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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun cozy mystery, which are fast becoming my new favorite genre. I greatly enjoyed the way the author wove together so many different characters with so many different agendas. For a mystery, it was top notch at keeping you guessing, while the answers were hidden in plain sight. I thought Hazel was an excellent character and I loved her devotion to her sister and trying to discover what happened to her. The dynamic between her and Corwin was fantastic as they try to solve the mystery for very different reasons and the results could be dangerous. The story has a lot of wit and humor infused into the mystery, which made it even more enjoyable. As the story continues, we see that this is only a piece of a bigger puzzle and there will be more to come. This was a great kick off to a dynamic series and I can’t wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Darian Vester

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was drawn to this book because I’m from the Midwest and was excited to finally see something about us. This book is a paranormal mystery, and I am here for it. I felt the story started off slow and that it took a while for clues but I did enjoy it. I really enjoyed the characters and liked how they all felt different. Overall I felt like the book was a good, unpredictable cozy mystery.

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great book! I can’t wait to read more of the series. In this book Hazel, who is a fire witch is on a mission to find who killer her sister and why. Her search leads her to a small town called Shadow Hollow. She never knew that magicals could live so openly. She grew up with it ingrained into her to keep it a secret and to show/tell no one. So when she comes to this town and it’s completely normal for magicals to talk openly and everything she is thrown for a loop. As she starts her investigation it’s hard to tell who she can trust and not trust. The law seems to brush her sister missing under the rug. Her sister left a few clues, but with every answer she finds a million more questions come needing answers. Secrets and lies are around every corner. She enlists the help of a few locals but even some of them are hiding things! She gets a job and rents a place while she hunts down answers, but when she is threatened it enforces her need to know all the more. She won’t be run out of town. She has to find her sister. Following leads brings her to Corwin who is also trying to solve the mystery of her missing sister as well. But can he be trusted? His secret definitely puts them both in more danger! Will they find her sister or will they end up dead just like her? Boy oh boy will this book hook you in and keep you there until you finish it. I didn’t want to put it down. And I can’t wait to read the next book either!! This book is a paranormal mystery and it’s so good!! Trust me and just grab it!!

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Sheri Schrader

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Vampire in Disguise is the first book of the Creatures of the Midwest book series. I was intrigued when I picked up this book because of the title and it was a paranormal mystery. The story follows Hazel as she arrives in Shadow Hollow to look for a murderer. Hazel quickly finds out there is more to the inhabitants of Shadow Hollow than she originally expected. The story drew me in and I enjoyed Hazel as a character. The different residents of Shadow Hollow definitely add to the story and mystery needing solved. I enjoyed the writing and what could have easily become a convoluted and confusing story was easily understandable. The ending left me wanting more and will bring me back to learn more about Hazel. The blurb groups the book in the same vein as True Blood and Midnight, Texas which I found to be accurate. If you enjoy paranormal stories with a cozy mystery this is worth grabbing. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Sharon Funkhouser

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Ava Silvers, and I really enjoyed her storytelling! Knowing this is the first in a series is exciting; there were definitely pieces of the story that would have felt unresolved or that I had questions about that I am hopeful she expands upon in future stories (like the Librarian?!). Silvers does a great job with describing characters and mystical components; I especially am intrigued by the town that accepts magical beings and encourages them to live without hiding their identities. Definitely looking forward to book 2!

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jade Brunton

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Murder the Tey WayMurder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub. After reading the first book, I knew that I needed to pick this one up! This author has a way of keeping you on your toes. I love a good mystery and especially love when I cannot figure out who it was. I have never read any books from Josephine Tey, but I think that is about to change.
I could not put this book down! If you’re looking for a fast but exciting mystery, this is the book for you.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

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This is Book 3 of the series. I will tell you that this book kept my attention. I literally read it in a day and half. Sparky is at again, this time she was part of the murder but I don’t think she was suppose to be. The characters in this book are a little kooky. Tootsie is up for an audition and that means all the “important helpers are there”. However you need to read in between the lines to find some people and there reasoning for being there, at least in my opinion. I honestly can’t wait for the next book. Sparky is an amazing kid and isn’t so sure of herself. She tends to get into a lot of trouble with any and everything she does. She has two wonderful adults “looking” after her. She has a few friends, lets be real, her only friend is Bobby. But there is a new comer, Cornelius and he might just give Bobby a run for his money when it comes to Sparky.

