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Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Keeper of the Castle (Haunted Home Renovation #5)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2014

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 314

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - K; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series Summer - Picnic Read

Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel’s boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland.
 
With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body.
 
When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer, and put the spirits to rest, before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands…

Not my favorite of the series so far, but I did really enjoy this adventure involving an ancient Scottish monastery, two ghosts, and some intriguing side characters. I loved the continuation of Mel's romance with Graham and her relationship with Caleb. The ghost mystery itself wasn't the most inventive or exciting, but I do enjoy reading this "light and fluffy" mystery series. 

Haunted Home Renovation

  • #1 If Walls Could Talk
  • #2 Dead Bolt
  • #3 Murder on the House
  • #4 Home for the Haunting
  • #5 Keeper of the Castle
  • #5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #6 Give Up the Ghost
  • #7 A Ghostly Light
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Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 06.28.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Home for the Haunting (Haunted Home Renovation #4)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2013

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Spring Colors on Cover

San Francisco contractor Mel Turner is leading a volunteer home renovation project, and while she expects lots of questions from her inexperienced crew, she can’t help asking a few of her own—especially about the haunted house next door…the place local kids call the Murder House.
 
But when volunteers discover a body while cleaning out a shed, questions pile up faster than discarded lumber. Mel notices signs of ghostly activity next door and she wonders: Are the Murder House ghosts reaching out to her for help, or has the house claimed another victim?
 
Now, surprised to find herself as the SFPD’s unofficial “ghost consultant,” Mel must investigate murders both past and present before a spooky killer finishes another job.

Another great cozy mystery book from Juliet Blackwell. I really really enjoy this series so much. Mel and her various acquaintances are such great characters. This volume was another fun adventure for Mel and her growing ghost-busting business. I do wish the book had bit more ghost activity, but overall I still really enjoy this. 

Haunted Home Renovation

  • #1 If Walls Could Talk
  • #2 Dead Bolt
  • #3 Murder on the House
  • #4 Home for the Haunting
  • #5 Keeper of the Castle
  • #5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #6 Give Up the Ghost
  • #7 A Ghostly Light
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library 2018.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, 4 stars, I Love Libraries, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 06.16.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas

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Title: A Conspiracy in Belgravia (Lady Sherlock #2)

Author: Sherry Thomas

Publisher: Berkley 2017

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 332

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Share-a-Tea; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Read a series with a new book coming out in 2018

Being shunned by Society gives Charlotte Holmes the time and freedom to put her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. As “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, she’s had great success helping with all manner of inquiries, but she’s not prepared for the new client who arrives at her Upper Baker Street office.
 
Lady Ingram, wife of Charlotte’s dear friend and benefactor, wants Sherlock Holmes to find her first love, who failed to show up at their annual rendezvous. Matters of loyalty and discretion aside, the case becomes even more personal for Charlotte as the missing man is none other than Myron Finch, her illegitimate half brother.
 
In the meanwhile, Charlotte wrestles with a surprising proposal of marriage, a mysterious stranger woos her sister Livia, and an unidentified body surfaces where least expected. Charlotte’s investigative prowess is challenged as never before: Can she find her brother in time—or will he, too, end up as a nameless corpse somewhere in the belly of London?

Picked this one up at the library and devoured it in just three days. I love the twists on the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories. I love the updates in language and subject matter. But most of all, I love Charlotte Holmes. She is just a great character full of interesting quirks. The best part of the book is how she interacts with the rest of the characters. I can't wait for the next book to be published in October.

Lady Sherlock

  • #1 A Study in Scarlet Women
  • #2 A Conspiracy in Belgravia
  • #3 The Hollow of Fear
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library 2018.jpg
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Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: mystery, Sherry Thomas, 5 stars, Share-a-Tea, I Love Libraries, Seasonal Series Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 06.03.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Murder on the House by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Murder on the House (Haunted Home Renovation #3)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2012

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 338

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seasonal Series - Animal

Word has spread that contractor Mel Turner can communicate with the spirits of the dead, and she’s having a hard time maintaining a low profile. She decides to embrace her reputation for the chance to restore a historic house that calls to her. The new owners, who hope to run a haunted bed-and-breakfast, want Mel to encourage the ghosts that supposedly roam the halls to enhance the house’s paranormal charm.

