Mystery Manon

Book Reviews

Review: The Pryce of Conceit

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RATING: 4.5 ★

The Pryce of Conceit: An Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery, Kari Bovée
Bosque Publishing, 2023
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical
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Colorado, 1885: Per her late husband’s request, actress Arabella Pryce abandons her celebrity to spend a year at her namesake hotel in rural Colorado. But catastrophe strikes when the town beauty is found dead in the hotel. What’s worse—as the newcomer, Arabella is singled out as the prime suspect. With the spectral help of a ghost, Arabella sets out to find the killer, salvage her reputation, and save the hotel.

My Thoughts

The Pryce of Conceit by Kari Bovee

This is a fun and lighthearted series opener featuring a headstrong, slightly diva-esque protagonist. I absolutely loved the setting in 19th century Colorado. The description of the small town and its surrounding nature is lifelike and realistic.

I’ll note now that one of my cozy mystery pet peeves is an inept or timid sleuth—especially one who seems to solve the mystery more by accident than proper detective work. I’m happy to report that Arabella’s character is not like that at all. She’s strong-willed and decisive, with an actress’s flair for drama. While some might not like that aspect of her personality, I thought it made for some humor and solid, intentional sleuthing. Plus, Arabella is not without insecurities; she’s a three-dimensional character, flaws and all.

The mystery is solid, with enough red herrings and small details to not be obviously solved. The paranormal element is fun, and I enjoyed the ghost’s character. He has a clever way of showing up and interacting with the hotel guests and rooms. His presence didn’t have as much impact on the mystery as I expected, but I think there’s a lot of opportunity with the paranormal theme and the ghost himself, so I look forward to future books in the series.

A couple small issues I had: first, there are a lot of characters in this story. Most of them are suspects, and even the ones who aren’t positioned as such are still suspicious (or maybe that’s just me overthinking things?). Be prepared to learn more names than usual for a cozy mystery.

Something else is the cover—the fashion is far more 1890s and 1900s than the time period of the book, especially since the setting is a rural town in the West. But this is a small detail that has no bearing on the story itself, and is probably another example of my own overthinking.

Overall, the book is an enjoyable adventure that promises a strong series. If you enjoy driven female protagonists, lighthearted fun and crime solving, and historical adventures, I recommend giving The Pryce of Conceit a read.

Big thanks to iRead Book Tours and the author for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Review: A Spying Eye by Michelle Cox

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RATING: 4.5 ★

A Spying Eye, Michelle Cox
She Writes Press, 2022
Genre: Historical Mystery
View on: Bookshop.org | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

In this sixth book of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, Clive and Henrietta return to Europe in an attempt to resurrect their failed honeymoon. But their plan goes awry when an old friend convinces the pair to search for a missing panel of the Ghent Altarpiece, a valuable artwork also being hunted by Hitler’s men. With World War II on the horizon, tensions are high, and the couple have to work quickly to beat the Nazis to find the panel. Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Henrietta’s sister, Elsie, and Clive’s sister Julia face their own troubles, both caught between love and tough decisions.

A Spying Eye by Michelle Cox

My Thoughts

This is the first Henrietta and Inspector Howard novel that I’ve read. Overall, it’s a rich and deeply engaging narrative with an exciting mystery at its core.

I found myself enjoying Michelle Cox’s easy, clear writing style. I felt totally immersed in the settings and time period thanks to rich descriptions and historical details. Even smaller details, such as the names of Henrietta’s designer dresses, were not forgotten.

The art historian in me loved the primary mystery of the Ghent Altarpiece’s missing “Just Judges” panel. The author did an excellent job of explaining the Altarpiece, the panel, and why the Nazis were so keen on it (and on art as a whole). In addition to the information provided in the story, there is an Author’s Note at the end of the book that provides even more historical information and context, as well as a list of Sources.

