Murder She Meowed by Ruth J Hartman is the second book in her Bookshop Kitties Mysteries series. It’s possible to read as a standalone book but would definitely make more sense read in order. It follows Christy and her two kitties – Milton and Pearl – as they uncover the mystery behind the death of a recently rearrived to town – Tad. The story starts off quick as the wedding of Christy’s Aunt and keeps a lively pace throughout. It contains a small town with quirky characters as the web of lies surrounding Tad unravels.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Whisper Hymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWhisper Hymer2024-02-11 06:22:522024-02-16 08:46:09Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Whisper Hymer
I read this as a standalone but will definitely be going back and reading the 1st one!
I love a good mystery book but often times have it pretty figured out by the halfway point. Halfway through and I was still suspecting everyone and hadn’t really checked many off my list. All of the characters are well written and hold their own mystery and interest. Personally, I love Milton & Pearl being so involved in anything that Christy does, from their jobs at the bookstore to being pushed around town in a stroller to going on walks in their harnesses, they are truly living their best kitten lives.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessie Hopkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessie Hopkins2024-02-10 19:18:492024-02-16 08:43:29Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jessie Hopkins
Murder She Meowed is a cosy mystery featuring cats, a bookshop and a bakery. What’s not to love! It’s the second in the Bookshop Kitties Mysteries series and reads fine as a standalone, as long as you don’t mind spoilers for the previous book.
I love the cast of community characters. There are many casual connections, but as the story unfolds we learn more about people’s pasts and how they were connected with the murder victim. All kinds of people come into Christy’s bookshop, and she’s good at getting them to talk about themselves as well as the books they have come to buy! I particularly liked Lora, who needed to buy two copies of Christy’s latest book to avoid a fight between her daughters.
The cats are a fun addition to the story. In their cat stroller, they come almost everywhere Christy does and their reactions lead her to clues. They can also help people feel calm and open up!
This book gets four stars from me. If you’re looking for something to read while you are performing important duties as a comfortable seat for your cat, look no further!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2024-02-10 15:31:062024-02-16 08:42:28Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
“Murder She Meowed” by Ruth Hartman is a delightful cozy mystery that kept me hooked from the first page. The author’s writing style is engaging and the plot is well-paced, with a perfect blend of suspense and humor. I enjoyed the intricate details and the well-developed characters, each with their quirks and motives. The book also successfully captures the essence of small-town life, adding charm to the story. Overall, “Murder She Meowed” is a highly entertaining and engaging mystery that will leave you guessing until the end. I would highly recommend it to any cozy mystery lover.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Crosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Cross2024-02-09 09:10:132024-02-16 08:35:55Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Carrie Cross
5 Stars Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman
Murder She Meowed is the second book in the Bookshop Kitties Mysteries and is a wonderfully written Cozy Mystery. I absolutely loved reading this book and it was the perfect book to curl up with on the couch with on . This was such a fun lil cozy mystery it’s packed with drama, adventure, humor ,family, friendships ,banter and so much more . What will happen when Christy shows up to help a friend out and finds a dead body? Can she prove it wasn’t her friend? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im looking forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2024-02-09 04:29:462024-02-15 12:04:55Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Christy’s Aunt Betty gets married and all is going well until the body of an unexpected wedding guest shows up. This cozy mystery was great. I came to know and love the characters (especially the cats). I could picture this town where everything was happening. I plan to read more of this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paula Sayershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaula Sayers2024-02-08 20:26:422024-02-16 08:32:35Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Paula R Sayers
This is the first book I have read by this wonderful author and I am very happy to say it won’t be the last! I had such a great time curling up to read this Cozy mystery that when I finished It, I was left with a HUGE smile on my face. It has been a while since I have read a mystery and this one did not disappoint at all. Its such an entertaining read filled with a fun mix of characters, in a wonderful small town that will keep you hooked from start to finish!! Trust me lovelies and just get reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2024-02-08 15:03:232024-02-16 08:30:38Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jules Herbert
