Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Bring the Night in Books
Sep 8, 2023 (Updated Sep 8, 2023)
Suicide? Or Murder?
Los Angeles in 1939 was experiencing a rash of suicides, but in the middle of them, PI Nate Ross is hired to prove one was murder when a brother and sister walk into his office wanting him to find the truth about their father’s death. The cops quickly ruled it another suicide, but they insist that it was murder. It isn’t long before Nate is finding more questions than answers and receiving threats. Can he figure out what is going on?
The suicide or murder question is a common trope of mysteries, and this book doesn’t spend long before Nate is certain it was murder. I had a couple of the twists figured out, but I didn’t grasp the full picture until the end. Even then, I had to think about the ending to make sure everything made sense; a little more exposition would have been nice. Nate is fun to be around as always, and the rest of the cast is interesting as well. As a PI novel, there’s a little more language and violence than in the typical novels I read, but it was still minimal. The use of slang from the time is a bit over the top, but it does help bring the period to life. Fans of the genre will be glad they picked up this book.
The suicide or murder question is a common trope of mysteries, and this book doesn’t spend long before Nate is certain it was murder. I had a couple of the twists figured out, but I didn’t grasp the full picture until the end. Even then, I had to think about the ending to make sure everything made sense; a little more exposition would have been nice. Nate is fun to be around as always, and the rest of the cast is interesting as well. As a PI novel, there’s a little more language and violence than in the typical novels I read, but it was still minimal. The use of slang from the time is a bit over the top, but it does help bring the period to life. Fans of the genre will be glad they picked up this book.
Danger on the Atlantic
8.0
Rate It
Book
In Agatha Award-winning author Erica Ruth Neubauer’s third wanderlust-inspiring historical...
Dirty Heart (Cole McGinnis #6)
9.0
Rate It
Book
Final book in the Dirty Series arc. Former LAPD detective Cole McGinnis’s life nearly ended the...
Contemporary MM Romance Crime Mystery Suspense
Winter Wishes Scattered (Bella and the Beast Master #6)
10.0
Rate It
Book
No one can leave. No one is safe. And a killer is on the loose… In Sziveria, winter is more...
Science Fiction Mystery Romance Paranormal Novella
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Mission Manhattan in Books
Feb 20, 2024 (Updated Feb 20, 2024)
Another Fast Pasted Adventure
As this book opens, the team is in Venice. MI6 has intercepted a threat against a climate change rally that is featuring Beatriz Santos, a teen who has gained quite a following with her outspokenness on the topic. Since she is from Brazil, Rio has been tasked with getting close to her. It’s a good thing they are there, since things don’t go according to plan.
But Venice was just the beginning. As the team looks into what happened there, they realize that the danger isn’t over yet. Can they figure out what is happening in time to stop it?
I was anxious to dive into this book after the cliffhanger from the last book, and it did not disappoint. It did take a while to get back to cliffhanger, and the answers only lead to more questions. While I could have done without the climate change theme, I was happy to see those mini-lectures never lasted too long. Instead, we get plenty of surprises and fun as the City Spies try to figure out exactly what is going on so they can stop it. Meanwhile, I still love these characters and their relationship. Fans of all ages will love their latest adventure and be left wanting to find out what happens next.
But Venice was just the beginning. As the team looks into what happened there, they realize that the danger isn’t over yet. Can they figure out what is happening in time to stop it?
I was anxious to dive into this book after the cliffhanger from the last book, and it did not disappoint. It did take a while to get back to cliffhanger, and the answers only lead to more questions. While I could have done without the climate change theme, I was happy to see those mini-lectures never lasted too long. Instead, we get plenty of surprises and fun as the City Spies try to figure out exactly what is going on so they can stop it. Meanwhile, I still love these characters and their relationship. Fans of all ages will love their latest adventure and be left wanting to find out what happens next.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Malicious ( The Whitethorn Society 1) in Books
Mar 30, 2024
60 of 220
Kindle
Malicious ( The Whitethorn Society 1)
By Rinna Ford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
On the outside, people see Viv as a spoiled little rich girl who lives for designer clothing and wild parties, not the strong, capable woman she tries so hard to be. But money and power don’t buy love and acceptance, and Viv has definitely learned that the hard way.
College was a taste of freedom from that life, but then, that freedom ends up being stripped away when Viv is expected to go back to the family she hates to embrace a destiny she doesn’t want. Only, she believes that her destiny is to slave away for her family business, not join an ancient society of magical beings that shouldn’t even be real. Secrets and danger lie around every corner, but so do answers and love that she so desperately craves.
With old friends and new, one seriously annoying brother, and an ex that won’t go away, not that she really wants him to, Viv has to face new challenges and become the Whitethorn she was born to be.
She is the key. Whatever that means.
This was really good. A concept I haven’t yet read It was really interesting and I’m looking forward to reading more. I do like this author though and it was a light enjoyable book.
Kindle
Malicious ( The Whitethorn Society 1)
By Rinna Ford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
On the outside, people see Viv as a spoiled little rich girl who lives for designer clothing and wild parties, not the strong, capable woman she tries so hard to be. But money and power don’t buy love and acceptance, and Viv has definitely learned that the hard way.
College was a taste of freedom from that life, but then, that freedom ends up being stripped away when Viv is expected to go back to the family she hates to embrace a destiny she doesn’t want. Only, she believes that her destiny is to slave away for her family business, not join an ancient society of magical beings that shouldn’t even be real. Secrets and danger lie around every corner, but so do answers and love that she so desperately craves.
With old friends and new, one seriously annoying brother, and an ex that won’t go away, not that she really wants him to, Viv has to face new challenges and become the Whitethorn she was born to be.
She is the key. Whatever that means.
