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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Victims (Alex Delaware, #27) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I won this book from First Reads. I have heard of Jonathan Kellerman prior to reading this book, but this is the first of his that I've read. It was an enjoyable read. I could probably have given it 5 stars, but I found that parts of it were a bit on the predictable side. That is not to say I didn't enjoy it however! There were some twists & turns that I did not at all expect! Always good to have those in a book of this genre!
This is another in the series of Kellerman's books that features Dr. Alex Delaware. This book finds him consulting on what turns into a serial murder investigation where the victims at first seem to have no connection to each other. Upon digging a bit deeper however a strange connection is brought to light that eventually leads to Delaware & Milo hunting down the killer or killers. Guess you'll have to read it to find out more!
This is another in the series of Kellerman's books that features Dr. Alex Delaware. This book finds him consulting on what turns into a serial murder investigation where the victims at first seem to have no connection to each other. Upon digging a bit deeper however a strange connection is brought to light that eventually leads to Delaware & Milo hunting down the killer or killers. Guess you'll have to read it to find out more!

Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Johnny Frank Garrett's Last Word (2016) in Movies
Sep 7, 2017
Disappointing even though it's based on a terrifying true story
I was looking forward to watch this film given that the story of Johnny Frank Garrett is on par with the real life mysteries of Amityville and The Omen. However, the film completely missed the point and went straight to a Rob Zombie type horror film.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.
Garrett was executed in reality in 1992 following the rape and murder of a nun. On what many believe shoddy evidence, he was found guilty despite proclaiming his innocence throughout. His last words were chillingly prophetic as much of what he said allegedly came true.
Many of those involved in the case including jury members met mysterious deaths as well as their family members post-execution. And this is where this filmmaker came in. Instead of exploring the connections and insanity of the deaths itself, he turns Garrett into a demon-like character which makes the whole film a bit of a joke. What a disappointment.

Lindsay (1774 KP) rated Leaving Everything Most Loved (Maisie Dobbs #10) in Books
Sep 9, 2017
Jacqueline Winspear is a new author to me. I so nice to find a new author I have not ever read or though try. Her book was refreshing and enjoyable to read.
It nice to see that a woman is a hero and having her own life and having a career she loves to do. Massie Dobbs loves to solve crimes and investigate around her home. She now struggles with if she should travel or stay.
She seems like she loves adventures and want to find out about herself. I loved the fact that you get to go on adventures with her. She one that will not give up on any crime or miss a boy. She will get to the bottom of the crime or murder if that the case.
She also struggles with her relationship with James. James seem ready to marry but is Massie? You will follow her and her trials to find out.
It nice to see that a woman is a hero and having her own life and having a career she loves to do. Massie Dobbs loves to solve crimes and investigate around her home. She now struggles with if she should travel or stay.
She seems like she loves adventures and want to find out about herself. I loved the fact that you get to go on adventures with her. She one that will not give up on any crime or miss a boy. She will get to the bottom of the crime or murder if that the case.
She also struggles with her relationship with James. James seem ready to marry but is Massie? You will follow her and her trials to find out.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated The Purloined Puzzle in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The Puzzle Vanishes
Cora thinks that the worst problem in her life is the reappearance of her least favorite ex-husband, Melvin. Then a teen asks Cora to solve a puzzle that was just left at the teen’s house. Only before it can be solved, the puzzle disappears. Then the teen’s older brother reports finding a bloody knife in his bedroom even though there hasn’t been a murder. Is a corpse going to appear?
Fans of the series will be delighted with the latest installment. We get the usual banter as Cora causes havoc on her way to solving the case. The usual twists are there before we reach the logical solution. The characters are on the thin side, which is nothing new for the series, yet I’ve come to care for them and was glad to visit them again. I laughed multiple times along the way, and those who enjoy puzzles will be glad to know there are two crossword and one Sudoku along the way.
Fans of the series will be delighted with the latest installment. We get the usual banter as Cora causes havoc on her way to solving the case. The usual twists are there before we reach the logical solution. The characters are on the thin side, which is nothing new for the series, yet I’ve come to care for them and was glad to visit them again. I laughed multiple times along the way, and those who enjoy puzzles will be glad to know there are two crossword and one Sudoku along the way.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated Pairing a Deception in Books
May 8, 2018
Food, Wine, Murder
Katie Stillwell and her boyfriend, Dean, are out of town for the weekend, spending it at a food and wine festival outside of Santa Barbara. Several times on opening night, they witness a woman who seems to be stalking festival emcee, Hudson Wiley. When a dead body turns up, they begin to wonder what is going on.
With Katie and Dean out of town, they are the only two real returning characters in the series, but I loved getting to spend more time with them. The new characters are good. The mystery is a little light, but once we get past some set up, Katie uncovers some surprises before we reach the logical and suspenseful conclusion. I’m not a wine lover, but the facts about wine certainly make me want to taste some and see if I can tell the differences that Katie talks about, and those who do love wine will enjoy the pairing suggestions at the beginning of each chapter.
With Katie and Dean out of town, they are the only two real returning characters in the series, but I loved getting to spend more time with them. The new characters are good. The mystery is a little light, but once we get past some set up, Katie uncovers some surprises before we reach the logical and suspenseful conclusion. I’m not a wine lover, but the facts about wine certainly make me want to taste some and see if I can tell the differences that Katie talks about, and those who do love wine will enjoy the pairing suggestions at the beginning of each chapter.