An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery which kept me happily turning the pages. Christy Bailey is a children’s book author who’s two cats Milton and Pearl star in her books. The cats are also an important part of her Aunt Betty’s small family wedding, as they are being pulled down the aisle in a wagon dressed in wedding outfits. Following the reception Christy and Micah arrive at the wedding caterer’s shop to help her clean up, but instead of Janie they find her ex-husband on the floor, dead. Unfortunately the local police believe that Janie is the most likely suspect for the murder, but Christy, along with Milton and Pearl start their own investigation to prove her innocence. Once again the author brings the setting of Green Meadow, Indiana vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The intriguing storyline, quirky characters and the cats made this a real page turner, whilst the murder mystery aspect of the plot kept me hooked throughout. Christy is a likeable and relatable main character and I love Milton and Pearl!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-02-08 12:17:092024-02-16 08:24:43Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This book was so cozy and cute! First of all, I loved the name of the bookstore Words to Read By. I really love the characters and all of the ways they try to solve the mystery. I definitely smiled when I read some of the scenarios and enjoy that cats are a big piece of the story. It was definitely a great second piece to the series as I enjoyed the first book as well!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trish Annhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrish Ann2024-02-08 08:30:452024-02-16 08:20:23Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Trish Ann
Murder She Meowed is the second book in the Bookshop Kitties Mystery series by Ruth J. Hartman. I know I am always in for a treat when one of Ms. Hartman’s books lands on my Kindle- and this definitely didn’t disappoint. As expected, this is a well-woven, fun cozy mystery- a bit of a whodunnit with murder, crime & investigation, quirky characters, feline cast members, humour, banter, drama, adventure, intrigue, drama, angst, small town charm, clever touches, family, friendship, and surprising developments. Christy Bailey is thrust into the middle of a murder mystery while helping her friend clean up her pastry shop after her aunt’s wedding. But finding a body wasn’t part of the plan. Especially since the body is her friend’s ex-husband- putting Janey at the top of the suspect list- and so things take an intriguing turn. We follow along as Christy and co set about finding some answers to prove her friend’s innocence. What happens makes for an entertaining read. Looking forward to more from Ms. Hartman. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-02-06 23:43:582024-02-14 13:08:24Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Angela Hayes
I love curling up to a good cozy mystery and I am no stranger to this author’s books. Murder She Meowed is Book 2 in the Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, and while I did not read the first book (yet), this story could be easily be read as a stand-alone…but I will definitely by circling back to read from the beginning. This story was fun to read with mystery, secrets a few twists and turns and of course kitties!! I love how this author integrates her story along with the kitties that make it fun.
Christy and a few friends help with her Aunt Betty’s wedding event to make sure everything is perfect. What could honestly go wrong on a joy-filled day then a wedding….but to only discover at Christy’s best friends pastry shop that Janie is not only greeted by her own ex husband…..only to lead to his death. With the detective having his eyes on Janie as a suspect….what did happen to her ex. As the pieces start to come together…the question is…who would even want Tad dead….hopefully Christy and her friend Micah…along with kitties Pearl and Milton…be able to solve the mystery…
This was a fun read and looking forward to more in this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2024-02-06 20:28:422024-02-16 08:14:57Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
I have read another Kitty series by this author so I was excited when I saw the ‘Bookshop Kitties Mysteries’ series. I love the way the author writes the interactions with the cats. It is so wholesome.
Christy’s aunt was getting married. At the wedding, there was an unexpected guest. Since Christy is relatively new to town, she didn’t recognize the man that everyone was upset about appearing. All she knew was that his name was Tad. Later that night Christy and her best friend, Janie, and Christy’s love interest, Micah all go to Janie’s shop to help her bring her stuff back from the venue. Low and behold they find Tad dead on the floor of Janie’s shop.
Everyone is a suspect and it is the talk of the town. Tad had a lot of enemies. No one in town had something nice to say about him. This is also the second time Christy has been the person to find a dead body in this small town causing her to be the talk of the town herself. Christy is on the case with her kitties Milton and Pearl. Her best friend is the main suspect since Tad was her ex-husband. Christy wants to prove her friend’s innocence.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2024-02-06 16:33:532024-02-16 08:13:05Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Santana Hicks
This book, and series, really is the epitome of a cozy mystery. It is fun, lighthearted and mysterious all at the same time. The variety of different characters in this book is brilliant. They span ages and personalities and all work together so well to make a really interesting book. I loved watching how this story developed. The author did a great job of doing throwing out multiple suspects to keep you guessing. I was engaged with the story the whole time and couldn’t wait to see how things would turn out. This was a great book and a brilliant addition to the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2024-02-06 15:19:022024-02-14 13:16:38Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Baker
This is a fun little read that starts off at a wedding with the attendants being cats. What a cute idea! Janie is horrified to see someone in the crowd at the wedding that she was hoping she’d never see again. Apparently a few others felt the same way! Soon we learn that the “mystery man” is found murdered on the floor of Janie’s shop.
