Syrup to No Good (Maple Syrup Mystery 2), by Catherine Bruns

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Last fall, I received an ARC of In the Blink of a Pie (Maple Syrup Mystery 3), by Catherine Bruns. I had not expected to receive it. I hadn't yet started the series, so I listened the first one, A Doomful of Sugar, but skipped the second one, Syrup to No Good, so I could read and review the ARC of In the Blink of a Pie. I worried a little about getting spoilers that I hadn't yet read in book 2, but someone who read all three assured me that wouldn't happen. And she was right. I recently read book 2 and didn't feel like anything was spoiled having read the third one before it.

In Syrup to No Good, it is spring in Sugar Ridge, Vermont. This marks the end of syrup-making season at Sappy Endings Farm, and farm owner, Leila Khoury, is preparing for her best friend Heather's upcoming wedding. The dynamics in Heather's family are complicated and she not looking forward to having everyone there. Perhaps her intuition was right because at the conclusion of Heather's bridal shower, a dead body is found. Will Heather have her happily ever after?

In addition to the mystery, someone from Leila's past shows up and puts a potential damper on a budding relationship with her current love interest. Leila's mom is convinced that Leila's ex is right for her and she encourages her to work things out with him. Will Leila's feelings from her past, in addition to her mom's influence, affect her future with her current love interest?

I really like most of the main characters in this series, which is one reason I keep reading it. However, in this installment, I found Leila's mother to be overbearing. I understood she wanted her daughter to be happy, but she didn't accept what Leila said would make her happy. On the other hand, I think Leila made the situation worse by keeping a secret. Again, I understood her reason for keeping that secret, but at the same time, being open and honest would have given her mother a better understanding of the situation.

I really liked the romantic relationship aspect of this installment, but I did feel it overpowered the mystery. I would have preferred more sleuthing. At times, it felt like two different books - a romance and a mystery. I don't mind some romance in cozies, but it isn't my preference when it takes time away from the mystery.

While I wanted more focus on the mystery, I did think it was well-crafted. I didn't figure out the whodunnit, but it all made sense in the end. More clues and sleuthing leading up to the big reveal would have been made it even better.

Fans of culinary cozies will appreciate the recipes at the end of this book. I may even give some of them a try, which is saying a lot since I usually skip them. The ones in this book sound delicious and fairly easy to make. Unfortunately, the recipes are not in the audiobook.

If there are more books in this series, I will be reading them. The characters and setting (I love maple syrup and anything about it) will keep me coming back as long as there is growth and evolving relationships. I hope in future installments the mystery takes clear precedence over all of that, however.

Claire O’Keefe’s Favorite Much Ado About Nothing Insults for Modern Life

Today, I'm very happy to present my first character guest post! Introducing, Claire O'Keefe from the Claire O'Keefe Mysteries!

Hi everyone! Claire O’Keefe here. I’m so happy to stop by Caboodle of Cozies today.

Most people know me as someone who tends to stumble across mysteries. That reputation might be slightly exaggerated… although my boyfriend might disagree.

But before the mysteries, before the investigations, and before I started noticing suspicious details everywhere, I was simply an English as a foreign language teacher.

These days I’m back in the United States substitute teaching high school English while helping my dad during his recovery. My current assignment involves introducing a classroom full of teenagers to Shakespeare.

Now, convincing high school students that Shakespeare is interesting can be a challenge.

However, I have discovered a strategy that works almost every time.

Shakespeare’s insults.

The moment students realize that Shakespeare wrote some of the most creative insults in the English language, suddenly everyone is paying attention.

Since we’re currently reading Much Ado About Nothing, my students have been collecting their favorite lines from the play. Some of them are surprisingly funny, and a few feel oddly useful in modern life.

Here are a few of my favorites.

1. “I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.”

— Beatrice, Much Ado About Nothing

Beatrice is famous for her sharp wit, and this line is one of the reasons why. My students always laugh when they realize how blunt she is about romance.

2. “There was never yet philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently.”

— Leonato, Much Ado About Nothing

This one isn’t exactly an insult, but it’s a great reminder that even the wisest people have their limits, and my students like this line because it proves that even philosophers complain sometimes.

3. “He is of a very melancholy disposition.”

— Hero, Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare had a very polite way of suggesting that someone might not be the most pleasant person to be around.

4. “For man is a giddy thing, and this is my conclusion.”

— Benedick, Much Ado About Nothing

My students love this line because it’s simple and surprisingly accurate about how people can change their minds.

5. “Speak low if you speak love.”

— Don Pedro, Much Ado About Nothing

This line always sparks discussion in my classroom about secrets, misunderstandings, and the trouble that can happen when people don’t tell the truth.

