The Body in the Wardrobe by Katherine Hall Page

◊ THE BODY IN THE WARDROBE by Katherine Hall Page

◊ Series: Faith Fairchild Mysteries (Book 23)

◊ Hardcover: 256 pages

◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery

◊ Publisher: William Morrow (April 26, 2016)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 0062439502

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0062439505

SYNOPSIS:

          Minster’s wife, caterer, and part-time sleuth Faith Fairchild pairs up with Sophie Maxwell, last seen in Body in the Birches and now a newlywed living in historic Savannah, Georgia, where Sophie crosses paths with murder. Another delightful entry in the beloved mystery series, complete with delectable recipes.

          Attorney Sophie Maxwell has come to Savannah to be with her new husband, Will. But nothing throws cold water on a hot relationship faster than a dead body. Worse for Sophie, no one believes the body she knows she saw is real. Will is spending an awful lot of time in Atlanta on a case he claims is urgent, and she’s been tasked with house hunting for them with his former sweetheart, who Sophie can’t help but suspect wishes Sophie would return to her Yankee roots!

Fortunately, Sophie has a good friend in Faith Fairchild. With teenage Amy being bullied by mean girls and husband Tom contemplating a major life change that will affect all the Fairchilds, Faith is eager for distraction in the form of some sleuthing. In between discussions of newlywed agita, surprising Savannah customs and, of course, fabulous low country food, Faith and Sophie will pair up to unmask a killer!

MY THOUGHTS:

Southern traditions take on a nasty role through the actions of a spiteful character in author Katherine Hall Page’s tantalizing new cozy mystery. Page has created her characters with flaws readers can relate to, as well as loathe. She’s made the characters genuine, realistic and well-rounded.

The charming Savannah setting quickly draws you in as the suspense builds and the tension of Southern customs mingles with Northern ways. Through vivacious descriptions, the author makes the city come alive on the pages as you’re wrapped in the rich historic ambience. The suspense is blended with notable delicious tidbits of the area’s cuisine.

Moving at a steady pace, the story takes readers on a journey of suspense, friendship, traditions, jealousy, and love. With twists and turns to keep you guessing, the story brings unlikely characters together to create a unique and strong friendship.

This is a story rich in history and traditions, loaded with insecurities and memorable settings, topped off with generous helpings of tasty dishes, hours of enjoyable entertainment and characters you’ll want to revisit again and again.

THE BODY IN THE WARDROBE can be read as a standalone. A nice combination of characters, setting and mystery will keep hold you captive until the very end.

The Body in the Wardrobe by Katherine Hall Page, A Faith Fairchild Mystery (Book #23), William Morrow, @2016, ISBN: 978-0062439505, Hardcover, 256 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope I’ve tempted you to check out this delightful cozy mystery. Are you a fan of this series? Do you enjoy it when an author combines two protagonists to work together in one storyline?

Cat Shout for Joy by Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

A light-hearted mystery that will tug at your heart-strings, CAT SHOUT FOR JOY by Shirley Rousseau Murphy will also keep you guessing as to the reason and the culprit of the crimes.

This delightful mystery features the antics and sleuthing techniques of a gray tomcat named Joe Grey and his dark striped companion Dulcie, along with several other furry investigating companions and a few humans.

This story begins with a mixture of emotions. Joe Grey and Dulcie’s friends, Pan (the red tomcat) and Kit (a tortoiseshell) are off on an adventure. Pan’s father Misto (the old yellow cat) is dying but isn’t afraid since he says he’s lived many lives. Joe Grey and Dulcie are expecting their first kittens and even though Dulcie hasn’t told Joe Grey yet, Misto tells her there will be three kittens and one will be a little calico girl who will be special.

Meanwhile, the humans in Molena Point are having their own problems too. What starts out as a street prowler attacking the elderly in the village soon escalates to murder when one of the victims dies. With no witnesses and no clues, the humans and felines are at a loss as to who the killer is and why they are attacking the elderly.

Author Shirley Rousseau Murphy does an excellent job blending the cats’ adventures with the humans’ activities to create a plausible world where the four-legged sleuths aide in the investigations. The story moves at a steady pace and holds your attention with its twists and turns.

The characters are well-developed and likable. The small town setting adds charm and enhances the story. The author’s rich descriptions and eye for detail makes the reader feel a part of the adventure.

You don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this tantalizing tale. In addition, CAT SHOUT FOR JOY is a standalone read and it’s not necessary to have read the previous book in order to keep up with the story.

