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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated Essentials of Death in Books

Sep 23, 2025  
Essentials of Death
Essentials of Death
Kim Davis | 2025 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Death of a Nemesis
Carissa Carmichael is frustrated to learn that the booth next to hers at a community event is being staffed by Lacie, her nemesis since the two were growing up in the town of Oak Creek Valley. True to form, Lacie makes the day miserable for everyone. But that night, Carissa stumbles on Lacie’s dead body. With the evidence pointing to herself, Carissa can’t help but jump in again. Can she find the killer?

It’s been a while since I read book one, but I didn’t have any trouble slipping back into Carissa’s world. I enjoyed the bonds the characters have, and the subplots that helped us get to know them better were great. The mystery itself started out a bit unevenly, with events driving things more than Carissa did. But as she began to take more of an active role, I got hooked, not wanting to put the book down. The ending was satisfying. And we get an essential oil recipe and an intriguing sounding cookie recipe. Here’s hoping we get to visit again soon.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated This Way to Murder in Books

Nov 13, 2025  
This Way to Murder
This Way to Murder
Shelley Shearer | 2024 | Mystery
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can Remi Follow the Clues to Find a Killer?
Remi McKenna is hosting a letterboxing event with some friends in the town where she is planning to move. Along for the ride is her best friend, Trace Cooper. However, Trace has brought a problem with her. She’s been getting some weird texts and phone calls recently, and it appears her potential stalker has followed her. Can Remi juggle the event she is running with trying to figure out if her best friend is truly in danger?

This debut had some promise to it. I really did enjoy the main characters, for example. The supporting characters tended to blend together for me. While the letterboxing event was fun, I was expecting a bit more about the board game cafe instead of it being a subplot. The pacing for the mystery is a bit off, but things made sense when we reached the end. I’d consider giving a second in the series a chance, but I’d hope some of these kinks would be worked out.
  
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Merissa (14214 KP) rated Kalil (Men of S.O.C, #1) in Books

Apr 11, 2023  
Kalil (Men of S.O.C, #1)
Kalil (Men of S.O.C, #1)
S. Reynolds | 2014 | Mystery, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a slow burner with a build-up towards the main part of the story. There are parts of this story that aren't nice to read about but you do have to read all parts to fully understand the mindset of the serial killer. Trust me, you will feel really sorry for those girls, even knowing that it's not real and there is nothing you could do anyway.

This is very well written and put together and will leave you wanting more. The love build-up is slow and steady, although the lust is instantaneous, which makes a nice change in this era of insta-love.

For a book on the darker side of romance suspense but with added dashes of humour and deep friendships then definitely give this one a go! 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!
July 26, 2016