The air is definitely been chilly this week as we ushered in Fall. I love nothing more on these crisp days than to curl up with a cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea, and a good book. I love cozy mysteries any time of year, but as they are typically quick reads they are perfect for an afternoon of reading.
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The Glitter End by Vivian Conroy
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| September 2021; Poisoned Pen Press; 978-1492684091 ebook, audio, print (384 pages); cozy mystery |
I love Conroy's cozy mysteries (Merriweather and Royston is my favorite series) and when I wanted a new cozy mystery I definitely wanted one of hers as I missed her great characters. I saw she had a new book in her Stationery Shop Mystery series so I picked it up.
The Glitter End is book 3 in the series. I read book 1 Last Pen Standing (read my review) but I missed book 2 For Letter or Worse. The books can totally be read on their own.
While this isn't my favorite series, I do enjoy it. I love notecards and sticky notes, and pens and all sorts of stationery items (I have a couple of big boxes filled with the stuff). So I love that the main character Delta Douglas is a co-owner of a stationery store.
While trying to drum up business during the slow off-season, Delta invites a local miniatures artist to set up a display in the store. Carefree Tilly brings more than fans to the small town of Tundish. When she is suspected of murder, Delta feels she must do everything she can to clear Tilly's name (and the store's by association).
I love Jonas and Delta's grandmother. We don't get much interaction with other townspeople in this book. Delta's business partner and best friend Hazel is very much in the shadows and the few other characters that make an appearance felt very much one-dimensional. But what it was really Delta herself that got on my nerves and probably why I don't care as much for this series. She is too insecure and her inner self-doubt dialogue got old quickly. She's an adult, not some teenager - learn to talk to people instead of assuming what they are thinking and feeling.
It was a quick read that I read in just a couple days. While I'm not anxiously awaiting the next installment it did satisfy my need for a cozy mystery.
Buy The Glitter End at Amazon
Enchantments and Escape Rooms by Amy McNulty
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| September 2021; Indie; B09FFNKSZM audio (7h 25m), ebook, print; paranormal cozy |
I don't read a lot of paranormal cozies but I do love reading them for Halloween. And I think Enchantments and Escape Rooms would be a good one to put on your Halloween reading list. It is book 2 in the Spooky Games Club series, but I don't think you necessarily have to read book 1 Broomsticks and Board Games (read my review). But if you are looking for books to get you ready for Halloween, then why not read both?
I listened to the audiobook (I also listened to the audiobook of book 1) and while I'm still not a fan of the person reading the book, she is growing on me as about halfway through this book I didn't find her voice as annoying.
Otherwise, it is a cute book. I'm not sure if the paranormal characters really like each other. It seems like they have an uneasy alliance more than true friendship among them. I think that is the dynamic I'm most interested in seeing unfold in future books.
When I read the first book, I wondered how future books would play out with them being based around games. I thought using an escape room as the premise for this book was a good choice. They are all the rage right now (I think there are a few of them in my town)
I don't know if it is because Dahlia grew up in the small town but several of the characters treat her as a child. I'm sure it is supposed to show they care but after a while the "mothering" got old. I get they want to help her not to turn to stone, but asking "have you done your good deed today" every time they see her is a bit much. Maybe it's the tone that the narrator gives to the dialogue that makes it feel this way.
I think this series has potential and I look forward to the next installment.
Buy Enchantment and Escape Rooms at Amazon
(Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read the ebook for free)
Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.
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