Prove It: Murder in the Mix (A Likable Daisy Mystery 1) by Hannah R Kurz-Review & Guest Post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 3O, 2020

When a tragic mixer mishap results in the closing of a beloved bakery, new mom and upstairs neighbor Stephanie Wu is sure of two things: One, she misses their cappuccinos. And two, it was no accident. But time is running out for the sleep-deprived sleuth. Can she solve the murder and figure out pumping before her maternity leave is up? With a baby at her breast and a killer at her back, life and living above The LikEable Daisy will never be the same again.

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REVIEW: Prove It: Murder in the Mix is what it’s designed to be. A cozy mystery with just a small bit of danger.

Stephanie and Henry Wu are brand new parents living in an apartment above the Likable Daisy. Great pastries are made daily and the smell is wonderful to wake up to, even with a new baby doing the waking.

They love their apartment and love their neighbors and those working in the Likable Daisy. They like the area so much they waited for a two-bedroom apartment to open so they could live and raise their child here.

Sameed Ishaaq Haddad, owns the bakery and his head baker Charlotte are wonderful people, giving and kind. They are all excited to see the new baby, Madeline. Things are going great, when one morning Charlotte came into the bakery to start the day and found Sameed dead. Everyone is devastated and it’s ruled an accident. But Steph just can’t believe it was an accident. Sameed was always careful and prepared. There are lots of details as to why she feels he was murdered, but you need to read them yourself, it’s part of the fun of this story.

Author Hanna R. Kurz has written a lovely story of new motherhood, with all the funny and frustrating things anyone who has had a child can relate to. Not only are the couple adjusting to their new baby, but they also have the in-law issues so many have. In all this, she still finds time to find clues and get involved trying to get justice for Sameed.

Grab a snack and a favorite beverage and cuddle up for a lovely read with a little excitement on the side!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

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What Makes A Cozy

I’m embarrassed to admit that my perception of cozies was, until recently, rather narrow, but my expectations were rooted in deeper values that I believe a cozy must satisfy. Let’s investigate.

Expectation #1: Single, amateur female sleuth and outsider

Why readers love it: A single lead builds the potential for romance, a dynamic sleuthing duo, and an HEA/HFN ending. Plus, an outsider MC’s trust issues automatically create tension.

Ways to break the mold: Pursue romantic storylines with side characters. Develop pre existing couples. Explore other kinds of relationships. Create resolution in the emotional story arc.

If the lead isn’t an outsider, let new facts, or new people, emerge instead to create tension.

Expectation #2: Small town setting

Why readers love it: People love the community feel, falling for a whole cast of characters in a series. Also, a violent death upsets the idyllic quality that small towns claim and later reclaim.

Ways to break the mold: Create a tight knit group with distinct personalities in any setting. Give characters a common cause or struggle and readers the satisfaction of putting things to right.

Expectation #3: Contemporary history

Why readers love it: Readers understand the rules, technology, and forensic science of their own world and, based on that knowledge, feel suitability up to the task of solving a mystery.

Ways to break the mold: Want to explore a different world or time period? Build it well, immerse readers, and don’t let them get lost. Sci-fi and fantasy aspects blend fabulously into the genre.

Expectation #4: Two words, clean read.

Why readers love it: Whether they please personal preferences and/or support mental health by avoiding graphic descriptions, cozy standards bring comfort and, I believe, deserve respect.

Ways to break the mold: Tread carefully. Warn your audience. Surprising readers with hardboiled scenes in a book marketed as “cozy” is a surefire way to get lambasted in reviews.

To sum, while the cozy genre comes with expectations, they can be satisfied without falling into stereotypes. Explore space cozies, magic cozies, period cozies, brozies, and more. That said, there’s nothing wrong with a well-written, classic cozy. Enjoy.