Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion

My 2025 Sleuth Extraordinaire (40+ reads) challenge journey via cover:
**01. **02. **03. **04. **05. **06.
**07. **08. **09. **10. **11. **12.
**13. **14. **15. **16. **17. **18.
**19. **20. **21. **22. **23a. **23b.
**24. **25. **26. **27. **28a. **28b.
**29. **30. **31. **32. **33. **34.
**35a. **35b. **36. **37. **38. **39.
**40. **41. **42. **43. ❌ to date (251116)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Series caught up/finished (to date): |||| |||| ||||

As usual, I'm doing version "A." I'll read what I read and see where they fall for "B." I will, however, list (and track) sub-genres when I post updates to see if I can hit the "B" goal.

I am currently (11/24) reading an Out-of-US, the last I need to hit the sub-genres. I'm gong for the threepeat!, year three of hitting both A and B goals!! However, I need to read six additional books to actually hit my "A" goal of 40+ books (okay, 7 additional if I want to hit the "+"). Though I need to verify, I'm pretty sure they're all freebies. Phew!

UPDATE 241231: I finished my last read for the year the morning of 12/31, a cozy. (I hit my challenge goal on 12/29!) I updated the challenge page and filled in my B categories. Unbeknownst to me, I hit the "B" category goal with my 30th cozy read (YAY ME!). We'll see if I can make it four in a row. Now starting my first read of 2025, a cozy, of course,

Level Four (Sleuth Extraordinaire)
A) Read 40 cozy mysteries of your choice ✔️
B) Read two books from each sub-genre in level one plus an additional 20 cozy books of your choice (total of 40 books)

B categories (two each of 9 specific sub-genres; plus 22 "freebies"):
* Culinary (anything dealing with food…)
* Animal-related (cats, dogs, birds...)
* Craft-related (any kind of hobbies...)
* Paranormal (witches, vampires...)
* Mystery based outside the US
* Career-based (housekeeping, wedding planner...)
* Holiday-based (set during any holiday...)
* Travel (cruise, touring another area...)
* Historical mystery (any not set in the present…)
* Freebies (22 total)

📚 🔍 There's no shortage of items to read. I added more to my mystery TBR than I took off it. (Gotta love tsundoku--a combination of the words tsumu--to pile up--and doku--to read-- describing the act of accumulating books rather than reading them. That is, Mt TBR! Never at a loss of something to read.)

I'm looking forward to seeing what books you read for the challenge. Enjoy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

As has become my New Year's tradition, I am here to post my first read of 2025--albeit later than usual.

I'm starting out the year once again with my sleep pattern backwards/off. Maybe I need more sunlight in my life--a resolution for 2025. We'll see. I've always been a night owl.

I note my Dad's admonishment to take care what you do on New Year's Day because you'll wind up doing that the entire year. So, I try to do only things that I like to do. While being up all night isn't exactly what I want to do, it seems to be my lot in life so I embrace it! So, I updated my challenge with my last read of 2024, a cozy I finished when I woke up around 1a New Year's Eve morning and could not fall back to sleep. I had thought it would be book 1 of 2025 'til I woke up... Then, I updated my GoodReads book list for the year. To the enjoyment side... Today, my nephew stopped by--I enjoy his company. I read. I ate McDonald's French Fries!

After posting the GR updates, I decided to build a spreadsheet (I love Excel) tracking the "B" version of this challenge (I do the "A") to verify I made it last year. Then decided to fill in all the years of data I have (and boy do I have data!) to track my "B" reading. I finally started falling asleep around 6p (with a couple years of data to go...). Read again when I awoke from my "nap" and came to post my first read of the year!

Book 1 of 2025 is from the Mom and Christy series...
01. Christy Murphy - Wedding Cake and Widows (3.5-3) [B=Culinary (catering); Career (caterer; amateur/unlicensed PI); Travel (to Vegas for a bachelorette party)] 250101
*** My Review *** (but it's pretty much the same as below).

I actually planned for Spellbinding Blend from the Paramour Bay series by Kennedy Layne to be my first read of the year. However, as I was updating my new spreadsheet, saw this series, and wondered if there were new entries. There was, ONE new addition. I'd read all the books (to date) in 2019 and didn't realize a new one had joined in 2021, It features the wedding of Christy and her police detective beau DC. This is such a fun series with Christy and her Mom (duh!) and posse investigating murders. Try doing that when you're finalizing wedding plans, cakes, bachelorette parties, etc. for YOUR wedding, which is taking place in about six weeks. The familial love is great. The humor is great. The characters are real and the mysteries involving. So, why the low rating? For starters, editing. There are typos, incorrect words, and some continuity errors, none of which affect the mystery part of the book, just the cozy part. Then, while there is a murder to be solved, this is more of a wrap-up for the series. There is investigating, but nothing compared to the other books--really most of the "investigation" was questioning suspects and others. It also took six to eight weeks to get solved. I don't remember any of the others taking that long. I enjoyed it, but was expecting more. Finally, though there was travel in the story, it really didn't have anything specifically to do with the murder. While they did question suspects while on the trip, I don't know that I would count it as a "travel" book. ???

As mentioned, I think this was a wrap-up story for the series. There were 2 or so years between the previous book and this one, but nothing new since 2021. If the series ends with this book, I can be happy--though I want more. The series is fun and new avenues were opening for some of the characters.

Here's hoping all my reads are as fun! There's a hint of Christy's future, one that doesn't preclude her still investigating.

Back with an update for January. Whether I continue monthly updates... well, history says probably not, but if I don't start I'll (we'll) never know. =o)

Usually this is the only challenge I enter each year (other than the GoodReads annual one) because I like reading what I like when I like too much (thus why I do the "A" version of this challenge!). This year I decided to shake up my reading OCD and joined a couple of challenges. One is a "New Year" challenge to read up to 12 books by 02/28/25. The other is a complete/catch up-the-series type challenge that lasts for the year. The first (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...), while challenging, hasn't really affected the way I like to read other than maybe making the choice to read something that fits the challenge earlier than I may have.

The second (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...), however, I'm finding a bit more difficult (challenging) because 1) some of my immediate catch-up series don't fit the challenge criteria at this time; 2) my want to read what I want when I want is fighting the competitive part of me that wants to hit the goal and it's messing with my TBR--and, possibly, hitting this challenge's "B" goal for the fourth year in a row; 3) new additions keep getting added to series I get current with... ACK! Aren't challenges supposed to be fun. =o)

That being said, the mysteries I read for each challenge count toward this challenge so onward I go.

January update part 1...

I started Kennedy Layne's Paramour Bay series at the end of last year. I read the first five of 26 (at least as this point). My second read was book six in the series...

02. Kennedy Layne - Spellbinding Blend (3.5-3) [B=Paranormal (Witch; magical beings); Career (Tea Shop Owner); Animal-related (her familiar, a back-from-the-dead cat)] 250106

I enjoy this series, though I'm already tired Leo's sniping at Raven and I find myself skimming or skipping over his rants. And, the series has taken on a set formula which makes solving the crime--at least in figuring the culprit--easier. Still, I like the characters and setting and will continue with it. However... with (at least) 19 more to go until I catch up, I have moved this down my immediate TBR list because if I catch this up, I may not hit the complete/catch up-the-series challenge (see, messing with my TBR). I have started book 7 on one of my readers, so I will continue with it when I pick up that reader.

Next up, two that caught me up (for a week or so, that is) on the Killer Coffee series by Tonya Kappes:

03. Tonya Kappes - Pour-Over Predicament (2.5-3) [B=Career (coffee bar owner/operator; lawyer); Culinary (coffees, coffee beverages, teas, made-in-store bakery, casserole, and lunch items); (sort of) Animal-related (beagle-mix puppy up for adoption stays at the coffeehouse with owner's Scottie dog)] 250112

04. Tonya Kappes - Ice Coffee Corruption (2.5-3) [B=Career (coffee bar owner/operator; lawyer); Culinary (coffees, coffee beverages, teas, made-in-store bakery, casserole, and lunch items); (sort of) Animal-related (hound dog puppy up for adoption leads MC to dead body); (sort of) Holiday (Friendsgiving, however though fall, there's no mention of Thanksgiving, so don't know if it's just a get-together or holiday celebration)] 250113

While I like the setting and most of the characters, I still have issues with Roxy, who should know better (she's a lawyer for crying out loud!), doing stupid things (like withholding evidence from the Sheriff, approaching the culprit without backup, etc.). Also, I think I'm a good reader, but I really don't see any clues dropping. I usually figure out the who pretty much just because, but the why is a surprise dropped when Roxy solves the case, if we even get a why. Plus there is rarely a wrap-up. That is, the culprit is unmasked, but we have no idea why the crime was committed. The investigations were good, but...

