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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue in Books
Oct 13, 2021 (Updated Oct 13, 2021)
While the Detectives are Away
When Maeve answers the door, the last thing she expects is a woman desperately looking for Frank Malloy. Mrs. O’Neil is a former neighbor of the Malloys, and she is anxious to find Frank because her daughter, Una, has just been arrested for the murder of her husband. The problem is that Frank and his new wife, Sarah Brandt, are in Europe on their honeymoon. So Maeve jumps into the investigation, aided by Gino and Sarah’s parents. Will the four of them uncover what really happened?
This is a different book for the series since Frank and Sarah, our usual main characters, aren’t in it. However, it allows the secondary characters time to shine, which was a lot of fun, especially since I love them. It also provided a bit more humor, which I appreciated. The mystery itself is serious, and the book balances the tones perfectly. The mystery is also strong and kept me turning pages, as always. I did feel there was a bit too much rehashing of things at times in the middle, but that got better as the book went along. Sadly, there are some timing issues in the climax as the characters forget when things happened. Ironically enough, the climax makes even more sense if you remember the correct timeline. There are a few Christmas elements in the book, but the main focus is on the characters and mystery. This may be a unique entry in the series, but fans will still love it.
This is a different book for the series since Frank and Sarah, our usual main characters, aren’t in it. However, it allows the secondary characters time to shine, which was a lot of fun, especially since I love them. It also provided a bit more humor, which I appreciated. The mystery itself is serious, and the book balances the tones perfectly. The mystery is also strong and kept me turning pages, as always. I did feel there was a bit too much rehashing of things at times in the middle, but that got better as the book went along. Sadly, there are some timing issues in the climax as the characters forget when things happened. Ironically enough, the climax makes even more sense if you remember the correct timeline. There are a few Christmas elements in the book, but the main focus is on the characters and mystery. This may be a unique entry in the series, but fans will still love it.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Chris Crossed Murder (Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) in Books
Apr 5, 2023
Are you into murder mysteries? Then look at Lauren Carr's books if you want a cold case to unpack and enjoy. Then her latest series, "Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery," is an excellent series to get your fix or bite into.
My latest book, "Chris Crossed Murder," is filled to pack a punch from the very beginning of the book. Why would someone send a swat team after Chris Matheson and his daughter? Why do these family members think he is dead? We get twists and turns from the beginning of the book to every end.
The cold case starts to get hot, and Chris Matheson gets pulled into a hard case that he worked on nine years earlier. Who should be the text buddy that Chris Matheson gets? It starts with a dead body found with Chris Matheson's federal badge.
Every time I turned the page, I would try and guess, but we met the holiday gang. Who are they, and did they commit Sky Belmont murder? Who wants Chris dead? Is Dylan trying to figure out what Serra's stepfather is doing? Why? Dylan's parents wish to do something, or are they connected to Sky Belmont's murder?
There seem to be quite a few different murders going on. But who wants Chris dead, and why? The geezer squad is on it. There appears to be a romance in the air for a member and new family member named "Red"? This book set is on a winter night near Christmas.
My latest book, "Chris Crossed Murder," is filled to pack a punch from the very beginning of the book. Why would someone send a swat team after Chris Matheson and his daughter? Why do these family members think he is dead? We get twists and turns from the beginning of the book to every end.
The cold case starts to get hot, and Chris Matheson gets pulled into a hard case that he worked on nine years earlier. Who should be the text buddy that Chris Matheson gets? It starts with a dead body found with Chris Matheson's federal badge.
Every time I turned the page, I would try and guess, but we met the holiday gang. Who are they, and did they commit Sky Belmont murder? Who wants Chris dead? Is Dylan trying to figure out what Serra's stepfather is doing? Why? Dylan's parents wish to do something, or are they connected to Sky Belmont's murder?
There seem to be quite a few different murders going on. But who wants Chris dead, and why? The geezer squad is on it. There appears to be a romance in the air for a member and new family member named "Red"? This book set is on a winter night near Christmas.
Merissa (11953 KP) rated INCEPTIO (Roma Nova Thriller #1) in Books
Apr 26, 2023
INCEPTIO is the first book in the Carina Mitela Adventure series and we start off in the EUS (Eastern United States). The world isn't the same as we know it, with different countries, rules, and regulations. In the middle of this is Karen Brown, an unassuming name for an unassuming young woman whose life is about to change.
