{I've Been Reading} The Clock House Murders

The Clock House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

After reading a ton of cozy mysteries over the past few years, I've stumbled across honkatu fiction, Japanese mystery novels that stick to the traditional rules of "fair play" from the Golden Age of detective fiction. Every clue that the reader would need to solve the mystery is included. I lack the patience or attention to detail that would let me figure out the solutions, but I enjoy the journey, especially when I'm on the right track and come close to the answers. 

In this traditional locked room mystery, a magazine writer, a popular spirit medium, and a group of university students travel to the Kamakura Clock Mansion to hold a seance and investigate the reported hauntings. The odd layout of the structure means that they'll be locked in for several days, surrounded by a hundred and eight ticking clocks. When the killing starts, there's no escape.  

It took me a few chapters to adapt to the author's writing style and the slow pace as the story unfolds, but once I got caught up in the unfamiliar rhythm of it all, I couldn't put it down. In addition to the murder mystery, there's a supernatural mystery element with the seance and fascinating information about the history of timekeeping. The author includes multiple diagrams of the house's odd layout (something I definitely needed to make sense of things) and of the timelines that the characters develop as they're trying to identify the killer. As soon as I get my TBR list under control, I want to find the author's other books. 

Disclosure -- The publisher provided me with an advance review copy. 

{I've Been Reading} Hot Wings and Homicide

 Hot Wings and Homicide by Carmela Dutra 

This book plunges the reader straight into the chaos and fun of a food festival -- then quickly puts a damper on things with Beth's discovery of her ex's body behind an out of the way building. I missed out on the first book in this series, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying it. Beth is up to her ears in a murder investigation while also manning her own food truck (I'm still not entirely sure how she juggled the whole thing) and her twin and her best friend are wandering the festival grounds dressed as a cow and a chicken. Oh, and there's also a real chicken that's absolutely ADORABLE. 

Masher of Ceremonies by Victoria Hamilton

I started the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries when the first book came out, then missed a few titles somewhere in the middle. Now the series is up to book thirteen and I've probably read half of them. Jaymie is one of those characters who is active in her community and always surrounded by friends, which occasionally means being dragged into situations she'd rather avoid -- like confronting a blackmailer while she's already overwhelmed by preparations for the annual Tea With the Queen. The dead body doesn't turn up until well into the plot, but by that point tensions are already simmering. I particularly like that this one gave such a detailed look at the tea, whcih has featured in earlier titles. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} The Caretaker

The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer

I absolutely loved We Used to Live Here and as soon as I saw that the author had written another book, I grabbed it. This one is even better, possibly the first horror novel that has given me actual physical chills. For three days of housesitting, Macy will receive an obscene amount of money, money that she desperately needs. There are specific instructions that must be followed and they seem almost ridiculously simple and probably unnecessary. We read the prologue and know that there's something out there on the property, but Macy is blissfully ignorant. She follows the rites that first night. After that, there's no turning back. This book gets really dark and, although I'm not usually a fan of trigger warnings, the ones in the author's note are worth reading so it doesn't blindside you. By the time I turned the last page, I was completely unsettled and now I'm anxiously waiting to see waht Marcus Kliewer comes up with next. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies.  

{I've Been Reading} Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place

 Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place by Linda Reilly

The latest entry in the Grilled Cheese mystery series is absolutely fantastic. While Carly is visiting a historic mansion to make the owner one of her grilled cheese concoctions, the contractor falls from the roof. It clearly wasn't an accident and the number one suspect is Carly's husband, Ari, who was there to work on the house's electrical system. As Carly scrambles to clear Ari's name, all of the other clients he had lined up for future jobs begin to cancel. The mystery element is complex and entertaining and there's plenty of extra cheesy goodness since Carly and her staff are testing out entries in a grilled cheese contest the restaurant is sponsoring. I always want to head for the kitchen after reading these books! 

Disclosure -- The publisher provided me with an advance review copy.