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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated Fatal Reunion in Books
Jan 28, 2025 (Updated Jan 28, 2025)
Is the Past Repeating Itself?
When a missing high school teen’s body is found in a remote area of the county, Zoe Chambers Adams has flashbacks to her senior year of high school. There are too many similarities to three teen girls who were killed all those years ago. Back then, the police had a suspect, but he committed suicide before he was charged. The killings stopped, so everyone moved on. While Zoe’s new husband, Police Chief Pete Adams, is busy looking at modern suspects and motives for the death, Zoe can’t help but wonder if a killer has been roaming free all these years. And, with her twentieth high school reunion happening, she’s wondering if the killer is in town for the event. Is what is happening today tied into what happened two decades ago?
This is another excellent book in this series. As always, Zoe and Pete share the third person narration, and that gives us insight into the characters and story. It’s great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new ones are just as well drawn. The plot grabs you from the beginning and keeps you engaged until you reach the satisfying solution. These books are not cozies, so pick them up expecting something darker, and you’ll be fine. I’m hoping to get to the next two books in this series soon. If you are looking for fantastic mysteries, you won’t be disappointed you met Zoe.
This is another excellent book in this series. As always, Zoe and Pete share the third person narration, and that gives us insight into the characters and story. It’s great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new ones are just as well drawn. The plot grabs you from the beginning and keeps you engaged until you reach the satisfying solution. These books are not cozies, so pick them up expecting something darker, and you’ll be fine. I’m hoping to get to the next two books in this series soon. If you are looking for fantastic mysteries, you won’t be disappointed you met Zoe.
Merissa (14064 KP) rated Bad Idea (Brooklyn Kings #1) in Books
Feb 20, 2025
BAD IDEA is the first book in the Brooklyn Kings series and we're off to an amazing start!
Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.
I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡
There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.
What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.
** 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!
Feb 20, 2025
Hayden is the best of the best when it comes to being a PA. No false modesty here, folks. When he unexpectedly needs a new job, he is sent to the Brooklyn Kings where he reunites with Armi, a hot one-night stand they had recently had. What follows is simply fantastic.
I can honestly say that this book had me in its grip from the start, but I was really REALLY on tenterhooks just waiting for Russell to slip up. Oh man, but how I hated that character, truly! And then he sank even lower. 😡
There is no unnecessary angst, just honest-to-God worries about past mistakes, concerns about the present, and hope for the future. This book had it all. The best bit for me was seeing Armand grow in his confidence, to the benefit of the Brooklyn Kings as well as him personally. BUT the relationship and support worked both ways, it wasn't just Hayden supporting Armi.
What a brilliant beginning to what I am sure will be an amazing series. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and can't wait for the next.
** 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!
Feb 20, 2025
Merissa (14064 KP) rated All of Me (Enhanced World Security #2) in Books
Mar 19, 2025
ALL OF ME is the second book in the Enhanced World Security series and follows on some months after the end of One Step Sideways so I absolutely recommend you read them in order! Shae is recovering slowly, Drake is still trying to avoid him, and everyone else is watching from the sidelines.
This was such a twisty-turny story I had to take my time, which I loved. Honestly, these men. You know already that Shae had a rough time of it growing up, but you get the full story of Drake's childhood too, and let me tell you, it's not pretty. Drake's concerns about him and Shae are valid, the same as Shae's about Drake, but I was rooting for them from the start. Add in Tammy, Maxie, Moira, Albert, Joe, and all the others, and I was sold.
This was an amazing story and a great addition to the series. I still need to read the first series, but I now want to even more. You don't have to have read those to enjoy these though. Take my word for it. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY 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 19, 2025
This was such a twisty-turny story I had to take my time, which I loved. Honestly, these men. You know already that Shae had a rough time of it growing up, but you get the full story of Drake's childhood too, and let me tell you, it's not pretty. Drake's concerns about him and Shae are valid, the same as Shae's about Drake, but I was rooting for them from the start. Add in Tammy, Maxie, Moira, Albert, Joe, and all the others, and I was sold.
This was an amazing story and a great addition to the series. I still need to read the first series, but I now want to even more. You don't have to have read those to enjoy these though. Take my word for it. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY 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 19, 2025
Merissa (14064 KP) rated The Demon's Beauty (Grym Hollow #4) in Books
Jan 28, 2026
THE DEMON'S BEAUTY is the fourth book in the Grym Hollow series, and it's time for the Demon King, Oziel, to meet his match in Isabelle.
Jumping straight in here - I LOVED IT!!! This series is amazing, with each book showcasing a different king and the mortal woman absolutely perfect for them. And Isabelle is perfect for Oziel, no matter how much they both fight it.
