The Spinster's Retreat

 

Miss Charlotte Walker has spent her entire life being overlooked. Bullied by her sisters, dismissed by society, and considered a hopeless spinster by her own mother, Charlotte has perfected the art of remaining invisible. But when she overhears a plot to poison the notoriously cold and intimidating Lord Stanley at a masquerade ball, she does the only thing she can think of to save him—throws herself into his lap. Unfortunately, the handsome lord mistakes her desperate warning for a shameless attempt to secure a wealthy husband. When a guest is murdered during a house party at Stanley's country estate, Charlotte finds herself drawn into an investigation involving missing girls, suspicious guests, and a dangerous secret society hiding in plain sight.

Determined to uncover the truth, Charlotte must work alongside the infuriatingly handsome lord who seems equally convinced she is either a brilliant detective—or a complete menace.

As the bodies mount and danger closes in, Charlotte discovers that solving a murder may be easier than guarding her heart.

Review: 

I loved this story of Charlotte and Lord Stanley! Known as the Ice Baron, Lord Stanley has not only has the reputation, but an excellent persona to be able to hide behind as he investigates a network of criminals. Charlotte becomes an unexpected help in the investigation and capture of some of its members. There are a couple of twists that keep you turning the pages and eagerly awaiting what will happen next. Speaking of which, there is somewhat of a cliffhanger that I can’t wait to find out what Anne (Charlotte's friend) discovers!

Things to love:

meet cute

red herrings

mystery

codes and secret messages

Charlotte’s friend and maid

clean romance

I received a copy of the book from the author and Book Sirens. All opinions in this review are my own.

A Bridesmaid’s Guide to Murder

She’s paid to be your best friend on your big day... but she never expected murder to be part of the deal.

Emelia Walsh has one of the most unusual jobs on the planet—she’s a Professional Bridesmaid. Armed with an emergency kit that would impress MacGyver, Emmy steps into strangers’ weddings and becomes whatever the bride needs: a confidante, an emotional buffer, or a human fire extinguisher.

When Emmy arrives at the picturesque Evergreen Summit Resort for Monica Turner’s winter wedding weekend, she’s prepared for the usual challenges: wardrobe malfunctions, family tensions, and maintaining her cover as the bride’s “old college friend.” What she’s not prepared for is the web of secrets, rivalries, and suspicious circumstances swirling beneath the perfect snow-globe setting.

When a shocking murder disrupts the wedding plans, Emmy’s role shifts from emotional buffer to amateur sleuth—all while dodging questions from handsome but infuriating Detective John Sutton, who seems both suspicious of her—and strangely interested.
In this charming first installment of the Bridesmaid’s Guide to Murder series, Emmy discovers that when you make a career out of stepping into other people’s stories, sometimes those stories include murder.

Review: 

Whoever heard of hiring a bridesmaid for your wedding? That is exactly what Emelia Walsh is, and she is very good at it too. She’s like a wedding planner and member of the wedding party all at the same time without any of the drama. But, a murder occurs and high stress is part of the venue when the groom becomes the person of interest. It’s up to Emmy to help solve the murder and give the couple their HEA. I loved this cozy mystery! Not only did it have a list of suspects that possibly could have been the killer, but there is also the beginning of a romance between Emmy and Detective John Sutton. While she can be quite persistent in investigating without always having police permission, she also becomes a pivotal part of solving the case. We also learn the reason why Emmy chose to become a professional bridesmaid, which John helps her let go of some of the past. This is the first book in the Emelia Walsh Cozy Mysteries Series and I can’t wait to read more! The murderer was a little difficult to determine, which keeps you turning the pages until the very end. The author was so thoughtful and has included a link to Cozy Mystery Bingo cards that looks like a lot of fun. I received a complimentary copy of the book through Booked With the Emilys. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

A Song Without Words

In Bath, appearances are everything and nothing is as it seems.

Bath, 1889

When a daring burglary strikes the Sherard residence in Bath, Byron Constantine returns under the name his family knows—Ambrose Sherard. Mira Blayse travels at his side, their partnership deeper than ever and a future together finally within reach. But stepping into the Sherards’ social sphere means facing expectations sharper than any blade. Winning over Byron’s judgemental sister and formidable mother may be more difficult than solving the crime itself.

