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!

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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.