Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Guest is a Goner: A Humorous Paranormal Cozy Mystery by Carly Winter is the first book in the Sedona Spirit Cozy Mystery series. Bernadette is the proud owner of a bed and breakfast that has become a hot spot for ghostly activity. At least that's what she lets her guests believe. She soon becomes a believer herself when she comes face-to-face with Ruby, her grandmother who has been dead for the past three years. Could her newfound ghost sighting be related to her recent incident when she was struck by lightning? Whatever the cause, Ruby is delighted to spend time with her granddaughter who can actually see her. When her grandmother delivers the news that one of her guests is a goner, Bernadette thought her day couldn't get any worse until she learns that the man was murdered and the cops think she's a suspect. The good news is that Ruby is there to help prove her innocence.

Bernadette is a delightful character who's been thrown into this unusual reality where she can see ghosts. Ruby is one of the best characters from her scent of marijuana and lavender soap to her larger-than-life personality. Carly Winter hits all the right notes with this character, which sets the tone for the entire mystery. Ruby is described as a loose cannon who played by her own rules and was the grandma who would let Bernadette eat ice cream for breakfast and go to R-rated movies. Her adventurous spirit was so large in her life that it carried on into her afterlife. She represents the carefree, wild, and outgoing personality that Bernadette envies as she's a personality that's more serene and calm. The contrast between their personalities creates the perfect sleuthing duo with Ruby being the spark of life that Bernadette needs while Bernadette is the calm that her grandmother needs. Together, they're the ideal duo that's funny, charming, and clever.

The mystery hits close to home as the body is discovered at her bed and breakfast, which drags her in the middle of the investigation as a suspect and throws her into the crosshairs of a killer. Even with a busy schedule of solving a murder and spending time with her ghost grandmother, Bernadette also has two romance options with her handsome friend Jack and detective Adam Gallagher. Carly Winter delivers a fun and fresh cozy mystery in The Guest is a Goner, which creates a wild ride of hijinks, trouble, ghosts, and hilarity with the perfect dynamic duo.

Reviewed by Barbara Oliverio for Readers' Favorite

Marla Vail is blissfully enjoying being a new mother and thinks that her days of chasing clues instead of managing feeding schedules are behind her in Nancy J. Cohen’s latest cozy mystery, Styled for Murder. The universe has other plans for the amateur sleuth when her mother calls her in a panic. It seems that the project manager overseeing the remodel of her mom’s bathroom was found dead – colder than the stylish floor tiles. All it takes for Marla to stretch her investigative muscles is the notion that her stepfather is the prime suspect. She manages to collect clues that lead her to other suspects (including the dead guy’s employer, other subcontractors, and even a former beauty queen) while getting advice from her police detective husband. All the while, she manages to juggle her regular duties as a mom and salon owner.

Styled for Murder is the latest in Nancy J. Cohen’s cozy murder mystery series, but works effectively as a standalone offering. Intrepid Marla is no-nonsense but has an open personality that encourages those she questions into revealing just a bit more than they probably intended. The author takes an entertaining path to the big reveal and manages to throw in just enough deceptive clues to keep the reader second-guessing. I appreciated the Florida setting and how Cohen made the suspects more than just one-dimensional distractions on the journey to the discovery of the real murderer. Cohen fans and those sure to become her fans will love this whodunit.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

In Gail Meath’s original mystery novel, Songbird, a talented composer suddenly dies from what seems like a straightforward cause but a brilliant detective, Jax Diamond, suspects that the man was murdered. Jax’s private investigation of Sam Sanders, a composer who has just completed writing a new, impressive musical, leads to his involvement in investigating Sam’s death. The cause of Sam’s demise could easily be attributed to a heart attack except for one minor detail - a lily that was found pinned to his jacket. The lily brings back memories of a previous murder case involving a Broadway star. As Jax and his friend, Sergeant Tim Murphy, work to uncover the connection between the two cases, they discover details that plunge Jax back into his dark, painful past.