Even when the thefts turn deadly.

A man’s fatal fall after a snowstorm hints at something far more sinister, and Mira soon realizes that Bath is a city built on secrets. In glittering ballrooms and musical recitals the warmest smiles might just belong to someone playing a part.

Drawn into shadowed streets and clandestine meetings beneath the ancient Roman Baths, Mira and Byron uncover a mystery rooted deeper than the Sherard break-in—one tied to hidden loyalties, rising ambitions, and the looming threat of war in Europe. Worst of all, there are signs that Circe’s reach is far from broken.

As danger mounts and political tensions rise, Mira and Byron must learn which voices to trust—because in Bath, even the sweetest music can carry a deadly refrain.

Review:

There are a string of burglaries that have Mira and Byron on the case, and this time, this one is personal. Byron’s family has had family jewels stolen, and the evidence points to an insider, but who would that be? I loved the mystery, danger, and the clues that keep you engaged until the final page.

Mira Blayse is like no other lady since she is independent, analytical, and makes a great partner for Ambrose Sherard aka the detective, Byron Constantine. There were some tense moments and even confrontations with certain members of Byron’s family, but I loved how things weren’t all they seemed to be and Mrs. Sherard is now one of my new favorites in the series. The villains are still making plans and Circe is continuing to go forward with their acts of chaos, but Byron and Mira, along with the help of others will ever be striving to bring them down. I hope there will be another book in the Constantine Capers series that I have thoroughly enjoyed. If you like political intrigue, mysteries, and a bit of romance, I highly recommend reading this book and all of the others. In order to understand all of the details of relationships and things that are mentioned from past books, it would be beneficial for you to begin with the first book and read in order. I received a gifted copy from the author through Book Sirens. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

Danger at Darkmoor Park

 

Hidden treasure. Murder. Mystery. Romance. All while snowbound at Christmas.

While trapped by a blizzard at a remote country manor house over Christmas, a school headmistress teams up with a charismatic doctor to solve a murder and hunt for hidden treasure.

But can she trust the man who has stolen her heart?
Selena Taylor is thrilled to cohost a Christmas house party at Darkmoor Park, the beautiful Yorkshire estate she will one day inherit. But a massive snowstorm hits the area, and no one can leave. When one of the guests dies after giving Selena a cryptic clue to a cache of hidden money, she suspects that he was murdered.

Dr. Adrian Scott arrives out of the blizzard and he and Selena, fueled by a burning mutual attraction, become partners in investigating both mysteries—a thrilling hunt for hidden treasure and the search for a ruthless killer—while trapped with holiday guests who all seem to be hiding a secret.

When another guest dies and she starts receiving threatening notes, Selena realizes that she is in terrible danger, pursued by a relentless villain and involved with a man whose touch makes her heart race but who may be hiding a deadly secret of his own.

Review:

Headmistress Selene Taylor feels that her chance at love has passed her by, but she is happy to oversee the school she and her sister founded. Wanting to be with her family for the hoildays, she made the difficult decision to stay at Darkmoor Park to act as hostess for Mrs. Hillman who has invited a group of acquaintances to spend ten days with her. No mystery would be complete without something to investigate, and I was glad to be part of Selene and Adrian Scott’s discovery of clues to the murders, and a large amount of money that one of the victims had hidden somewhere on the grounds. You are sure to get caught up in this story with secret passages, catacombs, money to be found, a handsome doctor, and a murderer to catch.

Things to love:
danger
treasure hunt
hidden identity
Gothic atmosphere
red herrings
estate folly
romance

I love this third book in the Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke and Fire. It can be read as a standalone because the author does a great job of telling you a bit about each of the sisters so you feel informed. But, I loved each book and highly recommend you read this one as well as the other two mysteries.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher, NetGalley, and Austen Prose. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall

An abandoned estate encased in stagnant darkness . . .
A haunting legacy intent on silencing all within reach . . .

In 1890, the ominous tolling of the bell announces that death has come to Traeger Hall, leaving orphaned Waverly Pembrooke to piece together the puzzle behind her uncle's and aunt's murders. Bound by the terms of her uncle's eccentric will, Waverly finds herself alone in a manor shrouded by death and questioning the reasons for her uncle's paranoia. A madness hovers over Traeger Hall, and Waverly--as well as the people of nearby Newton Creek--are ill-prepared for the woe that has descended.