One really annoying thing in one of the books had Roxy attacked one night. The Sheriff questions her using they and them pronouns. Not an issue, but what cop doesn't ask whether the perp was male or female or refers to him/her as such. Even Roxy kept using "they/them." It felt more like a ploy to keep us guessing at the sex of the culprit, and made the Sheriff look stupid.

I've invested in 15 books so far and will continue with the series because even with its faults, I still like more about it than I don't. Also, since it's on my complete/catch up-the-series challenge list, I need to keep current--at least this year. Book 16 just came out and will be read soon. Book 17 comes in a few months.

January update part 2...

Next up three books from favorite authors/series, one of which I'll list out of order:

05. Jenn McKinlay - A Merry Little Murder Plot | Library Lover's series (4) [B=Career (librarian); (sort of) Holiday (Christmas, that is set in the weeks leading up to the holiday)] 250115
Such a good, well-crafted mystery--one with clues!, red herrings, and a wrap-up. Brings me current (to date) with this series.

06. Victoria Laurie - A Ghoul's Gotta Do | Ghost Hunter series (4) [B=Career (Ghost Hunter); Paranormal (Demons); (sort of) Travel (Gilly travels from NY to visit the Whitefeathers in NM)] 250116 ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ *** My Review ***
This series "ended" in 2016, but still had a lot of fans. Laurie released a new entry last year, which I am grateful for. Though MJ and Heath were no longer featured in their own series, they pop up now and then in Laurie's other two series, Psychic Eye featuring Abby Cooper, and Life Coach featuring Abby's sister Cat Cooper and former Ghost Hunter Gilly Gillespie (MJ's BFF), so we were getting updates on the family here and there. I'm hoping that the characters will continue popping up.

Sandwiched between two in a new-to-me series was read 08:

08. Addison Moore - Sweet Crepes of Wrath | Murder in the Mix/Lottie Lemon (3.5-4) [B=Career (Baker); Culinary (Bakery offerings); Paranormal (psychic); Animal (ghost Polar Bear)] 250121
If you've read my updates before, you know this series is up and down with me, mostly because of the secondary characters. I love Lottie and her hubby Everett. I even (mostly) like her third (ex) Noah, with whom she shares a child. The books are full of humor. While, the secondary characters and the animal-ghost assistants can be annoying at times, the mysteries are fun and this outing was an UP!

There's a new book due in a week or so, then one later in the year.

Finally two from a new-to-me author Eve Calder's Cookie House series (with a "Lottie" in between!).

07. Eve Calder - And Then There Were Crumbs (4) [B=Career (Baker); Culinary (Bakery offerings); Animal (Poodle mix puppy)] 250117 ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ *** My Review ***

09. Eve Calder - Sugar and Vice (4) [B=Career (Baker); Culinary (Bakery offerings); Animal (Poodle mix puppy)] 250128

I've really enjoyed these two mysteries. I immediately liked the main characters and the setting. In the first book, I loved the community--especially new BFF Maxi--coming together to help the new-to-the-island protagonist, Kate, as she worked to help her new boss (and landlord), a loveable curmudgeon, when he's accused of murder. The dog, Oliver, arrived in the town a month or so prior to Kate without an owner. The wandering puppy was adopted by the community. They make sure he gets his shots, leave water bowls outside their businesses, feed him, etc. While he seems to have a knack for knowing and sticking close to those who "need" him, he winds up adopting Kate as his regular person and home, while still being the community's pup. Sweet. Both mysteries were good, with satisfying results (especially the first one!).

There's only one more in the series (to date--nothing new since 2021. I'll be reading it to get current with the series even though the series is too short (at this point) to qualify for the complete/catch up-the-series challenge.

That's my cozy January. With the two challenges I'm doing, we'll see where I am come the end of February. For now, I need 31 more to hit the minimum here.

out of curiosity, have you read any of kappes's other series and how does this compare if so? i'm wanting to ry it but i've enjoyed one other series and disliked another.
Karen wrote: "January update part 1...

I started Kennedy Layne's Paramour Bay series at the end of last year. I read the first five of 26 (at least as this point). My second read was book six ..."

Karen wrote: "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

As has become my New Year's tradition, I am here to post my first read of 2025--albeit later than usual.

I'm starting out the year once again with my sleep pattern backwards/o..."

I'd not heard of the "Mom and Christy series". It sounds fun! Thanks for your review!

Sara wrote: "out of curiosity, have you read any of kappes's other series and how does this compare if so? i'm wanting to ry it but i've enjoyed one other series and disliked another."

Hi, Sara.
I have read/am reading four of Tonya Kappes series--she has over 15!! series to date.

I started with her Magical Cures series. It features June Park, a witch who brews and sells--obviously--magical cures. Her father was a wizard, her mother also brewed cures, but was not magical. There are (now) 14 books in the series and three shorter novellas, one of which (A Charming Christmas) is a crossover with her Killer Coffee series. That is how I started reading that series, which is now up to 17 books plus the crossover novella. I've read all but two, one of which came out at the end of January and one that comes in June. As mentioned, I like most of the characters and the mysteries are okay, but...

I picked up her Holiday series next. I think I read a review and the series looked cute. As I read the first book, I found it was a spinoff from her Camper & Criminals series. There are 39!! books in that series. I have not started it (and don't know when I will). I like the protagonist of the Holiday series, Violet Rhinehammer--she's the spinoff character--and the other characters in the series. In the first book Violet is on her way to California for a job interview, but her plane is diverted to the small town of Holiday. She finds herself stuck for at least a week in the weird town (where a rooster is a security guard and a dog is the mayor). The tourist town celebrates EVERY holiday with festivals, parades, etc. So far it has been a fun series. There are 11 books (to date). I've read 8.

Finally, I'm reading her Southern Magical Bakery series, a spinoff of the Magical Cures series. This one features the next generation, June and Oscar Park's daughter Lo. There is one book out now and one due in July. So far so good. Lo's parents. June and Oscar, live in Whispering Pines. However, one can't live within the town's boundaries if one is not magical. Though her parents are magical, Lo's gift never shows itself. She moves to a nearby town to open a bakery and then finds out she actually is magical. However, she wants to stay where she is and run her bakery (much to her mother's chagrin). The elders have approved this as long as Lo doesn't use magic, which I think is going to be easier said that done, but I won't know until book 2.

As I said, Kappes has more than 15 series. Some look better than others, but I have all TBRed at this point.

Anastasia wrote: "I'd not heard of the "Mom and Christy series". It sounds fun! Thanks for your review!"

You're welcome, Anastasia.

I was pleasantly surprised with the Mom and Christy series. The first book was a freebie. In fact, I was able to get the first seven books as freebies through various freebie newsletters over the years. I instantly liked Christy and her mother when I read the first book. Christy had just moved home after (during) a divorce. She begins to help her mother with her catering business. The author is a comedy writer and it shows in the fun and funny stories and characters of the series. There is never a lack of familial love between Christy's blood and chosen families. I also liked how Christy grew throughout the series. While not perfect, I have liked each book.

As mentioned, I think that book 08 was the end, but I would definitely read more if they come.

If you pick up the series, let me know what you think.

February (and early March) update...
It seems I'm mirroring last year's reading--at least right now--with first month heavy on mysteries and following month light. The good news is last year it was four mysteries over five months. At least this year, it's four over six weeks.

First up, the latest in the Murder in the Mix/Lottie Lemon series. At this point, there is one more scheduled this year, a St. Patrick's Day-themed book set to come in November.

10. Addison Moore - Vanilla Glazed Valentine Vendetta (3.5) [B=Career (Baker); Culinary (Bakery offerings); Paranormal (psychic); Animal (ghost dog-Standard Poodle); Holiday (Valentine's Day)] (250214)
This was a pretty good entry. The mystery was good, but it's become the norm that there isn't a lot of investigating as much as there is character antics, the "cozy" story gets more attention. Lottie questions suspects who point to others--thus providing red herrings to work through. Carlotta--with her lunacy--usually pushes her way into the questioning/investigation. This time out Carlotta's antics weren't too over-the-top annoying, so that's one thing, I guess... While Lottie uncovers the culprit, the ending was a cliffhanger to the cozy story.

