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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Body on the Bayou (Cajun Country Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Maggie Crozat has been pressed into service as maid of honor is her co-worker Vanessa’s wedding. As if dealing with the very pregnant bridezilla isn’t enough, she is also playing host to Vanessa’s cousin Ginger. At first, Ginger seems nice, but soon she is driving everyone crazy. Which means that when Maggie finds Ginger’s dead body, the list of potential suspects is very long. With finding a killer added to her maid of honor duties, can Maggie successfully juggle everything?
I completely enjoyed getting to revisit these characters. They are tons of fun, and the character growth we see in some of them is truly amazing. The plot is strong with lots of motives and secrets to keep us guessing until the logical conclusion. This is a strong second entry.
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/2016/09/book-review-body-on-bayou-by-ellen.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I completely enjoyed getting to revisit these characters. They are tons of fun, and the character growth we see in some of them is truly amazing. The plot is strong with lots of motives and secrets to keep us guessing until the logical conclusion. This is a strong second entry.
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/2016/09/book-review-body-on-bayou-by-ellen.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Audrey Bloom is excited when the reality TV show Fix My Wedding is coming to town, especially when she gets to design the bridal bouquet. Okay, so the bride is a bit bell obsessed, but she can make it work. Unfortunately, that becomes the least of her problems when one of the hosts of the show is killed and the police begin to suspect Audrey’s former boyfriend, a production assistant on the show.
This series is already on my favorites list after just two books. The characters are wonderful and the so real. This applies to the series regulars and the suspects in this book. The plot is intriguing and kept the surprises coming until the end. Add in a dash of humor, and you’ve got another winner.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-for-whom-bluebell-tolls-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This series is already on my favorites list after just two books. The characters are wonderful and the so real. This applies to the series regulars and the suspects in this book. The plot is intriguing and kept the surprises coming until the end. Add in a dash of humor, and you’ve got another winner.
NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-for-whom-bluebell-tolls-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated The Scam in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The unlikely duo of criminal Nick Fox and FBI Agent Kate O’Hare are after a casino owner who is knowingly helping launder money that goes to terrorists. But as their con is set in motion, things quickly spiral out of control. Will they be able to turn their target into an FBI asset?
These books are always light, fun reads and this book is no exception. The characters could have more depth, but they are developed enough to keep my interest, and the crew that Nick and Kate always pull together is half the fun. The twists and plentiful and the ride is fun. I’m very anxious to get my hands on the next in the series.
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/2015/09/book-review-scam-by-janet-evanovich-and.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
These books are always light, fun reads and this book is no exception. The characters could have more depth, but they are developed enough to keep my interest, and the crew that Nick and Kate always pull together is half the fun. The twists and plentiful and the ride is fun. I’m very anxious to get my hands on the next in the series.
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/2015/09/book-review-scam-by-janet-evanovich-and.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Time's Up (Maisie McGrane Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Maisie is set to follow in the footsteps of some of her older brothers and her father and become a cop. That is until she fails the psych evaluation. So she decides to prove she can handle being hated by becoming a meter maid. But can she really handle the job?
This was a mixed bag. First of all, it is not a mystery. The dead body and who killed him is a poorly handled sub-plot at best. However, the coming of age aspect I did enjoy at times. At other times, it was slow. Likewise, some of the characters never rose above cliché while others were lots of fun. There’s potential for some good stories here, but this book isn’t at that level yet.
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/2015/07/book-review-times-up-by-janey-mack.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This was a mixed bag. First of all, it is not a mystery. The dead body and who killed him is a poorly handled sub-plot at best. However, the coming of age aspect I did enjoy at times. At other times, it was slow. Likewise, some of the characters never rose above cliché while others were lots of fun. There’s potential for some good stories here, but this book isn’t at that level yet.
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/2015/07/book-review-times-up-by-janey-mack.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Eggnog Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery, #23.5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A collection of three Christmas novellas set in Maine and starring the series sleuths by the authors. We get two murder by eggnog, and one missing moving truck and winds up with a dead body. Will these mysteries be solved by Christmas?
All three of these stories will get you in the Christmas spirit with a dead body along the way. We do get some time enjoying holiday traditions (recipes included with all three stories), some of them unique to Maine, which is a lot of fun. The mysteries are all good, although the first seems to wander quite a bit before it gets fully engaging. If you are a fan of one of these authors, here is a good way or sample some others while catching up with your favorite sleuth at Christmas time.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-eggnog-murder-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
All three of these stories will get you in the Christmas spirit with a dead body along the way. We do get some time enjoying holiday traditions (recipes included with all three stories), some of them unique to Maine, which is a lot of fun. The mysteries are all good, although the first seems to wander quite a bit before it gets fully engaging. If you are a fan of one of these authors, here is a good way or sample some others while catching up with your favorite sleuth at Christmas time.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-eggnog-murder-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Uncorking a Lie (A Sommelier Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Katie Stillwell is thrilled to be asked to join a dinner party where wine collector Paul Rafferty is planning to share a rare bottle he’s recently purchased with his friends. However, Katie doesn’t think the bottle looks or tastes like an old bottle of wine should. Before the evening is over, someone is dead. When Paul asks Katie to look into what happened, she finds people covering up secrets. Can she find the truth?
