Book Review ~ Triple Shot

Triple Shot (Maggie Thorsen Mystery#7)
by Sandra Balzo
published by Severn House

*Arc received from author for review

Summary (Goodreads): There's a chill in the Wisconsin air, and it's a shot in the arm--a triple espresso shot--to Uncommon Grounds, the Brookhills coffeehouse owned by Maggy Thorsen and real estate maven Sarah Kingston. Their new autumn drink is a huge success. But two estate agents have died lately, and Sarah herself is under investigation for irregularities at her job.

My Thoughts: This was a nice break from all things paranormal. We are back at the converted train station to coffee house and the problems start on page one. Do you want to brave the cold or the horrible stench that is filling the inside of the station?
I have found as this series goes on, since it takes place in such a small town, any new person that shows up I automatically think they are the bad guy. That's not exactly true with this book but I kept waiting for it throughout. We get a twofer with this book. You have the dead real estate agents and the search for missing mob money. Both stories came together with a few twists and turns and I was satisfied with the ending.
Character wise: Maggy was still the same as she's always been even while trying to become more of a  people person. Pavlik was not in this book as much and I found myself liking his character again because of it. The usual side characters were back and played a bigger role (how many real estate agents do you need in a small town?). I enjoyed getting to know more about the barbies and their drama while still focusing on Maggy and even Sarah.
Overall this was an entertaining, light read that I couldn't put down until the last page. I actually didn't have this one figured out before it was revealed and that always adds to the reading experience.

Rating:4

Book Review ~ A Cup of Jo

A Cup of Jo (Maggy Thorsen Mystery #6)
By Sandra Balzo
Published by Severn House Publishing

Summary: The new ‘Maggy Thorsen’ caffeine cozy   - Maggy Thorsen's heart, uncharacteristically, is swelling with optimism. Sure, her original Wisconsin coffeehouse, Uncommon Grounds, was destroyed in a freak blizzard. But, with new business partner Sarah Kingston, she’s found the perfect place to relocate to – a quaint railroad station that will soon be revitalized by a new commuter-rail connection. Sarah and Maggy hope that the station’s ‘Dedication Day’ will provide great free publicity. But their dream turns into a nightmare when the event manager makes her grand appearance on the day. As a corpse . . .


My Thoughts: This is the sixth book in this series and one of the better ones. I liked how the new neighbors add an eccentric twist to the story without being the bad guys that disappear at the end of the book. Maggy was her usual naive yet endearing self. There were times when I wanted to smack her inability to stick up for herself and just kick Pavlik to the curb. Sarah is a much better character and partner, she brings some much needed levity and realism to the story.
The mystery of who killed Jo wass well done and I must say had me stumped for awhile. With her evil sister Rebecca (have not liked her since meeting her in an earlier book) to the husband, various lovers, etc it was wide open. Of course I loved the mime (if you've read the books or my earlier reviews this will make sense).
Overall another great read. I love the lengths of these book and can generally finish in one day. Can finally read my review copy of Triple Shot.


Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Brewed, Crude, and Tattooed

Brewed, Crude, and Tattooed (Maggy Thorsen mystery #4)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Severn House Publishers

Summary: Maggy Thorsen, co-owner of the Brookhills coffee-house Uncommon Grounds, is trapped in a shopping mall by a snow storm which cuts the electricity and phone lines. She finds the body of Way Benson, a local developer and owner of the mall. Maggy's discovery unearths other refugees of the storm and it seems that more than one of these people has a motive for killing the arrogant Way. Then there is another murder.

My Thoughts: Another round for Maggy, who always seems to find herself in the middle of everything. This story had a Clue feel to it, Colonel Mustard in the Barber Shop with the Meat Cleaver.
This was not my favorite, there was almost too much going on. With everyone trapped in one building during a freak snowstorm in May (being from MI I know how much this sucks) I found myself mixing up characters and forgetting who others were. I found the general store shopping for supplies throughout almost more interesting than the murder mystery. I've never really card for Caron, Maggy's business partner, and that became more evident here. I kept hoping she would be next on the murder list.
It took me awhile to figure out why this book was titled as it was (has to do with the murder vic), I was hoping this was going to be about Amy, the author created this great character and we haven't really heard from since she was introduced. It'll also be interesting to see if we ever see any of these other characters again or if they will be lost with the crumpled building.

Rating: 4

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine.It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating


Triple Shot (Maggy Thorsen #7)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Severn House Publishers
expected release: December 1, 2011

Summary: The new Maggy Thorsen coffeehouse mystery - There’s a chill in the Wisconsin air, and it's a shot in the arm – a triple espresso shot – to Uncommon Grounds, the Brookhills coffeehouse owned by Maggy Thorsen and real estate maven Sarah Kingston. Their new autumn drink is a huge success. But two estate agents have died lately, and Sarah herself is under investigation for irregularities at her job. Then a stench begins to percolate through the coffeehouse, and soon it’s clear that corpses – like other bad things – do indeed come in threes . . .


** I have this book sitting on my side table... Had to start from book 1, I'm now on book 4. They're great reads and I am really enjoying them!

Book Review ~ Bean There, Done That

Bean There, Done That (Maggy Thorsen Mystery #3)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Severn House Publishers

Summary: Heres a tip: if your ex-husbands mistress-cum-missus asks for your help in proving that he cheated on her while he was married to you, just say no. And, whatever you do, dont invite her in . . .Coffeehouse owner Maggy Thorsen does just that when Rachel Slattery Thorsen comes knocking on her door. When the new Mrs Thorsen disappears that same evening, Maggy quickly finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation involving Rachels hotelier family Milwaukees answer to the Hiltons.

