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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Clock and Dagger (Clock Shop Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Ruth has a very busy week ahead of her getting ready for the grand reopening of Cog & Spocket. Tonight, however, she is working on the launch of a promotion to help all the businesses in town by cross promoting each other. The giant open house goes off well, until Ruth finds a dead body as the evening is winding down. The pocket watch next to the victim intrigues her. Is it a clue?
The book starts a little slowly reintroducing us to the characters while planting a few seeds for the mystery. Once it gets started, however, the plot picks up speed and heads in some surprising directions. I had a hard time putting it down at that point. I absolutely love this characters, and it was wonderful to spend time with them again. One of the strengths is the relationship that Ruth has developed with her step-grandmother, and I loved how it was strengthened here.
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/2016/08/book-review-clock-and-dagger-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The book starts a little slowly reintroducing us to the characters while planting a few seeds for the mystery. Once it gets started, however, the plot picks up speed and heads in some surprising directions. I had a hard time putting it down at that point. I absolutely love this characters, and it was wonderful to spend time with them again. One of the strengths is the relationship that Ruth has developed with her step-grandmother, and I loved how it was strengthened here.
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/2016/08/book-review-clock-and-dagger-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Irish Stewed (Ethnic Eats Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Former personal chef Laurel Inwood agrees to help her foster aunt Sophie run her restaurant while Sophie recovers from surgery. However, Laurel gets a shock when she discovers the upscale restaurant she’s expecting is actually a greasy spoon. She’s even more shocked when she finds a dead man in the supposedly closed kitchen. He’s an investigative reporter for the local TV station. But what is he doing there? What story got him killed?
This book starts off strongly and keeps us turning pages as we go from suspect to suspect. The climax is a tad rushed, but all the answers we need are there to tie things up. Laurel’s past as a foster child makes for an interesting main character. Occasionally, I was frustrated with her, but most of the time I liked her, and I see great potential for character growth over the course of the series. I’m already hungry for seconds.
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/2016/05/book-review-irish-stewed-by-kylie-logan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book starts off strongly and keeps us turning pages as we go from suspect to suspect. The climax is a tad rushed, but all the answers we need are there to tie things up. Laurel’s past as a foster child makes for an interesting main character. Occasionally, I was frustrated with her, but most of the time I liked her, and I see great potential for character growth over the course of the series. I’m already hungry for seconds.
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/2016/05/book-review-irish-stewed-by-kylie-logan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Flipped for Murder (Country Store Mysteries, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Robbie Jordan has been working hard to open Pan ‘n Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana, and her hard work is paying off. On opening day, the place is packed, and her new customers seem to really like the food. Unfortunately, that afternoon, the disagreeable assistant at city hall is murdered with one of Robbie’s signature biscuits in her mouth. Worried that her status as a murder suspect will ruin her fledgling business, Robbie begins to investigate. But can she find the real killer?
This is a wonderful first book in a new series. The characters are already sharp and fun, and I can’t wait to visit them again in future books. The plot is solid with some good twists along the way to a logical and suspenseful ending. The descriptions are wonderful, and I felt like I was right there in Indiana with Robbie. I can’t wait to visit again.
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/2015/10/book-review-flipped-for-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a wonderful first book in a new series. The characters are already sharp and fun, and I can’t wait to visit them again in future books. The plot is solid with some good twists along the way to a logical and suspenseful ending. The descriptions are wonderful, and I felt like I was right there in Indiana with Robbie. I can’t wait to visit again.
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/2015/10/book-review-flipped-for-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Grilled For Murder (Country Store Mysteries, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Robbie Jordan is keeping her restaurant open on a Saturday night for a special welcome home party for Erica Shermer. However, not everyone is thrilled that Erica is back, as Robbie sees when Erica fights with several of the guests. Still, she’s surprised when she comes down the next morning to find Erica dead in the restaurant. What was Erica doing back at the restaurant? And who killed her?
I fell in love with these characters when I read the first in the series, so it was great to be back spending time with them again. The new characters are just as fun and make wonderful suspects. One item introduced as part of the plot was left open, but I can easily see it being resolved in a future book. The main mystery of who killed Erica is well done, giving us a steady dose of clues and suspects until we reach the logical and suspenseful end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-grilled-for-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I fell in love with these characters when I read the first in the series, so it was great to be back spending time with them again. The new characters are just as fun and make wonderful suspects. One item introduced as part of the plot was left open, but I can easily see it being resolved in a future book. The main mystery of who killed Erica is well done, giving us a steady dose of clues and suspects until we reach the logical and suspenseful end.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-grilled-for-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Lie in Books
Feb 21, 2018
"Wow" - my first thought when I finally put the book down. I didn't re-read the description before starting this book and had forgotten what it was about, so I didn't really know what to expect. I think that was a perfect way to read this story - just to go along and let it drag you across the world and back again, into the past and then back to the present, never knowing when the next turn would be. This was truly a hard to put down thriller. I didn't know what was going on or who to trust, and became so caught up in Jane's story that I totally lost track of time while reading it.
