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A now adult Gretel of Hansel and Gretel fame is now working as a detective. Her latest case takes her to Nuremberg when she is hired to find two paints for Albrecht Durer the Much, Much Younger. These paintings of frogs, done by his ancestor Albrecht Durer the Younger, have much sentimental value. Can she crack the case?
The mystery started out slowly, and there were some things thrown in that never really added to the plot or sub-plots. Things did come to a logical and mostly satisfying conclusion, leaving one thing open. The characters are okay, although I had a hard time really getting to like very many of them. Do note that is mystery is aimed at adults, not the middle grade audience the title and cover might suggest.
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/2015/10/book-review-gretel-and-case-of-missing.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The mystery started out slowly, and there were some things thrown in that never really added to the plot or sub-plots. Things did come to a logical and mostly satisfying conclusion, leaving one thing open. The characters are okay, although I had a hard time really getting to like very many of them. Do note that is mystery is aimed at adults, not the middle grade audience the title and cover might suggest.
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/2015/10/book-review-gretel-and-case-of-missing.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Dead Lands in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
The Dead Lands is at its core a story of survival in the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles - survival not just of a few individuals, but of humanity itself.
The story starts out in Sanctuary, and then hops back and forth between there and the group of escapees who have set off in the hopes of discovering something better. Each member of the scouting party has his or her own personal reason for fleeing Sanctuary. For some, the struggle with their decision to leave causes them almost as much grief as the monsters, inhospitable climates, and other people they meet along the way.
This book had both the horror-road-trip feel of The Talisman, by Stephen King and Peter Straub, and the find-other-survivors-and-keep-the-human-race-going vibe of The Passage, by Justin Cronin. (Both of which I highly recommend if you have not already read them!) It was a suspenseful, thought-provoking tale and I really enjoyed it.
The Dead Lands is at its core a story of survival in the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles - survival not just of a few individuals, but of humanity itself.
The story starts out in Sanctuary, and then hops back and forth between there and the group of escapees who have set off in the hopes of discovering something better. Each member of the scouting party has his or her own personal reason for fleeing Sanctuary. For some, the struggle with their decision to leave causes them almost as much grief as the monsters, inhospitable climates, and other people they meet along the way.
This book had both the horror-road-trip feel of The Talisman, by Stephen King and Peter Straub, and the find-other-survivors-and-keep-the-human-race-going vibe of The Passage, by Justin Cronin. (Both of which I highly recommend if you have not already read them!) It was a suspenseful, thought-provoking tale and I really enjoyed it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2631 KP) rated Peaches and Scream (Georgia Peach Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Nola Mae Harper is returning to her home town of Cays Mill, Georgia, and her family’s peach farm to help run it while her parents take a three week cruise. However, she’s hardly arrived when she finds the body of the owner of the local lumber mill in the peach orchard. Worse yet, her brother-in-law is arrest for the crime. She and her siblings quickly close ranks and try to clear his name. But can they do it?
This may be a debut, but the town and the residents came to life for me right away. Nola and her family are wonderfully strong characters I can’t wait to visit again. Plus I loved their family bond. The plot was great with a steady pace an ending that surprised me. Truly, a sweet debut.
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/2015/07/book-review-peaches-and-scream-by-susan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This may be a debut, but the town and the residents came to life for me right away. Nola and her family are wonderfully strong characters I can’t wait to visit again. Plus I loved their family bond. The plot was great with a steady pace an ending that surprised me. Truly, a sweet debut.
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/2015/07/book-review-peaches-and-scream-by-susan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2631 KP) rated Olive and Let Die (Greek to Me Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Georgie’s mother abandoned her 20 years ago, and Georgie has not heard from her since. Naturally, she is surprised when the woman walks back into her life, having reinvented herself as soap star Melanie Ashley. Before the two women can talk, however, they find a dead body. Melanie quickly identifies the victim as her cousin Doreen. Did Melanie’s return to town have something to do with Doreen’s death? What secret is Melanie hiding?
This is another fun, fast paced mystery. It did seem to wander a bit at the beginning, but everything comes into play before the climax. The climax is a little different for a cozy, and I thought it worked very well. The characters, old and new, are both really strong. Unfortunately, a few minor editing issues annoyed me, but they didn’t affect the plot or solution to the mystery in any way.
NOTE: I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-review-olive-and-let-die-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another fun, fast paced mystery. It did seem to wander a bit at the beginning, but everything comes into play before the climax. The climax is a little different for a cozy, and I thought it worked very well. The characters, old and new, are both really strong. Unfortunately, a few minor editing issues annoyed me, but they didn’t affect the plot or solution to the mystery in any way.
NOTE: I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-review-olive-and-let-die-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Ten Cents a Pound in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Ten Cents a Pound by Nhung N. Tran-Davies is a short, poetic, back-and-forth conversation between a mother and daughter. This is the story of a unnamed young girl whose mother is working hard so that her daughter may have a better life. It tells many stories within the pages that are filled with heart warming illustrations. It is the story of a mother's love, of hope, determination, a child's love and concern for her mother and for the giving of each, so that they may both be safe, and happy.
The book simultaneously draws attention to the difficulties of living with low wages, while optimistically looking forward to the opportunities and possibilities of the future due to education.
The lovely illustrations are both realistic and wistful, and while this story may require some additional explanations for young children, it paints a beautiful picture of determination and potential.
I received a ARC from Second Story Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
The book simultaneously draws attention to the difficulties of living with low wages, while optimistically looking forward to the opportunities and possibilities of the future due to education.
The lovely illustrations are both realistic and wistful, and while this story may require some additional explanations for young children, it paints a beautiful picture of determination and potential.
I received a ARC from Second Story Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Broken Aro (The Broken Ones, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Arowyn (Aro) is the only sister of 7 brothers, all soldiers, who's only thought is to get her out of their town and to safety when a neighboring army attacks. However, things go awry, and Aro finds herself separated from her brothers, on a slave ship, trying to convince those around her she's a boy as her brothers instructed. Along the way, she meets a Fey, a Dragos, and other interesting creatures she'd only heard stories about.
I really enjoyed this book, as it has a great pace and interesting characters. There were quite a few times where I caught myself skimming ahead just to see what was coming up. The mythological parts are great, and I like how everything works together to create a wonderful story. I'll say, the last quarter of the book had me gasping, as I'd never even suspected anything of the sort, and I definitely can't wait to read more of this series. Great start!
5 stars
Arowyn (Aro) is the only sister of 7 brothers, all soldiers, who's only thought is to get her out of their town and to safety when a neighboring army attacks. However, things go awry, and Aro finds herself separated from her brothers, on a slave ship, trying to convince those around her she's a boy as her brothers instructed. Along the way, she meets a Fey, a Dragos, and other interesting creatures she'd only heard stories about.
I really enjoyed this book, as it has a great pace and interesting characters. There were quite a few times where I caught myself skimming ahead just to see what was coming up. The mythological parts are great, and I like how everything works together to create a wonderful story. I'll say, the last quarter of the book had me gasping, as I'd never even suspected anything of the sort, and I definitely can't wait to read more of this series. Great start!
5 stars
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