In present day Newton Creek, whispers of a family curse still cling to the century-old, abandoned property of Traeger Hall. When Jennie Phillips takes possession of the estate after her mother's passing, she is intent on solving the mystery of the Traeger murders. Yet a modern cold case suggests that untimely deaths and mysterious occurrences still plague the property. And as thorny truths surface, Jennie realizes the dark legacy threatens not only the town and the Traeger descendants . . . but also, chillingly, Jennie herself.

Review: 

Jaime Jo Wright amazes me at how she can write intriguing dual timeline stories. I always look forward to seeing how she is going to tie the two very different storylines together. I love the Gothic elements that are present in these stories, and there are plenty here: a foreboding mansion, murder, a spine-tingling atmosphere, and of course, mysteries to solve. There were some surprising events in both stories that I didn’t see coming, which is what I like best. I believe my favorite character was Milo who is the autistic son of Zane and very much a part of the mystery of present day Traeger Hall. He shows love that is unconditional and much needed in Jennie’s life. I also loved that Ms. Wright included her own beloved cat, Foo, in the story. I’d recommend reading this for fans of dual timelines, mystery, and eerie atmosphere stories. I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. mention of abuse, brutal murder

Home Baked Bribery

 

About the Book

Book: Home Baked Bribery (Addie Masters Mysteries Book 2)

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release date: March 4, 2025

The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge.

The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him?

Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs.

Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?

My Review:  

When the Golden Whisk Award and an appearance on a TV network show is on the line, how far will someone go to have a shot at winning? Addie is an inquisitive person and doesn’t believe that one of the celebrity judges died from eating a piece of cake with ingredients that he was highly allergic to. With several suspects, the plot takes twists that I didn’t expect and made this story interesting all the way to its conclusion.

Addie has a love interest in police officer Noah Daniels, but he seems to be a bit detached. So, you are left wondering what will become of their relationship throughout the story. You can look forward to a happy scene as they work things out. I loved the name of Addie’s dogs with a nod to famous detectives. It was also fun to see the little rascally pug that Addie keeps having to find and return to the elderly sisters of the community.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery, Addie, and the townspeople. This is the second book in the series. I look forward to reading the first one and any other books that will follow.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

 

 

 

More from Gina

Choco-Banana Bliss Bars

-Mac Gordon

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed (light or dark) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (all-purpose) flour
• 1 cup mashed overripe banana (about 2 large bananas)
• ¾ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Allow bananas to ripen until outside is mostly black.
2. Allow butter and egg to reach room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
4. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray.
5. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Mix at a medium-high speed for 2 minutes.
6. Add in 1 large egg, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp salt. Mix at a medium-low speed until combined.
7. Mix in 1 cup of flour. Mix on low until just combined.
8. Fold 1 cup of mashed banana into the batter until they’re fully incorporated.
9. Fold in ¾ cup chocolate chips. Save a few chocolate chips.
10. Pour the batter into the glass dish. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top.
11. Bake for 33-37 minutes, until the edges are golden brown, and the center is baked through.
12. Place on a wire rack to fully cool. Gently remove the bars from the pan. Cut into squares.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 25

By the Book, April 25

Vicky Sluiter, April 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Looks by Lisa, April 27

She Lives To Read, April 28

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Madi’s Musings, May 1

Hannahbandanarama, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 4

Lily’s Corner, May 5

DevotedToHope, May 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 8

For Him and My Family, May 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of books 1 and 2 of the series, Handmade Mayhem and Home Baked Bribery!!

The Spinster's Resolve

It is a truth universally acknowledged that spinsters make the best sleuths.

Who else has perfected the fine art of sitting quietly in the corner, sipping tea, and overhearing everything?Step into the world of Miss Grace Skye, where a fiery letter, a missing cook, and a dangerous conspiracy threaten to upend the quiet existence of an unassuming spinster—whether she’s ready for it or not.

