The charm of Victoria Square may prove to be only skin deep when murder follows the arrival of a tattoo parlor in town in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.A tattoo parlor on Victoria Square? Some of the merchants get hot under the collar at the proposal, but could they be driven to kill to stop it? That’s what the sheriff’s office and Katie Bonner want to know when … and Katie Bonner want to know when the building’s owner is electrocuted with his own saw.
Meanwhile, tensions rise when a hot chef takes over the square’s tea shop. Will Katie have three men vying for her affections, or will her rival take the tea cake?
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
Many members of the Victoria Square Merchants Association are up in arms when they learn a tattoo parlor is opening on the square. They try to convince the proprietor that his business would do better at another location but when that fails they approach the owner of the building to try to have him rescind the rental contract. When Katie, now the president of the association goes to make another plea, she witnessed the building owner’s electrocution and she is injured as well. After that, many members of the association find themselves on the suspect list.
Katie is also juggling a little vendor drama at Artisan’s Alley and dealing with employee turnover at her new tea shop. The young manager quits and is replaced by a hunky and truly overqualified chef. Andy is having a staff issue as well. All this starts to cause a little chaos in Katie’s romantic life.
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Katie Bonner really has her hands full in the 6th installment of this very popular series. She manages the Artisan’s Alley and is responsible for staffing and vendors. She recently opened her tea shop Teaolicious where she and enjoys doing the baking each morning. And she is President of the Victoria Square Merchants Association and all that entails. She is also trying to have a relationship with pizza parlor owner Andy Rust and is now in the middle of another murder investigation. Sometimes her activities just exhaust me and I think she is finally starting to realize she is reaching her limit. However, she is a great protagonist with a huge heart and motivated to stay on top of everything on her plate. She does make a big decision that I am really enthused about because it is a change that I felt was needed. I hope it opens her life up in new and exciting ways.
All the other characters we have come to love over the course of the series return and are involved in little subplots that mesh well with the main plot and theme. The new characters bring some freshness to the story as they interact with our faves, both in good and bad ways.
As I have come to expect from these authors they pack a lot of drama within these pages. There is always something happening which for me sets a brisk pace. This time I had to slow down a little bit and reread a couple of things to try to catch all the clues and follow all the twists. It was fun to follow along with Katie as all the clues fell into place.
These characters are very well-crafted and are featured in an entertaining story with strong mysteries. My only criticism was the snarkiness of the square shopkeepers had with the new business prospect although I realize it was needed to set up the story that followed.
Murder Ink is a great addition to the series. I am excited about the next book, I am very interested to see what Ms. Bartlett and Ms. Leeson have in store for Katie.
Murder Ink by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson the 6th A Victoria Square Mystery. I had not read the previous books in A Victoria Square Mystery, and I felt I was missing some needed background information. I believe this series is best if read in order. Katie Bonner is strong, female entrepreneur. She has Artisans Alley and now Tealicious plus she is the head of the Victoria Square Merchants Association. I liked seeing Katie make a move for independence in one important aspect of her life (I do not want to spoil it for you). Katie is dating Andy Rust who owns Angelo’s Pizzeria, but there are a few obstacles in the way of their happily ever after. A big one is Andy’s assistant manager, Erikka who wants Andy for herself. Ray is attracted to Katie, but his daughters are openly hostile towards Katie. Then there is the new chef at Tealicious who creates delectable items for the tearoom guests, is very kind, and looks like a movie star. Katie has several romance possibilities if she is open to them. I find the characters developed and realistic. The death of Ken Fenton sends Katie on a merry chase. When Detective Schuler focuses on Ray Davenport as the killer, Katie dons her investigator cap once again so she can find the true culprit. The first order of business is learning more about Ken Fenton and his brother, Paul. Katie is curious as to why Paul picked McKinlay Mill for his tattoo parlor. There are a limited number of suspects in this whodunit. The more Katie learns, the shorter the list becomes. She also finds herself in harm’s way which adds suspense and excitement to the story. I believe that the mystery touches on a subject that is topical and realistic. I would have enjoyed a mystery that was slightly more challenging to solve. But I did find it intriguing and there were interesting elements. If people would only take their intelligence and creativity and use it for good instead of evil the world would be a different place. I liked the authors writing style which made for a pleasing to read cozy mystery. There is a lovely cozy feel to the story as Katie spends time with friends, boyfriend, working, investigating, reading, eating, baking and spending time with her cats. Fans of A Victoria Square Mystery series as well as newcomers will be happy with Murder Ink. Murder Ink is an engaging cozy mystery with a person with a predilection for peppermint, a terrifying tattoo artist, charming cats, a determined detective and romantic rivals.
