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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2666 KP) rated Big F@!king Deal in Books

Apr 13, 2026 (Updated Apr 13, 2026)  
Big F@!king Deal
Big F@!king Deal
Lawrence Allan | 2023 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Kidnapping is Always a Big Deal
This book picks up exactly where the previous one ended. Jimmy has just made headlines for the right reason - successfully solving a case. The headlines bring someone from his past back into his life - his father, who just vanished over a decade ago. But Jimmy has no time to worry about what his father wants since one of the wealthiest families in LA has hired him to find their college age son who has been kidnapped. The kidnappers have given them until Friday to put the ransom together. Can Jimmy find the young man before time runs out?

I loved the first book in the series, and I enjoyed this one, too. The plot wasn’t quite as strong, but it kept me turning the pages the entire way through. The cast is good, but Jimmy really shines. I loved the humor, especially Jimmy’s observations in the first-person narration. As the title implies, this isn’t a cozy, but the language and violence are used well and aren’t excessive. I’m hoping to get to the third soon.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2666 KP) rated Cheddar Late Than Dead in Books

Apr 20, 2023 (Updated Apr 20, 2023)  
Cheddar Late Than Dead
Cheddar Late Than Dead
Linda Reilly | 2023 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
There Falls the Groom Down the Stairs
Carly Hale is surprised when Dawn and Klarissa walk into her restaurant. While she knew them in school, she hasn’t seen them since she’s been back in Balsam Dell, Vermont. The chance encounter winds up with Carly catering Klarissa’s wedding shower. But the day of the shower is filled with more tension than Carly expected. Things only get worse when the groom crashes the party. A little while later, Carly finds him at the bottom of the stairs, dead. Who would want to kill him?

This book starts off quickly, introducing us to suspects and conflict before the murder happens, then gives us some great twists that kept me reading. The climax logically resolves things, although I did have a couple of small niggles with the ending. It was great to see the characters again, and I like how their relationships are growing. There are some great new characters, including strong suspects. Meanwhile, the book introduces us to grilled cheese donuts, including a recipe in the back. If you are hungry for a fun cozy, pick this one up.