One thing to note about this book is that the mystery is not always the main focus. The side plots, which focus on Clive and Henrietta’s family back home in Chicago, give the book some family drama. The dual storylines work well together, though, and are equally engaging. But readers hoping for a more traditional mystery should be aware that they will find a broader plot in this book.

This is the first and only book in the series that I’ve read, and I’m happy to say it’s completely readable as a standalone. The only issue I encountered was that I wished for more depth and description to the characters, especially the two detectives and their relationship—but perhaps I’ll have to start at the beginning of the series to satisfy that craving. 😉

Like this review? Check out my Cluesletter interview with Michelle here.

View Michelle’s other books via her website.

Review: Killer Chardonnay by Kate Lansing

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Rating: 5 ★

Killer Chardonnay, Kate Lansing
Berkley Prime Crime, 2020
Genre: Cozy Mystery
View on: Bookshop.org | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Parker Valentine has always dreamed of opening her own winery in her hometown of Boulder, Colorado. But she gets more than she bargained for when a food and wine critic unexpectedly shows up at Vino Valentine on opening day—and doesn’t make it out alive. Although Parker hoped that the attendees would put a cork in it, soon her winery is at the center of a social media firestorm. With #killerchardonnay trending online, Parker’s business is in danger of closing, and she has no choice but to investigate the murder herself.

Killer Chardonnay by Kate Lansing

My thoughts

This was a fresh, fun, contemporary cozy that checked all my boxes.

Parker was an adorable sleuth, and I found myself wanting so bad to have her wardrobe and live in her apartment. The book was filled with enticing descriptions of wine, food, and of the setting, Boulder, Colorado.

As for the mystery, I stayed thoroughly invested throughout. The mystery was well-planned, with every piece of the puzzle was accounted for.

The writing was great, too. It’s written in first person and in the present tense, which I thought worked well for the story.

I loved how Lansing really stuck to her theme—the wine puns and references were as fun as they were educational. (I mean, Parker’s has a cat named Zin, as in Zinfandel! So stinkin’ cute!) All in all, this was simply adorable and a delightful cozy read.

There is a sequel out already, A Pairing to Die For, with a third book on the way. Mulled to Death hits shelves October 19.

Review: Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

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Rating: 4 ★

Maisie Dobbs, Jacqueline Winspear
SoHo Press, 2003
Genre: Historical Mystery
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Maisie Dobbs got her start as a maid in an aristocratic London household when she was thirteen. Her employer, suffragette Lady Rowan Compton and her friend Maurice Blanche soon took the gifted Maisie under their wings, helping her gain a college education. The outbreak of the Great War changed everything. As a nurse, Maisie left for France to serve at the Front, where she found—and lost—an important part of herself. Ten years after the Armistice, in the spring of 1929, Maisie sets out on her own as a private investigator, one who has learned that coincidences are meaningful, and truth elusive. To solve her first case, she must finally confront the ghost that has haunted her for over a decade.

My thoughts

Maisie Dobbs Jacqueline Winspear

Do you ever read the editorial reviews of a book and think that they’re trying too hard to sell the book? That the book won’t live up to the hype?

I am pleased to say that Maisie Dobbs surpassed all expectations. Miss Dobbs was every bit the self-reliant, vulnerable, intuitive sleuth she is presented as, and this book is truly a gem. It’s a story-within-a-story, at once emotional, mysterious, and historically immersive.

I took off a star to compensate for what I felt was a lacking mystery. Much of the book is backstory—how Maisie grew up, the circumstances leading to her fortunate education, her keen mentorship under Maurice Blanche, her time as a World War I nurse. It was all beautifully written, and did eventually relate to the mystery that slowly unfolded, but for a book billed as a historical mystery, there was certainly more history and less mystery. Readers seeking nail-biting, head-spinning mystery might be, therefore, disappointed.

But certainly not disappointed in Jacqueline Winspear’s masterful storytelling and writing. Really, the whole book was gorgeous.

As of the writing of this post, there are sixteen books in the Maisie Dobbs series, with a seventeenth out March 22, 2022. I hope to find stronger mysteries in future books in the series, which I am bound to pick up soon.

