Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Mayhem in the Mulch by Janet Fix is book one in the Betty Benino Mystery series. The story follows Roberta “Betty” Benino, a widow who finds herself still trying to adjust after her husband’s murder two years ago. She’s settling into her Lake Pointe cottage in Bluejay Ridge, Georgia. She meets neighbors Trudy Carter and Jolene Prescott as she adjusts to small-town life. When they tell her about a string of plant thefts that happened at Serenity Garden Center, her curiosity is piqued. Betty decides to visit the garden center to purchase a nozzle. But when she starts wandering around to check out the native Georgia plants, she accidentally stumbles into the middle of something far more serious than plant thefts. It’s the dead body of Gloria Thames, a well-respected accountant. Betty soon finds herself involved in figuring out a mystery while Sheriff Harlan Brooks begins the investigation. Will she figure out if the death was natural or if something far more sinister is at play?

Janet Fix has created an engaging mystery. The plot unfolded at a moderate pace. There was humor and a lot of character interactions. It felt like a real community with a variety of personalities, but they were not exempt from my suspect list. The sheriff was no-nonsense, cautious, and professional. Betty was inquisitive, and this contrasted well with Sheriff Brooks’ personality. Trudy and Jolene were gossip-loving but loyal neighbors. Marva and Priscilla were the strong-willed, authoritative figures. I loved how Janet painted the small-town setting with a tightly connected community. The garden center and the yoga studio were the essential parts that added to the charm. Knowledge about the different plant species was a highlight for me. Readers who loved Mia P. Manansala’s Arsenic and Adobo would absolutely love Mayhem in the Mulch.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

A veterinarian searches for answers when she discovers the body of the local scuba diving instructor on the beach in the cozy mystery novel, Marina Mews: A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery by DL Mitchell. When Dr. Emily Benton stumbles on the murder of a long-time friend, Billy, small-town secrets come to light, shattering her perception of Billy and his character. With the help of her best friend and employee, Anthony, they uncover lies, secrets, and tragic truths with dangerous consequences. But, in helping Billy’s niece, Lala, pick up the pieces of her life, Emily discovers she may be the next target. Will Emily and Anthony be able to reveal the secrets that destroyed her friend’s life before it’s too late?

Seasoned with drama, intrigue, and a dash of humor, Marina Mews by DL Mitchell is an exciting amateur sleuth mystery. It is a striking tale laced with grief, loyalty, friendship, and, of course, murder. The sensational plot, enchanting setting, and engaging characters are the key elements that keep the reader entertained from the first page until the last. The plot twists and realistic interactions with the animals elevate the narrative, adding depth to the plot and characters. The inclusion of animals, wild and domesticated, woven into the storyline gives the novel a natural quality, creating a more relatable atmosphere. Elvis and Hemingway are truly lovable and my favorite four-legged characters. Everyone who loves animals, admires plucky amateur sleuths, and enjoys an exciting murder mystery will love this book and the series.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

Cold, Dark, and Silent by David C. Reed is set in the rural area of Seacord in Hurrt County at the end of the Covid 19 lockdown. Ashe has retired from police duties in the nearby Metro to nurse his father in his last days. He plans to take life easy, but when approached by the local sheriff to help with a cold case, he cannot resist. Meeting up with Stephanie, an old girlfriend, he is again very attracted to her, despite their age difference. The plot thickens as more details arise about Georgia, the missing girl from two years earlier. Was a not-so-innocent man locked up for her disappearance, and why does the evidence contradict the story? There are villains aplenty, but who is on which side? Readers will understand the title as the facts come to light after a gruesome discovery is made. A large cast of characters works tirelessly to uncover the truth, and Ashe has little time to relax.

An excellent book for lovers of crime thrillers, Cold, Dark, and Silent by David C. Reed is set in the small town where the main character, Ashe, grew up. Everyone knows everyone else, but there are secrets of impending changes that many are not aware of. The ongoing romance between Ashe and Stephanie will keep you guessing. Will they get together, and which side is she on? There are villains, determined that nothing will stand in the way of the plans that they hope will make them millions. The rural town of Seacord is vividly described as the author takes you right into the heart of its people and their everyday lives. A well-thought-out plot with a pace that never lets up will keep you turning the pages. While we are aware of those breaking the law, we are unsure if they will be caught and if any will escape justice. A hint at the end suggests there will be more stories about the newly deputized Ashe in the future.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In Shadows in the Creek by Michael H. Balfour, Dante Villehart moved to the quiet town of Edenvale. Dante was hoping that distance from his past would bring clarity and peace. That hope is shattered when Lila Summers is found brutally murdered at the edge of Willow Creek. Dante knew Lila from the Channel 8 Bureau in Stamford, where she once interned. Lila’s murder sent shockwaves through the community of Edenvale. Dante became involved in the investigation after the mayor asked someone from outside to oversee the investigation. Dante works alongside Detective Ingrid Carlisle. As Dante digs deeper, he realizes that Edenvale's polished image hides unsettling truths. The illusion Edenvale depends on would collapse if the truth comes to light. Dante promised himself that he would not make the same mistake again. This time, he will verify the facts before presenting them.