In this next book of the series it looks like a tattoo parlor might be the next business to open up on the square. The building owner is fixing up the building when an accident overalls him, or was it murder. The man was electrocuted with the saw he was using and the police are leaning towards murder. Would someone kill to keep the tattoo shop from becoming a part of the square and it’s businesses? Katie is determined to find out, meanwhile she has hired a new chef to head the kitchen in her Tea shop. It looks like Katie has a few suitors vying for her attention, is she happy in her on going relationship or is she looking for something more or even different. Katie doesn’t have time to worry about that, not and look for a killer. Will her looking into this murder put a wedge between her and the man she is dating? Katie is determined to figure out who the killer is and make everyone on the square feel safe again. will she be able to do that and keep her relationship together or will both get away from her? This is such a fun series, the addition of new businesses and owners changes things up. Each new personality fills the pages with their own identity and brings forth new secondary characters to get to know. I always enjoy meeting the new characters and look forward to seeing which ones stick around in later books.
When a tattoo shop plans to open on Victoria Square it shakes up more than the merchants view of what business should be on the square. When the owner of said tattoo shop dies one of their own is the prime suspect.
Katie is the owner of Artisans Alley and Tealicious as well as president of the Victoria Square Merchants Association. She is a strong woman, not intimidated and an amazing entrepreneur. Katie finds herself in the middle of murder, trying to help a friend, playing detective and trying not to second guess everything she sees. There were moments when I thought Katie was overreacting and other when I thought, girl you got this together.
Murder Ink is my first read in the Victoria Square and an enjoyable one. It did take me to be to catch up with who was who and how they all worked together but I got it. I enjoyed the mystery that kept me guessing. I’m a romance reader first and foremost so Katie and Andy’s romance and squabbles were a bonus to this read. The writing style of Lorraine Bartlett is fun and keeps the pages turning. I was able to feel like I was right at home with these characters even though this was my first read of the series.
MURDER INK is a perfect addition to the Victoria Square Mysteries. Everything fans love about this series is present and as entertaining as the books before.
Author Lorraine Bartlett has nurtured this series since book one, and her dedication shows. Wonderfully written, along with author Gayle Leeson, MURDER INK may be the best installment yet.
There’s more going on in this story than you may first realize. With always something happening to add more questions, I found myself scratching my head a few times trying to link the details. However, when all the pieces fell into place, the subtle clues throughout seemed so obvious to me. I could have kicked myself about one thing.
My sister introduced me to this series. As a matter of fact, she’s been anxiously waiting for me to finish this installment and pass it on to her. Her wait is over, and she’s going to be thrilled with, MURDER INK.
I started reading this series with Yule Be Dead, book 5 in the series, and I was hooked. When I had the opportunity to review Murder Ink, book 6, I jumped on the chance. I was not disappointed.
Katie Bonner, owner of Artisans Alley, new proprietor of Tealicious, and head of the Victoria Square Merchants Association, is one busy person and it doesn’t look like her obligations are going to lessen anytime soon. Katie’s manager of Tealicious quits, leaving her scrambling to fill the position in the three days her current manager, Janine, gives her. Upon the recommendation by Nick and Don, local B&B owners, Katie hires a very handsome chef to manage Tealicious.
At one of the Association meetings, the members learn that one of the buildings is in the process of being sold and being turned into a tattoo parlor. There is an overwhelming sense of alarm and some members end up insulting Paul, one of the new owners who attended the meeting. The next day, Ken, who is Paul’s brother, and Ray get into an altercation. Later, Katie attempts to smooth Ken’s ruffled feathers and he’s basically unreceptive. When he turns away from Katie and begins using a circular saw sparks fly – literally. Ken and Katie are both electrocuted. Katie, fortunately, survives; Ken does not. As the mysterious death progresses, Ray is implicated in Ken’s homicide. Katie knows he didn’t do it and makes it her mission to figure out who did. The author does a great job parading several potential suspects in front of Katie. Of course, the idea that Ray could be responsible is laughable but there are several business owners who climb on Detective Schuler’s bandwagon. Katie finds herself in precarious situations and the object of personal threats.
During the fiasco with Ray, Katie is having issues with Andy. Her jealousy meter of his assistant manager, Erikka, is pretty high. Andy does or says several things that absolutely do not help the situation. I’m really unsure if I enjoy their characters together. He’s pretty obtuse and she has trust issues. Knowing Katie has issues with Erikka, Andy pulls an awful stunt causing Katie to re-evaluate her life and she makes some decisions more inline with independence. Andy, then turns around and has issues with Brad, Katie’s new chef/manager. Really, dude? Between the issues with Andy and her inability to acknowledge Ray’s crush, the relationships she has with men are getting tiresome. I’ve only read this book and book 5 in the series but after reading Murder Ink, I’m leaning toward a possible relationship with Ray for Katie. Andy is nice and everything but there is a connection between Katie and Ray that I, for whatever reason, don’t see/feel with Andy.