The catch: Mel has to spend one night in the house to win the project. During the spine-chilling sleepover, the estate gains another supernatural occupant when someone doesn’t survive the night. As Mel tries to coax the resident spirits into revealing the identity of the killer, she risks becoming the next casualty of this dangerous renovation.

I sped through this great cozy mystery in one afternoon. I've really fallen for Mel Turner and her band of misfits. I love her continuing storyline with her ghost-reaching abilities and the storyline involving her various men. The one was a great story involving a little girl ghost, a dead old woman, and a potential bed-and-breakfast. I loved following Mel as she uncovered the history of the house and its inhabitants. I really appreciate that fact that Blackwell includes so much great San Francisco history into each book. Definitely be back for the next one. 

Haunted Home Renovation

  • #1 If Walls Could Talk
  • #2 Dead Bolt
  • #3 Murder on the House
  • #4 Home for the Haunting
  • #5 Keeper of the Castle
  • #5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #6 Give Up the Ghost
  • #7 A Ghostly Light
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Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Saturday 06.02.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Dead Bolt (Haunted Home Renovation #2)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2011

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 314

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Pink on cover

Turner Construction's latest restoration project is a historic Queen Anne Victorian in San Francisco. This time general contractor Mel Turner has to work around the owners who insist on sticking around- along with some ghosts that insist in their own way that the work stops...

The ghosts aren't the only ones standing in the way of the renovations. A crotchety neighbor, Emile Blunt, secretly wants this house, and could be behind some of the disturbances. But when Emile is found dead, it's Mel who appears guilty. Now she must restore the building-and her reputation-before it's too late.

Second book in this series and I am still loving it! Mel is a great character and this book continues to explore her awesomeness. I loved this story I evolving a beautiful old house, some eccentric characters, and a collection of ghosts. Too fun! And even I didn't quite catch the killer on this one. Oh yeah, and we get some traction on the Mel and Graham front. Love it.

Haunted Home Renovation

  • #1 If Walls Could Talk
  • #2 Dead Bolt
  • #3 Murder on the House
  • #4 Home for the Haunting
  • #5 Keeper of the Castle
  • #5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #6 Give Up the Ghost
  • #7 A Ghostly Light
library 2018.jpg
DYkQPpaW0AEeP9k.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, I Love Libraries, Seasonal Series Readathon, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 04.06.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: If Walls Could Talk (Haunted Home Renovation #1)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2010

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 316

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - I; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - First Book

Melanie Turner has made quite a name for herself remodeling historic houses in the San Francisco Bay Area. But now her reputation may be on the line. 

At her newest project, a run-down Pacific Heights mansion, Mel is visited by the ghost of a colleague who recently met a bad end with power tools. Mel hopes that by nailing the killer, she can rid herself of the ghostly presence of the murdered man-and not end up a construction casualty herself...

Finally started this series after reading and loving Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery series. I do enjoy a good cozy mystery now and again. This one really hit the spot. I immediately fell for Mel and her band of misfit characters. The storyline was a great introduction to her world and what we can expect from the rest of the series. Can't wait to dive into the next one. 

Haunted Home Renovation

  • #1 If Walls Could Talk
  • #2 Dead Bolt
  • #3 Murder on the House
  • #4 Home for the Haunting
  • #5 Keeper of the Castle
  • #5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #6 Give Up the Ghost
  • #7 A Ghostly Light
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library 2018.jpg
DYkQPpaW0AEeP9k.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, Seasonal Series Readathon, I Love Libraries, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 04.04.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Toxic Trousseau by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: A Toxic Trousseau (Witchcraft Mystery #8)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2016

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 332

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Local Author; I Love Libraries; Finishing the Series

Even the most skilled sorceress can’t ward off a lawsuit, and Lily is not at her enchanting best with her hands full as the temporary leader of San Francisco's magical community. So after her potbellied pig Oscar head-butts rival clothier Autumn Jennings, Lily tries to make peace without a costly personal injury case.
 
