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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated An Almost Purrfect Murder in Books
Jul 30, 2022
Who Committed Murder on an Alaskan Cruise?
A cruise to Alaska isn’t Frankie’s idea of a vacation, but when her best friend, Penny, decides to get married in the middle of a cruise, she goes along, especially since she’s the maid of honor. The first night, Frankie watches the entertainment, which includes a cat trainer. She surprised to find one of the cats outside her door the next morning transmitting some weird messages that only begin to make sense when she finds the dead body of the trainer on the lifeboat below her cabin. Can she convince anyone that he was murdered?
In a moment of serendipity, I read this book on an Alaskan cruise I took recently. It was fun and strange to read about Frankie in places I was visiting, just in a different order. Yes, this is one of the few paranormal cozy series I read since Frankie can communicate with animals, but it’s a minor part of the story. The plot was uneven with the wedding and romantic subplots taking up pages as well. Since the book is the third in the series, I was definitely invested in those stories, but a little more time on the mystery would have been nice. Still, I was impressed with how all the clues came together in the end. Most of the characters were new, and I enjoyed getting to know them, suspects and family members alike. I laughed multiple times as I was reading at the antics of the two and four legged characters. Overall, this is a fun book that fans of the series will enjoy.
In a moment of serendipity, I read this book on an Alaskan cruise I took recently. It was fun and strange to read about Frankie in places I was visiting, just in a different order. Yes, this is one of the few paranormal cozy series I read since Frankie can communicate with animals, but it’s a minor part of the story. The plot was uneven with the wedding and romantic subplots taking up pages as well. Since the book is the third in the series, I was definitely invested in those stories, but a little more time on the mystery would have been nice. Still, I was impressed with how all the clues came together in the end. Most of the characters were new, and I enjoyed getting to know them, suspects and family members alike. I laughed multiple times as I was reading at the antics of the two and four legged characters. Overall, this is a fun book that fans of the series will enjoy.
Aerobics Can Be Deadly
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When this odd couple signs up to be extras in a fitness video, it's lights, camera... murder. Sho...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated Bake Offed in Books
Dec 1, 2022 (Updated Dec 1, 2022)
Mystery at the Mystery Convention
Val Deniston and her granddad are going to the Maryland Mystery Fan Fest to help her friend Bethany with it. And Granddad, aka the Codger Cook, is participating in the mystery themed baking competition the first night. One of his fellow contestants is Cynthia Sweet, the woman that Granddad feels stole his shot at turning his Codger Cook recipe column into a book. But when Val finds Cynthia dead in the middle of the night, the two of them start to discover that other people didn’t like Cynthia either. Can they figure out who killed her?
Since the fest is out of town, we don’t see much of the other series regulars, but the series usually focuses on Val and Granddad, so it’s not too big of a loss. This also gives us plenty of time to get to know the new characters, who rise to the occasion. And there is a return appearance by a character from early in the series that is fun. The plot is wonderful. It is intricately plotted, yet it holds together at the end. As someone who complains about the timelines in books when they don’t work, I have to praise this one for holding together perfectly. I got a kick out of the mystery fest setting. The recipes at the end are great fun as well, but I’ll leave that for you to explore on your own. Fans of the series will be happy with this book. If you are looking for a fun culinary cozy series, I definitely recommend you check this one out.
Since the fest is out of town, we don’t see much of the other series regulars, but the series usually focuses on Val and Granddad, so it’s not too big of a loss. This also gives us plenty of time to get to know the new characters, who rise to the occasion. And there is a return appearance by a character from early in the series that is fun. The plot is wonderful. It is intricately plotted, yet it holds together at the end. As someone who complains about the timelines in books when they don’t work, I have to praise this one for holding together perfectly. I got a kick out of the mystery fest setting. The recipes at the end are great fun as well, but I’ll leave that for you to explore on your own. Fans of the series will be happy with this book. If you are looking for a fun culinary cozy series, I definitely recommend you check this one out.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated Claws for Suspicion in Books
May 4, 2022
Kari’s Life is Upended Before Murder
The shelter that Kari Stuart bought when she won the lottery is finally in great shape. However, all that is threatened when Kari’s ex-husband shows up in town. Charlie Smith arrives baring the news that there was a mistake with their divorce, and they are technically still married. As a result, he is entitled to half Kari’s winnings. Or, he will settle for the land the pet shelter is on. Kari has no interest in giving Charlie anything, so she starts trying to figure out how to get him to go away. Then he dies, and his death looks like murder. The police view Kari as their prime suspect since she is the only one in town with a motive. Can Kari convince them that someone else killed Charlie?
