Fair warning here, there are puns, many puns in The Soprano Wore Falsettos, the fourth in the Liturgical Mystery series by Mark Schweizer. They will make you groan (as they should). Hayden's life is good. He has a job (well, several, actually) he loves, a woman he loves, a town he loves, there's just one thing missing. He wants to write the a tough, hard-boiled detective story in the style of Raymond Chandler. He's trying, but his efforts are, um, less than good. Writing will have to take a back seat to his police work when another body is found in the choir loft. To complicate matters, the church has come in to a LOT of money and there are debates, some heated, as to how it should be used. Another great entry in this hysterical series. :-)

It starts out as such a nice day, the day Hannah is getting married. The vicar, however, is late, so a substitute is found for the ceremony which, fortunately, is finished before the body is found. Of, you guessed it, the vicar. He is young and new to the job, what could anyone have against him? Then secrets start to surface, some you would not expect for a vicar. Is one shocking enough to cause his death? Murder at the Wedding is the fifth Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery by Anita Davison.

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Tall Reader heard about this book on NPR: Dog Show (poems) by Billy Collins. Loved it enough to purchase a copy for each of us. I read it slowly, one poem a day to make it last. ;-) Enjoyed the poems, some more than others, of course, and didn't understand one of them even reading it more than once. I loved the watercolors by Pamela Sztybel, too.

Riding Reader tucked a copy of The Great Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Book in my stocking this Christmas. It is a collection of enigmas designed to puzzle the greatest detective of them all (says so, right on the cover!). I am about two thirds of the way through as I make this entry and I've figured out three of the 50 plus I've tried! I read just one or two a day, often with my second cup of tea (which doesn't seem to help). Thank goodness the solutions are at the back. :-)

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There has been a death outside a pub in this, the fourth book in the Veronica Vale Investigates series by Kitty Kildare. Death at the Dripping Tap has Veronica pretty much working on her own since her usual partner (use the term loosely, he is not always a willing partner) ;-) is injured, she has to ... interact ... with someone else. Someone who believes (as do most men at this time) that women are only good as wives and mothers. It's an uphill battle. When the landlord, Stanley Pickleton, is accused of the crime (remember, she owns the pub), she is determined to prove him innocent. Great descriptions of the era here, good dialogue, all in all a worthy read. ;-)

It has been 'interesting' touring around the U.S. in their RV and Gemma and Jo are hoping this stop, in Maine, will be different. Alas, that's not to be when their three-legged Chihuahua, Pepsi, alerts them to a body on the beach below the hike they were on. Jo heads back down the trail to where she can get a signal and call for help, Gemma heads down to the beach. The young woman is still alive, barely, and dies with the last words of "Tell Wanda. Birds." Come along as they get involved in a small town mystery, secrets, friends (good and not so good) as they figure out just what 'birds' means. One Left Behind, by Patri Lawson, is the third in the Gemma and Jo Mysteries series.

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Here is the first of the Redmond and Haze Mystery series by Irina Shapiro: Murder in the Crypt. I started well into the series due to a box of books Wandering Reader sent. It was good enough where I wanted to start at the beginning! A body has been found stuffed into a partially open tomb of a medieval knight. Who, and why there? This is the first murder case for Detective Haze (in a small town there's usually not much murder after all). There is someone new in town, so suspicion falls on him, yes? This is Jason Redmond, a surgeon. Not only did he not kill anyone, he is more than happy to help Daniel . It was fun getting to know these characters from when they first met.

I have to wonder just where Mark Schweizer gets some of his ideas, there's always some sort of fun twist. :-) It will come as no surprise that it has to do with tap dancing in this, the third Liturgical Mystery: the Tenor Wore Tapshoes. There is a character who is, well, easy to recognize, because he always wears tap shoes and often is tap dancing, even when sitting. Something ... slimy ... is going on. A new comer is much too eager to take on, mmm, certain responsibilities at the church. Is there a secret history somewhere? "Real life" mimics the hard boiled detective story our main character is writing here (still just as bad as in earlier books) as he tries to track down a killer, and prepare for All Saints Day.

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Murder at the British Museum is the Kitty Worthington Mystery #12, by Magda Alexander. Kitty is now happily married and her detective agency is thriving. It's at the height of the "King Tut" craze and there will be a series of lectures on that taking place soon given by hubby Richard, who is home from his excavations in Egypt. When he is worried that some of the artifacts have been stolen, and confronts the museum director, he is fired ... and then that director is found dead. And mummified. Prime suspect, of course, is Richard. The search for the real killer is an exciting read ... lots of interesting secrets, strange cults and more.

Miss Merrill and her Aunt, Violet, are at it again, in Murder in Covent Garden, by Anita Davison. Even with all the closures due to the war, this is still an exciting area of London, and is where Violet and Hannah have their book store. There have been many robberies of late, however, and then the local jeweler is found dead. Hannah has concern for the investigation when the policeman that shows up is the very person she saw arguing with the jeweler the day before. Naturally, she has to check things out for herself (with Aunt Violets help). This is the third in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series.

