Review: Dressed for Death in Burgundy (French Village Mysteries #2) by Susan C. Shea

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 3475 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Books (May 1 2018)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B076B3LXYS

Book Description

In the sequel to Love & Death in Burgundy, Katherine Goff is at again when a body is found in place of a mannequin at the local museum.

"Not since my first visit to Louise Penny's Three Pines, have I encountered a more beguiling fictional world than Susan Shea's Reigny-Sur-Cannes. With an engaging cast, the rare realistic depiction of a good, modern marriage, a sideways look at a budding mystery-writer, and a real head-scratcher of a murder plot, Dressed for Death in Burgundy is a box of delights!" -Catriona McPherson, award-winning author of the Dandy Gilver series

After finding herself mixed up in a murder investigation the previous Summer, Katherine Goff’s life simply has not been the same. Her husband has been in the US recording a new album, the Burgundy region locals are finally starting to see her as a real neighbor, and Katherine has even started helping out with “tourist” excursions. It seems she’s finally found her place in the small community of Reigny-sur-Canne.

But when Katherine stumbles across a body in the local museum during a tour, she finds herself caught up once again in a whirlwind of gossip and speculation. When the police zero in on her friend Pippa as a suspect, Pippa and Katherine team up to find the real killer and clear her name.

However, the more clues they discover, the more the real killer wants them off the trail. When Katherine and Pippa start receiving threats, they must decide what they are more afraid of—the police getting it wrong, or possibly becoming the killer’s next targets.

Find out what happens next in the second installment in the French countryside murder mystery series the New York Times calls “a pleasant getaway.”

About the Author

SUSAN C. SHEA spent more than two decades as a non-profit executive before beginning her career as a mystery author. Susan is past-president of the northern California chapter of Sisters in Crime and secretary of the national SinC board, a member of MWA, and blogs on CriminalMinds. She is also the author of the Dani O’Rourke mystery series. Susan lives in Marin County, California and travels to France as often as she can.

My Review

Dressed for Death in Burgundy is the second book in the French Village Mysteries series by Susan C. Shea. I did not read the first book in the series yet found that did not hamper my enjoyment of Dressed for Death in Burgundy.

Katherine, an American, is living in a small French village, Reigny-sur-Cannes. While her husband is away in the US, Katherine helps with tourist excursions. She finds a body in a local museum and Katherine and her friend Pippa set out to find the killer.

Fascinating descriptions of France. You feel like you really are there!

Beautiful cover! Great book for cozy mystery fans.

Review: What You Want To See (Roxane Weary #2) by Kristen Lepionka

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 2626 KB
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Books (May 1 2018)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B076B175Q9

Book Description

The thrilling follow up to The Last Place You Look, starring troubled and determined private investigator, Roxane Weary

Marin Strasser has a secret. Her fiancée thinks her secret is that she’s having an affair, and he hires P.I. Roxane Weary to prove it.Then, just days into the case, Marin is shot to death on a side street in an apparent mugging. But soon enough the police begin to focus on Roxane's client for Marin’s death, so she starts to dig deeper into Marin’s life—discovering that the elegant woman she’s been following has a past and a half, including two previous marriages, an adult son fresh out of prison, and a criminal record of her own. The trail leads to a crew of con artists, an ugly real estate scam that defrauds unsuspecting elderly homeowners out of their property, and the suspicious accident of a wealthy older woman who lives just down the street from where Marin was killed.

With Roxane’s client facing a murder indictment, the scammers threaten Roxane's mother by ensnaring her house in their web of fraud unless Roxane drops the case, and it becomes clear that the stakes are as high as the secrets run deep.

“That rare and precious thing ― a sequel as good as ― or even better than ― the outstanding first in the series. It’s wise, knowing, propulsive, and perfectly pitched. Lepionka is a major new talent.” ― Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE reminds me of everything that made me fall in love with PI fiction. A great character, a vivid setting, a twisty, timely story that happens to be beautifully written. Kristen Lepionka and Roxane Weary are the best things to happen to the genre in years." ―Laura Lippman, New York Times bestselling author

“What You Want to See is a fresh, smart, edgy update of the best in classic detective fiction. Get used to the names Roxane Weary and Kristen Lepionka, because you’ll be hearing about them both for a long time."―Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author of The Wife

"Lepionka is setting a high standard for crime fiction with the complex Roxane Weary at its heart."―Booklist (starred review)

"Twisty...That Roxane has an alarming habit of diving headfirst into dangerous situations only makes her more fascinating. Fans will no doubt look forward to her next case."―Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Kristen Lepionka grew up mostly in a public library and could often be found in the adult mystery section well before she was out of middle school. Her writing has been selected for Shotgun Honey, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Grift, and Black Elephant. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her partner and two cats.

