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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated I is for Innocent (Kinsey Millhone #9) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Five years ago, Isabelle Barney was murdered on the day after Christmas. While her estranged husband was acquitted of the crime, her ex-husband is now suing him in civil court in a wrongful death case. Kinsey has been hired to help the lawyer win the case, taking over from a PI who just died. His notes were a mess, so she is completely retracing his steps. But as she goes, she begins to wonder just who committed the murder. Is she helping the court case, or hurting it?
Kinsey is back in top form in this book. The plot twists all over the place before coming to a perfectly logical climax. Henry and Rosie are involved in a very fun sub-plot that provides some laughs. The suspects are strong, and we meet a couple of new supporting characters since Kinsey has had to move her office.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-i-is-for-innocent-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kinsey is back in top form in this book. The plot twists all over the place before coming to a perfectly logical climax. Henry and Rosie are involved in a very fun sub-plot that provides some laughs. The suspects are strong, and we meet a couple of new supporting characters since Kinsey has had to move her office.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-i-is-for-innocent-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated H Is for Homicide (Kinsey Millhone, #8) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Over the last couple of months, Kinsey has become friends with Parnell, an investigator at California Fidelity. So, she is shocked when Parnell is shot in the parking lot. With no leads, the case begins to fade, and even Kinsey is given a new case to investigate Bibianna for potential insurance fraud. Her plan is to get close to Bibianna and confirm the fraud, but Bibianna has secrets that complicate Kinsey’s plans. What will happen next?
This book starts well with an interesting first half, but then the second half really bogs down. The climax is almost anti-climactic in fact, and a huge change to Kinsey’s life is dashed off in a sentence. Furthermore, insurance fraud is the focus more than the homicide, which is disappointing for the “H” entry in the series. It’s not a bad book, but it’s definitely the weakest in the series to date.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-h-is-for-homicide-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book starts well with an interesting first half, but then the second half really bogs down. The climax is almost anti-climactic in fact, and a huge change to Kinsey’s life is dashed off in a sentence. Furthermore, insurance fraud is the focus more than the homicide, which is disappointing for the “H” entry in the series. It’s not a bad book, but it’s definitely the weakest in the series to date.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/09/book-review-h-is-for-homicide-by-sue.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated A Palette for Murder (Aurora Anderson Mystery #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Vista Beach is in the middle of a heatwave, and thieves are taking advantage of people leaving doors and windows open. It looks like Rory has stumbled on the aftermath of one such burglary when she finds her neighbor, Willow, dead on her kitchen floor. But the police aren’t buying robbery as a motive, and they focus on Rory’s friend Dawn as the killer. Can Rory learn the truth?
Naturally, it turns out that Willow had a number of secrets, and those kept the pages turning until we reached the end. I did figure things out a bit early, but my jaw still literally dropped at a couple of the twists along the way. The characters are good enough to make us care about the outcome, but they could still be a bit more developed. Still, this is a fun book that flew by all too quickly.
NOTE: I received an ARC.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-palette-for-murder-by-sybil.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Naturally, it turns out that Willow had a number of secrets, and those kept the pages turning until we reached the end. I did figure things out a bit early, but my jaw still literally dropped at a couple of the twists along the way. The characters are good enough to make us care about the outcome, but they could still be a bit more developed. Still, this is a fun book that flew by all too quickly.
NOTE: I received an ARC.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-palette-for-murder-by-sybil.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Killer Cocktail in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Nic and Nigel have recently discovered some home movies from the production of A Winter’s Night, a huge movie from 20 years ago famous not only for the wonderful story but the behind the scenes drama, including the death of the original star. They are the talk of the Oscars, but a break in convince the couple that there is someone on those tapes someone doesn’t want seen. Can they figure out what that is?
This is a second delightful romp with a modern day homage to The Thin Man, not that you need to be familiar with the original to enjoy this book. The book includes portions of the tapes that have been found, and since they introduce us to the suspects and motives, they are important. I thought I had things figured out early on, but I turned out to be wrong. The characters are a lot of fun, and the banter kept me grinning if not laughing outright.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-killer-cocktail-by-tracy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a second delightful romp with a modern day homage to The Thin Man, not that you need to be familiar with the original to enjoy this book. The book includes portions of the tapes that have been found, and since they introduce us to the suspects and motives, they are important. I thought I had things figured out early on, but I turned out to be wrong. The characters are a lot of fun, and the banter kept me grinning if not laughing outright.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-killer-cocktail-by-tracy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Bear Witness to Murder in Books
May 30, 2018
Oktobearfest is Off to a Murderous Start
It’s October, and the town of Silver Hollow is getting ready for their Oktobearfest, a teddy bear themed Oktoberfest event for the entire family. Things are kicking off with a kid and teddy bear friendly tea that Sasha Silverman is helping with. She’s trying to avoid her high school nemesis, Holly Parker, when Holly’s assistant Gina interrupts the tea to announce she is suing the mayor. The next morning, Sasha finds a dead body. Despite vowing to stay out of it, she finds herself pulled into the investigation. Will she learn the truth?
There is a lot going on here, and it really pulled me into the story. I finished the book in just a couple of days, in fact. I kept switching what I thought was going on, but when we reached the climax, everything made perfect sense. I did catch a major timeline issue, however, something that always annoys me. The main characters, both series regulars and suspects, are strong and really drew me into the story as well.
There is a lot going on here, and it really pulled me into the story. I finished the book in just a couple of days, in fact. I kept switching what I thought was going on, but when we reached the climax, everything made perfect sense. I did catch a major timeline issue, however, something that always annoys me. The main characters, both series regulars and suspects, are strong and really drew me into the story as well.
