REVIEW - DEATH MOST DEVIOUS - Fiendishly Good

Death Most Devious by Saffrom Amatti

Date read: 8th June 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon  

The gang are back! This time they're attending an exhibition where a sudden death occurs. And the culprit appears to be a snake!

I love how Tommy gets more interesting with each book. Whether he's the embodiment of Ra or just a regular fella falling for another fella, I adore him. 

The theme of Egyptology was a fab touch - I'm always intrigued by that.

Oh, and there's a mystery author in this one too. That clearly makes her suspicious ;) But everyone seems to have a motive - the victim is a really bad egg. Poor Lucas really doesn't enjoy communicating with this ghost. 

Fun and mysterious. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE ALEWIVES - Cheers m'dears!

The Alewives by Elizabeth R Andersen

Date read: 13th May 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Women in Fiction

Buy link: Amazon  

 

What a fab book! I have to admit I thought the main focus was going to be on the murder mystery, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it's more about the camaraderie between three women.

The book is set in Colmar, Alsace in the year 1353.

I love these women. Grumpy Gritta with her menagerie of offspring is a grounding force not to be reckoned with. Appel who has dubious ways of making money is wise. And pretty Efi who strives to find herself after her loss. The three women are just wonderful together - perfectly imperfect. And so incredibly strong - they must face the ire of jealous men who would deem it unlawful for them to run a business. Well, they survived The Great Pestilence - they're made of stern stuff!

As someone who's written a tale of medieval monks, I was super excited to read Friar Wikerus - an intriguing figure indeed. 

This book is incredibly well researched. We get to explore the smelly tanneries district, meet the poor folk who dwell in that area AND investigate a murder (or two) and thievery. The brewing techniques are detailed in all their glory. And I felt like I was there, strolling around, poking my nose into the folk's houses. The tone was kept light with wry humour. Amazing! 

If you like historical fiction and cosy mysteries, this book is right up your...Trench Lane!

Trouble is brewing!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GRAVE SECRETS - Truth Unearthed

Grave Secrets by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 6th January 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery Aided By Ghosts 

Buy link: Amazon 

This is book 3 in the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries (book 1 review can be found here)

The series gives Poirot meets Ghost Whisperer vibes. You have glorious 1920s London and a quaint village. With a whole lot happening. 

I was really pleased to discover more about Tommy in this book. He's definitely a character with layers. A little bit ooh, a little bit whey! Only, in this book he's landed himself slap bang in the middle of trouble. Again. And so, his loyal friend, Clara has to dive in to try to help, along with her grumpy puppy fiancé, Lucas Rathbone.

Lucas has ghosts who can talk to him. Fair ole talk his ear off, to be fair. Gives a chap a nasty headache. 

There's definitely more to Tommy's tragic past than previously realised. 

And I must say I'm warming to the guy. 

A well-written, thrilling, dangerous and intriguing tale!

One I heartily recommend. 

A great way to start my 2025 reading.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE PROBLEM WITH DEAD PEOPLE - Cosy cosy

The Problem With Dead People by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 16th October 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery Aided By Ghosts 

Buy link: Amazon 

This book had been on my radar far too long. The problem with this reader is their TBR is extensive!

However, I'm delighted I finally got around to reading it. 

I was seeking something different to read. And this was just the ticket. 

Set in 1920s England, about 10 years after the war, one gets immersed in that vivid world, still recovering from all that pain.

This book doesn't just contain one murder but several, owing to that it started life as 5 novellas. But I love how they're all in one book. You see, there is a trail of breadcrumbs being laid. 

Lucas Rathbone is a reporter for the local rag. Clara, his childhood friend and sweetheart, has moved to London, but comes running any time he needs her assistance. And they're just adorable together. He's all quiet and bumbly, and she's all 'grasp the nettle'. A raincloud/sunbeam relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed following them around England, through the sleepy rural village to the seaside and even a jaunt into the city. Even if there were ghosts demanding assistance at every turn. And a nefarious group threatening them. 

The settings were all beautifully created, the people wonderfully portrayed and the plot was riveting. 

I will definitely be reading more in this series. 

A glorious cosy set of mysteries with a post-war backdrop. 

Think Miss Marple meets Ghost Whisperer, and you'll be in the right ballpark.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - BONFIRE OF CALAMATIES - Penny for them!

Bonfire of Calamaties by Kim M Watt

Date read: 9th July 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: Dragony WI Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

Penny for the guy! But, oh dear, he goes missing only to be replaced by a dead body - only in Toot Hansell!

Deadly dealings are afoot, and more trouble is brewing. And there are all manner of animals on the loose! 

This is possibly the most dangerous mystery for the WI yet. And it was marvellous. Thrilling action! I must say Thompson definitely earned some delicacies on this one.

