Friday, July 20, 2018

Four Funerals and Maybe A Wedding by Rhys Bowen

A delight and a must read! Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding from author Rhys Bowen is a spectacular read. I have loved this series since book one and they truly just blow my mind with each new book. This one is well thought out and full of twists and turns as well as that perfect cozy happy ending. Main Character Lady Georgiana is very easy to relate too, very much the unsuspecting sleuth, and all around amazing lady. In this book she is about to marry, still pretty much penniless and very much an important behind the scenes royal. I love her storyline, her best friend, mother and grandfather. As a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and cousin of the King, Lady Georgiana does a great job of leading by example and being incredibly lucky. Her bridesmaids sure gave me a smile! I think this is such a great series and I hope you will love it too. This one is out August 7th. I love this cover.

In the days leading up to her wedding to Darcy O'Mara, Lady Georgiana Rannoch takes on the responsibilities of a grand estate, but proving she can run a household just may be the death of her in the new Royal Spyness Mystery from the New York Timesbestselling author of On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service.If only Darcy and I had eloped! What I thought would be a simple wedding has been transformed into a grand affair, thanks to the attendance of the queen, who has offered up the princesses as bridesmaids. Silly me! I thought that withdrawing from the royal line of succession would simplify my life. But before Darcy and I tie the knot in front of queen and country, we have to find a place to live as man and wife...House hunting turns out to be a pretty grim affair. Just as we start to lose hope, my globetrotting godfather offers us his fully staffed country estate. Mistress of Eynsleigh I shall be! With Darcy off in parts unknown, I head to Eynsleigh alone, only to have my hopes dashed. The grounds are in disarray and the small staff is suspiciously incompetent. Not to mention the gas tap leak in my bedroom, which I can only imagine was an attempt on my life. Something rotten is afoot--and bringing the place up to snuff may put me six feet under before I even get a chance to walk down the aisle...

You can Four Funerals and Maybe A Wedding on Amazon by clicking here.
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

A Guest Post from The Cat and Dog Cozy Mystery Tour...



GIVEAWAY details are farther down.

Hello from the cat and dog cozy mystery series authors, and thank you, Karen, for inviting us to join you today! Today we're turning the floor over to the starring animals in our series to find out their answers to the question "How would you describe yourself?"

Paige Sleuth's Matty
Matty the tortoiseshell, head cat in Paige Sleuth's Cozy Cat Caper Mystery series: My name is Matty, and I'm adorable. With yellow-and-brown markings, a white chin, bright green eyes, and a gray-striped tail, I'm irresistible to humans. That might sound smug, but it's true. Ask anyone. I'm also extremely intelligent. I've even helped to solve a few local crimes. I'm much smarter than my brother Tom, who wastes a lot of his time trying to get people to pet him and rub his belly. He doesn't seem to understand that humans will come to you if you wait long enough. Tom also isn't nearly as pretty as I am, but then again, who is?

Hamish the Maine Coon, head cat in Alannah Rogers's Beatrice Young Cozy Cat Mysteries: Hi, I'm Hamish—a Maine Coon cat with golden eyes. I was here first and now somehow I've ended up with 3 cat siblings. We all get along okay, though I'm my owner Beatrice's #1. Helping her solve crimes is a lot of fun but my top priority is always to protect her. She is always ending up in scrapes and it's up to me to prevent tigers from eating her, bad guys from poisoning her, and a million other things! Protecting Beatrice is a full-time job but she's my best friend, I would never in a million years wish for anything different. Except for when she dresses me up in costumes; I could really do without that.

Tammy L. Grace's Gus
Gus the golden retriever, head dog in Tammy L. Grace's Cooper Harrington Detective novels: I'm an excellent listener, fit and strong, but very gentle. I've got soft brown eyes, and my fur is on the redder side of gold. I enjoy long walks and runs in the park and all sorts of food, especially the treats at the dog-friendly bakery. Coop says I'm a chowhound, but I try not to beg. I love spending time with my humans, riding in Coop's Jeep, and working our cases.

