Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2532 KP) rated Homicide in the Indian Hills in Books

Mar 26, 2025 (Updated Mar 26, 2025)  
Homicide in the Indian Hills
Homicide in the Indian Hills
Erica Ruth Neubauer | 2025 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Death by Tiger? Or Murder?
Jane and Redvers head to India. The trip is part honeymoon and part work as Redvers is supposed to attend political meetings. While there, Jane befriends a woman who winds up dead just a couple of days later. The death is ruled death by tiger, but Redvers has another cause – murder. Can they figure out what really happened.

I enjoyed this trip to India in 1927. The country and time really came to life for me. Jane and Redvers are the only returning characters, and it was nice to spend time with them again. This also means you can jump in here if you want to. The new characters are a mixed bag, but they are strong enough to pull us into the story. The mystery kept me intrigued until we reached the logical and suspenseful climax. Those who missed the electronic only Christmas novella from a year and a half ago will be happy to see it included here as an extra. Anyone looking for some travel with their historical mystery will be glad they picked up this series.
  
Murder at Rough Point
Murder at Rough Point
Alyssa Maxwell | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder Makes a Retreat Rough
It is September of 1896 and Emma cross has been asked to cover an artist retreat happening at Rough Point, a mansion owned by Frederick Vanderbilt. When she arrives, Emma is surprised by some of the people included in the retreat. But even more surprising is the death of one of the artists at the base of the cliffs. It looks like it could be an accident, or even suicide. But something about the incident doesn’t sit right with Emma. Could it be murder?

This is the first time a book in the series is set off season, and I found I missed the real-life characters we’d gotten to know, although we did get updates on them. Due to that, the focus is on the cast of new characters and the mystery. I liked the clues and red herrings, although another subplot or two to break things up would have been nice. The one we did get allowed Emma to grow, which was nice. And an ongoing storyline got more complicated here. Overall, I enjoyed this and am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
  
Frozen Stiff Drink
Frozen Stiff Drink
James J. Cudney | 2020 | Mystery
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder During a Snowstorm
As this book opens, Wharton County is bracing for a late winter storm that is supposed to dump quite a bit of snow on them. Before the storm buried them for good, the local magistrate dies under suspicious circumstances. But with his beloved Nana D missing, that’s all Kellan is able to think about. Until his brother becomes caught up in the murder investigation. Can Kellan help his family?

I came into this book hoping it would improve on the previous book, but it didn’t. The writing still keeps us outside the story, including summarizing conversations. There are many glitches, timeline and otherwise, that should have been caught with a good edit. While there is a lot going on, I still felt the pacing lagged, although the end did wrap things up well. The supporting players could use a bit more personality, especially considering how many there are and the complex connections. Still, I do like Kellan, and that makes me want to know what happens after the cliffhanger. If you aren’t already a fan, don’t pick up this entry.
  
The Paperboy (2012)
The Paperboy (2012)
2012 | Crime, Drama, Thriller
9
6.6 (5 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The twists (0 more)
Can you really know someone after writing a few letters? This was an interesting film based on a true story of a woman who believed she had found her true love. the fact he was in prison for murder did not faze her and she was determined to have him released. She contacts two writers to investigate his case to try and get him freed. I really wanted to find out whether he was innocent or not and the twists and turns keep you gripped throughout. Very compelling.
  
40x40

Hana Wilsei (7 KP) rated The Blackhouse in Books

Jan 10, 2018 (Updated Jan 19, 2018)  
The Blackhouse
The Blackhouse
Peter May | 2009 | Mystery
9
7.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
cool 1st/3rd person alternating chapters, lovable MC, tension (0 more)
With this book, I felt like I gained an insight into Lewis and the human experience. There isn't just one mystery to be solved, or one lie being told. May's characters are deep and full of surprises. Fin, the MC, must return to the land that was once home, but is also a source of distress, to solve the murder of a former classmate. I'm only 22, so my youth isn't haunting me yet, but Fin is still relatable and has my heart.
  
MM
Man Made Murder (Blood Road Trilogy, #1)
Z. Rider | 2015 | Horror
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the 3rd book I have read by this author; the 1st book I read is Suckers which is not only a pretty good horror novel but an excellently written story about friendship; the 2nd is Insylum which is much more than it first appears. All 3 I have enjoyed as once again, Z Rider writes a great story with interesting characters whose stories weave together with ease.


Full review at my blog <a href="http://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/man-made-murder-book-one-of-blood-road.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>