My Review

What You Want To See is the second Roxane Weary mystery by Kristen Lepionka. I read the first book in the series and really enjoyed it. What You Want to See is also an excellent read. You don't need to have read the first book to enjoy the second.

What You Want to See features many of the same characters from The Last Place You Look. I like continuity. Her family..her mom and her brothers are back, as is best friend Tom as well as some others from the earlier book.

Marin Strasser, the victim in What You Want To See, was a fascinating woman. It is interesting to see Roxane unravel Marin's complicated entanglements on her way to the truth.

I really enjoyed this well written mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in the series already. Highly recommend What You Want to See.

Review: Antique Blues (Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery #12) by Jane K. Cleland

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 4082 KB
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Books (April 24 2018)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0763SLWXJ

Book Description

Ever-crafty Josie must confront suspicious antiques dealers and her own friend’s killer in Antique Blues, the twelfth mystery in Jane K. Cleland's beloved Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery series set in New Hampshire.

When amateur sleuth and antiques expert Josie Prescott is called in to appraise a Japanese woodblock print and vintage guitar for her friend Mo, she’s thrilled—until Mo is murdered.

It doesn’t take her long to pinpoint one suspect: Mo’s sister’s manipulative boyfriend, who sold her the print—and has now, conveniently, disappeared. Josie’s antiques know-how and detective skills soon lead her down an increasingly perplexing trail, scattered with gamblers, extramarital affairs, and under-the-table purchases.

Readers will relish a return to Rocky Point with Josie as she works together with her friends—the ambitious young reporter Wes Smith, and Rocky Point’s savvy police chief, Ellis Hunter—to sift through the conflicting stories around them and find Mo’s killer.

“The 12th title in Cleland’s character-driven series is as fascinating as its predecessors with plenty of details that capture the excitement of the hunt for the history and provenance of particular art objects. Also appealing are the engaging and sympathetic characters who bring warmth to this cozy mystery.” ―Library Journal (starred review)

"Suspects and motives abound... Cleland has created an appealing character in Josie, who has grown and prospered in a most satisfying way." ―Publishers Weekly

“Another gift for antiques lovers, full of usable information on treasure hunting and a mystery replete with red herrings.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A lovely series.”
―Oline H. Cogdill, MysteryScene Mag

About the Author

Jane K. Cleland’s multiple award-winning and IMBA best selling Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery series [St. Martin’s Minotaur] has been reviewed as an Antiques Roadshow for mystery fans. Library Journal named Consigned to Death a "core title" for librarians looking to build a cozy collection, one of only 22 titles listed, along with books by Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. The full article is at www.libraryjournal.com. “Josie” stories have also appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.

Jane chairs the Black Orchid Novella Award, one of the Wolfe Pack’s literary awards, granted in partnership with Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. She is a past chapter president of the Mystery Writers of America/New York Chapter and served on the national board as well. Additionally, Jane is the host of the Writer’s Room, a series of interviews with today’s bestselling crime fiction authors that appear on cable television and online.

Jane also writes noir and comedic plays around the theme of women who love men they hate.

Jane has both an MFA (in professional and creative writing) and an MBA (in marketing and management). She’s on the faculty of Lehman College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. She also mentors MFA students in Western Connecticut State University's MFA in Creative & Professional Writing program and is a frequent guest author at other university programs.

More information is available at www.janecleland.net.


My Review

Antique Blues is the 12th Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery by author Jane K. Cleland. This is a very well written mystery series. While it is the twelfth in the series, you will enjoy reading it even if you have not read other books in the series. Perhaps even go back to the beginning and start there!

