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Leadership in a Week: Be a Leader in Seven Simple Steps
Book
Leadership In A Week is a simple and straightforward guide to leadership success, giving you...
Surviving and Thriving in Health Practice: The Integrated Practitioner
Book
This extraordinary new series fills a void in practitioner development and well-being. The books...
TH
The House 1 Catalogue: Volume 2: All About Space
Dieter Dietz, Matthias Michel and Daniel Zamarbide
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The Atelier de la Conception de l'Espace (ALICE), affiliated with the School of Architecture at the...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Murder in Murray Hill in Books
May 19, 2021 (Updated May 19, 2021)
Investigating a Murder as Life Changes
New York City Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy gets a new case when a man walks into police headquarters wanting to report his daughter missing. Henry Livingston has no clue where Grace might have gone, but Frank quickly figures out that she has been responding to lonely hearts ads in the newspaper trying to find herself a husband. While she might have eloped with someone, all signs point to something much worse. Is Grace still alive? Can Frank and Sarah Brandt find her?
This book is darker than some of the others in the series, but it deals with that darker subject sympathetically, and there aren’t any details we don’t need. The darker subject of the mystery is balanced out by lighter sub-plots involving Sarah and Frank’s future plans. (And if you aren’t up to date on the series, know that this one spoils some major events from the end of the previous book.) I love the characters, so it was wonderful to check in again with them and find out what is happening in their lives. The mystery is twisty; just when I thought I knew where things were going, something would happen to confuse me again. The world of 1890’s New York City is brought to life expertly without slowing the story down at all. This is another page turning entry in the series.
This book is darker than some of the others in the series, but it deals with that darker subject sympathetically, and there aren’t any details we don’t need. The darker subject of the mystery is balanced out by lighter sub-plots involving Sarah and Frank’s future plans. (And if you aren’t up to date on the series, know that this one spoils some major events from the end of the previous book.) I love the characters, so it was wonderful to check in again with them and find out what is happening in their lives. The mystery is twisty; just when I thought I knew where things were going, something would happen to confuse me again. The world of 1890’s New York City is brought to life expertly without slowing the story down at all. This is another page turning entry in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated A Batter of Life and Death in Books
Jan 15, 2021
Murderous Contest
It’s autumn, which means that tourist season is winding down in Ashland, Oregon. Fortunately, The Pastry Channel has come to town to film the newest season of Take the Cake. They’ve asked Jules Capshaw to use Torte’s kitchen as a location some of the contestants use to prepare their pastries. Then they ask Jules to be a last-minute contestant. She’s thrilled until she finds Chef Marco, one of the other contestants, dead before the first day of filming. Since she is part of the show, she can’t help but learn things about her fellow contestants. Can she figure out which one is a killer?
It’s been too long since I read the first book in the series, but I was quickly back in Jules’s world with this fun second in the series. The pacing was a bit off at times, but overall there is an enjoyable mystery with plenty of secrets for Jules to uncover. The suspects are good and do their part to keep us guessing. Jules has some personal stuff she is trying to work through, and I enjoyed seeing the growth in her here. This book really made me want to visit Ashland at some point in the future. We get seven recipes at the end for a wide variety of things. It’s easy to see why this series is so popular. I need to pick up the next soon.
It’s been too long since I read the first book in the series, but I was quickly back in Jules’s world with this fun second in the series. The pacing was a bit off at times, but overall there is an enjoyable mystery with plenty of secrets for Jules to uncover. The suspects are good and do their part to keep us guessing. Jules has some personal stuff she is trying to work through, and I enjoyed seeing the growth in her here. This book really made me want to visit Ashland at some point in the future. We get seven recipes at the end for a wide variety of things. It’s easy to see why this series is so popular. I need to pick up the next soon.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Lost Soul of Lord Badewyn (The Order of the MUSE #3) in Books
May 2, 2023
In the third instalment of the M.U.S.E. series, we have a number of stories come together. The main one is about Meg, the low-born former pickpocket who can Find. Overseeing her uncle and cousin breaking into a neighbour's, and realising how close they are to her, the Order (ie. Lord Camden) decide to send her to Wales, in the care of Lord Badewyn, for her own safety. Samuel is intrigued by Meg but is determined to keep his distance, considering the secret his father is hiding, and what will happen to Meg should he succumb.
