by Victoria Fair
One of my earliest memories of my mother was watching her watch classic movies on our Zenith television. Her face would light up when one glamorous starlet or another would enter a scene; her svelte body wearing a long gown of liquid fabric that hugged every curve. The movies may have been black and white, but I believe my mother saw them in luminous color and, perhaps, dreamt of being in them. I had time to watch and wonder what she was thinking though. As the youngest child it was my job to play human antenna, fiddling with the rabbit ears while standing on one leg to capture the best possible reception. This was a time long before Turner Classic Movies when classics were televised as a double feature on Saturday nights and were viewed as a family event. Movies like The Thin Man, The Women, and A Letter to Three Wives entranced me with their chic fashions, gorgeous starlets, and suave leading men. And as I aged, I fell in love with the snappy dialogue of movies like His Girl Friday and forward-thinking scripts like Adam’s Rib. All while sharing the passion my mother had for the movies.
This month, when I saw that Death Upon a Star by Amy Patricia Meade was being released, I instantly knew the reading challenge theme would be Hollywood and the movies. I have been waiting for this book with great anticipation. The premise of the main character being a script supervisor on the 1939 set of Hitchcock’s Rebecca ticks a lot of my historical cozy mystery boxes. Reading it will also certainly honor my treasured movie memories with my mother, who has since passed, and whose favorite classic movie was Rebecca. She adored a good mystery with a dash of romance and a whole lot of Hitchcock.
As you may recall, in January when I launched the KRL Coming Attractions column reading challenge for 2025, I did so in order to refresh my stale reading regimen. I knew I was in a reading rut and needed out. I thought like most resolutions formed in January, I would quickly lose interest and make feeble excuses for dropping them, which I would successfully convince myself were perfectly acceptable and warranted. Instead, I found I was excited to embrace the new authors I had chosen. I’ve noticed that I’m turning in a little earlier so I can get in a few more chapters than the night before. As January departs, I’m admittedly still finishing my goal but I’m doing so with a newfound enthusiasm. I can hardly wait for all the reading goodness February’s challenge brings. For when I’m able to read Death Upon a Star and hopefully dream about my mother and her luminous face.
As always, dear readers, I invite you to read the Featured Five books with me, or just cheer me along if you prefer.
Featured Five
1939, Los Angeles. Evelyn Galloway can’t believe her luck! On her first day in LA, she lands her dream job of script supervisor, and on the hottest film in town––Hitchcock’s adaptation of Rebecca. But her good fortune quickly changes when a legendary actor cancels their lunch the following day, and is found murdered at home.
Evelyn realizes she could be a witness to the crime, having passed the bungalow’s grounds on her way home the night before. Who was the man looking upset in the gazebo? And why was movie starlet Madeleine Nabors running wildly away from the scene?
When the tabloid reports contradict what Evelyn saw with her own eyes, she soon finds herself pitted against powerful studio bosses and unscrupulous journalists as she races to uncover the truth. — Death Upon a Star by Amy Patricia Meade, Severn House
Becky hasn’t even had time to unpack when the Robinson Family Detective Agency assigns her next case––an undercover assignment with a fashion guru who makes Meryl Streep’s character look like Mr. Rogers. If you love clumsy heroines, a Hollywood backdrop, quirky suspects, and an adorable rescue puppy this series is for you! — Devil Wears Murder by Brittany E. Brinegar, Britt Lizz Publishing
Join sophisticated soap opera diva turned CIA consultant Victoria St. James as she brings theatrical flair to international intrigue.
At Prague’s prestigious Winter Theater Festival, former soap star Victoria St. James expects to simply critique the Gothic Revival lighting. But when a renowned method acting coach is found dead in what appears to be a training exercise gone wrong, Victoria’s soap opera experience reveals a more sinister performance at play.
With a military attaché’s life at stake, and CIA agent Alexander Morgan reluctantly taking acting lessons for their cover, Victoria must unmask a killer who’s turning method acting into murder before the final curtain falls on another victim. — Final Scene in Prague by Bianca Fletcher
Murder: best served with popcorn. That’s the mantra for the members of the Movie Murder Club at The Northwoods Movie Theater. Every Monday, this eclectic group of northern Michigan residents gather to watch a murder mystery movie on the big screen. After stopping the projector in the middle of the movie, the members gather to discuss the crime and suspects, each making a whodunit pick before resuming the movie. The hairdresser with the scissors? The jilted lover with poison?
