Pentimento Mori: An Art History Mystery by Valeria Corciolani

Edna Silvera is an art historian who appears to prefer her privacy to being in the public eye, even though she is a renowned expert in her field. When sent out by her boss to participate in a public ceremony, she stumbles across a dead body as well as an ancient piece of artwork, and finds herself in the middle of trying to help solve both mysteries.

I read a review copy of this book. It was the author’s first English-translated novel. I did enjoy reading it, though for quite a bit of the book I was confused as to why parts of it were told from the perspective of a chicken. It was quite a while into the story before I realized that said chicken was actually someone who seemed to spend most of his time pretending he was a chicken. (At least I think he was pretending, though it is possible that he actually believed he was a chicken.)

The author clearly knows quite a bit about ancient art, the techniques involved in creating the paints, and the symbolism used within the artwork itself. It was a rather impressive display of knowledge, and an integral part in solving the secondary mystery as well as the murder itself. There were a number of twists and turns in this story that led up to both the art mystery and the murder, and this was a story that I was not able to solve entirely on my own while reading the story. While all the clues were there, some of them were subtle enough that I missed seeing them. And that makes it much more interesting to me than a mystery that I was able to see what was coming well before the ending.

I will admit that at times, I was a little confused and a bit overwhelmed by the amount of art history knowledge within this story, but overall I did find it to be an interesting book that I did enjoy reading. I think that anyone who enjoys reading about art, art history, art symbolism or murder mysteries involving ancient art, would enjoy reading this book.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

April Hearses and May Curses by Trixie Silvertale

When one of the local shops in Pin Cherry Harbor is ransacked and a magical item stolen, leaving the severely injured owner in the hospital, naturally her son hires Harper-Moon Investigations to solve the mystery of who attacked his mother and to make sure whoever it was winds up behind bars. His mother, being a woman who had held a long-standing mutual animosity with Mitzy’s “ghost-ma” and who was also a purveyor of the mystical arts, makes it doubly important that Mitzy and Eric are involved. Add in a some escaped prisoners and other old enemies/rivals returning, and this is quite a danger-filled adventure for the pair of private investigators.

I received an advance review copy of this book and, as always, Ms. Silvertale does not disappoint. This book kept me interested and reading from the page one, and I finished it within two days of starting it. Both Mitzy and Erick have their hands full solving this crime, and not only are both Mitzy herself and Erick in danger, but so are those closest to the pair. This is not merely a small crime or murder that they are trying to solve; the events unfolding, if not stopped, could have far reaching effects that go well beyond their town if it remains in the wrong hands. If Mitzy and Erick fail, allowing the one behind it all to succeed, there will undoubtedly be quite a few more deaths left in the wake of this evil force.

I apologize for being so vague as to what is happening, but I really do not want to give away any of the multiple twists and turns that take place in this book. If I did, that would spoil your enjoyment from reading and discovering everything yourself, and what fun is that? But trust me, if you enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, have read and enjoyed any of the other books by Ms. Silvertale involving Mitzy Moon, former sheriff Erick Harper, their mystical friends and family, as well has the trouble that seems to follow them, then you will definitely enjoy reading this book. I would recommend giving it a try. And while you can likely pick up on much of what has gone before from the contents of this story, it will be much easier to truly understand some of it if you have read some of the previous books in this series first.

https://amzn.to/4a2axBM (Amazon Link)

https://books2read.com/u/4jMZBX (Books2Read link to other vendors)

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

“The Dead of Sled Run” by Jean Rabe

When Piper Blackwell’s Chief Deputy, Oren, is awakened by a fire at his house, he barely manages to find and save all of his cats, but as he locates the third cat, she falls unconscious, and Oren nearly falls with her. He would have likely lost his life had another deputy, Basil, not arrived to help them out alive. But with first & second degree burns from the fire, Oren will be hospitalized for a very long time. And his home has been completely destroyed, along with his neighbor’s house.