I loved this story - Meg's charms continue to grow, along with her confidence, throughout the series. Finding has its own dangers but if Meg is prepared to take that risk, then she will defy anyone who says she can't, even Samuel.
The story between the two of them is both innocent and sensual. Well-written, smoothly paced and full of secrets and intrigue, this was a delight to read. I was pleased to see that Lord Camden found the answers he has been looking for, even if the hearing was hard. Thoroughly enjoyable and I'm definitely hoping for more in the series.
* 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!
Nov 23, 2015
I loved this story - Meg's charms continue to grow, along with her confidence, throughout the series. Finding has its own dangers but if Meg is prepared to take that risk, then she will defy anyone who says she can't, even Samuel.
The story between the two of them is both innocent and sensual. Well-written, smoothly paced and full of secrets and intrigue, this was a delight to read. I was pleased to see that Lord Camden found the answers he has been looking for, even if the hearing was hard. Thoroughly enjoyable and I'm definitely hoping for more in the series.
* 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!
Nov 23, 2015
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Frosted Yuletide Murder in Books
Dec 19, 2021
Delectable Christmas Fun
Emory Martinez and her twin sister Carrie are not happy to discover that their mystery client for a Christmas party is Blair, an old high school nemesis. As the evening progresses, Blair continues with her abuse of Carrie, but she gets into fights with others at the party as well. When Emory and Carrie return to the location of the party the next morning, they find Blair’s dead body. The rumors and evidence seem to be pointing to the sisters. Can Emory figure out what happened before either of them spends the holiday in jail?
Before we go any further, I do want to issue a warning – this book spoils some events in the lives of the characters from previous books in the series. If you aren’t up to date, don’t start here. As a Southern California resident, I enjoyed this book’s setting since its depiction of weather in December made me feel right at home. The plot is filled with events that kept me engaged. I did feel the climax was a bit weak, but overall, I still enjoyed the book. One reason is the characters. Yes, the suspects are strong, but I’m talking the series regulars. I love getting to spend time with all of them, and fans of the series will be interested in seeing the latest developments in Emory’s life. You’ll want to work this Christmas cozy into your reading schedule as soon as you can.
Before we go any further, I do want to issue a warning – this book spoils some events in the lives of the characters from previous books in the series. If you aren’t up to date, don’t start here. As a Southern California resident, I enjoyed this book’s setting since its depiction of weather in December made me feel right at home. The plot is filled with events that kept me engaged. I did feel the climax was a bit weak, but overall, I still enjoyed the book. One reason is the characters. Yes, the suspects are strong, but I’m talking the series regulars. I love getting to spend time with all of them, and fans of the series will be interested in seeing the latest developments in Emory’s life. You’ll want to work this Christmas cozy into your reading schedule as soon as you can.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Movieland in Books
Jul 26, 2022 (Updated Jul 26, 2022)
A Sniper in the State Park
Eve Ronin’s latest case starts in Malibu Creek State Park. A former movie studio backlot, it’s been known for hiking and camping for years. But someone shot at two female campers, killing one and wounding the other. Eve’s partner, Duncan Pavone, immediately connects the shooting to some cases he was investigating before Eve joined the department, but the higher ups are refusing to acknowledge that this is anything but an isolated incident. Can Eve find the truth no matter where it lays?
This strong book may be the best in the series to date. I couldn’t figure out where the plot was going to go for quite a while, and I mean that in the best way possible. Once I reached the end, everything was resolved in a logical manner. Eve got some great growth here, and all the characters, old and new, were strong and at their best. There are a couple of sub-plots that grow out of the events in previous books in the series. While you could read this as a standalone, I recommend you read the series in order. Since this is a police procedural, there is a tad more content that I try to avoid, but it was kept to a minimum. I also really enjoyed the humor in the book. If you are looking for a strong mystery, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
This strong book may be the best in the series to date. I couldn’t figure out where the plot was going to go for quite a while, and I mean that in the best way possible. Once I reached the end, everything was resolved in a logical manner. Eve got some great growth here, and all the characters, old and new, were strong and at their best. There are a couple of sub-plots that grow out of the events in previous books in the series. While you could read this as a standalone, I recommend you read the series in order. Since this is a police procedural, there is a tad more content that I try to avoid, but it was kept to a minimum. I also really enjoyed the humor in the book. If you are looking for a strong mystery, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Greeking Out (Destination Daddies) in Books
Aug 19, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
GREEKING OUT is part of the Destination Daddies series, and now I have a new series to read!