Despite growing up in this book’s setting of Sonoma County, California, I’m not a wine guy. That wasn’t a factor for me at all in following this plot based very heavily on wines. Everything I needed to know was expertly explained. The plot was fast with lots of twists and clues to keep me engaged. The book also has strong characters, both returning and new.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-uncorking-lie-by-nadine.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Despite growing up in this book’s setting of Sonoma County, California, I’m not a wine guy. That wasn’t a factor for me at all in following this plot based very heavily on wines. Everything I needed to know was expertly explained. The plot was fast with lots of twists and clues to keep me engaged. The book also has strong characters, both returning and new.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-uncorking-lie-by-nadine.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Death al Fresco in Books
Mar 14, 2018
Corpse in the Kelp
Sally and her friend Eric are taking an outdoor painting class around Santa Cruz. During class one Saturday, Sally’s dog finds a dead body in the kelp. The man was a regular at Sally’s family’s restaurant, and his last few days seem to be connected to his time there. Can Sally figure out what happened before the restaurant’s reputation is ruined?
This book has a good mystery with viable suspects and a couple of good twists to it. It also has some strong sub-plot, which are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they take the focus off the mystery a bit too much at times. On the other hand, they are the perfect showcases for some of the recurring characters, and I enjoyed seeing them again and how they are growing. Overall, I found this a satisfying read.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
This book has a good mystery with viable suspects and a couple of good twists to it. It also has some strong sub-plot, which are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they take the focus off the mystery a bit too much at times. On the other hand, they are the perfect showcases for some of the recurring characters, and I enjoyed seeing them again and how they are growing. Overall, I found this a satisfying read.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated The White Road: The Nightrunner Series, Book 5 in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Thank goodness. A particular story arc is finally closed, spread over the length of this and the previous novel. It was interesting at first, then it got really tiresome. I will say that it was fairly unique, which is fairly rare, so kudos to Flewelling for that, and it really tested the relationship between Alec and Seregil while it lasted.
I'm not sure how much longer these books can stay fresh, although the world does offer more potential. Perhaps it's time for Flewelling to allow this couple to turn things over to a new generation? Their heritage does mean they'll be young enough for nightrunning for years to come, but that doesn't mean readers will stay interested in reading about them that long unless they go off to countries as yet unexplored. I, to be honest, would prefer to read stories including more female POV characters for a change. (I have nothing against gay male characters - I just like female characters, too.)
I'm not sure how much longer these books can stay fresh, although the world does offer more potential. Perhaps it's time for Flewelling to allow this couple to turn things over to a new generation? Their heritage does mean they'll be young enough for nightrunning for years to come, but that doesn't mean readers will stay interested in reading about them that long unless they go off to countries as yet unexplored. I, to be honest, would prefer to read stories including more female POV characters for a change. (I have nothing against gay male characters - I just like female characters, too.)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Demolition Angel in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Three years ago, Carol Starkey lost her partner and lover when a bomb exploded. Heck, she almost lost her life herself, and she has lived with the scars, real and emotional, from it ever since. Now she is tasked with solving the murder of another LAPD bomb squad member killed by a bomb. The ATF thinks it was the work of Mr. Red, a serial bomber. Can Carol catch him?
The mystery itself in this book is strong, and I enjoyed the twists and turns as we went along. However, I had a real problem with Carol. She was a walking cliché of the hard-boiled mystery genre right down to her chain smoking, secret drinking, and hard to like personality. Her character arc was a cliché as well, but I finally did find myself caring about her toward the end of the book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-demolition-angel-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The mystery itself in this book is strong, and I enjoyed the twists and turns as we went along. However, I had a real problem with Carol. She was a walking cliché of the hard-boiled mystery genre right down to her chain smoking, secret drinking, and hard to like personality. Her character arc was a cliché as well, but I finally did find myself caring about her toward the end of the book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-demolition-angel-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah is running a sport equipment exchange in a local school gym. The night before, as she is about to leave, someone attacks her. Despite the attack, the event goes off without a hitch – until Sarah finds the dead body of the school superintendent. What is going on?
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-i-know-what-you-bid-last.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-i-know-what-you-bid-last.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.