Search
Search results
Malice Domestic 14: Mystery Most Edible
Parnell Hall, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Verena Rose and Rita Owen
8.0
Rate It
Book
The Malice Domestic anthology series returns with a new take on mysteries in the Agatha Christie...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2415 KP) rated Whale Done in Books
Apr 3, 2023
Message Drowns Out Plot
Teddy Fitzroy is on vacation again, this time in Malibu with his girlfriend, Summer McCracken, and Summer’s mother. They are visiting a friend of Mrs. McCracken who lives right on the beach in Southern California. Unfortunately, the beach stinks right now since a whale has beached itself and died. The head veterinarian from FunJungle is there as well, as he is planning to assist his friend who works for NOAA on the autopsy to find out exactly what happened to the whale, but before they can do that, the whale explodes. Obviously, someone is trying to hide something. Can Teddy figure out what is really happening?
Since the last book was also set away from FunJungle, I was disappointed we didn’t get to spend much time at the park again here. I did enjoy the LA setting since I live here, but it didn’t completely make up for missing the park and regular characters. The plot spends time speculating on why the whale died and why someone who want to hide their involvement, which turns into several lectures on how humans are destroying oceans. Yes, this is an important topic, but it took over and slowed down the story at times. On the other hand, Teddy once again makes some logical connections with great clues that figure things out in the end. The characters we meet along the way are fun, and I liked the development we got for Teddy and Summer. If you are new to the series, I suggest you start with an earlier book. Fans will still enjoy this one.
Since the last book was also set away from FunJungle, I was disappointed we didn’t get to spend much time at the park again here. I did enjoy the LA setting since I live here, but it didn’t completely make up for missing the park and regular characters. The plot spends time speculating on why the whale died and why someone who want to hide their involvement, which turns into several lectures on how humans are destroying oceans. Yes, this is an important topic, but it took over and slowed down the story at times. On the other hand, Teddy once again makes some logical connections with great clues that figure things out in the end. The characters we meet along the way are fun, and I liked the development we got for Teddy and Summer. If you are new to the series, I suggest you start with an earlier book. Fans will still enjoy this one.
The Last Truehart
Book
1898, Geelong, Victoria. Stella Truehart is all alone in the world. Her good-for-nothing husband has...
ClareR (5991 KP) rated 73 Dove Street in Books
Sep 12, 2023
73 Dove Street is set in the 1950’s, and begins with Edie Budd arriving at a boarding house with nothing but a suitcase. It’s clear that something has happened to her - she’s constantly alert and frightened. Edie’s story is told in a series of flashbacks starting five years before.
Two other women live at number 73: landlady Phyllis, and fellow resident Tommie. When Edie arrives, Phyllis has just finished burning the mattress of a former resident who she’d caught with her husband, along with her husbands remaining belongings.
Tommie is best described as a whirlwind. She works for a Mrs Vee, and she enjoys her nights out. But as with Edie and Phyllis, there’s a lot going on in Tommie’s life.
This is a slow burn, a character driven novel, and has exactly what I enjoy most in a book. I love learning about characters lives, especially lives that are so different from my own. The 1950’s were a time of great change (again!): men back from war, women having to adjust back to traditional roles. These things were incorporated into the stories of Edie, Tommie and Phyllis. The women are drawn together by their secrets, lies and fears, and all three end up making life-changing decisions.
The feel of this book was perfect. I was taken back to the 1950’s with its pea-souper fogs, bars with dancing and super slim skirts (or even the full ones with petticoats!).
73 Dove Street is a very emotional book at times - you’ll need your hanky - and funny too. Overall, a really great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Two other women live at number 73: landlady Phyllis, and fellow resident Tommie. When Edie arrives, Phyllis has just finished burning the mattress of a former resident who she’d caught with her husband, along with her husbands remaining belongings.
Tommie is best described as a whirlwind. She works for a Mrs Vee, and she enjoys her nights out. But as with Edie and Phyllis, there’s a lot going on in Tommie’s life.
This is a slow burn, a character driven novel, and has exactly what I enjoy most in a book. I love learning about characters lives, especially lives that are so different from my own. The 1950’s were a time of great change (again!): men back from war, women having to adjust back to traditional roles. These things were incorporated into the stories of Edie, Tommie and Phyllis. The women are drawn together by their secrets, lies and fears, and all three end up making life-changing decisions.
The feel of this book was perfect. I was taken back to the 1950’s with its pea-souper fogs, bars with dancing and super slim skirts (or even the full ones with petticoats!).
73 Dove Street is a very emotional book at times - you’ll need your hanky - and funny too. Overall, a really great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Under the Paper Moon
5.0
Rate It
Book
Kate Quinn’s The Rose Code meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith in this intrigue-filled debut, as two former...
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Unexpected Champion (High Sierra Sweethearts, #3) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Y’all! Let me tell you a little something about this book right here. It’s fantabulous. That’s right. Fantabulous. Mary Connealy has been on my auto read authors list for years now. And, I always get giddy like a school kid on the play ground when I get to read her novels. This upcoming addition to her High Sierra Sweethearts series was no exception.