Teaching Much Ado About Nothing has reminded me how much fun language can be. Words reveal a lot about people. Sometimes they reveal emotions, motivations, and occasionally even hidden truths.

And sometimes the truth shows up when you least expect it.

In Lies Are Better at the Lake, what begins as a peaceful return to my hometown turns into something far more complicated. While substitute teaching and helping my dad during his recovery, I expect life to be fairly quiet for a while.

But small towns have a way of holding onto old stories, old rivalries, and a few secrets that people would rather keep buried.

When a shocking death at the lake leaves the community whispering and searching for answers, I can’t help noticing that some of the explanations don’t quite add up.

And once I start asking questions, the truth becomes harder and harder to ignore.

Let’s just say that sometimes lies are better at the lake… at least until someone starts looking a little too closely.

Which brings me to my question for you.

Do you have a favorite Shakespeare line or insult that still makes you laugh today?

Author Cindy Quayle

Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

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Of all the movies that Hallmark airs, the cozy mysteries are my favorites. I'm especially delighted that my favorite mystery series lives on. Although I discovered the series just five years ago, the first one, A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery premiered eleven years ago. I had seen a couple other movies on Hallmark before, but this is the one that made me want to stay. So every time a new one in the series premieres, count me in.

Sugar and Vice is the thirteenth movie in the series. In this installment, The Cookie Jar bakery owner, Hannah Swensen (Alison Sweeney), caters the grand re-opening of the Lake Eden Inn. After a dead body is found during the party, however, everyone is suddenly trapped with a potential murderer. A severe storm has hindered the ability for more authorities to arrive at the scene of the crime so Hannah and her family and friends do some sleuthing to try to find the culprit before anyone else becomes a victim.

This movie had the potential to be a true locked "room" mystery. Unfortunately, less than half the movie takes place at the event where the murder happened. It almost felt like two different movies when the night ended and Hannah was back at her bakery. As much as I love the bakery scenes, it would have been a welcome change to set this movie almost entirely at the party.

All that aside, though, I did enjoy the movie. As always when I watch this series, I felt like I was meeting up with old friends. While some were missing, most of the regulars were there and they were all delightful to watch. I had to smile every time Hannah offered people cookies in exchange for information. I was seriously craving cookies the whole time.

While the mystery could have been elevated if most of it was set at the party, I thought it was fairly well done and fun to watch unfold. I did identify the culprit very early in the movie and I never changed my mind, but that didn't stop me from enjoying everything leading up to the big reveal and beyond. I have to admit, I was proud of myself when I noticed a clue early on that eventually came into play near the end. 

There wasn't a huge focus on romance in this installment. Hannah and her boyfriend seem happy with their growing relationship and Delores also seems happy. That's always nice to see, but I'm glad these scenes didn't take too much time away from the mystery. 

If you are looking for a light-hearted cozy mystery to watch, look no further than the Hannah Swensen series. While each installment is a self-contained mystery and can be watched as a standalone, it's fun to watch it from the beginning to see how characters and relationships change.

If you've read the books, don't expect the movies to be the same. The earlier ones follow the books more closely, but the more recent ones do not. That makes me happy because it's more to love in the Hannah Swensen universe. More mysteries to solve without knowing what happens is okay with me!

Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery premiered on The Hallmark Channel and is now streaming on Hallmark+. It will likely air again on The Hallmark Channel, but if your library has the Hallmark+ Hoopla Bingepass, you can also watch it that way free of charge. 

And I'm so excited it was announced they are definitely making another one in this series. I will be back to watch it!

At Death's Dough (Deep Dish Mystery 5), by Mindy Quigley

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Last year, I won a copy of At Death's Dough in a giveaway. I was behind on the series and have been trying to catch up ever since. I like reading series in order so I can follow the character development and relationships. A few weeks ago, I was finally ready to read this installment.

Valentine's Day is fast-approaching in Geneva Bay, Wisconsin. Delilah O'Leary is hoping her gourmet pizza restaurant is fully booked for the holiday.  This will also be her first Valentine's Day with the love of her life. Unfortunately, an ice fishing trip sets new plans in motion when a dead body is discovered. Who is the victim and what exactly happened? This investigation becomes personal and dangerous when clues are followed and secrets are uncovered. 

This installment in the series begins with an incident that occurred about one hundred years ago. It then switches to present day when several things are happening. I wasn't quite sure if and how the events would be connected, but it did come together in a cohesive, edge-of-my-seat mystery.  