But any hope of a quiet resolution is shattered when Autumn turns up dead. As one of the prime suspects, Lily searches for a way to clear her name and discovers a cursed trousseau among Autumn’s recently acquired inventory. Lily must deal with a mysterious dogwalker and spend the night in a haunted house as she delves into the trunk’s treacherous past. She’s got to figure out who wanted to harm Autumn fast, before the curse claims another victim…

The last volume in this series was a bit of a disappointment when comparing it to the rest of the series. Thankfully this one brought the storyline and characters back to where they should be. We get an interesting storyline, the inclusion of the Winchester House (I'm sorry, the Rodchester House), and some great revelations. I loved the side plot of Aidan going out of town and Lily becoming the holder of the satchel! This story finally revealed a bit of what has been teased in the last couple of stories about a gathering story in San Francisco. Hopefully the next book in the series will have more revelations. Loving this one!

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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library 2018.jpg
Series 2018.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, 5 stars, I Love Libraries
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 02.09.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Spellcasting in Silk (Witchcraft Mystery #7)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2015

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 336

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Popsugar - Next in a series I've started; Library Love

Lily would like nothing better than to relax, enjoy her friends, and take care of business at her store, which is booming thanks to San Francisco's upcoming Summer of Love Festival.  But as the unofficial witchy consultant to the SFPD, she is pulled into yet another case.

A woman has jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, and her apparent suicide may be connected to a suspicious botanica in the Mission District. When the police investigate the shop, they ask Lily to look into its mysterious owner, whose granddaughter also appears to be missing. As Lily searches for the truth, she finds herself confronted with a confounding mystery and some very powerful magic…

Oh my I loved this volume so much! I think this series has really progressed with lots of growth from Lily and more big interactions between her and the side characters. I cannot wait to see where Lily's relationships with Sailor and Adrian go in the next book. This should be interesting... 

As to the storyline of this volume, I loved the inclusion of new witchy characters and lots of San Francisco locales. I did not guess the perpetrator at all! So yeah, for unpredictability. Definitely a fun little cozy mystery. Can't wait to read the next one.

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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Series 2018.jpg
library 2018.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: mystery, paranormal, Juliet Blackwell, 5 stars, I Love Libraries, Finishing the Series, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 01.26.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Haunting is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: A Haunting is Brewing (Witchcraft Mystery #6.5)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: InterMix 2014

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 113

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - H; Finishing the Series

When Mel Turner is hired to rehab an old Victorian mansion to act as the eerie setting for a Halloween bash, she’s expecting the normal challenges—old wiring, bad plumbing, maybe a ghostly specter or two. But when a young man is killed after spending the night in the house, and the mannequins in the attic start to come to life, it’s clear that this is serious paranormal activity. Maybe this time, a real witch is needed. 

I haven't read the Haunted Home Renovations series, but I'm deep into the Witchcraft Mystery series. this one was a fun crossover novella. I loved seeing Lily help solve a murder in a very strange old house. The life size dolls were definitely creepy characters. I loved reading this novella. I'm ready to move onto the next Witchcraft Mystery book.

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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Series 2018.jpg
A to Z 2018.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: mystery, paranormal, Juliet Blackwell, 5 stars, mount tbr, Finishing the Series, a to z
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 01.24.18
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Vision in Velvet

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Title: A Vision in Velvet (Witchcraft Mystery #6)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2014

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 309

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

As soon as Lily opens the trunk, she feels strange vibrations emanating from a mysterious velvet cloak. When she tries it on, Lily sees awful visions from the past. And when the antiques dealer who sold her the cape is killed, Lily suspects a supernatural force might be behind his death.

Then Lily’s familiar, Oscar the potbellied pig, disappears. Lily will do anything to get him back—including battling the spirit of a powerful witch reaching out from the past. But even with the aid of her grandmother, unmasking a killer and saving Oscar might be more than one well-intentioned sorceress can handle.

After a volume that wasn't my absolute favorite, this one in the Witchcraft Mystery series got me right back in the groove. I loved the storyline of the oak tree, Oscar's disappearance, Deliverance, the Ashen Witch, and Bart. I loved the interlude at the cocktail party hosted at the Cal Academy (seriously, I love that museum, wish we lived a bit closer, or at least that it was easier to get to by public transit as I hate parking there). I loved the return of Sailor even if I don't think he's ultimately the right guy for Lily. I loved the bigger storyline for Conrad. And I definitely loved all the action in this one. Can't wait to pick up the next volume in the series. Good thing it's sitting on my nightstand!

