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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated A Deadly Éclair (A French Bistro Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Mimi Rousseau is just months into her new venture of a French bistro and hotel in the heart of Napa County. This weekend, she is hosting her first event, the wedding of Angelica Edmonton, noted TV talk show host and the niece of Bryan Baker, Mimi’s benefactor and mentor. However, when tension at the pre-wedding dinner on Friday night leads to a dead body on Saturday morning, Mimi finds herself looking into the murder. What is going on?
It’s fun to find a series set in Napa County that doesn’t focus on wine, although wine is certainly present. The French food will definitely leave your mouth watering as you work your way through this good first mystery. The initial chapter has a bit of a data dump in it, but once beyond that, the mystery picks up and the pace never slows down again. The characters are outstanding, and the relationships between the series regulars is already strong. I’m looking forward to seeing that grow as the series progresses.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-deadly-eclair-by-daryl-wood.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
It’s fun to find a series set in Napa County that doesn’t focus on wine, although wine is certainly present. The French food will definitely leave your mouth watering as you work your way through this good first mystery. The initial chapter has a bit of a data dump in it, but once beyond that, the mystery picks up and the pace never slows down again. The characters are outstanding, and the relationships between the series regulars is already strong. I’m looking forward to seeing that grow as the series progresses.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-deadly-eclair-by-daryl-wood.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Banana Cream Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #21) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The latest murder in Lake Eden doesn’t even wait for Hannah to return from her honeymoon. In fact, Hannah’s mom discovers the body when she hears screaming and gun shots from her neighbor’s condo. Tori, the mayor’s sister, was a Broadway actress before she retired to Lake Eden. She doesn’t have many friends in the area, but she doesn’t have many enemies either. Hannah can’t seem to find anyone with a motive to kill the woman. What is she missing?
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated The Uninvited Corpse in Books
Mar 28, 2018
You Are Invited to a New Series
Food and lifestyle blogger Hope Early is settling back into her home town of Jefferson, Connecticut, and she is enjoying reconnecting with family and friends. One chance to do that is at her friend’s garden party to celebrate that friend’s new gardening book. However, Peaches McCoy, an ambitious real estate agent, crashes the party. Peaches isn’t well liked in town, but Hope is surprised to find Peaches’ body before the event is over. With the police zeroing in on Hope’s sister, Hope sets out to find the real killer. Can she do it?
This book doesn’t waste much time before jumping into the garden party. That’s both good and bad since it means it isn’t long before Peaches dies, but it also means we meet the suspects and series regulars in a hurry. It took me a little time to keep them all straight, but as their personalities came through, I was able to remember who they all were. The plot does slow down in the second half, but everything comes together for a great climax. This looks like the start of a fun series.
This book doesn’t waste much time before jumping into the garden party. That’s both good and bad since it means it isn’t long before Peaches dies, but it also means we meet the suspects and series regulars in a hurry. It took me a little time to keep them all straight, but as their personalities came through, I was able to remember who they all were. The plot does slow down in the second half, but everything comes together for a great climax. This looks like the start of a fun series.
ErinSJ (112 KP) rated The Bone Queen (The Books of Pellinor #0.5) in Books
Jun 20, 2018
When I found out The Bone Queen was coming out it was a pleasant surprise. I read the original Pellinor series years ago and have always remembered it as one of my favorite fantasy series. I was originally a bit worried that all these years later this book wouldn't live up to the rest of the series, but I'm happy to report that my fears were unjustified.
The Bone Queen is beautifully written, and something about the writing or perhaps the general world building evokes a feeling very similar to that of The Lord of the Rings, with an emphasis on the ultimate powers of good over evil, even when evil manages to take a terrible toll on the world. Though there is certainly action and plenty of adventure to be had, this book focuses on very human themes of forgiveness and guilt. Cadvan struggles to forgive himself for the irreparable damage one foolish mistake caused, and those around him struggle to do the same.
For those looking for a thoughtful bit of epic fantasy that still manages to have some fun, this is a must read.
The Bone Queen is beautifully written, and something about the writing or perhaps the general world building evokes a feeling very similar to that of The Lord of the Rings, with an emphasis on the ultimate powers of good over evil, even when evil manages to take a terrible toll on the world. Though there is certainly action and plenty of adventure to be had, this book focuses on very human themes of forgiveness and guilt. Cadvan struggles to forgive himself for the irreparable damage one foolish mistake caused, and those around him struggle to do the same.
For those looking for a thoughtful bit of epic fantasy that still manages to have some fun, this is a must read.
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Millions (Dollar book 5) in Books
Jul 31, 2018
This final book in the series is possibly even better than the rest. Most of the darkness from the previous books is gone allowing us to really explore Pim and Elder and dare to hope for happiness.