It becomes clear that it was arson. Unfortunately even though the neighbors are in Florida for the winter, someone who shouldn’t have been there had been in the house when it collapsed. And those were only the first two mysteries that need to be solved in this book, with more to be revealed along the way.

This was a very intricate tale with quite a few twists and turns along the way. Ms. Rabe has woven a masterpiece with this tale. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, another of the clues needed to solve this mystery was discovered that seemed to upend what I had thought was happening, convincing me that I still didn’t actually have the mystery solved. And just when I was convinced that it couldn’t be answered in this one book, she manages to tie it all together to reveal the truth of what was going on. And wow, was it bigger than I had expected.

This was an amazing story by a true master of murder mysteries. If you enjoy a great story that will keep you guessing every step of the way, then this book is a must read for you. And if you've read any of the other books in this series, then you really don’t want to miss this one. It’s a book you won’t be able to put down. (I certainly couldn’t!)

This book may also be available through:

https://books2read.com/u/4jEyOv

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

"Bars and Boxcars" by Trixie Silvertale

Mitzi's father has just started a foundation dedicated to giving former prisoners a chance at a new start in life. Several of them are even working for him. Then a series of train robberies start happening and Mitzi is determined to help solve the puzzle of who is committing the robberies and how they always seem to know which train cars have the high end/expensive electronics.

I enjoyed reading this one. Mitzi manages to get  up to more hijinx than normal in this story in her attempt to find the criminals without Sheriff Harper's help. As usual, she finds herself in the middle of a heap of trouble, and as always watching her find her way out of the new mess she finds herself in is highly entertaining.

This is one of the books from a completed series that I have not yet made it entirely through yet. I have read many of the later books in the series but have been slowly trying to make my way through some of the books that I missed along the way. It may be a while before I have the time to read all of them, but I have been enjoying the opportunity to fill in some of the blank spots in my knowledge of the series from having not yet read many of the earlier books.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries or any of Ms. Silvertale's other books, then I believe you will enjoy this one. I would recommend trying to read this series in order, but even if you've missed one here or there, you should still enjoy this one too.

"Ropes and Last Hopes"

Mitzi Moon's life seems pretty perfect. She's engaged to the Sheriff, she's surrounded by people who love her… both living and her ghostly grandmother, and her pet caracal Pyewacket, good friends, a bookshop, and her very large inheritance? What more could a girl want? Right? 

Well, except for the fact that Mitzy has a knack for stumbling across dead bodies. This time, it's the local dry cleaner. But why would someone possibly have wanted to kill her? Once again, Mitzi Moon is on the case. She's determined to help Sheriff Harper solve this mystery and bring the killer to justice by going undercover as a wrestler in the local women's league.

This book was the prequel to a new series starring both Mitzi Moon and Sheriff Harper. It seems to be setting the stage for what is to come. It includes the best aspects of the original series, with hints of the new one. And without giving away any hints, I can say that I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. If you've enjoyed any of the books in the original Mitzi Moon series, you'll definitely enjoy this one.

This book is also available through the following other retailers:

https://books2read.com/u/3k2KlN

"The Mussorgsky Riddle" by Darin Kennedy

Mira Tejedor is a psychic who often uses her talents consulting for those who need her help. Sometimes it is to locate a missing person, but this time it is to help a young boy who has withdrawn so far within himself that he is almost comatose. But what happened to send him into such a state? Mira has been hired to try and reach the boy, hopefully helping to bring him back to himself and his family.

This was the first book in the Fugue and Fable series. And I enjoyed reading it a great deal. The author did a wonderful job of describing the internal world that Anthony had created in order to protect himself, and watching the tale unfold as it was accompanied by pieces of classical music was a very imaginative way to tie the whole story together. The ending of this book almost came as a complete surprise to me, having not noticed some of the clues hidden throughout the story. (And that made the whole thing that much more enjoyable for me, as often I find that I've spotted a big clue to the ending of a book well before the book ended. But this one I almost didn't see coming at all.)

