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Haunted Craft Fair Mystery #2
Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua
There’s a killer in the picture . . .
Celeste Cabot has a flair for painting—and a touch of paranormal talent too. She’s just arrived to sell her artwork at a big craft fair in North Carolina, complete with rides, games, and deep-fried everything. But the sunny landscape takes on a darker hue when her Chihuahua, Van Gogh, leads her to the riverbank—and to a body that was definitely not part of her design.
With help from a handsome fellow artist, Celeste sets out to draw the brazen killer onto her canvas. She’ll need to balance the victim’s past, a suspected love triangle, and a long-ago accident—and also consult with a medium and a spirit—to try to paint a murderous fiend into a corner . . .
Includes tips and recipes!
Praise for Rose Pressey and the Haunted Vintage Mysteries
“An amusing paranormal cozy, filled with quirky characters and fashion, along with a few ghosts.”
— Library Journal
"A delightful protagonist, intriguing twists, and a fashionista ghost combine in a hauntingly fun tale."
—Carolyn Hart
“Snappy dialogue and well-drawn characters in a lovely small-town setting."
—Jenn McKinlay
Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
Celeste Cabot has a flair for painting—and a touch of paranormal talent too. She’s just arrived to sell her artwork at a big craft fair in North Carolina, complete with rides, games, and deep-fried everything. But the sunny landscape takes on a darker hue when her Chihuahua, Van Gogh, leads her to the riverbank—and to a body that was definitely not part of her design.
With help from a handsome fellow artist, Celeste sets out to draw the brazen killer onto her canvas. She’ll need to balance the victim’s past, a suspected love triangle, and a long-ago accident—and also consult with a medium and a spirit—to try to paint a murderous fiend into a corner . . .
Includes tips and recipes!
Praise for Rose Pressey and the Haunted Vintage Mysteries
“An amusing paranormal cozy, filled with quirky characters and fashion, along with a few ghosts.”
— Library Journal
"A delightful protagonist, intriguing twists, and a fashionista ghost combine in a hauntingly fun tale."
—Carolyn Hart
“Snappy dialogue and well-drawn characters in a lovely small-town setting."
—Jenn McKinlay
Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
43 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Rose Pressey Betancourt
91 books1,384 followersRose Pressey Betancourt is a USA Today Bestselling author. She enjoys writing quirky and fun novels with a paranormal twist. The paranormal has always captured her interest. The thought of finding answers to the unexplained fascinates her.
When she's not writing quirky and fun mysteries, she loves eating cupcakes with sprinkles, reading, spending time with family, and listening to oldies from the fifties.
Rose lives in the beautiful commonwealth of Kentucky.
When she's not writing quirky and fun mysteries, she loves eating cupcakes with sprinkles, reading, spending time with family, and listening to oldies from the fifties.
Rose lives in the beautiful commonwealth of Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 18, 2020
Celeste Cabot is an artist in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She has remodeled a small travel trailer so that she and her adorable Chihuahua, Van Gogh, can travel to craft fairs and sell her paintings. She has a unique psychic ability and can summon ghosts through her paintings. In this second installment of the Haunted Craft Fair Mystery series, Celeste has arrived at a big craft fair in North Carolina. But the fun-filled day, complete with rides, games, and deep-fried everything, turns into a nightmare when Van Gogh leads her to a body by the river. With the help of a ghost, a medium, and Detective Caleb, Celeste is determined to catch the killer.
This is a fun and lighthearted paranormal cozy, with a unique setting and quirky characters. The author's writing style is easy, engaging, and filled with humor. I found Celeste to be a likable main character, however, I would like to see her be more responsible in her sleuthing. I really enjoyed her interactions with her family. I am very intrigued by her father's ability to sense ghosts and would love to see the author explore this storyline in the future. The ghost Ama was also a very enjoyable character, and I was very sad to see her go. I know many readers dislike this trope, but I personally love a good love triangle and look forward to seeing what's in store for Celeste and her two love interests. Although, I think it's pretty obvious who she's going to choose. The murder mystery was intriguing, with enough suspects and twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was unable to figure out who the culprit was, so the reveal came as a complete surprise to me.
Overall, this was a very light, enjoyable mystery and I eagerly await the third book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun and lighthearted paranormal cozy, with a unique setting and quirky characters. The author's writing style is easy, engaging, and filled with humor. I found Celeste to be a likable main character, however, I would like to see her be more responsible in her sleuthing. I really enjoyed her interactions with her family. I am very intrigued by her father's ability to sense ghosts and would love to see the author explore this storyline in the future. The ghost Ama was also a very enjoyable character, and I was very sad to see her go. I know many readers dislike this trope, but I personally love a good love triangle and look forward to seeing what's in store for Celeste and her two love interests. Although, I think it's pretty obvious who she's going to choose. The murder mystery was intriguing, with enough suspects and twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was unable to figure out who the culprit was, so the reveal came as a complete surprise to me.