Readers will be glad to be back in Rocky Point, New Hampshire. All the regulars are back which is good because Josie is soon on the hunt for her friend Mo's killer. I enjoyed the hunt and also loved learning more about antiques.

Don't you love the cover of this book! Highly recommend Antique Blues.

Review: The NKJV, Vines Expository Bible, Ebook: A Guided Journey Through the Scriptures with Pastor Jerry Vines by Jerry Vines

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 16622 KB
• Print Length: 1984 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 27 2018)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0788BBS4D

Book Description

The Vines Expository Bible offers scriptural truth alongside guided explanations of key passages from influential preacher Dr. Jerry Vines. With biblical exposition and practical teaching culled from years of faithful ministry, helpful insights from God’s Word are presented in the warm, pastoral manner Dr. Vines is known for.

Features Include:

• NKJV paragraph-style text with in-text subject headings
• 200 "Presenting the Message" detailed outlines from Jerry Vines' sermon archive
• 100 "Living the Message" articles with illustrations for living the Christian life
• 200 "Applying the Message" notes that help you see the relevance of Scriptures for your walk with Christ
• 300 "Discerning the Meaning" word studies that illuminate the meaning of key words in Scripture
• 66 Book Introductions
• Topical Index
• NKJV Concordance
• 10.5-point print size

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Vines is a native of Carrollton, Georgia and was educated at Mercer University (B.A.), New Orleans Theological Seminary (B.D.), and Luther Rice Seminary, (Th.D.). He has spent over 60 years as a Baptist pastor/preacher and was elected President of several Pastors' Conferences throughout his ministry career. Dr. Vines spent 24 years serving  as the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida, retiring in 2006 to focus on mentoring and leading a new generation of pastors through his seminars and teaching materials. He and his wife, Janet have four children and seven grandchildren.

My Review

This review is for the ebook version of The NKJV, Vines Expository Bible, Ebook: A Guided Journey Through the Scriptures with Pastor Jerry Vines  by Jerry Vines. It is the NKJV which is much easier to read than the KJV.

I had not heard of Dr. Vines before so it has been very interesting to read his commentaries including "Presenting the Message", "Living the Message", "Applying the Message" and "Discerning the Meaning". His messages are meaningful and insightful.

Whether you are looking for a study bible for yourself or for one to add to your collection, NKJV, Vines Expository Bible, Ebook: A Guided Journey Through the Scriptures with Pastor Jerry Vines, is an excellent addition.

Highly recommend NKJV, Vines Expository Bible, Ebook: A Guided Journey Through the Scriptures with Pastor Jerry Vines.

Review: The Marmalade Murders (Penny Brannigan #9) by Elizabeth J. Duncan

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 2997 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Books (April 24 2018)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0763SLW6M

Book Description

The latest book in an award-winning mystery series, celebrated for its small-town charm and picturesque Welsh setting and starring amateur sleuth Penny Brannigan.

The competition is friendly and just a little fierce at the annual Llanelen agricultural show as town and country folk gather for the outdoor judging of farm animals and indoor judging of cakes, pies, pastries, chutneys, jams and jellies, along with vegetables, fruit and flowers. But this year, there’s a new show category: murder.

Local artist, Spa owner, and amateur sleuth Penny Brannigan agrees to help with the intake of the domestic arts entries and to judge the children’s pet competition on show day. When the president of the Welsh Women's Guild isn’t on hand to see her granddaughter and pet pug win a prize, the family becomes concerned. When a carrot cake entered in the competition goes missing, something is clearly amiss.

A black Labrador Retriever belonging to the agricultural show’s president discovers the body of the missing woman under the baked goods table. A newcomer to town, a transgender woman, is suspected, but amateur sleuth Penny Brannigan believes her to be innocent. She sets out to find the real killer, but when a second body is discovered days later, the case is thrown into confusion, and Penny knows it’s up to her to figure out what happened—and why.

About the Author

After graduating from Carleton University, Ottawa, with a BA in English, Elizabeth J. Duncan worked as a writer and editor for some of Canada’s largest newspapers, and as a public relations practitioner.

A two-time winner of the Bloody Words Award for Canada's best light mystery, she is the author of two traditional mystery series, Penny Brannigan set in North Wales and Shakespeare in the Catskills featuring costume designer Charlotte Fairfax, Elizabeth divides her time between Toronto, Canada and Llandudno, North Wales.

