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Saturday, March 18, 2017

Pekoe Most Poison
by Laura Childs

There’s a lot of great detail in this book and I think the mystery was deeper and more complex than a lot of the other cozies I’ve been reading lately.
~Michelle’s Romantic Tangle
It was lovely being back in Charleston and wonderful to visit with Theo, Haley and Drayton. Good mystery with lots of red herrings…
~MysteriesEtc
Even if you are not a tea affictionato, you will find this another tasty cozy mystery in Laura Child’s long running series.
~Laura’s Interests
Another great sleuthing mystery about to unfold, and you are going to have a front seat to the action.
~Maureen’s Musings
This is the 18th book in the Tea Shop series and my favorite by far.
~Bab’s Book Bistro 
From page one it was a hard book to put down. It was fast paced filled with murder, blackmail and a little embezzlement. With more than a few suspects.
~My Journey Back
I think this is one of my favorites of the Tea Shop series so far! I really enjoyed this one.
~VALERIE’S MUSINGS
Another great installment in the Tea Shop Mysteries. Again, Laura writing is spot on which makes the book flow really well.
~Melina’s Book Blog
Pekoe Most Poison was one of the best ones in the series. I couldn’t put it down.
~Shelley’s Book Case
This book is freshly written, even after book 18 in the series. Childs keeps you pulled in from the guy in a rat suite answering the door, through all the twists and turns and surprises, until Theodosia’s and Riley’s conversation at the very end.
~Rainy Day Reviews
Ah the Tea Shop Mysteries. These are my very favorite! they are very smartly written and a little bit posh. I absolutely loved this book…
~A Chick Who Reads
Another hit by Laura Childs in her fun tea shop series… Laura still has a way of writing that draws you in to yet another new crime.
~A. Holland Reads
Readers if you love falling into a mystery, walking the charming towns with the characters, and searching for clues- then you need to read this book!
~Bibliophile Reviews
This book does exactly as intended: provides the reader with a good evening or two of lovely scenes, story, and character.
~The Editing Pen
Everything I have read by Ms. Child’s proves to be a masterpiece. Can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
~Community Bookstop
Pekoe Most Poison (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
18th in Series
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery (March 7, 2017)
An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425281680
Kindle – ASIN: B01KGZVXTK

Synopsis

In the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs, Theodosia Browning attends a “Rat Tea,” where the mice will play…at murder.
When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is invited by Doreen Briggs, one of Charleston’s most prominent hostesses, to a “Rat Tea,” she is understandably intrigued. As servers dressed in rodent costumes and wearing white gloves offer elegant finger sandwiches and fine teas, Theo learns these parties date back to early twentieth-century Charleston, where the cream of society would sponsor so-called rat teas to promote city rodent control and better public health.
But this party goes from odd to chaotic when a fire starts at one of the tables and Doreen’s entrepreneur husband suddenly goes into convulsions and drops dead. Has his favorite orange pekoe tea been poisoned? Theo smells a rat.
The distraught Doreen soon engages Theo to pursue a discreet inquiry into who might have murdered her husband. As Theo and her tea sommelier review the guest list for suspects, they soon find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse…
INCLUDES RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS
laura childs from facebookAbout The Author
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop MysteriesScrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
Laura’s Links:



Review.jpg

Every time I read a book from this author, I fall in love with her writing. She has a way of writing mysteries that are entertaining, intriguing and keep readers glued to their seat . The latest from her is one of her best and I loved how it kept my attention throughout the twists and turns.

I love tea shops and when I'm there I feel so relaxed. The atmosphere is soothing and there are always wonderful teas and foods to entice you. I'm not sure I would be excited to attend a "Rat Tea Party" though. Just the thought of a rat makes me want to jump on a chair and scream. The main character owns a tea shop and with the well defined descriptions of the food, I would love to go there to sample the exquisite menu.

As guests settle down for an adventure at the "Rat Tea Party"  hosted by  Doreen Briggs a sudden   burst of flames shoots  up from the centerpiece. What would you do if you saw something on fire? The first instinct Theo has is to throw the tea on the flame. Things start to settle down until  a coughing and choking sound comes from one of the guests. It looks like someone has taken their last drop of tea. Who poisoned the guest and why?