Overall, this was a very light, enjoyable mystery and I eagerly await the third book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2020
Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua by Rose Pressey is the second book in the paranormal cozy Haunted Craft Fair Mysteries series. As with most cozy series each of the books in this series features it’s own mystery that will be fully solved within the book so each can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.
Celeste Cabot is an artist who has bought herself a small travel trailer in which she and her dog spend most of their time traveling from craft fair to craft fair. This allows Celeste the ability to spend her days painting as she sits in her booth outside the trailer at the fairs actually trying to sell her work to customers.One day at a fair however Celeste has a customer return one of her paintings claiming it is haunted and makes mysterious things happen.
After investigating her paintings closer Celeste learns that there are hidden images within that she doesn’t purposely paint, weirder still somehow these paintings can summon ghosts. At the newest fair Celeste is attending Celeste decides to take a quick walk but when off by herself she finds the body of a woman that has been murdered which leads to another ghost coming out of her painting to help her solve the murder.
Being one that loves a quirky cozy the Haunted Craft Fair Mysteries series is another that is right up my alley. I love the touch of paranormal involved with Celeste having ghostly help in crime solving and the series also has all those other fun elements, laughs, cute critters and a interesting mystery with plenty of suspects. I do wish though we wouldn’t head towards a love triangle angle to this one but otherwise I’ll definitely be back for more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Celeste Cabot is an artist who has bought herself a small travel trailer in which she and her dog spend most of their time traveling from craft fair to craft fair. This allows Celeste the ability to spend her days painting as she sits in her booth outside the trailer at the fairs actually trying to sell her work to customers.One day at a fair however Celeste has a customer return one of her paintings claiming it is haunted and makes mysterious things happen.
After investigating her paintings closer Celeste learns that there are hidden images within that she doesn’t purposely paint, weirder still somehow these paintings can summon ghosts. At the newest fair Celeste is attending Celeste decides to take a quick walk but when off by herself she finds the body of a woman that has been murdered which leads to another ghost coming out of her painting to help her solve the murder.
Being one that loves a quirky cozy the Haunted Craft Fair Mysteries series is another that is right up my alley. I love the touch of paranormal involved with Celeste having ghostly help in crime solving and the series also has all those other fun elements, laughs, cute critters and a interesting mystery with plenty of suspects. I do wish though we wouldn’t head towards a love triangle angle to this one but otherwise I’ll definitely be back for more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 18, 2020
I enjoy this unusual cozy mystery. At times, the pacing is slow; however, the protagonist’s paranormal paintings capture my attention as they help solve the murder mystery. I love the mighty little chihuahua❣️ I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
November 28, 2022
Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua is book 2 in the Haunted Craft Fair Mystery series! Fans of paranormal cozies with unique settings are sure to enjoy this series! I love how each book takes place at a different craft fair in North Carolina where the heroine sells her paintings. I also love how no matter how hard she tries to stay away from murders they keep happening around her. Good thing she’s excellent at following the clues as she once again solves the mystery before the local police! A little far-fetched yes, but that’s what makes these cozies so fun! Regular everyday people can solve murders too! I can’t wait to read the next one.
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Cozy Mysteries
• Paranormal Cozies
• Crafting Hobby/Painting in cozies
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Cozy Mysteries
• Paranormal Cozies
• Crafting Hobby/Painting in cozies
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 17, 2020
Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua is the second book in the new paranormal series written by Rose Pressey and published by Kensington Books.
I truly enjoyed the first book in this series. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the second. As paranormal books go, it just didn’t have the main ingredients to hold my full attention. The main character seems to have become less intelligent and far too careless. She doesn’t grasp the need to be cautious when dealing with possible murder suspects and runs headlong into danger at every given turn. There is a feel of childishness to all the characters, but Celeste is the worst out of all. Neither the suspects nor the investigators are mature, and this gives the entire book the feel of being written for tweens instead of adults.
The premise of this second book is very similar to the first. Celeste comes across a body while working a craft fair; a ghost shows up out of a painting, and regardless of advice and warnings, she and the ghost go around asking, no demanding, answers to questions they have no right to ask. Ama, the ghost takes center stage in this paranormal story. She is not a good influence on Celeste and gets her into more danger. The suspects are blasé, to say the least, the motive quickly found out and the culprit, almost known from the beginning.
