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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated The Queen of Poisons in Books
Feb 18, 2026
Who Poisoned the Mayor?
This new case starts when Suzie Harris goes to a planning meeting. She just wants to get the lay of the land since she has a new side hustle she is going to need the board’s approval for before she can start. But, to everyone’s horror, the mayor keels over dead just as the meeting is starting. Suzie quickly calls her friends Judith Potts and Becks Starling. With the newly promoted Tanika Malik’s grudging approval, the trio start trying to figure out just how the killer managed to poison the mayor. But everyone they talk to say he was a great guy. Who would want him dead?
There are a few things that don’t quite work with how the police would normally behave or how long test results take, but I don’t mind. That’s because I’m having fun along the way. The three leads are fun, and I’m smiling or laughing through much of the book. The plot is another good puzzle with credible suspects. I thought I had things figured out a couple of times, but I was impressed with how the clues had been layered in. The climax was a bit over the top, but it answered most of our questions. I’m hoping to get to the next soon.
There are a few things that don’t quite work with how the police would normally behave or how long test results take, but I don’t mind. That’s because I’m having fun along the way. The three leads are fun, and I’m smiling or laughing through much of the book. The plot is another good puzzle with credible suspects. I thought I had things figured out a couple of times, but I was impressed with how the clues had been layered in. The climax was a bit over the top, but it answered most of our questions. I’m hoping to get to the next soon.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Listen, Do You Want to Know a Secret in Books
Mar 30, 2024
Listen, This Secret is Disappointing
Dot Morgan has been the secretary at a local radio station for several months. She enjoys the job, although she’d be happier if they played top ten hits like the Beatles instead of the old crooners. Then one day, a strange woman comes in and accuses Dot’s boss of killing his first wife. When that woman is murdered a couple of days later, Dot can’t help but wonder if it was true. Can she find the truth?
This sounded like an intriguing mystery, and I enjoyed the first two, so I was looking forward to reading this one. Sadly, it disappointed. The mystery was very underdeveloped, and the climax just left me with a new question. Instead, the book felt more like a soap opera, focusing on the love lives of the characters, both series regulars and new. While I did like the sub-plots involving returning characters, the other storylines didn’t really interest me. Meanwhile, we also got some lectures on how things were at the time. A little bit would have been appropriate, but it got to be too much. In the end, unless you are a diehard fan of the series, I recommend you skip this one.
This sounded like an intriguing mystery, and I enjoyed the first two, so I was looking forward to reading this one. Sadly, it disappointed. The mystery was very underdeveloped, and the climax just left me with a new question. Instead, the book felt more like a soap opera, focusing on the love lives of the characters, both series regulars and new. While I did like the sub-plots involving returning characters, the other storylines didn’t really interest me. Meanwhile, we also got some lectures on how things were at the time. A little bit would have been appropriate, but it got to be too much. In the end, unless you are a diehard fan of the series, I recommend you skip this one.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated A Collection of Lies in Books
Jun 19, 2024
Working Honeymoon Turns Deadly
Kate Hamilton and her new husband, DI Tom Mallory, are on their honeymoon in Devon, but they’ve been asked to see if they can prove the providence of a dress that has been recently donated to a local museum. The dress is supposed to belong to a woman who was suspected of murder back in 1885, but nothing was ever proved. They’ve hardly started when someone shoots a gun at a fundraiser for the museum. A couple days later, a dead body turns up. Are these events related?
This book is a tale of two halves. The first half is uneven, with too much time spent on antiques and history for my tastes. However, the second half really picks up, with a nail-biting scene and plenty of twists. The solution is logical, although it felt a bit rushed to me. I did miss the rest of the regulars, but I enjoyed seeing more of Tom, and the new characters are good. Fans will be happy to hear it appears we’ve found a solution for an ongoing storyline as well. If you are new to the series, I recommend starting with an earlier book. Fans will find their patience rewarded with this one.
This book is a tale of two halves. The first half is uneven, with too much time spent on antiques and history for my tastes. However, the second half really picks up, with a nail-biting scene and plenty of twists. The solution is logical, although it felt a bit rushed to me. I did miss the rest of the regulars, but I enjoyed seeing more of Tom, and the new characters are good. Fans will be happy to hear it appears we’ve found a solution for an ongoing storyline as well. If you are new to the series, I recommend starting with an earlier book. Fans will find their patience rewarded with this one.
Just a Little Fling (Just a Little #3)
8.0
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Nico Nico is all about living his best life, trading the drama of relationships for the thrill of...
