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With the covered bridge festival under way, Charlotte has talked Francine and her husband into a photo shoot to help knock an item off Charlotte’s bucket list. However, when they are almost done, they hear gunshots and see a man run out of a field, slide down under the bridge, and collapse. The man turns out to be Francine’s cousin, and she begins poking around to find out what happened. Can she figure it out?
I loved the first book in this series and I was anxious to revisit the characters. It’s nice to have a group of 60-something women who are still full of life and pursuing their dreams. The murder, while good, does take an interesting twist near the end, and I’m very curious to see just how this factors in to later books in the series. If you are looking for a fun, light cozy that isn’t in the normal mold, this book is definitely for you.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-murder-under-covered-bridge.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I loved the first book in this series and I was anxious to revisit the characters. It’s nice to have a group of 60-something women who are still full of life and pursuing their dreams. The murder, while good, does take an interesting twist near the end, and I’m very curious to see just how this factors in to later books in the series. If you are looking for a fun, light cozy that isn’t in the normal mold, this book is definitely for you.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-murder-under-covered-bridge.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Banana Cream Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #21) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The latest murder in Lake Eden doesn’t even wait for Hannah to return from her honeymoon. In fact, Hannah’s mom discovers the body when she hears screaming and gun shots from her neighbor’s condo. Tori, the mayor’s sister, was a Broadway actress before she retired to Lake Eden. She doesn’t have many friends in the area, but she doesn’t have many enemies either. Hannah can’t seem to find anyone with a motive to kill the woman. What is she missing?
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Fans of the series will be delighted to find that this book is more of the same. All the characters we love are back. Food talk slows down the mystery early on, but the plot gains momentum as we go along. In fact, I thought it was one of the better mysteries of recent books in the series. Of course, there are lots of recipes. The ending left me intrigued for the next in the series but also very fearful that what I’ve feared for a couple of books now is about to happen.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-banana-cream-pie-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Pop Goes the Murder (Popcorn Shop Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
While Rebecca has tried to distance herself from her ex-husband, famed TV chef Antoine, she can’t turn him away when he comes to town to do a segment on her popcorn shop POPS. However, Rebecca’s meeting with Antoine’s assistant Melanie turns into a shock when she finds the woman electrocuted in her bathtub. When the police go from suicide to murder, Rebecca thinks they’ve picked the wrong suspect. Can she find the right one?
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I was delighted with this one as well. Several of the characters I liked in the first weren’t around much here, but the characters we did see again or meet for the first time or than made up for it. The plot was strong, with plenty of suspects to choose from. I did figure things out a bit early, but that wasn’t an issue since I was having so much fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-pop-goes-murder-by-kristi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I was delighted with this one as well. Several of the characters I liked in the first weren’t around much here, but the characters we did see again or meet for the first time or than made up for it. The plot was strong, with plenty of suspects to choose from. I did figure things out a bit early, but that wasn’t an issue since I was having so much fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/01/book-review-pop-goes-murder-by-kristi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Dying for a Taste (A Sally Solari Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Sally is shocked to learn that her aunt Letta has been murdered in the restaurant that Letta owns in Santa Cruz. The evidence seems to point to Javier, Letta’s sous chef. Yet Sally doesn’t think he’d murder Letta, so she starts digging into Letta’s life. She uncovered some surprising secrets, but which of them might have gotten Letta murdered?
I really enjoyed this debut. It got off to a bit of a slow start as Sally dealt with the aftermath of having a relative die, but this section does help develop her character and sets up suspects. Once she fully commits to the investigation things pick up. We are introduced to several viable suspects. The story touches on some other issues as well, presenting them in a well-rounded manner and never forgetting that this is a murder mystery, both of which I greatly appreciated. The climax was creative and fun. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens to Sally next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-dying-for-taste-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I really enjoyed this debut. It got off to a bit of a slow start as Sally dealt with the aftermath of having a relative die, but this section does help develop her character and sets up suspects. Once she fully commits to the investigation things pick up. We are introduced to several viable suspects. The story touches on some other issues as well, presenting them in a well-rounded manner and never forgetting that this is a murder mystery, both of which I greatly appreciated. The climax was creative and fun. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens to Sally next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-dying-for-taste-by-leslie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Flipped for Murder (Country Store Mysteries, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Robbie Jordan has been working hard to open Pan ‘n Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana, and her hard work is paying off. On opening day, the place is packed, and her new customers seem to really like the food. Unfortunately, that afternoon, the disagreeable assistant at city hall is murdered with one of Robbie’s signature biscuits in her mouth. Worried that her status as a murder suspect will ruin her fledgling business, Robbie begins to investigate. But can she find the real killer?
This is a wonderful first book in a new series. The characters are already sharp and fun, and I can’t wait to visit them again in future books. The plot is solid with some good twists along the way to a logical and suspenseful ending. The descriptions are wonderful, and I felt like I was right there in Indiana with Robbie. I can’t wait to visit again.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-flipped-for-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a wonderful first book in a new series. The characters are already sharp and fun, and I can’t wait to visit them again in future books. The plot is solid with some good twists along the way to a logical and suspenseful ending. The descriptions are wonderful, and I felt like I was right there in Indiana with Robbie. I can’t wait to visit again.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-flipped-for-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Dandelion Dead (A Natural Remedies Mystery #4) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I jumped in at the middle again this is book #4 in the series, but the first one that I read. Although some characters did share a history, I had no problem figuring out who was who, or how they related to each other, so you dont have to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one.
Cafe owner Willow, her animal rescuer boyfriend Jackson, and winemaker (and Willows ex-boyfriend) Simon are a great team. Each brings a unique set of qualities to the table, and they work well together.When Lily, one of Willows employees, is accused of murder as well as a second attempted murder, the police are convinced that theres no need to look for other suspects. The three friends decide to investigate on their own, both to keep Lily out of jail, and to stop the real killer from finishing the job he started.
Dandelion Dead is a fun read, both for the mystery and the info on edible plants and natural remedies.
<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.</i>
Cafe owner Willow, her animal rescuer boyfriend Jackson, and winemaker (and Willows ex-boyfriend) Simon are a great team. Each brings a unique set of qualities to the table, and they work well together.When Lily, one of Willows employees, is accused of murder as well as a second attempted murder, the police are convinced that theres no need to look for other suspects. The three friends decide to investigate on their own, both to keep Lily out of jail, and to stop the real killer from finishing the job he started.
Dandelion Dead is a fun read, both for the mystery and the info on edible plants and natural remedies.
<i>NOTE: I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.</i>
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Bitter Harvest (A Greenhouse Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This October is proving to be a busy one for Megan Sawyer. Not only is it harvest season on her farm, but the town of Winsome is putting on an Oktoberfest celebration, and her restaurant is one of the major sponsors. Things take a deadly turn when one of the local pub owners is killed in a freak accident. Only Megan doesn’t think it was an accident. When the police are quick to rule out the possibility of murder, it’s up to Megan to figure out what is really happening.
I loved the first book in the series and was anxious to return to Winsome and the characters. This book didn’t disappoint in the least. The characters continue to be strong, and the growth between books as well as the growth here was nice to see. The new characters were just as strong. Megan’s personal life provided a nice sub-plot while leaving plenty of time for the murder investigation, which included some great twists and turns.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-bitter-harvest-by-wendy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I loved the first book in the series and was anxious to return to Winsome and the characters. This book didn’t disappoint in the least. The characters continue to be strong, and the growth between books as well as the growth here was nice to see. The new characters were just as strong. Megan’s personal life provided a nice sub-plot while leaving plenty of time for the murder investigation, which included some great twists and turns.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-bitter-harvest-by-wendy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated The Poison Bed in Books
Jun 17, 2018
Murder and Intrigue in the Jacobean Court.
Based on a true story, this is set in the Court of James I of England and Wales (James VI of Scotland). Robert Carr is a favourite of the King. There has long been much discussion about how far his favouritism went, and about how he possibly had homosexual tendencies.