Songbird by Gail Meath transports readers back to the twenties, inside Broadway’s intrigues and glamor. The book’s pace is swift, and each scene is absorbing. It includes engaging and complex characters such as Laura Graystone, a young, upcoming star dubbed the “Songbird” by the New York Times. I loved that the story’s plot is layered and not straightforward. There are many revelations in the book and some exciting action scenes that add tension to the novel. The story’s end is also engrossing and rewarding. Jax’s difficult past is explored, and his attraction to Laura introduces another thrilling sub-plot to the story. Songbird by Gail Meath is a fine and captivating historical novel with endearing characters. Readers will love its surprising twists, creative storyline, and exhilarating setting.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

To read a novel by Thomas Holland is to come away impressed by so many things that it's almost hard to know where to start. Was it the plot of Grind Slowly, Grind Small that kept me turning the pages long into the night? Was it the laid-back, raw, almost rambling, but never boring narrative of Big Ray Elmore that captivated me? Was it the intimate, often amusing look into how the inhabitants of a small town gossipped and explained the inexplicable? Was it the colorful vernacular that characters used to describe someone that had me smiling? It was all these things and so much more because Thomas Holland is a master storyteller. Holland isn’t the first to write a mystery novel based around the discovery of 20-year-old bones, but he’s among very few authors who don’t feel compelled to rush readers. After an omniscient opening where a young woman waits to be whisked off to a new future with a married man, he lets his story unfold in an almost relaxed manner. Like the locals ever chewing their tobacco, Big Ray turns over information, not content with easy explanations. Bit by bit, conversations yield clues and Holland teases the reader to pick up the hints and pull everything together, just as Big Ray does.

Along the way, readers feel compelled to keep reading as their fondness grows for this intriguing narrator/protagonist: Big Ray is deep, caring, and kind. Like all of us, he is plagued by his weaknesses but, unlike many, he acknowledges them and constantly struggles to overcome them. In only a few words, he speaks volumes, e.g. “He didn’t approve, but he didn’t scold me either. He didn’t need to.” The result? While Thomas Holland cleverly unfolds a complicated plot through Big Ray, readers witness the further evolution of a wonderful, legend-like hero: Big Ray Elmore. I use the adjective “further” because some readers will already have met Elmore in Holland’s previous book, Their Feet Run to Evil. I did. I liked Big Ray Elmore in that novel and liked him even more here. The title, by the way, describes perfectly how Big Ray Elmore thinks. Better yet, it describes how Thomas Holland writes: beautifully! He is not only a reader’s author: he’s an author’s writer. Whichever you are, or if you are both, read Grind Slowly, Grind Small.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

As the third book in Leonard Krishtalka’s Przewalski Mystery Series, The Camel Driver is a surprisingly engaging mystery novel with an elaborate historical background, and it is clearly written not just to entertain but to offer something truly original. The center of mystery and intrigue takes place at the Carnegie Museum where an award-winning diorama called Arab Courier Attacked by Lions is vandalized. The vandal responsible cut open the taxidermied camel and took something from its belly. Detective John Mazeroski deduces that somebody sewed a child up in the camel’s belly. Having once worked as a paleontologist for the museum, Detective Harry Przewalski is called in to help investigate. Liza Kole, a paleontologist who once had a romantic relationship with Harry, supplies him with the necessary information about the diorama’s history and the gifted taxidermist who created it, Jules Verreaux. Other than a stolen mummified child that was once stuffed inside the camel, more questions pop up as the museum’s physical anthropologist, Anna Storck, commits suicide two days after the vandalism. As Przewalski tries to add it all up, it leads to a motive that has something to do with fame and recognition.

