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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Doggone Deadly in Books

Nov 20, 2021  
Doggone Deadly
Doggone Deadly
Deborah Blake | 2021 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Doggone Fun
Kari Stuart has taken a booth at a regional dog show to promote her newly renovated pet rescue shelter. Her best friend, Suz Holden is grooming dogs for the event and helping to run it. The first night, Kari is helping Suz make sure everything is shut down when they find the dead body of a local dog breeder. The murder weapon appears to be a pair of Suz’s distinctive grooming scissors, so she leaps to the top of the suspect list. Naturally, Kari adds playing detective to her weekend plans. Can she figure out what is going on?

I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I’m thrilled to say that the second is just as much fun. The set up before Kari and Suz find the body is good, and things only pick up from there. The background of the rules around dog shows is presented in an entertaining way, so it never feels like a data dump. It’s wonderful to see the returning characters again, and the suspects are just as strong. Plus, there’s plenty of cuteness from the four-legged animals. You are in for a treat when you pick up this book.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Wedding Bride and Doom in Books

Nov 27, 2024 (Updated Nov 27, 2024)  
Wedding Bride and Doom
Wedding Bride and Doom
Mary Karnes | 2023 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fatal Flowers
When Kate Ludlow's marriage ended, she packed up her teenage daughter and moved from Southern California back to her hometown in Connecticut. She also went about turning her part time gig as a wedding planner into a full business, hustling to prove herself to her new customer base. The florist she works with the most is Lori-Sue, which can be awkward since the two have a history dating back to high school. So when Kate finds Lori-Sue's body one day, she also finds herself the prime suspect. Naturally nosey, Kate gets involved. Can she clear her name?

This debut sounded fun, so I was looking forward to it. It starts out well, with Kate finding the body quickly. However, the further I went into the book, the more I struggled with it. The plot seemed disjointed at times, but connections are made at the end. Meanwhile, we learn things late in the book about Kate that would have been nice to learn earlier. Finally, the climax only works because Kate is stupid. On the other hand, I really did like the characters, and the cliffhanger is intriguing. Still, I think I will probably pass on the sequel, unfortunately.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Murder at Glenloch Hill in Books

Nov 27, 2024 (Updated Nov 27, 2024)  
Murder at Glenloch Hill
Murder at Glenloch Hill
Clara McKenna | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Golf Clubbed to Death
It’s been six months since Stella and Lyndy have found a dead body, and they have enjoyed the break. But that is about to change when they travel to Scotland. The trip has two purposes – Stella gets to meet some distant cousins, and Ludy’s soon to be brother-in-law is playing in the nearby Open Championship. However, when they arrive, they find a weird tension they can’t figure out. Then, there’s an accusation from a maid. Finally, Stella finds a dead body, and Lyndy finds himself the prime suspect. Can they figure out what is happening?

It was great to be back with these characters once again. I really have come to love the regulars, so I missed those who weren’t here. But we saw more growth in those who did come along for the trip. The new characters were great as well. The mystery slowed down a time or two, but never for long, and the final third really grabbed me as I headed toward the logical climax. As always, the time period came to life. Those looking for a series with character they will love need to pick up these books. Those who are already fans will enjoy this entry.