Review: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

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Rating: 4.5 ★

Death on the Nile, Agatha Christie
Originally published in 1937
Genre: Mystery
View on: Bookshop.org | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

The tranquility of a luxury cruise along the Nile was shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway had been shot through the head. She was young, stylish, and beautiful. A girl who had everything . . . until she lost her life. Hercule Poirot recalled an earlier outburst by a fellow passenger: “I’d like to put my dear little pistol against her head and just press the trigger.” Yet under the searing heat of the Egyptian sun, nothing is ever quite what it seems. A sweeping mystery of love, jealousy, and betrayal, Death on the Nile is one of Christie’s most legendary and timeless works.

My Thoughts

Agatha Christie Death on the Nile

Nothing thrills me like a good Christie. As a self-proclaimed Poirot fangirl, I am more than happy to pick up a good Hercule Poirot mystery. And as one of her most famous works, Death of the Nile has been on my list for a while.
I have seen the 1978 adaptation starring Peter Ustinov as our dear Belgian detective. And while I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Bette Davis and Dame Maggie Smith bicker throughout, the film as a whole tends towards what I’d call “slow and plodding.

The book, though, is a bit better-paced. While not strictly thrilling, it did move along well. I find that scenes in which Poirot interviews suspects, investigates scenes, and deliberates possible scenarios were the slowest in the book. The action scenes, and especially the night of the murder, were naturally the most exciting.

Christie, in my mind, is the master of characterization. Each person in Death on the Nile is so exquisitely crafted—through dialogue, habits, description of appearance—that they felt real and honest and believable.

To be frank, it feels strange (and even moot) to give a Christie a starred rating. But here we are—I finished this in just a couple days, so I would absolutely call it engrossing, but I did take off half a star for those slow-moving scenes.

On a related note, I know that there is a new adaptation of Death on the Nile on its way to theaters (currently, it’s scheduled for early 2022, after having been pushed back due to Covid-19). This one is directed by starring (as Poirot) Kenneth Branagh, who you may remember for his 2017 adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express. Will I watch this new Nile film? Probably. Will I enjoy it? Well, based on the previous Branagh project, I’ll probably be disappointed. But yes, I will give it a try.

Review: Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower

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Rating: 3.5 ★

Farm to Trouble, Amanda Flower
Poisoned Pen Press, 2021
Genre: Cozy Mystery
View on: Bookshop.org | IndieBound | Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Shiloh Bellamy knows she has a lot on her plate. Returning to her hometown of Cherry Glen, Michigan after several years of California livin’, her dream is to fix up her old family farm and transform it into a hip, farm-to-table establishment. But when her shady investor turns up dead at the local farmer’s market, Shiloh finds both herself and her father as prime suspects in the murder investigation. In order to clear her name and realize her dream, Shiloh must first solve the crime.

My thoughts

This was my first Amanda Flower and I did, overall, enjoy the writing and the farm-to-table theme. I adored Shiloh’s adorable pug, Huckleberry, and the cute farm setting.

Review: Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower

Without spoiling anything major, I’ll say that there is a twist in this one. I certainly didn’t guess the killer, but I did suspect another character who ended up a villain, too. That said, I would say the twist is more for shock value than for a logical murder mystery. In other words, there were other characters I’d rather see implicated.

Mystery aside, my main gripe with this story was how mean the characters were to Shiloh. While having unsupportive characters in any book is realistic, to have nearly all of a small town upset with someone who didn’t directly ruffle their feathers felt unrealistic and unnecessary. Despite Shiloh financially supporting the family farm for years, her father and cousin were rude and unappreciative. As a result, the story didn’t feel as cozy as I’d like.

Would I read the second book in the series? YES! I’m not ready to quit on Shiloh just yet, and I think this premise has promise. I’d love to see when and how her farm grows over time. I just hope she finds a stronger support system.

Note: I read this as the June pick for the Cozy Mystery Book Club. ♥