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Vintage Kitchen Mystery #9
Cast Iron Alibi
In the new Vintage Kitchen Mystery from the author of Breaking the Mould , when an over-amorous handyman is found murdered, Jaymie will have to use every tool at her disposal to nab the culprit . . . "I have loved this series from the first book . . . it's like returning to a favorite nook for a cup of tea. It will delight, entice, and drive a reader to want to solve the murder." -Goodreads on No Grater Danger Looking forward to her girls-only college reunion vacation, Jaymie's on cloud nine at the idea of lazy trips to the beach, dinner cruises on the nearby river, and snug sleeping in the vintage trailer she's renovated. But no sooner does the group reconnect than her hopes turn to tension as petty squabbles and old acrimonies surface, along with tagalong friends, unexpected guests, and stalkerish ex-husbands. And when a local toolbelt Romeo with an eye for one of the women is found murdered, his home ablaze, the simmering hostility in the group suddenly shifts to secrecy. Local law enforcement is zeroing in on the victim's best friend and girlfriend as the most likely suspects, but Jaymie's inquisitive instincts are telling her one of her former classmates may have been involved in the foul deed. Forced to navigate her fraught relationship with a local police detective and determined to uncover the myriad secrets her college friends are hiding, Jaymie knows she'll have to dig deep to figure out whose alibi is cast iron, and whose is flimsy as tin . . . Includes a vintage recipe! Praise for the Vintage Kitchen "All the right ingredients . . . Small-town setting, kitchen antiques . . . and a bowlful of mystery. A perfect recipe." - New York Times bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert "[A] charming new series." - New York Times bestselling author Sheila Connolly "A chilling whodunit." - Richmond Times-Dispatch
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2020
101 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Hamilton
45 books1,045 followersVictoria Hamilton is the bestselling author of several mystery series including the national bestselling Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries. She does, indeed, collect vintage kitchenware and bake muffins. She drinks tea and coffee on writing days, and wine other times. It doesn’t do to confuse days. A solitary being, she can be coaxed out of her writing cave for brownies and cat videos.
She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.
In fact her latest writing adventure is the new Regency-set historical mystery series - to be published by Midnight Ink - beginning in February 2019 with A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, featuring Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, a young lady who dares to defy society. She will fight for her right to live her own life, despite the dangers that presents. She has a dagger, and she's not afraid to use it.
If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.
No, really, it’s not!
You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at:
Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictor...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria
She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.
In fact her latest writing adventure is the new Regency-set historical mystery series - to be published by Midnight Ink - beginning in February 2019 with A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, featuring Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, a young lady who dares to defy society. She will fight for her right to live her own life, despite the dangers that presents. She has a dagger, and she's not afraid to use it.
If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.
No, really, it’s not!
You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at:
Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictor...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 12, 2022
Cast Iron Alibi is the 9th book in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series written by Victoria Hamilton. It will be released on 11/5 and focuses on Jaymie's all-girls-trip with her college pals. Clearly, shenanigans were going to ensue, and I was on board with all of them. What a fun book...
For those unfamiliar with the series, it focuses on amateur sleuth, Jaymie, who's married with a young daughter and lives on the Canadian / US border. She collects vintage kitchen tools, writes a column for the local paper, and gets herself into bunches of innocent trouble. When an annual (although skipped the last 3 years) trip with her friends is re-scheduled to occur at Jaymie's remote family cabin, things begin to get murky. The women have changed a lot in the last few years, and Jaymie's regretting her decision to host the event--especially when random husbands and friends keep showing up, despite it supposedly being just the friends from college.
Murder, of course, happens to a local contractor in his fifties too. Which friend knew of and offed the guy? He wasn't very nice, and he'd been cheating on his pregnant teenage girlfriend, but Jaymie doesn't let murder go unpunished. Between befriending a detective, reprimanding a few new girls, and missing her husband (who took their daughter to visit family in Germany), we have a well-rounded and clever mystery to solve. The cast is large, but the guide at the front of the book helps and long-time readers know which people are just friendlies and townies. There are at least 10 new characters who could be guilty, but Hamilton effectively reminds us of everyone's role, so we can understand the red herrings and potential motives.