After being thoroughly snubbed in the marriage mart for her pert opinions and mixed heritage (too English for India, too Indian for England—utterly exhausting), Grace has made peace with spinsterhood. Who needs a husband when you have books, tea, and the satisfaction of minding your own business?

Except—plot twist—her ancestral home is suddenly snatched away by a frail but wily old Duke (who probably has one foot in the grave and the other on a dance floor). Worse still, his delightfully evil steward storms in, hiking up rents, threatening tenants, and spreading fear.
But when young women start vanishing, it’s clear something far darker is at play.
Grace is done.Like any self-respecting spinster with a bone to pick, she pens a furious, blistering, no-holds-barred letter to the elusive Duke, demanding justice.

What could possibly go wrong? ( Everything.)

Instead of resolving matters, her letter ignites a chain of treachery, peril, and wildly unforeseen consequences. Days later, her beloved cook, Melissa, disappears without a trace—and Grace can’t shake the sickening suspicion that her strongly worded correspondence invited danger straight to their door.

Determined to set things right (and possibly prevent more kidnappings through sheer stubbornness), she embarks on a reckless quest for the truth. The only logical solution? Disguise herself as a no-nonsense old maid and do a little sleuthing.
Except… there’s one tiny problem. Before she can even begin, she crosses paths with the man of business, Gabriel Stone—maddeningly handsome, dangerously charming, and entirely too mysterious for his own good.

Friend or foe? She hasn’t the faintest clue.

👀 Unfortunately, the spinster who notices everything… has just been noticed by Gabriel Stone himself. Between dodging unwanted suitors, managing an estate she no longer owns, and keeping her younger sister from running off with the first charming rogue with a well-tied cravat, Grace barely has time for murder. But when danger comes knocking, time is running out.
Will she unravel the mystery before she’s the next to disappear?

Or will she lose her home—and her heart—to the one man she cannot trust?

My Review: 

I really enjoyed this Regency cozy mystery. This checked all the boxes for me. Not only did it have villains and plot twists, but it also had clean romance and humor. I loved all of the characters, beginning with Grace and her sister, to Gabriel Stone, to the endearing staff at the Skye ancestral home. The red herrings were placed at just the right points in the story and kept me interested in seeing if I was right about who was the nefarious villain. I especially liked the exciting conclusion of the case and recommend reading this book. I hope there will be more books to follow by the author.

Mild swear words, kidnapping

I received a complimentary copy of the book through BookSirens. All opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.

The Crime Brûlée Bakeoff

BOOK DESCRIPTION

An unexpected romance. A haunting mystery. Pastries to die for.

When Claire Walker is selected to be a contestant on the immensely popular cooking show, Britain’s Battle of the Bakers, she is thrilled. She can’t wait to spend eight enchanting weeks baking at the picturesque estate of Blackfirth Park. She can almost smell the fresh pastries wafting through the air as she and her fellow contestants use historical equipment to bring pre-1900s recipes to life. If she can win the fifty thousand pounds, she’ll be able to ditch her teaching job and launch her baking career.  

The Viscount of Colburn, Jonathan Ainsley, is the custodian of Blackfirth Park and an eligible bachelor. With his family’s income dwindling, he reluctantly agrees to host the entire production team, but he refuses to participate since he’s had enough of single women who see him as nothing more than a potential conquest. But when a contestant is found dead soon after filming begins, Jonathan is forced to get involved. To make matters worse, the baker’s death is eerily similar to the legendary death of the tenth Viscountess of Colburn two hundred and fifty years earlier, which sends rumors racing through the estate.

Even as suspicion falls on some of the bakers, a decidedly different kind of heat begins to simmer between Claire and Jonathan. If they are to have any hope of a future romance, they must first solve the mystery before the show gets canceled or someone else falls prey to the Blackfirth Park ghost.

AUTHOR BIO

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than three dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University, and is a hot cocoa addict. You can connect with Rebecca on her website RebeccaConnolly.com.

My Review: 

I loved the setting of a television baking contest as a whodunit. The Great British Baking Show has been a favorite of mine, so it was fun to imagine what it would be like if there was a murder that occurred during the taping. Ms. Connolly made the show come alive with the baking terms, the challenges the contestants faced, and having one of the contestants to help with the investigation. There are recipes in the back of the story, which is a delicious addition! 

