Audiobook Review & Giveaway: Deep Blue Murder by C.S. McDonald

Book Title:  Deep Blue Murder (A Fiona Quinn Mystery) 
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  Adult Fiction, 268 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 2022
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald’s books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults–no bad language or sexual content.

Book Description:

Fiona is delighted when her new mother-in-law, Rita Landry invites her and Nathan to a private island in the Bahamas owned by a US ambassador. Sun, sandy beaches, and romantic tangerine sunsets await the newlyweds, but for Rita and her executive assistant, Hal Underwood the trip to Deep Blue Isle is a working vacation. Ambassador Taslow has summoned them to the island to discuss a scandal he has fallen victim to. However, when the Landry’s and Hal arrive, they find less than welcoming circumstances: no internet or Wi-Fi, mischievous monkeys, a dangerous tenant, and then there’s that pesky dead body.

​A storm is brewing on Deep Blue Isle, and it has nothing to do with wind and rain.


Buy the Book:

Amazon

add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Fiona Quinn and her husband, Nathan, are delighted to go to Deep Blue Isle with her mother-in-law, who is going for work. What starts out as a vacation becomes anything but. There’s even a murder while they’re there! Unfortunately, that’s not the only criminal activity on this island that’s supposed to be a get-away island for the ambassador.

I like how the author always includes a bit of humor in her stories. In this case, it’s a rogue monkey! He causes quite a stir among the guests.

The narrator’s voice takes a little getting used to. It’s not as soothing as some of the audiobook voices I’ve heard, but now that I have listened to a few of these, I’m used to it, and it’s like listening to an old friend. I can tell who the different characters are, and her timing and inflection were very good.

I recommend the Fiona Quinn mysteries, all of which stand alone but, of course, they’d be better listened to in order.

About the Author

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister. 

Connect with the author:  

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed copy of
DEEP BLUE MURDER
(a Fiona Quinn Mystery)
(ONE winner/USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