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Even though I don't cook this was a most interesting read: How Would You Like Your Mammoth? 12,000 Years of Culinary History in 50 Bite-Size Essays by Uta Seeburg. Learn why spices fell out of favor, when sauce first became popular, and why there was a huge battle over borscht! You'll read about proper afternoon tea and the history of fish and chips. Had a good chuckle over the chapter about various religions and fasting (there used to be a lot more days for that) (especially Catholics) and how one could get around the forbidden foods (many established by priests). Cook or non-cook, you should enjoy this book.

Did you ever wonder about yodeling? Want to learn more? (Am I hearing a resounding "NO!" ??) Well, I did, and I found a book all about it! Yodel-Ay-Ee-Oooo: the Secret History of Yodeling Around the World, by Bart Plantenga. I had no idea it is a global thing, just about every country has a version of yodeling. Used for singing, for messages, for celebrations, all kinds of things. Author includes information on finding recordings of all the styles (which dates it a bit) and lists performers (some you might know), and how it has evolved ... there is even a rap version! A bit dry in spots, but overall a most interesting read.

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I loved the description on the back for Barks and Clues: a Canine Cozy Mystery (book 1) by Sharon Michaels: a fun, clean mystery with twists and turns. :-) Three generations of one family working together. Dog detectives sniffing out clues. A small town with hidden secrets. All the elements for a great story, yes? Yes! It starts with a series of break-ins around the neighborhood and Maya (retired detective) doesn't think they are random. The dogs take them to an old shack with someone inside ... an inventor ... ? Really? Inventing what? And why in the old shack? (He's sure the 'bad guys' are looking for him, and the plans for his invention). A delightful, traditional cozy.

Here is the second of the Liturgical Mystery books from Mark Schweizer: the Baritone Wore Chiffon. You remember the main character here is trying to write a book in the style of Raymond Chandler, yes? Well, that continues, just as bad as before and parallels the 'real' mystery happening in Haydens life. It's heading in to Lent now, and again, there is an interim priest, although why this time is one of the mysteries. His wife wants to create "An edible Last Supper" with folks dressed like the famous painting and serving a buffet dinner. There are clowns, and snakes, oh, and a 'Fung Shui' Altar design that should keep you laughing. This time (no surprise) it's a baritone that is the victim, but there will be a surprise to come. Such a fun series!

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I got this book because there are German Shepherds involved and that's a favorite breed of mine! It's probably more of a teen or tween book than I expected from the blurb, but it was an excellent (if short) read! Sniffed Out is the first of the Search and Rescue Cozy Mysteries by Patti Benning. Evelyn has two dogs: one is a seasoned search dog for "live" finds, the other is in training as a cadaver dog. As green as he is at this, he's learned his lessons well and discovers a dead body! This won't take you long, and it's worth it.

Here is the third Veronica Vale Investigates book by Kitty Kildare: Death at the Craven Arms. Veronica is at the family owned pub to keep an eye on the most recent 'event' ... a paranormal investigator and author holding a ghost hunt! She does not believe in ghosts, but many do and the author is very popular. There are a few who are not happy, though, and not because they don't believe in ghosts, but because they don't want their ancestor exploited in any way. The plot thickens, as the saying goes, when the investigator is found dead at the foot of the stairs to the cellar. Will the ghosts help with the investigation?

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I like this series, Music Shop Mysteries because of the connection to music. :-) Snake in the Brass, by Jennifer Lamont Leo is the third book. Set in Idaho, in 1920 ... a new age in music is developing ... jazz! A group, the Midnight Serpents, has arrived in town to give a concert of this daring new music and not everyone approves. The concert seems to have gone well, until a body shows up. It looks like an accident, but we know that can't be true. Sassy cat Moxie helps with the investigation.

This book, Three Bags Full, a Sheep Detective Book, by Leonie Swann, first came out in 2005. It's now back, in a 'deluxe' edition, and about to be released as a major motion picture. I read it on the recommendation of Canadian Reader. Turns out, sheep make pretty good detectives! Their shepherd, the one who reads to them, is dead. The flock is determined to find out just who did this horrible thing and this is how they do so! There is a great description of each sheep at the start, strengths and weaknesses and so on, that made for a great reference as I read. Sheep, of course, pick up on different things than mere humans, a scent, for example. I liked it, they act very sheep like, there's very little human like behavior here. Most enjoyable.