Troy and Apollo meet online through the Cuffd app and strike up a friendship. Troy is a boy who has been badly hurt, and Apollo is a porn star who wants more. With Troy's honesty and Myth of the Day, they become integrated into each other's lives, even though they have an ocean between them. When Troy bravely overcomes his fear of flying and goes to Greece, a very nice surprise awaits him.
I loved this story! From the slow, online friendship, to the meeting, to the constant love and assurance they both show each other. I loved how we were shown how Sean slipped out of Troy's mind under the loving care of Apollo. Told from dual perspectives, you really got a feel for these guys.
This is a sweet and steamy summer story that I thoroughly enjoyed with fantastic descriptions of Greece, enough to make me want to go there immediately. I really hope Collette (or someone else in the Destination Daddies series) gives Jared his HEA.
A low angst, friends-to-lovers story that you really need to read. Loved it.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 19, 2021
Troy and Apollo meet online through the Cuffd app and strike up a friendship. Troy is a boy who has been badly hurt, and Apollo is a porn star who wants more. With Troy's honesty and Myth of the Day, they become integrated into each other's lives, even though they have an ocean between them. When Troy bravely overcomes his fear of flying and goes to Greece, a very nice surprise awaits him.
I loved this story! From the slow, online friendship, to the meeting, to the constant love and assurance they both show each other. I loved how we were shown how Sean slipped out of Troy's mind under the loving care of Apollo. Told from dual perspectives, you really got a feel for these guys.
This is a sweet and steamy summer story that I thoroughly enjoyed with fantastic descriptions of Greece, enough to make me want to go there immediately. I really hope Collette (or someone else in the Destination Daddies series) gives Jared his HEA.
A low angst, friends-to-lovers story that you really need to read. Loved it.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 19, 2021
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Becoming Brooklyn in Books
Jul 13, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
BECOMING BROOKLYN is a standalone novel that has the potential for a series. A series I really hope happens!
Brooklyn is a 9/11 baby, her father died in the terrorist attack. During a memorial service, terrorists attack again and Brooklyn, along with five others, are told the impossible -- that their parents had superpowers and worked with the government to stop terrorists. They are given the choice to follow in their footsteps. But things aren't always as they appear and they all have hard lessons to learn.
This was a great story. It is filled with action, adventure, and a touch of romance. I loved how the story panned out, and how they worked together, which made the ending even more jaw-dropping.
The characters are all well thought out and play to their own strengths. Told from Brooklyn's point of view, obviously, we learn more about her, but through her eyes, we learn about the others too. Brilliant storytelling!
I don't know if there are any plans for a sequel or series, but I would love to hear more from Brooklyn and see where the future takes her.
A fantastic contemporary superpower novel that I 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 13, 2021
Brooklyn is a 9/11 baby, her father died in the terrorist attack. During a memorial service, terrorists attack again and Brooklyn, along with five others, are told the impossible -- that their parents had superpowers and worked with the government to stop terrorists. They are given the choice to follow in their footsteps. But things aren't always as they appear and they all have hard lessons to learn.
This was a great story. It is filled with action, adventure, and a touch of romance. I loved how the story panned out, and how they worked together, which made the ending even more jaw-dropping.
The characters are all well thought out and play to their own strengths. Told from Brooklyn's point of view, obviously, we learn more about her, but through her eyes, we learn about the others too. Brilliant storytelling!
I don't know if there are any plans for a sequel or series, but I would love to hear more from Brooklyn and see where the future takes her.
A fantastic contemporary superpower novel that I 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 13, 2021
