Murder in Nettleton Top-Mrs. Pidgeon's Cozy Mysteries Series #1

Another cozy little mystery novel that kept me guessing until the end. 

Mrs. Nettie Pidgeon is a classy senior, who writes a column for her local newspaper, but when two murders take place in her quaint town, will she be able to help uncover the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

John Newberry is a toy tycoon that everyone in the town of Nettleton Top loves to hate. Hes a crook and on top of that, he's a bully and an adulterer. His new, younger wife, decided to host an over-the-top birthday party for him and everything seems to be going well, until he's discovered dead, from a blow to his head. Everyone in the town seems to have some sort of motive. Who could have done this, and why? What secrets will Nettie uncover?

I really enjoyed this book. A quick read with short chapters is just how I like cozy mysteries. Nettie is a fun character. The story has nice pacing and puzzling clues, as well as a twist ending. All in all, a perfect afternoon read. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

Eros and Thanatos

Love and Death. They sometimes go hand in hand. This anthology has 12 stories. Each with a different take on the two.

"Our homes are the truest reflection of our souls, of what we love and cherish, the blemishes and messes we tolerate, and those we do not. We must be careful who we let inside." The Witch's House-Alexandria Baker

For the most part, I enjoyed this anthology. There were a few stories that I had no interest in and a few that I really liked. Each story gives a different view on "until death do us part". Magic, ghosts, time travel and horror, you will not be bored with this book.

Nana-Mark Towse

I am giving this story five stars based solely on the fact that it grossed me out throughout the entire story. Leaking black ooze, descriptions of putrid smells and naked, decaying old people. 

Ivy or Nana as she's known to Olly, her grandson, is a peculiar older woman who lives alone and bakes the most amazing cherry pies. On this occasion, Olly is going to be spending the night with her as his parents are going to be going out to reconcile as they have been having a rough go in their marriage. She lives in the quaint community of Newhaven Crescent. All the residents there are elderly and seem to share the same affliction, black oozing sores, pustules and a horrid smell. After he arrives, she takes him to the local community center where they are having a talent show. It starts off innocent enough but all too soon it's going to get bizarre, then scary and downright disgusting. Just what did Olly's parents get him into, and can he survive the night alone with his Nana?

I had previously read Hope Wharf also by this author and I really enjoyed it. This one was.... well, disgusting. You just have to read it to know what I am talking about. I did like the story overall and I'm one of those people who likes to share my disgust so I would most definitely recommend this book.

Unknown Threat-Robin Lyons

I received this book last year after winning a giveaway. The author sent me a signed copy. It went in to my TBR pile and I have to admit, I'm sorry it took me so long to get to it because it is a fantastic read! 

Cole 'Mac' MacKenna is the kind of guy you want to root for. Retired from the U.S. Air Force, he was once part of pararescue team in an elite special ops group. After 20 years, he's retired when a cop friend asks him to pose as a school marshal to flesh out who might be dealing drugs to the students. The mayor's son has already overdosed once, and he wants heads to roll. 

He starts by making a list of the students and faculty and then goes about trying to eliminate each subject.  The head of the school does not like Mac and is out to get him from day one. Throw in an arrogant, abusive parent of one of the students and a family with a huge secret and you have one heck of a great story.

I'll say one thing, the author definitely knows how to create characters you love to hate. I found myself frustrated with several of the characters and was really hoping something would happen to them, lol. The atmosphere is well written, and I really like Mac's dog, Roxy. I've always had a soft spot for animals. 

One thing that bothered me was Coaches mom. I really disliked her and was very disturbed to see her be very lackadaisical about the disappearance of her son. As a mom, I couldn't imagine acting the way she did and I'm hoping we get some answers on this topic. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The chapters are short, which I like, and it's a part of a series which I am very much looking forward to reading. There is a prequel about Mac himself I intend to check out next. I would highly recommend this book if you are a fan of the mystery genre. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.

Edge Pieces- C. Ward

This is not a book I would typically pick up. The author reached out and I figured I'd give it a shot. I did enjoy the book, there were a few lines that I had issues with, and they touched a nerve but overall, it's a good story. 

The story starts off in 1989, with a kid just out of high school in the army, in Saudi Arabia. The Gulf War looms. I remember this time, as the daughter of a veteran, my dad was over there, fighting for our freedoms. I spent most of my life without a dad so America could remain free. Even today, at 42, I barely know my dad. I really felt this book when his wife took his kids and left. My dad spent the last years of his service in Texas while we lived in Oklahoma with my mom. Most people that crap all over the military have no idea the sacrifices they make, both physical and emotional.