That being said this is by no means a happy carefree book, there is of course pain, physical and emotional, threats and near death experiences to keep you on your toes right till the very end.
We even get a brief glimpse into the mystery of Selix and some of his reasons for being Elder’s shadow. However this small snippet gives some closure but does build hope for more of his story later on.
The end is completely satisfying, we get a multi perspective epilogue, then an extended epilogue and then the final epilogue. I felt it really finished off the story so there were no unanswered questions. Without the fault of some epilogues, which skip forward a few years so that you get information but not necessarily the emotions.
I think this series was the perfect length to tell Pim and Elder’s story but without getting lost in the middle as I feel some series can.
That being said this is by no means a happy carefree book, there is of course pain, physical and emotional, threats and near death experiences to keep you on your toes right till the very end.
We even get a brief glimpse into the mystery of Selix and some of his reasons for being Elder’s shadow. However this small snippet gives some closure but does build hope for more of his story later on.
The end is completely satisfying, we get a multi perspective epilogue, then an extended epilogue and then the final epilogue. I felt it really finished off the story so there were no unanswered questions. Without the fault of some epilogues, which skip forward a few years so that you get information but not necessarily the emotions.
I think this series was the perfect length to tell Pim and Elder’s story but without getting lost in the middle as I feel some series can.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Tigers Ambush (Kit Davenport #3) in Books
Feb 26, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
If you're reading this, you've probably already read my first two installments, and know exactly how deep into trouble I've got myself.
But you totally don’t care about what’s happening in this blurb because let’s be honest here… It was going to be a bunch of vague questions and hints that would really give away nothing, but leave you scratching your heads.
So, let's call a spade a spade and pretend this was an awesome blurb. Yeah?
Oh also, I'm Kit Davenport and this is going to leave a mark...
Another brilliant book in this series I think it's the best one yet! Finally we see some real power from these gorgeous men! I absolutely love Austin I think he's been my favourite from the start and I love how he's developed in this book. I read quite a few different series and in some I find the sex scenes a big over played but not in this series it's so well written. I actually really enjoy Kits character too. I'm excited to see where these characters are going! Also I almost cheered outloud at Mr Grey's demise!!
I think I need an Austin Tiger!
But you totally don’t care about what’s happening in this blurb because let’s be honest here… It was going to be a bunch of vague questions and hints that would really give away nothing, but leave you scratching your heads.
So, let's call a spade a spade and pretend this was an awesome blurb. Yeah?
Oh also, I'm Kit Davenport and this is going to leave a mark...
Another brilliant book in this series I think it's the best one yet! Finally we see some real power from these gorgeous men! I absolutely love Austin I think he's been my favourite from the start and I love how he's developed in this book. I read quite a few different series and in some I find the sex scenes a big over played but not in this series it's so well written. I actually really enjoy Kits character too. I'm excited to see where these characters are going! Also I almost cheered outloud at Mr Grey's demise!!
I think I need an Austin Tiger!
Evolution (A Ladybird Expert Book)
Book
Part of the new Ladybird Expert series, Evolution is a clear, simple and entertaining introduction...
Quantum Mechanics (A Ladybird Expert Book)
Book
Part of the new Ladybird Expert series, Quantum Mechanics is a clear, simple and entertaining...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dying to Remember (The Station #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
I read the first book back in January and really liked the concept; people who commit suicide having the chance to help others on the verge of doing so themselves. It may sound off-putting but it's done in such a way that you understand them and their reasoning. Okay, I'm doing a crap job at selling the series but it's different.
Anyway, this follows on from the first. Even having a small part of the first book to help remind you of what happened at the end and then we're straight into the story. I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't started the series by going into what it centres around but Sloan is now at The Station, much to Piper's equal horror and happiness.
They begin a budding romance that is really sweet. They're cute together!
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first but it was a great addition.
Once again with this series, the ending has left me thinking, "I need the next one NOW!!" and I will be adding Dying to Return to my Amazon wish-list straight away.
Anyway, this follows on from the first. Even having a small part of the first book to help remind you of what happened at the end and then we're straight into the story. I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't started the series by going into what it centres around but Sloan is now at The Station, much to Piper's equal horror and happiness.
They begin a budding romance that is really sweet. They're cute together!
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first but it was a great addition.
Once again with this series, the ending has left me thinking, "I need the next one NOW!!" and I will be adding Dying to Return to my Amazon wish-list straight away.
Climate Change (A Ladybird Expert Book)
H.R.H. The prince of wales, Tony Juniper and Emily Shuckburgh
Book
Part of the new Ladybird Expert series, Climate Change is a clear, simple and enlightening...