My Thoughts: The third installment of this series is my favorite so far. The addition of Maggy's ex and his mistress/new wife added something to both the book and Maggy's character. I found myself wanting the ex husband to be guilty. The author did a great job making him the slimy condescending type that you would expect. The romance that has been on the side of this series finally goes somewhere and then somewhere else. While I like Pavlik, I found myself liking Stephen more and hope he shows up in future books.
Overall this book had everything you've come to expect from this series. While I was happy with the whole book I'm not as sold on the conclusion of the mystery. This was another where there were plenty of clues scattered throughout but a few I never would have gotten. Looking forward to fourth book. Hoping for more Amy, she has quickly become my favorite.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Grounds For Murder

Grounds For Murder (Maggy Thorsen Mystery #2)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Severn House Publishers

Summary: A sharp and amusing mystery from a talented writer - Set in Milwaukee at a scaldingly competitive trade show for the coffee industry, events reach a head when coffeehouse-owner Maggy Thorsen discovers a body under a table at the conference centre. As the reluctant conference coordinator and a potential suspect Maggy must track down the murderer, save her coffeehouse and hopefully put some froth into her love life . .


My Thoughts: This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Maggy seems to be getting stronger as the series moves forward. The only problem I had with the book was the way it started. We start with the dead body and then spend the first half of the book getting back to that point. I would have preferred if we had just started at the beginning. 
The characters of Brookhill were entertaining as usual. Sophie and Henry and the Red Hats added some much needed levity. Sara trying to quit smoking and running the conference at the same time was almost more interesting than the mystery. I liked Amy as a new character, she adds something for the younger set without being the other woman that is often referred to. 
Overall the mystery lived up to the first book but I wasn't as surprised by who committed it. Since the victim was not likable it was harder to care about the who-dun-it part. 


Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Uncommon Grounds

Uncommon Grounds (Maggy Thorsen Mystery #1)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Five Star Trade

Summary: Maggy Thorsen, former PR executive, and current coffeehouse owner finds the blonde, beautiful and bodacious queen of the wealthy city of Brookhills dead...dead in a pool of decidedly unfrothed milk in front of her espresso machine.

In a town where high heels are appropriate attire for a trip to the hardware store, why would any one of the town's latte loving citizens hot-wire an espresso machine with 220 shocking volts on the very day of its grand opening?

Stumbling over small town politics - and the all too self-important new sheriff, Jake Pavlik, Maggy is on her way to finding out the truth - even if it's a truth that may be very hard to swallow...


My Thoughts: This was a great read and excellent start to this series. I was hooked from page one and was able to finish it fairly quickly (about a day).
Maggy's character is what you would expect from someone who's trying to pick up the pieces after her  husband has left her for his dental assistant. She is fun and quirky but also has her insecure moments where she is not sure of anything that is going on around her. I thought the rest of the characters in this small town were great and each added something to the story.
I probably should have, but I did not see the guilty party coming until it was right there in fron of me. That always makes mystery books a better read. Now on to book two: Grounds For Murder.

Rating: 4

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

Received my first books, since moving,  and won a prize pack from a book release. Overall a good week!

For review from author:

Helpless by Daniel Palmer

Triple Shot by Sandra Balzo
(Maggy Thorsen Mystery #7)










From netgalley and Harlequin:

Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh
(Royal House of Shadows #4)
*I don't know why I did not request this when I requested the first 3








Won from E.J. @ From The Shadows

Legend of  Witchtrot Road (Spirit Guide #3) prize pack. Included signed copy of the book as well as bookmarks, postcards, etc.










Happy Reading Everyone!!

Book Review ~ Running on Empty

Running on Empty (Main Street Murders)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Severn House Publishing
Release Date April 2011

*Received from author for review

Summary: The first in a new series by the author of the ‘Maggy Thorsen’ mysteries  - Life on Sutherton's Main Street has always been inexplicably hazardous. Like the student who bet he could paddle a beer-filled ice chest across the lake. And lost. Not to mention the occasional tourist who wandered into the mountains, never to wander back out. But the day Daisy Griggs siphoned three pints of blood from poor Mrs Bradenham seemed to set a new standard. Now more and more people are dying and unless Daisy’s daughter can figure out why, her mother may be next.


My Thoughts: We start the story with AnnaLise, who is a reporter, getting a phone call that her mother has drained Mrs Bradenham of blood (only 3 or 4 pints). She rushes back home to find her mother having spells where she goes back to her youth and forgets the present. During this time people begin to show up dead and it's not drunk tourists, it's the locals. This is when the book started to pick up for me. Trying to figure out what three seemingly random people have to do with each other and why someone would want them dead. I liked the characters in this small tourist town, many had their own eccentric traits that made them enjoyable to read about. The setting of the small town made all the gossipy, everyone knows whats going on right after it happens believable in a way a big city would not have. The fact that AnnaLise is a reporter explains her need to be in the middle of everything and dig up things that may have been better left hidden.


Overall: My original concern that this was a chick lit book was put to rest once the story started going forward. It was easy to get caught up in the goings on of this small southern tourist town. This was the first time I had read one of Ms Balzo's books and I look forward to reading more. 


Rating: 3.5