Overall, the story was strong. It takes longer than usual for the murder to happen, but in this case, it works... as we really get to know each of the girlfriends visiting Jaymie, e.g. who's happy, who's miserable, who's cheating, who's lying... in the end, I was hoping 2 of them were innocent, as they were strong characters with good range and possibilities for the future. I won't reveal any spoilers, so you'll have to read the book for yourself. Kudos to the author for another great edition in this series. 4.5 stars rounded up... looking forward to the next one in 2020. I believe the title might be revealed soon too!
For those unfamiliar with the series, it focuses on amateur sleuth, Jaymie, who's married with a young daughter and lives on the Canadian / US border. She collects vintage kitchen tools, writes a column for the local paper, and gets herself into bunches of innocent trouble. When an annual (although skipped the last 3 years) trip with her friends is re-scheduled to occur at Jaymie's remote family cabin, things begin to get murky. The women have changed a lot in the last few years, and Jaymie's regretting her decision to host the event--especially when random husbands and friends keep showing up, despite it supposedly being just the friends from college.
Murder, of course, happens to a local contractor in his fifties too. Which friend knew of and offed the guy? He wasn't very nice, and he'd been cheating on his pregnant teenage girlfriend, but Jaymie doesn't let murder go unpunished. Between befriending a detective, reprimanding a few new girls, and missing her husband (who took their daughter to visit family in Germany), we have a well-rounded and clever mystery to solve. The cast is large, but the guide at the front of the book helps and long-time readers know which people are just friendlies and townies. There are at least 10 new characters who could be guilty, but Hamilton effectively reminds us of everyone's role, so we can understand the red herrings and potential motives.
Overall, the story was strong. It takes longer than usual for the murder to happen, but in this case, it works... as we really get to know each of the girlfriends visiting Jaymie, e.g. who's happy, who's miserable, who's cheating, who's lying... in the end, I was hoping 2 of them were innocent, as they were strong characters with good range and possibilities for the future. I won't reveal any spoilers, so you'll have to read the book for yourself. Kudos to the author for another great edition in this series. 4.5 stars rounded up... looking forward to the next one in 2020. I believe the title might be revealed soon too!
October 28, 2019
If you are a cozy mystery fan, there’s really not much to dislike about Cast Iron Alibi! Author Victoria Hamilton skillfully crafts a cozy filled with humor, eclectic characters, secrets, rivalries and, of course, homicide.
Vintage kitchenware collector and columnist Jayme decides to host a college class reunion while her husband and step-daughter are in Europe. The reunion quickly turns ruinous however, when unexpected guests arrive and tensions rise and rivalries escalate. When a local handyman is found dead with Jayme’s own kitchenware besides his lifeless body, Jayme’s suspicion shifts onto her own group of friends and their spouses. Will she uncover who did the deadly dead or will the wrong person take the fall?
This is the 9th book in the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries. I’m not sure how I missed the other eight, but I certainly will be reading every book in the series!
Vintage kitchenware collector and columnist Jayme decides to host a college class reunion while her husband and step-daughter are in Europe. The reunion quickly turns ruinous however, when unexpected guests arrive and tensions rise and rivalries escalate. When a local handyman is found dead with Jayme’s own kitchenware besides his lifeless body, Jayme’s suspicion shifts onto her own group of friends and their spouses. Will she uncover who did the deadly dead or will the wrong person take the fall?
This is the 9th book in the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries. I’m not sure how I missed the other eight, but I certainly will be reading every book in the series!
April 27, 2020
I am continuing to enjoy the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series by Victoria Hamilton. Each mystery is self-contained in each book, but there is character development that you would miss if you if you do not read previous books in the series. Having said that, you could easily read this book and enjoy it as a standalone story.
