Teaser Tuesday: Homemaker by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read 2: Open to a random page 3: Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Everyone loves Teaser Tuesday.

"What she really believed, but hadn't said, was that she noticed things because she was a mom. Because a mom had to notice everything about the entire world, every single day, and question those things, every single day, so nothing bad would happen." page 24

What are you reading? Share it with us in the comments. Happy reading!

Happy Book Birthday to Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd

 

We wish a Happy Book Birthday to Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd. It's the first in a new cozy series from Atria Books.

From the publisher:

From Jess Kidd, the bestselling author of Things in Jars who “is so good it isn’t fair” (Erika Swyler, nationally bestselling author), the first in a cozy mystery series about a former nun who searches for answers in a small seaside town after her pen pal mysteriously disappears.

I believe every one of us at Gulls Nest is concealing some kind of secret.

1954: When her former novice’s dependable letters stop, Nora Breen asks to be released from her vows. Haunted by a line in Frieda’s letter, Nora arrives at Gulls Nest, a charming hotel in Gore-on-Sea in Kent.

A seaside town, a place of fresh air and relaxed constraints, is the perfect place for a new start. Nora hides her identity and pries into the lives of her fellow guests. But when a series of bizarre murders rattles the occupants of Gulls Nest it’s time to ask if a dark past can ever really be left behind.

I've been waiting for this one to come out. I'm interested in how the sleuth will be written. And I'm wondering who all has the dark past they are trying to leave behind. This looks like a very promising series. It's on the TBR and review will follow.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #544: The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher: The perfect summer read, full of charm and heart, written in the vein of The Thursday Murder Club or Only Murders in the Building but with a southern California twist.

Mrs. B, the landlady of The Marigold Cottages is a stubborn idealist who only rents to people she cares about: Sophie, an anxious young playwright with a dark past; Hamilton, an agoraphobe who likes to overshare; Ocean, a queer sculptor raising two kids alone; the perfectionist Lily-Ann; and Nicholas, a finance bro who’s hiding secrets.

The tenants live contentedly in their doll-house bungalows in Santa Barbara, just minutes from the beach, until their peace is shattered when Anthony, a quiet, hulking, but potentially violent ex-con moves in. Three weeks later, a dead body is discovered on the streets of the peaceful neighborhood. Anthony is arrested, and the tenants heave sighs of relief. Until Mrs. B, convinced that he's innocent, marches down to the police station and confesses to the crime herself. The tenants band together and form “The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective” to save their beloved landlady. As clues are unearthed and secrets are revealed, the community of misfits only grows more tight-knit...until a second body is found. Full of eccentricity, humor, community, The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective will keep you hooked until the last page.

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols is expected out August 19th, 2025 from Minotaur Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like that it is supposed to be "full of eccentricity, humor, and community." And I like that in the description it refers to Only Murders in the Building. It sounds to me like it will be a light, fun read.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Vera can’t remember the last time she had so much fun. People always say that your wedding day is the happiest day of your life, but honestly, people should try solving murders more often. (p. 113)

Vera Wong''s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto was released March 14th, 2023 from Berkley.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #457: Dread and Buried by Angie Fox

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

Dead men tell no tales.
Until they meet ghost hunter Verity Long.

Verity Long is proud to say she gets along with just about anybody—dead or alive. But she’s put to the test when her well-meaning boyfriend and her sweet-as-pie sister con her into a remote island “double date” weekend with her sister’s new flame and Verity’s long-time nemesis, Alec Duranja.

Her plans to avoid the uptight police officer go up in smoke when the four of them team up for a weekend treasure hunt competition based on the island’s legendary pirate past. And it doesn’t take long for Verity and her team to discover more than game clues. Someone is using the game to dig up real pirate gold...and they’re willing to kill to keep it.

There’s no escaping the island or the game. And when the killer targets someone Verity loves, she realizes she’s the only one who can uncover the truth behind the legend. She must stay one step ahead of the dangers of the island and two steps ahead of Frankie’s new ghostly pirate buddies—all in a race against time to solve a centuries-old puzzle and take down a real live killer before he strikes again.

