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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Bayou Book Thief in Books
Jun 13, 2022
Stealing Books Should be Punished, but Maybe Not by Death
Ricki James-Diaz is looking to start over in New Orleans, and her interest in opening a vintage cookbook store is a perfect match for the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum. As she gets to know her new coworkers, she quickly realizes just how much of a grump Franklin Finbloch is. Still, the man isn’t fired until he is caught trying to steal from Ricki’s new gift shop. Then his body turns up in what Ricki thought was a trunk of books donated to Bon Vee. With the suspicion falling on people Ricki was beginning to consider friends, she jumps in to figure out what really happened. Will she solve the case?
As is often the case with a series debut, the beginning was a little slow as it set up the premise of the series and began introducing us to the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, although everything that happened did follow logically from what came before. And what came before? It was wonderful, with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. The sub-plots helped as well. Ricki has quite the interesting background, and I appreciated how it was doled out as we needed it. Being a series debut, the potential series regulars also serve as suspects, and that made me care about the outcome that much more. Naturally, there are recipes at the end, but in a twist that fits this book, all six are from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun series debut. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Ricki again in a few months.
As is often the case with a series debut, the beginning was a little slow as it set up the premise of the series and began introducing us to the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, although everything that happened did follow logically from what came before. And what came before? It was wonderful, with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. The sub-plots helped as well. Ricki has quite the interesting background, and I appreciated how it was doled out as we needed it. Being a series debut, the potential series regulars also serve as suspects, and that made me care about the outcome that much more. Naturally, there are recipes at the end, but in a twist that fits this book, all six are from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun series debut. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Ricki again in a few months.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated The Rochester Runes in Books
Jan 9, 2020
The Rochester Ruins is the second book in the series Freiyon Fables by Justin Hunt, too which the first book only received a 2 from me. The timeline this book and the first appear to overlap to some extent at the beginning. Old friends and foes, as well as new, make an appearance in this book as well.
Unlike the first book that detailed a lightning-tailed squirrel's journey through Freiyon this story follows the three human Rochester siblings. The three siblings., Robert, Charles, and Sarah move with their mother into their grandparents old manor. None of the children are exactly thrilled about the move and are surprised to find the manor to have traps in it. After finding a mysterious stone that unlocks a door at the end of a secret passage the children find themselves in Freiyon.
It is in this world of talking animals and sentient trees that they search for the rune stones that will lift their familys curse. The rune stones, once gathered together also have the ability to grant wishes. The Rochester siblings. use these wishes to aid them in protecting Freiyon from The Grabbers, who are also in search of the rune stones. This is an adventure that will bring their entire family together, but it may also tear some of them apart.
What I liked best was Freiyon still feeling a lot like Narnia. Then there is also the fact that this book is tied very nicely in with the first one. Some of the human characters even made me question if they are in any way related to the unnamed boy at the end of the first book, but that is just speculation on my part. What I did not like is just like the first book the writing felt oversimplified. At times it did seem like maybe this was on purpose with the goal of preventing the book from being too long. If that is the case than the book suffers from it. The ending also felt very confusing and as if it was unnecessary for things to turn out the way the did, but I dont want to give any major spoilers.
Once again I would suggest that middle school-aged children and some elementary students can visit the would of Freiyon. The violence that made me question how some parents of younger children might perceive this series even appeared to be a little less graphic this time around. I rate this book a 2 out of 4 just like the first. Once again the book seems to jump from one major sequence of events to another with only minimal transitioning. Still, the world itself is intriguing if only it was given a better description. The ending of this one also made it lose major points.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com/
Unlike the first book that detailed a lightning-tailed squirrel's journey through Freiyon this story follows the three human Rochester siblings. The three siblings., Robert, Charles, and Sarah move with their mother into their grandparents old manor. None of the children are exactly thrilled about the move and are surprised to find the manor to have traps in it. After finding a mysterious stone that unlocks a door at the end of a secret passage the children find themselves in Freiyon.
It is in this world of talking animals and sentient trees that they search for the rune stones that will lift their familys curse. The rune stones, once gathered together also have the ability to grant wishes. The Rochester siblings. use these wishes to aid them in protecting Freiyon from The Grabbers, who are also in search of the rune stones. This is an adventure that will bring their entire family together, but it may also tear some of them apart.
What I liked best was Freiyon still feeling a lot like Narnia. Then there is also the fact that this book is tied very nicely in with the first one. Some of the human characters even made me question if they are in any way related to the unnamed boy at the end of the first book, but that is just speculation on my part. What I did not like is just like the first book the writing felt oversimplified. At times it did seem like maybe this was on purpose with the goal of preventing the book from being too long. If that is the case than the book suffers from it. The ending also felt very confusing and as if it was unnecessary for things to turn out the way the did, but I dont want to give any major spoilers.
Once again I would suggest that middle school-aged children and some elementary students can visit the would of Freiyon. The violence that made me question how some parents of younger children might perceive this series even appeared to be a little less graphic this time around. I rate this book a 2 out of 4 just like the first. Once again the book seems to jump from one major sequence of events to another with only minimal transitioning. Still, the world itself is intriguing if only it was given a better description. The ending of this one also made it lose major points.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com/
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Sex and the Single Vampire (Dark Ones #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I enjoyed <i>Sex and the Single Vampire</i> much more than <i>A Girl's Guide to Vampires</i>. Allie was a refreshing change from Katie MacAlister's usual heroines - she was smart, not hyperactive, and an interesting person. And of course Christian was just as intriguing as he was in the previous book of the series; he made the perfect hero ('nuff said). The plot was very well-done, as was the pace. Unfortunately, Roxy was still an annoying, hyperactive puppy, but at least she wasn't in this book as much. The only reason I'm not giving this a five, is that I'm not quite sure if it's a keeper or not. Still, I think I'll hold on to it for a little longer.
