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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Resort to Murder in Books
Jul 31, 2025
Who Killed the Developer at Emmy’s Family Resort?
When her life takes an unexpected turn, Emmy Cooper heads to visit her family who runs a resort on the shores of a lake in Wisconsin. When she arrives, she learns that a developer is trying to buy up her family’s land and surrounding land to build a mega resort. While no one is interested in selling, he isn’t taking no for an answer. When he turns up dead on Emmy’s family’s property the morning after a public fight with Emmy’s father, he looks like the prime suspect. Can Emmy clear her dad?
I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this series, and I can see why. The setting is wonderful. It’s one of those places I’d love to visit between murders. The cast of characters are fantastic as well. You can tell just how much they all care for each other. The plot was strong, too, and kept me guessing until we reached the logical climax. Unfortunately, the dialogue was often summarized for us, which pulled me out of the book. I’m still looking forward to visiting this new group of friends again soon.
I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this series, and I can see why. The setting is wonderful. It’s one of those places I’d love to visit between murders. The cast of characters are fantastic as well. You can tell just how much they all care for each other. The plot was strong, too, and kept me guessing until we reached the logical climax. Unfortunately, the dialogue was often summarized for us, which pulled me out of the book. I’m still looking forward to visiting this new group of friends again soon.
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Scaling the Moon (A Wildewardian Tale #2) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
SCALING THE MOON is a Wildewardian Tale that accompanies the main series, The Wildeward Academy.
Evetta and Gemma are both supporting characters who still managed to have their own love story alongside Victoria and her coterie. HOWEVER, as with all of this author's characters, I wanted more. I wanted to know how they got together, what troubles they faced... You know what I mean. And this novella delivered all of that and more.
Evetta really comes into her own in this story. You understand more about the role she chooses with Victoria. As for Gemma, well, I already knew her 'father' was a piece of work but this just compounded it. Luckily for me, I've already read Victoria's story, so I knew what happened.
A brilliant side story to an amazing series. I would definitely recommend you read all of them, just so you don't miss anything. Absolutely fantastic.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2023
Evetta and Gemma are both supporting characters who still managed to have their own love story alongside Victoria and her coterie. HOWEVER, as with all of this author's characters, I wanted more. I wanted to know how they got together, what troubles they faced... You know what I mean. And this novella delivered all of that and more.
Evetta really comes into her own in this story. You understand more about the role she chooses with Victoria. As for Gemma, well, I already knew her 'father' was a piece of work but this just compounded it. Luckily for me, I've already read Victoria's story, so I knew what happened.
A brilliant side story to an amazing series. I would definitely recommend you read all of them, just so you don't miss anything. Absolutely fantastic.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2023
Of Sea and Stone (Secrets of Itlantis #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Romance. Adventure. Cities under the sea. Perfect for readers who like determined, clever heroines,...
Young Adult Fantasy
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Unraveled by Darkness (Between Ruin and Salvation #2) by V.J. Silvey in Books
Apr 12, 2023
Contains spoilers, click to show
UNRAVELED BY DARKNESS is the second book in the Between Ruin and Salvation series and you ABSOLUTELY have to read book one to understand anything that's going on here.
And what is going on? Well, people keep making decisions for Ava, Makaii is still a first-class jerk, Derek is still trying to do the right thing, and Bailey is still enjoying her shopping! Oh, and there's just a small thing about Ava being pregnant and slowly going mad.
This book is so incredibly well-written, it took my breath away. Whether it was from cursing out Makaii to encouraging Ava. The story as a whole is fantastic; this instalment will keep you on the edge of your seat; the cliffhanger will have you throwing your Kindle at the wall.
Honestly can't wait for book 3 so I can clear my day and just sit down and read!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
** 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!
March 13, 2023
And what is going on? Well, people keep making decisions for Ava, Makaii is still a first-class jerk, Derek is still trying to do the right thing, and Bailey is still enjoying her shopping! Oh, and there's just a small thing about Ava being pregnant and slowly going mad.
This book is so incredibly well-written, it took my breath away. Whether it was from cursing out Makaii to encouraging Ava. The story as a whole is fantastic; this instalment will keep you on the edge of your seat; the cliffhanger will have you throwing your Kindle at the wall.
Honestly can't wait for book 3 so I can clear my day and just sit down and read!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
** 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!
March 13, 2023
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Sparks (Sparks Saga #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is a brilliant epic fantasy that grabs you from the start and refuses to let go throughout. It is an emotionally packed story that will keep you turning the pages, long after you should have put it down and gone to bed!
The main characters of Lark, Khea, and Micha are all fantastic and I loved all three of them for their varying abilities and differing personalities. I wasn't too sure about Avis to begin with, but before long, I was loving every scene he was in. As this book takes place over a number of years, you get to see each character's growth, trials, and tribulations as they grow.
Brilliantly written, smoothly paced and with intense and vivid scenes, this is classic Fantasy brought to life. Highly recommended.
*ps - I must add that there are some scenes that may just bring a tear to your eyes! Tissue warning, just in case!!*
* 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!
Sep 15, 2015
The main characters of Lark, Khea, and Micha are all fantastic and I loved all three of them for their varying abilities and differing personalities. I wasn't too sure about Avis to begin with, but before long, I was loving every scene he was in. As this book takes place over a number of years, you get to see each character's growth, trials, and tribulations as they grow.
Brilliantly written, smoothly paced and with intense and vivid scenes, this is classic Fantasy brought to life. Highly recommended.
