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ClareR (6244 KP) rated Rewind in Books

Aug 26, 2019 (Updated Oct 16, 2019)  
Rewind
Rewind
Catherine Ryan Howard | 2019 | Mystery, Thriller
7
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
A murder in reverse
This is a thriller that begins with a murder. We are left with the puzzle of solving why Natalie, an Instagram star, is murdered and by whom. The style can be a little confusing at times, and the title gives some indication as to why: Rewind. The book plays out along the lines of a recording, where chapters are titled ‘Rewind’, ‘Pause’ and ‘Play’. Once I got into the swing of things, it became clearer as to what was going on.

It’s a clever book, actually. I was never quite sure who had committed the murder, even when it seemed obvious. There are some disturbing characters who could all have been responsible- and I liked that we couldn’t be sure. I liked the contrast of Natalie’s seemingly perfect life against that of the other characters, and I did like the very capable Gardaì (Irish Police) - so often, police are portrayed as incompetent. I didn’t really trust myself to guess who had committed the murder, so many of the characters could have - I should say that I’m not really one of those readers who start a thriller thinking they’ll solve the mystery. I just like to read along for the ride - and this is certainly an interestingly twisty, turny ride!

I liked the ending from the journalist very much. It summed everything up really well (and helped to explain everything that I was left questioning at the end). I don’t think I’ve seen this approach before, especially the chapters named Rewind, Pause, Play.

Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book. I really enjoyed it.
  
A Wedding and A Killing (Mac Faraday Mystery #8)
A Wedding and A Killing (Mac Faraday Mystery #8)
Lauren Carr | 2014 | Crime, Mystery, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you are looking for a book that will spice up the beginning of your book or story. Well, “A Wedding and a Killing” is a good one that does just that. Mac and his lady decide to get married in the Spencer Church.

It starts once Gnarly jumps out of the car, runs, and barks at the door, which everyone invited to the wedding for Mac and Archie. They realize that Gnarly will not stop barking to get their attention.

Gnarly seems to be trying to get their attention. When no one is paying attention, He will not leave that door. Once someone goes to the door and opens it, Gnarly finds a dead body. It gets chaotic and brings everyone from the church’s sanctuary as Mac and Archie seem in an argument over Gnarly being there. It seems to bring action when they find a murder occurred.

Who would kill a man with no enemies? Who volunteers for the church. When Gnarly finds a dead body, it brings Mac to team up with David and dives into the investigation. But how long will it take? How long will Mac have to wait to get married to Archie? We seem to get more murders and twists and turns. What happens when Ruth and her daughter get brought in. Will Ruth be framed for murder and her husband? Who killed Jason Fairbanks. We seem to have two cases that interlope, and Mac wants to help and defend Ruth.

Once you start reading Lauren Carr’s books, you will want more of them. You can read any of her books in any order and as a standalone. You will want to read more by finding one of her books or audiobooks. Great for any mystery fan, murder mystery, or even thriller fan.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Scarecrows in Books

Jan 12, 2018  
S
Scarecrows
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am a sucker for horror books ever since I picked up The Rats by James Herbert when I was a teenager and I have been hooked ever since so when I saw this title offered for review by the publisher, Samhain Publishing, on Netgalley, I requested a copy in the hope that I would be chosen to provide an unbiased review. I was. Unfortunately, what I read wasn’t horror for me which was a bit of a disappointment to be honest; it was more like a murder/mystery.

For full review, please go to my blog - http://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/scarecrows-by-christine-hayton.html
  
TC
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dr. Bree Mayfield-Watson is most comfortable solving chemistry problems and logically looking at things. She never signed up to find her boss murdered in a secured building and is considered the number one suspect. Who wanted him dead and why are they framing Bree?

Unlike most cozy mysteries, Bree is not your average amateur detective doing illogical and impulsive things to solve the mystery. Refreshingly, she uses her brain, keen sense of observation, and trusty notebook to analyze the facts and formulate who is the real murderer.

My favorite part was being caught up in who the potential murder was and then finding out I was so wrong!
  
I was really looking forward to some swashbuckling fun and good repartée, so when I heard of these books I put the first four on my reading list. After reading the first, I removed the others.

The murder mystery isn't as mysterious as all that, and the delay in solving it relies heavily on D'Artagnan not recognizing someone he'd encountered before. As he is supposed to be very observant and cunning, that doesn't work very well.

I suppose it's time for a re-read of Brust's <i>The Phoenix Guards</i> and <i>Five Hundred Years After</i>. I know I won't be disappointed there!
  
MM
Mr. Monk Gets on Board (Mr. Monk #17)
Hy Conrad | 2014
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When Natalie decides to attend a business conference on a cruise ship, she is surprised when Monk tags along. She's almost talked him into leaving when she over hears a murder plot. Can they stop it? Can they prove who the killer is?

A couple of times, this book got a little lost in the fun of Monk on the cruise ship, just like the series. And just like in the series, I enjoyed those moments. The mystery was still strong and the characters were great as always.

Read my full review at <a href="carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-mr-monk-gets-on-board-by-hy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Christmas in Key West is anything but peaceful when sabotage at a new restaurant in town leads to murder, and Hayley is right in the middle trying to figure out what is happening.

There are several sub-plots that overshadow the main mystery at times, but the book was always entertaining with characters I love. Things do come together for a logical climax. Overall, this was an entertaining book.

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/2014/12/book-review-death-with-all-trimmings-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.