The next three will be out of order. I read two from the Haunted Bookshop series, with one from the Cookie House series in between.

First up, the Cookie House book.

12. Eve Calder - A Tale of Two Cookies (4.0) [B=Career (Baker); Culinary (Bakery offerings); Animal (Poodle mix puppy)] (250307)
This entry veered away from murder, centering instead on a missing person. I like that. That is, I realize most mysteries involve murder at some point, but I kind of like the out-of-the-box creativity of crafting an engaging mystery around something other than murder. Book 2, which did deal with murder, dealt with a cold case, so solving it was different than dealing with a "fresh" murder.

This is the third book in this series (and brings me current to date), which seems to be a three-and-done at this point. That is, there hasn't been a new entry to the series since 2021. The author's website says she's working on the next-in-series. I'm hoping that's true. I've enjoyed all three books and would continue reading the series if more came.

Finally, the two the Haunted Bookshop books, numbers 8 and 9 in the series, bringing me current (to date).

11. Cleo Coyle (Alice Kimberly) - The Ghost and the Stolen Tears (3.5-4) {B=career (Bookstore proprietor); Paranormal (Ghost of Noir PI); Historical (Ghost dreamwalks Penny through old case--in his time, mid to late 40s--that somehow connects to current--literally and/or figuratively)] (250227)

13. Cleo Coyle (Alice Kimberly) - The Ghost Goes to the Dogs (3.5-4) {B=career (Bookstore proprietor); Paranormal (Ghost of Noir PI); Historical (Ghost dreamwalks Penny through old case--in his time, mid to late 40s--that somehow connects to current--literally and/or figuratively) (250310)
This series is contemporary with an historical component. That is, this is a well written, fun series that mixes a modern day mystery with a 40's noir mystery (historical!)--there is a mystery to solve in the present day, but there is also a case being solved in the "past. "

Penelope Thornton-McClure moved back to her childhood hometown with her young son after being widowed. She runs a bookstore with her aunt, Sadie. The bookstore is haunted by the ghost of PI Jack Shepherd who was killed in the building in the 40s. Jack teams up with Penny to solve the crimes she comes across--she's sort of an apprentice learning the investigative trade. And, Jack "dreamwalks" Penny through the investigation/solving of one of his past cases--one that mirrors and/or connects to the present day case in some way. In the past (dream) Penny is Jack's assistant. She gets to see (and live) a 40's New York the way Jack saw it. I'd say it's like The Ghost and Mrs Muir if that couple "travelled" to the past and solved crimes together.

As with A Tale of Two Cookies, book 9 of the Haunted Bookstore series didn't have an actual murder. The mystery was crafted around an attempted murder and a missing person—proving cozies don't need murder to have a good mystery with a crime to solve.

Coyle also writes the Coffeehouse series--one of my favorites (awaiting the next-in-series coming April 1). The couple behind the pseudonym crafts good mysteries with interesting characters. The Haunted Bookstore mysteries go a step further as they interlace two (or more) mysteries and genres together. My only negative--at least for these two books-- is loose threads, nothing big, but still. For example, in one of the books Penny's young son Spencer. who wants to be a CSI, solves his own case lifting fingerprints (and setting a trap!). Penny asks him to lift the prints off something she found at a crime scene. What happened to that? Did Spencer get credit for his assistance? Ditto with the other entry, just small things not covered in the wrap-up epilogue. Still, I enjoy the series and look forward to more.

Well... That's it for now mysterywise. I'm current with both series, to date. (YAY!).

I joined a couple of challenges that have impacted my reading list--just a bit at this point. I think I should be okay overall for the year since the mysteries I read count toward the different challenges. We'll see.

That's the update for now. And, I was more timely in this update. We'll see if I can keep the streak going. =o)

Back with update 3, March (and early April)—Part 1 of 2
BTW, so far so good for keeping current with updates...

I read two series by Kari Lee Townsend, Sunny Meadows/Fortune Teller and Kalli Ballas/Mind Reader. Though the Sunny Meadows book is older, I thought I’d catch up on Kalli Ballas first. The two series now crossover with one another and I thought the crossovers would come after the latest Kalli Ballas book. They didn’t. They sandwich the last one.

So up first, two Kalli Ballas/Mind Reader books…

14. Kari Lee Townsend - A Touch of Malice (3.5-4.0) [B=Career (lingerie designer); Paranormal (ESP-mind reader)] (250314)

15. Kari Lee Townsend - An Inkling of Evil (3.5-3.0) [B=Career (lingerie designer); Paranormal (ESP-mind reader); Holiday (of sorts) Christmas through the Epiphany)] (250318)
Kalliope (Kalli) Ballas is a talented lingerie designer who works in the loft of her best friend Jazlyn (Jaz) Alveraz’s boutique in a small Connecticut town. Kalli was adopted into an extended and intrusive Greek family who all also live in town. On top of that, Kalli suffered a head trauma that now allows her to read the minds of people she touches—which she keeps secret from everyone but Jaz. Kalli's Mama is constantly on her daughter to settle down with a nice Greek man and start producing grandbabies. Enter Detective Nikos (Nik) Stevens. Nik is half Greek (on his mother’s side) and is getting the same nagging to settle down and produce grandbabies from his Mama. When the Mamas get together, watch out! But Kalli is OCD about cleanliness (germs) and touching and now with the mindreading thing, she doesn’t see marriage or babies in her future. But Nik’s thoughts when he touches (and kisses!) Kalli silence her OCD. Maybe they could have a future…

Kallie and Jaz shared an apartment in a house Jaz converted into two apartments. Nik moved into the other. Jaz has now moved in with her ex ex Boomer Matheson, Nik’s partner on the force, leaving Kalli and Nik in their separate apartments. However, as their relationship deepens, Nik wants to tear down the wall separating the apartments, thus moving in together. However, Kalli is a neat-freak with a prissy cat and Nik, while not a slob, is not as fastidious and has a huge St. Bernard that slobbers all over the place. She’s not sure she’s ready…

The cozy story is usually sweet and fun. Kalli’s Ma and mancrazy Aunt are nuts. They somehow always wind up wreaking havoc—the cost of which Kalli’s father doles out. Though the Greeks might be stereotyped—I don’t know enough about what appears to be first-generation Greeks—they’re a crazy bunch, but so loving and accepting. And, we do learn things about Greek culture and customs throughout the different stories.

As for the mysteries, there have been five books to date. Each book’s main suspect has been a member of Kalli’s family (including Jaz, book01) or Nik’s. Nik, who doesn’t know about her ability to read minds at first, wants her to stay out of the investigations, but Kalli is determined to help, especially when it comes to clearing her family. The mysteries are involved and interesting with enough red herrings to keep readers guessing.

I interrupted reading the Kalli books because the next-in-series, book 05, takes place after a crossover book with another of Townsend’s series, Sunny Meadows/Fortune Teller. So, I read the latest book in that series next...

16. Kari Lee Townsend - Murder in the Meditation (3.0) [B=Career (psychic); Paranormal (ESP-psychic)] (250322)
This book takes place after Sunny and Mitch’s wedding. While they’re not planning on having a baby soon, Sunny is worried about what kind of mother she’d be, especially since she can’t seem to handle her six-month-old godchildren (twins born to BFFs Jo and Cole). Mitch, who wasn’t sure he wanted children seems to be a natural. The cozy story deals mostly with that, Sunny’s vision of twins being born, and a psychic reading telling her a child of hers will be a more powerful psychic than Sunny. She’s freaking out.

As for the mystery, another good one… There is a psychic fair in town, but one psychic doesn’t see her demise. Problem is, she’s the ex of Jo’s nephew (and business partner), Sean. Sean is currently engaged to Zoe, who doesn’t think she measures up to Sean’s beautiful ex. Sean is a suspect and Sunny wants to prove him innocent. The mayor and police chief want the crime solved quickly for the sake of the event and the town’s reputation and call Sunny in to assist, much to the chagrin of Mitch and his captain. Toss in the victim’s current ex along with another, a rich family with a race horse farm, a politician and his wife, etc. and there’s a tangle to work through. But, Sunny’s up to the task.

One interesting thing I learned in this book is that all the events of this and the five previous books happened in 18 months! Also, it appeared as if this was an ending to the Fortuneteller series, leaving everything solved and settled (though I really want it to go on!!), while giving a hint to Townsend’s next series, Stone Investigations, which features the next gen, Sunny and Mitch’s grown children. The first two books are scheduled for release later this year.