Contemporary MM Romance Daddy / Little Romance Age Play
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated A Killing in Costumes in Books
May 9, 2025
Memorabilia to Die For
Jay and Cindy were on their way to a successful career in Hollywood until their marriage ended when they both realized they were gay. Now, a couple of decades later, they are opening a Hollywood memorabilia shop in Palm Springs. Things are off to a slow start until aging actress Yana Tosh contacts them about selling her collection of Hollywood costumes. She’s talking to a larger auction house as well, and when Cindy and Jay’s competition dies, they quickly find themselves suspects. Can they clear their names?
This book has been on my radar for a while, and I’m glad I finally picked it up. The writing did make it hard to get into the story originally, but soon I was hooked on the mystery. There were several good twists and surprises on the way to the logical climax. Jay and Cindy share lead character duties, and they lead a cast of characters I enjoyed getting to know. And I smiled at the many references to classic movies, tv shows, and stars of the screen. We also get talk about classic musicians. At this point, this is looking like a standalone novel, but if a sequel does pop up, I’d be happy to visit Cindy and Jay again.
This book has been on my radar for a while, and I’m glad I finally picked it up. The writing did make it hard to get into the story originally, but soon I was hooked on the mystery. There were several good twists and surprises on the way to the logical climax. Jay and Cindy share lead character duties, and they lead a cast of characters I enjoyed getting to know. And I smiled at the many references to classic movies, tv shows, and stars of the screen. We also get talk about classic musicians. At this point, this is looking like a standalone novel, but if a sequel does pop up, I’d be happy to visit Cindy and Jay again.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Murder Italian Style in Books
Jun 18, 2025
Samantha Sleuths in Style on a New Continent
Samantha and her husband thought his father was treating them to a vacation to visit family friends in a small Italian village over New Years. When they arrive, however, they learn that Samantha’s ability to solve crime has been requested. Twenty-six years ago, a murder occurred in the village, and their hostess’s boyfriend has been serving time for the crime ever sense. While reluctant at first to figure out what happened, Samantha soon becomes intrigued. Can she overcome the language barrier to find the truth?
Since we are out of the country, we don’t see most of the usual gang, but the new characters make up for it. We come to care for them enough to make us care about the outcome of this cold case. There are a couple of small things that could have used a little more explanation, but the main questions are answered satisfactorily. We may be in a foreign country, but we still get Samantha’s usual wit and breezy narration. And her love of snack foods takes an Italian turn, which left me hungry. Fans will enjoy this trip abroad. Pack your bags for another fun mystery.
Since we are out of the country, we don’t see most of the usual gang, but the new characters make up for it. We come to care for them enough to make us care about the outcome of this cold case. There are a couple of small things that could have used a little more explanation, but the main questions are answered satisfactorily. We may be in a foreign country, but we still get Samantha’s usual wit and breezy narration. And her love of snack foods takes an Italian turn, which left me hungry. Fans will enjoy this trip abroad. Pack your bags for another fun mystery.
Debbiereadsbook (1684 KP) rated Dick Move: Island Confidential Novella in Books
Jul 24, 2025
IT's cute and fun, steamy and smexy!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Danny's ex left a box of toys. Danny isn't quite sure what to do with them, so he approaches said ex's best friend to see if he knows who they might belong to. Will just wants a quiet night, but spending time with Danny will do. Then Danny springs his dilemma on him and Will makes his mind up to help Danny.
What I did not like about this book was that it was short! Short on page space: only 90 odd pages and short on time: whole book takes place over couple days.
What I loved about this was it was short! Contradictory, I know! I loved that we get this short burst, because I really don't think it would've worked as a longer book. But I still didn't like that it was short, as I wanted more of Danny and Will!
It's cute, it's funny, it's steamy and smexy but it carries some emotion too. Especially for Danny finding out about his ex and about said ex was doing. Will was shocked by his so called best friend!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Danny's ex left a box of toys. Danny isn't quite sure what to do with them, so he approaches said ex's best friend to see if he knows who they might belong to. Will just wants a quiet night, but spending time with Danny will do. Then Danny springs his dilemma on him and Will makes his mind up to help Danny.
What I did not like about this book was that it was short! Short on page space: only 90 odd pages and short on time: whole book takes place over couple days.
What I loved about this was it was short! Contradictory, I know! I loved that we get this short burst, because I really don't think it would've worked as a longer book. But I still didn't like that it was short, as I wanted more of Danny and Will!