Tim Fitzmaurice (1 KP) rated The Adventure Zone in Podcasts
May 31, 2018 (Updated May 31, 2018)
Well edited (2 more)
Humorus
Worked with fans for new content
Silly, funny, and sometimes a little bit stupid. Overall grear.
Loved listening to this. My physical therapist got me into this podcast. Thanked her a couple times as it was a blast. At first I wasn't too sure how I was going to like it... found I loved the way the characters interacted with each other and the npc's. Reminded me of how my players play... A bit serious but mostly silly. Want to try and charm an enemy instead of fighting it why not? Want to poke fun at npc's why not? Want to eat a unicorn horn because you can? Go for it! This show will make you laugh and even if your an experienced gamer or game master you will discover more exciting and humorous ways to mess with one another.
I know they make money via advertising revenue from this podcast and all. I only put it in there because I needed to put a negative and couldn't think of another.
I know they make money via advertising revenue from this podcast and all. I only put it in there because I needed to put a negative and couldn't think of another.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I will start off by saying this is definitely not "light reading" by any definition of the phrase. However, I would encourage pretty much anyone to pick it up, whether they are an actual survivor or not. It is not only a benefit to those who have endured such atrocities, but it also provides insight for those who haven't (thankfully) but more than likely know (or will come to know) someone who has.
I taught a rehabilitation course for those convicted of domestic violence (often with sexual attacks involved), and I met a couple of the survivors on occasion. Had I known about this book then, I certainly would have offered it to them, as I think it would have helped them understand that they were not alone in the world and there were people out there who could, and would, do anything they could to help.
Bottom line: Everyone should read this, but keep a box of tissues handy. You're gonna need it.
5 stars
I will start off by saying this is definitely not "light reading" by any definition of the phrase. However, I would encourage pretty much anyone to pick it up, whether they are an actual survivor or not. It is not only a benefit to those who have endured such atrocities, but it also provides insight for those who haven't (thankfully) but more than likely know (or will come to know) someone who has.
I taught a rehabilitation course for those convicted of domestic violence (often with sexual attacks involved), and I met a couple of the survivors on occasion. Had I known about this book then, I certainly would have offered it to them, as I think it would have helped them understand that they were not alone in the world and there were people out there who could, and would, do anything they could to help.
Bottom line: Everyone should read this, but keep a box of tissues handy. You're gonna need it.
5 stars
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Love...and Sleepless Nights in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Fun and lighthearted
Whilst Nick Spalding will never win any literary prizes for this series of books, he really does well to sum up real life situations and emotions. The writing is good but what really makes this story entertaining is the characters. Laura and Jamie are a very relatable couple and their diary/blog entries are so down to earth and realistic. I doubt anyone could read this book (or any others in the series) and not find a handful of comments, thoughts or situations that they’ve experienced in their own life. This story is also pretty funny and I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions.
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short - I finished it in less than 2 hours so it’s one you can easily get through. One I’d recommend trying if you’re stuck with a fairly long commute - I may leave books 3 and 4 for my next long distance train journey for work!
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short - I finished it in less than 2 hours so it’s one you can easily get through. One I’d recommend trying if you’re stuck with a fairly long commute - I may leave books 3 and 4 for my next long distance train journey for work!
MoMoBookDiary (20 KP) rated A Puppy's Dream Comes True in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I enjoyed this short adorable heart-warming story of BabyDoll, a maltese puppy who is adopted by a lovely couple, Lisa and Donald. The author has created a wonderful story telling of animal adoption from the dog's point of view.
It is clear to see from quick glance at this story that the author is American and in the fashion/entertainment world.
This is a great book for young children however I couldn’t relate to the way the family treat the dog – its a dog not a human. I have a dog myself who is treated like one of the family but I wouldn’t feed him real ‘human food’. I am sure there are families who do -but I feel there may be more families out there that are trying to get their children to stop feeding the dog scraps of human food and this book would not help with that. Otherwise it’s a great book with cute illustrations.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review prior to publication.
It is clear to see from quick glance at this story that the author is American and in the fashion/entertainment world.
This is a great book for young children however I couldn’t relate to the way the family treat the dog – its a dog not a human. I have a dog myself who is treated like one of the family but I wouldn’t feed him real ‘human food’. I am sure there are families who do -but I feel there may be more families out there that are trying to get their children to stop feeding the dog scraps of human food and this book would not help with that. Otherwise it’s a great book with cute illustrations.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review prior to publication.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated On Solid Ground (On Solid Ground #1) in Books
Oct 18, 2018
On Solid Ground (On Solid Ground #1) by Melissa Collins
On Solid Ground is the first book in the On Solid Ground series. In this story, we meet Dax, a veteran suffering from PTSD, and Beck, a tattoo artist with his own history to contend with. When these two meet, the attraction is off the charts, but both of them have issues to deal with.
I loved this story, but did find bits of it annoying. I know every relationship deals with miscommunication, but these two really took the biscuit. Saying that though, I still loved them as a couple.
On Solid Ground was well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. The only thing that disrupted me was the story/characters themselves.
If you are in the mood for a Military M_M story with plenty of angst, then I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!
I loved this story, but did find bits of it annoying. I know every relationship deals with miscommunication, but these two really took the biscuit. Saying that though, I still loved them as a couple.
On Solid Ground was well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. The only thing that disrupted me was the story/characters themselves.
If you are in the mood for a Military M_M story with plenty of angst, then I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!