A complex and convoluted Cozy Mystery set in small, superstition-ridden Redemption, Wisconsin, this is a Charlie Kingsley Mystery, starring the trsnsplanted New Yorker from a society family-teamaker with a troubled, mysterious past. Once again, Charlie becomes embroiled in a Mystery no one wants investigated--including the police; only this one involves Hidden History and promises possible fatality, including her own.

Arson, Old Lace and Murder (Book 8 of The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries) by Michele Pariza Wacek goes hard. The book cover is fire and the title is cheeky, setting the scene and tone before the story even begins. And begin it does, with a fiery spectacle that engages the reader, much like Charlie, to want to find out what’s going on. Amidst the obvious dangers, secrecy, strange happenings and fear about what is truly happening and who’s responsible for the fire we find out more about the inhabitants of Redemption and a mystery that plagues them to this day.

Michele Pariza Wacek doesn’t miss with Charlie, and this novel is no exception. It has all the coziness that Redemption can provide with Charlie’s teas and quirky residents, alongside that niggling feeling in the back of your mind that something isn’t quite right. There’s no shortage of hijinks, suspense and Wyle/Charlie interaction.

Come for the mystery and stay for the tea with a side of subtly creepy and a whopping punch of intensity, bad decisions and the consequences of character’s actions. If you like the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries you definitely won’t be disappointed!

Thanks NetGalley and Love-Based Publishing, for this free arc/copy of Arson, Old Lace and Murder by Michele Pariza Wacek; all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

this was a strong eighth entry in the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries series, it had that element that I was hoping for and enjoyed from the previous entries. The plot worked well and enjoyed how everything flowed and enjoyed figuring out what was going on in the mystery. The characters were so well written and enjoyed the how well they worked in this universe. Michele Pariza Wacek wrote this perfectly and hope to read more in this series and from the author.

🔥✨ ARC REVIEW ✨🔥

Arson, Old Lace, and Murder by Michele Pariza Wacek absolutely consumed me; in the best, most fantastically twisty way possible.

From the very first page, I was completely wrapped up in Charlie Kingsley’s world again, and let me just say… this might be her most intense, pulse pounding case yet. What starts as a seemingly straightforward arson investigation quickly spirals into something so much deeper, darker, and more dangerous than I ever expected; and I was living for every second of it.

@themichelepw is absolutely brilliant at creating a cozy mystery that borders on a full on cozy thriller. She balances charm and danger so effortlessly, and this book is the PERFECT example of that magic. One minute I was smiling at the small town vibes and familiar characters, and the next I was holding my breath, trying to piece together clues before everything unraveled. And trust me… the twists? ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED (in the best way).

Charlie continues to be one of my all time favorite amateur sleuths. She’s sharp, determined, and so wonderfully real and watching her navigate a case that becomes increasingly personal and dangerous had me completely emotionally invested. The stakes felt higher, the mystery more layered, and the danger? VERY real.

And can we talk about that underlying decades old mystery element?! Because WOW. The way everything connects is so cleverly done, and when the pieces started falling into place, I genuinely got chills.

✨ Highlights:
• A twisty, addictive mystery that keeps you guessing
• Charlie at her absolute BEST (and bravest!)
• Small-town cozy vibes mixed with real danger
• Secrets that refuse to stay buried
• A plot that escalates in the most satisfying way
• That perfect cozy mystery → cozy thriller blend

If you love cozy mysteries with depth, heart, and jaw dropping twists, you NEED this book on your radar.

🔥 Final Verdict: A wildly addictive, twist filled ride that proves this series just keeps getting better and better; and I am already counting down to Book 9.

Have you read any of the Charlie Kingsley mysteries yet or is this your sign to start? 👀📚

Huge thank you to @netgalley for the ARC!

Arson, Old Lace and Murder is exactly the kind of cozy mystery that feels like slipping into a favourite jumper—comforting, quirky, and just a little bit wicked. Charlie Kingsley, tea‑maker extraordinaire and reluctant sleuth, is the perfect guide through Redemption, Wisconsin: practical, warm‑hearted, and forever finding herself in the middle of trouble she never asked for.

This time, it’s a bar reduced to ashes, a dead owner, and a missing waitress who also happens to be pregnant—and possibly entangled in a scandalous affair. Charlie wants nothing to do with arson investigations, but when the widow comes knocking and the town starts whispering, she’s pulled in despite herself. What follows is a delightful tangle of misdirection, small‑town gossip, and a decades‑old mystery that refuses to stay buried.

The joy of this book lies in its tone. It’s funny without being fluffy, twisty without losing its warmth. The 1990s setting adds a lovely nostalgic charm, and the cast of eccentric locals—pets included—gives Redemption that lived‑in, slightly off‑kilter personality that cozy readers adore. Charlie herself is a standout: no‑nonsense, quietly brave, and endlessly endearing as she stumbles into danger with nothing but determination and a good cup of tea.

As the clues deepen and the past resurfaces, the stakes rise in a way that feels organic and satisfying. The mystery is clever, the pacing brisk, and the final reveal lands with just the right blend of surprise and inevitability.

A witty, comforting, and thoroughly engaging cozy mystery perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Aurora Teagarden, and anyone who loves their crime with heart, humour, and a dash of danger.

With thanks to Michele Pariza Wacek, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

I was draw to this book because of the title, as I absolutely love the movie Arsenic and Old Lace. From the blurb, it didn't seem to be any relation to it (there isn't) but still, had to read the book just in case. By the way, if you haven't seen that movie, please watch it. I am not the biggest fan of old black and white movies, but I love that one. Perfect for cozy mystery fans, too.

Even though there was no bodies in window seats or yellow fever victims (watch the movie), I absolutely loved the book. This is a complete stand-alone book. I haven't read any of the other books and didn't feel lost at all. There weren't any spoilers for other books, either, which I absolutely hate when mystery writers do that.

I will be looking into reading more of these books in the future. Definitely would recommend.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.