While the ex coming back to town isn’t a new plot element in a cozy mystery, Charlie’s motives and the complications are definitely fresh here. I did feel the plot stalled a bit before Charlie actually died, although it was setting up motives and suspects before it happened. Once it did, Kari followed a logical set of clues to the climax. I always appreciate how well things are laid out when I reach the end of the books in this series. I love Kari’s circle of friends, and it was wonderful to spend time with them again. The suspects fit wonderfully into the world. Naturally, there’s plenty of animal cuteness here as well. Fans of the series will be happy with this book, and if you haven’t started it yet, you’ll be happy you picked up one of the books.
While the ex coming back to town isn’t a new plot element in a cozy mystery, Charlie’s motives and the complications are definitely fresh here. I did feel the plot stalled a bit before Charlie actually died, although it was setting up motives and suspects before it happened. Once it did, Kari followed a logical set of clues to the climax. I always appreciate how well things are laid out when I reach the end of the books in this series. I love Kari’s circle of friends, and it was wonderful to spend time with them again. The suspects fit wonderfully into the world. Naturally, there’s plenty of animal cuteness here as well. Fans of the series will be happy with this book, and if you haven’t started it yet, you’ll be happy you picked up one of the books.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated Blind Side in Books
Nov 22, 2022 (Updated Nov 22, 2022)
Did a Frog Contest Jump Start a Murder?
It’s time for the annual frog jumping contest in nearby Angel’s Camp, and this year it seems to be a hotbed of controversy. A group is protesting the mistreatment of animals, and the reigning champ’s top entry turns up dead. He accuses Miah Mercer of the sabotage, but Connor Westphal is certain that her part time employee is innocent. However, the stakes are raised when Connor finds a bunch of dead frogs and a dead body in the creek near the contest grounds. Can she figure out what is going on?
I enjoyed being back in Connor’s presence again. I felt the plot went a bit away from the initial premise, and I’m not sure I felt it earned it. Meanwhile, the ending is a bit abrupt while still answering our questions. These are minor since I was pulled into the story and kept turning pages to see what Connor would uncover next. As usual for the series, the characters are wonderful. Unfortunately, the language continues to be a bit extreme for a cozy series as well. I read the paperback that was originally published in 2001, so keep in mind that some technology references are going to be outdated. I enjoyed the humor at the beginning of the book – I think we got every frog pun imaginable. Connor is deaf, and she makes a new friend who is blind in this book. I appreciate how both characters are portrayed and this look at how they are able to handle the things I take for granted. All told, I enjoyed this book in the series.
I enjoyed being back in Connor’s presence again. I felt the plot went a bit away from the initial premise, and I’m not sure I felt it earned it. Meanwhile, the ending is a bit abrupt while still answering our questions. These are minor since I was pulled into the story and kept turning pages to see what Connor would uncover next. As usual for the series, the characters are wonderful. Unfortunately, the language continues to be a bit extreme for a cozy series as well. I read the paperback that was originally published in 2001, so keep in mind that some technology references are going to be outdated. I enjoyed the humor at the beginning of the book – I think we got every frog pun imaginable. Connor is deaf, and she makes a new friend who is blind in this book. I appreciate how both characters are portrayed and this look at how they are able to handle the things I take for granted. All told, I enjoyed this book in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated Barking Mad at Murder in Books
Apr 30, 2019
Something Different, but Fun
Frankie Chandler makes her living as a pet psychic in a small town in Arizona. There’s just one problem – she’s a fake. She really uses cues from her knowledge of human and animal behavior and fakes her visions to help pet owners with their pets’ behavior. So, you can imagine how surprised Frankie is when a dog named Sandy actually gets through and gives her a vision of a murder. She’s willing to write off the entire thing as a bad dream until a body matching the victim in the vision turns up in the desert. Can Frankie figure out what really happened? Does Sandy know more than Frankie got in the first vision?