Apr 3 –Olio by Marilyn  book review of MERRY MURDER / giveaway
Apr 3 – Olio by Marilyn  book review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
Apr 3 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of TASTES LIKE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 3 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 3 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of MURDER ON POINTE / giveaway
Apr 4 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of MURDER ON POINTE / giveaway
Apr 4 –Christa Reads and Writes – book review of TASTES LIKE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 5 – fundinmental – book series spotlight / giveaway
Apr 5 –Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of MURDER ON POINTE / giveaway
Apr 5 – Review Thick And Thin – book review of MERRY MURDER / giveaway
Apr 6 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of MERRY MURDER / giveaway
Apr 6 – Review Thick And Thin – book review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
Apr 7 –  Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of MERRY MURDER / giveaway
Apr 7 –Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of SADDLE UP FOR MURDER / giveaway
Apr 9 –  Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
Apr 11 – amandainpa – book review of MURDER ON POINTE
Apr 11 – Splashes of Joy – book review of MERRY MURDER / giveaway
Apr 11 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
Apr 11 –  Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of TASTES LIKE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 12 – Books for Books – book series spotlight 
Apr 12 – Splashes of Joy – book review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
Apr 12 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of TASTES LIKE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 12 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
​Apr 13 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
Apr 13 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of TASTES LIKE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 13 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of GOOD LUCK TO MURDER / giveaway
Apr 13 – mamof9 – audiobook review of DEEP BLUE MURDER
Apr 14 –Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of GOOD LUCK TO MURDER / giveaway
Apr 14 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 17 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
Apr 17 – Splashes of Joy – book review of TASTES LIKE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 17 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of GOOD LUCK TO MURDER / giveaway
Apr 17 –  Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of MAMBO AND MURDER / giveaway
Apr 18 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of MAMBO AND MURDER / giveaway
Apr 18 –  Christa Reads and Writes – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 18 – Splashes of Joy – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 19 – Just Another Reader – book review of MURDER ON POINTE / giveaway
Apr 19 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of MAMBO AND MURDER / giveaway
Apr 19 –  Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of MATRIMONY, MAYHEM, AND MURDER / giveaway
Apr 20 –  I’m Into Books – book series spotlight / giveaway
Apr 20 – Just Another Reader – book review of MERRY MURDER / giveaway
Apr 20 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of TASTES LIKE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 20 –Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of SADDLE UP FOR MURDER / giveaway
Apr 20 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of SADDLE UP FOR MURDER / giveaway
Apr 21 – Just Another Reader – book review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
Apr 21 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of SADDLE UP FOR MURDER / giveaway
Apr 21 –  Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of BON VOYAGE TO MURDER / giveaway
Apr 21 – amandainpa – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER
Apr 21 –Pause for Tales – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book series spotlight / giveaway
Apr 24 – Just Another Reader – book review of TASTES LIKE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 24 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of BON VOYAGE TO MURDER / giveaway
Apr 24 –  Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of TAKING NOTES ON MURDER / giveaway
Apr 24 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 24 –FUONLYKNEW – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 25 – Just Another Reader – book review of GOOD LUCK TO MURDER / giveaway
Apr 25 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of BON VOYAGE TO MURDER / giveaway
Apr 25 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of TAKING NOTES ON MURDER / giveaway
Apr 25 –  Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of MATRIMONY MAYHEM AND MURDER / giveaway
Apr 26 – Just Another Reader – book review of MAMBO AND MURDER / giveaway
Apr 26 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of TAKING NOTES ON MURDER / giveaway
Apr 26 – Bigreadersite – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 27 – Just Another Reader – book review of SADDLE UP FOR MURDER / giveaway
Apr 27 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of MATRIMONY, MAYHEM, AND MURDER / giveaway
Apr 27 –  Paws.Read.Repeat – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 27 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 28 – Just Another Reader – book review of BON VOYAGE TO MURDER / giveaway
Apr 28 – Chit Chat with Charity – audiobook review of TAKING NOTES ON MURDER / giveaway
Apr 28 –  Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
Apr 28 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER
May 1 – Just Another Reader – book review of TAKING NOTES ON MURDER / giveaway
May 2 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of MURDER ON POINTE / giveaway
May 2 – Just Another Reader – book review of MATRIMONY. MAYHEM, AND MURDER / giveaway
May 3 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of MERRY MURDER / giveaway
May 3 – Just Another Reader – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
May 4 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
May 4 – Leanne bookstagram – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
May 5 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of WAVES OF MURDER / giveaway
May 5 – Chit Chat with Charity – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
May 8 –Liese’s Blog – book series spotlight
May 9 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of GOOD LUCK TO MURDER / giveaway
May 9 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of MATRIMONY, MAYHEM, AND MURDER / giveaway
May 10 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of SADDLE UP FOR MURDER / giveaway
May 11 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
May 12 –Review Thick And Thin – book review of DEEP BLUE MURDER / giveaway
TBD – Jazzy Book Reviews – book series spotlight / giveaway

Book Review: Bells & Bombshells by Trixie Silvertale

A pattern of murder. A threadbare case. Can our psychic sleuth pick out the guilty before time spools out?

Mitzy Moon is finally tying the knot. And she’s loving the whole town’s excitement for their upcoming big day. But when their tailor is found buttons up behind a jazz lounge, the almost-newlyweds will have to hem in a murderer before their dreams rip apart at the seams.

Knowing they’ll get no help from the new sheriff in town, the couple embarks on a tightly woven undercover assignment. But Mitzy fails to heed ominous warnings from her mentor, Ghost-ma, and her entitled feline. When another body drops, she could be the next target erased by the mounting powers in the darkness…

Can Mitzy and Erick unravel the twisted clues, or will their wedding be eclipsed by a funeral?

Bells and Bombshells is the first book in a hilarious new paranormal cozy mystery series, Harper and Moon Investigations. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s wedded whodunit.

Amazon

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is the first book in the Harper & Moon Investigations series. It’s a continuation of the Mitzy Moon series, but now she and her fiancé are starting their own private investigation business. She’ll no longer be an amateur!

Erick calls Mitzy a corpse magnet for a reason. She tends to stumble on murder scenes frequently, and now is no exception. In this case, her beloved mentor, Silas, is arrested for the murder of an old friend. Of course, Mitzy and Erick have to help Silas. It’s their first case together!