Some of it is fairly formulaic - bad government people, new life, new wealth, new status. It's something that has been done before. However, I enjoyed this one, I really did. Everything comes easy to Karen/Carina - whether it is the Latin language (which is NOT easy, trust me), or specialised self-defence. She can be quite mouthy but no one seems to have a problem with that. I'm glad this isn't listed as a romance because it isn't. In fact, the romance side almost seems to be just a page-filler as I didn't really feel much of a connection between any of them.
This book has plenty of action, told from Karen and Jeremy's perspectives only. From drugs being brought into Roma Nova, to escaped prisoners, to finding a mole, it's all going on and Carina is right in the thick of it.
I enjoyed this story and would definitely read more in this series. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 26, 2023
Some of it is fairly formulaic - bad government people, new life, new wealth, new status. It's something that has been done before. However, I enjoyed this one, I really did. Everything comes easy to Karen/Carina - whether it is the Latin language (which is NOT easy, trust me), or specialised self-defence. She can be quite mouthy but no one seems to have a problem with that. I'm glad this isn't listed as a romance because it isn't. In fact, the romance side almost seems to be just a page-filler as I didn't really feel much of a connection between any of them.
This book has plenty of action, told from Karen and Jeremy's perspectives only. From drugs being brought into Roma Nova, to escaped prisoners, to finding a mole, it's all going on and Carina is right in the thick of it.
I enjoyed this story and would definitely read more in this series. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 26, 2023
Merissa (11953 KP) rated A Destiny Reborn (Prevent the Past #2) in Books
Apr 28, 2023
A DESTINY REBORN is the second book in the Prevent the Past series. This time, instead of going back to 2035, we go even further and land in 2002. Claire and Cyrus have very little and only each other to count on. So what do they do?
Well, Claire gets kidnapped, for a start. And does she need rescuing? Hell no! This beauty rescues herself with a pair of fingernail clippers (absolutely inspired!!!) She is a total badass in this book and I loved her for it. I also loved how protective over her Cyrus was. Even when he denied her, it was only because he wanted the best for her. I'm just glad Claire wore him down and helped him realise just what he'd be missing.
Once again full of plot twists, there was one that made me sad - the one about Claire's daughter. Claire thought she was doing something amazing for the timeline - and she did for Marie, but when it came out just exactly how her daughter would help in the future, it broke me a little. I'm sincerely hoping Ms Hefner will pull another rabbit out of the hat and give me a different version!
I can't wait to read the final in this trilogy to see it all come together. A brilliant addition to the series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 27, 2023
Well, Claire gets kidnapped, for a start. And does she need rescuing? Hell no! This beauty rescues herself with a pair of fingernail clippers (absolutely inspired!!!) She is a total badass in this book and I loved her for it. I also loved how protective over her Cyrus was. Even when he denied her, it was only because he wanted the best for her. I'm just glad Claire wore him down and helped him realise just what he'd be missing.
Once again full of plot twists, there was one that made me sad - the one about Claire's daughter. Claire thought she was doing something amazing for the timeline - and she did for Marie, but when it came out just exactly how her daughter would help in the future, it broke me a little. I'm sincerely hoping Ms Hefner will pull another rabbit out of the hat and give me a different version!
I can't wait to read the final in this trilogy to see it all come together. A brilliant addition to the series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 27, 2023
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Chalvaren Rising (Kingdom of Chalvaren #2) in Books
May 5, 2023
Different worlds, dragons, elves, evil yet misguided women - what more could you ask for?
Now, this is the first 'full' book in the Kingdom of Chalvaren series, although there is the novella in which our two main characters meet. What made this book interesting for me is that they were already 'together' right at the start. So although I knew that things had moved quickly in the prequel, it actually made for fantastic reading as the two of them got to know each other and explored their feelings for each other. Trust me when I say those feelings run hot! Their relationship has the normal ups, downs and misunderstandings that occur when two people are trying to live together and that made for excellent reading. Throw in a world in chaos, with a crazy woman trying to resurrect the dead along with killing the dragons, you have an action-packed world, full of character and heart.
With a smooth, steady pace and excitement on every page, this is a wonderful Fantasy Action Romance. I know that there are two books in this series but I am really hoping for more. I loved the world of Chalvaren and hope to see more of it, and the dragons, in the future. Highly recommended for all fans of Fantasy!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 25, 2015
Now, this is the first 'full' book in the Kingdom of Chalvaren series, although there is the novella in which our two main characters meet. What made this book interesting for me is that they were already 'together' right at the start. So although I knew that things had moved quickly in the prequel, it actually made for fantastic reading as the two of them got to know each other and explored their feelings for each other. Trust me when I say those feelings run hot! Their relationship has the normal ups, downs and misunderstandings that occur when two people are trying to live together and that made for excellent reading. Throw in a world in chaos, with a crazy woman trying to resurrect the dead along with killing the dragons, you have an action-packed world, full of character and heart.
