Custom Baked Murder
by Liz Mugavero

… delightful, full of charm and such strong characters that they jump off the pages.
~Bibliophile Reviews

Animal lover extraordinaire Stan is one of my favorite fictional heroines, so I’m always looking forward to reading her latest adventure.
~Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and Meows

From the very beginning of the book, this fast-paced mystery is full of charming pets and an entertaining protagonist, Kristan “Stan” Connor.
~Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder

This was a well written cozy that flowed really well. I was turning pages because I was so engrossed. This one left me guessing to the very end.
~Melina’s Book Blog! 

This was an enjoyable read. I really loved it… A good book to read on a cold day. There were twists and turns and the plot was great.
~Books, Dreams, Life 

Custom Baked Murder (A Pawsitively Organic Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Kensington (December 27, 2016)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496700193
E-Book ASIN: B01DRXCGD0

Kristan “Stan” Connor gladly turned tail on her high-flying job and moved to a quaint New England town to sell organic pet treats. But with her nose for solving murders, there’s no such thing as a quiet life…

Summer is winding down in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, but Stan’s love life and career are both heating up nicely. In between planning her new pet patisserie and café, Stan is settling into living-in-bliss with sexy pub owner Jake McGee. Love’s on the menu for Stan’s mom, Patricia, too, who’s engaged to Frog Ledge’s mayor, Tony Falco.

Mayor Falco’s dogged ambition isn’t popular among locals, but it’s his executive coach, Eleanor Chang, who’s inspired a dangerous grudge. When Eleanor is found dead, there’s a whole pack of suspects to choose from. Stan has first-hand experience of Eleanor’s unsavory business tactics. But finding out who forced her to take a fatal plunge off the corporate ladder means unearthing some shady secrets…and a killer who’s too close for comfort.

Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes!

About This Author

Liz Mugavero has been writing stories since she could hold a pen. Before that, she would tell them to anyone who would listen (not many at the time). After deciding early on she would write books for a living, she practiced by writing bad, angst-filled poems, short stories and even a storyline for a soap opera–all by age 15. She never wavered from her goals despite all the usual questions including, “So are you going to be an English teacher with that degree in English?” or, “That writing thing sounds nice, but how are you REALLY going to make a living?”

She went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, corporate communications. And she’s confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living.

Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.

Author Links

Webpage – http://www.lizmugavero.com;

Twitter – https://twitter.com/lizmugavero;
GoodReads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6475412.Liz_Mugavero;
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Mugavero/329291780446231;

Purchase Links

Amazon – B&N  

What a great cozy mystery this was. I started to read the book thinking I would read a few chapters and come back later to read more. To my surprise I really tried to put the book down but it was so good I had to keep reading. I loved the name of the town called Frog Ledge, Connecticut. What a cute little town it is with shops that are welcoming and people who are like family. Well maybe not everyone seemed like family but you will see who I'm talking about as you devour this incredible book.

Kristan or "Stan" as she goes by is getting ready for her big store opening. She has been busy perfecting recipes and desiging the store with help from her mother.  That is another story all on its own but we must focus on this mystery for now. Her store will have specialty treats for animals and I love how the author incorporated the need for K9 bullet proof vests and animal shelters in the story. I love animals and I feel in love with the dogs and cats right away. I must say there are some personalities going on with these pets. They make for some  fun moments.

I absolutely adored Jake as soon as I read how compassionate and caring he is. Stan has definitely found a good guy and I hope their relationship continues to develop. He runs a pub but always makes sure he has time to be with Stan. Do I hear wedding bells in the future?

Speaking of wedding bells there  is a big shindig happening with Stan's mom and Stan's  presence has been requested at the party. Stan's mother is marrying the mayor and they are having a grand gala to have the engagement ring blessed. I thought Patricia, the mom was kinda distant and a bit  snotty but perhaps she is just wondering why her fiancé hasn't shown up for their party. Did I mention that Stan's sister Caitlyn is staying with Stan? Well off to the party everyone goes. There are quite a few people at the party that Stan would rather not be around and wonders why her ex co-workers are there.

When there is a scream from upstairs the action takes off in this quirky mystery. A woman who really didn't have a friendly disposition is killed. I did have to laugh at all the suspects there were because they could easily fill a living room . When there is an arrest Stan is convinced the person is innocent. Why is she so determined to clear  this person's name? The killer for me was easy to figure out but I did enjoy reading about how Stan and her friends join together to help prove someone innocent. There are hints throughout the book who the killer is but I thought the author brilliantly showed them in a discreet way . Overall you are in for a treat with this wonderful story that is funny and has a way to keep readers entertained till the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.


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Tour Participants

January 5 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW

January 5 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 6 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 6 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW

January 6 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

January 7 – Books,Dreams,Life – REVIEW

January 7 – Girl with Book Lungs – SPOTLIGHTS

January 8 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

January 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

January 9 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

January 10 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

January 10 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 11 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW

January 11 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – INTERVIEW

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DONNA'S DETOUR by JO HUDDLESTON

I so enjoyed the author's description of the cute diner that Donna worked at. She described the vinyl seats, the small jukebox on the tables and the counter where people could eat and talk to the waitresses. The diner made me think of the one on "Happy Days." Everyone who was anyone would hang out there. 

Donna is working at the diner and saving her money so she can fulfill her dream of going to L. A. to become a secretary. One day as the door opens, Tommy appears. He was best friends with her brother when they were growing up. She has been in love with him forever. Their chemistry is so nice and refreshing. I loved the book so much with the setting from the 1950's to the sweet and innocent way that Donna still honored her upbringing with good moral values. The book is very relaxing to read and I love the author's smooth writing style. She has a way to take readers back in time with her exquisite words that flow throughout the story. When Donna and Tommy are talking about church I loved what she said to him. "Going to church pleases God, but it won't make you a Christian. That's a thing of the heart. Nobody but Jesus can judge your heart's commitment but Him. " 

It is time to relax, grab an ice cold bottle of Coke and enjoy a great book that will bring a smile to your face. Join Donna and Tommy as they take a journey on Route 66.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bookfun.org. The review is my own opinion . 

PARALYZED by ALANA TERRY

This is another great book by an author I am hooked on. I devour each book with anticipation and an adrenaline rush. Her books captivate readers with stories that grab your attention right from the beginning. The characters are well developed and they are very intriguing.

I have come to really like the character named Kennedy. She really has determination and a strong sense of survival. Kennedy is recovering from being kidnapped. I can't imagine the terror she must of felt when someone has your life in their hands. Do you try to escape or hope you get rescued ? I loved how the author talked about PTSD. I have been seeing a lot of books using PTSD in their stories. The author does a great job describing  what Kennedy has endured and the struggles she faces . I know I would be looking around constantly and jumping at every noise.

Will Kennedy get to take a much needed break from school after her last test? That answer will take readers on a journey that is action packed and filled with intrigue that is indeed an attention getter. I loved how Kennedy's survival instinct is heightened and can sense danger approaching? Will Kennedy get help for PTSD? Can she trust people around her to protect her? Why are people around Kennedy in danger? Is there someone out there that wants to silence Kennedy? The book is one you wont be able to put down till you have read the last page. Get ready for another great story by an author who knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats with powerful stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bookfun.org. This is my honest review