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The second Veronica Vale Investigates book by Kitty Kildare, is Death at the Drunken Duck. Set in London in 1920, Veronica writes obituaries for the local paper. She'd like to do more, but even this job ... well, let's just say, some (mostly men) take exception to a woman doing a man's job, especially now that the war is over. Still, when her best friend's brother is accused of murder, she (and her loyal dog Benji) step in to help prove his innocence. The author includes historic notes at the end, I start there. :-)

Do you know much about pigeon racing? I didn't, but I learned more in Murder Flies the Coop, the second Beryl and Edwina Mystery by Jessica Elliott. These two make a great team: one Brit and a 'proper' woman (mostly, she has her moments ...) and one a saucy American staying in England because of Prohibition at home. They are old school chums happily getting reacquainted. Each brings different talents and skills to their investigations. In this case, money, and jewels are missing along with one member of the local pigeon racing club. His body is found in his pigeon coop. Follow along as they put all the clues together. A fun series!

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I started a new author/series this past week and ended up just not liking it, especially how the main characters treated each other. I gave up and decided to go for something I knew I'd like and that was the 29th in the Miss Fortune Mystery series by Jana Deleon, Coeds and Cattails. It did not disappoint! All the familiar folks are back and doing things we expect from them, including what the author calls 'Gertie moments'! :-) A college coed has been murdered, one that was not well liked as she ratted people out, often meaning they were expelled or fired from the university. And, yet, she was invited to a party of one of the most popular people on campus. Why? Now, someone has been arrested for the murder, the daughter of Detective Casey, friends with the Swamp Team 3, who promise to look into things when the local campus police seem happy that they've solved the crime. They haven't, you know that, yes? ;-) Just a great series!

Murder in Highgate was in the box sent up by Wandering Reader. When the Ashford family opens up the family tomb they find a surprise ... a body hanging inside. Who is it? And why in their family tomb? Once they identify the body all sorts of secrets emerge. This is book nine in the Redmond and Hazy Mystery series by Irina Shapiro. Nicely done, I did not feel 'lost' starting this far into the series.

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 The Golden Spoon is the debut novel of Jessa Maxwell. It involves a baking show, a very popular baking show, it's been on the air for many years. Recently however, in fact, with this season of the 'bake off' the producers decided it needed some spicing up and brought in a co-host. He also has a baking show, but one that is much edgier. Six contestants have been selected from the hundreds that have applied. Each day there is a new challenge, each day someone will be eliminated. All have a different reason for wanting to be on the show. They all have a history, of course. Things start to happen: one contestant finds salt in a sugar container, there is gasoline in another's syrup. It started out well, but now tempers flare and then everything falls apart when a body is found. Nicely done.

Ivy Galloway and her rescue dog (a border collier) are the proud owners of a hobby farm she plans on turning into a B&B. The rescue of Keats was rough (original owner was abusive) and Ivy is happy to return to the small town of Clover Grove. At least until the body of the local (and unpopular) dog catcher Lloyd Boyce is found dead in the rye field. This could impact her plans, for sure. And, it looks like Boyce might not be the only target, could she be next? She needs to solve this mystery, and quickly! Dogcatcher in the Rye is the first in the Bought the Farm Mystery by Ellen Riggs.

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It's a literary fair in Tidehaven Cove, what could possibly go wrong? Things were going well until one author shows up, his book has NOT been published and he is sure it is due to a government conspiracy, and that everyone needs to pay more attention to that. He blames all the other authors who are there (and some store owners), sure that they are pandering to the government and helping to cover up conspiracy, fraud, and oh, so much more. When he is found dead there is, well, relief, but it does need to be investigated and that's what Ginny does. He antagonized everyone though, so it won't be easy. Bound by Secrets is the second in the Pages & Paws Mystery series by Poppy Bridgeman.

I love cheese, so picking up this book was an easy decision: Cheddar Luck Next Time, by Beth Cato. Bird Nichols makes cheese boards for all kinds of occasions, big to small. There are descriptions of how she does this, the flavors she combines and so on which left me a bit bewildered since I don't do much of anything in the kitchen, but for those of you who do, this will be a treat! She is also autistic so you learn about that, too, (read the acknowledgments), that was very well done. She's hoping her move to a small town will mean a peaceful life, but when she finds a body that all changes. As the newest person in town, and the one finding the body, she is the main suspect. She is going to have to prove she didn't do it ... a good start to (I hope) a series.

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This is the series where I started with book 10 and now have gone back to start at the beginning: Death at the Fireside Inn, one of the Veronica Vale Investigages mysteries by Kitty Kildare. It was fun to go back and meet the characters from the beginning. Veronica writes obituaries for the local paper. She is a woman, and not all on staff approve of this (it's 1920, in London). When she learns she knows the vicitm of a recent killing, she jumps in to do her on investigation with the help of her good friend, and her rescue dog. Needless to say, the police are not amused!

Tessa was looking forward to the upcoming overnight hike, it was one that would take folks to a wonderful spot to view the meteor shower. Naturally things do not go as planned. While the meteor shower was spectacular, not all of those who signed up for the hike get along, and the next morning one of them is found dead. With the help of her dog and cat, Tessa (remember, her magic allows her to talk to them), sets out to solve the case. It's made harder by the location (no cell phone service) and distance from civilization. A Guide to Uncovering a Secret is the second in the Finn and Briar Cozy Mystery series by Courtney McFarlin.

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