This is definitely a step away from my normal cozy choices, but I picked it up after chatting with the author for most of the day at an event. I’m glad I took a chance on it. With Frankie just developing her powers, this book had some fun exploring that and what it meant for her. The mystery was good. There were occasional pacing issues, but for the most part it kept me engaged until the wonderful climax. A solid sub-plot helped keep me interested as well. A couple of the supporting characters have room to grow as the series develops, but for the most part the cast is solid, and I certainly hope to see more of many of them in later books. The book kept me grinning as I read as Frankie gets into some pretty fun situations over the course of the story. This is a solid series debut anyone looking for a light, fun read will enjoy.
This is definitely a step away from my normal cozy choices, but I picked it up after chatting with the author for most of the day at an event. I’m glad I took a chance on it. With Frankie just developing her powers, this book had some fun exploring that and what it meant for her. The mystery was good. There were occasional pacing issues, but for the most part it kept me engaged until the wonderful climax. A solid sub-plot helped keep me interested as well. A couple of the supporting characters have room to grow as the series develops, but for the most part the cast is solid, and I certainly hope to see more of many of them in later books. The book kept me grinning as I read as Frankie gets into some pretty fun situations over the course of the story. This is a solid series debut anyone looking for a light, fun read will enjoy.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Andreas Moss by Andreas Moss in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Andreas Moss is a Swedish-born, Nashville-bred, and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released his self-titled 7-track debut EP featuring Yachtmoney and Melanie Pfirrman.
Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.
“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”
The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.
“KODAK”
Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.
“KOKAIN”
Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.
“DEAR MISERY”
Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.
CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.
“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”
The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.
“KODAK”
Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.
“KOKAIN”
Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.
“DEAR MISERY”
Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.
CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
Mayhawke (97 KP) rated The Strange Disappearance of a Bollywood Star in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Kahn is establishing himself as a solid and reliable voice in cosy crime
Vaseem Khan is still a relatively new voice in cozy crime fiction, but I have been with him since the start, and on current showing I shall be with him long into the future.
One of the great pleasures for crime fiction readers of the last decade has been the influx of new voices as - in the search for something new and different - the British market has been opened up to translations from abroad (Camilleri, Akunin, Vargas) and English-language fiction set in different cultural environments (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Aurelio Zen, Dr. Siri Paboun). Khan has proven himself a skillful and delightful contributor to the latter category, lifting the vibrant sounds, colours, smells and characters of India (good and bad) from the page as he weaves remarkably clever and entertaining stories of brutal thefts, murder and abduction for the protagonist, Inspector Chopra (Retd) & and his mystical and cheeky four-legged sidekick, Ganesha, to unravel.
His latest book sees a young and arrogant Bollywood star abducted on the eve of his most important film shoot to date. As the biggest and most expensive film in Bollywood history grinds to a halt money, reputations and lives are on the line and Chopra is employed to quietly find and return the prodigal starlet to his duties. It quickly becomes apparent, though, that the boy has not just had a Bieberesque tantrum, and that the funding for, and personalities behind the movie may be a lot murkier and more complex than they seem.
Already on his third book in two years he promises to be as prolific as he is enjoyable.
One of the great pleasures for crime fiction readers of the last decade has been the influx of new voices as - in the search for something new and different - the British market has been opened up to translations from abroad (Camilleri, Akunin, Vargas) and English-language fiction set in different cultural environments (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Aurelio Zen, Dr. Siri Paboun). Khan has proven himself a skillful and delightful contributor to the latter category, lifting the vibrant sounds, colours, smells and characters of India (good and bad) from the page as he weaves remarkably clever and entertaining stories of brutal thefts, murder and abduction for the protagonist, Inspector Chopra (Retd) & and his mystical and cheeky four-legged sidekick, Ganesha, to unravel.
His latest book sees a young and arrogant Bollywood star abducted on the eve of his most important film shoot to date. As the biggest and most expensive film in Bollywood history grinds to a halt money, reputations and lives are on the line and Chopra is employed to quietly find and return the prodigal starlet to his duties. It quickly becomes apparent, though, that the boy has not just had a Bieberesque tantrum, and that the funding for, and personalities behind the movie may be a lot murkier and more complex than they seem.
Already on his third book in two years he promises to be as prolific as he is enjoyable.
Debbie (52 KP) rated A Skeleton in the Family (Family Skeleton Mystery #1) in Books
Aug 9, 2018
A Skeleton in the Family By: Leigh Perry
Cozy Mystery 291 pages
Takes place in Penny Cross, Massachusetts
This is a mystery novel so I won't be going into much detail. I don't want to spoil anything.
This book is about a college Professor, Georgia, who hasn't been able to hold down a position for more than a year at time. Her boss's always want her to write a book but she can never find time with all she has to do.. She is a single mom of a teenage daughter, Madison.
She has received a teaching job at her hometown college where her parents teach. Her parents have tenured at this college and have taken a sabbatical for the semester. She moves back home to help with her finances.
Her daughter doesn't know that the family has a secret. That secret is the living, walking, talking skeleton called Sid. Sid followed Georgia home one day when she was 6 years old. He has been with them since. Sid doesn't want Madison to know that he is around. He does everything to keep himself away from her.
One day Sid talks Georgia into letting him out and have a little fun. He goes in disguise. He sees and recognizes someone while he out. This starts him to remember some of his pass but not enough. So they decide to start finding who he really is and what happened to him.
Who is Sid? Where did he come from? Why is he able to walk and talk? What happened to him?
All of questions are answered in this book. This is a good book and a fun mystery. I recommend that you give it try.
Cozy Mystery 291 pages
Takes place in Penny Cross, Massachusetts
This is a mystery novel so I won't be going into much detail. I don't want to spoil anything.
This book is about a college Professor, Georgia, who hasn't been able to hold down a position for more than a year at time. Her boss's always want her to write a book but she can never find time with all she has to do.. She is a single mom of a teenage daughter, Madison.
She has received a teaching job at her hometown college where her parents teach. Her parents have tenured at this college and have taken a sabbatical for the semester. She moves back home to help with her finances.
Her daughter doesn't know that the family has a secret. That secret is the living, walking, talking skeleton called Sid. Sid followed Georgia home one day when she was 6 years old. He has been with them since. Sid doesn't want Madison to know that he is around. He does everything to keep himself away from her.
One day Sid talks Georgia into letting him out and have a little fun. He goes in disguise. He sees and recognizes someone while he out. This starts him to remember some of his pass but not enough. So they decide to start finding who he really is and what happened to him.
Who is Sid? Where did he come from? Why is he able to walk and talk? What happened to him?
All of questions are answered in this book. This is a good book and a fun mystery. I recommend that you give it try.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated The Coloring Crook in Books
Dec 2, 2018
Coloring Can Be Profitable…and Deadly
The Georgetown bookstore Florrie Fox manages has added a weekly coloring group, and Florrie has enjoyed getting to know the regulars. One of them, Dolly Cavanaugh, also enjoys bargain hunting at estate sales, and one week she comes in excited about her latest find, a copy of The Florist, a rare adult coloring book from the 1700's. However, later that night, Florrie finds Dolly dead with a corner of a piece of paper in her hand. That's all that can be found of book Dolly just bought. As secrets begin to come to light, Florrie is left to wonder how well she really knew Dolly. Was the book the motive for Dolly's murder? Or did a secret from her past catch up with her?
I was charmed by the first in the series, and I enjoyed this one just as much. The setting may be a neighborhood in the Washington DC area, but by sticking to the neighborhood, it still feels like a traditional cozy setting. And what a setting! I'd love to spend hours browsing in this bookstore. Florrie is a great lead character, and she heads up a cast of equally fun characters. It's hard to picture most of them as killers, in fact. The plot is filled with twists and complications. I began to suspect a few things, but I still had huge gaps I hadn’t figured out before I got to the end. I do feel the ending was a bit rushed, and a few things got glossed over as a result, but that's my only issue with the book. As with the first, the cover can be colored, and there are five recipes at the end.
I was charmed by the first in the series, and I enjoyed this one just as much. The setting may be a neighborhood in the Washington DC area, but by sticking to the neighborhood, it still feels like a traditional cozy setting. And what a setting! I'd love to spend hours browsing in this bookstore. Florrie is a great lead character, and she heads up a cast of equally fun characters. It's hard to picture most of them as killers, in fact. The plot is filled with twists and complications. I began to suspect a few things, but I still had huge gaps I hadn’t figured out before I got to the end. I do feel the ending was a bit rushed, and a few things got glossed over as a result, but that's my only issue with the book. As with the first, the cover can be colored, and there are five recipes at the end.