With the astounding news that the young fourteen year old girl standing in front of her may be her sister, Stacy Justice tried to see a family resemblWith the astounding news that the young fourteen year old girl standing in front of her may be her sister, Stacy Justice tried to see a family resemblance in Ivy. Stacy knew of her family’s witch tendencies – in fact her grandmother, Birdie was one of the best. But Stacy was reluctant to accept that she also had magic at her fingertips. And now with another family member (not confirmed) also showing signs of the magical talent, Stacy didn’t know which way to turn.
When her arrival at Birdie’s B&B turned up a deceased man at the kitchen table; her grandmother and her aunts acting strangely and the Blessed Book missing, Stacy knew there was trouble on the horizon. Of course the visions of doom didn’t help either…
Stacy’s search for her mother continued, but she had no success. And then one of her own went missing; she knew the danger was close, but what was she to do? Would she have help from the best – or was she on her own?
Bloodstone by Barbra Annino is the second in the Stacy Justice Mystery series and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Fast paced and full of magical action, it was fun and a highly entertaining read. I recommend the first is read before Bloodstone for continuity of the story (Opal Fire) and it looks like I’ll be off to pick up #3 in the series. Highly recommended. ...more
Liana Alvarez, private investigator for the family owned and run company Discretionary Inquiries, was wet, cold and miserable. She was in the storm wiLiana Alvarez, private investigator for the family owned and run company Discretionary Inquiries, was wet, cold and miserable. She was in the storm without shelter while she was staking out the warehouse – her mother and head of DI, Lila, had specifically requested Lee do this stake out even though the company normally handled software issues. The person she was to keep an eye out for was the husband of Lila’s long-time friend and she wanted it kept quiet. But when Lee discovered the body of her person of interest, her shock was immense…
Richard, Lee’s brother and the computer genius of the company was involved in the search for clues – Lee’s curious nature meant she couldn’t leave it to the police and Richard had everything he needed at his fingertips. The new kitten which Lee had named Tugger was being cared for during Lee’s working days by her favourite person, Tio who had just moved to be with the family after losing his wife. But that curious nature of Lee’s was headed toward catastrophe – the danger she had no idea she was heading into was just around the corner.
There was much more to this murder than the Alvarez family realised – would they be safe? Or would there be more bodies on the horizon?
Murder is a Family Business by Heather Haven is the first in The Alvarez Family Murder Mystery Series and it was great! With laugh out loud moments, it was a highly entertaining read which was fast paced while I tried to figure out who the “baddie” was. Family love and loyalty was the dominant feature in this novel and it’s one I recommend highly. I love the cover as well :) ...more
When Mimi Capurro of Gotcha Detective Agency was hired as a bodyguard for author Lauren Silke, she had no idea what was about to follow. The murder ofWhen Mimi Capurro of Gotcha Detective Agency was hired as a bodyguard for author Lauren Silke, she had no idea what was about to follow. The murder of Lauren’s assistant Esme was the start in a case which involved games with vampires in Santa Cruz, attempts on Mimi’s life, threats and danger. As well as all that, she had to contend with Detective Nick Christianson who was the lead homicide investigator – and Mimi’s old flame.
Would they find the murderer? They had plenty of suspects – but were they looking in the right direction?
Let Us Prey is the first in the Gotcha Detective Agency Mysteries by Jamie Lee Scott and while it was a quick, easy read, it was also just a little weird! I liked it well enough, even with the occasional eye roll, but I’m not sure if I’ll go any further in the series 😊 But I’m still happy to recommend it as a light cozy mystery. ...more
Lia Anderson was over being hassled by her on again/off again boyfriend Luthor. He was needy and selfish – she had broken up with him twice already; tLia Anderson was over being hassled by her on again/off again boyfriend Luthor. He was needy and selfish – she had broken up with him twice already; this time she would make it stick. Lia was telling her best friend Anna about her decision while they and all their friends were at the Mount Airy Dog Park which they frequented most mornings with their beloved dogs. But of course Luthor didn’t take it well…
After a disturbed night Lia took Chewy and Honey, her two doggy kids to the dog park very early. Still dark, nonetheless she could see Luthor’s car in the car park. She was furious – would he never leave her alone? But her horrified discovery sent her immediately into shock…
Detective Peter Dourson was in charge of the investigation into the violent death – but it didn’t take long for his suspicions to be aroused. Were the group of close friends who they seemed to be? Or was there evil on the sidelines? Lia tried to keep going with her work – she was crafting a garden with her friend Bailey as well as doing her own painting. It was therapeutic but her thoughts went round and round…
A Shot in the Bark is the first in the Lia Anderson Dog Park Mystery series by C.A. Newsome and I really enjoyed it! An intriguing cosy mystery which centres around the dog park and all the gorgeous animals attending. I could easily visualise a lot of them and loved the inventive names. (Chewy was Chewbacca!) And CarGo :) I’m keen to read the second in the series as the story continues…
Setting up at the flea markets as he did each week, antiques dealer Picker (“just Picker”) was accompanied by his faithful, and uncannily instinctive Setting up at the flea markets as he did each week, antiques dealer Picker (“just Picker”) was accompanied by his faithful, and uncannily instinctive german shepherd, Kato. Checking everyone out, seeing what was on offer was just a part of it, but it was a routine they all performed. But when he received a phone call later in the week from the wife of a friend, he was shocked to hear that her husband, the big and seemingly invincible Hari (Bigfoot) Henderson, had been murdered.
As Picker began his investigation into the murder, he discovered the root of it all seemed to be baseball cards. But surely that wasn’t a motive for murder? There had to be more to it, much more; Picker would find out one way or another. When Kato saved him from a violent attack by two criminals, Picker decided to talk to Uncle Carmine, the local Mafia Don. Would that help? He had to stay on the right side of Uncle Carmine!
But the most assistance he received came from his half-brother Connor; a master conman as well as being a gentleman, Connor came out in front of everyone, even the local police. He was a handy man to have on his side. With long-time girlfriend Kelly, his Uncle Moe and T.J., Picker and Connor were determined to find the killer – but with another body turning up, they realized the clock was ticking…
This is a great short story which is light and entertaining. My favourite character was Kato, Picker’s german shepherd – his devotion and amazing ability was great, and I’m sure they are (mostly) that intelligent. The humour is mild and dotted throughout, with the mystery keeping the pages turning. An easy to read cosy mystery. ...more
Helping her cousin Cinnamon set up at the Black Opal bar wasn’t meant to end the way it did for Stacy Justice – but with the building on fSo much fun!
Helping her cousin Cinnamon set up at the Black Opal bar wasn’t meant to end the way it did for Stacy Justice – but with the building on fire and Stacy unable to find Thor in the midst of the heat, she felt an intense panic as she saw the beam collapse in front of her cousin, trapping her on the other side. Dragged to safety by police chief and boyfriend Leo, Stacy was relieved to see both Thor and Cinnamon were fine. But the fire started a chain of events that both took lives and put lives in danger – mostly Stacy’s…
Stacy was a reluctant witch – raised by her grandmother and her two aunts, she knew what they were capable of. And she had no desire to participate in witchery herself. But when Cinnamon was informed by the insurance assessor that it was arson, and he believed she was the arsonist so there would be no payout, Stacy – in her role as reporter for the local paper – decided to investigate and uncover the truth. The secrets Stacy discovered immediately put her life at risk – with Thor by her side though, she felt safe. But was she delusional?
Opal Fire by Barbra Annino is the first in the Stacy Justice Mystery series and it was loads of fun! Laugh out loud moments even among the (not gruesome) details of murder and arson – my favourite character would have to be Thor, Stacy’s Great Dane. The start of a great mystery/paranormal series – and I was delighted to note I have book two waiting on my kindle! Opal Fire only took me a few hours to read – it's fast paced and kept me enthralled till the last page. Highly recommended. ...more
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