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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Midnight Snacks are Murder in Books
Aug 3, 2018
Was the Murder the Result of a Snack Attack?
When someone starts breaking into houses in the neighborhood taking nick knacks and sweets, Poppy McAlister is shocked to discover that it is her aunt Ginny sleepwalking under the power of some new medication. However, when a murder takes place a couple of blocks away, the police zero in on Aunt Ginny as the culprit. The victim, unknown to both Poppy and Aunt Ginny, seems like he could have been a nice guy or a complete jerk. Which was true?
This book spent quite a bit of time setting up the premise, but once the murder took place, things really picked up. I enjoyed needing to learn what kind of guy the victim was since it added a nice twist to the mystery. The suspects were strong, and I could have seen any of them as the killer before we reached the climax. The love triangle is just heating up; I know which guy I am rooting for, but I could see myself happy with either of them at this point. I did find a couple of the characters annoying, especially Poppy’s mother-in-law. Aunt Ginny provides lots of laughs, and the gluten-free, paleo friendly recipes at the end sound delicious.
This book spent quite a bit of time setting up the premise, but once the murder took place, things really picked up. I enjoyed needing to learn what kind of guy the victim was since it added a nice twist to the mystery. The suspects were strong, and I could have seen any of them as the killer before we reached the climax. The love triangle is just heating up; I know which guy I am rooting for, but I could see myself happy with either of them at this point. I did find a couple of the characters annoying, especially Poppy’s mother-in-law. Aunt Ginny provides lots of laughs, and the gluten-free, paleo friendly recipes at the end sound delicious.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Hollywood Ending in Books
Aug 11, 2018
I Didn’t Want Hollywood Ending to End
It’s awards season in Hollywood and actress turned PI Day Anderson is celebrating when her boyfriend, Omari, is nomination for the Silver Sphere Award. However, after one of the parties he has to attend to mingle with the judges, Lily Davis is murdered. Lily was a publicist for the Silver Sphere Awards, and they have offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of her killer, so naturally Day jumps in to solve the case. This one seems much easier than her first murder case. Is she missing something?
Of course, she is, and the book soon involves plenty of complications that kept me reading as fast as I could. There are some fun twists before we reach the climax. Day and all her friends are back, and I loved spending more time with them and seeing how their relationships have changed. I also really enjoy the insider’s look at life in the Hollywood world. Everything is brought together by humor that had me laughing and smiling the entire way through the book. Those who loved the first book will be equally delighted with this one. And if you haven’t started this series yet, you need to do so today.
Of course, she is, and the book soon involves plenty of complications that kept me reading as fast as I could. There are some fun twists before we reach the climax. Day and all her friends are back, and I loved spending more time with them and seeing how their relationships have changed. I also really enjoy the insider’s look at life in the Hollywood world. Everything is brought together by humor that had me laughing and smiling the entire way through the book. Those who loved the first book will be equally delighted with this one. And if you haven’t started this series yet, you need to do so today.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Against the Claw in Books
Aug 23, 2018
Who Killed the Girl with the Pitchfork Tattoo?
It’s the week of the Fourth of July, and Allie and her aunt Gully are getting ready for the onslaught of customers the holiday weekend will bring to their town of Mystic Bay, Connecticut and the lobster shack that Aunt Gully has started. However, the holiday weekend takes a sad turn when Allie finds a dead body in the bay. No one seems to know who she was. But if no one recognizes her, who would want her dead?
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and it was a delight to return again. The characters are lots of fun, and it was great to see them again. The new characters fit right in; they were so nice, it was hard to believe there was a killer hiding among them. I did think the plot wandered a bit in the first half, but it picked up in the second half. When we reached the climax, I discovered there were some clues I hadn’t even realized where hiding in the book. The location is charming; the perfect summer resort town. So if you are looking for a book to hold on to summer, pick this one up.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and it was a delight to return again. The characters are lots of fun, and it was great to see them again. The new characters fit right in; they were so nice, it was hard to believe there was a killer hiding among them. I did think the plot wandered a bit in the first half, but it picked up in the second half. When we reached the climax, I discovered there were some clues I hadn’t even realized where hiding in the book. The location is charming; the perfect summer resort town. So if you are looking for a book to hold on to summer, pick this one up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Murder Flies the Coop in Books
Sep 26, 2018
Can Edwina and Beryl Catch a Flighty Killer?
Lifelong friends Beryl and Edwina are still trying to figure out how to earn more income when they hit on the idea of opening an enquiry agency. And their first case comes from the local vicar. It seems a member of the local pigeon racing club has vanished, along with club funds and several birds. Did the man take off with everything? If so, can Beryl and Edwina find him?
It was wonderful to be visiting this dynamic duo again in 1921 England. Beryl and Edwina are such opposites, but their differences really make them a great team, and the third person narration from their points of view show cases that perfectly. I'm loving watching Edwina come out of her shell. I don't feel we are getting quite as much character development for Beryl, or I'm just not seeing it, but that is a minor complaint. The mystery is strong and manages to bring in some issues from the time period in an organic way without lecturing us. There are some good twists and surprises to the story and a logical climax. The entire thing is wrapped in a sense of fun that comes from Beryl and Edwina themselves, who are enjoying their new vocation.
It was wonderful to be visiting this dynamic duo again in 1921 England. Beryl and Edwina are such opposites, but their differences really make them a great team, and the third person narration from their points of view show cases that perfectly. I'm loving watching Edwina come out of her shell. I don't feel we are getting quite as much character development for Beryl, or I'm just not seeing it, but that is a minor complaint. The mystery is strong and manages to bring in some issues from the time period in an organic way without lecturing us. There are some good twists and surprises to the story and a logical climax. The entire thing is wrapped in a sense of fun that comes from Beryl and Edwina themselves, who are enjoying their new vocation.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated City of Bones (Harry Bosch, #8; Harry Bosch Universe, #10) in Books
Oct 21, 2018
Can Bosch Solve a Cold Case?
Harry Bosch doesn’t take the call about a human bone serious at first, but this time it turns out that a bone from a human skeleton has been found in a Hollywood neighborhood. The skeleton is that of an abused pre-teen boy, and he’s been buried for 20 years. Can Bosch figure out who he was and bring the killer to justice?
I was looking forward to seeing Harry tackle a cold case, figuring we’d get some interesting twists along the way. Sadly, I was disappointed by the plot, which often gets overshadowed by the various sub-plots going on at the same time. The mystery’s still okay, but it’s not one of the better books by Michael Connelly. The characters are still strong, however, and much of what happens is working on Bosch, although I didn’t realize just how much character development we were getting until I reached the end of the book. The book has the usual levels of foul language, sex, and violence that fans of the series would expect, although it is more than my usual reading choices. Average Michael Connelly is still enjoyable, and I’m definitely anxious to find out what happens to Bosch next.
I was looking forward to seeing Harry tackle a cold case, figuring we’d get some interesting twists along the way. Sadly, I was disappointed by the plot, which often gets overshadowed by the various sub-plots going on at the same time. The mystery’s still okay, but it’s not one of the better books by Michael Connelly. The characters are still strong, however, and much of what happens is working on Bosch, although I didn’t realize just how much character development we were getting until I reached the end of the book. The book has the usual levels of foul language, sex, and violence that fans of the series would expect, although it is more than my usual reading choices. Average Michael Connelly is still enjoyable, and I’m definitely anxious to find out what happens to Bosch next.
Merissa (13063 KP) rated Through Her Touch (Mind's Eye #5) in Books
Oct 24, 2018
Through Her Touch (Mind's Eye #5) by Deborah Camp
Through Her Touch is the fifth book in the Mind's Eye series, and we continue with Levi and Trudy, now happily married. Levi is working through his issues, with help from his psychiatrist and Trudy. Trudy is also working on her self-confidence, which has been lacking. Together, this pair are simply awesome!
This was once again an intricate and intriguing novel, full of red herrings and suspense. I will say I was able to guess who the killer was, but I was wrong for a long time. The characters, whether you like them or not, are all fully rounded and three-dimensional. The situations they find themselves in are believable, and it doesn't take much to start feeling for them. I love Levi, but I wish he would get over his jealousy as far as Trudy is concerned, especially when she has made every effort to placate him and prove her love.
With no editing or grammatical errors, I was able to lose myself in this story, reading it straight through (with only necessary interruptions) until I reached the conclusion. A magnificent tale and a welcomed addition to the series. Highly recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was once again an intricate and intriguing novel, full of red herrings and suspense. I will say I was able to guess who the killer was, but I was wrong for a long time. The characters, whether you like them or not, are all fully rounded and three-dimensional. The situations they find themselves in are believable, and it doesn't take much to start feeling for them. I love Levi, but I wish he would get over his jealousy as far as Trudy is concerned, especially when she has made every effort to placate him and prove her love.
With no editing or grammatical errors, I was able to lose myself in this story, reading it straight through (with only necessary interruptions) until I reached the conclusion. A magnificent tale and a welcomed addition to the series. Highly recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Wreath Between the Lines in Books
Nov 21, 2018
Killer at Christmas
The town of Chrystal Cove, California is getting into the Christmas spirit, and Jenna Hart is busy with a bunch of Christmas themed events at the Cookbook Nook. Her life is more complicated by the fact that her sister and her family are visiting, and Jenna gets pulled into their drama. But things take a huge turn when her neighbor, Jake, comes over in a panic one night to report that a friend who had been staying with him has been murdered, trussed up with Christmas light and stabbed by a Christmas star. Who would want to kill a visitor to town? Or was Jake the intended target?
If you are looking for a cozy filled with Christmas spirit, you've come to the right place. This book is filled with Christmas. The mystery is a little weak since a couple of sub-plots crowd it out, but we do still get some twists before reaching a creative and fun climax. The series regulars are all here, and it is wonderful to catch up with them again. Once you've finished the book, you can keep the Christmas spirit with the many recipes for holiday goodies at the end.
If you are looking for a cozy filled with Christmas spirit, you've come to the right place. This book is filled with Christmas. The mystery is a little weak since a couple of sub-plots crowd it out, but we do still get some twists before reaching a creative and fun climax. The series regulars are all here, and it is wonderful to catch up with them again. Once you've finished the book, you can keep the Christmas spirit with the many recipes for holiday goodies at the end.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Child's Play 3 (1991) in Movies
Oct 22, 2019 (Updated Nov 8, 2019)
The third outing for Chucky unfortunately offers nothing new.
It's simply a less fun re tread of the first two.
The setting for Child's Play 3 mainly takes place at a military academy for young people, with typical character cliches thrown in - the nerdy coward type who will clearly redeem himself by the end of the movie, the harsh drill sergeant, the jock type bullies, the badass female, and of course a whole host of people who (for the third time!) don't believe a now teenage Andy Barcley, that there's a killer doll on the loose.
It's all pretty tiresome, and tied together by a poor script.
Chucky himself is the same old, shooting off sweary one liners and being a general prick to everyone he comes across (not necessarily a bad thing).
The finale is pretty lackluster, and not a patch on the seemingly never ending abuse parade against Chucky from Child's Play 2, but it does boast some nice animatronic work and some nasty practical effects.
Child's Play 3 is ultimately a thoroughly underwhelming sequel, sat in a weird purgatory between the more horror themed elements of the first movie, and the schlockier elements of the later films.
It's simply a less fun re tread of the first two.
The setting for Child's Play 3 mainly takes place at a military academy for young people, with typical character cliches thrown in - the nerdy coward type who will clearly redeem himself by the end of the movie, the harsh drill sergeant, the jock type bullies, the badass female, and of course a whole host of people who (for the third time!) don't believe a now teenage Andy Barcley, that there's a killer doll on the loose.
It's all pretty tiresome, and tied together by a poor script.
Chucky himself is the same old, shooting off sweary one liners and being a general prick to everyone he comes across (not necessarily a bad thing).
The finale is pretty lackluster, and not a patch on the seemingly never ending abuse parade against Chucky from Child's Play 2, but it does boast some nice animatronic work and some nasty practical effects.
Child's Play 3 is ultimately a thoroughly underwhelming sequel, sat in a weird purgatory between the more horror themed elements of the first movie, and the schlockier elements of the later films.
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated The Get Down - Season 1 in TV
Jul 18, 2019
The Get Down is ill, straight dope to the max,
It's on point like a needle to the wax.
It's as if Shakspeare grew up in the Bronx,
And was spittin' rhymes deeper than ancient monks.
Mylene's looks would make the Devil sigh,
And her voice would make an angel cry.
Not since Romeo and Juliet have I seen a more passionate fling,
Ezekial loves Mylene like Mylene loves to sing.
Flash, he's the Grand Master,
When it comes to spinning vinyl no one does it faster.
Kung Fu Master Chu met his defeat,
At the hand of Shaolin Fantastic's killer beats.
While the Fantastic Four Plus One be makin' the heat,
Big Annie is the one running the streets.
Tearin' up the dance floors is a man they call Cadillac,
Bustin' moves and bustin' caps, so ya better watch your back.
Like a Bruce Lee karate chop this show is a hit,
Hip to the hop don't want it to stop, for this here is the good good shit.
Turntables spinning circles like piegons in the sky,
It's my new religion and I'm praising it on high.
Like a purple crayon that is full of possibilities,
The Get Down is my new favorite show that you just gotta see.
It's on point like a needle to the wax.
It's as if Shakspeare grew up in the Bronx,
And was spittin' rhymes deeper than ancient monks.
Mylene's looks would make the Devil sigh,
And her voice would make an angel cry.
Not since Romeo and Juliet have I seen a more passionate fling,
Ezekial loves Mylene like Mylene loves to sing.
Flash, he's the Grand Master,
When it comes to spinning vinyl no one does it faster.
Kung Fu Master Chu met his defeat,
At the hand of Shaolin Fantastic's killer beats.
While the Fantastic Four Plus One be makin' the heat,
Big Annie is the one running the streets.
Tearin' up the dance floors is a man they call Cadillac,
Bustin' moves and bustin' caps, so ya better watch your back.
Like a Bruce Lee karate chop this show is a hit,
Hip to the hop don't want it to stop, for this here is the good good shit.
Turntables spinning circles like piegons in the sky,
It's my new religion and I'm praising it on high.
Like a purple crayon that is full of possibilities,
The Get Down is my new favorite show that you just gotta see.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Due or Die in Books
Jan 19, 2019
Due Read This Book
Carrie Rushton has just been elected president of the Friends of the Library. Even though Lindsay Norris isn't a member of the group since she's the head of the library itself, she is thrilled to be working with someone bringing fresh ideas and perspectives. However, after Carrie's first meeting in her new role, she returns home to find her husband shot to death. People are quick to jump to the conclusion that Carrie is guilty, but Lindsay is sure the woman is innocent. Will a winter storm coming to the area turn the trail of the real killer cold?
While I still don't have all the supporting characters straight in my head, the characters important to this mystery are all well developed. That includes not only the suspects, but the main characters. Thanks to a couple of sub-plots, I found the pacing uneven, although things did pick up for the climax. Things do fit together well, but there is a major timing issue in the climax. It annoys, but it is minor overall. While I always enjoy Jenn's books, I found this one super funny, laughing out loud multiple times over the course of the story. I'm already looking forward to my next stop at this library.
While I still don't have all the supporting characters straight in my head, the characters important to this mystery are all well developed. That includes not only the suspects, but the main characters. Thanks to a couple of sub-plots, I found the pacing uneven, although things did pick up for the climax. Things do fit together well, but there is a major timing issue in the climax. It annoys, but it is minor overall. While I always enjoy Jenn's books, I found this one super funny, laughing out loud multiple times over the course of the story. I'm already looking forward to my next stop at this library.