My Review

The Marmalade Murders is the 9th Penny Brannigan mystery by Elizabeth J. Duncan. While it is the ninth in the series, The Marmalade Murders can be read as a stand alone novel.

The one thing that I demand from a cozy mystery is that it be well written. The Marmalade Murders definitely is. It is a delightful story for those who like cozy mysteries.

The setting is always important as well. The Penny Brannigan series is set in Wales. I have never been to Wales but I feel like I know what it is like there.

I do highly recommend The Marmalade Murders for cozy mystery fans. 

Review: Embraced 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close By Lysa Terkeurst

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 2162 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 27 2018)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B072TNN7QL

Book Description

Embraced is the beautiful new devotional from Lysa TerKeurst, the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times bestselling author of Uninvited, The Best Yes, Unglued, and Made to Crave. Embraced features 100 devotions that will resonate with women in all stages of life by giving them a godly perspective on the issues they face each day.

A real embrace indicates an intimate level of closeness. It’s not a high five or a casual handshake. The best kind of embrace is when someone we know deeply loves us flings their arms wide open and pulls us in close.

Our hearts were made for this kind of love and security but for many of us, we know more about the pain of heartbreak and fear than the unconditional love for which we were created.In Embraced, Lysa shares her own struggles, doubts, and heartbreaks while pointing to the Ultimate Embrace: God opening His arms wide on Calvary through Jesus so that He could pull us close for all of eternity. Welcoming us into the safety and hope of His grace and His love.

And because we have been fully embraced by Him, we can spend our lives held securely by Him and trust all of His ways.

Through these 100 devotions, daily scriptures, and prayer prompts, readers will be equipped to:

• Begin to find freedom from the struggles that have held them hostage by learning new ways to experience God’s love and more authentic ways to trust Him.
• Surrender their deepest hurts by processing them in a godly way with Lysa, a friend who understands their pain.
• Hear the Lord speak intimately to their heart by learning how to seek His direction.
• Release the tension of wondering, If God is near why does He sometimes feel far away? by spending intentional, guided time with Him each day.

With an exquisite cloth cover, highly designed interior, ribbon marker, and stained page edges, Embraced will be a treasured keepsake for you as well as a meaningful gift for those you love.

About the Author

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author of 18 books including The Best Yes, Unglued, and Made to Crave.

As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa and her team connect with millions of women a day and can help equip you to:
• Make the Bible come alive whenever you read it.
• Discover how to develop inner peace and security in any situation.
• Replace doubt, regret and envy with truth, confidence and praise as you grow in your relationship with Jesus.
• Stop unhealthy cycles of striving and learn to love who God made you to be.
• Sense God responding to your prayers.

Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Award and has appeared on Good Morning America, the Oprah Show and the Today Show multiple times as one of the leading voices in the Christian community.

Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at more than 40 events across North America and is passionate about eradicating Biblical poverty and renewing people's desire to study God's Word. In addition, she hosts Proverbs 31 Ministries’ annual She Speaks Conference which has helped thousands of women gain the tools they need to pursue God’s calling on their life.

Lysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times bestselling author of Uninvited and The Best Yes. She writes from her sticky farm table and lives with her family in North Carolina. Connect with her at www.LysaTerKeurst.com.

My Review

Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close By Lysa Terkeurst is the latest devotional that I have added to my collection. What a gorgeous book it is. The turquoise and white cloth cover of the book is so inviting. I know that it would make a lovely gift.

Lysa TerKeurst is a Christian speaker and author. I have followed her for years. She has been through a very debilitating personal crisis in her marriage and family. I was wondering if the pain she has been through would result in any amazing devotional and it has.

Lysa's Embraced is filled with devotions to know that God is holding you close. I know this is something that Lysa has witnessed first hand. On page 11 I found this treasure: When I make the connection between what happens in my life that day and why I need that verse, I experience God. Wow did that speak to me. So true. You need the Word!

Each devotion begins with a bible verse, which is then expanded upon in the commentary and ends with a prayer. I found this devotional to be filled with wisdom.

I highly recommend Embraced by Lysa TerKeurst.