Sue (5 KP) rated I Know What You Bid Last Summer (Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery #5) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
Sarah Winston, a garage sale expert, knows how to run a successful garage sale and has made a business out of it. As part of a charity event, Sarah volunteers her expertise and agrees to manage an athletic equipment swap. While preparing the event, she is knocked out by a would-be robber and then the day of the event discovers the dead body of the local superintendent.
Sarah becomes an amateur detective and compiles a list of murder suspects that all seem to be other members of the school board. With her quick wit and sleuthing talents, Sarah must find the killer before the killer makes her another item for the dumpster.
This book is more than a charming cozy mystery; the author gives you inside tips into the world of garage sale selling and buying. The mystery, suspense, and moments of comedy keep you interested, while you try to guess who the culprit is.
Sarah becomes an amateur detective and compiles a list of murder suspects that all seem to be other members of the school board. With her quick wit and sleuthing talents, Sarah must find the killer before the killer makes her another item for the dumpster.
This book is more than a charming cozy mystery; the author gives you inside tips into the world of garage sale selling and buying. The mystery, suspense, and moments of comedy keep you interested, while you try to guess who the culprit is.

Sue (5 KP) rated Vlad-Handing (Silver Hills Cozy Mysteries, #5) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
Vlad-Handing is book 5 in the Silver Hills Cozy Mystery series. It is set in a singles/retirement residency (think 55 and older) filled with an eccentric cast of characters. This time around, Flo and Agnes find themselves trying to prove that manager Vlad Newsome, who many consider a reprehensible creature of the night, is innocent of murder. The only problem is that these ladies are a not 100% sure that Vlad isn’t the murderer.
Flo and Agnes are two ladies that you would love to call your friends. They are laugh out loud funny adding comedy to a terrific cozy mystery that will have you in stitches until the end. I highly suggest starting out with book 1 Dose Vidanya and reading the books in order. While these books can be read stand alone, the cast of characters build as each book in the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Flo and Agnes are two ladies that you would love to call your friends. They are laugh out loud funny adding comedy to a terrific cozy mystery that will have you in stitches until the end. I highly suggest starting out with book 1 Dose Vidanya and reading the books in order. While these books can be read stand alone, the cast of characters build as each book in the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Lost Christmas Memories (Gold Country Cowboys #4) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
A witness with amnesia Can she trust this Gold Country Cowboy with her life? Tracy Wilson witnessed a murder—but after a head injury, she can’t remember what she saw. Now someone plans to silence her for good, and only cowboy Keegan Thorn believes her. With a killer after her at Christmas, Tracy is running out of time to remember…and falling dangerously hard for the cowboy who could break her heart.
My Thoughts: In this book, we find the Thorn family preparing for the double wedding of Jack and Owen. The storyline centers around the fourth son Keegan. Keegan learns the value of a close family and learning how to let his heart truly love, as he lets go of past hurts.
Dana Mentink has written another gripping story of suspense, with a mix of romance. Readers will truly enjoy this novel. This book will is a great novel for the Christmas season.
A great novel of love and forgiveness.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Thoughts: In this book, we find the Thorn family preparing for the double wedding of Jack and Owen. The storyline centers around the fourth son Keegan. Keegan learns the value of a close family and learning how to let his heart truly love, as he lets go of past hurts.
Dana Mentink has written another gripping story of suspense, with a mix of romance. Readers will truly enjoy this novel. This book will is a great novel for the Christmas season.
A great novel of love and forgiveness.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alex (10 KP) rated Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective - Thames Murders in Tabletop Games
May 2, 2019
Sherlock Holmes-
This game leads you through the twists and turns of a Sherlock Holmes. Murder mystery. You start each case reading an introduction which out lines a mystery. Then you control the investigation deciding what locations to visit. As you find clues or red herrings, you must decide why you have all the pieces of the puzzle. Then comes the best part. Once you have decided what happened you open the question envelope what you know or don't and how many locations you visited will determine your score. Then finally Sherlock himself will tell you how he solved the case makinging you grone as you can't believe you missed on clue or another.
This game is a great gateway for non gamers and a brilliant way to spend an afternoon or evening.
10 mysteries in the box 20+ hours for your money. A group of 4-5 players. But it's a great game for 1 or more amateur detectives.
This game is a great gateway for non gamers and a brilliant way to spend an afternoon or evening.
10 mysteries in the box 20+ hours for your money. A group of 4-5 players. But it's a great game for 1 or more amateur detectives.

April Rose Mossow (93 KP) rated Sadie in Books
May 20, 2019
When Sadie’s sister Maddie is found dead, it sets off a series of events: A road trip, uncovering secrets, but also, asking more questions than it answers. I really enjoyed this book, slowly the adrenaline just kicks you into gear and you’re rushing through the book to finish. It’s a murder-mystery, tangled with lies, family dysfunction, and vengeance. Told between podcasts and the perspective of its main character, it’s a different style of writing, written especially for this generation’s teens. You feel so deeply for Sadie, and the people she meets along the way. The story is fast-paced and keeps you thoroughly engaged. (I didn’t want to put it down!) Sadie is a well written, real character you root for through the entirety of the book. It’s such a sad chain of events, you don’t really know what to expect, but you hope against all hope that Sadie makes it out alive.