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits

  • #2 A Cast Off Coven

  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines

  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe

  • #5 Tarnished and Torn

  • #6 A Vision in Velvet

  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing

  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk

  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau

  • #9 A Magical Match

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Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, 5 stars, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 12.01.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Tarnished and Torn by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Tarnished and Torn (Witchcraft Mystery #5)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2013

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Audiobook

When Lily arrives at an antique jewelry fair, her bargain sensors go off left and right—but she also picks up a faint vibration of magic. Could the hard-bargaining merchant Griselda be a fellow practitioner? It certainly seems that way when a sudden fire sends panic through the crowd, and Lily discovers Griselda murdered in a way that nods to an old-fashioned witch hunt…
 
A crime that hits close to home turns into an unwelcome flash from the past when the police bring in their lead suspect—Lily’s estranged father. Though he may not deserve her help, Lily is determined to clear her father’s name and solve a murder that’s anything but crystal clear. 

Grabbed this one in audiobook form as I thought it would be easy to listen while driving everywhere and I needed an audiobook for the Popsugar challenge. Unfortunately the audio version wasn't super enjoyable to me. Overall, I really enjoy these books. They are fun little supernatural mysteries that can speed through in between heavier books. While reading then, I often skim through the sections where Lily talks about her background (stuff I've already learned by reading the previous books in the series). With the audio version, I had to listen to all those passages (can't fast forward while driving) and there are many of those passages. It really got annoying after awhile. However, I really did enjoy the characters and the storyline in this one. The opening at the gem fair was especially fun. Definitely a good read. I'll just stick to the print versions for the rest of the series.

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, Popsugar, mount tbr, 4 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 11.27.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: In a Witch's Wardrobe (Witchcraft Mystery #4)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Berkley 2012

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 337

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Taking a night off from running her successful San Francisco clothing store, Lily attends a local art deco ball where vintage fashions steal the show. But when a young woman at the event falls under a mysterious sleeping sickness, Lily senses that a curse was placed on the woman’s corsage. 

Before Lily can solve the woman’s magical ailment, she’s asked to assist in investigating a string of poisonings in the Bay Area witchcraft community. She’s gained the trust of the local covens by supporting women’s charities through her clothing store. But soon, Lily suspects that one of her new acquaintances might not be so well intentioned and could be dabbling in dark magic and deadly botany…

I feel like this series is finally hitting it's stride. I love the storyline revolving around the Art Deco Ball, the Paramount Theater, and other great places around the Bay. I loved meeting some new and interesting characters, especially Calypso. I loved the development of Lily and Sailor's relationship. I loved seeing more from all the great side characters like Bronwyn and Maya. And Oscar is just a treat. I really really love where the series is taking Lily's story. I can't wait to start the next one in the series.

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, mount tbr, 5 stars
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 11.14.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Hexes and Hemlines (Witchcraft Mystery #3)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2011

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 314

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a name - X

Lily gets called away from her vintage clothing store to give police a witch's take on how the leader of a rationalist society could be murdered, surrounded by superstitions he discredited. 

Evidence points to dark witchcraft. Lily's determined to use magic of her own to find the murderer, before everyone's luck runs out.

Another great volume in this oh-so-fun series. I loved getting to know Lily even more and see her get more comfortable in her newly adopted hometown. And oh my the secrets that are starting to come out. Each volume we get just a bit more of what is going on behind the scenes. I love how Blackwell teases out some clues and hints about the larger paranormal world in the Bay Area. This one was super fun. I loved the new incarnation of the Thirteenth Club. Great subject matter!

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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Next upon the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: mystery, paranormal, Juliet Blackwell, 4 stars, mount tbr, What's in a Name
categories: Book Reviews
Thursday 11.02.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Cast Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: A Cast Off Coven (Witchcraft Mystery #2)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2010

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Lily Ivory is not your average witch. She runs a vintage clothing store called Aunt Cora's Closet and has the magical ability to sense vibrations of the past from clothing and jewelry. When students are spooked at the San Francisco School for the Arts, Lily is called in to search for paranormal activity. She finds a dead body and a closet full of old clothes with some very bad vibes.

Really digging this series... I loved diving back into Lily Ivory and her witchy ways. We get more appearances by some great side characters (hello Aidan!) and a fun storyline involving an old nunnery, ghosts, and a demon. The only thing I'm not loving is Max. I get that we need a skeptical character, but seriously he treats Lily like crap most of the time. I hope he gets his act together in the next book. Overall, this series is just what I need for a fun enjoyable read!

