Mayhem in the Mountains by Kelly Oliver (Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Book 3)

 

Publication Date:

August 15, 2023

Genre:  

Cozy Mysteries/Historical Mysteries

Length:   

 298 pages

Series: 

Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mysteries

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

1918 Italy

When a deadly blizzard traps Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane in the Dolomite Mountains, it's all downhill from here.

Their hotel is snowed-in, and no one can get in or out. Then a man is found dead in his locked hotel room - and the killer is still on the premises. But with no murder weapon and too many suspects, their investigation is treading on thin ice.

The colder it gets outside, the hotter it gets inside as Fiona squares off with both her beloved Archie and her nemesis Fredricks. With her love-life on a slippery-slope, Fiona risks everything in one bold move...

As fast and twisty as a downhill slalom, this slick new cozy from Kelly Oliver will have you melting into a puddle of laughter.

Snap in and enjoy the ride.

My Thoughts

The covers for these books are absolutely gorgeous. If nothing else, I started reading them for that reason alone. I still find this funny.....that a pretty cover can draw me in. I am a history buff and love serious books all day too, so it is funny to find as a grown adult that cozy mysteries and pretty artwork can make me drop everything and read them. But here we are, lol!

While this is listed as Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Book 3 it is actually Book 6 for me in the series because the first three books are just with Fiona Figg as the main character. I do like the addition of Kitty, who seems to be a shrinking violet on the surface yet underneath is a trained operative well able to fend for herself. The relationship between the two women is amusing as a side plot because Kitty and Fiona are not that far apart in age yet Kitty is always pretending to be so much younger and it grates on Fiona's nerves. So I like the added bonus...plus Kitty's dog, Poppy is a cute addition.

Stacking the Shelves #69

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. 

Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading ya'll!

The Big Four by Agatha Christie (Hercule Poirot Book Five)

LIbby Audiobook Borrow: Free

I have decided to just continue with Hercule Poirot books in order. I have read so many for the Read Christie challenges but there are gaps and he's my favorite of them all! In this one he tries to figure out the identity of a mysterious man who appears in his bedroom covered in dust and then falls. Sounds very strange but I have to find out how on earth she makes a story out of that!

Nemesis by Catherine Hanley 

Sample: Free (will buy if I read the sample and love it!)

I absolutely love Catherine Hanley's books and when she's on a podcast featuring a new one I always listen. This is her latest and as always she picks unique subjects and topics. I confess this is just a sample as the book is expensive even on Kindle but if I love it I will buy it or try to get it at the library. It is about Phillip II of France and his interaction with the Plantagenets. There aren't many books devoted entirely to him so I will learn a lot. She is a great writer of medieval history.

The Last Queen: A Novel by C.W. Gortner 

Kindle Purchase: $1.99 with digital points

This is a novel about Juana of Castile. I find her fascinating. Way more interesting honestly than her sister Catherine (probably because there is so much written about her and I've read a lot!). Juana's story is tragic and whether or not she really was "mad" is still up for debate. Some say her circumstances drove her to insanity as she navigates court politics in Flanders. I hope this is a good, historical read as I've heard good things about Gortner's books before. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Murder on the S.S. Cleopatra by Sara Rosett (Lady Traveler in Egypt Book Two)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Murder on the S.S. Cleopatra, by Sara Rosett. I have wanted to start this series before and hadn't gotten around to it. I love all things set in Egypt and the first book, Murder Among the Pyramids, is one I keep forgetting about! So now there is a new one to catch up with as well. I really need to add these to my TBR pile for winter. It is very Agatha Christie like in that our heroine is cruising down the Nile and encounters a murder. Set in the 1920's it should be a fun read. I hope you've found something you can't wait for! Happy reading ya'll!

Cozy Mysteries

 October 21, 2025

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Luxury, lies, and murder on a Nile cruise

Join Blix Windway, an adventurous lady traveler, on a journey down the Nile in 1924. An eclectic mix of passengers boards the steamer, including a captain of industry, a former stunt-girl reporter turned lady of the manor, an archaeologist, an American teacher, a British doctor and his invalid wife, and a German photographer.

When a passenger is found dead, the elegant cruise turns into a floating crime scene. With everyone confined on board, tensions rise and secrets surface. Even her traveling companion, Hildy Honeyworth, is behaving as if she has something to hide. Blix must navigate the treacherous waters of the investigation and uncover the truth.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Nile River and the ancient wonders of Egypt, this classic whodunit is the second book in the 1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt series from USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Fall 2025 TBR List

 

 

This week's theme for Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is to list the books on my TBR list for fall. I love posts like this but I usually end up with many unread by the next season. Still, it's fun to look ahead with the best intentions and I truly love going to other blogs to see what they have posted. So in no particular order, here are ten books I'd like to finish before the end of December. Happy reading ya'll!

