Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Favorites: Will Read for Food

There is something very fun about a book that gives you something to take away and use in your everyday life.  I don't mean mere advice on how to live your life to the fullest or how to become an amateur detective.  I am referring to books that provide the reader with gluttonous urges to run to the kitchen and test out an author's latest tempting treat.  Some of the greatest mysteries I have encountered answer this call by supplying the reader with recipes and ideas to try on their own.  In case you too wondered what reads might tempt you to wander into cozy culinary success, a few must-haves are listed below:


  • Goldy Bear Culinary Mysteries, by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Coffeehouse Mysteries, by Cleo Coyle
  • A Mystery A La Mode Series, by Wendy Lyn Watson
  • Cupcake Bakery Mysteries, by Jenn McKinlay
Please let us know if there is a particular book or series that inspires you to take action (either in the kitchen or elsewhere)?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Vision Impossible (Psychic Eye Mystery # 9) by Victoria Laurie


Abby Cooper is a civilian profiler for the FBI who uses her psychic abilities to help catch the bad guys.  In Vision Impossible Abby is recruited by the CIA to help recover highly classified military software that can capture an image of a persons aura.
Vision Impossible is the ninth book in the Psychic Eye Mystery series.  Wow!  I can't believe its already been that many.  I love this series.  Vision Impossible doesn't showcase Abby's special skills very much but its packed with action.  I hope there are many more Psychic Eye Mysteries to come.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Redux: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Diana Bishop is a historian of science.  Sounds boring, right?  Did I forget to mention she is also a witch?  Well, she's not a very good witch.  She has attempted to live her life as a human, not using any magic.  During her research Diana unknowingly request a bewitched alchemical manuscript at Oxford's Bodleian Library.  Wanting nothing to do with the magic Diana sends the manuscript back to the stacks.  But the fact that Diana summoned this long lost manuscript sends the underworld into a tizzy. Every creature wants their hands on it.

A Discovery of Witches is the first book in the All Souls Trilogy.  Co-blogger Tessa has also reviewed A Discovery of Witches (See Tessa's review).  I completely agree with her review.  This book grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go.  Its got a little bit of everything; witches, vampires, demons, romance, suspense, history.  You name its in there.  If you don't read this book you are missing out.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls (Ghost Hunter Mystery #5) by Victoria Laurie

The next episode of Ghoul Getters, M.J.'s cable T.V. show, sends M.J. and crew to Dunlow Castle in Ireland.  Dunlow Castle is believed to hold hidden treasure that is guarded by a phantom. The phantom is said to make its victims see their worst nightmares and taunt them until it runs its victims off a cliff.  Gopher, Ghoul Getters producer, get separated from the group and is missing.  Is the phantom holding him captive or someone else?
Let me start by saying that I love the Ghost Hunter Mystery Series.  They give me goosebumps and have me looking over my shoulder when I read them. 

That being said, I was supremely disappointed in Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls.  It felt like a Scooby-Doo Mystery.  I didn't get the chills I usually do when I read a Ghost Hunter Mystery.  Gilley, M.J.'s sidekick, has become ridiculous and I kept waiting for M.J. to ask him if he wanted a Scooby Snack.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Acts of Violets (A Flower Shop Mystery #5) by Kate Collins

Snuggles the Clown is dead and Marco is the only suspect.  Marco is relying on Abby, owner of Bloomers Flower Shop, to find the real killer.  As much as Abby cares for Marco, can she really trust him?  Things in Marco's past surface and Abby wonders what else Marco is keeping from her.  A history with the victim?  Secret out of town house guests?  A SON?

And if Abby isn't stressed out enough, Mad Mo (Abby's mother) is at it again and you'll be knocked over by a feather when you read what she is crafting now.  

I liked Acts of Violets.  Kate Collins is quite witty and I always have a giggle when reading A Flower Shop Mystery.  Abby is solo for the most part on this case and being a competent female she makes quick work of finding the real killer.  Although Marco and Abby haven't actually verbalized their feelings for each other the relationship is progressing nicely.