Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton

 

Christmas cozy mysteries are a fairly new addition to my December reading, but they have quickly become favorites. This mystery, the third in the Salem B&B Mystery series, can be read on its own. I haven't read the first two, but I will probably go back and read them; mostly because I enjoyed this mystery and the characters. If you're interested in the first two in the series, they are Mrs. Morris and the Ghost, and Mrs. Morris and the Witch.

What drew me to this mystery: it takes place in Salem, MA, and there's a ghost involved. Mrs. Morris is Charlene, a recent transplant from Chicago. She's bought an old mansion and turned it into a B&B. That mansion has a ghost named Jack: a handsome ghost who only Charlene can see and talk to. There's a bit of flirty behavior going on between Charlene and Jack, but, well...kind of hard to see a future with a ghostly guy. Charlene moved to Salem to start fresh after her husband's untimely death. Now it's two years later, and while still not ready to invest in a new relationship, she does enjoy a slow simmering attraction to Sam, a Salem detective. 

It's a week before Christmas, and Charlene's parents are visiting. Her Mom is a bit of a pill, and her Dad is charming. A supper out at the local popular Italian restaurant Bella's begins this cozy mystery. A fundraiser for the local children's foster home has plenty of people at the restaurant, and when co-owner David gets up to speak, the excitement builds. He just won ten million in the lottery, and he's about to hand out a few checks. One check will help Felicity House expand and provide shelter for even more children in need. However, David's checks aren't quite what everyone expected, and in the midst of outrage, David heads outside, only to be hit by a car and left for dead in the street. 

There are lots of people who are suspects, and I honestly didn't know until close to the end who actually killed David. Was it the money hungry younger wife? His business partner? His son, angry over his Dad's lack of attention? Charlene just can't help herself, and starts asking questions. She may just put herself in danger if she isn't careful. 

This was a fun mystery. The focus is mostly on local restaurants and shops; some Salem tourist attractions are mentioned, too. A lot of the tension in the book comes from Charlene and her mother, who isn't happy her only daughter has moved away from Chicago. She also wants Charlene to find another partner, and is a bit pushy when she finds out about Sam. There's Jack, who has feelings for Charlene, and doesn't like to see Sam around. Yes, he's a ghost. Suspending belief is required! 

This helped me stay in the holiday mood over the weekend while I was baking cookies and hanging out at my boyfriend's non-holidayish home. We did finally get out a few things to make it look more festive-however my house is decorated and I missed being with my tree this weekend! I'm home tonight, tree lit and holiday scented candles burning. 

Off to my next holiday read-take care and spend some time soaking up the season! 

Rating: 3/6 for an entertaining cozy mystery. Easy to follow, even though it is the third in the series. For those who love quick reads, likeable characters, and the charm of Salem, Massachusetts, I'd recommend this series. 

Available in paperback and e-book.

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Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton

Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier

I've finally read a Juliet Marillier novel, and I feel like I need to make a check on my Science Fiction/Fantasy Authors I Must Read Before I Die list.  I have had so many people recommend her, and I'm sorry to say it's taken me this long.  Thanks to Nita Basu from Penguin, who asked me to review a new series by Juliet Marillier.  Dreamer's Pool is the first in the new Blackthorn and Grim series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  There's something of the fifteen-year old fantasy geek left in me that just loves to read fantasy.  Bring on the curses, mysterious woods, wisewomen, and ancient tales.  You could even toss in a unicorn and I'd be fine with that.  

Dreamer's Pool doesn't have a unicorn, but it does have everything else that makes a great fantasy novel, and a satisfying ending that doesn't leave you on a cliff until the next novel--but makes you look forward to reading more about Blackthorn and Grim.  The story begins with Blackthorn and Grim as two prisoners in quite frankly, a hellish place.  Blackthorn is a woman bent on revenge against Mathuin, a completely corrupt and evil leader.  He's tossed Blackthorn into jail to rot.  Grim is a fellow prisoner, who relies on Blackthorn (although she doesn't know it) to keep him sane.  And just when it looks like Blackthorn is going to be executed, she gets a chance at freedom from Conmael, a fey creature.  But there's a catch:  she must live near the village of Winterfalls and provide care to anyone who asks her.  And she must do this for 7 years; after that, she is free to pursue her vengeance.  

