Last year I read the first book in this cozy paranormal mystery series called Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley and really enjoyed it.

Vampires and Villains picks right up where the first book left off. The series revolves around a magical mystery book club whose select members are actually transported into their book club selection to solve the mystery. They cannot leave the book until they crack the case. This time the reading group find themselves on a cruise ship called the Serendipity of the Seas. Not before long, a body turns up in the casino onboard and it’s up to the book club members to figure out who dunnit. The cast of characters from the first book are here, including Frank the talking cat. There are also some new characters introduced. There are nearly 5 thousand guests and crew aboard, including vampires as the group tries to narrow the suspects down.

I enjoyed the mystery, the vampires and I loved the cruise ship setting. The descriptive writing transported me aboard the ship alongside the book club members as they tried to figure out who committed the crime. I didn’t know who did it until the author revealed it.

I have to say, I just love this series. I enjoy Elizabeth Pantley’s easy and addictive writing style. This is my second time reading a book of hers where I finished it in one sitting. Although Vampires and Villains is the second book in this series, it reads fine as a stand-alone. However, I suggest reading the first book to get a feel for how the book club got started. I recommend this one if you enjoy paranormal cozies with a bit of humor in the mix and a fun cast of characters. ( )

It’s time for another meeting of the Magical Mystery Book Club!

Vampires and Villains is another fun and fanciful entry in the Magical Mystery Book Club series by Elizabeth Pantley. All but one of the group from the previous book have returned and are joined by the wonderfully quirky Maximilian “Million” Bettencourt III. He is the perfect addition to the club and something of a nemesis to the feisty Zell. I loved how the group returns after a month apart but has made great strides toward becoming a “family.” Forrest, in particular, is becoming a more solid member of the club and brings teenage energy and attitude, current pop cultural knowledge, and solid computer and social media skills to the table.

The story is set on board a luxury cruise ship and the Hawaiian Islands when the group participates in excursions, and I loved how the Snapdragon Inn magically tagged along. The descriptions of the ship, activities, and trips ashore are vivid and put me on location with the characters. And even with a murder on board, it also put me in the mood to book my own cruise!

The investigation was so entertaining that I read this book in one sitting. With nine (counting Frank!) sleuths on the job, the group can check out a lot of leads in a short amount of time, which is a good thing because there are beaucoup suspects.

Starting out, there are almost 5,000 passengers and crew on board. However, after learning the manner of death, that is whittled down to the number of vampires on the ship. The story has twists and turns in it and I didn’t suspect the individual revealed as the murderer at all. I liked that each character regularly gets moments to contribute to the interaction and case.

With a magical library theme, a fun group of recurring characters, including a snarky, talking cat, and vampires, I recommend VAMPIRES AND VILLAINS to cozy mystery readers who enjoy paranormal elements in their stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. ( )

The quirky, zany characters deserve a star, and the world Elizabeth Pantley created was like no other I have visited. I know I have said I love to travel through books, but the book club takes it to a whole new level….and I love it!

Paige and her Aunt Glo inherited a house with a magical library. They created a book club of oddball characters to learn about magic.

Of course, the cruise to Hawaii holds more than they bargained for, but that what’s happen when you skim the blurb. Vampires. It doesn’t matter to them. They are prepared to do what’s necessary to solve a cozy mystery.

Vampires and Villains is everything I expect in a cozy mystery, with a couple of bonuses, vampires and a talking cat, and the travel gives a whole new meaning to being caught up in a book.

Most cozies fall into a 3 rating, for me, but Elizabeth added enough extras to take it up a notch. Mystery, laughs, a funfilled cruise, the exploration of Hawaii, vampires, a talking cat, a novel way to travel and plenty of villains to keep me guessing.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Vampires and Villains by Elizabeth Pantley.

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This book was so entertaining! I am not a fan of the vampire/werewolf/zombie craze, but I loved this book!

The premise of this series is so original. Paige and her Aunt Glo have inherited a house that has a magical library. They must host a book club made up of eight members. As soon as they open the book and start to read the first page, they are transported INTO the story. “Vampires and Villains,” the second book in the series, is set on a cruise ship. Pantley’s writing made me feel like I was right there on the ship with the book’s characters.

And speaking of characters, this is such a fun bunch. My favorite is Frank, a talking cat with attitude. Being a cat lover, I laughed at Frank’s antics. Zell, an 80+ senior, is feisty and loves the cruise food. Another senior, Million is new to the book club and connects well with Vincent, a guest on the cruise who just happens to be a vampire.

The book club members quickly fall into the excitement abroad the ship. But they are reminded of their purpose for being there when they come across a dead body on the ship. Their new friend is being framed for the murder, and they must prove his innocence while surviving themselves. And solving the mystery is the only way they can return home.

Even though this book was a fun cozy, it had a very powerful paragraph that resonated with me. “Everything we value in life comes from those important relationships we nurture and treasure. When you find the kind of connection that transcends the world, it is important to grasp it and hold it lovingly, with both hands. And with your heart. Forever to keep it close. To allow it to fill your days with joy and laughter. And peace.”

I highly recommend this book (and series) to paranormal cozy fans. I received an advance copy of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )