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Heart of the Impaler
Book
Alexander Delacroix’s darkly romantic debut Heart of the Impaler is perfect for fans of Kiersten...
Young Adult Historical
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2652 KP) rated Buried in a Good Book in Books
May 25, 2022 (Updated May 25, 2022)
Life in the Wilderness Proves to be Deadly
In an attempt to bond with her teenage daughter after a divorce, bestselling thriller authors Tess Harrow decides to spend some time at the rustic cabin she’s recently inherited. But it turns out the lack of running water, electricity, and Wi-Fi aren’t the worst things there. Tess and her daughter haven’t even gotten in the door before there is a horrible boom followed by a rain of fish parts and a human arm. When the sheriff shows up, he is the spitting image of Tess’s main character. What has Tess stumbled into?
If that description sounds a little wacky, that’s because it is. But this book fully embraces it, and is better as a result. I was laughing the entire way through the book at the banter between the characters. The characters are strong and relatable if a bit broad to make the comedy work. I did feel the plot got a little convoluted as we neared the end, but that was my only complaint. Everything made sense in the end, and I was drawn in the entire time I was reading. If you are looking for laughs with your mystery, you’ll be happy you picked up this series debut.
If that description sounds a little wacky, that’s because it is. But this book fully embraces it, and is better as a result. I was laughing the entire way through the book at the banter between the characters. The characters are strong and relatable if a bit broad to make the comedy work. I did feel the plot got a little convoluted as we neared the end, but that was my only complaint. Everything made sense in the end, and I was drawn in the entire time I was reading. If you are looking for laughs with your mystery, you’ll be happy you picked up this series debut.
A Christmas Candy Killing
8.0
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Book
Their chocolates are to die for—but things aren’t so sweet when a real killer comes to town, in...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Witch in Books
Aug 21, 2022
148 of 230
Kindle
Witch
By Finbar Hawkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set in the 17th century, a breathtaking debut, and a potential prize-winner, about the power of women, witchcraft, fury, revenge and the ties that bind us.
After witnessing the brutal murder of her mother by witch-hunters, Evey vows to avenge her and track down the killers. Fury burns in her bright and strong. But she has promised her mother that she will keep Dill, her little sister, safe.
As the lust for blood and retribution rises to fever pitch, will Evey keep true to the bonds of sisterhood and to the magick that is her destiny?
I can’t work out how I honestly feel about this book. It was odd bits I enjoyed and bits I couldn’t settle with. It was written really well but something is pulling at me to make me unsure. That possibly means no sense to anyone but me. I think I may come back and reread it at another time and see if I see it any differently. If you like folksy witchy books then I think you will like the feel of this story of a young girls journey to getting revenge and finding her inner witch.
Kindle
Witch
By Finbar Hawkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set in the 17th century, a breathtaking debut, and a potential prize-winner, about the power of women, witchcraft, fury, revenge and the ties that bind us.
After witnessing the brutal murder of her mother by witch-hunters, Evey vows to avenge her and track down the killers. Fury burns in her bright and strong. But she has promised her mother that she will keep Dill, her little sister, safe.
As the lust for blood and retribution rises to fever pitch, will Evey keep true to the bonds of sisterhood and to the magick that is her destiny?
I can’t work out how I honestly feel about this book. It was odd bits I enjoyed and bits I couldn’t settle with. It was written really well but something is pulling at me to make me unsure. That possibly means no sense to anyone but me. I think I may come back and reread it at another time and see if I see it any differently. If you like folksy witchy books then I think you will like the feel of this story of a young girls journey to getting revenge and finding her inner witch.
Love Orange
8.0
Rate It
Book
An extraordinary debut novel by Natasha Randall, exposing the seam of secrets within an American...
Chasing Harmony
Book
A refreshing YA debut from Canadian author Melanie Bell, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Becky...
Young Adult LGBTQIA+
Merissa (14182 KP) rated Divergent in Books
May 29, 2023
I will admit to being late to this party - not only are all three books out (and have been for a while) but the films are also out too. Not only that, but I have seen the first film, so I was unsure of what I would be reading. Would the book have more information than the book? Would it be vastly different? Would I enjoy it as much?
