The Skeleton Takes a Bow(A Family Skeleton Mystery)-Leigh Perry

 

After years of hiding in the Thackery family house, Sid the skeleton is delighted to finally have his moment in the spotlight. He’s starring in a high school production of Hamlet. Well, not so much starring in as being a prop. At least part of him has a part—he’s using his head to play Yorick of “Alas, poor Yorick” fame. Every day, Georgia Thackery’s daughter, Madison, who’s also in the play, brings in his skull, and every night, she takes him home...

Until one night when he’s accidentally left at school—and hears the sounds of someone being murdered. But the next day, there’s no body and no one seems to be missing.

Sid is not a numbskull—he knows what he heard. Georgia thinks he imagined it—until a week later when a body is found. Now Georgia and Sid will both need to keep their heads as they stick their necks out and play sleuth to catch the conscience of a killer…

Having enjoyed the first book in this series, I was really looking forward to this book coming out. I was NOT disappointed. What a great mystery. I hope Sid is back for more very soon. 

Lemon Larceny-Jessica Beck

 

Brand New! Lemon Larceny, Donut Mystery #15,
From New York Times Bestselling Author Jessica Beck.

When her Aunt Jean dies suddenly, Suzanne and her mother investigate what at first looks like an accident, but quickly proves to be murder. They never expected to get help from the recently deceased beyond the grave, though. The ladies soon learn that Jean suspected she was a target in someone’s sights, so she has left them clues and hints behind about who might have wanted to see her dead! 

Jessica Beck can do no wrong in my eyes. I love these books. The characters are great and the mystery is always wonderful. Onto #16 

Tailing A Tabby-Laurie Cass

 

In the bookmobile, librarian Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie, roll out great summer reads to folks all over the lake town of Chilson, Michigan. And when real-life drama turns deadly, Minnie makes sure justice is never overdue.

The bookmobile is making its usual rounds when Minnie and Eddie are flagged down by a woman in distress. The woman’s husband, a famous artist, needs emergency medical care. After getting him into the bookmobile, Minnie races the man to the hospital in time…but his bad luck has only just begun.


After disappearing from the hospital, the artist is discovered slumped over the body of a murdered woman. Minnie knows that her new friend didn’t commit the crime, but the evidence paints an unflattering picture. Now this librarian and her furry friend have to put the investigation in high gear and catch the real killer before someone else checks out.

I really like this series. Eddie is by far the funniest cat that I have ever read about. Yet again, Laurie Cass, has written a wonderful mystery. I can't wait for the adventures to continue.  

The Alchemist's Daughter(Bianca Goodard Mysteries #1)-Mary Lawrence

 

“A realistic evocation of 16th century London’s underside. The various strands of the plot are so skillfully plaited together.” —Fiona Buckley

In the year 1543 of King Henry VIII’s turbulent reign, the daughter of a notorious alchemist finds herself suspected of cold-blooded murder…

Bianca Goddard employs her knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants to concoct remedies for the disease-riddled poor in London’s squalid Southwark slum. But when her friend Jolyn comes to her complaining of severe stomach pains, Bianca’s prescription seems to kill her on the spot. Recovering from her shock, Bianca suspects Jolyn may have been poisoned before coming to her—but the local constable is not so easily convinced.

To clear her name and keep her neck free of the gallows, Bianca must apply her knowledge of the healing arts to deduce exactly how her friend was murdered and by whom—before she herself falls victim to a similar fate…

“Unique characters, a twisty plot and a bold, bright heroine add up to a great debut for Mary Lawrence’s The Alchemist’s Daughter. Mystery and Tudor fans alike will raise a glass to this new series.”
—Karen Harper, author of The Poyson Garden

I sat down, last night, to read this book and did not get up until I finished it. This book was that good. I found myself transported into the story. What a wonderful journey. I can't wait to see what is in store for Bianca next.  

The Harlot Countess(Wicked Deceptions 2)-Joanna Shupe

 

Maggie, Lady Hawkins, had a debut she’d rather forget—along with her first marriage. Today, the political cartoonist is a new woman. A thoroughly modern woman. So much so that her clamoring public believes she’s a man…

FACT: Drawing under a male pseudonym, Maggie is known as Lemarc. Her (his!) favorite object of ridicule: Simon Barrett, Earl of Winchester. He’s a rising star in Parliament—and a former confidant and love interest of Maggie’s who believed a rumor that vexes her to this day.

FICTION: Maggie is the Half-Irish Harlot who seduced her best friend’s husband on the eve of their wedding. She is to be feared and loathed, as she will lift her skirts for anything in breeches.