But nothing is normal on this Monday morning when the club members find the ticket-taking popcorn maker John E. Cash in the lobby of the theater, deader than any actor in their beloved movies. Using their unique talents and eccentricities, the Movie Murder Club members work collectively to solve the crime before the Northwoods Police force does. Members strive to protect the reputation of their beloved theater––and to protect their Monday meetings––because what each member is discovering is that there is so much more to their Monday club than a good old-fashioned murder mystery. — Murder Movie Club by Macy Blesy
Stevie agrees to help her former teacher box up her home just before someone reports a body hanging in the empty house next door. But when the police come to investigate, the victim is gone, along with any sign that a crime has been committed.
When the police decide that someone with an overactive imagination cried wolf, Stevie once again decides to investigate. If only her friends and family didn’t look at her like she’s trying to find a killer just to get attention. The clock is ticking, and Stevie has to solve this mystery before the opportunity—like the body—vanishes. If you like your murder mysteries set in a seaside town with quirky characters, Hollywood classics, and a dash of humor, this series is for you! — The Invisible Corpse by Della Pearl
February 1
A Poetic Puzzle: A Mystery in 32 Pieces by Joanne McLaughlin
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast (Camryn Alexander Mysteries, Book 1) by Keri Smith
Crossfire: A Folly Beach Mystery by Bill Noel
Detained at the Tower (The Little-Astwick Mysteries, Book 3) by C.S. Rhymes
High Horse (Brookhaven Cozy Mysteries, Book 7) by S.E. Biglow
In the Silence of the Catacombs (Constantine Capers) by Natalie Brianne | Novella
Murder Gimlet (Maple Creek Mysteries, Book 7) by Liz Lamar
Murder with a Hint of Dark Chocolate (Whisper Hollow Mysteries, Book 3) by Laura M. Drake
Pretty Deadly Blooms (Pine Grove Mysteries, Book 9) by Daisy Landish
The Adventure of “Lucky” Holmes (The Discoveries of Sherlock Holmes, Book 5) by Chris Chan
February 2
Murder in the Tuscan Hills (An Armstrong & Oscar Cozy Mystery, Book 10) by T.A. Williams
February 3
A Case of Intrigue in Islington (A Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventure, Book 8) by Clara
Straw in the Wind (The DI Callum MacLean Mysteries, Book 2) by Carol Cole
February 4
A Slant of Light (A Georgia O’Keeffe Mystery, Book 3) by Kathryn Lasky
An Excellent Thing in a Woman (A Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery, Book 7) by Allison Montclair
Bossy Nos & Circulation Woes (An Avery Shaw Mystery, Book 25) by Amanda M. Lee
Death by Reputation (Swift Justice Club Cozy Mysteries, Book 2) by Scarlett Moss
Dead in the Frame (A Pentecost & Parker Mystery, Book 5) by Stephen Spotswood
Death Upon a Star (An Evelyn Galloway Mystery, Book 1) by Amy Patricia Meade
Fortune’s Folly (A Claire Rollins Mystery, Book 15) by J.A. Whiting
Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders by Sara Winokur
Medal for Murder (Merry Wrath Mysteries, Book 34) by Leslie Langtry
Never Gamble Your Heart (The Secret Society of Governess Spies, Book 2) by Lindsay Lovise
Puppied to Death (Barkview Mysteries, Book 9) by C.B. Wilson
RSVP for Murder (A Viv Vogel Wedding Planner Cozy Mystery, Book 1) by C.J. Lee
Seams Like the Perfect Crime (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery, Book 14) by Lois Winston
Snakes and Ladders (A Lucy Williams Cosy Mystery, Book 3) by Tia Brown
Something Borrowed, Something Brew (Wedding Witch Cozy Mystery, Book 6) by Bella Colby
Spirits Adopted (A Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 20) by Alice Duncan
The Amish Baker Caper by Tracy Fredrychowski
The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck (A Vish Puri Mystery, Book 6) by Tarquin Hall
The Crime Brulee Bake Off by Rebecca Connolly
