Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2400 KP) rated Murder in the Bowery in Books
Apr 11, 2022 (Updated Apr 11, 2022)
Death of a Newsie
Frank Malloy thinks his latest client has offered him a chance for a case with a happy ending. Will Bert is trying to reconnect with his younger brother, Freddie, after they were separated when both of them were sent west on an orphan train. Almost as soon as Frank starts his investigation, he finds questions about Will’s story. Then he finds Freddie, only to have him run away and then turn up dead hours later. Can Frank figure out what is really happening?
Freddie is a newsie, and this book takes place during the newsies’ strike of 1899, made famous by the Disney musical. This book is more historically accurate than the musical, however. Still, I found that part of the setup fun, and the historical details about what their lives were really like was interesting. It is quickly clear that the motive for Freddie’s murder lies outside of his life as a newsie, however. In fact, this book turns pretty dark with some adult discussions. This series is more serious and does dip into those waters every few books. They are handled delicately, but know that in mind going into the story. Even though I figured out parts of the plot early, I didn’t have the killer pegged until we reached the end. The supporting players are all here and are all fun to spend time with. And yes, Sarah does still play a large part in the story as always. Fans will be glad to catch up with their friends in this book.
Freddie is a newsie, and this book takes place during the newsies’ strike of 1899, made famous by the Disney musical. This book is more historically accurate than the musical, however. Still, I found that part of the setup fun, and the historical details about what their lives were really like was interesting. It is quickly clear that the motive for Freddie’s murder lies outside of his life as a newsie, however. In fact, this book turns pretty dark with some adult discussions. This series is more serious and does dip into those waters every few books. They are handled delicately, but know that in mind going into the story. Even though I figured out parts of the plot early, I didn’t have the killer pegged until we reached the end. The supporting players are all here and are all fun to spend time with. And yes, Sarah does still play a large part in the story as always. Fans will be glad to catch up with their friends in this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2400 KP) rated Uneasy Prey in Books
Apr 25, 2022 (Updated Apr 25, 2022)
Who Are the Monsters Targeting the Elderly?
Zoe Chambers is back to work after a couple of months of medical leave, and her first night back in the ambulance finds her taking a call for an elderly woman who fell down the stairs in her house. On her way to the hospital, she revives enough to say she was pushed, but then she passed out again. When she dies, Zoe’s boyfriend, Police Chief Pete Adams, becomes involved. The investigation quickly leads to the thieves who are targeting the elderly in the area. Can Pete and Zoe catch them before they strike again?
Every time I pick up one of these books, I’m reminded why I enjoy them. Zoe and Pete are both strong, and they share main character duties. I love seeing the story unfold from both of their point-of-views, and it is always easy to follow whose head we are in. The story includes a couple of sub-plots that help draw us into the story, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The twists kept coming until the end. The characters are all strong whether returning or new. I did get a little frustrated with Pete at one point, but it was a minor point. These books are a tad darker than the books I normally read, and they have a shade more language and violence as well, but that’s worth noting only in passing. I hope I get a chance to pick up the next in the series soon.
Every time I pick up one of these books, I’m reminded why I enjoy them. Zoe and Pete are both strong, and they share main character duties. I love seeing the story unfold from both of their point-of-views, and it is always easy to follow whose head we are in. The story includes a couple of sub-plots that help draw us into the story, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The twists kept coming until the end. The characters are all strong whether returning or new. I did get a little frustrated with Pete at one point, but it was a minor point. These books are a tad darker than the books I normally read, and they have a shade more language and violence as well, but that’s worth noting only in passing. I hope I get a chance to pick up the next in the series soon.
Skull's Vengeance (Curse of Clansmen and Kings #4)
Book
A Celtic warrior queen must do the impossible—defeat her sorcerer half-brother and claim the...
Historical Fantasy Ancient Rome Ancient Britannia
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Shrooms ( Garden Variety Zombies 1) in Books
Nov 2, 2023
163 of 235
Kindle
Booksirens ARC
Shrooms (Garden Variety Zombies 1)
By Zola Joyce
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hazel always had doubts about the protective abilities of the government. Particularly Child Protective Services and the cranky old lady who’d been doing her best to separate Hazel from her one and only parental unit. Why couldn’t Mrs. Stenopoulos see the value of independent living, and Hazel’s knack for it from the youngest of ages?