Although there are a couple of bumps along the way, I enjoy watching Mitzy grow as she gets better at “adulting.” She and Erick make it through their first case, but will Silas make it to their wedding? And what powerful sorcerer have they uncovered?

It was fun reading about both Mitzy and Erick going undercover, and Mitzy learning more paranormal abilities. All of the characters are unique, and I feel like I know each one of them. When someone is out of town, I wonder what they are up to! Mitzy’s grandma (ghost-ma) and caracal, Pyewacket, are always funny!

The Harper & Moon Investigations has started off with a bang, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

About the Author

USA TODAY Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and is obsessed with all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she’s thrilled to write them and share them with you.

When she’s not consumed by writing, she bakes to fuel her creative engine and tends to her herb garden.

Visit her online at:

http://www.TrixieSilvertale.com

Book Review: Charred by G.P. Gottlieb

Charred: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery by G.P.  Gottlieb

Publisher:  DX Varos Publishing (February 21, 2023)
Category: Cozy Mystery, Culinary Mystery
ISBN: 978-1955065672
Available in Print and ebook,320 pages

Whipped

Description

Alene Baron is dealing with frustrated employees, closed schools, and a homeless man who harasses customers outside the door of her café.

Then, two dead bodies turn up in the burned remains of buildings owned by the husband of Alene’s best friend and pastry chef, Ruthie. Both bodies are wearing jackets that once belonged to Ruthie and crumbled in the pockets are the café’s distinctive wrappers. At the same time, Alene’s uncle, a convicted felon, has resurfaced after disappearing for 22 years. It’s all too much for the owner of the Whipped and Sipped Café.

Amazon
DX Varos Publishing
Barnes&Noble
IndieBound
BookShop.org

Guest Review by Sal

“Normally, the Whipped and Sipped Cafe would have been bustling, the nearby sidewalks filled with people, and the streets packed with cars and bicycles. Now the cafe was barely getting by.”  

The year is 2020, and the Coronavirus pandemic has the world firmly in its clutches. And perhaps there is nowhere in Chicago that this is more evident than inside of the Whipped and Sipped Cafe.  

Although business has been good with online and takeout orders, the owner, Alene, misses the day when customers were allowed to come inside the cafe and sit for a while, while enjoying her carefully crafted food.  

Now, the only people spending any time inside of Whipped and Sipped are the employees, an eclectic group of characters who, although they may bicker and sometimes fight, always ultimately have each other’s backs. And, in that interest, when one of Alene’s employees, Kacey, comes to her with a problem, Alene is compelled to help.  

But the problem is far from a simple one. See, earlier that day, Kacey’s gregarious boyfriend, Kofi, was searching the remains of a burned building to find materials for his artwork when he accidentally stumbled across a dead body. Kofi asked Kacey not to tell anyone, but she feels that she must confess to Alene, despite knowing that her boss is dating a police officer.  

Kacey begs Alene not to tell her boyfriend, Frank, but luckily Frank finds out himself when the body is found by two young boys and he is assigned to the case. Soon, the case develops and another body is found, shedding a whole new light on just what type of crime they might be looking at.  

Alene has to find it in herself to deal with not only the struggles of the pandemic affecting her business but the double murder case that seems to be taking an interest in her even as she tries to stay away from it.  

The writing is excellent, and the quirky characters are so memorable. They will stay with me for a long time to come! This is a fun novel that is well worth the read and one that you should add to your TBR immediately if you enjoy cozy mysteries!  

About the Author

G.P. Gottlieb has been a musician, a teacher, and an administrator, but she’s happiest when she’s writing recipe-laced murder mysteries. GP Gottlieb has always experimented in the kitchen and created her own delicious vegan cookies and cakes. She is also an interviewer for the New Books in Literature podcast channel.

Gottlieb is the mother of three grown children and lives with her husband in Chicago.

