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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Nogged Off in Books
Nov 3, 2019
Julia’s First Eventful Christmas Back Home
This story finds Julia Snowden taking a quick day trip to New York City to pack up the rest of her belongings so she can permanently move to Maine. When she arrives, she finds her sub-tenant to be upset about some setbacks in her personal life, and Julia winds up inviting Imogen home for Christmas. However, Julia’s Christmas gets more complicated when her moving truck is stolen after they arrive in Busman’s Harbor. What is going on?
I love this series, and I enjoyed getting to visit Julia at Christmas. I was able to get fully lost in this story right away since I already know the series characters and the setting. The plot was fun with some good twists before we reached the end. Barbara Ross includes some fun Christmas traditions that are unique to Maine without slowing down the story, and they give us that all important Christmas feeling. There are a couple of recipes at the end of the story, as always, to enjoy during the holiday season.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Eggnog Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas trip to Maine.
I love this series, and I enjoyed getting to visit Julia at Christmas. I was able to get fully lost in this story right away since I already know the series characters and the setting. The plot was fun with some good twists before we reached the end. Barbara Ross includes some fun Christmas traditions that are unique to Maine without slowing down the story, and they give us that all important Christmas feeling. There are a couple of recipes at the end of the story, as always, to enjoy during the holiday season.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Eggnog Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas trip to Maine.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
May 27, 2021
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Mistletoe and Murder in Books
Oct 18, 2023
Christmas Wedding Faces Criminal Complications
It’s five days before Kate Hamilton is set to marry Detective Inspector Tom Mallory on Christmas Eve, and the complications are starting to come, like travel delays for Kate’s family and friends coming from the states. But the bigger complication comes from Sheila Parker, an acquaintance who comes looking for an appraisal of her coin collection. That night, Sheila’s house is searched. The next day, Sheila vanishes. Can Kate figure out what happened to Sheila before her wedding?
I find missing person mysteries to be that much more compelling, so I was hooked on this one quickly. I did figure a couple of things out early, but there were still plenty of surprised on the way to the climax. Meanwhile, I loved spending time with the characters old and new. We get some good updates on ongoing storylines, and the ending sets up the next full length book. I am a bit surprised that the wedding came in an ebook only novella, and there isn’t a lot of time for Christmas trappings, but both of these are minor issues. Fans will be happy to get a chance to visit the characters again. While this might not be the best place to start if you are new to the series, I definitely recommend you start the series soon.
I find missing person mysteries to be that much more compelling, so I was hooked on this one quickly. I did figure a couple of things out early, but there were still plenty of surprised on the way to the climax. Meanwhile, I loved spending time with the characters old and new. We get some good updates on ongoing storylines, and the ending sets up the next full length book. I am a bit surprised that the wedding came in an ebook only novella, and there isn’t a lot of time for Christmas trappings, but both of these are minor issues. Fans will be happy to get a chance to visit the characters again. While this might not be the best place to start if you are new to the series, I definitely recommend you start the series soon.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Christmas Cocoa and a Corpse in Books
Nov 8, 2022
Murder Leaves Behind Spilled Cocoa
It’s the week before Christmas, and business is booming at Robbie’s restaurant, Pans ‘N Pancakes. However, not everyone is in a festive mood. Local businessman Jed Greenburg is found dead on the sidewalk while he was out walking a Chocolate lab puppy, the spilled contents of a mug of Robbie’s special hot chocolate blend next to him. What happened?
It’s no surprise to me that I enjoyed this novella. Several of the series regulars are away for the holiday, which actually works out very well since this is a novella. We are able to focus on the characters important to mystery. Robbie’s boyfriend’s family are actually key to the events as they unfold, and it was great to get to know them a little better. The mystery was strong, and I enjoyed watching it unfold. As always, the scenes in the restaurant made my mouth water, and I am now craving breakfast foods. Fortunately, the novella includes a couple of recipes, including a special hot chocolate recipe.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
It’s no surprise to me that I enjoyed this novella. Several of the series regulars are away for the holiday, which actually works out very well since this is a novella. We are able to focus on the characters important to mystery. Robbie’s boyfriend’s family are actually key to the events as they unfold, and it was great to get to know them a little better. The mystery was strong, and I enjoyed watching it unfold. As always, the scenes in the restaurant made my mouth water, and I am now craving breakfast foods. Fortunately, the novella includes a couple of recipes, including a special hot chocolate recipe.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Christmas Cocoa Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
Brenna (3 KP) rated Libby, by OverDrive in Apps
May 17, 2018
free to use (3 more)
pretty interface
automatic book return
both audio and ebook files!
need a library card to use (2 more)
selection can be limited
can take some getting used to
A Must-Have App for Any Book Lover
I discovered Libby at the suggestion of another internet user, and while I didn't even have a library card to begin with, I have since fallen in love.
