A Village Theatre Murder - Katie Gayle

There’s nothing quite like a night at the theatre. But Julia Bird is expecting a night of sweeping drama, not an onstage murder!

At the end of Berrywick’s amateur theatre’s latest production, a shot rings out amongst the rapturous applause. But when Julia Bird peeks through the curtain, she sees lead actor Graham is lying still on the stage, his co-actor Oscar looking down at his prop gun in shock. She knows that Graham has been murdered, but with nearly everyone in the village helping with the play, anyone could have tampered with the props. And why was a beloved family man the target?

Graham’s wife Jane collapses in a puddle of tears as Oscar is comforted and led away from the stage. But days later when Julia spots prim and proper Jane kissing Oscar, she wonders if the grieving widow’s tears were fake. Graham served Jane divorce papers the day of the tragedy – was he killed before he could spill the beans on his wife’s affair, and sully her perfect reputation?

Meanwhile, the aptly named director, Roger Grave, wants the show to go on. The play is up for a local award, and this might just be Roger’s big break. But when failed actor Hector is not assigned the lead role he assumed he’d get, the mood among the cast quickly turns sour. Could Hector have killed Graham out of jealously for the leading role, Julia wonders?

Then another member of the crew is found dead and Julia discovers there’s a dark secret at the heart of Berrywick’s local theatre society. But who would kill to protect it? Can Julia find the murderer before it’s curtains for another victim?

A totally gripping, charming cosy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will absolutely love the Julia Bird Mysteries.

My Review

I have to admit, when I started reading A Village Theatre Murder, I had a little bit of a sinking feeling. I've seen this 'method' of murder so many times before. But, what I was forgetting, was that these Julia Bird Mysteries are very much classic murder mysteries. Who cares if it's been done before? That's almost the point. When it's as well written and entertaining as these books are, they are a joy to read.
In addition to the mystery, there's always the subplot of Julia's life and that of her friends and family. In previous books, we've met significant people from Julia's past, her ex-husband and daughter. This time we get to meet Sean's son Jonno. As a mystery, it doesn't need these extras, but it just adds to the enjoyment and depth of the read.
I was way ahead of Julia on this one, but I will admit that was probably down to a lucky guess on my part. It was still lots of fun to follow Julia's investigation.
I really enjoy this series. I hope that we shall return soon, no doubt there will be yet another murder in this sleeply little village that Julia can get caught up in. She seems to have a nack for it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers, Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both made their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg, with husbands, children, dogs and cats. 

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Murder at the Loch - Dee MacDonald

Meet Ally McKinley: dog lover, guesthouse owner and accidental detective, as she tackles her next case in the beautiful Scottish Highlands!

Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water…

Before she knows it, Ally finds herself wading into the middle of a new investigation. Who was the mystery woman and why was she killed? Her enquiries take her all over the village: from the corner shop and the nearby hotel to the turreted castle, home of local earl Hamish Sinclair where preparations are underway for his upcoming – and much gossiped about – wedding.

The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death the morning after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself…

Determined to uncover the truth and clear her name, Ally finds poison at the home of one of her suspects and thinks she might be on the right path to solving both murders. But with a killer on the loose in the Scottish Highlands, can Ally unravel the clues before the next person in a watery grave is her?

A completely addictive Scottish cosy mystery from bestselling author Dee MacDonald. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Clare Chase.

My Review

Murder at the Loch is only the second book in the Ally McKinley Mystery series, but already I feel like I know Ally, Ross and her other friends. In this second book, two seemingly unconnected young brides are murdered and Ally wants to know who could be behind it.
The storyline heavily features local Earl Hamish, who has always had an eye of the ladies. Despite his advancing years, he hasn't let this slow him down on the romance front and that is certainly tied up in this lastest outbreak of murder.
The setting for these books is the beautiful highlands and Ally's guest house that I would love to go and stay in. It all sounds so lovely. Maybe not if people are going to keep getting themselves murdered up there though!
I was a little ahead of Ally on this one at every step, although only just ahead if I'm honest. I really enjoyed this read and I'm looking forward to heading north again soon and joining Ally, Ross and Flora the dog again in the near future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.

She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.

Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!

Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

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Daring Destiny - Kaylene Winter

Daring Destiny
Kaylene Winter
(Charming Irish, #2)
Publication date: January 13th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Daring Destiny is a sweltering saga of billionaire intrigue, opposites-attract, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers with an unexpected life-changing twist.

