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Sealed Off (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #8)
Sealed Off (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #8)
Barbara Ross | 2019 | Mystery
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fall Brings Mysteries for Julia
The clambake that Julia Snowden and her family run on their family’s island is just running on weekends through Columbus Day. Unfortunately, tension among the staff seems to be reaching the boiling point. Romances among the staff have been causing issues all season, but Julia was hoping they could make it until the end of the season, and those issues would resolve themselves before the clambake starts up again in the spring. A fist fight as the guests and crew were leaving one days brings things to a head, and leaves Julia in the unfortunate position of firing her boyfriend’s brother. However, a dead body on the island the next morning only makes the situation worse.

There is a strong sub-plot, almost a second full mystery, in this book involving a room that has been sealed off since the 1890’s in the family mansion on the island. Between the two stories, this book moves forward at a constant pace, and the pages flew by. I never wanted to put the book down until I reached the satisfying end. Once again, I was left in awe of how the clues were woven into the story. Several series arcs were advanced here, and the chances for character development were put to full use. The new characters are just as strong as the series regulars, which is no surprise to anyone who has read the series. Those looking for recipes will be pleased with the five we get at the end of the story. There is not one wasted word in this story, and I set it down completely satisfied. Well, almost satisfied. As is always the case, I was left wanting to visit Julia and her family and friends again as soon as possible. Fans of the series will be delighted with this book. If you haven’t started this series yet, you need to fix that as soon as possible.
  
The Hostile Hospital (A Series of Unfortunate Events #8
10
8.7 (20 Ratings)
Book Rating
They end up volunteering in the library of records in the library which has files on everything, including The Snicket Fire. But of course, as always, Esmé and Olaf aren’t far behind.

The Horrible Hospital is one of the most exciting books in the series. It’s so close to unveiling all of the secrets throughout the book and it’s so full of suspense. It’s actually one of the most unpredictable books in the series, and the twists were shocking.

It’s probably the most terrifying as well, especially with the position Olaf and his troupe have managed to get themselves into.

Olaf is at his most terrifying, and so is Esmé. They have reached a new height where I’m starting to question whether this is actually a children’s series at all.
  
Murder Girl (Lilah Love #2)
Murder Girl (Lilah Love #2)
Lisa Renee Jones | 2018 | Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Loving this series so far and can't wait to see where we end up next!
Second book in this series and I can't say enough how thrilled I am that we'll be in for more of Lilah Love! Her tough attitude and fierce independence make her one bad a$$ FBI Profiler and a character that I can't help but love and admire. This story is a perfect blend of suspense, action, and romance and Kane's patience and understanding of Lilah and her habits is heartwarming. As dark as his life and experiences may be, he goes out of his way to create a safe place for her, even when she feels like there is no else she can fully trust. Loving this series so far and can't wait to see where we end up next!
  
The 9th novel in the X-Wing series, this is (in many respects) also a stand-alone, featuring neither the Rogues nor the Wraiths of the previous X-Wing books.

Rather, this concentrates more on Wedge and a few other characters, as they are sent on a diplomatic mission to a newly-discovered world with a pilot mania that is trying to decide whether to join the New Republic or The Empire.

I've been re-reading the X-Wing books in preparation for the newest (just released) book in the series, with this previously being the last in the series. I also think it's fair to say that if you've read any of Aaron Allston's previous X-Wing books you know pretty much what to expect in this
  
Pip Bartlett's Guide to Sea Monsters
Pip Bartlett's Guide to Sea Monsters
Jackson Pearce | 2019 | Children, Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the third entry in the Pip Bartlett series. My eight-year-old daughters loved the entire series and spunky Pip! This book was just as loved as the previous two. Despite all those pesky sea monsters, it made us all want to be at the beach with Pip and Tomas--and maybe even Callie and the triplets! The girls absolutely loved all the amazing magical creatures Maggie and Jackson come up with, especially the spinnerseals!

This series is so wonderful for kids with imaginations and who love animals. It always inspires my girls to come up with their own magical creatures. I love how Pip works to solve her own problems, keeps a positive attitude and open mind, and is always a friend to everyone. These are excellent books!
  
No Quarter Given
No Quarter Given
Neil Broadfoot | 2022 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
"This is not murder. This is justice."

This is the latest in this series starring Connor Fraser and what a series it is!

No Quarter Given is a dark and gritty read that is not for the feint-hearted. It has some scenes that some may find distressing as they relate to child abuse so be warned, if this is a trigger for you, I would think before picking this up.

Having given that warning, this is intense, well written and fast paced with excellent characters but amongst the violence and tension, there is dark humour and moments of vulnerability for the main character.

This is an excellent addition to the series and thank you to Little, Brown Book Group via NetGalley for giving me the opportunity of reading and sharing my thoughts.
  
Full gushing review can be found at www.travelingthevortex.com

So far the Lethbridge-Stewart series has come in two varieties; good, and stellar. This is one of the later.

The plot is well written with a series of adventures that culminate quite satisfactorily, character development is top drawer, the action is well done, and above all else, it's a hell of a lot of fun to read. This book trucks from beginning to end without a lull in sight. If you've been following along with the Lethbridge-Stewart line, nudge this one higher on your to do list, you'll thank me for it.