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Malta: Women, History, Books and Places
Book
A crater on the planet Mercury is named Maria de Dominici. Born in 1645, she was the first...
Homo Britannicus: The Incredible Story of Human Life in Britain
Book
Chris Stringer's Homo Britannicus is the epic history of life in Britain, from man's very first...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Framed and Frosted in Books
Jun 29, 2021
Murder Causes Fireworks
Emory Martinez is helping her sister cater an elaborate Fourth of July dinner. But the event is proving to be anything but pleasant thanks to the host, who is being obnoxious when he is not being a total jerk – and worse. The evening is supposed to end with the guests enjoying some of Emory’s cupcakes as the fireworks go off, but instead it ends when the host dies. The guests are happy to point suspicion at Sal, the other waiter working the event, but Emory is sure that Sal is innocent. Can she prove it?
I was happy to be able to catch up with Emory. For those reading the series, you’ll be glad to find out that the threads introduced in the early books are expanded on here. If you are new to the series, know that some events from earlier books are spoiled by necessity if you jump in here. We get to see some interesting developments in Emory’s life, and I enjoyed the growth that brought about for her and some other regulars. The mystery itself was strong and kept me engaged the entire time, although I did feel the climax was a bit abrupt. I love the Orange County, California, setting since it is different from so many of the cozies I read. We get ten new recipes at the end of the book, most of them inspired by the dinner that starts the book, although we do get three cupcake recipes. If you are looking for a fun cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this series.
I was happy to be able to catch up with Emory. For those reading the series, you’ll be glad to find out that the threads introduced in the early books are expanded on here. If you are new to the series, know that some events from earlier books are spoiled by necessity if you jump in here. We get to see some interesting developments in Emory’s life, and I enjoyed the growth that brought about for her and some other regulars. The mystery itself was strong and kept me engaged the entire time, although I did feel the climax was a bit abrupt. I love the Orange County, California, setting since it is different from so many of the cozies I read. We get ten new recipes at the end of the book, most of them inspired by the dinner that starts the book, although we do get three cupcake recipes. If you are looking for a fun cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Mercy River in Books
Jul 4, 2021
Helping a Friend Gets Van into Trouble
A middle of the night phone call sends Van Shaw to the small town of Mercy River, Oregon. The call had come from fellow former Army Ranger Leo Pak, and Leo has been arrested for a murder in the community. Van thinks Leo is innocent, but Leo won’t answer Van’s questions about what happened. Meanwhile, the town is the site of an event for current and former Ranger, so the population is swelling this weekend. Will that help or hurt Van’s efforts to clear his friend?
While this may sound like the set up for many of the books I normally read, it isn’t long before the plot branches off in some thrilling new directions. Those looking for a thriller will not be disappointed with the action scenes, yet the mystery is tied up perfectly. Since Van is out of town for much of this book, the series regulars are reduced to cameos, yet we still get some updates on them. The new characters are fully developed, and Van continues to be a complex main character. I appreciated how this book works in issues that vets face without slowing down the book by preaching. Like the earlier books in the series, this one does have flashbacks, but they don’t focus on any particular time in Van’s life while still helping us appreciate the events unfolding in Van’s life currently. This book has more language and violence than I typically read, but it fits for a thriller and never gets excessive. This was another compelling entry in the series. Anyone looking for a great thriller will be pleased this picked up this book.
While this may sound like the set up for many of the books I normally read, it isn’t long before the plot branches off in some thrilling new directions. Those looking for a thriller will not be disappointed with the action scenes, yet the mystery is tied up perfectly. Since Van is out of town for much of this book, the series regulars are reduced to cameos, yet we still get some updates on them. The new characters are fully developed, and Van continues to be a complex main character. I appreciated how this book works in issues that vets face without slowing down the book by preaching. Like the earlier books in the series, this one does have flashbacks, but they don’t focus on any particular time in Van’s life while still helping us appreciate the events unfolding in Van’s life currently. This book has more language and violence than I typically read, but it fits for a thriller and never gets excessive. This was another compelling entry in the series. Anyone looking for a great thriller will be pleased this picked up this book.
She's the One Who Thinks Too Much is the first book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and we are introduced to a family of nine - two parents and seven sisters (obviously).
Ryalgar is the eldest of the seven and has helped her father on their farm until she becomes a Prince's 'girlfriend' and later mistress. The situation is so that he has to get married for political reasons and both him and his wife-to-be keep their current partners too. Of course, this will change but this is how it is for now. Add into that the threat of a Mongol invasion and you get an intricately woven story that gives great descriptions of both the time and (imaginary) place with the plans and defences they have to work with.
This fantasy is about the sisters and the situations they find themselves in. The romance takes a definite second place. The world-building is excellent, providing a clear insight into how the characters fit into the world. Each sister is brought into the story carefully and methodically whilst still leaving plenty to come in their own books.
The ending did feel quite abrupt even though I knew this would be an ongoing story. I look forward to it continuing in Coral's book and have no hesitation in recommending this for all who enjoy a historical fantasy.
