Search
Search results
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Justice ( out for Blood book 3) in Books
Aug 8, 2022
140 of 230
Kindle
Justice ( Out for Blood book 3)
By C.Y. Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Choices
My brother chose to die to save me, and I chose to let him go.
My world has been thrown upside down, and the only path that’s clear is me killing O’Donnell.
My twin was my sanity, the saving thread keeping me from going off the deep end, but now he’s gone.
They say I was meant to save the world, but now all I want to do is see it burn down to the ground with O’Donnell suffocating within the ashes.
Can my mates pull me back or will I destroy them along with myself?
At first I wanted Revenge, which quickly turned to Vengeance, now I want Justice and I don’t care how I get it.
This was better than Vengeance I really enjoyed it. I didn’t see the link between this series and the Crown of Blood and frost series I really like that link and can’t wait to see if they meet again. Oh my Rowan 🥹
Kindle
Justice ( Out for Blood book 3)
By C.Y. Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Choices
My brother chose to die to save me, and I chose to let him go.
My world has been thrown upside down, and the only path that’s clear is me killing O’Donnell.
My twin was my sanity, the saving thread keeping me from going off the deep end, but now he’s gone.
They say I was meant to save the world, but now all I want to do is see it burn down to the ground with O’Donnell suffocating within the ashes.
Can my mates pull me back or will I destroy them along with myself?
At first I wanted Revenge, which quickly turned to Vengeance, now I want Justice and I don’t care how I get it.
This was better than Vengeance I really enjoyed it. I didn’t see the link between this series and the Crown of Blood and frost series I really like that link and can’t wait to see if they meet again. Oh my Rowan 🥹
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Deadly Valentine in Books
Oct 24, 2022
Murder Among the New Neighbors
Annie and Max Darling have finally moved into their new house and are meeting their neighbors. Annie is less than delighted to find out that Sydney Cahill lives next door, mainly because Sydney made a pass at Max in front of Annie. Still, they can’t get out of attending the Cahill’s Valentine’s Day party. Then, that night, someone kills Sydney. Since their new neighborhood is gated, it quickly becomes obvious one of their neighbors is the killer. Can they figure out who did it?
This book has a few of the staples of the series, including the mass introduction of suspects, but that’s mainly worth noting in passing. Overall, it is fun. While the characters could be stronger, we do care, thanks mainly to Annie and Max. Max’s mother, Laurel, is visiting again, and she provides some great laughs along the way. The mystery is complex enough with enough twists and suspects to keep me guessing. It’s easy to see why this series is so beloved.
This book has a few of the staples of the series, including the mass introduction of suspects, but that’s mainly worth noting in passing. Overall, it is fun. While the characters could be stronger, we do care, thanks mainly to Annie and Max. Max’s mother, Laurel, is visiting again, and she provides some great laughs along the way. The mystery is complex enough with enough twists and suspects to keep me guessing. It’s easy to see why this series is so beloved.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Cheap Trills in Books
Nov 1, 2023
Uneven Trip to Bali
It’s 2007, and Eat, Pray, Love is all the rage. Cyd Redondo’s clients at her travel agency are all looking for trips to Bali, inspired by the book. However, Cyd is shocked when she discovers her mother is on such a trip, a trip she won from Cyd’s rival travel agent. An incompetent travel agent. So Cyd races to Bali to help her mother. What will she find when she gets there?
I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but this one wasn’t a good. I was expecting the updates on family and set up of the trip, but even once Cyd reached Bali, the pacing was off. The usual mix of travelogue, screwball comedy, and mystery was skewed. Once the mystery really did kick in, we were off and running with lots of twists and a satisfying ending. We did get some great character growth. And I laughed plenty. Fans of the series will still find things to enjoy, but I wish the plot had been stronger.
I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but this one wasn’t a good. I was expecting the updates on family and set up of the trip, but even once Cyd reached Bali, the pacing was off. The usual mix of travelogue, screwball comedy, and mystery was skewed. Once the mystery really did kick in, we were off and running with lots of twists and a satisfying ending. We did get some great character growth. And I laughed plenty. Fans of the series will still find things to enjoy, but I wish the plot had been stronger.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Kinsey and Me: Stories in Books
Jul 9, 2023
Short Stories and Essays
This book breaks down into two unequal sections. The first roughly 70% is made up of nine short stories featuring Kinsey Millhone, PI in Santa Teresa. She solves a murder with a disappearing body and a case of a man who fell off his roof. She also gets involved when an actor gets kidnapped.
The back section featuring thirteen vignettes as author Sue Grafton reflects on her life growing up with a functioning alcoholic father and a destructive alcoholic mother. While she admits they are autobiographical, she frames them around a character named Kit.
Fans of Kinsey will delight in these nine stories, all previous published, but decades ago so hard to track down outside this collection now. Personally, I found the back section depressing, but I suspect these stories were theopoetic for Ms. Grafton to write, and I can see others benefiting from them, too.
Overall, fans of the series will enjoy the collection. If you are new to the series, you can jump in here, too, and meet Kinsey without ruining any of fun of the novels.
The back section featuring thirteen vignettes as author Sue Grafton reflects on her life growing up with a functioning alcoholic father and a destructive alcoholic mother. While she admits they are autobiographical, she frames them around a character named Kit.
Fans of Kinsey will delight in these nine stories, all previous published, but decades ago so hard to track down outside this collection now. Personally, I found the back section depressing, but I suspect these stories were theopoetic for Ms. Grafton to write, and I can see others benefiting from them, too.
Overall, fans of the series will enjoy the collection. If you are new to the series, you can jump in here, too, and meet Kinsey without ruining any of fun of the novels.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder in the Wine Country in Books
Aug 29, 2023
Too Much Going on
Kelly’s boss is bringing in others to get a vision of what he’s accomplished in Redwood Cove in the hopes of replicating it around the country. Part of this is a wine tasting, and Eric is supposed to be assisting with it. However, not too long after Kelly meets him, Eric turns up dead. Could it have to do with the poachers in the area looking for a rare and expensive plant?
This teaser doesn’t even mention a storyline that starts part way into the book and really takes over. I get why it does, but it makes the resulting story feel way more rushed than it should have been. There was enough here for two books. Plus, there’s a sub-plot that is resolved way too easily (and unrealistically). But, as always, I loved the characters and watching their relationships grow. I was smiling as I read about them. Likewise, I enjoyed revisiting the setting. If you are new to the series, don’t start here. Fans will enjoy it even if it is the weakest in the series.
This teaser doesn’t even mention a storyline that starts part way into the book and really takes over. I get why it does, but it makes the resulting story feel way more rushed than it should have been. There was enough here for two books. Plus, there’s a sub-plot that is resolved way too easily (and unrealistically). But, as always, I loved the characters and watching their relationships grow. I was smiling as I read about them. Likewise, I enjoyed revisiting the setting. If you are new to the series, don’t start here. Fans will enjoy it even if it is the weakest in the series.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Martial magic ( society 13) in Books
May 11, 2023
59 of 235
Kindle
Martial Magic ( Society 13)
By Mason Sabre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this world, the Humans rule … everyone else must fall in-line. An instalment in the Society Series. Crystal’s magic was fading, but Jason needed her for one last job. When Crystal closed her school for the day, she never expected to be woken to a wolf in the middle of the night. Someone had given away her seeker status, and now, Jason needed her more than ever … But at what cost? Her magical pot of power is already at an all time low. One more mission, one more drain, and she’d become nothing. Except … Jason … something is different, something more than she ever expected to find, and now the unlikely must trust each other. It’s the only way they’ll survive.
Another fab book in this series! We are now finding more characters and their stories. Nice to have a little visit with Cade too. This is just another case of crossed so working together and how horrid humans really are!
Kindle
Martial Magic ( Society 13)
By Mason Sabre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this world, the Humans rule … everyone else must fall in-line. An instalment in the Society Series. Crystal’s magic was fading, but Jason needed her for one last job. When Crystal closed her school for the day, she never expected to be woken to a wolf in the middle of the night. Someone had given away her seeker status, and now, Jason needed her more than ever … But at what cost? Her magical pot of power is already at an all time low. One more mission, one more drain, and she’d become nothing. Except … Jason … something is different, something more than she ever expected to find, and now the unlikely must trust each other. It’s the only way they’ll survive.
