Haunting License by Carol J. Perry

Maureen is on her beach run one day when she discovers a body. It's Eddie Manuel. She didn't know him but she finds a newspaper article proclaiming him the winner of a fishing tournament that was to have been an annual event. Instead, it only took place once; in 2000. But it does spark an idea. Maybe she can do that again and earn some money for her inn. 

And that money would come in handy. She needs to any number of repairs and needs to add on. Because this inn, and these people (and ghosts) are becoming dear to her. As is the larger Haven, Florida community. And that's why she willing to help the local police (specifically Frank Hubbard) in various investigations. In fact, Hubbard asks her for her help because her "feelings" have been accurate in the past. But does that mean Maureen will go to far? 

Not as many ghosts in this book but I did not miss them much. 

Haunted Haven #3

Four stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

Follows High Spirits

ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Under Your Spell by Laura Wood

Clementine Monroe is infamous, but not of her own volition. She is the daughter of a rock god and is one of three girls born within four months, all his daughters. Now she's all grown up and finding out her job has not been renewed and was just dumped by her boyfriend and, yeah, he took her cat. The trifecta of suckitude that starts many a romance novel. But this book is nice in that it's first person and we really get to see how Clementine and Theo Elliott fall in love. 

After she and her sisters cast a spell, it seems like things might be perking up. Clemmie is looking for a job and Theo needs someone to hang out with him while he finishes up an album that he was supposed to deliver two years ago. See, he was a boy band god but Clemmie never really paid attention because she was really into old rock. Also, I'm not remembering why Theo's assistant couldn't just... come with him. So there might be some points where disbelief suspension might be a little harder but I really did enjoy the relationship building

Four stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

ARC kindly provided by Atria Books and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd

There seems to be a number of authors who are setting books in Ye Olden Days but adding more modern language and sensibilities. Dodd is better at it than most but it took me awhile to settle in to the story. 

The hook for this one, as most reviews probably point out, is that our first person narrator is the daughter of Romeo and Juliet who, apparently not only didn’t die, but have been extremely prolific. This story is that of their daughter, Rosaline. She’s set to be engaged to the despicable Duke Stephano. She’s aghast as a) she doesn’t want to get married and b) the man has had several wives already, all of whom have died under mysterious circumstances. It’s a puzzle that her father has allowed this to happen as he does truly love her.

At her betrothal ball, Rosaline is struck by Cupid’s arrow, much as it must have happened to her parents. She hides away in a corner with her Lysander where they are discovered… holding hands. A travesty. The Duke is NOT pleased but Prince Escalus smooths over any hurt. At least for the public. Stephano is ready to make Juliet pay. She arms herself with a knife but it isn’t needed since she stumbles over his already dead body in the garden. And his isn’t the last death in this story.

While all of this is going on, Rosaline is determined to find a wife for the prince. But he seems immune to her efforts. This is a romance so it’s not hard for us to figure out why.

So, a little bit Romeo and Juliet, a dash of murder mystery, and a pinch of Emma. I wish there had been more of the romance and the mystery went off the wheels at the end but it was mainly enjoyable. 

Three and a half stars

This book comes out June 24, 2024

ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and ebook from NetGalley

Opinions are my own

An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder by Dianne Freeman

Frances and George are heading to Paris at the behest of his Aunt Julia. While she originally seems to imply that she wants them to look into the death of artist Paul Ducasse, she isn't so sure once they arrive. There are a number of people introduced including some we have seen in previous books like the woman Frances's husband had an affair with.

While Julia seems hesitant about following up with Frances and George, they are not going to let her go, especially after there's a break in at her lodging. Then, there's a death and they are going to have to search through parts of France to protect not only themselves but a lost family member. 

Four stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

Countess of Harleigh #7

Follows a Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder

ARC kindly provided by Kensington and Edelweiss

Opinions are my own

Peg and Rose Play the Ponies by Laurien Berenson

Peg and Rose are going on a road trip. Why? Dogs and horses. Peg is going to judge two dog shows and then attending a sale of a thoroughbred. Hers, as it turns out. She owns a few horses and the yearling of one is going to be sold. 

Once they get there, they encounter a manager who is just a jerk. Peg is busy judging and Rose is hanging out with Hope (Peg's oldest poodle). They discover that the jerk has been killed. A young woman from the farm asks them to tell the police that the argument she had with him the day before wasn't that serious. Instead, they decide to investigate. 

If you like the Senior Sleuths series, you will enjoy this book. I don't think you have to have read the other books in this series to understand the players in this one.

Three and a half stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

Senior Sleuths #3

Follows Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble

ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Murder by Moonlight by Matthew Costello, Neil Richards

A VERY short addition to this series. Jack and Sarah investigate the death of a choir member, Kirsty Kimball. Kirsty was extremely allergic to peanuts but everyone in the choir knew that and only brought food that was peanut free. However, one night she ingested some peanuts and, even though she had a large collection of epipens, the only one that she had in her purse didn't work.
I'm not sure that the story was built up enough for the way it ended but it was okay

Three stars

This book came out February 13, 2014

Follows Mystery at the Manor

Followed by Thick as Thieves

Audible audiobook

Opinions are my own

A Deceptive Composition by Anna Lee Huber

We get to see more of Lord Gage's history  in this book after he receives a letter from his great aunt asking him to come investigate the death of her brother (his great Uncle), Borak. The man was older but a fall off the cliffs seems unlikely as he knew very well what areas were safe and which were not. 

Included in the list of suspects are the local smuggling gang. Though supposedly disbanded, there is a suspiciously nice stash of alcohol in the family basement. This is the same gang that Lord Gage joined as a youngster. His friend Jago was killed and he was sent away as a result of him being a member. 

Memories are long in this area of the country and the present day murder has ties to the past. 

As usual, a lovely story. 

Lady Darby #12

Four stars

This book comes out June 18, 2024

Follows A Fatal Illusion

ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley

Opinions are my own