Upcoming: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Earlier this month Erin Morgenstern's highly-anticipated novel The Night Circus was released.  Thankfully, it appears that thus far Morgenstern's debut is living up to all the anticipation that has been building around this novel for months.  Among its accolades thus far, The Night Circus, is included on Amazon's Best Books of the Month list and is already #2 on The New York Times Best Seller's list.  I think part of its appeal is the variety it seems to offer readers.  Reviews range from those enthralled by the magical aspect of the book to those enticed by its mystery and romance.  Overall, it seems the common ground is that Morgenstern has created a masterpiece that truly draws the reader into the story through her descriptive, narrative talents.  Suffice to say, those of us at The Reading Grove are very excited to enjoy this adventure ourselves.  We also have plans to attend a discussion with the author in October and look forward to sharing that experience with all of you, as well.  Stay tuned for the full review next month on The Reading Grove!

My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland

Angel Crawford has been dealt a bad hand in life. Her mother committed suicide and her father is a drunk.  And how does Angel cope?  By dropping out of high school and getting drunk and high herself. She is on a fast track to nowhere. Until she gets a second chance...as a zombie. 

Did you know zombies are the new vampires?  My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland is the first in the new series White Trash Zombie and is the first zombie book I have read.  It wasn't too gruesome and had lots of mystery.  Angel isn't a mindless flesh-eating machine, although, it seems to take her awhile to figure things out that are pretty apparent to the reader.  My Life as a White Trash Zombie is a good start to a new series and I can't wait for the next installment.

Denise Swanson's Scrumble River Series

Skye Denison has returned to the town of Scrumble River to serve as a school psychologist.  At one time, she escaped this small town to find a bigger and better life in the city.  That plan having fallen short, Skye finds herself back in a town where the red lights are few and far between and the gossip is always ripe for the picking.  Readers can easily relate to the difficulties Skye faces as she returns home and tries to make a new life for herself under the watchful eye of her parents and local townspeople.  Denise Swanson, the author of the Scrumble River series, has provided her main character (Skye) with a unique position to be involved in a number of fascinating mysteries.  Through her constant interaction with parents, kids, and the powers-that-be in Scrumble River, it becomes inevitable that Skye will play a role in any unseemly events that befall the town.  In addition to excellent story lines, Swanson also provides consistent character development throughout the series.  The first book leads the reader into an emotional roller coaster of sorts as Skye faces the barriers of small town politics during her efforts to help students.  Each book demonstrates the increasing impact that this dedicated school psychologist has on the citizenry of Scrumble River.  Suffice to say, this series is not just a one hit wonder by any means.  In fact, Ms. Swanson is working on book #15 in this likeable series.  If that's not proof of an author consistently keeping her readers happy, then I do not know what is! 

Ink Flamingos (A Tattoo Shop Mystery) by Karen E. Olson

Rather than summarize Ink Flamingos by Karen E. Olson (which co-blogger Tessa has already done here) I am just going to go right into my review.

Ink Flamingos has a great story line and Karen E. Olson does a fantastic job of keeping the reader in suspense. Brett’s emotional state in Ink Flamingos, as well as her confusion as to why she is being stalked is well written. I really enjoy this series. That was until I found out Ink Flamingos was the
last book in the Tattoo Shop Mystery series.

I first thought the rumor of the end of the series could not be true. A Tattoo Shop Mystery series is only four books long! Karen wouldn’t do that to me! So I frantically went to Karen Olson’s blog were she confirms the end of the series. When I read that she was “done with the series” frankly, I was
pissed.  How can she hook me with wonderful characters and imagery just to release me?  Karen, catch and release is cruel!

