Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated A Disguise to Die For (Costume Shop Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Margo Tamblyn returns home to help her father with the family costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, in time to put together a bunch of detective costumes for a birthday party. But when the guest of honor is murdered in the kitchen and Margo’s good friend Ebony is the prime suspect, Margo has to put her own detective costume on to find the killer.
This was a fantastic start to a new series. The plot was great with many twists and surprises before we reached the logical conclusion. The characters were stronger and had more depth than many characters in long running series do. And the costume element was just plain fun, as I expected it would be. I can’t wait to revisit these characters again soon.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-disguise-to-die-for-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This was a fantastic start to a new series. The plot was great with many twists and surprises before we reached the logical conclusion. The characters were stronger and had more depth than many characters in long running series do. And the costume element was just plain fun, as I expected it would be. I can’t wait to revisit these characters again soon.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-disguise-to-die-for-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Cinderella Six Feet Under (Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Ophelia and Prue have traveled to Paris where they hope to reunite Prue with her mother. Instead, they find that Prue’s mother is missing and there is a dead body in Prue’s step-family’s home – a body wearing a ball gown and only one slipper. Then Gabriel shows up and insists that’s not the only tie in to Cinderella.
The combination of fairy tale with cozy mystery is successful once again. There are a couple of plot points that seem a bit rough, but for the most part the story is a fun, fast paces romp. I love the trio at the heart of the series, and the rest of the cast is just as sharp and fun. I already can’t wait to see where they go next.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-cinderella-six-feet-under.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The combination of fairy tale with cozy mystery is successful once again. There are a couple of plot points that seem a bit rough, but for the most part the story is a fun, fast paces romp. I love the trio at the heart of the series, and the rest of the cast is just as sharp and fun. I already can’t wait to see where they go next.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-cinderella-six-feet-under.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Death of A Bad Apple (A Food Festival Mystery #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Darcy, Aunt Abby, and the rest of the crew head up to Apple Valley for the annual apple festival. However, when they arrive, they find themselves in a not so festive atmosphere when a fire breaks out down the road from the B&B where they are staying and a fellow guest is murdered. What have they gotten themselves into?
Despite the change of location from San Francisco (the setting for the first two books in this series), all the regular characters are still present, which is a great thing since I love them all so much. Nothing about that has changed here, and I enjoyed watching their relationships continue to grow. The plot is great and kept me guessing until the end when everything came together for a logical climax.
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/2016/01/book-review-death-of-bad-apple-by-penny.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Despite the change of location from San Francisco (the setting for the first two books in this series), all the regular characters are still present, which is a great thing since I love them all so much. Nothing about that has changed here, and I enjoyed watching their relationships continue to grow. The plot is great and kept me guessing until the end when everything came together for a logical climax.
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/2016/01/book-review-death-of-bad-apple-by-penny.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Death by Coffee (Bookstore Cafe Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Krissy Hancock has moved to Pine Hills with her best friend to open a coffee and book shop, Death by Coffee. When business doesnt pick up right away, Krissy is concerned that it could be due to the death of a man who works in the building across the street a man who had come in for a cup of coffee just minutes before his death. Determined to find the killer in order to squelch rumors that Death by Coffee may actually be serving tainted coffee, Krissy conducts her own investigation.
This was a well plotted and well written mystery, but I did have trouble believing people would tell Krissy as much as they did, with her confrontational way of interrogating her suspects.
The story was entertaining though, and cozy mystery fans should enjoy it.
Krissy Hancock has moved to Pine Hills with her best friend to open a coffee and book shop, Death by Coffee. When business doesnt pick up right away, Krissy is concerned that it could be due to the death of a man who works in the building across the street a man who had come in for a cup of coffee just minutes before his death. Determined to find the killer in order to squelch rumors that Death by Coffee may actually be serving tainted coffee, Krissy conducts her own investigation.
This was a well plotted and well written mystery, but I did have trouble believing people would tell Krissy as much as they did, with her confrontational way of interrogating her suspects.
The story was entertaining though, and cozy mystery fans should enjoy it.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Shards of Murder (A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery, #2) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
In this installment of the Webb's Glass Shop mysteries, Savannah and her posse get back together to solve another crime. This time, they aren't personally connected to the victim, but Savannah herself is a suspect. With no solid alibi, she has to rely on her wits and her friends to solve the case before she is arrested for a crime she didn't commit. Anyone who has ever considered taking up glasswork as a hobby has to read this series - it's full of interesting facts, procedures, and tidbits.