And now I must wait for the next book (*twiddles thumbs*).

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - BEAST LAID PLANS - Beastly!

Beast Laid Plans by Kim M Watt

Date read: 29th June 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: Dragony WI Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I'm still ambling my way through the Beaufort Scales series. And this one may be the best yet. A fine mix of the endearing chaos and loathsome danger. When the WI goes bad! 

A village further along the Yorkshire Dales is host to the madness only monster hunters can bring. But the Toot Hansell hipster dragon has gone missing, and all eyes turn to that village. Is Gilbert OK?

The usual host of marvellous characters aren't likely to sit still when one of their own goes missing and needs them. Ladies of a certain age unite! And rope in our favourite police and distant relatives.

The language used is so eloquent - descriptions lull you into the folds of the Dales with poetic beauty. Juxtaposed with riveting peril. These books are simply charming yet enthralling. 

And I keep diving in for some comfort reading I know I'll enjoy. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GAME OF SCONES - murderous shenanigans

 

Game of Scones by Kim M Watt

Date read: 20th May 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: WI Cosy Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

Oh, my! The WI are delving into the world of politics! :O 

Usually when I say 'support our farmers' I'd mean buying their produce at reasonable rates, wonky or not. However, in this case, it's more stop them being chased off entirely!

I'm happy to report that the mayhem is a little less raucous than the last instalment. However, it is a lot more dangerous as members of the local council are getting bumped off. Is this a challenge too far even for our intrepid Alice? 

I love all these characters. They're who I turn to when I need a cosy mystery which makes me chuckle. Each WI lady is unique, as are the dragons, but they all have a cake obsession. But with all their running around, they need it. DI Adams is maybe slightly less cynical - could the countryside be growing on her? 

The hilariously inept protestors make a welcome return in this one too. 

Oh, and can I just say how much I love these covers? There are little hints when you look at them. Delightful!

Gentle, funny, dangerous mayhem! 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A MANOR OF LIFE AND DEATH - delicious chaos

A Manor of Life and Death by Kim M Watt

Date read: 5th April 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Chaos Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

Phew! Thank goodness for the comforts of chaos Kim M Watt brings. I was in a reading slump, and needed a break from the romance section (*gasp*). Happily, I realised that I'd missed some Beaufort Scales books. They can be read as stand-alones, so it didn't overly matter that I read this out of order, although some things make more sense if you do. 

The WI and the dragons decide to go on a spa weekend, dragging DI Adams along with them. Lovely country manor house. "Yoghurt" (yoga). What could go wrong? 

Oh, you're new to this series, perhaps? Answer; only everything. LOL.

Fighting staff, dismal finances and a whole heap of shady guests. Throw in some protestors and many magickal folk, and you have even more chaos than usual. But whodunnit? 

Poor DI Adams!

I thoroughly enjoyed this mayhem. It's more chaos mystery than cosy mystery, I reckon. It's like whack-a-mole - deal with one problem and someone else sticks their nose in. And although it gets rowdy, there's no graphic violence or swearing.

There is, fortunately, always a good supply of cake to get through it all. 

Suddenly, my life feels a lot easier!?

I can't recommend this series enough, especially if you want a good laugh.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GOBBELINO LONDON - CATegorically magnificent!

Gobbelino London (series) by Kim M Watt

Date read: 12th August 2023

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Kitty PI

Buy link: Amazon 

This series is AMAZING - no baby goats! I'm actually sad it's over (probably). There is wriggle room should the author find it impossible to stay away from the mayhem. 

I love the creative names of each books as well as the creative insults (often involving cabbages or other veg!).

More than that, I adore Callum and Gobbelino. They are awkward misfits in the human and folk worlds. They amble along, getting dragged through one potentially world-ending disaster to another. But they're not alone - a marvellous cast of characters support (or act against) them at every turn. 

Old people, trolls, rats, weres etc. - beings often shunned befriend our MCs. 

The tales are all gloriously told through the eyes of Gobbelino, the small black cat with a big attitude. And let us not forget Green Snake, who makes himself sort of understood and very useful. 

Fun, magickal chaos sums up this magnificent series! 

You just have to read it to believe it. 

(I really hope there are more books in the future - I could read these two cuties forever!)

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WINTER SOLSTICE MURDERS - A Magickal Mystery

Winter Solstice Murders by C Farren

Date read: 10th December 2022

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Magickal Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

Talking familiars and a murder mystery. I just had to read this one!

I really enjoyed the story. The magickal world in which it was set was maybe a little too similar to our own. It was more like a different realm of Earth imho. But familiars and magick are commonplace in Magpie Cove.

Death by tea; doesn't get much more cosy mystery than that, right? 

