Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay

 

This was my first venture into the Fairy Tale Cupcakes series. I met Mel and Angie just before the arrival of Shelby, the star of the Christmas Show the girls are catering. Apparently there was some history because the heat of jealousy flared up quickly from Mel. Now the girls are sisters-in-law, so the why would probably be clear to me if I'd read the last fourteen books. In considering whether starting the series now would be a good idea, I have to consider my intake of cupcakes.  

The reading was enjoyable, although it did cause me to wonder whether it was a good idea for me to start baking cupcakes at all hours of the night. Irresistible delights were found on these pages. If only we had Fairy Tale Cupcakes in my town. I'd do my part to support them.

Encountering Doc early on, I knew he wouldn’t last long in this group. But with so many suspects clustered in one place, how to determine the one who did it? I thought I knew but then I didn’t and then there’s Christmas. 

I felt overwhelmed as the Christmas party guest list grew. Pulling it off while keeping all the traditions of all the guests was a project I wouldn’t attempt. I feared this Holiday dinner wouldn’t have a chance of success, something would have to go wrong. You’ll have to read it to find out.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.

The Bookshop Murder, Flora Steele Mystery Book #1, by Merryn Allingham

 

I loved the ending. A surprise that filled me with joy for Flora. I knew the book was coming to a close as the murderer was found and loose ends were being tied up, but out of the blue, there it was. Flora’s a sweet young woman and deserves the best that life has to offer. She’s receiving it with this unexpected invitation, and I’ll be glad to hear how that unfolds for her.

The mystery was interesting, loads of suspects with good motives for a murder or two, three? Can’t say for sure, the third victim might be out there somewhere, fearful to return to the havoc he created.

I think I might have liked to hear more about life at the bookstore. But frankly with sales down due to the body being found, I understand why she needed to solve the murder to save Violet’s bookstore. No need to stay at an empty store, waiting for the police who weren’t going to do it.

Her background with her Aunt Violet was endearing and I enjoyed hearing about the memories of her younger life. Great friends in the village. And of course, Jack – they rescued each other.

A Perfect Bind by Dorothy St. James

Did you ever finish a book in two days, that you couldn't put down, because you had to find out who did it? That was me while enjoying this read from Dorothy St. James.

Tonight, I miss my friends from the book. It crossed my mind that I could re-read it, right from the start. Slower this time, reading every single word. I might have found my newest favorite author. I love her leading character, Trudell Becket, not Trudy, as she'll remind you. She's Assistant Librarian in the South Carolina town where she grew up. There are two good-looking men interested in dating her and she doesn't sleep with either one. I love it. How refreshing.

My previous favorite author, Sue Grafton, has gone to the great publishing house in the sky. Their protagonists are similar in character. Both Trudell and Kindsey are independent women, working in their chosen fields. They dress for comfort, not following current trends. Men find them attractive, but it doesn't rattle them, they've got other things to think about. Told in the first person, I enjoyed the ride along.

Trudell has a lot going on. There's more than one mystery, more than one secret and more than a few interesting characters. I want to visit them in their little town and have lunch at the Sunshine Diner. I'd visit the library. The fact that there's something going on in the basement makes the visit even more compelling.

Libraries have made some drastic changes in the last few years concerning the question of printed materials. Libraries are busy drawing in younger patrons with gaming and Internet usage. Older patrons are finding crafty events. People come to the library for help in finding their way around the Internet.

The town of Cypress has decided to eliminate all books in favor of an ultra-modern library. This raises the question of the value of printed materials. Has electronic media replaced the need for books? Are books of value any longer? This story hits the topic straight on.

This new concept library doesn't sit well with those who love hard covers and paperbacks so Trudell devices a plan to keep those folks happy. Does this tie in with the dead body found behind the library? Is apple pie an issue? Can her cat, Dewey Decimal, provide assistance? A few likely suspects are evident since there's more going on in the town of Cypress than meets the eye.

If you can't tell by now, I recommend this book. If any of this resonates with you, enjoy yourself.

I received this book without charge in exchange for an honest review.