She was second in command of her mother’s slightly illegal but very profitable enterprise.
She’d taught herself to drive a full four years before she was eligible to get a license.
She’d rescued her beloved hound from the ‘Clinical Trial’ her mother’s boyfriend of the month had recently concocted.
And just a few weeks after her 15th birthday, she’d secured a full ride scholarship to the local university. Early entrance.
Hazel was a caretaker, a dog lover, and a crack shot. Ask anyone in town.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you enjoy Zombie YA then it’s definitely the book for you! I think it could have done with a bit more humor and it did have some just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I’ve gone with a 3⭐️ because it’s well written and the idea is really interesting. The ending has thrown me a little and I really want to read the next to make sure I wasn’t high on mushrooms reading that last page 😆.
Kindle
Booksirens ARC
Shrooms (Garden Variety Zombies 1)
By Zola Joyce
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hazel always had doubts about the protective abilities of the government. Particularly Child Protective Services and the cranky old lady who’d been doing her best to separate Hazel from her one and only parental unit. Why couldn’t Mrs. Stenopoulos see the value of independent living, and Hazel’s knack for it from the youngest of ages?
She was second in command of her mother’s slightly illegal but very profitable enterprise.
She’d taught herself to drive a full four years before she was eligible to get a license.
She’d rescued her beloved hound from the ‘Clinical Trial’ her mother’s boyfriend of the month had recently concocted.
And just a few weeks after her 15th birthday, she’d secured a full ride scholarship to the local university. Early entrance.
Hazel was a caretaker, a dog lover, and a crack shot. Ask anyone in town.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you enjoy Zombie YA then it’s definitely the book for you! I think it could have done with a bit more humor and it did have some just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I’ve gone with a 3⭐️ because it’s well written and the idea is really interesting. The ending has thrown me a little and I really want to read the next to make sure I wasn’t high on mushrooms reading that last page 😆.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2400 KP) rated Murder at the Majestic Hotel in Books
Jul 14, 2023 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
Honeymoon Interrupted but a Not So Sweet Death
This book picks up a couple of days after the third book ended. The newly married Stella and Lyndy have just arrived in York for their honeymoon, but they discover that, despite their reservation for the honeymoon suite, it has been taken by someone else for the night. The interloper is Horace Wingrove, owner of England’s most popular chocolate company. The next morning, Wingrove is dead, and Stella and Lyndy can’t help but worry that this might have been their fate had their reservation been honored. But Stella sees a few things that don’t quite make sense to her. Will she figure out what is really going on?
If you haven’t read this series yet, be aware that this book spoils some of the previous book in the series. It only makes sense considering what happened and how close in time this book is to the previous one. The plot seemed to wander a bit before it came into focus, but once it did, I was hooked, and things made sense at the end. While I enjoyed seeing Stella and Lyndy’s relationship continue to grow, I did miss some of the other regulars and the complications they bring. But the characters we did get to meet are good. The multiple viewpoint narration is great at bringing us the story as always. I also enjoyed the little bit of real history that is twisted into the plot. Fans of historical mysteries will be glad they picked up this series.
If you haven’t read this series yet, be aware that this book spoils some of the previous book in the series. It only makes sense considering what happened and how close in time this book is to the previous one. The plot seemed to wander a bit before it came into focus, but once it did, I was hooked, and things made sense at the end. While I enjoyed seeing Stella and Lyndy’s relationship continue to grow, I did miss some of the other regulars and the complications they bring. But the characters we did get to meet are good. The multiple viewpoint narration is great at bringing us the story as always. I also enjoyed the little bit of real history that is twisted into the plot. Fans of historical mysteries will be glad they picked up this series.
