Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated Fallen Star in Books
Nov 26, 2025 (Updated Nov 26, 2025)
Body in a Barrel
LA County Sheriff Detective Eve Ronin and her partner are called to the scene of a body found in the Malibu Lagoon. Of course, it couldn’t be a body floating in the water. That would be too easy. In this case, the body was found floating in a fifty-five-gallon drum. What’s even more shocking is that Eve recognizing the victim. With his ties to some of the most powerful people in the county, can she find the killer without getting impacted by the politics of the case?
This book does contain some heavy spoilers for earlier stories in the series by necessity, but there is enough background you could jump in here. And what a wild ride it is. The plot spins in some unexpected directions, but I believed it all on the way to the logical climax. The characters are a little thin, but I do care about them. And I appreciate the depth we did get for Eve. The banter between the characters was fun, and the locker room humor was kept to a minimum. The violence was a little more than in the books I typically read. I’m ready for the next already, and fans of the series will be glad they picked this one up.
This book does contain some heavy spoilers for earlier stories in the series by necessity, but there is enough background you could jump in here. And what a wild ride it is. The plot spins in some unexpected directions, but I believed it all on the way to the logical climax. The characters are a little thin, but I do care about them. And I appreciate the depth we did get for Eve. The banter between the characters was fun, and the locker room humor was kept to a minimum. The violence was a little more than in the books I typically read. I’m ready for the next already, and fans of the series will be glad they picked this one up.
Merissa (14020 KP) rated Demon Marked (Everwood Falls #4) in Books
Mar 16, 2026
DEMON MARKED is the fourth book in the Everwood Falls series. Although you could read it as a standalone, I would personally recommend reading them in order. This town is very friendly, so that way, you would know more about the characters that pop up when needed.
Norah is the detective of Everwood Falls, keeping the town and its occupants safe. Ember is a Fae princess who adores the Mundane world (and Norah). When a curse reactivates, and Ember is in danger, Norah will do all she can to find out who did it and to find a cure.
This story definitely has golden retriever/black cat energy! Norah is all bite, black, and sharp edges, whereas Ember is fluffy, pink, and glitter. Throw in a dragon pregnancy, a bake-off show, curses, and a hellhound who keeps bursting into flames, and you have a story to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
I love returning to Everwood Falls and seeing all the old friends, while enjoying the story for the new ones. I can't wait for Bryce and Ryker's story! Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 16, 2026
Norah is the detective of Everwood Falls, keeping the town and its occupants safe. Ember is a Fae princess who adores the Mundane world (and Norah). When a curse reactivates, and Ember is in danger, Norah will do all she can to find out who did it and to find a cure.
This story definitely has golden retriever/black cat energy! Norah is all bite, black, and sharp edges, whereas Ember is fluffy, pink, and glitter. Throw in a dragon pregnancy, a bake-off show, curses, and a hellhound who keeps bursting into flames, and you have a story to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
I love returning to Everwood Falls and seeing all the old friends, while enjoying the story for the new ones. I can't wait for Bryce and Ryker's story! Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 16, 2026
Merissa (14020 KP) rated Hunger (Blood Rose Tales #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This story is about Brianna, a mortal in love with a vampire, and Yolen, a detective vampire on the heels of a drugs kingpin and determined to keep Brianna safe, no matter the cost. Yolen has the potential to become a mastyr vampire but doesn't want it after he saw a friend and his mate get killed immediately after he 'levelled up'. Things are going downhill for Brianna and Yolen as they both want something different but Brianna can't understand why she keeps on pushing. Throw Mastyr Keynes into the mix and we get a hot, fast-paced story.
The characters are well-rounded and old favourites are either mentioned or make cameo appearances. This world becomes more real every time I read about it. The plot is fast-paced and with no holes, although the 'bad guy' is known almost from the start, it's not for the mystery that you read this book. It is romantic and funny, hot and sad.
Definitely recommended for all fans of Caris Roane and if you haven't read anything of hers, then I can highly recommend the Blood Rose series as a starting point.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 31, 2015
The characters are well-rounded and old favourites are either mentioned or make cameo appearances. This world becomes more real every time I read about it. The plot is fast-paced and with no holes, although the 'bad guy' is known almost from the start, it's not for the mystery that you read this book. It is romantic and funny, hot and sad.
Definitely recommended for all fans of Caris Roane and if you haven't read anything of hers, then I can highly recommend the Blood Rose series as a starting point.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 31, 2015
Murder During the LA Riots
When the LA riots happened back in 1992, Harry Bosch was a homicide detective who was called in to work crime scenes as quickly as possible since there were so many happening during that time. One of those was of a reporter from a paper in Europe. Nothing ever came of the case until twenty years later. Bosch is now working in the cold case squad, but a ballistics hit was just made that links the gun that killed the reporter to gang related murders that have happened in the years since. Can Bosch use this fresh new lead to finally solve the case?