The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Book 3 of the series. I will tell you that this book kept my attention. I literally read it in a day and half. Sparky is at again, this time she was part of the murder but I don’t think she was suppose to be. The characters in this book are a little kooky. Tootsie is up for an audition and that means all the “important helpers are there”. However you need to read in between the lines to find some people and there reasoning for being there, at least in my opinion. I honestly can’t wait for the next book. Sparky is an amazing kid and isn’t so sure of herself. She tends to get into a lot of trouble with any and everything she does. She has two wonderful adults “looking” after her. She has a few friends, lets be real, her only friend is Bobby. But there is a new comer, Cornelius and he might just give Bobby a run for his money when it comes to Sparky.

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Megan Rea

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 2)Murder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The next installment in the series and it did not disappoint! I love the homage Levinson is paying to different murder-mystery legends throughout this series. Lexie is a favorite character of mine. I love her grit and determination to find out whodunit. There are so many twists and turns in this novel that I got whiplash! I love Levinson’s writing style and the way she develops her characters. She also keeps her plot line on point and moving. I will say that I found this plot to be a little complex, but I loved it. If you are looking for something that will make you sit down and think while you’re reading, then pick up this one!
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Murder the Tey WayMurder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series I was looking forward to being back with amateur sleuth Professor Lexie Driscoll, and I was not disappointed. Once again I wished I could be a member of her ‘Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub’! This time they are discussing Josephine Tey’s (a favourite author of mine) books. However, Lexie gets a surprise when her sister Gayle turns up and is terrified for her life. Gayle was a witness to her boyfriend’s murder and now fears his killers could come for her. When a man’s body is found in Lexie’s backyard, Gayle runs. Lexie decides to investigate and is determined to discover the truth. She soon learns that the bookclub members have secrets. Lexie has to contend with more murders and unexpected revelations as she investigates. I was once again drawn into Lexie’s world, along with quirky characters and an intriguing whodunnit. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and the setting to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The plot of Josephine Tey’s novels are cleverly weaved into the storyline and help Lexie in her investigations. The plot kept me guessing due to the numerous red herrings, which I enjoy. An enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery and I look forward to being back with the bookclub soon.

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• 📖 • 📖 • PREORDER • 📖 • 📖 • Wheel of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes

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• 📖 • 📖 • PREORDER • 📖 • 📖 •
Wheel of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Historical Cozy Mystery
Page Count – 302
Cover Designer – Streetlight Graphics

When Neferet’s uncle Pipi gets sucked into a get-rich-quick scheme at a chariot workshop that is too good to be true, she’s not surprised when investors start turning up dead. Can she and Bener-ib and their band of teen-aged detectives find out what’s really at stake and who is behind it before she herself becomes the next victim?

Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Christie Mitchum

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Murder the Tey WayMurder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder the Tey Way is the second book in the Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub, and it was as good as the first one.

Lexie Driscoll has found herself embroiled in yet another murder mystery. Her sister, Gayle, whom she hasn’t seen in years, shows up, and she is terrified. She witnessed her boyfriend being killed, and she now lives in fear. She is confident the killer is now coming after her. Not long after Gayle’s arrival, they discover a dead man in Lexie’s backyard. After getting the story from her sister, Gayle flees again.

As she becomes involved in this investigation, she also discovers her bookclub members have secrets, and then a member of her bookclub is also murdered. Are the two murders connected, and what are the members of the club hiding?

As with the first book, the twists, turns, and pacing make it a great mystery. There is also some added romance. Lexie finds herself torn between two men who are completely different from one another, yet both could give her a life she yearns for. However, she has her own issues with commitment to work through. She fears making a grave mistake again, making it hard to trust anyone. I also enjoyed the references to Josephine Tey.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and to seeing what new crime our favorite professor will be involved in.

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club Book #2) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Angela Hayes

