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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Murder Comes to Call in Books
Oct 28, 2020
Thefts and Murder
When Beryl Helliwell goes to court for reckless driving, she meets Declan O’Shea, an Irish immigrant trying to start a life for himself in the English village of Walmsley Parva. However, being Irish, he is viewed with suspicion, and the string of thefts happening in the village only make things worse. When the police start to question him about the thefts, he hires Beryl and Edwina Davenport to clear his name. The stakes are only raised when a dead body turns up at the scene of the latest burglary. Couple that with another client who needs his case solved right away, and Edwina and Beryl have their work cut out of them. Can they figure out what is really happening?
While this is the fourth book in the series, you could easily jump in here. You would miss out on the growth in the characters and their relationships, which is definitely part of the charm of the series. Plus these are just great characters to spend time with. Fans will be delighted to check in with these friends and catch up with the latest going on in their lives. The plot seemed to be a bit scattered early on, but I suspected that events would tie together, and my faith was rewarded. In fact, I was impressed with just how everything came together by the end. The setting, both location and historical, come to life well. We get a great feel for the impact of World War I on this village without it ever slowing things down. I was fully absorbed in another time and place as I read, and if you are looking for a great historical mystery, you will be, too.
While this is the fourth book in the series, you could easily jump in here. You would miss out on the growth in the characters and their relationships, which is definitely part of the charm of the series. Plus these are just great characters to spend time with. Fans will be delighted to check in with these friends and catch up with the latest going on in their lives. The plot seemed to be a bit scattered early on, but I suspected that events would tie together, and my faith was rewarded. In fact, I was impressed with just how everything came together by the end. The setting, both location and historical, come to life well. We get a great feel for the impact of World War I on this village without it ever slowing things down. I was fully absorbed in another time and place as I read, and if you are looking for a great historical mystery, you will be, too.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated One Boy's War in Books
Aug 24, 2020
One Boy's War is a bit of a continuation of Boy from Berlin. It is all based on a ship and in London, England during 1940 in the summer. It tells the tale of a boy named Kafer who is on a ship to Canada. He ends up returning to London, England.
Kafer and his mother and sibling are on the ship to Cannada. Something happens to make them return to London. There is an adventure for Kafer on the return. The adventures are enjoyable to read. There seems to be a mystery man that Kafer spots at the hotel while he and his family are waiting in Scotland.
There seems to be an adventure that Kafer and friend named Freddy that get Kafer into so trouble. Though I do not want to spoil that goes. This book is a good read. Children will enjoy it. If you want to find out if Kafer and his family make it safe and sound to Canada or not. I would suggest picking this book up.
In London, there are more adventures that Kafer goes on and he brings his brother along for one of them. Will they escape the Nazi's ore will they not. Will Kafer save his family or will he be stopped. The twist and turns of this book make you want to read to find out.
I was turning the pages of this book. I could not put it down. This book is mostly fiction with historical events that take place and with a real family. Any historical fiction fan from middle grade and up will enjoy this. I also enjoy the fact that this book and Boy from Berlin are pretty clean in language. I did not find one bad word in either book.
Kafer and his mother and sibling are on the ship to Cannada. Something happens to make them return to London. There is an adventure for Kafer on the return. The adventures are enjoyable to read. There seems to be a mystery man that Kafer spots at the hotel while he and his family are waiting in Scotland.
There seems to be an adventure that Kafer and friend named Freddy that get Kafer into so trouble. Though I do not want to spoil that goes. This book is a good read. Children will enjoy it. If you want to find out if Kafer and his family make it safe and sound to Canada or not. I would suggest picking this book up.
In London, there are more adventures that Kafer goes on and he brings his brother along for one of them. Will they escape the Nazi's ore will they not. Will Kafer save his family or will he be stopped. The twist and turns of this book make you want to read to find out.
I was turning the pages of this book. I could not put it down. This book is mostly fiction with historical events that take place and with a real family. Any historical fiction fan from middle grade and up will enjoy this. I also enjoy the fact that this book and Boy from Berlin are pretty clean in language. I did not find one bad word in either book.
The Other Hoffmann Sister
Book
Gripping historical fiction from the prize-winning author of The Spring of Kasper Meier Shortlisted...
historical fiction fiction
Clair (5 KP) rated The Essex Serpent in Books
Sep 29, 2017
Purely a cover book buy, I had high hopes for this as it has won lots of awards. I’ve given it 3 stars – it took me over 100 pages before I really started to like it – I struggled to engage with the story and found my mind wandering, meaning I had to go back and reread several paragraphs again.
Set in 1893, Cora Seaborne finds herself a widow after her controlling husband dies. She and her son Francis and companion Martha leave for Colchester in Essex as she is a keen amateur naturalist and hopes to explore the area looking for fossils.
On arrival she hears rumours of the mythical Essex Serpent that has returned to the coastal parish of Aldwinter and she sets off to explore. She is introduced to William Ransome, a vicar who doesn’t believe in the Serpent but on meeting the pair find they have a connection.
There are many characters in the book, and this is for me what kept it interesting. Its meanders quite a bit but once I got used to the style, I ended up quite enjoying the story, and the historical and mystery elements were interesting.
I read it for my book club (my recommendation) and I have a feeling they may have enjoyed it more than me. I much prefer contemporary novels, but I’m glad I read this.
Set in 1893, Cora Seaborne finds herself a widow after her controlling husband dies. She and her son Francis and companion Martha leave for Colchester in Essex as she is a keen amateur naturalist and hopes to explore the area looking for fossils.
On arrival she hears rumours of the mythical Essex Serpent that has returned to the coastal parish of Aldwinter and she sets off to explore. She is introduced to William Ransome, a vicar who doesn’t believe in the Serpent but on meeting the pair find they have a connection.
There are many characters in the book, and this is for me what kept it interesting. Its meanders quite a bit but once I got used to the style, I ended up quite enjoying the story, and the historical and mystery elements were interesting.
I read it for my book club (my recommendation) and I have a feeling they may have enjoyed it more than me. I much prefer contemporary novels, but I’m glad I read this.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Desert Moon: Also Includes Bonus Story of Honor Bond by Colleen L. Reece in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Desert Moon by Susan Page Davis is a wonderful historical fiction. The story takes place in Arizona. There is a sweet romance throughout the story with a little bit of danger and mystery added. The story begins fast with a stage coach robbery and then blames of the crime are made and with evidence.
The main character, Julia Newman, is a young lady that makes the difficult decisions. Julia receives double bad news in a short amount of time. First she learns of her mother's death, then she learns that her brother is accused of robbing a stagecoach and the person who informed her is the man that Julie has always love, Deputy Adam Scott.
Julie left home to go to school to become a teacher because she could not stand to be near the man she loved, Deputy Adam Scott. On her way home, Julie learns that the stagecoach she is riding in has been robbed. Deputy accused Julie's brother of the crime, which frustrates her. Julie tries to convince Deputy Adam Scott of her brother's innocence but then finds out that her brother has gone mission. During this exchange, Julie discovers that her feelings for Deputy Adam Scott has not gone away as she hoped would happen when she went away to school.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The main character, Julia Newman, is a young lady that makes the difficult decisions. Julia receives double bad news in a short amount of time. First she learns of her mother's death, then she learns that her brother is accused of robbing a stagecoach and the person who informed her is the man that Julie has always love, Deputy Adam Scott.
Julie left home to go to school to become a teacher because she could not stand to be near the man she loved, Deputy Adam Scott. On her way home, Julie learns that the stagecoach she is riding in has been robbed. Deputy accused Julie's brother of the crime, which frustrates her. Julie tries to convince Deputy Adam Scott of her brother's innocence but then finds out that her brother has gone mission. During this exchange, Julie discovers that her feelings for Deputy Adam Scott has not gone away as she hoped would happen when she went away to school.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Once Upon a River in Books
Dec 19, 2018
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
"Once Upon the River" by Diane Setterfield is a difficult book to categorize. It’s part fairy tale, part mystery, part fantasy, and has a dash of historical fiction thrown in for good measure. It revolves around a little town, its pub, its residents, and the river that flow nearby.
The residents are a colorful cast of characters. I enjoyed Setterfield’s use of the pub’s regulars and how they helped move the story along with their storytelling. Storytelling is a significant topic discussed in the story.