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
Mount-TBR-2017.png

Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: Juliet Blackwell, mystery, paranormal, 4 stars, FrightFall Readathon, mount tbr
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 10.30.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

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Title: Secondhand Spirits (Witchcraft Mystery #1)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2009

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 313

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; What's in a Name -- Alliterative Title; New to Me

Lily Ivory feels that she can finally fit in somewhere and conceal her "witchiness" in San Francisco. It's there that she opens her vintage clothing shop, outfitting customers both spiritually and stylistically.

Just when things seem normal, a client is murdered and children start disappearing from the Bay Area. Lily has a good idea that some bad phantoms are behind it. Can she keep her identity secret, or will her witchy ways be forced out of the closet as she attempts to stop the phantom?

Such a great little cozy mystery! Bonus points for being set in San Francisco, my adoptive city across the bay. I loved diving into Lily Ivory's world of clothing, mystery, witches, romance, and goblins (or pigs). I sped through this book waiting impatiently to find out the mystery behind La Llorona, Frances Potts, and all the other fun characters. I loved the world building in this volume. Can't wait to pick up the next in the series!

Witchcraft Mystery

  • #1 Secondhand Spirits
  • #2 A Cast Off Coven
  • #3 Hexes and Hemlines
  • #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe
  • #5 Tarnished and Torn
  • #6 A Vision in Velvet
  • #6.5 A Haunting is Brewing
  • #7 Spellcasting in Silk
  • #8 A Toxic Trousseau
  • #9 A Magical Match
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new-to-me.jpg
ao83h0.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

raeliana1.jpg raeliana2.jpg beautifully.jpeg raeliana3.jpg raeliana4.jpg somewhere beyond.jpg raeliana5.jpg raeliana6.jpg raeliana7.jpg drop of corruption.jpg seoulmates.jpg jujutsu 19.jpg jujutsu 20.jpg jujutsu21.jpg jujutsu22.jpg jujutsu23.jpg jujutsu24.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu25.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg mayor of maxwell.jpg antidote.jpg tales accursed.jpg raeliana8.jpg
tags: mystery, paranormal, Juliet Blackwell, 4 stars, mount tbr, What's in a Name, New to Me, FrightFall Readathon
categories: Book Reviews
Sunday 10.08.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

And Then There were None by Agatha Christie

Title: And Then There Were None

Author: Agatha Christie

Publisher: 1939

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 300

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsguar -- Bestseller from a genre I don't usually read; Back to the Classics -- Woman Author

"Ten . . ." Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island mansion off the Devon coast by a mysterious "U. N. Owen."

"Nine . . ." At dinner a recorded message accuses each of them in turn of having a guilty secret, and by the end of the night one of the guests is dead.

"Eight . . ." Stranded by a violent storm, and haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one . . . as one by one . . . they begin to die.

"Seven . . ." Which among them is the killer and will any of them survive?

A reread for May's book club. It's been so many years since I read this book, it was a nice revisit to a great mystery book. Christie has crafted an amazing mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last pages. Even I forgot exactly how the murders happened. Such fun! I'm not usually a big mystery reader, but Christie is such a great writer and I love it!

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tags: 5 stars, Agatha Christie, Back to the Classics, mount tbr, mystery, Popsugar
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 04.12.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas

Title: A Study in Scarlet Women (Lady Sherlock #1)

Author: Sherry Thomas

Publisher: Berkley 2016

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 323

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - First in a series; I Love Libraries

With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper class society. But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London.

When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. She’ll have help from friends new and old—a kind-hearted widow, a police inspector, and a man who has long loved her.

But in the end, it will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society’s expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind.

A delightful retelling of the classic Sherlock Holmes stories. I love how Thomas turned the character on it's head and made Holmes a disgraced society woman. Mrs. Watson is great as Holmes' partner and in some ways benefactor. Plus we get an interesting array of side characters. I'm excited for the next book in the series to be released this fall. Best of all we get a tantalizing mention of Moriarty... I can't wait to see where this all leads!