Website: https://gpgottlieb.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/gottliebgp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorgottlieb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whippedsipped/

Follow the Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Feb 1 Kickoff & Interview

Leslie StoreyBook Reviews Feb 2 Review

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews Feb 6 Review & Guest Post

DT  Amazon & Goodreads Feb 7 Review

Lisa’s Writopia Feb 8 Guest Post

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Feb 9 Review & Excerpt

Bee Book Pleasures Feb 10 Review

Blue North A Room of Books Feb 13 Review

Mark Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Feb 14 Guest Review

Lisa’s Writopia Feb 15 Review

Sal Bound 4 Escape Feb 17 Guest Review

Larry Reflections Feb 21 Review & Interview

Denise Amazon & Goodreads Feb 22 Review

Missi Cozy Mystery Book Reviews Feb 23 Review

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Feb 24 Guest Review & Excerpt

Praise Whipped and Sipped Mysteries Series by G.P.  Gottlieb

“Readers looking for mysteries well steeped in both culinary traditions and realistic conflicts between career and family will relish this multifaceted investigative piece, which draws readers in from the start with its realistic balance of intrigue and life challenges.-D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review

“If you are looking for a slightly different take on a culinary cozy mystery, this is the debut to read.”-Carstairs Considered

“Warm and cool, sassy and savvy, GP Gottlieb has written a murder mystery that is as interesting as the family dynamic itself — exploring its alliances, intrigues and the possibility of how people can protect, surprise, and, quite literally — kill each other. A fun, delicious read!”- Marcy Heisler, theatrical lyricist

‘Gottlieb sets the stage beautifully for readers and with providing the list of characters in the beginning, you have your own little cheat sheet of sorts.  And with all the twists and turns in Smothered you will be grateful to have the list so that you can keep track of everyone and check off those you believe are innocent.  However, when the real killer is revealed I’m sure you will be as shocked as I was because I’m certain they weren’t even on your radar.”- Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

Smothered won the silver medal in the mystery category from the CIPA Evvy Awards!

Audiobook Review: Murder Hits Close to Home by Meredith Potts

With Hope Hadley’s latest murder investigation, things turn personal. How could it not when the victim is one of Hope’s friends? The question becomes, can Hope push her emotions aside long enough to track down the killer?

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

In Murder Hits Close to Home, Hope Hadley’s brother finally has a girlfriend. Her sister is murdered, and Hope and her brother are on the case. There are several suspects, but no twists or surprises and the murder is solved quickly.

The narrator does a good job at pace and timing. She also changes her voice to make the different voices obvious.

This is the fourth book I’ve listened to about Hope Hadley. They’re very short, so I’ve started listening to them when I don’t have enough time to finish a full-length novel. If you’re looking for a super quick cozy murder mystery, this one is pretty good. One of the previous books I listened to by Meredith Potts, Murder of a Movie Producer, was tmy favorite because it had a surprise ending.

About the Author

I love my two adorable cats, taking walks on the beach, and baking cookies. There’s nothing quite like soft-baked chocolate chip cookies. Or chocolate in general. I do love my sweets. Or watching a beautiful sunset while watching the ocean waves crash against the shore. Is it any wonder why I write cozy mysteries? Please check out one of my lovely books. There’s over 50 to choose from. The Daley Buzz series is a great starting point.

Sign up for my mailing list here and be the first to know about my new books.

It’s always fantastic hearing from my fans. You can contact me at meredithpottscozy@gmail.com.

Website: http://www.meredithpottsauthor.com.

Audiobook Review: Killer Holiday Office Party by Meredith Potts

An advertising agency’s holiday office party turns from celebration to horror when the owner of the company is found murdered the morning after their latest riotous shindig. 

It is up to feisty amateur sleuth Hope Hadley to figure out who the killer is before the holidays are ruined.

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

In Killer Holiday Office Party, Hope Hadley finds out that an old friend of hers has been murdered. Her brother, who is a detective, asks for her help since she knew the victim. There are several suspects, but no surprises and the murder is solved quickly.

The narrator does a good job at pace and timing. She also changes her voice to make the different voices obvious.

This is the third book I’ve read/listened to about Hope Hadley. They’re very short, so I’ve started listening to them when I don’t have enough time to finish a full-length novel. If you’re looking for a super quick cozy murder mystery, this is okay. The last book I listened to by Meredith Potts, Murder of a Movie Producer, was the best one I’ve listened to so far because it had a surprise ending.