Before I founded my AI tech company, I spent my high school years silently pining over Astrid Gustafsson, the unattainable ice-blonde beauty. Fast forward a decade and I’m shocked when she asks to collaborate on a secret project. The opportunity is too enticing to pass up.

Our newfound friendship quickly ignites into a wildfire of desire, and my passion for Astrid intensifies, leaving me eager to risk everything for our future. The challenge is, relentless demands of my high-stakes empire threaten to smother the flames of our burgeoning romance.

When fate dramatically intervenes, will a life-changing twist dare us to embrace our destiny?

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Author Bio:

When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.

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My Review

I really enjoy Kaylene Winter's books; they offer something a little beyond your usual romance. Having read all of her Less than Zero books and then the following spin-off series, I knew that I was going to enjoy Daring Destiny, and I wasn't disappointed.

This is an old friend reconnecting and then becoming something more romantic. It also has the added level of featuring a character who is neurodiverse. This gives him a different way of looking at life and also makes him a very different but still very desirable romance hero. In many ways, he is perfect for Astrid, and the two of them make for a perfect balance.

I really enjoyed this romance and couldn't put it down, getting through it in just over a day. I loved the different levels that Kaylene Winter brings to her stories; this is no exception. All of her books are interconnected, but you don't need to read any of the others to enjoy this one (I recommend that you do though) you don't even need to have read the first in this series.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the Charming Irish series, which I think will feature younger brother Seamus. 

GIVEAWAY!

—

 

Prelude to Murder - Erica Miner

Young, prodigious Metropolitan Opera violinist Julia Kogan, having survived her entanglement in an investigation of her mentor’s murder, and a subsequent violent, life-threatening attack of a ruthless killer, is called upon for a key musical leadership position at the Santa Fe Opera. But at the spectacular outdoor theatre in the shadows of the mysterious New Mexican Sangre de Cristo Mountains, she witnesses yet other operatic murders, both onstage and off. Dark and painful secrets emerge as, ignoring warnings from her colleagues and from Larry, her significant other, Julia plunges into her own investigation of the killing. Ghostly apparitions combine with some of the most bloody and violent operas in the repertoire to make Julia question her own motives for searching for the killer. But this time the threat to her life originates from a source she never would have imagined.

Excerpt

Places, everyone. Now, Emilia—that is, Lulu...” Emilia faced Salman with a disparaging look.

“You are Garbo, Dietrich, Louise Brooks. Your formidable psychic force causes you to destroy everyone in your path. Those who fall in love with you suffer or die. You have undone Dr. Schön, but you don’t know that Goran is Jack the Ripper.”

 

Emilia remained silent. Salman turned to Goran. “The so-called ‘Whitechapel Murderer’ cut his victims’ throats before he eviscerated them with medical precision, showing knowledge of human anatomy.

Thus, the parallels between Jack and his alter ego, Dr. Schön. Jack’s music is less harsh than Schön’s but more menacing. The man Lulu murders is the one who murders her. And still present after his death.”

 

Matt leaned over and whispered to Julia. “Kind of like John Crosby, right?” Julia shuddered.

 

“Marin,” Salman said, “You must convey the distressed attributes of the countess. When you sing ‘Im Ewigkeit’ after Goran stabs you, it is your Liebestod, your tragic love death.”

 

Julia, elated to see her friend appear onstage, waved in Marin’s direction.

“This music is difficult enough without your being distracted, Julia,” Stewart snapped. Julia heard a soft chortle from behind her and snuck a peek at Lenny, smiling crookedly.

Maybe Matt is right. I’d better watch out for this guy.

Emilia whispered to Goran. “She sings too loud. Always tries to upstage me.”

 

Marin frowned. “I heard that, Emilia. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m your lesbian lover. Try to be a little kinder, would you?”

 

Salman suppressed a groan. “Let’s just sing, shall we?”

 

“Das ist nich deine schwester,” Goran sang to Emilia. “Sie ist in dich verliebt.” [That’s not your sister. She clearly is in love with you.]

“You could have fooled me,” Marin muttered under her breath.

 

“What did you say?” Fuming, Emilia turned to Salman. “You see? She is sabotaging me.” “Could we continue, please?” Salman begged. “Lulu and Jack, offstage, final dialogue.” Emilia’s nostrils flared, but she allowed Goran to shepherd her off into the wings.

