Mimi’s Paris Dilemma by Elizabeth Cooke | Virtual Book Tour Blitz | Giveaway

On 15th Dec 202013th Dec 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, Cozy, Mystery3 Comments

I am delighted to join the virtual book tour for Mimi’s Paris Dilemma by Elizabeth Cooke today! My thanks to Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish Promotions for my stop!

This post is part of a virtual review book tour organised by Goddess Fish Promotions, a mystery available now.

Elizabeth Cooke will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card! Interact with Elizabeth to increase your chances of winning. Thanks for stopping by and lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!

See below to sign up for the GIVEAWAY.

About the Book

Mimi’s Paris dilemma overwhelms her. She feels desolate, unappreciated, her celebrity status lost. The Parisiennes, the women of Paris, have turned against her. They are sympathique to the fate of a woman incarcerated for murder and reject Mimi, who was instrumental in bringing about that fate.

In this, Book Two of The Mimi Series, new crimes are committed. Mimi again is instrumental in helping solve them because of her sensitive petit nez, which pursues nasal clues where no human can follow.

Where few are aware of how truly skillful the little dog is, they slowly come to realize her value, and Mimi’s reputation is gradually restored to its full power.

Read an Excerpt

“Different indeed,” Nicole exclaimed. “More like unique.

Imagine having a dog as co-anchor on an interview show like the popular TONIGHT!”

“Unique, eh?” Rene countered.

“I can’t wait,” Nicole enthused. “But let us start after the fate of Stephan Ledax is decided and the trial done.”

* * * * *

Three weeks went by before Nicole Marcel and Mimi became full-time co-anchors on the TONIGHT TV interview show. They waited to take up their duties until the trial of Stephan Ledax was over.

Nicole testified before the court, as did Rene Couteau, to the attempted rape in the changing room of the studio. The verdict was unanimous: guilty of sexual assault.

During the course of the proceedings, there was testimony from six other women, relating to the pattern of behavior Stephan Ledax evinced over the period of several years – involving a variety of predatory acts – some even cruel: abandonment, abortion, lack of child support.

Stephan Ledax was sentenced to eight years behind bars. As he was led away by a policewoman, his face was distorted and wet with tears.

* * * * *

And so it came to pass.

About The Author

Elizabeth Cooke, born and bred in New York City, graduate of Vassar College and The Sorbonne, is the author of several books about Paris, where she lived in the 1950s.

Author Links: | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Pinterest

Book link:

Amazon

Giveaway!

Elizabeth Cooke will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

Click below to enter and good luck!

Don’t forget the other stops on the tour!

November 23: Bibliomanaic Aza
November 24: Literary Gold
November 24: Wendi zwaduk – romance to make your heart race
November 25: Fabulous and Brunette
November 25: Full Moon Dreaming
November 27: Locks, Hooks and Books
November 27: Tina Donahue Books – Heat with Heart
November 30: Lisa-Queen of Random
November 30: Natural Bri
December 1: Rogue’s Angels
December 1: Long and Short Reviews
December 2: Edgar’s Books
December 3: The Faerie Review
December 4: The Reading Addict
December 7: Beyond Romance
December 8: Westveil Publishing
December 9: All the Ups and Downs
December 10: Wake Up Your Wild Side
December 11: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
December 14: Iron Canuck Reviews and More
December 15: Brianne’s Book Reviews
December 16: Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
December 17: Novels Alive
December 17: Becoming Extraordinary
December 18: The Phantom Paragrapher
December 18: Dawn’s Reading Nook

Until Next Time,

Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines by Jennifer J. Chow | Blog Tour | Book Review | Giveaway

On 9th Nov 20208th Nov 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, Cozy, Mystery1 Comment

Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines (A Sassy Cat Mystery) by Jennifer J. Chow

I am delighted to join the blog tour for Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines by Jennifer J. Chow today! My thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours for the chance to join and the review copy!

About Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines

Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines (A Sassy Cat Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Berkley (November 10, 2020)
Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1984805010
ISBN-13: 978-1984805010
Digital ASIN: B084V8MB5M

When a local teacher is found dead, LA’s newest pet groomer Mimi Lee finds herself in a pawful predicament—with her younger sister’s livelihood on the line.

Mimi Lee is on top of the world. She has a thriving pet grooming business, the sweetest boyfriend, and a talking cat to boot. When she arrives at the elementary school where her sister Alice works, she’s expecting a fun girls’ night out—but instead finds a teacher slumped over in her car, dead.

