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Cluedo: Sherlock Edition
Cluedo: Sherlock Edition
2013 | Deduction, Murder & Mystery
A great themed version
Cluedo isn't a game for everyone, but if you love Sherlock and mystery games then I'd highly recommend this. Although it's not quite on par with the classic original, it's a great addition.

Theme-wise, Sherlock is obviously a no brainer when it comes to a murder mystery game. It features all of your favourite characters from the show and 9 recognisable and memorable locations from across the series. The weapons stay as standard, which is actually fairly clever to at least keep something in line with the original edition. Even the 'who killed Moriarty' theme is in keeping with the show.


My only issue with this, and in fact every version of Cluedo, is that contrary to the instructions playing it with 2 people is impossible. It's far too easy and boring and really needs more players to make it more exciting.
  
Let the Dead Speak (Maeve Kerrigan, #7)
Let the Dead Speak (Maeve Kerrigan, #7)
Jane Casey | 2017 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery
8
8.3 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the 7th novel in the Maeve Kerrigan series, but only the second one I have read. I have to say that I am really enjoying this series. The characters are very well rounded and realistic, and the procedural aspect of the mystery is detailed enough to make me feel as though I’m right there in the thick of things.

When 18 year old Chloe Emery leaves her father’s house earlier than planned to return home to her mother’s house, she’s greeted with what appears to be the scene of a homicide, but no body. As Maeve and her team dig into the matter, they find more and more suspects, and more people guilty of something, whether to not it be murder, than they know what to do with. The story is suspenseful, deliberately paced, and full of twists. Let the Dead Speak is a must-read for mystery lovers.
  
This was a fun read with a unique setting, and was a great start to a new series. When Maddie and her pal Adele find a body in the Paranormal Museum, I expected ghosts galore. There is a paranormal element to the story, but it has more to do with an historical crime rather than the modern one. One mystery keeps Maddie and her friends busy during the day, and the other helps her decide whether to stay in town and run the Paranormal Museum or keep looking for work elsewhere. I enjoyed both stories, and the cast of characters, from Maddie's friends and family, to the two police officers handling the murder case, and then the attractive neighbor next door. I'm looking forward to reading more about the museum, Maddie, and her friends.

Note: I received a free copy from the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
Class Reunions Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery #1)
Class Reunions Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery #1)
Libby Klein | 2018 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery
10
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This, the first book in the Poppy McAllister series, was a five star read for me. Maybe even 6. I loved Poppy’s continual inner monologue. I loved the way I could actually relate to her. I loved the way she learned to believe in herself. I loved Fig! It was refreshing to have a cat in a cozy series who was so completely self-absorbed and cat-like.

A well-thought-out mystery to top it all off kept me engrossed enough to finish this book in a single sitting. If you enjoy a clever, humorous mystery with a loveable protagonist that you just want good things to happen to, go get yourself a copy of Class Reunions Are Murder. You will not be disappointed.

<i>Note: Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the book.</i>
  
I love a protagonist who feels like someone I could be best friends with, and that's exactly how I felt about Jill Gardner. She isn't afraid to eat cheesecake, tacos, and fries, she reads everything from romance novels to stories about dragons, and she isn't afraid to (or doesn't know when not to) speak her mind. I'd also love to quit my day job and work at Coffee, Books, and More!

This is another new-to-me series that I enjoyed so much I will be going back to the beginning to get caught up. It was full of believable characters, a touch of romance, and just enough personal drama to keep Jill on her toes. The mystery kept me guessing, and the solution did not disappoint. If you enjoy cozies, be sure to check out Murder on Wheels!

NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
  
ST
Stalking The Angel (Elvis Cole, #2)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
PI Elvis Cole is hired to find an ancient Japanese manuscript. The trail leads him to the Japanese mafia and down a path of other crimes, including brutal murder.

Part of my reaction to this book was purely personal – it is darker than I normally read. Still, the bleakness did bother me. Even so, I found the plot uneven, especially when it slowed way down two thirds of the way through for a segment that felt like a lecture. The characters became more real as the book went along, but they started out as stiff types as well. Maybe I’m just expecting too much since I know how popular the series is, but I feel like, my complaints about the darkness of the book aside, it still could have been better.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/10/book-review-stalking-angel-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Small Town Murder
Small Town Murder
Comedy, Society & Culture
9
7.9 (10 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
Great research (2 more)
The hosts are amazing
They put a funny spin on a serious topic
Humor about murder - who would have thought.
This podcast may not be for the faint of heart but I love it. James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman are the hosts of this show. The two comedians lend their wit and humor to a serious topic and it works. They are upfront with the fact that they are in no way making fun of the victims but they are going to be humorous in their discussion of the topic.

Now, when they say Small Town, they are not kidding, they are legit talking about tiny towns with weird murders, lots of murders or somewhere in between.

This is a podcast that you need to give a shot. Give it the 3 episode challenge and see if this long-form podcast doesn't find a place on your playlist.
  
It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To
It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To
Vickie Fee | 2016 | Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Two Parties and a Murder
Party planner Liv McKay is busy with two parties before Halloween, but she’s making time for a retreat for the women business owners of Dixie, Tennessee. However, the first night, the group’s president is found murdered. Morgan Robison wasn’t well liked around town for multiple reasons, not the least of which is her reputation as a husband stealer. But why did she push someone at the retreat too far?

It was great to be back in Dixie with Liv, her best friend Di, and the rest of the characters I met in book one. They are all fun to be with, and I love their various relationships. The suspects are good, although the mystery gets derailed by party planning at times. Despite the weak pacing, there are some good twists and clues, and Liv picks up on the key clues in to time solve the mystery.
  
TW
The William S Club
2
2.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Okay, it is official... I am putting this book in my "did not finish" pile. Rohypnol, rape, murder, and horrible writing/characters these are a few of my least favorite things. I haven't put a book in this list in well... forever. I am creating a "did not finish" shelf just for this book.

1st, the characters are 1 dimensional. I made it to page 90 and I just had to stop reading. The characters fell very flat.

2nd, this book reads like a high schooler's wet dream. There is the threat of rape, rape, and well... lots of sex.

3rd, I felt like the writer decided to add "big words" just to feel like a good writer. It felt like the writer had to use a thesaurus constantly.

I really wanted to like this book. It is suspense/romance which is my favorite genre but it just fell flat.
  
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
J.K. Rowling | 2016 | Children
9
9.1 (229 Ratings)
Book Rating
The issues that arise in the story (revenge, grief, friendship, search for thr truth etc) Buckbeak! Introduction of Sirius. (0 more)
By far my favorite Harry potter book.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Ive always found this book to be my favorite out of the whole series purely because Harry finds some family...his godfather, whom after a convoluted storyline he realises isnt set out to murder him. Its the only book where I feel he actually has a few happy moments in his life and is discovering who he is and achieves a bit of character stability. I love how the story handles the introduction of Sirius and displays the political and media spin that happens in the background (between the bad reporting on the daily prophet and ministry of magic). Also the trio (Harry, Ron and hermoine) seem to have solid bonds of friendship grow tighter in this storyline.