About the Author

I love my two adorable cats, taking walks on the beach, and baking cookies. There’s nothing quite like soft-baked chocolate chip cookies. Or chocolate in general. I do love my sweets. Or watching a beautiful sunset while watching the ocean waves crash against the shore. Is it any wonder why I write cozy mysteries? Please check out one of my lovely books. There’s over 50 to choose from. The Daley Buzz series is a great starting point.

Sign up for my mailing list here and be the first to know about my new books.

It’s always fantastic hearing from my fans. You can contact me at meredithpottscozy@gmail.com.

Website: http://www.meredithpottsauthor.com.

Audiobook Review & Giveaway: Double Dog Dare by C.S. McDonald

Book Title:  DOUBLE DOG DARE (The Owl’s Nest Mysteries) 
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  Adult Fiction, 274 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  May 2022
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald’s books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults–no bad language or sexual content.


Book Description:

That ornery, but oh, so handsome, charming, and somewhat, wayward angel, Detective Bobby Starr, has returned. This time, he’s back to fulfill his third and, hopefully, his final requirement to get into Saint Peter’s prestigious Guardian Angel Squad. This time, the usually reluctant time traveler, Alexa Owl, is ready to go back to the 1960’s to assist in solving one more long-ago murder. Why? Because if all goes well, she’ll be rid of the menacing angel once and for all. Except, an emergency jerks Alexa back to her own time, and to complicate matters, she’s got a tag-along. Can Bobby solve this last case without Alexa’s help? After all, she’s got her hands full with a life-or-death mystery in the twenty-first century!


Buy the Book:

Amazon Audible
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is the third book in the Owl’s Nest Mysteries. I had read the first two books and enjoyed them, so I was glad to read this one. I’m glad I did because it’s my favorite.

Detective Bobby Starr is an interesting character, particularly since he’s dead. He wants to be part of an elite group of angels but in order to be in it, St. Peter wants him to prove he’s worthy by resolving some cases that he didn’t have a chance to finish when he was alive. This is the third case he needs to solve, and it’s supposed to be the last one. For a reason neither knows, Alexa is supposed to help him.

I like the main character, Alexa. She’s an independent and brave woman who owns her own business. I found it interesting how she just takes everything in stride: ghost, ghost cat, ghost dog, time travel…no biggie! When her boyfriend is kidnapped, she can’t leave finding him to the detective on the case. Now she has two cases to worry about!

I liked the ending of Double Dog Dare. Everything came together after a few twists, and Alexa said goodbye to Bobby. I’m hoping that something comes up and that he needs her help again in the future. This is a short but fun (and funny) mystery that I enjoyed.

About the Author

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries has nine books.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Cindy resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Meet the Narrator

Ms. Waxenberg is a voice over artist and presentation coach.  She serves as a consultant to the Professional Development Company, Inc. teaching presentation and interview skills seminars to a variety of clients, Columbia MBA, and SIPA graduate students.  Maren has a 30-year background in special events, performing arts production and the entertainment industry.   In 1996, she founded Maren Productions which produces audio books, radio and television voice-overs, and podcasts.  Maren Productions also offers special event production and consultancy services. 

Ms. Waxenberg has worked in Special event production with George Trescher Associates, theater production and management at the TheatreVirginia in Richmond, the Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, and The New Dramatists in New York. She edited and formatted feature films for ABC Motion Picture Post Production.  Maren served as the concert manager of The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall for four years, produced events for the promotion department of The New York Daily News, and has produced chamber music recitals at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.  Ms, Waxenberg has produced, directed and performed in numerous Off-Broadway theatre productions.  She trained with the CoActive Training Institute.

Continue reading

Audiobook Review & Giveaway: Back to the Burgh and Beyond by C.S. McDonald

Book Title:  Back to the Burgh and Beyond (The Owl’s Nest Mysteries, Book 1) 
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  Adult Fiction, 208 pages
Run Time: 5 hours, 59 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Sep 10, 2020
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald’s books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults–no bad language or sexual content.


