

While a few issues caused me to backtrack a page or two, overall, I appreciated the unique qualities each character brought to the story. Although the book wasn't flawless, I still found it enjoyable. Jessa Maxwell is an author worth keeping an eye on.

Paper Cuts

Title: Paper Cuts
Author: Ellery Adams
Published: April 25, 2023 by Kensington
Format: Kindle, Hardcover 304 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Secret, Book, & Scone Society #6

First Sentence: “I loved this book.” Hester Winthrop stroked the paperback on her lap as if it were a cat.

Blurb: Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is famed for its healing springs. But bookstore owner Nora Pennington has a tendency to land in a different kind of hot water. Though she loves to practice bibliotherapy by finding the perfect books for her customers while listening to their secrets, she also likes to bury her nose in the occasional local crime…

Nora escaped her past a decade ago. So it feels like a visit from another world when Kelly Walsh—the woman her ex-husband left her for—walks through the door of Miracle Books along with her son, a sweet, serious boy with a talent for origami. Kelly hasn’t come to gloat, though. As it turns out, she’s been dumped too. She’s also terribly ill, and all she wants from Nora is forgiveness.

Shockingly, however, this woman who’s been the victim of so much misfortune is about to become a murder victim. Who would do such a thing? Certainly not Nora, but that doesn’t stop the gossip and suspicion—especially after Kelly’s brother claims that he saw the two women arguing.

In seeking justice for Kelly, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society joins forces with the sheriff’s department, but they’ve barely begun their probe when life throws another wrench. After serving a twenty-year sentence, Estella’s father returns to Miracle Springs. And when his past comes back to haunt him, it might be more than the four friends can handle. (GoodReads)

My Opinion: Paper Cuts offered an early twist, which I didn't see coming, and I was surprised by this unexpected turn of events. The book also addressed the one thing which had always bothered me about this series. How did Nora avoid serving jail time for a previous fiery DUI accident?

Compared to the previous installments, I enjoyed this book more. The author avoided a preachy or judgmental tone and instead focused on exploring the theme of the family with the added bonus of sprinkling various book titles and authors throughout.

Overall, I am eager to continue reading this series. The strong sense of community and friendship between the women is refreshing and keeps me invested in their stories.

Earth's the Right Place for Love

Title: Earth's the Right Place for Love
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Published: March 21, 2023 by Random House
Format: Kindle, Hardcover 288 pages
Genre: Fiction
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Mason #0.5

First Sentence: Arthur Moses believes it is not a terrible thing to think that you may be dying.

Blurb: Nola McCollum is the most desirable girl in Arthur's class, and he is thrilled when they become friends. But Arthur wants far more than friendship. Unfortunately, Nola has a crush on the wrong Moses--Arthur's older brother, Frank, who is busy pursuing his own love interest and avoiding the boys' father, a war veteran with a drinking problem and a penchant for starting fights. When a sudden tragedy rocks the family's world, Arthur struggles to come to terms with his grief. In the end, it is nature that helps him to understand how to go on, beyond loss, and create a life of forgiveness and empathy. But what can he do about Nola, who seems confused about what she wants in life, and only half aware of the one who loves her most? (GoodReads)

My Opinion: This book is a prequel to the Arthur Trulove/Mason series.

Although I am not usually a fan of "coming of age" stories, this book eventually captured my attention. It was heart-wrenching to see Arthur face challenges and put himself on the back burner for those he loved.

The book's portrayal of Arthur's early 1950s life made me nostalgic for a simpler time when taking a girl out on a date only cost $1.50 for a meal, and a kiss on the cheek was swoon-worthy.

I have read and enjoyed the previous books in the Mason series, and this prequel ties the series together nicely.