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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2528 KP) rated Dim Sum of All Fears in Books
Oct 22, 2020
Fear Not, This is a Fun Book
A new souvenir shop has opened next to Ho-Lee Noodles, the restaurant that Lana Lee’s parents own and where she works. Over the last few weeks, Lana has become friends with Isabelle, one half of the newlyweds who own the new store. That makes it person when Isabelle and Brandon, her husband, are found murdered in the back of their store one morning. Despite warnings to stay out of the investigation, Lana begins to poke around. Can she figure out what happened?
Too many books got in the way of me returning to this series sooner, but I’m glad I was able to revisit the characters. The plot is strong, with plenty of secrets and suspects that kept me guessing until the very end. Lana is a relatable, sympathetic heroine, and I really like her friends as well. There is some room for growth in her relationships with her family, and I hope that happens as the series progresses. There are some spoilers for the first book in the series here, so if you are interested in the series, I definitely recommend you read them in order. I’m glad I got to return to Ho-Lee Noodles, and I hope it isn’t so long before I move on to book three.
Too many books got in the way of me returning to this series sooner, but I’m glad I was able to revisit the characters. The plot is strong, with plenty of secrets and suspects that kept me guessing until the very end. Lana is a relatable, sympathetic heroine, and I really like her friends as well. There is some room for growth in her relationships with her family, and I hope that happens as the series progresses. There are some spoilers for the first book in the series here, so if you are interested in the series, I definitely recommend you read them in order. I’m glad I got to return to Ho-Lee Noodles, and I hope it isn’t so long before I move on to book three.
ClareR (6129 KP) rated Black Leopard, Red Wolf (The Dark Star Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 2, 2019
Warning: this is not a book for the faint-hearted! It took concentration and commitment, and most importantly, time. It’s not a book to rush through, and the first 100 pages or so were particularly hard work. I’ll admit I struggled, I persevered, and I am SO glad that I did. It’s like nothing else I’ve read before. Fantasy set in African culture: its raw, and there’s a lot of reference to African myth and folk tales. It’s a fascinating and exciting book; exciting both in the sense of pace (there are lots of fight scenes) and in the sense of originality.
This isn’t an organised band of Merry Men (they’re not all men, and they’re not very merry, to be honest), and they really don’t seem to like one another very much.
Tracker, the main character, is something of an anti-hero. He doesn’t seem to really know why he’s on this quest at the beginning (but that soon changes), he has a low opinion of his fellow companions, and likes nothing better than a good fight and good sex (there is a lot of both). The characters of the Leopard and the children were there to show the softer side of Tracker, I think, although Tracker is as much infuriated by Leopard as he loves him (he wouldn’t admit to that though!)
I can’t wait to see where Marlon James takes this story in the second part of this series. I’ll most definitely be reading it!
This isn’t an organised band of Merry Men (they’re not all men, and they’re not very merry, to be honest), and they really don’t seem to like one another very much.
Tracker, the main character, is something of an anti-hero. He doesn’t seem to really know why he’s on this quest at the beginning (but that soon changes), he has a low opinion of his fellow companions, and likes nothing better than a good fight and good sex (there is a lot of both). The characters of the Leopard and the children were there to show the softer side of Tracker, I think, although Tracker is as much infuriated by Leopard as he loves him (he wouldn’t admit to that though!)
I can’t wait to see where Marlon James takes this story in the second part of this series. I’ll most definitely be reading it!
ClareR (6129 KP) rated Sixteen Horses in Books
Oct 30, 2021
Sixteen Horses was a pretty gruesome thriller about a Forensic Veterinarian who is called in to investigate the discovery of sixteen horses heads, buried in a circle on farmland. If you find dismembered animals upsetting, then this won’t be the book for you, but I found the way that Cooper Allen undertook her investigation fascinating.
There is a really bleak, moody atmosphere throughout this book, that brought The Smiths song ‘Everyday is like Sunday’ to mind: this IS the coastal town that they forgot to close down, and everyday does seem to be grey - if not silent!
Ilmarsh is a town that has seen far better days, full of the unemployed and displaced, and even though it’s not a pleasant thought, it’s no surprise that it should be the setting for a series of disappearances, arson and mutilations. There is someone in this town with a lot of time on their hands. And no better way to spend it.
