Another week has gone by and we’re ready to start on the next. Sunday Salon is a great way to share the books we’ve enjoyed as we relax and look forward to what’s ahead.
I do enjoy reading murder mysteries. I think in part because I know that 99.9 percent of the time the bad guy (or girl) will be caught and good wins over evil. When that murder mystery is a cozy, I also know there’ll be plenty of laughs along the way.
Berkley Prime Crime and Obsidian always have a number of new releases each month to satisfy your cozy murder mystery appetite. This month is no exception with several returning series and a couple of new ones to tempt you.
HOW TO DINE ON KILLER WINE by Penny Warner
Presley Parker’s event planning business is always a delight to visit to see what intriguing event she’s gotten herself into and how she manages to pull it off.
This time around a wine tasting event at the boutique winery The Purple Grape in Napa Valley is to die for. While her business is the toast of San Francisco, this wine tasting endeavor could give her company a big boost or ruin her for good.
Presley finds that it’s not all wine and roses in the idyllic Napa Valley. JoAnne Douglas, president of the Green Grape environmental group, believes the wineries are damaging the local environment and she’s determined to sabotage the event.
With her usual finesse, Presley manages the event without any problems. That is, until JoAnne is found under one of the tables dead. While all the evidence points to The Purple Grape owners Rob and Marie Christopher, Presley is determined to find the real killer.
Author Penny Warner has created a fun and believable protagonist in Presley. The story flows smoothly and keeps you guessing for an entertaining read.
HOW TO DINE ON KILLER WINE is the fifth installment in the Party Planning Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. The book offers quick and easy party planning tips at the beginning of each chapter. In addition, there is detailed information on how to host your own wine and cheese tasting party at the end.
The other installments in the series include: HOW TO HOST A KILLER PARTY (February 2010), HOW TO CRASH A KILLER BASH (August 2010), HOW TO SURVIVE A KILLER SÉANCE (March 2011) and HOW TO PARTY WITH A KILLER VAMPIRE (October 2011).
Author Penny Warner’s website is http://www.pennywarner.com
How To Dine On Killer Wine by Penny Warner, A Party Planning Mystery, Obsidian, @2012, ISBN: 978-0451237866, Paperback, 320 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
MURDER FOR CHOIR by Joelle Charbonneau
If you like a little music with your murder, then author Joelle Charbonneau’s new Glee Club Mystery series is the right note for you.
In MURDER FOR CHOIR, struggling opera singer Paige Marshall is surprised by the cutthroat competition of the Prospect Glen High School show choir. Coaching these championship-hungry students may be her toughest performance yet.
To make matters worse, Paige’s best young male singer is suspected of killing the arrogant coach of Prospect Glen’s fiercest rival. It’s up to Paige to scale down all the suspects to find the killer before he makes her to sing her last song.
This is a fun new series that will keep you wondering till the end. Author Joelle Charbonneau has created well balanced characters that are charming and a mystery filled with intrigue.
Author Joelle Charbonneau’s website is http://www.joellecharbonneau.com
Murder For Choir by Joelle Charbonneau, A Glee Club Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2012, ISBN: 978-0425251379, Paperback, 304 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
RED VELVET REVENGE by Jenn McKinlay
Anytime is the right time for a cupcake, but the sales at Fairy Tale Cupcakes is sizzling down instead of up this summer.
Owners Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura search for a way to boost sales. They think they may have found the ticket when local legend Slim Hazard offers them the chance to sell cupcakes at the annual Juniper Pass rodeo.
They soon learn cupcakes and cowboys don’t always mix. Star bull rider Ty Stokes has a short fuse when it comes to Fairy Tale Cupcakes so Angie and Mel try to stay out of his way. But when Ty is found dead in the hay, it becomes a whole different rodeo for the ladies.
They came to the rodeo to save their business but wind up trying to save themselves from a vengeful killer.
Author Jenn McKinlay has crafted a fun setting for her latest mystery. Her characters are witty, lovable, and entertaining. The action-packed story flows smoothly and the suspense will keep you guessing.
RED VELVET REVENGE is the fourth installment in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, but can be read alone. You can read an excerpt of this tasty mystery. The book includes delicious recipes for such yummy treats as Cake Pops. In addition, readers get a sneak preview of the next installment in the series, GOING, GOING, GANACHE, coming soon from Berkley Prime Crime.
The other installments in the series include: SPRINKLE WITH MURDER (March 2010), BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF (January 2011), and DEATH BY THE DOZEN (October 2011).
Jenn also writes under the names Lucy Lawrence and Josie Belle.
Red Velvet Revenge by Jenn McKinlay, A Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2012, ISBN: 978-0425251386, Paperback, 304 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Thanks for dropping by today. Hope your Sunday is relaxing, refreshing and filled with plenty of good books to read.
Mason - Wine, cupcakes and music - what a great combination! Thanks for sharing these new releases with us.
ReplyDeleteWow, some great mysteries. Although cosies are not always my thing, I love their covers and their titles.
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