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

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

I’m a true crime lover, and I listen to some pretty awesome podcasts about crime, that lead you down the path of mystery.  I was so excited to get deep into this book and read a work of fiction that is crime related.  Loved reading this book so much and I need to find the time to catch up on book’s 1 and 2!  I originally forgot that this is a stand alone book! I was so easily able to follow the story and this is book number 3 which is quite amazing.  I love that i was able to get lost in the mystery, and though at times I wanted to solve it, I was STILL wrong!

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Katie Matthews

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

Murky Murder was a fun cozy mystery read and one that I really enjoyed. I haven’t read anything by this author previously but I definitely will be reading more from her. I really liked Ivy, she’s a great character. The authors writing was really engaging to read and the descriptions of the hotel really helped me to imagine what I was reading. There were so many twists and turns in the story which I loved as it kept me entertained from beginning to end. Ive not read many cozy mystery books but I can definitely say this was great and I’ll be exploring the genre more in the future and absolutely reading more from this author again.

@katiem
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Spectral Revelations (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6) by Ellen Butler – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/177554240-spectral-revelations” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1694915043l/177554240._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/177554240-spectral-revelations”>Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7377203.Ellen_Butler”>Ellen Butler</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6015604139″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I sure hope we get more adventures from Ms. Cardinal, but as I write this review this is the last book of the series. In this one it took an interesting paranormal turn. Karina’s aunt Vera has gone missing and Karina is on the case. With the exception that it is out of character for her aunt to just disappear and leave behind her cat without a word, nothing seems out of place. When Karina comes across a Civil War Era ghost trashing her aunt’s study she thinks it’s just throwing a tantrum. That is until she discovers clues in how the thrashing happen. The cops have everything wrong according to what she is being shown, but how will she convince them of such things? Will she be able to bring Vera back alive? These books were too good to put down. Each one could be read as a standalone if you wanted, but I much preferred reading them in order. If mystery thrillers are your cup of tea any of these would be great to read.
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The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Jess Engel

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I’m not even sure quite how to describe the experience of enjoying this story. The author puts together an intriguing and unique story told from the perspective of the 11yo Sparky. I honestly expected a more juvenile story with a writing style to match for this type of cozy mystery—instead what I got was a compelling story and witty dialogue. The author also did a wonderful job with character development and creating unique, but believable characters to help Cary the storyline. I also quite enjoyed the setting of the story and incorporation of the culture of the 1930s which helped transport me directly into the time and story—a proven talent of this author’s writing style. I honestly can’t say enough good things, just pick this one up and be prepared to be transported into the mystery and helping Sparky clear her name!

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Paula R Sayers

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

Birdie is a widow who is having trouble letting go of her husband and useless items that she continues to collect from dumpsters, yard sales, etc. Birdie has lost a lot in her life and finds herself attached to a young woman whom she barely knows. When the young woman, Jenna, disappears, Birdie decides she must find her. What follows is a whole story that is unfortunately true to life. This book kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next.

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Slay It With A Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates- Review by Heather Knalls

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

Mimi is a journalist at heart but left the business to come back and work for her fathers diamond company. Rosalyn was a friend that Mimi met while working at a PR firm back in the day. She is now married into a very influential family the Lowery’s. They own one of the biggest name diamond businesses in the area. Rosalyn has called up Mimi to set up the sale of a diamond, but Mimi doesn’t feel comfortable with it due to who Rosalyn’s husband is and what he does. Rosalyn has come to sell the Heartbrooch, which is an intricate golden brooch with an almost perfect black diamond as its center. After selling said diamond to Mimi and her father Rosalyn is found murdered. Now everyone is saying the brooch belongs to them and Mimi and her father no longer know what to do with this cursed diamond brooch. Will Mimi find out what happened to Rosalyn or will she find herself in more trouble than she already is?