Not one to shy away from a good mystery, Christy and her cats Milton and Pearl report for duty. They know Janie is innocent as they were all together during the time of the incident. Micah also pitches in to help in between his shifts as an ER doc. Together, they will find a way to solve this mystery, but what other mysteries will pop up in the process?
These cats are SPOILT!!! They are the stars of this book series and have a big role to play. They are also the characters in Christy’s book series that she writes and sells in her bookstore. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. This was my first time reading her work!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2024-02-06 14:28:212024-02-15 12:14:47Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Julie Johnson
Ruth brings us another fun tale in the Bookshop Kitties Mysteries series, Murder She Meowed. It is full of furry sidekicks and super sleuths in this sweet cozy mystery. Mayhem and madness ensue when Christy turns up to help a friend only to encounter a dead body. Now all she has to do is prove the innocence of an unlikely suspect. A small town, family, a wedding, a wagon full of dressed up cats in their finest wedding attire and a murder are all wrapped up in this fun-loving tale. This small town is full of colourful and quirky characters that you will love and make you laugh at their shenanigans and banter. Murder She Meowed will make you feel good. It is entertaining tale and is a great tale to get lost in for some all-important me time. If you love a good cozy mystery with an eclectic bunch, then this book is for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-02-06 13:20:262024-02-15 12:00:59Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is the second book in the Bookshop Kitties Series. These are a short cosy mystery read and even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. One thing is love is that the authors imagination and character development really brings the stories to life. You can’t help but be drawn into the story and the mystery has so many twists and turns that you are constantly kept guessing.
In this book we are back with Christy and her friends. When a distant relative turns up at her Aunty Betty’s wedding she is left wondering who he is. When it turns out that he is her best friend Janie’s ex husband things start to get strange and when said ex husband is found dead on Janie’s shop floor the question then is who is responsible. Janie is the prime suspect but even though she was at the wedding could she still have commited the crime? And if not her then who? As Christy starts to learn more about who this man was she starts to realise that the amount of people who would have wanted him dead keep increasing. Christy knows he wasn’t a nice man but even she is shocked as revelations come out about what he did and to who. But the question remains who is responsible for his death? Can she clear her friends name?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2024-02-06 12:33:552024-02-14 13:16:30Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Carr
“Murder She Meowed” by Ruth Hartman is a cozy mystery that is perfect for cat lovers and fans of light-hearted whodunits. The story is filled with charming characters, including the lovable cats Milton and Pearl, who add humor and personality to the narrative.
The plot is well-paced and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The small town setting adds to the cozy feel of the story, and the author’s descriptive writing brings Green Meadow to life.
Christy Bailey is a relatable and determined protagonist, and her determination to prove her friend’s innocence is both admirable and entertaining. The romantic subplot with Micah adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, and readers will be rooting for Christy to solve the mystery and find happiness in her personal life.
Overall, “Murder She Meowed” is a delightful read that combines mystery, romance, and feline antics in a fun and entertaining package. Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this charming book, and I look forward to reading more from Ruth Hartman in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2024-02-06 08:40:282024-02-16 08:10:41Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jennifer Crain
What a fun read. Who took out the ex? So many characters to choose fun. A fun cozy with some cool cats and an entertaining murder to solve. The wedding was my absolute favorite. This was a quick read that doesn’t give a way the murderer to quick. The characters fit perfectly in this town. I love the backstory where they have history. It’s a delightful read that I recommend, especially if you love your cozy with humor and charm.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-02-06 06:18:352024-02-09 14:01:28Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Shelly Kittell
Children’s book author Christy Bailey is thrilled that her aunt Betty is finally marrying the man of her dreams! The small wedding is a family event, right down to Christy’s cats and subjects of her books, Milton and Pearl, who are dressed in wedding attire and pulled down the aisle in a wagon. After the reception, Christy and her boyfriend-hopeful, Micah, agree to help her friend and wedding caterer, Janie, clean up at her pastry shop. But when they arrive at the shop, they’re not greeted by Janie but Janie’s ex-husband—who’s dead on the floor, cold as a frozen muffin!
Suddenly the murder is all anyone is talking about in the small town of Green Meadow, Indiana, and it’s clear the local police detectives have Janie squarely in their sights. But Christy believes in her friend’s innocence and with Milton and Pearl pawing for answers, Christy will stop at nothing to give Janie a happy ending.