If you enjoy mysteries with a hint of the fantastical, stories where music and art play a large role, or are just looking for something a little different, give this book a try. I think you'll be enjoying it as much as I did. And I'll be keeping my eyes open for book two in this series. I really want to know what adventure is next in store for Mira.

This book is also available at other retailers. Simply click on the following link to view where: https://books2read.com/u/49VXjp

"Vandals and Yule Scandals" by Trixie Silvertale

Winter is in full swing in Pin Cherry Harbor and everyone is getting ready for the annual Winter Extravaganza, and based on the secrets that she can tell are being kept from her, Mitzi is expecting that Sheriff Harper will be proposing soon. But as always, there seems to be another crisis springing up, this time involving arson, a decades old curling scandal, and the son of a good friend. Can Mitzi and the others find the real arsonist and a missing solid gold trophy? Or will the blame fall on an innocent young man?

I enjoyed reading this book a great deal. There were quite a few unexpected twists that happened throughout the story that kept me guessing as to how it would end. And, hopefully without me spoiling anything, you will wind up agreeing that it was a perfect ending to this series, paving the way for the beginning of Mitzi & Erick's new adventures together.

This book is a must read for fans of the Mitzi Moon books, cozy mysteries, or those who have enjoyed any of Ms. Silvertale's other series. I would recommend having read the previous books in the series before reading this one. (Or at least having read some of them. I'm still working my way through some of the earlier books myself, but have read enough of the later ones that I didn't miss too many references to some of Mitzi's previous adventures.) But even if, like me, you haven't yet read the whole series, you will most likely still enjoy this book as much as I did. I do recommend giving this series a try if you haven't already done so.

"Moonlight and Mayhem" by Molly Fitz and Trixie Silvertale

After two unsuccessful attempts to create a business that will keep her bills paid, Sydney and the 3 ghosts living in her house come up with the idea to sell some of the antiques collecting dust in the home. What could possibly go wrong? How about a cursed dagger and a murder for starters?

This was the 3rd book in this series and a great way to end things. I enjoyed reading about not just the main character, but also about the supporting characters. I very much enjoyed reading not just this book, but the previous two in this trilogy. I believe this was meant to be the final book in a short series, but if Ms. Fitz and Ms. Silvertale were to team up and continue to add books to this series, I for one would love to read more about these characters in the future. (In other words, I'm hoping that they will eventually add more books and continue on with it.)

If you're looking for a fun cozy mystery with a paranormal twist, give this book/ series a try. I found it quite entertaining and fun to read. I would, however,  recommend starting with the first book and reading this series in order as the events won't make much sense if you don't, but I know that I've enjoyed reading all three books.

"Moonlight and Mischief" by Molly Fitz and Trixie Silvertale

Sydney thought she had everything… the perfect job, the perfect guy, and was expecting the perfect marriage proposal later that day. Instead, said boyfriend dumped her, fired her, and gave her two weeks to move out of his apartment or find herself on the street. Given that they were living in New York, that was a pretty much impossible task. But after a long, ever expanding search, she came across an estate for sale that appeared to be entirely in her budget. It wasn't until after she'd bought it with the intent of turning it into a Bed & Breakfast that she learned why such an amazing property was so affordable.  

The manor was haunted by several ghosts who needed her to solve the mystery of an old murder so that they could set the victim's ghost free from a tormented existence stuck between planes of existence. But with it having happened so very long ago, how can Sydney possibly solve it considering that anyone and everyone involved was long dead. And what will happen to her Bed and Breakfast if she can't solve the murder?

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were entertaining as well as often surprising. Sydney is clearly a strong woman determined to make a fresh start of her life rather than someone who is content to wallow in misery when what she was expecting in her life falls apart.

I would recommend giving this book a try. I have read and enjoyed other series of books by each of these authors and very definitely enjoyed this team up between them. I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here and would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed books by either Ms.  Fitz or Ms. Silvertale. Also, anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, especially one involving cats.

