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Death On The Coast
Death On The Coast
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I thoroughly enjoyed this “West Country Crime Mystery” Death on the Coast by Bernie Steadman, even though it was book 3 and I’d not read the previous two books in this series.

Set in Devon, DCI Dan Hellier and DS Sally Ellis’ crew make a gruesome discovery; someone is burning body parts in a very ritualistic way. Could a cult be responsible for this? What are their motivations? Can his team work out what is happening before another death hits their shores?

I whizzed through this well written story and although the title suggests cosy mystery to me, this is a much darker and more realistic police procedural. It’s got everything I love in a good murder mystery; a great cast of people with their own issues to contend with, interesting plot twists (despite knowing who is responsible all the way through the book) and enough intriguing goings on to keep me reading long well into the night until I finished it. Bernie Steadman is on fire with this book! I must keep up with this series from now on!

Thank you to Bloodhound Books, and #NetGalley for my ARC copy. This is my own opinion and not biased in any way.
  
Charity Penn has been raised to trust no one, so she is immediately suspicious when she receives a letter stating she won a contest for cooking lessons in a chocolate shop in South Carolina – a contest she didn’t enter. When her friend goes down to investigate, he calls her teasing good news and then winds up dead in a vat of chocolate. Determined to figure out what happened to her friend, Penn goes to investigate. But can she trust anyone? What is going on?

This book started out slowly, at least mystery wise, since it had the hard job of setting up the series as well as solving the mystery. However, the second half included some good twists and turns as well as payoff for the set up. Penn is an interesting main character since she is pricklier than we normally see in a cozy mystery, but the reasons for her behavior as fully explained and understandable. I’m looking forward to seeing some growth from her as the series progresses, and we already see some of that here.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-asking-for-truffle-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Regret at Roosevelt Ranch (Roosevelt Ranch #4)
Regret at Roosevelt Ranch (Roosevelt Ranch #4)
Elise Faber | 2019 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Regret at Roosevelt Ranch is the fourth book in the Roosevelt Ranch series, and we finally get Henry's story. Henry is Kelly's best friend and has been nursing a broken heart for the last five years. Isabella turns up and asks Henry to cater her wedding, a wedding that is never going to happen.

You find out all the twists and turns that have kept Henry and Bella apart for the past five years, and within pages, you are desperately wanting them to get back together. Of course, the path of true love doesn't run that smoothly in Darlington, Utah, so they have their own problems to contend with.

Both main characters and secondary characters help to make this a fantastic story. All our previous couples make an appearance, even if it's only a quick one. The pacing is smooth and will keep you turning the pages.

I thoroughly enjoyed Henry and Bella's story and have no hesitation in recommending this great addition to 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!
  
Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog
Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Book Review: Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog This book is set during the Christmas season. The family is getting ready for Christmas. Ted's father gets up to tell a story of meeting Santa Frog. As the story is being told, children will get to learn to rhyme some words. The series continues to teach children to read.Ted and his brother Brad seem excited about Santa Frog. Will they get to meet Santa Frog? What will Santa Frog bring them and how many presents? There is still the meaning behind the story. There seem to be an important meaning behind the story. Though this one will not know until the end of the book. What matters most is that Family Matters.I got the feeling of The Night before Christmas feeling with this story. As if you read. Though with the teaching of the meaning of Christmas and family being the center of the story. Though that is my thoughts on it.The author still gets the children to learn to read with the rhyming theme as you read. This is good as this helps with children and good to have parents pick up the series. It does teach lessons and meanings that are important for children to learn.
  
The Lantern Men
The Lantern Men
Elly Griffiths | 2020 | History & Politics, Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I adore all Ruth Galloway books, and I'm so glad the series continues. I was surprised to find the book opening with Ruth away from her beloved Norfolk and its marshes--and giving more permanence to her relationship with Frank. The move only complicates Ruth's own relationship with Nelson, and their chemistry crackles as always. I love how familiar the characters feel--Ruth, Nelson, and young Kate. Ruth's friends, to include Cathbad, the eclectic druid, and his family. Nelson's co-workers. Ruth's co-workers. Each of these books feels like coming home and Griffiths captures each of their individual voices so perfectly. I love Nelson's sarcasm and Ruth's intelligence and desire for solitude--they are all so wonderful.

The case in this book is excellent; Griffiths is an expert at tying together murders in the past with those in the present, and that happens here. It kept me guessing, and it's great that's it's so often Ruth's intelligence--not just Nelson's brawn--that helps resolve things. There are some strong twists that keep things moving as well.

This book will stand-alone, though I always recommend the whole series, because Ruth and Nelson's relationship and character development alone is worth it. 4 stars for this installment, and I'll look forward to #13!
  
The Magician (The Necronomicon Guardian #1)
The Magician (The Necronomicon Guardian #1)
Maya Daniels | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Magician is the first book in The Necronomicon Guardian series and we meet klutzy Charlie who doesn't appear have to much going for her as far as magic is concerned. And yet, somehow, she gets picked for a job that will get her killed. Instead, she finds herself falling down the rabbit hole and being blackmailed into doing another job that may get her killed!

This is a quick read and the pacing is fast too. It mostly takes place within 24-hours so hold onto your hats. Although you don't meet any of them in depth, there are numerous characters to tantalise and tease. Personally, I want to see more from Glenda. As for Blade, well, we'll just have to see what his story is in future books.

As with all of Maya Daniels' books, it is full of snarky humour and action. I get the feeling this is just the start of a brilliant adventure for Charlie and I can't wait to see what happens next. A wonderful start to a new series and definitely recommended by me.

* 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!