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Halloween Hoedowns Can be Deadly
10.0
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Spooky decorations. Murderous intentions. It’s not a party until someone ends up dead. Bluebonnet...
The Book of Cold Cases
9.0
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A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two...
ghost story
Smile Beach Murder
8.0
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From author Alicia Bessette comes an all-new mystery series featuring Callie Padget, a former...
Merissa (14222 KP) rated In the Shadow of the Bull (An Ancient Crete Mystery #1) in Books
Jul 17, 2023
IN THE SHADOW OF THE BULL is the first book in the Ancient Crete Mystery series and we start with a wedding and a murder. Martis, the fifteen-year-old sister of the victim is charged by her dead sister's ghost to find out who killed her. If she fails, she will be haunted for nine generations!
Martis is split between her duty to her sister and her need to train for bull-dancing. She is also fifteen, so her attention span isn't that good yet, and she flits from person to person, convinced each one is the killer.
I preferred the historical aspect of this story more than the mystery. For me, it wasn't so much a mystery as a when will Martis figure it out? I did like the ending, with how it tied it up, but I wanted to know more about Bais and Nuia. And what about the barbarians? Would they receive an apology or just be given permission to leave? Maybe that will happen in future books. Although it was explained to a degree, it left me wanting more.
I have no hesitation in recommending an enjoyable book with great attention to detail.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 22, 2023
Martis is split between her duty to her sister and her need to train for bull-dancing. She is also fifteen, so her attention span isn't that good yet, and she flits from person to person, convinced each one is the killer.
I preferred the historical aspect of this story more than the mystery. For me, it wasn't so much a mystery as a when will Martis figure it out? I did like the ending, with how it tied it up, but I wanted to know more about Bais and Nuia. And what about the barbarians? Would they receive an apology or just be given permission to leave? Maybe that will happen in future books. Although it was explained to a degree, it left me wanting more.
I have no hesitation in recommending an enjoyable book with great attention to detail.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 22, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2676 KP) rated The Twelve Jays of Christmas in Books
Jan 2, 2022 (Updated Jan 2, 2022)
Demanding Artist Underfoot at Christmas
It’s a few days before Christmas, and Meg Langslow is ready for the holiday and the invasion of family that it brings. What she isn’t dealing with well is Roderick Castlemayne. Roderick is a wildlife artist in town to paint birds for Meg’s grandfather’s newest book. Roderick has taken over the library in Meg’s house and is acting like a jerk in every way imaginable. Meg has finally had enough and is ready to kick him out, but someone takes care of the problem for her when they kill him. Once again, Meg finds herself involved in the investigation. Will she find the killer before Christmas?
It’s almost become tradition to drop in on Meg and company during Christmas, and I always enjoy these seasonal visits. The Christmas spirit is strong in this entry, although we did miss a few of the regular traditions around town. The plot had several fun complications, but I did figure out what was going on a little early. A few of my favorite supporting characters weren’t in town when most of the action took place (although I think they got the same amount of page time as they normally would), but the rest of the cast more than made up for it. Between these characters and the animal antics, I was smiling if not laughing as I read. Fans of the series will delight in this newest Christmas visit with old friends.
It’s almost become tradition to drop in on Meg and company during Christmas, and I always enjoy these seasonal visits. The Christmas spirit is strong in this entry, although we did miss a few of the regular traditions around town. The plot had several fun complications, but I did figure out what was going on a little early. A few of my favorite supporting characters weren’t in town when most of the action took place (although I think they got the same amount of page time as they normally would), but the rest of the cast more than made up for it. Between these characters and the animal antics, I was smiling if not laughing as I read. Fans of the series will delight in this newest Christmas visit with old friends.
Project Dogway
9.0
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**This is a SHORT 10K word story** Canines are on the “catwalk” at this Laguna Beach dog...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Heartless ( Scarlet Suffragette 3) in Books
Jun 17, 2023
78 of 235
Kindle
Heartless ( Scarlet Suffragette 3)
By Nicola Claire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Qualified physician? A menace to society? The next Chief Surgeon?
Returning to life in the Antipodes has not gone quite as expected for Dr Anna Cassidy; an axe hangs over her head. With no sign of her nemesis in Auckland City, Anna finds herself holding her breath.
But a gruesome surprise awaiting her in her home surgery one morning changes all of that.
Puppet policeman? Blind protector? Steadfast husband?
For Inspector Andrew Kelly, however, the subsequent murders are very personal indeed. As a ghost from his past haunts his present and threatens his future, he must first find the truth amongst the lies before he can end his misery.
But this killer wants their pound of flesh.
When the bodies pile up, and the heartless are identified, can Andrew protect the one woman he loves? Or will the murderer have the last laugh and crush his heart forever?
A gritty, twisted, and authentic Victorian romantic suspense, sure to rip you apart... just like old Jack.
This was the best one of the trilogy and perfect ending! I have enjoyed this series so much it’s the time period I love and has a Jack the Ripper link as well as the most amazing female characters just a really good series. The 5 star review is well warranted for the whole series too. I really enjoy Nicola Claire’s writing style.
Kindle
Heartless ( Scarlet Suffragette 3)
By Nicola Claire
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Qualified physician? A menace to society? The next Chief Surgeon?
Returning to life in the Antipodes has not gone quite as expected for Dr Anna Cassidy; an axe hangs over her head. With no sign of her nemesis in Auckland City, Anna finds herself holding her breath.
But a gruesome surprise awaiting her in her home surgery one morning changes all of that.
Puppet policeman? Blind protector? Steadfast husband?