First off, this is a fantastic debut book! Full of action, suspense, loyalty, terror, and love, it had everything I could have wanted. Well written, with a smooth pace and excellent build-up, this flowed from page to page, keeping me gripped and wanting to know more. The characters are charismatic and you either love or hate them. The Factions seem real, both the good sides and the bad.
For anyone even later to the party than I was, I can highly recommend this book, and I am left wanting to read the next in the series immediately!
* 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!
Mar 13, 2016
First off, this is a fantastic debut book! Full of action, suspense, loyalty, terror, and love, it had everything I could have wanted. Well written, with a smooth pace and excellent build-up, this flowed from page to page, keeping me gripped and wanting to know more. The characters are charismatic and you either love or hate them. The Factions seem real, both the good sides and the bad.
For anyone even later to the party than I was, I can highly recommend this book, and I am left wanting to read the next in the series immediately!
* 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!
Mar 13, 2016
Merissa (14182 KP) rated Bound to Survive (The Magic Within #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2023
This book will take you back in time to when fantasy stories were epic in every good sense of the word. There is a tale to tell and you will be engrossed and want to stay with the story until it reaches its conclusion.
There are so many interesting characters in here but one who quickly wormed his way into my affections was Clarence. The dignity he showed whilst being held captive was so endearing, I couldn't help but love him. I also loved how we had the backstory incorporated in the tale although admittedly it spun my mind until I realised which time frame I was in.
Heroes with a secret past, baddies with attitude, sorcery, magic, sword and even axe play - they're all here. The world that Sharon has created is full of history and depth. This is Sharon's debut novel which I think is absolutely fantastic. I am looking forward to the release of book 2 in The Magic Within series which should be later this year.
Highly recommended for all fans of fantasy.
* 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!
Jan 30, 2015
There are so many interesting characters in here but one who quickly wormed his way into my affections was Clarence. The dignity he showed whilst being held captive was so endearing, I couldn't help but love him. I also loved how we had the backstory incorporated in the tale although admittedly it spun my mind until I realised which time frame I was in.
Heroes with a secret past, baddies with attitude, sorcery, magic, sword and even axe play - they're all here. The world that Sharon has created is full of history and depth. This is Sharon's debut novel which I think is absolutely fantastic. I am looking forward to the release of book 2 in The Magic Within series which should be later this year.
Highly recommended for all fans of fantasy.
* 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!
Jan 30, 2015
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2652 KP) rated Old Habits Die Hard in Books
Sep 25, 2026 (Updated Sep 25, 2026)
Sadly, I Don’t Think This Series Will Become a Habit
Sister Bernadette retired from teaching and her life as a nun, but she’s found herself living in The Abbey: Senior Living, the sight of the school where she taught for years now renovated into senior apartments. The residents are becoming a close-knit community, which is why, when the body of one of the residents is found, it upsets everyone. Especially since it doesn’t appear to be the obvious natural causes. The detective assigned to the case is AJ Lewis, one of Bernadette’s former students. Can the pair crack the case and figure out what really happened?
This series sounded promising, and the book started well. But then it stalled. The revelations and twists were few and far between. Part of that is that Sister Bernadette, while a viewpoint character, doesn’t add much to the story. Some, but not enough. Detective AJ is better at advancing the story, but even then, it’s slow. Which is a shame because they were both good characters. Also be away there is some foul language, something I wasn’t expecting for a series featuring a retired nun. This debut just didn’t work for me.
This series sounded promising, and the book started well. But then it stalled. The revelations and twists were few and far between. Part of that is that Sister Bernadette, while a viewpoint character, doesn’t add much to the story. Some, but not enough. Detective AJ is better at advancing the story, but even then, it’s slow. Which is a shame because they were both good characters. Also be away there is some foul language, something I wasn’t expecting for a series featuring a retired nun. This debut just didn’t work for me.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated The Art of Letting Go by Mauwe in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Mauwe (Portia & Jay) is a Bristol-based indie-pop duo. Not too long ago, they released their debut EP, entitled, “The Art of Letting Go”.