This was really good. A concept I haven’t yet read It was really interesting and I’m looking forward to reading more. I do like this author though and it was a light enjoyable book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Down Down Deep in Books
May 17, 2024
98 of 220
Booksirens ARC
Down Down Deep
By Christina Delay
⭐️⭐️
Did I kill him?
Jesse David, professional travel writer, can’t shake the past she doesn’t remember. With her blackouts growing worse at the approach of her father’s death anniversary, she’s convinced that this trip is her last chance to find answers. But then Momma tags along and brings her special brand of abuse and a suitcase full of secrets.
Gabriel Gutierrez, cruise ship director, doesn’t perform the job—he is the job. For the past two decades, he has avoided his home and the destruction he brought upon his family, yet he cannot escape the heavy anchor of guilt. When Jesse steps on board, old shame renews and compounds as not one, but two deaths rise from troubled waters.
With a clock ticking and lives at stake, Jesse and Gabriel must decide whether the dangerous truth should rise to the surface or remain drowned in the deep.
I don’t know this started off as though I was going to really like it but then I really struggled with it half way through. The ending was ok but something about the whole book just irritated me a little. I’m quite an emotional reader and somehow just didnt evoke any.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Booksirens ARC
Down Down Deep
By Christina Delay
⭐️⭐️
Did I kill him?
Jesse David, professional travel writer, can’t shake the past she doesn’t remember. With her blackouts growing worse at the approach of her father’s death anniversary, she’s convinced that this trip is her last chance to find answers. But then Momma tags along and brings her special brand of abuse and a suitcase full of secrets.
Gabriel Gutierrez, cruise ship director, doesn’t perform the job—he is the job. For the past two decades, he has avoided his home and the destruction he brought upon his family, yet he cannot escape the heavy anchor of guilt. When Jesse steps on board, old shame renews and compounds as not one, but two deaths rise from troubled waters.
With a clock ticking and lives at stake, Jesse and Gabriel must decide whether the dangerous truth should rise to the surface or remain drowned in the deep.
I don’t know this started off as though I was going to really like it but then I really struggled with it half way through. The ending was ok but something about the whole book just irritated me a little. I’m quite an emotional reader and somehow just didnt evoke any.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated Bring Her Home in Books
Jan 11, 2026
We meet Bill. Who is looking for, or has received a call about, this daughter? He wonders where and if his daughter is Alive.
He met with Detective Hawkins. He is told about his daughter, Summer, and her injuries. He also finds out about her friend Haley.
Detective Hawkins asks a few more questions. Bill's sister arrives to support her brother and niece. She tells Bill that Summer called her.
What is happening? Does Bill really know his daughter? What actually happened to Summer?
It seems that both Summer and Bill are still grieving. Bill grieves for his wife, and Summer grieves for her mother. Will there be healing?
We find out that the girl in the hospital may not be Bill's daughter, Summer. It takes a few days and some clues from the girl for them to realize this. Is Summer dead, or where is she? Is the girl really Summer?
Is Adam a friend, or could he be involved in Summer's disappearance? It seems odd that Adam is often around, even though he is supposed to be on his way to see his son.
We seem to be getting some of the story and some answers about what happened that day, and everything seems to be happening. Will they find Summer alive or at all?
He met with Detective Hawkins. He is told about his daughter, Summer, and her injuries. He also finds out about her friend Haley.
Detective Hawkins asks a few more questions. Bill's sister arrives to support her brother and niece. She tells Bill that Summer called her.
What is happening? Does Bill really know his daughter? What actually happened to Summer?
It seems that both Summer and Bill are still grieving. Bill grieves for his wife, and Summer grieves for her mother. Will there be healing?
We find out that the girl in the hospital may not be Bill's daughter, Summer. It takes a few days and some clues from the girl for them to realize this. Is Summer dead, or where is she? Is the girl really Summer?
Is Adam a friend, or could he be involved in Summer's disappearance? It seems odd that Adam is often around, even though he is supposed to be on his way to see his son.
We seem to be getting some of the story and some answers about what happened that day, and everything seems to be happening. Will they find Summer alive or at all?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated London Calling in Books
Feb 20, 2025 (Updated Feb 20, 2025)
Family Found Finally?
This book starts with Annie in Istanbul. Thanks to things her mom has drilled into her, she realizes someone is following her and manages to give them the slip before she sends out a cry for help. A cry that the City Spies get and immediately jump into action. You see, Annie is the daughter of Mother, their leader. But the spies are already on assignment protecting the fiancée of one of the princes before their royal wedding. Can they find Annie and rescue her while keeping their current assignment on track?
If you haven’t yet started this fantastic series, don’t start here since it will spoil many of the twists of the previous books. But fans will be highly satisfied when they finish the book since it gives us many of the answers we’d been waiting for. A couple things were glossed over, but that’s minor. Along the way, we get all the twists and excitement that fans expect. We also get to spend time with characters we love. They are so great at working together, and it is a joy to watch. While this book does wrap up quite a bit, it leaves the door open for further adventures - ones I hope we get. If you are a fan, pick up this book today.
If you haven’t yet started this fantastic series, don’t start here since it will spoil many of the twists of the previous books. But fans will be highly satisfied when they finish the book since it gives us many of the answers we’d been waiting for. A couple things were glossed over, but that’s minor. Along the way, we get all the twists and excitement that fans expect. We also get to spend time with characters we love. They are so great at working together, and it is a joy to watch. While this book does wrap up quite a bit, it leaves the door open for further adventures - ones I hope we get. If you are a fan, pick up this book today.
Brothersong
10.0
Rate It
Book
Set in the dreamy backwoods of Oregon, Brothersong is a queer, paranormal romance of burning passion...