This story has our protagonist Jayme, hosting a reunion for her college friends that roomed together. Her husband and daughter are in Europe visiting relatives, so she is on her own in this story. It is quickly evident that all is not well with this group of ladies, and there are all kinds of secrets to be found out. When extra friends, spouses and other family members show up, it clouds the reunion somewhat. The reunion quickly turns deadly when a local handyman is found dead with his head smashed in by one of Jayme's vintage pie-makers. Side note, I enjoyed the making of the pies, we call them hobo pies and often make them with our kids and grandkids over a summer bonfire. Several of Jayme’s friends are suspect, but their motives are not clear. Will she uncover who did the deadly deed or will the wrong person take the fall?
I really enjoy the setting of this book. Being Canadian and living in Southern Ontario, many of the places mentioned in the book are places I have been or regularly visit. This story begins a bit slower than others in this series, but it is important to get to know the group of friends and find out a bit of what is happening in their lives. All that information becomes part of the investigation later in the book. There were several suspects, a lot of red herrings and clues sprinkled throughout, so that when the final reveal came, I was able to say, of course, that fits perfectly. The story was well-paced with some wonderful secondary characters that made the story very interesting. Once again, a cozy mystery that I enjoyed very much. I definitely recommend this book and series.
This story has our protagonist Jayme, hosting a reunion for her college friends that roomed together. Her husband and daughter are in Europe visiting relatives, so she is on her own in this story. It is quickly evident that all is not well with this group of ladies, and there are all kinds of secrets to be found out. When extra friends, spouses and other family members show up, it clouds the reunion somewhat. The reunion quickly turns deadly when a local handyman is found dead with his head smashed in by one of Jayme's vintage pie-makers. Side note, I enjoyed the making of the pies, we call them hobo pies and often make them with our kids and grandkids over a summer bonfire. Several of Jayme’s friends are suspect, but their motives are not clear. Will she uncover who did the deadly deed or will the wrong person take the fall?
I really enjoy the setting of this book. Being Canadian and living in Southern Ontario, many of the places mentioned in the book are places I have been or regularly visit. This story begins a bit slower than others in this series, but it is important to get to know the group of friends and find out a bit of what is happening in their lives. All that information becomes part of the investigation later in the book. There were several suspects, a lot of red herrings and clues sprinkled throughout, so that when the final reveal came, I was able to say, of course, that fits perfectly. The story was well-paced with some wonderful secondary characters that made the story very interesting. Once again, a cozy mystery that I enjoyed very much. I definitely recommend this book and series.
December 31, 2019
Cast Iron Alibi earns 5/5 Vintage Turquoise Shasta Trailers...Entertaining Fun!
I am a fan of Victoria Hamilton and her Vintage Kitchen Mystery series captivated by the drama exploding on various fronts, diverse group of “good, bad, and ugly” characters, and contemporary issues of this ninth book. The murder was well plotted with several suspects with legitimate motives to sift through, descriptive style and dialogue that illustrates well the tone and personalities. Although not my favorite narrative, the third-person perspective was a surprising delight and suit the fact that there were so many characters woven into the mystery. It is easy to keep track of everyone using the Cast of Characters list included at the front of the book. And the ending...I didn’t see that coming! Ending with a wonderful treat from Jaymie’s Vintage Eats column: Hobo Packets: Kid-Friendly [Adults, too] Camp Meal. She describes her fondest memories of the Hobo Packets along with the importance for starting a good fire, suggestions for customizing the packets for everyone’s tastes, and directions for assembling the meal with protein, vegetables, and seasonings. I highly recommend this book!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
I am a fan of Victoria Hamilton and her Vintage Kitchen Mystery series captivated by the drama exploding on various fronts, diverse group of “good, bad, and ugly” characters, and contemporary issues of this ninth book. The murder was well plotted with several suspects with legitimate motives to sift through, descriptive style and dialogue that illustrates well the tone and personalities. Although not my favorite narrative, the third-person perspective was a surprising delight and suit the fact that there were so many characters woven into the mystery. It is easy to keep track of everyone using the Cast of Characters list included at the front of the book. And the ending...I didn’t see that coming! Ending with a wonderful treat from Jaymie’s Vintage Eats column: Hobo Packets: Kid-Friendly [Adults, too] Camp Meal. She describes her fondest memories of the Hobo Packets along with the importance for starting a good fire, suggestions for customizing the packets for everyone’s tastes, and directions for assembling the meal with protein, vegetables, and seasonings. I highly recommend this book!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
October 25, 2019
Series: A Vintage Kitchen Mystery #9
Publication Date: 11/5/19
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. In fact, I’ve enjoyed the whole series. It has been fun watching Jaymie grow and mature, find out who she is, find love and marriage and even embrace motherhood. The mysteries are always interesting, complicated enough to keep you interested, and convoluted enough to keep you guessing.