*ps - I must add that there are some scenes that may just bring a tear to your eyes! Tissue warning, just in case!!*
* 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!
Sep 15, 2015
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Nov 13, 2021
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Binding Room in Books
Jul 17, 2022
After having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first in this series, The Jigsaw Man, I was itching to get my grubby little eyes on this and I wasn't disappointed.
This can be read as a standalone but you will get more out of this book if you've read The Jigsaw Man but I wouldn't say it was essential.
Once again we are treated to a great story, fantastic characters, twists and tension all told at a great pace. Warning! There are some pretty grim scenes and gruesome descriptions so if that's not your thing, I would probably give this a miss.
This is quite a long book and I can usually lose a bit of interest part way through but not with this; I was totally invested from start to finish and I would happily recommend this to others who enjoy dark police procedurals.
I am looking forward to the next instalment to find out what other twisted thoughts Ms Matheson can come up with to intrigue and shock and I must give thanks to HQ and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Binding Room and to share my thoughts.
This can be read as a standalone but you will get more out of this book if you've read The Jigsaw Man but I wouldn't say it was essential.
Once again we are treated to a great story, fantastic characters, twists and tension all told at a great pace. Warning! There are some pretty grim scenes and gruesome descriptions so if that's not your thing, I would probably give this a miss.
This is quite a long book and I can usually lose a bit of interest part way through but not with this; I was totally invested from start to finish and I would happily recommend this to others who enjoy dark police procedurals.
I am looking forward to the next instalment to find out what other twisted thoughts Ms Matheson can come up with to intrigue and shock and I must give thanks to HQ and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Binding Room and to share my thoughts.
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Night of Ash (Odriel's Heirs #2.5) in Books
Feb 1, 2023
NIGHT OF ASH is book 2.5 in the Odriel's Heirs series and we catch up with Aza and co as they recover from the last battle but realise the war isn't yet over.
It's not a long book and you will definitely have to have read at least Idriel's Children before this one but, oh man, it packs a wallop! The writing is so good, I was crying over a character I hardly met! Samar Bhalla is there and gone but what an impact he had. And that, my dears, is how good this author's writing is!
Night of Ash bridges the gap between Idriel's Children and Time Orphan, which I honestly can't wait for. Novellas aren't usually my thing but this one makes no apologies. It is bold and full of action, killing me with emotion. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY recommended by me. Just make sure you read the whole series.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
It's not a long book and you will definitely have to have read at least Idriel's Children before this one but, oh man, it packs a wallop! The writing is so good, I was crying over a character I hardly met! Samar Bhalla is there and gone but what an impact he had. And that, my dears, is how good this author's writing is!
Night of Ash bridges the gap between Idriel's Children and Time Orphan, which I honestly can't wait for. Novellas aren't usually my thing but this one makes no apologies. It is bold and full of action, killing me with emotion. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY recommended by me. Just make sure you read the whole series.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas in Books
Sep 28, 2023
Deadly Christmas Play
Merry Wilkinson’s mother, opera singer Aline Steiner, has agreed to come out of retirement to be part of the musical version of A Christmas Carol that the local theater company is doing this December. However, things aren’t going well at rehearsals, as Merry witnesses first hand. Then someone associated with the play is killed in Merry’s shop, and Merry’s assistant is a suspect. Can she figure out what is going on?
It's been three years since we last visited these characters, but I slipped back into their world again in no time. It was fabulous to be back, and I remembered just how much I loved the setting of Rudolph, New York, and the characters. I enjoyed getting to see them grow here, and the I’ll be interested to see how some relationships go forward. The plot was a little uneven, but we still get plenty of suspects and some surprises along the way to a fantastic climax. If you enjoy a Christmas cozy, you owe it to yourself to check out this series. Fans will be thrilled with the latest book.
It's been three years since we last visited these characters, but I slipped back into their world again in no time. It was fabulous to be back, and I remembered just how much I loved the setting of Rudolph, New York, and the characters. I enjoyed getting to see them grow here, and the I’ll be interested to see how some relationships go forward. The plot was a little uneven, but we still get plenty of suspects and some surprises along the way to a fantastic climax. If you enjoy a Christmas cozy, you owe it to yourself to check out this series. Fans will be thrilled with the latest book.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Shifting and Shenanigans (Magical Mystery Book Club #1) in Books
Jul 25, 2022
Paige is a recent divorcee who's great grandma has gone to a better place and left her business the snapdragon Inn to her and her aunt glo. They take the bull by the horns and pack up what they own move across the country to where the Inn is. They discover a few different things about the Inn including the cosy murder mystery book club and how adventurous it can get reading.
Well, what can I say? I think Elizabeth is a Fantastic write and cannot praise her high enough. I thought very highly of her destiny falls series (I recommend that a read as well) and although this is book number 1 in this series I'm already waiting for the next one!
The way her writing just flows I never actually find myself questioning what is and isn't real as it seems like it could be even though I know it's impossible, I never seem to stutter or stop and think hold on a minute I'm just excited to read the next part of the story.
Well done Elizabeth you've got me hooked again!
Well, what can I say? I think Elizabeth is a Fantastic write and cannot praise her high enough. I thought very highly of her destiny falls series (I recommend that a read as well) and although this is book number 1 in this series I'm already waiting for the next one!
The way her writing just flows I never actually find myself questioning what is and isn't real as it seems like it could be even though I know it's impossible, I never seem to stutter or stop and think hold on a minute I'm just excited to read the next part of the story.
Well done Elizabeth you've got me hooked again!