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Victims (Alex Delaware, #27)
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I won this book from First Reads. I have heard of Jonathan Kellerman prior to reading this book, but this is the first of his that I've read. It was an enjoyable read. I could probably have given it 5 stars, but I found that parts of it were a bit on the predictable side. That is not to say I didn't enjoy it however! There were some twists & turns that I did not at all expect! Always good to have those in a book of this genre!
This is another in the series of Kellerman's books that features Dr. Alex Delaware. This book finds him consulting on what turns into a serial murder investigation where the victims at first seem to have no connection to each other. Upon digging a bit deeper however a strange connection is brought to light that eventually leads to Delaware & Milo hunting down the killer or killers. Guess you'll have to read it to find out more!
  
The Woman in the Window
The Woman in the Window
A.J. Finn | 2018 | Thriller
8
8.0 (42 Ratings)
Book Rating
I won an advanced copy of this and right from the beginning. it drew me in. I loved Anna and the idea of someone so crippled by what had happened in her life that she was afraid to go outside and really live. It took me a while to get through, only because I was trying to read too many books at once, and also because I think I wanted to drag this out as long as possible cause I didn't want it to end. I can't believe who the killer turned out to be, and he was so convincing. And Anna's family, I didn't see that either until the big reveal and that threw me for a loop as well. There were so many surprises, so many things that caught me off guard and made me want to keep reading to get to the bottom of this. I will definitely have to check out more books by this author.
  
The Sinner - Season 2
The Sinner - Season 2
2018 | Crime, Drama
After being disappointed by the first season, I was curious as to what the second could possibly about - but looked forward to hopefully finding out more about Bill Pullman's character, Detective Harry Ambrose.

A different town, a different killer and another mystery that goes far beyond the deaths that we see in the first episode. Sadly, I still got the same feeling of "oh, that's it?" when it was all over.

Once again, the story comes to us via the medium of flashbacks, and, once again, the characters are just so unlikable.

We catch glimpses of Ambrose's past and are treated to flashbacks of, for instance, interactions between the "mother and son" who are the main focus of this investigation - but where you never really find out what the actual point of these scenes was.

I really do love a good crime thriller - sadly, this show just isn't the one for me.
  
A witness with amnesia Can she trust this Gold Country Cowboy with her life? Tracy Wilson witnessed a murder—but after a head injury, she can’t remember what she saw. Now someone plans to silence her for good, and only cowboy Keegan Thorn believes her. With a killer after her at Christmas, Tracy is running out of time to remember…and falling dangerously hard for the cowboy who could break her heart.





My Thoughts: In this book, we find the Thorn family preparing for the double wedding of Jack and Owen. The storyline centers around the fourth son Keegan. Keegan learns the value of a close family and learning how to let his heart truly love, as he lets go of past hurts.


Dana Mentink has written another gripping story of suspense, with a mix of romance. Readers will truly enjoy this novel. This book will is a great novel for the Christmas season.


A great novel of love and forgiveness.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
Masking for Trouble (Costume Shop Mystery, #2)
Masking for Trouble (Costume Shop Mystery, #2)
Diane Vallere | 2016 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry
10
7.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
In a town that loves costume parties, Halloween is a huge deal, which means things are very busy for Margo Tamblyn in her family’s costume shop, Disguise DeLimit. However, this year things are looking grim thanks to Paul Haverford, who has grand designs for the city, plans that include closing down small shops like Disguise DeLimit. However, when Margo finds Paul’s body at the opening party, she finds herself as the prime suspect. Can she find the killer and clear her name?

I loved the first book in this series because the characters are so wonderful. It was great to see them again and watch their relationships grow and change. The plot was fun and unique, and I enjoyed that as well. Plus the book made great use of the Halloween time frame.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-masking-for-trouble-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Maggie Crozat has been pressed into service as maid of honor is her co-worker Vanessa’s wedding. As if dealing with the very pregnant bridezilla isn’t enough, she is also playing host to Vanessa’s cousin Ginger. At first, Ginger seems nice, but soon she is driving everyone crazy. Which means that when Maggie finds Ginger’s dead body, the list of potential suspects is very long. With finding a killer added to her maid of honor duties, can Maggie successfully juggle everything?

I completely enjoyed getting to revisit these characters. They are tons of fun, and the character growth we see in some of them is truly amazing. The plot is strong with lots of motives and secrets to keep us guessing until the logical conclusion. This is a strong second entry.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-body-on-bayou-by-ellen.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows (Flavia de Luce, #4)
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows (Flavia de Luce, #4)
Alan Bradley | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
It’s the week before Christmas, and a movie crew is coming to film at Flavia’s family home. While excited, Flavia is plotting how to trap Father Christmas when he shows up on Christmas morning. However, that takes a back seat when the lead actress is film is murdered. Fortunately for Flavia, the suspects are trapped in her home due to a massive snow storm. Can she figure out who the killer is?

While I do like the characters and didn’t find Flavia nearly as annoying in this book as I did the previous one, I found the plot way too slow. The murder happened half way through the book, and the tension and set up to justify that just wasn’t present. Once the murder took place, the book definitely picked up, however.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-i-am-half-sick-of-shadows.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.4 (65 Ratings)
Book Rating
When Poirot is called back to England, he must forgo a planned layover in Istanbul and find a berth on a surprisingly crowded train. A freak snow storm strands the train on the tracks, and that night a murder takes place. The victim had come to Poirot because he feared that his life was in danger. With the train stuck, the killer is still on board. But who could it be?

I had not read this book before, but I still knew the ending. Even knowing that, I was enthralled watching how it all played out. There is a reason that Agatha Christie is considered the queen of plots to this day. I also found the characters strong enough that I could keep them all straight, and there are plenty of suspects.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-murder-on-orient-express-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
With her life slow for a few weeks, Charlotte has agreed to let Matthew’s friend Noelle stay with her until Noelle’s new rental is ready to move into. Noelle has just moved to town to work for a winery in the area, but the day before she starts her new job, she turns up murdered. Who could she have angered that much in the little time she’d been in town?

Overall, I found the plot much better than in the previous book of the series. It stayed on track and kept giving us new clues to the identity of the killer. I do wish Charlotte would show more respect to the police chief, especially when he gets on her for investigating, but overall I love the characters as well.


You can read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/11/book-review-days-of-wine-and-roquefort.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
When Audrey Bloom is asked to provide the flowers for a medieval wedding, she embraces the challenge of finding meaningful flowers that are also historically accurate. But when the father of the groom dies right after the ceremony, Audrey finds herself facing another challenge – tracking down the killer.

I loved the first two in the series, and this one is no exception. The story is fast paced. I had an inkling where things were going, but I wasn’t completely sure until we reached the end. The characters are wonderful, although I do wish we’d seen more of a few of the supporting players. The medieval setting provided some great humor along the way as well. The pages flew by all too quickly as they always do.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-floral-depravity-by-beverly.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.