Looking for a cozy murder mystery or a historical romance? Then you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m sharing a new cozy series that will be released next week and a romance that has been re-released as an audio book.
DEATH DROPS by Chrystle Fiedler
Finding a more natural way to improve one’s health is becoming more popular so it goes to reason that there should be a sleuth honed in the ways of holistic healing.
Author Chrystle Fiedler’s soon-to-be released, DEATH DROPS, is the first installment in her new Natural Remedies Mystery series. The series features Dr. Willow McQuade ND, a naturopathic doctor specializing in natural remedies, as the protagonist.
Taking a sabbatical from her practice in LA, Willow goes to visit her Aunt Claire in Greensport, Long Island. Claire is the owner of Nature’s Way Market and Café. She’s an activist and is also close to finalizing the ingredients for Fresh Face, a new natural age-defying formula.
Soon after Willow arrives, she returns from a walk to find Claire dead on the shop’s floor. A bottle of flower essences is found hear her body. At first the police rule it an accident, but Willow believes she’s been murdered. When poison is found in Claire’s system, the police agree with Willow but look at her as the prime suspect. Claire had recently changed her will leaving everything to Willow.
When there’s a break-in at the shop and Claire’s secret formula is stolen, Willow knows she’ll have to find the killer to clear her name. Throw in a number of ‘mishaps’ at the shop and an attempt on Willow’s life and the list of suspects begins to grow.
Willow enlists the help of former cop Jackson Spade to help solve her aunt’s murder. The attraction between the two grows as they search for clues.
Fiedler has created a delightful new protagonist and a supporting case of characters that are likable and zany. The story flows smoothly and is a quick read filled with sprinkles of humor. The plot and characters will draw you in and hold you captivated till the end. In addition, each chapter begins with a helpful natural remedy for a number of aliments.
DEATH DROPS is the beginning of a refreshing new series that will entertain and enlighten readers. If you read to relax, be sure to add this to your list.
Author Chrystle Fiedler’s website is http://chrystlefiedler.com/
Death Drops by Chrystle Fiedler, A Natural Remedies Mystery, Gallery Books, @2012, ISBN: 978-1451643602, 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.
DUCHESS IN LOVE by Eloisa James
At the tender age of 11, Gina was married to Camden Serrad at the direction of the groom’s father. As soon as the ceremony was over, Cam fled to Greece to pursue his love of sculpting. Gina was left to take on the duties of Duchess of Girton. She and her absentee husband corresponded for the next 12 years but never saw each other.
Reaching the age of 23, Gina decided she wanted a real husband and family. She thinks she’s found what she wants in Sebastian Bonnington, Marquess. She just has to get an annulment from Cam.
Cam wants Gina to be happy and has no interest in being a real husband. He agrees to return to England long enough to get an annulment. But neither realize the attraction they will feel once they met again.
This is a humorous look at a couple falling in love while ending their marriage. But it’s also a story about Gina’s friends and their mixed up marriages. It seems while her friends live apart from their husbands for different reasons, they too really want to live with their spouses.
The story is a fun tale filled with historical elements. Author Eloisa James has created a witty look at the lives of several couples and how they interact. The story flows smoothly with a number of twists and turns along the way. The ending, however, held a surprise outlook for one of the couples I wasn’t expecting.
Justine Eyre is the perfect narrator for this historical romance. She does an excellent job bringing the characters to life with her English accent. She gives each character their own unique voice with a particular delight to that of Maximillan. Eyre’s interruption of James’ vivid details transports listeners to a bygone era of Lords and Ladies.
DUCHESS IN LOVE is a delightful audio for a weekend escape.
Author Eloisa James’ website is http://www.eloisajames.com/
Duchess in Love by Eloisa James, Performed by Justine Eyre, Harper Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-0062195982, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time 12 Hours, 18 Minutes
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Have you read (or listened) to either of these? Do you enjoy finding new series or a book re-released as an audio? Thanks so much for dropping by today.
Death Drops sounds interesting. Now I really want to read it to find out what was in that secret formula!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Duchess in Love but I have read some of the other books in the series. A Wild Pursuit is probably my favourite, Rhys was so funny and absurd!
Jai
Death Drops sounds like a wonderful new series, and of course, I love the cover! Are there actually cats in the book, or just on the cute cover?
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read Death Drops. It would fit into my What an Animal Reading Challenge, with the cat on the book cover.
ReplyDeleteJai, this was my first book by Eloisa James but I already have another scheduled to listen to: FOOL IN LOVE. I'll have to check out A WILD PURSUIT.
ReplyDeleteIngrid, it is a cute cover. There are indeed cats in the book, two of them that belonged to Claire. They didn't play a big part in this book but I can see them getting into things in the future.
Harvee, this would be a good book for your challenge. In addition to the two cats, there's also a little dog Willow rescues.
Mason - I really like the premise behind Death Drops! A natural remedies business is such an effective setting for a mystery series! Thanks for sharing. And what an interesting premise for a romance, too - to fall in love during an annulment! Intriguing...
ReplyDeleteMargot, the natural remedies business premise is going to be an intriguing setting for this series and will provide some helpful hints too. As for the DUCHESS, it's a fun story.
ReplyDeleteDeath Drops looks like a good read, and the cover is very engaging too. I enjoy a cover image that draws me into the story setting.
ReplyDeleteSeems there are always cats in mysteries. I wonder what that means?
ReplyDeleteJoanne, the cover does draw you in. It makes me want to visit a shop like Willow's.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I hadn't thought about it but you're right - there does seem to be a lot of cats in mysteries. Maybe it's because cats tend to sneak around and act mysterious.
I just love listening to books on CD. I especially enjoy the rereleases of old time favorites. I listen to them just as much as the new releases.
ReplyDeleteSquee! I want the first one.
ReplyDelete