There is a lot to be thankful for in this quirky whodunit of the Paramour Bay Mysteries by USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne…
Cornbread dressing, candied yams, and creamy mashed potatoes are just some of the delicious side dishes that will be served at the table this Thanksgiving holiday…and you'll also want to get ready for Leo's mystery dish!
Unfortunately, no one counted on a taste-testing judge keeling over after sampling the cranberry sauce in a side dish competition held days before the grand holiday meal. Raven, Mr. Leo, and the gang might need to call upon the new coven members to help figure out this murder mystery!
You'll want to enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream to top off this season's magical tale!
Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
Book 25 in this long-running magical, cosy mystery series. I've read all the books so far, so it was lovely to revisit Paramour Bay again, and say hello to some loveable characters, especially Mr Leo and his VVBF Beetle ( his Vampire Very Best Friend) who just happens to be Raven's Mum's new husband!
Raven, a witch, lives in Paramour Bay and runs the tea shop her grandmother left her. She didn't know she was a witch until she moved there, so she was initially startled that the cat, Mr Leo, could understand her, much less he could communicate telepathically! This also caused issues with Ravens Mum, Regina, because her and Mr Leo have history, and he doesn't keep his opinions to himself.
A newcomer to the area, a witch called Ivy Rose, is causing some issues with Regina; she's convinced Ivy is up to no good and is waiting to harness Raven's magic. When a murder occurs a few days before Thanksgiving, Raven is determined to solve it, so she and her newly wed husband, Liam (also the towns Sheriff), can enjoy the celebrations.
It's a really good series, easy to read with lots of laughs along the way, mainly at the expense of Mr Leo. All the books are standalone mysteries, however, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
Cranberry Blend (Paramour Bay Book #25) The Paramour Bay Series by Kennedy Layne proved to be full of fun cozy mysteries full of paranormal intrigue, and heartwarming charm. Set in the enchanting seaside town of Paramour Bay, the series follows Raven Marigold, who is a relatable and endearing character who discovers she’s a witch. From the very first book, I was drawn into a world filled with magical mishaps, quirky townsfolk, and a touch of humor that kept the tone light and engaging. Paramour Bay came alive with its quaint shops, mysterious coves, and a community that’s as eccentric as it is lovable. Ms. Layne’s writing style is approachable and immersive, making it so easy for me to lose myself in the pages (in a great way – NOT in a ‘I have no idea of what’s going on’ way 😊). Each book introduces a new mystery, often tied to the supernatural, and the twists are clever without being overly complex - perfect for fans of cozy mysteries. So, whether you’re a fan of paranormal tales, cozy mysteries, or simply looking for a feel-good series to curl up with, Paramour Bay is a magical escape that will leave you smiling. It’s a perfect brew of mystery, magic, and heart. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a touch of whimsy with their whodunits. Let the Binge Begin. Happy Reading…
This had mystery, intrigue, humor, and a little bit of magic thrown in
4.5 stars
This was so good.
Even though I am jumping way into the series, I was immediately locked in, understanding everything and not being confused with anything in this book. It was really easy to get into.
Between a sassy familiar cat, the paranormal elements and the mystery, I was immediately hooked. All these elements were just so interesting and compelling that it just made it easy to read and enjoy. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Leo, the cat definitely stole the show as he set out to help solve the mystery. He brought the humor. He made me laugh so much with both his antics and sayings. He really was the heart of the story and a big help solving the mystery.
There was a time crunch to the mystery too, which up the urgency and the stakes, of solving it by Thanksgiving. Having that time limit really upped the pacing too so there wasn’t a lot of filler. I liked that.
I liked that this was a Thanksgiving cozy. It was subtle, but it was very much there. The touches of the holiday just added another wonderful layer to the story.
2.25 stars. I almost didn’t finish this after the first page as I was not impressed by the writing style. It was mildly amusing, though cheesy, but overall it was very “meh.” I will say I have not read any of the others in the series so that could have something to do with my opinion, however, this one (even with a mild cliffhanger at the end) does not make me want to read more. I found it lacking and easy to put down overall.
Another read in this wonderful series! Another murder solved. But also another mystery to uncover. The torture is waiting for the release of the next book to fill in the blanks. It's true torture! Why not sooner or now? I have no choice but to wait while reading one of her other series.
If you are looking for a quick Thanksgiving theme read, this is a cute option. However, the mystery is a little shallow. I don't think the subplot gave the main story enough breathing room. But I may also feel this way because I have never read another book in the series. I did enjoy the banter between Raven and her cat.
This isn’t the first book in the series, but it is the fist one I’ve read. It works okay as a standalone, but I wasn’t impressed enough with the characters to see what I’ve missed. The mystery was interesting, although the characters seemed to reach their conclusions offstage so to speak, so it was hard to follow their reasoning.