Alice was the last one to see Helen Reed, which instantly marks her as the prime suspect. Unable to sit quietly and let the authorities walk all over her sister, Mimi starts snooping and talks to Helen’s closest contacts, including one jumpy principal, a two-faced fiancé, and three sketchy teachers. With the help of her sassy but savvy cat, Marshmallow, and a cute kitten named Nimbus, the clock’s ticking for Mimi to get to the bottom of yet another case before her sister gets schooled.

I Thought…

As a lover of cozy mysteries, this book shouted at me to be picked up! I think it was the cat called Marshmallow that swung it for me. Mimi Lee has a pet grooming business, Hollywoof, a veritable pooches paradise/ doggies based in Los Angeles, California.

Although I have not yet read Mimi Lee Gets a Clue, the first in the Sassy Cat Mystery series, I was not lost off with characters and events in this one, Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines and it was a good individual read. Mimi has a sister, Alice, who teaches at an elementary school and they arrange to meet up together for a night out. When Helen Reed, a teacher at the same school where Alice works is found dead, Alice finds herself at the top of the suspect list…

Busy Mimi sets out to clear Alice’s name working alongside the rather uptight Detective Brown, though she still manages to spend some time with her boyfriend, Josh. With several suspects and a few clues and red herrings, the mystery itself was very good as I tried to figure out the perpetrator and motive. However, for me, it was Marshallow, Mimi’s telepathic cat, that stole the show. Jennifer J. Chow’s writing style really appealed to me and especially liked the funnies relating to Mimi’s unusual requests at Hollywoof. I found Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines to be a cracking, fun and lighthearted cozy mystery and I will be looking out for book three, as well as catching up with the first in the Sassy Cat Mystery series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Book Tours at my request and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Brianne’s Book Reviews Rating | Five Stars

About Jennifer J. Chow

Jennifer J. Chow is the author of the hiss-terical Sassy Cat Mysteries, the Winston Wong cozies, Dragonfly Dreams, and The 228 Legacy. She lives in Los Angeles, where she hunts for all things matcha. Connect with her online and sign up for her newsletter at www.jenniferjchow.com. You can also find her on social media under @jenjchow.

Author Links – Webpage – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

Purchase Links – Amazon – Penguin Random House – BookShop – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound

There is a Rafflecopter Giveaway for this tour. Please click below to enter and good luck!

Don’t forget the other stops on the tour!

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 6 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 6 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

November 6 – Thoughts in Progress – SPOTLIGHT

November 7 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

November 7 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

November 7 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 7 – Author Elena Taylor’s Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 8 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 8 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 9 – My Journey Back – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 9 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 9 – Brianne’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 9 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 10 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

November 10 – Baroness’ Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

November 12 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – GUEST POST

November 12 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 12 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

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Until Next Time,

Mistletoe, Moussaka and Murder by Tina Kashian | Blog Tour | Book Review | Giveaway

On 8th Oct 20207th Oct 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, Cozy, Mystery5 Comments

Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder (A Kebab Kitchen Mystery) by Tina Kashian

I am delighted to join the blog tour for Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian today! My thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours for the chance to join and the review copy!

About Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder (A Kebab Kitchen Mystery)

Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder (A Kebab Kitchen Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Publisher: Kensington (September 29, 2020)
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1496726073
ISBN-13: 978-1496726070
Digital ASIN: B082WR6DMT

Not even her impending nuptials can keep Lucy Berberian, manager of her family-owned Kebab Kitchen, from the Jersey Shore’s annual Polar Bear Plunge. But her dive into the icy ocean is especially chilling when she finds a fellow swimmer doing the dead man’s float—for real . . .

Who would kill a man in cold blood during Ocean Crest, New Jersey’s most popular winter event? When Lucy learns the victim is Deacon Spooner, the reception hall owner who turned up his nose—and his price—at her wedding plans, she can’t help wondering who wouldn’t kill the pompous caterer . . .

Perhaps the culprit is the wedding cake baker whose career Deacon nearly destroyed? Or the angry bride whose reception he ruined? With her maid of honor, Katie, busily planning Lucy’s wedding without her, Lucy will have to get to the bottom of this cold-hearted business in time for Kebab Kitchen’s mouthwatering Christmas celebration—and before her hometown’s holiday spirit washes out to sea . . .

Recipes included!