From the start, we are taking to the heart of the plot line, and into the lives of John and Penny. Oh sweet Penny, how I loved her! I loved her strong willed ways. And John. Lord have mercy, did I ever love him! His character really came to life for me, and I pictured myself beside him, taking each new twist and turn of being kidnapped with Penny as if I was there.
I loved the way Connealy created her characters with her trademark charm and wit. I love to get lost between the covers of one of her amazing novels because they are lighthearted and keep me chuckling on a bad day. The wit and charm of Penny and John were definitely evident in this page turner!
If you ask me, and even if you don’t, I’m going to tell you that I highly recommend this book with hats-off, two thumbs, and highest of 5 stars. Inspiration, hope, mercy and love are all wrapped up into another incredible cowboy story from the talented Mary Connealy. So, grab ya a copy, kick your boots off, and get ready to get wrapped up in another impeccably done novel from Mrs. Connealy!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
From the start, we are taking to the heart of the plot line, and into the lives of John and Penny. Oh sweet Penny, how I loved her! I loved her strong willed ways. And John. Lord have mercy, did I ever love him! His character really came to life for me, and I pictured myself beside him, taking each new twist and turn of being kidnapped with Penny as if I was there.
I loved the way Connealy created her characters with her trademark charm and wit. I love to get lost between the covers of one of her amazing novels because they are lighthearted and keep me chuckling on a bad day. The wit and charm of Penny and John were definitely evident in this page turner!
If you ask me, and even if you don’t, I’m going to tell you that I highly recommend this book with hats-off, two thumbs, and highest of 5 stars. Inspiration, hope, mercy and love are all wrapped up into another incredible cowboy story from the talented Mary Connealy. So, grab ya a copy, kick your boots off, and get ready to get wrapped up in another impeccably done novel from Mrs. Connealy!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Midge (525 KP) rated Mr Doubler Begins Again in Books
Mar 1, 2019
Humorous And Endearing
This is the first book by Seni Glaister that I have read. Why did I choose this book? Well, I was lured by the vague synopsis which piqued my curiosity and I am also a sucker for an attractive front cover, so it ticked some of the boxes for me!
Mr Doubler, a potato farmer, lives alone at Mirth Farm, on top of a hill. He doesn’t need anyone else for company as he is content with just his potato plants and Mrs Millwood, his housekeeper. However, she is taken ill and Mr Doubler starts to feel lonely and his life is no longer as complete as he thought. Before he lost his wife, her friends were always around. Can the kindness of the village strangers bring a lonely man out of his melancholy?
Although ageing, illness, death and the difficulties arising from family relationships are pivotal throughout this book, it is also a story very much about hope.
For me, this is a charming and endearing book and I love the way that Seni Glaister has written about rural life. There are some wonderful descriptions that make me want to make a trip to Mr Doubler's farm and she has created a fantastic set of characters. Whilst they are not all likeable, there are some lovely interactions between some of them as Mr Doubler's life alters course.
I like that Seni Glaister has included plenty of humour in her writing and the story is, for me, very poignant and thought-provoking.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mr Doubler Begins Again and I would definitely recommend that you add it your reading list.
[Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author, Seni Glaister, for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.]
Mr Doubler, a potato farmer, lives alone at Mirth Farm, on top of a hill. He doesn’t need anyone else for company as he is content with just his potato plants and Mrs Millwood, his housekeeper. However, she is taken ill and Mr Doubler starts to feel lonely and his life is no longer as complete as he thought. Before he lost his wife, her friends were always around. Can the kindness of the village strangers bring a lonely man out of his melancholy?
Although ageing, illness, death and the difficulties arising from family relationships are pivotal throughout this book, it is also a story very much about hope.
For me, this is a charming and endearing book and I love the way that Seni Glaister has written about rural life. There are some wonderful descriptions that make me want to make a trip to Mr Doubler's farm and she has created a fantastic set of characters. Whilst they are not all likeable, there are some lovely interactions between some of them as Mr Doubler's life alters course.
I like that Seni Glaister has included plenty of humour in her writing and the story is, for me, very poignant and thought-provoking.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mr Doubler Begins Again and I would definitely recommend that you add it your reading list.
[Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author, Seni Glaister, for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.]
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated Effective Leaders and Leadership by Mildred Stallworth in Books
Mar 7, 2019
Leadership
“The best leaders are the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants to do, and the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
Mildred Stallworth takes us on the journey of what a leader actually is. She breaks it down to being defined as the head or principle person and authority figure with the most significant position in the business, organization household, body or group of people. She points out all leaders needs to be prepared and ready for the task; how each should open to the thoughts of others and be able to put others before themselves. Mrs. Stallworth take on leadership is not a new concept, in fact, many have spoken on the same points. What makes her thoughts and process different are that she goes beyond the thoughts of others and speaks of spiritual leadership also. She takes the knowledge from other leaders and even the bible to give direction on what a leader actually is beyond quotes.