Lady Sherlock

  • #1 A Study in Scarlet Women
  • #2 (Fall 2017)
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tags: 5 stars, I Love Libraries, mystery, New to Me, Popsugar, Sherry Thomas
categories: Book Reviews
Friday 02.10.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Obituary Society's Last Stand by Jessica L. Randall

Title: The Obituary Society's Land Stand (The Obituary Society #3)

Author: Jessica L. Randall

Publisher: Amazon 2016

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 232

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W43

Juniper’s knack for finding lost things is downright magical. But so is the portal to the afterlife in her back yard. Soon the town of Auburn is overrun with restless souls, and some of them want more than just one more Bingo win. To make matters worse, Juniper’s gift goes wonky when she needs it most. With new allies she doesn’t trust, magic that won’t behave, and ominous ghosts threatening all she loves Juniper must find a solution to her haunting problem or else…

A nice conclusion to the trilogy. I felt like we get closure to the underlying conflict of the series. We get to see what happens to all the characters. And we get to spend more time with a few of the previously side characters in Auburn. I enjoyed spending time with Juniper and Levi. The supernatural elements added to the story but weren't crazy. Definitely a good read for my middle of the night feedings.

The Obituary Society

  • #1 The Obituary Society
  • #2 The Stranger's Obituary
  • #3 The Obituary Society's Last Stand
tags: 4 stars, 52 books in 52 weeks, Jessica L- Randall, mystery
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 10.24.16
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Stranger's Obituary by Jessica L. Randall

Title: The Stranger's Obituary (The Obituary Society #2)

Author: Jessica L. Randall

Publisher: Amazon 2015

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 184

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W42

Mina Fairchild keeps to herself, and that’s the way she likes it. Her secluded life protects the secrets she hides, as well as a certain peculiarity that even people in the colorful town of Auburn, Nebraska find strange.

But when her movie-star sister Bernadette shows up on her sofa, Mina’s cozy bungalow is overrun with paparazzi. One dark eyed reporter seems to see straight into Mina’s soul and her world begins to crumble. It’s bad enough when he noses around her secrets, but then he starts digging for information about her mother, and Mina can’t let that happen.

Not quite as good as the first book in the series, but still a very enjoyable read. I enjoyed Mina's storyline, but found Bernie lacking. I just couldn't get behind her motivations at all. Mina had reasons for her faults Bernie just seemed very self-centered. I was not a fan of hers even after her "redemption." I loved revisiting some of my favorite characters: Gladys, Juniper, and Ada. Plus all the other townspeople make appearances. We also get a bit of a supernatural twist. Amazingly enough, it doesn't feel weird or forced. The supernatural elements seem right at home in Auburn. I'm certain I will dive into the third book tonight during the late night feeding sessions.

The Obituary Society

  • #1 The Obituary Society
  • #2 The Stranger's Obituary
  • #3 The Obituary Society's Last Stand
tags: 4 stars, 52 books in 52 weeks, Jessica L- Randall, mystery, Read My Own Damn Books
categories: Book Reviews
Wednesday 10.19.16
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Obituary Society by Jessica L. Randall

Title: The Obituary Society

Author: Jessica L. Randall

Publisher: Amazon 2014

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 194

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors

When Lila Moore inherits her grandfather's house, she finds herself in a small Midwestern town where margarine is never an acceptable substitution for butter, a coveted family recipe can serve as currency, and the friend who will take your darkest secrets to the grave will still never give you the secret to her prize-winning begonias.

Apparently, I'm huge into easy fluffy books while feeding the baby in the middle of the night. And I loved loved loved this one! I immediately fell into the town of Auburn, Nebraska and all the mysteries and characters. Lila is a great main character, but I was really pulled in by the ladies of the Obituary Society and Juniper. They seem like my kind of women. The mystery was intriguing and I even enjoyed the slightly supernatural elements to the story. They weren't distracting like I had initially feared. Instead, they just added a bit more to the mystery and atmosphere of Auburn. The romance was sweet and satisfying. I know that the next book in the series has a different main character, but I'm hoping everyone else at least makes and appearance. Can't wait to dive in tonight.

The Obituary Society

  • #1 The Obituary Society
  • #2 The Stranger's Obituary
  • #3 The Obituary Society's Last Stand
tags: 5 stars, Jessica L- Randall, mystery, Read My Own Damn Books, women authors
categories: Book Reviews
Tuesday 10.11.16
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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