However…. Since then, there have been a series of crossover stories with the Kalli Ballas/Mind Reader books. They’re listed as part of the the Sunny Meadows/Fortune Teller series on GoodReads. I don’t know if the original Fortuneteller series will continue in its own time with Sunny and Mitch solving crimes while raising their kids (while the new series featuring grown children starts in its time X years later), if Sunny and Mitch et al will only show up in the Sunny/Kalli Crossovers, if the crossovers will continue in their own time, or what. I like both original series and the crossovers. I’m looking forward to Stone Investigations, too. Can’t have too much of a good thing!

On to the first crossover…

17. Kari Lee Townsend - Cruising Into Danger (3.5-3) [B=Career (psychic-Sunny; lingerie designer-Kalli); Paranormal (ESP-psychic-Sunny; mind reader-Kalli); Travel (cruise to Bermuda (Sunny from NY; Kalli from CT)] (250324)

This takes place two years or so after the events of the last Fortuneteller book. Their daughter is now two; their son, six months. Sunny and Mitch are taking their first vacation away from the kids, a cruise. For Kalli and Nik, the cruise happens within weeks of the events of An Inkling of Evil. They meet Sunny and Mitch at the ship’s rail waving goodbye to their families. Kalli drops something Sunny retrieve and "reads" it. Sunny tells Kalli know she knows her secret and tells her she’s a psychic. The two couples, who have so much in common, become fast friends.

When a murder takes place on board, Mitch and Nik decide to investigate. Sunny and Kalli decide to lend their talents as well. (Don’t know if it’s true or not but noted in the book: “All cruise ships are required by international law to carry a Belgian ex-chief of police turned private investigator to handle that sort of thing [murder investigations]. And most likely they will call in the FBI since we’re the closest to US soil.” So, there's both an FBI agent and a Belgian detective working the case.) Mitch and Nik are told to butt out. However, Sunny and Kalli prove their talents and are brought into the investigative team. Mitch and Nik continue on their own and are later added to the team. The mystery is good. So many suspects all on the locked-down ship, add a missing piece of artwork, an attempt made on Sunny’s and Kallie’s lives, a missing auctioneer…

On top of that, you get the cozy story. Sunny hears through phone calls home about her infant son saving the lives of her daughter and mother as well as the other goings on back in Divinity. Sunny “reads” Kalli’s purse, gifted to her by her Ma, and we find out the Mamas have heard about the murder and lockdown. They, along with Kalli’s aunt, are trying to get to the ship via any means possible, including SKUBA, parasailing, etc. Their exploits are non-stop.

However, Townsend has some continuity issues. Events from the “last” Fortuneteller books seem to be forgotten. For example, in the epilogue of book 06, Zoe and Sean eloped and Zoe got pregnant on the honeymoon. She goes into early labor and gives birth at the same time as Sunny. That’s why Sunny had been having visions of twins, well, two babies. News Sunny receives while on the cruise has Zoe pregnant with a girl, but an “older” daughter is never mentioned. It’s as if she wasn’t born. ???

Anyway… back to the Kalli Ballas/Mind Reader for the next story featuring Kalli and Nik in Clearwater, CT…

18. Kari Lee Townsend - Mayhem on the Mind (3.0) [B=Career (lingerie designer); Paranormal (ESP-mind reader)] (250325)
This takes place a month or so after the cruise. Kalli and Nik are still living together but in separate apartments. Nik wants to move forward, but Kalli is still not ready—even though she put the first sledgehammer hole in the wall before the events of the cruise. The murder in this book involves Kalli’s Aunt Tasoula. It’s Tasoula’s 40th high school reunion. Since she lives in town, Tasoula has planned a week of events for the attendees to enjoy in and around the town’s Spring Festival. Her high school arch-nemesis, Skylar Delaney, winds up dead in Tasoula’s salon and Tasoula is chief suspect. Kalli’s out to save her.

Meanwhile her crazy Aunt Tasoula is now playing the field because her main man, Tate, looked at another woman. She set herself up as “majorette,” similar to the Bachelorette, handing out batons. She strings along several men. However, her dates don’t always go well and when they fail, she takes parts of the reunion and the Spring Festival down with them. As if Boomer and Nik don’t have enough to deal with, someone has puppy-napped the 22 puppies born to Jaz and Boomer’s two poodles (who got out while in heat and ran to Nik’s St. Bernard. Wolfgang—so Kalli and Nik are on the hook for 11 of them). Seems the Saint Berdoodles are a popular breed and valuable. Jaz is beside herself with worry. It can’t be easy to hide and take care of 22 puppies, but they’re nowhere in site. So, two big mysteries to solve with a couple of little things tossed in. Another fun read.

March (and early April)—Part 2 of 2

Then back to the Crossovers…

19. Kari Lee Townsend - Road Trip to Ruin (3.5-3) [B=Career (psychic-Sunny; lingerie designer-Kalli); Paranormal (ESP-psychic-Sunny; mind reader-Kalli); Travel (girls' trip to Adirondacks—Kalli from CT; Sunny from Divinity; both back to Divinity, then Nik to Divinity, then the Greek family to Divinity)] (250326)
This story takes place right after the events of Mayhem on the Mind. Nik almost proposes (Kalli stopped him) and Kalli freaked. She’s not sure she wants children and she knows Nik does. She’s also not sure if Nik will really be able to live with her quirks full time. She accepts Sunny’s offer for a girls’ weekend along with Sunny’s friends Jo and Zoe. Kalli rents a car and drives to Jo’s cabin the Adirondacks. She’s hoping for some clarity and a reading from Sunny to help her decide whether she should stay with Nik or break things off so he can find a woman who will give him what he wants/needs. However, things go from bad to worse when a client of Sunny’s shows up and claims Kalli stole her friend and her spot in the girls’ weekend. Sunny, who has been unsuccessfully trying to set boundaries with the woman sends her away only to have the weekend at the cabin ruined by a storm and a falling branch damaging the cabin. Things move to Divinity. Kalli stays at Sunny’s parents’ inn. While there, however, the jealous client is killed and stuffed in Kalli’s rental. She’s now suspect number one.

Nik comes to town to help Mitch with the investigation after Kalli’s room is trashed. What was the culprit looking for? Kalli’s now stuck in town and her family travels to Divinity to support her. Kalli’s loud family invades the inn and the town, taking over a festival to put on a Greek comedy and a tradegy—which just so happen to mirror Kalli and Nik’s love life. Kalli's aunt is giving all the women in Sunny's family makeovers. Her father is trying to help Sunny's father with his garden using aloe and duct tape... It’s a whole lot of mystery, a whole lot of family, a whole lot of crazy, and a whole lot of fun.

Book 6 in the Kalli Ballas series, Trouble for Your Thoughts is scheduled for a May 13 release. After that, there are two more crossover books scheduled. The first, Bachelors, Badges & Bad Luck, is scheduled for June 24. It happens in and around Nik’s bachelor party. The second, My Big Fat Fatal Wedding is listed for a 2025 release, but is not yet on GoodReads and I haven’t found a release date.

Then on to one of my all-time favorite series, the Coffeehouse series by Cleo Coyle.

21. Cleo Coyle - No Roast for the Weary (4.5-4) [B=Career (Coffeehouse Owner/Operator); Culinary (Coffeehouse offerings)] (250404)
So so so so good!!! I love the characters in this series. I love the setting. The mysteries are great. I cannot wait for the next.

Finally, I caught up (to date) the Teapot Collector series by Amanda Cooper, a pseudonym of Victoria Hamilton. It looks like a three-and-done since there hasn’t been a new addition since 2016. I’m torn… I like the series enough to keep reading new entries, but don’t know how much I’ll miss it at this point. The mysteries were good. I like most of the characters. It ended at a point where everyone’s story is set. But, it also ended with characters on the brink of entering a new phase of their lives so continuing the series would make sense. And, there were some threads left blowing in the wind—not with the mysteries, but with the cozy story that could be explored. I do hope more come. It was just beginning to grow on me

So, closing out this update…

20. Amanda Cooper - Shadow of a Spout (3.5-3) [B=Career (Chef; tea-room worker); Culinary (tearoom fair—biscuits, cookies, pasties, jams, jellies, soups, salads, sandwiches, etc.); Travel (to nearby town for teapot collectors' convention)] (250329)

22. Amanda Cooper - The Grim Steeper (3.0) [B=Career (Chef; tea-room worker); Culinary (tearoom fair—biscuits, cookies, pasties, jams, jellies, soups, salads, sandwiches, etc.)] (250406)

Okay… that’s it for March (and early April) 2025. I have caught up two more series, to date, for this year. YAY!