The Wagtail Murder Club (Paws & Claws Mysteries, Book 10) by Krista Davis
V in the Valentine (The Inn at Holiday Bay, Book 32) by Kathi Daley
Tilly (The Dun Roamin’ Romantic Mysteries, Book 1) by Beth Prentice
Vows of Murder (A Tourist Trap Mystery, Book 17) by Lynn Cahoon
February 5
Maxwell’s Academy (Schoolmaster Murder Mysteries, Book 19) by M.J. Trow
Philly Barker and The Murder at Deverell Grange (Philly Barker Mysteries, Book 3) by Joanne Tracey
The Spectre of Hawthorne Manor (The Homefront Sleuths Cozy Mysteries, Book 2) by Anna Elliott & Charles Veley
February 6
Anna and the Grumpy Ghost (The Grumpy Ghost, Book 1) by Maggie March
Death of a Ghostwriter (Wye Valley Widows, Book 1) by Gaynor Torrance
Final Scene in Prague (Victoria St. James Cozy Mysteries, Book 4) by Bianca Fletcher
Murder at the B&B (Sunny Honey B&B Cozy Mysteries, Book 2) by Sue Hollowell
Murder at a Wimbledon Mansion (A Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mystery, Book 4) by Dawn Brookes
Swine and Swindle (Ruff McPaw Mysteries, Book 12) by Max Parrott
The Hidden Tomb (Dr. Isabella Cruz Mysteries, Book 1) by Ileana Muñoz Renfroe
The Midnight Howl (Hexes & Howls Cozy Mysteries, Book 3) by Eva Onyx
Vanilla Glazed Valentine Vendetta (Murder in the Mix, Book 52) by Addison Moore
February 7
Pride and Puncture (Head Rock Harbor Mystery, Book 3) by Chase Connor
The Olson File (The Aunt Bessie Cold Case Mysteries, Book 15) by Diana Xarissa
Witch Is The Hardest Pill To Swallow (A Witch P.I. Mystery, Book 50) by Adele Abbott
February 8
May Day Murder (Pine Grove Mysteries, Book 10) by Daisy Landish
February 10
A Mystery in Bloom: Jealousy in the Jasmine (An Alice Bloom Cozy Mystery, Book 6) by Fiona Grace
A Victim at Valentine’s (A Secret Bookcase Mystery, Book 5) by Ellie Alexander
By the Book (The Last Picks, Book 7) by Gregory Ashe
Murder on Ice (Blue Lake Cozy Murder Mysteries, Book 8) by Hadley K. Knox
The Trouble with Funerals (Mabel & Violet Mysteries) by Joan Havelange
February 11
Candle With Care (A Magic Candle Shop Mystery, Book 4) by Valona Jones
Death and Groom’s Cake (Sugar Creek Mystery Series, Book 6) by Nova Walsh
Death at the Shipshape Bookshop (Southeast Alaska Mysteries, Book 1) by Greta McKennan
Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals by Sharon Mondragón
Murder at the Blue Note (Elsie Hargrove Mysteries, Book 2) by Claire Blackwood
No Comfort for the Dead by R.P. O’Donnell
Predator in the Lanes (The Viking Witch Cozy Mysteries, Book 13) by Cate Martin
Shelf Life (The Village Library Mysteries, Book 12) by Elizabeth Spann Craig
Smoked by Scotch (Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries, Book 8) by Lucy Lakestone
Someone from the Past: A London Mystery (British Library Crime Classics) by Margot Bennett
Stitches, Spindles, and Secrets (A Tales Sew Twisted Fairytale Cozy Mystery, Book 1) by C.J. Bellvue
The Golden Hour Murder (A Robyn Cavanagh Mystery, Book 2) by Jeanne Quigley
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
February 12
And Then There Were Scones (The Parchment Paper Mysteries, Book 1) by Matilda Swift
Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery, Book 4) by DeAnna Drake
Inn the Dead of Winter (The Spirit Lake Mysteries, Book 2) by Rhonda Blackhurst
Murder in the Lookout Lounge (Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries, Book 2) by Denise Jaden
February 13
Cipher, Mobsters & A Sphynx (Candeedo Brewdinkle Mysteries, Book 1) by Ileana Muñoz Renfroe
Evidence of Evil (Silver & Grey, Book 2) by Mary Lancaster
Little Red Death by A.K. Benedict
Murder in a Care Home (A Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mystery, Book 5) by Dawn Brookes
Only Murders in the Abbey (A Loch Down Abbey Mystery, Book 2) by Beth Cowan-Erskine
The Garden Club Murders by Jonathan Whitelaw
The Hidden Dead (The Accidental Medium, Book 4) by Tracy Whitwell
February 14
A Pinch of Salt & A Drop of Poison (The Biscuit Tin Murders, Book 6) by Menna van Praag
