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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2538 KP) rated A Very Woodsy Murder in Books
Jul 25, 2024 (Updated Jul 25, 2024)
A Sitcom Writer’s Death Isn’t a Laughing Matter
Dee Stern is looking for something new after her career as a sitcom writer declines. When she spots the Golden Motel outside of Majestic National Park, she buys it with her best friend, Jeff Cornetta. Their first guest is Michael Adam Baker, a former co-worker from Dee’s sitcom writing days. She’s less than happy to see him again. But then he’s murdered. With Dee and Jeff both on the suspect list and all reservations cancelling because of the news, Dee has to figure out what happened to save her livelihood. Can she do it?
While the motel and the areas where the action takes place are all fictional, anyone familiar with the Sierra Nevada mountains will pick up on the inspiration for the setting. Between that and the motel itself, I was completely charmed and wanted to go visit in real life. The characters we meet are a bit eccentric even for a cozy but also just as delightful. Dee’s background as a sitcom writer provides some good laughs and adds to how Dee views the events. The mystery sets itself up well so it can really get going once Michael is killed. I was hooked and surprised by the logical conclusion. While not a full-blown culinary cozy, there are a couple of recipes at the end. I was utterly charmed by this debut and am already booking my return visit.
While the motel and the areas where the action takes place are all fictional, anyone familiar with the Sierra Nevada mountains will pick up on the inspiration for the setting. Between that and the motel itself, I was completely charmed and wanted to go visit in real life. The characters we meet are a bit eccentric even for a cozy but also just as delightful. Dee’s background as a sitcom writer provides some good laughs and adds to how Dee views the events. The mystery sets itself up well so it can really get going once Michael is killed. I was hooked and surprised by the logical conclusion. While not a full-blown culinary cozy, there are a couple of recipes at the end. I was utterly charmed by this debut and am already booking my return visit.
The Demon's Beauty (Grym Hollow #4)
10.0
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Isabelle would do anything for her sister—and she proved it. She will never regret seeking...
Fantasy Romance
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2538 KP) rated Murder at Chateau sur Mer in Books
Mar 7, 2026 (Updated Mar 7, 2026)
Was This Murder Political?
It’s July of 1897, and Emma is covering a polo match when she witnesses a strange scene – a young woman with a less than stellar reputation is insisting that she must talk to Senator Wetmore’s wife. The next morning, Emma is summoned to the Wetmore’s residence - Chateau sur Mer. The young woman from the day before is lying dead in their entry way. Emma has developed a reputation based on her past exploits, and Mrs. Wetmore wants Emma to investigate so that the whiff of scandal won’t haunt her family forever. But what is the victim’s connection to the wealthy family?
The book does a good job of putting us back in Emma’s world while also setting up the mystery. While there are great twists, I did feel a few things were rushed at the climax. Still, everything did make sense. I appreciated the updates we got on Emma and the other regulars, both real people and fictional characters. Speaking of which, I love how the two types rub elbows seamlessly. In fact, I was surprised to learn a couple I thought pure invention were real. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end to find out the facts that support this fiction. As always, the summer setting gave me some relaxed vibes, and I felt like I was transported back in time. If you are looking for a fun historical series, this is one to check out.
The book does a good job of putting us back in Emma’s world while also setting up the mystery. While there are great twists, I did feel a few things were rushed at the climax. Still, everything did make sense. I appreciated the updates we got on Emma and the other regulars, both real people and fictional characters. Speaking of which, I love how the two types rub elbows seamlessly. In fact, I was surprised to learn a couple I thought pure invention were real. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end to find out the facts that support this fiction. As always, the summer setting gave me some relaxed vibes, and I felt like I was transported back in time. If you are looking for a fun historical series, this is one to check out.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2538 KP) rated Vengeance in Venice in Books
Apr 1, 2026 (Updated Apr 1, 2026)
Honeymoon with Canals…and Murder
While Jane and Redvers got married several months ago, they are now taking the time for a proper honeymoon in September of 1927. They are looking forward to relaxing days exploring the city and eating the delicious cuisine. Which is when Aunt Millie and her new husband crash the trip. Millie has gotten the two couples an invitation to a party hosted by her friend Clara Morton, who turns out to be quite the eccentric. Jane and Redvers are hoping to slip away early, but their plans are scrapped when a dead body is found in the garden. When a friend that Jane has just reunited with becomes the prime suspect, honeymoon plans get put on hold to solve this latest murder. Can Jane free her friend?
Someday, I want to visit Venice, but traveling with Jane was the next best thing. I felt like I was there with her and the fun group of suspects. There were plenty of secrets and twists along the way to a satisfying climax, although a couple of things didn’t wrap up quite as well as I would have liked. Aunt Millie is a hoot as always. And Jane and Redvers get plenty of time to shine. I love their relationship, and I had to laugh with them several times as I read reading. Anyone looking for a light historical mystery will be glad they picked this one up.