I found the beginning of the story confusing. I think it was because of all of the people involved in the storyline. Three separate storylines run parallel and intermingle in the story. Once I was able to keep the characters straight I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I also listened to a preview of the corresponding audiobook and recommend that also. The narrator, Juliet Stevenson, uses different voices that allows the listener to clearly recognize that character.
I devoured Setterfield’s “The Thirteenth Tale” (my rating is 4 out of 5 stars) and now “Once Upon a River” (4 stars rating). Diane Setterfield is now an author I follow and am looking forward to her next story.
"Once Upon the River" by Diane Setterfield is a difficult book to categorize. It’s part fairy tale, part mystery, part fantasy, and has a dash of historical fiction thrown in for good measure. It revolves around a little town, its pub, its residents, and the river that flow nearby.
The residents are a colorful cast of characters. I enjoyed Setterfield’s use of the pub’s regulars and how they helped move the story along with their storytelling. Storytelling is a significant topic discussed in the story.
I found the beginning of the story confusing. I think it was because of all of the people involved in the storyline. Three separate storylines run parallel and intermingle in the story. Once I was able to keep the characters straight I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I also listened to a preview of the corresponding audiobook and recommend that also. The narrator, Juliet Stevenson, uses different voices that allows the listener to clearly recognize that character.
I devoured Setterfield’s “The Thirteenth Tale” (my rating is 4 out of 5 stars) and now “Once Upon a River” (4 stars rating). Diane Setterfield is now an author I follow and am looking forward to her next story.
God in a Single Vision: Integrating Philosophy and Theology
David Brown, Christopher R. Brewer and Robert MacSwain
Book
In the ancient conversation between Western philosophy and Christian theology, powerful contemporary...
German Queer Crime Fiction: Feminist Politics, Justice and Desire
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A marriage of mystery fiction and queer concerns, queer crime literature celebrates the pairing of...
The Axeman's Jazz
7.0
Rate It
Book
Inspired by a true story, set against the heady backdrop of jazz-filled, mob-ruled New Orleans, The...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated No One’s Home in Books
Aug 10, 2020
145 of 200
Kindle
No ones home
By D M Pulley
Margot and Myron Spielman move to a new town, looking for a fresh start and an escape from the long shadow of their past. But soon after they buy Rawlingswood, a foreclosed mansion rumored to be haunted, they realize they’re in for more of the same…or worse.
After a renovation fraught with injuries and setbacks, the Spielmans move in to the century-old house, and their problems quickly escalate. The home’s beautiful facade begins to crumble around them when their teenage son uncovers disturbing details of Rawlingswood’s history—a history of murder, betrayal, and financial ruin. The Spielmans’ own shameful secrets and lies become harder to hide as someone or something inside the house watches their every move.
As tensions build between the family members, the home’s dark history threatens to repeat itself. Margot and Myron must confront their own ghosts and Rawlingswood’s buried past before the house becomes their undoing.
Such a good book!! Full of mystery and suggestions of paranormal activity all written around historical events, places and people. I read mainly at night and in the dark so I got a few chills reading this. Such a well balanced and well executed book! You got drawn into all these characters lives!
Kindle
No ones home
By D M Pulley
Margot and Myron Spielman move to a new town, looking for a fresh start and an escape from the long shadow of their past. But soon after they buy Rawlingswood, a foreclosed mansion rumored to be haunted, they realize they’re in for more of the same…or worse.
After a renovation fraught with injuries and setbacks, the Spielmans move in to the century-old house, and their problems quickly escalate. The home’s beautiful facade begins to crumble around them when their teenage son uncovers disturbing details of Rawlingswood’s history—a history of murder, betrayal, and financial ruin. The Spielmans’ own shameful secrets and lies become harder to hide as someone or something inside the house watches their every move.
As tensions build between the family members, the home’s dark history threatens to repeat itself. Margot and Myron must confront their own ghosts and Rawlingswood’s buried past before the house becomes their undoing.
Such a good book!! Full of mystery and suggestions of paranormal activity all written around historical events, places and people. I read mainly at night and in the dark so I got a few chills reading this. Such a well balanced and well executed book! You got drawn into all these characters lives!