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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Tausha Treadway

Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington. This is such a good cozy mystery and I can’t wait to read the next book. Its the story of Senior Citizens Sisters Birdie & Oda Dean and their crazy adventures. Birdie is somewhat of a collector, well in reality she is a hoarder. She loves to go to garage sales and look in dumpsters for treasures. While dumpster diving one day she finds the body of a young lady she is friends with. Devastated she decides she will solve the murder faster than the authorities. While trying to solve this murder she ends up with more bodies on her hand. Between keeping her sister in line, finding treasures and even showing some interest in the new man at church does Birdie have time to solve these murders before more occur? Such a fun mystery that will keep you flipping the pages until the end.

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The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sparky is an eleven-year-old girl living in Los Angeles, more specifically, the Bunker Hill area during the 1930’s depression, but she is not one of the well to do who live just down the road, no, she has had hardships, lost a family, a home and at one point, her reputation. However, she is now back, still up to her old tricks, but she has people who care about her and somewhere to live again which is not a cellar or basement in an abandoned house, but somewhere with a comfortable bed in a room which is all her own and even now, she cannot believe her luck.

One thing about Sparky is that her name is not just representative of her flaming red hair and wild nature, it is her quick wit and shenanigans as well, she is still working off her debts, albeit not everyone knows about it. That is until she ends up in the middle of an unbelievable event which leads her to watching over a pet and finding out an incredible news story, a story about cannibals in Los Angeles! This news interests Sparky and she cannot help but try and figure out who the cannibal is, but the more she finds out, the more her list of suspects grows, not to mention the ongoing capers within her secret double life.

This does mean that she has to keep secrets from her friends, Tootsie, her unofficial guardian and the boy who swears he will marry her one day, Bobby and this does make her feel lonely. Tootsie however, is determined to tame her wildness and that involves school (again) but Sparky is reluctant, especially with a cannibal on the loose and a mysterious pet shop which everyone warns her away from, but are these places and people connected, or is this caper one all on its own and will this caper be too much for Sparky to handle? This is a sassy, historical mystery where danger lies on every street corner and ne’er-do-wells hang around everywhere while this one-of-a-kind amateur sleuth tries to solve this cannibal caper while keeping her double life undercover all at the same time.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun historical cozy mystery with our young, orphaned heroine eleven-year-old Sparky. Once again, the storyline is set in Bunker Hill in downtown LA during the 1930’s. Sparky turns amateur sleuth once again as she tries to track down stolen precious jewels, whilst a gourmet cannibal is on the loose in the city. Meanwhile, her protector, the former silent movie star Tootsie is trying to get Sparky back to school. With friend Bobby not around Sparky gets friendly with a mysterious boy who works in a peculiar pet shop. Sparky must protect Tootsie and identify the cannibal before she becomes his next victim, oh and discover the whereabouts of the jewels. A fast paced read full of action with great characters and a likeable main character in Sparky. The descriptive narrative brings the setting vividly to life whilst the added historical details also bring the era to life. I look forward to being back in Bunker Hill with Sparky again soon!

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Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Carrie Cross

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Ghost Takes a Vacation” by Carmen Radtke is a quaint and charming cozy mystery filled with humor, romance, and a bit of supernatural mischief. The protagonist, Genie, is a likable and relatable character who finds herself in a unique and entertaining predicament – being haunted by a ghost on her vacation. The writing style is witty and flows smoothly, making it a quick and enjoyable read. Overall, it’s a delightful and entertaining book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Elisha Johnson

The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising, #4)The Inquisitor by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Inquisitor: A Second Chance Romance (WaterFyre Rising) by Nadia Han- 5 out of 5 stars

Someone set off the smoke alarms because this book is on fire! Oh man, Opposites attract could not be more true for these two. Forrest and Kiera’s paths keep crossing in this fantastic, romantic, suspenseful novel. This second chance romance will have you stuck to the pages until the end. I highly recommend this book.

