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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine in Books

Oct 1, 2025 (Updated Oct 1, 2025)  
Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine
Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine
Liz Ireland | 2025 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Who Penned a Real Poisonous Valentine?
It’s a few days before Valentine’s Day, and April Claus is getting ready for her best friend’s wedding. Claire, a friend from Oregon, is marrying Jake Frost. But as the bridal party is at a dress fitting, someone leaves them a note with a threatening Valentine in it. April isn’t quite sure how seriously to take it. That is, until someone dies the next day at the next dress fitting. Can April figure out who the killer is? Or will the mayhem destroy Claire and Jake’s special day?

This series is a favorite of mine, and this book is no exception. There is so much going on here that I was never bored, even though I figured things out a little early. It was great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new characters fit right into this world. And what a world it is. There is a fantasy element to it, but the mystery is still center stage. The author has done such a great job of world building. It is very sweet and clever and each new detail makes me think “How else would things be?” And yes, I am still laughing and chuckling as I read with a grin on my face the entire way. Don’t miss this series. If you are already a fan, you’ll love this entry.
  
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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Recluse in Books

May 11, 2024  
R
Recluse
Gabriel Zavala | 2024
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
92 of 220
Book sirens arc
Recluse
By Gabriel Zavala
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

HE'S WEAVING HIS WEB OF MURDER.

Lukas Retter is a recluse in the correctional city of East Haddam, Connecticut, washing cars and dreaming about taking back control of his life. He has been ever since The Safety First Act redefined criminal justice in America.
Meanwhile, the children of criminals are placed in psychiatric hospitals to be evaluated.
But when Lukas murders Rebecca Waylow, his girlfriend, he leaves her dismembered and strung-up on a web of bloody ropes and wires. And she won't be the last.
As Lukas recalls his sinister past and becomes the new nightmare of his correctional city, he transforms into the serial killer he was destined to become. He'll do whatever it takes to feel control, even if it means stringing a few people up in the process.

This was pretty brutal from start to finish. Not one of these characters have any redeeming qualities. This main character was taken from his home at a young age, accused of killing his father even though he watched his sister do it to then be put into a violent situation by the government.
It’s a tough read but actually really well written especially from such a young author who definitely has a long promising career ahead of him.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Murder on Devil’s Pond in Books

Jul 11, 2024  
Murder on Devil’s Pond
Murder on Devil’s Pond
Ayla Rose | 2024 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder of the Town Recluse
Hannah Solace has returned to her small town in Vermont to help her sister run a B&B. The only person she’s really reconnect with is Ezra Grayson, the town’s eighty-year-old recluse that most people want to see sell the house he’s lived in most of his life. Then Hannah finds his dead body on the pond that borders the B&B. When she finds herself on the suspect list, Hannah begins to investigate. Is his death related to a secret from the past? Or was one of his heirs, who are staying at the B&B, too impatient to inherit?

I’ll admit, it took me a couple of chapters to fully get pulled into this new world, but once it did, I was fully hooked. The mystery is complex with a variety of motives. I figured one thing out early, but the rest, including the killer, kept me guessing. The characters, including the suspects, grew more complex as I read as well. There are some relationships I’m looking forward to seeing explored further as the series goes along. The environmental themes are well done, and the recipe at the end sounds delicious. This book is a little more on the serious side for a cozy mystery, but as long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. If you are looking for a new series you can dig into, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.