Jaymie Leighton Mueller is looking forward to a class reunion of sorts with several of her college friends. In the fifteen years since college, they have gotten together for a camping trip almost every year – except they have missed the last few years – life just interfered. Now, they are back on track and Jaymie can’t wait. Jaymie has, as we all do, forgotten the stresses of the relationships and has romanticized and idealized them instead.
The gathering this year will be a bit bittersweet for Jaymie because her beloved husband, Jakob and her stepdaughter Jocie will be in Poland for the ten days of Jaymie’s gathering. Jocie’s mother was Polish and Jakob and Jaymie want her to have that family in her life.
The gathering of Jaymie, Gabriela, Brandi, Rachel, Melanie, and Rachel – all of the friends from college – is joined by two unexpected guests, Courtney and Tiffany. One was invited by Brandi and the other invited herself. Not a particularly auspicious beginning for their adventure.
It seems that there are troubles in everybody’s marriages – well except Jaymie’s – and husbands show up to shadow the ladies. None of them is welcome and tensions tighten.
When a murder and arson occur, it seems that at least some of the ladies know the victim – and he isn’t a very savory victim, to say the least. The police quickly arrest the man’s friend – and it sure seems he could be guilty – but – Jaymie isn’t convinced. So, she’s off sleuthing out the facts – she either wants to be satisfied that the man who was arrested is the perpetrator – or she wants to find out who really did it. Could it be the husband of one of her friends?
I hope you’ll enjoy this well-plotted, well-written mystery as much as I did. I hope you’ll also enjoy meeting the ladies because we might see more of one of them in the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 11/5/19
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. In fact, I’ve enjoyed the whole series. It has been fun watching Jaymie grow and mature, find out who she is, find love and marriage and even embrace motherhood. The mysteries are always interesting, complicated enough to keep you interested, and convoluted enough to keep you guessing.
Jaymie Leighton Mueller is looking forward to a class reunion of sorts with several of her college friends. In the fifteen years since college, they have gotten together for a camping trip almost every year – except they have missed the last few years – life just interfered. Now, they are back on track and Jaymie can’t wait. Jaymie has, as we all do, forgotten the stresses of the relationships and has romanticized and idealized them instead.
The gathering this year will be a bit bittersweet for Jaymie because her beloved husband, Jakob and her stepdaughter Jocie will be in Poland for the ten days of Jaymie’s gathering. Jocie’s mother was Polish and Jakob and Jaymie want her to have that family in her life.
The gathering of Jaymie, Gabriela, Brandi, Rachel, Melanie, and Rachel – all of the friends from college – is joined by two unexpected guests, Courtney and Tiffany. One was invited by Brandi and the other invited herself. Not a particularly auspicious beginning for their adventure.
It seems that there are troubles in everybody’s marriages – well except Jaymie’s – and husbands show up to shadow the ladies. None of them is welcome and tensions tighten.
When a murder and arson occur, it seems that at least some of the ladies know the victim – and he isn’t a very savory victim, to say the least. The police quickly arrest the man’s friend – and it sure seems he could be guilty – but – Jaymie isn’t convinced. So, she’s off sleuthing out the facts – she either wants to be satisfied that the man who was arrested is the perpetrator – or she wants to find out who really did it. Could it be the husband of one of her friends?