Book Description:

​Meet Alexa Owl. She’s returned home to Pittsburgh after a divorce to start a new life and a new business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe. Much to her surprise, she’s getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective Bobby Starr, and he’s no ordinary sleuth. Bobby is an angel who’s returned to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel Squad. He’s been sent by none other than Saint Pete to acquire Alexa’s help to solve three cold case murders he left behind. Except, here’s the catch: he’s only been allotted four days to solve the first case! How in heaven’s name is she supposed to do that? Alexa is a professional seamstress—not a detective. Bobby insists the only way to solve the first case is to return to 1953, and Alexa’s not in love with that idea at all!

Buy the Book:
AudibleAmazon ~B&N
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is the first book in the Owl’s Nest Mysteries. I had read the second book, Maxed Out, a while back and enjoyed it, so I was glad to read the first book.

I like the main character, Alexa. She’s an independent and brave woman who has just gotten a divorce and now owns her own business. I found it interesting how she just takes everything in stride: ghost, ghost cat, time travel…no biggie!

Detective Bobby Starr is an interesting character, particularly since he’s dead. He wants to be part of an elite group of angels but in order to be in it, St. Peter wants him to prove he’s worthy by resolving some cases that he didn’t have a chance to finish when he was alive. The first case he needs to solve is the murder of an ex-wife.

It’s obvious that Bobby wasn’t the greatest detective, so Alexa agrees to help him. Something she didn’t count on was having to travel back in time to help solve the murder!

This is a short but fun (and funny) murder mystery that I enjoyed. I look forward to listening to Double Dog Dare, the third book in the series.

About the Author

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries has nine books.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Cindy resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Meet the Narrator

Ms. Waxenberg is a voice over artist and presentation coach.  She serves as a consultant to the Professional Development Company, Inc. teaching presentation and interview skills seminars to a variety of clients, Columbia MBA, and SIPA graduate students.  Maren has a 30-year background in special events, performing arts production and the entertainment industry.   In 1996, she founded Maren Productions which produces audio books, radio and television voice-overs, and podcasts.  Maren Productions also offers special event production and consultancy services. 

Ms. Waxenberg has worked in Special event production with George Trescher Associates, theater production and management at the TheatreVirginia in Richmond, the Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, and The New Dramatists in New York. She edited and formatted feature films for ABC Motion Picture Post Production.  Maren served as the concert manager of The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall for four years, produced events for the promotion department of The New York Daily News, and has produced chamber music recitals at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.  Ms, Waxenberg has produced, directed and performed in numerous Off-Broadway theatre productions.  She trained with the CoActive Training Institute.

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Book Review: Scones & Tombstones by Trixie Silvertale

Mitzy Moon loves everything Halloween. And she can’t wait to set up an elaborate haunted house to raise money for the local animal shelter. But when her celebrity chef turns up dead, she’ll have to act fast to save the event—and precious lives.

With all the evidence pointing at Mitzy’s favorite patisserie owner, she races to clear her bestie’s name before the cookie really crumbles. But with dire warnings from Ghost-ma and her entitled feline heating things up, the proof might be sitting in a fatal pudding…

Can Mitzy uncover the true culprit, or will this half-baked plan be her last?

Scones and Tombstones is the twentieth book in the hilarious Mitzy Moon Mysteries paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s haunting whodunit.

Amazon

My Review

It’s hard to believe that this is the 20th book in the series. I’ve enjoyed every story along the way, and I hope there are many more to come.

It’s uncanny how murder always seems to follow Mitzy. At least her boyfriend, Erick the sheriff, knows that she’s just a magnet for murders and not a murderer. This time it’s a celebrity chef who is found in Mitzy’s Halloween display of all things!

Mitzy and Erick’s relationship continues to grow. He has even accepted that she has supernatural gifts. And when she wants to have a seance to talk to her dead mother, he’s willing to be there! Mitzy’s mentor, Silas, warns her that a seance could be dangerous, but she’s all in. Will they all survive the seance?