The genius of The Camel Driver not only lies in its triumph of evocative prose, but that it also gives a strong look at the past and introduces you to the life and work of Jules Verreaux, and why he became infamous for the work to which he had dedicated his life. Another extraordinary personality in this novel is Christine Dumoulin, who brilliantly uses a patsy to advance her own interests. Leonard Krishtalka’s writing proves to be powerful and poetic, especially when he delves into the consciousness of his characters. Przewalski has his own past, but he keeps himself in check and does not let it get in the way of his sleuthing. It is one of the best qualities of this series and the way he solves the mysteries thrown at him. The Camel Driver has the power to tantalize and create rare cases you don’t read in the news every day. This is an intelligent must-read that brings back the chutzpah to the noir.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Bird In A Snare is a work of fiction in the historical, political thriller and mystery sub-genres, and was penned by author N. L. Holmes. Mixing some fascinating modern genres and concepts into an ancient historical setting, we find ourselves in Egypt during the reign of Amenhotep III. Our central protagonist is Hani, a royal scribe who finds himself burdened by diplomatic missions with questionable motives and struggles with the morality of his missions and the pressures put upon him by those in power. What results is an in-depth mystery wherein Hani must discover the truth, and a tale of a family deeply affected by the new changes in religion and regime.

Author N. L. Holmes delivers a superb and lavishly depicted Egyptian setting for this intense mystery novel, giving modern readers everything they need in terms of clues, details, emotional story arcs, and thrilling surprises. Hani is a confident hero whom readers can root for, a thoroughly good and tender man put to difficult tasks and trials. I found the cultural and social effects of the religious movement very interesting in terms of the way they split the family dynamic in the tale, and there was a huge resonance in the emotional relationship that Hani has with his struggling wife and newly-converted son. Add to this the well-penned mystery elements and a plot with plenty of satisfying twists and discoveries, and overall Bird In A Snare becomes a highly recommended, accomplished historical mystery read.

Reviewed by Sherri Fulmer Moorer for Readers' Favorite

Sister Veronica Angelica never expected to find a dead body in the Catholic Hostel next to her convent. What was more shocking was that she wasn't allowed to call the police and was even asked to try to cover up the murder via a "private internal investigation." Alarmed at the response, Sister Veronica does some sleuthing of her own. She discovers that the young man who was murdered was planning to reveal a secret to her that day; a secret that he ultimately died for. Desperate, confused, and conflicted, she turns to a reporter who recently visited the convent to interview the sisters for an article that she was planning. When the reporter reveals that she was investigating the secret that the young man was about to reveal, Sister Veronica finds herself in the middle of a mystery woven by scandal, lies, and crime in the Catholic church. Can she stay alive long enough to unravel this mystery? The Convent by Sarah Sheridan is a thrilling mystery that will keep you reading long past your bedtime.

I enjoyed this novel because it's a compelling, gripping mystery. Sister Veronica is a character that you'll like from page one because she's so real, witty, and intelligent. This nun doesn't live with any misplaced notions of perfection in the convent's church but still finds herself shocked by the level of corruption in the world she lives in. I love how she's wise enough to seek help from a reporter who likes and respects her enough to join her on this adventure despite living a very different lifestyle. Sarah Sheridan's The Convent is an excellent mystery that will keep you intrigued and entertained with fast-paced action, mystery, compelling characters, and even a bit of romance. A highly recommended read.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Murder, Curlers & Kilts: A Valentine Beaumont Mystery by Arlene McFarlane is the fifth book in the series. Valentine should have known that the multicultural fair wouldn't be all fun and games. When she finds a dead body in a kilt, she stumbles headfirst into another mystery. Valentine dives headlong into the mystery despite Detective Romero wanting her to stay out of it, which only adds to her desire to learn the truth even if she must start her own investigation. Adding fuel to the fire, Jock de Marco keeps appearing along the way and insists that there's more between them than friendship. Add in a dose of family drama and Valentine has her work cut out for her.

The multicultural fair provides a rich atmosphere through various cultures while creating the ideal environment for sleuthing, murder, and mystery. The story is playful and has a lighthearted tone that places kilts at the forefront of the plot. Arlene McFarlane has delivered a mystery with suspense, humor, and flirty romance in a plot that has a fun tone and personality. The plot focuses on her chasing after a killer, though the story finds time for romantic encounters. Valentine is dating Detective Romero, and while their relationship isn't without complications, the two have genuine chemistry. The hint of a love triangle can be found throughout as Jock continues to pop into her life without remorse. He's attractive, seductive, and determined to win her heart, which creates a conflict for her love life.

