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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated A High-End Finish (A Fixer-Upper Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Shannon Hammer loves her life and her job of working on the many Victorians in Lighthouse Cove. She’s agreed to go on a blind date with Jerry Saxton, but he turns out to be a complete jerk. To Shannon’s horror, she finds his dead body in one of her houses a couple of days later. With the police looking at her as the prime suspect, she has to build a case against someone else. There are no shortage of suspects, but who did it?
More than a mystery with clues and red herrings, this book is a series of mysterious events, with Shannon reacting to the latest. There are some interesting twists, but the lack of true investigation bothered me. Still, the book does come to a logical climax. I loved these characters. Shannon has a strong group of friends and family, and I really liked them.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/02/book-review-high-end-finish-by-kate.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
More than a mystery with clues and red herrings, this book is a series of mysterious events, with Shannon reacting to the latest. There are some interesting twists, but the lack of true investigation bothered me. Still, the book does come to a logical climax. I loved these characters. Shannon has a strong group of friends and family, and I really liked them.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/02/book-review-high-end-finish-by-kate.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated First Degree Mudder (Pacific Northwest Mystery #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Meg’s latest assignment for Northwest Extreme magazine finds her signing up for a mud run and a training course. Billy, the drill instructor in charge of the training course, is harsh – possibly two harsh. After two weeks, Meg is wondering why she signed up. However, one morning she sneaks out early only to discover Billy’s body. Was someone fed up with his training techniques?
Those coming to the series now might be disappointed. While there are some twists to the murder, it is overshadowed by everything else going on in Meg’s life, including a very intriguing twist in the story of her father’s murder. Fans who already know and love Meg will be intrigued by what happens here and anxiously awaiting the next book. (Cliffhangers, anyone?) The new characters are a bit thin as a result, but Meg and the other regulars more than make up for that as well.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-first-degree-mudder-by-kate.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Those coming to the series now might be disappointed. While there are some twists to the murder, it is overshadowed by everything else going on in Meg’s life, including a very intriguing twist in the story of her father’s murder. Fans who already know and love Meg will be intrigued by what happens here and anxiously awaiting the next book. (Cliffhangers, anyone?) The new characters are a bit thin as a result, but Meg and the other regulars more than make up for that as well.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-first-degree-mudder-by-kate.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated Silenced in the Surf (Pacific Northwest Mystery #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Meg’s latest assignment in the annual windsurfing competition on the Hood River. She hopes this is a sport she can actually learn, but strong winds blow her away from the rest of the other reporters early one morning, and she discovers the dead body of Justin, the star of the windsurfing world. Justin was also a jerk, but who actually wanted him dead?
I really found this particular sport to be a fun hook into the mystery. The pacing was a little off, but there are still plenty of clues, viable suspects, and red herrings to keep us entertained. The ongoing story about Meg’s father is advancing very slowly. I hope we get some answers on that soon. The characters are good, series regulars and new ones, although I do find Meg’s grandmother way out there with her New Age beliefs and wish that were toned down some. Still, overall, I enjoyed this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-silenced-in-surf-by-kate.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I really found this particular sport to be a fun hook into the mystery. The pacing was a little off, but there are still plenty of clues, viable suspects, and red herrings to keep us entertained. The ongoing story about Meg’s father is advancing very slowly. I hope we get some answers on that soon. The characters are good, series regulars and new ones, although I do find Meg’s grandmother way out there with her New Age beliefs and wish that were toned down some. Still, overall, I enjoyed this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-silenced-in-surf-by-kate.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated And Then There Were Nuns (League of Literary Ladies #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When ten nuns arrive on South Bass Island, Bea agrees to help with their meals during their week long retreat. However, when one of the Sisters doesn’t show up for dinner, Bea finds her dead body. Is one of the other Sisters hiding a deadly grudge? Or is someone out to put a killer end to this retreat?