While this book does fine as a standalone, the author does a good job of explaining what has happened before, if you haven't read any of this series yet, I'd suggest starting at the beginning to get a better feel for the characters and their relationships.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
While this book does fine as a standalone, the author does a good job of explaining what has happened before, if you haven't read any of this series yet, I'd suggest starting at the beginning to get a better feel for the characters and their relationships.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Cracked to Death (A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery, #3) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This is the third book in the Webbs Glass Shop mystery series. If you havent read the previous books in the series, dont worry. Youll be able to catch on to whos who and whats happening easily enough that you can jump right in at this point without feeling lost.
I love the glass-making theme of this cozy series. The process is fascinating, and you can almost see the work being done from the vivid descriptions in the book. Its not all about the glass, though, and luckily Savannah has a great group of friends and colleagues to help her out when things get ugly. With another death in town, she needs them to help her track down a killer. This was a great addition to a fun series.
<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</i>
I love the glass-making theme of this cozy series. The process is fascinating, and you can almost see the work being done from the vivid descriptions in the book. Its not all about the glass, though, and luckily Savannah has a great group of friends and colleagues to help her out when things get ugly. With another death in town, she needs them to help her track down a killer. This was a great addition to a fun series.
<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</i>
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>.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Molly the Mole: A Story to Help Children Build Self-Esteem in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Molly the Mole: A Story to Help Children Build Self-Esteem by Alice Reeves is part of the Truth and Tails series, specifically regarding Self-Esteem. Molly is feeling sad because she is comparing herself to her friends. She does not think she measures up in various areas. Through helping her friends with different things, they help to show her that she has other traits and qualities that make her special too. The lesson of being yourself and feeling good about it is one important message, but also accepting each other for who they are and for whatever their talents and skills might be.
The questions at the end of the book to promote discussion are an added bonus. This is a good addition to an elementary class to help develop values and positive character.
I give this book 4/5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher,Jessica Kingsley Publishers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The questions at the end of the book to promote discussion are an added bonus. This is a good addition to an elementary class to help develop values and positive character.
I give this book 4/5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher,Jessica Kingsley Publishers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Food52 Mighty Salads: 60 New Ways to Turn Salad Into Dinner in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Food52 Mighty Salads: 60 New Ways to Turn Salad into Dinner--and Make-Ahead Lunches, Too by Editors of Food52 is a very extensive collection of recipes including a lot of earthy recipes as well as some of the classics with European and Asian based choices as well.
What I like the most about Food52 cookbooks is all the helpful hints they give you such as how to refresh wilted greens, best way to store and easiest way to peel hardboiled eggs. This book is filled with good advice as well as gorgeous recipes. It has great photos and there is an abundant amount of dressing recipes and not just your standard vinaigrettes. I really want to try the seared scallop salad with black lentils, peanut noodle salad, spring vegetable panzanella and the Caesar- style kale salad sounds interesting.
I received this book from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What I like the most about Food52 cookbooks is all the helpful hints they give you such as how to refresh wilted greens, best way to store and easiest way to peel hardboiled eggs. This book is filled with good advice as well as gorgeous recipes. It has great photos and there is an abundant amount of dressing recipes and not just your standard vinaigrettes. I really want to try the seared scallop salad with black lentils, peanut noodle salad, spring vegetable panzanella and the Caesar- style kale salad sounds interesting.
I received this book from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Arcadia's Gift (Arcadia Series #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say, this book really held my attention from start to finish. The prologue alone had me freaking out, ready to know just what in the heck was going on, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. Arcadia (Cady) is a wonderful character, as are her family and friends, and the dialogue between them sounded just like something that would happen with high-schoolers and their family.
The overall writing was just incredible. I really felt connected to the characters, to their pain, anguish, and even the happy times, especially between Cady and Bryan. I was almost late for work because I was so engrossed in the story, I lost track of time! I can't wait to see what happens in everyone's lives, and I'm waiting (not so) patiently for the next installment. =)
5 stars (is all they'd let me give)
I have to say, this book really held my attention from start to finish. The prologue alone had me freaking out, ready to know just what in the heck was going on, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. Arcadia (Cady) is a wonderful character, as are her family and friends, and the dialogue between them sounded just like something that would happen with high-schoolers and their family.
The overall writing was just incredible. I really felt connected to the characters, to their pain, anguish, and even the happy times, especially between Cady and Bryan. I was almost late for work because I was so engrossed in the story, I lost track of time! I can't wait to see what happens in everyone's lives, and I'm waiting (not so) patiently for the next installment. =)
5 stars (is all they'd let me give)