“Nein, nein!” [No, no!] came Emilia’s bloodcurdling cry. “Lulu, mein engel!” [Lulu, my angel!]

Marin rushed offstage, then returned, slowly backing up, eyes wide in horror, as Goran stalked onstage wielding an oversized stage knife, which he plunged into her. Then he washed off the knife with wine from a bottle on a table, wiped the knife on his coat, and sang: “I am just the damned luckiest of men!”

 

Salman was ecstatic. “Excellent, excellent.”

 

Julia couldn’t take her eyes off the action until she caught Stewart’s disapproving glare.

 

Meanwhile, Emilia had returned to the stage. “Hours wasted because of his terrible incompetence,” she shouted. “Murder must be onstage!”

Salman finally lost his patience. “It’s the way John Crosby conceived it,” he growled. “Take it up with him.”

 

“But John Crosby is dead.” “Precisely,” said Salman.

“Oh!” cried Emilia. Fuming, she marched toward the wings, where she ran into Magda. “How am I supposed to stand in these shoes for three hours? They pinch my feet!” Emilia shrieked at the costume director. “Where are shoes you were supposed to order from Italy?”

 

“I am sorry, Emilia. They still have not arrived. I will check with wardrobe director.” Emilia gritted her teeth. “See that you do. Nézd meg.”

Julia was surprised to hear the Italian soprano speak Hungarian, but when she looked up at the podium, she was mortified to see Stewart glaring at her.

“It seems you find the stage more interesting than your music,” the conductor said. Julia heard a soft snicker behind her. Ignoring Lenny, Julia kept on playing.

 

Salman was furious. “Your attitude will make you even more enemies than you already have, Emilia!” he shouted. Turning on his heel, he stomped offstage in the opposite direction.

“Harold,” Stewart called out, “Tell Emilia if she shows up at the dress rehearsal less than thirty minutes before downbeat, she will be replaced. Where is her understudy? Deborah!”

 

An attractive young woman sitting a few rows back stood up. “I am here, Maestro.” “Be ready to jump in in case Emilia does anything else stupid.”

Deborah’s smile radiated hope and anticipation. “Yes, Maestro.” Harold stood rooted to the stage, his expression helpless.

My Review

Prelude to murder is the second Julia Kogan mystery. I haven't read the first one, but this does work as a standalone story. Julia has recently arrived in New Mexico to be part of the orchestra for an Opera company. She usually lives and works in New York, so this is quite a change for her. 

I have to admit that my knowledge of opera is slim to non-existant, but I still enjoyed the reference to the various operas that the company performs over the course of the season to be interesting. Julia, a violin player, is key to the orchestra and to have this role seems to be quite an achievment.

The mystery itself is one that I completely failed to solve. There were numerous clues along the way, but somehow I missed them all and had no idea who was behind it all when it came time for the big reveal. I wasn't entirely convinced that the local police would have enlisted Julia's help. I also didn't really understand her boyfriend Larry's role or how their relationship worked. I think that might be simply because I haven't read the first book though.

Overall this was an engaging and interesting muder mystery and I'd be interested to read any future books in the series.

Willful Parties - Liz Ellyn

Willful Parties
Liz Ellyn
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: January 1st 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair.

They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.

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Author Bio:

INDULGE IN LIFE'S GUILTY PLEASURES!

Liz Ellyn nourishes people’s cravings for the irresistible. Like the decadent desserts she delivers, she creates alluring characters deserving of happy endings.

With degrees in both engineering and law, she argues that the positive energy gained by indulging in one’s guilty pleasure appropriately counterbalances the serious forces of daily life.

When she isn’t writing or devouring steamy romance books, she spoils her family, including her two dogs, Boomer and Tanner.

Bon Appetite and Happy Reading!

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My Review

Willful Parties by Liz Ellyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Willful Parties is an unusual book in many ways. Rather than following the start of a romance, we join our lovers at what seems to be an end. Seth, Cat and Dylan have been together while studying, but now with Dylan leaving for the other side of the country, their threesome is at an end. The connection between them remains strong and they all find themselves drawn back together.
I did enjoy the way that the three individuals in this romance found their way and found their way back together. A threesome, rather than a relationship just between two people adds all kinds of other complications and issues. It was interesting to read about the way they dealt with their own feelings and the way that others reacted to them.
I did get a bit confused with the age of the characters. At times the way that they seemed to feel and certainly the way that their parents dealt with them seemed to be as if they were under 18. I think that they are possibly around ten years older than that though, which seemed very odd. I wouldn't expect even younger adults to be pushed around in such a way.
This was an interesting read and one that kept me turning the pages until the end.