Click on the book title to link to GoodReads:

1. Murder in an Irish Castle by Verity Bright

2. The Enemy and Miss Innes by Martha Keyes

3. Hammer of the Scots by Jean Plaidy

4. A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany by Vivian Conroy

5. Murder at Everham Hall by Benedict Brown

6. Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie

7. Tudor Dawn by David Field

8. Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer

9. The Case of the Christie Conspiracy by Kelly Oliver

10.Stephen and Matilda's Civil War by Matthew Lewis

Stacking the Shelves #68

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. 

Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading ya'll!

Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen: Her Royal Spyness #4 

LIbby Borrow: Free

I have borrowed and started this one before but didn't get far. I was reading too many other books at the time. I am ready to continue with the series and love that this one takes place in Transylvania. I think cozies are more fun when they take place in exotic or historic places. This time Georgie is invited to represent the royal family at a wedding there and of course one of the guests turns up poisoned. Georgie is on the case while dodging possible vampires! Looks like a fun read. 

A Body at a Boarding School by Benedict Brown: Lord Edgington Investigates Book Two

LIbby Borrow: Free

I have read two Lord Edgington books, the first in the series and a Christmas one. Both are enjoyable and I would like to move to book two. This is the audio version so I can listen on the way to work. Edgington and his grandson Christopher investigate unruly staff and students at the boy's boarding school and find themselves involved in another murder investigation. They have a sweet, heartwarming relationship that forms the basis of these books. 

Murder at Rough Point by Alyssa Maxwell: Gilded Newport Mystery Book Four

LIbby Borrow: Free

It's been awhile since I've read one of these. Watching Season 3 of The Gilded Age on HBO Max this weekend got me thinking about them. I really wish Hallmark would get on with another movie too! The first one was great. In this story, reporter Emma Cross is sent to cover a story at the home of her Vanderbilt cousin who is having a party for the upper crust society set and artists. Her estranged parents arrive and when a body is found they become suspects. Should be a good one! I guess this week is just cozies for me. And I'm just fine with that. 

Noteworthy News #10: The Glass King

 I am always raving about my favorite podcasts and this Noteworthy News is no different. I have enjoyed Dan Jones' podcast called This is History so much and looking forward to Season 8 which is starting soon. It will cover the reign of Henry V and he just published his latest book about him too. If you haven't read his books or listened to his podcast you are missing out big time!!

While waiting for Season 8, Jones is having a friend and author, Daniele Cybulskie take the reigns and her six episode series is called "The Glass King." It covers the reign of Charles VI of France also known as Charles the Mad due to his mental instability and what we now think was either bi polar disorder or schizophrenia. I have had a hard time finding books on French medieval history and shows that don't just focus on how France relates to England during that time period. So this was right up my alley and it is soooo good! She tells it in such a great narrative style and explains how his mental troubles contributed to civil war in France and how that affected Europe as a whole. You really get to know Charles and feel such sympathy for him. 

Those of you who have read In a Dark Wandering Wood  by Hella Haasse will really like it. I'm still working my way through that book about that time period and setting. In the podcast Cybulskie also brings to life Charles' spirited and smart wife, Isabeau of Bavaria and Charles' scheming brothers and uncles . The family almost reminds me of the Mafia, like an episode of The Sopranos, but French medieval style, lol.  It is like listening to a great historical movie. Even if you don't know anything about French history (like me, very green on this subject!) you will be fascinated by the story. 

And if you love English history, don't forget that Charles married his two daughters off to two Kings of England: Isabella to Richard II and Catherine to Henry the V. She is the mother of Henry VI, another king with mental troubles. It all ties together and makes for the most fascinating tale.

So if you need something to listen to on the way to work or wherever check out This is History: A Dynasty to Die For "The Glass King." Each episode is around 30-40 minutes, so not some huge time commitment like a full audio book. Happy listening ya'll!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Murder at the Royal Palace by Verity Bright ( A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Book 23)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Murder at the Royal Palace by Verity Bright. This is book 23 in this series and continues the adventures of Eleanor, her butler Clifford, and her dog Gladstone. This time they are invited to the palace to see Eleanor's husband knighted but of course get involved in another set of murders. Always a fun time!

Cozy Mysteries

 September 30, 2025

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Lady Eleanor Swift has a special royal invitation. She’s got just the right dress and the perfect plus one… But wait! Is that a body by the throne?

Lady Eleanor Swift is at Buckingham Palace to see her new husband, Detective Chief Inspector Seldon, knighted. Brimming with pride, all she can hope is that Gladstone the bulldog behaves himself in front of the king.

But the happy day is overshadowed when Dilly Dalrymple, a royal guard from the Tower of London, tragically dies. The head of the royal police asks Eleanor and Hugh to investigate – unofficially. This is her first clue that there’s more to the story…

Donning a disguise as a journalist for a well-to-do magazine, Eleanor, with butler Clifford posing as her photographer, is invited to stay in the Tower amongst the remaining guards and their families. She wasn’t expecting gossiping wives, affairs aplenty and talk of long-lost treasure! Was Dilly killed to settle an old score or was he perhaps a little too close to someone else’s wife?