I have 18 more to hit the minimum and things lined up to read. As for the "B" goal, I haven't checked yet, but I know I haven't read any out-of-US, Historical, and only one that could be counted toward Craft mysteries. I'm thinking I will fall short of the "B" goal this year. =o(

While I’m reading more mysteries this year compared to the same point last year, I have not been reading as much as I did last year. My overall reading has taken a dive for some reason. Maybe after the taxes are done I can get back on track for a couple of months.

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x

As previously mentioned, I’m trying a couple of new challenges (baby steps!)—at least this year. You can see my progress at the links below.

** Finish/Catch up the series (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...) | Ongoing (my notes post follows the main series post)

** A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away Challenge (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...) | Ongoing

** New Year’s Challenge (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...) | Completed: 250121

** And, I’m thinking of joining the Clean Up Your TBR Shelf Challenge (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...). That’s a biggie! However, it still allows me to read what I want when I want, so if I can get organized…

Till next time!

Back for the April/May update. I didn't read a lot of mysteries over the two month. I spent too much time reading romance. Oh well...

I started off with a new-to-me series and author, the Men Who Stitch series by Kate Silvers. The first is a short prequel. I'm listing it, but not counting it toward my total

23a. Kate Silvers - The Cutest Puppies in the World (3.0) [B=Career (Deputy Sheriff); Crafting (needle arts); Animal-related (abandoned puppies)] (250425)

23b. Kate Silvers - Tempting Fête (3.5-3) [B=Career (Deputy Sheriff); Crafting (needle arts); Animal-related (runt of litter now police mascot)] (250503)
The Men Who Stitch series takes place Prospector's Rest, NC and stars Officer Obadiah "Di" Goode, one of two non-white members of the Prospector's Rest Sheriff's Department (the other is friend Alex Martinez) and lowest-ranking and newest officer in the department. His partner in crime is the only woman in the department, secretary MacBeth "Mac" Welles, daughter of the last sheriff, now deceased.

Di has two secrets... 1) while he's paid for being a deputy, he really makes his living creating craft items (knit, crochet, etc.), which he sells under an assumed name; and 2) he's been in love with Mac since the two met as toddlers--but he's too shy to make a move.

The events in the short prequel take place about a year before the events in the first book. In it, Mac and Di solve the mystery of who left a litter of puppies on the doorstep of the Sheriff's office. It serves to introduce the main characters, the town and some of the townspeople, and to Di's "Men Who Stitch" video-conference group--who serve as a sounding board and counsel for Di. We're also introduced to PeeWee, the runt of the abandoned litter, adopted by Mac to be the Sheriff's Office mascot. As seen in the first book, Mac loves to dress PeeWee in costumes, including a tiny dog-sized deputy uniform.

I've only read book 1, so I don't know if all will be the same, but they mystery was okay, but not so mysterious. While the main crime (abandonment of the pups) of the prequel was solved, there were things dropped in that story that were picked up in the first book, setting the scene for the crime(s). There were multiple suspects, but really only one person could have done it and the clues dropped led readers right there. I love how it worked out! I'll keep reading because the characters are fun. The cozy story is fun and funny as we watch Di moon after Mac as he tries to hide his "secret" life from her and his colleagues. There are three more available now and one scheduled for an October release.

Then, I was back to the Killer Coffee series to catch that up to date (a new entry is scheduled for late October).

24. Tonya Kappes - Steamed Secrets (3.5-3) [B=Career (coffeebar owner/operator; lawyer); Culinary (coffees, coffee beverages, teas, made-in-store bakery, casserole, and lunch items); (sort of) Animal-related (parrot up for adoption--sort of provides clue to culprit)] (250518)

YAY! Actually had clues leading to the killer! However... I wish the victim had only been attacked and not killed. I think her addition to the town would have been kind of sweet for one of the characters and good for Roxie to have her college roommate and BFF in town, someone her age to pal around with--at least now and then. The victim could have been in a coma with added attempts on her life. Roxie would still have had a crime to solve, with no help frim the victim, but... Oh well...

Then, I picked up an historical outside-of the-US, book 02 of the Anty Boisjoly series.

25. PJ Fitzsimmons - The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning (4.0) [B=Out-of-US (England); Historical (1920s); Travel (London to countryside to visit Aunty Boisjoly); Holiday (Christmas)] (250519)

I love this series! The mysteries have been interesting. The cozy story is fun and witty. I was laughing out loud at parts. Anthony "Anty" Boisjoly is a riot! This mystery involved his Aunty Boisjoly, an extremely shy woman who spends a lot of time hiding in the curtains "inspecting them for moths." OMG! His off-the-cuff remarks... I love his valet, Vickers, who hears all and knows much--even if he forgets the tea service when he serves tea and falls asleep in the linen closet. (Vickers was Andy's father's valet, and I believe his father's before him.) I will continue reading this series for the sheer joy. There are seven more books to date.

Fitzsimmons has a second cozy series starring a female protagonist, Teddy Quillfeather. I haven't started it yet. GoodReads shows two books to date. If it's as good as "Anty", I'll be there!

Finally (and sadly for these two months!), I caught up the Kalli Ballas/Mindreader series.

26. Kari Lee Townsend - Trouble for Your Thoughts (3.0) {B=Career (lingerie designer); Paranormal (ESP-mind reader)] (250530 )
The fifth book in the series and the fifth time a family member has been suspected of murder. I was a bit annoyed that a major story line was pretty much yadda-yadda-yadda-ed, It didn't have anything to do with the murder, but still...

There are two crossover books coming with Townsend's other protagonist, Sunny Meadows (of the Sunny Meadows/Fortune Teller series). Sunny and Kalli met on a cruise in an earlier crossover book (my #17 read). Crossovers three and four happen in and around Nic and Kalli's wedding festivities. One is scheduled to hit in June; the other in August.

That it... That's the list. Very short for two months of reading. (Again, I blame the romance!).

Fourteen more to hit the minimum!

A June/July/early August Update
My reading time was cut by work in July. That doesn't explain June, however. =o( Though, I did do some romance reading and rereading.

I'm adding six books only five of which I'm counting toward goal.

27. Addison Moore - Twice Baked Risky Whiskey Cakes & bonus scene (Murder in the Mix/Lottie Lemon) (3.0) [B=Career (Baker); Culinary (Bakery offerings); Paranormal (psychic); Animal (ghost white fox); Holiday (St. Patrick's Day)] (250611)
Lottie has her twins. On her birthday. Just like their sister before them. Yes, all four share the same birthday. This one had a pretty good mystery. Book got better when I started skimming the parts featuring the train wreck that is the character bio-mom Carlotta. There’s a bonus scene available for free download that shows the family after the twins come home. It sets up the next book wherein the entire gang heads to Vegas for a foodie competition (and murder!).

28a. Victoria Hamilton - Cat Got Your Tongs (Vintage Kitchen) (3.5-3.0) [B=Career (Wife & Mother; Blogger; Vintage Recipe column writer; Volunteer; Collector of vintage kitchenware); Animal (cats)] (250621)
I believe this is the first time lead protagonist Jaymie has seemed like a real person to me—maybe she's finally growing on me??? This one had a good mystery with clues and good red herrings. I realized the involvement of one character right away, but missed one big clue that dropped. It led right to the second victim. The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing. One big mystery left unanswered… How does one hear voice-mail being left on a cell phone? The victim’s phone rings and Jaymie hears the caller leaving voice-mail. Unless the body had a muscle spasm (not noted in the book) and hit the speaker button or the victim’s ghost hit the speaker button on the phone, or some critter startled by the ringing phone bumped the speaker button, there is no way to hear voice-mail being left on a cell phone that I know of… Though maybe I’m wrong and someone can solve that mystery for me. =o)

28b. Liz Talley - Deconstructed (Cricket Crosby Caper) (3.5-4) [B=Career (Mother; business owner; licensed PI)] (250629)
I’m not counting this toward my total, but I’m listing it because 1) I read it thinking it was a cozy—albeit one that was heavier on the cozy side rather than the mystery side; 2) it’s the start of a series that may turn out to be a cozy series.