Cats and humans, criminals and murder all combined with morsels of humor, a little sadness and a celebration to create an entertaining mystery you won’t be able to put down.

Cat Shout for Joy by Shirley Rousseau Murphy, A Joe Grey Mystery (Book #19), William Morrow, @2016, ISBN: 978-0062403490, Hardcover, 336 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you familiar with the Joe Grey Mystery series? I’m sorry to say I wasn’t until this book. Not sure how I missed it. What do you think of having a cat as a P.I. in a story?

Mary Daheim’s Clam Wake: On Tour {+ Giveaway}

I’m delighted to be a participant in author Mary Daheim’s Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour for her latest release, CLAM WAKE, installment #29 in her Bed and Breakfast series.

I’m sharing my thoughts on this delightful cozy murder mystery. In addition, thanks to Mary and the lovely folks at Partners in Crime, I have a print copy of CLAM WAKE to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more details.

First let me share a bit of background on the author.

Seattle native Mary Richardson Daheim lives three miles from the house where she was raised. From her dining nook she can see the maple tree in front of her childhood home.
Mary isn’t one for change when it comes to geography. Upon getting her journalism degree from the University of Washington (she can see the campus from the dining nook, too), she went to work for a newspaper in Anacortes WA. Then, after her marriage to David Daheim, his first college teaching post was in Port Angeles where she became a reporter for the local daily.

Both tours of small-town duty gave her the background for the Alpine/Emma Lord series. Mary spent much of her non-fiction career in public relations (some would say PR is fiction, too). But ever since she learned how to read and write, Mary wanted to tell stories that could be put between book covers (e-readers were far into the future and if she hadn’t seen her daughter’s iPad, she might not know they exist). Thus, she began her publishing career with the first of seven historical romances before switching to mysteries in 1991.

If Mary could do the math, she’d know how many books she’s published. Since she can’t, she estimates the total is at least 55. Or something. At the time of her husband and mentor’s death in February 2010, David and Mary had been married for over 43 years. They have three daughters, Barbara, Katherine and Magdalen, and two granddaughters, Maisy and Clara. They all live in Seattle, too. Those apples don’t move far from the tree…literally.

For more on Mary and her writing (see how many books she has written), visit her website and connect with her on Facebook.

Now for my thoughts ……….

CLAM WAKE by Mary Daheim

With her husband off on a trip and the busy season over, Innkeeper Judith McMonigle Flynn has time on her hands. Housesitting her aunt and uncle’s retirement home on Whoopee Island sounds fun, especially since her cousin Renie will be joining her.

Things seems to be going along pleasantly until a dead body turns up. The victim was murdered and Judith and Renie appear to be prime suspects.

Reluctant but determined to clear their names, Judith begins looking for clues instead of clams. The cousins soon discover the retirement community isn't all that it appears.

Author Mary Daheim’s rich descriptions places the reader on Whoopee Island with the sea air and sand. Her characters are zany, but realistic and likable. The bantering between Judith and Renie is realistic between cousins and enhances the story. The story flows at a steady pace with twists, turns and a few red herrings to keep you guessing.

CLAM WAKE is the 29th installment in the series, but can be read on its own. This is a fun read that will have you eagerly awaiting Judith’s next adventure.

Clam Wake by Mary Daheim, Bed and Breakfast Series Book #29, William Morrow, @2014, ISBN: 978-0062317728, Hardcover, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

CLAM WAKE can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

To find out more about Mary and CLAM WAKE, be sure to check out the following blogs who are participating in her tour.
 

8/12 Review @ Melinas Book Blog

8/13 Review @ Wall-to-wall books

8/14 Review & Giveaway @ 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!

8/15 Review & Giveaway @ Melissas Mochas, Mysteries and More

8/18 Review & Giveaway @ Beas Book Nook

8/19 Review & Giveaway @ Book Dilettante

8/20 Review & Giveaway @ Buried Under Books

8/22 Review & Giveaway @ Deal Sharing Aunt

8/23 Review @ fundinmental

8/25 Review @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews

8/26 Review & Giveaway @ My Devotional Thoughts

8/27 Review & Giveaway @ Bless Their Hearts Mom

8/28 Review @ Deco My Heart

8/29 Review & Giveaway @ Reading Authors

9/01 Review & Giveaway @ Marys Cup of Tea

9/04 Review @ Book Club Librarian

9/08 Review & Giveaway @ Brooke Blogs

9/10 Review @ Community Bookstop

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one print copy of CLAM WAKE. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end Friday, Aug. 29. 