I Thought…

This is my third book from what is proving to be a wonderfully entertaining series. Although I hadn’t read books #1 and #2, Hummus and Homicide, and Stabbed in the Baklava, I jumped in at book #3, One Feta in the Grave. This one, Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder is book #5 in the ‘A Kebab Kitchen Mystery’ series. Though I am, in part, familiar with the characters’ histories, I think anyone who hasn’t read any of the books in this series should have no trouble reading this as a standalone.

Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder started out great and just kept getting better and better! Lucy Berberian is thriving as manager of Kebab Kitchen, her family’s Mediterranean restaurant on the Jersey Shore. The mystery was really intriguing and it kept me guessing. I enjoyed meeting up with the recurrent characters again and I liked their interaction. Tina Kashian’s engaging writing style and detailed descriptions of the charming seaside town of Ocean Crest continued to delight, drawing me into the story straight away so I didn’t want to stop turning the pages. With the Kebab Kitchen being a central setting, there were plenty of mentions of mouthwatering and delicious ethnic food dotted throughout. Lucy’s family dynamic and the restaurant atmosphere were wonderfully articulated and the locale was fun. She is now engaged to Azad Zakarian, the head chef at Kebab Kitchen. I also really liked that Tina Kashian widened the storyline to include a scrumptious bakery, Cutie’s Cupcakes, owned by Lucy’s friend, Susan Cutie.

This was a quick, light and joyous read, with plenty of action, worthy suspects and red herrings that ticked all the boxes for me as far as cozies are concerned. Definitely an all-round winner, I highly recommend Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder and I hope this series continues so I can carry on following Lucy in her exploits!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours at my request and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Brianne’s Book Reviews Rating | Five Stars

About Tina Kashian

Tina Kashian is an attorney and mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She is the author of the popular Kebab Kitchen Mediterranean cozy mystery series for Kensington Publishing. Tina spent her childhood summers at the Jersey shore building sandcastles, boogie boarding, and riding the boardwalk Ferris wheel. She also grew up in the restaurant business, as her Armenian parents owned a restaurant for thirty years. Tina still lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband and two daughters. Please visit her website at http://www.tinakashian.com to join her newsletter, receive delicious recipes, enter contests, and more!

Author Links

Website: tinakashian.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinaKashianAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaKashian1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinakashian/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tina-kashian
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16902011.Tina_Kashian

Purchase Links:

There is a Rafflecopter Giveaway for this tour. Please click below to enter and good luck!

Don’t forget the other stops on the tour!

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 1 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

October 1 – The Cozy Pages – REVIEW

October 2 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, RECIPE

October 2 – Heart & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

October 2 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – fundinmental – RECIPE POST

October 3 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

October 4 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

October 4 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 4 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 5 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

October 5 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

October 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

October 6 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 7 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – RECIPE POST

October 7 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

October 8 – Brianne’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 8 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 9 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

October 9 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 9 – Author Elena Taylor’s Blog – SPOTLIGHT

October 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

October 10 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT

October 10 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

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Until Next Time,

What She Saw by Diane Saxon | Blog Tour | Book Review

On 27th Sep 202026th Sep 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, Crime, General Fiction, NetGalley, Thriller2 Comments

I am delighted to join the blog tour for What She Saw by Diane Saxon today! My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for my stop and the review copy!

What She Saw by Diane Saxon

Publication Date: September 22, 2020

Publisher: Boldwood Books

ISBN: 9781838892685

My rating: 5/5

🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

Book Summary

‘An addictive 5* read that kept me guessing. Diane Saxon’s DS Jenna Morgan series is brilliant’ – bestselling author, Ross Greenwood.

Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter

Why does someone want the Lawrence family dead?

The Lawrence’s were the perfect family; successful, beautiful, and happy until one night their whole world was ripped apart.
Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan is called to investigate the suspected arson attack and death of the Lawrence family at the charred remains of their stunning home, Kimble Hall.
The case takes a sinister turn as the body count fails to tally.
Suspecting that someone may have survived the inferno, DS Morgan and her team need to discover whether they have a witness, or someone far more dangerous.
Who set the fire? Who wanted this family extinguished beyond recognition?
As the case progresses, DS Morgan realises she has a calculating, cold-blooded killer on her hands, and the race is on to track them down before they kill again.

🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪

I Thought…

What She Saw is the third instalment in the Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan series, set in Shropshire, England. Even though I have yet to read the first two books, I jumped at the chance to read this one, and I’m so pleased I did!

The story opens with teenager, Poppy, lying on her bedroom floor along with her dead boyfriend, Aiden, looking at her father who has just shot them. As Poppy plays dead, her father continues his mission to kill the rest of the Lawrence family before setting fire to their home – Kimble Hall.

