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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Beneath the Attic in Books
Jan 14, 2020
Prequel to Flowers in the Attic
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Beneath the Attic is the prequel to the wildly popular Dollangager family series by V.C. Andrews. The most well known is the first in the series, Flowers in the Attic which was published in 1979. Beneath the Attic is the 6th book published.
Beneath the Attic tells the story of Corrine Dixon, the grandmother of Corrine Foxworth, the main character in Flowers in the Attic. I felt its description is misleading. It does not discuss the early parts of the book and focuses on the later parts. However, the story offers a close look at the family. The story ends as if the story was divided into 2 and the rest would be left to the sequel. A continuation of Beneath the Attic, Out of the Attic, is scheduled to be published in 2020.
The original author of the Dollangager series, V.C. Andrews died in 1986. Since then, numerous books published under the name V.C. Andrews have been ghostwritten by Andrew Neiderman. Many reviews have written harshly about the later books. It might be because they know they are written by a different author. Neiderman captures V.C.Andrews' writing style accurately.
I preordered Beneath the Attic's continuation, Out of the Attic.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/13/20.
Beneath the Attic is the prequel to the wildly popular Dollangager family series by V.C. Andrews. The most well known is the first in the series, Flowers in the Attic which was published in 1979. Beneath the Attic is the 6th book published.
Beneath the Attic tells the story of Corrine Dixon, the grandmother of Corrine Foxworth, the main character in Flowers in the Attic. I felt its description is misleading. It does not discuss the early parts of the book and focuses on the later parts. However, the story offers a close look at the family. The story ends as if the story was divided into 2 and the rest would be left to the sequel. A continuation of Beneath the Attic, Out of the Attic, is scheduled to be published in 2020.
The original author of the Dollangager series, V.C. Andrews died in 1986. Since then, numerous books published under the name V.C. Andrews have been ghostwritten by Andrew Neiderman. Many reviews have written harshly about the later books. It might be because they know they are written by a different author. Neiderman captures V.C.Andrews' writing style accurately.
I preordered Beneath the Attic's continuation, Out of the Attic.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/13/20.
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LEARN HOW TO WRITE EROTIC FICTION THAT'S HOT UNDER THE COLLAR. Smart, sassy and full of everything...
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Heatwave in Books
Jun 25, 2020
Stand-alone novel by the author of the D.S. Imogen Grey series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Katerina Diamond, the author of the D.S. Imogen Grey series, is back with a new stand-alone novel, The Heatwave. I read Truth or Die, book #5 of her series, and was looking forward to reading The Heatwave as soon as I read the description
"The heatwave is back. And so is the killer."
Felicity fled her town and her life, determined not to return. That is until sixteen years later, and a second girl went missing. She holds the answers to what happened to the first girl and is determined to find the second before it is too late.
Diamond hooked me from the beginning. The book is 400 pages, but it was such a page-turner it felt much shorter.
As with all thrillers, there are twists, turns, and surprise reveals. The Heatwave kept me guessing until the very end. I thought I had figured everything out, but I was so wrong. After going back over the story, I realized I picked up on many of them but could not piece them all together correctly.
Goodreads does not list any other upcoming books of Katerina Diamond but added her to my "authors to read" list to keep watch for them.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 6/25/20.
Katerina Diamond, the author of the D.S. Imogen Grey series, is back with a new stand-alone novel, The Heatwave. I read Truth or Die, book #5 of her series, and was looking forward to reading The Heatwave as soon as I read the description
"The heatwave is back. And so is the killer."
Felicity fled her town and her life, determined not to return. That is until sixteen years later, and a second girl went missing. She holds the answers to what happened to the first girl and is determined to find the second before it is too late.
Diamond hooked me from the beginning. The book is 400 pages, but it was such a page-turner it felt much shorter.
As with all thrillers, there are twists, turns, and surprise reveals. The Heatwave kept me guessing until the very end. I thought I had figured everything out, but I was so wrong. After going back over the story, I realized I picked up on many of them but could not piece them all together correctly.
Goodreads does not list any other upcoming books of Katerina Diamond but added her to my "authors to read" list to keep watch for them.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 6/25/20.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Cradled (Beholder #5) in Books
May 14, 2021
Cradled is the last novella in the Beholder series. We already know the majority of the characters, but it's always good to reunite with them! Rowan and Elea are more than happy together, just with minor problems caused by their families. However, trouble comes there way in the shape of Kronos, who is the ruler of the planet Elea's parents were exiled to. They need the help of the Lightning Goddess and her Consort to save Jicho, and bring back the peaceful times to their rule.
Although this is only a novella, there is still plenty of action. The Lightning Goddess and her Consort are crossover characters from another series, but you don't need to know as that it doesn't really impact this story. I loved their attitudes however, and I loved how Elea and Rowan were with them.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this felt like the perfect ending to Rowan and Elea's story. With all characters playing a part, it felt like the ending. I finished this book feeling completely satisfied, with a happy smile on my face.
