Ally McKinley Returns in a Festive Yet Deadly Highland Games Mystery

 

Dee MacDonald’s Murder at the Highland Games is the fourth installment in her delightful cozy mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Ally McKinley. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the annual Locharran Highland Games, the book captures the excitement of a Scottish village in full festive swing, complete with bagpipes, traditional dancing, and the roar of the crowd cheering on athletes in events like the caber toss.

 When champion challenger Archie Armstrong collapses dead mid-toss, Ally is quickly on the scene and realizes this is no tragic accident but cold-blooded murder. What follows is a classic cozy investigation: Ally, powered by her famous shortbread, copious cups of tea, and plenty of determination, begins piecing together suspects. The stakes rise when her chief suspect turns up dead by the loch, a threatening note clutched in their hand. As the killer remains at large, the question looms, can Ally solve the case before the sun sets on her own Highland adventure?

 MacDonald excels at the elements that make this series so enjoyable. The characters feel warm and lived-in, their relationships authentic, and the Highland village setting is vividly charming. I particularly love the snappy, humorous dialogue between characters that often delivers genuinely funny lines and lightens the mood even amid the murders. The author’s affection for the culture, traditions, and community shines through, making Locharran feel like a place you’d want to visit (despite the surprisingly high body count).

 While this entry didn’t quite pull me in with the same magnetic grip as the earlier books in the series, it’s still a thoroughly entertaining read. The plotting is solid, the atmosphere immersive, and the cozy comforts—shortbread-fueled sleuthing included—are all present and accounted for. Fans of the series will likely enjoy spending more time with Ally and the quirky villagers.

 If you’re new to the series or simply love light-hearted mysteries with a strong sense of place and humor, Murder at the Highland Games is well worth picking up. Dee MacDonald has created a world that would translate beautifully to television, and I’ll certainly be back for Ally’s next case. A fun, breezy addition to a consistently charming series.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

You can order a copy here. 

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Old Girls Go Off the Rails by Maddie Please: Feel-Good Fiction at Its Best

 

If you’re craving a warm, uplifting read that feels like a sun-drenched escape with your favorite friends, Old Girls Go Off the Rails by Maddie Please is pure joy on a page.

 When Lizzie Stevens was eighteen, her best friends Harriet and Anna headed off on a dreamy interrailing adventure across Europe while she stayed behind, stuck in a sensible bank job and an ordinary life. Decades later, at sixty-four and freshly divorced from a painfully dull husband, Lizzie gets the chance to rewrite her story. Unexpectedly reunited with her old school friends, she declares: this time, she’s getting on the train.

What follows is a gloriously chaotic rail trip from Paris to Venice and then along the sparkling Croatian coast. The three women are older, wiser (well, mostly), and far less flexible than they were in their teens, but they’re determined to make up for lost time. Expect plenty of laughter, questionable decisions, sore feet, and the kind of heartfelt conversations that only happen when you’ve known someone for forty-plus years.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Old resentments bubble up, secrets come to light, and the friends don’t always see eye to eye. Yet through every argument and every stunning sunset, their deep affection for one another shines through. And then there’s the mysterious “Mr Grumpy” who keeps popping up wherever they go… Is he following them? You’ll have to read to find out!

Maddie Please has created three wonderfully real, flawed, and lovable heroines. Lizzie especially stole my heart — watching her finally step into the life she always wanted was genuinely uplifting. This book is funny, tender, life-affirming, and full of second chances. It’s the perfect reminder that it’s never too late to chase adventure, rekindle friendships, or even find a little holiday romance.

If you love feel-good stories about women rediscovering themselves later in life, pack your bags (and your sense of humor) and jump on this train. You won’t regret it.

 You can order a copy here.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. 

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Secrets of the Abbey by Jean-Luc Bannalec, Reviewed

  

 If, like me, you’ve been following Commissaire Georges Dupin around Brittany for the last decade, you already know the ritual: sun-drenched salt air, endless cups of grand crème, buttery kouign-amann appearing at exactly the right moment, and a murder that somehow ties into Celtic legends, oyster farming, or (in this case) the eerie former abbey on the wild Côte des Légendes. Book eleven, The Secrets of the Abbey, delivers all the expected pleasures, and that, oddly enough, is part of its slight letdown.