Alex is just a young kid that didn't want to go to college and decided the military was the next best thing. One day his unit receives some mail, and he responds to a random letter from a kid in Ohio. The kids' parents get together with the school district and they send a massive care package. In the package is another letter, this time from a young girl, Nikki and she sent a picture. They strike up a relationship through letters. When he gets some leave time and they're back in the states, he meets up with Nikki and they're instantly an item. They live about 4 hours away from each other and it takes its toll on their relationship. When Alex wants to move up in the military so he can provide better for Nikki, she ends up running off with someone else. Alex makes the military his life work and does well. Over time he meets someone else, Jenny. With Jenny things are good, then she gets sick, and things are derailed. In the end, Alex plays the hero one more time.

The book is a story of love and loss. Of what a true relationship means, standing beside someone no matter what. It's written like a diary, spanning 30 years, two wars and three relationships. There aren't a lot of details but at 190 pages it packs a punch. The story is raw at times and sad, I teared up on more than one occasion. I read this book in a little over an hour. I really wanted to find out Alex's fate. I would recommend this book. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.

Ice Cold Murder-Charlie Kingsley Mysteries Book #2

Michele PW has done it again. Another page turning cozy mystery involving Charlie Kingsley.

I read the first book just before Christmas last year and I really enjoyed it. The character of Charlie is funny, smart and I love that she runs a tea shop. I cannot wait to see what she gets into next. 

Charlie lives in the quaint town of Redemption, Wisconsin. Her dear friend Claire has just lost her grandmother and has asked Charlie to join her for a family weekend get together at a cottage where the will is to be read. Once they arrive, things take a deadly turn. The lawyer who is supposed to be reading the will, has turned up dead. A snowstorm has them snowed in and has knocked out the phones, or has it? A missing brother, a dead contractor, a mother with dementia, and the cottage is rumored to be haunted. One thing after another seems to be going wrong, when suddenly all the pieces fall into place. Charlie stumbles upon the truth and exposes a long time, dark family secret. Can they find the killer before another victim is claimed? I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

Not So Innoscent-Doused to Death Series

Langley Gray has done it again. Another great cozy mystery! 

The town of Roslyn is all abuzz when it is chosen as the location for a new movie. Nati has a front row seat in her little shop, Nati's Nose, a perfume shop she owns and runs. Her boyfriend, Owen, a local firefighter is always there to help her out. An actress, Juno Bell, has been out of the limelight for a while, and is set to make a comeback with this movie. Nati gets a chance to meet her when she comes into her shop asking for a signature perfume just for her. The meeting goes well, and Juno seems impressed with her services. 

The next day, Nati is flying high thinking about her meeting with Juno. The movie set is buzzing with activity when suddenly they can't seem to locate Juno. Juno's makeup artist comes running out of her trailer after finding her stabbed to death. The local police ask Nati to help keep an eye out for clues as to who might have done this. She has a reputation as an amateur detective. With the help of Owen and her dog Sal, can Nati expose the killer before she becomes a victim herself?

I truly love this series. I have not been disappointed. The plot and characters are well thought out and the location is the perfect setting for cozy mysteries. I really enjoy the relationship between Owen and Nati and I look forward to seeing where their adventures will be taking them next. Nati owns a perfumery and I love the idea that she can take scents and come up with a unique creation specific for each person. It's very obvious that Langley did a lot of research on the topic of perfumes and how they are concocted. All the little details make the story that much richer. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

The Beyond by Ken Brosky

If you are a fan of Stephen King or Lovecraft type writing, then this is the story for you. The story description grabbed me, and I was not disappointed. 

Moon Song is concerned that she hasn't heard from her brother, Hye, in a few weeks. They are very close and it's not like him to not return her calls. Hye moved awhile back to the town of Blackrock Pennsylvania to work at the local coal mine. A recovering addict, he needed the stable work and to get away from any temptations. 

Moon hires Ben Sawyer, a local PI, to help her find him. They travel together to Blackrock and immediately sense that the town is off. There is no sign of her brother. A local professor, Saladin, tracks Ben down and starts to tell him about what is going on in the town. The townspeople aren't who, or what, he thinks they are. Something has happened in the coal mine. 

There are many twists and turns in this macabre story. Given what's going on in the town, you don't know who to trust which adds a level of horror in and of itself. I really liked the relationship between Ben and Moon. The relationship is believable and consistent throughout. The addition of the Professor is interesting, and I felt all the characters were well rounded. 

The story itself is a complex but in a way that makes sense. I wasn't sure how well it was going to wrapped up in the end, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was. The descriptions are vivid and at times intense. I love a good horror story especially one set in a small town. I recieved this book free from Booksirens for an honest review. 

22 in 2022

Here are 22 books that I have on my TBR for this year. 

