Murder of a Sweet Old Lady by Denise Swanson

 Started 1/23/21

Finished: 1/28/21

Year: 2001

Pages: 251

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Grade: B

Reason for reading: booksfree.com book

Type: mass market paperback

Blurb: "When Skye's beloved grandmother is found dead in her bed, the family consensus is natural causes. Still, Skye insists on an autopsy-an examination that proves the sweet old lady was, in fact, murdered! But who could have done the deadly deed? Skye is determined to find out, through her snooping doesn't sit well with the relatives. Family tensions can mean only one thing: family secrets. And when a series of hooligan attacks on Skye's property leads to an outright physical assault, Skye has to wonder if by exposing the rotten roots of her family tree, she's one step closer to exposing the killer...."

Opinion: Another predictable but fun cozy mystery. Every family has its secrets and Skye's certainly has a lot and knowing them now in the 2nd book of the series, allows readers more of an inside look at what has made Skye Skye.

Murder of a Small-Town Honey by Denise Swanson

 Started: 1/18/21

Finished: 1/22/21

Year: 2000

Pages: 238

Genre: cozy mystery

Grade: B

Type: mass market paperback

Reason for reading: booksfree.com book

Blurb (from back cover): "Immediately, Skye's determination to keep a low profile as the new school psychologist is assaulted by an army of small-town busybodies and well-meaning family members who can't wait to pry into her life, dole out advice, and volunteer her services in the Chokeberry Days Festival. And when the fair erupts in chaos and controversy-the Cow Chip Bingo sabotaged and the jelly contest ruined-Skye closes the event down altogether by find a dead body...

"The deceased, who at first appears to be the elderly host of a beloved children's TV program, and a dear, sweet thing, turns out to be quite different-a sexy young woman with a wild past and more secrets than in Aunt Minnie's Jell-O Surprise. And as if this stunning revelation weren't enough to intrigue Skye's inner snoop, soon her own brother is accused of the crime..."

Opinion: I have read others in the series (out of order). This is the first one. A fun read even though I figured out whodunit halfway through the book. I will be continuing with the rest as they are fun to read.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

 Started: 1/7/21

Finished: 1/16/21

Year: 2009

Pages: 444

Genre: Literature

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: bookcrossing.com book

Type: Mass market paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "Enter a vanished world: Jackson, Mississippi, 1962. Where black maids raise white children, but aren't trusted not to steal the silver...

"There's Aibileen, raising her seventeenth white child and nursing the hurt caused by her own's son's tragic death; Minny, whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue; and white Miss Skeeter, home from college, who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared.

"Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. No one would believe they'd be friends; fewer still would tolerate it. But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another. Each is in the search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary story to tell..."

Opinion: I loved the movie when this came out so when I got my hand on a copy of this through a book exchange, I grabbed it. An entertaining look at how life probably was back in the day.

The Exes' Revenge by Jo Jakeman

 Started: 12/31/20

Finished: 1/6/21

Year: 2018

Pages: 340

Genre: thriller

Grade: B+

Type: ARC

Reason for reading: Goodsread.com giveaway

Blurb (from back cover): "Imogen's marriage to Phillip Rochester was never easy-he betrayed her, ignored her, and cheated on her. Now that they're getting a divorce, he's determined to make it as difficult as possible.

"When Phillip demands that Imogen and their son move out of the house by the end of the month or he'll sue for sole custody, Imogen succumbs to a moment of madness-and does the unthinkable. Now she's in control. But how far will she go to protect her son and punish her husband?

"What happens next will unite Imogen with Phillip's first wife and his new girlfriend against the man who has hurt them all-and who deserves a very special kind of payback...."

Opinion: A great way to start the new year. Great thriller.....and karma.