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Wow!!! What an awesome book!! I had not read anything by this author before and I must say that winning an ARC of this book turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Montanari is truly a masterful storyteller. The book was dark and sinister but I was sucked in from the get go. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end which doesn't happen all that often to me with books in this genre. The best part is the story is believable despite some crazy unexpected twists and turns.
The two main characters, detectives Byrne and Jessica were interesting believable characters. They made the story what it is and didn't let it get too far over the top. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author in the future!
  
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
Despicable Me 3 (2017)
2017 | Animation, Comedy
Gru-funny, Villian original, girls cute and funny (0 more)
Story was bland, back story for Dru and Gru was weak at best. (0 more)
Despicalbly Meh!
Contains spoilers, click to show
So after a long while I actually watched this and as an avid lover of Despicable Me, I can tell you...it was bland at best. The characters had their usual comical charm and the whole Agnes and finding a real unicorn thing was so cute but they really could have done more with Gru and Dru. Dru could have been given a better overall story arc. And I feel they could have brought more of this infamous villain father into things a lot more. I feel over all three was alot more room for story and comedic content in this one, compared to the first two movies
  
The latest Metalman superhero film is being filmed in Half Moon Bay, and DeMarco’s aunt is a producer. However, the set visit she arranges for Nick, Tesla, DeMarco, and Silas leads the four friends to believe someone is trying to sabotage the film. Can they figure out who?

This is a fun mystery with great clues and red herrings. The characters could be a tad better, but the middle grade audience certainly won’t care. I didn’t at that age. There are also instructions for projects to build later, including zombie make up. What more could kids want?

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-nick-and-teslas-special.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Suede to Rest (A Material Witness Mystery #1)
Suede to Rest (A Material Witness Mystery #1)
Diane Vallere | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When Poly inherits the family fabric store from her great-uncle, she fully intends to sell the building. However, a string of sabotage and a murder behind the shop make her wonder why someone wants her out of town so fast. Could it have to do with her great-aunt’s murder ten years before?

I was hooked on this book from the beginning. The plot is great with plenty of enjoyable twists and turns. The characters were fully formed as well, and I easily fell in love with many of them. I will definitely be back for the sequel.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/11/book-review-suede-to-rest-by-diane.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Cam Flaherty's local foods dinner is a success despite the fact that Irene Burr had words with several people during the event. The next morning, however, Irene turns up dead. Did something from the dinner lead to her death?

I enjoyed the mystery, which had several viable suspects and some good twists before the climax. The characters were very fleshed out as well. My only complaint was one sub-plot that took over a bit at the beginning, but once it fell back to sub-plot status, I was absorbed in the book again.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/05/book-review-til-dirt-do-us-part-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Note: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
  
On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty by Jillian Roberts; Jaime Casap is a book that talks about poverty, homeless, refugee, and all the difference between people in they basic way of loving. The story is easy to use with kids to show them how they are lucky to live the way of live they have, to make them aware of social issues and to explain to them how we can all play a part to make others lives better.

A direct and clear way to talk about the issues of poverty, I like how it's framed as questions with the answers, nice photographs from around the world illustate the points well.

I received this ARC from Orca Book Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
I am a fan of cozy mysteries and when the opportunity to read this book fell into my lap I, of course, jumped at the chance.

The main character is Pippa and she runs Moorehaven, which is a quirky bed-and-breakfast that had been the home of a world-famous mystery writer. The B&B attracts writers who want to find their own fame of writing crime novels.

The book was filled with some mystery, a little suspense, a possibility of a love connection, funny situations, and of course a murder to solve. This was a fun new mystery and I feel other readers like myself will be jumping at the chance to read more in the series.

I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
  
W
Witchtown
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I had a hard time putting this one down, it grabbed me from page one. The writing style was great, I really enjoyed the originality of the plot, and the pace was perfect, no real slow spots. I would have liked a little more character development, especially with the secondary characters since they are integral to the story. As the heroine, I wish Macie had done more to deal with her problems herself instead of always relying on her friends. Parts of the ending felt a little too convenient, as tho the author was in a rush to tie up loose ends. I'm not sure if there will be anymore books about the witchtown world but I certainly hope so! *Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
  
Silver Surfer: Rebith of Thanos
Silver Surfer: Rebith of Thanos
Jim Starlin | 2012 | Comics & Graphic Novels
7
7.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The origin of the infinity stones
A few half-decent linked Silver Surfer stories accompany "Thanos Quest", where the tyrant gathers together the infinity stones. This story shows that Thanos is actually already powerful, clever and tactical, and has the abilities to plan out and execute his strategy against a range of opponents. This sews the seed for the Infinity Gauntlet story arc, and the notion that Thanos is both obsessed with "Death", and also that he is totally egotistical and won't use his powers if he thinks he can do something with his natural abilities.
While the story was not quite as enjoyable as that in the Infinity War film, it gives a good background for the conflict to follow and has improved my re-reading of Infinity Gauntlet.
  
Guarding Bloodlines (The Princeton Allegiant #2)
Guarding Bloodlines (The Princeton Allegiant #2)
Deborah Garland | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
GUARDING BLOODLINES is the second book in The Princeton Allegiant series. We reunite with the characters we met in book one, and finally, learn more about the elusive Julianna. After 300 years of running from Loren, she is here to stay, no matter what that may bring.

I enjoyed this one much more than book one, although I enjoyed that one too. I think Ms Garland's writing has improved tremendously, and there is such an eye to detail, it improves the whole story. The world-building is excellent and character growth remains true to the individual.

The overall arc is still in place and more information is given throughout the book, leaving you wanting more. Personally, I can't wait to read book three, and four, and you get the idea.

Definitely recommended by me!