| Title | : | Murder Ink (Victoria Square, #6) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 042526601X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780425266014 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 294 |
| Publication | : | First published December 31, 2019 |
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 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?
Murder Ink (Victoria Square, #6) Reviews
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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.
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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 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. -
Another great cozy in this series! I so enjoyed catching up with Katie, Rose, Andy, and the gang at Artisan's Alley and Victoria Square! Katie faces business challenges head-on, including those at the tea shop she purchased and re-branded, Tealicious. She is a woman who has hit her stride despite loss and disappointments; nothing keeps her down long. Including the murders that have happened around the Square.
Katie leads the Victoria Square Merchants Association, and the new meeting is bringing surprises. When a muscledI, tattooed guy asks about joining the association, a couple of the shop owners try to discourage him when they learn about the tattoo parlor he is opening. Paul doesn't seem like the kind of guy to mess with, even though they tell him he might have more success where there is more street traffic than those looking for artsy creations.
Ray Donovan owns a woodcrafting shop, Wood U, and is a retired detective and Katie's friend. The next day, he goes to see the owner of the building Paul is buying in hopes of a group of the shop owners buying the building from the current owner. Even though Ray knows the owner, he was not aware that Paul, as well as the man doing the interior construction, are all related. A black eye from Ken, the construction guy, showed him how close that family is!
Katie went to the shop to see the owner and Ken and apologize for the situation. She wasn't given the opportunity, however, as Ken wasn't in the mood to listen. To share his opinion of her effort, he flipped the switch on his circular saw and was electrocuted. Katie was fortunate in that the sparks only sent her across the room and knocked her out. It is soon proven that the piece of equipment was tampered with, and Ray is accused by one of his former coworkers at the sheriff's department of the murder.
Katie tried to stay out of the investigation, but she simply couldn't. Not only is there a killer loose in the area, but she has been threatened by Paul - more than once. One of the association members wants to get Ray voted out due to his status as a homicide suspect. There seems to be something unusual going on at Artisan's Alley, and now there are challenges with her romance with Andy.
The story is finely executed, with surprises introduced through the various plot twists. I enjoy the characters who are defined well through conversations and actions. Emotions run higher than I prefer to see in a cozy, yet it does bring a new measure of independence to Katie. And to be honest, Andy isn't my first favorite person for Katie. I did finally manage to figure out who was behind the whodunits, but some of the motive was still a surprise. I was overall very happy with this exciting new offering, and highly recommend it to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, artisans and craftsmen, great characters, and unlikely bad guys! -
The mystery behind what was truly taking place in Murder Ink took many directions and led to the last place that I expected but that made it a very intriguing mystery to sort through. Katie as a sleuth was convincing and she really had to work hard to find her clues in this story because she came against a lot of opposition. Many of the characters were openly hostile and Katie’s diplomacy skills were put to the test. Something I could have lived without was, oh mama, the relationship drama. In this story it was at a very high level. I don’t understand Katie’s choices in this book because I would have chosen to create distance with certain characters but it was entertaining if you enjoy soap operas. It was not to my taste but not badly done either. Overall, Murder Ink was an enjoyable cozy mystery that kept a fast pace and engaged my curiosity from start to finish!
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Berkley Prime Crime. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating. -
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.
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3 1/2 rounded up to 4. I do enjoy this series; the town is charming and I love the characters. Despite a few detractions (bickering, bratty teenagers, a ridiculous and unnecessary love triangle becoming a ridiculous and unnecessary love quadrangle) it was a great mystery, who killed Ken and why? No shortage of suspects, lots of twists and turns and a really great (and unexpected!) ending.
One other small thing I have to mention; Katie spent the first third of the book obsessing about having enough time to run 2 businesses and whether it would bother the new guy if she still went in and baked in the mornings and then never showed up there again unless it was harassing a suspect. Go figure. -
Murder Ink was a great installment in the Victoria Square Series. It's my favorite book of the series so far. In this one, Katie Bonner is present when the owner of a building on Victoria Square is electrocuted. When Katie's friend, retired detective Ray Davenport, becomes the main suspect, she is determined to find the killer.
