Each month Berkley Prime Crime/Obsidian has a wonderful array of new cozy murder mysteries to offer its readers.
These books have a theme for just about anything you can think of. While the books are all very diverse, they do have one or two things in common. They are all fun, interesting reads and you can’t help but love the amazing book covers.
Today I’d like to share some of this month’s delightful releases for your enjoyment.
by Penny Warner
Party planner Presley Parker is busy once again preparing for an all-out bash. This time she’s planning the wrap party for a vampire film and the party location is a real cemetery.Things take a different turn when a young man is found dead in the cemetery prior to the party. At first it was thought to be an accident, then it appears the man was murdered. As the police take their time investigating, Presley can’t help but pursue her own investigation into the matter. Can she unmask the killer before another body is added to the cemetery?
Author Penny Warner brings back a cast of zany and lovable characters to help Presley uncover the truth. The story is a quick read filled with humor, bits of romance, and of course, mystery. Presley is a fun protagonist with her realistic charm and concern.
HOW TO PARTY WITH A KILLER VAMPIRE is a perfect read for this time of year. In addition, Warner has included party-planning tips throughout the book to help readers have their own vampire-theme party just in time for Halloween.
This is the fourth installment in the Party-Planning Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. The other books in the series include: HOW TO HOST A KILLER PARTY, HOW TO CRASH A KILLER BASH, and HOW TO SURVIVE A KILLER SÉANCE.
Author Penny Warner’s website is http://www.pennywarner.com
How to Party With a Killer Vampire by Penny Warner, A Party-Planning Mystery, Obsidian, @2011, ISBN: 9780451235015, Paperback, 320 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.
DEATH BY THE DOZEN by Jenn McKinlay
It’s time for the annual Scottsdale Food Festival and this year the owners of the Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery are determined to win. Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura have their hands full trying to bet the competition even though Mel’s mentor, celebrity chef Vic Mazzotta, is a judge.
When Vic’s murdered body is found inside a freezer truck, Mel and Angie set out to find the cold-blooded killer, while still trying to win the competition. They have to be careful or they could lose more than the competition when they get to close to the killer.
Author Jenn McKinlay has created an intriguing tale combining murder and a mysterious ingredient bake-off. Her cast of characters will have you guessing who the murderer is until the end. In addition, her vivid descriptions of the location will have the reader transported to Scottsdale and wishing for a cupcake as they read.
DEATH BY THE DOZEN also includes some yummy cupcake recipes and an excerpt of the next installment in the series, RED VELVET REVENGE.
This is the third installment in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, but is a stand alone story. The other books in the series include: SPRINKLE WITH MURDER and BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF.
Author Jenn McKinlay’s website is http://www.jennmckinlay.com
Death by the Dozen by Jenn McKinlay, A Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425244050, 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.
THE MORE THE TERRIER by Linda O. Johnston
Animal shelter manager Lauren Vancouver is shocked to learn that her mentor, Mamie Spelling, is an animal hoarder. Lauren comes to the animals rescue and helps find new housing for them, as well as help for Mamie. Mamie, however, becomes the prime suspect when the CEO of a pet shelter network is found dead. Lauren is determined to find the real killer and clear her friend’s name despite what it might cost her.
Author Linda O. Johnston does a wonderful job combining a cozy murder mystery with real issues facing animals. She includes helpful information on the real-life issue of animal hoarding, while providing an entertaining story. Lauren is a delightful protagonist you will pull for in all her endeavors.
THE MORE THE TERRIER is the second installment in the Pet Rescue Mystery series, but is a stand alone book. The other book in the series is BEAGLEMANIA.
Author Linda O. Johnston’s website is http://www.lindaojohnston.com
The More The Terrier by Linda O. Johnston, A Pet Rescue Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425243794, 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.
LIVER LET DIE by Liz Lipperman
Jordan McAllister wants to be a sports columnist but decides to try her hand as a culinary reporter in hopes of furthering her career. Her only problem, she can’t cook. When her first assignment sends her to review the new steakhouse in town, she runs into a another problem - she doesn’t like red meat.
She asks her waiter for assistance in selecting something that doesn’t include red meat. The waiter asked to talk with her later, but never shows up. The next morning when the police knock on her door, Jordan discovers the waiter has been murdered outside her door. With her name and number on him, Jordan becomes the prime suspect in his murder. It’s up to her to find the real killer before she’s served up as the murderer.
Author Liz Lipperman adds humor and suspense to this delightful cozy mystery. Her cast of unique and lovable characters will draw readers back for more. The story flows smoothly and is a quick read. Delicious recipes are included as an added bonus. LIVER LET DIE is the start to a wonderful new series.
This is the first installment in the new Clueless Cook Mystery series.
Author Liz Lipperman’s website is http://www.lizlipperman.com
Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman, A Clueless Cook Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425244043, 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.
I hope I’ve tempted you with at least one of these charming new cozy mysteries. Have you read any of these yet? Are any on your wish list or already in your TBR stack? Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday.
Nice reviews. LIVER LET DIE by Liz Lipperman sounds good. How do you find the time to read allthese?
ReplyDeleteAwesome reviews! I'm tempted. I think I'm going to put How to Party on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteMason - Thanks for these reviews. It sounds as though there are some interesting cosies out there thanks to Berkeley Crime. You make a really interesting point, too, about books that are light but still raise important issues, as The More the Terrier does. Doing that well takes talent...
ReplyDeleteJust read Death by the Dozen, it was great!
ReplyDeleteLooks like animals are very popular in cozies right now.
ReplyDeleteThese sound so good. I need to make more time for reading, and I need to read more cozies and fewer thrillers. The thrillers are making me tense. :)
ReplyDeleteCool - you're right about those covers!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mason,
ReplyDeleteThe More the Terrier seems a good one for me.
These all sound like fun! I love a good cozy! :)
ReplyDelete