Sandra Baublitz's Paw
Paw the Saint Bernard, head dog in Sandra Baublitz's Dog Detective series: I'm large, lovable, and intelligent. Brave too. (Just don't mention Pomeranians. They're scary.) I am protective of my owner and a good-will ambassador, greeting new friends, and slurping old ones. Some say I am mischievous, but I don't think so. Garden dug up? I was doing my job searching for clues because I am a mystery-loving pooch.

Snickerdoodle the corgi, head dog in Meredith Potts's Daley Buzz series: I am a stumpy little bundle of fun. You need someone to fetch a ball for you? I'm your guy. Feel like taking a walk? I'm so there. Just want to chill out and relax? I'm up for a nap.

Alison Golden's Biscuit
Biscuit the ginger tabby, head cat in Alison Golden's Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mystery series: My name is Biscuit and I am a church cat, a ginger tabby. I am six years old, sturdy, and fearless. I tear around the house every evening at 9pm. It's when I get my exercise which I do to assuage my penchant for cupcakes. I was born in the village of Upton St. Mary and my job is to find the sunniest places in the village to sleep. I will admit I'm a bit of a diva and mercurial. Loyalty is not my best quality. I don't like loud commotion or change. Humans often don't notice me or think I'm paying attention but I am. I am the perfect sidekick. I hide in plain sight. My human is a little needy but a good owner. She feeds me regularly which is the main thing.

Dizzy the Labrador hound mix, head dog in Sandi Scott's Seagrass Sweets Cozy Mysteries: I'm a fun-loving, silly, high-energy dog whose accidental discoveries always seem to help my human. I love spending time running at the park and going for a dip in the gulf coast. My human, Ashley, gets nervous about the crocodiles hiding in the tall Seagrass, but I know I could outrun any of them.

Charli the Siamese, head cat in Claire Kane's Siamese Sleuth Mystery series: I'm often underestimated, since I'm no scaredy putty tat. I'll face danger head on, claws out. I maintain my sleek cream-colored fur and dark leggings with proper washings. At night you might see my jewel-like blue eyes reflecting the stars, as I watch you from my balcony. If you're up to no good, I will find out, and bring you to justice. Other than this, I get along with anybody, including dogs, especially the Scottish terrier next door who likes to think he's from Scotland.

Kathi Daley's Tilly
Tilly the golden retriever, head dog in Kathi Daley's Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series: I am a kick back sort of gal. Loyal to a fault. I am always happy to do anything my human asks, which more often than not, involves playing nursemaid to the strays that find their way into our home. Tess and I go everywhere together, which is a good thing, since she has a tendency to get caught up in dangerous situations. As her sleuthing sidekick, I am always on hand to help out.

Colleen Mooney's Meaux
Meaux the Schnauzer, head dog in Colleen Mooney's New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles: I'm a very handsome, all black Schnauzer with a solid, muscular build. I'm very smart and know exactly what needs to be done to guard our house. I am Chief of Security. I have nice neck scarves, sweaters, and winter coats I wear when we go for walks and costumes for the parades we are always going to in New Orleans. I've heard Moonpie refer to me as His Meaux-ness when we are all ready to go to a Yappy Hour or a parade. Here I am in my beer wagon for Oktoberfest!


Readers, how would you describe your animals, or how do you think they would describe themselves? If you don't have any animals, tell us about a past pet or an animal in your extended family. GIVEAWAY: Each author is giving away one ebook during the blog tour, and every blog you comment on earns you another chance to win (only one comment per person per blog will be counted for giveaway purposes). Ten ebooks = ten different winners! Please include your email address with your comment so we can reach you if you win.

Learn more about us, our books, and our characters by visiting all of our blog tour stops. If you've missed any stops along the way, feel free to go back now and catch up. And remember, each tour post you comment on by July 27, 2018 earns you another chance to win one of our ebooks.