For Inspector Andrew Kelly, however, the subsequent murders are very personal indeed. As a ghost from his past haunts his present and threatens his future, he must first find the truth amongst the lies before he can end his misery.
But this killer wants their pound of flesh.
When the bodies pile up, and the heartless are identified, can Andrew protect the one woman he loves? Or will the murderer have the last laugh and crush his heart forever?
A gritty, twisted, and authentic Victorian romantic suspense, sure to rip you apart... just like old Jack.
This was the best one of the trilogy and perfect ending! I have enjoyed this series so much it’s the time period I love and has a Jack the Ripper link as well as the most amazing female characters just a really good series. The 5 star review is well warranted for the whole series too. I really enjoy Nicola Claire’s writing style.
Merissa (14222 KP) rated Alexi (Tangled Tentacles #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2023)
ALEXI is the first book in a new series about a group of Kraken shifters who are called in to assist the police on several missing people cases - or is it a serial murderer? Danik is worried it will be swept away as a serial killer when he just knows they are still alive. Alexi soon puts those fears to rest once they realise they are mates. No way will Alexi go against Danik like that.
So, what do you have? A group of close brothers who tease each other constantly. Different personalities I am looking forward to getting to know. A possibly crooked police force. Missing paranormals, presumed dead, but oh so alive according to Danik. It's all here, and it's FUN.
I loved the way the personalities worked well with each other. Danik and Alexi are just wonderful, giving me warm, squidgy feelings whenever they are soft and cuddly. It is funny, with some brilliant one-liners that kept me amused. The pacing is spot-on, and the ending leads perfectly to the next book.
What's next? A Kraken and a Vampire. Oh, boy!
I honestly can't wait to continue this series. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 21, 2022
So, what do you have? A group of close brothers who tease each other constantly. Different personalities I am looking forward to getting to know. A possibly crooked police force. Missing paranormals, presumed dead, but oh so alive according to Danik. It's all here, and it's FUN.
I loved the way the personalities worked well with each other. Danik and Alexi are just wonderful, giving me warm, squidgy feelings whenever they are soft and cuddly. It is funny, with some brilliant one-liners that kept me amused. The pacing is spot-on, and the ending leads perfectly to the next book.
What's next? A Kraken and a Vampire. Oh, boy!
I honestly can't wait to continue this series. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 21, 2022
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2676 KP) rated A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras in Books
Aug 12, 2026
Did Ricki Join a Krewe with a Killer?
Mardi Gras season has hit the city. It’s the first since Ricki moved, and she’s gotten caught up in the fever. It helps that her boyfriend, celebrated chef Virgil Morel, is being named the king of the Krewe of Chew, so many of their friends from Bon Vee are joining them. However, the captain of the krewe is an egotistical bully. And those are his good qualities. After leaving one of the events, Ricki and Virgil stumble upon his dead body. The victim’s wife is the police’s prime suspect, but Ricki has become friends with the woman, and she doesn’t believe it. The problem is, the number of suspects in the krewe are numerous. Can Ricki figure out what really happened?
While a lot happens here, I didn’t feel the pacing of the mystery was a strong as it could be. But this is a fun mystery, and I loved the climax when I got there. I knew very little about Mardi Gras, but that’s fine since Ricki was learning right along with me. I enjoyed meeting the new characters and got a kick out of some of the antics of the regulars. Developments in the ongoing storyline helped me really get to know some of the regulars better. This is another entertaining cozy from Ellen Byron that will entertain you whether you already love Mardi Gras or are new to the season.
While a lot happens here, I didn’t feel the pacing of the mystery was a strong as it could be. But this is a fun mystery, and I loved the climax when I got there. I knew very little about Mardi Gras, but that’s fine since Ricki was learning right along with me. I enjoyed meeting the new characters and got a kick out of some of the antics of the regulars. Developments in the ongoing storyline helped me really get to know some of the regulars better. This is another entertaining cozy from Ellen Byron that will entertain you whether you already love Mardi Gras or are new to the season.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2676 KP) rated #TreatYourself to Murder in Books
Oct 28, 2026
This Christmas Cozy is a Treat
There has been a string of fires in Central Shores that started around Halloween, and the investigation doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. But things take a tragic turn in early December when a body is found in the latest fire. The victim is a young woman who had been living in her car, but had recently gone missing. Social media influencer Coco Cline was already trying to help find the victim, but when she is asked to help figure out what happened, she doesn’t hesitate. With the help of her friends and fiancé, she finds that sleuthing and Christmas shopping make a good pairing. But can she find another killer?
This author has become a favorite, and this book is a great example of why. We don’t waste any time getting to the plot, and the story never lags on the way to the logical and suspenseful climax. Coco and her friends are a great team, and I always enjoy spending more time with them. Given the Christmas setting, I was a bit surprised we didn’t see more of Coco’s family, but they would have slowed things down. The Christmas vibes are great, and I had fun seeing how those elements helped further the story. If you haven’t tried one of Sarah’s books, you need to fix that. Fans of this series are in for a Christmas treat.
This author has become a favorite, and this book is a great example of why. We don’t waste any time getting to the plot, and the story never lags on the way to the logical and suspenseful climax. Coco and her friends are a great team, and I always enjoy spending more time with them. Given the Christmas setting, I was a bit surprised we didn’t see more of Coco’s family, but they would have slowed things down. The Christmas vibes are great, and I had fun seeing how those elements helped further the story. If you haven’t tried one of Sarah’s books, you need to fix that. Fans of this series are in for a Christmas treat.