Valentine is surrounded by delightful characters from two handsome men to her humorous family. The characters provide her with an assortment of suspects while also being great resources of banter such as with her friend Max who always has humorous comments. Her family has a natural inclusion within the story and shakes up the plot with a few family issues, though her Great-Aunt Tantig shines the brightest with her love of Tic Tacs and her disdain for being coddled. Arlene McFarlane flawlessly blends mystery and humor with a dash of flirtation and sizzling chemistry that brings Murder, Curlers & Kilts to life with charm, witty dialogue, and plenty of kilts.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

The Concrete Vineyard is a story with many qualities. It is an intriguing murder mystery with many twists and turns. It is a tale of bad government and the how-tos of urban planning. There are many characters and many suspects, along with a questionable storyteller. We join the story on the 150th birthday of the nation in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the First Capital of Upper Canada. Since Upper Canada (now the province of OntarioAs the town gathers, Edward Mitchell, the richest man in town, is murdered. Detective Bryan Dee is assigned to the case but has no clues to go on. Kris Gage is in town, helping his parents pack up the home they have just sold. Kris and Bryan are schoolboy friends and have kept in touch over the years. Kris is a well-respected urban planner and may be of valuable assistance in understanding that the land and home of Edward Mitchell were the reason for his death. Several others soon disappear and may be connected to Mitchell's murder. We get introduced to the prominent townsfolk who may or may not be involved in the case. Kris is the narrator throughout the book. Bryan has found a clue that makes him believe his friend must also be considered as a suspect. The ending is one that is impossible to ever imagine.

The Concrete Vineyard is a long and detailed book but has a fascinating plot. The in-depth descriptions of behind the scene government and planning that takes place, the mystery with so many suspects, and the deflection players will positively keep you reading. I enjoyed the knowledge that Kris shared as to how a community is planned and all the facts that go into making it a success. Bryan at times seemed at a loss as to how to solve the case, but he was so likable it was impossible not to root for him to find the answers he needed. There were many who seemed to be the logical choice for these crimes and others that seemed a very remote possibility and it had me guessing and accusing so many before the murderer was revealed. This is Cam Lang’s first novel but I believe he has a great path ahead of him and will have many more successful books in the future. The Concrete Vineyard is informative and is one that will keep you guessing. It is certainly worth reading.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

After a miscarriage, Henrietta lost her will to engage in daily affairs. In his desperate attempt to bring his wife back to normalcy, Clive accepted a seemingly boring case of an alleged charlatan. The woman who could talk to the departed, as it turned out, impressed Henrietta enough that, much to Clive's dismay, she ended up believing the woman to be the real deal. Unbeknownst to him, Henrietta accepted to help her sister, Elsie, in finding the mother of a little girl, Anna. Surmising both the cases to be undemanding, Clive felt there was no harm in including a distraught Henrietta. Besides, he figured, the distraction could help with her depression. Little did he know that it would also produce a life-threatening situation for her that nobody could have ever imagined. Moreover, the seemingly open and shut case of finding Anna's mother revealed the disturbing truth of Dunning Asylum. Although A Child Lost is part of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, Michelle Cox has left enough breadcrumbs for a first-time reader to be able to imagine the back story.

Michelle Cox expertly transports her readers into the thirties with a vivid description of the setting, conversations, traditions, and apparel. The graphic detail of the objects and buildings is one of the most interesting aspects of the book. The plot is engrossing. The delightful storytelling has a bewitching charm that will keep readers glued to their seats. A Child Lost - A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel by Michelle Cox weaves the historical facts with a fascinating mystery and tops it with passionate romance. Clive's unfailing love and his protectiveness will speak to the romantics, while the mystery of the asylum and the charlatan will intrigue suspense lovers. Readers with an interest in the perfect blend of absorbing historical facts, intriguing mystery, and thrilling romance will be the perfect audience for A Child Lost.