Kilt Dead by Kaitlyn Dunnett
Kilt Dead by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the first book in the “Liss MacCrimmon” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, August 2007
As a professional Scottish dancer, Liss MacCrimmon has performed strathsprays and reels, jigs and Highland flings until a knee injury cuts her career short. Returning to her hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine, she decides to help her aunt run her Scottish emporium.
Liss hasn’t been in Moosetookalook in over ten years, but the quaint little town, nestled in the hilly terrain of western Maine, looks exactly as she remembers it. But then her bliss soon turns to dread when she finds the dead boy of her aunt’s nosy neighbor, Amanda Norris, under a bolt of Flower of Scotland fabric in the stock room. And if things weren’t bad enough, the state police hone in on Liss as the prime suspect.
With the help of Dan Ruskin, a neighbor and former high school classmate, Liss begins her own investigation that uncovers secrets about the residents of Moosetookalook-secrets she wished had stayed buried. Now Liss will have to do some fancy footwork to prove she’s innocent while avoiding becoming the killer’s next victim…
Having a career-ending injury, Amaryliss Rosalie MacCrimmon, Liss to her friends, heads home to Moosetookalook to help her aunt run her store. Little did she know that she would find her neighbor’s body, gain an inheritance and have her life in jeopardy by the killer. When she becomes a suspect and the cop shows no interest in finding the real killer, Liss dances around the clues and finds it hit a little closer to home than she realizes. This was a very good story and look forward to reading the next two books in the series. My rating: 3.5 stars
*new-to-me author
Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb
Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb is the 29th book in the “In Death” mystery series. Publisher: Putnam Adult, November 2009
In 2060, Lieutenant Eve Dallas searches the nooks of New York City for a dastardly and despicable criminal, in the newest novel by #1 New York Times-bestselling author J.D. Robb.
When the newly promoted captain of the NYPSD and his wife return a day early from their vacation, they were looking forward to spending time with their bright and vivacious sixteen-year-old daughter, who stayed behind.
Not even their worst nightmares could prepare them for the crime scene that awaits them instead. Deena has been brutally murdered in her bedroom, and her body shows signs of trauma that horrify even the toughest of cops, including our own Lieutenant Eve Dallas, who is specifically requested by the captain to investigate.
When the evidence starts to pile up, Dallas and her team think they are about to arrest their perpetrator; little do they know that someone has gone to great lengths to tease and taunt them by using a variety of identities.
Overconfidence can lead to careless mistakes. But for Dallas, one mistake might be all she needs to serve justice.
How does J.D. Robb continue to create excellent stories? I could not put this book down. A violent crime occurs. Eve is requested for this case. Eve gathers her team around her and piece by piece they put it together to identify the killer, pursue and then capture. This is a bit more grittier than her other books, but again, J.D. Robb makes it work. There are still bits of humor in this story as Charles and Louise prepare for their wedding. Awesome and great read. My rating: 5 stars
Up Close And Personal by Carla Cassidy
Up Close And Personal by Carla Cassidy. Story Location: Kansas City, Missouri. Publisher: Signet Eclipse (Penguin), October 2009
Passion and murder have never been so intimately acquainted.
With an ex-husband trying her last nerve and a daughter growing increasingly estranged, homicide detective Jordan Sampson needs a break. She hopes attending her fifteen-year high school reunion will provide this respite. A night of old acquaintances, good music, bittersweet memories, and, in Clint Cooper, an old flame reignited. But among these once-familiar faces, something else has been incited: a deadly need for revenge.
One by one, the former cheerleaders from Jordan’s old squad are being murdered, each victim a tantalizing clue to a killer closing in on the ultimate prey. But who is it from her past who wants Jordan dead? And why? Now, as secrets echo in the dark halls of the school, so too does a whisper of fear is hitting terrifyingly close to home.
What a ride! After Jordan attends her high school reunion, someone is killing members of her old cheerleading squad and Jordan is the final target. Dealing with her divorce, her daughter living with her ex and becoming reacquainted with an old boyfriend, Jordan has a lot on her mind while working this case. Everyone is suspect but the serial killer will strike closer than Jordan imagines. This was a thrilling ride that I didn’t want to end. My rating: 4 stars
Sink Trap by Christy Evans
Sink Trap by Christy Evans is the first book in the new “Georgiana Neverall” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), October 2009
Clues can be found in the most unlikely places….
When Georgiana Neverall’s fast-paced, corporate lifestyle goes down the drain, she moves back home to Pine Ridge, Oregon, and makes an unconventional choice—to apprentice herself to Barry the Plumber. Her uptight, super-successful Realtor mother, Sandra, is disgusted. She never dreamed she’d see a Neverall in overalls toiling under someone’s sink.
Georgiana loves her new occupation, but is a bit surprised when she finds the favorite brooch of Martha Tepper, the town’s former librarian, clogging a sink. Martha supposedly retired to Arizona, but everyone who knows her says she never would have left without that brooch. Georgiana has a sinking feeling that Martha may have been retired permanently—and suddenly it’s up to a plumber’s apprentice to flush out a killer.
Georgiana, ex CEO of her own company and now a plumber’s apprentice, finds a brooch stuck in a sink. When she discovers that the owner would never leave town without it, Georgie sets out to locate the missing owner, especially when those close to her don’t know her new address. With best friend Sue, Georgie flushes out clues to the mystery of “where is Martha?” This was a great mystery that I read in one sitting and a great beginning to a wonderful new series. My rating: 4 stars
*new-to-me author
Our Lady of Immaculate Deception by Nancy Martin
Our Lady of Immaculate Deception by Nancy Martin is the first book in the new series featuring Roxana Marie Abruzzo (Roxy). Publisher: Minotaur Books, March 2010
Roxy Abruzzo, the grandniece of a Pittsburgh Mafia boss, is trying to go straight–so she can focus on her architectural-salvage business that, for the most part, she runs on the up and up. But old habits die hard, and Roxy’s sticky fingers set off a chain reaction of murder and mayhem…with Roxy right in the middle.
We are introduced to Roxy who is smart, sexy and tough as nails but with a good heart where it matters. While on a salvaging job, Roxy sees a marble statue that could be valuable and since the house was to be blown up, Roxy didn’t see anything wrong in taking the statue. Little did she know that this would lead to murder which inadvertently puts her family in danger. This was a good read and an enjoyable mystery that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to more adventures with Roxy. My rating: 4 stars
Heir of the Dog by Judi McCoy
Heir of the Dog by Judi McCoy is the second book in the “Dog Walker” mystery series. Publisher: Signet, October 2009
Professional dog walker Ellie Engleman is more than just a pal to her pooches–she can also read their minds. So when a fellow dog lover turns up dead, Ellie makes no bones about using her talents to track down her friend’s killer.
Strolling through Central Park with Rudy, her terrier mix, Ellie is shocked to find the corpse of a troubled but harmless park dweller she often met while walking Rudy. When the police arrive and question Ellie, she stumbles over her story–and finds herself the prime suspect. Fortunately she has onetime fling Detective Sam Ryder in her corner.
But the police investigation is the least of Ellie’s worries. Because it turns out that Ellie’s pup, Rudy, is the victim’s sole beneficiary–and he has inherited a key to a safety-deposit box whose contents just might point to both the motive and the murderer. Together, Ellie, Rudy, and Sam must sniff out the killer, or they won’t have a dog’s chance of surviving.
What a great book. When Rudy discovers the body of their homeless friend, Gary; Ellie learns that they are in the will and it’s not just bones that they have inherited and yet again, Ellie becomes the prime suspect. A note was left with the will indicating his brother of murdering him. With help from Sam and her canine friend, Ellie seeks the clues to clear her name and find the killer of her friend Gary. My rating: 4 stars
Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen
Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen. Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, July 2009
SHE’D DO ANYTHING TO SAVE HER SISTER’S LIFE. . . .
Rachel Kirby is a computer genius whose personal life is falling apart. Even as she stands on the brink of a stunning technological breakthrough, her beloved younger sister is plagued by a rare chronic illness that will eventually kill her, leaving Rachel all alone.
SAVING HER SISTER’S LIFE HAS PUT HER OWN IN GRAVE DANGER. . . .
But thousands of miles away archaeologist/adventurer John Tavak has made a priceless discovery in an Egyptian tomb. A discovery, Rachel realizes, that humankind has been seeking throughout history – a secret that may save her sister’s life and many thousands more. But a powerful organization is also in white-hot pursuit, led by a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
IF SHE COULD JUST GET HER HANDS ON THE CURE . . .
Against all odds, Rachel joins forces with the brilliant, enigmatic Tavak in an adventure that will take them across three continents, and it will take all of their wits, instincts, and cutting-edge technology to bring to light an ancient civilization’s most amazing legacy. And together they must race to unravel the explosive 4,500-year-old secret before it is lost to the ages.
With Johansen and Johansen’s trademark research, fast-paced action, and charismatic characters, Storm Cycle will blow you away.