Come on, Ms. Pressey, I know you are a far better writer than this book proves, I’ve read your other material and enjoyed it! There was an excellent start to this series, and I hoped it would grow with the second book, but instead, it reads as if it is the first attempt by someone who has no idea what the story is about. I am a connoisseur of paranormal and witch based cozies. I could happily spend all my waking hours devouring each one, and let there be no doubt that I search high and low for new writers and books that fit into my favorite topic, and when I find one I read it several times to get a good feel for the characters and plots. Most of the time, I am happy with the result and encourage others to read the books as well. However, this series has disappointed me with this new edition, and I fear it will not improve with the third book. I am hoping that I am proven wrong, and the third book will be everything Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua was not.
I truly enjoyed the first book in this series. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the second. As paranormal books go, it just didn’t have the main ingredients to hold my full attention. The main character seems to have become less intelligent and far too careless. She doesn’t grasp the need to be cautious when dealing with possible murder suspects and runs headlong into danger at every given turn. There is a feel of childishness to all the characters, but Celeste is the worst out of all. Neither the suspects nor the investigators are mature, and this gives the entire book the feel of being written for tweens instead of adults.
The premise of this second book is very similar to the first. Celeste comes across a body while working a craft fair; a ghost shows up out of a painting, and regardless of advice and warnings, she and the ghost go around asking, no demanding, answers to questions they have no right to ask. Ama, the ghost takes center stage in this paranormal story. She is not a good influence on Celeste and gets her into more danger. The suspects are blasé, to say the least, the motive quickly found out and the culprit, almost known from the beginning.
Come on, Ms. Pressey, I know you are a far better writer than this book proves, I’ve read your other material and enjoyed it! There was an excellent start to this series, and I hoped it would grow with the second book, but instead, it reads as if it is the first attempt by someone who has no idea what the story is about. I am a connoisseur of paranormal and witch based cozies. I could happily spend all my waking hours devouring each one, and let there be no doubt that I search high and low for new writers and books that fit into my favorite topic, and when I find one I read it several times to get a good feel for the characters and plots. Most of the time, I am happy with the result and encourage others to read the books as well. However, this series has disappointed me with this new edition, and I fear it will not improve with the third book. I am hoping that I am proven wrong, and the third book will be everything Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua was not.
June 5, 2022
3.5 stars for this-another cute, cozy mystery solved by the very appealing Celeste.Celeste travels to various locations to sell her artwork at local fairs. Her paintings often also have small clues that surprise even her. She seems to be coming to terms with what may be a little bit of psychic ability, especially since she’s been communicating with ghosts. In this entry, a Native American girl ghost helps Celeste solve the murder of a young woman. There are plenty of suspects and clues to keep the reader guessing. I love Celeste and her crazy family adds to the enjoyment of the story. There’s also a bit of a romantic triangle that’s interesting. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next.
April 17, 2020
Good mystery, but the writing was a little confusing to me. Didn't really understand the main character's motivation for getting involved, after repeatedly being told by two police officers and her family that it was too dangerous. I liked the paranormal angle and the ghosts. Fun story!
October 29, 2023
I tried to like this series more, but I I'm done. The premise is good & and it could be really fun to read. To me, the accident prone family was too far over the top & added nothing to the story. The ghost seemed underdeveloped when they should have been intricate to the story. There seemed to be an underlying story with the two detectives, but there are so many gaps in the overall story it just did not work for me.
June 29, 2020
Celeste travels to a craft fair in nearby North Carolina. This is a big fair complete with rides and games. Celeste is still getting used to the idea that she has a unique psychic ability and can see ghosts and even call for them through her paintings. She hopes to put this new ability aside and enjoy the beautiful landscape around her. The bright sunny atmosphere quickly turns dark when her chihuahua, Van Gogh, leads her to a dead body. With the help of a few ghosts and her paintings, Celeste sets out to find the murderer.
This is a fun and entertaining paranormal cozy mystery. The characters are likable and have quirky personalities. Celeste’s psychic abilities are unique which helps to smoothly move the plot of the mystery along at a steady pace. There are several twists and turns to help keep the reader guessing at whodunit. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.
May 30, 2020
Fast, easy read but it was a mess! Celeste is supposed to be working at a craft fair. She’s rarely there because she’s sleuthing. The mystery just kind of gets wrapped up by accident. There’s a bunch of ghosts thrown in and then her quirky family. And if that’s not enough cozy tropes, let’s throw in some random recipes. Too much going on without anything really happening.
April 8, 2020
“Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua” is the 2nd instalment in the A Haunted Craft Fair series. I have always been a big fan of Rose Pressey from her “Mystic Cafe” series and “A Haunted Vintage Mystery” series. Her new series A Haunted Craft Fair is just as much fun to read.