I hope you’ll enjoy this well-plotted, well-written mystery as much as I did. I hope you’ll also enjoy meeting the ladies because we might see more of one of them in the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2019
I loved this fabulous cozy mystery! This is the first time that I have read anything by Victoria Hamilton and I adored her masterful writing. Cast Iron Alibi was a wonderful blend of mystery and old friendships and many of the characters were great individuals, whilst some were less so. The author managed the pacing perfectly within the awesome and absorbing plot. With no shortage of suspects, there was plenty of clues and possibilities to satisfy even the most enthusiastic and diligent of armchair detectives. A superb read, very highly recommended and well-worth five stars.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Beyond The Page Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Beyond The Page Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 28, 2019
Jaymie Leighton Muller has grown so much over the years and now she's a wife and mother. Though her life has changed, one thing hasn't - her "talent" for solving murders. When a "girls week" vacation bring college friends together, things go terribly wrong when a murder occurs.
I enjoyed the book and it's portrayal of the changes friends go through over time. The author writes about very "real" emotions and situations in the book - some good and some tragic - but always offers hope. The mystery keeps you reading and engaged until the very end.
I'm looking forward to the next mystery!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
I enjoyed the book and it's portrayal of the changes friends go through over time. The author writes about very "real" emotions and situations in the book - some good and some tragic - but always offers hope. The mystery keeps you reading and engaged until the very end.
I'm looking forward to the next mystery!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
January 23, 2021
I've enjoyed this series, but this book was disappointing. The whole situation felt contrived, and I wanted to shake some of those women and tell them to grow a backbone! If the series continues, I hope the next release is more like the previous books.
October 17, 2019
Jaymie plays host to several college girlfriends for a vacation-reunion. As expected, murder tags along. Jaymie enlists current girlfriends to help investigate and finds her college mates a little different, in some ways, than she remembers.
The 9th entry in the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries is an excellent example of Victoria Hamilton’s skill as she inserts the reader right in the middle of the story. Ms. Hamilton paints a very believable experience of getting together with old friends under the stress of an unexpected murder. Again, plenty of twists and a steady pace. An entertaining break for cozy readers.
The 9th entry in the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries is an excellent example of Victoria Hamilton’s skill as she inserts the reader right in the middle of the story. Ms. Hamilton paints a very believable experience of getting together with old friends under the stress of an unexpected murder. Again, plenty of twists and a steady pace. An entertaining break for cozy readers.
December 29, 2019
This is one of my favorite series, and this latest addition didn't disappoint. Not much to add beyond I'm looking forward to more of this series and can't wait to see what Jaymie gets up to next time!
September 7, 2021
This series used to be so informative with the vintage tips and her recipe experimentation but somewhere along the way (about three or so books ago) it changed and not for the better. Jaymie has become a controlling, bossy know-it-all and it ruins the feel of the book. The mystery still kept me guessing but her attitude really ruined it for me. I have one more that I have to read for a review but then I am done with this series unless she goes back to being less judgmental.
April 27, 2020
Interesting story about how people change as they age.
November 6, 2019
Jaymie Leighton Muller will be spending a girls-only vacation with old friends from college. It's been a few years since their last get-together, but Jaymie has high hopes that everyone will enjoy their time in her family's vacation cottage. However, things get off to a rough start right from the beginning when one of the women brings along an uninvited friend from her hometown. This is just the first of the tagalongs who begin causing conflicts within the already tense group. When a local man is murdered, Jaymie is afraid the killer could be an extended group-member and starts her own investigation.
I've read many of the earlier books in this series, but missed some of the more recent ones. The Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book provides a great refresher on who's who in Queensville, Michigan as well as the reunion attendees from out of town. Changes have occurred in Jaymie's life since the last book I've read and I enjoy seeing her in the role of wife and mother. A few times she seemed a little too naive in her selective memories about times her group of friends didn't get along so well, but overall she is a likable character. She is loving and loyal and won't give up until she gets to the truth. I like when she starts calling others out on their lies as well especially since most of those attending the reunion aren't nearly as likable as Jaymie.
