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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Playing it Safe in Books
Jun 25, 2025 (Updated Jun 25, 2025)
Ellie Finds an Out of Town Mission Isn't Safe
With the Blitz now a nightly reality in London, Ellie is happy to be contacted by Major Ramsey with a new assignment. She is headed to the port city of Sunderland with only a book on birds as a clue to what her assignment is. She’s hardly arrived when someone’s she’s just met dies outside her boarding house. Is it connected to her mission?
While I’ve enjoyed the first two books, this one wasn’t as good. There is too much to the plot. While the ending makes sense, it is very rushed because of being overly ambitious. There’s also a focus on the love triangle, a storyline I’m not invested in since I know the outcome won’t be one I like. I also missed the regulars, although we did still get updates on some ongoing storylines. The book isn’t all bad. Ellie is enjoyable to spend time with, and the story kept my attention when it was the focus, allowing us to see another part of life in England in 1940. This is a book for fans of the series. Everyone else should start at the beginning.
While I’ve enjoyed the first two books, this one wasn’t as good. There is too much to the plot. While the ending makes sense, it is very rushed because of being overly ambitious. There’s also a focus on the love triangle, a storyline I’m not invested in since I know the outcome won’t be one I like. I also missed the regulars, although we did still get updates on some ongoing storylines. The book isn’t all bad. Ellie is enjoyable to spend time with, and the story kept my attention when it was the focus, allowing us to see another part of life in England in 1940. This is a book for fans of the series. Everyone else should start at the beginning.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Solid Gold Murder in Books
Jul 30, 2025 (Updated Jul 30, 2025)
Second Gold Rush Leads to a Solid Second Mystery
When some guests find real gold flakes at Dee’s motel, it sets off a second gold rush in the area. Among those who show up are Sylvan Burr, a smug tech mogul who is looking to strike it rich again. When someone shoves him down a mine shaft, the question is who didn’t want the man dead. Can Dee figure out what happened?
I love the first book in this series, and I’m happy that this book is a solid follow up. The location is great, one I’d want to visit between murders. The mystery is strong with plenty to keep us guessing. And that’s not to mention several subplots that weave in and out of the story. I do wish we saw more of Jonas, Dee’s new boyfriend, but that’s a minor complaint. The rest of the cast are fun, and the suspects solid. We also get some great laughs. In the way of extras, there are some road trip tips and a recipe. This is another delightful mystery from Ellen Byron. You’ll be glad you picked it up.
I love the first book in this series, and I’m happy that this book is a solid follow up. The location is great, one I’d want to visit between murders. The mystery is strong with plenty to keep us guessing. And that’s not to mention several subplots that weave in and out of the story. I do wish we saw more of Jonas, Dee’s new boyfriend, but that’s a minor complaint. The rest of the cast are fun, and the suspects solid. We also get some great laughs. In the way of extras, there are some road trip tips and a recipe. This is another delightful mystery from Ellen Byron. You’ll be glad you picked it up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated A Trace of Poison in Books
Aug 14, 2025
Murderous Mystery Fete
The local mystery writers are hosting a Murder Fete to raise funds for the local orphanage, and they have convinced Agatha Christie to invite some of her famous friends. The weekend will include talks about the craft of mystery writing, author signings, and a short story contest where the winner gets a publishing contract on both sides of the Atlantic. However, the opening night’s cocktail reception ends with a murder. Since Phyllida is helping make sure the event is a success, she’s on hand. Can she solve a second real life murder?
Those who fell in love with the main characters in the first book in the series will be glad to be spending more time with them and seeing how their relationships develop. The supporting players and suspects could have been stronger. That means, the mystery could have been stronger as well, although there were some twists that kept me entertained. And things made sense once Phyllida had solved things. While the mystery could be stronger, this is still an entertaining book that will please mystery fans, especially fans of Agatha Christie.
Those who fell in love with the main characters in the first book in the series will be glad to be spending more time with them and seeing how their relationships develop. The supporting players and suspects could have been stronger. That means, the mystery could have been stronger as well, although there were some twists that kept me entertained. And things made sense once Phyllida had solved things. While the mystery could be stronger, this is still an entertaining book that will please mystery fans, especially fans of Agatha Christie.
Make Them Bleed (Pretty Deadly Things #1)
8.0
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He’s secretly stalking her inbox. She’s secretly hiring masked killers. Love’s never been this...