* 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!
Ryalgar is the eldest of the seven and has helped her father on their farm until she becomes a Prince's 'girlfriend' and later mistress. The situation is so that he has to get married for political reasons and both him and his wife-to-be keep their current partners too. Of course, this will change but this is how it is for now. Add into that the threat of a Mongol invasion and you get an intricately woven story that gives great descriptions of both the time and (imaginary) place with the plans and defences they have to work with.
This fantasy is about the sisters and the situations they find themselves in. The romance takes a definite second place. The world-building is excellent, providing a clear insight into how the characters fit into the world. Each sister is brought into the story carefully and methodically whilst still leaving plenty to come in their own books.
The ending did feel quite abrupt even though I knew this would be an ongoing story. I look forward to it continuing in Coral's book and have no hesitation in recommending this for all who enjoy a historical fantasy.
* 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!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Eleventh Grave in Moonlight (Charley Davidson, #11) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
I'll start by saying I LOVE THIS SERIES! Darynda Jones has written such an amazing likeable but slightly dumb, sometimes genius character in Charley Davidson. You can't help but like her.
This starts with Charley sitting in a psychiatrist's office as she equally does a job and confesses everything that she's learned about herself over the last ten books to the doctor in the chair. Turns out the shrink is dead and haunting the office. There is one big case that Charley is working on in this and it's the couple who kidnapped Reyes when he was a baby. There's a few other smaller things thrown in and we see Charley learn how to be who she was born to be with a little help from Reyes.
As I've already mentioned, I love this series. It is right up my street with it's snark, humour and romance. Characters that we've grown to love over the last ten books make reappearances, some new characters pop up and some that have been mentioned peripherally make themselves known. It's hard to give too many details without spoiling it for those who haven't got this far in the series.
If you've not at least started this series, then I can't recommend it enough, really. That is, if you like urban fantasy/paranormal romances. Or demons. Gods...
I have book 12 in paperback, too, and haven't decided whether to read it straight away yet - despite that bit of a cliff hanger that happened at the end! - as I feel I would immediately want to read book 13 to finish the series and I don't have it yet. It's on my to-buy list.
This starts with Charley sitting in a psychiatrist's office as she equally does a job and confesses everything that she's learned about herself over the last ten books to the doctor in the chair. Turns out the shrink is dead and haunting the office. There is one big case that Charley is working on in this and it's the couple who kidnapped Reyes when he was a baby. There's a few other smaller things thrown in and we see Charley learn how to be who she was born to be with a little help from Reyes.
As I've already mentioned, I love this series. It is right up my street with it's snark, humour and romance. Characters that we've grown to love over the last ten books make reappearances, some new characters pop up and some that have been mentioned peripherally make themselves known. It's hard to give too many details without spoiling it for those who haven't got this far in the series.
If you've not at least started this series, then I can't recommend it enough, really. That is, if you like urban fantasy/paranormal romances. Or demons. Gods...
I have book 12 in paperback, too, and haven't decided whether to read it straight away yet - despite that bit of a cliff hanger that happened at the end! - as I feel I would immediately want to read book 13 to finish the series and I don't have it yet. It's on my to-buy list.
Kristina (502 KP) rated Escaping From Houdini in Books
Dec 7, 2020
Have I mentioned how much I love Kerri?? I don't remember how I stumbled across her, but I do remember the reading "James Patterson Presents" caught my attention and gave me enough reason to give her a try - I'm so glad I did! From beginning to end I have loved this series. I'm a bit sad to see it finished, but I'm quite satisfied at the same time. Kerri includes both fact, ficion, and stretched truths in each of her books, which usually makes me curious as to how much is true, so I'm almost always conducting research afterward; I love a book that makes me eager to learn. Escaping From Houdini, while conducting the same mysterious murder-solving theme as the previous two books, focuses a bit more on the blossoming relationship between Audrey Rose and Thomas, which was a delight. While watching Audrey Rose struggle with illusion and truth, I found myself both irritated at her and understanding, for Mephistopheles cast a very convincing spell. Each encounter had me questioning how exactly things would end, in a romantic perspective. Throughout the book, while I filtered through suspects and had my own suspicions, the title made me the most curious - Houdini's name is in the title, but the main magician is Mephistopheles, so it had me questioning what Houdini's true role could be. Honestly, I'm not usually good at guessing correctly unless the author is horribly obvious about it, which Kerri most certainly is not, so I was surprised at who the killer was and the motive behind the murders. I very much look forward to more works by Kerri!
Merissa (12882 KP) rated The Perfect Lap (Racing Hearts in Serenity #2) in Books
Sep 24, 2019
The Perfect Lap is the second book in the Racing Hearts series, and this time we meet with AJ and Ella. Ella made a mistake and lost her job because of it. She also split with her boyfriend as he had a hand in it too. AJ is a great racing driver, but lets his personal issues cloud his mind once he has finished the race. Together, these two have lessons to learn.