Once again, part of the fun of the series is watching Bosch work his way to the conclusion. I never would have guessed it, but it makes perfect sense when we get there. Along the way, I enjoy spending time with Bosch and seeing how his life has evolved. I especially enjoyed watching his relationship with his daughter in this book. I did find the office politics Bosch faces border on clichéd, although I did see the higher ups point in one aspect here. I also found something that happened near the climax a little too convenient. But both of these are minor points in an otherwise strong book that will please series fans.
Once again, part of the fun of the series is watching Bosch work his way to the conclusion. I never would have guessed it, but it makes perfect sense when we get there. Along the way, I enjoy spending time with Bosch and seeing how his life has evolved. I especially enjoyed watching his relationship with his daughter in this book. I did find the office politics Bosch faces border on clichéd, although I did see the higher ups point in one aspect here. I also found something that happened near the climax a little too convenient. But both of these are minor points in an otherwise strong book that will please series fans.
How to Book a Murder
7.0
Rate It
Book
Perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Kate Carlisle, in Agatha award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn’s...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated The Invisible Assistant in Books
Jan 26, 2022
Magical Locked Room Mystery
Magician Eli Marks is surprised when his ex-wife, Deirdre, shows up at one of his magic shows with her new husband, Homicide Detective Fred Hutton. However, they are there seeking Eli’s advice. A recent murder/suicide inside a lock townhome appears to be open and shut to Fred, but Deirdre, a DA, is certain that something else is going on, and she is hoping that Eli’s unique view of things will help explain what really happened. Will his knowledge of magic help solve the case?
I’ve been meaning to read this story for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. This is a classic locked room mystery, and I always enjoy those. The solution was logical if a bit of a stretch. Still, I was willing to buy into it. We really only have three characters in this story, and the interaction between them was fun. As a fan of the series, I laughed at some of it, in fact. I suspect that those coming to the characters first the first time will find it just as amusing. The story is set early in the series, so fans should expect those dynamics as they read. Whether you are new to Eli’s world or not, this is a short story you’ll enjoy.
I’ve been meaning to read this story for a while, and I’m glad I finally did. This is a classic locked room mystery, and I always enjoy those. The solution was logical if a bit of a stretch. Still, I was willing to buy into it. We really only have three characters in this story, and the interaction between them was fun. As a fan of the series, I laughed at some of it, in fact. I suspect that those coming to the characters first the first time will find it just as amusing. The story is set early in the series, so fans should expect those dynamics as they read. Whether you are new to Eli’s world or not, this is a short story you’ll enjoy.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Jul 22, 2022
A Book Club to Die For
8.0
Rate It
Book
When a member of an exclusive book club is checked out, spunky librarian Trudell Becket must sort...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated The Drop (Harry Bosch #17) in Books
Jul 26, 2022
Bosch Has Two Cases Dropped on Him
LAPD Detective Harry Bosch is excited when he and his partner get handed a hot lead on a cold case from 1989. DNA from a blood sample has identified a suspect. The problem? He was eight-years-old when the murder happened. Before they can figure out what is really going on, they are handed a fresh case. Councilman Irvin Irving’s son died when he fell out of a hotel balcony. The question is, did he jump or was he pushed. Despite their previous history, Irving specifically requested Bosch work the case. Can he avoid the politics and solve both cases?
I was immediately intrigued with both of the cases presented here. Between the two, the story was always moving forward, and I had a hard time stopping before I reached the logical climax. One aspect was left opened, but it was small. One of the storylines goes pretty dark, and overall this is a darker book than I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. I do like Bosch, but some of his behavior to his partner was frustrating here. On the other hand, I enjoy watching his relationship with his daughter continue to grow. This is another strong entry that will please fans of the series.
I was immediately intrigued with both of the cases presented here. Between the two, the story was always moving forward, and I had a hard time stopping before I reached the logical climax. One aspect was left opened, but it was small. One of the storylines goes pretty dark, and overall this is a darker book than I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. I do like Bosch, but some of his behavior to his partner was frustrating here. On the other hand, I enjoy watching his relationship with his daughter continue to grow. This is another strong entry that will please fans of the series.
Murder on Pleasant Avenue
9.0
Rate It
Book
When midwife Sarah and detective Frank Malloy’s friend and new partner Gino Donatelli is accused...