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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2609 KP) rated Mushroom Capped in Books
Jan 10, 2024
Jackie Finds Murder Mushrooming
Former celebrity chef Jackie Norwood has landed in Conway, Maryland, for their second annual mushroom festival. She’s especially excited about connecting with her friend, Marshall. However, she quickly discovers that there’s lots of tension in town thanks to a big farming company trying to buy up the mushroom farms in the area. When Jackie finds the owner of the company dead, Marshall becomes the prime suspect. Can Jackie clear him?
I loved the first book in the series, and it was great to be spending time with Jackie again. All of her family and friends from the last book are back as well. While it would have been nice to see a bit more development for them, I still enjoyed spending time with them and loved the humor they brought to the story. The story started quickly, and when I reached the end, I appreciated just how the clues and motives were layered into the story. I was engaged the entire time, and the ending made perfect sense. If you like mushrooms, you’ll be interested in the five delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. This is looking to be a great culinary cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens at Jackie’s next festival.
I loved the first book in the series, and it was great to be spending time with Jackie again. All of her family and friends from the last book are back as well. While it would have been nice to see a bit more development for them, I still enjoyed spending time with them and loved the humor they brought to the story. The story started quickly, and when I reached the end, I appreciated just how the clues and motives were layered into the story. I was engaged the entire time, and the ending made perfect sense. If you like mushrooms, you’ll be interested in the five delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. This is looking to be a great culinary cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens at Jackie’s next festival.
Merissa (14098 KP) rated The Treasure of Rigmore House (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #3) in Books
Mar 26, 2024
THE TREASURE OF RIGMORE HOUSE is the third book in the Betwixt the Sea and Shore series, set in 18th-century Scotland, complete with Selkies, Kelpies, Trows, and Banshees!
We have seen Muireall in the previous two books. We see a different side to the one she usually presents in this story, together with the reasons for her behaviour. And then we have Niall, also known from the first two stories. If he's back in town, then trouble will surely follow... right?
The slow-burn between these two was a delight to read, especially when Muireall lets herself be true to who she really is, rather than who she is expected to be. Both of these characters have a redemption arc for differing reasons, and it was good to see it happen.
It was also good to see Briony and Adaira moving forward with their lives, and how it intermingled with Muireall and Niall's.
A great addition to the series that will both satisfy and leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2024
We have seen Muireall in the previous two books. We see a different side to the one she usually presents in this story, together with the reasons for her behaviour. And then we have Niall, also known from the first two stories. If he's back in town, then trouble will surely follow... right?
The slow-burn between these two was a delight to read, especially when Muireall lets herself be true to who she really is, rather than who she is expected to be. Both of these characters have a redemption arc for differing reasons, and it was good to see it happen.
It was also good to see Briony and Adaira moving forward with their lives, and how it intermingled with Muireall and Niall's.
A great addition to the series that will both satisfy and leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2024
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Loving Carter (True Mates #4) in Books
Nov 6, 2025
LOVING CARTER is the fourth book in the True Mates series, but you don't have to have read the others to enjoy this one.
Carter is the epitome of a chatterbox, until it literally gets knocked out of him. My heart broke for him so many times. Luckily for him (and my heart), he has Rey as his True Mate. After a slightly dodgy meet-cute, these two are perfect for each other. Rey is endlessly patient and brings Carter back to life in more than one way.
This was a nice and easy read, although there is trauma here too, so if you have any triggers, be warned. Although I read it as a standalone, it has left me wanting to read the others in this series. And I absolutely, definitely need Nevada, Stone, and Jack's stories. You see what I mean?!
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and read in one sitting. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 6, 2025
Carter is the epitome of a chatterbox, until it literally gets knocked out of him. My heart broke for him so many times. Luckily for him (and my heart), he has Rey as his True Mate. After a slightly dodgy meet-cute, these two are perfect for each other. Rey is endlessly patient and brings Carter back to life in more than one way.
This was a nice and easy read, although there is trauma here too, so if you have any triggers, be warned. Although I read it as a standalone, it has left me wanting to read the others in this series. And I absolutely, definitely need Nevada, Stone, and Jack's stories. You see what I mean?!
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and read in one sitting. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 6, 2025
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Ringmaster (Seven Sins Carnival #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2026
RINGMASTER is the first book in Arden Hart's new Dark Romance series, Seven Sins Carnival. And I've mentioned right at the beginning that this is Dark Romance, because light and fluffy it certainly is not!