Dread and Buried by Angie Fox is due out April 18th, 2023 from Moose Island Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? I've enjoyed other books in this series in the past. I've missed a few of them and hope to catch up on them one day. But in the mean time, this one sounds like it will be a good read. I like the idea of real treasure, modern day pirates, and pirate ghosts. Frankie the ghost will fit right in no doubt. And this sounds like Verity and her boyfriend will get to use their mystery solving skills. I'm hoping it can be read as a standalone as well as part of the series. There is usually at least a little humor in these books. And at least I don't have a long wait before it's available.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian

 

From the publisher: 

An impossible crime. A family legacy. The intrigue of hidden rooms and secret staircases.

After a disastrous accident derails Tempest Raj’s career, and life, she heads back to her childhood home in California to comfort herself with her grandfather’s Indian home-cooked meals. Though she resists, every day brings her closer to the inevitable: working for her father’s company. Secret Staircase Construction specializes in bringing the magic of childhood to all by transforming clients’ homes with sliding bookcases, intricate locks, backyard treehouses, and hidden reading nooks.

When Tempest visits her dad’s latest renovation project, her former stage double is discovered dead inside a wall that’s supposedly been sealed for more than a century. Fearing she was the intended victim, it’s up to Tempest to solve this seemingly impossible crime. But as she delves further into the mystery, Tempest can’t help but wonder if the Raj family curse that’s plagued her family for generations—something she used to swear didn’t exist—has finally come for her.

My thoughts: 

I think it's worth a read. It's the first book in a new series and can be read as a standalone. It's a cozy locked room mystery. Gigi Pandian writes this sort of story well.

I had a little trouble getting into the story, but it was worth it. I didn't anticipate the who or why of the mystery. And I'm still a little foggy on the how. But, a magician never shares her secrets.

The concept of a contracting company that specializes in making secret rooms and staircases is interesting. The company is Tempest's Dad's bread and butter. Their home is full of these types of things. 

I liked the characters. Tempest grew up in a very nurturing multi generational home. If you've read her Jaya Jones series, you will recognize Sanjay the Hindi Houdini. And I liked that some of the characters actually showed growth before the end of the book.

All in all, it's an interesting mystery and a good start to a new series. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. If you've enjoyed other works by Gigi Pandian you will most likely enjoy this book. I would also recommend it to people who enjoy locked room mysteries. This book was published March 15th, 2022 by Minotaur Books.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #415: Evil Woman by Julie Mulhern

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

When Ellison Russell Jones returns from her honeymoon, she’s ready for a restful summer.

But while she was away, an older woman was murdered in her bed. And the police have questions only Ellison and her friends can answer.

She gets to be a sleuth. A real one! But with a new husband, her mother in the hospital (targeted by the murderer?), her sister as a house guest, one too many animals, and a full social calendar, Ellison can’t catch a break, much less a killer.

She’d better focus, or she may be the next victim.

Evil Woman by Julie Mulhern is expected out April 26th, 2022 from J & M Press.

Why am I waiting on this book? I've enjoyed all of the other books in this series. This is the 14th book in the Country Club Murder series. The books have humor as well as a good mystery. And I've grown fond of the characters.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #405: The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

Entertainment Weekly hails the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series by New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams as “a love letter to reading,” and in this fifth installment, bookshop owner, bibliotherapist, and occasional sleuth Nora Pennington must enlist the help of her brilliant, brassy librarian friend Bobbie to unravel the connection between The Scarlet Letter, an obscure 19th century writer, and a dead hiker…

While January snow falls outside in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, Nora Pennington is encouraging customers to cozy up indoors with a good book. Even though the shop and her bibliotherapy sessions keep Nora busy during the day, her nights are a little too quiet—until Deputy Andrews pulls Nora into the sci-fi section and asks her to help him plan a wedding proposal.
 