Why I Love it: As a college student, I don't have a lot of spare money. As a college student who loves to read, this can be a problem! Libby solves some of these issues for me. It's basically an easy way to access the digital content from your local libraries. All you need is a library card. If you like audiobooks or ebooks, this is an app for you.
The Downsides: There are a few downsides to Libby. For one, you need a library card - but those are easy enough to come by, right? Second, the selection can be somewhat limited depending on what your library system houses. The best solution to this is to get multiple library cards, but while this is good for college students and out-of-towners, its not a viable option for everyone. Another issue is waiting lists on both ebooks and audibooks, much like you're actually checking out a book at a library. This is kind of annoying, but it's a small price to pay for an app that is otherwise really great.
Why I Love it: As a college student, I don't have a lot of spare money. As a college student who loves to read, this can be a problem! Libby solves some of these issues for me. It's basically an easy way to access the digital content from your local libraries. All you need is a library card. If you like audiobooks or ebooks, this is an app for you.
The Downsides: There are a few downsides to Libby. For one, you need a library card - but those are easy enough to come by, right? Second, the selection can be somewhat limited depending on what your library system houses. The best solution to this is to get multiple library cards, but while this is good for college students and out-of-towners, its not a viable option for everyone. Another issue is waiting lists on both ebooks and audibooks, much like you're actually checking out a book at a library. This is kind of annoying, but it's a small price to pay for an app that is otherwise really great.
A journal in which you are given different activities to improve your happiness.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The setup of Press Here! Acupressure for Beginners: How to Release and Balance Energy Flow by Bob Doto reminded me of the setup of Press Here! Massage for Beginners: A Simple Route to Relaxation and Releasing Tension by Rachel Beider. They both have colorful illustrations to highlight different parts of the body. They show different techniques for specific issues or different parts of the body. Both also show how to work on others and on yourself. Both are written for beginners but include beneficial information for those who are familiar with the activities.
I have always been interested in Acupuncture but have not experienced it. When I heard about Acupressure I was intrigued. I suffer from Sinusitis and other issues which this book focuses on. I am attempting to relieve some on the pain and, hopefully, to save money on doctor's visit.
I had difficulty reading the ebook. The print was small and, when zoomed in, the page would go blank. I eventually took a screenshots so I could zoom in to make the print large enough to read comfortably. Some of the fonts were blurry even when not zoomed it. However, the information I learned was worth the hassle.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/18/19.
The setup of Press Here! Acupressure for Beginners: How to Release and Balance Energy Flow by Bob Doto reminded me of the setup of Press Here! Massage for Beginners: A Simple Route to Relaxation and Releasing Tension by Rachel Beider. They both have colorful illustrations to highlight different parts of the body. They show different techniques for specific issues or different parts of the body. Both also show how to work on others and on yourself. Both are written for beginners but include beneficial information for those who are familiar with the activities.
I have always been interested in Acupuncture but have not experienced it. When I heard about Acupressure I was intrigued. I suffer from Sinusitis and other issues which this book focuses on. I am attempting to relieve some on the pain and, hopefully, to save money on doctor's visit.
I had difficulty reading the ebook. The print was small and, when zoomed in, the page would go blank. I eventually took a screenshots so I could zoom in to make the print large enough to read comfortably. Some of the fonts were blurry even when not zoomed it. However, the information I learned was worth the hassle.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/18/19.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Wuthering Kites in Books
Sep 5, 2018
How Did the Corpse Get Into Emmy's Shop?
Emmy Adler has just moved into the apartment above her kite shop. That's why she hears the scream when Stella, her part time employee, goes to open the store that morning. Stella has found a dead body in the middle of the shop's floor. Neither of the women recognize the victim, and the police aren't certain who she was either. Who could the victim be? Why was she in Emmy's locked shop in the middle of the night? And who killed her?
There are some fun twists to this mystery early on, but the pacing does lag a time or two before Emmy figures everything out. Once she does, we are in for a wonderful climax. I missed one or two of the series characters, but others were there to step in and keep us entertained. Naturally, the book has plenty of new characters, and they were well developed, making them good suspects in the case. One of the returning characters in this book does spoil some events from the previous book. I loved seeing this character again, but you might want to read book two in the series before you pick this one up. Unlike the first two in the series, this one is coming out as an ebook only, but fans of the series will be thrilled to see these characters again.
There are some fun twists to this mystery early on, but the pacing does lag a time or two before Emmy figures everything out. Once she does, we are in for a wonderful climax. I missed one or two of the series characters, but others were there to step in and keep us entertained. Naturally, the book has plenty of new characters, and they were well developed, making them good suspects in the case. One of the returning characters in this book does spoil some events from the previous book. I loved seeing this character again, but you might want to read book two in the series before you pick this one up. Unlike the first two in the series, this one is coming out as an ebook only, but fans of the series will be thrilled to see these characters again.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Case of the Paranoid Panda: An Irwin Lalune Mystery in Books
Dec 14, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Case of the Paranoid Panda</i> is a delightful children’s story by Bruce Murphy about a skunk detective who enjoys solving mysteries. Irwin Lalune is a skunk on a mission after he is informed about a panda at the zoo that has been acting strangely. The panda – Ling Ming – has not been eating or sleeping and has become very paranoid; Irwin is determined to find out why.
With the help of Larry the squirrel, Irwin investigates and interviews a variety of animals as he slowly pieces together what it was that scared the panda so much. The more Irwin probes into the case the more dangerous it becomes.
<i>The Case of the Paranoid Panda </i>is an enchanting little story that will amuse both children and adults. It is full of wit and adorable characters that everyone will be able to appreciate. Some of the humour may not be detected by younger readers, therefore readers of ages eight and upwards are the most appropriate target audience for this book.
Christian Paniagua has provided charming illustrations of the characters throughout the book, which will greatly appeal to youngsters. Although this is the only Irwin Lalune mystery so far, there is great potential of developing a series of stories with animal related cases for the skunk to crack.
The Case of the Paranoid Panda</i> is a delightful children’s story by Bruce Murphy about a skunk detective who enjoys solving mysteries. Irwin Lalune is a skunk on a mission after he is informed about a panda at the zoo that has been acting strangely. The panda – Ling Ming – has not been eating or sleeping and has become very paranoid; Irwin is determined to find out why.
With the help of Larry the squirrel, Irwin investigates and interviews a variety of animals as he slowly pieces together what it was that scared the panda so much. The more Irwin probes into the case the more dangerous it becomes.
<i>The Case of the Paranoid Panda </i>is an enchanting little story that will amuse both children and adults. It is full of wit and adorable characters that everyone will be able to appreciate. Some of the humour may not be detected by younger readers, therefore readers of ages eight and upwards are the most appropriate target audience for this book.
Christian Paniagua has provided charming illustrations of the characters throughout the book, which will greatly appeal to youngsters. Although this is the only Irwin Lalune mystery so far, there is great potential of developing a series of stories with animal related cases for the skunk to crack.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Oct 4, 2020
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Going Nowhere Fast in Books
May 16, 2020
Corpse in the Airstream Bathroom
When Joe Loudermilk took his retirement from the Los Angeles police department, he and his wife, Dottie, bought an Airstream trailer and hit the road, enjoying the sights and sounds of wherever they decide to visit. They also left their grown kids behind, so returning to their trailer one day, they are surprised to find their youngest son inside. Even more surprising is their son’s announcement that there is a dead body in the bathroom. None of them recognize the corpse. Who is he? Why is their son there?
I grew up camping, so this is one of several series I’ve wanted to try that involve camping. The plot is fun, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I did find a couple of the characters – Joe especially – annoying. I’m sure he was supposed to be funny, but the fact that he seemed to always be mad at others didn’t make me laugh. Still, this is a minor complaint, and I loved Dottie, our main character. The book was originally released in the mid-90’s, so it provides a fun reminder of just how much our life has changed since then. At least the physical book I read does; I don’t know if anything was updated before the ebook was released. This book has been sitting on my to be read pile for years, and I’m glad I finally pulled it out and read it.
I grew up camping, so this is one of several series I’ve wanted to try that involve camping. The plot is fun, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I did find a couple of the characters – Joe especially – annoying. I’m sure he was supposed to be funny, but the fact that he seemed to always be mad at others didn’t make me laugh. Still, this is a minor complaint, and I loved Dottie, our main character. The book was originally released in the mid-90’s, so it provides a fun reminder of just how much our life has changed since then. At least the physical book I read does; I don’t know if anything was updated before the ebook was released. This book has been sitting on my to be read pile for years, and I’m glad I finally pulled it out and read it.