I loved how Isabelle desperately needed to see Erin (for reasons you know), and Erin's reaction to the news was perfect. I also loved how it didn't override the current scene, but only added to it. Considering what was going on, it made perfect sense for it to unravel as it did, rather than being blurted out and taking over, as has happened in other books.
I can't say as I was surprised by the Big Bad in this one, but I adored every word nevertheless. And yes, my eyes leaked during a certain scene. Honestly? I defy anyone to stay dry-eyed during one of this author's emotional scenes.
A fantastic addition to the series that is definitely on my re-read list. HIGHLY 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!
Jan 27, 2026
Jumping straight in here - I LOVED IT!!! This series is amazing, with each book showcasing a different king and the mortal woman absolutely perfect for them. And Isabelle is perfect for Oziel, no matter how much they both fight it.
I loved how Isabelle desperately needed to see Erin (for reasons you know), and Erin's reaction to the news was perfect. I also loved how it didn't override the current scene, but only added to it. Considering what was going on, it made perfect sense for it to unravel as it did, rather than being blurted out and taking over, as has happened in other books.
I can't say as I was surprised by the Big Bad in this one, but I adored every word nevertheless. And yes, my eyes leaked during a certain scene. Honestly? I defy anyone to stay dry-eyed during one of this author's emotional scenes.
A fantastic addition to the series that is definitely on my re-read list. HIGHLY 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!
Jan 27, 2026
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated The Christie Caper in Books
Mar 29, 2023
Honoring Agatha Christie Turns Deadly
Annie Laurence Darling is hosting The Christie Caper, a week-long tribute to the queen of crime on her one hundredth birthday. But the event is being crashed by Neil Bledsoe, a reviewer who hates all but the most hard boiled mysteries and has made lots of enemies. Things have hardly started before the attacks on Neil begin, but he still goes ahead with tearing down Agatha Christie. Can Annie figure out what he is up to and stop him before someone stops him permanently?
Obviously, this book came out quite a few years ago since it was tied to Agatha Christie’s centennial. But that hardly matters since this is a great puzzle worth of Christie herself. I did find the pacing a little slow as it neared the middle of the book, but things picked up again not too long after that. All the characters we know and love are here once again, and they are fantastic. I do find Annie’s temper a little annoying, and hope it tones down as the series progresses. The suspects are strong as well. We get a great dose of humor as the book goes along. As with the others in the series, there is more foul language than I would expect for the genre. All told, this is another fine addition to a well-loved series. Fans of Christie will also enjoy it.
Obviously, this book came out quite a few years ago since it was tied to Agatha Christie’s centennial. But that hardly matters since this is a great puzzle worth of Christie herself. I did find the pacing a little slow as it neared the middle of the book, but things picked up again not too long after that. All the characters we know and love are here once again, and they are fantastic. I do find Annie’s temper a little annoying, and hope it tones down as the series progresses. The suspects are strong as well. We get a great dose of humor as the book goes along. As with the others in the series, there is more foul language than I would expect for the genre. All told, this is another fine addition to a well-loved series. Fans of Christie will also enjoy it.
Merissa (14064 KP) rated Rebel's Desire (Iron Portal #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Iron Portal series and I would recommend that you read them all. Not because of any links in the storyline but just because they are all quick, fantastic reads.
This story is about Keely and her sister, who were thrown out at a young age by their father, for being freaks. Taryn is a Cascadian who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress, even though she is the one who acts first. Keely is a kick-ass warrior who will fight when necessary and has learnt to live on the streets. She knows the rules and which ones she can break or bend. Taryn doesn't like anyone and he trusts even less. So when these two get together, things are bound to get fiery.
The characters in this are as delightful as always, like them like Keely or dislike (loathe is too strong a word) like her sister, they are well-rounded and believable. The Iron Guild warriors are as united as ever.
A fast-paced and well-written story with no plot holes plus a good amount of angst. The Iron Portal series continues to deliver. Definitely recommended.
* 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 17, 2015
This story is about Keely and her sister, who were thrown out at a young age by their father, for being freaks. Taryn is a Cascadian who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress, even though she is the one who acts first. Keely is a kick-ass warrior who will fight when necessary and has learnt to live on the streets. She knows the rules and which ones she can break or bend. Taryn doesn't like anyone and he trusts even less. So when these two get together, things are bound to get fiery.
The characters in this are as delightful as always, like them like Keely or dislike (loathe is too strong a word) like her sister, they are well-rounded and believable. The Iron Guild warriors are as united as ever.
A fast-paced and well-written story with no plot holes plus a good amount of angst. The Iron Portal series continues to deliver. Definitely recommended.