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient. The winner from this giveaway will have 72 hours to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. The email will have ‘Thoughts in Progress Clam Wake Tour’ in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).

Thanks for stopping by during Mary’s tour. Have you ever housesat for anyone? Do you think you’d enjoy housesitting? 

*This post contains affiliate links. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spirit OF Steamboat, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays

Once again I’m sharing books from different genres. Both of these fun books have holiday themes and will quickly be family favorites (plus make wonderful gifts).

Spirit Of Steamboat, A Walt Longmire Story by Craig Johnson

If you’re looking for a short story to get you ready for the coming holiday season, then author Craig Johnson’s latest release, SPIRIT OF STEAMBOAT, is just the ticket.

This holiday novella will have you laughing, crying and holding your breath as Sheriff Walt Longmire recalls his first Christmas Eve as sheriff.

The walk down memory lane begins when a mysterious young woman arrives at Longmire’s office on Christmas Eve. She appears to know him, but he can’t remember her and she isn’t telling. She asks about his predecessor, Lucian Connally, while avoiding his questions. Carrying a garment bag, she says she has something to give Connally and asks for Longmire’s assistance to see him.

Longmire takes her to the Durant Home for Assisted Living where Connally, already enjoying the holiday spirit, claims he doesn’t know her either.

With the whisper of ‘Steamboat’ the young woman sets in motion memories from Christmas Eve 1988 when three people were killed in a terrible crash and a young girl hung on for dear life all during a record-breaking blizzard. It was Longmire’s first year as sheriff, the roads were closed due to the blizzard and the helicopter couldn’t get the child to Denver, her only hope of surviving. It came down to Longmire, a couple of friends, and a whiskey-soaked Connolly who had flown the only thing that could get the child to Denver - a decommissioned plane from his World War II days as a pilot.

Their hair-rising ride to Denver is a heart-pounding adventure. It will hold you spellbound as the troubled plane makes its way through the blizzard with the crew trying to hold it together.

Johnson once again brings the story to life with his vivid details and dialogue. His rich narrative will have you shivering from the cold of the blizzard and smiling from the determination of the group hell bent on getting the girl to the hospital.

SPIRIT OF STEAMBOAT is a standalone read that will become a holiday favorite to enjoy again and again.

Author Craig Johnson’s website is http://www.craigallenjohnson.com/

Spirit of Steamboat by Craig Johnson, A Walt Longmire Novella, Viking, @2013, ISBN: 978-0670015788, Hardcover, 160 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.

FYI:
Longmire is the highest-rated scripted program in A&E’s history and stars Robert Taylor (Matrix, Vertical Limit) as Sheriff Walt Longmire, Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba, Young Guns) as Henry Standing Bear and Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica, 24, Riddick) as Victoria Moretti. Longmire was developed by Shephard/Robin Productions for Warner Horizon.

THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A YEAR OF HOLIDAYS by Ree Drummond

Preparing food for the holidays can be a daunting task. Author/blogger Ree Drummond makes it easier this year with her new cookbook, THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A YEAR OF HOLIDAYS, slated for release Oct. 29.

In this exquisitely designed hardcover cookbook, Drummond shares 140 step-by-step recipes to celebrate every holiday from New Year’s Day all the way through to New Year’s Eve. It’s divided into holiday sections including recipes for the traditional, as well as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the Big Game among others. Many of the sections also highlight easy Do-Ahead Game Plans to make preparing the meal easier and less stressful the day of the festivities.

The cookbook not only gives simple step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the dish, but also includes photos for each step. The stunning color photos makes the recipes easier to follow and see how the dish should look as it evolves, as well as the end result. The no-hassle instructions are simple making cooking a fun activity. 

The book include such tasty recipes as Red Velvet Pancakes, Cheddar Chive Biscuits, Mummy Dogs, Soul Sweet ‘Taters, Yorkshire Pudding, and Toasted Ravioli. In addition, there are simple recipes for yummy dishes using holiday leftovers. While the recipes are featured as holiday dishes, with their easy preparation they can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Woven throughout the recipes are charming photos of the author and her family, as well as showing life on their ranch. This cookbook not only serves to provide delicious recipes and easy instructions, but also delivers a feel of sharing with friends and family. This charming cookbook brings the warmth of family and the fun of holidays to life.