Annie is Not Okay (An Amelia Barlowe Mystery, Book 2) by Fern Davis
Do You Know The Muffin Man? by Mia Dalia
Medieval Mayhem (Travelling Town Mysteries, Book 12) by Ami Diane
Streets Alive on Overdrive (A Travel Writer Cozy Mystery, Book 5) by Kelly Young
The Book of Beloved (Pluto’s Snitch, Book 1) by Carolyn Haines
The Girl and the Clock Tower Murder (Pandemonium Mysteries, Book 2) by Cynthia Varady
The Groom’s Club (Cathryn Harcourt Mysteries, Book 5) by Joslyn Chase
Vampires and Valentines (Spellbrooke Mystery Series) by Renee Marski | Novella
Wednesday Wicked Ways (Friday Night Mystery Club Series, Book 4) by Joanna Campbell Slan
February 15
Death at the Jolly Cricketer (Veronica Vale Investigates, Book 7) by Kitty Kildare
Harvest Moon Hauntings (Mystic Moonhaven Mysteries, Book 6) by Daisy Landish
Jester Average Murder by Patti Petrone Miller
Puppies and Payback (Return to Citrus Beach, Book 2) by Victoria LK Williams
The Thames Serpent (Sherlock Holmes – Echoes Through Time, Book V) by Anna Charlotte Fox
Valentine Victim (Camping Girl, Book 6) by Josephine Beintema
February 16
Game, Set, and Catch! (The Tamsin Kernick Cozy English Mysteries, Book 8) by Lucy Emblem
The Case of the Christie Conspiracy (A Detection Club Mystery, Book 1) by Kelly Oliver
February 17
A Thorny End (The Flower Shop Mysteries, Book 5) by Annie Adams
Death by Deception (The Shepherd Sisters Mysteries, Book 1) by Tracy Gardner
Death By Trauma (A Josiah Reynolds Mystery, Book 21) by Abigail Keam
The Case of the Deadly Lake House (The Closed Case Club, Book 5) by J.C. Savoy
You Can Leave Your Hat On (Dressed to Kill Series, Book 3) by Deanndra Hall
February 18
A Geek Girl’s Guide to Murder (Geek Girl Mysteries, Book 1) by Julie Anne Lindsey
Benefactor to the Baroness (The Seductive Sleuths, Book 3) by Melissa Kendall
Death of a Smuggler (A Hamish Macbeth Mystery, Book 37) by M.C. Beaton
Macaroons and Mystics (A Witches of Willow Hollow Mystery, Book 11) by Kat McGee
Snow Time to Die (Northwoods Mysteries, Book 3) by Annie McEwen
The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea (Antique Hunter’s Series, Book 2) by C.L. Miller
The House of Light and Shadows (Secrets & Love, Book 4) by Lauren Westwood
The Unexpected Mr. Hopkins (The Cassie Black Trilogy, Book 6) by Tammie Painter
Troubled Waters (An Enchanted Waters Mystery, Book 9) by Jenna St. James & Stephanie Damore
Wheels and Dirty Deals (Harper & Moon Investigations, Book 6) by Trixie Silvertale
February 19
Gladwynn Grant Shakes The Family Tree (Gladwynn Grant Mysteries, Book 3) by Lisa R. Howeler
February 20
Beds, Breakfasts, & Beta Blockers (Three Dog Mysteries, Book 1) by Jann Franklin
Cruisin’ to Hex (A Whirlwind Witches Cozy Mystery, Book 2) by Allie Katt
Murder at the Regatta (A Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mystery, Book 6) by Dawn Brookes
Murder on the Cornish Coast (A Miss Underhay Mystery, Book 19) by Helena Dixon
Parrot Prose (A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery, Book 2) by D.L. Mitchell
The Hitwoman and the Evil Ex (Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman, Book 46) by J.B. Lynn
The Ringmaster Murder by Renee Brume
Woolen Witness (A Hazel Stitchworth Cozy Mystery, Book 2) by Fiona Grace
February 21
Murder in Solan Harbour (The Solent Island Mysteries, Book 6) by A.S. McClatchie
Murder Movie Club: Murder on a Monday (Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery, Book 1) by Marcy Blesy
Saddle Up Your Brooms (Shadow Vale Witches, Book 7) by Claire Robyns
The Body in the Chamber (Shadow Cutpurses Tudor Thrillers, Book 3) by Adele Jordan
The Labyrinth Walk (Mapletree Club Murder Mysteries, Book 1) by M. Lee Prescott
February 22
Halloween Hex (Mystic Moonhaven Mysteries, Book 7) by Daisy Landish
The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall (The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire, Book 1) by Syrie James
February 24
Bungled Burglaries (Made in Savannah Mystery Series, Book 25) by Hope Callaghan
