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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated How to Book a Murder in Books
Dec 10, 2021 (Updated Dec 10, 2021)
Murder Mystery Night Ends with Real Murder
Emma Starrs is looking for ways to expand her family’s bookshop, and she is hoping she can help plan some events that will bring in much needed money. Unfortunately, her first event is for Tabitha Baxter, and old childhood nemesis who hasn’t matured much since they last interacted. Emma is hoping to survive the night, but then she finds a dead body. With rumors that Emma or Emma’s aunt Nora, who was a guest at the party, are responsible for the murder circling around town, can Emma figure out what really happened?
I was pleasantly surprised at who the victim was, and it allowed some great additional conflict for Emma. The pacing did stumble a few times, but overall, this was a fun book that kept me engaged. It helped that some of the sub-plots had me laughing. One did get over the top at times, but it was still fun. There were a plethora of suspects, and they were introduced in group scenes, but as the book progressed, we got to know them better. The main characters really stood out, and I enjoyed meeting them here. The climax was creative and wrapped things up well. This is a fun debut, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Emma next.
I was pleasantly surprised at who the victim was, and it allowed some great additional conflict for Emma. The pacing did stumble a few times, but overall, this was a fun book that kept me engaged. It helped that some of the sub-plots had me laughing. One did get over the top at times, but it was still fun. There were a plethora of suspects, and they were introduced in group scenes, but as the book progressed, we got to know them better. The main characters really stood out, and I enjoyed meeting them here. The climax was creative and wrapped things up well. This is a fun debut, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Emma next.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Scarecrows in Books
Jan 12, 2018
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 wasnt 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
For full review, please go to my blog - http://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/scarecrows-by-christine-hayton.html
Sue (5 KP) rated The Cupcake Caper (Undercover Cat, #1) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
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!
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!
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Death of a Musketeer (A Musketeers Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
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!
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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Mr. Monk Gets on Board (Mr. Monk #17) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
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>.
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>.
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>.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Blackberry Burial (A Berry Basket Mystery #2) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
<i>NOTE: I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy provided to me by the author.</i>
Marlee and friends are back in the 2nd Berry Basket Mystery, and I enjoyed this one even more than the first. While surveying a possible starting location for the annual road rally, Marlee finds the body of a girl missing for 20 years hidden in the overgrowth. Can she catch a killer when the murder happened so long ago?
I enjoy reading about Marlee and her friends, and I would love to visit Oriole Point. With such a great combination of characters, setting, and suspense, Im already looking forward to book #3.
Marlee and friends are back in the 2nd Berry Basket Mystery, and I enjoyed this one even more than the first. While surveying a possible starting location for the annual road rally, Marlee finds the body of a girl missing for 20 years hidden in the overgrowth. Can she catch a killer when the murder happened so long ago?
I enjoy reading about Marlee and her friends, and I would love to visit Oriole Point. With such a great combination of characters, setting, and suspense, Im already looking forward to book #3.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Purr M for Murder (Cat Rescue Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Sydney returns home to North Carolina to help plan an even intended to keep the animal shelter where her sister Kat works afloat. A local bully threatens to do whatever it takes to stop the event, and Kat yells at him that it will be the last thing he will ever do. Since he is found dead not long after, Kat becomes suspect number one, and Sydney goes to work to prove her sisters innocence. This well-paced mystery kept me in the dark right up to the end. Purr M for MURDER is the first in what looks to be a great new series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Naughty in Nice (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Georgie manages to get a trip to Nice in the middle of winter to try to find something stolen from the palace. But then a second theft and a murder put her in danger. Can she find her way out of it? As always, Georgie and her family and friends are a delight to be around. Also as always, this book takes forever setting things up before the plot really gets going. I enjoy the series, but I wish the mystery got moving sooner.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-naught-in-nice-by-rhys.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-naught-in-nice-by-rhys.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sue (5 KP) rated The Cupcake Caper (Undercover Cat, #1) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
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!
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!