I loved the detecting duo and budding romance of Claire Walker and the brooding viscount, Jonny.  With the old mill and an unsolved murder from centuries ago, you’re sure to enjoy unraveling the mystery yourself. I recommend readers from teens through mature readers grab your favorite baked good, a cup of tea, and this book for an enjoyable afternoon of mystery. 

I received a copy of this cozy mystery book from the publisher through AustenProse. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Good News! There is a Giveaway on my Instagram page to enter for a chance to a print copy of the book and a $20 Amazon gift card!  There are also two runner up prizes!  https://www.instagram.com/booklooks_lisa/

There Comes a Midnight Hour

Description: 

Cloaked in the shadows at a midnight masquerade, a killer lies in wait. Dancers waltz to and fro—completely unaware of the danger lurking in their midst.

Paris 1888

Mira Blayse had always dreamed of going to Paris, but she never imagined a murderer would lead her to the City of Light. Reunited with Byron, the two of them delve into the heart of Parisian society, determined to ensure that justice is served, no matter the cost.

Yet, as they uncover the intricate web of deception woven by the Order of Circe and their operatives, Mira finds herself ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With tensions mounting and secrets unraveling on every side, the key to unlocking the truth lies in the identity of one of Circe’s leaders—the enigmatic Number Three. But in a world of false faces and hidden agendas, can Mira uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Review: 

I love the dynamic sleuthing duo of Mira Blayse and Byron Constantine! As the two continue their search for an unstable killer and member of the secret criminal organization, Circe, I was totally a part of their investigation. I loved the search for clues and the people and places they encounter. Pages were turning at a high rate of speed for me. 

Things to love: 

the masquerade ball

the catacombs

danger 

correspondence

continued courtship

plot twists

I highly recommend reading this third book in the series but do so in order. There is a lot of backstory you will need to know in order to follow the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! This is a book that lovers of Sherlock Holmes or historical mysteries will want to add to their collection. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book through BookSirens. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Murder in Season

 Book Description:

Join Countess turned advice columnist Amelia Amesbury as she tries to juggle a new Season and a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.

"A beautiful debutante, a wealthy widow, and a dead would-be baron. What could be more exciting?"

Countess by day, secret advice columnist by night, Amelia Amesbury has life happily balanced on a quill's edge . . . until her sister Margaret shows up in London under a blanket of scandal and Amelia is catapulted out of mourning and into the ton's unforgiving Season.

However Madge's Season debut is marred by a rather inconvenient death at the dining table as the infamous Mr Radcliffe takes ill and is later confirmed dead by poisoning. With Madge being the last person to have cross words with the soon-to-be baron, the ton's gossip mill - and the police - are looking to pin the murder on her.

Adding to the ton's troubles is a jewellery thief targeting the most lavish of Society's houses. Is the murderer and the thief one in the same? It falls to Amelia once again to uncover the secrets buried deep within the pages before her sister goes down for the crimes.

Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey

My Review:

Lady Amelia is quite unique. She is a widowed noble, writes an advice column for the newspaper under a nom de plume, as well as an amateur detective. I enjoyed her sleuthing and reading her advice at the beginning of each chapter. I liked that she wasn’t afraid to call people out if they needed it when asking for advice. 

Amelia is surprised when her mother and unconventional sister, Madge, come for an unexpected visit. Even more surprising is when Madge is left in Amelia’s care and is expected to attend the societal season. She is quite the hoot as she says whatever is on her mind and has a temper too. That temper of hers lands her in hot water and she becomes the number one suspect for the murder of a guest. It’s a very good thing that Amelia won’t stand by and see her sister take the blame for his demise. With many suspects and not a lot of answers, Amelia has to use all of her wits to discover the killer.

I enjoyed that there were two mysteries for Amelia to solve and I also liked the budding romance between her and a good friend, Simon. I am sure this will continue in books that will follow.This is the third book in the Lady of Letters series but can be read as a standalone because the author gives details from previous books. There is mild swearing and a reference to a gay character as a possible reason for the murder.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through AustenProse. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a review.

AUTHOR BIO

Mary Winters is the author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series, two cozy mystery series, and several short stories. A longtime reader of historical fiction, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she's been busily planning her next mystery - and another trip!