* 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 17, 2015
Merissa (14064 KP) rated Loyalties (BBS #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
Regina turns up in Diego's care after her last pack wanted rid of her. She has a very large chip on her shoulder and as the story progresses, you find out exactly why. Regina is a prickly character to start with but, you know what, that absolutely suited her.
I will admit, I thought I'd started the wrong book when I read the prologue but it all ties together perfectly. The character and world-building in this book are second to none. Everything slots into place but not without difficulties arising from miscommunication, circumstances etc.
One thing that I need to emphasise right now is just how good this shifter world is!! The ties that bind them are so strong. You learn a lot about 'pack life' and can imagine it being just this way. The explanations given on vampires, on how silver hurts the shifter, on how pack law rules are the only way, just fantastic!
This is a chunky book which I am so thankful for! This is a book to lose yourself in, to immerse yourself in and to thoroughly enjoy! Take your time with this book and enjoy every single word. Highly recommended!
* 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 30, 2015
I will admit, I thought I'd started the wrong book when I read the prologue but it all ties together perfectly. The character and world-building in this book are second to none. Everything slots into place but not without difficulties arising from miscommunication, circumstances etc.
One thing that I need to emphasise right now is just how good this shifter world is!! The ties that bind them are so strong. You learn a lot about 'pack life' and can imagine it being just this way. The explanations given on vampires, on how silver hurts the shifter, on how pack law rules are the only way, just fantastic!
This is a chunky book which I am so thankful for! This is a book to lose yourself in, to immerse yourself in and to thoroughly enjoy! Take your time with this book and enjoy every single word. Highly recommended!
* 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 30, 2015
Merissa (14064 KP) rated 17 Marigold Lane (Prudence Penderhaus #1) in Books
Apr 18, 2023
This book starts with a seventeen-year-old girl coming to terms with the fact she's dying. Now going on from that, you would expect this book to full of doom and gloom. Instead, it is funny and heartbreaking at the same time. Prudence makes a decision to do something that she has never dared to before, based on the fact of 'what does it matter now anyway?' What follows on is a mystery story that will keep you intrigued and engrossed as you turn the pages. The slowly developing relationship between our two main characters was fantastic to read about.
One of the things that makes this book so superb is that our Main Male is on the spectrum. Now it's not clearly defined in there, but you do know he is highly functioning and his life could have been 'normal' if he'd been given the right circumstances. I loved Cass and his 'quirks' and definitely want to read more about him.
Well written and with a smooth pace, and well-rounded, developed characters. There were no grammatical errors that I found. This is the first book in a series and it does come with a cliffhanger ending. I honestly can't wait to read more. Highly recommended!
* 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!
Oct 18, 2015
One of the things that makes this book so superb is that our Main Male is on the spectrum. Now it's not clearly defined in there, but you do know he is highly functioning and his life could have been 'normal' if he'd been given the right circumstances. I loved Cass and his 'quirks' and definitely want to read more about him.
Well written and with a smooth pace, and well-rounded, developed characters. There were no grammatical errors that I found. This is the first book in a series and it does come with a cliffhanger ending. I honestly can't wait to read more. Highly recommended!
* 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!
Oct 18, 2015
Merissa (14064 KP) rated Surface Scratch (Neon Scars #1) in Books
May 5, 2023
SURFACE SCRATCH is the first book in the Neon Scars series, and also the first book published by this author. If you're looking for a light and fluffy romance then you've got the wrong book. This one is quite dark so be prepared.
Caleb has had a hard time of it recently. He and his family were in a car accident, leaving him with some major scars. His brother walks out and his mom dies. But then he gets a job at a nightclub and is intrigued by his boss, Marcus. He gets drawn into a world of vampires where, just as with humans, some are "good" and some not so much. There are also hunters who come across more as the bad guys than anything else.
As I said, this is dark. The loving is rough and almost violent (although written incredibly well.) I enjoyed Caleb and Marcus' story but am also looking forward to finding out more from the other characters. Vincent especially made me laugh as every time he called Caleb "Buttercup", I was hearing it said by different characters from The Princess Bride movie!
A great beginning to a series with a fantastic group of characters. 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!
May 5, 2023
Caleb has had a hard time of it recently. He and his family were in a car accident, leaving him with some major scars. His brother walks out and his mom dies. But then he gets a job at a nightclub and is intrigued by his boss, Marcus. He gets drawn into a world of vampires where, just as with humans, some are "good" and some not so much. There are also hunters who come across more as the bad guys than anything else.
As I said, this is dark. The loving is rough and almost violent (although written incredibly well.) I enjoyed Caleb and Marcus' story but am also looking forward to finding out more from the other characters. Vincent especially made me laugh as every time he called Caleb "Buttercup", I was hearing it said by different characters from The Princess Bride movie!
A great beginning to a series with a fantastic group of characters. 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!
May 5, 2023