So things happen (I'm not going to tell you!), and Blackthorn finds herself living in a small cottage at the edge of the woods--with Grim.  Prince Oran is preparing to meet his future bride, Lady Flidais.  He's fallen in love with her through her portrait and letters they've exchanged.  He can't wait to meet her.  

Except something strange has happened, and Lady Flidais is not the kind, sweet, loving person who wrote letters to Prince Oran.  Yes, she matches the portrait to a "t", but her personality doesn't fit at all.  What's going on?  And how can Blackthorn and Grim solve the mystery?  And what does it have to do with Dreamer's pool in the woods?

I would recommend this title to a teen starting out in fantasy, or anyone who likes Mercedes Lackey or Juliet Marillier's series Sevenwaters.  It captures you from the first page and keeps you entertained the whole way through.  Blackthorn is a woman who has suffered much, and struggles to keep her desire for revenge under control.  Grim is her stalwart companion, who struggles himself to be rid of the nightmares of prison.  There's a bit of magic, mystery, and mischief.  Perfect for a cool Fall night.  

Rating:  7/10 for an enjoyable start to a new series.  Can't wait to read more adventures of Blackthorn and Grim!

Available in hardcover in November, 2014.  Also will be available in e-book format.   
 

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Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier

A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch

I have usually avoided mystery reading in my adult life; I hate waiting to the end to find out what happened.  But, this year I've decided that I really do need to try reading a few mysteries, so a friend recommended this series.  I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it and have discovered the kind of mysteries I do like--historical.

A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch takes place in London around 1866.  The main character is Charles Lenox, a comfortably wealthy bachelor in his early 40's.  He has a deep interest in maps, ancient history, and travel.  Unfortunately, he keeps getting entangled in solving crimes in London and has to keep postponing his trips abroad.  

His next door neighbor is the delightful Lady Jane, a widower who grew up with Charles at their country estates; they share a very warm and friendly relationship.  You know they share strong feelings for each other, but are completely unaware of what exactly they are feeling.  Instead, they rely on their life-long friendship and daily teas to chat and enjoy each other's company.  

This first mystery revolves around the apparent suicide of a maid--Pru Smith.  It appears that she has poisoned herself, but it quite quickly becomes obvious that someone else poisoned her.  But why?  Lenox becomes involved in this because Pru used to work for Lady Jane, and she is so upset at this turn of events that she asks Lennox to investigate.  

So who did it, and why?  Pru worked for George Bernard, who is in charge of the Mint.  Strange break-ins have taken place at the Mint, so Bernard moves all the gold to a safe place in his home.  Hmmm.  And, he has lots of house guests--two nephews, a few members of Parliament, and many servants.  Lenox and his butler, the charming Graham, and his friend, Dr. McConnell, all work together to put together the pieces of a puzzle that is more complicated than any of them realize.  

I enjoy any book where the main characters return home to a roaring fire, hot tea, and a plate of sandwiches after a hard day of detecting and fighting the forces of darkness.  This is a perfect read for anyone who wants to try mysteries, but likes a bit of history thrown in--and it isn't full of gore, either.  The relationships between Lenox, Lady Jane, and Graham are the main driving force in this mystery, and it brings you back for more.  And there is more!  There are currently 7 Lenox mysteries in print--the next one up is The September Society.  If you're looking for a new mystery series, I suggest this one--perfect for Mom and Grandma, Dad, and you.  

Rating:  8/10 for character development, historical setting, and a mystery that will satisfy the reader.

Available in paperback and e-book format.

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A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch