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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Murder at the Breakers in Books

Feb 2, 2024  
Murder at the Breakers
Murder at the Breakers
Alyssa Maxwell | 2014 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Party to Die at
Emma Cross is attending the social event of the year at The Breakers. While she is distantly related to the hosts, the Vanderbilts, she is also covering it as the society reporter. The night ends in tragedy when a man falls to his death in front of Emma. With all the evidence pointing to her brother, Brady, who was up to something that night, Emma starts investigating. Can she find the truth?

This book does a great job balancing the beginning of the plot with the introduction of Emma and her world. The plot was great, and I appreciated that Emma fell for some red herrings before she reached the logical conclusion. The characters are also strong; it was hard to tell if some of them were going to be series regulars or were just suspects for this book. This book is a tad gray and falls closer to traditional than cozy for me, but that’s a minor issue. I also appreciated how the time and place came to life and were used by the author. It’s easy to tell why this series is so popular. I’m looking forward to reading more soon.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Fatal First Edition in Books

Feb 15, 2024  
Fatal First Edition
Fatal First Edition
Jenn McKinlay | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder Aboard a Moving Train
This book starts out in Chicago, where Lindsey Norris and her husband, Sully, are attending the annual archivist convention. Lindsey is having a fantastic time, and that includes the train trip back home to Connecticut. Quite a few of the attendees are also on the train. However, when Lindsey wakes up the next morning, someone is dead in the compartment next to her and Sully. Does it have anything to do with the valuable first edition that Lindsey stumbled upon during the keynote address?

One thing I love about cozy mysteries are the familiar locations and characters, so I was happy to see this book found an excuse to spend a lot of time at home while continuing the plot. The series regulars gave us some great laughs. Meanwhile, the plot zigs in a different direction part way through, and I was hooked as a result. Unfortunately, it did make the climax a bit rushed, although it was still logical. Fans will be pleased with this entry in the series. If you haven’t started these books yet, you’ll be happy you changed that.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated You Feta Watch Out in Books

Nov 20, 2024  
You Feta Watch Out
You Feta Watch Out
Linda Reilly | 2024 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Who Made Sure Marley Really Was Dead as a Doornail?
Carly is happy to be attending a dress rehearsal of the production of A Christmas Carol that has come to town. However, Preston Lennon, the actor playing Jacob Marley, causes such a disruption they have to take an unscheduled intermission. Then Carly’s friend, Gina, finds Preston’s body in his dressing room. Can Carly clear her friend?

While a play of A Christmas Carol might be familiar in a Christmas cozy, I enjoyed the twist on who the victim was. It led to a strong mystery with plenty to suspects and a logical climax I didn’t see coming. The characters are all fun to be around. I especially enjoyed spending time with the series regulars again, and I appreciated that the warnings to Carly to be careful were toned down in this book. The Christmas spirit is strong; it made me wish I were reading it in December with my decorations already up. There are two recipes at the end, including a Christmas grilled cheese. Grill up a sandwich and enjoy this fun Christmas mystery.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Catering to the Dead in Books

Nov 19, 2025  
Catering to the Dead
Catering to the Dead
Kim Davis | 2025 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Who Took the Day of the Dead Literally?
Emory Martinez is providing the cupcakes for a Dia de los Muertos party. She’s also helping out her sister, who is providing the rest of the food. But as Emory is cleaning up after the event, she finds a member of the Mariachi band under the dessert table. She doesn’t consider this a case she needs to get involved in until the hosts keep trying to point the finger at her. Can she find another killer?

When I saw we were getting a new entry in this series, I jumped at a chance to read it. While the setting may not be traditionally cozy, I really enjoy it. And the characters help pull us in. I enjoyed spending time with Emory and her family and friends as always. The pacing was a little off early, and the end left me with a minor question, but overall, the mystery was enjoyable. Plus we get nine recipes and two craft ideas. Whether new to the series or a longtime fan, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.