This exciting start set the tone for the whole book and I was totally hooked. DS Jenna Morgan lives with her sister, Fliss, who is currently dating Jenna’s work partner, DS Mason Ellis. As Jenna and Mason investigate, Diane Saxon strikes a great balance between the crimes and Jenna’s personal life and both are compelling to read. This captivating police procedural is very well plotted and paced and I found Jenna to be a likeable protagonist, though she was certainly not perfect.

With numerous twists and good use of misdirection throughout, What She Saw held my interest. As the tension levels peaked, the shocking revelations left me reeling. A magnificent very highly recommended read.

Thank you to Diane Saxon, Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

About the Author:

Diane Saxon previously wrote romantic fiction for the US market but has now turned to writing psychological crime. Find Her Alive was her first novel in this genre and introduced series character DS Jemma Morgan. She is married to a retired policeman and lives in Shropshire.

Social Links: Author Website * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook * Goodreads * Pinterest * Bookbub * Newsletter sign up

Purchase at: Amazon

Until Next Time,

When I Was You by Amber Garza | Blog Tour | Book Review

On 29th Aug 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, General Fiction, NetGalley, Thriller1 Comment

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing/ MIRA Books, for inviting me to be a part of this exciting Blog Tour for When I Was You by Amber Garza, and for the eARC of this title via NetGalley.

When I Was You by Amber Garza

Publication Date: August 25, 2020

Publisher: MIRA Books

ISBN: 9780778361046

My rating: 5/5

🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

Book Summary

YOU meets FATAL ATTRACTION in this up-all-night psychological thriller about a lonely empty-nester’s growing obsession with a young mother who shares her name.

It all begins on an ordinary fall morning, when Kelly Medina gets a call from her son’s pediatrician to confirm her upcoming “well-baby” appointment. It’s a cruel mistake; her son left for college a year ago, and Kelly has never felt so alone. The receptionist quickly apologizes: there’s another mother in town named Kelly Medina, and she must have gotten their numbers switched.

But Kelly can’t stop thinking about the woman who shares her name. Lives in her same town. Has a son she can still hold, and her whole life ahead of her. She can’t help looking for her: at the grocery store, at the gym, on social media. When Kelly just happens to bump into the single mother outside that pediatrician’s office, it’s simple curiosity getting the better of her.

Their unlikely friendship brings Kelly a renewed sense of purpose, taking care of this young woman and her adorable baby boy. But that friendship quickly turns to obsession, and when one Kelly disappears, well, the other one may know why.

🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪

I Thought…

There are two women named Kelly Medina living in the town of Folsom. The older Kelly is married to Rafael who is a Professor and they have a son, Aaron, aged 19 and at college. One day she takes a call from the paediatrician’s office about her son’s appointment. It soon becomes apparent that an error has been made and the two Kelly Medinas have been mixed up. But the older Kelly, with time on her hands now that Aaron has left home, decides to turn up for the younger Kelly’s appointment and the two women’s stories follow.

I devoured When I Was You and I flew through its pages, fully immersed in the obsessiveness of the older Kelly Medina and her fixation on the young mother and her baby, Sullivan. Her determination to befriend baby Sullivan’s mother and wriggle her way into their lives was shocking, but believable. With Amber Garza‘s excellent execution, the frequent surprises, alongside an extremely chilling atmosphere, events really turned disturbing in the second half. Written with precisely the right amount of drive resulting in a powerful, and engaging tale, When I Was You was an absolute pleasure to read.

This is the first novel I have read by Amber Garza and I am excited to see what she compiles next. For me, a fabulous, standout novel.

A special thank you to MIRA Books, the author, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

About the Author:

Amber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they’re real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California, which is—no joke—home to another Amber Garza.

Social Links: Author Website * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook * Goodreads

Purchase at: Harlequin / Indiebound / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Target / Walmart / Google / iBooks / Kobo

Until Next Time,

Someone’s Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass | Blog Tour | Book Review

On 29th Jul 202029th Jul 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, General Fiction, NetGalley, Thriller7 Comments

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Graydon House Books, for inviting me to be a part of this exciting Blog Tour for Someone’s Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass, and for the eARC of this title via NetGalley.

Someone’s Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass

Publication Date: July 28, 2020

Publisher: Graydon House Books

ISBN: 9781525836749

My rating: 5/5

🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

Book Summary

You’re not alone. Someone’s waiting. Someone’s watching…Someone’s listening.

