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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Gone Gull (Meg Langslow #21) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Meg and various family members are spending the summer at the craft retreat her grandmother, Cordelia, is starting on some old family property. While her grandfather is hot on the trail of some rare gulls that might be in the area, Meg is teaching the blacksmithing classes and trying to figure out who is out to sabotage the center. But as the second week is starting, Meg finds the body of a fellow instructor. Has the sabotage progressed to murder? Or is there another motive?
Those who love this series will find much to enjoy here. We once again get plenty of smiles and laughs, often at the way Meg’s grandparents interact with each other. The characters are wonderful, although we do miss a few of the regulars since this book takes Meg out of town. The mystery and Meg’s roll in it was a little weak, but the characters more than make up for this. I also truly appreciated the family relationships that have been built in this series here. That community is wonderful.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-gone-gull-by-donna-andrews.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Those who love this series will find much to enjoy here. We once again get plenty of smiles and laughs, often at the way Meg’s grandparents interact with each other. The characters are wonderful, although we do miss a few of the regulars since this book takes Meg out of town. The mystery and Meg’s roll in it was a little weak, but the characters more than make up for this. I also truly appreciated the family relationships that have been built in this series here. That community is wonderful.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-gone-gull-by-donna-andrews.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Death of a Bachelorette in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Jaine is thrilled when she lands an assignment writing suggested dialogue for a new reality dating show that takes her to an island near Tahiti. However, when she arrives she finds the conditions are horrible and the star of the show is a man of few words, even if she tries to feed these words to him. When one of the bachelorettes hoping to win this man’s heart dies, Jaine has to find the killer to be allowed to leave the island. Can she do it?
Those familiar with this series need no further explanation or encouragement to read this book. It’s more of the same. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, it means you get plenty of laughs from several sub-plots. The characters work for this series but they are a bit broad, think a sitcom character. Yet you still get a strong mystery with plenty of suspects, secrets, and surprises. If you enjoy light mysteries, you need to give this one a try.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-death-of-bachelorette-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Those familiar with this series need no further explanation or encouragement to read this book. It’s more of the same. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, it means you get plenty of laughs from several sub-plots. The characters work for this series but they are a bit broad, think a sitcom character. Yet you still get a strong mystery with plenty of suspects, secrets, and surprises. If you enjoy light mysteries, you need to give this one a try.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-death-of-bachelorette-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated No Filter (no shame series book 1) in Books
Feb 27, 2018
No Filter (No Shame #1) by Nora Phoenix
No Filter is the first book in the No Shames series, and we meet Indy, who is disguised as a woman. The reasons for this become clear, so don't worry about that. He meets Josh in a shop, and has to help him in an unusual way to stop him from being hurt. This in turn leads him to meeting Noah.
I won't say any more about the story, but I will say that this is one of the best written, original, storylines I've had the pleasure of reading. Nothing is plain and simple, but you are kept within the story as you learn more about situations and circumstances.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read. It had a smooth pacing to it, and the writing style was very easy to read. It does contain parts about abuse and PTSD, but I thought it was written very well indeed, telling of the horror without glamorising the events.
Looking forward to the rest of the series, and highly recommended by me.
I won't say any more about the story, but I will say that this is one of the best written, original, storylines I've had the pleasure of reading. Nothing is plain and simple, but you are kept within the story as you learn more about situations and circumstances.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read. It had a smooth pacing to it, and the writing style was very easy to read. It does contain parts about abuse and PTSD, but I thought it was written very well indeed, telling of the horror without glamorising the events.
Looking forward to the rest of the series, and highly recommended by me.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated No Fear (No Shame #3) in Books
Feb 27, 2018
No Fear (No Shame #3) by Nora Phoenix
In No Fear, we meet Aaron, Josh's brother. He gave Josh a hard time when Josh came out, so you can understand where Josh's feelings towards him come from. However, he stays at Blake's house, and gradually learns just who he is and where he wants to be.
This is probably the hardest book so far for me to read, simply because it talked about 'puppy play' which I've heard about, but never read about until now. The thing I love about Nora Phoenix's writing is that none of it is written for shock value. It all plays a part in the whole story, and nicely rounds out the story arcs that continue through this book.
