Tag Archives: Cozy Mysteries

Review of “Always Just Beyond” by Inger Margaret Foster

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There’s no better time for a ghost story than October and this sweet paranormal cozy mystery/romance is perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story with its unique plot and engaging characters. I read it in a single sitting because I couldn’t put it down.

Jo and Philip Briton fall in love with this old house on the waterfront in Connecticut because it just feels like home. They walk out to the water to check the wonderful view and both see an apparition, a beautiful young woman gazing out across the sea. Then she vanishes.

They buy the house anyway and a friendly but somewhat odd neighbor gives them clues relative to its history, including who the ghostly woman was. An old steamer truck in the attic contains more information about the house’s history as well as a small book written a century before that includes more of the story.

The twists and turns are great as the story unfolds, one of which gave me goosebumps. Surprises right up to the very end, which then makes so much sense. I loved the characters, all unique and well-developed. By the end of the story I had one question unanswered that would be a spoiler to include. Perhaps it could be covered by a possible sequel, which would be great.

I’m sure at some point I will reread this touching story, knowing all its little secrets. I loved it and highly recommend it as a wonderful break into another dimension that is closer than we think. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. I connected with the story even more since some of my ancestors lived in that very part of the country. It was interesting to learn more of the history of the area as well as the mention of familiar places.

You can pick up a copy on Amazon here.

More Action and Laughs in Twinkle, Texas Await!

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Review of The Pact (Katz’s Cat Twinkle Texas  Cozy Mystery Series, Book 4)

by Dawn Greenfield Ireland

If you’re looking for a book to chill out with when everything else about this insane planet is just too much, I highly recommend this latest book in the Katz’s Cat Twinkle Texas Cozy Mystery Series. It doesn’t take long to get hooked on these charming characters and feel as if you live in the little town of Twinkle.

Actually, I live outside a town that’s even smaller than Twinkle, one that is so small that it doesn’t even have a traffic light, so I can relate to this small fictitious setting away from everything other than the full range of human behavior. As a pet lover, of course I enjoy the animals and their special talents, which include not only intelligence, but the ability to communicate using technology.

The series is now on book 4 where the folks in Twinkle, Texas are at it again. I love how the author has developed this setting with its own common expressions, such as referring to the grocery store as “the foo” since the sign is broken, and various other touches that make it seem real and that you’re a part of it. In this episode,  Mrs. Potts’ boarding house burns down! Thus, Jimmy, Brian, Mrs. Potts, and of course, Maddie and Guppy, move in with Betty in the mansion. Of necessity, the folks who know about the animals’ special talents expands, especially as various threats manifest.

There are a few pretty serious parts as well as plenty of good information about having a plan to secure your property in case of a catastrophe. Other useful information includes the steps in building a house from the ground up and a few other things to think about, such as how much stuff you own and what a chore it would be to replace it.

There were plenty of scenes where I laughed out loud, some of the characters’ names alone worth a good chuckle. Turns out Guppy is showing some psychic abilities, which are likely to be developed further in future escapades. As with most series, it’s advisable to start with the first book since characters and situations from previous stories tend to show up. It’s easy to feel as if you’re a resident of this tiny Texas town as the host of characters come to life and interact, leaving you wondering what will happen next and longing for the next book in the series!

You can pick up a copy on Amazon here and read more about the author on a previous blog here.

Dawn Greenfield Ireland

Meet Your New Favorite Author!

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Dawn Greenfield Ireland takes the term “prolific writer” to an entirely new level. No matter what genre you prefer, it’s highly likely she has it in her massive literary portfolio!

Most of what I’ve been reading the past few years has been research material. Sadly, I can’t remember the last time I read a novel. (I suppose I could look at my archives on this site to refresh my memory LOL)

However, I needed some light reading so decided to give some of Dawn’s work a try. I just finished reading her Katz Cozy Mystery Series. It was perfect! Suspenseful enough to keep me engaged, but not so much so that it messed with my blood pressure.

Her fictitious town, Twinkle, Texas, is loaded with great characters and clever mysteries. Each book keeps you guessing until the very end, plus the ongoing story with her basic characters pulls you in as well. Pretty soon you feel as if you live there yourself. Having finished the series in a few days, now I miss the characters and look forward to when she gets the next book out. As you can guess from the covers, the cat and parrot are regulars involved in each mystery in a unique and charming way.

If you like science fiction/fantasy, you’ll love her Thol series. Suitable for young adults, but complex and imaginative enough for adults. Again, clever plots, great imagery, world building, and a fascinating variety of alien creatures. The previous link takes you to a review I did of the first book a few years ago.

If your preference is steamy romance, then her “Bonded” series is for you. Shapeshifters populate this stories with numerous sexy plot twists and clever situations. Nail-biting suspense and hot characters.

I loved her book, “The Last Dog,” and just ordered the sequel, “Texmexzona.” Apocalyptic science fiction at its best. So much of what it portrays is coming at us today, making much of it prophetic, which is kind of scary! If you love pets, suspense, and sci-fi, this one’s for you! Again the link takes you to my review posted previously. Here’s an affiliate link to Texmexzona on Amazon.

She’s written numerous award winning screenplays, some of which are available in book form as well as some instructional books and an online class for dealing with the frustrating quirks of Microsoft Word. She has a “Puppy Baby Book” and another fun series, The Alcott Family Mysteries.

She also has an entire line of notebooks and journals on a variety of subjects. Her imagination and creativity is off the charts and sure to please. Check out her website at https://www.degreenfield.com/ to see all of her work with full descriptions and sign up for her newsletter for updates and new releases. All her books are available on Amazon.

Review of Elle Klass’ “Baby Girl 6: Return to the Bay”

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Cleo’s saga continues in another suspense-filled episode. If you’re a Cleo fan like I am, you won’t be disappointed in this latest segment of her ongoing story. This one picks up where Baby Girl 5: Caribbean Heat drops you off with a nail-biting cliffhanger. Cleo, her best friend, Kacy, and La Tige have been ambushed and left in dire straits in a warehouse. Upon surviving this ordeal, the set out to figure out who the culprit is and his possible motive. More of Cleo’s family secrets are revealed in the fast-moving sequel. As always, the characters are convincing and endearing and by the time you make it this far in this enjoyable series, they’re like your own family. Cleo’s story just gets better and better.

Pick up your copy on Amazon here.