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Tonya Merritt

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was not what I’d expect. If you know anything about diamonds, it’s a great read and if you don’t you’ll feel like an expert by the end. I did not know it was a part of the series till the end which tells you a lot. It is very much a stand alone. It is a fun mystery, but with humor and more. A good read for a quiet slow afternoon.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dumpster Dying ended up being far different than what I expected. I chose to read it based on the cover art, and it exceeded my expectations. It follows 2 elderly ladies, Birdie and her sister Oda Dean through a series of excitement. Birdie is a hoarder and goes dumpster diving for treasures. The search for a missing girl they knew, uncovered a whole slew of things I didn’t expect. Birdie is a spunky old lady and reminds me of my grandmother. I am glad to see the book is the start of a series because there was a lot left unsaid. I want to know why Walter can’t move on, and the mystery surrounding his death. I also want to see if Birdie can change her ways and let go of her treasures.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Alyssa McLean

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It’s a great book if you’re looking for a cozy mystery, with ghostly escapades that’ll make you crave gelato.

I loved the great-great-aunt/niece relationship. They made me laugh. Adriana likes to stir up trouble and play match maker. The witnesses in the book were surprising.

I recommend it for anyone who wants to solve murder and take a ride through Italy with a ghostly companion by their side.

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery) by Rob Bates- reviewed by Stephanie Dulac

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Slay it with a diamond is the third book in this series. Although I was late to this series, so I did not read the first two books, but I was still able to follow this book with no issues. I plan on going back and catching up, also this is the first book that I have read by this author. Slay it with a diamond is a fast-paced cozy mystery read. I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed reading about Max who stole a cursed diamond and follow along with his daughter Mimi Rosen Durning this journey of life. Honestly if it wasn’t for work I would of had this book done a lot faster. I look forward to reading more books by this author and i highly recommend this book be added to your TBR list. Thank you to this author for a great series.

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@stephaniedulac25

Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by April McCoy

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As someone who considers her reading tastes to be quite versatile this book hit all the points for me! I so so so enjoy paranormal books and especially ghosts with spunk. This was a perfect novel to read by the pool in sunny Mexico. The author wrote this so smoothly and I enjoyed the twists and turns that kept me wholly consuming it! The characters were a hoot and I fell in love with them so fast! I did not read the first in the series but am Definitely going back to read it before continuing on!!

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery with our heroine of the series Ivy Stone, and once again set in Hotel LaFontaine. Ivy is now the headmaid at the hotel and her first date with her boss Mr. Humphrey’s also went well, so things are going great for Ivy. The hotel is busy with London’s elite who are arriving for a business conference, but Ivy is dealing with a mysterious guest, a threatening letter and then a murder. Ivy turns amateur sleuth along with her friends, who also work at the hotel but all the cryptic letters and secret codes reveal is that everyone is hiding something. It turns out even trusted members of staff have secrets, and when a direct threat is made against Mr. Humphrey things become serious. As Ivy starts to get answers she realises that she might be in danger herself, but as usual Ivy’s fluffy best friend Monty the Great Dane is helping her to sniff out clues! This can be read either as a standalone story or as part of the series. I loved Ivy, she’s a great main character as she’s so likeable and relatable. Whilst her sidekicks are a quirky mix who all bring their own skills to help Ivy investigate. I was hooked from page one by this ‘whodunnit’, and it kept me happily turning the pages. I look forward to returning to Hotel LaFontaine again soon!

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book #4) by Hazel Smith – Review by Angela Hayes

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

Murky Murder is the fourth book in the A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery series by Hazel Smith. This is my first read from Ms. Smith, so I didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories- but I love a good cozy mystery, so I jumped right in to find out what happens. I also came into this series a little backwards, as I didn’t realise that this is the fourth book in the series- but thankfully, it can be read as as a standalone without feeling like you are missing anything. But, having said that, I enjoyed meeting these quirky characters and am curious about what they got up to in the previous books, so I will go back and read the first three books before continuing on with the rest of the series.