Elias is the ringmaster (obviously) of the carnival, and his brothers all have different roles. Most of them are not related by blood, but by trauma, shock, and horror. They were disgustingly abused by a cult, but escaped. Now, as adults, they are seeking vengeance. Jules is a freelance reporter who knows there is a story there. She just doesn't know how twisted it is.
If you don't like Primal Play, PDAs, or exhibitionism, then this may not be the book for you! Because it has all that and more. Elias and his brothers are all deranged in their own perfect ways, but the story is written in a way that makes it understandable. My heart breaks for Rowe, and I can't wait for his story.
Silas is next, and I hope we see more of Jules and Elias, too. This was a great, bloody start to a new series, and I am here for it. Absolutely recommended by me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mar 13, 2026
Elias is the ringmaster (obviously) of the carnival, and his brothers all have different roles. Most of them are not related by blood, but by trauma, shock, and horror. They were disgustingly abused by a cult, but escaped. Now, as adults, they are seeking vengeance. Jules is a freelance reporter who knows there is a story there. She just doesn't know how twisted it is.
If you don't like Primal Play, PDAs, or exhibitionism, then this may not be the book for you! Because it has all that and more. Elias and his brothers are all deranged in their own perfect ways, but the story is written in a way that makes it understandable. My heart breaks for Rowe, and I can't wait for his story.
Silas is next, and I hope we see more of Jules and Elias, too. This was a great, bloody start to a new series, and I am here for it. Absolutely recommended by me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mar 13, 2026
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Passing Through Purgatory (Passing Through Cafe #1) in Books
Jun 10, 2025
PASSING THROUGH PURGATORY is the first book in the Passing Through Cafe series, and we start with Oliver trying to attend an interview in Greed. Unfortunately for him, a series of errors means he misses the train and doesn't get the job. What he does get is an introduction to the craziest bunch of characters I've yet to meet.
This was chaos from beginning to end, and it had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. Plus, seeing Oliver's reaction to Liel was sheer class. Cringeworthy, but classic! They had met before, but Oliver was too drunk to remember. Their relationship moves smoothly, with lots of wooing, which I loved.
This whole bunch deserve books of their own, and I have the second lined up ready to go (Jude and Toni's story). I can't wait to read their story and take a back seat to all the shenanigans that will no doubt go on. A great read that I definitely recommend!
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2025
This was chaos from beginning to end, and it had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. Plus, seeing Oliver's reaction to Liel was sheer class. Cringeworthy, but classic! They had met before, but Oliver was too drunk to remember. Their relationship moves smoothly, with lots of wooing, which I loved.
This whole bunch deserve books of their own, and I have the second lined up ready to go (Jude and Toni's story). I can't wait to read their story and take a back seat to all the shenanigans that will no doubt go on. A great read that I definitely recommend!
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2025
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2609 KP) rated Edam and Weep in Books
Aug 6, 2025
Carly Finds Murder at a Fundraiser
As this book opens, it’s just over a month until Carly’s wedding to Ari. But today, she’s focused on the 50’s diner themed fundraiser for the local high school’s gym. While she’s selling simple grilled cheese (of course), some of the other vendors are offering various other offerings. But the man selling sodas clearly doesn’t want to be there, and his rude behavior leads to a confrontation with Carly’s mom. When the man is found dead later with the scarf that her mom was wearing around his neck, Carly jumps in to figure out what really happened.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Rue's Rapture (Divergent Omegaverse #5) in Books
May 8, 2026
RUE'S RAPTURE is the fifth book in the Divergent Omegaverse series, and I really do recommend you read the others first. There is a slight overlap between books, so to get the best, fully rounded picture, you need to start at the beginning.
Rue is the youngest Starling brother, and the one who holds onto his pain behind thick shields. Those shields are tested when first Monty, and then Kendrick come into his life.
Although lighthearted for the most part, this story also deals with Rue's pain. Compared to him, Monty and Kendrick are home free. I loved the way Monty and Kendrick were all in, but could recognise that no matter how much he wanted to be with them, Rue would need more time.
As always, my heart was touched by the rescued Omegas. I'm really hoping we continue to see how they're getting on in future books.
A great addition to the series, this was a story I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 6, 2026
Rue is the youngest Starling brother, and the one who holds onto his pain behind thick shields. Those shields are tested when first Monty, and then Kendrick come into his life.
Although lighthearted for the most part, this story also deals with Rue's pain. Compared to him, Monty and Kendrick are home free. I loved the way Monty and Kendrick were all in, but could recognise that no matter how much he wanted to be with them, Rue would need more time.