This one had a storyline that kept me interested, and it was entertaining and fun to read. -
Katie is back with the Victoria Square crew in the 6th book of the series. Still living above her boyfriend Andy's pizzeria and running Artisan's Alley, Katie has now added the tea shop to her list of endeavors. And she is president of the Merchants Association. Makes me wonder how she has time to sleep... Anyway, during a meeting of the association, newcomer Paul Fenton stand up and states that he has bought a building on the square and is planning on opening up a tattoo parlor. The merchants decide (rather snottily, in my opinion) that Victoria Square isn't the right place for a tattoo parlor. After Paul storms out, the group collectively decides to put an offer on the building to keep him out of it.
Okay, at this point, I was annoyed at all of them, including Katie. Is it the right place for a tattoo parlor? Maybe not. But the reaction of the group is so obnoxious. The next day Ray from Wood U decides to go talk to the owner, and instead returns with a black eye from the contractor, who just so happens to be Paul's brother, Ken Fenton. When Katie tries to patch things up, both she and Ken get electrocuted. Katie is fine after a trip to the hospital, but Ken is not so lucky.
In the meantime, Katie's manager at the tea shop, Janine, decides she can't manage it anymore and gives her 3 days notice. Remarkably, one of the owner's of the B&B just so happens to know a world-class chef who is totally gorgeous that is looking for a change. And this is where I start to get annoyed. Apparently, it is perfectly fine for Katie's boyfriend, Andy, to have a beautiful woman that flirts with him working in his pizzeria, but Katie can't be trusted with the handsome new chef. Between Andy and Ray (who has absolutely no right to be jealous), they both needed smacked.
The relationships in this one get a bit annoying. If I were Katie, I would've taken a big step back from Andy and completely given up helping Ray after he acted like such an ass. But the mystery was interesting, and the other things (not trying to spoil) that occur added a lot to the story. It's been awhile since I read one of the series, but this was quite enjoyable. -
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 Katies’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 are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group. -
4.5 Stars
This is the sixth book in the Victoria Square Mystery series by Lorraine Bartlett and Gayle Leeson.
I have read one other book in this series and it was so good to see these characters and dive back into this world. There are some cozies that don’t meld in my mind but this one did and its effect lasted.
Victoria Square contains a pretty conservative bunch of shops. So when a tattoo parlor wants to join their little community, there is an uproar amongst the vendors. Then the brother of the tattoo shop owner dies mysteriously from an electrocution using one of his own tools. Former Detective Ray Davenport is suddenly suspect number one. Katie makes it her mission to prove that Ray is innocent but there are roadblocks at every turn. Ray’s girls suddenly hate her causing Ray to keep her at arms distance. And both he and her boyfriend Andy are acting weird. There is a rumor going around that she doesn’t appreciate the men in her life and this puts romantic tension between Katie and Ray and Katie and Andy. Both men want a relationship with her but Katie wants more independence.
I liked how this story waffled between Katie’s love trials and search for independence and the whodunit aspect of the cozy. I almost think I was more enthralled with all the relationship problems. I am most intrigued by Ray Davenport and wish they would get together for a book or three.
All the characters in the Victoria Square universe are pretty interesting and I think there could be a lot of future book prospects among them and their issues with Katie and V-Square.
Definitely looking forward to book seven!
If you love a good cozy with a rich world full of promise and snark, this book is for you. Definitely pick this one up and give it a try.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. -
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. -
This is the second I've read in the Victoria Square series. It had a strong plot and interesting characters; it would have rated higher except for the spats between Our Heroine and her boyfriend. I've said before that my least favorite thing about cozies has to the "he/she/they is cheating on me" schtick and this one had it in spades. I vaguely remember the other one I read had it as well. I am of the opinion that if one is that distrustful of one's SO, then run for the hills 'cause it ain't gonna get any better. The author also has OH flirting and being flirted with several other characters, including one to whom she is attracted. I know Evanovich made it cool to be "torn between two lovers" but I think it's more difficult (and therefore more interesting) to have two people in a committed, mutually respectful relationship. As a personal aside, I have vague memory that Bartlett used to write some excellent Star Trek fan fiction back in the day when such were hardcopy books-- McCoy fan, as I recall-- so she should know a Mary Sue. OH veers close to that. On the upside there is a fine cast of supporting characters, some good lines (loved reading the old "I'd rather be an old man's darling than a young man's doormat"-- don't think that was the exact wording I knew but 'twill suffice) and aforementioned good plot. If OH can get her love life's ducks in a row, this could be a must read for me.