The set up is classic Bannalec. An unseasonably warm October finds Dupin grumbling good-naturedly while Second Inspector Kadeg — usually the butt of gentle jokes — suffers a personal tragedy. His aunt dies after a string of ominous “signs of death,” and when Kadeg visits her home in a deconsecrated abbey someone puts him in intensive care. Dupin races to the coast with the team, and soon the abbey’s shadowy corridors are spilling long-buried family secrets, whispered superstitions, and more than one motive for murder.

As always, Bannalec’s Brittany is practically a character in its own right. You’ll smell the sea, taste the crêpes, and come away with a short course in medieval Breton architecture and local death omens whether you meant to or not. Dupin himself remains irresistible: caffeine-powered, impatient with nonsense, secretly sentimental, and still capable of solving a case by sheer stubbornness and a well-timed pastry break.

The mystery is clever, the writing elegant (the translation by Sorcha McDonagh continues to be seamless), and the atmosphere thick enough to cut with one of Dupin’s beloved Opinel knives. Yet — and this is something I’ve never said about a Dupin book before — I found myself setting it down without reluctance. The pacing feels a touch leisurely, even for this deliberately unhurried series, and the central puzzle, while satisfying, lacks the irresistible pull of the best entries.

Longtime fans will still enjoy every page; it’s like revisiting a favorite café where the coffee is still excellent even if this particular blend isn’t the most memorable you’ve had. New readers could start here, but I’d gently nudge them toward Death in Brittany or The Granite Coast Murders for peak Dupin.

In short: another solid, scenic, croissant-scented investigation. Just not the one I’ll be pressing into friends’ hands with quite the same urgency as numbers 1-10.

(And yes, I still want Dupin’s life — minus the attempted murders, of course.) 3 1/2 stars

 You can order your copy here.

 I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Discovering Joy in Brittany: A Heartwarming Review of A French Fling for the Golden Gals by Judy Leigh

 

Sixty-one-year-old Maxine Sweet thought retirement would be the start of a dreamy new chapter with her partner, Russell. But when she arrives home early and catches him in flagrante delicto with a friend, her carefully laid plans shatter in an instant.

Devastated yet determined, Max refuses to mope. When the opportunity arises to spend a glorious month in the sun-drenched coastal town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer in Brittany, she packs her suitcase and embraces the adventure.

From the moment Max arrives, the irresistible French joie de vivre works its magic. Tempting boulangeries, breathtaking beaches, charming new friends, and some rather fine-looking men of a certain vintage all conspire to remind her that life can begin again at any age. As she heals from heartbreak, rediscovers herself, and opens her heart to new possibilities, Max learns that hope, love, and friendship are always within reach—if you’re brave enough to reach back.

This is the first time I’ve read Judy Leigh, and if her other books are anything like this one, I’ll be happily busy for a very long time. Beautifully written, emotionally rich, and bursting with warmth, A French Fling for the Golden Gals delivers everything you could want: grief and recovery, laughter and love, new friendships, and the courage to start over. It captivated me from the very first page, and I was genuinely sad when it ended—I wanted to stay in Max’s world just a little longer.

  Whether you’re navigating a fresh start, dreaming of your own escape, or simply need a joyful, uplifting story, this book will speak to your heart. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy—you won’t regret it.

Rating: 5 glorious stars

 You can order a copy here. You won’t regret it.

 Disclaimer: Boldwood Books provided me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Marlow Murder Club Strikes Again – My Honest Review of Book 5, The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts

 

I’ve been a die-hard Robert Thorogood fan since the very first episode of Death in Paradise, but the Marlow Murder Club series has quietly become my absolute favorite of his work. There’s something magical about this cozy little corner of Buckinghamshire—and yes, having actually visited Marlow makes every page feel like I’m strolling along the Thames right beside the characters. The TV adaptation only adds to the joy; thanks to Samantha Bond’s perfect portrayal, I now carry Judith’s unflappable elegance, Becks’ quiet determination, and Suzie’s no-nonsense energy in my head like old friends.

