Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals: (A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery) by Michelle L. Clifton! Today we are featuring a review of book three in this cozy mystery series. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews, and more! There is also a Giveaway for: Three winners each receive an E-pub Copy of: Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals : (A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery) by Michelle L. Clifton (US and Canada). ENTER HERE! 

Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals: (A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Colorado
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Salty Inspirations (April 13, 2026)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 293 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990881778
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GTC1TW97

About the Book:

Wildfires weren’t part of Taryn O’Kelly’s summer plans. Neither was arson.

When a string of suspicious wildfires erupts in the mountains, authorities clear out the KOA Campground and surrounding homes, forcing Taryn to postpone her long-planned summer kick-off picnic. As smoke drifts over town and neighbors settle in at the fairgrounds, unease spreads right along with it. Then an insurance adjuster goes missing, and rumors of arson begin to take hold.

Determined to protect her town and her livelihood, Taryn starts asking questions. Corporate land grabs, bitter zoning disputes, and simmering grudges point in several directions. Even Silver Springs’ resident prankster seems to know more than he is saying. But the deeper she digs, the clearer it becomes that someone is playing a dangerous game, and the fires may be only the beginning.

Set against the backdrop of a Colorado mountain summer, Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals blends small-town charm, wry humor, and heartfelt community spirit with a mystery that smolders long after the last ember fades.

My Review:

Fans of small-town cozy mysteries looking for a summer read need look no further than Sparks, S’mores, and Scandals. This read had me itching for summer, especially if I could travel to Colorado (minus the whole fires thing). While this is book three in the series, I did not have any issues jumping into the series here. And I’m delighted to discover that books one and two are available on Kindle Unlimited. 

In addition to loving the setting, the mystery captured my attention and had me turning the pages quickly. The characters were also lovely – Taryn and Alex are delightful together. They are well developed, thoughtful characters. Little bits of humor are sprinkled throughout which adds to the fun in this read. 

About the Author:

Michelle L. Clifton writes lighthearted, high-stakes cozy mysteries filled with humor, romance, and small-town shenanigans. She is the author of the Taryn O’Kelly Mysteries, a fast-paced series featuring party planner and amateur sleuth Taryn O’Kelly and her growing circle of friends who somehow keep stumbling into trouble. Her stories blend the charm of traditional cozies with the quick pace and comedic flair readers love in Janet Evanovich books, always with a satisfying, happy ending.

Michelle serves on the board of the Southwest Florida Fiction Writers and is Editor-in-Chief of Inkwell Magazine. She is also the founder of Salty Inspirations, her blog, journal pen name, and publishing imprint, which serves as a home for her writing, creative projects, and behind-the-scenes insights into life as a cozy mystery author.

She lives in Cape Coral, Florida, with her husband. Her books are perfect for readers who enjoy humorous mysteries with heart, memorable characters, and a touch of romance mixed with murder.

You can learn more about Michelle and her books at her website and blog, Salty Inspirations.

Author Links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

• April 13 – Salty Inspirations– AUTHOR KICK OFF
• April 13 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
• April 14 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
• April 14 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
• April 15 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
• April 15 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT
• April 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 
• April 16 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
• April 17 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
• April 18 – deal sharing aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
• April 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST
• April 20 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
• April 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
• April 21 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
• April 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
• April 22 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT
• April 23 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST
• April 23 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
• April 24 – Hall Ways Blog – AUTHOR GUEST POST
• April 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
• April 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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