Category: Cozy Mystery

Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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As an older millennial, The Golden Girls was just one of those shows that was always on. You know what I mean—flipping channels after school or on a lazy Sunday, and there they were: Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia, living their pastel-hued, sass-soaked lives in that iconic Miami house. I can’t even count how many times I’ve fallen asleep to their comforting banter—only to wake up to one of those cheesy “Greatest Hits of the ‘70s” CD collection infomercials playing on loop. That was peak background TV, and honestly? It lives rent-free in my heart.

So when I saw Murder by Cheesecake on NetGalley, promising a Golden Girls–themed cozy mystery, I downloaded it faster than Sophia can deliver a one-liner.

Let me tell you—it delivers.

Author Rachel Ekstrom Courage doesn’t just slap some wigs on a generic mystery plot and call it homage. She gets these women. The voices are spot-on—Dorothy’s dry sarcasm, Blanche’s theatrical flirtiness, Rose’s sweet but slightly unhinged St. Olaf stories, and Sophia’s savage little roasts. You can tell this was written by someone who genuinely loves the show and wanted to bring these characters to life in a fun new way.

The plot? Dorothy is accused of murder, there’s a suspicious cheesecake involved (of course), and suddenly our favorite four are knee-deep in a Miami mystery. It’s a whodunit with bingo halls, bad dates, high-stakes wedding drama, and of course, plenty of snacks. The story moves fast, the dialogue is sharp, and the clues are sprinkled in just enough to keep you guessing without feeling too twisty for the cozy genre.

If you love cozy mysteries, crave some comfort reading, or just miss watching reruns with a bowl of cereal at 11 p.m., this book is for you. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite TV aunties—with a steak knife hidden under the pie plate.

I’ll be first in line for book two. Here’s hoping Blanche gets a steamy love triangle, Rose accidentally solves a crime with a duck, and Sophia ends up running the investigation because let’s be real—she’s already the queen.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Thank you to the author Rachel Ekstrom Courage, the publisher Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

Murder in The Dressing Room by Holly Stars

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Murder in the Dressing Room is the first novel in the Misty Devine Mystery series, and I absolutely loved it. From start to finish, I literally couldn’t put this book down. I even bought the audiobook (narrated by the author!) so I could keep listening at work because it was such a phenomenal read. We all know how much I love an author narrated book. Almost as much as I love a cozy mystery. And here my friends is a cozy mystery that centers around an amazing group of Drag Queens and Kings.  Our main character is Joe (a clever pun on ‘average Joe?!), who spends their day toiling away at a job they know isn’t their calling. But by night on the stage at Lady’s Bar, Average Joe is transformed into Misty Devine, a force to be reckoned with. 



When her best friend, mentor, boss, and Drag Mother, Lady Lady is found murdered, Misty finds herself one of the prime suspects. With her parter Miles at her side and input from her hunky Solicitor Colin, Misty sets out to clear her name once and for all.

The red herrings are expertly crafted, and almost every character seems like a viable suspect at some point. It’s got the bones classic whodunit a la Agatha Christie’s mysteries, but with a fabulous drag twist. The book is packed with witty one-liners that will make you laugh and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

Since I both read and listened to the audiobook, I’d also call this an audio review. I was thrilled to discover that the author, Holly Stars, narrated the book. The narration is fantastic, with subtle yet distinct adjustments when switching between Joe and Misty. It added so much personality to the story

Considering this is listed as the first book in the Misty Devine Mystery series and ends with a semi cliffhanger (a dire warning from a twice mentioned character) I think it’s safe to expect more adventures from Misty/Joe, Miles, and the rest of the crew. Personally, I’m hoping that hunky Colin gets more page time in the next book! I think he could be a great side kick for Misty. 

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

A huge thank you to the author, Holly Stars, the publisher, Berkley, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I’m already looking forward to what’s next in the series!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Picture this: you’re on a book tour through Italy, soaking in the charm of six picturesque cities, indulging in gelato and Aperol spritz, and relishing the company of fellow authors and die-hard fans. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for author Eleanor Wilde, it’s more of a high-stakes nightmare with literary rivals, a con man ex, and, oh yes, death. 

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack takes readers on a wildly fun ride, and it’s anything but your typical cozy mystery. With its snarky, witty protagonist, inside jokes about the publishing world, and the thrill of a whodunit, this novel makes for a laugh-out-loud read that fans of twisty mysteries and meta-humor will absolutely devour.

