Monday, January 29, 2018

Monday Mini-Reviews | Duty and the Beast; Scone Cold Killer


Duty and the Beast | Scone Cold Killer


Here are mini-reviews of two Five-Kitty cozies that I've read recently. I enjoyed them both very much, and I think you will enjoy reading them also!



Duty and the Beast

by Chelsea Field

Series: Eat, Pray, Die Humorous Mysteries, #5
Genre: Cozy Mystery  
Publication Date: January 31, 2018
Publisher: JFP Press
eBook File Size: 3263 KB
Print Length: 270 pages
ASIN: B077KWT5LL

The Blurb 


Isobel Avery's first six months as an undercover poison taster haven't exactly been easy. But this week will be worse. 

Two people with nothing in common are found dead. Apparently poisoned by an artificial intelligence security system. Now Izzy needs to find out whether robots are taking over the world or if there's a geeky murderer on the loose. 

Oh, and she also needs to juggle the demands of her personal life — playing along with Etta's latest deception, re-homing a mysteriously acquired stray dog, cheering up her mopey housemate, and helping Harper cut ties with her worst boyfriend yet. 

But Izzy's biggest challenge of all will be helping Connor face the demons of his past. And if she fails, she might lose him forever... 



The Mini-Review



Author Chelsea Field's Eat, Pray, Die humorous mystery series is one of my favorite series, and Duty and the Beast is my new favorite book in the series. It's amazing! There's so much that I love about this book, and so much going on in it.

Yays:
• The 21st-century method of murder — death by smart home, very imaginative.
• Izzy continuing to be her zany, hilarious, sweet self.
• Connor opening up to Izzy (he's not good with sharing his feelings).
• Connor's POV told in brief chapters, plus the usual chapters in Izzy's POV. Having his thoughts on different events adds a lot to the story.
• Connor (who loves classical music) and his new rescue dog, that hates classical music. ("She's not my dog.")
• More Mae and Harper (Connor's mom and sister) and more Etta (Izzy's 70-something neighbor).
• Making up after breaking up.
• The exciting climax!
• The great ending!

Nays: none

As always with Author Chelsea Field's books, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, The Killer of OzI recommend Duty and the Beast to all cozy fans. I love it, and I think you will, too!

    Five kitties out of five.
    Note:  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of Duty and the Beast.
    All opinions shared are 100% my own.


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    Scone Cold Killer

    by Lena Gregory

    Series: All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery, #1
    Genre: Cozy Mystery
    Publication Date: January 23, 2018
    Publisher: Lyrical Press
    Paperback: 192 pages
    ISBN-13: 978-1516104659
    e-Book File Size: 2997 KB
    ASIN: B06Y52XG4B



    The Blurb 


    For Florida diner owner Gia Morelli, there’s no such thing as too much breakfast — unless it kills you...

    When Gia Morelli’s marriage falls apart, she knows it’s time to get out of New York. Her husband was a scam artist who swindled half the millionaires in town, and she doesn’t want to be there when they decide to take revenge. On the spur of the moment, she follows her best friend to a small town in Central Florida, where she braves snakes, bears, and giant spiders to open a cheery little diner called the All-Day Breakfast Café. Owning a restaurant has been her lifelong dream, but it turns into a nightmare the morning she opens her dumpster and finds her ex-husband crammed inside. As the suspect du jour, Gia will have to scramble fast to prove her innocence before a killer orders another cup of murder...



    The Mini-Review


    Author Lena Gregory has a hit with her latest book, the debut of the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries. Scone Cold Killer is amazing! I couldn't put it down, and read it all in one sitting. 

    Yays: 
    • The close, supportive relationship — very moving at times — between main-character Gia and her BFF Savannah.
    • The concept of an All-Day Breakfast Café — I want to visit Boggy Creek, FL and eat there myself!
    • Supporting characters Earl and Harley. Earl provides Gia with some valuable advice and assistance at the café; Harley also provides assistance.
    • A very plausible reason for Gia's sleuthing: "She'd trusted the police the last time, and by the time they reluctantly cleared her, it had been too late to save her reputation. She wouldn't let that happen again. Time to take matters into her own hands."

    Nays: none

    I recommend Scone Cold Killer to all cozy fans, especially ones who are also fans of breakfast and the Read ’Em and Eat Mysteries. I love Scone Cold Killer, and think you will, too.


    Five kitties out of five.
    Note:  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of Scone Cold Killer.
    All opinions shared are 100% my own.






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