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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Strangled Eggs and Ham in Books
Jun 27, 2019
Tension Leads Someone to Resort to Murder
Summer may be winding down in South Lick, Indiana, but tensions are on the rise thanks to the proposed resort on the edge of town. Some residents want the jobs it would bring, but others, like Robbie’s Aunt Adele, don’t want the increased traffic and impact on the environment. When a dead body turns up on the proposed construction site, Robbie’s restaurant, Pans ‘N Pancakes, becomes gossip central once again. Can Robbie gather enough clues to solve this case?
The book takes a little time setting up the characters and motives before the murder takes place, but once the murder happens, things are off and running. Robbie combines what she learns while working at her restaurant with sleuthing outside of work hours to reach the logical conclusion. I appreciated how both sides of the resort issue were presented fairly because both sides did have views that needed to be heard. Part of that comes from well-rounded suspects. The series regulars are as fantastic as always; I enjoy spending time with them. If the book leaves you hungry, you’ll be happy with the five recipes at the end. Spending time with Robbie is always a pleasure and this book is no exception.
The book takes a little time setting up the characters and motives before the murder takes place, but once the murder happens, things are off and running. Robbie combines what she learns while working at her restaurant with sleuthing outside of work hours to reach the logical conclusion. I appreciated how both sides of the resort issue were presented fairly because both sides did have views that needed to be heard. Part of that comes from well-rounded suspects. The series regulars are as fantastic as always; I enjoy spending time with them. If the book leaves you hungry, you’ll be happy with the five recipes at the end. Spending time with Robbie is always a pleasure and this book is no exception.
Zombie Tsunami
Games and Entertainment
App
The zombies are revolting ! Attack the city with a horde of zombies, change pedestrians into zombies...
Us Against You (Beartown #2)
10.0
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After everything that the citizens of Beartown have gone through, they are struck yet another blow...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated The Vinyl Detective - Written in Dead Wax: 1 in Books
Feb 10, 2022
There’s a Good Story Here, but You Have to Search for It
He joking called himself the Vinyl Detective, but that brought a beautiful woman to his door. Her employer wants him to track down a very rare jazz record. Considering the fee he would get, he quickly agrees to the job. However, when a dead body turns up and someone starts following him, the question becomes will he find the record? Or is it even worth it?
I was amused to discover after I’d finished the book that we never do get the main character’s name. However, reading the book, it never felt awkward, especially with the first-person narration. And that didn’t lessen the character at all. In fact, he leads a great cast that I enjoyed spending time with. Unfortunately, the plot was slow and repetitive. There were some good twists and complications, but they were too few. Plus, we were left with some questions that needed to be answered. On the other hand, I really did enjoy the banter between the characters; this had me chuckling and laughing as I read. I was curious about the series, but I doubt I will be back for more.
I was amused to discover after I’d finished the book that we never do get the main character’s name. However, reading the book, it never felt awkward, especially with the first-person narration. And that didn’t lessen the character at all. In fact, he leads a great cast that I enjoyed spending time with. Unfortunately, the plot was slow and repetitive. There were some good twists and complications, but they were too few. Plus, we were left with some questions that needed to be answered. On the other hand, I really did enjoy the banter between the characters; this had me chuckling and laughing as I read. I was curious about the series, but I doubt I will be back for more.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Murder at the Marina in Books
May 25, 2023
Heritage Festival Brings Murder
Kelly is taking an afternoon to see the boat that her friends, Ivan and Rudy, own. But the tour never happens when she finds a dagger covered in what looks like blood on the boat. While neither of the brothers own it, they do recognize it from their past. A few days later, the owner of a Russian merchandise store turns up dead on their boat as well. What is going on? Does it have to do with the Russian Heritage Festival taking place in town?
I love it when background characters get a chance to shine, which is what happens here. I was intrigued from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out. Unfortunately, I did feel the climax was abrupt, and therefore weaker than it could have been. While the suspects are appropriately shady, the rest of the cast is charming, which is no surprise to fans of the series. I really do love these characters. As always, I enjoyed spending time in a fictional version of the area where I grew up. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, be sure to check this one out.