His bride-to-be, Hester, loves Little Women, and Nora sets to work arranging a special screening at the town’s new movie theater. But right before the deputy pops the question, Nora makes an unsettling discovery—someone has mutilated all her store’s copies of The Scarlet Letter, slicing angrily into the pages wherever Hester Prynne’s name is mentioned.
 
The coincidence disturbs Nora, who’s one of the few in Miracle Springs who knows that Hester gave up a baby for adoption many years ago. Her family heaped shame on her, and Hester still feels so guilty that she hasn’t even told her future husband. But when a dead man is found on a hiking trail just outside town, carrying a rare book, the members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society unearth a connection to Hester’s past. Someone is intent on bringing the past to light, and it’s not just Hester’s relationship at stake, but her life…

The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams is expected to be published April 26th, 2022 by Kensington Books. This is the fifth book in the series.

Why am I waiting on this book? I love stories that involve bookstores and libraries and the people that work in those places. I haven't read any of the other books in the series. And I'm wondering if it could be read as a standalone. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Night Moves by Julie Mulhern

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My favorite spot called, and I sat and enjoyed the golf-course view till Libba plopped into the chair across from me. She wore a gray dress, and a thundercloud followed her as if it were attached to her wrist with a piece of string.  (6% through on my Kindle)

Night Moves by Julie Mulhern was published February 23rd, 2021 by J & M Press. This is the twelfth book in the Country Club Murders series. 

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Secrets and Stilettos by Gina LaManna

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I hadn't mentioned Becky's name to Cooper, though he'd pressed once more before leaving. I had one more round of investigating to do myself before I dragged her name through the mud. At the moment, I didn't have a strong case against her -- a few weird looks and a potential tripping did not a murderer make. 

(p.148 on my Kindle)

Secrets and Stilettos by Gina LaManna was published on January 10th, 2020 by LaManna Books. It's book one in the Murder in Style series. I finished reading it this week. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. It's a good mystery with a solid subplot of romance. If you like cozies that take place in small towns, then this could be a good fit for you.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Stayin' Alive by Julie Mulhern

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Mother did not approve of my relationship with a homicide detective. To her mind, the only way of thinking, he was totally-inappropriate-in-every-way-that-counted bad for me. Her exact words upon learning Anarchy was my escort to the gala--have you lost your ever-loving mind? (p. 3)

Stayin' Alive by Julie Mulhern was published February 25th, 2020 by J & M Press. It's the tenth book in the Country Club Murder series.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #312: Stayin' Alive by Julie Mulhern

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From Goodreads:

Springtime. Love is in the air. So is murder.

When Ellison Russell, reluctant finder of bodies, chairs a gala in conjunction with the museum’s Chinese funerary exhibit, she expects disaster. So, she’s not remotely surprised when a body turns up.

Ellison is willing to leave the investigation to the police till an attempt is made on her life.

Now she’s juggling evading a killer, her aunt’s overly-amorous beau, her dog’s new love interest, and Mother’s displeasure.

With bodies piling up, if Ellison’s not careful, staying alive might be impossible.

Stayin' Alive by Julie Mulhern is #10 in the Country Club Murder series. It's expected to be published on February 25th, 2020 by J & M  Press.

Why am I waiting on this one? I've been reading this series for a while now. I'm almost caught up. I enjoy the eccentricities of the characters. Ellison has a love for coffee. Her mother has a love of things being proper. No matter what oddness the characters have, in the end many of them are family and will stand by each other. It's a fun series to read and I look forward to this installment and seeing what strange things befall Ellison as she discovers yet another body.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan

Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Suzette Cripps lives in a spare bedroom in the home Val Dennison shares with her grandfather Don Meyer. One morning when she is out running, Suzette is killed in a hit and run. The more Val finds out about her, the more convinced she becomes that her death was no accident.

The author builds suspense nicely. There are plenty of suspects between Suzette's writing group and her work. A few red herrings are added in expertly to muddy the waters. And the author does a good job connecting Val's investigations into Suzette's death with the grandfather's investigations into ghosts and possible thefts.