This proved to be a fun cozy murder mystery with a bit of a whodunnit feel. With quirky characters, hotel capers, banter, a little drama, intrigue, and some suspense made for a light-hearted, yet entertaining read.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Hazel Smith!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series Book #2) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Angela Hayes

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

The Cannibal Caper is the second book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series by Rosalind Barden. It is another fun historical cozy mystery set in the 1930’s Las Angeles following along with Sparky- our MC, who is a spunky, street smart, precocious tween- and amateur sleuth.
Even though she is only 11, she has been through quite a lot. Her adventures have been much more than most people would deal with in a lifetime. So you would think that would dampen her spirits- but not Sparky- she has a zest for life, a bit of a magnet for trouble, too.
This is a cozy mysteries with interesting/quirky characters, historical detailing, crime & investigation, adventure, action, and a cannibal. Did I say cannibal- yes, yeas I did- and if you want to know where the cannibal fits into this capper, then you really should read all the developments for yourself. It makes for an intriguing read.
As with the first book, the story contains all the historical detailing, language, sights, and societal norms that you would expect from the 1930’s era It’s richly descriptive and detailed. While the characters have been crafted into quirky and ‘colourful’ individuals with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. And again the author did a great job of bringing everything to life.
From murder to mobsters, movie stars, and a little mayhem this turned out to be an intriguing and fun read.
Looking forward to ‘Monkey Island Murder’ (Book #3).
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Rosalind Barden!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Jenni Bishop

Murky Murder: An Utterly Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book)Murky Murder: An Utterly Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was intrigued by the quirky cover and decided to give this book a go. I have not read any work by Hazel before and quite enjoyed myself. I will have to go back and read the other books as they can be read as standalones which is no hardship.
Murky Murder is a clean cozy mystery and part of the A Maid Ivy Cozy mystery series. It is a quick but fun read. Not only that but there is some culinary delights to be had along the way.
Ivy the maid is back in another adventure that sees her and her cohorts, the four-legged kind as well as the two, legged kind diving in to yet another mystery. The characters are quirky and eclectic and bring the story to life.
Set in London at the LaFontaine Hotel can Ivy find the person behind the letters and a killer before another one bites the dust. There is a cast of many and a plethora of suspects to work through and Hazel leads them on a merry and twisted chase to find the one responsible for the murder and mayhem.
Hazel has given readers a well written, clever, charming, suspenseful, fun cozy mystery that will delight one and all.
If you like murder mysteries and whodunits with some humour like Ms Marple, Father Brown, and the like you will enjoy this series.
Enjoy!

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The mayhem is about to surround our amateur detective Sparky once again. She is back in the next adventure in a Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery, The Cannibal Caper.
As with the first book The Cold Kid Case the book is aimed at a younger audience aged between 11- 18 years of age, but even at my age I enjoyed the story. Make sure to read them in order so you don’t miss out on this fun and crazy tale and spunky group of friends.
There are quirky and eclectic characters and lots of action as Sparky and try to solve the mystery of the missing jewels and mad Cannibal on the loose. The danger is real in this fast-paced tale where Sparky and old friends reside.
Let the fun begin in this humour filled cozy mystery set in the historical 1930’s.
Find out what happens in this story full of mayhem and madness by grabbing a copy today.
A perfect gift for the holiday season.
I can’t wait for Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Jennifer Crain

Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Dumpster Dying” by Michelle Bennington is a quirky and fun mystery novel that follows the misadventures of Birdie Harper, a self-proclaimed treasure hunter and hoarder. The story takes an unexpected turn when Birdie stumbles upon the dead body of a young woman she had grown fond of.

The character of Birdie is well-developed and instantly likable. Her obsession with collecting forgotten items adds depth to her personality and adds an interesting layer to the plot. Additionally, the inclusion of her deceased husband, Walter, as a spirit who accompanies her on her investigation adds a unique and humorous twist.

The author does a commendable job of creating a suspenseful and compelling mystery. The pacing is appropriate, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged throughout. As Birdie dives deeper into her investigation, her determination to find the murderer is portrayed convincingly, and the suspense builds up effectively.