This was a chic-lit book meant as a standalone. Fans clamored for more of Cricket and Ruby and two (to date) sequel books are available. In this, Cricket, long-time married with a thirteen-year-old daughter finds out her husband has been boinking said daughter's tennis coach; rather than confront him, however, she plans to get the goods on him and file for divorce before he knows what's happening. Ruby is an employee who becomes a friend and ally. Ruby has a couple of male cousins who assist, one of whom is a PI. Things take a turn when Cricket discovers her cheating husband is also involved in a nefarious, criminal scheme and she sets out to bring that down as well.

At the end of the book Cricket, who did most of the investigative work, talks about becoming a PI and working cases with Ruby’s cousin (in her spare time, of course—she owns and operates a vintage store). I’ll read the other entries and hope they can count toward the goal. This book was pretty good. The next has Ruby accused of theft and Cricket and crew out to prove her innocence. Cozy mystery??? I'll find out.

29. Tonya Kappes - A Perk of Trouble (Killer Coffee) (3.5-3.0) [B=Career (coffeebar owner/operator; lawyer); Culinary (coffees, coffee beverages, teas, made-in-store bakery items); (sort of) Animal-related (ferret up for adoption; her Scottie is with her most of the story)] (250720)
An interesting mystery, but we're back to getting no real clues—though I admit one sort of dropped right after the murder (I think). However, it didn't really lead to any red herrings, though there were a couple of herrings (sort of). The dropped clue doesn't become clear until right before the big reveal—as usual! with this series. We actually get a WHY this time! YAY! This was actually an enjoyable read from the series, which I like even with its faults.

30. Courtny Bradley - Deadly Drafts (Literary Stitches/Addie Doyle) (3.5-4.0) [B=Career (author; book store owner/operator)] (250810)
This is a first-in-series and is pretty good. I instantly liked the characters and the setting. I love the way it worked out, which has the main protagonist staying in her old home town of Broken Arrow, OK rather than returning to New York City. The mystery, though not gripping, was interesting enough to hold my interest. However, my favorite thing was how the cozy story resolved (in order to set up the return). Sometimes those background things go unresolved or are left as hanging threads. This didn't. I rolled up because, as stated, liked the characters and setting as well as the start of the cozy story. I want to know about all and look forward to the next-in-series.

31. Eryn Scott - Literally Finished (Pepper Brooks) (3.5-3.0) [B=Career (grad student; bookstore owner/operator); Travel (to London & Oxford--and nearby touristy places)] (250813)
I don’t know how I missed this. I read this entire series. This entry was published in 2023 and I just realized I’d never read it. It literally finished the series. It has Pepper and fiancé Alex in England visiting the on-sabbatical Fergie (Professor Ferguson), who is teaching at Oxford. She invited Pepper and Alex to visit (she’ll provide lodging) for vacation and for grad student Pepper to use the Oxford libraries for her research. A dead body hanging out a window interrupts a Charles Dickens-themed tour. They wind up involved after Alex finds out the kid arrested is the son of a police officer killed on duty—something Alex experienced in his own life. The boy, as well as three other children are in foster care. The man who died is their foster father—a Dickensian-type who was in it for the paycheck and didn’t care for the children. Alex can’t believe that no one in the police department took in the dead cop’s son, leaving him to the system. With the police not looking at any other suspects, Alex and Pepper set out to get to the bottom of things, hoping to prove the boy is innocent. They investigate in and around touring London, Oxford, and nearby touristy places.

This was actually one of my favorites in the series. I’m not really a fan of Charles Dickens, but Scott was clever in her mirroring Dickens’ characters and themes and mixing them with the modern mystery. We also get a little descriptive tour of places Alex and Pepper visit. And, though they’re in England, we hear from Pepper’s BFF Liv, who’s taking care of Hammy, and Alex’s father, who provides some heartfelt wisdom when Alex tells him about the case and why he’s involved (so the gang's all here!). Finally, the book ends with the last chapter a year down the road on Alex and Pepper’s wedding day.

The author notes this was the last-in-series, but I hope she changes her mind and writes new mysteries for Pepper and gang to solve. The last thought Pepper leaves readers with is “With Alex’s job, and my Nancy Drew complex, I knew there would be more mysteries for us to solve." That’s something I’d like to see now and then. However, if this is the end, I can be happy for all the HEAs.

Well. that's it for now. I've caught up another series. (YAY!)

I'm nine away from the minimum quota. I haven't checked too closely, but I'm pretty sure the "B" goal will not be met this year, but we'll see. Till next time, happy reading.

Back with a late summer/early fall update. In with my romance reading, I read 12 mysteries. I had a couple of rereads, a short story (I won’t count toward the total), and an audio book I then read hard-copy of. I started a new-to-me series and caught up four mystery series (at least to date!), bringing that total to 14 for the year if 1) I’ve tabbed correctly; 2) you count book 1 in a series when there is no current book 2 (which I am!).

On to the update...

Part 01: This update is Tonya Kappes- and Joanna Campbell Slan-heavy. I caught up two Kappes series and I’m reading the latest in her Killer Coffee series, Brewing Up Bones, right now, which will bring that series current through this year. As for Campbell-Slan, I finally got back to her Friday Night Mystery Club series. (See update part 3.)

So, first up, four in Kappes’ Holiday series. This series features Violet Rhinehammer, a spinoff character from the Camper & Criminals series. I haven’t started that series and with 42 books (to date) in the series, starting it is daunting!

Anyway, in book 1 of the Holiday series, Violet found herself stranded in Holiday Junction while en route to a network job interview in California. She winds up helping the sheriff solve a murder and staying in town to take over as editor of the local newspaper, Junctional Journal. Her mother, Millie Kaye, moves from Kentucky to Holiday Junction to watch over her “baby” and because she feels her husband is taking her for granted. Then, Violet’s father follows because he loves his wife. Violet is now dating the sheriff’s son (and new lawyer), Darren, and falling more in love with the town and its people.

BTW,.. Holiday Junction is a town that has never met a holiday it doesn’t like and celebrate…

I’m showing one of my reads out of order to put all read in the series together.

32. Tonya Kappes - April Fool's Alibi (Holiday) 3.0 [B=Career (journalist); Holiday (April Fool’s Day)] 250912
This was a good mystery with a lot of red herrings, then out of the blue… solved. At least the culprit wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities, but really. And we do get a “why” (thankfully!).

33. Tonya Kappes - Columbus Day Conundrum (Holiday) 3.0 [B=Career (journalist); Holiday (Columbus Day)] 250916
This revolved around the bachelorette party and wedding of a friend of a friend. The story is good until it just suddenly comes to an end… And, the ending (the “why”) is just stupid. While I guessed the killer, I didn't know why this character would do it (though I did make up reasons—all of which, of course, were incorrect!). There was another viable suspect that kept me wondering, so I was kind of guessing until END. Also, this one didn’t do a real wrapup so there were threads left hanging and I hate that. But, the cozy part was good.

There is a "bonus” scene available for download. I didn’t do a side-by-side comparison, but it just seemed to be a scene already included in the book. If you can’t get it, you’re not missing anything.

34. Tonya Kappes - Holly Homicide (Holidayy) 3.0 [B=Career (journalist); Holiday (Christmas)] 250916
This started out really sweetly with Darren surprising Violet. Then, of course, she finds a body. There are a couple of viable suspects, but once again, the killer comes out of the blue. This time I guessed the why, but not the who. Then, out of the blue… At least we get a wrapup.

Also, the book has one big editing error. Violet is talking to coroner Curtis Robinson about the cause of death. All of a sudden, Colonel Holz from Kappes’ Campers & Criminals series pops in for a couple of paragraphs then pops out. I can’t believe it wasn’t caught before publication. (I read the e-version.)

36. Tonya Kappes - Father’s Day Fugitive (Holiday) 3.5-3.0 [B=Career (journalist); Holiday (Father's Day, sort of); Culinary (BBQ Contest)] 250923
This had a good story and mystery, but I rolled down because we don’t get a real wrapup. I knew the culprit as soon as the clue dropped, but it was still fun to read overall, especially to see how Violet goes about confirming her suspicions. This one didn’t have a lot of “town” interaction, though Violet and Darren spent a lot of time with Fern, an ex beauty queen who harbored a crush on Darren. She was hired by the sheriff’s office a couple of books ago for what I really don’t know. Now she seems to be on her way to being a detective??? She was sort of the chief “pro” investigator (face of the cops) in this one.

Caught up on this series, to date. YAY!