This was an easy read, and a great follow on to book one. It didn't have the same pizazz for me as Nora's Promise, but it was still a charming read. AJ really does have a heart of gold, and just needs Ella's help to focus on what is really important. In turn, Ella needs to realise that not every man is a write-off. Add in three children and a down-on-her-luck mother, and you have all the ingredients for the story. I particularly liked seeing the cameos from Nora and Davey, plus the hints of the books to come.
A smooth read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, this was perfectly paced and with a strong set of characters. You do not have to know anything about Nascar racing either (which is a bonus for me!) Absolutely recommended, but I would suggest you start with Nora's Promise first, just to get the bigger picture.
* 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!
This was an easy read, and a great follow on to book one. It didn't have the same pizazz for me as Nora's Promise, but it was still a charming read. AJ really does have a heart of gold, and just needs Ella's help to focus on what is really important. In turn, Ella needs to realise that not every man is a write-off. Add in three children and a down-on-her-luck mother, and you have all the ingredients for the story. I particularly liked seeing the cameos from Nora and Davey, plus the hints of the books to come.
A smooth read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, this was perfectly paced and with a strong set of characters. You do not have to know anything about Nascar racing either (which is a bonus for me!) Absolutely recommended, but I would suggest you start with Nora's Promise first, just to get the bigger picture.
* 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!
Merissa (12882 KP) rated Rovesciamento: Overthrown (New Blood Rising #2) in Books
Sep 4, 2019
Rovesciamento: Overthrown is the second book in the New Blood Rising series, and we continue where we left off in book one. April has been changed into a 'monster', and she's not happy about it. Well, not during the daytime at least. At night, she has a personality change (literally) and becomes a killing machine. She is determined not to lose her humanity, but Marcus and Sebastian don't realise that. It is Andrei who makes them realise, and that to me, was one of the best scenes in the book!!!
This is an amazing read, full of intricacies and betrayal, with layer upon layer of story. Trust me, you will not be bored with this tale!! I loved seeing how April united with herself, and the reasons she was behaving the way she was. Sebastian is as hot as ever, and I loved how April ignored his over-protectiveness when it suited her. Marcus and Andrei continue to be the best supporting characters you could wish for.
As with most Maya Daniels books, this one ends on a cliffhanger. I really wish I didn't enjoy her writing as much as I do, because these cliffhangers kill me! With no editing or grammatical errors, this was another fantastic read from start to finish that I have no hesitation in recommending. I can't wait for book 3. I need to know if someone is dead or not!
* 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!
This is an amazing read, full of intricacies and betrayal, with layer upon layer of story. Trust me, you will not be bored with this tale!! I loved seeing how April united with herself, and the reasons she was behaving the way she was. Sebastian is as hot as ever, and I loved how April ignored his over-protectiveness when it suited her. Marcus and Andrei continue to be the best supporting characters you could wish for.
As with most Maya Daniels books, this one ends on a cliffhanger. I really wish I didn't enjoy her writing as much as I do, because these cliffhangers kill me! With no editing or grammatical errors, this was another fantastic read from start to finish that I have no hesitation in recommending. I can't wait for book 3. I need to know if someone is dead or not!
* 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!
Merissa (12882 KP) rated Lost (Werewolf Academy #5) in Books
Jun 9, 2020
Lost is the fifth book in the Werewolf Academy series and, as the title says, Alex is lost. Kalia is dead. He feels responsible. Boris wants to kill him. Torin wants to kill him. With all that, Alex can't face the Academy so when a friend comes to him for help, he is more than happy to disappear to Greyton for a while. He couldn't help Kalia but he is able to help some of the kidnapped women and girls.
Oh, the guilt in this book. It is quite simply dripping in it. Alex becomes the Demon of Greyton but can't defeat his guilt over Kalia or over leaving Siale behind. He is quite self-involved in this book but I don't think it would be right any other way. He is still a young adult after all, in situations no one should be in, and trying to deal with it any way he can. Just when things look like they're back on track, Alex is betrayed.
Another gripping, exciting, fantastic instalment in this series. It really does just get better and better. I love how different characters are growing and changing as the books progress. It doesn't just remain about Alex although he is the main character. Every book is emotional in different ways and I love that I never know what's coming next.
Do I recommend it? Erm, YES!
* 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!
Oh, the guilt in this book. It is quite simply dripping in it. Alex becomes the Demon of Greyton but can't defeat his guilt over Kalia or over leaving Siale behind. He is quite self-involved in this book but I don't think it would be right any other way. He is still a young adult after all, in situations no one should be in, and trying to deal with it any way he can. Just when things look like they're back on track, Alex is betrayed.
Another gripping, exciting, fantastic instalment in this series. It really does just get better and better. I love how different characters are growing and changing as the books progress. It doesn't just remain about Alex although he is the main character. Every book is emotional in different ways and I love that I never know what's coming next.
Do I recommend it? Erm, YES!
* 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!