Someday, I want to visit Venice, but traveling with Jane was the next best thing. I felt like I was there with her and the fun group of suspects. There were plenty of secrets and twists along the way to a satisfying climax, although a couple of things didn’t wrap up quite as well as I would have liked. Aunt Millie is a hoot as always. And Jane and Redvers get plenty of time to shine. I love their relationship, and I had to laugh with them several times as I read reading. Anyone looking for a light historical mystery will be glad they picked this one up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2538 KP) rated Death Washes Ashore in Books
Apr 30, 2024
Death of a Gladiator
One morning Clark Thomas is awakened by a text from one of the detectives in town requesting his presence at a crime scene. The body of Connor West has washed up on the local state beach. Connor was the star of one of the local tourist attractions, a gladiator themed dinner and show.
Even after Clark is warned away from the case, he can’t help but dig into Connor’s life and his work at the Gladiator Games Dinner Show. With a face from his past as his way into the lives of those Clark wants to interview, can he figure out what happened?
I had an issue with how Clark got involved in the mystery here, but I put that aside and kept reading. The mystery was good with several strong suspects and twists along the way to a logical climax. I appreciated how Clark went about things in the climax, too. We also got to know him and a couple of characters better, although I feel like we have many who hardly had any page time. The writing could have used polish in several spots, but most of the time it was fine. There is a little advancement on the cliffhanger from the previous book, but we’ll have to keep reading to see where it goes next. Overall, this is a fun second book in the series.
Even after Clark is warned away from the case, he can’t help but dig into Connor’s life and his work at the Gladiator Games Dinner Show. With a face from his past as his way into the lives of those Clark wants to interview, can he figure out what happened?
I had an issue with how Clark got involved in the mystery here, but I put that aside and kept reading. The mystery was good with several strong suspects and twists along the way to a logical climax. I appreciated how Clark went about things in the climax, too. We also got to know him and a couple of characters better, although I feel like we have many who hardly had any page time. The writing could have used polish in several spots, but most of the time it was fine. There is a little advancement on the cliffhanger from the previous book, but we’ll have to keep reading to see where it goes next. Overall, this is a fun second book in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2538 KP) rated Murder on Devil’s Pond in Books
Jul 11, 2024
Murder of the Town Recluse
Hannah Solace has returned to her small town in Vermont to help her sister run a B&B. The only person she’s really reconnect with is Ezra Grayson, the town’s eighty-year-old recluse that most people want to see sell the house he’s lived in most of his life. Then Hannah finds his dead body on the pond that borders the B&B. When she finds herself on the suspect list, Hannah begins to investigate. Is his death related to a secret from the past? Or was one of his heirs, who are staying at the B&B, too impatient to inherit?
I’ll admit, it took me a couple of chapters to fully get pulled into this new world, but once it did, I was fully hooked. The mystery is complex with a variety of motives. I figured one thing out early, but the rest, including the killer, kept me guessing. The characters, including the suspects, grew more complex as I read as well. There are some relationships I’m looking forward to seeing explored further as the series goes along. The environmental themes are well done, and the recipe at the end sounds delicious. This book is a little more on the serious side for a cozy mystery, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. If you are looking for a new series you can dig into, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I’ll admit, it took me a couple of chapters to fully get pulled into this new world, but once it did, I was fully hooked. The mystery is complex with a variety of motives. I figured one thing out early, but the rest, including the killer, kept me guessing. The characters, including the suspects, grew more complex as I read as well. There are some relationships I’m looking forward to seeing explored further as the series goes along. The environmental themes are well done, and the recipe at the end sounds delicious. This book is a little more on the serious side for a cozy mystery, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. If you are looking for a new series you can dig into, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2538 KP) rated Til Death in Books
Oct 17, 2024 (Updated Oct 17, 2024)
Will Death Keep Zoe and Pete from Their Wedding?
With two weeks until their wedding, Zoe Chambers and Pete Adams are trying to juggle final prep with some puzzling cases. In Zoe’s case, it’s a friend from high school who died under mysterious circumstances with no clues after the autopsy. Meanwhile, Pete is reopening a case he solved nine years ago. A man was convicted of killing his wife, but the conviction has been overturned. Pete got it right the first time, didn’t he?
If you are new to the series, I don’t recommend you start here. Aside from the spoilers for the previous book (and they can’t be avoided), you also get some conclusions for several ongoing story arcs. However, fans will be hooked from the beginning. Zoe, Pete, and the gang are as fantastic as always, and I appreciated the growth we got. There is a lot going on here, so I never wanted to put the book down, but the mystery is always front and center and comes to a logical conclusion. Since these are police procedural, there’s a little more language and violence than in a cozy, but they are kept to a minimum. A couple of threads are left for the next book, so I can’t wait to see where things go for our characters next. Fans will delight with this book. If that isn’t you yet, fix that today.