There’s a killer in the picture . . .
Celeste Cabot has a flair for painting—and a touch of paranormal talent too. She’s just arrived to sell her artwork at a big craft fair in North Carolina, complete with rides, games, and deep-fried everything. But the sunny landscape takes on a darker hue when her Chihuahua, Van Gogh, leads her to the riverbank—and to a body that was definitely not part of her design.
With help from a handsome fellow artist, Celeste sets out to draw the brazen killer onto her canvas. She’ll need to balance the victim’s past, a suspected love triangle, and a long-ago accident—and also consult with a medium and a spirit—to try to paint a murderous fiend into a corner . . .
Includes tips and recipes!
I like Celeste she is fun and who wouldn’t love Van the Chihuahua! Plus we can’t forget her family now there’s a hoot and a half. Once again I was drawn in from the very beginning. We visit with Madame Gerard, the medium again and both Caleb and Pierce are on the scene to solve the murder and via for Celeste. (I do hope the love triangle is resolved in book 3)
The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.
I’m looking forward to the 3rd instalment MURDER CAN HAUNT YOUR HANDIWORK !
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all my friends who love a bit of paranormal in their cozies and any fan of Rose Pressey.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s a killer in the picture . . .
Celeste Cabot has a flair for painting—and a touch of paranormal talent too. She’s just arrived to sell her artwork at a big craft fair in North Carolina, complete with rides, games, and deep-fried everything. But the sunny landscape takes on a darker hue when her Chihuahua, Van Gogh, leads her to the riverbank—and to a body that was definitely not part of her design.
With help from a handsome fellow artist, Celeste sets out to draw the brazen killer onto her canvas. She’ll need to balance the victim’s past, a suspected love triangle, and a long-ago accident—and also consult with a medium and a spirit—to try to paint a murderous fiend into a corner . . .
Includes tips and recipes!
I like Celeste she is fun and who wouldn’t love Van the Chihuahua! Plus we can’t forget her family now there’s a hoot and a half. Once again I was drawn in from the very beginning. We visit with Madame Gerard, the medium again and both Caleb and Pierce are on the scene to solve the murder and via for Celeste. (I do hope the love triangle is resolved in book 3)
The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.
I’m looking forward to the 3rd instalment MURDER CAN HAUNT YOUR HANDIWORK !
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all my friends who love a bit of paranormal in their cozies and any fan of Rose Pressey.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2020
Sometimes the paintings that Celeste Cabot sells at craft fairs have a little something extra in them. Something that she doesn't even realize she has done until viewed through a drinking glass. And somehow the something extra can summon ghosts. When painting a landscape at the river near the craft fair she is attending with her pink trailer and chihuahua, Van, she finds a body of a young woman. Solving the murder with the ghost of a Native American leads her into dangerous situations. Enjoyable, quick read with the right touch of the paranormal.Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2024
I love this series
August 11, 2024
I picked up the first book in this series because it looked quirky and fun. It was, but in the 2nd book, Celeste becomes the most paranoid, reckless and audacious amateur sleuth the world has ever known.
Literally every clue had her assuming the worst and pointing the murder finger at a different suspect, whether those accusations made sense or not. Even after a police and FBI officer tell her to back off, she continues investigating and sticking her nose into places it didn't belong.
It's almost amazing at how few repercussions she faced. And the ghost in this story was mostly useless in the plot - it felt as if the author just threw her in there to continue the "haunted craft fair" theme.
Anyways, I won't be continuing to read this series. The only reason I finished the story is because I was midly interested in the investigation, as the whole thing played out in a somewhat "Law and Order" fashion - suspects gave very specific answers and clues were easy to find. Otherwise, Celeste was simply too annoying to continue reading about.
Good reading to you.
Literally every clue had her assuming the worst and pointing the murder finger at a different suspect, whether those accusations made sense or not. Even after a police and FBI officer tell her to back off, she continues investigating and sticking her nose into places it didn't belong.
It's almost amazing at how few repercussions she faced. And the ghost in this story was mostly useless in the plot - it felt as if the author just threw her in there to continue the "haunted craft fair" theme.
Anyways, I won't be continuing to read this series. The only reason I finished the story is because I was midly interested in the investigation, as the whole thing played out in a somewhat "Law and Order" fashion - suspects gave very specific answers and clues were easy to find. Otherwise, Celeste was simply too annoying to continue reading about.
Good reading to you.
May 9, 2020
This is the second book in Pressey's new mystery series and admittedly, I have not read her books before this set.