The various unpleasant characters provide a large number of suspects for Jaymie to investigate. There were clues as to who the killer was, but I missed them. Therefore, I was very surprised when the identity of the killer was revealed. I think this book can still be classified as a cozy, but it was very suspenseful and once things got going, I didn't want to put the book down. The final reveal was dramatic, but the book ends on a happy note for most of the characters. Fans of the series will really enjoy this installment and those new to the author will also like this entertaining book. The book would appeal to fans of Daryl Wood Gerber.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I've read many of the earlier books in this series, but missed some of the more recent ones. The Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book provides a great refresher on who's who in Queensville, Michigan as well as the reunion attendees from out of town. Changes have occurred in Jaymie's life since the last book I've read and I enjoy seeing her in the role of wife and mother. A few times she seemed a little too naive in her selective memories about times her group of friends didn't get along so well, but overall she is a likable character. She is loving and loyal and won't give up until she gets to the truth. I like when she starts calling others out on their lies as well especially since most of those attending the reunion aren't nearly as likable as Jaymie.
The various unpleasant characters provide a large number of suspects for Jaymie to investigate. There were clues as to who the killer was, but I missed them. Therefore, I was very surprised when the identity of the killer was revealed. I think this book can still be classified as a cozy, but it was very suspenseful and once things got going, I didn't want to put the book down. The final reveal was dramatic, but the book ends on a happy note for most of the characters. Fans of the series will really enjoy this installment and those new to the author will also like this entertaining book. The book would appeal to fans of Daryl Wood Gerber.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2019
This has easily become one of my top favorite series with my favorite character.
Jaymie has joined my list of top five favorite characters.
She's grown so much in this series and I'm anxious to see what happens with her next!
In Cast Iron Alibi, Jaymie is preparing for a vacation with her old friends. Usually they go camping, but do to unforseen events, the group of friends end up staying at the family cottage, giving Jaymie the opportunity to show off the vintage camper she restored.
After saying a teary goodbye to husband and daughter, Jaymie watches them take off for a trip to Poland, giving Jocie the chance to visit with family.
Jaymie is excited to see her old friends, but has no idea that this reunion is going to end in tragedy.
I found myself escaping deep into the story, rolling my eyes and gasping in astonishment. These ladies are each going through their own personal crisis, but when one friend crosses the line, all bets are off and it's each woman for herself.
This story showed Jaymie in a much stronger, independent role, and I was so impressed with her.
I loved how she would not back down from comments about being Jocie's mom, this little family has become such a fun part of this series.
I highly recommend this book and the series, you will not be disappointed.
#NetGalley #CastIronAlibi
Jaymie has joined my list of top five favorite characters.
She's grown so much in this series and I'm anxious to see what happens with her next!
In Cast Iron Alibi, Jaymie is preparing for a vacation with her old friends. Usually they go camping, but do to unforseen events, the group of friends end up staying at the family cottage, giving Jaymie the opportunity to show off the vintage camper she restored.
After saying a teary goodbye to husband and daughter, Jaymie watches them take off for a trip to Poland, giving Jocie the chance to visit with family.
Jaymie is excited to see her old friends, but has no idea that this reunion is going to end in tragedy.
I found myself escaping deep into the story, rolling my eyes and gasping in astonishment. These ladies are each going through their own personal crisis, but when one friend crosses the line, all bets are off and it's each woman for herself.
This story showed Jaymie in a much stronger, independent role, and I was so impressed with her.
I loved how she would not back down from comments about being Jocie's mom, this little family has become such a fun part of this series.
I highly recommend this book and the series, you will not be disappointed.
#NetGalley #CastIronAlibi
November 4, 2019
4.75 Stars
This is the ninth book in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery by Victoria Hamilton.
This book had the perfect recipe for murder. A group of college friends meet to go over old times but there is someone in the group who is there for another reason. And that rationale turns into murder. This was just so good! I felt such a kinship to Jaymie and wanted to dive deep into the entire setting and characters.
The death of a local lothario in a house fire looks like a random incident until facts start to trickle out and Jaymie begins to think maybe one of her girlfriends might be behind the deed! Can you imagine suspecting your friends of murder?! I had no idea where this was going the entire time I was reading. When Jaymie’s cast iron skillet winds up missing and is identified as the murder weapon, I was floored. This was looking less and less like a murder of opportunity and instead a calculated mind wanting death to appease some wrong.