Katie is a likable character. She is very invested in her town, her business adventures, and the people she loves. When her friends are in trouble she is the first to volunteer to help fix the problem. In most cases, Katie is a very strong character. She has proven she can manage businesses, be chair of the Merchant Association, and aid in murder investigations (even though the local police department wishes she would refrain on the aid part). Katie is also insecure when it comes to Andy and Erikka. Her imperfections make her human and relatable. I enjoy all of the secondary characters and the way the author portrays them. Each person is vital to Katie’s successes, whether professionally or personally.
I enjoyed Murder Ink and can’t wait for the next book.
I was provided a paperback of the book to read.
Another wonderful Victoria Square cozy mystery in this must read series! Katie has to quickly investigate the latest murder before her friend is put in jail. I always feel like this is a real place I would like to visit!
MURDER INK by Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson
The Sixth Victoria Square Mystery
A tattoo parlor in Victoria Square? That possibility is just the start of Katie Bonner’s problems. When her friend and fellow merchant association member Ray goes to the contractor working on the building to get more information he receives a black eye for his efforts, but the man who dealt it winds up dead. As the sheriff hones in on Ray as the killer Katie has to deal with her tea house manager quitting with hardly any notice, Andy’s assistant being overly helpful, and questions about her new vendor at Artisan’s Alley. Despite relationship issues Katie strives to keep everything on track and keep Ray out of jail. Will she be able to find the real killer, or will she have as shocking of an end as the contractor?
There’s a lot going on in this sixth outing of the Victoria Square mystery series, almost too much. Katie is involved with so many projects and wears so many hats, not to mention all of her relationship issues, I don’t know how she has time to breathe. By the end of the novel these myriad storylines did meld, but Katie’s involvement in every aspect of Victoria Square, almost as if she considers herself Empress of the Square, is a bit off putting.
I liked the addition of Brad to Tealicious, although his arrival led to yet more adolescent jealous behavior by several of the key players. I love Nick and Don and give kudos to Nick’s quick thinking leading up to the penultimate scene. There are lots of clever bits given by both the author and the characters which make for an intelligent read.
MURDER INK is a complex mystery with a fast paced satisfying conclusion.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The merchants on Victoria Square aren’t happy when it seems a tattoo shop is looking to become part of their group. But when the owner is found dead, the police seem to be focused on Ray as the main suspect. Can Katie keep help Ray or will her prying put her in the real murderer’s sights. I love how this series is expanding by bringing in new businesses and vendors to keep it from becoming stale. Katie is a strong female lead, showing she is more than capable of successfully managing her existing position, as well as overseeing the new tea shop. I found her attitude toward Ray a trifle irritating at times…she seems to take advantage of him a bit too often. I also am not fond of her boyfriend’s carefree attitude with his own employee (not sure I would have been so quick to forgive after one incident)! And I really adore Don and Nick…hope to see more stories featuring them. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
A tattoo parlor plans to open on Victoria Square and some of the merchants are concerned. During a merchants meeting things get a little…. um not nice.
Katie is hoping she can get Paul to relocate, but his brother Ken won’t hear of it. He is not happy with Kate’s interference.
When Ken dies, Ray becomes the main suspect.
Can Katie find out the truth to who killed Ken before Ray gets put in jail? Will the tattoo parlor open on Victoria Square? Love this series!! Always feel as though I am back visiting old friends and making new ones.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions expressed are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group.
When a tattoo parlor plans on opening up on Victoria Square, some of the merchants have concerns. Things get a little hot during a merchant meeting between the tattoo parlor’s owner, Paul and the other merchants. Ray volunteers to approach the building’s owner to try to purchase the building before Paul can. The meeting comes to blows between Ray and Paul’s brother Ken, so Katie decides to take matters into her own hands and maybe convenience Paul to relocate on his own. When she arrives Ken isn’t happy he doesn’t appreciate Katie butting into his brother’s business so he turns his saw on to drown out her voice. When Ken turns on the saw everything goes wrong. Ken dies, Katie is hurt, and Ray becomes the prime suspect. Can Katie find the real person behind Ken’s death?
This is a wonderful addition to the Victoria Square Series. Katie is spreading herself thin with all her business responsibilities which are affecting her personal relationships. Who hasn’t been there at one time? Katie is a wonderful protagonist she is pragmatic, kind-hearted, and driven by her dreams. Victoria Square feels like a small town all on its own. The merchants feel like old friends even the newly introduced characters. The story is well written and fast pace. This was a quick but enjoyable read. I recommend this book to fans of the series, Lorraine Barlette, and cozy mysteries.
I voluntarily agreed to read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no
way have been influenced.
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