Search
Search results
The Prince’s Prisoner (Feared Fables #2)
Book
A dark fae prince. A stolen human girl. And an unwanted marriage. Not all beasts can be...
New Adult Fantasy Retelling Fairy Tales
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2646 KP) rated Root of All Evil in Books
May 23, 2025
Drugs and Scandal
State Trooper Jim Duncan is concerned when he hears a notorious drug dealer has been spotted in Fayette County again. He’s determined to catch the man this time. Meanwhile, his friend Sally Castle, an ADA, is shocked to find a coworker murdered in his office one Monday morning. Sally can’t stay on the sidelines with the case hitting so close to home. The pair quickly see a connection between events. But can they figure out what happened?
I’ve been meaning to pick up this series for a while since I’ve enjoyed other books from this author. While this is her debut novel, it’s not the first story with these characters. I do wish this book had more introduction to the characters, but we did get to know them pretty well over the course of the story. Jim and Sally share point of view duties, which helps. The pacing seemed a little uneven in the middle, but that’s a minor complaint. I did feel one of the characters could have been smarter as the climax neared, but the wrap up did answer all of my questions. Since this is a police procedural, it will have more content than the lighter books I often read. Now that I’ve started this series, I’m hoping to get to visit the characters again soon.
I’ve been meaning to pick up this series for a while since I’ve enjoyed other books from this author. While this is her debut novel, it’s not the first story with these characters. I do wish this book had more introduction to the characters, but we did get to know them pretty well over the course of the story. Jim and Sally share point of view duties, which helps. The pacing seemed a little uneven in the middle, but that’s a minor complaint. I did feel one of the characters could have been smarter as the climax neared, but the wrap up did answer all of my questions. Since this is a police procedural, it will have more content than the lighter books I often read. Now that I’ve started this series, I’m hoping to get to visit the characters again soon.
Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine
10.0
Rate It
Book
As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air with April Claus’s friend, Claire, getting...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2646 KP) rated Murder Most Scenic in Books
Oct 16, 2025
Meet Jim and Sally in These Short Stories
This volume collects the six short stories that Liz Milliron wrote with her Laurel Highlands characters before the first novel came out. This is where we first meet Trooper Jim Duncan and assistant district Attorney Sally Castle. And this is where they first meet as well, so we get to watch as their relationship slowly develops. Along the way, they find the killer of a politician’s wife, figure out who killed a baseball player, and solve the case of a brewery contestant murdered the day before the contest. There’s also one story that focuses on Deputy Coroner Tom Bruns, a supporting player in the series.
I don’t read short stories often enough, so it was nice to do so with this collection. A couple of them were a little obvious, but several of them fooled me with the final twist as well. I was glad to finally get the backstory to Jim and Sally and watch the early stages of their relationship. Do keep in mind these aren’t the cozies I often read. Fans of the novels who want to see how the characters first met will be glad they picked up this book. And if you haven’t met the characters yet, don’t wait. Now’s the time to jump in.
I don’t read short stories often enough, so it was nice to do so with this collection. A couple of them were a little obvious, but several of them fooled me with the final twist as well. I was glad to finally get the backstory to Jim and Sally and watch the early stages of their relationship. Do keep in mind these aren’t the cozies I often read. Fans of the novels who want to see how the characters first met will be glad they picked up this book. And if you haven’t met the characters yet, don’t wait. Now’s the time to jump in.
Out Law (Dresden Files 18.75)
8.0
Rate It
Book
The past comes back in a big way for Chicago’s only professional wizard in this action-packed...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2646 KP) rated Mrs. Claus and the Trouble with Turkeys in Books
Sep 28, 2023 (Updated Sep 28, 2023)
Will Santaland's First Thanksgiving Be a Turkey?
Santaland is getting ready to celebrate their first Thanksgiving. Castle Kringle has imported a live turkey for their holiday meal, but the weekend before the big day, he vanishes. Then, one of Santa's cousins dies at a potluck to kick off Thanksgiving week. Can April Claus figure out what is going on?
I love this series, and this latest entry didn't disappoint in the least. It did take a bit for the entire book to get going since there are several storylines that need to be introduced. But once it got going, it was like a turbo charged sleigh with so much going on you couldn't put the book down. I did have a couple of pieces figured out early, but there was still plenty I didn't know about that surprised me at the end. The characters are charming as always, and I'm curious where some of the growth will lead in future books. The humor just adds to the charm. This is a cozy mystery first and foremost with some light fantasy in it, and the mix works perfectly. If you are looking for a holiday series, you'll be glad you gave this series a chance. If you are already a fan, you'll be thankful for this latest book.