The story kicks off with Eleanor Wilde’s ambitious agenda: complete her latest novel (the tenth in her Vacation Mysteries series), embark on a whirlwind book tour across Italy, and kill off her main character, Connor Smith. Not much to ask, right? Except that Eleanor’s inspiration for Connor, suspects someone is genuinely out to kill him. And if that wasn’t enough, a body soon turns up in their traveling literary group, setting off a domino effect of secrets, suspicions, and betrayals. 

Eleanor must balance her book deadlines with real-life detective work, sorting through a colorful cast of authors, agents, and obsessive fans. With each Italian city comes a new twist, and Eleanor’s to-do list grows longer: solve the murder, dodge her ex Oliver (who shows up at the worst possible moments), keep her literary rivals at bay, and figure out who’s really behind the mayhem. 

This novel brilliantly breaks the fourth wall, letting Eleanor not only narrate her story but also chat directly with readers (footnotes and all)! It’s like having a lively conversation with a friend who isn’t afraid to let you in on the messy, hilarious parts of her job as a writer.  Her cheeky self-awareness, paired with razor-sharp wit, makes for a refreshingly original tone. 

If you’re a fan of snappy dialogue and unconventional characters, Eleanor’s one to remember. She’s a little chaotic, brutally honest, and endlessly opinionated, which adds a fun edge to the story. Her dynamic with her ex Oliver adds extra spice, and her deep reliance on her younger sister Harper (who, though a little overshadowed, plays the grounded assistant to Eleanor’s whirlwind) rounds out the cast in a quirky way.

While the book’s ensemble of suspects can get a bit overwhelming, each one brings something fresh to the story, and even the more aggravating personalities contribute to the chaotic fun. Though it’s hard to get attached to any of them (perhaps intentionally), this motley crew of characters, annoying quirks and all—adds to the atmosphere. 

The audiobook narration by Elizabeth Evans deserves special praise. Evans captures Eleanor’s voice to perfection, bringing out her snark, frustration, and subtle vulnerability in a way that enhances the reading experience. If you’re an audiobook fan, this is one to add to your list.

So grab a gelato, settle in, and prepare to laugh, gasp, and cheer as Eleanor brings the mystery to life—one Italian city at a time. On sale now, you can grab your copy here. 

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. 

Book Review: The Grim Steeper by Gretchen Rue

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️/5

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Phoebe and the gang return in the third installment of the Witches’ Brew Mysteries. There’s a lot going on in this book, so buckle up.

In the first book, Phoebe discovered she was a witch, and she’s been grappling with her new powers throughout the series. As it turns out, when she’s under stress, her powers tend to go a bit haywire—and there’s plenty to stress about in this one! She’s hosting a book signing for one of the hottest new influencers in… birding. (Such a millennial hobby! I love how the author worked that in.) But Phoebe quickly realizes something isn’t quite right with Sebastian and his entourage.

And she’s proven correct when Sebastian is murdered. While Phoebe isn’t directly implicated this time, she still feels responsible, having been the one to bring Sebastian to Raven’s Creek. When a childhood friend is arrested for the crime, Phoebe digs deeper, disregarding police warnings to stay out of it.

I also love that her relationship with Rich is continuing to develop, though it’s definitely the slowest of slow burns! Still, I don’t blame her for taking her time. This book focuses more on her learning to control her new powers than on romance. No spoilers, but by the end of the book, I think she’s got things under control—so hopefully we’ll see more of that sexy private eye in book 4. The ending was also VERY Scooby-Doo—the villain literally gets unmasked.

So, if you’re looking to kick off fall with a cozy mystery, grab a blanket and a cup of tea, and curl up with The Grim Steeper. It’s a classic whodunit, reminding me of Scooby-Doo meets Nancy Drew—but for adults. Bonus: There are tons of delicious recipes in the back, straight from the book.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Click on the links below for the rest of the Witches Brew Mysteries.

Book 1: Steeped To Death

Book 2: Death by a Thousand Sips

Thank you to the author Gretchen Rue, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

DM Me For Murder by Sarah E. Burr

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Loved seeing Coco and the gang back for another adventure! In book three of the Trending Topics Mysteries, Coco is once again at the center of a murder. This time, it’s not the police who think she’s up to no good, but the internet itself. The net is split between people sending her hate messages and people calling for her to help solve the murder of infulencer LaTage. Our girl Coco does her hardest to stay out of trouble, but as in the previous 2 books, trouble usually finds her.

