Traipsing through my readings... (Can you tell I'm running out of titles?)

Flipped Out (Do-It-Yourself Mystery, Bk 5) by Jennie Bentley (library copy) - This was another enjoyable DIY book despite Derek sometimes being dense to the point of annoying.  I'm looking forward to whatever comes next in the series.

Handbags and Homicide (Haley Randolph Mystery, Bk 1) by Dorothy Howell (library copy) - I was really worried about this book.  I didn't think I'd be able to connect with Haley and her shallowness.  Somehow, though, I not only liked her (and she certainly can be shallow - not to mention LAZY and a bit arrogant), I couldn't wait to read the next installment.

Purses and Poison (Haley Randolph Mystery, Bk 2) by Dorothy Howell (library copy) - I was eager to read more of Haley's story.  At times in this one I thought she was delusional about her "somewhat' boyfriend.  And as for the mystery, she should have been more forthright from the beginning (of course, then the story wouldn't have been what it was).  I look forward to more.  I should be getting the 3rd book, Shoulder Bags and Shootings, as soon as it's returned and I already have book 4, Clutches and Curses, checked out and waiting.

Lost and Fondue (Cheese Shop Mystery, Bk 2) by Avery Aames (library copy) - I liked this one better than the first in the series.  I have absolutely no interest in the cheese part of these, but I am interested in what will happen next with the characters.

Cat Sitter Among the Pigeons (Dixie Hemingway Mystery, Bk 6) by Blaize Clement (library copy) - I like this series, but Blaize Clement always had to include something to irritate me.  This time it was Dixie's dreamworld in which everyone drank water with birth control chemicals until she approved of them and gave the antidote.  Grrr.  Otherwise, it was an enjoyable book with a decent amount of suspense.

Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich (personal copy) - This was the first romance I've read by Janet Evanovich.  It was a quick, light read.  I liked the main characters.  Some of the smaller characters made an appearance then were shoved off until needed later.  And the ending was somewhat abrupt, but okay.  Overall, I enjoyed it.

"The Clever Detective" by Linsey Lanier (free e-book short story through Sony ReaderStore [also available through Smashwords]) - Very cute, very fun.  I'm definitely going to have to read more by Linsey Lanier.

Tempest in the Tea Leaves (Fortune Teller Mystery, Bk 1) by Kari Lee Townsend (library copy) - I was cautious going in this because books with psychic protagonists can be preachy, and I don't care to be pushed when I'm trying to enjoy a book.  Fortunately, that wasn't a problem with this book.  Sunny could be a bit air-headed (blurting out details in front of people she's trying to get information from and giggling way too much), but she was still likable.  I didn't like the lead detective as much, but he wasn't bad.  Sunny's parents were annoying, but took huge breaks between scenes, so tolerable.  In fact, my only real complaint would be the nickname Detective Mitch Stone gives Sunny - Tink.  Tink is what Derek calls Avery in the DIY cozy mystery series.  I would have preferred a more original nickname be used for Sunny (if any).

The Long Quiche Goodbye

Title: The Long Quiche Goodbye

Author: Avery Aames

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: July 2010

ISBN: 9780425235522

Pages: 309 + Recipes

Series: 1st in the Cheese Shop Mystery series

Book Description (from back cover):

Welcome to the grand opening of Fromagerie Bessette. Or as it's more commonly known by the residents of small town Providence, Ohio — The Cheese Shop. Proprietor Charlotte Bessette has prepared a delightful sampling of bold Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, delicious tortes of Stilton and mascarpone, a taste of sauvignon blanc, and for the pièce de résistance a little crime of passion...

Charlotte has barely begun melting like fondue in front of a handsome artisianal cheese supplier named Jordan when a blood-curdling shriek disrupts the festivities. Right outside the shop, Charlotte finds a body, the victim of stabbed to death with one of her prized olive-wood-handled knives. As the police leap to conclusions, it's up to Charlotte to find the real killer...

Comments:

So this was a slow starter for me (I began it in January, set it down for a while, and read the bulk in February). But once I really sat down with it, I found it to be an enjoyable first in what promises to be an entertaining series.

The characters were ... interesting. None of them were really like anybody I know, from Charlotte down. I couldn't help, when Charlotte went on about various flavors of cheese, wondering what she would recommend for someone as picky as myself. Each time this thought passed through my head, it was followed by something along the lines of, "But I would never ask!" Because, man alive, I'm pretty sure I would find a real-life Charlotte intimidating. The next in the series, Lost and Fondue, comes out this May.