Still crushed by Simon’s betrayal, Maggie has no intention of letting the ton crush her as well. In fact, Lemarc’s cartoons have made Simon a laughingstock…but now it appears that Maggie may have been wrong about what happened years ago, and that Simon has been secretly yearning for her since…forever. Could it be that the heart is mightier than the pen and the sword after all?

I loved, loved, loved this book. From the very beginning, I was hooked. The characters were great and this was just a really well written romance. 

Devil's Moon-Amanda Scott

 

The last place Sir David "Devil" Ormiston expected his moonlight chase of a horse thief to end was in a lady's bedchamber. He is shocked to find that the raider he has pursued is no man, but a defiant beauty in disguise—and the woman he's vowed to protect at all costs. Face to face with a girl Dev thought he knew, the ever confident, marriage-resistant knight may learn that he is defenseless against the desirable woman she has become.

A Lady's Secret

Lady Robina Gledstanes will do anything to keep her family's land out of the hands of her greedy kinsmen—except willingly submit to the handsome, cocksure Devil Ormiston. Dev's help may be just as dangerous as the threats lurking outside her castle. But when enemies scheme to steal the castle's treasure, Robina must risk losing something even more precious—her heart.

I really enjoy books by Amanda Scott. They are always well.written, romantic and just plain good. She has great characters and what could be a better stop than Scotland. I loved this book.

Musseled Out(A Maine Clamback Mystery)-Barbara Ross

 

The busy summer tourist season is winding down in Busman's Harbor, Maine, but Julia Snowden senses trouble simmering for the Snowden Family Clambake Company. Shifty David Thwing--the "Mussel King" of upscale seafood restaurants--is sniffing around town for a new location. But serving iffy clams turns out to be the least of his troubles. . .

When Thwing is found sleeping with the fishes beneath a local lobsterman's boat, the police quickly finger Julia's brother-in-law Sonny as the one who cooked up the crime. Sure, everyone knows Sonny despised the Mussel King. . .but Julia believes he's innocent. Proving it won't be easy, though. It seems there's a lot more than murder on the menu, and Julia needs to act fast.

I really think that this book was the best in the series so far. I loved it. The characters are great and the mystery is always top notch. 

Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier(Pyper Rayne)-Deanna Chase

 

From New York Times bestselling author Deanna Chase, the first book in the Pyper Rayne series (a spin-off of the Jade Calhoun Series).

All Pyper Rayne—medium and coffee shop owner—wanted was the perfect vintage dress. What she got was a dead shop owner and a sexy ghost who’s suddenly everywhere—at her shop, in her car, and even lounging in her bedroom. But he’s not just any ghost. He’s a witch and able to appear in solid form…sometimes. If only he'd stop disappearing on her.

And Pyper needs his help. When she becomes target numero uno and the prime suspect in the shop owner’s death, it appears her ghost holds the key to solving the murder. In between stolen kisses, Pyper will need to get to the bottom of all of his secrets if she wants to stay alive and out of jail…and maybe finally get that date he keeps promising her.

This was such a great book. I sat down and read it from beginning to end. The characters are great and thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.  

The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress-Victoria Alexander

 

To Do:
Swim naked in the moonlight
Play in a high stakes card game
Ride an elephant
Be painted sans clothing.
Take a lover…

Lucy Merryweather has inherited a fortune—and her great-aunt’s list of unfulfilled wishes. What better way to honor her memory than by accomplishing as many of them as possible? And with Lucy’s family an ocean away in New York, nothing stands in her way—if one ignores the private investigator hired to spy on her.

Yet Cameron Effington is infuriatingly difficult to ignore…

As a reporter, Cameron is always looking for a good story. An American heiress running rampant between Millworth Manor and Mayfair is the perfect subject. Not to mention captivating. And extremely kissable. And if Lucy believes he’s a detective? Well, the truth should never get in the way of a good story—or hinder delicious, impetuous passion.

I, truly, don't know if it is possible for me to love Victoria Alexander's books anymore than I do. I get so excited every time that I see a new one is coming out. This one did not disappoint. I loved everything about it. The characters were great and the romance was perfect. 

Antiques Swap-Barbara Allen

 

This book was a lot of fun. The characters were enjoyable and the mystery was great. The bonus was the recipes strewn throughout the book. I can't wait to read more.

Dollar Daze-Karin Gillespie

 

Moons and Junes are the flavors of the month for the Bottom Dollar Girls, whose sudden fondness for wooing and cooing has them in a "Dollar Daze," From the night of the Sweetheart Dance, love begins blooming all over Cayboo Creek. Though every rose must have its thorn, it's up to the Bottom Dollar Girls to follow their hearts. Leading the way is Attalee, soda jerk at the Bottom Dollar Emporium, who's so hot and heavy with her beau, Dooley, that the pair seems headed for the altar via Thrill Hill. Elizabeth is pining for her newlywed days when she felt more like a wife than a mother, while widowed Mavis has been up nights nursing a case of loneliness. Not so for newspaperwoman Birdie. "I'm glad my dating days are done," she claims, and Gracie Tobias agrees that she, too, is "done with romance." They couldn't be more wrong.