Holidays are a time for family, friends and sharing delicious food. Gatherings to celebrate these special occasions just got easier with THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A YEAR OF HOLIDAYS.

Author Ree Drummond’s website is http://thepioneerwoman.com/

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations by Ree Drummond, William Morrow Cookbooks, @2013, ISBN: 978-0062225221, Hardcover, 400 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.

Thanks for stopping by today. I really appreciate it. Have you started a holiday stack of TBR books yet? Do you have favorites that you re-read each year? Remember, you can pre-order THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: A YEAR OF HOLIDAYS now and have it in time for this busy holiday season.

On Tour With J. A. Jance, A Giveaway and More

I’m thrilled to be participating in author J. A. Jance’s Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour for her suspense/mystery release, SECOND WATCH, the 21st installment in her J. P. Beaumont series.

As part of the tour, I’m sharing my thoughts on the book, along with a first chapter excerpt and a giveaway. Though it’s not part of the tour, I’m also going to share my thoughts on a J. P. Beaumont novella release. 

SECOND WATCH by J. A. Jance

While I have read several of author J. A. Jance's series, I had never ventured into the world of J. P. Beaumont until I read SECOND WATCH and now I've found a new protagonist to follow.

This story not only introduced me to the various characters in Jance's latest Beaumont title, but also gave me the opportunity to have a mini ‘catch up session’ for some of the past 20 installments this protagonist has been featured in. SECOND WATCH is a great chance to find out who the players are, where they've been and why they do what they do all while they are busy solving murders and putting out fires. 

Seattle investigator J. P. Beaumont is a seasoned cop, but even the toughest guys have to take time off for knee replacement surgery. Beau goes in to have both knees replaced and finds himself having strange, vivid dreams that bring up old faces of unresolved issues.

Remembering that the first homicide case he worked on was never solved, Beau is reminded by a vision of the dead girl that he made a promise to her mother to find her killer. He begins steps to reopen the case and find closure for the grieving mother and himself.

In another dream, Beau sees the platoon leader he served under during his first days in Vietnam. The man, Lennie Davis, saved his life, as well as several others in the unit before being killed. Beau never told Davis’ fiancée that he saved his life or what a great guy he was. Is it too late to bring up that past?

Beau begins to look for answers in the cold case of the murdered girl and search for Davis’ long-ago fiancée, all while recuperating from the knee surgery. As the search into the cold case turns up intriguing tidbits, it seems the killer will stop at nothing to keep the case closed some 30 years later. With unexpected twists, Beau races to put his demons to rest before more bodies are slain.

This is a thrilling story that moves at a fast pace. Bits of history and prior cases are mingled throughout, but the story flows smoothly. The characters are well-developed and realistic. The story draws you in and holds you spellbound until the end.

Jance does an excellent job weaving the two missions together that Beau has set for himself. The story flows easily between the suspenseful murder mystery and the heartwarming journey of closure from a war that many have chosen to forgot. The murder mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense, while the touching story of Davis and his fiancée will tug on your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes.

There is an added bonus to SECOND WATCH, it’s Jance’s explanation of how this story came about. I won’t go into the details of it as I think that would spoil it. I will say, have a box of tissue handy as you come away with a better appreciation of Beau and his journey. With this story Jance stresses the importance of “it’s never too late” to keep a promise or express a heartfelt emotion. In addition, she gives a strong show of support to those men and women who served their country so long ago and to those who continue to serve now.

This is a tantalizing thriller wrapped around a heart-wrenching segment of our nation’s history and those who were and continue to be a part of it’s defense. 
  
Second Watch by J. A. Jance, A J. P. Beaumont Novel, William Morrow, @2013, ISBN: 978-0062134677, Paperback, 368 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A voracious reader, J. A. Jance knew she wanted to be a writer

from the moment she read her first Wizard of Oz book in second grade. Always drawn to mysteries, from Nancy Drew right through John D. McDonald's Travis Magee series, it was only natural that when she tried her hand at writing her first book, it would be a mystery as well. 


J. A. Jance went on to become the New York Times bestselling author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, three interrelated thrillers featuring the Walker family, and Edge of Evil. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona.

For more on Jance and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. SECOND WATCH can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

THE FIRST CHAPTER EXCERPT…

   Excerpt of Second Watch by J.A. Jance

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: 

This giveaway is for one print copy of SECOND WATCH. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.