The Case of the Canterfell Codicil
10.0
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There's a literary niche for all tastes including those who think that either Dorothy L Sayers...
Merissa (13575 KP) rated Claimed by the Bear (Mokoaroa Shifters #2) in Books
Jun 11, 2025
CLAIMED BY THE BEAR is the second book in the Mokoaroa Shifters series, and features Liam and Ava, childhood friends who went their separate ways when Liam became an Alpha Elite and Ava didn't know about shifters.
This story has a lot of potential, but it also needs a run-through by an editor. The flow is disjointed in places, with times changing in just a paragraph, sometimes from one day to another, and the continuity needs checking as one moment Liam packs Ava's swimsuit, and the next, she has to borrow one. The perspective also changed from first to third person within the same paragraph. And Gormack, Liam's uncle, became Gormuck on more than one occasion.
All this meant I couldn't lose myself in the story as I wanted, especially when there is a great supporting cast of characters I would love to hear more from. All in all, a good read with great potential.
** 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!
Jun 11, 2025
This story has a lot of potential, but it also needs a run-through by an editor. The flow is disjointed in places, with times changing in just a paragraph, sometimes from one day to another, and the continuity needs checking as one moment Liam packs Ava's swimsuit, and the next, she has to borrow one. The perspective also changed from first to third person within the same paragraph. And Gormack, Liam's uncle, became Gormuck on more than one occasion.
All this meant I couldn't lose myself in the story as I wanted, especially when there is a great supporting cast of characters I would love to hear more from. All in all, a good read with great potential.
** 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!
Jun 11, 2025
Stacked (Mars Fitness #2)
8.0
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When the person you desire is so close, and yet so far. Sawyer I've been in love with my best...
Contemporary MM Romance Best Friends to Lovers
Merissa (13575 KP) rated Her Mountain Rescuer (Honey Ridge #1) in Books
May 30, 2025
HER MOUNTAIN RESCUER is the first book in the Honey Ridge series, but features two characters we have met before. Hailey is Logan's daughter, and Beau is his best friend. We met Logan in Accidentally Kidnapping the Mountain Man, when Kaylee kidnaps him.
I love this author's books! She gives you exactly what she promises - a hot and spicy age-gap Daddy Romance with a breeding kink. AND IT WORKS! Even though this is a one-sit novella, you will get swept up in Hailey's story, feeling her heartbreak when she thinks Beau is out of her reach. You will feel his frustration at wanting his best friend's daughter. So when they get together and work it out? Sheer perfection!
If you're after a short and hot instalove story, then I recommend not only this book, but any by this author. 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!
May 27, 2025
I love this author's books! She gives you exactly what she promises - a hot and spicy age-gap Daddy Romance with a breeding kink. AND IT WORKS! Even though this is a one-sit novella, you will get swept up in Hailey's story, feeling her heartbreak when she thinks Beau is out of her reach. You will feel his frustration at wanting his best friend's daughter. So when they get together and work it out? Sheer perfection!
If you're after a short and hot instalove story, then I recommend not only this book, but any by this author. 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!
May 27, 2025
The Tell-Tale Homicide
3.0
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Rare books librarian Juniper Blume lands her dream job: creating a new museum in her Chesapeake Bay...
Merissa (13575 KP) rated Candle Love (New California Monster Romance #3) in Books
Dec 8, 2025
CANDLE LOVE is the third book in the New California Monster Romance series, and I'm guessing I should have read the previous books first. You can read this as a standalone, and I have no idea which characters were in previous books, but that's just my feeling.
In this one, Julie is the adopted human in a Dragoon family, about to spread her own wings, as she moves into shared housing. Chalice and Trent already live there, and both are smitten with socially awkward Julie from the very beginning.
Although described as spicy, I would go more for cosy, although shenanigans do happen, just so you know. It was also good to see sleep apnea represented, and the easy acceptance of it, which I know isn't always the case.
Overall, this was a quick, light-hearted, cosy read that I enjoyed and can recommend.
** 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!
Dec 5, 2025
In this one, Julie is the adopted human in a Dragoon family, about to spread her own wings, as she moves into shared housing. Chalice and Trent already live there, and both are smitten with socially awkward Julie from the very beginning.
Although described as spicy, I would go more for cosy, although shenanigans do happen, just so you know. It was also good to see sleep apnea represented, and the easy acceptance of it, which I know isn't always the case.
Overall, this was a quick, light-hearted, cosy read that I enjoyed and can recommend.
** 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!
Dec 5, 2025