July 5, 2018: Bibliophile Reviews
July 6, 2018: Chicks on the Case
July 9, 2018: Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, and Meows
July 12, 2018: Dru's Book Musings
July 14, 2018: Lisa Ks Book Reviews
July 16, 2018: Brooke Blogs
July 18, 2018: A Cup of Tea and a Cozy Mystery
July 20, 2018: MJB Reviewers
July 23, 2018: Thoughts in Progress
July 25, 2018: Escape With Dollycas


About the Authors

Paige Sleuth writes the Cozy Cat Caper Mystery series. She plots murder during the day and fights for mattress space with her two rescue cats at night. When not attending to her cats' demands, she writes.

Alannah Rogers writes the Beatrice Young Cozy Cat Mysteries. The heroine of her stories is Beatrice Young, a 64-year-old amateur sleuth and Cozy Cat Cafe owner who lives in the small town of Ashbrook, New Hampshire with her 4 cats: Hamish, Lucky, Petunia, and Simon. The first book in her series is only 99 cents, and fans can stay connected through her Readers Group.

Tammy L. Grace is the award-winning author of the Cooper Harrington Detective Novels and the Hometown Harbor Series. Join Tammy's exclusive reader group, and she'll send you a fun interview with the dogs from her books as a FREE thank-you gift.

Sandra Baublitz loves writing mysteries with furry detective crime-solvers. Her first Dog Detective short story, The Mystery of the Blue Dolphins, featuring Paw and Clarissa, is always free to download.

Meredith Potts writes the Daley Buzz Cozy Mystery series. She loves corgis, cozies, and cupcakes. Sign up for her mailing list and be the first to know about her new books.

Alison Golden is a writer, blogger and mother of two. To get a free copy of Death at the Café, the prequel to the Reverend Annabelle Dixon cozy mystery series featuring Biscuit, the church cat, plus two more books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, please sign up for the Cozy Mysteries Insider mailing list.

Sandi Scott spent a lifetime reading cozy mysteries before finding the courage to write them. She writes about the women she wants to be and the pets she wants to meet! To get the first book in both of her series free, join the readers' group Sandi's Sleuths.

Claire Kane is a connoisseur of classic fashion statements, craves a good rootbeer float, and always chews with her mouth closed. Of course, she also has a weak spot for murder mysteries.

Kathi Daley is the USA Today bestselling author of eight mystery series, including the Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series and the Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series. She writes cozy mysteries that warm your heart and feed your soul.

Colleen Mooney writes the New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles humorous mysteries and loves to travel. An avid animal lover, she also directs and manages a New Orleans Schnauzer rescue.

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Burglars & Blintzes by Morgan C. Talbot

 I just finished the most wonderful cozy mystery by Morgan C. Talbot. Her  2nd in series Burglars & Blintzes was released today and this is a spectacular follow up. This amazing read takes place on the West Coast of the USA in a wonderful Seaside town. The plot, subplot and mysteries are so well woven. The characters and the food mentioned in this book are drool worthy. Main character Pippa is well rounded, curious, serious and vulnerable and determined. Did I mention her actual job is running a B&B that caters only to authors? I love her uncle and sister in this series as well as her love interest and his ex, who just happens to be in charge of the police department...Burglars & Blintzes is a wonderful summer read.
Moorehaven is swarming with guests during summer’s last hurrah, and Pippa has her hands full at the mystery-author B&B. When her gossip-group connections inform her that a local construction project has unearthed a skeleton with a pocketful of Spanish gold, the news spreads, and treasure hunters flood the beaches. But the skeleton has a more recent connection to the area than anyone suspected, unearthing a shameful secret that hits far too close to home.A marine salvage team rolls into town, seeking the rest of the treasure. When they hire Pippa’s boyfriend, Lake, to be their pilot, the team’s pretty spelunker quickly stakes a claim, rousing Pippa’s jealousy. But Pippa’s been playing tug-of-war over Lake ever since his ex-wife, Mallory Tavish, became the new acting chief of police.When a killer’s strike brings tragedy to Moorehaven’s door, Pippa must rally her friends, family, and mystery-writing guests to catch the murderer before she loses someone she can’t live without and all the warmth of summer dies with one last gasp.