Rachel will do anything to save her sister who’s suffering from a fatal illness. When Tavak discovers something that may help Rachel help her sister, they both team up and go searching for the clues. On their trail are several people willing to kill them before they are successful in their endeavor. I found this story interesting and it kept me turning the pages. My rating: 3.5 stars
Mischief in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon
Mischief in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon is the second book in the “Ghost-In-Law” mystery romance series. Publisher: Love Spell, October 2009
Everyone in Mudbug, Louisiana, knows that when Helena Henry shows up, no good will come of it. Especially now that Helena is dead. And more meddlesome than ever.
Sabine LaVeche needs to locate a blood relative fast – her life depends on it. Her only ally is the smart-mouthed ghost of Helena Henry. Until Beau Villeneuve agrees to take the case. The super-sexy PI is a master at finding missing persons – and all the spots that make Sabine weak in the knees. But as they start to uncover the truth about the past, it becomes clear that someone out there wants to bury Sabine along with all her parent’s secrets. And she realizes what they say is true: family really can be the death of you.
The gang is all here. Sabine, Maryse, Mildred and Helena. Sabine was given the worst news of her life and is now more than determined to find her family. While her future life seems bleak, Sabine hires sexy PI Beau who both feel the pull of an attraction that neither can deny but Sabine puts on hold, to find her family. With Sabine seeing and hearing the ghostly Helena, seeking clues to her family and Helena’s death, Sabine’s life is now in jeopardy and Beau and her friends will try to keep her safe. This was a great read with humor, romance and a mystery that kept the pages turning to get to the end. I look forward to reading the next book in this great series. My rating: 4 stars
Locked In by Marcia Muller
Locked In by Marcia Muller is the 28th book in the “Sharon McCone” mystery series. Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, October 2009
My fingertips touched the switch but before I could flip it, a dark figure appeared only a few feet away and then barreled into me, knocked me against the wall. As I tried to scramble away, one of my groping hands touched and then caught hold of some kind of material—
Sudden flash, loud pop
Rush of pain
Oh my God, I’ve been shot—
Nothing.Shot in the head by an unknown assailant, San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone finds herself trapped by locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis but an alert, conscious mind. Since the late-night attack occurred at her agency’s offices, the natural conclusion was that it was connected to one of the firm’s cases. As Sharon lies in her hospital bed, furiously trying to break out of her body’s prison and discover her attacker’s identity, all the members of her agency fan out to find the reason why she was assaulted. Meanwhile, Sharon becomes a locked-in detective, evaluating the clues from her staff’s separate investigations and discovering unsettling truths that could put her life in jeopardy again. As the case draws to a surprising and even shocking conclusion, Sharon’s husband, Hy, must decide whether or not to surrender to his own violent past and exact fatal vengeance when the person responsible is identified.
Sharon is shot in the head and left in a comatose state. She can hear, see and talk but no one can hear her. It’s locked in. Her husband and team gather to find the reason why she’s in this state. Collectively, it took me a little under three hours to read this book. This was a thrilling ride with each page turned and I couldn’t stop until I knew what happened and what the outcome would be. Excellent read! My rating: 5 stars
A Drunkard’s Path by Clare O’Donohue
A Drunkard’s Path by Clare O’Donohue is the second book in the “Someday Quilts” mystery series. Publisher: Plume (Penguin), September 2009
NELL’S NEW LIFE—AND HER BUDDING ROMANCE—IS THREATENED WHEN TWO MURDERS OCCUR DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO HOME
Nell Fitzgerald had put her broken engagement behind her and is starting to love her charming adopted home, Archers Rest. She is finishing her first quilt and preparing for her first date with Police Chief Jesse Dewalt. When Jesse stands her up, however, it turns out he has a good reason—the body of a young woman has been discovered nearby.
Jesse begs Nell to keep out of the investigations, and she tries to stay occupied by taking a drawing class from the famous artist Oliver White. But once a second body—this time a fellow student—is found outside her grandmother’s home, Nell’s taste for sleuthing gets the best of her. She enlists the aid of her quilting circle to help patch together clues and follow a path of evidence that seems to lead to her professor. For quilters and fans of a good mystery alike. A Drunkard’s Path is a winning follow-up to The Lover’s Knot.
When Nell is stood up on her date with Jesse, she seeks him out only to discover that he was investigating the drowning of a young woman. Meanwhile Nell takes an art class with a famous resident artist, Oliver White, which keeps her busy from butting into Jesse’s case. When another young woman is found in the river, Nell is concerned that Oliver is more involved than he is telling. With the women from the quilting club assisting her, Nell seeks the clues to solve this crime that is too close to home. This was an enjoyable and charming mystery that I couldn’t put down. I like the author’s tone of the story and I felt like I was there with Nell, rooting her on in finding the killer. I also enjoyed all the quilting tips. Again, this book was a good read and I look forward to the next book in this series. My rating: 5 stars