I was clueless the entire time. The whodunit aspect of this really stumped me. I look forward to digging into the eight previous books in this series. Such a warm hearted read for a murder mystery! If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the ninth book in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery by Victoria Hamilton.
This book had the perfect recipe for murder. A group of college friends meet to go over old times but there is someone in the group who is there for another reason. And that rationale turns into murder. This was just so good! I felt such a kinship to Jaymie and wanted to dive deep into the entire setting and characters.
The death of a local lothario in a house fire looks like a random incident until facts start to trickle out and Jaymie begins to think maybe one of her girlfriends might be behind the deed! Can you imagine suspecting your friends of murder?! I had no idea where this was going the entire time I was reading. When Jaymie’s cast iron skillet winds up missing and is identified as the murder weapon, I was floored. This was looking less and less like a murder of opportunity and instead a calculated mind wanting death to appease some wrong.
I was clueless the entire time. The whodunit aspect of this really stumped me. I look forward to digging into the eight previous books in this series. Such a warm hearted read for a murder mystery! If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
November 24, 2019
Jaymie is looking forward to having a girl’s weekend with her college friends. It’s been a few years since the group has spent time together. Shortly after the group gets together tensions arise and arguments ensue. It’s obvious that some in the group have grown apart and others are keeping secrets. Several of the ladies’ husbands show up in the area causing even more tension in the group. Once a local man is found dead just down the road from Jaymie’s house where the group is staying she can’t help but believe someone she knows is involved.
The first book in this series was my first cozy mystery. I have loved this series from its beginning. As the series has evolved Jaymie has become a more complexed and confident protagonist. The book is well-written, the plot moves at a fast but steady pace. There are plenty of red-herrings as many of Jaymie’s college friends are keeping secrets. There is no shortage of suspects and I was surprised at who the killer really is. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
The first book in this series was my first cozy mystery. I have loved this series from its beginning. As the series has evolved Jaymie has become a more complexed and confident protagonist. The book is well-written, the plot moves at a fast but steady pace. There are plenty of red-herrings as many of Jaymie’s college friends are keeping secrets. There is no shortage of suspects and I was surprised at who the killer really is. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
November 11, 2019
Cast Iron Alibi by Victoria Hamilton is the 9th book in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery series, and another great addition. Ms. Hamilton does it again! Jaymie is attending a girls-only college reunion vacation. With last minute change of plans, Jaymie hosts the reunion at her family's cabin. This vacation if full of petty fights and even murder! I loved this book and this whole series, and can't wait for the next book in the series. As always the series is best when it is read in order, but this book can be read as a stand alone. I found this book to be a quick and fun read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love fun cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, you will love this book/series. Strongly recommended.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. Thank you.
November 7, 2019
While this is the ninth book in the series, it’s the first one that I have read, and I didn’t feel like it was difficult to jump into. There’s a cast of characters list at the beginning that provided enough detail to make the book feel like a stand alone.
I enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t immediately obvious who was responsible for Mario’s death. There were many suspects. What I didn’t find as enjoyable were the characters themselves. Most of them just weren’t likable, and that negatively impacted my enjoyment of the book itself. I also felt like the ending drug on much longer than necessary.
I will probably try another book in the series to see if I enjoy it. Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t immediately obvious who was responsible for Mario’s death. There were many suspects. What I didn’t find as enjoyable were the characters themselves. Most of them just weren’t likable, and that negatively impacted my enjoyment of the book itself. I also felt like the ending drug on much longer than necessary.
I will probably try another book in the series to see if I enjoy it. Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 28, 2021
Great addition to the Vintage Kitchen series. Was nice to learn more about Jamies past. While her husband and her step daughter go out of town to visit family, Jamie gets a 10 day trip to her family's cabin with old college friends. Thinking it will be a fun easy trip with her friends, a "camping trip" get away should have seemed easy enough. Unfortunately, people change over time. As Jamie tries to get to know her friends now, a murder of a local man gets in the way. Jamie then must figure out how this murder is connected to one or more of her friends......... I enjoy this series.