To enter this giveaway, please send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Second Watch.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of SECOND WATCH is 8 p.m. (EDT) on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Be sure to stop by the author’s Partners in Crime Tour Page to visit other blogs participating in the tour for additional chances to win a copy of the book.

* * * * * * * * * *

Now I want to share another review with you. I had the opportunity to listen to this novella by J. A. Jance shortly after I began reading SECOND WATCH. In some ways, the two stories worked well together as I read one and listened to the other.

RING IN THE DEAD by J. A. Jance

Sometimes it’s interesting to look back to where a protagonist has been in order to better understand the place they’re currently in. Author J. A. Jance does just that in RING IN THE DEAD. She gives readers a chance to get a glimpse of her investigator J. P. Beaumont in his early years as a rookie homicide detective in her first e-original novella.

Narrator J. R. Horne does an excellent job giving voice to the realistic characters in this J. P. Beaumont novella. His cadence pulls you as the story unfolds. His mannerisms highlight the author’s writing.

Having been stuck with a rookie, seasoned detective Milton ‘Pickles’ Gurkey makes it his mission to give J. P. ‘Beau’ Beaumont a hard time learning the ropes of detective. However, when Pickles is charged with murder, it’s Beau who makes it his mission to clear his partner. 

It’s a routine day when the partners stop to grab a bite to eat. During the meal, Pickles steps outside just in time to see a crime in progress. But when he goes to confront the bad guys, shots ring and he’s struck down by a heart attack. Responding officers find Pickles unconscious, a dead waitress nearby and the murder weapon in his hand. Beau knows his partner is innocent and with the help of friends on the force works to uncover the truth.

The events of that early investigation are recalled by Beau years later when Pickles’ daughter gives him a portion of a book his late partner was writing. It seems the family had blamed Beau for Pickles death until discovering the manuscript.

This novella is short, but packed with fun characters and loads of suspense. The story moves quickly and is well-developed holding your attention as you try to figure out what really happened. The author mixes mystery, suspense and personal reflection into a well-balanced story that will be hit with new readers or returning fans.

Ring in the Dead by J. A. Jance, A J. P. Beaumont Novella, Performed by J.R. Horne, Harper Audio, @2013, ASIN: B00F0XA89A, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time: 1 Hour and 55 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.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy finding new protagonist to follow? Be sure to email me for a chance to win a copy of SECOND WATCH.

THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS by Ree Drummond

When you’re like me and not a talented cook, cookbooks can be somewhat intimidating. The recipes are detailed instructions with an occasional photo of what the beautiful results are suppose to look like.

I’ve found a cookbook that not only contains delectable recipes, but is also enlightening and entertaining causing far less intimidation.

THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS FOOD FROM MY FRONTIER by Ree Drummond is a cookbook filled with more than 100 delicious recipes and cooking tips. It also includes vivid step-by-step color photos of the dishes to show how the process is created. In addition, there are photos of the author’s family and their working cattle ranch in Oklahoma sprinkled throughout the recipes giving it a scrapbook feel.

The cookbook is divided into 9 sections: Breakfast; Lunch; Soups; Starters, Party Food and Drinks; Pasta and Pizza; Supper; Sides; Sweets, and Canning. There is a brief introduction from the author and the book concludes with ‘Keepin’ It Real’ - highlighting photos I never expected in a cookbook, showing a messy kitchen.

The recipes range from simple to elegant and are all easy to prepare with many having variations to add to the dish. Among the recipes are Perfect Iced Coffee, Breakfast Pizza, Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms, Peach-Whisky Chicken, Tangy Tomato Brisket, Pork Chops With Apples and Grits, Roasted Cauliflower, and Knock You Naked Brownies.

There are old classic recipes from the author’s popular blog, The Pioneer Woman, and numerous new recipes to tantalize the palate.

This is a delightful cookbook filled with not only yummy recipes, but beautiful color photos to lure you to the kitchen to try your hand at a few of the dishes.

The author also has her own cooking show on the Food Network, The Pioneer Woman, where she shares many of these recipes while giving a glimpse at ranch life. 

 
The Pioneer Woman Cooks Food From My Frontier by Ree Drummond, William Morrow, @2012, ISBN: 978-0061997181, Hardcover, 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.

 

Do you find cookbooks intimidating? Do you have a favorite cookbook? Thanks so much for stopping by today. BTW, author Boo Walker was scheduled to guest blog today but was unable to. Hopefully, we’ll be able to reschedule his post at a later date.