Operation Reunion (Cutter’s Code, Book 2) by Justine Davis
Original Twins (Wears Valley Witches, Book 6) by L.A. Boruff
Upon the Wings of the Wind (Dr. Tabitha New York City Mysteries/Thrillers, Book 6) by Craig Stephen Copland
February 25
A Cold Dose of Murder (A Cannabis Café Mystery, Book 3) by Emily George
A Slash of Emerald (A Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery, Book 2) by Patrice McDonough
Big Name Fan (A TV Detectives Novel, Book 1) by Ruthie Knox & Annie Mare
By the Gemstone Turned Dark (A Murder, She Witches Mystery, Book 11) by Kat McGee
Cascade Witness (A Luke McCain Mysteries, Book 8) by Rob Phillips
Cons and Canines (The Bistro at Holiday Bay, Book 9) by Kathi Daley
Deadly Flame (A Witch in the Woods, Book 29) by Jenna St. James
Death & Dogshows (Corpse Collector Cozy Mystery Series, Book 4) by Tammy Tyree & Chloe Hale
I Died for Beauty (An Emily Dickinson Mystery, Book 3) by Amanda Flower
Killing Me Soufflé (A Bakeshop Mystery, Book 20) by Ellie Alexander
March of Crimes (Murder by Month Mystery, Book 11) by Jess Lourey
Murder at the Orpheus Theatre (A Tate and Bell Mystery, Book 4) by Irina Shapiro
Murder in an Irish Garden (An Irish Village Mystery, Book 11) by Carlene O’Connor
The Majestic Medium Mystery (You, the Detective!, Book 6) by Julie Davenham
The Next Deadly Chapter (Mystery Bookshop, Book 10) by V.M. Burns
Three Bags Full (A Sheep Detective Story, Book 1) by Leonie Swann
Treasure Hunt (A Maiden Harlow Cozy Mystery, Book 5) by Camille Sharp
Two Weddings and a Murder (A Lady & Lady’s Maid Mystery, Book 9) by Alyssa Maxwell
Where’s the Quetzal? (The Empty Nesters, Book 2) by Jen Dodrill
February 26
A Fatal Focus (Lakeside Cottage Cozy Mysteries, Book 3) by Cindy Bell
The Body at the Roman Baths (A Georgina Drake Mystery, Book 5) by Kate Hardy
Midlife Wish (Hunting After Forty, Book 6) by Lia Davis & L.A. Boruff
February 27
A Wiccan Haunting (Haunted Historical Mystery Series, Book 7) by Regina Wixon
A Lost Safe and Murder (One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries, Book 5) by P.C. James
Murder and The Old Barn (Taco Truck Mysteries, Book 2) by Dennis Shock
Mutiny at the Manor (Pearl Party Cozy Mysteries, Book 3) by Nellie H. Steele
The Salford Sioux (Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mysteries, Book 11) by M.J. Lee
February 28
A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem (A Dakota Green Mystery, Book 1) by Kristen Bird
A Handful of Hexes (The Witch of Henbane Island, Book 4) by Poppy Bridgeman
Crime Scenes and Blackcurrant Cream (A Slice of Life Cozy Mystery, Book 3) by Rachel Beattie
Devil Wears Murder (Hollywood Whodunit, Book 15) by Brittany E. Brinegar
Folklore, Fugitives and Fleas (Library Cat Magical Mysteries, Book 6) by Skye Sullivan
Grave Reality (The Seacastle Mysteries, Book 7) by P.J. Skinner
In Time to the Music (In Time to the Music, Book 1) by Pamela Harju
Irises and Indictments (A Petal Pushers Flower Shop Cozy Mystery, Book 10) by L.C. Turner
Matcha Murder (Tea & Tarot Cozy Mysteries, Book 9) by Kirsten Weiss
Murder at Badger Brook (The Wootton Windmill Mysteries, Book 8) by Izzie Harper
Murder at the Observatory (A Lady Elizabeth Hawthorne Mystery, Book 5) by Olivia Rose
Murder in the Meadow (Dog Detective – A Bulldog on the Case Cozy Mystery, Book 11) by Rosie Sams
Murder on Target (An Evie Parker Mystery, Book 22) by Sonia Parin
Of Spice and Men (A Nora Black Midlife Psychic Mystery, Book 10) by Renee George
Prime Shot (Patricia Fisher: Ship’s Detective, Book 10) by Steve Higgs
Scratched Off (A Whiskers and Words Mystery, Book 11) by Eryn Scott
The Invisible Corpse (A Matinee Classics Cozy Mystery, Book 2) by Della Pearl
Whimsy and Murder on the Thames (Anastasia Romanov Adventures, Book 3) by Auburn Seal
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So many new boos, not enough hours in the
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