 

 The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts (book five) is, without question, the strongest installment yet. Thorogood somehow manages to raise the stakes while deepening the heart of the series. We finally get layers of Judith’s backstory—her adventurous past as a retired archaeologist, her wealthy bohemian life in that gloriously crumbling riverside pile, her love of wild swimming, and the crossword puzzles she crafts for the local magazine. Seeing her rattled by a ghost from her past (her late husband’s illegitimate daughter accusing her of murder) adds real vulnerability to a woman we’ve always known as unshakably unruffled. It’s brilliant character work.

 

 The mystery itself is a double delight: two local celebrities meet untimely ends—one a retired footballer found in the woods, the other a second high-profile victim—and the club is on the case without their usual police lifeline. DI Tanika Malik is suspended, leaving Suzie and Becks to carry the investigation while Judith wrestles with her personal demons (and a detour to Greece). Caves, corrupt old money, blackmail, jealousy, fancy parties, and a mountain of red herrings keep the pages turning at breakneck speed. The culprit genuinely shocked me—rare praise in a genre I devour.

 

 Yes, the book occasionally feels a touch rushed; it assumes you already know how these three very different women (the dog-walking single mum, the vicar’s wife, and the crossword-writing adventurer) first banded together. I missed some of the slower, warmer bonding moments that made the earlier books so special. But honestly? The trade-off is worth it. The twists are sharper, the stakes feel higher, and by the final page the trio—and Tanika—are an even tighter, stronger force for good.

 

 If you’re already a Judith, Becks, and Suzie fan, you will not be disappointed. This is elite cozy mystery writing that somehow keeps getting better. I’m already counting down the days until book six. Time spent with the Marlow Murder Club is never wasted—it’s pure escapist joy.

 

Preorder your copy here. 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Robert Thorogood, and the Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reflecting on My Top 10 Posts of 2025

 

I always look forward to reviewing my most popular posts at the end of each year—it's a fun way to see what resonated most with you, my wonderful readers. This year, 2025, brought some delightful surprises!

For the first time ever, a book review cracked the top 10. I was seriously considering launching a separate blog just for book reviews to keep them off this main site, but seeing one perform so well has me rethinking that idea. It seems you enjoy the variety here—what do you think? Should I keep mixing in book reviews, or spin them off?

As always, beautiful tablescapes made a strong showing, with three landing in the top 10 this year. I'm thrilled that you're loving my table settings as much as I love creating them!

The biggest surprise? Three of the top posts were, in one way or another, about sauces. Who knew? And true to tradition, pumpkin spice never fails to capture that cozy post-summer vibe we all crave with the arrival of pumpkin spice season.

But the undisputed champion, dominating the #1 spot by a landslide, was my recipe for the classic St. Louis Gerber sandwich. This year, I've fallen in love with sandwiches all over again—I've tried and shared more in 2025 than perhaps in my entire life combined. They've been pure joy to explore, so get ready: expect even more sandwich inspiration heading your way in 2026!

Thank you for another amazing year of reading, cooking, and connecting. Here's to more delicious adventures ahead!

So...the slate is now wiped clean, and tomorrow we begin a new year. I’ll be interested in seeing what you all find most interesting. 

The top 10 posts for 2025, in declining order of popularity, are shown below. Click on the name beneath each picture to take you directly to the blog post.The St. Louis Gerber SandwichDashing Hare Tablescape 

Blue Cheese Vinaigrette 

Cinco de Mayo TablescapeOld Bay Tartar SauceRed, White, and Blue TablescapePumpkin Spice Latte Caramel SauceHearthside Pumpkin Bread 

Parm to TableSpicy Enchilada Beef 

To view previous Top Ten Lists click one or more of the follow links:

Top Posts of 2024

Top Posts of 2023

Top Posts of 2022

Top Posts of 2021

Top Posts of 2020

Top Posts of 2019

Top Posts of 2018

Top Posts of 2017

Top Posts of 2016

Top Posts of 2015

Top Posts of 2014

 Top Posts of 2013 

 Top Posts of 2012 

     

The Killing Stones, a D.I. Jimmy Perez Novel by Ann Cleeves, Reviewed

 

Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez is back! Ann Cleeves’ The Killing Stones, the ninth novel in the Detective Jimmy Perez series, is a masterful blend of suspense, rich character development, and vivid cultural immersion. Set in the Orkney Islands, where Jimmy now resides with his pregnant partner and boss, DI Willow Reeves, and their young son, this installment thrusts Perez into a deeply personal investigation when his lifelong friend, Archie Stout, is found murdered at an ancient Neolithic site. The red herrings are plentiful, and will keep you guessing until the shocking conclusion. There are certainly no dull moments, and the escalating body count—each murder tied to significant archaeological sites—adds layers of intrigue, compounded by whispers of plagiarism and hidden agendas.

Cleeves is masterful at being able to transport readers to Orkney’s stark landscape; she has such a tremendous gift for atmosphere. The Neolithic sites—Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, and Maeshowe—are characters in their own right. I loved the cultural details, from island traditions to the weather.

Jimmy Perez is now like an old friend that I’m always happy to see. I love his combination of sensitivity and intenseness. It was also good to see that he’s moved past the depression that haunted him earlier.

I was, however, a bit puzzled by the reluctance of Glasgow authorities to prioritize the case given the mounting deaths, but this in no way detracted from my enjoyment. Fans of the Jimmy Perez series are going to love this latest installment. Those new to the series, I’m sure, will find this a real page-turner that surprises until the very end.

 You can preorder your copy here.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for this honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Widows' Guide to Skulduggery By Amanda Ashby, Reviewed

 

If you’re craving a cozy mystery packed with charm, wit, and a dash of delightful chaos, The Widows’ Guide to Skullduggery by Amanda Ashby (scheduled for release on June 30^th) just might be what you’re looking for. This was my first foray into Ashby’s work, and I’m thrilled to discover it’s the third book in a series, with two earlier novels ready for me to devour. From the moment a Jack Russell named Colin crashes Grace and Theo’s wedding with a human skull in his jaws, this story hooks you and refuses to let go. (Quick aside: I initially thought Colin was a human character—imagine my confusion picturing a person with a skull in their mouth! A character guide would’ve saved me that mix-up.)

 The premise is irresistibly engaging: the wedding’s disruption reignites a long-standing rivalry between two villages, and our sharp-witted heroine, Ginny, smells sabotage. Joined by her quirky “Murder Club” friends—JM, Tuppence, and Hen—she dives into a mystery woven with family feuds, ancient grudges, and clever twists. When a fresh body surfaces, the stakes soar, and Ginny’s amateur sleuthing shines. The police’s dismissal of the twenty-year-old skull gives the widows free rein, making their investigation both believable and endlessly entertaining.

What makes this book stand out is its vibrant cast and infectious energy. Ginny and her Murder Club are a joy—witty, determined, and wonderfully relatable. I couldn’t stop picking up the book, a sure sign of its gripping pace. The small-town setting, brought to life by a map at the start, immerses you in the drama. My only gripe? The first chapter introduces a flurry of characters, and a character list upfront would’ve helped me keep them straight. (Authors, please make this standard!)

Ashby crafts a well-paced mystery with just the right balance of red herrings and revelations to keep you guessing without feeling lost. The interplay of village rivalries and personal motives is masterfully done, leading to a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends while leaving you eager for more. For cozy mystery fans, this book delivers humor, heart, and a puzzle that keeps you hooked.

I’m already excited to explore the earlier books in the series and spend more time with Ginny’s Murder Club. If you’re after a cozy mystery that’s equal parts fun and intriguing, The Widows’ Guide to Skullduggery is a fantastic pick. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let this delightful tale sweep you away. You can preorder a copy here, or get the Kindle version here.