The plot moves along nicely. The author makes good use of the Halloween theme including things like a costume contest and a haunted house. There is also a hint of romance for both Val and her grandfather.

This is the sixth book in the series, but I felt it was easy to jump right in. There were enough references to previous books to explain and help flesh out the characters. This can be read as a standalone, but it might intrigue you enough to further explore the series.

I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars. It's a well-plotted cozy. I didn't figure out who the killer was before the reveal. I enjoyed how the Halloween theme was incorporated into the story. And for those who enjoy cooking, there are some yummy sounding 5 ingredient recipes included.

Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan was published August 27th, 2019 by Kensington.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This has not affected my opinions.



View all my reviews

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #283: Fatal Cajun Festival by Ellen Byron

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From Goodreads:

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Byron cranks it up to eleven in the fifth fast and funny Cajun Country mystery.

Louisiana B&B owner Maggie Crozat kicks up her heels at a country music festival--but she'll have one foot in the grave if she can't bring the killer of a diva's hanger-on to heel. 

Grab your tickets for Cajun Country Live!, the pickers' and crooners' answer to the legendary New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Maggie Crozat, proprietor of the Crozat Plantation B&B, plans to be in the cheering section when her friend Gaynell Bourgeois takes the stage with her band, Gaynell and the Gator Girls.

The festival's headliner, native daughter Tammy Barker, rocketed to stardom on a TV singing competition. She has the voice of an angel...and the personality of a devilish diva. But Maggie learns that this tiny terror carries a grudge against Gaynell. She's already sabotaged the Gator Girls' JazzFest audition. When a member of Tammy's entourage is murdered at the festival, Maggie makes sure Gaynell is number one on the suspect list.

Gaynell has plenty of company on that list--including every one of Tammy's musicians. Posing as a groupie, Maggie infiltrates Tammy's band and will have to hit all the right notes to clear her friend's name.

Fatal Cajun Festival by Ellen Byron is expected to be released September 10th, 2019 from Crooked Lane Books.

Why am I waiting on this one? I like a good mystery that blends in humor. This sounds like it will be one of  those as it's billed as "fast and funny." Ellen Byron won a couple of Left Coast Crime Lefty awards for best humorous mystery. And she has been nominated for Agatha awards as well. I've read one other book by her and I enjoyed the blend of culture, humor, interesting characters, and mystery. I look forward to more of the same.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Review: Killer Classics by Kym Roberts

Princess aka Charli Rae once again finds herself and the Book Barn in the middle of a mystery in this fifth outing in the Book Barn mystery series. This time around, Charli has organized a book club. The book they're reading has disturbing similarities to people and places in the town of Hazel Rock, TX. But, the similarities don't end there, a murder occurs that could be right out of the book. And Charli Rae's good friend Sugar becomes the prime suspect when her nemesis is found dead.

There are sufficient subplots to fill out the story including some romance. The mayor's candidacy for political office becomes an important part of the story as well.

The characters are interesting and many are well developed especially, of course, Charli Rae and her friends and family. Life in smalltown Hazel Rock proves interesting because of the characters and their actions.

The book moves along at a good pace. Charli's meddling ways move it forward as she investigates to help clear her friend. As it nears the end, the pace picks up and ends on a high note.

I give this cozy 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written and interesting. The pace moves along at a good speed. And the mystery is resolved satisfactorily. I enjoyed the subplots as well. While this is the fifth book in the Book Barn series, enough background is given for you to enjoy it as a standalone. If you like a good smalltown cozy, then this book would be a good choice for you.

Killer Classics by Kym Roberts was published December 4th, 2018 from Lyrical Underground.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Teaser Tuesday: a second teaser from Killer Classics by Kym Roberts

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"How is it that I always end up in the middle of these media circuses?"

Scarlet smiled. "Because you're Charli Rae."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means life is always interesting when you're around."

(63% through on my Kindle)

Killer Classics by Kym Roberts is the fifth Book Barn Mystery. It's being released today, December 4, 2018, from Lyrical Underground.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!