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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Spoon to be Dead in Books
Dec 16, 2023 (Updated Dec 16, 2023)
Is Trinidad’s Ex a Killer?
As winter sets in, Trinidad Jones is concentrating on figuring out how to keep her shake shop going through the cold months. But that takes a back seat when her ex-husband walks through the door of her shop one morning. No one had informed her that Gabe had been let out of prison. Even more surprising, he announces that he thinks he just killed someone before collapsing on the floor. What could be going on?
The book starts that quickly, and I got caught up in the action. The pacing was a little uneven in the middle, but things pick up for a fantastic climax. Since this is (sadly) the final book in the series, we get a wrap up for the characters. Some of that was a little abrupt, but overall, I liked it. Gabe being in town provided a great way to see different sides of several of the characters and watch their relationships grow. Considering how much I love the characters, that was nice. The Christmas setting didn’t really kick in until the second half of the book, but it was strong then. We also get some festive recipes to enjoy later. Fans of the series will be satisfied with this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, you’ll want to do so today.
The book starts that quickly, and I got caught up in the action. The pacing was a little uneven in the middle, but things pick up for a fantastic climax. Since this is (sadly) the final book in the series, we get a wrap up for the characters. Some of that was a little abrupt, but overall, I liked it. Gabe being in town provided a great way to see different sides of several of the characters and watch their relationships grow. Considering how much I love the characters, that was nice. The Christmas setting didn’t really kick in until the second half of the book, but it was strong then. We also get some festive recipes to enjoy later. Fans of the series will be satisfied with this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, you’ll want to do so today.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated The Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club in Books
Jun 16, 2022
What Happened to Martha?
After surviving cancer, Rarity Cole moves to Sedona, Arizona, and opens a bookstore. One of her ideas for connecting with the community is to start a book club for other cancer survivors. However, when Martha, one of the members, misses a meeting, Rarity becomes concerned. Can she and the other members figure out what happened to Martha?
I’ve been meaning to read one of Lynn Cahoon’s books for years, and I figured the start of a new series was a great time to do just that. Overall, I did enjoy the book. I did find the characters’ motivation for investigating the crime weak. On the other hand, I really liked the four main characters. The rest of the cast could be stronger, but that will come as the series progresses, right? I did find a few unfortunate errors in the book that should have been caught with good editing – a timeline issue and something setup that was dropped. I did get pulled into the plot. I pegged the killer a little early, but I didn’t have the motive figured out until Rarity put it together. I completely enjoyed the setting and I’m ready to go visit Sedona. The cancer survivor hook was good as well. I’ll definitely be back to visit these characters again.
I’ve been meaning to read one of Lynn Cahoon’s books for years, and I figured the start of a new series was a great time to do just that. Overall, I did enjoy the book. I did find the characters’ motivation for investigating the crime weak. On the other hand, I really liked the four main characters. The rest of the cast could be stronger, but that will come as the series progresses, right? I did find a few unfortunate errors in the book that should have been caught with good editing – a timeline issue and something setup that was dropped. I did get pulled into the plot. I pegged the killer a little early, but I didn’t have the motive figured out until Rarity put it together. I completely enjoyed the setting and I’m ready to go visit Sedona. The cancer survivor hook was good as well. I’ll definitely be back to visit these characters again.
Edge of The Grave
8.0
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Winner of The Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year Shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for...
Historical fiction Suspense Scotland
Merissa (13382 KP) rated Nya's Wolf in Books
May 20, 2023
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
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
Tough Luxe
6.0
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She wanted to visit an old friend. The "friend" is in jail for murder. Can Samantha find new...
Dirty Heart (Cole McGinnis #6)
9.0
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Final book in the Dirty Series arc. Former LAPD detective Cole McGinnis’s life nearly ended the...
Contemporary MM Romance Crime Mystery Suspense
The Quiet Tenant
6.0
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Aidan Thomas is a hard-working family man and a somewhat beloved figure in the small upstate town...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Muddled Matrimonial Murder in Books
Jun 14, 2023
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.
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.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Murder at Sea in Books
May 31, 2023 (Updated Jun 21, 2023)
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.
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.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated DM Me for Murder in Books
Feb 15, 2024
Mega-Influencer’s Murder Leads to Mega Trouble
Murder is the farthest thing from Coco Cline’s mind that Monday morning. Instead, she is thrilled that mega-influencer LaTage wants to use Coco’s company, Center of Attention Consulting, to launch her rebranding. Then Coco arrives at their meeting to find LaTage dead. With the police asking Coco for help understanding the online world that LaTage inhabited, she can’t help but dig just a little deeper. Will she be able to uncover a clue that will lead to the killer?
I was really looking forward to this book, and it didn’t disappoint. Coco and her friends are in top form, and I loved watching their relationships develop. The plot was fantastic with a couple of great twists and many suspects that Coco had to sort through to reach the logical solution. If you’re looking for a warm beach getaway, the setting with definitely appeal to you as well. I love seeing cozy mysteries expanding their themes. However, if you aren’t super into social media, you’ll still understand everything that happens here, and there’s plenty of talking to suspects face to face. Fans will be delighted with this book. If you want a fun, modern cozy, you’ll be glad this series trended to the top of your to be read pile.
I was really looking forward to this book, and it didn’t disappoint. Coco and her friends are in top form, and I loved watching their relationships develop. The plot was fantastic with a couple of great twists and many suspects that Coco had to sort through to reach the logical solution. If you’re looking for a warm beach getaway, the setting with definitely appeal to you as well. I love seeing cozy mysteries expanding their themes. However, if you aren’t super into social media, you’ll still understand everything that happens here, and there’s plenty of talking to suspects face to face. Fans will be delighted with this book. If you want a fun, modern cozy, you’ll be glad this series trended to the top of your to be read pile.