Scared Stiff by Annelise Ryan

Scared Stiff by Annelise Ryan is second book in the “Mattie Winston” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, September 2010

Halloween night in Sorenson, Wisconsin, usually resembles any other small town: trick-or-treaters, costume parties, and lots of cheerfully scary decorations. But Deputy Coroner Mattie Winston is finding this year a little different, because among all the fake carnage is a very realm, very dead body.

When Mattie and her boss/best friend, Izzy, are called to the home of waitress and part-time model Shannon Tolliver, they find the ghoulish decorations just a bit too authentic. For among the fake blood and skeletons is the corpse of Shannon herself—and the evidence screams murder. Since the whole town knows Shannon recently had a very public argument with her estranged husband, Erik, he’s suspect #1 for tall, dark, and blissfully blue-eyed homicide detective, Steve Hurley. But Mattie believes Erik truly loved his wife and is incapable of such a brutal act—even though he owns the exact same caliber handgun as the murder weapon.

Determined to unearth the truth—and maybe spend a little quality time with Detective Hunky—Mattie puts her scalpel-sharp medical skills to work and digs a little deeper. What she uncovers is stranger than anyone could have imagined. It seems Shannon’s murder is just the tip of a very fatal iceberg. Now, in order to solve a case that’s getting more dangerous by the minute—and to save Erik from the slammer—Mattie will have to risk everything to catch a killer wh’s capable of doing anything once he’s cornered. And this time it’s not just Mattie’s life that’s on the line…

I can’t tell you how much I laughed at the antics of Mattie Winston surrounding her job and love life. When a doctor friend is accused of murdering his wife, Mattie’s insists that he is not the killer and when hunky Detective Hurley gives her the go ahead to investigate, that’s when the fun begins. The dialogue and the escapades that Mattie gets into leave you wanting more. It is so much fun watching Mattie get the clues even when she has endures several malfunction. I’m looking forward to the next book in the delightful and humorous series. My rating: 5 stars

Annelise Ryan is the pseudonym of Beth Amos.

Crossing The Lion by Cynthia Baxter

Crossing The Lion by Cynthia Baxter is the 9th book in the “Reigning Cats & Dogs” mystery series. Publisher: Bantam, August 2010

CAN A SMALL-TOWN PET DETECTIVE HUNT DOWN A BEAST OF A KILLER IN ITS OWN LAIR?

Veterinarian Jessica Popper is still basking in newlywedded bliss when neighbors Betty and Winston beg her to investigate the suspicious death of Linus Merrywood, king of the corporate jungle. On stormy Solitude Island, the Merrywoods have enjoyed the lion’s share of wealth for generations. But from the suspects to the surroundings, Jess feels as if she’s walked straight into an old-fashioned game of Clue—except here the stakes are life and death.

There’s the butler named Jives, a sexy assistant named Scarlett, teatime in the conservatory, and a house with secret passageways, moving walls, and a wailing aunt locked in the attic. With a storm raging around the island and Jess’s least favorite police detective assigned to the case, things are looking dire until Jess’s lionhearted husband, Nick, braves his way to Solitude to rescue her. Now it’s the two of them against a family steeped in secrets—and a killer on the prowl who’s ferociously determined to protect the biggest family secret of all.

At the request of her friends, Betty and Winston, Jess heads to an island home to investigate the death of their friend Linus. Arriving at the ghostly-like mansion and after meeting the eccentric family and their staff, once the police states that Linus was murdered, Jess knows one of the people on the island with is the murderer and she’ll need to solve this quickly. In a rare first, the lead detective asks for Jess’ help in digging up clues. The plot surrounding the mystery was good and the information that Jess culled from her talks had me stumped until the last few chapters when I had an idea of who did the deed. This was an entertaining read and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. My rating: 5 stars

Don’t Cry by Beverly Barton

Don’t Cry by Beverly Barton is the first book in a new romantic suspense series. Publisher: Zebra (Kensington), August 2010

NOWHERE TO RUN
The crime scenes are horrifying: the victims arranged with deliberate care, posed to appear alive despite their agonized last moments and the shocking nature of their deaths.

NO PLACE TO HIDE
Chattanooga grief counselor Audrey Sherrod moonlights for the local police. It’s clear to her, and to Special Agent J.D. Cass, that the murders are the work of a deranged serial killer. At first, the only link is the victim’s similar physical appearance. But then another connection emerges, tying them to a long-ago series of horrifying crimes Audrey hoped would never resurface—crimes that hit all too close to home.

NO TIME TO CRY
Each grisly new discovery proves the past has not been forgotten, and the worst is yet to come. Audrey went looking for the truth and she is about to find it… and it will be more twisted and more terrifying than she ever imagined.

