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Death of a Halloween Party Monster
Death of a Halloween Party Monster
Lee Hollis | 2023 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Cold Costumed Corpse
This story features Lee Hollis’s series star Hayley Powell, who is hosting a Halloween party at her new restaurant. However, the night ends in horror when the body of the high school music teacher is found in the freezer. Is one of Hayley’s friends a killer?

I don’t read this series, just the novellas when they are part of an anthology I want to read, but I found myself feeling right at home partying with these characters from the beginning of this story. I did figure out one aspect of the story early on, but there were several more, including the identity of the killer, that I hadn’t pieced together until Hayley did. It’s a twist on a locked room mystery, which is always fun. The ending was great and kept me turning the pages. There are also some recipes to enjoy while you read or at a party you are hosting this Halloween.

NOTE 1: This is a novella, so expect something shorter than a typical novel before you pick it up.

NOTE 2: This novella was originally in the Halloween Party Murder anthology. If you’ve already read it there, you don’t need to buy it again here.
  
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Merissa (14013 KP) rated Enchanted Ink in Books

May 24, 2023  
Enchanted Ink
Enchanted Ink
Robin Lynn | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I would love more from this world!
ENCHANTED INK is the first book by this author I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The idea of charmed tattoos is amazing and I loved the originality of them.

Told in the present tense, I found it a little hard to get into but, once I did, I was lost in the story. Ash and Link are both carrying baggage, although Ash's is more obvious at the beginning. Considering the lives these two have lived, I found them both naive in places, which made the story even sweeter. I thought the slow build of their relationship was perfect. And Ash's time to shine was absolutely perfect and Sam called it brilliantly. *Chef's kiss* Although, Whittaker's cheek made my jaw drop!

I would love more from this world! Sam definitely needs a story. Plus, I need to know how Link and Ash are getting on. And I will definitely be reading more by this author. 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 23, 2023
  
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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Robinson Crusoe in Books

Oct 10, 2017 (Updated Oct 11, 2017)  
Robinson Crusoe
Robinson Crusoe
Daniel Defoe, Andrew Cullum | 1719 | Fiction & Poetry
4
6.0 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
Outdated colonial claptrap
I didn't particularly like this book even as a child, especially its overt racist storyline. Robinson Crusoe, an explorer and wanderer, at one point becomes a slave owner, aligning himself with other planters and undertaking a trip to Africa in order to bring back a shipload of slaves. At this point, he survives a storm and a shipwreck and ends up as the sole survivor. Because of the initial plot, I found it difficult to sympathise with his plight. They also speak of cannibalism, addressing others as "savages". It's a colonial tale that has become outdated.
  
The Essex Serpent
The Essex Serpent
Sarah Perry | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.1 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Beautifully written period drama
I knew nothing about this book and picked it purely on how pretty the cover was, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

I struggled to get into it initially as I'm not the biggest fan of period dramas, however I persevered and was glad I did. It is a very well written and intriguing story, although sadly lacking slightly in engaging characters - I found I didn't really care about any of them, and the ending was mostly a disappointment. Still the writing and ideas are excellent, and I'd be glad to read more of Sarah Perry's work in future.
  
This isn't a very long speech, it probably would fit onto maybe 20 pages written without illustrations, but I found this really powerful. I read it on my bus to work and, being in a transition period between jobs, it has helped me to think about the fact that it is okay to make mistakes. It is okay to experience failure. I think I embrace imagination already a lot, but it is really nice to get a reminder that this is a good thing. Jo Rowling's speech was really powerful and I think everyone should read it.
  
Unrest (2017)
Unrest (2017)
2017 | Documentary
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Movie Rating
'Unrest' is such a honest and truthful documentary about what it's like to live with ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). As a sufferer myself (though my condition is milder than those featured in the documentary) I found it to be very honest and enlightening. I was unaware of the stigma surrounding the syndrome in some countries and have definitely learnt a lot. Jennifer is such a wonderful voice for ME.
I'd definitely recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to find out more about the condition, or to any fellow sufferers (although you may want to have a box of tissues handy!)
  
I read this while waiting for an appointment for my daughter and I must tell you that the people around my probably thought I had lost my mind as I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times. I loved how smoothly this retelling went, and the author truly took his time in making this a descriptive read which pulls you into the world of The Frog Prince. Readers of all ages will certainly enjoy this story.

{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and completely my own.}
  
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Deep Blue (Waterfire Saga, #1)
Jennifer Donnelly | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
10
7.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
I simply loved this book and I found it hard to put it down. I've never really been a mermaid fan but these past few months as I've been discovering new authors I have certainly fallen in love with mer books. This book has just the right amount of drama, action and turmoil and I love that it is cleanly written so that my preteen daughter can read it as well.

I ordered the second book yesterday and I can't wait for it to come in. I loved the story line, the beautiful world building and the characters. It's a must read.