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I'm finished with this book and also finished with this author. There was so much extraneous, irrelevant and boring filler in this book. How many times do I want to read about the adult heroine putting a peppermint in her mouth and biting it in two? NONE and there were dozens of such references. Another example of the drivel: descriptions of the usual routine of a restaurant experience.
The heroine is old enough to be a widow but she and her two competing love interests get into squabbles that should embarrass middle schoolers. I'm one and done with this author. -
A BIG thanks to Berkley Prime Crime!
Not my cup of tea. I'm sorry to say I didn't like it and I don't recommend it. The mystery was fair, but I thought, the identity of the nefarious person or persons was a little obvious. It was a well described story, but the characters were horrible to one another. They seemed to be yelling at one another, threatening one another and just overall mean. And! Was that a triangle ~ square ~ rectangle??? What did I just see here??? I don't like triangles at all and in this mystery, it seems three men were wanting Katie's attention. Andy is Katie's boyfriend and I don't trust Andy. Their relationship isn't healthy. And! Ray's girls are horrible to Katie! I do like the idea of the artisan merchants. It would be great to wonder through all the businesses. This mystery just wasn't for me though. -
A lot of this book's narrative drive is based on the Victoria Square shop owners' bad vibes. They don't want a tattoo parlor in their precious square and their obvious prejudice leads to trouble. Unfortunately, they're also rewarded for their exclusionary practices by having him revealed to be in fact shady.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm... -
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Murder Ink
Victoria Square #6
By Lorraine Bartlett and Gayle Leeson
ISBN 9780425266014
Author’s Website: lorrainebartlett.com & gayleleeson.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
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 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?.
Review:
I always look forward to a new cozy in this marvelous series; each can be read as a standalone or in order. I enjoy the characters at Artisan’s Alley and Victoria Square; they are like a big family with unique personalities and talents. The setting in this historic neighborhood is one I would love to visit, but not in the summer! It was fun to see the progress of Katie’s new business and the challenging murder mystery implicating one of her close friends as the killer made for a read that was impossible to put down!
Katie, who runs Artisan’s Alley and the Victoria Square Merchants Association, started a new business venture with her former mother-in-law Margo a few months earlier. Katie purchased, renamed, and remodeled the former tea shop in Victoria Square. Tealicious has a good following already, thanks in part to her baking. Unfortunately, the manager just quit with short notice, leaving her in the lurch.
At the Merchants Association meeting, a muscle-bound, tattooed man in attendance wants to join. He is purchasing a vacant building on the Square to open a tattoo parlor. A few members protested mildly, saying that it doesn’t fit with the arts theme, and a peacemaker suggesting he won’t get the exposure there that his business needs. He stormed out. The members discussed the possibility of asking the owner to rescind the sale to the tattoo artist and the would buy the building, perhaps to lease out.
The next day, retired homicide detective Ray comes in to see Katie with a black eye. Nobody realized that Harper, owner of tattooist’s building, is family to the tattoo artist, as is Ken, the man doing the construction buildout. When Ray asked if he would consider selling to the group, Ken slugged him. Katie went over later to see if she could smooth things over. At least he didn’t slug her. To tune her out, he turned on his saw and was electrocuted, with the spark shooting out knocking Katie out. By that night, the sheriff’s office is considering Ken’s death a possible homicide, with Ray, once one of their own, a prime suspect. When they confirm that the wiring was rigged to kill Ken, Katie knows there is a killer on the loose on the Square, and despite what the deputy thinks, it isn’t Ray.
