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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2506 KP) rated Only the Good Die Young in Books

May 7, 2024  
Only the Good Die Young
Only the Good Die Young
Julie Mulhern | 2023 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It Was a Fall, Wasn’t It?
This is a short novella that is set back between the first two books. While Ellison and her daughter are off in Europe, Ellison’s mother, Frances, gets involved in a mystery. When she goes with one of her friends to check on the friend’s mother-in-law, they find the woman dead in her bedroom. But it couldn’t be murder. Frances doesn’t get involved in murder. The woman hit her head in a fall, right? Right?

I found Frances’s horror at getting caught up in the case to be funny. I also liked the fact that we got to know her better, something I definitely needed. The rest of the characters aren’t super well developed. Likewise, the mystery is a bit simple, but it kept my interest and reached a great climax. The thing to keep in mind is that this is a novella, and I read it in about an hour. As long as they remember the length, fans of the series will be happy with this story.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2506 KP) rated Death at Tidal Creek in Books

Mar 18, 2026 - 5:49 AM  
Death at Tidal Creek
Death at Tidal Creek
Caleb Wygal | 2023 | Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder is Garbage
Clark Thomas is slowing building a relationship with Andrea, who has just opened a business next door to his bookstore. So when two people are found dead near the garbage bins at Tidal Creek Brewery, near where Andrea lives, Clark takes note, especially when one of the is the president of Andrea’s HOA. But it’s only when Andrea finds herself involved in the HOA that Clark fully gets involved. It turns out the late president was up to some shady business. Is that why he was killed?

As always, this book had great beach vibes. I’m curious how the love triangle storyline is going to get resolved. We did get some good growth in Clark, interesting new characters, and a couple more tantalizing clues to his wife’s murder. The main mystery was good. I figured out a piece early but didn’t have it all put together. The ending was a bit exposition heavy as always, but my questions were answered. If you are looking for a beach vibe mystery, this is the book, and series, for you.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2506 KP) rated Teacher’s Threat in Books

Jul 15, 2023  
Teacher’s Threat
Teacher’s Threat
Diane Vallere | 2021 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Going Back to School is Murder
Madison Night needs cash to buy inventory to relaunch her decorating business. After the banks keep turning her down, she hopes that getting an MBA will change their minds. The only class she is finding helpful in the program is Radical Business Theory, even after the professor uses her as an example on her first day. However, when the professor is killed in the parking lot, Madison wonders what is going on at her new school. Can she figure out how to relaunch her business while also solving the murder?

This book really is focused on both parts of that question, and new comers to the series will definitely find the mystery slow as a result. As a fan of the series who is invested in Madison’s life, I found the dual focus enjoyable. It certainly helps that we have an ingenious murder method and a surprising yet logical climax. The characters, both new and returning, are great as always. Fans of Doris Day will laugh at the massive Easter Egg in this book, but if you haven’t watched the movies, you’ll be fine since the author uses the scene to advance the plot. If you are a fan of this mystery series, you’ll be happy with this book. If the series sounds fun to you, I recommend you start at the beginning.