Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated The Body in the Cattails in Books
Aug 5, 2023 (Updated Aug 5, 2023)
Really, there are four main characters, and we get to see the story from all of their points of view. They also have their own arcs. But it is all balanced wonderfully. It never becomes too much or overwhelming, and I loved every second of it. This is all juggled with the main mystery, which kept me engaged before becoming a pager turner at the climax. This is one of those books you don’t want to end because you don’t want to leave the characters behind. I already can’t wait for book two to come out. Get this utterly charming series debut today. You’ll be glad you did.
Fire Rush
10.0
Rate It
Book
This is our dancing time. Yamaye lives for the weekend, when she can go raving with her friends...
Historical fiction Literary fiction Music Race Women’s Prize Shortlist 2023
Merissa (13422 KP) rated Dalysian Hope (Dalysia #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2023
This is the author's debut novel and I am already in love with her intimate and descriptive writing style. It doesn't feel like it was written for the masses, but rather just for "you" alone. This means that you are drawn right into the story and care about the characters, some more than others!
With layer upon layer woven together in a thrilling elemental story, this book will sweep you away and definitely leave you wanting more.
Oh, one thing more I need to say - TEAM REN!!!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 30, 2016
In Rob Rinder's debut novel, he has created a veritable smorgasbord of excellent characters, a totally engrossing story with twists and turns and all written at a good pace. I particularly liked the chapters given over to conversations and messages between Adam and his mother, who is determined to marry him off to a good Jewish girl, which adds humour to the story.
Although a work of fiction, it is clear that Mr Rinder has put a lot of his own experiences into the book which added a level of authenticity and realism without it being dry and boring and I, for one, hope there is more to come as I want to know how Adam develops as a barrister and to make sure he is eating enough and/or whether he finds a nice Jewish girl!!!!
Many thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Trial.
The Mars Migration
Book
"The ending of the novel had me at the edge of my seat the whole way through, a purely addictive...
science fiction
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Dead and Gondola in Books
Jan 5, 2024
The premise of the setting and the mystery itself both intrigued me, so I was hoping to like this one. While the mystery started out strongly, it became uneven as the book went along. There are some good surprises along the way, and I was happy with the solution. It took a while for me to get to truly know the characters and setting. By the end, I felt at home, however. The result was a mixed debut. I'm not sorry I read the book, but I felt like I had to work at it a little more than I should have.
Dearly Deleted
10.0
Rate It
Book
For the first time since moving to Copper Bay, Massachusetts, book blogger Winnie Lark is planning...
The Gardener’s Plot
5.0
Rate It
Book
A woman helps set up a community garden in the Berkshires, only to find a body in one of the plots...
Merissa (13422 KP) rated My Masked Stalker (Beautiful Stalkers #1) in Books
Sep 15, 2025
Killian is on a job when he first sees Emily, and from that moment on, all bets are off. She is his, even if she doesn't know it yet. And as for Emily, well, she knows she should contact the police, block his number, etc. etc., but she doesn't.
The pacing is fast (as expected with a novella) but perfectly timed. The characters are brilliant and will definitely leave you wanting more of them. It is exceedingly well-written, with the connection between Killian and Emily clear to see. As for Killian and Emily themselves, I loved the banter between them, while the hotness was off the charts.
I can't wait to read more in this series, especially when Ethan and Damian fall! Just remember it's DARK, and you should be okay. Definitely recommended by me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sep 15, 2025
Black Rabbit Hall
6.0
Rate It
Book
One golden family. One fateful summer. Four lives changed forever. Amber Alton knows that the hours...