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Merissa (11950 KP) rated Nya's Wolf in Books

May 20, 2023  
Nya's Wolf
Nya's Wolf
Roxy Wilson | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Nya is a forest ranger, and happy being by herself surrounded by nature. The book starts with her facing off a grumbly bear, but just as she thinks that this is going to hurt, she is saved by a wolf, although she does fall down a small ravine. Upon trying to get out, she finds a body and the story really starts.

This is exceedingly well-written, with a different take on the usual shifter story, in that Reece is an 'out-of-towner' who has also become the Alpha of the pack. It is a settling down process which needs time that he, unfortunately, doesn't have as he becomes the prime suspect in the murder case. Not only are Nya and Reece trying to find the killer, but they are also trying to sort out the power plays that come into force with a pack. Intermingling a couple of storylines is not easy, but Roxy Wilson has done it with aplomb.

This is the first book by Roxy Wilson that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last. Well-written and thoroughly enjoyable, definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 27, 2016
  
Muddled Matrimonial Murder
Muddled Matrimonial Murder
Kim Davis | 2023 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dead Stalker
Not only is Thanksgiving approaching, and with it lots of orders for cupcakes that caterer Emory Martinez must fulfill, but she’s also working on the wedding of her best friend, Brad, to Gabe. The road to the wedding is going to be rocky, however, as Gabe seems to be having the worst case of cold feet imaginable. Then Brad and Emory find the body of a woman at the wedding venue. The victim is Brad’s stalker, whom he hasn’t seen in years and didn’t even know was in the area. With the police looking at the grooms as the prime suspects, Emory must add finding a killer to her to do list.

I’d kind of forgotten about Brad’s stalker until she became the focus of this storyline. The plot was great since Emory, despite what she uncovers, keeps coming back to the grooms as the best suspects. Yet when we reach the suspenseful climax, things make perfect sense. There are some interesting developments that fans of the series will enjoy. And yes, I do recommend reading this series in order. That’s fine since the characters are so charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them again here. There are another dozen recipes, including some twists on Thanksgiving favorites and lots featuring cranberries. If you are looking for a fun cozy, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Murder at Sea in Books

May 31, 2023 (Updated Jun 21, 2023)  
Murder at Sea
Murder at Sea
Various Authors | 2023 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Set Sail for Eight Fun – and Deadly – Cruises
For this entry in the Destination Murders short story anthologies, the writers are sending their sleuths on cruises. Of course, no vacation in this series is without a hiccup and dead body or two. From Norway to Italy and Seattle, and from budget cruise lines to luxury yachts, the sleuths must deal with the unexpected when a killer decides that the sea is the perfect time to strike.

While there are a couple of stories that really stood out, every single one of these eight stories is enjoyable. I can’t think of one I didn’t like. Many of the authors included their series characters here, although you don’t have to know the characters to enjoy what happens. In fact, this reminded me that I really do need to read some of these author’s novels. These stories are long enough that, by the time you’ve read all eight, you’ve read the equivalent of a full-length novel, so there is plenty here to keep you entertained. Each story features a fun twist or two, and the solutions always satisfied. Whether you are looking for a great read for a summer vacation or want something to make you feel like you are on vacation, you’ll be glad you boarded this anthology.
  
The Kill of It All
The Kill of It All
Diane Vallere | 2022 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Filming a Commercial is Killer
Madison Night has recently shot a commercial to drum up customers for her recently reopened business. But she regrets it when she gets talked into filming a public service commercial for the local police department. Madison is replacing an actress who wasn’t working out, but she doesn’t expect to find the woman dead behind the building where they are supposed to film. Suddenly, the crew are looking like suspects. Can Madison figure out who committed the crime?

I let a little more time than normal go between visits with Madison, but it was wonderful to be back in her presence. The story starts quickly and doesn’t let up, with several great surprises on the way to the logical climax. The characters, both returning and new, are as strong as always, and I enjoyed seeing Madison grow a bit more here. Fans of Doris Day movies will recognize the setup from one of them, but that movie wasn’t a murder mystery. There are plenty of great surprises along the way (and another couple of fun homages). Unfortunately, there are still a few things that I wish had been caught in an edit, but they are minor irritants. If you are looking for a fun mystery, be sure to pick up this series.
  
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ClareR (5674 KP) rated Butter in Books

Sep 10, 2024  
Butter
Butter
Asako Yuzuki | 2024 | Contemporary, Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Rika, a journalist, wants to interview female serial killer Manako Kajii, but Kajii doesn’t want to talk to anyone, least of all another woman. So Rita appeals to her love of cooking, and asks her for a recipe.

Initially I thought this would be a thriller, and whilst it has elements of that, its so much more. Butter looks at how women are regarded in society - how “thin is King (or Queen?)”, particularly in Japan. Kajii sets Rika tasks, one being to learn to cook and actually enjoy her food (that’s two tasks) - less of the “food is fuel” school of thought.

Rika learns that she’s lonely, her life is centred around her work. She wants independence, but she also wants connection. As Rita gains weight she feels happier in herself, but she’s judged by those around her of being slovenly. I mean, the work she puts in to learning to cook and actually cooking would say otherwise, but then that’s society for you.

I will say not to read this whilst you’re hungry. The descriptions of the food, it’s smell, texture, flavours - I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

I’m glad I read this. It was a really interesting insight into Japanese culture, more so than ‘just’ a thriller. There were more food descriptions than murders, that’s for certain!!