Member Reviews
This was a cute cozy mystery following Sara and Sean, who were first introduced in the previous installment of this series. They have left their detective badges behind and have been planning their wedding, looking forward to the next chapter of their lives. Only before they get to say "I do" someone is murdered mere minutes before Sara is set to walk down the aisle. Once a cop, always a cop though, and they can't help but try and solve this murder, especially as it's hit so close to home.
I really like this series. It's a fast, fun, easy read with good characters and of course, an adorable pup!
Another great book from this author. Revisiting Sean and Sara was such a treat. I had wondered how they were going to return, but what a surprise it was. I was constantly guessing who the murderer was going to be. Even when I figured it out, I questioned myself. I couldn’t put the book down. I just love the addition of Magnum. It was a treat to see him return.
This is a fast paced, highly captivating, cozy mystery. Sara and Sean are finally having their big wedding. They've planned everything from security to the guest list, so what could possibly go wrong? Moments before they say "I Do" someone is killed, and chaos erupts. When guests start getting sick, things go from bad to worse. Will the detectives let Sara and Sean help investigate before someone else is killed? Love this series, and I thought the ending was perfect. If you haven't read the previous book, you will have no trouble following along. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I chose this as I typically enjoy cosy mysteries.
This was a fun read, light and easy, something that could be read in one sitting. However, I felt it was all a little bit superficial and sugar-coated. I liked Sara and Sean, but I didn't find anything about the book particularly memorable. I think some other cosy mystery fans would like this though.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
First off all I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity of reading this book.
This is the perfect cozy mystery to read in a day laying on the counch under a fluffly blanket.
In "Wedding Bells Brew Murder" we meet Sara and Sean, former police detectives that are to tight the knot but their day takes an suprising turn when the person that made their wedding cake, Darlene Day, turns up dead in the bridal suit minutes before the ceremony is set to start.
It was such a easy going book that keep you on your tows to find out what happened and who (or whos) is behind all of this. One of my favourite sub-plots was the relationship between Sara and Sean because even though their wedding day was ruined they were leaning on one another and making the other feel better. The writing was captivating, it wasn't lyrical, it wasn't fullof over the top descriptions but it was sweet and it was cozy. The book happens in a little bit less than 24 hours but it doesn't feel rushed at all the pacing is the right one for this book and it makes it even more special.
I recommend this book to everyone that likes a little cozy mystery in a small town.
The wedding day has arrived and everything seems perfect, until the door opens
The woman who made the cake won't be attending now, there is a murder to solve. Everything comes to hault, as the suspects maybe among the guests who came.A cozy mystery that has a good plot and a murder to solve. Have read her other books and have enjoyed them all.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Herbert.Stiles my voluntary review .
Interesting premise and kept me reading for the first half or so. Then it got so slow I had to skim to the end to find the person who did it. Not many surprises. Probably fine for fans of the author.
I really enjoyed this, I haven't read a cosy mystery by this author, so when I was offered the chance, I wasn't sure, but I wasn't disappointed. It didn't really matter that I hadn't read the first book it just worked. What a pleasant way to spend the afternoon reading and escaping into their world.
I was given an advance copy by the author through netgalley, but the review is entirely my own.
Book: Wedding Bells Brew Murder (Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery Series) by Carolyn Arnold
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Mystery Contemporary
Publication: 29th August 2023
Sara and Sean are all set to walk down the aisle and off to begin their new journey in life together, all smooth sailing or so they thought. We are back into the ever adventurous world filled with mystery of Carolyn Arnold.
Who thought the word “icing” could lead to unfolding the murder of their wedding cake baker. Our characters are back in action and to see them trying to get to the conclusion is incredible. The way the plot is portrayed and the narration with the view provided by both the characters is truly insightful in seems the plot unfold.
Thank you NetGalley and Hibbert & Stiles publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
The story flowed well and the characters were well developed.
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****
Wedding Bells Brew Murder is the 2nd book in this cozy mystery series. Just before the wedding starts, Sara is in the dressing room with her mother and bridesmaids when the wedding cake baker stumbles into the room, with a knife in her back! The wedding is on hold as all Four hundred guests are now suspects. Former detectives Sara and her fiance Sean butt heads with the head detective on the case as they use their skills to ferret out the murderer. This was a page turner with lots of red herrings that kept me guessing until the end. My thanks to netgalley for the chance to read and review this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Fast paced with suspect upon suspect. Lots of suspects. Some four hundred. All in a closed room, so to speak. Not quite a locked room, but security was on every door and invitations were required to be allowed inside. Inside for what, you ask? Apparently the wedding of the year, at least as far as Cotton Spring Falls is concerned.
Sara and Sean are moments away from walking down the aisle when the woman who baked their wedding cake appears at the door where Sara and her bridesmaids are preparing. And, yikes, it isn't for a cake emergency. Cake maker Darlene has a knife in her back and dies after uttering just one word, "icing". Needless to say, that's the end of the wedding and the beginning of investigating.
This was a new series to me and although I quickly grasped the basics, I did feel I would have benefited from reading previous books. Sara's relationship with the detective she herself calls to the scene, Ryan, for instance. I didn't fully warm up to Sara, however, feeling more annoyed with her than empathy. For a former police officer, she flaunts rules she'd have had a fit about had they happened to her during a case. She and Sean worked together prior to falling in love and retiring, not to mention Sean, whoa, inheriting a billion dollars. Both jump at the chance to sleuth.
So, who killed Darlene? What does a feather, man with a limp, and black, laced shoes have to do with anything? What pretty obvious clue do the police seem to ignore? Why did Trinity and Darlene argue just prior to Darlene's death? Greed? Ambition? How did someone get past security? What does the pushy reporter know? Does she have explosive news? Who....oh, enough teasers. Read the book.
I should note that the viewpoint jumps back and forth a few times between Sara and Sean, too, allowing us to be privy to their individual findings and feelings. Actually, we even get to spend some time seeing through the eyes of Jimmy, a friend and still with the police. He seems to be a good guy, however, with doggie treats perpetually available in a pocket for Magnum, Sara's Beagle.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery despite feeling a bit lost about relationships at times. Thanks #NetGalley and #Hibbert&StilesPublishingInc for introducing me to Sara and Sean and life in Cotton Spring Falls. I'll definitely be looking for their next adventure and, time permitting, catching up on that background.