This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Murder at the Montrose Mansion: A Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper by Denise Jaden is the fifth book in the series. Mallory has struggled to redefine her life since the loss of her husband which she was able to do through her friendship with Amber who brings fun and happiness back into her world. Amber has a personality that is young, idealistic, and opinionated which are qualities that add to the story and make for the perfect partner-in-crime. Mallory has big plans to give Amber a sweet sixteen she won't forget. Those plans included delicious cupcakes, not murder by a tiger. When Mallory's friend Alex Martinez is drawn away on a case, Mallory and Amber have bigger problems to face after the evidence points to Amber's uncle. As the two dig into the investigation, they have to decide whether or not her uncle is innocent, but all they can do is follow where the evidence leads. A delicious recipe for Salted Rum Caramel Tartlets is included.
Denise Jaden delivers a mystery series that shines yet again, primarily thanks to the dynamic between the two characters. Their relationship is a sweet and genuine friendship, and together they make solving mysteries funny and enjoyable. Amber adds innocence to the story that comes from her youth and is used as a way to brighten Mallory's day. She also has the wisdom to see the world a little differently and this helps her view the cases they solve in a way that complements Mallory's own sleuthing. The mystery series stems from the bond people can have over shared grief. This gave them the healing they each needed while also introducing an amateur sleuth element into the story. The relationship with Alex is a slow-burn possibility that is complicated as he's one of her closest friends and she's still dealing with who she is after her husband's death. The flirty connection and chemistry between them make for a sweet dose of romance. The mystery has an eccentric and dramatic undertone with the connection to Amber's family and the pet tiger as the murder weapon. This is one of those mysteries that evoke the feeling of being curled up in front of a fire. A feel-good mystery, Murder at the Montrose Mansion includes friendship, humor, murder, and sweet recipes.