With a smooth, steady pace and excitement on every page, this is a wonderful Fantasy Action Romance. I know that there are two books in this series but I am really hoping for more. I loved the world of Chalvaren and hope to see more of it, and the dragons, in the future. Highly recommended for all fans of Fantasy!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 25, 2015
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas #2) in Books
Nov 24, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
CHRISTMAS WISH LIST is the second book in the Hartbridge Christmas series, and we land right back in the Hallmark Town, complete with previously known characters, as well as new ones.
Jayden has become a drifter, always working but living temporarily, and is looking for somewhere to call home. Cass has returned home and is determined to make his new business venture a success. The sparks are there, but will Jayden stay?
If book one was low angst, then this one is medium. Jayden doesn't automatically make the leap as Hamish did, and the idea of falling in love terrifies him. But Cass has a sweetness about him that is hard to resist. I loved how this was a slow burn, but high on the romance and the getting-to-know-you parts. Jayden made no attempt to hide his attraction, and seeing Cass react was the best part.
Another Christmas story, full of warm fuzzies, that makes you want to visit. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony sounded wonderful, and I wanted to be there, especially for some of that brisket!
A great addition to the series that made me smile and fill up in equal measure. The only downside is I have to wait a year for the next one. Absolutely brilliant and recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Nov 24, 2021
Jayden has become a drifter, always working but living temporarily, and is looking for somewhere to call home. Cass has returned home and is determined to make his new business venture a success. The sparks are there, but will Jayden stay?
If book one was low angst, then this one is medium. Jayden doesn't automatically make the leap as Hamish did, and the idea of falling in love terrifies him. But Cass has a sweetness about him that is hard to resist. I loved how this was a slow burn, but high on the romance and the getting-to-know-you parts. Jayden made no attempt to hide his attraction, and seeing Cass react was the best part.
Another Christmas story, full of warm fuzzies, that makes you want to visit. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony sounded wonderful, and I wanted to be there, especially for some of that brisket!
A great addition to the series that made me smile and fill up in equal measure. The only downside is I have to wait a year for the next one. Absolutely brilliant and recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Nov 24, 2021
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Magic Dark, Magic Divine (Warrior of the Divine Sword #1) in Books
Nov 5, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
MAGIC DARK, MAGIC DIVINE is the first book in the Warrior of the Divine Sword series and, in it, we meet Pennrae who was first alive 300 years ago before she was put into a magical sleep because she broke a contract with a Diviner. She wakes up in a contemporary world, where things have definitely moved on. We meet her eight years down the line when she has managed to get a life put together for herself.
This is a fast-paced story that will keep you on tenterhooks as Pennrae goes from one explosion to another. She finds love and adventure, as well as allies she never expected. It is intricate and twisted which kept my attention from the very start.
Fair warning though - there is one part that had my f'ugly crying! I won't say more, but prepare yourself!
As it is the first book, you get the usual world-building but it is done in a way that is explanatory rather than just an info dump. I found this to be an excellent start of a new series, with a new-to-me author. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see where it goes next. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Nov 5, 2021
This is a fast-paced story that will keep you on tenterhooks as Pennrae goes from one explosion to another. She finds love and adventure, as well as allies she never expected. It is intricate and twisted which kept my attention from the very start.
Fair warning though - there is one part that had my f'ugly crying! I won't say more, but prepare yourself!
As it is the first book, you get the usual world-building but it is done in a way that is explanatory rather than just an info dump. I found this to be an excellent start of a new series, with a new-to-me author. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see where it goes next. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Nov 5, 2021
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Wishes for Rohi (Jinn and Tonic #1) in Books
Mar 26, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
WISHES FOR ROHI is the first book in the Jinn and Tonic series, and we start with Ashley. He is single but longs for a romantic affair, with someone to love him. It is his birthday but even his best friend has forgotten, so he spends most of the evening with a stray cat until his friend remembers and takes him out. There he meets the mysterious Zaire who gives him a night of passion unlike anything before. The morning after though - well, you expect it to be awkward sometimes, but maybe not twin brother turning up saying you are his betrothed awkward. Unfortunately, this is what happens to Ashley, and it looks like he was just a toy for Zaire.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was obvious that Zamir and Ashley shouldn't end up together, but it also looked like they would, even though neither of them wanted it. I was completely enthralled by every word and situation. I loved Nesrina and her down-to-earth abilities and empathy. But for me, the real Queen was Moira! She was brilliant and I loved every scene she was in.