If you are new to the series, I don’t recommend you start here. Aside from the spoilers for the previous book (and they can’t be avoided), you also get some conclusions for several ongoing story arcs. However, fans will be hooked from the beginning. Zoe, Pete, and the gang are as fantastic as always, and I appreciated the growth we got. There is a lot going on here, so I never wanted to put the book down, but the mystery is always front and center and comes to a logical conclusion. Since these are police procedural, there’s a little more language and violence than in a cozy, but they are kept to a minimum. A couple of threads are left for the next book, so I can’t wait to see where things go for our characters next. Fans will delight with this book. If that isn’t you yet, fix that today.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2538 KP) rated A Matter of Life and Depths in Books
Nov 7, 2024
Charlotte Must Face Her Pain Head on
Charlotte and her sister, Jane, have settled into their new life as permanent residents on the luxury cruise ship. But as the ship heads to Japan, Charlotte is less than happy to discover that her late husband’s mistress, Kyrie Dawn, and her toddler son have joined the staff with Kyrie Dawn being the new yoga instructor. Charlotte hasn’t even wrapped her head around that when a murder happens. Charlotte finds herself investigating for the last reason she would have expected. Can she figure out what happened?
I’ve read books with similar initial setups before, and I appreciate that this book didn’t go for the predictable victim. It allowed for some great character growth in Charlotte and some of the other characters. It may not all be realistic, but I did like it overall. Like the first book, we met the suspects all at once, so it took me a while to get them all straight. The mystery was strong, with some good surprises and a couple red herrings on the way to a logical climax. A minor subplot involving a diary that Charlotte was reading from her great-grandmother seemed a bit confusing to me, although I do understand why it was there thematically. On the other hand, there were some delightfully funny moments, and the setting was great. Overall, I enjoyed this murderous cruise very much.
I’ve read books with similar initial setups before, and I appreciate that this book didn’t go for the predictable victim. It allowed for some great character growth in Charlotte and some of the other characters. It may not all be realistic, but I did like it overall. Like the first book, we met the suspects all at once, so it took me a while to get them all straight. The mystery was strong, with some good surprises and a couple red herrings on the way to a logical climax. A minor subplot involving a diary that Charlotte was reading from her great-grandmother seemed a bit confusing to me, although I do understand why it was there thematically. On the other hand, there were some delightfully funny moments, and the setting was great. Overall, I enjoyed this murderous cruise very much.
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Caelon (Rocky Mountain Pack #3)
9.0
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She didn’t see the signs. But he’s been leaving breadcrumbs all along. Selene I always...
Paranormal Romance
Merissa (13956 KP) rated Frozen (Dark Faeverse #2) in Books
Dec 8, 2025
FROZEN is the second book in the Dark Faeverse series, although you don't need to have read book one first. The previous characters are mentioned, but not in a way that you need to know more about them.
Elise is the spoiled daughter of a merchant who is up to his neck in debt. So of course he sells his daughter. That's how the Frost Court planned it. Once Elise is there, her latent omega qualities come out, along with some brainwashing. Atarus gets what he wants, but isn't satisfied.
I am giving the three stars for the premise of this story. I liked the idea, even though I didn't find Atarus or Elise particularly likeable. What this book needed, though, was a massive edit! Even being read through by a beta reader should have picked up the plot holes, repeated (again and again!) questions and events, and the constantly changing personalities. And I'm not disrespecting beta readers at all! I won't list all the occasions, but they had me frequently scratching my head.
I have read quite a few by this author, and while I generally like them, I was disappointed in this book. However, after reading the last chapter, which introduces the next couple, I would still like to continue with the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dec 8, 2025
Elise is the spoiled daughter of a merchant who is up to his neck in debt. So of course he sells his daughter. That's how the Frost Court planned it. Once Elise is there, her latent omega qualities come out, along with some brainwashing. Atarus gets what he wants, but isn't satisfied.
I am giving the three stars for the premise of this story. I liked the idea, even though I didn't find Atarus or Elise particularly likeable. What this book needed, though, was a massive edit! Even being read through by a beta reader should have picked up the plot holes, repeated (again and again!) questions and events, and the constantly changing personalities. And I'm not disrespecting beta readers at all! I won't list all the occasions, but they had me frequently scratching my head.
I have read quite a few by this author, and while I generally like them, I was disappointed in this book. However, after reading the last chapter, which introduces the next couple, I would still like to continue with the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dec 8, 2025