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Murder the Tey WayMurder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Murder the Tey Way is the second intriguing book in the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series by Marilyn Levinson. This is a cozy, whodunnit mystery done with a nod to ‘Josephine Tey’ – whose counterpart/fellow author, Agatha Christie, was featured in the first book.
This is another well woven and engrossing mystery with plenty of tension, suspense, drama, interesting characters, secrets, and crime & investigation.
Lexie Driscoll is pulled into another mystery when murder strikes in her own backyard. With her sister the prime suspect, the stakes are pretty high- so Lexie is determined to unravel the mystery and uncover the killer- reflecting on the stories of Josephine Tey to help her ‘solve’ the crime.
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Levinson does next.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Marilyn Levinson!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Murder the Tey WayMurder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading Murder a la Christie the first fun book in the Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub I thought I would take a look at this book.
Murder the Tey Way is a carefully woven modern day “Whodunnit”. In the first book we met Lexie and her Bookclub buddies who were using Agatha Christies style to find a killer. Now they are embroiled in another murder mystery but do it the way of Josephine Tey another accomplished writer in her time. I sense a theme here and I like it.
Marilyn has once again given us a multilayered web of complex puzzles to wade. There is drama, danger, intrigue, mystery, suspense, tension, and suspense. There is a lot to unravel, layers to peel back and work through when Lexie’s sister finds her boyfriend murdered and then she goes missing.
With a cast of many eclectic characters everyone is a suspect in this engrossing read.
Murder the Tey Way is a good cosy mystery with lots of secrets.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Karole Petty

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book/ story. This series reminds me of the Trixie Belden series of my youth. This is a new to me author and I can say this author has some real talent of transporting me back in time. Sparky is a well developed character, I enjoyed her loyalty and her quirky nature. The names of the characters kinda suits their personalities. Having not read I the first 2 in the series I felt like I was missing details but, I still was able to follow along. I would recommend starting at beginning of the series to get the true nature of all the characters.

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Shannen Kern

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 2)Murder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub series, and since I loved the first one so much I knew I had to pick up this one as well. I’ve read a few books by this author, and they definitely have a unique writing style that I enjoy. The way they are able to craft their mysteries is wonderful! I love it when a book can keep me on my toes and guessing the entire way through, but I am always hard-pressed to find one. I found myself unable to figure out what was going to happen as the plot thickened with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I blew through this entire book in one day! Are you ready for an intriguing and entertaining mystery that will have you yearning for more? Look no further because this one takes the cake! I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Jenni Bishop

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Vampire in Disguise is an unexpected gem. Definitely unique in its telling. It has been a while since a book has surprised me. At first, I thought by the cover that it was a YA story but that is not the case. It’s like Grimm meets Midnight, Texas mashed together to make one intriguing mystery paranormal tale. Two of my favourite shows. There is a plethora of characters of all shapes, sizes, and ages, they are quirky, others plain odd, some stay and have a part in the story and others just disappear from the focus, but all are supernatural’s or magical beings.
There are a few things that frustrated me, and I am hoping that they will be explained or shared in coming books but overall, I enjoyed this tale.
Hazel follows her sister to Shadow Hollow a small town where paranormal seem to gravitate to and where they guard their secrets. It’s the place Hazel is determined to find out what happened to her sister.
There is humour and wit infused along the way that made me, laugh also with a major shiver of doom to be had as you are made aware of the bad guys.
What is hidden amongst the shadows of this small town?

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Carrie Cross

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Murder the Tey WayMurder the Tey Way by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Marilyn Levinson’s ‘Murder the Tey Way’ skillfully blends elements of classic whodunits with modern storytelling, creating a gripping mystery filled with twists and turns. Levinson’s characters are well-developed and realistic, each with their motives and secrets, adding layers of intrigue to the plot. The pacing is excellent, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish as they unravel the puzzle alongside the astute amateur sleuth. ‘Murder the Tey Way’ is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts, offering a satisfying blend of suspense, wit, and a nod to the beloved works of Josephine Tey.”

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Kerry Baker

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great paranormal mystery story that is easy to engaged with and an enjoyable story. I connect with the characters of this book straight away and loved watching how they all interacted. They were each interesting in different ways and added to the story overall.
I enjoyed how the author developed the story. I was invested in everything happening and wanted to find out what happened to the sister. The book starts of fairly slow, but builds as it goes on. I thought this lent itself to really drawing the reader in even more. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Rose McCaskey

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story had witches, vampires, and Humans they call mundanes. It was a good story about a woman trying to find her missing sister. It combines mystery and fantasy. It ends on a cliff hanger which will make you want to read the next book. At first I wasn’t sure about the story but when Hazel, the MFC makes it to Shadow Hollow I was hooked. It has a lot of detail for the location, the surrounding areas, the people, and the places she visits in the town. I always love me a story with detail.