Merissa (13197 KP) rated The Poison Keeper in Books
Jun 11, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
THE POISON KEEPER is the first book about Giulia Tofana, a real historical figure, known for her poison Aqua Tofana which could both heal and harm. In this book, we grow with her from a young woman - chomping at the reins and not liking the constrictions placed upon her by her mother, to a strong woman with an agenda and life of her own with extremely difficult circumstances.
I cannot tell you the amount of research that must have gone into this book! There is just so much. Incredible details of clothing, hair, jobs, places, you name it. Also, you find out about the pomanders used, plus other 'recipes'. All of which help to draw you into an intriguing story. There are hints of a possible romance between Giulia and Fabio but only hints.
Make no mistake, Giulia Tofana is a killer. She provides the means, knowing full well what she's doing, even if she doesn't actually do the deed herself. However, after reading her story, you will understand just why she did it. She is a figure from history I have always been interested in, and this story helped to bring her alive.
The first in a series, I now have The Silkworm Keeper on my To-Be-Read list, and I can highly recommend this book.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 11, 2021
I cannot tell you the amount of research that must have gone into this book! There is just so much. Incredible details of clothing, hair, jobs, places, you name it. Also, you find out about the pomanders used, plus other 'recipes'. All of which help to draw you into an intriguing story. There are hints of a possible romance between Giulia and Fabio but only hints.
Make no mistake, Giulia Tofana is a killer. She provides the means, knowing full well what she's doing, even if she doesn't actually do the deed herself. However, after reading her story, you will understand just why she did it. She is a figure from history I have always been interested in, and this story helped to bring her alive.
The first in a series, I now have The Silkworm Keeper on my To-Be-Read list, and I can highly recommend this book.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 11, 2021
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Soulceress ( Mythean Arcana 2) in Books
Aug 17, 2023
110 of 235
Kindle
Soulceress ( Mythean Arcana 2)
By Linsey Hall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
He hates what she is
Three hundred years ago, Warren sold his soul in exchange for the safety of his people. He lives immortal and inhuman, a life in the shadows, hiding his secrets. Until now, when he finally has the chance to reclaim his soul after three centuries of suffering…
She’s wanted him forever
Esha is a soulceress, an immortal who drains the magical powers of others. Shunned by everyone she meets, she’s a rogue mercenary who hunts evil for a living. The only man she cannot harm is Warren, and she’s wanted since she first met him. The only problem? He hates what she is as much as everyone else.
A passion they want to resist--but can’t
Esha is the only person who can help Warren reclaim his soul, but the simple quest soon becomes a deadly battle fraught with secrets that could tear them apart. Warren will have to rely on the woman he wishes he didn’t want—one whom he can’t resist. But Esha isn’t going to settle for so little this time around. She’s going to make him work for it.
I really loved hearing Warrens and Eshas stories it just all came together so well a few bits I hadn’t clues onto as well so it always nice when a book surprises you. Would you give up your soul for that one love? If it was this romantic sign me up! Recommend!
Kindle
Soulceress ( Mythean Arcana 2)
By Linsey Hall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
He hates what she is
Three hundred years ago, Warren sold his soul in exchange for the safety of his people. He lives immortal and inhuman, a life in the shadows, hiding his secrets. Until now, when he finally has the chance to reclaim his soul after three centuries of suffering…
She’s wanted him forever
Esha is a soulceress, an immortal who drains the magical powers of others. Shunned by everyone she meets, she’s a rogue mercenary who hunts evil for a living. The only man she cannot harm is Warren, and she’s wanted since she first met him. The only problem? He hates what she is as much as everyone else.
A passion they want to resist--but can’t
Esha is the only person who can help Warren reclaim his soul, but the simple quest soon becomes a deadly battle fraught with secrets that could tear them apart. Warren will have to rely on the woman he wishes he didn’t want—one whom he can’t resist. But Esha isn’t going to settle for so little this time around. She’s going to make him work for it.