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Spectral Revelations (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6)Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spectral Revelations is Book Six in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. It is a cozy mystery with drama, danger, ghosts, secrets, lies, greed, and corruption. In her most recent adventure Karina finds herself trying to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her aunt. Uncertain if her aunt has disappeared on her accord or if something bad happened Karina delves into the mystery headfirst to see what happened. When she goes to her aunt’s home, she finds a mischievous ghost that seems to be wreaking havoc in her aunt’s home. At first Karina brushes off the ghost’s behaviour but soon realizes that he is leaving her clues to help solve her aunt’s disappearance. As usual Karina learns more than she bargained for when she uncovers secrets, lies, and corruption. Another great read in this amazing series. The author has a way of pulling you into the story and fully immersing you in the mystery until the very end. The characters are unique, quirky, funny, and entertaining. I absolutely loved the addition of the paranormal element and Karina’s ghostly crime solver.

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Swindler’s Revenge (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Swindler's RevengeSwindler’s Revenge by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Swindler’s Revenge is Book Five in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. Karina’s newest adventure finds her single after her and her FBI boyfriend Mike broke up. Now he is in a heap of trouble after being accused of taking a large bribe and running away with 1.2 million dollars. On the run as a wanted fugitive only adds to making him look guilty. As his ex-girlfriend, Karina is also someone of interest to the FBI. Although Mike is her ex, Karina does not believe for a second that he is guilty of taking the bribe. It seems that someone dangerous is determined to frame Mike and Karina is equally determined to clear Mike’s name and get to the bottom of who is responsible. The situation becomes intense as Karina delves into the case with the help of some friends. This book had danger, drama, mystery, tension, action, suspense, witty banter, and a bit of romance. I love how feisty, determined, strong, and independent Karina is. Bring on Book Number Six!

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Pharoah’s Forgery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by

Pharaoh's Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharoah’s Forgery is Book Four in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. It is a cozy mystery following the adventures of Karina Cardinal. In her latest adventure she finds herself in Mexico where she is hoping to relax and soak up the sun. However, the mystery package she has been asked to bring by her neighbor. The seemingly innocent package turns out to be a magnet for all sorts of criminal elements which leads Karina into a world of danger. Karina and her friend Rodrigo find themselves facing certain death and it could mean the end for them both. This book had action, suspense, mystery, drama, danger, suspense, humor, crooks, killers, swindlers, and an ancient Egyptian death mask. The characters are unique, quirky, lovable, and feisty. Bring on Book Five!

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Diamonds and Deception (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery, #3)Diamonds & Deception by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Diamonds and Deception is Book Three in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. It is a cozy mystery with action, adventure, danger, mystery, suspense, secrets, lies, and a diamond heist. Karina again finds herself in the middle of a mystery when her sister calls her asking for help. Their friend has been accused of stealing some diamonds and Karina and her sister are determined to clear her name. As the two sisters delve into the case, they come face to face with criminal elements that would have been better off left alone. The tension and suspense escalate as the secrets and lies are revealed. The storyline is intriguing and really draws you in because it has been so well written and clearly well researched. The character of Karina is smart, strong, feisty, and determined. I look forward to reading Book Four.

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

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

I recently read “Ghost Takes a Vacation” by Carmen Radtke, as a standalone (have not read #1), and I must say, it was a delightful and entertaining read. The story follows Genie Darling, who finds herself on an adventure in Italy when some of her late great-great-aunt’s belongings go up for auction.

The author does a fantastic job of creating a vivid and atmospheric setting in Tuscany. The descriptions of the scenery and the Italian culture made me feel like I was right there alongside Genie. The addition of the ghostly element adds a unique twist to the story, and it adds a touch of humor and charm.

The plot is well-paced, and there is never a dull moment. It kept me guessing until the very end, as Genie and her ghost sidekick try to uncover the truth behind the arson and the murder.

The characters are also well-developed and likable. Genie is a strong and determined protagonist, and her interactions with the ghost of her great-great-aunt are both humorous and endearing.

One aspect that I particularly enjoyed about this book is the witty dialogue and humorous banter between the characters. It had me chuckling throughout the story and added a light-hearted touch to the murder mystery.