In the meantime, her boyfriend Andy, owner of Angelo’s Pizzeria on Victoria Square, doesn’t recognize that his assistant manager is in love with him – but he does think Ray is very interested in Katie. Thanks to friends Nick and Don, Katie finds a manager for the tea shop. Brad is extremely overqualified but wants a calmer life in a small town. He is incredibly handsome and personable. Andy and Ray are both jealous of Brad, and Katie just wants to do her work and find the killer.
It is always a delight to visit the gang at Artisan’s Alley and Victoria Square! I was happy to see Katie hire someone with the challenges Brad has faced. Her loyalty to her friends is wonderful, and asserting her independence is an asset. I like Katie, Ray, Andy, and Rose best. The regular characters are defined as well as needed for their roles; I do wish we had seen more of Rose!
The plot was well-researched and realistic. Katie has a lot of irons in the fire and juggles them with her usual skill. I was a bit put off by Katie’s on-and-off attitude with Andy and Ray as (for me) it detracted from the story at times. I enjoyed meeting Miles and Grimm and would enjoy seeing him and his “family” in the future. Discovering the murderer was challenging, and I’m happy to say I was only a few steps – or pages – ahead of Katie. There were such good suspects along with some amazing surprises! The loose ends were tied up, and to me, this is the best cozy in the series. I highly recommend it!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review* -
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. -
3.5 Stars
Katie Bonner is very busy managing Artisan Alley, a former warehouse that is a part of Victoria Square, which houses a wide variety of artists and other merchants selling their wares. She also reopened a tea house in Victoria Square while trying to find time to be with her boyfriend, pizzeria owner Andy Rust. The mostly conservative merchants in Victoria Square aren’t happy to learn that newcomer Paul Fenton has plans to open a tattoo shop in the square. When Paul’s brother dies under suspicious circumstances, Katie’s good friend, former Detective Ray Davenport, becomes the top suspect. Katie feels she owes it to Ray to put all her business and personal issues aside to prove his innocence.
This is the sixth book in the Victoria Square series and I have read most of them. I love the premise and the setting and the books have interesting plots. For readers new to the series, there is a helpful “Cast of Characters” at the beginning of the book. Returning readers will see that Katie has become much more independent and positive which makes the books even more fun to read. Katie is a loyal friend and excellent amateur investigator. I like the friendships she has made in Artisans Alley and how the people there have come to rely on her management skills. Katie has come a long way since the series debut and has become a character I like a lot.
I enjoyed reading about Katie’s investigation. This book is a quick, easy read, but the plot is still engaging and I was surprised when all the facts about the murder and the motive come out in the end. In addition to the cases Katie investigates, her personal life plays a large role in this series. That is especially true in this installment. Ordinarily, I would love the mixture of romance and sleuthing. However, I really don’t care for Katie’s boyfriend Andy. He treats her better in this book than he does in the earlier books, but he usually comes across as self-centered to me. This makes some of the scenes between the two of them hard for me to take. On the other hand, Katie has an abundance of chemistry with Ray. They have remained “just friends”, but there are sparks as well as mutual respect there. My hope is that sometime soon, Katie realizes this, too! If Katie’s love life is going to continue to be a major part of future books, a romance I can get behind will make this a more enjoyable series for me.
~ Christine -
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. -
Murder Ink is the sixth book in the Victoria Square mystery series. A business owner wants to open a tattoo parlor on Victoria Square. Some of the merchants are not happy about that, but would one of them kill over it? That's what Katie wants to find out when the building owner is electrocuted by his own saw. In the meantime, does Katie have another suitor on the horizon?
I always enjoy visiting Victoria Square. I can imagine walking through Artisan Alley, looking at all of the artist's pieces and wanting to take them all home. I can seem myself walking outside, looking at the quaint shops. I would have lunch at Tealicious with a yummy dessert. I love the fell of a small town. It's cozy and makes everyone feel like a family. The characters add richness to the story with all of the quirks
The mystery of the story drew me in. I kept trying to figure it out from the clues the authors dropped in the story. Each time I thought I had it figured out, a new clue would surface and I would have to start all over. The twist and turns were like being on a ride I didn't want to end.