Some things are consistent between the first and the second episode - Celeste is still going to camping craft shows with her pink pickup, pink and white trailer and Van, her white chihuahua. This one is in Cherokee, North Carolina which is about an hour away from her Gaitlinburg, TN home - - and yet she travels back to her home town to not only have dinner at her aunt's diner but to visit the town psychic at least twice. There's no good places-to-eat in Cherokee? Not even made up ones?
Her family still makes noises like she is a helpless and fragile female that needs to be protected and the heck with her dreams of profiting from her paintings. Nearly all are good at making sure she takes the guilt trip save maybe the aunt. Caleb the crafty cop is once again around - Celeste smothers him in mud as he helps get her truck out of a puddle. Also along is FBI agent Pierce, although why an FBI agent is investigating a local murder . . . .
And there is a ghost or two. And best friend Sammie. And of course, the stumbled upon murder.
This time, Celeste's amateur sleuthing is focused in the wrong direction and it gets her in massive amounts of trouble. There is one amusing scene where the murder victim's best friend is trying to investigate what happened because she doesn't feel the police are moving fast enough and Celeste actually gets a taste of what Caleb and Pierce experience with the amateur investigators. Pierce actually reminds her that she isn't Jessica Fletcher. Nice touch.
It's cute. It's a fast read but it seems . . . rather cliched. I didn't even try to keep track of the time passing since it was such a horror in the last book. At this point, even though I did like the book, I don't know if I'll purchase the third one which readers got a preview.
2020-091
Some things are consistent between the first and the second episode - Celeste is still going to camping craft shows with her pink pickup, pink and white trailer and Van, her white chihuahua. This one is in Cherokee, North Carolina which is about an hour away from her Gaitlinburg, TN home - - and yet she travels back to her home town to not only have dinner at her aunt's diner but to visit the town psychic at least twice. There's no good places-to-eat in Cherokee? Not even made up ones?
Her family still makes noises like she is a helpless and fragile female that needs to be protected and the heck with her dreams of profiting from her paintings. Nearly all are good at making sure she takes the guilt trip save maybe the aunt. Caleb the crafty cop is once again around - Celeste smothers him in mud as he helps get her truck out of a puddle. Also along is FBI agent Pierce, although why an FBI agent is investigating a local murder . . . .
And there is a ghost or two. And best friend Sammie. And of course, the stumbled upon murder.
This time, Celeste's amateur sleuthing is focused in the wrong direction and it gets her in massive amounts of trouble. There is one amusing scene where the murder victim's best friend is trying to investigate what happened because she doesn't feel the police are moving fast enough and Celeste actually gets a taste of what Caleb and Pierce experience with the amateur investigators. Pierce actually reminds her that she isn't Jessica Fletcher. Nice touch.
It's cute. It's a fast read but it seems . . . rather cliched. I didn't even try to keep track of the time passing since it was such a horror in the last book. At this point, even though I did like the book, I don't know if I'll purchase the third one which readers got a preview.
2020-091
April 18, 2020
This is the second book in the Haunted Craft Fair mysteries. Celeste is taken part in an end of season craft fair that is a very popular. The first day on a walk in the nearby woods she finds a body. Caleb is on site and comes to help. Celeste paints and brings a spirit/ghost to this plane whose name is Ama.
At 43% of the way in Celeste is driving me crazy. She is determined to investigate when both of the men, police, in her life have asked her to stop. She is still going forward after receiving threatening notes. She is still going forward after a medium warns her off. She is acting like a bratty teenager with an obsession. She is a 20 something woman. Get over thinking you know everything.
I like Celeste until she gets like she did as I described above (yesterday 16 April 2020). For all she thinks she knows everything, she only stumbles into the truth because of her snooping, which nearly gets her killed.
Another problem, the ghost Ama’s grandfather comes for her. They spend the day arguing and are part of the reason Celeste gets into danger.
I want to like this more than I actually did. I like the premise behind the story - the craft fairs, the painting and even the chihuahua. I think Celeste’s character has been taken to an extreme. I am not sure whether I will continue with the series because I prefer not to spend more than half the book frustrated by the main character.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review an e-ARC copy of the book.
At 43% of the way in Celeste is driving me crazy. She is determined to investigate when both of the men, police, in her life have asked her to stop. She is still going forward after receiving threatening notes. She is still going forward after a medium warns her off. She is acting like a bratty teenager with an obsession. She is a 20 something woman. Get over thinking you know everything.
I like Celeste until she gets like she did as I described above (yesterday 16 April 2020). For all she thinks she knows everything, she only stumbles into the truth because of her snooping, which nearly gets her killed.
Another problem, the ghost Ama’s grandfather comes for her. They spend the day arguing and are part of the reason Celeste gets into danger.