I was thrilled to return to South Bass Island and Bea and her friends. They are a delightful group, and I enjoyed spending time with them as always. While borrowing nicely from the setup of the Christie classic, this mystery takes off in some fun new directions. One aspect of the setup is never fully explained, although I can guess what happened as why. That’s a small quibble and my only complaint with this wonderful book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-and-then-there-were-nuns-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I was thrilled to return to South Bass Island and Bea and her friends. They are a delightful group, and I enjoyed spending time with them as always. While borrowing nicely from the setup of the Christie classic, this mystery takes off in some fun new directions. One aspect of the setup is never fully explained, although I can guess what happened as why. That’s a small quibble and my only complaint with this wonderful book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-and-then-there-were-nuns-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated Shunned and Dangerous (An Amish Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
While exploring a corn maze, Claire Weatherly stumbles upon the body of Harley Zook. This Amish man was very kind; in fact, he was one of the few who has stood up for detective Jakob Fisher after Jakob left the Amish community to become a detective, which lead to Jakob being shunned. With the evidence pointing to Jakob’s father, Claire will have to once again act as an intermediary to find the killer.
As I’ve come to expect with this series, the characters are strong and so compelling that they really pull you into the story. The plot is good with some nice twists before the end. I am growing a little tired of Claire and how upset she is by how Jakob is treating. While I agree with her that it isn’t right, it is who they are, and getting mad and raising her voice to people isn’t going to change anything. Still, I am enjoying this series.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-shunned-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
As I’ve come to expect with this series, the characters are strong and so compelling that they really pull you into the story. The plot is good with some nice twists before the end. I am growing a little tired of Claire and how upset she is by how Jakob is treating. While I agree with her that it isn’t right, it is who they are, and getting mad and raising her voice to people isn’t going to change anything. Still, I am enjoying this series.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-shunned-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated The Skeleton Takes a Bow (Family Skeleton Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Georgia has reluctantly agreed to let Sid, her best friend the skeleton, star in the play at her daughter’s high school. Okay, star might be the wrong word since Sid’s skull is playing the part of Yorick in Hamlet. Either way, he’s excited to get out of the house. However, when he is accidently left at the school overnight, he hears a murder. With no body, the police won’t take Georgia seriously. Can Sid and Georgia track down the killer when they don’t know who the victim is?
This is a fun dip into the light end of the paranormal spectrum since Sid is the only paranormal element in the book. The plot is different from a normal cozy, and as a result appears to wander a bit at the beginning, but the author uses all those elements in the end before bringing us to a logical climax. Meanwhile, the characters are fun, charming, and fully fleshed out. Yes, even Sid.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-skeleton-takes-bow-by-leigh.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a fun dip into the light end of the paranormal spectrum since Sid is the only paranormal element in the book. The plot is different from a normal cozy, and as a result appears to wander a bit at the beginning, but the author uses all those elements in the end before bringing us to a logical climax. Meanwhile, the characters are fun, charming, and fully fleshed out. Yes, even Sid.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-skeleton-takes-bow-by-leigh.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna takes on some clients planning a Napa County wedding a month before their big day. While Babs, the wedding planner they had been using, is very professional about these clients leaving, her assistant, Stefan, isn’t. Still, Kelsey is shocked to find a dead body in the office when she comes to pick up her new client’s file. With her reputation on the line, Kelsey has to find a way to clear her name.
I loved the first in this series, and this book is just as wonderful. Kelsey, her friend Brody, and her assistant Laurel, make a wonderful trio, and their friendship and banter is a pure delight. The suspects introduced here are just as strong, and make it hard to distinguish clue from red herring until Kelsey figures it all out at the end. This is a wedding you’ll be glad you crashed.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-dying-on-vine-by-marla.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I loved the first in this series, and this book is just as wonderful. Kelsey, her friend Brody, and her assistant Laurel, make a wonderful trio, and their friendship and banter is a pure delight. The suspects introduced here are just as strong, and make it hard to distinguish clue from red herring until Kelsey figures it all out at the end. This is a wedding you’ll be glad you crashed.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-dying-on-vine-by-marla.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2332 KP) rated Digging Up the Dirt (Southern Ladies Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The Athena Garden Club is all buzzing about the return of Hadley Partridge to town. When he left forty years ago, he was the most eligible bachelor in town, and some of the ladies want to pick up where they left off. An’gel and Dickce Ducote aren’t among them, but they can’t help but be pulled in when Hadley’s return brings up a secret from the past. When a dead body and an old skeleton turn up, can these sisters solve the crime?