I love it when background characters get a chance to shine, which is what happens here. I was intrigued from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out. Unfortunately, I did feel the climax was abrupt, and therefore weaker than it could have been. While the suspects are appropriately shady, the rest of the cast is charming, which is no surprise to fans of the series. I really do love these characters. As always, I enjoyed spending time in a fictional version of the area where I grew up. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, be sure to check this one out.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Once Upon a Murder in Books
Feb 21, 2024
Not as Strong as the First Book
It’s 1784, and spinster Tiffany Woodall is hoping to put the chaos and intrigue of the last few months behind her. However, when she finds a dead body on her way to work at the castle one morning, she knows that isn’t going to happen. When the local bookseller, the man Tiffany loves, is accused of the crime, she can’t help but get involved. Can she figure out what happened?
The first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year. This book wasn’t as good, but it was still enjoyable. As with the first book, the mystery takes a backseat at times. However, here the other storylines weren’t as compelling. This is especially true of the romance. I was glad it wasn’t dragged out too much and I bought it in a way I wouldn’t in other series, but I wasn’t as invested in it. When the murder really kicks in during the second half, I was more fully on board, and I love how that was resolved. Likewise, I still loved all the characters and did enjoy seeing what happened to them. Fans of the first will want to pick this up. If you missed the first, you’ll definitely want to start there.
The first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year. This book wasn’t as good, but it was still enjoyable. As with the first book, the mystery takes a backseat at times. However, here the other storylines weren’t as compelling. This is especially true of the romance. I was glad it wasn’t dragged out too much and I bought it in a way I wouldn’t in other series, but I wasn’t as invested in it. When the murder really kicks in during the second half, I was more fully on board, and I love how that was resolved. Likewise, I still loved all the characters and did enjoy seeing what happened to them. Fans of the first will want to pick this up. If you missed the first, you’ll definitely want to start there.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated The House of Odysseus in Books
Nov 19, 2024
Penelope is still fending off her unwanted suitors, thanks to the rules of Greek hospitality. The men are drinking the cellars dry and eating as much as they want, whenever they want, and still expecting Penelope to choose one of them. They all think Odysseus is dead.
Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isn’t doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a ‘visit’.
Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but she’s canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.
I enjoyed reading everything from Aphrodite’s point of view - at least you can’t accuse her of favouritism. These gods don’t seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.
Claire North’s women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. It’s clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.
I’m currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I can’t wait to read Claire North’s version (no spoiler: it’s not disappointing me at all so far!).
Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isn’t doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a ‘visit’.
Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but she’s canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.
I enjoyed reading everything from Aphrodite’s point of view - at least you can’t accuse her of favouritism. These gods don’t seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.
Claire North’s women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. It’s clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.
I’m currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I can’t wait to read Claire North’s version (no spoiler: it’s not disappointing me at all so far!).
The Kill of It All
9.0
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A diva found dead on a commercial set. A decorator tasked to take her place. Can she remember her...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated The Fly on the Wall in Books
Apr 6, 2024
When a Reporter Becomes the Story
John Cotton is working late one night at his job as a political reporter at the state capital when another reporter comes in bragging about having just gotten a huge story. Just a few minutes later, that other reporter is dead. John begins trying to figure out what the story might be, but when another reporter is killed, he can’t help but wonder if the story he’s pursuing is deadly.
Those most familiar with Tony Hillerman because of his books set on the Navaho reservation will find this political thriller is quite a departure. Heck, it isn’t even set in the southwest, although we do get a memorable scene there. As a thriller, it took a bit to get going, but once we did, I was hooked with several edge of your seat scenes. John is the only character we truly get to know; it would have been nice to get to know some of the others better. The book originally came out in 1971, and it shows. Parts are definitely dated. None of these complaints are reasons to skip the book. If you pick it up and give it a chance, you’ll find yourself enjoying it.
Those most familiar with Tony Hillerman because of his books set on the Navaho reservation will find this political thriller is quite a departure. Heck, it isn’t even set in the southwest, although we do get a memorable scene there. As a thriller, it took a bit to get going, but once we did, I was hooked with several edge of your seat scenes. John is the only character we truly get to know; it would have been nice to get to know some of the others better. The book originally came out in 1971, and it shows. Parts are definitely dated. None of these complaints are reasons to skip the book. If you pick it up and give it a chance, you’ll find yourself enjoying it.
Love Will Tear Us Apart
9.0
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Love can be a truly terrible thing. Marriages are tricky at the best of times, especially when...