I want to like this more than I actually did. I like the premise behind the story - the craft fairs, the painting and even the chihuahua. I think Celeste’s character has been taken to an extreme. I am not sure whether I will continue with the series because I prefer not to spend more than half the book frustrated by the main character.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review an e-ARC copy of the book.
April 10, 2020
I found myself in need of a quick, light cozy and this fit the bill! Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua had me laughing from the opening of chapter one.
As Celeste is prepping for a weeklong craft fair, she comes across a dead body by the river. What unfolds throughout the next few days is a twisty whodunnit, filled with suspicious characters. There’s also a slight supernatural element in this story.
There were a few repetitive parts - one plot point in particular was revealed twice, but I assume that will be fixed in the final copy.
As Celeste is prepping for a weeklong craft fair, she comes across a dead body by the river. What unfolds throughout the next few days is a twisty whodunnit, filled with suspicious characters. There’s also a slight supernatural element in this story.
There were a few repetitive parts - one plot point in particular was revealed twice, but I assume that will be fixed in the final copy.
May 17, 2020
While I have always been a fan of Rose Pressey, this new series isn’t quite doing it for me. I thought maybe I was just struggling to get into the new storyline and characters, but the protagonist comes across as ditzy and dumb. While the mystery is fairly well thought out, as a whole this isn’t laying the foundation for building a following for the new series. We need smarter and stronger female characters leading the way.
March 18, 2020
Perhaps the title should be Murder can confuse your heroine. I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this book. It was formulaic and predictable with nothing new to say. The main character is so dumb I kept rolling my eyes. I had a hard time keeping an interest enough to finish it.
April 11, 2020
This is the 2nd installment of the Haunted Fair Mysteries. Celeste Cabot paints pictures and sells them at craft fairs. She gets her pink truck caught in the mud and glad that Caleb the undercover FBI agent is there to help her so she can get set up for the start of the fair. First she needs to take Van (as in Van Gogh as he has one ear) for a walk and he drags her down to the river, unfortunately for Celeste she finds a dead body and calls the police. Caleb and also Pierce the police detective now working for the FBI are there as the grounds of the fair on a federal park. Still a love triangle.. I really do not like these so I hope the author can get this one resolved in the next book. Celeste noticed a creepy guy when she had been on her walk and thinks he is the murderer. Turns out he is another seller and she can see him directly from her booth. A couple of booths down is another seller who gives off weird vibes to Celeste and then the best friend who is frantic to find the killer but perhaps she and her boyfriend are also suspects. Celeste also continues to paint pictures in which ghosts come to life from them. This time it is Ama who lived on the land several hundred years prior and wants to help Celeste solve the case. Ama also has troubles as she keeps telling Celeste to go to the river and continue to paint and then she paints Ama’s grandfather and he comes thru. Interesting for Celeste to try and solve a crime while she has two bickering ghosts in her ear. Good enjoyable mystery and was able to figure out part of the mystery but was surprised by the final piece. Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 26, 2020
Celeste has just arrived at the craft fair in North Carolina, only to find a dead body down by the river where she has gone with her chihuahua while walking him. Shortly after reporting her find, she realizes that she has acquired a new friend, who happens to be a ghost. With the help of this ghost, a local medium and Caleb, a detective, Celeste sets out to find the murderer.
Celeste is quite the character. She is smart and tenacious, but she also has some paranormal abilities. She paints dead people into her paintings and they come back as ghosts. She is also able to communicate with spirits and uses them to get information about crimes. Van Gogh, her dog, is a great character as well. He seems to also have some abilities that tend to lead Celeste into danger, but she loves him and takes him with her everywhere. Being at a craft fair, you know you are going to meet some quirky characters which adds some fun. No one does paranormal cozies like Rose Pressey. I enjoy her writing and the way she develops her stories. The murder mystery was intriguing, with enough suspects and twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was pretty sure who the murderer was and I was right, but it was more a feeling than knowing for sure. Overall, this was a very light, enjoyable mystery and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The audiobook was narrated by Rachel Dalude. She is a narrator I have come to enjoy. She puts in a positive performance with great expression and tone. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Celeste is quite the character. She is smart and tenacious, but she also has some paranormal abilities. She paints dead people into her paintings and they come back as ghosts. She is also able to communicate with spirits and uses them to get information about crimes. Van Gogh, her dog, is a great character as well. He seems to also have some abilities that tend to lead Celeste into danger, but she loves him and takes him with her everywhere. Being at a craft fair, you know you are going to meet some quirky characters which adds some fun. No one does paranormal cozies like Rose Pressey. I enjoy her writing and the way she develops her stories. The murder mystery was intriguing, with enough suspects and twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was pretty sure who the murderer was and I was right, but it was more a feeling than knowing for sure. Overall, this was a very light, enjoyable mystery and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The audiobook was narrated by Rachel Dalude. She is a narrator I have come to enjoy. She puts in a positive performance with great expression and tone. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
May 3, 2020
Celeste is on the road again with her chihuahua, Van (Gogh) in her pink trailer, destination North Carolina. Still setting her sights on making a living selling her oil paintings so she won't have to work in her aunt's diner, she travels from craft fair to craft fair. Along for the ride? Ghosts who find their way into her paintings and dead bodies. Yes, Celeste is a medium, both a ghost magnet and a dead body magnet. At least her life isn't boring. Now if she could just be a little less reckless when trying to find the killer, that would be nice. Still, she does figure it all out in the end and this is a cozy, after all, complete with ghosts. The normal rules of behavior can be bent.