Part 02: I then caught up on Kari Lee Townsend’s Fortune Teller/Sunny Meadows series with two reads. Both are crossovers with her Kalli Ballas/Mind Reader series. Both deal with events leading up to and including Kalli’s wedding.

35a. Kari Lee Townsend - Bachelor, Badges & Bad Luck (Fortune Teller/Sunny Meadows & MindReader/Kalli Ballas Crossover) 2.5-3.0 [B=Paranormal (ESP, psychic-Sunny); Travel (bachelor party trip to Atlantic City—Nik & Boomer from Clearview; Mitch, Cole, & Sean from Divinity to Clearview, then to Atlantic City; all back to Clearview, then M, C, & S to back to Divinity)] 250916
This is a short story and serves as a bridge to and sets up events for the full book that follows. Because it’s a short story, I won’t count it toward my goal. The story covers Nik’s bachelor party in Atlantic City, where crimes—but no murders—take place. Detectives Nik (groom) and Boomer (best man), Sunny’s police detective husband Mitch (friend), and friends Sean and Cole work to figure out what happened and why before heading back for the wedding. Though the guys are detectives, they’re not investigating as police officers, so no “career” designation. Sunny, herself, only shows up in phone calls to her husband with visions she’s had regarding their safety, etc., so her “career” doesn’t really enter into things either.

Boomer's undercover past comes back to haunt the men when Nik's wallet, containing the family's heirloom wedding ring is stolen (though why he's carrying the ring in his wallet THREE MONTHS before the wedding is beyond me; wouldn't you have it in a safe or leave it with your mother until the morning of the wedding???) and Boomer loses his gun and badge—and no one remembers anything after a certain point in the night. Seems the group is set up by a mobster that Boomer investigated years ago while an undercover detective. The mobster wants a flash drive full of incriminating information that never came to light when the investigation ended and he thinks Boomer has it. The immediate gets resolved, but the events will follow the group back to Clearview…

Although things happen in this story that foreshadow things to come, readers won’t be lost if they don’t read it.

35b. Kari Lee Townsend - My Big Fat Fatal Wedding (Fortune Teller/Sunny Meadows & MindReader/Kalli Ballas Crossover) 3.0 [B=Career (psychic-Sunny; lingerie designer-Kalli); Paranormal (ESP-psychic-Sunny; mind reader-Kalli); Travel (Divinity Crew to Clearview, CT)] 250917)
While this feature the wedding of Nik and Kalli from Townsend’s Kalli Ballas/Mind Reader series, it’s listed under the Sunny Meadows/Fortune Teller series as a crossover featuring both series’ characters.

The events take place a month or so AFTER the events in Bachelor, Badges & Bad Luck and Kalli is feeling overwhelmed with wedding preparations and choices to be made and the disorganization, etc. that seems to follow in the wake of, well, everything. The bad guy from Atlantic City is in town following Boomer and Nik wants to keep the information from Kalli (and Jaz) because she already stressed out about the wedding preparations and dealing with the Mamas. Sunny has another vision so the crew from divinity, Sunny, Mitch, their kids Tina and River (who's now manipulating items); her parents; the Tasty Trio, Granny (cookies), Fiona (pies), and Great Grandma Tootsie (everything!); Cole, Jo, and their twins Collin and Jeremiah; and Sean, Zoe, and their infant daughter, Alannah head to Clearview to 1) help Nik and Boomer; 2) help Kalli with wedding prep; 3) try to keep Kalli and Jaz from finding out about the danger; 4) help keep the Mamas busy and out of the way. Things go from bad to worse when Kalli's wedding photographer is found dead... turns out he was a hateful blackmailer Sunny saw his death in a vision, including the fact that he was scared because of blackmail) so there are a few viable suspects. The Greek Mamas hear that Nik is hiding something. They think it’s secret wedding plans and they along with the Tasty Trio are determined to find them. The book is a jumble of wedding plans here, murder investigations there, festivals, intrigue, the mamas, etc., with everything wreaking havoc with Kalli's OCD. The mystery is pretty good with a few clues dropped along with the red herrings. Though I figured the culprit (but not the exact why), it’s a very good story/mystery overall.

Though, there are question… The flash drive has to be a few years old now. Really, how good is the information on it? And, since the gangster knew that the information had been compromised, wouldn't it have been smart of him to have made changes to who he did business with and/or how? Kalli's bio dad is (now) a Catholic priest. Why wasn't he officiating the wedding or at least assisting the officiant? I know she is Greek Orthodox and is getting married in the Greek Orthodox church, but as a Catholic priest, he could have been approved to marry the couple. If that wouldn't satisfy the Greek mamas, he could have at least assisted in the ceremony. I think it was a missed opportunity to showcase family and bring Kalli and her bio-Dad closer.

Caught up on this series, to date. YAY!

Part 03: Then, I read (and re-read) the Joanna Campbell Slan series Friday Night Mystery Club. I started the series a few years ago—partly because it counts as “historical” for this challenge! I read the first two, but could not find book 3 at the library. Finally, I found the audio on Hoopa (https://hoopla.com/) and decided to listen to it figuring I’d never get book 3 any other way and I wanted to move on to book 4 After listening to it, I had to go back to look up a couple of things in book 1—can’t remember if they were series inconsistencies or things about the characters I wanted to clarify. I wound up rereading that as well as book 2 before moving on to book 4.

Then, as Murphy’s Law dictates, I found I had gotten book 3 as a Kindle freebie back in June!!! So I did the natural thing and (re)read it. (BTW, my Kindle freebie TBR is more books than I will ever read in five lifetimes because, well, they’re free and so easy to add to my ever-growing virtual library).

I’m showing both “reads,” #37 and #41, together with one set of notes. I thought about not counting the read of the audio I’d listened to 10 days prior, but I did READ it and, actually, got more out of the visual than the auditory. I thought I did well with the audio. I only had to rewind a couple of times. But, when I read the book/text, I picked up things I either didn’t hear or didn’t remember hearing.

37. Joanna Campbell Slan - Tuesday Trash and Trouble (Audio) (Friday Night Mystery Club) [AUDIO-00.10:14:00] 3.5-4 [B=Career (newspaper ad salesman); Historic (mid/late 1980s; 1987)] 250930

One thing I really liked about the audio was the talent of the reader, Kelli Tager. She did a really good job distinguishing between characters' voices and especially good voicing protagonist Cragen, I enjoyed the audio more than I thought I would, but I did miss details I caught when I read the text version of the book.

One good thing, however, is that hearing the book made me look more closely at the first two books through the lens of 1986 (or 1987??). I knew the books were set then when I read them, but for whatever reason I didn’t “get it” until I heard Tager’s narration.

41. Joanna Campbell Slan - Tuesday Trash and Trouble (Friday Night Mystery Club) 3.5-4.0 [B=Career (newspaper ad salesman); Historic (mid/late 1980s; 1987, but really 1986)] 251010
It's only been six total months since the events in the first book and the events in this and less than two months since the action in book 02. The cozy part was like Chick-Lit and took up most of the book, but it was still overall a good story and mystery—one without a murder, proving cozies don’t have to have a murder to have a mystery/crime to solve.

Cragen is jealous of Pru's old friend, Sharon who is coming for a visit—she’s headlining a show, which includes drag queens at the club Pru works for. She mainly jealous of the time Pru, who’s the older sister she never had, spends with Sharon. The crew is invited to the show (See notes for book 4 below.). Cragen is still dealing with Robert’s distant relatives contesting his will so her inheritance is still up in the air. Yakky is still pulling his crap at work—reassigning (stealing) Cragen's best clients and giving them to his new pet—this time a doofus local ex-football player. She and her boyfriend (and boss), Ryder, are hitting the skids, especially since, at Yakky's insistence, he agrees to take Yacky’s last pet, Elizabeth (another of Ross’ direct reports), to a Chamber of Commerce Gala all while keeping his relationship with Cragen secret because he’s her boss. Cragen is asked to the Gala by Ross, her favorite flirt (and client), after Elizabeth disses her in his presence. Pru, Sharon, and their friend Billy (a drag queen and designer) "pretty woman" Cragen for the ball. [See notes for book 4.]

As for the mystery, the crimes were kidnapping (Sharon’s sister) and attempted murder (of Sharon). Cragen and her friends investigate, especially after Pru becomes a suspect—in and around the chick-lit stuff.