I love this series, and this latest entry didn't disappoint in the least. It did take a bit for the entire book to get going since there are several storylines that need to be introduced. But once it got going, it was like a turbo charged sleigh with so much going on you couldn't put the book down. I did have a couple of pieces figured out early, but there was still plenty I didn't know about that surprised me at the end. The characters are charming as always, and I'm curious where some of the growth will lead in future books. The humor just adds to the charm. This is a cozy mystery first and foremost with some light fantasy in it, and the mix works perfectly. If you are looking for a holiday series, you'll be glad you gave this series a chance. If you are already a fan, you'll be thankful for this latest book.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated A Most Efficient Murder (Mr Quayle Mysteries #1) [Audiobook] in Books
Oct 16, 2022
![A Most Efficient Murder (Mr Quayle Mysteries #1) [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/e26/61ec8d3b-92d5-4305-83f4-8b29197b0e26.jpg?m=1665928282)
This is a something a little different to what I normally listen to or read and, I have to say, I quite enjoyed it.
First off, I must commend the narrator, Rafe Beckley, who was absolutely brilliant. He brought the story, the setting and the characters to life and I think if it wasn't for him, this book could have felt a bit flat. The voice for the butler was a particular favourite of mine.
This is a proper old-style, murder mystery. Without the benefit of the modern-day crime fighting techniques, Mr Quayle, along with the police, have a difficult task to discover who the guilty party is from the plethora of dodgy characters any of whom could have been responsible for the body discovered in the gardens of Unsworth Castle but their task is made more difficult due to the many secrets and lies that the suspects want to keep hidden.
I really enjoyed how the story and plot developed and played out; it was fun, engaging and with plenty of twists that kept me guessing and I very much look forward to following this series and can only hope the same narrator is used.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen and share my thoughts of A Most Efficient Murder.
First off, I must commend the narrator, Rafe Beckley, who was absolutely brilliant. He brought the story, the setting and the characters to life and I think if it wasn't for him, this book could have felt a bit flat. The voice for the butler was a particular favourite of mine.
This is a proper old-style, murder mystery. Without the benefit of the modern-day crime fighting techniques, Mr Quayle, along with the police, have a difficult task to discover who the guilty party is from the plethora of dodgy characters any of whom could have been responsible for the body discovered in the gardens of Unsworth Castle but their task is made more difficult due to the many secrets and lies that the suspects want to keep hidden.
I really enjoyed how the story and plot developed and played out; it was fun, engaging and with plenty of twists that kept me guessing and I very much look forward to following this series and can only hope the same narrator is used.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen and share my thoughts of A Most Efficient Murder.
Merissa (14154 KP) rated Awariye (Danubian #2) in Books
Oct 22, 2023
AWARIYE is the second book in the Danubian series, and I highly recommend you read Lantern first.
Awariye was mentioned in Wren's book. He was the bard that stayed with Wren all night, singing and reciting poetry, until Wren came back. Now we catch up with him when he is not doing too well. In fact, he becomes deathly ill. Igor is one of Uli's top soldiers and is happy to share his bed with the unwell bard if it will make him well again. The relationship between these two is soft and sweet, in keeping with Awariye's recovery.
The last part of the book deals more with the Lantern Gods than with Igor and Awariye, leading on to comments made by Uli about Wren changing and having to leave the castle. I would liked to have seen these changes, rather than just know about them through comments.
This was a great addition to the series that has left me wanting more. I'm really hoping the next story will help tie everything together and answer some of the questions I have.
A wonderful story and definitely 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!
Oct 21, 2023
Awariye was mentioned in Wren's book. He was the bard that stayed with Wren all night, singing and reciting poetry, until Wren came back. Now we catch up with him when he is not doing too well. In fact, he becomes deathly ill. Igor is one of Uli's top soldiers and is happy to share his bed with the unwell bard if it will make him well again. The relationship between these two is soft and sweet, in keeping with Awariye's recovery.
The last part of the book deals more with the Lantern Gods than with Igor and Awariye, leading on to comments made by Uli about Wren changing and having to leave the castle. I would liked to have seen these changes, rather than just know about them through comments.
This was a great addition to the series that has left me wanting more. I'm really hoping the next story will help tie everything together and answer some of the questions I have.
A wonderful story and definitely 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!
Oct 21, 2023
Oath-Breaker (Angel of Death & Demons #1) by River Starr
Book
No one survives their meeting with the Angel of Death—except for me. After being accused of...
Adult Paranormal Romance Duology Angels Demons