It was wonderful catching back up with An’gel and Dickce. I love the characters in this series, and it was fun to see Athena from a different point of view. The story starts strongly and never slows down. I did feel the ending was weaker than it could have been, although it does tie every up nicely for us.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-digging-up-dirt-by-miranda.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
It was wonderful catching back up with An’gel and Dickce. I love the characters in this series, and it was fun to see Athena from a different point of view. The story starts strongly and never slows down. I did feel the ending was weaker than it could have been, although it does tie every up nicely for us.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-digging-up-dirt-by-miranda.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Monopoly: The Walking Dead in Tabletop Games
Apr 4, 2018
I'll be honest, I'm a sucker for a themed version of Monopoly so a Walking Dead version really appealed. Although it's a good version, personally its not my favourite.
For starters, this is based on the original comics/graphic novels so there is quite a bit in this that won't be familiar to fans of the show (like me). It's not as easy to get into a themed game like this when you don't know everything about the subject. I also think that the themed items (money, properties and chance/community chest cards) are a little weak compared to other themed versions out there. Although this could just be because I'm not as big a fan of The Walking Dead as I thought! What I did love was the tokens, it's a little dark and disturbing to get to play as Lucille or a bucket of body parts.
The rest of the gameplay is standard Monopoly fare as expected, but maybe this is one made for die hard Walking Dead fans.
For starters, this is based on the original comics/graphic novels so there is quite a bit in this that won't be familiar to fans of the show (like me). It's not as easy to get into a themed game like this when you don't know everything about the subject. I also think that the themed items (money, properties and chance/community chest cards) are a little weak compared to other themed versions out there. Although this could just be because I'm not as big a fan of The Walking Dead as I thought! What I did love was the tokens, it's a little dark and disturbing to get to play as Lucille or a bucket of body parts.
The rest of the gameplay is standard Monopoly fare as expected, but maybe this is one made for die hard Walking Dead fans.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Evil of Frankenstein (1964) in Movies
Feb 19, 2018 (Updated Feb 19, 2018)
It's (not really) alive!
Hammer's third Frankenstein movie is basically a soft reboot, disregarding the continuity of the first two. Down-on-his-luck Baron F (Cushing) rediscovers frozen body of his original monster (Kingston), doesn't really think through consequences of hiring someone called Zoltan the Evil Hypnotist (Woodthorpe) to help with monster-wrangling duties as he prepares to try and restore his reputation.
Hammer won the rights to reuse much imagery from the 1930s Universal Frankenstein series (that said, the monster looks more like an Easter Island statue than Boris Karloff); in their delight at this coup they seem to have forgotten to come up with a proper story for this film. Cushing is given a run for his money by the underrated character actor Peter Woodthorpe; in the end the parts are competently assembled but the spark of life remains elusive. Title seems a little harsh, as Frankenstein is certainly more sinned against than sinning on this occasion: poor choice of staff hardly constitutes 'evil', if you ask me.
Hammer won the rights to reuse much imagery from the 1930s Universal Frankenstein series (that said, the monster looks more like an Easter Island statue than Boris Karloff); in their delight at this coup they seem to have forgotten to come up with a proper story for this film. Cushing is given a run for his money by the underrated character actor Peter Woodthorpe; in the end the parts are competently assembled but the spark of life remains elusive. Title seems a little harsh, as Frankenstein is certainly more sinned against than sinning on this occasion: poor choice of staff hardly constitutes 'evil', if you ask me.