38. Joanna Campbell Slan - The Friday Night Mystery Club (Friday Night Mystery Club) 3.0 [B=Career (newspaper ad salesman); Historic (mid/late 1980s; 1987)] 251003

This is a reread. I actually rated this book higher after this read (2.5 up to 3) because I saw more to like this time. While I stand by my review —and not looking past the errors—after reading (listening) to book 3, I read this through the lens of 1986 when women were still be treated like objects in the workplace, not earning the same as their male counterparts, etc. I like how Campbell-Slan points out the double standard Cragen—women—faced in 1986, things we take for granted now AND pointing out, sadly, how things really haven't changed all that much for all the strides that have been made. The book (series) is part chick-lit, part mystery, and part social commentary—and not just on women's rights, but on the changing landscape of print media, celebrity worship, etc.

39. Joanna Campbell Slan - Monday Morning Blues (Friday Night Mystery Club) 3.5-4.0 [B=Career (newspaper ad salesman); Historic (mid/late 1980s; 1987)] 251005
This, too, is a reread. As with book 1, I rated this higher after rereading—though I do stand by my review . I rolled up this time because I wound up really enjoyed this reading, especially Cragen standing up for herself. Plus, the mystery in this book is better than book 1’s and Cragen and team (especially Winnie) did more investigating in this one.

40. Joanna Campbell Slan - Wednesday Wicked Ways (Friday Night Mystery Club) 3.5-4.0 [B=Career (newspaper ad salesman); Historic (mid/late 1980s; 1987)] 251007
This story is set in January 1987, less than two months after the events of book 3, 6 months since the events of book 1. As with book 3, there is no murder (again, attempted). Kevin involves the Friday Night Mystery Club because his boss doesn't think the crime warrants an investigation—someone shot at Pru and two of her coworkers/friends outside the club where they work, seriously injuring one of the women. And, threatening notes are sent to Anthony (club owner and Pru's crush) and to Pru.

As for the cozy story… There’s drama surrounding Pru and her relationship, or lack thereof, with Anthony. He has a young daughter and Pru doesn’t want her bullied because she’s an exotic dancer so won’t pursue anything romantic with him and he’s holding back sharing his feelings for her. Cragen gets a new boss because Ryder has been reassigned to another location. The new boss, chosen by Yakky, is a woman, Frances. Frances is a “mean girl” (with no ad sales experience) who takes pleasure in wielding her power, especially over the women in the department and Cragen in particular. Yakky chooses Frances to represent the paper in a Chamber of Commerce The Role of Women in Today’s Workforce speech contest. Cragen, encouraged by Cindy then by Frances' treatment of the ladies in the classified department, enters the contest as well. Before finalizing her speech, she gets an earful from the ladies at her grandmother’s retirement home. All worked during WWII but were just expected to step back and to return to homemaking, and allow the menfolk to take their jobs, even though they performed them just as well, if not better, and even if they needed the job/money to care for their families (as breadwinners and/or caretakers), etc. (BTW, Cragen’s speech is GREAT!). She and Ross are having trouble communicating long distance as he continues to deal with the “business” that took him out of town at the end of book 3. (Sort of ex) Kevin tosses his romantic hat in the ring. There’s shenanigans with the vote count in the contest. The new publisher seems to know what’s been going on and what Yakky has been putting Cragen and others through…

A bonus epilogue is offered via Book Funnel. It has Pru visiting Anthony's house after everything is settled. Readers won’t be lost if they can’t get it.

I really enjoy this series. I love Cragen. Her supporting cast is also good. The issue I have with the series are the inconsistencies from book to book and sometimes from chapter to chapter. For example, as noted in book 3, Cragen is “pretty womaned” by Billy, a drag queen. She and crew saw him and others perform at Anthony’s club during the events in that book. However when invited to a show in book 4, none of the crew knew what a drag queen was. Uh, you enjoyed a show featuring drag queens last month. How could you forget the guy who dolled up Cragen for the Gala??

In this (book 4), Ross and Cragen have been “hot and heavy for months,” but book 4’s events happen about six weeks after book 3’s (when they started “dating”). That’s not months. On top of that, Ross has been out of town since the day after the Gala—their first “date," so how hot and heavy are they really?

One book states it’s 1986, another that it’s 1987. As stated, I really enjoy this series and love Cragen. I just wish the author would tighten things up.

Though not really an inconsistency, we learn nothing new about Cragen's inheritance and the court case nor of the status of the house's ownership. I hope that gets resolved (in Cragen’s favor!) soon.

Even with its faults, I’m looking forward to the next-in-series—and many more to come.

Caught up on this series, to date. YAY!

Part 04: I hit the beginning of November with one new-to-me series and author and one more Tonya Kappes.

42. Lucy Connelly - An Irish Bookshop Murder (Mercy McCarthy) 3.5-4.0 [B=Career (Bookshop Owners (both)/Operator (Lizzie); Author (Mercy); Out-of-US (Ireland)] 251022
This is the new-to-me author and is a good start to the series. Fraternal twins Mercy and Lizzie move to a small coastal village in Ireland after inheriting an estate from the paternal grandfather they never knew. The two are happy to start a new life away from sad/devastating losses, especially for Lizzie. I do have a story issue concerning the twins age. In Ch04, Mercy says she's (they're) 30+ and in Ch05 a letter their Grandfather's left for them says their father (his son) was part of a special UN force sent on a mission "over 30 years ago and never returned." He went MIA before they were born (therefore, they don’t really know whether or not their father is dead or not). Their mother was not married at their birth. The twins stopped asking about their father early on after seeing the pain it brought her.) It’s noted that Mercy has worked with her editor, Carrie, for over 20 years. So how old was Mercy when her first book was published. Or, how many years “over 30 years ago” did their father disappear? I would think this places the twins at least or over 40, but??

And, there’s are a few questions and hanging threads. One is about a treasure… or maybe not a treasure. Supposedly their Grandfather's will mentions a treasure, but it doesn’t come up in the book until the end of Ch03 when a "treasure hunt" is mentioned. In Ch05, Lizzie mentioned the letter from their grandfather they found was the "treasure Grandad spoke of in his will." So is there a "real" treasure or is the "treasure" the girls finding a home and a chosen family and a purpose (and maybe, later, a father)?? "Treasure" does come up as those items throughout the story. Others questions and threads could spoil the story, so I’ll leave them out of this, I get that some things carry from book to book, but I hate unanswered questions that deal with the current mystery/story.

I like the characters and the setting of this series and am looking forward to reading more.

The final entry for this update is from Tonya Kappes…

43. Tonya Kappes - Wands, Waffles, and Whispers (Southern Magical Bakery) 3.5-4.0 [B=Paranormal (Spiritualists, that is people with magical powers of all types—Witches, Wizards, healers, fortune tellers, mindreaders, etc.); Career (baker; bakery owner); Culinary (bakery fare)] 251107
This was a very quick read for me. There are some inconsistencies in the story itself, but both the mystery and the cozy story were good and held my interest. There were red herrings right up to the end. On the cozy side, Lo is dealing with her issues having one foot in the magical world now that her powers are coming out and one foot in the non-magical world with her new friends Grace, local reporter, and Ace, local vet and non-magical love interest. After the events in this, Lo is also seeing childhood friend Orin in a new light. We are kept up to date with Whispering Falls and its citizens, including Lo’s parents, when she gets a visit from magical baker Raven and when she and Orin travel home.

The next-in-series comes next year, April. I can’t wait. I loved the Magical Cures series, from which this series was spun (It featured Lo’s parents, Oscar and June Heal Park.) So far, this is just as enjoyable.

This brings me current on this series, to date. YAY!

End of update… I’ve hit the minimum of my level (40+). YAY!!

I do the “A” version of this challenge. At this point, I believe I’m missing one craft-related book to hit the “B” goal for this year. I’m going to try to read one before year’s end.

I’m doing three other challenge this year.
1. A New Year’s Challenge (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...)
Completed this in January.

2. A Series Challenge (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...)
I’ve already hit the minimum for my level (10 series brought current), but I have at least two books to read to complete bring a couple of series still on the list current (to 2025 releases). There are three other series on the list that could be complete already, but I’m checking whether new entries get released in any of them before the end of the year. One of them belongs to the Holiday series by Tonya Kappes. It’s not listed on GoodReads. From what I can find, it’s a Patreon-only story, one she appears to be writing with suggestions from her followers. I don’t know it will be released as a book in the series or not.

3. A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away Challenge (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...)
I have December’s read to complete this challenge

Phew!

Now I have to enter all my reads into GoodReads and there are a lot since I haven’t entered anything for months. ACK! I really need to be better about this. =o/