I really loved hearing Warrens and Eshas stories it just all came together so well a few bits I hadn’t clues onto as well so it always nice when a book surprises you. Would you give up your soul for that one love? If it was this romantic sign me up! Recommend!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Gallant in Books
Oct 5, 2023
140 of 235
Book
Gallant
By V.E. Schwab
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sixteen- year-old Olivia Prior is missing three things: a mother, a father, and a voice. Her mother vanished all at once, and her father by degrees, and her voice was a thing she never had to start with. She grew up at Merilance School for Girls. Now, nearing the end of her time there, Olivia receives a letter from an uncle she's never met, her father's older brother, summoning her to his estate, a place called Gallant. But when she arrives, she discovers that the letter she received was several years old. Her uncle is dead. The estate is empty, save for the servants. Olivia is permitted to remain, but must follow two rules: don't go out after dusk, and always stay on the right side of a wall that runs along the estate's western edge. Beyond it is another realm, ancient and magical, which calls to Olivia through her blood…
At first I was unsure it took a few chapters for me to get comfortable with it but once I was I just didn’t want to put it down. I’m really liking the gothic horror feel at the minute and this was done so well. A 16 year old non verbal girl just looking for a home and family to call her own. Abandoned by her mother and brought up in an awful place to find she has a family with a dark history. Loved it!!!!
Book
Gallant
By V.E. Schwab
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sixteen- year-old Olivia Prior is missing three things: a mother, a father, and a voice. Her mother vanished all at once, and her father by degrees, and her voice was a thing she never had to start with. She grew up at Merilance School for Girls. Now, nearing the end of her time there, Olivia receives a letter from an uncle she's never met, her father's older brother, summoning her to his estate, a place called Gallant. But when she arrives, she discovers that the letter she received was several years old. Her uncle is dead. The estate is empty, save for the servants. Olivia is permitted to remain, but must follow two rules: don't go out after dusk, and always stay on the right side of a wall that runs along the estate's western edge. Beyond it is another realm, ancient and magical, which calls to Olivia through her blood…
At first I was unsure it took a few chapters for me to get comfortable with it but once I was I just didn’t want to put it down. I’m really liking the gothic horror feel at the minute and this was done so well. A 16 year old non verbal girl just looking for a home and family to call her own. Abandoned by her mother and brought up in an awful place to find she has a family with a dark history. Loved it!!!!
Merissa (13197 KP) rated Broken Fates (Severed Flames #3) in Books
Mar 25, 2025
BROKEN FATES is the final book in the Severed Flames trilogy and gives a very satisfying conclusion to Vale's story.
Beginning from where Stolen Embers finished, Vale is on her own and doing everything in her power to rescue and protect her sister. Where are her dragons, I hear you ask? Well, they're doing their own thing.
All three of these books are full of spice and battles, and sometimes those things combine - I'm looking at you, Selene - and this one is no different. Everything that has happened has been building up to this book and it will take you on a rollercoaster ride as your emotions go through all the motions!
Now, a possible unpopular opinion - I really had had enough of the boys at the beginning of this one, Idris especially. Kian was and always will be my favourite and his self-realisation here only confirms that, although it took him long enough! And after they sort it out, they STILL think Vale is soft and fragile, not trusting in her or her abilities. I'm surprised I have any teeth left, I ground them that much!
Anyway, this story is completely outstanding from beginning to end and I have loved spending time in their world. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me, just in case you were wondering.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 25, 2025
Beginning from where Stolen Embers finished, Vale is on her own and doing everything in her power to rescue and protect her sister. Where are her dragons, I hear you ask? Well, they're doing their own thing.
All three of these books are full of spice and battles, and sometimes those things combine - I'm looking at you, Selene - and this one is no different. Everything that has happened has been building up to this book and it will take you on a rollercoaster ride as your emotions go through all the motions!
Now, a possible unpopular opinion - I really had had enough of the boys at the beginning of this one, Idris especially. Kian was and always will be my favourite and his self-realisation here only confirms that, although it took him long enough! And after they sort it out, they STILL think Vale is soft and fragile, not trusting in her or her abilities. I'm surprised I have any teeth left, I ground them that much!
Anyway, this story is completely outstanding from beginning to end and I have loved spending time in their world. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me, just in case you were wondering.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 25, 2025
Her Healing (Healing Duet #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
The Shetlands suddenly don’t seem so dull after all… Keiron has been conditioned his whole...