All of the characters are different, so you won't get confused between the differing voices. This IS part of a series though, and definitely can't be read as a standalone. As with the previous two books, it was excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I am absolute loving this series, and the way the characters and their lives intertwine. Highly recommended by me.
This is probably the hardest book so far for me to read, simply because it talked about 'puppy play' which I've heard about, but never read about until now. The thing I love about Nora Phoenix's writing is that none of it is written for shock value. It all plays a part in the whole story, and nicely rounds out the story arcs that continue through this book.
All of the characters are different, so you won't get confused between the differing voices. This IS part of a series though, and definitely can't be read as a standalone. As with the previous two books, it was excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I am absolute loving this series, and the way the characters and their lives intertwine. Highly recommended by me.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Hummus and Homicide (Kebab Kitchen Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Lucy Berberian is back in her hometown of Ocean Crest, New Jersey, while she tries to figure out what to do next in her life. While she is reconnecting with family and friends, she is also working at her parent’s restaurant, Kebab Kitchen. Her high school nemesis, Heather Banks, is now the health inspector, and goes out of her way to make trouble for Lucy. However, after eating at the restaurant’s hummus bar, Heather dies in the parking lot. With business declining and Lucy the prime suspect, Lucy begins to search for answers. What happened to Heather?
This series is off to a good start. Lucy has a great collection of family and friends, although I did feel that her parents could be better fleshed out. We see hints of more here, something I hope is developed further as the series progresses. The mystery is solid with several believable suspects and plenty of secrets. The ending surprised me and kept me turning pages.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-hummus-and-homicide-by-tina.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This series is off to a good start. Lucy has a great collection of family and friends, although I did feel that her parents could be better fleshed out. We see hints of more here, something I hope is developed further as the series progresses. The mystery is solid with several believable suspects and plenty of secrets. The ending surprised me and kept me turning pages.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-hummus-and-homicide-by-tina.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Love...Under Different Skies in Books
Aug 22, 2018
Another fun instalment
As ive said before, Nick Spalding will never win any literary prizes for this series of books, he really does well to sum up real life situations and emotions. The writing is good but what really makes this story entertaining is the characters. Laura and Jamie are a very relatable couple and their diary/blog entries are so down to earth and realistic. I doubt anyone could read this book (or any others in the series) and not find a handful of comments, thoughts or situations that they’ve experienced in their own life. This story is also pretty funny and I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions.
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short. There are parts in this book that are a little far fetched and scepticism does sink in at times, but I that’s really what you expect from a work of fiction. This kept me highly entertained when I had to get public transport into work this week, although I did have to restrain my laughter at times!
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short. There are parts in this book that are a little far fetched and scepticism does sink in at times, but I that’s really what you expect from a work of fiction. This kept me highly entertained when I had to get public transport into work this week, although I did have to restrain my laughter at times!
ClareR (5674 KP) rated Running in Circles in Books
Jan 5, 2019
A good start to a new series!
Lucy works on a very small newspaper on a Thai island. She arrives after a traumatic experience back home in England, hoping to escape the memories of whatever has happened to her.
However, she becomes involved in some traumatic events on the island: a bomb goes off across from the hostel that she lives in, killing many people in the bars nearby, and a body washes sup on the beach - an investor in her newspaper. Lucy and her boss, Steve, decide to investigate these two occurrences and consequently become involved in some very disturbing events.
I really liked this. There is a feeling of 'disconnect' with Lucy. Her former trauma has left its mark on her, she is finding life difficult, and the author writes this feeling really well. I thought the whole atmosphere was well written - I could feel the humidity, the claustrophobia and the sadness and fear post bombing.
I'll be interested to read the next book in this series when it comes out - I rather like Lucy and Steve.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for my copy of this book to read and honestly review.
However, she becomes involved in some traumatic events on the island: a bomb goes off across from the hostel that she lives in, killing many people in the bars nearby, and a body washes sup on the beach - an investor in her newspaper. Lucy and her boss, Steve, decide to investigate these two occurrences and consequently become involved in some very disturbing events.
I really liked this. There is a feeling of 'disconnect' with Lucy. Her former trauma has left its mark on her, she is finding life difficult, and the author writes this feeling really well. I thought the whole atmosphere was well written - I could feel the humidity, the claustrophobia and the sadness and fear post bombing.