Overall, “Ghost Takes a Vacation” is an enjoyable and engaging read. It combines elements of mystery, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a fun and entertaining cozy mystery. I highly recommend it to fans of paranormal mysteries and those who enjoy a lighthearted and atmospheric read.

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Slay It With A Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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

Book three of the Diamond District Mystery Series, this book focuses on the mystery of a supposedly cursed diamond. Mimi, the main character and sleuthing journalist, works with her diamond dealer father, and her fiancé cop to solve a murder left in the wake of the diamond. I started reading this series with this book, which can easily be read as a stand-alone, though I now have the first two books on my to-be-read list after reading this adventure. Though the beginning did start slower than I’d like typically, the approach did work for this book – especially seeing as this is the first of the series I’ve had the pleasure to read. I enjoyed the build-up of the story and the character interactions and dynamics the author showcased.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Kerry Baker

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

This is a fun murder mystery story with a unique heroine and setting. Maid Ivy is a great character, and perfect to head up this book. She is relatable and engaging – the type of character you can’t help but root for.
When I started this book, I didn’t realise it was the fourth in the series. However, it can easily be read as a standalone, although I will certainly be going back to read the rest. The story is well written, intriguing and a thoroughly enjoyable read. This is a fantastic book.

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Fatal Legislation (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery #2)Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fatal Legislation is Book Two in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. This is a cozy mystery set in the world of politics. It has action, adventure, murder, drama, danger, intrigue, suspense, and romance. Karina is off sleuthing once again as she tries to solve the murder of a senator. A bit of a tricky situation for her as she is also a person of interest in the case. She also has a budding relationship with her old college friend Mike, whom she became reunited with in Book One. Karina is determined to clear her name and delves deep into the case digging for clues as to who the real murderer is. The story takes some twists and turns as the tension builds. A great storyline with admirable characters. Karin is smart, class, courageous, and feisty. I look forward to book three.

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Isabella’s Painting (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting is Book One in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. This book is cozy mystery that centers around the character of Karina Cardinal. Karina is a lawyer and lobbyist working on Capitol Hill. who fancies herself as an amateur sleuth in her spare time. When she goes to a fancy dinner party at the home of her boyfriend’s wealthy parents, she spots something that seems a bit odd. In her boyfriend’s father’s library, she sees what looks like the stolen masterpiece that had been robbed from a museum. Having only caught a glimpse of the painting before it disappeared behind a secret hidden panel Karina is uncertain if this is indeed the stolen masterpiece worth millions of dollars. She wants to investigate farther but is conflicted because not only is this her boyfriend’s wealthy father, but anyone that encounters the painting dies a horrible death. With her every move being monitored, Karina is unsure what to do. A wonderfully written story with an intriguing storyline based on a true event. The character of Karina is smart, strong, independent, determined, and feisty. I look forward to reading book number two.

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Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington – Review by Samantha Cleaver

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

This mystery is perfect for someone who just wants to curl up in front of a fire, with a cup of coffee and read. Perfect mixture of suspense, romance, heartbreak and friendship.

Follow Birdie as she tries to find out who killed her friend while trying to move on from the death of her husband and high school sweetheart.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Santana Hicks

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

Birdie Harper loves a good deal and sees herself as a collector. The problem is, she doesn’t know when to stop. Every weekend Birdie and her sister hit the yard sales but on top of that, Birdie has a habit of also dumpster diving.

Birdie lost her daughter when she was only a baby so she has a hole in her heart. There is a young girl who works at the convenience store that would be her daughter’s age if she had never passed. Birdie became borderline obsessed with this girl so when the girl goes missing, she will stop at nothing to find her. One day when dumpster diving, she finds the body of the young girl. She is determined to find out who killed this sweet young woman with the help of her dead husband who appears to Birdie often.