The writing is mesmerising - I found it hard to drag myself away, even though I found it profoundly unsettling. And that’s the big thing about this novel: I’m still not 100% sure who the culprit was, but I found myself not too upset by that. It was such a breathtaking journey (however, if anyone would like to message me with the answer to that, I wouldn’t be at all put out!)
Many thanks to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of the book through both NetGalley and Jellybooks (because I forgot I already had it from NetGalley 🤦🏼♀️).
There is a really bleak, moody atmosphere throughout this book, that brought The Smiths song ‘Everyday is like Sunday’ to mind: this IS the coastal town that they forgot to close down, and everyday does seem to be grey - if not silent!
Ilmarsh is a town that has seen far better days, full of the unemployed and displaced, and even though it’s not a pleasant thought, it’s no surprise that it should be the setting for a series of disappearances, arson and mutilations. There is someone in this town with a lot of time on their hands. And no better way to spend it.
The writing is mesmerising - I found it hard to drag myself away, even though I found it profoundly unsettling. And that’s the big thing about this novel: I’m still not 100% sure who the culprit was, but I found myself not too upset by that. It was such a breathtaking journey (however, if anyone would like to message me with the answer to that, I wouldn’t be at all put out!)
Many thanks to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of the book through both NetGalley and Jellybooks (because I forgot I already had it from NetGalley 🤦🏼♀️).
Debbiereadsbook (1715 KP) rated Beyond the Darkness (Basic Instincts #3) in Books
Oct 9, 2025
plot twist I did not see coming!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Basic Instincts series but you don't need to have read the other two books for this to make sense. I've only read book 2, and I loved that book.
And I loved this one too, bar for one thing and I'll come back to that in a mo.
Again, I'd like to commend Collins on a blinder of a twist I did not see coming! I had my doubts, when they were saying who might have been behind it all, but my idea was way, WAY off base and I loved being thrown for a loop!
I really, really do not want to see that film Hudson was in! Sounds gory and violent and not really my thing.
The book is dark and deadly and some of it is on page, but I do think that it is necessary to get the point across.
Some emotional moments, some steamy, but the focus is on the play and the chaos that comes with it.
That thing? But for one solitary chapter, only Hudson has a say. Luke has a chapter and that is the only reason I cannot give this 5 stars! I think if he had no say at all, I might have been tipped over to 5 stars, though! Weird, I know but ya'll know my book feelings!
so, a very VERY good
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Basic Instincts series but you don't need to have read the other two books for this to make sense. I've only read book 2, and I loved that book.
And I loved this one too, bar for one thing and I'll come back to that in a mo.
Again, I'd like to commend Collins on a blinder of a twist I did not see coming! I had my doubts, when they were saying who might have been behind it all, but my idea was way, WAY off base and I loved being thrown for a loop!
I really, really do not want to see that film Hudson was in! Sounds gory and violent and not really my thing.
The book is dark and deadly and some of it is on page, but I do think that it is necessary to get the point across.
Some emotional moments, some steamy, but the focus is on the play and the chaos that comes with it.
That thing? But for one solitary chapter, only Hudson has a say. Luke has a chapter and that is the only reason I cannot give this 5 stars! I think if he had no say at all, I might have been tipped over to 5 stars, though! Weird, I know but ya'll know my book feelings!
so, a very VERY good
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Quantico - Season 1 in TV
Jan 29, 2019
Quantico Season 1
I only found this when I was surfing Prime for something to watch, so I took a chance and I'm so very glad I did.
This is a twisted, intriguing story involving FBI trainees, or NATs as they are known. The timeline flashes between present and past in quite a stylised manner, but if you can get past that AND keep up with the when of what you're watching, then you are in for a treat.
I loved how this series kept you on your toes right to the very end. Every character is more than they first show, and it takes you through each of them, as you learn more about them and their lives.
If I had to say anything bad, it would be I got a bit bored between Ryan and Alex, and found it to be repetitive as the season moved on. This did NOT affect my overall enjoyment of it though, and I was still sat with my heart in my mouth for the grand finale. I also had a big box of kleenex as my eyes kept leaking, but I won't go into that!
I binge-watched this series, and loved all of it. Absolutely recommended by me!
This is a twisted, intriguing story involving FBI trainees, or NATs as they are known. The timeline flashes between present and past in quite a stylised manner, but if you can get past that AND keep up with the when of what you're watching, then you are in for a treat.