At this craft fair there is a lot of entertainment to be enjoyed, from rides to a load of food to taste. Taking a break, Celeste heads for the river bank to set up her easel and paint the landscape. Van has something to add - he discovers a body. From there on the mystery evolves and the twists and turns kept me guessing to the last page. This series has a bit of everything that makes for a great break from reality - murder, a puzzle, ghosts, a bit of romance and a main character who charges into an investigation that puts her into danger that could have been avoided. Standard and a very enjoyable read. Plus, it works fine as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
At this craft fair there is a lot of entertainment to be enjoyed, from rides to a load of food to taste. Taking a break, Celeste heads for the river bank to set up her easel and paint the landscape. Van has something to add - he discovers a body. From there on the mystery evolves and the twists and turns kept me guessing to the last page. This series has a bit of everything that makes for a great break from reality - murder, a puzzle, ghosts, a bit of romance and a main character who charges into an investigation that puts her into danger that could have been avoided. Standard and a very enjoyable read. Plus, it works fine as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 27, 2020
This is the 2nd book in the "Haunted Craft Fair" mystery series. I have read and enjoyed the first in series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review is my own. . I have read the first in series and enjoyed this 2nd in series as much as the first book. The author has created a charming series with likable characters and a enjoyable sleuth. .
In this next in series we return to Celeste Cabot who is attending a popular craft fair in North Carolina., She is planning to sell her work as well as have some time to paint. Celeste is a talented artist and a medium as well.. While painting on the beach her feisty sidekick Chihuahua, Van Gogh finds a body. She is intrigued to try to solve the murder. With the help of Madam Gerard, the medium and both Caleb and Pierce she may solve the murder and the love triangle at the same time.
This is such a fun series with delightful charcters The Chihuahua is charming . The sleuth kept me guessing to conclusion . I loved this next in series and look forward to my next visit to Celeste and company.
In this next in series we return to Celeste Cabot who is attending a popular craft fair in North Carolina., She is planning to sell her work as well as have some time to paint. Celeste is a talented artist and a medium as well.. While painting on the beach her feisty sidekick Chihuahua, Van Gogh finds a body. She is intrigued to try to solve the murder. With the help of Madam Gerard, the medium and both Caleb and Pierce she may solve the murder and the love triangle at the same time.
This is such a fun series with delightful charcters The Chihuahua is charming . The sleuth kept me guessing to conclusion . I loved this next in series and look forward to my next visit to Celeste and company.
June 23, 2020
Great book! Another awesome series from Rose Pressey!