But when another soldier is murdered at midnight, hours after the gates are locked, Eleanor knows she needs to keep her wits about her… And when everyone seems to have a reason to lie, can Eleanor dig up the truth before it’s her head next?

Stacking the Shelves #67

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. 

Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading ya'll!

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr Book One)

LIbby Audiobook Borrow: Free

I have finally, finally started this series. I have been intending to for a very long time. Set during the Napoleonic Wars and sounding similar to the Anne Perry style of mysteries it looks like one I will enjoy.

I admit there is so much going on at work my blog and book life is suffering greatly so I am listening to this one in the car. So far I'm loving it and the narrator is fabulous. It's Davina Porter, the same lady who reads the Outlander series. So for those of you who've recommended this book series to me I thank you and look forward to continuing with it!

Murder in an Irish Castle by Verity Bright (Lady Eleanor Swift Book 12)

Kindle Purchase: Free with digital points

My next book in this delightful series! I have so many yet to go and just keep buying them when I can. This one looks like a Christmas/Winter one but I think I'll go ahead and start it. There is already a new one out I'm featuring on Can't Wait Wednesday this week. In this book Lady Eleanor is expecting a fun vacation at her late Uncle's estate in Ireland exploring her heritage and instead finds another body! Should be a fun read and I love that it is set in Ireland.

Mayhem in the Mountains by Kelly Oliver (A Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery Book 3)

Libby Borrow: Free

I think this series is really cute and this is the 6th book for me so far. The first three books were just Fiona but now her sidekick Kitty has been added along with her love interest Archie and villain Fredricks. I'm always trying to figure out if he is really a villain and suspect that when the series comes to an end he will turn out to be a secret spy good guy. I am excited to catch up with them!

Stacking the Shelves #66

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. 

Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading ya'll!

The Strange Fate of Kitty Easton by Elizabeth Speller

Hoopla borrow: Free

This one just looked unique and interesting to me. It is number two in the Laurence Bartram series but the first book doesn't seem as exciting. This one involves the disappearance of a young girl in a village during 1916. The synopsis of the book sounds like it will have a lot of WW1 as the background and how the village is coping with it all. 

The Families of Eleanor of Aquitaine by J.F. Andrews

Amazon Kindle: Free with points

I just can't seem to resist any books about Eleanor of Aquitaine. And this one focuses on her daughters. The male line gets so much attention and I know her daughters had amazing lives as well. Can't wait to learn more about them!

A Sunless Sea by Anne Perry (William Monk Book 18)

Libby Borrow: Free

This is one series I have remained faithful to and love. And Libby has them all. I've been reading my way through the Monk series for 20 years and love everything Perry has written. It's time to catch up with the next one. Here Monk investigates the death of a woman who has been seeing a mysterious guest with possible ties to the government. Perry books are always great mysteries! You can't go wrong.

At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie (Miss Marple Book 10) Read Christie Selection September 2025

 

Publication Date:

January 1, 1965

Genre:  

Cozy Mysteries/Historical Mysteries

Length:   

 223 pages

Series: 

Miss Marple

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

This old-fashioned London hotel may not be quite as reputable as it makes out! When Miss Marple comes up from the country for a holiday in London, she finds what she's looking for at Bertram's: traditional décor and impeccable service. But she senses an unmistakable atmosphere of danger behind the highly polished veneer. Not even Miss Marple can foresee the violent chain of events set in motion when an eccentric hotel guest makes his way to the airport one day late.

My Thoughts

I thought it was a bit of a stretch to call this a Miss Marple mystery. She is not in the story very much and her usual expertise in solving the mystery is not in depth. Rather, I think she is there more to be the one who slowly realizes the hotel is not old world charming but rather sinister and jaded. In that respect, her character shines through. But she is not in the novel enough to be as memorable as the other Marple mysteries I've read. 

Bertram's Hotel is pitched as an old style, full service hotel that aims to please its patrons by being a classic London lodging of old. Everyone assumes there is nothing going on but the usual. As the story unfolds we get glimpses of things not being quite right. Shady dealings and train robberies add to the confusion and make the story suspenseful and exciting. The seeming disappearance of a hotel guest and their fate are unexpected and add a lot to the drama; I didn't guess what was actually happening to him at all!

Most of the time we hear from the detectives on the case. Their thoughts, interviews, etc. This felt more like a Hercule Poirot type of story in that respect. It was enjoyable and I came to like the character of Inspector Davy, even though he didn't spend a lot of time with Miss Marple.

The story was unique and worth reading even though I wished we'd seen more of her. Unlike other Christie novels, this one didn't focus as much on murder as it did other crimes but that was a nice change. This one definitely stands out as a departure from her typical mysteries.