Staci McLaughlin

I was quite impressed with this cozy mystery. I loved the small town atmosphere and wanted to go to the ice cream shop and taste every flavor there. The author really did a great job of making her characters real and interesting. I found Dana the main character to be very smart and I loved reading about her job. Who wouldn't want to work at an organic farm and spa?

What I like the most about this book is how the mystery is well written with subtle hints of who the killer might be. There were a few funny moments but not so silly that the characters start to become boring. I loved how the story moved along at a good pace with details that were not overwhelming. The book has several characters but not so many that the reader gets lost in trying to remember them all.

I was quite intrigued by the wedding that Dana was planning. It was going to be a great day for her and her soon to be husband Jason. I liked that Jason was protective of Dana when she decides to do a bit of detective work. How could she not, since she seems to be a suspect? The victim was not liked by some of the people in the town. She had a habit of finding out secrets about people and using that to her advantage. I at first was so clear who the killer was, but was pleasantly surprised by who it turned out to be. The ending is good and has a great scene that involves some mud throwing in a way. It definitely was fun to read and I'm happy to say a very well written ending to a story that I loved.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escape Book Tour . The review is my own opinion.… (mehr)

Marriage is Pure Murder by Staci McLaughlin is the sixth book in A Blossom Valley Mystery series. It is early November and Dana Lewis is getting ready for her wedding to Jason Forrester at the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa in Blossom Valley. Dana is visiting the florist, Bethany Lancaster at the Don’t Dilly-Dahlia Flower Shop to go over the final details. Bethany seems to know particulars about Dana’s life that she did not share with her and the florist probes for more information. Later that day Dana receives a call from Bethany. One of the flowers Dana wanted for the wedding is no longer available, and Bethany needs Dana to stop by after work to pick a replacement. Dana arrives at the flower shop to find the lights out and the door locked. She goes around back and finds the alley door unlocked. Dana enters to find Bethany on the floor with blood pooling around her head. Detective Palmer is assigned the case, and he considers Dana a suspect (based on very flimsy evidence). Dana wants this matter cleared up before her wedding. She starts asking questions about Bethany and discovers that she was a blackmailer. Bethany used people’s secrets to her advantage. That certainly opens up the suspect pool. But one person had more to lose than any of the others. Will Dana make it to her wedding or will it turn into a funeral?

Marriage is Pure Murder is nicely written and has a good pace which makes for an easy to read cozy mystery. The mystery was slightly more complex than those in previous books in this series (which appealed to me). I liked how one little detail gave away the killer’s identity to Dana in the book. The ending is sweet and will provide readers with a laugh. I give Marriage is Pure Murder 3.5 out of 5 stars. I do wish that there had been more substance (depth) and less time devoted to Wilbur and food descriptions. I was curious as to the name of Dana’s mother. It was not mentioned once throughout the book. I found Dana’s sister, Ashlee to be infantile, selfish and annoying (I really did not like her). I sincerely hope that we see less of her in future novels. Marriage is Pure Murder is a cute, lighthearted story that will appeal to many readers.… (mehr)

Murder Most Wholesome by Staci McLaughlin is the fifth book in A Blossom Valley Mystery series (can be read as a stand-alone book). Dana Lewis works at O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa handling their marketing (and social media). However, when the chef is unable to work due to a long lost love being murdered and left in her front yard, Dana has to take over (her idea of cooking is hamburger helper). Dana figures the best way to get Zennia (the cook) back to work is to solve the murder. Will Dana be able to figure out who killed Birch? Will the guests at O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa get edible (and healthy) meals (besides peanut butter and jelly)? You will need to read Murder Most Wholesome to find out. Murder Most Wholesome is easy to read and enjoyable. The murder mystery was extremely easy to solve (the killer was so obvious), but the writer provided great clues (and some misdirection). This is one of the better cozy mysteries I have read this week. I give Murder Most Wholesome 4 out of 5 stars. It has a sweet and romantic ending that you will not want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of Murder Most Wholesome from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.… (mehr)