As always, my heart was touched by the rescued Omegas. I'm really hoping we continue to see how they're getting on in future books.
A great addition to the series, this was a story I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 6, 2026
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Fangs & Freaks (Shifters of Myth and Legends #1) in Books
Apr 2, 2025
FANGS & FREAKS is the first book in the Shifters of Myth and Legends series and features Bloody Mary. Bellonna was wrongly accused of being a witch by her so-called best friend, pressed and burnt. At the last moment, she calls on Lilith to help and spends the next three hundred or so years becoming Bloody Mary.
Varys is a unicorn who was kidnapped. Blackwell is the psycho boy, and Warrick is his brother and president of the MC. These four cause chaos and wreak mayhem on pretty much every page and I am here for it.
It is a dark read with TWs, so take note! It is fast-paced and with plenty of bl00d and s3x, although only one scene with the four of them together. Although not a traditional one, our guys do get a HEA.
This was a great read that I definitely recommend and I look forward to reading more in this series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 1, 2025
Varys is a unicorn who was kidnapped. Blackwell is the psycho boy, and Warrick is his brother and president of the MC. These four cause chaos and wreak mayhem on pretty much every page and I am here for it.
It is a dark read with TWs, so take note! It is fast-paced and with plenty of bl00d and s3x, although only one scene with the four of them together. Although not a traditional one, our guys do get a HEA.
This was a great read that I definitely recommend and I look forward to reading more in this series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 1, 2025
Merissa (14098 KP) rated Blood of the Damned - Thorn (Vaughn Winery #1) in Books
Sep 15, 2025
BLOOD OF THE DAMNED - THORN is the first book in the Vaughn Winery series, which takes place in the Divergent Omegaverse. I was happy to see Derick and Lane make an appearance too!
Ledger has left his ex and his old life behind in LA, moving to Bumf?ck, Nowhere for a new job at Vaughn Winery. What he doesn't expect is to meet his mate and everything that comes with it! Thorn is in town to meet his new employee, and doesn't think the omega who is his mate is one and the same, so he is ecstatic when he finds out. Together, their romance moves forward at breakneck speed, culminating in Ledger being pregnant, which raises a whole bunch of questions that they might not like the answers to.
This was a great introduction to the series, and I can't wait to see both Calvert and Dacian meet their mates. Definitely recommended by me, and I hope to see more of Thorn and Ledger in future books.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 15, 2025
Ledger has left his ex and his old life behind in LA, moving to Bumf?ck, Nowhere for a new job at Vaughn Winery. What he doesn't expect is to meet his mate and everything that comes with it! Thorn is in town to meet his new employee, and doesn't think the omega who is his mate is one and the same, so he is ecstatic when he finds out. Together, their romance moves forward at breakneck speed, culminating in Ledger being pregnant, which raises a whole bunch of questions that they might not like the answers to.
This was a great introduction to the series, and I can't wait to see both Calvert and Dacian meet their mates. Definitely recommended by me, and I hope to see more of Thorn and Ledger in future books.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 15, 2025
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2609 KP) rated Intrigue in Istanbul in Books
Mar 29, 2023 (Updated Mar 29, 2023)
Racing to Find Her Father
Jane Wunderly has returned home to Boston with her new fiancé, Redvers. However, when they come home, they discover that Professor Wunderly, Jane’s father, has left town, following a lead to an ancient artifact that he’s been hoping to find for years. Since something in Boston needs his immediate attention, they head to Istanbul only to find that he’s vanished. Not knowing if anyone they are meeting is friend or foe, they try to figure out where he is. Will they find him before it is too late?
It was wonderful to be back in 1926 with Jane and Redvers. Fans will be delighted to find that Aunt Millie is back as well. While there are some murders in the book, there is plenty of story to keep the reader entertained before they happen. I was hooked right away and always had a hard time putting the book down. The time period comes to life wonderfully as well. I enjoyed the new characters we met, and I liked watching Jane grow as a result of what she learned. If you are new to the series, you could jump in here. Whether new to the series or already a fan, you’ll find this book enjoyable.
It was wonderful to be back in 1926 with Jane and Redvers. Fans will be delighted to find that Aunt Millie is back as well. While there are some murders in the book, there is plenty of story to keep the reader entertained before they happen. I was hooked right away and always had a hard time putting the book down. The time period comes to life wonderfully as well. I enjoyed the new characters we met, and I liked watching Jane grow as a result of what she learned. If you are new to the series, you could jump in here. Whether new to the series or already a fan, you’ll find this book enjoyable.
