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.

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).