Karen E. Olson's Ink Flamingos (Tattoo Shop Mystery #4)

I just finished what I have learned is the final Tattoo Shop Mystery by Karen E. Olson.  Though this is certainly sad news to those of us here at The Reading Grove, the series certainly ended on a high note.  Brett Kavanaugh owns "The Painted Lady," an upscale tattoo shop in Las Vegas known for its custom ink.  In Ink Flamingos, Brett is pulled into yet another murder mystery.  This time the victim is one of her customers and the key suspect is a redhead tattoo artist, which happens to describe Brett.  Though the series is categorized as a "cozy" mystery, this book is certainly filled with very dark undertones.  It is a serious mystery with a lot at stake for one of my favorite main characters.  Someone is stalking Brett and trying to frame her for murder.  Olson does a great job with character development as the book progresses and the readers witnesses a normally strong main character begin to unravel as she loses more and more control over her life.  Thankfully the same cast of quirky characters that we have come to love in this series step in to keep her afloat until the mystery is solved.  Chief among them is fellow tattoo artist and former marine Jeff, who helps Brett keep a sense of humor during some rather stressful times.  Olson provides the readers to new insights into Brett's personal relationships, along with a special public service announcement of the dangers of absinthe.  Though not entirely unpredictable (there are enough lose ends to tie up that you could not anticipate every angle), this is by far my favorite of the four tattoo shop mysteries.  It made me all the more disappointed that readers now have to say goodbye to Brett and her friends at The Painted Lady.        

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.

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.

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.

Wendy Lyn Watson's A Parfait Murder

If there's one requirement I have for a cozy mystery...wait for it...it's that it is cozy!  When I read fiction, I usually want an escape from the real world.  I like to know that the protagonist, at the end of it all, will still be that humorous, likeable character and ultimately be just fine.  That being said, I respect an author's desire to have serious moments for their characters in order to allow them more growth in the course of a series.  Wendy Lyn Watson reminded me that this can be done in the right way (even in a cozy mystery) in her 3rd Mystery A La Mode series, A Parfait Murder.  Serving up ice cream and southern charm, Tallulah "Tally" Jones becomes embroiled in another murder mystery, starring her cousin Bree as prime suspect.  Tally faces some difficult and personal revelations throughout the book, but remains a class act character throughout.  In Tally, Watson created a character filled with wit, wisdom, and compassion.  This makes her one of my favorite leading ladies and someone to root for until the end!

Upcoming: Vision Impossible by Victoria Laurie

I have very few addictions in my life beyond coffee.  But, let's face it, I am addicted to all books by Victoria Laurie.  On July 8th, I will have a reason to check back into rehab, because Ms. Laurie is back with the 9th Psychic Eye Mystery, Vision Impossible!  Psychic Abby Cooper is one of the most likeable characters out there and apparently modeled after the author herself who used to be a professional psychic.  With laugh out loud humor and edge of your seat mystery, the Psychic Eye series is a classic in the making. (Readers who like a little dash of scary in their books, check out her Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  But, be forewarned, they might have you checking over your shoulder while you read and leaving a light on when you sleep!)

Upcoming: Coffee Lovers Unite for Murder by Mocha!

It is hard to believe that Murder by Mocha will represent the 10th book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series by Cleo Coyle.  Main character Clare Cosi runs the historic New York coffee shop, Village Blend.  Suffice to say, mayhem and mystery ensues.  But, not without a great cup of coffee and a side of homemade baked goods.  As you can imagine, it is another one of my favorite series.  Check out the virtual Village Blend for free book downloads and recipes:  http://www.coffeehousemystery.com/.  Murder by Mocha is set for release on August 2, 2011.

Driven to Ink: A Tattoo Shop Mystery #3 by Karen Olsen

Brett Kavanaugh is a tattooist and owner of the up-scale tattoo shop, The Painted Lady, in Las Vegas. Brett loans her Mustang Bullitt to a friend for her wedding day at a drive through chapel that specializes in Dean Martin impersonators. When the Mustang is returned Brett finds a dead Dean Martin in the trunk with a clip cord from a tattoo machine wrapped around his neck. To make matters worse, the bride and groom are no where to be found.

Driven to Ink is the third installment of the wonderfully written Tattoo Shop Mystery. Brett Kavanaugh is a strong female character who lets her curiosity get the best of her. While her sidekicks are male she can still hold her own. However, we get a peak at Brett's softer side in Driven to Ink.

I have never been to Las Vegas, but when I read a Tattoo Shop Mystery I feel like it's my hometown. Karen Olsen does a great job of describing not only the strip but the suburbs and surrounding areas. That being said, there is not so much description that you are bogged down in imagery.

Driven to Ink has lots of twists and turns that make is difficult to figure out "who dunit" and why.