"Scones & Tombstones" by Trixie Silvertale

Halloween in Pin Cherry Harbor this year is sure to be amazing. Mitzy Moon has arranged for a very impressive haunted house event  in order to raise funds for the local animal shelter & pet cemetery. And just before the soft opening of the haunted house, a famous cookbook author is scheduled to debut her newest book at Mitzy's bookshop. 

But things rarely go as planned, and in this case that means the author winding up dead with her body hidden in one of the haunted house exhibits. Unsurprisingly, it's Mitzy who first notices the very real corpse on display, and thus winding up involved in trying to solve another murder.

As with the other books in this series that I've had the pleasure to read, I really enjoyed this one. The various twists and turns in the story kept me guessing throughout and I can honestly say that there's a spot in this book where I was tearing up more than just a little. (I'd tell you about it, but that would be a huge spoiler. But trust me, you’ll know it when you read it.)

So if you've enjoyed any of the other books in this series, be sure to grab a copy of this one. I don't think you'll be disappointed. And while you'd also likely enjoy it even if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, I can honestly say that I think you'll enjoy it even more if you read at least a few of the earlier books first. (Mainly so that you can understand some of the background information as well as learning more about the characters in this series.)

"The taming of the broom" by Erin Johnson

Laidey is a relatively new witch who works in the Swept Away broom shop and who isn't willing to try casting spells herself. She's got a crush on the Pirate Captain Bruce, whom she's become good friends with. So when after a public fight with the pirate Lysander lands Bruce in the sheriff's prison on the same day that someone murders Bruce's friend Freddy, Laidey needs to help find the murderer before the lazy sheriff decides to lay the blame on Bruce instead of bothering to find the real killer.

This was a nice little cozy mystery involving pirates, magic, a cursed renaissance faire, and enough fun to keep me entertained throughout the story. The author did an excellent job writing this one. I found the reasons why Laidey refuses to learn how to use magic both very understandable as well as amusing. (You'll have to read the book yourself if you want to know why.)

Anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with Shakespeare references, renaissance faires, magic, and even a vampire should enjoy this book. And if you've read the previous books in this series, you won't want to skip this one either. It’s a quick read but a lot of fun and very enjoyable. (And I’m highly amused by the Shakespeare pun in the book’s title of not only this one, but each of the previous books.)

"The Dead of Autumn" by Jean Rabe

Halloween night always seems to get unusual 911 calls, but most of them don't amount to much more than minor disturbances, loud parties that might have gotten out of hand, or silly and generally harmless pranks. But a girl murdered on her way to a costume party is anything but usual.

Once again, Sheriff Piper Blackwell has her hands full trying to discover who killed the teenage girl dressed as Steampunk Tinkerbell and why.  And this one is definitely not a simple murder mystery. There are a lot of twists and turns involved, as well as quite a few surprises along the way.

From the moment I started reading, I honestly couldn't put this book down. It held me completely captivated from beginning to end as I tried to figure it out before the end of the story. And the secondary mystery (that had nothing to do with this murder) was just as interesting and entertaining. And watching that mystery get solved gives quite a bit of insight into some of the secondary characters and their lives, adding extra dimensions to the overall story.

I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you enjoy murder mysteries, any of the other books in this series, or are just looking for a very well written tale that will keep you guessing until the end. I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did. Ms. Rabe is definitely a master storyteller who never disappoints her readers. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll read through this one almost nonstop & be waiting as patiently as possible for the next one in the series.

“Dangers and Empty Mangers” by Trixie Silvertale

In this 17th book of the Mitzy Moon series, you guessed it, there’s another body found as the story begins. But this time it’s not Mitzy who finds it. As expected, she does wind up involved in the investigation to find the killer (would there be a story here if she didn’t?) while at the same time trying to solve a seemingly unrelated crime by finding the missing statue of baby Jesus from the local church’s manger scene. Oh, and her ghost-ma needs her to locate a coat that had gone missing before Mitzy arrived in town. The coat has at least as much of a sentimental as real value to it and Grams is heartbroken by it’s loss and needs Mitzy to find it, though she won’t tell Mitzy why.