However, there are some aspects of the book that could use improvement. The resolution of the mystery feels a bit rushed, and certain plot points are not fully explored or developed. While it may have its flaws, the book is still worth picking up for fans of cozy mysteries and those looking for a light-hearted and fun read.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jennifer Crain

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Cannibal Caper” by Rosalind Barden takes readers on a thrilling adventure set in the seedy streets of 1930s Los Angeles. The story revolves around Sparky, an eleven-year-old former street punk turned amateur detective, who finds herself entangled in a peculiar case involving a cannibal with sophisticated taste. I also learned some words popular in the ’30s, such as oubliette.

Barden artfully captures the essence of the era, painting a vivid picture of the gritty and atmospheric downtown Los Angeles. The setting serves as a captivating backdrop for the unfolding mystery, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The attention to detail in describing the time period enhances the overall reading experience, immersing the audience fully into the story. I also appreciated the nods to the first book, such as reference to the dog/goat costume that Sparky wore.

Sparky is a charismatic and determined protagonist, who proves that age and societal expectations are no barriers to solving a peculiar case. Despite her young age, her wits and street-smarts make her a believable and engaging character. I did like the comic parts thrown in, such as when Goblin makes her a treat. Through her eyes, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns, as she attempts to crack the case of the cannibal on the loose. Sparky’s growth throughout the book is evident, as she discovers her true potential and confronts her own vulnerabilities.

The plot itself is fast-paced, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The concept of a cannibal with gourmet tastes adds an intriguing and unique element to the story, providing a fresh take on the classic detective genre. Barden’s writing style is accessible yet descriptive, creating a perfect balance between action and suspense, and I thought this novel was more polished and smooth compared to the first one.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Jennifer Crain

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have not read the first three of the series, but really enjoyed this book as a standalone novel.

Murky Murder by Hazel Smith is an enthralling mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Set in the atmospheric backdrop of a hotel, this book takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with suspense, intrigue, and endless twists and turns. My favorite part was “hearing” Ivy’s thoughts with the author’s clever use of italics.

The story revolves around two main characters, Ivy and Mr. Humphrey, whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Ivy, a witty and intelligent young girl, finds herself in the midst of a perplexing murder case when a guest at the hotel is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Determined to unravel the truth, Ivy takes it upon herself to play detective and embarks on a thrilling quest to uncover the culprit.

One of the most compelling aspects of Murky Murder is the atmospheric setting of the hotel. Hazel Smith brilliantly brings it to life, with vivid descriptions that make readers feel as though they are guests themselves. The author’s attention to detail and carefully crafted scenes heighten the suspense and eerie feeling surrounding the murder, making it a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery.

The character I resonated most with was Kat, this line says it all- “Thanks for rescuing me from my eternal quest for knowledge with actual sustenance”- I share her love of learning. I also really enjoyed the funny lines about London’s Gherkin!

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another entertaining installment in this series. I love reading these. Sparky is a humorous 11 year old that cracks me up as she tries to survive on the streets and not get caught while she’s trying to solve mysteries. A colorful cast of characters is involved in the story from Mugs to Chum-Chum and more. Oh, the giggles the story gives me. I so enjoyed this story.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Shelly Kittell

Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery, #4)Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting cozy. Ivy is a very optimistic person. It’s all going good for her and she believes it’s going to get better. Meanwhile, threats are coming in. I enjoyed the story. It really is quite entertaining. The dogs are colorful characters. Ivy and her friends kept the story colorful and engaging. I wanted to follow them as they tried to figure out what was going on. I was not a superfan of her boss. He’s a little sexist. Overall, great read, I’m going to read more of this series.

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Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke-Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke is a great cozy mystery series.

When your recently deceased great-great-aunt uses her old possessions to hold on to her unique type of ethereal life power.However, Genie Darling’s anticipated seamless, yet costly, procedure quickly turns into a terrifying encounter.The auction house catches fire, a corpse is discovered, and her great-great-aunt Adriana’s Chanel evening gown is reduced to a heap of ashes.La dolce vita: so much for it. And it’s time for Genie and her jovial ghost sidekick to go on their investigation once more when it appears that the incorrect man will be charged with arson and manslaughter!

Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.I can’t wait to read more from this series.