In SOMEONE’S LISTENING (Graydon House Books; July 28; $16.99) Dr. Faith Finley has everything she’s ever wanted: she’s a renowned psychologist, a radio personality—host of the wildly popular “Someone’s Listening with Dr. Faith Finley”—and a soon-to-be bestselling author. She’s young, beautiful, and married to the perfect man, Liam.

Of course Liam was at Faith’s book launch with her. But after her car crashes on the way home and she’s pulled from the wreckage, nobody can confirm that Liam was with her at the party. The police claim she was alone in car, and they don’t believe her when she says otherwise. Perhaps that’s understandable, given the horrible thing Faith was accused of doing a few weeks ago.

And then the notes start arriving—the ones literally ripped from the pages of Faith’s own self-help book on leaving an abusive relationship. Ones like “Secure your new home. Consider new window and door locks, an alarm system, and steel doors…”

Where is Liam? Is his disappearance connected to the scandal that ruined Faith’s life? Who is sending the notes? Faith’s very life will depend on finding the answers.

🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪

I Thought…

Someone’s Listening is an extremely suspenseful story and kicks off with a tantalising prologue. The reader is first introduced to Faith Finley, a talented psychologist with a flourishing career, a bestselling author and the host of a popular local radio program, Someone’s Listening. One icy winter’s night she is travelling home from a book launch party, then wakes up in hospital having been in a car crash. Happily married Faith asks for her husband Liam, but he appears to have vanished… into thin air. The police aren’t listening to Faith’s concerns, but then she starts receiving threatening messages.

This compelling début had me hooked from the very first paragraph, and Faith made a very good, if unreliable protagonist. In this chaotic whirl of lies and duplicity, the abundant wicked twists and turns kept me guessing from the start. The complex characters and arresting dialogue helped to make Someone’s Listening a riveting read. For me, the cherry topping was the obvious ability of Seraphina Nova Glass as she probed ever deeper into the psyches of her characters, creating some fascinating, though alarmingly troubled souls. I read it in one day and was left dumbfounded after the astounding, fast-paced conclusion. Very highly recommended to fans of the genre.

A special thank you to Graydon House Books, the author, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

About the Author:

Seraphina Nova Glass is a professor and Playwright-in-Residence at the University of Texas-Arlington, where she teaches Film Studies and Playwriting. She holds an MFA in playwriting from Smith College, and has optioned multiple screenplays to Hallmark and Lifetime. Someone’s Listening is her first novel.

Social Links: Author Website * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook * Goodreads

Purchase at: Harlequin / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Amazon / Powell’s

Until Next Time,

Dash Away All by Christina Freeburn | Blog Tour | Book Review | Giveaway

On 14th Jul 202013th Jul 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, Cozy, MysteryLeave a comment

Dash Away All (A Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mystery) by Christina Freeburn

I am delighted to join the blog tour for Dash Away All by Christina Freeburn today! My thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours for the chance to join and the review copy!

About Dash Away All

Dash Away All (A Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher: Henery Press (July 7, 2020)
Hardcover: 264 pages
ISBN-10: 1635116023
ISBN-13: 978-1635116021
Paperback: 264 pages
ISBN-10: 163511599X
ISBN-13: 978-1635115994
Digital ASIN: B086TYK58V

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…Merry Winters is excited for her dream-come-true moment: Being an on-site crafter for a Christmas movie. The tidings of joy are short-lived as she finds herself becoming a referee, dealing with a raging Ebenezer, participating in a bucket brigade, and finding evidence in a “murder.”

Is someone trying to stop the production or is it tied to a secret someone has on Luna Carmichael, the star of the movie and the queen of Christmas?

When Marie, Luna’s assistant, stumbles away from a car accident and dies, Merry believes the accident wasn’t quite so accidental. Was Luna or Marie the target? Merry finds more questions than answers, but one thing is certain: Everyone has an ulterior motive for being part of the production—including Marie.

After another murder, Merry wonders if the deaths are tied to a baby born long ago and abandoned. And more importantly, will Merry live long enough to find out?