Another fab book in this series! We are now finding more characters and their stories. Nice to have a little visit with Cade too. This is just another case of crossed so working together and how horrid humans really are!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder on Madison Square in Books
Jun 14, 2023 (Updated Jun 14, 2023)
Death by Early Electric Automobile
When Frank Malloy learns of an auto show happen in Madison Square, he is excited to go. While there, he meets Alvin Bing, who is there trying to introduce his electric cars. When one of those electric cars runs over Mr. Bing the next day, his widow hires Frank to find out what happened. With the help of the usual characters, can Frank solve the case?
Yes, the core cast of characters are all here, and I loved spending time with them again. The plot is one of the darker ones in the series, so the character’s interactions helped lighten things. As always, the plot kept me turning pages, even when I figured out a key plot point early. And yes, someone had developed electric cars as early as 1900, when this book is set. I found that part of the history presented here fascinating. While this isn’t the strongest entry in the series, fans will still enjoy visiting favorite characters.
Yes, the core cast of characters are all here, and I loved spending time with them again. The plot is one of the darker ones in the series, so the character’s interactions helped lighten things. As always, the plot kept me turning pages, even when I figured out a key plot point early. And yes, someone had developed electric cars as early as 1900, when this book is set. I found that part of the history presented here fascinating. While this isn’t the strongest entry in the series, fans will still enjoy visiting favorite characters.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Fondant Fumble in Books
Jun 11, 2024
Murder Stings a Bakery Opening
Two players for the Arizona Scorpions NFL team have opened the newest franchise of Mel’s bakery across town. While she is enjoying teaching them about what it takes to run the business, others don’t seem so happy about it. In fact, the team’s owner makes a scene at the bakery’s opening. The next morning, he’s found dead in the new bakery. Can Mel find the killer?
I love the characters in this series, and it was great to check on them again. The new characters are just as charming. The mystery could have used a few other suspects and another couple of twists. What we have is good, but it could have been stronger. On the other hand, I thought I knew where a subplot was going early on, but I was delighted to be surprised. It became one of my favorite parts of the book. The humor is great as always, and we get more cupcake recipes as well. Fans of this series will gobble it up as quickly as I did.
I love the characters in this series, and it was great to check on them again. The new characters are just as charming. The mystery could have used a few other suspects and another couple of twists. What we have is good, but it could have been stronger. On the other hand, I thought I knew where a subplot was going early on, but I was delighted to be surprised. It became one of my favorite parts of the book. The humor is great as always, and we get more cupcake recipes as well. Fans of this series will gobble it up as quickly as I did.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Love Will Tear Us Apart in Books
Apr 9, 2024
I try to avoid book series like the plague (commitment issues). But here we are, and I’d like to start The Stranger Times Addiction Club. I listened to Love Will Tear Us Apart on audiobook, and the narrator Brendan McDonald has made me realise that I’ll probably need to buy all subsequent Stranger Times instalments on audiobook as well (except for the next one - I’ve already read that on NetGalley. Review to follow 🫢). Brendan, you are superb!
Bancroft thinks his wife is still alive and he’s acting very strangely; Hannah (assistant editor) has not only had the cheek to resign, but she’s gone to a spa as well; and an ex-columnist (who never strictly existed) has disappeared. Sounds confusing? Well, that’s The Stranger Times for you!
God, I enjoyed this - these books are always so uplifting (like some of the staff!), and I laughed so much. Which is ideal on your dog walk…
This is a series that I really don’t mind being caught up in at all. Just fabulous!
Bancroft thinks his wife is still alive and he’s acting very strangely; Hannah (assistant editor) has not only had the cheek to resign, but she’s gone to a spa as well; and an ex-columnist (who never strictly existed) has disappeared. Sounds confusing? Well, that’s The Stranger Times for you!
God, I enjoyed this - these books are always so uplifting (like some of the staff!), and I laughed so much. Which is ideal on your dog walk…
This is a series that I really don’t mind being caught up in at all. Just fabulous!
