cozy - No Apology Book Reviews

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett

October 24, 2025

Title: Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter Author: Heather Fawcett Series: n/a Much thanks to Heather Fawcett, Del Ray, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I like cats, but I don’t love them, which might have detracted from my enjoyment of this novel a bit. Cats are not only featured but secondary characters, so know that going in—if you don’t like cats, this isn’t a novel for you. I’m disappointed, but it …

Review Roundup Summer 2025 – Part 2

July 28, 2025

Another roundup of several smaller reviews I wrote in Summer 2025. Beware of spoilers! Title: The Otherwhere Post Author: Emily J. Taylor Series: n/a Thank you to Emily J. Taylor, Penguin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Apologies for this review being overdue. Something felt off to me the entire time I listened to this audiobook. I think I didn’t get oriented on the time period or worldbuilding quite right …

Interview with Amanda Flower (I Died for Beauty and Not They Who Soar)

June 6, 2025

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper I Died for Beauty by Amanda Flower is the last Emily Dickinson book of the series. Not They Who Soar is the second book of the Katharine Wright series. I Died for Beauty has Emily Dickinson and her maid Willa investigating a fire in Amherst, 1857. As Amherst families attempt to keep their homes warm, fears of fire abound because of one of the worst winters in New England’s history. In the Irish community …

Review Roundup Spring 2025 – Part 2

May 15, 2025

A roundup of several more small reviews I wrote in Spring 2025. Beware of spoilers! Title: A Most Extraordinary Pursuit Author: Juliana Gray Series: Emmaline Truelove #1 I liked Emma well enough, but there was a lot going on. 1. She inexplicably sees and converses with dead people; I think the intent is for her to wrestle with her conscience Jiminy Cricket-style, but it comes across more like she’s having full-on hallucinations. Frequently. 2. People are inexplicably moving through time, …

Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan

January 31, 2023

Title: Murder at an Irish Castle Author: Ellie Brannigan Series: An Irish Castle Mystery #1 Poorly written Much thanks to Ellie Brannigan, Dreamscape Media, and Netgalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudiobook in exchange for an honest review. If you’re looking for a juicy mystery, you won’t find it here. This is primarily a women’s fiction story about a woman who not only loses everything but who also has to move to Ireland or she’ll destroy hundreds …

Interview with Korina Moss (Gone for Gouda)

November 6, 2022

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Gone for Gouda by Korina Moss is the second installment in her cheese shop mysteries. As with the first book, readers are treated to a riveting cozy mystery and great banter between the characters. The French-inspired cheese shop is playing host to celebrity vegan chef Phoebe Winston. But when photos surface that prove this vegan influencer is, in fact, a carnivore, things crumble. Phoebe is murdered. Willa’s employee, the affable Archie, was the last …

Interview with Daryl Wood Gerber (A Hint of Mischief)

July 9, 2022

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Hint of Mischief by Daryl Wood Gerber is a well written cozy mystery. This is the third installment of the series. It has a murder, delightful characters, and an inviting setting that is very magical. If readers believe in fairies, instead of clapping their hands, they should read these novels. If people do not believe that fairies exist, they can read this one and let their imagination take over. There are three mysteries …

Interview with Amanda Flower (Courting Can Be Killer)

December 10, 2020

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Courting Can Be Killer by Amanda Flower is book two in a great Amish cozy mystery series. It has a combination of quirky characters, close-knit community, and a fun suspenseful story. The main character, Millie Fisher, is becoming more of an amateur sleuth than a matchmaker. The plot has a massive fire at the Amish flea market. Ben Baughman, who has set his heart on marrying Tess Lieb, is found dead. Millie is devastated …

Interview with V. M. Burns (Paw and Order)

September 4, 2020

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Paw and Order by V. M. Burns is a fun cozy mystery. She has found her rhythm with engaging characters and enthralling plots. The humans and four-legged animals only enhance the story. The story has Lilly Echosby convincing an eccentric poodle-loving billionaire Archibald Lowry to sponsor a fundraiser for the Eastern Tennessee Poodle Rescue. Unfortunately, he is murdered at the event, leaving his puppy poodle an orphan. Lilly’s best friend Scarlett “Dixie” Jefferson, a …

Interview with Amanda Flower (Marshmallow Malice)

June 5, 2020

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Marshmallow Malice by Amanda Flower is another winner. As with all books in this series there are wonderful characters, a charming small-town setting, and a sense of community/family. Her mixture of murder and humor allows for a very fun read. This novel ties up loose ends with the marriage of Juliet Brody and Reverend Brook as well as the backstory on the Reverend. Everyone in the town is excited about attending the wedding, even …