Lorraine and Gayle have written another great who-dun-it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a story with a small town feel, rich characters with strength and a great sense of humor. The mystery will keep you guessing until the end.
I received my copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Lorraine Bartlett for review. This is an honest review. -
Pretty typical for a cozy mystery/Lorraine Bartlett book. It got a little too busy in the middle and the relationship drama is Yikes! but the mystery isnt bad.
I just want to make one point about the Merchats Association and their snobby high horse. They are clearly judging Paul for being a tattoo artist and having tattoos and that attitude should be their demise. I'd love to see their snooty holier-than-thou attitude bite them in the bum. My husband's fave tattoo artist not only works hard to grow his business, support new artists and help them grow their businesses but he ALSO does a ton of charity and fundraising work for the community. He partners with organizations and even our NFL team and players to raise money and help people. That kind of guy is too good to be neighbors with these people or be a part of their Merchants Association.
But having read other books by Lorraine Bartlett I know that's asking too much. Her world seems to be very small, and very stereitypical about these things. At least her books are. (I'd love to be proven wrong about that tho. Give me a tattooed "hard core" do gooder Lorraine!)
(One more small thing; Nona Fisk is so annoying, that even being in the periphery of this book I'm kind of hoping shes the next victim or murderer in the next?) -
3.5 Stars
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. -
One of the best in the series “Murder Ink” was filled with bad guys, twists & turns, and a heart-stopping climax.
Katie has a new vendor at Artisan Alley who raises a lot of red flags for her. Why was Hugh let go from his last job? Why do so many people think he’s lucky to not be in jail? And what is his connection to the strange blue pill Katie found? Katie also has to deal with Detective Schuler who is trying to pin a murder on her good friend Ray Davenport. Lots going on in this time around and it really kept me guessing.
My only complaint was Andy’s constant referral to Katie as “Sunshine.” It sounds so demeaning to me. He never calls her by her name. What’s the deal with that? And the underlying story setup with Erikka can only be something we will see more of in a later book. Frankly the whole Andy thing is tiresome too. He leaves Katie to go offer Erikka a full time job? Yeah right. Katie needs someone who will be there for her full time and Andy isn’t it. Will it turn out to be Ray? Or maybe the new guy Brad? Hopefully lots more in this series to tell us what happens. -
This is book 6 of the Victoria Square Mystery series by Lorraine Bartlett.
Again, an outstanding effort by Lorraine Barlett. I absolutely love this series. The characters are smart and complicated and the mysteries are realistic and suspenseful. Katie is such a busybody and the love triangle may have just added a fourth member. I smell trouble in paradise between Andy and Katie, but this may not be a bad thing. I am very interested to see how the chef Katie, recently, hired to run Tealicious figures into things.
These books are a great escape and I highly recommend this book and series. If you love the writings of Eve Calder, Kate Carlisle, or Donna Andrews then you will enjoy this series, the stories, and the characters.
Synopsis:
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 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? -
I am generally a fan of cozy mysteries because it gives me something lighter to read between the psychological thrillers I have been enjoying lately. This one comes in on my it's OK list. I really wasn't overjoyed with the main character, I found her to be annoying and her relationship seemed tepid at best. Why does there have to be relationship conflicts in these stories? It seems to be just page fillers. Another thing that bugged me was the repeated comments about taking a peppermint and biting it in half. Really? So what? What was the point of that anyway?
As for the actual story it was, I don't know, lacking. For one thing the part about putting an opioid pill in used cat litter or coffee grounds, while that is one way to dispose of them it is not the best way since the medication is still active, therefore someone could get high when they take it (it is not out of the realm of possibility for those active in addiction), but I will get off of my professional soap box and get back to the review of the story. I feel like the ending was rushed and there was too much - extra, I guess is the right word, at the beginning.
Overall, it was a decent read for book club this month.
