How do you select…?

How do you select which book to read when there are so many?

Each month I am fascinated by the number of books that are published. I’m talking just about print books and I see only a small portion. There are probably hundreds of books released each month. More than likely there is a site that lists all the current releases (print and e-books). If anyone knows of it, please share. I’d like to have a link on my sidebar.

I bring this up because I want to pass along some information on several new books Berkley Prime Crime has out this month. When you’re looking for a cozy murder mystery, Berkley has a book to fit the bill.    

A KILLER COLUMN by Casey Mayes

Puzzle columnist Savannah Stone is called to her editor’s office for an important meeting. When she arrives, Savannah learns her puzzle column has been sold to a syndicate. Upset Savannah slaps her editor, Derrick Duncan, where upon he fires her and she storms out all taking place under watchful eyes.

Later when Savannah cools off, she returns to Derrick’s office to talk things over. However, she finds Derrick dead and she’s the prime suspect. With the help of her husband, Zach, and her college roommate turned lawyer, Jenny Blake, Savannah sets out to find the real killer.

Zach being a former police chief and police consultant adds to the team’s investigation abilities. However, Author Casey Mayes has the couple working well as a team, not one being superior over the other. 

There are twists and turns to keep you guessing. These are unique characters you will come to enjoy and want to see more of.

This is the second installment in the Mystery by the Numbers series, but is a stand alone book. The book also includes puzzles. The first book in the series is  A DEADLY ROW.

Author Casey Mayes’ website is http://www.caseymayes.com. Casey Mayes is the pseudonym for Tim Myers.

A Killer Column by Casey Mayes, A Mystery by the Numbers, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425242230, Paperback, 288 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

TILL DEATH DO US BARK by Judi McCoy

Professional dog walker Ellie Engleman is taking some time off and going to the Hamptons with her friend, Viv. They are attending the wedding of Viv’s sister, Arlene. But when the prospective bridegroom turns up death, Ellie has to step in to help find the killer. 

What makes this a fun read (and series) is the connection Ellie has with her dogs, which were also invited to the wedding. She can hear their thoughts.

Author Judi McCoy has created quirky characters that will have you laughing while trying to figure out who the real killer is.

This is the fifth installment in the Dog Walker Mystery series, but is a stand along book. The other books in the series include: HOUNDING THE PAVEMENT, HEIR OF THE DOG, DEATH IN SHOW, and BEGGING FOR TROUBLE.

Author Judi McCoy’s website is http://www.judimccoy.com

Till Death Do Us Bark, A Dog Walker Mystery, Obsidian, @2011, ISBN: 9780451234353, Paperback, 336 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

BITTER HARVEST by Sheila Connolly

Now the harvest is finally in, Meg Corey is looking forward to some free time to spend with Seth Chapen. She gets her wish when a major storms strands them at the farmhouse. While looking through a closet, Meg discovers a sampler detailing tragedies from long ago.

As she tries to unravel the mystery of the sampler, annoying mishaps start to happen. Meg begins to worry that her first harvest may be her last. While this is a bit of departure from the author’s usual style, it is still an intriguing mystery filled with twists and turns. 

This is the fifth installment in the Orchard Mystery series, but is a stand alone book. The other books in the series include: ONE BAD APPLE, ROTTEN TO THE CORE, RED DELICIOUS DEATH, and A KILLER CROP.

Author Sheila Connolly’s website is http://www.sheilaconnolly.com. Sheila Connolly is the pseudonym for Sarah Atwell.

Bitter Harvest by Sheila Connolly, An Orchard Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425242766, Paperback, 304 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

A SHEETCAKE NAMED DESIRE by Jacklyn Brady

There aren’t many things pastry chef Rita Lucero hates more than losing. But two years after her marriage to fellow baker Philippe Renier fell apart, she’s still trying to get him to sign the divorce papers. Exasperated, Rita visits Philippe’s high-end New Orleans shop, Zydeco Cakes, to get his signature—and discovers that her marriage is already over when she finds Philippe dead with a chef’s knife in his chest.

Rita is shocked to discover the body, and overwhelmed to learn that since the divorce wasn’t final, she now inherits part ownership in Zydeco Cakes. But it’s a mixed blessing: the gorgeous shop is actually in financial trouble, and Rita’s windfall sets her up as a prime suspect in Philippe’s murder. Her former mother-in-law demands that Rita find out who killed her son, and his former employees don’t know whether to trust her. The feeling is mutual—especially since the real culprit is still out there, and Rita may be the next victim served.

Author Jacklyn Brady has captured the style and flavor of New Orleans in her descriptions and characters. While your taste buds will be crying out for cake, your mystery sensors will be heightened with this delightful book. 

This is the first installment in the new series, A Piece of Cake Mystery.

Author Jacklyn Brady’s website is http://www.jacklynbrady.blogspot.com

A Sheetcake Named Desire, A Piece of Cake Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425242742, Paperback, 304 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.