This feature is for short reviews, reviews of books in a series where it might feel repetitive, or (as Michelle suggested) books I was too lazy to write a “real” review for. Today’s books are from a new-to-me cozy series, Avalon Cafe.
Every Dog has His Day Series: Avalon Cafe #0.5 Published by Hermoine Moon Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Website Freebie
Discover how Gwen met her psychic Labradoodle, Merlin, in this prequel short story exclusive to Hermione Moon's subscribers.
Gwen Young runs The Avalon Cafe in Glastonbury, England, and solves murders with a psychic Labradoodle called Merlin and the real King Arthur. Well, every girl needs a knight in shining armour! Join Gwen, Arthur, and the rest of their friends as they solve mysteries and murders, and fall in love along the way!
For a short, this was super cute and has me really excited about reading the rest of the series. Told from the perspective of Merlin, a labradoodle, we are introduced to the world of Avalon Cafe and to Gwen, the main character. I was very pulled in by the references to the Arthurian court and I look forward to seeing how this series plays out!
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
One Dark and Stormy Knight by Hermione Moon Narrator: Zehra Jane Naqvi
Series: Avalon Café #1
Published by Tantor Audio on February 16, 2021
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 163
Length: 4 hours 53 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Every girl needs a knight in shining armour…
When kitchen witch Gwen Young discovers the spirit of King Arthur in the suit of armour that stands in her café only an hour after finding a dead body in the library, she knows it’s going to be a very strange day…
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Gwen Young runs The Avalon Cafe in Glastonbury, England, and solves murders with a psychic Labradoodle called Merlin and a boyfriend who only materializes when she’s in trouble. Well, every girl needs a knight in shining armour! Join Gwen, Arthur, and the rest of their friends as they solve mysteries and murders, and fall in love along the way!
If you enjoy books by authors such as Amanda M. Lee, Adele Abbott, Annabel Chase, Kristin Painter, or Charlaine Harris, you might enjoy these cozy witch mysteries with a sprinkle of romance, by USA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writing as Hermione Moon.
Contains British English spelling and usage. The Avalon Café stories are clean reads with no graphic violence, strong language, or sex.
I am very glad I picked up this series! The combination of history, mystery, and magic is the perfect blend – it pleases this formerly medieval historian’s heart to spend a little time with Arthurian legend combined with a modern setting.
Gwen is a fantastic character – I love the way she honestly dislikes people and wants to do small petty things, but then feels guilty because she was raised to be a good person and does the right thing despite that desire. It makes her such a real person for me, but also a good one. We all have those moments where we just want to be small and petty, right? Her goodness extends beyond not doing harm – she genuinely wants to help and do good for others. And she takes risks to do so. So yeah, I like her a lot.
I also enjoyed her good friend, Imogen, who also happens to be the police inspector. She’s smart, strong, loyal, and takes her duty very seriously. I look forward to seeing her grow over the series. And then there’s Arthur – we don’t know him too well yet, but I like what I’ve seen. I’m excited to see how he manages in 21st century England and how he wins Gwen’s heart.
The mystery was satisfying and I liked the role of magic in Gwen’s solving of things, alongside good sleuth work. There’s several interesting characters to explore in the series, both magcial and antagonistic, not to mention Merlin her supernatural dog companion.
I have to say, I had read a note that this series uses British English and, when combined with the narration, that was all the more pointed. It was VERY BRITISH – that might be a problem for some readers. For me, it was a treat and I absolutely loved the feeling that I was literally in England. So yeah I adored Zehra Jane Naqvi’s narration and will definitely continue listening to the series.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Knight on the Town by Hermione Moon Narrator: Zehra Jane Naqvi
Series: Avalon Café #2
Published by Tantor Audio on February 23, 2021
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 188
Length: 5 hours 44 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
A good knight out is always welcome…
When kitchen witch Gwen Young releases King Arthur from the suit of armour in her café, it’s just the beginning of a new adventure, as he accompanies her out on the town, discovering his new world and helping her solve another murder.
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If you enjoy books by authors such as Amanda M. Lee, Adele Abbott, Annabel Chase, Kristin Painter, or Charlaine Harris, you might enjoy these cozy witch mysteries with a sprinkle of romance, by USA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writing as Hermione Moon.
Contains British English spelling and usage. The Avalon Café stories are clean reads with no graphic violence, strong language, or sex.
I am delighted that I picked up this series, as I’ve really enjoyed both books so far. A Knight on the Town picks up the same evening as the previous book ended, making for a seamless feeling between books.
I am LOVING the relationship between Gwen and Arthur. It is a very slow, sweet romance – slower than expected, considering that they are supposedly THE Guinevere and Arthur of legend. But I’m enjoying the sweet, slowness of it. It’s also fun watching Arthur discover the 21st century and I think Hermione Moon has done a good job capturing the things that would impress someone from his time.
I also continue to like Imogen – the local Police Inspector – and Gwen’s best friend. And I’m loving her slow burning romance with Christian. I’m really enjoying the different relationships and friendships that are developing.
The mystery was another good one and it’s neat to see how Gwen’s magical powers are developing. I think there’s a lot of room for significant growth through the series and I’m excited to see the witch she may become.
The narration is FANTASTIC and really brings home the extreme British feel of this series (which I love). I can’t believe I haven’t heard Zehra Jane Naqvi before, but I’ll be looking for her!
Thank you for this, I read the first book and then got distracted, but I am going to get this series read this year. Your post reminded me that I very much liked that her friend was the detective and that is such a refreshing change from all the cozies that have the cop as the love interest (a trope I don’t enjoy) 🙂
I’m so glad to hear these were all quite good. I still seem to not be in a cozy mystery mood unless they are set in the UK.
I do want to cry cozy pnrs, they sound fun
Sounds like you enjoyed all of these so yay! 😀