I Thought…

In this third instalment of the ‘Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mystery’ series by Christina Freeburn, Merry Winters has been afforded a wonderful opportunity. The holiday crafter has been chosen to provide her hand crafted items for the set of a Christmas film, Dash Away All, that will star the fabulous Luna Carmichael, the reigning Queen of Christmas movies. She travels to Indiana, however, when she arrives, festive spirit and joy seem to be in short supply. Luna’s personal assistant, Marie is distant, and Luna herself is easily irritable and rather Scrooge-like. Then Marie is found dead following a car accident…

This is my first cosy read by Christina Freeburn and it had a rather different focus to many other Yuletide festive cosies, but that was no bad thing as it really packed a punch. Merry Winters was loyal, hard-working, had a warm heart and tried, where possible, to see the best in everyone and her furry, people-hating, guinea pig friend, Ebenezer was a novel addition to the shenanigans. The plot was terrific with many twists and misdirections and I was certainly left guessing whilst attempting to fine-tune my armchair detective skills. Christina Freeburn’s characterisation was great and each had their individual foibles with many possessing their own hidden agendas, motives or nefarious intentions. I particularly liked the parts of efficient, cool and calm Sheriff Rhodes, and strong, kind and considerate Paul McCormick, Marie’s cousin.

Heavy on drama, I really enjoyed reading about Merry and look forward to becoming better acquainted with her and Ebenezer in future instalments, along with catching up on the first two books, Not A Creature Was Stirring and Better Watch Out. Dash Away All is a great choice for lovers of craft or less sickly-sweet Yuletide based cosies. A wonderful and satisfying read for Christmas or any other time!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Book Tours at my request and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Brianne’s Book Reviews Rating | Five Stars

About Christina Freeburn

Christina Freeburn has always loved books. There was nothing better than picking up a story and being transported to another place. The love of reading evolved into the love of writing and she’s been writing since her teenage years. Her first novel was a 2003 Library of Virginia Literary Award nominee. Her mysteries series, Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery and Merry & Bright Handcrafted Mysteries, are a mix of crafty and crime and feature heroines whose crafting time is interrupted by crime solving.

Christina served in the US Army and has also worked as a paralegal, librarian, church secretary, and golf shop pro. She lives in West Virginia with her husband, dog, and a rarely seen cat except by those who are afraid and allergic to felines.

Author Links – Webpage – Blog – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo

There is a Rafflecopter Giveaway for this tour. Please click below to enter and good luck!

Don’t forget the other stops on the tour!

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 6 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

July 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 7 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 7 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT

July 8 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

July 8 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

July 9 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

July 9 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW (Coming Soon)

July 9 – Mysteries with Character – REVIEW

July 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

July 10 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

July 10 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 11 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – GUEST POST

July 11 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 12 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

July 12 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

July 12 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – SPOTLIGHT

July 13 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

July 13 – Thoughts in Progress – GUEST POST

July 13 – Diane Reviews Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 14 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

July 14 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT

July 14 – Brianne’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

July 15 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

July 15 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 15 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

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Until Next Time,

Still Knife Painting by Cheryl Hollon | Blog Tour | Book Review | Giveaway

On 7th Jul 20206th Jul 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, Cozy, Mystery6 Comments

Still Knife Painting (A Paint & Shine Mystery) by Cheryl Hollon

I am delighted to join the blog tour for Still Knife Painting by Cheryl Hollon today! My thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours for the chance to join and the review copy!

About Still Life Painting

Still Knife Painting (A Paint & Shine Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Kensington (June 30, 2020)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 1496725247
ISBN-13: 978-1496725240
Digital ASIN: B07W8VL149

Miranda Trent has set up a sweet life in a scenic corner of Appalachia – until she stumbles across the trail of a killer . . .

After inheriting her uncle’s Red River Gorge homestead in Eastern Kentucky – smack dab in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest – Miranda comes up with a perfect business plan for summer tourists: pairing outdoor painting classes with sips of local moonshine, followed by a mouthwatering sampler of the best in southern cooking.

To Miranda’s delight, Paint & Shine is a total success – until someone kills the cook. As the town’s outsider, suspicion naturally falls on Miranda. Murdering the best biscuit baker of Red River Gorge is a high crime in these parts. Miranda will have to prove her innocence before she’s moved from farmhouse to jail cell faster than she can say “white lightning” . . .

I Thought…

Still Knife Painting marks the start of a brand new and intriguing cosy mystery series featuring Miranda Trent. Her Uncle Gene has left her a remote farmhouse on Pine Ridge, sited in the eastern Kentucky hills. One of the conditions that her uncle stipulated in his will was that Miranda must set up and make a success of a business including a distillery within a specified timescale, otherwise she will lose the right to her inheritance. So Miranda sets up a painting and distillery enterprise called Paint & Shine, pairing outdoor painting classes with sips of local moonshine, followed by a scrumptious homecooked meal, the best in southern cooking, but not everyone is happy that she is promoting moonshine within her business. When the cook is found dead in Miranda’s kitchen, as an outsider she becomes the main suspect.