What a great story! A father that wasn’t there has made Audrey shy from commitments. Nightmares have begun again when a serial killer replicates kidnappings from the past which included her baby brother. Local TBI agent, J.D., who recently discovered he’s a father is learning the ins and outs of raising a teenage daughter gets pulled into this case. The mystery was good and I had a good time guessing who the killer was. The author had a couple of red herrings and the twists and turns of who it could be kept me turning the pages. I like that the author did not rush the romance, but let it grow gradually between Audrey and J.D. I’m looking forward to the sequel. My rating: 5 stars

How to Crash a Killer Bash by Penny Warner

How to Crash a Killer Bash by Penny Warner is the second book in the “Party-Planning” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian (Penguin), August 2010

Mixing fun and fund-raising seemed like the perfect job for Presley Parker, which is why she starts her event-planning business to raise money for charities. But then she hosts a murder mystery party, and there’s some serious foul play.

The de Young Museum in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is throwing a murder mystery party to raise money, and the notorious yet benevolent philanthropist Mary Lee Miller wants Presley Parker to host it. Though Presley is surrounded by breathtaking artwork, it’s a heated squabble between Mary Lee and her son Corbin that catches her attention.

Guests arrive to a grand murder mystery setting, eager for the performance. But the good times end when Mary Lee, who was playing the role of the victim is found dead—and Delicia, Presley’s friend and Corbin’s girlfriend, is the key suspect. Frantic to clear her friend’s name, Presley kicks her sleuthing into high gear…only to find that someone wants this life of the party dead.

This was a good follow-up to the first book in the series. When Presley’s friend is falsely jailed for the murder of her boyfriend’s mother, Presley set out a plan to find the killer. There are so many secrets in a museum and little by little Presley uncovers them and stumbles upon the killer. I had my suspicions as to who the killer was and was happy to see I was right. I liked that we got to know a little bit more about Presley and Brad and I love the promise of the beginning of their new relationship. This was very enjoyable and a great read. My rating: 4 stars

Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden

Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden is the first book in the new “One of the Deadly” romantic suspense series. Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, August 2010

TWO BRILLIANT AGENTS

FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport has made a career out of profiling serial killers. But getting inside the twisted minds of the cruel and the sadistic has taken its toll: She’s walled herself off from the world. Yet Monica can’t ignore fellow agent Luke Dante, the only man who ever broke through her defenses.

ONE DREAM TEAM

Luke has the unique ability to put victims at ease…professionally, he and Monica made a perfect team. Now they’re reunited to catch a murderer who uses his victims’ deepest, darkest fears for sport—but their investigative skills aren’t enough. Luke and Monica will have to face the secrets from their past, the ones that terrify them the most, if they are to have a future together.

But can they catch a killer whose weapon is…DEADLY FEAR

What a page-turning story. Monica and Luke both share secrets from their path, but when the two team up, they are a force to be reckon with. A serial killer is on the loose and when the similarities pushes her past to the forefront, Monica vows to capture this murderer by winning the mind game he is playing with her. This was a great read with a riveting plot, thrilling and suspenseful actions and a romance that was so hot, you didn’t want to put this book down. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books in this series. My rating: 5 stars

*new-to-me author

The Way of the Guilty by Jennifer Stanley

The Way of the Guilty by Jennifer Stanley is the third book in the “Hope Street Church” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Minotaur Books, September 2010

Cooper Lee has a new outlook on life, thanks to her friends at Hope Street Church. Spending time with the Sunrise Bible Study Group nourishes her mind and soul. But home is where the heart is—along with Mrs. Lee’s baked treats—and Cooper is indeed happy to have such a great family to come home to when not spending time with Nathan, a friend from the group who just might be (fingers crossed) The One. So when her sister, Ashley, is implicated in a gruesome murder, Cooper snaps into action. Along with Nathan and her friends from Hope Street, Cooper vows to solve this unholy mess—with a wing, a prayer, and a small dose of snooping.

Ashley finds a dead body in her car and not leaving the case to the police, Cooper begins her own investigation. With help from new and old friends, Cooper’s discovery leads to a shady business that hits a little too close to home. This story was non-stop action and a spiritual escape as I couldn’t put this book down. With snippets of bible verses heading each chapter, you watch as Cooper and friends use their bible lessons to help them solve the mystery. Relationships play a strong role in this story as Cooper and friends deal with life events, both good and bad. This was a wonderful story that left you with a feel-good inspiration. My rating: 5 stars

For Richer, For Danger by Lisa Bork

For Richer, For Danger by Lisa Bork is the second book in the “Broken Vows” mystery series. Publisher: Midnight Ink, August 2010

Jolene Parker and her police-deputy husband Ray have found new love in their life together. They’re foster parents for Noelle, an adorable baby whose fugitive birth parents hightailed it out of their touristy Finger Lakes-area town. Jolene and Ray want to make their parenthood official, but the adoption hits a mysterious roadblock when the given name of Noelle’s mother traces back to a dead girl. As Jolene races to find the true identity of the birth mother, she discovers an unsolved murder . . . and learns that her family may be in extreme danger.

