Ouija & Haints in the Silent City by Jane Elzey
How often do you dive into a cozy mystery series because a title or cover art is catchy, or because there's something in the book's description that intrigues you? I jumped into this one with book five and, while I could tell I was missing out on a ton of backstory from previous books, it was still a great read. The book itself is set in the present day, but the mystery that Amy and her friends are confronted with happened in 1924. I loved the atmosphere created by the author, the history that fills ever page (there's a TON of historical detail, but it's all interesting stuff and I was unfamiliar with a lot of it) and the characters themselves. And all because I thought reading a mystery that involved old ouia boards might be fun! The whole series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves
This is the first book I've read in this series and I've got a LOT of questions about the main character's backstory (and will be tracking down the earlier books just as soon as I get a chance.) There's just enough detail about Jake and her family that I wasn't completely lost, and the author builds such an amazing sense of place -- both the Maine coast and the dilapidated houses that play a major part in the plot -- that I couldn't put it down. I love reading about busy, happy, slightly stressed families.
Five Golden Wings by Donna Andrews
I've only read four books in this long running series, but it's quickly become a favorite. If you enjoy the chaos of Meg's extended family, this one definitely won't disappoint. Two cousins have scheduled competing weddings on the same day, in the same church, as close to Christmas as they possibly could. With snow in the forecast, three golden eagles in the inn's lobby, ugly dresses and uglier hats, vandalism at the local graveyard... not to mention the eventual murder... I love how positive Meg and her loves ones always are, even when they've got plenty of reasons not to be.
Strangers in the Car by C. M. Ewan
Fast paced and tightly plotted, this thriller is everything I love about the genre. Two couples cross paths on an isolated dark road and what starts out as a reluctant act of kindness immediately spirals into a nightmare. Chapters alternate between two characters and immediately start building suspense. I coudn't put it down!
The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens
I think I've read and enjoyed almost every book by Chevy Stevens. (Still Missing is the book that got me started on a domestic thriller kick years ago.) Set in 1976, this one got off to an absolutely great start. I loved the premise and the characters, but as the book progressed, the pacing slowed and I lost that sense of urgency that keeps me turning pages. It's still a good read, but not my favorite of the author's books.
Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies.