Anyway, this story is based around the true story of how Frances Howard and her husband Robert Carr were charged with the murder of Thomas Overbury, and kept in the Tower of London for quite some time. This whole story illustrates the power of the Howards (particularly Frances' Great Uncle) and the intrigue of the Royal Court. Everyone has great aspirations, and will do whatever it takes to achieve them.
The characters, I felt, were well drawn and either unpleasant or terribly naive - no middle ground. I do like historical fiction, especially when it appears to be well researched, as this does. It's important to give the characters life as well, and that's what this book does really well. An exciting, intriguing story. Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
Anyway, this story is based around the true story of how Frances Howard and her husband Robert Carr were charged with the murder of Thomas Overbury, and kept in the Tower of London for quite some time. This whole story illustrates the power of the Howards (particularly Frances' Great Uncle) and the intrigue of the Royal Court. Everyone has great aspirations, and will do whatever it takes to achieve them.
The characters, I felt, were well drawn and either unpleasant or terribly naive - no middle ground. I do like historical fiction, especially when it appears to be well researched, as this does. It's important to give the characters life as well, and that's what this book does really well. An exciting, intriguing story. Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated A Souffle of Suspicion in Books
Jul 11, 2018
Crush Week, Sweets Fest, and Murder
Things are hopping at Bistro and Maison Rousseau. Tourists have flocked to the Napa Valley for Crush Week and the first Sweet Treat festival is being hosted on the grounds of the hotel. Mimi is thrilled that both hotel and restaurant are booked solid for the week. Things take a deadly turn when Renee, the festival organizer and sister of Mimi’s head chef Camille, is found murdered in Camille’s kitchen. Who had a reason to murder the woman?
It was nice to return to the Napa Valley with Mimi as our host. The book starts out strongly. While I did feel the pace lagged a time or two, these were minor issues. The puzzle was very good with some clues coming into play late in the mystery that I had completely missed, yet they helped make the resolution completely believable. I did have trouble buying Mimi’s relationship with her friend and police chief Tyson, but the rest of the characters were great. The food left me drooling, so the recipes are the back are a welcome addition to this fun mystery.
It was nice to return to the Napa Valley with Mimi as our host. The book starts out strongly. While I did feel the pace lagged a time or two, these were minor issues. The puzzle was very good with some clues coming into play late in the mystery that I had completely missed, yet they helped make the resolution completely believable. I did have trouble buying Mimi’s relationship with her friend and police chief Tyson, but the rest of the characters were great. The food left me drooling, so the recipes are the back are a welcome addition to this fun mystery.
Sue (5 KP) rated Lethal Licorice (Amish Candy Shop Mystery, #2) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Lethal Licorice is the 2nd book in the delightful new Amish Candy Shop Murder series by author Amanda Flower.
What is Bailey King, an “Englisch” chocolatier from Manhattan, doing as a competitor in the Amish Confectionery Competition in tiny Harvest, Ohio? Filling in for her recently deceased grandfather (co-owner of Swissmen Sweets), Bailey finds herself competing against not so friendly or accepting Amish candy makers. When vocal candy maker Josephine Weaver of Berlin puts up a fuss and then is later found dead from a severe allergy to anise (the major ingredient in licorice), Bailey becomes the number one suspect. Following along as Bailey tries to compete and do her grandparents proud while sticking her nose into finding the real murder culprit.
This book is a must read! It has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a great cast of characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, then Lethal Licorice needs to be added to your book list.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
What is Bailey King, an “Englisch” chocolatier from Manhattan, doing as a competitor in the Amish Confectionery Competition in tiny Harvest, Ohio? Filling in for her recently deceased grandfather (co-owner of Swissmen Sweets), Bailey finds herself competing against not so friendly or accepting Amish candy makers. When vocal candy maker Josephine Weaver of Berlin puts up a fuss and then is later found dead from a severe allergy to anise (the major ingredient in licorice), Bailey becomes the number one suspect. Following along as Bailey tries to compete and do her grandparents proud while sticking her nose into finding the real murder culprit.
This book is a must read! It has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a great cast of characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, then Lethal Licorice needs to be added to your book list.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.