When Bea is illegally brought back to life, she's determined to discover who her murderer was before they can try again. 

tbh Bea isn't the most lovable character I've ever read. She's quite distanced from friends and family. But then that gives her several suspects to investigate, so I was intrigued to discover why. And Widdershins, her feline familiar, kept me reading. 

I wasn't really trying to solve the case as I was happy to go with the flow. But I didn't guess the culprit.

Having a middle aged heroine was refreshing. 

A fun, magickal mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A CONTAGION OF ZOMBIES - Grreat!

Gobbelino London & a Contagion of Zombies by Kim Watt

Date read: 13th October 2022

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Paranormal Detective

Buy link: Amazon 

Review of book 1, '...a Scourge of Pleasantries" can be found here.

I love this series. Gobbelino London is a cat, and he's the narrator. He's also rather shady. As is his human, Callum. At least, they both seem to have dark pasts. But they're making up for it now with their paranormal detective agency. 

This book involves an outbreak of zombie-ism, including some headless chickens!? 

There is a real mystery in why there are zombies, and what on earth are the pair going to do about them? "No baby goats!"

Witty banter bursts off the pages along with snarky comments (mostly from Gobs). The side characters are amazingly fun. I adore Big Ted who challenges those with preconceived notions of the homeless. And maybe I like sphynx cats a little bit more now - but still, I prefer my cats with fur. 

All of this manic action takes place in the murkier depths of Leeds. An unusual setting, but I love it.

Although full of tension, this book manages to not be overly scary; a great achievement for a zombie book! 

Go on, grab this book - no tricks, just treats.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A SCOURGE OF PLEASANTRIES - more than pleasant!

Scourge of Pleasantries by Kim Watt

Date read: 22nd January 2022

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Paranormal Detective

Buy link: Amazon 

I was in dire need of a light-hearted book. Having read some of this author's Beaufort Mysteries, I was sure this would offer some relief. I wasn't wrong!

Gobbelino is a talking cat - what, like that's not normal, or something? This book is charmingly written from his POV. He's quite mercenary but ever so charming. 

His human, Callum, fortunately has better morals. 

Together, they are PIs. 

On this, the first of their adventures, they are set on a mission to locate a stolen book. Easy! Well, no. There's a lot more than meets the eye, or whisker. 

There's a whole host of marvellous characters. 

And a bunch of crazy. 

The misadventures crescendo into a frenzy, with laugh out loud moments as well as gasps of 'eek'! 

Wonderfully written, we get all the sights and smells of Leeds, and not always as you know it. 

The world-building is masterful. The humour delightfully dry and witty. The creatures fantastically outrageous.

A curious, quirky, cosy! 

A full 5* from me.

Always in love and light, 

TL

REVIEW - The Dragon Sleeps - kept me awake

 

Date read: 31st January 2021

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Mystery in a flapper dress

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Ellen Read

Ooh, this book was hard to put on - I read late into the night! 

It took a little while to get going but the lead-up was interesting. 

Alexandra is a girl in changing times - 1927, Victoria, Australia to be precise. She isn't fond of the society scene and has her sights on going into her father's antique business (gasp). And has a mind of her own (gasps again).

One weekend starts a chain of events in motion and wakes the sleeping dragon! A Chinese mystery begins to unfold. Plotting, avarice and death ensue. 

Alexandra holds her own, but Benedict is a charming hero. Whilst her best friend, Edith, is understandably frightened. 

Flowers scent the scenes beautifully, and I felt like I was there. Wonderful description and characters. 

Who can one trust? 

And who is Yazi? 

An elegantly conducted murder mystery with evocative story-telling. Well worth a read.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A Toot Hansell Christmas Cracker - a cracking good read

Date read: 22nd December 2020

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Dragony Adventures

Buy link: Amazon 

Follow the author: Kim Watt 

Back in August, I read Baking Bad - one of my few 5* reads of this year. 

I was overjoyed to see a Christmas book also set in Toot Hansell. 

This book is a collection of 12 short stories, each filled with pesky magickal beings, the WI and calamity. They all tie up together nicely. AND you get handy Christmassy recipes included - bonus! 

Well, what can I say? 

Utter chaos unfolds on the run-up to Christmas in Toot Hansell. 

The WI seek assistance from their dragon friends who are, as usual, a bit clueless themselves. 

Not only do you get Beaufort and Mortimer; the charming dragons with a baked goods obsession, but many other beings (not all good!). 

There is such a wonderful quaint English village charm in these books - just adorable. 

And the stories are all fun and sure to get you in the festive mood. 

I'm definitely never getting an elf-on-the-shelf; never did trust that smug little git ;-) 

There's danger, excitement, humour and plenty of cake!

I love this Toot Hansell world! There, I said it. 

Give it a read. 

Always in love and light,

TL