This series is so great! There is so much going on in this book. There's been a murder at the art fair Celeste is trying to sell her paintings,along with her Chihuahua, Vincent Van Gogh (Van for short). Celeste is the one who found the body of a woman down by a river where she was going to paint her picture. There are so many suspects, twists, turns and mysterious events happening in this book. Celeste has two very handsome men fighting for her attention that so happens that both of them are looking into the murder. There's ghosts, a fortune teller, suspects everywhere just to name a few. I highly recommend this book!!! Can't wait to read the next one! Looks like another winner! Sneak peak at the end of this book. I strongly hope you give it a look. I think this series would make two really good movies! Happy reading
This series is so great! There is so much going on in this book. There's been a murder at the art fair Celeste is trying to sell her paintings,along with her Chihuahua, Vincent Van Gogh (Van for short). Celeste is the one who found the body of a woman down by a river where she was going to paint her picture. There are so many suspects, twists, turns and mysterious events happening in this book. Celeste has two very handsome men fighting for her attention that so happens that both of them are looking into the murder. There's ghosts, a fortune teller, suspects everywhere just to name a few. I highly recommend this book!!! Can't wait to read the next one! Looks like another winner! Sneak peak at the end of this book. I strongly hope you give it a look. I think this series would make two really good movies! Happy reading
April 6, 2020
Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua by Rose Pressey is the 2nd book in the Haunted Craft Fair Mysteries, and another fun addition. Celeste Cabot is an artist in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Celeste recently remodeled a Shasta Trailer for her and her Chihuahua, Van Gogh, can travel to craft fairs and sell her paintings. After arriving at the craft fair in North Carolina, Van Gogh leads Celeste to a body by the river. Celeste also has psychic abilities in her paintings, and brings a ghost to her. I loved the first book in the series, but I was frustrated by Celeste putting her self in danger in this book. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love cozy mysteries with a little paranormal, I strongly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 12, 2020
Know in advance that this cozy has a paranormal element (should be obvious from the title but hey, just in case) but it never gets too woowoo. Celeste is a painter who always paints a ghost into her work. She has outfitted a trailer so that she can travel to craft fairs and in this, her second outing, she has once again become involved in a murder mystery. Her chi Van directed her to the body. Luckily, she's got a pal who's a medium, a couple of ghosts, and an interest in crime. I was a big fan of the first installement- this second would be fine as a standalone. This however would have benefited from another edit to remove some of the repetition and smarten up Celeste's actions. Regardless, a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For cozy fans.
May 28, 2021
Celeste Cabot cannot compare to Stephanie Plum or Kinsey Millhone, two other sleuths in cozy mysteries. The story line in this doesn't compare either. And when I look at all the ratings in Goodreads for this, I see I'm in the minority, but I can't give it a higher rating. I did, however, enjoy the ghost appearances in it, and felt the ghosts had better personalities than Celeste. The extra things that appear in Celeste's paintings gave the book some depth, but overall, not enough to keep us reeled in. Oh, and it was immediately obvious that the first person Celeste was convinced was the murderer was not going to be the one. I would have been helpful if Caleb or Pierce learned more about this individual and then shared that in the book. Oh, well, can't have everything.
May 31, 2021
Celeste Cabot is an artist whose paintings often take on a paranormal twist. While attending a weeklong craft fair in a nearby North Carolina town, Celeste comes across a young women's body. She then decides to do some sleuthing on her own.
I enjoyed this book which is second in the series although I do think that the first book was better. The characters are great and I did like the relationships in this quick, fun read. However, there were some typos and grammatical errors as well as an episode that was repeated. I do love Rose Pressey's books though and look forward to the next one in this series. I recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order to get the most out of things and a real feel for the characters.
I enjoyed this book which is second in the series although I do think that the first book was better. The characters are great and I did like the relationships in this quick, fun read. However, there were some typos and grammatical errors as well as an episode that was repeated. I do love Rose Pressey's books though and look forward to the next one in this series. I recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order to get the most out of things and a real feel for the characters.
March 10, 2022
Celeste Cabot is at her 2nd craft fair hoping to sell more of her paintings. It's a beautiful day and everything is looking wonderful until her chihuahua Van Gogh leads her to the body of a young girl.
With the help of another artist, she sets out to try to paint the life of the victim and find the killer. Her first suspect is another artist who draws very scary pictures. There are also a couple of more vendors that need looking into. This is the 2nd book in this series and I find them very interesting and entertaining. There are several different types of characters and Celeste's quirky family is always a laugh or two. Will continue this series.
With the help of another artist, she sets out to try to paint the life of the victim and find the killer. Her first suspect is another artist who draws very scary pictures. There are also a couple of more vendors that need looking into. This is the 2nd book in this series and I find them very interesting and entertaining. There are several different types of characters and Celeste's quirky family is always a laugh or two. Will continue this series.
January 3, 2026
First book of the series kept my interest better
This is the second book of the series. I thought the first book was better in that I found the story roll-out a bit tighter. This one was a bit harder to get though as it did not keep my interest as well. I found the ghost premise a bit less plausible and the story a bit more rambling. However, I still love Van, the dog, which is the main reason for the 4 stars. The romance aspect was a bit murky related to which guy Celeste is gravitating toward. The feud between the two guys is also unclear. It seems more that just their mutual interest in Celeste. Overall, it is still a fun read.
This is the second book of the series. I thought the first book was better in that I found the story roll-out a bit tighter. This one was a bit harder to get though as it did not keep my interest as well. I found the ghost premise a bit less plausible and the story a bit more rambling. However, I still love Van, the dog, which is the main reason for the 4 stars. The romance aspect was a bit murky related to which guy Celeste is gravitating toward. The feud between the two guys is also unclear. It seems more that just their mutual interest in Celeste. Overall, it is still a fun read.
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