Theo and Drayton are coerced into looking  into the death of the poisoned victim and boy does  the action start to take off. The author cleverly gives us several suspects which I paid special attention to. I was determined to figure out who the killer was. I won't say whether I guessed right, but I will tell readers to keep on their toes.  The story is fast paced and the twists leave reasonable doubts as to the true killer. Don't miss another outstanding  book by this author.

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

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 6 – Michelle’s Romantic Tangle – REVIEW
March 6 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW
March 7 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST
March 8 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
March 8 – Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT
March 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 9 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW
March 9 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
March 9 – My Journey Back – REVIEW  
March 10 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
March 11 – Rainy Day Reviews – REVIEW  
March 11 – The Power of Words – REVIEW, GUEST POST
March 12 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW
March 12 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
March 13 – Queen of All She Reads –  SPOTLIGHT
March 13 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
March 14 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
March 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 15 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
March 15 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
March 16 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW
March 16 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – INTERVIEW
March 17 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW, GUEST POST
March 18 – The Editing Pen – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
March 18 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  
March 19 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
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Friday, March 17, 2017


ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS by ANNE GREENE

This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be my last. The author writes a story that captures the period during WWII with accuracy. I learned many things about the war and especially about the WASPS. This group of women have courage, loyalty and love for their country. The author has given us very strong female characters and I could not put this book down.

Mandy has taken on the task of testing war planes that have been repaired. It is a dangerous job but she has confidence that she can do it. Not everyone believes that women should be pilots and in the story it is very evident that someone is out to sabotage the mission. Who wants to hurt members of the WASP? I loved Mandy's spunk and her desire to be the best pilot she could.The story is so well written that  I felt like I was in the cockpit with Mandy as she did maneuvers . I could hear the roar of the engine as she raced across the sky and saw the determination on her face as she came in for a landing. Will Mandy be allowed to fly missions ?

Major Harvey Applegate is a strong character and I loved reading about his son. Harvey is not very accepting of Mandy when he finds out she is a pilot. They do clash at times and makes the story very realistic. I can't imagine what it must have been like during wartime knowing that as you fly your plane, danger surrounds you. Why does Harvey have misgivings about the WASP? I loved how the author showed the characters calling out to God during trying times and depended on Him as they flew missions.

The story takes us inside the war and gives a vivid picture of what it was like for the men and women who served. As Mandy and Harvey start to have feelings, the threat of one of them being called up for a mission is imminent.  Will Harvey share his feelings with Mandy before it is to late? Can Mandy trust God to keep her and Harvey safe? This is one story that I didn't want to end. The characters are brilliantly written and the story is so engrossing you can't put it down. I can't wait to get my hands on another book by this author .

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

THE First HOSTAGE by JOEL C. ROSENBERG

I love reading fast moving action packed books like the one the author has written. The story could be ripped from the front page news with believable threats to our nation. I loved the details that the author provides that keep you on the edge of your seat.

J. B. Collins is a top notch journalist and finds himself embroiled in the disappearance of  the president. The intensity of the story is bone chilling and the race is on to find out who is involved. ISIS  has wormed their way into endangering many dignitaries across the world .  The author has a vast array of knowledge about the military that makes the story so intriguing. Collins is dedicated to reporting the news without being biased. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a journalist dodging bullets and grenades.

The story is a race against time as the president is in imminent danger and the country is in turmoil.  Is there someone feeding information to ISIS?  Collins will have to depend on his instincts as the stakes are raised in this thrilling espionage story. The author does not disappoint readers as he takes  us on a roller coaster ride of surprises and twist that lead to an explosive end.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network. The review is my own opinion.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Purr M For Murder
by T.C. LoTempio