It's cute, it's funny, it's steamy and smexy but it carries some emotion too. Especially for Danny finding out about his ex and about said ex was doing. Will was shocked by his so called best friend!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13866 KP) rated Seducing the Sheriff (Charming Butte #2) in Books
Oct 17, 2025
SEDUCING THE SHERIFF is the second story in the Charming Butte series, and features the new Sheriff, Cash, and newcomer to the town, Greg.
Greg has decided to finally put down roots after many years of flipping houses and moving from one place to another. He chooses a doer-upper with lots of potential. Unfortunately for him, or maybe fortunately!, he smells something off-putting not long after he moves in. Upon searching, he finds a mummified body behind a false wall in a closet, and does what any sane person does - he rings the police! Enter Sheriff Cash.
These two are the sweetest couple I've read in a long time. Both of them are introverted, with many similarities between them. Once they are in each other's orbit, they can't stop circling ever closer to each other.
If you are looking for a low angst, feel-good story, with two amazing MCs and a whole host of supporting characters, then look no further. I also liked the small catch-ups with Dex and Meyer from book one.
Just what I needed and absolutely recommended by me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oct 17, 2025
Greg has decided to finally put down roots after many years of flipping houses and moving from one place to another. He chooses a doer-upper with lots of potential. Unfortunately for him, or maybe fortunately!, he smells something off-putting not long after he moves in. Upon searching, he finds a mummified body behind a false wall in a closet, and does what any sane person does - he rings the police! Enter Sheriff Cash.
These two are the sweetest couple I've read in a long time. Both of them are introverted, with many similarities between them. Once they are in each other's orbit, they can't stop circling ever closer to each other.
If you are looking for a low angst, feel-good story, with two amazing MCs and a whole host of supporting characters, then look no further. I also liked the small catch-ups with Dex and Meyer from book one.
Just what I needed and absolutely recommended by me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oct 17, 2025
Ricki’s Past, Family, and a Christmas Murder
Ricki James-Diaz is thrilled her parents are in town for Christmas. She’s hoping that she and her mom and use the time to track down more of Ricki’s birth family. But when one of her mom’s former co-workers is killed right after Ricki meets her, murder takes center stage. As more of Ricki’s family and friends come under suspicious, she can’t help but jump in. Will she find the killer?
It was great to be back with Ricki and her family and friends. They are a fun bunch, and we met some new characters I hope we see again. There are some spoilers for previous books’ ongoing storylines, but they are minor. There are several subplots in addition to the main mystery, so I was never bored. Yet everything was balanced well and we reached a satisfying climax. I did find a couple of small things that should have been caught by an edit, but they are minor. I loved the Christmas setting of the book for both the humor and the coziness it brought. And we get some appropriate recipes at the end of the book. Whether you read this book now or save it for December, you’ll be glad you read it.
It was great to be back with Ricki and her family and friends. They are a fun bunch, and we met some new characters I hope we see again. There are some spoilers for previous books’ ongoing storylines, but they are minor. There are several subplots in addition to the main mystery, so I was never bored. Yet everything was balanced well and we reached a satisfying climax. I did find a couple of small things that should have been caught by an edit, but they are minor. I loved the Christmas setting of the book for both the humor and the coziness it brought. And we get some appropriate recipes at the end of the book. Whether you read this book now or save it for December, you’ll be glad you read it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated The Girl with the Dragonfruit Tattoo in Books
Feb 6, 2026 (Updated Feb 6, 2026)
Plum Yacht to Catch Another Killer
Plum Lockhart gets a surprise reunion with a friend she hasn’t seen in years. The friend is traveling with a group on an expensive yacht, and Plum finds herself on board one night catching up. But a couple of days later, one of the servants from the yacht is dead and the police are making an unusual request. Will Plum use her new connections to go on the yacht and investigate the death? Plum agrees just as the yacht takes off for their next destination. But with everyone seeming to have a motive, can she find the killer?
I’d struggled with the first in this series since I didn’t find Plum likable. I’m happy to say that island living has been good for her, and I enjoyed her and the returning characters here. The suspects were also distinct and helped draw me in despite some uneven pacing early on. I get why it happened, however. The ending was a bit less than I like, but I did find my questions answered. Sadly, this appears to be the final book in the series. I’m glad I stuck with it. If you need a tropical getaway, I suggest you give this series a chance.
I’d struggled with the first in this series since I didn’t find Plum likable. I’m happy to say that island living has been good for her, and I enjoyed her and the returning characters here. The suspects were also distinct and helped draw me in despite some uneven pacing early on. I get why it happened, however. The ending was a bit less than I like, but I did find my questions answered. Sadly, this appears to be the final book in the series. I’m glad I stuck with it. If you need a tropical getaway, I suggest you give this series a chance.
