by KRL Staff
Another year has ended and once again we take a look back at a few of the many books that were reviewed in KRL in 2020. 2020 was a year most of us want to forget, but one good thing that did happen is that a lot of great books were published! All but one of our main reviewers share in this post their top 5-10ish favorite books they reviewed in 2020. Katherine Costa wanted to include favorite authors and TV shows that she has reviewed, so hers went up in a separate post in this issue.
by Sunny Frazier
Chocolate bonbons go with books, and February offers these reading confections. Why are so many set in Maine? Also, Amanda Flower starts a new series for us to enjoy. Sweet!
by Sandra Murphy &
Cynthia Chow
This week we have another fun catch up group of mysteries published over the last few months-Absence of Alice: A Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery by Sherry Harris, Murder Comes to Call: A Beryl & Edwina Mystery by Jessica Ellicott, Murder is in the Air by Frances Brody, and Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door by Barbara Ross (Barnes and Noble exclusive).
by Sandra Murpy
& Cynthia Chow
This week we have another fun group of mysteries-Nothing Bundt Trouble: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander, Red Hot: A Red Herring Mystery by Dana Dratch, Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody by Barbara Ross, and Still Knife Painting: A Paint and Shine Mystery by Cheryl Hollon.
by Sunny Frazier
While June brings sunshine into our lives, and possibly an end to quarantining, it also brings sad news of the loss of one of our authors. The rest of the titles are all new series for your summer reading.
by Cynthia Chow
& Sandra Murphy
This week we are once again trying to catch up on mysteries we haven’t had the chance to review yet-A Crafter Quilts a Crime: A Handcrafted Mystery by Holly Quinn, In Cold Chamomile: A Tea and a Read Mystery by Joy Avon, Matchmaking Can Be Murder: An Amish Matchmaking Mystery by Amanda Flower, and Sealed Off: A Maine Clambake Mystery by Barbara Ross.
by Cynthia Chow
This week we have a pair of mysteries with some unique professions that I don’t recall seeing in mysteries before (though I could be wrong)-we have a “Professional Busybody” in Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody by Barbara Ross, and the owner of a cookbook publishing company in Risky Biscuits: A Sugar & Spice Mystery by Mary Lee Ashford.
by Sandra Murphy
& Cynthia Chow
Here is another fun group of food and wine mysteries-Batter Off Dead: A Southern Cake Baker Mystery by Maymee Bell, One Taste Too Many: Sarah Blair Mystery by Debra H. Goldstein, Steamed Open: A Maine Clambake Mystery by Barbara Ross, Wine and Punishment: A Literary Pub Mystery by Sarah Fox, Live and Let Pie: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander, Kappy King and the Pie Kaper: An Amish Mystery by Amy Lillard.
by Sandra Murphy
We have a pair of December mysteries for your winter reading-Unnatural Causes: A Dr. Katie LaClair series by Dawn Eastman, and Stowed Away: A Maine Clambake Mystery by Barbara Ross.
by Cynthia Chow
February is when Maine’s Busman’s Harbor closes up for the winter, with snowbirds fleeing and many residents departing for warmer climates. Even Julia Snowden’s winter restaurant has closed up for the season, as her boyfriend Chris takes advantage of an opportunity to help friends sail to Key West. This slow period allows Julia to spend a little more time with her mother, resulting in a routine errand to pick up mail opening up a maelstrom of family secrets, scandals, and indiscretions.
by Cynthia Chow
As ubiquitous as fruitcake, but probably better received, eggnog ushers in the start of the holiday season with its spicy aroma, sinful calories, and for these three cozy mystery authors…murder.
by Sunny Frazier
My new kidney and I are glad to be back and ready to share fun books that might find their way under your tree this year!
A snow globe as a murder weapon? Mayor Lewis Frost, known as “Frosty,” is dealing with controversy in the city council.
by Karen Rose Smith,
Mary McHugh &
Barbara Ross
This week we have some more recipes from mystery novels, and this time we were looking for some great recipes for your Father’s Day dinner! We have one from Silence of the Lamps by Karen Rose Smith, and one from Bossa Novas, Bikinis, and Bad Ends by Mary McHugh, and finally one from Fogged Inn by Barbara Ross. We will also be giving away copies of Silence of the Lamps and Fogged Inn (we just gave away a copy of the other book last week.) Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win, and a link you can use to purchase the books.
by Cynthia Chow
Julia Snowden moved home to Busman’s Harbor, Maine, to help save her family’s clambake business. Now that it’s out of the red but closed for the winter season, Julia has decided to stay in Maine while running the Gus, Too restaurant with her boyfriend Chris Durand. It has been a challenge sharing space with the landlord who runs the morning breakfast diner, but when Gus Farnham wakes them up on the early Thanksgiving weekend, it’s not to complain. It’s to ask why there’s a body in the refrigerator.