When high school heartthrob Brewster Clark returns to Cayboo Creek, suddenly Mavis and Birdie are competing for the attention of a certain pair of emerald eyes. Then there's Rusty, a philosophical duct doctor who's a most unlikely gentleman to turn proper Gracie's head, until she finds that his charms work on her like the Fountain of Youth. "A match made in heaven," Attalee pronounces the couple, but has she spoken too soon?

When it comes to love stories, "happily ever after" might always be the best ending, but one that can never be taken for granted. Traveling love's rocky road keeps the Bottom Dollar Girls asking, "How can you still believe in romance?" In "Dollar Daze," these best of friends through laughter and tears discover that endings sting, but the pain makes new beginnings that much sweeter.

I really enjoyed this book. It had funny characters and the story was great. Awesome job. 

The Copper Witch-Jessica Dall

 

"Ambition or Love" Adela Tilden has always been more ambitious than her station in life might allow. A minor nobleman's daughter on a failing barony, Adela's prospects seem dire outside of marrying well-off. When Adela catches the eye of the crown prince, Edward, however, well-off doesn't seem to be a problem. Thrown into a world of politics and intrigue, Adela might have found all the excitement she ever wanted-if she can manage to leave her past behind.

I'm torn about this book. While I loved the main character, Adela, I just couldn't seem to love the story as much. I think that it deserves a read and maybe another chance.  

Betrayed By Your Kiss-Laura London

 

It should have been the happiest night of her life…
Lady Olivia Sheridan knows one thing: she has loved Lord Damien forever. But when her beloved is accused of fathering another woman’s child, Olivia’s world is shattered in ways she never thought possible. Especially when Damien’s accuser sets a huge price on his head, and Olivia discovers Damien’s death will be the only outcome…unless she does the one thing he will never forgive her for doing.

When Olivia’s plan to save him goes disastrously, dangerously awry, Damien doesn’t think he’ll ever see the light of day again and, with bitterness, he realizes that the woman he loves is capable of the ultimate betrayal.

Now, four years later, Damien has returned. His eye is on one thing: seeking revenge for what Olivia did to him. Only his heart may get in the way…

Because hell hath no fury…like a man betrayed.

This was an amazing, wonderful, very well written historical romance. I loved the characters and the story. Great job. 

The Icing on The Corpse-Liz Mugavero

 

Kristan "Stan" Connor is thrilled to be invited to the Groundhog Day festivities in quirky Frog Ledge, Connecticut. Her organic, home-baked pet treats are a big hit at the annual celebration, though an important guest is curiously absent . . .

When Helga Oliver, the town's elderly historian, is found crumpled in the basement of the Historical Museum, the close-knit town is devastated. But after some tenacious digging, Stan discovers Helga was pushed down the stairs--and that this picture-perfect New England town may hide some dark secrets . . .

Stan's dogged determination reveals Helga's ties to an unsolved death in 1948 . . . but how does that connect to Adrian Fox, who's just arrived in town to shoot an episode of Celebrity Ghost Hunters? Stan is going to have to be very careful in chasing down the killer--if she wants to live to see another winter . 

What can I say about this book? It was AMAZING!! I love this series. Liz Mugavero has the innate ability to make the reader feel like they are in the book with the characters. Great job. I can't wait for more. 

The Courtesen Countess-Joanna Shupe

 

How to seduce an estranged husband—and banish debt!—in four wickedly improper, shockingly pleasurable steps...

1. Learn the most intimate secrets of London’s leading courtesan.
2. Pretend to be a courtesan yourself, using the name Juliet Leighton.
3. Travel to Venice and locate said husband.
4. Seduce husband, conceive an heir, and voilà, your future is secure!

For Julia, the Duchess of Colton, such a ruse promises to be foolproof. After all, her husband has not bothered to lay eyes on her in eight years, since their hasty wedding day when she was only sixteen. But what begins as a tempestuous flirtation escalates into full-blown passion—and the feeling is mutual. Could the man the Courtesan Duchess married actually turn out to be the love of her life?

"The powerful passion in this riveting tale of betrayal and forgiveness will knock your socks off!"
-- NY Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries

I really cannot stress enough how much I love Joanna Shupe books. The history is fantastic. Her characters are amazing and this is an all around great read. The romance is off the charts.