If you like this series, then you definitely need to read this one! It's just not complete without it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Although this is only a novella, there is still plenty of action. The Lightning Goddess and her Consort are crossover characters from another series, but you don't need to know as that it doesn't really impact this story. I loved their attitudes however, and I loved how Elea and Rowan were with them.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this felt like the perfect ending to Rowan and Elea's story. With all characters playing a part, it felt like the ending. I finished this book feeling completely satisfied, with a happy smile on my face.
If you like this series, then you definitely need to read this one! It's just not complete without it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Outlaw's Daughter (The Haywire Brides, #3) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
The Outlaws Daughter is the third book in the Haywire Brides Series by Margaret Brownley. It can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the other in this series yet and got along just fine), I will be going back and reading the rest of the books in this series though.
I loved Texas Ranger Matt Taggert in this book! His balance between doing his job and his feelings for Ellie-May was interesting to see. I thought that there was good chemistry between the two main characters and that Matt showed respect for everyone involved. Ellie-May is a great southern Momma (at night when she hears a noise, her first thought is to reach for her shotgun under her pillow!), she is a well-behaved lady who takes care of those around her, and she loves her kids. She is someone I would love to meet in real life. The plot of this story was interesting, it had fast-paced scenes and slower-paced scenes, and I liked the western feel to the town. It kept me engaged throughout the story. I liked the small town where everyone knew everyone, which is not always a good thing, but it was cool to see the town interact with the characters.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the fun characters, the cool western town, and the storyline
I loved Texas Ranger Matt Taggert in this book! His balance between doing his job and his feelings for Ellie-May was interesting to see. I thought that there was good chemistry between the two main characters and that Matt showed respect for everyone involved. Ellie-May is a great southern Momma (at night when she hears a noise, her first thought is to reach for her shotgun under her pillow!), she is a well-behaved lady who takes care of those around her, and she loves her kids. She is someone I would love to meet in real life. The plot of this story was interesting, it had fast-paced scenes and slower-paced scenes, and I liked the western feel to the town. It kept me engaged throughout the story. I liked the small town where everyone knew everyone, which is not always a good thing, but it was cool to see the town interact with the characters.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the fun characters, the cool western town, and the storyline
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Murder in Chelsea in Books
Mar 3, 2021 (Updated Mar 3, 2021)
The Mystery of Catherine
Sarah Brandt is devastated to learn someone is trying to locate Catherine, the little girl she’s taken in. When Sarah goes to meet this woman, her story seems genuine, but it could mean that Catherine is in danger, so Sarah asks Frank Malloy to help her figure out what is truly going on. However, Frank goes to meet the woman who is asking after Catherine only to find her dead. Is Catherine in danger, too?
The mystery of Catherine’s past has been brewing for several books now, and I was thrilled to see it finally fully explored. While you could jump in here, you’ll enjoy it more if you are already familiar with the characters. That includes some humor coming from how the regular characters interact with each other – I am loving how these relationships are developing. The plot is compelling and drew me in. These books always transport me to the world of New York City in the 1890’s, and I love visiting. I did have to question the series’ timeline as I read this book since it suddenly seemed to be compressed, but maybe that’s just me. I’m also very happy with some of the events that happened in the main character’s lives in this book. The series gets better with each book, and I can’t wait to get to the next entry in the series.
The mystery of Catherine’s past has been brewing for several books now, and I was thrilled to see it finally fully explored. While you could jump in here, you’ll enjoy it more if you are already familiar with the characters. That includes some humor coming from how the regular characters interact with each other – I am loving how these relationships are developing. The plot is compelling and drew me in. These books always transport me to the world of New York City in the 1890’s, and I love visiting. I did have to question the series’ timeline as I read this book since it suddenly seemed to be compressed, but maybe that’s just me. I’m also very happy with some of the events that happened in the main character’s lives in this book. The series gets better with each book, and I can’t wait to get to the next entry in the series.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated With Silent Screams ( Hellequin book 3) in Books
Nov 29, 2021
199 of 250
Kindle
With Silent Screams ( Hellequin book 3)
By Steve McHugh
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
His name is Nathan Garrett, but he's also known as Hellequin. And murdering one of his friends and trying to blow him up is a good way to get this centuries-old sorcerer's full attention... An old friend's dead body, a cryptic note, and an explosion that almost costs him his own life propel Nate headfirst into a mystery involving a new threat from an old foe. Now he must piece together the connections between a grisly series of tattooed murder victims, an imprisoned madman, a mysterious alchemist, and a deranged plot to usurp the throne of the hidden realm of Shadow Falls, rival to the power of Avalon.
Can Nate avert the coming slaughter, or will he become the latest to fall in this clandestine war?
With the story careening between modern-day New York and Ontario and 1977 Maine, With Silent Screams continues the gritty and action-packed mix of urban fantasy and ancient mythology that mark Steve McHugh's popular Hellequin Chronicles.