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden

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The Cannibal Caper (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden

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Genre – Historical, Cozy Mystery

It’s the hot, end of summer days in gritty downtown Los Angeles, 1932. A cannibal with gourmet taste is on the loose. Can Sparky, an eleven-year-old former street punk and amateur girl detective, crack this crazy case?

Sparky gets no crime-solving help from former silent screen star Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert, who’s always busy cooking. Sure, Sparky’s found a home in their spooky mansion stuffed with old costumes. But Tootsie decides it will be great publicity if the press thinks she’s the cannibal.

What?

Sparky’s only help comes from a mysterious twelve-year-old boy who works at a peculiar pet shop. Wait a minute—what if he’s the cannibal?

Sparky faces tommy guns. She faces fists from tough girl Petunia (a cannibal?). Worst of all, she faces going back to school. No!

Adding to the mystery is the pair of missing priceless jewels.

The rub? This mess might all be Sparky’s fault.

The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery follows award-winning The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery. This zany, 1930s historical mystery series is a fast-paced, humorous read for fans of historical cozy mysteries and historical fiction.

~ AMAZON ~




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Rosalind Barden has long been fascinated by the history of Los Angeles’s lost noir neighborhood, Bunker Hill. Cold Kid Case, the first in her zany, 1930s Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series has been awarded multiple accolades, including the Firebird Book Award 1st Place for Cozy Mysteries and the Literary Titan Gold Medal Book Award. Over thirty of her short mystery and horror stories have been published, including her inspiration for the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series, “The Monkey’s Ghost,” part of the FAPA President’s Book Awards Silver Medalist anthology, History and Mystery, Oh My! She writes and continues to explore lost history in Los Angeles. Discover more at RosalindBarden.com.

Author Interview with Rosalind Barden

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith

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Genre – Clean Cozy Mystery

Page Count – 240

Cover Designer – Charli Childs

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Mysterious guests, a threatening letter, and a murky murder to solve.

Everything is looking up for Ivy Stone, Hotel LaFontaine’s new headmaid.

Her first date with her new beau and boss Mr. Humphrey, was a smashing success.  Now, she’s ready for any mess as London’s elite arrive for a business conference – except for a murdered guest.

Armed with mid-West grit, insatiable curiosity, and fabulous friends on staff, Ivy tightens her apron strings and dives right into the whirlwind of intrigue.

Cryptic letters and secret codes reveal everyone is hiding something, even trusted staff no one would suspect.

When a direct threat is made against Mr. Humphrey, even Ivy’s best fluffy friend, Monty the Great Dane may not be able to sniff out the clues in time.

Ivy must make sense of this muddy mess soon because the greatest threat in the hotel isn’t against her new sweetheart..it’s against her.

__________________

The Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Books are standalone books in a series for all ages who love an unputdownable whodunit full of heartwarming friendships, puzzling clues, and darling pets.

~ AMAZON ~




Click here to view the Book Trailer for Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith

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Hazel Smith is the pen name for an introverted homeschooling mom who lives in small-town Canada. Faith, family and food bring joy, hope and occasional drama to her life. In between taking care of her family & home, her free time is spent creating cozy mysteries on the porch with her laptop or in her favorite wingback chair whilst nursing the baby and typing with one finger. 

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. I learned more about diamonds than I would have in any jewelry store. Bates knowledge of the diamond trade is well woven through this entertaining novel. There is a glossary of Yiddish/Hebrew words and diamond Industry terms provided at the back of the book, which is a great help for the reader. The plot begins with the sale of a supposed cursed black diamond. We are then put in the dangers of the diamond world, curses, the rich and powerful, family feuds, lies, and secrets. I knew there would be trouble as soon as Mimi talked about African Diamonds! You’ll enjoy this cozy mystery too!

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Julie Johnson

Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is pretty funny considering the deep underlying emotional issues that are addressed in this mystery. Loss, hoarding/collecting, and loneliness are the major themes.

A dead body is found by Birdie and it’s someone she knew and was close to. She decides she is going to solve this murder and her sister and dead husband will help her out.

This one is a great short read!