This is an excellent series for anyone who enjoys fun, quick reads with great characters. I’m looking forward to the next one!

About the Author

Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lillian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and is obsessed with all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she’s thrilled to write them and share them with you.

When she’s not consumed by writing, she bakes to fuel her creative engine and tends to her herb garden.

Website: http://www.trixiesilvertale.com

Audiobook Review: Murder of a Movie Producer by Meredith Potts

By: Meredith Potts
Narrated by: Stephanie Quinn
Length: 1 hr and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-12-19
Language: English
Publisher: Meredith Potts

Hollywood has always been a cutthroat industry, but for Sophie Paulson, the backstabbing turns personal when her movie producer boyfriend, Paul Franklin, dumps her for another woman, then fires her out of the blue. Former actress turned amateur sleuth Hope Hadley arrives in town just as Paul is found murdered and the police suspect Sophie of the crime. Hope desperately races to discover the truth before her friend Sophie is put in jail for the rest of her life.

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Murder of a Movie Producer starts with Hope’s friend Sophie in jail for the murder of her boss, Paul. She’d just broken up with him, and he’d fired her. She told Hope that she went to his house to talk about her job, and he was dead. Sophie asked Hope to find the real murderer and Hope agreed. This was a super quick listen (less than 2 hours), but I was actually surprised at the ending.

This is the second book I’ve read/listened to about Hope Hadley, and I don’t think I’d continue listening to them if they were longer. Then again, I might enjoy them if they were full-length. Just when I start to get interested, they’re over. If you’re looking for a super quick cozy murder mystery, this is a good one.

About the Author

I love my two adorable cats, taking walks on the beach, and baking cookies. There’s nothing quite like soft-baked chocolate chip cookies. Or chocolate in general. I do love my sweets. Or watching a beautiful sunset while watching the ocean waves crash against the shore. Is it any wonder why I write cozy mysteries? Please check out one of my lovely books. There’s over 50 to choose from. The Daley Buzz series is a great starting point.

Sign up for my mailing list here and be the first to know about my new books.

It’s always fantastic hearing from my fans. You can contact me at meredithpottscozy@gmail.com.

Website: http://www.meredithpottsauthor.com.

Audiobook Review: Hurricanes can be Murder by Meredith Potts

By: Meredith Potts
Narrated by: Stephanie Quinn
Length: 1 hr and 19 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-30-19
Language: English
Publisher: Meredith Potts

When Hope Hadley’s Florida hometown is hit by a hurricane, she is devastated. The amateur sleuth’s problems don’t stop there, though. During the aftermath of the storm, a dead body is discovered.

At first, it appears that the victim drowned during the storm. After an autopsy is conducted, the police realize that foul play was involved.

At that point, it is up to Hope and her detective brother to solve the case. Will they be able to apprehend the killer? Or is there a different type of storm on the horizon?

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Hurricanes Can be Murder starts with Hope worried about a hurricane and then post-hurricane she couldn’t recognize her town. That brought back memories of a tornado in Joplin, Mo, where we had a store. I had to ask directions to get to my own store because there were no landmarks to guide me. It’s a strange feeling. I also understand the relief she felt that her loved ones were okay.

After the hurricane, a murdered woman was found, and Hope and her brother were working on the case. There were two main suspects and since the murder was caught on a neighbor’s video, it was a quick and easy solve.

This is the first book I’ve read/listened to about Hope Hadley, and I wasn’t sure why she was helping her brother who is a detective solve a case until I read the synopsis. If you’re looking for a super quick cozy murder mystery, this is a good one.

About the Author

I love my two adorable cats, taking walks on the beach, and baking cookies. There’s nothing quite like soft-baked chocolate chip cookies. Or chocolate in general. I do love my sweets. Or watching a beautiful sunset while watching the ocean waves crash against the shore. Is it any wonder why I write cozy mysteries? Please check out one of my lovely books. There’s over 50 to choose from. The Daley Buzz series is a great starting point.

Sign up for my mailing list here and be the first to know about my new books.

It’s always fantastic hearing from my fans. You can contact me at meredithpottscozy@gmail.com.

Website: http://www.meredithpottsauthor.com.