I totally adored the premise of Still Knife Painting and Cheryl Hollon‘s character development was excellent. I took a while to warm to the main narrator and artist Miranda, at first finding her rather brusque and impatient but I felt more in tune with her as the story meandered along. The comfortable pacing helped to make this a very pleasant cosy mystery, and the author’s portrayal of the locale was terrific. There was a number of suspects to choose from to satisfy my tendency to play armchair detective, each with a plausible motive. I enjoyed the contributions from the quirkier characters such as Doris Ann (receptionist at the Hemlock Lodge) as well as the splashes of humour dotted throughout the story.

For readers who are looking for a new cosy mystery series I think Still Knife Painting will fit the bill with its delicious sounding, scrummy recipes, hints of romance, and wonderful descriptions of the gorgeous scenery. I’m definitely curious to see how things develop for Miranda in the next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Book Tours at my request and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Brianne’s Book Reviews Rating | Five Stars

About Cheryl Hollon

Cheryl Hollon now writes full-time after she left an engineering career of designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime, she combines her love of writing with a passion for creating glass art. In the small glass studio behind her house in St. Petersburg, Florida, Cheryl and her husband design, create, and produce fused glass, stained glass, and painted glass artworks. Visit her online at http://cherylhollon.com, on Facebook or on Twitter @CherylHollon.

Purchase Links: Amazon * B&N * Kobo

There is a Rafflecopter Giveaway for this tour. Please click below to enter and good luck!

Don’t forget the other stops on the tour!

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 29 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 29 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 30 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST

June 30 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

July 1 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

July 1 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

July 2 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

July 2 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

July 2 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 3 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT

July 3 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

July 4 – OFF

July 5 – Cozy Up with Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 5 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 6 – Diary of a Book Fiend – REVIEW

July 6 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 7 – Brianne’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 7 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST

July 8 – Thoughts in Progress – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

July 9 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 9 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 10 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

July 10 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 11 – Here’s How It Happened – GUEST POST

July 12 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW, GUEST POST

July 12 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 13 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST

July 13 – La libreria di Beppe – SPOTLIGHT

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Until Next Time,

The Last Wife by Karen Hamilton | Blog Tour | Book Review

On 3rd Jul 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, NetGalley, ThrillerLeave a comment

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Graydon House Books, for inviting me to be a part of this exciting Blog Tour for Karen Hamilton’s latest novel The Last Wife and for the eARC of this title via NetGalley.

The Last Wife by Karen Hamilton

Publication Date: July 7, 2020

Publisher: Graydon House Books

ISBN: 9781525831744

My rating: 5/5

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Book Summary

In Karen Hamilton’s shocking thriller, THE LAST WIFE (Graydon House, July 7, $17.99) Marie Langham is distraught when her childhood friend, Nina, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Before Nina passes away, she asks Marie to look out for her family—her son, daughter, and husband, Stuart. Marie would do anything for Nina, so of course, she agrees.

Following Nina’s death, Marie gradually finds herself drawn into her friend’s life—her family, her large house in the countryside. But when Camilla, a mutual friend from their old art-college days, suddenly reappears, Marie begins to suspect that she has a hidden agenda. Then, Marie discovers that Nina had long suppressed secrets about a holiday in Ibiza the women took ten years previously when Marie’s then-boyfriend went missing after a tragic accident and was later found dead.

Marie used to envy Nina’s beautiful life, but now the cards are up in the air and she begins to realize that nothing is what it seemed. As long-buried secrets start surfacing, Marie must figure out what’s true and who she can trust before the consequences of Nina’s dark secrets destroy her.

🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪

I Thought…

Best friends Nina and Marie are inseparable until Nina dies from a terminal illness. In her final days she asks Marie to make sure her children, Emily and Felix, are looked after and Marie is only too happy to oblige. But how well did Nina really know Marie and what lengths is Marie prepared to go to in order to achieve her goals?

This was a really twisted psychological thriller, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Marie was perfectly portrayed by Karen Hamilton as the ultimate unreliable and creepy character, and I questioned her integrity from the opening chapters. As she barrelled her way into Nina’s life I was given a powerful sense of exactly how manipulating Marie was prepared to be.