This is not an unreliable narrator book, but if you're a fan of thrillers like Gone Girl or the Girl on the Train, I think you'll love this one.
<u>Warning</u> - I know some readers prefer not to read or be surprised by some topics. This novel contains scenes depicting rape and violence against women.
<I>Note: I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i>
This is not an unreliable narrator book, but if you're a fan of thrillers like Gone Girl or the Girl on the Train, I think you'll love this one.
<u>Warning</u> - I know some readers prefer not to read or be surprised by some topics. This novel contains scenes depicting rape and violence against women.
<I>Note: I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i>
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Crowned and Dangerous (Her Royal Spyness, #10) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Lady Georgie and Darcy’s elopement is put on hold when Darcy gets the news that his father has been arrested for murder. He races off to Ireland to see how he can help, and it isn’t long before Georgie follows him to help clear her future father-in-law. The evidence all seems to point to Darcy’s father. Can Georgie figure out anything that will help clear him?
The book gets off to a slow start as Georgie once again has to figure out where she will live. The time is put to good use since it gives us updates on many of the series regulars. Once Georgie arrives in Ireland, things really pick up, and we are treated to a fantastic puzzle with plenty of twists and surprises. Several of the series regulars get some much needed development here, and I hope it lasts. Meanwhile, there is a fantastic new character I hope we see pop up again in future books.
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/2016/08/book-review-crownded-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The book gets off to a slow start as Georgie once again has to figure out where she will live. The time is put to good use since it gives us updates on many of the series regulars. Once Georgie arrives in Ireland, things really pick up, and we are treated to a fantastic puzzle with plenty of twists and surprises. Several of the series regulars get some much needed development here, and I hope it lasts. Meanwhile, there is a fantastic new character I hope we see pop up again in future books.
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/2016/08/book-review-crownded-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Slime Book: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Slime in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Slime Book: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Slime by DK is a great craft source that is not only fun but a learning experience. It also encourages kids to experiment to perfect their recipes. I found the chapter on edible slime interesting. The format makes these recipes easy for younger kids yet adds a level to challenge more experienced kids. The addition of difficulty level and time required helps with choosing what slime to make.
This book is a great way to introduce slime making to school age children. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The illustrations support the content well. Different slimes may entice children to make them first based on glow in the dark, sound effect, edible, or other qualities. Warnings are present when necessary. There are plenty of options and "fixes" if your slime is not behaving as expected. This is sure to appeal to young scientists, and parents will appreciate the reminders to keep things clean (including your hands) and dispose of any mess.
I received an ARC from DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
This book is a great way to introduce slime making to school age children. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The illustrations support the content well. Different slimes may entice children to make them first based on glow in the dark, sound effect, edible, or other qualities. Warnings are present when necessary. There are plenty of options and "fixes" if your slime is not behaving as expected. This is sure to appeal to young scientists, and parents will appreciate the reminders to keep things clean (including your hands) and dispose of any mess.
I received an ARC from DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
Kristin (149 KP) rated The Brown House (The Visitor's Series #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!
I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!
5 stars =)
I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!
I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!
5 stars =)
Kristin (149 KP) rated Malevolent Gateway (S.P.I.R.I.T., #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
People going missing/dying on a stretch of road next to a marsh. Main characters with connections to the supernatural realm. A special military team trained to fight the paranormal. All in happy little Vermont.
Malevolent Gateway is the second in the S.P.I.R.I.T. series. I read the first one for a book club, and I absolutely loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. And I was definitely not disappointed! The main characters are great, the story behind the town and strange happenings (and the happenings themselves) are just plain creepy but awesome, and I love that Zander Smith from the first book found his way into this one. =)
Paranormal/supernatural stories are my favorite, and this one is just bursting at the seams with interesting stuff. Whether it's a woman who can "see dead people," a man who has astral projections, or a military LT who can latch on to them and do what they do, it was all so captivating I couldn't put it down. Really hope she keeps the series going!!
5 stars
People going missing/dying on a stretch of road next to a marsh. Main characters with connections to the supernatural realm. A special military team trained to fight the paranormal. All in happy little Vermont.
Malevolent Gateway is the second in the S.P.I.R.I.T. series. I read the first one for a book club, and I absolutely loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. And I was definitely not disappointed! The main characters are great, the story behind the town and strange happenings (and the happenings themselves) are just plain creepy but awesome, and I love that Zander Smith from the first book found his way into this one. =)
Paranormal/supernatural stories are my favorite, and this one is just bursting at the seams with interesting stuff. Whether it's a woman who can "see dead people," a man who has astral projections, or a military LT who can latch on to them and do what they do, it was all so captivating I couldn't put it down. Really hope she keeps the series going!!
5 stars
Clientelism and Economic Policy: Greece and the Crisis
Book
With its deep economic crisis and dramatic political developments Greece has puzzled Europe and the...