I am not an Amazon Affiliate but you can find this on Amazon by clicking here. 

Thank you for joining me here for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery review I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Saturday, July 7, 2018

A Dark and Twisting Path by Julia Buckley.

I loved Julia Buckley's A Dark and Twisting Path. A read with all the feels, great suspense, mystery and ending. A favorite series for sure! Loved everything about it cover, title, characters and more.The idea of the writers apprentice series, really appealed to me from book one. From the first page of the first book to the last page of A Dark and Twisting Path, Julia captures the main character Lena perfectly, she is relatable, loveable, curious and calm. She is smart, creative and loyal. Through the three books the store arc really ebbs and flows and the books are a joy to read. A Dark and Twisting Path comes out  July 31st and it is a great summer read!
Writer's apprentice Lena London is happily working on a new collaboration with her idol and bestselling suspense novelist and friend Camilla Graham, but her joy is short-lived when a dark cloud descends upon the quaint town of Blue Lake, Indiana...

Lena's best friend, Allison, is in a panic. On a walk in the woods by her home, Allison discovers the body of her mail carrier, an argumentative man who recently had a falling out with Allison's husband. Lena quickly realizes that Allison has nothing to worry about as the murder weapon points to a different suspect altogether: Lena's embattled boyfriend, Sam West. 

Sam was cleared of his wife's murder when she was found alive, and now someone is trying to make him look guilty again. Surveillance video of a break-in at his house shows a shadowy figure trying to incriminate him by stealing the weapon from his desk. Lena and Camilla work on a suspect list, but a threatening note and a violent intrusion at Graham House prove that the devious killer has decided to write them into the plot.


You can pre order on Amazon (I am not an affiliate) by clicking here.

Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley


I had a chance to look over and review Scandal Above Stairs this weekend.
This book came out July 3rd and is the second in the Below Stairs Mystery Series by Jennifer Ashley. If you love period mysteries then this is a series for you. The setting and characters are so easy to picture and the mystery keeps you guessing. Pick this one up for a great weekend or cottage read. 
From the New York Times bestselling author of Death Below Stairs

A mystery of stolen antiquities has Kat Holloway setting aside her apron once again for the intrigues of the upper echelons of Victorian London


Priceless artwork has gone missing from the home of a wealthy baronet, and his wife stands to take the blame. When Kat's employer asks for help in clearing her friend's name, Kat trades her kitchen for the homes of Mayfair's wealthiest families. Soon antiques are disappearing not only from the extravagant households of connoisseurs and collectors, but from the illustrious British Museum.

As the thefts increase in frequency, Kat calls upon her friend Daniel McAdam, who has already set himself up in a pawnshop on the Strand as a seedy receiver of stolen goods. When a man is murdered in the shop, Kat must use all of her wits to see that the thieves are caught and justice is done.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Italian Iced by Kylie Logan

Over the last week I read Italian Iced by Kylie Logan, this is the third book in the Ethnic Eats Series which came out June 26th. I love the main character in this book, a former foster child who now runs a Ethnic themed eatery whos menu changes each month. Her former employer ends up dead and it is almost impossible to not find someone with a motive for her death. A touch of wonderful romance, a great cozy mystery and wonderful food. This one is a great series to beach read.



Hot pasta and a cold corpse make for quite a combination in the latest book in the Ethnic Eats mystery series.When Laurel Inwood features Italian cuisine on the Terminal at the Tracks menu, she knows she'll need to stock the shelves, the fridge, and the freezer with plenty of wonderful delicacies. She just never expected one of them to be her former employer, Hollywood superstar Meghan Cohan.And one day, when Laurel is at the restaurant early to get ready for the regular rush of customers, that's exactly what she finds--Meghan dead in the Terminal freezer.What's a Hollywood A-lister doing in Hubbard, Ohio? For Laurel, that's the real question, because the first question she'd ask in any other murder investigation--who would want the victim dead?--seems pretty much a no-brainer in this case.Who would want Meghan dead?Just about anybody who had ever met her.