More cozies. And some more magic.

Hearse and Buggy (Amish Mystery, Bk 1) by Laura Bradford aka Elizabeth Lynn Casey (library copy ... I purchased a copy at LitFest, but figured why not read the library copy since it was here?) -

Claire has moved to Heavenly, Pennsylvania where the "English" and Amish worlds meet.  The setting was interesting (I've done the tourist thing in a place like that, though more Midwest).  The detective had a particularly interesting backstory.   I wasn't so drawn to Benjamin as Claire seemed to be, though.  While he seemed like a nice guy, I kept thinking, "What's she thinking?  It's an impossible - or at least incredibly difficult - scenario."  Regarding the mystery, it was interesting.  I guessed the murderer, but some surrounding mysterious going ons."  Anyway, I enjoyed the introduction to Claire and gang and look forward to getting to know them better in book 2, Assaulted Pretzel (due out March 2013).

Corpse in the Crystal Ball (Fortune Teller Mystery, Bk 2) by Kari Lee Townsend (library copy) -

The first book in this series, Tempest in the Tea Leaves, left a good impression on me due to lack of preaching (and apparently despite some other things that I didn't remember until re-reading my comments just now), so I was pretty eager to read this addition to the series.  Sunny jumped to a couple conclusions that I wouldn't have been so quick about, but otherwise the story went well.  I guessed the murderer but nothing to do with motivation or surrounding events.  Regarding characters, I'm still fairly hesitant about the detective.  Sunny's parents are still annoying, though scarce.  And Sunny's Granny is a fun addition to the story.  We'll see what happens next in Trouble in the Tarot, also due out March 2013.

Brownies and Broomsticks (Magical Bakery Mystery, Bk 1) by Bailey Cates aka Cricket McRae (library copy) - 

First, I have to say the cover is great.  Despite being über pink-and-purple I'm drawn to it every time I see it. Anyway... on to the actual contents of the book.  I liked the story.  While I liked Katie she seemed a bit more, um, meek than I might have expected.  I'm sure that's not entirely true since she wasn't meek about seeking answers regarding the murder.  Maybe it was a nick in her self-confidence that I was sensing.  Whatever the case, I did find the setting and characters interesting.  Regarding the love interest triangle (because there almost always is anymore.  Both the above books also have one), I got the feeling she was more into Declan over Steve.  Just thought I'd mention is was the opposite for me.  Guess I'll have to read the next book, Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti (due out December 2012), to learn more.

Printer's Row LitFest 2012

This past Saturday brought the opportunity to go to the Printer's Row LitFest.  I found out about it through a newsletter by Julie Hyzy.  Of course, I had to go.  It's free, manageable as far as travel goes, and I had enough notice to schedule the day off.

I found out the day before that Julie was going to be part of a panel on a discussion titled "Sex & Violence: The do and don'ts of the Modern Cozy" along with Laura Bradford, Sharon Fiffer, Mary Vermillion, and moderator and author Clare O'Donohue.  Just the topic was exciting.  I didn't pay any mind to who the other authors were until I got there and heard them speak.  By the end I managed to get my copy of Grace Among Thieves autographed and bought and had autographed Hearse and Buggy (though I had a library copy via purchase suggestion sitting at home) by Laura Bradford aka Elizabeth Lynn Casey of the Southern Sewing Mystery series.

After the panel discussion I explored the remainder of the festival.  I was a lot more like a giant book sale than I expected.  Unfortunate because I could not afford to buy any more books (I already bought the one named above and the Hyzy book the night before) ... I'm supposed to be cutting back.  Nevertheless I enjoyed myself.  I caught a few minutes of the "Young Adult Fiction: Dark Days" with Veronica Roth, Aprilynne Pike, Elizabeth Norris, and Bethany Griffin moderated by Claire Zulkey.  If I'd planned better I would have caught the whole thing.  As it was it was already started, standing room only, and horribly hot by the time I peeked in at the back of the tent.

At 2 I saw Rachel Ray speak.  Don't ask why.  I don't cook.  And I don't watch any of the televisions shows she appears on.  But she's a big name and I thought various members of my family might appreciate hearing about the experience (seeing as they are completely baffled by my interest in the authors of books otherwise).  It was actually interesting and entertaining, albeit brief.  It would have been cool to get her autograph too, but you had to purchase The Book of Burger at $27 first.  I don't cook, remember?  And I don't have money.  I had to repeat that to myself more times than I can count.

After hearing Rachel talk I went on a 15 minute architecture "tour" of Printer's Row... interesting (really, I was repeating what I'd learned to everybody) but we didn't actually move much of anywhere because of the congestion.

Once I'd done all the exploring I was going to do at the LitFest I retreated to the Chicago Public Library: Harold Washington Library Center.  The Rachel Ray discussion had been my first time there, and I wanted to explore.  Besides, I had time to kill while I waited for my brother and his friends to get in town for the Blues Festival that evening.

Oh my.  That place is huge; I was so impressed.  I ended up at my own table in a nook on the 4th floor, looking out at another building and down on the busy street.  I also read of course.  The Big Kitty if you were wondering what.  I'd include a pic of me reading there (I took one of myself because I am weird, obviously), but it would require more editing than I believe I'm capable of to put my avatar over my real face.

ANYWAY, that was the book related portion of my day.  Hopefully, I'll manage to go again next year.

Sew Deadly

Title: Sew Deadly

Author: Elizabeth Lynn Casey (Laura Bradford)

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date August 2009

ISBN: 9780425229101

Pages: 275 + Sewing Tips + Sewing Pattern

Series: 1st in the Southern Sewing Circle Mystery series

Book Description (from back cover):

A sewing circle newcomer is on pins and needles.

Ever since she moved to Sweet Briar, South Carolina, Yankee librarian Tori Sinclair has been the talk of the tiny town. But she's been so busy at work, winning over the sewing circle, and trying to forget her cheating ex that she hasn't even had time to baste together a pillow, let alone mind local gossip. Then she finds the hometown sweetheart dead at her back door, and everything else falls by the wayside...

Everyone believes the police investigator, who's just fixin' to link Tori to the murder in a love triangle gone bad through a handsome third-grade teacher. To clear her name, Tori will have to rely on her new sewing sisters and stitch together the truth — or be darned...

Comments:

This is another book that I read about a month ago (during the 24-hour Dewey's Read-a-Thon), and my impressions aren't fresh.

One thing I do remember thinking... the relationship between the sewing circle, that of great friends once your "in", but reluctance and even rejection before that is kind of foreign to me. Unless I think of it like a high school clique.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and intend to read more of the series.

Pitch Your Book! Mini-Challenge

A mini-challenge hosted by i just want to sit here and read!

What it's all about:

Kate wants a book pitched to her. Not just any book but "Whatever book you are currently reading or one that you have read during the challenge, tell me why I should read it! Why do you love it or why are you loving it (if still reading)?"


Anyway, if you've read my blog before, you probably know I tend to hedge about recommendations. But I wanted to participate in at least one mini-challenge before bed, so here goes (I have completed this book, and did enjoy it... just FYI).

A murder mystery, a librarian, a big-city stranger adjusting to a small town, a prospective romance, objects that disappear (to who knows where), and a creative hobby to sew it all together... Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey has it all.