Narrator Marie, along with pretty much the whole of the adult cast, was not particularly affable and, in my opinion, was practically insane as well as being quite the scheming manipulator. As the story progressed I found myself pondering about the agendas and mind games of some of the others, particularly Nina’s husband, Stuart, not to mention Camilla, the friend of Marie and Nina from their University days who suddenly arrives from Canada. As secrets constantly kept bubbling up to the surface and occurrences clearly weren’t as they had first appeared, I began to feel that Marie at least deserved some benefit of doubt, even if I was on tenterhooks wondering what she was going to do next, most of the time.

With buckets of tension, a myriad of twists and different avenues keeps the reader on their toes, building up to an interesting and enthralling conclusion.

The Last Wife is a dark, dubious and chilling family drama with some great characters, and plenty of oomph!

A special thank you to Graydon House Books, the author, NetGalley and Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

About the Author:

Karen Hamilton spent her childhood in Angola, Zimbabwe, Belgium and Italy and worked as a flight attendant for many years. Karen is a recent graduate of the Faber Academy and, having now put down roots in Hampshire to raise her young family with her husband, she satisfies her wanderlust by exploring the world through her writing. She is also the author of the international bestseller The Perfect Girlfriend.

Social Links: Author Website * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook * Goodreads

Purchase at: Harlequin / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Amazon / Powell’s

Until Next Time,

Booked for Death by Victoria Gilbert | Blog Tour | Book Review | Giveaway

On 15th Jun 202014th Jun 2020 By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Blog Tour, Cozy, Mystery2 Comments

Booked for Death: A Book Lover’s B&B Mystery by Victoria Gilbert

I am delighted to join the blog tour for Booked for Death by Victoria Gilbert today! My thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours for the chance to join and the review copy!

About Booked for Death

Booked for Death: A Book Lover’s B&B Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (August 11, 2020)
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1643853074
ISBN-13: 978-1643853079
Digital ASIN: B07XX7PHTV

From the critically acclaimed author of SIBA Okra Pick A Murder for the Books, Victoria Gilbert embarks with a new series for perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle and Juliet Blackwell.

A book lover’s B&B in an idyllic waterfront village becomes the scene of a grisly murder–and a ruthless battle between treachery and the truth.

Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast is a reader’s paradise. Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating books, genres, and authors. It’s the perfect literary retreat–until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.

The victim’s daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains. Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle a death on the premises.

Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt’s name. But the murderer is still at large, and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer’s death. Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer–or end up writing her own final chapter.

I Thought…

Booked for Death by Victoria Gilbert marks the start of a new cosy mystery series set in Beaufort, North Carolina. I love a cosy mystery and I was absolutely thrilled to be able to get stuck in at the beginning rather than part way through a series! I wanted to read this particular novel as I have a fancy for cosies about book-lovers, libraries and other book-related things.

Centred around Chapters, a book themed Bed & Breakfast, I thought this was a fabulous story. Chapters, a perfect book-lover’s retreat is run by forty-something widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is hosting a celebration event for mystery author Josephine Tey and the during the first part of the book the reader is introduced to the staff and guests at the B&B. All is well at the party until an argument breaks out between guests, Jennifer and Tara Delamont. As friction develops amongst some of the other guests as well as the staff, Charlotte knows she needs to keep control of the situation. But then a dead body is found in the carriage house…

The descriptions of small-town life with all its complications and relationships were very enjoyable and believable. I also enjoyed the flow and style of writing and character development. The characters were distinct and entertaining and I felt as though I was making some new friends. I really warmed to Charlotte in particular – she oozed confidence and style and I adored her matter-of-fact approach.

The addition of Ellen Montgomery, an ex film location scout, friend and neighbour of Charlotte, was a masterstroke by the author. She assisted with the sleuthing as well as helping Charlotte with business related matters. She was straightforward and convincing and slotted into the storyline perfectly as a secondary character, and in my humble opinion, the story benefited very much from her inclusion. For his part, Damian Carr was the stereotypical irascible part-time cook at Chapters whose uneven temper leads to difficult relationships with other people.

A large part of the wonderfully developed plot included the mystery of great-aunt Isabella’s life. This definitely added extra dimension and excitement to the story for me. Victoria Gilbert provided exactly the right amount of description of the Beaufort, North Carolina setting and I found myself wishing that I could take a trip to Chapters myself.

Booked for Death is a brilliant executed cosy that kept me guessing and I would love to see what Victoria Gilbert has in store for Charlotte in book #2.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Book Tours at my request and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Brianne’s Book Reviews Rating | Five Stars

About Victoria Gilbert

Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian. Victoria has worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and library director. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers and lives in North Carolina.

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Kobo Indie Bound

Author Links: Website – Facebook – GoodReads – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube