Emily George: A High Tide Murder

Cannabis Cafe #2

Quick disclaimer for this particular review: this book is a part of the Cannabis Café mystery series by Emily George. Legalized cannabis and its uses are a major theme in A High Tide Murder. If this topic puts you off, please stop reading. Right now. Medical use is the driving motivation, but it is also used recreationally by the café patrons. As the book cover, and many characters, emphasize: consume responsibly. This goes for reading about it, too. If you know legalized cannabis isn’t something you are comfortable with, do not read this review or the book. Cozies are meant to be an enjoyable escape, but not every book is for everyone. For those who do not mind, or perhaps even enjoy seeing legalized cannabis normalized, this is indeed a review and book for you. If not? Again, stop reading this. read more

Darci Hannah: Murder at the Blarney Bash

Beacon Bakeshop #5

Darci Hannah starts Murder at the Blarney Bash mystery running. Literally. The main focus of the story runs full speed into our heroine Lindsey’s car on her way home with her trusty Newfoundland, Wellington. However, whoever it was got away before she could ensure their well being, or find out who they were. Or what they were. She does not have time to dwell on it, as a league of leprechauns is heading right to her Beacon Bakeshop. Leprechaun children, that is, from the local school who are all looking forward to a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration chock full of tasty green pastries. So Lindsey has to race to beat them there, or at least not be too late. read more

Traci Hall: Murder at a Scottish Castle

Scottish Shire #5

Traci Hall’s fifth book in her A Scottish Shire series is Murder at a Scottish Castle. This series has made an impact on me thanks to Hall’s ability to immerse readers in a Scottish atmosphere with her accurate use of the language and descriptions of the village of Nairn. Paisley, our protagonist, has been invited by the Dowager Countess to Ramsey Castle for an end of summer bagpiping competition. Even better news is that now she’s onto the Dowager Countess’ radar, as she wants to sell her cashmere goods at the castle gift shop. As a single mother and business owner, Paisley is always ready to go after extra sources of income. Of course, when she goes, she must take her son Brody, her grandpa, and their black Scottish terrier, Wallace, with her. Good competition and newly discovered rivalries keep the bagpiping competition going strong with lovely music and high spirits. That’s until one of the competitors, the reigning champion no less, suddenly collapses. Soon after, DI Zeffer is on the scene, proclaiming the champion not only dead but most likely murdered. read more

Catie Murphy: Death by Irish Whiskey

Dublin Driver #5

Death by Irish Whiskey is Catie Murphy’s fifth installment in her Dublin Driver Mysteries series. Megan, also known to the town as ‘The Murder Driver,’ is taking some time off from her limo driving job to enjoy one of Ireland’s main specialties: whiskey. Her Uncle Rabbie is taking part in a whiskey tasting event and competition, alongside his business partner, famous Irish star Niahn. Glitz, glam, and whiskey are the only things on Megan’s mind for this big event, but fate has something else planned for her. A competitor and boxer, Angus McConal, suddenly drops dead. If that isn’t bad enough, Uncle Rabbie is under suspicion. Megan has promised her girlfriend, Jelena, that she won’t do any more amateur sleuthing – but saying it and doing it are two very different things. The local Guarda don’t buy her insistence that she won’t nose about, and are quick to warn her away from the case. read more