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Shelly Kittell

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful start to this series. I enjoyed the twists and turns to this paranormal mystery. Hazel is trying to find out what’s going on. Nothing like a good coverup. Nothing is as it seems. Noone is who you think they are, magic or mundane. Every time I thought I had it solved, nope. I found the story entertaining, light (even with trying to solve a murder), full of paranormal. The romance was great. Let’s fall for the….(you’ll have to read it). The characters are awesome: Quirky; Odd; Weird. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

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Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson

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~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~
Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Cozy Mystery
Page Count – 245
Cover Designer – Rowan Prose Publishing

Goodreads – Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson

Bookbub – Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson


Professor Lexie Driscoll is discussing Josephine Tey’s books at a Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub meeting when her sister Gayle arrives, terrified for her life. She’s witnessed her boyfriend’s murder and fears the killer is coming after her. Then, a man’s body is found lying in Lexie’s backyard, and Gayle takes off.
Determined to learn the truth, Lexie investigates, and discovers the bookclub members have secrets that lead to more murders and unexpected revelations in a baffling whodunnit.
Tropes: amateur sleuth, family secrets, quirky characters, red herring, bookclub, reading group

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Murder the Tey Way (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson

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A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and novels for young readers. Her Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series was a King Rivers Life Magazine’s “Best of 2014,” and on Book Town’s 2014 Summer Mystery Reading List. She’s an Agatha nominee, a Library Journal “Pick of the Month,” on Goodreads’s list of the 200 “Most Popular Books Published in 2017,” a Suspense Magazine Best Indie, and was on Book Town’s Summer (and) Fall Reading Lists. She also writes under Allison Brooks. Marilyn loves traveling, reading, knitting, doing Sudoku, and visiting with her grandchildren. She is co-founder and past president of the Long Island chapter of Sisters in Crime. She resides in New York with her family. www.marilynlevinson.com

Author Interview with Marilyn Levinson

 

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers

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🔳 *¨*✶*¨*🔳 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🔳 *¨*✶*¨*🔳
A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Page Count – 294
Cover Designer – Christian Bentulan
A witch’s mission to find her sister’s killer leads to otherworldly dangers.
When Hazel Goode’s search for a murderer lands her in Shadow Hollow, she thinks the strangest thing there is herself. But this little midwestern town has been collecting supernatural creatures for centuries, and the arrival of one more could shatter the paranormal veil.
Corwin doesn’t plan to disclose he’s a vampire. After all, vampires are supposed to be extinct. But when he enlists Hazel’s help to solve a mystery – the same mystery she is trying to solve…but for a very different reason – his secret will put them both in danger.
Helping Corwin could crack Hazel’s case wide open, or could make them the next target. Now, with the Last Vampire on Earth and Hazel both digging around in the Midwest’s magical underbelly, it won’t be long before an uncontrollable darkness is released. And this time, there will be no escape.
Fans of True Blood and Midnight, Texas will find their next fix in Creatures of the Midwest series, a thrilling, additive paranormal drama.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers

Ava Silvers is an author from the Midwest, who specialises in the genre of Urban Fantasy. Ava’s storytelling merges from her own lived experiences and imagination. When not writing she finds joy in exploring forgotten towns and haunted hotels, and seeking inspiration from eerie buildings from the past. A collector of rare books and artefacts, her home reflects the magical and mysterious world like her books.

~ FACEBOOK ~ BOOKBUB ~

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jess Engel

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit in this series! The reader finds themself in the middle of another mystery in need of solving and Sparky is hot on the trail!

I have just loved this series and this third installment is no different! It is a fun and engaging read! Sparky is such a wonderful character and I love seeing her development throughout the books so far and loved her growth in this one. The setting and cast of supporting characters really bring depth to the story. Sparky’s interactions with the supporting characters and the various relationships she has with those characters provide for a range emotions and experiences with the book. She is, at her core, such a kind and caring young girl, but carries the reader through the book and story with her unique spunk. She always finds trouble and lives life the way she wants. I just love her as a character. I also really enjoy the setting and that this series takes place in, bringing in the grittiness of LA but set in during the depression. Can Sparky vindicate her crime boss and find the real murderer? Read this one to find out!

This cozy mystery series is among the best I’ve read and I greatly look forward to the next one!