I'll be interested to read the next book in this series when it comes out - I rather like Lucy and Steve.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for my copy of this book to read and honestly review.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Shoot The Gap (Big Play, #4) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
In the final book of the series, we have Tyler and Sam's story. They have been best friends forever, but Tyler thinks that he needs something 'special' to make him stand out from his team mates. That something comes in the shape of Roxy Carmichael. Will Tyler open his eyes and see what is right in front of him, or will he stumble around in the dark and lose what he's already got?
This story wraps up all the previous story lines into one amazing climax. We see more of Tyler and Sam's home life, and the differences are there to see. Whereas one family is full of life and love, the other is clinical and detached. Professions of love are made, but to be honest, even after reading it all, I have my doubts!
With the full crew here helping to complete the story, the pages near enough turn themselves. Everything comes out to the harsh light of day and only time will tell how they all survive the fallout.
Absolutely recommended, both this book and the series.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This story wraps up all the previous story lines into one amazing climax. We see more of Tyler and Sam's home life, and the differences are there to see. Whereas one family is full of life and love, the other is clinical and detached. Professions of love are made, but to be honest, even after reading it all, I have my doubts!
With the full crew here helping to complete the story, the pages near enough turn themselves. Everything comes out to the harsh light of day and only time will tell how they all survive the fallout.
Absolutely recommended, both this book and the series.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
David McK (3369 KP) rated The Blooding (Matthew Hawkwood, #5) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The most recent book (at the time of writing) in [a:James McGee|223959|James McGee|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1389430491p2/223959.jpg] Matthew Hawkwood series, this is primarily set during the 'forgotten war' of 1812 between Great Britain and the fledgling USA, with Hawkwood newly arrived in the country while trying to get home to London from his escapades in France in the previous novel ([b:Rebellion|11254850|Seeds of Rebellion (Beyonders, #2)|Brandon Mull|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388247992s/11254850.jpg|16181497]).
I say mostly as, for approximately the first half, the novel actually flits back and forth - almost chapter about - between current events and those of Hawkwood's childhood (also in the States).
I also have to say that, as the series has progressed, it has seemingly moved further and further away from it's original Bow Street Runner in the Regency period: moving closer, perhaps, in mold (IMO) to the classic Sharpe stories of Bernard Cornwell, and - as a consequence - becoming in danger of losing it's own flavour that originally made it stand out.
Having said that, however, this - I felt - was an improvement on the previous book, which I personally struggled somewhat to connect with.
I say mostly as, for approximately the first half, the novel actually flits back and forth - almost chapter about - between current events and those of Hawkwood's childhood (also in the States).
I also have to say that, as the series has progressed, it has seemingly moved further and further away from it's original Bow Street Runner in the Regency period: moving closer, perhaps, in mold (IMO) to the classic Sharpe stories of Bernard Cornwell, and - as a consequence - becoming in danger of losing it's own flavour that originally made it stand out.
Having said that, however, this - I felt - was an improvement on the previous book, which I personally struggled somewhat to connect with.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Close to Home in Books
Dec 29, 2019
Absorbing
This is the first in a series of novels starring DI Adam Fawley and his team and what a start to the series this is. I actually missed this first time round and was only reminded I had it when I was sent book 4!
Packed with fantastic characters not all of which are particularly likeable but all of whom are well developed and with interesting stories to tell in their own right. The story line is a difficult one to read being that of child abduction and exploitation however this is not written in a gratuitous way but with care and attention although not is all as it seems and so begins DI Fawley's task of unravelling just what has happened to young Daisy.
This is a fast paced, gripping and absorbing story that had me reading it in quick time in order to discover the secrets and lies contained within the twists and turns of this excellent book and I highly recommend this to those of you who love a great police procedural.
Thank you to Penguin Books (UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Packed with fantastic characters not all of which are particularly likeable but all of whom are well developed and with interesting stories to tell in their own right. The story line is a difficult one to read being that of child abduction and exploitation however this is not written in a gratuitous way but with care and attention although not is all as it seems and so begins DI Fawley's task of unravelling just what has happened to young Daisy.
This is a fast paced, gripping and absorbing story that had me reading it in quick time in order to discover the secrets and lies contained within the twists and turns of this excellent book and I highly recommend this to those of you who love a great police procedural.
Thank you to Penguin Books (UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.