Ruth J. Hartman spends her days herding cats and her nights spinning mysterious tales. She, her husband, and their cats love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats sit in the people’s recliners. Not that the cats couldn’t get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else’s. Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling writer uses her sense of humor as she writes tales of lovable, klutzy women who seem to find trouble without even trying.
Ruth’s husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her despite her insistence all of her books have at least one cat in them. See updates about her cozy mysteries at Ruthjhartman.com.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Murder-She-Meowed-cover-pic-Final.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-02-06 00:04:492024-02-22 13:52:33Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman
Children’s book author Christy Bailey is thrilled that her aunt Betty is finally marrying the man of her dreams! The small wedding is a family event, right down to Christy’s cats and subjects of her books, Milton and Pearl, who are dressed in wedding attire and pulled down the aisle in a wagon. After the reception, Christy and her boyfriend-hopeful, Micah, agree to help her friend and wedding caterer, Janie, clean up at her pastry shop. But when they arrive at the shop, they’re not greeted by Janie but Janie’s ex-husband—who’s dead on the floor, cold as a frozen muffin!
Suddenly the murder is all anyone is talking about in the small town of Green Meadow, Indiana, and it’s clear the local police detectives have Janie squarely in their sights. But Christy believes in her friend’s innocence and with Milton and Pearl pawing for answers, Christy will stop at nothing to give Janie a happy ending.
April has moved to Laurel Lake to take care of her grandmothers house and get it ready to sell. She never anticipated staying around after everything that happened when she first arrived. Now she is searching for Isaac the man that cause all of her problems when she first arrived. After a tornado tears through town Isaac’s grocery store has caught fire and Isaac is no where to be found. April sets off with Wesley her boyfriend and the town veterinarian to see if they can find Isaac and solve the newest case involving their town.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Knallshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Knalls2024-01-05 08:20:282024-01-13 17:04:26Recipe for Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith- Review by Heather Knalls
Recipe for Revenge by Hazel Smith is available now in eBook and Physical Book ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review
Recipe for Revenge mixes a little bit of suspense, a little bit of romance, and a ton of shenanigans to this recipe. April May, a small town reporter, has all the hottest topics to write about: a burnt down store whose owner is presumed dead, a burglary, and a missing person. She has also dug up some memories from a tragic accident that deeply affected her past and had to give up her foster dog whose owner magically reappears.
Recipe for Revenge is the second installment of the April May Cozy Mystery series. Despite being part of a series, this could be read as a standalone with no troubles. I have not sat down with a good cozy mystery in a long time and this one truly won me over. April is so relatable to me, especially her crochet abilities. And her love for Ralph, makes my heart happy. Hazel Smith really knows how to draw her readers in and keep their attention. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I enjoyed that the mystery was not only suspenseful but had a hint of romance thrown in. I will definitely get my hands on Installment #1 of this series and I look forward to reading other novels by Smith. Highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Mertzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Mertz2024-01-04 20:17:142024-01-13 17:10:51Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Ashley Mertz
I was looking for something light and fun to read while home for a long weekend when I stumbled upon Recipe for Revenge. I hadn’t heard of Hazel Smith before so hadn’t even thought to read book one in the April May series. Despite being the second book, Recipe for Revenge read well as a stand alone just as “advertised”. I never felt lost or confused and felt the story flowed well. I am not a huge dog fan (I know, I know) but I was shocked to realize how much I enjoyed the characters throughout, furry ones included. This was a great, fast paced cozy mystery that really hit the spot. I will likely go back and check out the first book in this series as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Felicia Bateshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFelicia Bates2024-01-04 20:05:392024-01-13 17:10:41Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Felicia Bates
April May is the Laurel Lakes newest reporter when she comes to town from the big city of Chicago to the small town. After a local business burns down, April finds herself involved in another mystery that has surprise connections to her family, her foster dog Ralph’s owner, and post events, she races to find the “Recipe for Revenge”. She also finds herself getting attached to an attractive vet in town and making close friends making her rethink her original get back to Chicago ASAP mentality. The April May books are meant to be stand alone books and can be read in any order. I did read the first book but I do wish I did so that I would have a better backstory on how and why she ended up in Laurel Lakes, but you definitely do not have to read it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tabithahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTabitha2024-01-04 18:59:422024-01-13 17:10:15Recipe for Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Tabitha montero
Cute yet intriguing murder mystery with a dash of romance. This is book 2; however, I read it as a standalone and I didn’t really feel lost at all. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense that Hazel Smith brought to us with the FMC April May, who seems to have some of the worst luck around. I also really enjoyed the dash of romance sprinkled throughout the book…nothing too heavy, but it was a nice touch. You can definitely read this as a standalone, but I am going to be going back to read the first one. Pick this up if you are looking for a lighter murder mystery with a dash of romance. Reviewed by @meggs1717
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2024-01-04 18:32:202024-01-13 17:10:03Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Megan Conley
An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Town reporter April May is new to Laurel Lakes but has already solved one mystery, and now has a second. When the local store burns down and the cantankerous owner is presumed dead everyone in the small town is talking about it, but when a threatening note appears alongside strange sightings April is asked to investigate. Unfortunately her foster dog Ralph who could have helped her sniff out some clues has been claimed by his owner. However, she dose have the help of her new friends and the town vet. April soon discovers a link between Ralph’s owner and the recent events, but also a connection to her own mysterious past. April has to race against time to find the culprit before she ends up hurt or even dead herself. This page turner had me guessing until the last page due to the plot twists and turns. The characters were likeable and relatable and I felt engaged with the main character, April May. The small town feel really came across in the writing and the descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life. I look forward to investigating other mysteries alongside April in future books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-01-04 11:46:462024-01-13 16:57:51Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Recipe for Revenge was a quick, witty cozy mystery, and I enjoyed every minute of it!!!