This is a good book that is you give yourself a couple of hours you can easily start and complete but if you are wise you will have a highlighter close by and keep it close because you can use it as a great reference later on and continue to come back to for a future refresher. I would advise spending the little bit of the cost for this book and read it for yourself. It will be a wonderful asset to anyone in a leadership position, whether a parent, supervisor or pastor.
Mildred Stallworth takes us on the journey of what a leader actually is. She breaks it down to being defined as the head or principle person and authority figure with the most significant position in the business, organization household, body or group of people. She points out all leaders needs to be prepared and ready for the task; how each should open to the thoughts of others and be able to put others before themselves. Mrs. Stallworth take on leadership is not a new concept, in fact, many have spoken on the same points. What makes her thoughts and process different are that she goes beyond the thoughts of others and speaks of spiritual leadership also. She takes the knowledge from other leaders and even the bible to give direction on what a leader actually is beyond quotes.
This is a good book that is you give yourself a couple of hours you can easily start and complete but if you are wise you will have a highlighter close by and keep it close because you can use it as a great reference later on and continue to come back to for a future refresher. I would advise spending the little bit of the cost for this book and read it for yourself. It will be a wonderful asset to anyone in a leadership position, whether a parent, supervisor or pastor.
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated Murder in the Reading Room in Books
Apr 30, 2019
Storyline (1 more)
Characters
How Far Would You Go For The Truth
Jane goes on a search to the Biltmore Estate to find Edward and discovers far more than she thought she knew about her own past. Now she must discover what she really wants for her future and her family she has created for herself and her sons. When enemies from the past and the present collide Jane must decide if the secrets of the library should be open for the world to see and read. As more of the story of the Templars and Guardians becomes unwound Jane discovers that everyone is keeping secrets from her both friends and foes that make her want to take a stand and change the rules of what has always been at Storyton Hall.
“Your Stories are their stories' said Uncle Abysius” By Jove, I think I like it.”
Mrs. Adams takes us beyond Storyton Hall to the walls of the Biltmore Estate. She outdoes herself again. As a long time Ellery Adams fan she blew me away with this story-line and how she evolved the characters in this five Book Retreat Series. I must say this is my favorite book of the series. I really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a who done it, thriller, bibliophile or even a little romance it has all of those and a little history too. It is really worth your time to pick up the book and take a trip to Storyton Hall even if only for an hour at a time to escape to a place where books are protected and cherished and the characters will make you feel like you are coming home.
“Your Stories are their stories' said Uncle Abysius” By Jove, I think I like it.”
Mrs. Adams takes us beyond Storyton Hall to the walls of the Biltmore Estate. She outdoes herself again. As a long time Ellery Adams fan she blew me away with this story-line and how she evolved the characters in this five Book Retreat Series. I must say this is my favorite book of the series. I really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a who done it, thriller, bibliophile or even a little romance it has all of those and a little history too. It is really worth your time to pick up the book and take a trip to Storyton Hall even if only for an hour at a time to escape to a place where books are protected and cherished and the characters will make you feel like you are coming home.
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated The Resistance in Books
Feb 6, 2018 (Updated Feb 6, 2018)
A Nice Quick Read
This book is perfect for those who want a nice quick YA dystopian read. It will literally take only a few hours to read. I read it in about 6 hours and I am a slow reader. The story line is great. In fact, it is its most greatest strength. This book, I think, is the worst of the three books in the trilogy. Not much really happens in terms of plot until the end. But it makes up for it with the third book.
The main downfall of this book is the characters. I'm sure I mentioned it previously. Although some of the characters are good, like Pip, Richard and Mrs Pincent, other characters are lacking. Peter is too centered around wanting action, and being the hero, Anna thinks she's strong but is actually quiet a passive character when you think about it. Jude always thinks he is the underdog, a shadow of Peter and loves Sheila, even though they barely know each other, and Sheila is whiney. You notice these traits more in this book because the book has a gradual buildup of action so you have no choice but to focus on the characters.
The book does not shy away from controversial topics. Where other authors would have left the scene to the imagination or alluded to it, Malley delves right into it which forces us to be exposed to the same trauma as the characters. It helps highlight what is wrong in their society and allows us think about the ethical situations and implications of what is happening. For this, I applaud Malley greatly.
It is not a terrible read and the third book makes up for what this book lacks but the are room for improvements in this collection.
The main downfall of this book is the characters. I'm sure I mentioned it previously. Although some of the characters are good, like Pip, Richard and Mrs Pincent, other characters are lacking. Peter is too centered around wanting action, and being the hero, Anna thinks she's strong but is actually quiet a passive character when you think about it. Jude always thinks he is the underdog, a shadow of Peter and loves Sheila, even though they barely know each other, and Sheila is whiney. You notice these traits more in this book because the book has a gradual buildup of action so you have no choice but to focus on the characters.
The book does not shy away from controversial topics. Where other authors would have left the scene to the imagination or alluded to it, Malley delves right into it which forces us to be exposed to the same trauma as the characters. It helps highlight what is wrong in their society and allows us think about the ethical situations and implications of what is happening. For this, I applaud Malley greatly.
It is not a terrible read and the third book makes up for what this book lacks but the are room for improvements in this collection.