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by La Toya Lewis

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this third installment of the Sparky of Bunker Hill series, Sparky is trying to clear her boss Bookie. Bookie has been framed for a murder on Monkey Island. Also, Sparky has to deal with some not-so-fun developments like volunteering with Detective Bernie and Senior Officer Mug. This book is just as adventure-packed and fun as the first two. Sparky’s spunk is on full display. This girl is such a wonderful character. I love how determined and loyal she is. Her found family and friends make for some great interactions. The backdrop of 1932 Los Angeles is rich and engaging. It’s such a fun cozy mystery.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Sparky is back!! The Monkey Island Murder is Book 3 of the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series and the story is quite enjoyable as ever. The story is a fun, historical cozy mystery with murder, mystery, mayhem, humor and antics. I do recommend reading this series from the beginning as you get to know the characters and build from there. Sparky is involved in a new mystery, this time trying to help Bookie proclaim their innocence as they were arrested on charge of murder on Monkey Island. Having to go back to school and now with this trying to help Bookie solved the who done it murder mystery….its bound to get crazy. Will Sparky help Bookie this time around with their super sleuth skills?

This was a fun read and quite entertaining. I look forward to what is to come with the next story in the series with all new mystery with Sparky!

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden is a great cost mystery series.

Although Bookie, Sparky’s boss, is a crook, he is not a killer! Sparky, a tenacious amateur supersleuth who is eleven years old, will stop at nothing to prove to the authorities that Bookie was set up for the murder at Monkey Island, a seedy tourist attraction in downtown Los Angeles in 1932. Sparky has to make it through returning to school on this, the worst day of her life. Sparky, who is often in trouble, is made to “volunteer” for Detective Bernie and Senior Officer Mug. While this is going on, Tootsie, a former silent cinema star, and her goblin-like sidekick Gilbert are getting ready for an audition that might help her go back into the spotlight at Sparky’s house, the Creepy House.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings mystery into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I have read most of the series at this point and I absolutely love it.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As always the author does a great job of transporting you back to the 1930’s and really making you feel like you are right there in the midst of the story with her vivid descriptions and well written story telling. Sparky is back, stirring up trouble as she works to prove her boss isn’t a murderer, all while trying to juggle, school, her guardian’s potential career revival, as well as having to volunteer with cop Mug and Detective Bernie. I am still loving that the station has a police bunny, just cracks me up. As always Sparky keeps finding herself in all sorts of mischief and trouble as she sleuths her way through the murder investigation. There are definitely plenty of twists and turns, as well as humor, in this cozy noir historical mystery. Looking forward to seeing more Sparky mysteries!

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third novel in this series and we’re back with Sparky, the plucky eleven year old amateur super-sleuth. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series and this historical cozy mystery, set during the 1930’s in Los Angeles, had me hooked once again. Sparky is determined to prove that his boss Bookie who is a crook is not a murderer. She wants to convince the police that he’s been framed for the murder at the ratty tourist trap, Monkey Island. Sparky also has to cope with going back to school and being forced to volunteer for the police. She will be working for top cop Mug and grumpy Detective Bernie, but it’s the police station’s bunny who gives Sparky an important clue.  Meanwhile, back at Sparky’s home, the Creepy House and her guardian Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert are preparing for an audition, which could revive Tootsie’s career as a silent movie star. The quirky characters and fascinating settings came vividly to life due to the description narrative. Whilst the historical details transported me back to the Prohibition era. Once again, Sparky is a likeable and relatable character, who I felt engaged with throughout the intriguing story. I love the humour along with the mystery element of the storyline and I was gripped throughout.

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Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

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This is the first book that I have read from this author. I wasn’t sure if I would like this book or not, however the further I got in the book, the more I really enjoyed it. Cat (short for Catherine) is a custodial employee for a theme park. She, Zoe, Gloria, and Jayden all help the police find the murderer. At first she is being accused of the murder because of an incident that happened prior to the murder. However she does some investigating of her own with the help of the Felines that live at the park, the head of one of the clowders is Zoe. Do you know that animals can communicate with you? I definitely didn’t think that they could especially cats but apparently they can.
Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest Book 1)Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read from this author. I wasn’t sure if I would like this book or not, however the further I got in the book, the more I really enjoyed it. Cat (short for Catherine) is a custodial employee for a theme park. She, Zoe, Gloria, and Jayden all help the police find the murderer. At first she is being accused of the murder because of an incident that happened prior to the murder. However she does some investigating of her own with the help of the Felines that live at the park, the head of one of the clowders is Zoe. Do you know that animals can communicate with you? I definitely didn’t think that they could especially cats but apparently they can.

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Jade Brunton

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. The first mystery book that I read was Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder On The Orient Express” and it is the reason I continue to read mysteries to this day. This story was original and exciting to read through. I had no clue who the murderer was and I was honestly surprised at who the murderer was. I thought there was going to be a big plot twist but turns out I was reading WAY deeper into things than I needed. If you’re looking for a quick mystery to get you through the day, this one is certainly worth picking up!

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