I love that this book shows Coco growing a little more, turning off notifications and not letting social media rule her life, even though it is her career. More than once she wonders if she should deactivate her account, a thought that would have made book 1 Coco shudder.

The twists were good in this one, and although I had an inkling of who the killer was, I fell for the red herring a bit. 

Can’t wait to see what happens in book four, since the residents of Central Shores are getting a little fed up with all of the violence and murder happening in their sleepy town.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Thank you to the author Sarah E. Burr, the publisher Level Best Books, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

Zero Stars Do Not Recommend

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Where to start, where to start…

So, initially, I grabbed this book because the cover led me to believe it was a rom-com. Wrong! Insert buzzer sound here.

You could call it a modern-day Lord of the Flies, and you wouldn’t be far off, but there’s so much more to this book. It’s got a mix of romance, mystery, sci-fi, thriller, and satire. Like Lord of the Flies, it forces us to consider what would happen if the worst-case scenario became reality. What would society look like if our systems of law and order collapsed and we were left to fend for ourselves?

Who among us, male or female, hasn’t felt like Dan at some point in our lives? That kid in school who was told they could be anything they wanted but ended up only achieving mediocrity? And who doesn’t wrestle with the question of what it means to be a man or a woman and the stereotypes that go along with that? Mara is amazing in this story, loving Dan for who he is rather than who she could mold him into. She’s a total badass.

The writing is sharp; it’s funny while tackling some terrifying ideas and notions. The one-liners are hysterical, and the relationship between Dan and Mara is delightful to read. And who would ever expect a Bible-thumping preacher’s wife, who also happens to be an MLM creator, to be the one who stages a coup and steals all the food and power? But, as with all stories, not everything is as it seems, and there’s more going on at the resort than meets the eye.

I’d describe this as a “soft” thriller, not because it’s overly scary, but because it still gives you that anxious, “OMG, what’s going to happen next?” feeling that thrillers do. If you’re a fan of the Finlay Donovan or Riley Thorn books, I think you’ll really enjoy Zero Stars Do Not Recommend. As always, read it yourself and see what you think. I went in expecting a rom-com, but it turned out to be so much better!

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley and the publisher Sourcebooks for giving me this opportunity to read an ARC copy.

Zero Stars Do Not Reccommend is out now and you can grab your copy here.

A Pie To Die For By Gretchen Rue

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️/5

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While I do my best to ensure my reviews are spoiler-free, I may inadvertently reveal information that could help you connect plot points. So, here’s my TL;DR spoiler-free review: A cute cozy mystery set on an island with touches of romance and magic.

My latest cozy read is my first venture into Gretchen Rue’s storytelling, “A Pie to Die For.” This book marks the beginning of her new series—a blend of cozy mystery, a touch of romance, and a dash of magic. Este March runs the family-owned Lucky Pie Diner, situated on Split Pine Island, a quaint island town in Northern Michigan. The island buzzes with activity during the tourist-packed summer season but is essentially isolated from the rest of civilization through the winter.

Each pie Este bakes holds something special. But, notably, two “lucky pies” are baked daily, promising unparalleled fortune to those who eat them. Everyone is on the hunt for these lucky pies, yet only Este knows which ones carry the magic. She honors a family tradition by keeping it a secret, although she’s been known to steer someone she feels could use a bit of luck towards one of these extraordinary pies. Conversely, there are those she believes should never receive a special pie, as they are simply not deserving.

The mystery in “A Pie to Die For” revolves around a valuable piece of property Este owns, a determined real estate developer who wants to seize it, and a new, unreliable produce man who fails to deliver and then turns up dead.

When all signs point to Este as the person of interest, she finds herself in a predicament. Determined to clear her name, she hasn’t been formally charged or implicated in the crime. Nonetheless, in a small seaside community, rumors spread quickly, and Este keeps stumbling upon clues.

I absolutely love this book. There’s something about cozy mysteries that just resonates with me. The premise of “A Pie to Die For” is particularly charming, and I found it to be a swift, enjoyable read. I had my suspicions about the real culprit and spotted several red herrings, but I didn’t piece everything together until the very end, which is always a satisfying conclusion. Gretchen Rue has crafted a solid four-star book. I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work in the future and continuing with the rest of the series.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Thank you to the author Gretchen Rue, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.