This is becoming one of my favourite series and they are getting better with every book! This is book 3 and the best one yet it’s so intricate without being overbearing. I love Nate and his many friends figures from real history and fictional. I could read these over and over. Brilliant series!
Kindle
With Silent Screams ( Hellequin book 3)
By Steve McHugh
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
His name is Nathan Garrett, but he's also known as Hellequin. And murdering one of his friends and trying to blow him up is a good way to get this centuries-old sorcerer's full attention... An old friend's dead body, a cryptic note, and an explosion that almost costs him his own life propel Nate headfirst into a mystery involving a new threat from an old foe. Now he must piece together the connections between a grisly series of tattooed murder victims, an imprisoned madman, a mysterious alchemist, and a deranged plot to usurp the throne of the hidden realm of Shadow Falls, rival to the power of Avalon.
Can Nate avert the coming slaughter, or will he become the latest to fall in this clandestine war?
With the story careening between modern-day New York and Ontario and 1977 Maine, With Silent Screams continues the gritty and action-packed mix of urban fantasy and ancient mythology that mark Steve McHugh's popular Hellequin Chronicles.
This is becoming one of my favourite series and they are getting better with every book! This is book 3 and the best one yet it’s so intricate without being overbearing. I love Nate and his many friends figures from real history and fictional. I could read these over and over. Brilliant series!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated The Christie Caper in Books
Mar 29, 2023
Honoring Agatha Christie Turns Deadly
Annie Laurence Darling is hosting The Christie Caper, a week-long tribute to the queen of crime on her one hundredth birthday. But the event is being crashed by Neil Bledsoe, a reviewer who hates all but the most hard boiled mysteries and has made lots of enemies. Things have hardly started before the attacks on Neil begin, but he still goes ahead with tearing down Agatha Christie. Can Annie figure out what he is up to and stop him before someone stops him permanently?
Obviously, this book came out quite a few years ago since it was tied to Agatha Christie’s centennial. But that hardly matters since this is a great puzzle worth of Christie herself. I did find the pacing a little slow as it neared the middle of the book, but things picked up again not too long after that. All the characters we know and love are here once again, and they are fantastic. I do find Annie’s temper a little annoying, and hope it tones down as the series progresses. The suspects are strong as well. We get a great dose of humor as the book goes along. As with the others in the series, there is more foul language than I would expect for the genre. All told, this is another fine addition to a well-loved series. Fans of Christie will also enjoy it.
Obviously, this book came out quite a few years ago since it was tied to Agatha Christie’s centennial. But that hardly matters since this is a great puzzle worth of Christie herself. I did find the pacing a little slow as it neared the middle of the book, but things picked up again not too long after that. All the characters we know and love are here once again, and they are fantastic. I do find Annie’s temper a little annoying, and hope it tones down as the series progresses. The suspects are strong as well. We get a great dose of humor as the book goes along. As with the others in the series, there is more foul language than I would expect for the genre. All told, this is another fine addition to a well-loved series. Fans of Christie will also enjoy it.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated No Tomorrow (Killing Eve #2) in Books
Jan 17, 2022
I didn’t think that this series could possibly get better but it did. And I’m so glad that it’s turning out better than the TV series which I absolutely adore. That’s why I have to rate it 4.5.
We pick up exactly where we left off, with the person that Eve has identified as an informant and from there things quickly go wrong. Eve comes face to face with Villanelle before she abducts the person that Eve has just been interrogating.
We also see more of what Villanelle does best - her planned assassinations and watch her plan them out and play out either as expected or completely the opposite way to the plan. But whichever way they turn out, it is thrilling to read how Villanelle manages everything within her stride.
Eve starts to learn more about Villanelle and through a lot of investigating she works out Villanelle’s codename, although people don’t believe her, on a hunch. Eve is always a couple of steps behind Villanelle which she finds both frustrating and exhilarating, and Villanelle enjoys leading the chase.
The twist at the end of the book is not exactly what I expected, but nonetheless it made me want to carry on reading and before I knew it I was at the end of the book! I’m excited to read the next instalment in the series as I feel that it will be even better than this book.
We pick up exactly where we left off, with the person that Eve has identified as an informant and from there things quickly go wrong. Eve comes face to face with Villanelle before she abducts the person that Eve has just been interrogating.
We also see more of what Villanelle does best - her planned assassinations and watch her plan them out and play out either as expected or completely the opposite way to the plan. But whichever way they turn out, it is thrilling to read how Villanelle manages everything within her stride.
Eve starts to learn more about Villanelle and through a lot of investigating she works out Villanelle’s codename, although people don’t believe her, on a hunch. Eve is always a couple of steps behind Villanelle which she finds both frustrating and exhilarating, and Villanelle enjoys leading the chase.
The twist at the end of the book is not exactly what I expected, but nonetheless it made me want to carry on reading and before I knew it I was at the end of the book! I’m excited to read the next instalment in the series as I feel that it will be even better than this book.