Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery by Carlene O'Connor

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Based on the hit mobile game, a cozy murder mystery set in 1920s Paris by a USA Today bestselling author, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie. June's friend has been brutally murdered and the police have the wrong man, can she solve the case before the killer catches up to her?

Paris, 1922. The marriage between the Auclair and the Picard family is the talk of the town. June can't wait to attend the engagement party with her friends, Nate and Jack. But Nate has an ulterior motive, he's there to stop the wedding. Before he can complete his task, he's stabbed in the chest, with Jack's knife. Jack is arrested, but June knows he wouldn't hurt a fly.

In this throwback to the classic whodunnits of Agatha Christie, June must find the real killer and clear Jack's name. As she becomes embroiled deeper and deeper into a corrupt web of Parisian old-money, high society and politics, she uncovers deadly secrets. Can June solve the case before the killer strikes again?

my thoughts:

How fun does this book sound? First off, I love the June's Journey Mystery games - they are a favorite of mine. Also, I love the idea of a book based on the game - it's the perfect whodunit mystery! Familiar characters, a murder mystery, and Paris - what more could I want? 

I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Death Wasn't Invited: A June's Journey Mystery by Carlene O'Connor and immediately started reading. Soon I was transported to Paris in 1922 and alongside June as she attended an engagement party with her friends, Jack and Nate. Except, things go from good to bad in two shake's of a lamb's tail. Yep, June's friend Nate is murdered and the culprit arrested for the crime is her other friend, Jack. Say what? Turns out it was his knife. Yikes! So, now June is rushing to find out what really happened and who is truly responsible for this crime. The only thing is that the more she discover, the deadlier things are becoming. And, that is all I will share about this fun and exciting mystery. 

Make sure to grab a copy and settle in with a cuppa - you are going to LOVE this book to bits. Happy reading! 

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Red Book of Primrose House: A Potting Shed Mystery by Marty Wingate

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

In Marty Wingate’s charming new Potting Shed Mystery, Texas transplant Pru Parke’s restoration of a historic landscape in England is uprooted by an ax murderer.

Pru Parke has her dream job: head gardener at an eighteenth-century manor house in Sussex. The landscape for Primrose House was laid out in 1806 by renowned designer Humphry Repton in one of his meticulously illustrated Red Books, and the new owners want Pru to restore the estate to its former glory—quickly, as they’re planning to showcase it in less than a year at a summer party.

But life gets in the way of the best laid plans: When not being happily distracted by the romantic attentions of the handsome Inspector Christopher Pearse, Pru is digging into the mystery of her own British roots. Still, she manages to make considerable progress on the vast grounds—until vandals wreak havoc on each of her projects. Then, to her horror, one of her workers is found murdered among the yews. The police have a suspect, but Pru is certain they’re wrong. Once again, Pru finds herself entangled in a thicket of evil intentions—and her, without a hatchet.

my thoughts:

Marty Wingate's Potting Shed Mystery series is becoming my new favorite.  Its got all the charms of a cozy mystery that I adore - romance, a bit of danger, gardening history, and the English countryside.  Plus, the writing is top notch, the characters are fun and relatable, and the story itself is an entertaining read.  I absolutely loved The Red Book of Primrose House!

Picking up where the last story left off, Pru Parke has settled in to her new role as head gardener of Primrose House.  She' still dating DCI Christopher Pearse - the only quibble in that relationship is the long distance.  Of course they get in a fair number of weekends together, which added a romantic element to the story.  As usual, Pru is working on creating the BEST garden ever when she gets involved in a bit of drama - think jealous gardener, unruly employees, and an unrealistic boss who leaves her notes asking he to climb towering trees.  However, nothing matters after Ned is found brutally murdered in the garden - he was THE man to talk about the history of Primrose House and Pru's top worker.  As she manages to get more and more involved with the investigation surrounding Ned's death, Pru finds herself the victim of several dangerous attacks.  Seems like someone isn't too happy with Pru working at Primrose House.  Oh, and to add even more drama to the mix, Pru finds out some secrets from her past that truly shatter the last remaining images she had of her mother.  Whoa! Talk about a suspenseful and engaging read!  And that is all I will write about the book.  I don't want to give away any more details than necessary to pique your interest - which I'm hoping I did.  Just know that Marty Wingate knows how to write a cozy mystery very well and that you will be hooked from page one.

Check out the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Red Book of Primrose House

GIVEAWAY:
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Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tour for providing me with a copy of this book!