With this being a Valentine's Day installment, I was hoping for a little more romance, but I did enjoy the tie-in with the holiday. The whole book had my undivided attention from beginning to end. There were enough viable suspects to consider with lots of twists and turns. I did not figure out the whodunnit, but in the end it made perfect sense. 

One thing I loved about this book, and others in the series, was that Butterball, Delilah's cat, wasn't just a cozy companion. Butterball played a critical role in how this story came together. He has become one of my favorite four-legged characters in the genre. 

Another element I really loved in this installment was how much weather conditions played a role. I am always a fan of when weather is a factor in cozies, and in this one it certainly was. It wasn't there just to create atmosphere; it had the potential to directly impact clues and the outcome of certain events. 

I continue to enjoy the character development in the series. Relationships are evolving and within themselves, characters are growing. They have depth and they feel like friends, which keeps me interested in spending time with them. 

There are some serious events that take place in At Death's Dough, and it is well-balanced with a good bit of humor. This is in keeping with the author's style of writing throughout the series. This is part of why I continue to enjoy these books. And if you enjoy culinary cozies, you'll be happy to know there are a few recipes at the end of the book.

As with most cozy mysteries, this is a self-contained mystery. However, if you want to follow the character development and changing relationships, I recommend starting with the first book, Six Feet Deep Dish, and reading them in order. I'm so excited there are plans to publish another book in this series. I'm all caught up with the series and I will be reading it!

Sunday Post 131

Hi everyone!

Through Monday, I am linking with the following: 

Reading Reality, who hosts Stacking the Shelves

Readerbuzz, who hosts Sunday Salon

Caffeinated Reviewer, who hosts Sunday Post

The Book Date, who hosts It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

March has come in like a lion and continues to act like one. Last week, one day we had temps higher than 80f. That evening, we had severe thunderstorms, and the next day it snowed. On the day of the thunderstorms, there was a small tornado confirmed in my county. It was farther north than where I am, thankfully. Tornados are the one weather phenomenon I fear the most, though lightning is a very close second. I prefer snow and cooler weather, so I was happy with the frozen precipitation (but not ice this time) and cooler temps that followed. On the day that it snowed, the sun came out in the afternoon and melted most of the snow that had fallen.

Tomorrow (Monday), we are expecting a line of severe thunderstorms to come through sometime in the afternoon. We again have the possibility of tornadoes, hail, and high winds. I pray that damage is minimal (if any) and that the electricity stays on. Our high on Monday should be around 70f, but after the cold front comes through, temps are expected to drop at night down into the 20s. 'Tis the season for ups and downs!

Last week, I had my monthly physical therapy evaluation and I improved all around! My strength is better and so is the range of motion in my left arm, although my range of motion is still not where it needs to be. My PT was ready to let me go another month without another session, but she gave me a couple new exercises to do. She also explained which of the older ones I can stop doing and which ones I should continue. By the time my session ended, my mind was a muddled mess. I told her I was not comfortable with the new routine on my own yet, so we agreed that I'll still go every two weeks at least for the next month (while also doing the exercises at home). I understand the value in varying the exercises, but if she keeps incorporating new ones I won't master them on my own. So she agreed to not give me anymore new ones. I already have a wide variety.

Today I'll be watching the gold medal game for sled hockey in the Paralympics (Team USA is going for the gold again!), as well as the Closing Ceremony. I'm also planning to work on a puzzle. I woke up early today and did some reading, so I'm not sure if I'll read anymore today.

Random thought - why aren't there ice rinks where people with disabilities can use sleds to skate just like everyone else can skate for fun using skates on their feet? I would do it!

IN THE BOOKS

Note: I had planned on listening to Murder By Cheesecake, by Rachel Ekstrom Courage. However, I realized the audiobook is not available on Hoopla or Libby. I don't subscribe to Audible, so I'll have to postpone it for when I have more time to read the book.

RECENTLY FINISHED

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I finished At Death's Dough (Deep Dish Mystery 5), by Mindy Quigley. I really enjoyed it! The author is nominated for an Agatha Award for this book. Voting will take place at Malice Domestic in April and winners will be announced at the banquet. You can read some excerpts here on my Friday Features post. I am planning to post a review on my blog soon.

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I listened to Syrup to No Good (Maple Syrup Mystery 2), written by Catherine Bruns and narrated by Lameece Issaq. The mother was a bit overbearing and the romance subplot overpowered the mystery at times, but overall I enjoyed it. This was a rare instance when I read the series out of order. There weren't any major spoilers in the third book, In the Blink of a Pie, so it was fine.

IN PROGRESS

I read weeks 11 and 12 in The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, written by Margaret Renkl and illustrated by Billy Renkl. My takeaways are noticing the light that shines through darkness and nature is beginning to wake up this month. The author clearly loves spring and I can see why. While my preferences are fall and winter, I do appreciate all that nature has to offer in the spring.