Smoothly written, with characters to enjoy, this is a book I have no hesitation in recommending, and I can't wait to see who is next in this 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!
Mar 26, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was obvious that Zamir and Ashley shouldn't end up together, but it also looked like they would, even though neither of them wanted it. I was completely enthralled by every word and situation. I loved Nesrina and her down-to-earth abilities and empathy. But for me, the real Queen was Moira! She was brilliant and I loved every scene she was in.
Smoothly written, with characters to enjoy, this is a book I have no hesitation in recommending, and I can't wait to see who is next in this 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!
Mar 26, 2021
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Unapologetically Me (Offbeat Shifters #3) in Books
Mar 25, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME is the third book in the Offbeat Shifters series, but the first one of Charlie and Austin. Charlie was the unreliable pop Divo, who wouldn't take any nonsense, and Austin was Jesse's dad, who made more than a few mistakes when raising his son. This is their story.
And what a story it is!!! I really enjoyed Jesse and Isaac, I did. But these two, wow! I loved their story. It made me smile, it made me laugh, and it also made me cry. I NEED their happy ending! Part of what I loved though, was seeing Jesse and Isaac with the twins, through Austin's eyes, and seeing how he felt about his past.
This is an incredibly well-written story, that has an open ending designed to leave you hanging on for the next book, which I need, like yesterday! The characters are all amazing, with their own interests and foibles to make them more 'human'. I loved how Charlie bakes when he's stressed! And I do so love a flapjack.
This really is a fantastic addition to the series, and I can't wait for more. It was brilliant seeing Jesse and Isaac again, but now I need to know Austin and Charlie get their HEA!
* 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!
Mar 25, 2021
And what a story it is!!! I really enjoyed Jesse and Isaac, I did. But these two, wow! I loved their story. It made me smile, it made me laugh, and it also made me cry. I NEED their happy ending! Part of what I loved though, was seeing Jesse and Isaac with the twins, through Austin's eyes, and seeing how he felt about his past.
This is an incredibly well-written story, that has an open ending designed to leave you hanging on for the next book, which I need, like yesterday! The characters are all amazing, with their own interests and foibles to make them more 'human'. I loved how Charlie bakes when he's stressed! And I do so love a flapjack.
This really is a fantastic addition to the series, and I can't wait for more. It was brilliant seeing Jesse and Isaac again, but now I need to know Austin and Charlie get their HEA!
* 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!
Mar 25, 2021
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Riding The Edge (KTS #1) in Books
Mar 15, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
RIDING THE EDGE is the first book in the KTS series, and we start off with one helluva story! Dan and Ava had a 'moment' two years ago. Okay, the moment lasted for a week, but nothing since then as Ava firmly pulled up the drawbridge and made sure Dan couldn't climb her walls. Unfortunately for her, Dan is as stubborn as they come, and plays a long game, as he continues to worship her from afar. Add into that betrayal, families gone wrong, action, and all other sorts of craziness, and you've got a story to keep you enticed!
I love how Elise Faber writes. Her style is smooth and will keep you on the edge of your seat in all the right places. This is a slow-burn romance as it simply wouldn't work in the circumstances for anything else. And I loved that. I loved how she played it out, keeping them - and me - wondering what would happen next.
Although this is classed as book one, I do feel like I need Laila and Ryker's story, plus what's the down-low on Daniel? Honestly, I need more! And that, my friends, is the sign of a brilliant author and a greedy reader.
The last chapter leads you nicely onto the next book, which I cannot wait to read. If you like slow-burn romance with plenty of sass, then I can absolutely recommend this book, and I'm sure the whole series!
* Verified purchase from Amazon.com on 9th March 2021. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 15, 2021
I love how Elise Faber writes. Her style is smooth and will keep you on the edge of your seat in all the right places. This is a slow-burn romance as it simply wouldn't work in the circumstances for anything else. And I loved that. I loved how she played it out, keeping them - and me - wondering what would happen next.
Although this is classed as book one, I do feel like I need Laila and Ryker's story, plus what's the down-low on Daniel? Honestly, I need more! And that, my friends, is the sign of a brilliant author and a greedy reader.
The last chapter leads you nicely onto the next book, which I cannot wait to read. If you like slow-burn romance with plenty of sass, then I can absolutely recommend this book, and I'm sure the whole series!
* Verified purchase from Amazon.com on 9th March 2021. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 15, 2021