I have to be honest…I did not read the first book in the series. I will go back and read the first book just to get more of a background into April’s history, but I also think it was fine as a standalone book as well. In this particular book, April has her hands full again with a new mystery, well actually, a couple of mysteries that converge together quite nicely at the end of the book. It begins with a burglary, but soon a mysterious fire complicates things and results in a missing persons case. However, the biggest mystery to be solved actually involves April personally. One might think all these small mysteries would be confusing and ruin the plot, but that is not the case in Smith’s very capable hands. The twists and turns kept me flying through the pages.
In April’s personal life, things seem to be moving forward with her love interest, Wesley. She is still struggling with deciding on staying in this charming little town or returning to Chicago. I really liked April. She was someone I would want to be friends with, and Wesley was adorable and sweet. I also enjoyed the quirky cast of secondary characters and their relationships with one another.
Before reading this book, I had read some of the books in the Maid Ivy Series, and I like both of the series. Her writing is clever, and I love the characters, both the main ones and the secondary ones. Reading her books along with a good warm cup of tea is a great way to spend the day!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christie Mitchumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristie Mitchum2024-01-03 19:25:432024-01-13 17:03:26Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Christie Mitchum
Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith. This is the second installment in the April May mystery series and it can be read as a standalone but I always recommend reading them in order. In this installment we find April May inheriting a lake house in Laurel a far cry from the journalist Chicago home. When the local grocer goes missing and his store up in flames there is another mystery for April May to get involved in. She is feeling more at home in Laurel since she solved the last murder and wrote a article for the local paper. In the midst of finding out what happened to the grocer she receives a newspaper clipping about her dad’s car accident where he died. When she begins to ask questions about the accident she must be hitting nerves because her boyfriend ends up in the hospital and she is in serious danger. Will April May be able to solve these mysteries before someone else gets hurt?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2024-01-03 16:28:282024-01-22 07:05:25Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is book 2 in the April May Cozy Mystery series. These books can be ready as a standalone which is great, however I did enjoy this book so I will be going to read the first one.
This is a cosy mystery set in a small town with twists and turns that you don’t expect or see coming. It is a fast paced read and I couldn’t help falling in love with April. She is so determined to get to the truth that she will pursue any lead she finds even though she is just a journalist.
When a store on the main street suddenly goes on fire and the owner is missing April knows something isn’t right. What happened to set the store on fire? Is the owner still alive and did they have something to do with it? As April starts to ask these questions mysterious figures start appearing and messages are left for her sending her down a path to uncover secrets she never knew existed. How is her past connected to what is happening now? What secrets does she still need to uncover about her family and their history. There is also a love interest and the connection between Wesley and April was heartwarming to read but I always felt April’s reluctance to get too close to him.
Overall this was a fun cosy mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2024-01-03 14:50:152024-01-13 17:01:38Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Kerry Carr
April lost her father when she was young and never had a relationship with him. Now that she is in Laurel Lake she begins to learn things about his death that do not seem to make sense. April misses the big city but is finding herself enjoying her time in the small town. I loved these characters and was hooked from the beginning of the book. I need to read more about April and her friends.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paula Sayershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaula Sayers2024-01-02 21:20:252024-01-13 16:46:59Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Paula R Sayers
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