I am enjoying an ARC of Murder in a Lavender Daze (Aroma Wellness Mystery 2), by Daryl Wood Gerber. I really enjoy this author's style of writing. The story is flowing well, both the mystery and the subplots. Like her Fairy Garden Mysteries, it has a light-hearted feel to it that balances well with the more serious events.

I'm listening to The Jig Is Up (Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery 1), written by Lisa Q. Matthews and narrated by Rebecca Gallagher. Since it's set around St. Patrick's Day, I figured this was a good time to listen to it. I'm enjoying it so far.

UP NEXT

Whiskey Business (Mixology Lounge Mystery 1), by Adrian Andover, has been on my radar ever since I met the author at Malice Domestic last year. He is a debut author and hadn't released this book yet, but everyone was talking about it. A few months ago, I won a signed copy from him. I'm excited to finally read it. The author has been nominated for an Agatha Award for this book.

ON THE SCREEN

• Psych - I'm enjoying re-watching the more light-hearted episodes in this series. I'm just picking whichever one I feel like watching at the time.
• The Brady Bunch - I watched all the episodes in season 1 that I recorded from MeTV, then watched the first episode in season 2. Then I realized a lot of the episodes in the series are also on Pluto TV. They don't air all of them (wwwwhhhhyyyy???), but they do air some that don't air on MeTV, so I'm able to fill in some of the gaps from season 1.
• Smart Cookies - I had never seen this 2012 Hallmark movie until now. I recorded it last year and had been saving it for Girl Scout cookie season. What I didn't realize until afterward is that I watched it on National Girl Scouts Day! The romance in this one is the subplot. The movie mostly focuses on the Girl Scouts and their fish-out-of-water volunteer. I really enjoyed it. It was both humorous and heart-warming. It stars Bailee Madison who is well-known for her character, Grace, in The Good Witch series.
• Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery - The 13th installment in my favorite Hallmark mystery series premiered last weekend. While not the strongest in the series, I still enjoyed it. I've scheduled my review to publish on Tuesday.

ON THE BLOG

• Sunday Post - 02/28 - Weekly Recap
• Puzzle - 03/07 - Leprechaun Magic
• Friday Features - 03/13 - Bookish response, featured book, Feline Friday, Nature Friday
• Puzzle - 03/14 - Fruit Pies

I'm not sure if I'll have time to publish a Sunday Post next weekend, but I'm sure I'll see you again soon. 

Have a great week!

Puzzle 132 - Fruit Pies

Happy National Pi Day!

This puzzle took me 1:58 using 24 non-rotating pieces.

Enjoy some dessert on me! What is your favorite kind of pie?

Friday Features 31

Happy Friday the 13th!

Today I'm once again participating in six blog hops.  You can click on the host links below to find the blogs of others who are participating in each blog hop. If you're a blogger, feel free to join through the host links.

BOOK BLOGGER HOP, hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Question: Are there genres you read that you feel shy about?

My response:  No, there aren't. If I did feel that way about them, I probably wouldn't read them.

FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower

FRIDAY 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books

BOOK BEGINNINGS, hosted by Rose City Reader

Today's excerpts are from the paperback format of At Death's Dough (Deep Dish Mystery 5), by Mindy Quigley.

Here's the beginning:

Prologue

Winter, 1924

Come spring, Mickey Keene was putting the kibosh on this kind of thing. Driving through the forest to the godforsaken middle of frozen nowhere in the black of night to deliver...what? He didn't know. They wouldn't tell him.

And here's an excerpt from page 56:

I'd had more than my fair share of interactions with law enforcement since moving to Geneva Bay, but Capone had always been there as a buffer, a beacon of calm. Without him, I had the disquieting sensation of being alone to face whatever was coming. And although the day was clear and calm, I couldn't shake the feeling that an epic storm was brewing.

This book is nominated for an Agatha Award. Winners will be announced at the Malice Domestic Convention next month. I'll have my review posted soon, but I can say it was a delicious read.

FELINE FRIDAY, hosted my messymimi's meanderings

No reach will ever be high enough for Bell. She was reaching even higher than this shortly before I took the picture.

NATURE FRIDAY, hosted by Living the LLB Life

This is a cherry tree in my neighborhood beginning to wake up. Peak bloom is expected to be early to mid-April, depending on which kind of cherry trees they are and exactly where they're located. Some kinds bloom later than others and my neighborhood is always about two weeks behind the ones in Washington, D.C.

CORRECTION: This is a maple tree, not a cherry tree!