Edge Pieces- C. Ward

Deadly Anniversaries-A collection of stories from crime fictions top authors

The Five-Hallie Rubenhold

The Guards-Ken Bruen

The Poe Shadow- Matthew Pearl

Fight Club- Chuck Palahnuik

You-Caroline Kepnes

The Haunting of Ashburn House-Darcy Coates

Tales from the Gas Station Vol 1-Jack Townsend

My Friend Dahmer- Derk Backderf

Petals on the Wind-VC Andrews

With One Shot-Dorothy Marcic

Memoir of a Milk Carton Kid- Tanya Nicole Kach and Lawrence Fisher

Woman at Devils Door-Hopton

Hells Princess-Harold Schechter

Hale-JK Noble

The Shawcross Letters-John Paul Fay

In the Hall with the Knife-CLUE

Unknown Threat-Robin Lyons

Yours Cruelly-Cassandra Peterson

The Midnight Killing-Sharon Dempsey

I went into this book not knowing that it was a sequel of sorts, however, I did enjoy this story and I will be checking out the first book, Who Took Eden Mulligan.

The story starts out with the discovery James McCallum, found hanging from a tree at his former school. The main characters of the story are DI Danny Stowe and a forensic psychologist, Rose Lainey. At first the death looks like a standard suicide but after the autopsy is revealed, something more sinister has occurred to James and it's up to Stowe and Lainey to find out how and why he was murdered.  As the case heats up, computer techs discover that James had encrypted files that detailed the mysterious disappearance of an 8-year-old little girl, Maeve Lunn, from a town called Mistle, 20 years before. She went to get candy one day on her bike and never returned. Turns out James and three friends of his just happened to be visiting Mistle the same weekend that she went missing. What is the connection to James and his friends, and does it have anything to do with his murder? The age old saying that secrets don't stay hidden is all too true in this story. 

I really enjoyed this story. I was intrigued from the very beginning and stayed hooked all the way through. I like the characters and felt they were well established especially given that this is a continuation from the book before. I will definitely be looking for more from this author,

Flowers in the Attic- V.C. Andrews

I had heard of this book before reading it and even seen the movie. I remembered bits and pieces. When I saw a group read along on Instagram, I figured I'd join in seeing as I had never read the book.

Since I already knew the premise, I was somewhat prepared. But the book is so much more than the movie. As a mother, this book is somewhat hard to read. I can put aside my feelings for the most part in regard to what's happening to the kids because I am aware that this is fiction. But this mother, oh she makes me so mad. There is nothing, not anything, not any amount of money in the world that would make me do to my kids what she does to hers. I would rather live in my car and eat as little as possible to get back on my feet to provide for my kids. I do not understand the mother's behavior in this book and I have so many questions as to what ultimately led to her allowing her children to be locked up and abused. 

The Dollanganger family seems idyllic and very happy on the outside. Two affectionate parents, 4 perfect children, Chris, Cathy, Cory and Carrie (twins). Their whole world is shattered when the father, Christopher is killed in a car accident. The mother, Corrine, starts reaching out to see if she can get some assistance. After her husband's death, she realizes she can no longer maintain their level of comfort. She has no job and no skills. So, when she hears back from her parents, she is elated and packs up the kids to make the long journey to her their home. Her parents' home is massive as they are extremely wealthy. The kids are just hearing about this, having had no contact or knowledge of their grandparents. Their mother informs them that the reason behind this is her father, their grandfather, cut her out of the will and banished her from his home when she married their father, her half-uncle. Because of this, when they arrive at the grandparents' house, they are to be hidden. Upstairs in the attic, away from everyone. No contact with anyone but her and their grandmother. 

She tells them that it will only be a short time and they can come down. Her father is very sick and should die any day now and she has to get back into his good graces so he will add her to the will and then they can all be one big happy, very rich family. Unfortunately, things go from okay, to awful, to atrocious. The grandmother is extremely strict. Makes rules even an adult would have a hard time following. The mother is in and out on a semi regular basis but as the years, (yes, the years) go by, her visits are less and less. 

During this time, Chris and Cathy are surrogate parents to the twins and eventually, the twins do not even recognize their mother as their mother anymore. As the book comes to a climax, Chris and Cathy come up with a plan to get out of this house, at any cost. The horrors they have experiences pale in comparison to what is really going on. 

This book put me through so many emotions, sadness, anger, hope, and relief. Although this story is fiction, you can't help but wonder, if this has happened in some way to some kids out there. Graphic and detailed descriptions will leave you feeling a broad range of emotions yet will leave you wanting more from the story. Once the kids escape, what will become of them? Can they survive out on their own and what will become of the mother they once loved so dear? 

I gave this book 5 stars because I was captivated by the characters. The ultra-strict, drunk with power grandmother, the greedy, self-centered mother, and the kids, Chris: the intelligent and talented artist, Cathy: the ballerina, flowering into a woman while kept in a prison, and the twins, Cory: the musically talented boy twin and Carrie: the imaginative, caring twin. Even with all the horror, this is a great story and worth a read. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.