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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated A Nutcracker Nightmare in Books

Oct 21, 2023

Class Bully Gets Murdered

This Christmas, Harriston High School is hosting an all years reunion. While twin sisters Alex and Hanna didn’t attend, they are helping with the weekend’s events. That’s how they meet Kyle, the class star quarterback and the class bully. He’s taken an interest in Hanna, an interest she doesn’t return. The opening night ends when Kyle is murdered, and Hanna’s fingerprint is the only one found on the murder weapon, a nutcracker. Surely someone who knew him longer had a better motive, right?

I read the first book last year and enjoyed it enough to give the series a second try. Sadly, I found the flaws the same here. The writing kept me out of the story at first, and I had a really hard time remembering who the suspects were and all their connections. But the further I got into the book, the more I got caught up in the mystery, which had some nice twists on the way to the logical solution. The main characters are great, and the recipes for the gourmet chocolates sound delicious. There is a good story here, so be patient when you pick up this book.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated The Body in the Cattails in Books

Aug 5, 2023 (Updated Aug 5, 2023)

Come Make New Friends and Solve a Murder

Drew Brauner has been in Rose Creek, Oklahoma, for a couple of months now but has yet to really make any friends, so she decides to go to the new book club forming. Before the meeting is over, the women have spotted a dead body floating in the creek behind the story. As they begin to investigate, they begin to bond. Will they figure out what happened?

Really, there are four main characters, and we get to see the story from all of their points of view. They also have their own arcs. But it is all balanced wonderfully. It never becomes too much or overwhelming, and I loved every second of it. This is all juggled with the main mystery, which kept me engaged before becoming a pager turner at the climax. This is one of those books you don’t want to end because you don’t want to leave the characters behind. I already can’t wait for book two to come out. Get this utterly charming series debut today. You’ll be glad you did.

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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Fahrenheit 501 in Books

Sep 13, 2023

Fahrenheit 501

Diane Vallere | 2021 | Mystery

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Are Jeans a Motive for Murder?

When Samantha Kidd is asked to join a secret fashion society, she is surprised to even hear about it. Her initial interview is cut short when she finds the dead body of an older member buried under a pile of jeans. While not officially a part of the society yet, Samantha still has the connections to ask around. Can she piece together who the killer is?

I’ll admit, the society in this book seemed like a stretch to me, but then again, I have some odd hobbies, so who am I to say anything. Besides, it sets up another fun mystery with plenty of twists to keep the reader engaged. There was one aspect of the plot that was needlessly confusing early on, but it starts to be more consistent the further into the book we go. And the plot came together for a logical climax. In addition to the regulars, a couple of characters we haven’t seen in a while pop back up here, and I enjoyed seeing them again. We also get the usual laughs, which are always a delight. Fans will be pleased with this addition to the series.

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Blood King (Heart Stones #1)

JP Sayle

9.0 (2 Ratings) Rate It

Book

Can two fated souls survive murder, lies, and treachery? As heir to the throne of Dreemskerry,...

MM Paranormal Romance

Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Feb 3, 2023 (Updated Feb 3, 2023)

It's cover reveal time! I've got the amazing cover for Anita Dickason's new mystery book, MURDER'S LEGACY on my blog today! You can also watch the book trailer, pre-order the book, and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Tori Winters series tote bag and a cute personalized mug!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2023/02/cover-reveal-pre-order-book-blitz-and.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Secrets that defy time!

An inconceivable disaster brings Tori Winters’ plans for the historic house she inherited to a traumatic standstill. A section of the escape tunnel built by her great-grandfather, a notorious Dallas gangster, has collapsed. Within the rubble, there is a gruesome discovery. A skeleton with a bullet hole in the skull.

The shocking cave-in triggers an ominous scheme to condemn her property as accusations arise that the tunnel is dangerous.

Embattled, Tori soon discovers that more than the destruction of the house is on the line. It seems she can’t escape the past. It keeps clawing its way into her life with deadly consequences.

Who hides in the shadows with a motive for murder?

And … is Tori the target?