All Jolene wanted was to adopt baby Noelle and round off her family with Ray, a simple task or so she thought. When the identity of the birth-mother can’t be confirmed, Jolene starts looking into the girl’s past and for her. Only Jo can tumble unto an old murder and a new one and how they’re connected takes us on a journey filled with love and sadness. Seeing the familiar faces of Jo, Ray, Erica and Cory was a delight and the relationships among them is so strong despite the obstacles that are placed in their way. When it counts, Jo’s family and friends are there for her when she needs them most. This was an enjoyable and satisfying read that held my attention as I tried to guess who is doing what to whom. This story that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Roast Mortem by Cleo Coyle

Roast Mortem by Cleo Coyle is the 9th book in the “Coffee House” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), August 2010

Clare Cosi, manager and head barista of the landmark Village Blend coffeehouse, has perfected the pulling of steaming hot espresso. But can she keep New York’s Bravest from getting burned?

When the firefighters of Ladder Company 189 pull Clare’s friends out of a blazing cafe, she happily comes to their rescue. As a favor to the men, she visits to their firehouse kitchen to teach them the finer points of operating their newly donated espresso machine. But more than their coffee turns out to be hot. Somebody’s torching cafes around the city, and the firefighters are beginning to die in suspicious ways.

Believing the two events are related, Clare investigates, staking out a five-borough bake sale and sniffing out clues in the pizza joints of Brooklyn. When her detective boyfriend, Mike Quinn, is pulled into the fire of a false accusation, Clare is desperate to put out the flames. But will she be able to come to Mike’s rescue before someone tries to extinguish her?

While visiting a friend Queen’s coffeehouse, an explosion erupts and luckily Clare and friends survived the ordeal. When Clare learns of another same-day explosion at a Brooklyn coffeehouse, Clare is convinced that both were an act of arson and nothing is going to stop her until she finds the arsonist. Something is amiss between Mike and his firefighter cousin and soon Clare is caught in a familial tug of war. Hearing rumors of murder and defective equipment, Clare wonders if all these incidents are linked. This suspenseful story had me riveted to the pages with my guesses and every time I thought I knew who the culprit was those twists and turns the author spun told me, not just yet. This is my first introduction to the “Coffee House” series and I loved it. You don’t have to be a coffee drinker, which I’m not, to enjoy this series which includes techniques of brewing a perfect cup of coffee. The locale, witty conversation, the baristas, Madame and the relationship between Clare, Mike and Matt creates a place where a cup of mocha is indeed a welcomed sip.

*new-to-me author

FTC Full Disclosure – The author sent me a copy of this book.

Cleo Coyle is the pseudonym of wife-husband team: Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog

Scoop to Kill by Wendy Lyn Watson

Scoop to Kill by Wendy Lyn Watson is the second book in the “A La Mode” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian (Penguin), September 2010

Tallulah Jones may be the proprietor of Dalliance, Texas’s old-fashioned ice-cream parlor, but she’s no stranger to cold-blooded murder.

No one is more shocked than Tally when the local college serves up a double dip of death. During the annual Honor’s Day festivities, Tally’s niece Alice stumbles upon the body of a graduate student. Suspicion falls on the English professor he accused of sexual harassment, but a couple days later, she’s found dead too.

Tally steps out from behind the counter of Remember the Ala-mode to clear the professor’s name. But in an English department sprinkled with failing students, cutthroat academics, and extramarital affairs, the list of suspects rivals A-la-mode’s choice of flavors. Then Alice is nearly run down by a sinister SUV, and Tally realizes she must act fast before her beloved niece gets put on ice.

When Alice finds the body of a graduate student and then the prime suspect is later found dead, Tally’s concern for her niece grows. Determined to stop anyone from targeting Alice, Tally heads back to college and gets a tantalizing look at the world of academia. With help from family and friends, Tally scoops out clues to find the killer before they become a part of the killer’s menu. The quirky characters, the hometown setting, the tease of romance and the great dialogue makes this book delectably entertaining.

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog

A Bad Day’s Work by Nora McFarland

A Bad Day’s Work by Nora McFarland is the first book in the new “Lilly Hawkins” mystery series. Publisher: Touchstone (Simon & Schuster), August 2010

Lilly Hawkins is having one of those days. The last thing she needs is a murder to solve.

Nothing seems to be going Lilly’s way. A TV news photographer at her hometown television station, she’s one of the hardest working “shooters” there, but her pit-bull personality and a series of unlucky blunders have put her job in jeopardy.

So when an urgent story breaks in the middle of the night, Lilly is determined to turn her bad luck around and get the respect she deserves. But the pressure is on; either she delivers amazing video or she’s fired. After busting her butt and dodging the cops, Lilly has what could be the biggest scoop of her career—exclusive video of a murder scene. Or does she have it? Lilly is stunned when the tape played in front of the entire newsroom is nothing but dead air.

Soon she’s on the run from criminals and police, both of whom claim Lilly’s video is the key to solving the murder and think she pocketed the real tape. Can she escape her pursuers long enough to catch the killer, or will she end the day as the next victim?

Lilly’s bad day just keeps getting worse, but the one thing she knows for sure is that she’d like to live to see more of them.

Lilly gets called out to a capture a crime scene and little did she know that her life would be threatened and she would be running from the law. Along the way, Lilly has a murder mystery to solve while clearing her name and she gets help from an unlikely source. This was a fast-paced, action-filled and humorous story that kept you turning the pages quickly so you could see the next scene. A great debut novel by the author. My rating: 5 stars

*new-to-me author