 My Rating: 4.5/5 – A captivating read with vibrant characters and a small wish for a character guide. Highly recommended!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg by Krista Davis, Reviewed

The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg — book number eighteen in Krista Davis’ Domestic Diva series—drops us right back into Sophie Winston’s world, and let me tell you, autumn’s got her juggling some serious drama! First off, her “frenemy” Natasha ropes her into hosting a brunch that is not only going to be filmed, but will be done so in Sophie’s house! Second, interior decorator, Mitzi Lawson, calls Sophie asking her to meet her at a century home that she and her business partner, Denise, are in the process of redecorating. Always curious Sophie agrees, arrives early, only to find the corpse of Denise sprawled across the kitchen floor.

Unsurprisingly, Sophie is coerced into investigating due to her knack for cracking mysteries — hoping that she doesn’t end up as the next victim — all the while whipping up brunch recipes, many of which are included in the back of the book as is Davis’s habit.

I’ve been hooked on this series for all eighteen books, enjoying watching Sophie and the other characters evolve. This book is another winner with its lively, twisty mystery, and characters that — quirks and all — pull you right in. Everything wraps up nice and tight by the end, leaving you plenty of time to try the drool-worthy recipes in the back of the book. As with all of the books in this series, I recommend it and look forward to the next.

Mark your calendars; The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg is scheduled for release on May 27^th. You can preorder your copy here.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

 

 

Death of a Master Chef by Jean-Luc Bannalec, a Review

 

I recently had the opportunity to read an absolutely delightful book, Death of a Master Chef by Jean-Luc Bannalec. I was surprised to learn that this book was ninth in the series of the “Brittany Mysteries,” as this was my first experience with this author. It’s rare that I pick up a book, sit down to read, and don’t get up again until the book is finished. That’s what happened to me with this one, much to the annoyance of Stanley the cat, who was quite miffed at not getting his usual snuggles. (I will admit to having 2 double espressos during the process, because I absolutely could not stand to allow Dupin to drink alone.)

 The book features Commissaire George Dupin, “a cantankerous Parisian-born caffeine junkie,” who recently relocated from Paris to the sleepy little town of Concarneau on the Breton coast where he continually feeds “…his extreme almost medically, indicated caffeine consumption.” There’s no question that Dupin is the star of the show here, but there are a lot of other wonderful characters in this novel that bring it to life, the least of which end up being victims in what proves to be a puzzling series of murders. That, coupled with the wonderful descriptions of the scenery, not to mention the toothsome sounding food, had me both salivating and ready to book a trip to France at the same time.

 The mystery is a good one. We learn, in the first couple of pages, that the first victim is Blanche Trouin, the Michelin starred chef of the region, who is stabbed to death by her own sister, competing restaurateur, Lucille. The stabbing was done publicly, so there’s no question as to the perpetrator, the big question is why she refuses to talk or provide any reasoning behind what seems like an unwarranted attack, despite their ongoing feud. Dupin, visiting the food stalls near where she was stabbed, appeasing himself due to the fact that he is reluctantly in the area to attend École du Police,  finds himself one of three commissaires working to solve this complex case.

 The descriptive writing here is beautiful. You will feel as though you are walking right alongside Dupin working to solve this baffling mystery. You will commiserate with him over his lost bag of gourmet cheeses, you will join him as he imbibes one café after another, and sample the complex taste of Rhum J.M. I had a great interest in knowing where all the action was taking place, so found myself referring quite often to a detailed map of France, feeling as though I had learned so much about this particular region.

I did not at all feel at a loss due to the fact that I had not read any other books in this series. Clearly this, and presumably the others, can be read as a standalone. Slated for publication April 30, 2024, I encourage you to pre-order this book, and then place an order for the other eight in the series. It is exceptionally good, you will fall in love with Dupin, and be booking tickets to Brittany, France. So, put your feet up and Taol da bouez’ ta*.

 *Cast off your worries. ​

 Disclaimer: I would like to thank both NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this wonderful book, in exchange for an honest review.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.