Justyna Gniadek (1 KP) rated Gallery Of The Dead in Books
Jun 15, 2019 (Updated Jun 15, 2019)
I parked at my local tescos and for over 30 minutes you need to spend £5 for the parking. I was in a rush so thought I'd grab the first book that had an interesting plot. Gallery of the dead sat on my shelf collecting dust for weeks/months. I have decided to give it a go the other day and I am so glad to have picked it up. This is my first time reading a book by chris carter but he ahs my attention every single page. I cant wait to get my hands on more books from the robert hunter series. A must read for crime loves I would say and highly recommend reading it! You'll get hooked!
Myst (0 KP) rated Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Loved this book, caught me at the first page that I forgotten to take note of what town it is placed in for my map. Feels a little cookie-cutter along the lines of Trading Christmas/When Christmas Comes and a few of Debbie Macomber's other holiday books. If you enjoy Debbie Macomber's holiday books you will definitely like this one! I find it funny that in this book and another series I read they both use the last name Sinclair for grouchy millionaires. Have to keep an eye out for more books by Jenny Hale, already signed up for her newsletter.
~Crossposted at <a href="http://detetiv.wordpress.com">What's Detetiv Doing now?</a>
[I do not get paid for this arc review]
~Crossposted at <a href="http://detetiv.wordpress.com">What's Detetiv Doing now?</a>
[I do not get paid for this arc review]
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated A Sense of Entitlement (Hattie Davish Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Hattie's summer in Newport doesn't go quite as planned when she finds herself as a social secretary to an upward climbing socialite. Add to that labor relations issues and a murder. Can Hattie figure out what is happening?
This was my introduction to the series, but I had no problems jumping in here. The trip back to the 1890's was interesting, and all the characters were very well developed. I just felt the pacing got off a couple of times. Other than that, I enjoyed it.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-sense-of-entitlement-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This was my introduction to the series, but I had no problems jumping in here. The trip back to the 1890's was interesting, and all the characters were very well developed. I just felt the pacing got off a couple of times. Other than that, I enjoyed it.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-sense-of-entitlement-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated The Real Macaw (Meg Langslow, #13) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
With four month old twins, Meg is finding life unpredictable and crazy. And that's before her father and grandfather show up with a bunch of animals rescued from the local shelter. When their "get away" driver is found killed, Meg keeps finding more information that leads to some shocking discoveries. I found the plot of this book very interesting, and I can't wait to see how it plays out in further volumes. The usual cast of characters are present, but they don't provide the laughs they used to. They are still amusing, and fun to be around, which will keep fans of the series happy.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-real-macaw-by-donna-andrews.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-real-macaw-by-donna-andrews.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Father Knows Death (Stay At Home Dad Mysteries #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It's county fair time in Rose Pedal, Texas, and stay at home dad Deuce Winters is helping with the 4H booth fundraiser. That's how he stumbles upon the body of George Spellman in the freezer. George was the grounds keeper of the fair and a nice guy. Who wanted him dead?
I love these characters and the humor in the series, so it is always nice to visit them. I didn't think the plot was quite as twisty as previous entries and I didn't care for the environmental lecture, but both of these were minor complaints. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/08/book-review-father-knows-death-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I love these characters and the humor in the series, so it is always nice to visit them. I didn't think the plot was quite as twisty as previous entries and I didn't care for the environmental lecture, but both of these were minor complaints. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/08/book-review-father-knows-death-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Dearly Depotted (A Flower Shop Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Abby is not only doing the flowers for her cousin's wedding, but she's in the wedding as a bridesmaid. But when someone crashes the wedding and then turns up dead, Abby has to set aside the flowers to help clear a friend of the crime.
It's been a couple years since I read this series, and I don't know why I let this book sit for so long. It was fun, and I really like the characters. The plot could use a few more twists and the characters could use a bit more development, but overall it was well worth reading.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-dearly-depotted-by-kate.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
It's been a couple years since I read this series, and I don't know why I let this book sit for so long. It was fun, and I really like the characters. The plot could use a few more twists and the characters could use a bit more development, but overall it was well worth reading.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-dearly-depotted-by-kate.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated The Mystery at Saratoga (Trixie Belden # 24) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Regan has disappeared. Not only is he the Wheelers' groom, but he's a friend to Trixie and the gang. So Trixie and Honey set out to find him, getting involved with a mystery from his past in the bargain.
The first half is slow, but it does pick up in the second half before a very dues ex machina moment late in the book. The characters are good here, although it does seem like Dan, Regan's nephew, should have had a larger role in the story. There are definitely worse books in the series, but there are better ones as well.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-mystery-at-saratoga-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The first half is slow, but it does pick up in the second half before a very dues ex machina moment late in the book. The characters are good here, although it does seem like Dan, Regan's nephew, should have had a larger role in the story. There are definitely worse books in the series, but there are better ones as well.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/06/book-review-mystery-at-saratoga-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.