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by La Toya Lewis

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates is the third book in the Diamond District Mystery series. Although this book is part of a series it is able to read as a stand-alone. Mimi Rosen is working in her father’s jewelry store when a former friend contacts her to sell a ‘cursed diamond”. Though Mimi and her father Max don’t want to believe the diamond they just acquired is cursed, things start to happen that make it seem that it may very well be. This was a good cozy mystery. The plot is well-written and keeps you engaged. The main character is relatable. There is humor and wit and some good surprises. I really liked reading Max and Mimi’s interactions. This book is good for mystery fans.

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Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining paranormal cozy mystery which kept me captivated throughout. In this second book in the series Genie Darling and her ‘not so very departed great-great-aunt’ Adriana travel to Italy. Adriana relies on her old belongings for her spectral life force and a dress has come up for auction. However, once in Tuscany the auction house goes up in flames taking Adriana’s Chanel evening gown with it, and then a dead body is found. Amateur sleuth Genie and her ghostly sidekick decide to investigate when the wrong man is suspected of the arson and manslaughter. This is a fun cozy mystery with a ghostly twist which had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the quirky characters, Genie and the ghost of Aunt Adriana are a great double act and I enjoyed sleuthing with them. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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Ghost Takes A Vacation: Genie And Adrianna Darling Mysteries: A Cozy Paranormal Mystery (Genie and Adriana Darling cozy paranormal ghost mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Genie Darling is a young woman with her own business, but she also has a dearly, but not so departed relative who insists on hanging around and that is her great-great Aunt Adrianna, a glamorous young woman who died at a young age and still keeps the old hollywood glamour even after. The most unusual thing is that in order to keep her non-corporeal form, she needs to have objects she once owned nearby so that she can gain energy from them, but a lot of them have been moved away from home.

Knowing that retrieving Adrianna’s belongings is important to her, Genie uses her ability to work from wherever she happens to be to her advantage, so that when some items come up for auction in Italy, the two women come up with a plan of how to retrieve them, which means a working holiday. Genie is excited, but also apprehensive about travelling with Adrianna, knowing how she needs to be close to her objects, however, it is smooth sailing all the way, so now they can relax before heading to the small town where the auction is going to be held.

When they get there, they are able to get into the auction house early so that they can see the items and work out a bidding strategy, as well as scoping out the competition, which happens to be fierce, especially for a little, black, Chanel dress, but things do not go to plan when the auction house goes up in flames and when the fire is put out, a body is found within. This devastates the duo until Adrianna works out that her dress hasn’t burnt along with the items.

This means that that have to put on their sleuthing hats and investigate what, who and when and hopefully exonerate an innocent suspect, but with they be able to detect their way to the beloved garment, or will their clues also go up in flames? This is a cozy paranormal mystery set in the beautiful backdrop of modern-day Tuscany, with plenty of shenanigans and sleuthing to keep you reading until the end.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Kiana Gunderson (Corley)

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read that keeps you wanting to know more. This book has a well-developed plot that makes you want to find out what is going to happen next.

This book follows the story of a cursed diamond. Mimi Rosen is a young journalist and enjoys sleuthing to find out the truth behind things. After her father purchases this cursed diamond and her mother ends up dead this kicks her sleuthing into high gear. Her sleuthing leads her to find out more about the jeweler who sold the diamond and the history of their family.

What happens when something seems too unreal to be true? Do curses really exist or did something else happen? What other secrets lie behind a powerful family in the diamond industry? Is the curse real or just a way to get people interested in this diamond?

Read this book to find out what Mimi and her boyfriend are able to find out.

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Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Kiana Gunderson (Corley)

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun book to read. The mystery and trying to find out what happened keeps you wanting more.

This book follows the story of Genie. She is a young woman who works by day and sleuths during her free time. She is accompanied on her journey by her great-great-aunt. When items of her great-great-aunt’s go up for auction she decided to travel to bid on them. The items are important to her aunt because they help her keep her tethered to this plain. Their plan hits a major hiccup when the auction house goes up in flames and a body is found as well.

Does this mean all hope is lost for them? What happened at that house? Why would someone want to burn it down? Did the dress go up in flames or did something else happen? Read this book to find out what really happened and who started the fire.

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