Shadows in the Creek by Michael H. Balfour is an intriguing read. The pace was steady, with tension building in chapter after chapter. I had a hard time putting the book down; I was too invested to find out what would happen next. The characters were realistic and relatable. Dante was determined to deliver just the truth to the people of Edenvale, after the mistake he had made in his past. The small town of Edenvale was a character in itself; nothing and nobody was supposed to disrupt the way everything was going in the town. The book was brilliantly written and kept my attention throughout. I could not have wished for a better ending after everything that had happened. This story lingered with me for a while.

Reviewed by Gabriel Santos for Readers' Favorite

The small town of Surfside Beach isn’t known for its high-profile murders, but there’s always a first time for everything. Marine scientist Sophie Caldwell is found dead in her home. Her husband? Missing. Art Robinson, Surfside Chief of Police, quickly realizes this isn’t a run-of-the-mill case and recruits former detective Gina Gomez-Thomas and her partner, Clark Thomas. Clark might seem like an extra, an unassuming bookshop owner with no business getting involved in a grisly crime like this, but his sharp mind has helped solve many cases in the past. Caleb Wygal’s Death in Surfside is the ninth book in the Myrtle Beach Mysteries series and takes the reader on a wild journey of murder, high-tech inventions, corporate secrets, greed, and mysteries from the past.

Death in Surfside wastes no time in kicking off the plot and never really slows down. No fluff. Caleb Wygal’s way of structuring the story is quite clever: each chapter is short and snappy, making sure to advance the plot and dangle a hook to make you want to keep reading. Of course, all of this means nothing if the mystery isn’t interesting. Thankfully, the novel overdelivers, with red herrings everywhere and an increasingly complex web of intrigue where nothing is as it seems. I was particularly invested in the initial investigation, which is relatively simple but lays the foundation for everything that comes next and rewards careful thought and attention. Seemingly small details pay off later on, which is something I love about mysteries. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed, but the book does a good job of catching you up to speed, so even first-timers can enjoy it.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

A Guide to Solving A Murder by Courtney McFarlin is a supernatural murder mystery drama that follows Tessa Windsor, a hiking guide, along with her loyal pets: Finn, a border collie, and Briar, a feisty cat. One day, Tessa and her brother, Paul, receive a mysterious visitor who informs them that they have inherited something from their great-aunt. Tessa's inheritance is magical, allowing her to communicate with her pets and experience visions and dreams. One day, Tessa dreams of a woman being murdered on her hiking trail. To her shock, she discovers a body when she investigates the area. Tessa is assisted by her pets and brother to investigate the case. She enlists the help of her stubborn ex-boyfriend Jace, a deputy in the sheriff's department, and they work together to unravel the mystery behind the murder.

A Guide to Solving A Murder is the first book in the Finn and Briar Cozy Mystery series by Courtney McFarlin. The story is captivating, keeping readers on their toes and eager to uncover the truth behind the mysterious murder. Tessa is a determined and curious woman, unafraid to put herself in danger. Her brother Paul is a charismatic character whose journalistic curiosity shines in every scene he appears in. The highlight of the story is Finn and Briar, whose humor and charm add delightful elements to the narration. Animal lovers will quickly fall in love with their personalities and clever antics. I loved the suspenseful and unpredictable nature of the plot, along with the engaging dialogue between the characters, which makes the story easy to follow. This is a fantastic start to the series, establishing an intriguing foundation for future mysteries. I look forward to reading more about these characters and highly recommend adding this book to your reading list if you enjoy stories that blend supernatural elements with cozy murder mysteries.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Shadow of the Eternal Watcher by Josh Mendoza is a gritty, mind-bending sci-fi noir following Duster Raines, a former soldier turned PI haunted by demons, both real and imagined. Tormented by combat memories and disturbing alternate reality visions, Raines is thrust into a missing persons case that soon spirals into a government conspiracy. Framed and hunted, he discovers he possesses the power to manipulate space and time. With these newfound abilities, he sees a chance to build the life he’s always wanted, but first, he must face a darker, alternate version of himself. This genre-blending tale combines crime, sci-fi, and psychological suspense into a compelling read.