I am absolutely in love with the book and wish that I didn't have to wait another year to find out what happens. Unlike Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series, I feel that Renegades is not a series that is as universal a read. The Lunar Chronicles effortlessly blends science fiction with a fairytale retelling and I feel can draw people in even if they don't normally read either of those two. Renegades on the other hand is definitely a superhero story, with fantastic characters and an intriguing plot - but, if you're not a fan of superheroes then you're not as likely to fall in love with this book.
I personally love superheroes, I read comics and can completely see the similarities to the X-Men in this novel. The gifted in this novel are called prodigies and have such amazing (and unique) powers. My personal favourite was Adrian, who had the ability to draw and make his art come to life. Even if you're not super familiar with powers in comics, you'll not be surprised by invincibility or flight. That's why Adrian's ability was so fascinating to me. It was wholly different from the powers I've grown to know and infinitely more surprising because of how versatile it is.
I also really enjoyed that the book wasn't black and white, good and evil, right and wrong. Meyer did a brilliant job illustrating the nuances so that as a reader you could see both sides of the coin. Neither was completely the one that you wanted to root for, as they were all real, flawed people. Even Nova, who I didn't completely connect with at the beginning of the book, grew over time and learned to think more openly. I ended up liking her a lot more, and love reading the struggle she went through throughout the entire book as it helped her develop as a character.
The main characters in this story definitely felt more real than the supporting ones, but I still feel that everyone was fleshed out. I never had those moments when I couldn't remember who was who, which can happen with a large cast of characters (especially when they have both real names and aliases). Meyer allowed people to form a connection with almost all of her characters, no matter how many pages she dedicated to them. I think that is definitely where this book shone.
I've always loved Marissa Meyer's ability to build a believable world that populates in your head as you read, and this is no exception. It could see Gatlon City with its heroes and villains, ordinary people, towering base of command, filthy subway tunnels and abandoned theme park buildings. I was so intrigued by the characters and the world that the storyline took more of a backseat for me. It was still fantastic, and even though the pacing of some scenes wasn't perfect, it was a really enjoyable book.
I would highly recommend this book, especially if you like reading about superheroes (or supervillains, I won't judge). I definitely think you'll enjoy the book otherwise, but it might just not end up being your favourite. Who knows? You may discover that you actually love superheroes because of this book. Trust me, it's pretty great.
I personally love superheroes, I read comics and can completely see the similarities to the X-Men in this novel. The gifted in this novel are called prodigies and have such amazing (and unique) powers. My personal favourite was Adrian, who had the ability to draw and make his art come to life. Even if you're not super familiar with powers in comics, you'll not be surprised by invincibility or flight. That's why Adrian's ability was so fascinating to me. It was wholly different from the powers I've grown to know and infinitely more surprising because of how versatile it is.
I also really enjoyed that the book wasn't black and white, good and evil, right and wrong. Meyer did a brilliant job illustrating the nuances so that as a reader you could see both sides of the coin. Neither was completely the one that you wanted to root for, as they were all real, flawed people. Even Nova, who I didn't completely connect with at the beginning of the book, grew over time and learned to think more openly. I ended up liking her a lot more, and love reading the struggle she went through throughout the entire book as it helped her develop as a character.
The main characters in this story definitely felt more real than the supporting ones, but I still feel that everyone was fleshed out. I never had those moments when I couldn't remember who was who, which can happen with a large cast of characters (especially when they have both real names and aliases). Meyer allowed people to form a connection with almost all of her characters, no matter how many pages she dedicated to them. I think that is definitely where this book shone.
I've always loved Marissa Meyer's ability to build a believable world that populates in your head as you read, and this is no exception. It could see Gatlon City with its heroes and villains, ordinary people, towering base of command, filthy subway tunnels and abandoned theme park buildings. I was so intrigued by the characters and the world that the storyline took more of a backseat for me. It was still fantastic, and even though the pacing of some scenes wasn't perfect, it was a really enjoyable book.
I would highly recommend this book, especially if you like reading about superheroes (or supervillains, I won't judge). I definitely think you'll enjoy the book otherwise, but it might just not end up being your favourite. Who knows? You may discover that you actually love superheroes because of this book. Trust me, it's pretty great.