Purr M For Murder is a furr-tastic new mystery that readers will love.
~Moonlight Rendezvous
I really enjoyed this first installment in this all new series. I thought it was well-written and very engaging. I found that I was eager to pick this book up every chance that I got.
~Girl Lost In a Book
There is no way I can describe how magnificent this book was or how stellar this series will be.
I was surprised, I was entertained, and I was delighted thoroughly!
~Must Read Faster 
I’m a HUGE fan of this author’s Nick and Nora series, so I was thrilled to learn she was releasing a new series. As hard as it may be to believe, I think I’m going to love this one even more…
~Book Babble
PURR M FOR MURDER is a delightful start to a new series.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
This debut novel was a knockout book and this series looks to have a very bright future ahead.
~Classy Cheapskate
Purr M for Murder was heartwarming, suspenseful and the best part was the cats.
~A Cozy Girl Reads
Purr M for Murder is a marvelous start for this new series!
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
The author does an excellent job with the characters and setting. Looking forward to what Toby and Syd get into next.
~Babs Book Bistro
The fresh new cast of characters will keep you going and the story is so well written you won’t be able to put this book down.
~Shelley’s Book Case
A precious cat in a cozy cafe setting…what more could you want? Not surprisingly, the story inside is just as delicious!
~Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and Meows
Purr M for Murder: A Cat Rescue Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Crooked Lane Books (March 14, 2017)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1683310921
Kindle ASIN: B01N6P3WYP
Sydney McCall left behind an ex-fiancé and a New York advertising job to return home to Deer Park, North Carolina and help her sister, Kat, run the local animal shelter, Friendly Paws. Determined to save the shelter from financial trouble, Sydney and Kat organize a cat café fundraising event at a local coffee shop. Things are looking up until their landlord, Trowbridge Littleton, threatens to shut down the event. When Sydney drops by his art gallery to make peace, she finds Kat–along with Littleton’s dead body.
Local homicide detective Will Worthington–who just happens to be Sydney’s old high school crush–is highly suspicious of the sisters’ involvement. Desperate to clear their names from the suspect list, Sydney pounces on the investigation. With the help of one of the shelter cats, a savvy orange tabby named Toby, Sydney begins poking her nose into other local businesses whose owners may have benefited from Littleton’s death–until the killer notices she’s pawing a little too closely at the truth.

About the Author…..

While Toni Lotempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic.  She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime – the first volume, MEOW IF ITS MURDER, debuted Dec. 2, 2014. Followed by #2, CLAWS FOR ALARM.   #3, CRIME AND CATNIP, was released in December. She, Rocco and Maxx make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York. Catch up with them at www.tclotempio.net and www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com
Where to find them:
ROCCO’s blog:
Website:

Twitter:
Purchase Link:
Amazon  B&N 

Review.jpg

I liked the setting of the book  that was in a quaint little town.  There are so many animals that need homes  and the author did a great job of showcasing an animal rescue center in the story. There is one cat that really shines through the book and I loved how smart he was. Toby is a very bright cat and is looking for his forever home . Who will be his new owner?

Sydney has returned home to be the publicity director for the shelter her sister, Kat runs. I found it funny that the person running the shelter was named Kat. Gotta say the author does have a sense of humor and I wonder if anyone else caught the irony in her name. As the sisters gear up for a big cat cafe at a friend's bakery they run into a roadblock. There is someone in the community that is not happy with the idea. When a body turns up Syd and Kat became prime suspects.

 The author does a great job in taking readers into the art world and vividly describes different techniques.  I did like the introduction of Will Worthington. He is an old school mate of Syd's and boy has he changed. He is not this awkward teen anymore but a very nice looking man who happens to be investigating the murder. I loved how so many townspeople disliked the murder victim because I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was and why they did it. I was quite pleased with the ending and thought the author did a great job of of keeping readers guessing.

Overall I did enjoy the book and I hope to read more about Sydney and her side kick. The book is a good start to a promising new series.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 8 – Girl Lost In a Book – REVIEW
March 8 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW
March 8 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – GUEST POST
March 9 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  
March 9 – Must Read Faster – REVIEW
March 9 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GUEST POST
March 9 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 10 – Book Babble – REVIEW
March 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
March 10 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW
March 11 – A Cozy Girl Reads and Writes – REVIEW
March 11 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
March 11 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
March 12 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 12 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – GUEST POST  
March 13 – My Journey Back – SPOTLIGHT
March 13 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
March 13 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
March 14 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – REVIEW
March 14 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
March 14 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT
March 15 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
March 15 – Books Direct – SPOTLIGHT
March 16 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
March 16 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
March 17 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
March 17 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 17 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT 
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