I decided to read this book because the title and the cover art was unique. The plot certainly is different from anything I have written but in a good way. The main character is an older woman which by itself is great but also she is a hoarder who has trouble letting go of items and people. Birdie is eccentric but sweet. The relationship between Birdie and her sister seemed very authentic. She may not agree with her sister but you can tell they love each other. It was a different type of cozy mystery than I have ever read but it was a refreshing difference.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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

Birdie Harper is a woman on a mission, she is on a mission to increase her collection of objects, so she goes to yard sales regularly with her finding treasures, or at least treasures to her, but her favourite thing is to go dumpster diving, she has her favourite stores and will go out in the middle of the night and find things she can use in projects, or to decorate her home. Unfortunately for Birdie, her sister Oda Dean doesn’t see her treasures the same way, she sees them as trash, rubbish which is becoming a possible health hazard and is always calling Birdie a hoarder, and this annoys Birdie to no end.

One night while she is diving, she finds something more than she bargained for, a dead body and it is someone Birdie was rather fond of, a young woman in the prime of her life. As Birdie relays all the information she can to the police, but also to her unfortunate husband, who just so happens to be a ghost, so he cannot offer any comfort, but can lend an ear and maybe even some help?

This discovery leads Birdie into an investigation of her own as she tries to find out what happened to her friend, she is also determined that Oda Dean and Walter are going to help her, but will she be able to find out who the culprit is before her dumpster diving days are over? This is a cozy mystery with ghostly aid which will keep you guessing as Birdie uncovers clues, information and danger while keeping up with her unusual hobbies.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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

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 of the series. It was a good book. It can be read as a stand alone. Max is offered to buy a “cursed” diamond; of course, he buys it. He doesn’t believe in curses. Soon after it’s in his possession the wife of the jeweler ends up dead. Mimi, his daughter and journalist, investigates this crime. She likes to jump head first and not always think before she does something. She partners up with her boyfriend cop to find the killer.

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

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

Ghost Takes a Vacation is Book Two in the Genie and Adriana Darling Series. It is a cozy paranormal story with ghosts, humor, witty banter, adventure, murder, mystery, hauntings, and ghostly escapades. The story centers around the character of Genie who pairs up with the ghost of her deceased great-great aunt Adriana to solve a mystery. In order for Adriana to hold onto her otherworldly powers she needs to hold onto her possessions which requires a quick trip to Tuscany where they have been placed up for auction. While in Italy, Genie and Adriana stumble onto a mystery that involves arson and manslaughter. It is up to the dynamic duo to find the real culprit responsible and clear the name of the man who has been wrongfully accused of the crime. Adriana and Genie get into hi jinx along the way and mayhem ensues. I love the quirky characters and how Genie has her ghostly great-great aunt helping her solve mysteries. The storyline was unique, funny, and had me reading until the end to see what happened next. I look forward to reading more of the adventures of this quirky duo.

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

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

This is the second book in the series Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries. It can be read as a stand alone novel. This cute cozy mystery will keep you guessing and turning the pages. I liked the idea of a side-kick sleuth is a ghost! It makes the novel interesting and fun to read!

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Kerry Carr

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

This is book 1 in The Hazardous Hoarding Mysteries series. I found this cozy mystery really unique and entertaining. It is the first book that I have read by this author and i am looking forward to reading more in this series.
The author does a great job with the characters. They are all fun and charming and a little eccentric in their own way which is what makes them unique.
In this story we first meet Birdie and her sister Oda Dean. Both of them love a good deal and love looking around for bargains. Birdie considers herself a collecter but to the outside world she would be considered a horder. One of the things Birdie loves is looking inside dumpsters however her favourite past time comes to a horrible end when she discovers the body of a young woman who she considered her friend.
Now she is on a mission along with her sister Oda and her dead husband (in spirit form) to find out who killed her friend and why. As Birdie starts investigating and trying to get to the bottom of things she places a target on her back.
Will she become the next body in a dumpster?

The characters of Birdie and Oda are so well written they literally jump off the page. Their relationship and the humour between them makes this story engaging and a fun read. Add to the mix Birdie’s departed husband and it is a great entertaining mix. There are some deeper issues such as lonelness and the loss of a loved one which are dealt within this story as well.