This was another fun-filled installment in the series. Despite being the 17th book, there are still plenty of new dangers, problems, and other adventures for these characters to discover, as well as plenty for them to still learn about and from each other. And of course there are still more than a few secrets to be discovered/resolved.

As with the others in this series that I have read, I enjoyed this book just as much as the others. Mitzy is a fascinating character who is far from perfect, but it is her faults that make her relatable. If you’ve enjoyed any of the other books in this series, whether in order or not, you should give this one a try as well. You will not be disappointed. This is also a good series for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist.

"Carols and Yule Perils" by Trixie Silvertale

While out looking to cut down a fresh Christmas Tree for the bookstore, Mitzy & Erick stumble across a woman's body, and thus a fresh murder for them to solve. And this one hits close to home for Mitzy, as the dead woman had been married to her employee/friend Twiggy's boyfriend. And thus placing Twiggy firmly on the list of potential murder suspects. But she couldn't actually have been involved in killing someone, could she?

This was the most recent book in the Mitzy Moon Paranormal Cozy Mystery series, and it doesn't disappoint. This book was well written and captured my interest from the beginning and held it through multiple plot twists all the way to the end.. 

If you've enjoyed any of the earlier books in this series, you'll want to read this one as well. We once again get to not only follow Mitzi as as she manages to solve another murder, but we also get to learn a few more surprising secrets about those closest to her. Even if like me, you haven't yet read the entire series, I'd still suggest giving this book a try. I certainly enjoyed reading it.

"Fries and Alibis" by Trixie Silvertale

When a strange older gentleman knocks on Mitzy Moon's apartment door one morning to deliver an envelope containing a large amount of cash and notice of her inheritance from a previously unknown grandmother, to say that Mitzy was shocked would have been an understatement. Of course, being accused of murdering a man she'd never met, who just happened to be her grandfather, shortly after arriving in town was an even bigger surprise. Just as big of a surprise was meeting the ghost of her deceased grandmother who lives in the bookstore Mitzy had just inherited.

This was the first book in the Mitzy Moon series, and was a wonderful beginning to this series and the vibrant and fascinating characters of Pin Harbor. Watching Mitzy navigate her way through clearing not only her name, but her father's as well was a great introduction into the personalities of these townsfolk. I had previously read some of the later books in this series and am very glad that I went back to see how it all began. (And if you’re wondering, I will be reading the rest of the books in this series.) I greatly enjoyed reading this book and believe that anyone enjoying cozy paranormal mysteries will enjoy it as much as I did.

"Castaways & Longer Days" by Trixie Silvertale

It's time for the Summer Solstice festival in the town of Pin Harbor. The tourists are many, the floating Casino is operating on the lake, and Mitzy Moon is ready to enjoy the celebration just like everyone else in town. But things take an unfortunate turn when an unexpected tornado hits the lake, crashes through the boats, and into town.

During the devastation, the owner of the casino boat is killed, and Mitzy Moon is on the job, trying to solve the murder of a woman she doesn't really like.

Like the previous book in the series, I enjoyed this one. The characters are fun and amusing to read about. And seeing the town pull together to help each other get through this disaster was a great example of a small but very friendly town. Watching Mitzy  follow the clues in a puzzle that seems to be missing a few key pieces at times to try and catch the murderer all while dealing with continuing in her search for a way to free her "ghost ma" from the cursed gem trapping her spirit within it was well worth the short time it took to read this book.

The interplay between the characters was great. At times it reminded me of family & friends teasing each other while at the same time lifting them up when they needed a helping hand. All in all, it was a fun story with a great cast of characters.

Anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist should enjoy this book, especially if you've enjoyed any of the other books in this series.

"Chocolate Cake and Chaos" by Agatha Frost

When someone new arrives in town who has a bit of an unhappy history with Detective Inspector Barker, unfortunate things begin happening. First a funeral wreath is left on the doorstep of Barker's cottage addressed to him, then before long, another officer is found dead in that same spot.

It seems that someone wants Barker dead, and the obvious suspect is the recently released prisoner staying at the local Bed & Breakfast. But if it wasn't him, as the man claims, then who is it that seems to want Barker dead and why?