The 5-track project is a chronicle of love lessons that Mauwe learned in life. Also, hopefulness is the common theme throughout the EP.
“That’s All”
That’s All wishes an old flame the best. Nothing more nothing less. The song is sung from a female’s point of view, where the woman in question is thinking about her ex-boyfriend.
She knows their relationship is over. Plus, she’s dealing with the fact that he has moved on with another woman. But that doesn’t stop her from telling him that she’s thinking about him.
“Smoked a Pack”
Smoke a Pack is an edgy song about a woman that’s waiting for a phone call from a man she regrets being in a relationship with. While waiting, she realizes she should have never gotten into a relationship with him in the first place.
The woman is thinking about her friends warning her not to get into the relationship and other regretful actions. The situation is nerve-racking so she smokes a pack of cigarettes. She’s trying to release her stress and anger the cheapest way she knows how.
“Gold”
Gold is an apprehensive song about falling for someone new. The song places a woman that’s drunk in love with a man that makes her feel like gold.
The woman compares her current state of drunken love to someone who is on drink number three. Depending on what that person is drinking, probably means she’s feeling good inside.
“Walls”
Walls is an emotional R&B/Soul ballad. It’s about a woman who’s losing her mind. Although she’s out of a broken relationship, her heart is still imprisoned there.
The woman is going insane trying to forget her ex’s name. She used to have control, but since he let her go, she writes on the walls to past time. Sometimes, love is a pretty gloomy thing isn’t it?
“Strangers”
If you’ve ever taken the time to look back at some of life’s more challenging moments, accompanied by a tub of Ben & Jerry’s or a bottle of wine, you’ll probably relate to Strangers.
The song is built on the sereneness of solitary thought. On moments that give us the clarity needed to see things how they really were.
Mauwe’s songwriting directions have a clear lineage to what they were influenced by prior to their formation.
Jay outlines contemporary folk and electronica as his staples growing up.
In conclusion, we highly recommend that you listen to Mauwe’s debut EP, entitled, “The Art of Letting Go”.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mauwe-art-letting-go/
The 5-track project is a chronicle of love lessons that Mauwe learned in life. Also, hopefulness is the common theme throughout the EP.
“That’s All”
That’s All wishes an old flame the best. Nothing more nothing less. The song is sung from a female’s point of view, where the woman in question is thinking about her ex-boyfriend.
She knows their relationship is over. Plus, she’s dealing with the fact that he has moved on with another woman. But that doesn’t stop her from telling him that she’s thinking about him.
“Smoked a Pack”
Smoke a Pack is an edgy song about a woman that’s waiting for a phone call from a man she regrets being in a relationship with. While waiting, she realizes she should have never gotten into a relationship with him in the first place.
The woman is thinking about her friends warning her not to get into the relationship and other regretful actions. The situation is nerve-racking so she smokes a pack of cigarettes. She’s trying to release her stress and anger the cheapest way she knows how.
“Gold”
Gold is an apprehensive song about falling for someone new. The song places a woman that’s drunk in love with a man that makes her feel like gold.
The woman compares her current state of drunken love to someone who is on drink number three. Depending on what that person is drinking, probably means she’s feeling good inside.
“Walls”
Walls is an emotional R&B/Soul ballad. It’s about a woman who’s losing her mind. Although she’s out of a broken relationship, her heart is still imprisoned there.
The woman is going insane trying to forget her ex’s name. She used to have control, but since he let her go, she writes on the walls to past time. Sometimes, love is a pretty gloomy thing isn’t it?
“Strangers”
If you’ve ever taken the time to look back at some of life’s more challenging moments, accompanied by a tub of Ben & Jerry’s or a bottle of wine, you’ll probably relate to Strangers.
The song is built on the sereneness of solitary thought. On moments that give us the clarity needed to see things how they really were.
Mauwe’s songwriting directions have a clear lineage to what they were influenced by prior to their formation.
Jay outlines contemporary folk and electronica as his staples growing up.
In conclusion, we highly recommend that you listen to Mauwe’s debut EP, entitled, “The Art of Letting Go”.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mauwe-art-letting-go/