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Fox Tale - Karen Hulene Bartell

Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.

She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.

She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?

My Review

This is a hard review to write. Fox Tale is a paranormal romance. The paranormal side of things is facinating and it's what kept me turning the pages, keen to know how it would all unfold. For me, the romance did not work. Mostly because I did not like either of the male characters.

The whole story is built around Japanese folklaw, something that I know less than nothing about. We have shape-shifters, possession by good and evil foxes and immortal beings with grudges that span the centuries. I loved this side of the story and really wanted to know where it would go.

As I mentioned before, I wasn't keen on either of Ava's potential love interests. I'm trying to explain why here without giving away too many spoilers. They both come waving more red flags than is healthy. I couldn't understand why Ava would give Rafe the time of day after what he did to her previously. He gives an explanation and there is more that we learn later, but that just made me dislike him even more. 

This may well be a personal thing and as I said, I really enjoyed everything else in the book so don't let my issues put you off. This really is a good read. I found the Japanese culture facinating. I also polished this book off in a little over 24 hours, so you can see it was one I enjoyed. If you're looking for something a little different, then I would suggest that you won't go far wrong with this. 

Author Bio

Dr. Karen Hulene Bartell, author of Wild Rose Pass, The Keys: Voice of the Turtle, Christmas in Cahokia, Holy Water: Rule of Capture, Lone Star Christmas, Angels from Ashes, Christmas in Catalonia, Sacred Gift, Belize Navidad, Sacred Choices, and others, is a best-selling author, motivational keynote speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life. She writes multicultural, offbeat love stories steeped in the supernatural that lift the spirit. Dr. Bartell lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband Peter and her "mews"—three rescued cats and a rescued CATahoula Leopard dog.

Devil's Thirst - Jill Ramsower

A new neighbor with a secret identity and a deadly obsession…

Amelie
I knew I shouldn't have asked him for a ride.

My new neighbor is a study in contradictions—covered in tattoos and dripping intensity.
He’s alluring yet aloof, and his every calculated move is dangerously seductive.

Little did I know, he’s been systematically inserting himself into every part of my life.
Creeping beneath my protective armor.
Trapping me like a fly in his web before revealing his true identity.

Now, he’s standing before our families calling me his future wife.

He doesn’t understand that my life isn’t that simple.
I have secrets of my own, and his obsession with claiming me might just get me killed.

What to know about Devil’s Thirst:
-Alpha anti-hero
-Ballerina good girl
-Obsessed stalker
-Tragic past
-My wife
-Spicy slow burn
-Has an HEA
-Can be read as a standalone
-Dual POV
-Content warnings— Devil's Thirst contains references to past S/A (not between the main couple) and might not be suitable for readers sensitive to the subject. For a more detailed list of possible content triggers, you can visit the books tab on my website.

For those of you who are new to me, I write what I'd call "mafia lite." My heroes are hardened criminals with soft spots for their heroines. There may be violence and cruelty in my books, but never between the main characters. Enjoy!

My Review

Devil's Thirst by Jill Ramsower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's been a while since I've read a Jill Ramsower book (I think I've actually missed one in her last series, that I'll have to go back to). A new one is always something to look forward to though and I was keen to get into Devil's Thirst. Once I started it, I was reluctant to put it down and found that I got through it far too quickly. That's the problem with good books, you don't want to stop reading and then feel sad that you've finished.
Devil's Thirst is the start of a new series, Moretti Men. It does link to her previous mafia series and feature characters from them. In fact we've met our heroine before. Amelie has had a tough time, being lost by her sister and suffering amnesia she now keeps to herself and concentrates on her dancing. Sante has been obsessed by her since they briefly met some years ago. While he thinks that she's an itch he can scratch and move on, it soon becomes clear that this obsession is much more and there's no leaving her once they've reconnected.
This is one of these books where if it were real live I'd be suggesting that she turns and runs a long way from him. He's obsessive and waving so many red flags that it's just about the only colour anyone can see. For this book and for Amelie though, it works. They make a great couple that connects as though they were made for one another (which I suppose they were really).
Devil's Thrist is a fantastic start to a new series and will also be loved by anyone who enjoyed the The Five Families or The Byrne Brothers' series'.

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