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The Secret Admirer (Detective Natalie Ward Book 6)
The Secret Admirer (Detective Natalie Ward Book 6)
Carol Wyer | 2020 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
6th book in the series. Read the other 1st. Worth it.
‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

The Secret Admirer is the 6th book in Carol Wyer's Detective Natalie Ward series. I enjoyed books 1 - 4 and was surprised to learn I had missed the 5th, The Blossom Twins. I read it before beginning this and I am so glad I did.

Detective Natalie Ward is immediately thrust into a case after she returns to work. A student is found dead from an acid attack. As Ward has learned, everyone has secrets. Now, she has to uncover the secrets surrounding Gemma and her murder.

All of the books in the series focus on a crime and the police team's interactions with each other and with their home life. This book continues the storyline well. Ward's family, the team and their families continue to be a large presence in the story.

Often, I will say you could start the series with the current book but you would not understand the characters as well. This is true here but Wyer brings the characters to life in such a way it feels she is writing about real people. I strongly encourage you to read the whole series and start at the beginning. You will be in for a great read.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 4/2/2020.
  
Empire in Black & Gold
Empire in Black & Gold
Adrian Tchaikovsky | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This 10 book series deals with a future state of the human race where humans have evolved into different types of insect, each race taking on the traits of those insects (eg Beetles are hard-working but slow, Spiders are cunning and conniving, Moths are dark and mysterious, Wasps are evil and annoying etc).
This, the first in the series sees Stenwold Maker start to rediscover old fears of the Wasp Empire attempting to invade the peaceful, lowland city states. With nobody in his home city believing him he gathers together a crew of his students and old friend to find out what is happening on the borders of the empire.
This is one of the best books of the series, and a lot of action to come is set up here. I don't know if Tchaikovsky has intended to make this a whopping 10 books at this stage but it certainly felt like the start of something.
The action and fight scenes are well described but not laboured, and enough background to the world is given to understand it, though not in detail (just accept it and move on).
A large number of characters are introduced throughout the series, so it is worth getting to know them from the off.
  
Great character depth (1 more)
Strong world building
Phenomenal
This book saved my life. Though this wasn't the first book published in the series, it's where the story truly begins. For fans of Drizz't Do'Urden who haven't started with this book, it's the best place to get to know our favorite Dark Elf. This book explores his childhood starting with the day of his birth and moving through everything that made him leave his home and take the first steps on what becomes an amazing journey.
  
Rebecca Robbins has returned to her small home town just long enough to sell her mother's roller rink. But when the town handy man is found murdered in the women's bathroom, she realizes she needs to get his murder solved quickly since no one is interested in it. A typical cozy series debut, but I really enjoyed the characters and found the story fun.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-skating-around-law-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

May 16, 2021  
Come see a cool scrapbook page from Covey's travels from the mystery novel THE CHINESE MURDER OF EDWARD WATTS by Shelly L. Williams on my blog. Enter the giveaway to win signed copies of all the books in the series!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2021/05/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-chinese.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Covey and JayJay travel to China and then return home to deal with shady characters, spies, gangsters, and other tough customers. In an exciting last act, they solve a murder most foul.
     
This is the second book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series, but you can jump right in without feeling like you have missed anything. I loved the lighthouse / library setting – it feels cozy and calm, at least until a murder takes place right outside. I also liked the cast of characters in this one. Lucy has believable problems, and the supporting cast are a likable bunch. The mystery itself was fast paced and not too obvious. I will definitely go back and read number one in the series.

With a home perched above a library full of books, a lighthouse, a murder, and a library cat – this was a perfect cozy read!

***NOTE: I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***