March 12, 2020
This is book 9 in the Vintage Kitchen cozy series and it's a little different in the setting. Jaymie is hosting her college friends at their cottage getaway. You can read this book as a stand alone as many of the regular characters are not included. When a worker on the island is killed, Jaymie's friend is considered the main suspect. She must work with the local law officers to help solve the murder. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 1, 2020
Another great book in the series. Had such fun reading it and getting caught up on all the characters and meeting the new one. Can't wait to see what they get up to in the next one. Such a joy to read and I really feel that I am there with them as they are going through through their days. Would recommend this to anybody, I feel you don't need to read the others to read this one but the others are so great why not read them all.
November 27, 2021
Sometimes reunions can be trouble
Jamie and her college friends are getting together for a reunion. Jamie is looking forward to it, not knowing what trouble awaits her. With her family in Poland, she sets out to have an enjoyable time with her closest friends. There is stress from the beginning of the visit and when a murder happens things get worse. It was shocking to see who the killer is . I think you will enjoy this book.
Jamie and her college friends are getting together for a reunion. Jamie is looking forward to it, not knowing what trouble awaits her. With her family in Poland, she sets out to have an enjoyable time with her closest friends. There is stress from the beginning of the visit and when a murder happens things get worse. It was shocking to see who the killer is . I think you will enjoy this book.
July 17, 2022
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For a cozy mystery, this book was a little different - POC, cheating spouses, someone the MC actually liked as the killer.
Jayme is welcoming her college friends for a week at her rental cottage, hoping to enjoy time time together like they did in college or in previous camping trips.
However, once the local handyman/ladies man turns up dead, she can’t help but suspect a lot of people, even people she’s been friends with for years.
For a cozy mystery, this book was a little different - POC, cheating spouses, someone the MC actually liked as the killer.
Jayme is welcoming her college friends for a week at her rental cottage, hoping to enjoy time time together like they did in college or in previous camping trips.
However, once the local handyman/ladies man turns up dead, she can’t help but suspect a lot of people, even people she’s been friends with for years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2023
I enjoy the series but this one was a little different....crazy husbands - women getting together to talk about the good old college days, one lady always getting drunk and going after anything in pants. What was a surprise was who the murderer turned out to be....I kept thinking it was one of the husbands or even Brandi but she was too busy drinking....lol too much emotions and women acting a little crazy! But still not bad!!!
July 31, 2020
This was a good installment in this series, especially since main character Jaymie didn’t spend the whole book making careless and stupid choices to try and find the killer. Emily Woo Zeller has done a good job narrating this series, and continued doing great character voices. The narrative, however, was read in almost a monotone which even speeding up the narrator to 1.25x didn’t help much.
February 9, 2021
Another great Cozy read! This one will have you looking up pie irons and Shasta trailers on Pinterest with Victoria Hamilton. Bringing old friends together doesn’t always work out, this book definitely treads their histories carefully. And I loved all the local flavors and fun thrown in like fried perch and night cruises. The author has alittle meta fun with us, throwing in a writer friend with multiple series.
Great continuation of the series. Just wish I could get Jaymie to go vintage store hopping with me!
Great continuation of the series. Just wish I could get Jaymie to go vintage store hopping with me!
March 29, 2020
She's done it again
I haven't found even one flaw in her building the storyline once again learned new things about these great makers .So glad Venetta was on hand to help save the day
r
I haven't found even one flaw in her building the storyline once again learned new things about these great makers .So glad Venetta was on hand to help save the day
r
July 8, 2022
No vintage kitchen-y stuff, just summer “fun” with college friends, one of whom turns out to be a murderer. I didn’t realize how annoyed I am by the husband and step daughter until they returned at the end of the book. Cringe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
I liked this one, but I felt the mystery was too long and drawn out. I did appreciate getting a break from the kid and the husband. I kept hoping the polish relatives would try to keep the kid there and the dad would have to stay and fight for custody. Husbands ruin mystery series.
October 16, 2020
Better than the last book
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