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Ricki’s Past, Family, and a Christmas Murder
Ricki James-Diaz is thrilled her parents are in town for Christmas. She’s hoping that she and her mom and use the time to track down more of Ricki’s birth family. But when one of her mom’s former co-workers is killed right after Ricki meets her, murder takes center stage. As more of Ricki’s family and friends come under suspicious, she can’t help but jump in. Will she find the killer?
It was great to be back with Ricki and her family and friends. They are a fun bunch, and we met some new characters I hope we see again. There are some spoilers for previous books’ ongoing storylines, but they are minor. There are several subplots in addition to the main mystery, so I was never bored. Yet everything was balanced well and we reached a satisfying climax. I did find a couple of small things that should have been caught by an edit, but they are minor. I loved the Christmas setting of the book for both the humor and the coziness it brought. And we get some appropriate recipes at the end of the book. Whether you read this book now or save it for December, you’ll be glad you read it.
It was great to be back with Ricki and her family and friends. They are a fun bunch, and we met some new characters I hope we see again. There are some spoilers for previous books’ ongoing storylines, but they are minor. There are several subplots in addition to the main mystery, so I was never bored. Yet everything was balanced well and we reached a satisfying climax. I did find a couple of small things that should have been caught by an edit, but they are minor. I loved the Christmas setting of the book for both the humor and the coziness it brought. And we get some appropriate recipes at the end of the book. Whether you read this book now or save it for December, you’ll be glad you read it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2591 KP) rated A Fashionably French Murder in Books
May 1, 2025 (Updated May 1, 2025)
Tabitha Must Find a Well Dressed Killer
Tabitha Knight, who grew up learning both French and English, is making some money tutoring various people in French. She’s now landed a job as a translator for a diplomat’s wife who is looking to buy an haute couture dress for her daughter’s upcoming wedding. Their first stop is Maison Lannet, where they are treated to a fabulous fashion show. But when Tabitha realizes she left her gloves behind, she finds the designer dead. Can she figure out what happened?
It was nice to be back in 1950 Paris, once again seeing what life was like for people trying to rebuild their lives after the war. Yes, Julia Child has a strong presence in this book again, so there is lots of talk about French cuisine. So expect your mouth to water. The pacing of the mystery was a bit uneven, thanks in part to a couple of subplots, but I appreciated some of the twists we got along the way. The characters are fun as always, and I am curious to see where one storyline will go in the next book. All told, anyone interested in Julia Child or life in Paris in 1950 will be glad they picked up this book.
It was nice to be back in 1950 Paris, once again seeing what life was like for people trying to rebuild their lives after the war. Yes, Julia Child has a strong presence in this book again, so there is lots of talk about French cuisine. So expect your mouth to water. The pacing of the mystery was a bit uneven, thanks in part to a couple of subplots, but I appreciated some of the twists we got along the way. The characters are fun as always, and I am curious to see where one storyline will go in the next book. All told, anyone interested in Julia Child or life in Paris in 1950 will be glad they picked up this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2591 KP) rated Edam and Weep in Books
Aug 6, 2025
Carly Finds Murder at a Fundraiser
As this book opens, it’s just over a month until Carly’s wedding to Ari. But today, she’s focused on the 50’s diner themed fundraiser for the local high school’s gym. While she’s selling simple grilled cheese (of course), some of the other vendors are offering various other offerings. But the man selling sodas clearly doesn’t want to be there, and his rude behavior leads to a confrontation with Carly’s mom. When the man is found dead later with the scarf that her mom was wearing around his neck, Carly jumps in to figure out what really happened.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
The Green Baize Door (A Marie Chevalier Mystery, #1)
Book
An atmospheric historical mystery where every character has their own agenda, and their own truth. ...
Historical Mystery
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2591 KP) rated The Queen of Poisons in Books
Feb 18, 2026
Who Poisoned the Mayor?
This new case starts when Suzie Harris goes to a planning meeting. She just wants to get the lay of the land since she has a new side hustle she is going to need the board’s approval for before she can start. But, to everyone’s horror, the mayor keels over dead just as the meeting is starting. Suzie quickly calls her friends Judith Potts and Becks Starling. With the newly promoted Tanika Malik’s grudging approval, the trio start trying to figure out just how the killer managed to poison the mayor. But everyone they talk to say he was a great guy. Who would want him dead?
There are a few things that don’t quite work with how the police would normally behave or how long test results take, but I don’t mind. That’s because I’m having fun along the way. The three leads are fun, and I’m smiling or laughing through much of the book. The plot is another good puzzle with credible suspects. I thought I had things figured out a couple of times, but I was impressed with how the clues had been layered in. The climax was a bit over the top, but it answered most of our questions. I’m hoping to get to the next soon.
There are a few things that don’t quite work with how the police would normally behave or how long test results take, but I don’t mind. That’s because I’m having fun along the way. The three leads are fun, and I’m smiling or laughing through much of the book. The plot is another good puzzle with credible suspects. I thought I had things figured out a couple of times, but I was impressed with how the clues had been layered in. The climax was a bit over the top, but it answered most of our questions. I’m hoping to get to the next soon.
Death at Tidal Creek
7.0
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Book store owner and coffee slinger, Clark Thomas, finds himself involved in another murder...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2591 KP) rated April Fool Dead in Books
Feb 13, 2025
This Killer Isn’t Fooling Around
Annie Darling is looking forward to hosting a book signing for the island’s resident mystery writer, Emma Clyde, on April first. She’s even come up with the perfect promotion for it, leaving fliers all over the island with the clues to identify famous mystery books for a prize at the signing. However, someone has mimicked her fliers, but instead of talking about fictional murder these new fliers are accusing residents of the island of real crimes. Just as Annie thinks her job restoring her name is over, someone dies. Is this murder connected to the fliers?
I love it when authors get creative with their plots, and we’ve got a winner here. I especially appreciated how everything came together. The characters remain a little thin, but they are strong enough to pull us into the story. There are a couple who show up from the previous book, so be aware of minor spoilers. The laughs are plentiful again, especially thanks to Annie’s mother-in-law. Do keep in mind that this book was originally released in 2002 as a couple of elements are dated, but nothing major. Overall, you’d be a fool to pass on this book.
I love it when authors get creative with their plots, and we’ve got a winner here. I especially appreciated how everything came together. The characters remain a little thin, but they are strong enough to pull us into the story. There are a couple who show up from the previous book, so be aware of minor spoilers. The laughs are plentiful again, especially thanks to Annie’s mother-in-law. Do keep in mind that this book was originally released in 2002 as a couple of elements are dated, but nothing major. Overall, you’d be a fool to pass on this book.
Snowy with a Chance of Murder
Jessica Fletcher and Barbara Early
8.0
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Book
In a nod to Rear Window, this newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series...
Seeing Death (The Augur #1)
8.0
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Book
Some futures were never meant to be seen. At eighteen, Bryn Ashton is preparing for a new chapter...
Contemporary MM Romance Paranormal Urban Fantasy Mystery