Author Josh Mendoza has heaps of style on display in this skillful blend of detective fiction with speculative sci-fi, creating a gritty, atmospheric story. I loved Duster Raines right from the start, and his internal struggles with guilt, trauma, and self-doubt make him a compelling and layered character that you want to see succeed, even when he's not making the best decisions. For a story that is quite conceptually complex, the narrative structure is tight and unfolds the plot without overcomplicating it. The alternate realities and time-space manipulation add a captivating twist to the events and keep the clues coming from unexpected angles. Even in individual scenes, there's a relentless tension that holds you, with a confident skill that I can't wait to see more of in future books. Overall, Shadow of the Eternal Watcher is a fantastic read that I highly recommend for both noir and sci-fi fans looking for an accomplished mystery.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Patrick E. Craig's 3 X 3, the third Porch Swing Mystery, is for fans of mystery, crime, intrigue, drama, and detective novels. Detective Gary Linden receives a strange letter declaring someone's horrible intention to murder three women. Soon, three women are found brutally killed in Wooster, Ohio. The murderer leaves a mysterious sign on the bodies. Lieutenant Elbert Wainwright leads the investigation. A Vietnam War veteran named Steven Lambright, with severe memory loss, becomes a suspect. His mother, an Amish woman, begs Lieutenant Wainwright to look deeper into the case. Known as "the Amish Miss Marple," Jenny Hershberger and the retired sheriff, Bobby Halverson, must help the police stop the serial killer and shed light on the sinister events that took place in the Amish community decades ago.

In 3 X 3, Patrick E. Craig offers a horrifying yet captivating study of a serial killer's mind and motives. The author confidently combines a psychological thriller with a cozy mystery and adds a good dose of suspense to this exciting mix. Jenny Hershberger is the most unusual amateur sleuth, winning hearts with her courage, compassion, and ability to think outside the box. Bobby Halverson has a razor-sharp mind and an iron hand when catching criminals. Their team seems invincible, and their backstories reveal two incredibly complex characters worth exploring and admiring. The solid plotline has many staggering twists and turns, and the stirring outcome leaves readers open-mouthed. Craig writes about the Amish, their beliefs, and their way of life with tremendous respect. Readers who want to learn more about these hardworking people will appreciate this book.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

Jon Barret, a mechanical engineer, had finally landed a job with a federal agency in Washington DC to do investigations and audits at chemical plants, after spending quite some time jobless. Jon’s office was a new one but, unknown to him, his boss Craig Higgins was already being fought by other offices in the Department of Interior over funding. To secure his office, Craig is obliged to send Jon to Charleston, West Virginia, where an explosion at Chemtrifuge Chemicals had left a raging fire, a few people dead and several injured. However, Jon soon learns the company’s management is willing to do anything to stall and impede his investigations. What could they be covering up? In a bid to solve the mystery behind the explosion, Jon finds himself working with a journalist and an activist as he treads a path that pits him against powerful people, putting his career on the line. Find out more in Stephen J. Wallace’s Hazardous Lies.

Stephen J. Wallace’s Hazardous Lies will have lovers of mystery and crime novels hooked, turning page after page. Wallace weaves an intriguing plot featuring a fascinating cast. The subtle tone of the storyline kept me on edge, leaving me eager for more with the flip of every page. The evocative depictions and the great attention Wallace pays to details had me feeling like I was next to every character in every scene, watching things unfold. One moment I was in Charleston, watching Jon fight his way through a scheming and well-connected management all on his own. The next thing I was in Washington D.C., closely following Craig as he put up a fight he stood little chance of winning. Wallace showcases the cast’s traits and emotions, drawing me in with their compelling personal conflicts. Jon is a shrewd, daring, intuitive, calculating, and savvy investigator that you will quickly fall in love with.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

A Deadly Combo by Karen A. Phillips is a Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery. Raquel, aka Rocky, has trained in boxing for years with the help of family friend Cutter and is confident that she can face anything thrown her way, except perhaps her own demons. When her sister Bridget returns with her new husband, Rocky pays her a visit to check out her new trailer and quickly learns that her sister hired a professional restorer to fix up the place. When the restorer is found dead soon after Rocky meets him, she worries that this could come back on her family and soon learns that Bridget has caught the attention of the local police. Determined to prove her sister’s innocence, Rocky begins her own investigation with the help of her father, though she quickly butts heads with Detective Thompson.

Rocky is a great character. She’s well-rounded with multiple layers to her that include sleuthing, boxing, familial relationships, and inner demons. These qualities make her instantly likable and relatable in how she closes herself off and handles the issues in her life. Each character that surrounds her helps to draw out one of these aspects of her personality. Her dynamic with Detective Thompson has a hint of rivalry as she goes against him, which gives humor to the story. Her familial relationships are the most important ones in her life with her father and her trainer being two influences that guide her. Scenes with each of them are so rich and rewarding, each time revealing something about Rocky as a character.

Karen A. Phillips specifically focuses on the relationship between the two sisters which is at the heart of the mystery and what drives Rocky forward. Their dynamic is realistically portrayed as they’re total opposites and each faces family demons that still have a presence in their lives. Phillips explores a variety of emotions with Rocky as she’s struggling to deal with past pain and hurt feelings that still impact how she reacts to situations and deals with her sister. The mystery takes them into trailerfest which is a fun backdrop to the story and helps to give the cozy aspect to it. A Deadly Combo is a delightful read with incredible characters that feel fully formed from their personalities to their dynamics and effectively draw you into this world.