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

This is the first book I have read by Rob Bates. I couldn’t put it down at all, I actually read the book in one day. There is a lot going on throughout the story, there is love, death, confessions, and of course diamonds. We all know that Diamonds are a girl’s best friend at least what we are told growing up. However, in the diamond in this story is not meant to be anyone’s best friend. Mimi finds herself under attack once her and her family purchase the “cursed diamond” from the wife of a famous jeweler who is found murdered. Can Mimi find out who murdered her friend without getting hurt herself? Read to find out and to see what happens to the diamond at the end.

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

This is the first book I have read by Rob Bates. I couldn’t put it down at all, I actually read the book in one day. There is a lot going on throughout the story, there is love, death, confessions, and of course diamonds. We all know that Diamonds are a girl’s best friend at least what we are told growing up. However, in the diamond in this story is not meant to be anyone’s best friend. Mimi finds herself under attack once her and her family purchase the “cursed diamond” from the wife of a famous jeweler who is found murdered. Can Mimi find out who murdered her friend without getting hurt herself? Read to find out and to see what happens to the diamond at the end.

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

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

The third book can be read as a standalone even though it’s part of a series. This book did start very slow to me, once you got about halfway through the book it got way more interesting. The characters interact and complement each other pretty well. There is a lot of information about the diamond industry and the diamonds itself. The family feud and the cursed diamond made the story more interesting. It is a good read for when you have downtime during the day.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Nina Maes

Entertainment in its fullest.
This is a fast paced read with wonderful characters. This short story will grab you and won’t let you go to the last page. This is the first book of the series and looking forward to what lays ahead. I recommend to all readers.Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Entertainment in its fullest.
This is a fast paced read with wonderful characters. This short story will grab you and won’t let you go to the last page. This is the first book of the series and looking forward to what lays ahead. I recommend to all readers.

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

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

The Cannibal Caper
By: Rosalind Barden

This is the second book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series. This book (and the first in the series) is a historical cozy mystery that takes place in Los Angeles in the 1930s. Sparky is a tween who happens to be incredibly street smart which leads to her being an incredible amateur sleuth.
One thing that I have really enjoyed about both the books in the series is how different each of the characters is, they all are very quirky / eccentric and that to me makes the story unique. Also Rosalind Barden pays attention to the little details that make you feel as if you have traveled back in time and are experiencing everything along with Sparky, it really feels like no detail has been left out. I found this book to be a quick read that really kept me wanting to read more. I definitely enjoyed each and every word on the pages and I highly recommend picking this book up!

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Murky Murder
By Hazel Smith

This is the first in this series that I have read, but I am definitely going to be getting the others. I love a good cozy mystery that makes you curl up under a blanket with something to drink and just read until the end of the book. Which in all honesty is what I did with this one. This book is set in a hotel in London and features Ivy and her family who seem to always be solving mysteries. Ivy is the best kind of heroine, one who finds herself solving mysteries but doesn’t let it interfere with the rest of her life. I definitely recommend this book and I am ordering the rest of the series right now!

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Alison Risher

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

I’ll be honest- it was the hazardous hoarding that piqued my interest. I have clutter. Now I’m wondering if I should examine my motivation whenever I am tempted to keep something even slightly sentimental. Throw in a mystery, and a ghost- I’m hooked! The fact that the story is set in my home state of Kentucky is an added bonus.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Shea Gilkerson 11/26/23

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

Maid Ivy is back as head maid at Hotel La Fontaine and has a mystery of a murdered guest to solve. When fake flyers show up and clues abound, will she be able to solve the whodunit in time?

Love the writing here, the world building, the way the characters feel like you know them. I would not have guessed the level of suspense and mystery that would abound with what a fun read this was. I kept meeting new suspects and was thoroughly befuddled by the time I made it to the big reveal! A lot of fun, I’ll be getting the other books in the series!

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

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

This was such a great read, I’ve read a few books by this author now and I really enjoy the stories she creates. I never really seemed to like Cozy Mystery books but this author has definitely changed my opinion about them.
Genie and her ghostly great-great Aunt definitely make me laugh during their newest adventure to Italy. I was thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
The author has a wonderful writing style that keeps you entertained the whole way through the book and makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.
I am really looking forward to the next book from this author!

@katiem
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