by Kirsten Weiss
Series: Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum #3
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
A holiday tradition turns deadly, but is the paranormal museum to blame?
Maddie Kosloski is no fan of San Benedetto's Christmas Cow, a thirty-foot straw bovine that graces the town square every December. For one thing, the cow displaces her paranormal museum as the number one tourist attraction. Plus, every year, despite around-the-clock surveillance, the cow goes up in flames.
But this year, there's more than just a fire blazing in Maddie's wine-country hometown. One of the Christmas Cow guards has been found with an arrow in his chest, and Maddie's new haunted cowbell exhibit is fueling a panic. Are the spirits in her museum getting too hot to handle? If Maddie can't stop the hysteria—and the murderous archer—her holiday plans might not be the only thing full of holes.
Deja Moo by Kirsten Weiss is the third book in the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum series and I was drawn to the series because of the paranormal museum. I just love strange oddities and cursed objects. Don’t you? A burning cow, cursed bells, and murder have our heroine and her mother investigating. A touch of romance, humor and meddling mommas offered up a suspenseful and fun tale.
I have not read the previous books but decided to jump in any way. I like that while previous cases were mentioned the author was careful not to spoil the outcome. I am hoping to go back and read the first two.
Maddie Kosloski, own the local paranormal museum and its the Christmas season, which means the local dairy association is proudly displaying a thirty-foot straw bovine known as the San Benedetto’s Christmas Cow. Hoping to increase sales, Maddie secures a set of haunted cowbells, gifted by the town’s sister city and reported to be cursed to bring in customers. Since the late nineties, one way or another the straw cow has burned. The association has set up surveillance cameras, and guards but it doesn’t prevent the bovine from going up in flames. Only this year one of the guards is shot with an arrow. Was it a prank gone awry or murder?
Maddie’s mom is determined to find out, and despite protest that her investigative days are over Maddie is soon knee-deep in the case. Politics, suspects, enemies and a rather charming detective made for an interesting murder-mystery. Problems at the paranormal museum with her haunted bells and interesting side stories added depth and problems for Maddie. Even, Maddie’s ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend is a possible suspect, and the closer Maddie and her mother get to solving the case the more dangerous it becomes.
I enjoyed Maddie and loved the paranormal museum, although I was disappointed we didn’t get more paranormal aspects. Maddie isn’t a believer but the museum cat reportedly is, as are the townspeople and things get a little crazy. I wish there were pictures of the fairies and creepy dolls. I will admit, I was hoping for ghosts.
Deja Moo was a fun cozy, and I quickly became caught up in the comings and goings of this wine-country town and its dairy farm community. It has charm and the characters were realistic, flawed and inviting.
A burning cow, cursed bells, and murder have our heroine investigating in Deja Moo by Kristen Weiss. #NewRelease #cozy #mystery Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa @ Captivated Reader
This sounds like such a fun read. I will be adding it to my ever growing reading wishlist! Happy reading!!
Kimberly
I hope you enjoy it. I went back and grabbed book one myself.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! I always want a little more paranormal bits with each one but she seems to focus on the story of one particular item for each book. I think you’ll enjoy the previous two books as well.
Kimberly
I did, so thank you for the rec Katherine. I did grab book one and hope to read it soon.
Debbie Haupt
This looks great Kim, I enjoyed reading your review
Melanie Simmons
This looks really cute. I wish it was on audio. My reading TBR is really long right now. I’m still going to add book one to this one anyway.
Kimberly
Bwahaha…I am the complete opposite but that is because I am on a serious UF and Paranormal kick. Next week I only have audio reviews.
Sophia Rose
What a hoot! I could see this one being all kinds of fun and I like that in a cozy mystery. I’ll have to add this to my growing list of series to try. Thanks, Kimberly!
Kimberly
It was fun and different.
Angela Adams
Cool book cover and cute title. Enjoy your weekend!
Kimberly
Agreed. Enjoy your weekend!
RR
Sounds interesting and intriguing!
Kimberly
It was different and a break from romance, thrillers and fantasy 🙂
Blodeuedd
Like the Swedish goat then, they try to burnt that sucker every year. THis year it survived
Kimberly
Yes, exactly like that Linda!
Stefanie
The title made me LOL. I have this cozy series slated to read for this year. Glad it’s a good one.
Kimberly
Very cool. I went back and grabbed book one.
Mary Kirkland
I love the cover and this sounds like an interesting read for sure.
Kimberly
Thanks, Mary. I agree I like the cover too.
sherry fundin
Creepy cool cover and that title had me smiling.
Kimberly
Catchy right? 🙂
Angela @ Angel's Guilty Pleasures
Sounds interesting. My library has book one and I also see that the copy for 1 is only 99cents. Not bad. I’ll have to check out the series. Thank you for the wonderful review.
Kimberly
Enjoy. It was a nice light, fun mysteries.
Lily
I have been eyeing this series for a while myself, it sounds super interesting. A burning cow? 🙂 not sure how to take that one heh.
i think Heidi had the same issues with this series because despite being advertised as a paranormal museum there isn’t much ‘paranormal’ in the book itself.
Kimberly
We do have some curses but yeah no ghosts or ghouls here.
Tyler H. Jolley
This sounds like a series that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I really enjoy a series where I can pick up a book at any point.
Kimberly
Yeah, it was light and fun Tyler.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
Deja Moo – OK that had me. I love the idea of a paranormal museum – I think this would be a fun read. I have to add this to my TBR list. I liked your review at the end where you say they are flawed and inviting. I like characters like that! Thanks for putting this one on my radar.
Kimberly
Happy to do so Mary 🙂
Ailyn Koay
so was the cow haunted or just had too much methane and self- combusted? I know you wouldn’t tell me, so maybe one day i’ll find out
Kimberly
LOL, the large cow is a holiday display of sorts made of straw.
Ailyn Koay
well it’s paranormal, who is to say this straw cow didn’t come to life at any point? though i get your hint now hehe
RO
This book sounds creative and fun. Can you imagine visiting a paranormal museum in real life? I would love that! Hugs…and Happy Friday! RO
Kimberly
I would love that!
Melliane
The idea of this one appeals me! I confess that I’m quite intrigued mainly about the museum part and I would love to try!
Kimberly
I liked the setting, the museum is cute and some of the little tidbits were interesting.