European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman (The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club #2)
Book
In the sequel to the critically acclaimed The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter, Mary...
Golden Gate
10.0
Rate It
Book
In this second installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James...
Yule Log Murder
Barbara Ross, Leslie Meier and Lee Hollis
9.3
Rate It
Book
Fresh-baked cookies, pies, and cakes can warm even the frostiest Christmases in coastal Maine. But...
Resistance Women
Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, an enthralling historical...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2514 KP) rated Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue in Books
Oct 13, 2021 (Updated Oct 13, 2021)
This is a different book for the series since Frank and Sarah, our usual main characters, aren’t in it. However, it allows the secondary characters time to shine, which was a lot of fun, especially since I love them. It also provided a bit more humor, which I appreciated. The mystery itself is serious, and the book balances the tones perfectly. The mystery is also strong and kept me turning pages, as always. I did feel there was a bit too much rehashing of things at times in the middle, but that got better as the book went along. Sadly, there are some timing issues in the climax as the characters forget when things happened. Ironically enough, the climax makes even more sense if you remember the correct timeline. There are a few Christmas elements in the book, but the main focus is on the characters and mystery. This may be a unique entry in the series, but fans will still love it.
Christmas Dessert Murder
8.0
Rate It
Book
The perfect stocking stuffer for fans of culinary capers, this holiday omnibus from New York Times...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Shrooms ( Garden Variety Zombies 1) in Books
Nov 2, 2023
Kindle
Booksirens ARC
Shrooms (Garden Variety Zombies 1)
By Zola Joyce
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hazel always had doubts about the protective abilities of the government. Particularly Child Protective Services and the cranky old lady who’d been doing her best to separate Hazel from her one and only parental unit. Why couldn’t Mrs. Stenopoulos see the value of independent living, and Hazel’s knack for it from the youngest of ages?
She was second in command of her mother’s slightly illegal but very profitable enterprise.
She’d taught herself to drive a full four years before she was eligible to get a license.
She’d rescued her beloved hound from the ‘Clinical Trial’ her mother’s boyfriend of the month had recently concocted.
And just a few weeks after her 15th birthday, she’d secured a full ride scholarship to the local university. Early entrance.
Hazel was a caretaker, a dog lover, and a crack shot. Ask anyone in town.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you enjoy Zombie YA then it’s definitely the book for you! I think it could have done with a bit more humor and it did have some just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I’ve gone with a 3⭐️ because it’s well written and the idea is really interesting. The ending has thrown me a little and I really want to read the next to make sure I wasn’t high on mushrooms reading that last page 😆.
A Royal Affair
8.0
Rate It
Book
More goes wrong than could be imagined when Iris Sparks and Gwendolyn Bainbridge of The Right Sort...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2514 KP) rated Watching the Detectives in Books
Sep 12, 2025
It has been too long since I read the previous book, but I was quickly back in Ellison’s world. I enjoyed seeing what was going on with the characters, and I’m hopeful the love triangle has been put to rest. Her mother wasn’t quite as overbearing in this book, which was appreciated. The 70’s are brought to life with plenty of great details, and some of the politics of the day. Fortunately, the content the series has had that keeps it just outside of cozy for me was toned down in this book. The mystery gets a little sidetracked, and the ending is weaker than I like, but it still kept me going. Ellison’s dry wit narration is a delight and keeps me smiling if not laughing. Hopefully, it won’t be so long before I revisit the characters.
Merissa (13878 KP) rated A Heart of Gold and Glass (Secret Fairy Tales #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2026
In a kingdom where magic is an everyday occurrence, some magic is more highbrow than others. Hugo can create anything with glass, which is wonderful, but not so highly placed. His mother is desperate for him to marry well, so tells people he can spin straw into gold. This gets him locked up, where a strange man saves him. Prince Everand is the heir to the throne, and fed up with his mother's matchmaking. Together, these two have adventures, find love, stop a war, and reunite families. All in a day's work.
I loved these two. Hugo is humble without being too self-deprecating. Ev is charming and funny, especially when he is head over heels for Hugo. I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes with Hugo's brothers, and I even liked his mother. She reminded me of Mrs Bennett.
I thought this was a brilliant start to the series. It is sweet and sexy, with great world-building, and plenty of characters I want to see more of. It is Dorian's turn next, and I can't wait. HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 13, 2026