This was the fourth book in the series, and I enjoyed reading it every bit as much as I did the first three books. It was well written and the story was entertaining enough to make it hard to put down at night.

Anyone who has read and enjoyed the first 3 books in the series should also enjoy this one, as would anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries. I would say it's definitely worth giving it a try, even if you’re new to the series.

"Doughnuts and Deception" by Agatha Frost

This third tale of Julia and her cake shop involves yet another series of murders, though this time they are not taking place inside the town of Peridale. The murders are happening in an old industrial park where Jessie had stayed while she was homeless. And with all those who are being killed being members of the homeless community, no one on the local police force seems to be taking it seriously or investigating the deaths.

Being who she is, Julia can't just ignore it like so many others have, and she finds herself doing what she can to help the people there as well as trying to figure out who the killer is, how people are being murdered, and why.

Like the first two books in this series, I enjoyed reading this story. It was entertaining and well written, holding my interest throughout the book. The clues to solving the mystery are there if you watch for them, but figuring out what is actually happening is part of what I enjoy when reading a good cozy mystery. And as has been the case with her other books in this series, the author did not disappoint me.

I believe anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries will find this book an enjoyable read. The characters were interesting as well as entertaining, and their actions easily imagined as taking place in many small communities. I myself will be continuing on with reading the 4th book in this series to see what happens next for the characters.

"Good Sam" by Dete Meserve

Kate Bradley is a news reporter who is usually assigned to the disaster stories and other tales of misfortune. It is not the type of assignment that brings a reporter much in the way of notice or fame, but it is something she seems to be good at reporting.

But everything changes when she is assigned to follow the story of an anonymous Good Samaritan who has been leaving large amounts of cash for people who desperately need the help, but without any sort of reason given or seeking any word of thanks or acknowledgement for his good deeds.  And soon other random people seem to be following Good Sam's example and quietly helping others around them in whatever small ways that they can.

I enjoyed reading this book a great deal. Though the main character often questions whether or not "Good Sam"  has ulterior motives for his actions, she seeks out the truth as to who Good Sam is and why he is giving away such large amounts of money to complete strangers without wanting anyone to know about it. In today's world, we often hear the sad & depressing stories, but much less rarely do we get to hear about the happy and heartwarming ones. And in my opinion, we could all use more happy and heartwarming stories like this one these days.

It should also be noted that this book has been made into a Hallmark Channel film. I have not yet been fortunate enough to see it myself, but after reading this book, I will be keeping my eyes open for the chance to watch it the next time it airs.

If you enjoy heartwarming tales with a bit of a mystery behind them, then you definitely want to give this book a try. I don't think you will be disappointed, and it just might give you something to smile about in these often dark and depressing times.

I hope everyone will have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday and will try to remember to be kind to both friends and strangers over the upcoming holiday weekend as well as during the rest of the year.

"Kitty Confidential" by Molly Fitz

 When trying to get an ancient coffeemaker in the office to work, Angie is accidentally electrocuted by it instead. When she awakes, she discovers that the cat who was there for the reading of his owner's will is sitting on her chest and complaining… and that she alone can understand everything he is saying.

Octo-Cat, as she soon starts calling him, tells her that his human had not died of natural causes, but had instead been murdered. Now he needs her to help him both prove that fact and to bring the killer to justice.

This was a fun little cozy mystery and a great introduction to the "Pet Whisperer P.I." series. Belonging to several cats myself, I enjoyed seeing Angie and Octo-Cat become acquainted & learn how to live with each other as they work together to find a killer.

The author did a great job of showing the true behavior of a cat at both his best and his worst, as well as how even someone who may claim to not really like the cat at first can rapidly realize that they do love the little fuzzball after all. (Just ask my husband, a man who at first merely tolerated my cats, but eventually came to be claimed as "her human" by one one of them.)

I enjoyed this book and will very definitely be continuing on and reading more of the books in this series. Recommended for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and fun cat tales.