Review: Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery #4) by DeAnna Drake

 

Did the professor get what he deserved, or is murder on the prowl in small-town California?

As a late-summer heat wave scorches the sleepy town of Citrus Grove, the suspicious death of a notoriously unpopular professor puts Rebecca and her talking cat, Aneksi, hot on the trail of another cursed artifact and a killer.

Police Detective Nick Devon, her dashing new flame, is following the rulebook in his investigation, but the Cuthbert Exotic Antiques manager is trusting her instincts as she follows the clues. With her grandfather distracted by an unexpected visitor—who may not be what he seems—and Aneksi rekindling a bond with a long-lost sibling, Rebecca knows she’s on her own to search for the ancient scepter that may hold the key to the dead professor’s medical miracle…and the reason behind his demise.

In this twisty tale of hidden motives, intensifying danger, and a dash of magic, Rebecca must rely on her wits—and, hopefully, Aneksi’s sharp claws—to solve the case before she becomes the cunning murderer’s next victim.

 

My Review:

Purr-fectly entertaining.

I really enjoyed this book.  As with the other books in this series, I just couldn’t get enough of Rebecca, Aneski, and Stirling as they search for another murderer in Citrus Grove.  We are also introduced to new characters in this story, Phineas, Stirling’s cousin, and Khepeset, Aneksi’s sister, who also has magical powers.  They both pay important roles in this story helping to find the murderer.  There were a lot of twists to this story that made it harder for me to figure out who was the killer.  I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

 

Review: One-Night Crush (The Fortemani Family Book 4) by Mia Heintzelman

 

After a banner year, Marcello Fortemani is eager to prove his value at his family’s Napa vineyard. The youngest of four siblings, he’s used to having his ideas ignored. But when he suspects a collaboration with local competitor, Whitaker Vineyard & Winery, Marcello quickly volunteers to take lead.

Excited for his big shot, he pre-celebrates at the bar where he runs into Holly Whitaker—the babysitter of his preteen dreams. She’s back in Napa, and… doesn’t recognize him? Marcello isn’t about to remind her, either. Especially, when she brings his fantasies to life with a fiery one-night stand.

But the day before the quarterly meeting, he learns his family’s vineyard isn’t partnering but acquiring hers. Now, she feels deceived, and he’s shocked to find they’re both vying for international exports director. What started as a steamy night escalates into a battle of pranks and tactics as they gear up for a brand test at Vintner’s Weekend in Tuscany.

Despite the competition, their chemistry is undeniable—she lets him take care of her, and he finds belonging. But will they fight to win, or call a truce for love?

 

My Review:

I can’t say enough good things about this book. 

Oh my… Cello and Holly.  What started out as a hot hookup with a man Holly thought she would never see again, turned into something that she couldn’t forget.  She didn’t realize Cello was the boy she used to babysit when she was younger.  She found out the next day when she came face to face with Cello at a meeting between their family wineries.  As the story unfolds, we see a sweet caring side of Cello with Holly trying to maintain the strong independent woman she is known for.  But Cello will do anything to win Holly’s Heart; and he won’t stop until he has it.  This is a beautiful age gap romance and had everything I could ask for in a romance book. 

 

Review: Murder Under the Marquee (Elmo Simpson Mysteries Book 2) by J.C. Kenney

 

Wild animal removal specialist Elmo Simpson has another murder on his hands. It’s starting to become a habit…

When a body is found on the beach near the Paradise Springs marina in the sleepy panhandle of Florida, Elmo’s disinclined to weigh in on it. But the victim is Desiree LaFontaine, former first mate of Elmo’s girlfriend, Nic, who apparently was the last person to see Desiree alive. Which makes Nicola suspect number one.

But there are other suspects. Like Craig Abbott, owner of Craig’s Cruises, who’s been taking a slice of Nic’s tour boat customers ever since he set up shop. Or could it be Desiree’s old boyfriend Bobby Darrin, who just plain doesn’t want to be found? And why is Drunk Paul, who’s rarely drunk but hangs around the marina, acting so squirrelly?

Elmo doesn’t believe for a minute Nic’s a murderer, so he dives headlong into the seamy underbelly of Paradise Springs’ tourism industry to try to clear her name. But time is short, and Elmo must reel the murderer in before Nic is put away and Elmo ends up under water–for good.

 

My Review:

A great cozy mystery with fun characters.

This is a fun story set in a beach town with lots of quirky and interesting characters.  In this book, Elmo’s girlfriend’s former employee is murdered and all clues point to Nic.  Elmo works hard to clear Nic’s name and find the real murderer.  The story moved along at a quick pace.  Just when I thought I knew who the killer was, my ideas went out the window.  I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t wait to see how it ended.