I loved how this series kept you on your toes right to the very end. Every character is more than they first show, and it takes you through each of them, as you learn more about them and their lives.
If I had to say anything bad, it would be I got a bit bored between Ryan and Alex, and found it to be repetitive as the season moved on. This did NOT affect my overall enjoyment of it though, and I was still sat with my heart in my mouth for the grand finale. I also had a big box of kleenex as my eyes kept leaking, but I won't go into that!
I binge-watched this series, and loved all of it. Absolutely recommended by me!
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog in Books
Dec 19, 2019
Book Review: Ted the Friendly Frog and Santa Frog This book is set during the Christmas season. The family is getting ready for Christmas. Ted's father gets up to tell a story of meeting Santa Frog. As the story is being told, children will get to learn to rhyme some words. The series continues to teach children to read.Ted and his brother Brad seem excited about Santa Frog. Will they get to meet Santa Frog? What will Santa Frog bring them and how many presents? There is still the meaning behind the story. There seem to be an important meaning behind the story. Though this one will not know until the end of the book. What matters most is that Family Matters.I got the feeling of The Night before Christmas feeling with this story. As if you read. Though with the teaching of the meaning of Christmas and family being the center of the story. Though that is my thoughts on it.The author still gets the children to learn to read with the rhyming theme as you read. This is good as this helps with children and good to have parents pick up the series. It does teach lessons and meanings that are important for children to learn.
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Victoria & Violet (Royal Maids #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2022
VICTORIA & VIOLET is the first book in the Royal Maids series and what a start this is! We see Victoria in her early years, a free-spirited and strong-willed young lady. We also meet Violet, a maid in the queen's service and firmly under the thumb of her social-climbing, manipulative, abusive mother. When Violet starts her service to Victoria though, she becomes her own person - through trials and errors.
This novel is perfectly paced and full of amazing characters, brought to life by Ms. Brimble's writing style. The story is genteel, full of hope and love, and yet simultaneously shows how hard life can be in certain situations and circumstances.
Each of the characters is interesting and intriguing in their own ways - whether you like them or not! I loved the epilogue giving us an insight into how their lives are turning out, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
An excellent start and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This novel is perfectly paced and full of amazing characters, brought to life by Ms. Brimble's writing style. The story is genteel, full of hope and love, and yet simultaneously shows how hard life can be in certain situations and circumstances.
Each of the characters is interesting and intriguing in their own ways - whether you like them or not! I loved the epilogue giving us an insight into how their lives are turning out, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
An excellent start and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Openly Yours (Offbeat Shifters #2) in Books
Mar 3, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
OPENLY MINE is the second book in the Offbeat Shifters series, and we continue with the tiger and monkey mates. Now openly mated, Isaac and Jesse have a busy time ahead of them. Not only is there the Youth Centre to get sorted, but Jesse is recording a new album. Because these two are suckers for punishment, they also decide to move home and arrange a wedding too. Throw in some health complications, and you've got a story to lose yourself in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. And, as wrong as this may sound, I loved the part where Isaac and Jesse are dealing with some news that has a strong impact on both of them. I found this to be sympathetically written, whilst remaining true to the story.
The pacing is smooth and the supporting characters are just as good as in book one. One thing is clear, Jesse has dreams to fulfil and Isaac will move heaven and earth to help.
A great addition to the series, and one I am happy to recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. And, as wrong as this may sound, I loved the part where Isaac and Jesse are dealing with some news that has a strong impact on both of them. I found this to be sympathetically written, whilst remaining true to the story.
The pacing is smooth and the supporting characters are just as good as in book one. One thing is clear, Jesse has dreams to fulfil and Isaac will move heaven and earth to help.
A great addition to the series, and one I am happy to recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 3, 2021
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Dragon's Mate Volume Two: Books 4-7 in Books
Aug 21, 2023
DRAGON'S MATE VOLUME TWO: Books 4-7 gives you exactly that - the next set of books in the series.
We get to read about Anthony and Dimpy, Matty and Dum, Randall and Broadmire, and finally, Joe and Terrund. These four are easy to read with great characters. There wasn't as much world-building in this set, but then, I guess you don't need as much by now.
I will say, I wasn't as into these stories as the first set. It just felt as though it was lacking something. I was really looking forward to both Dimpy and Dum's stories, but I was left wanting more. Saying that, I did still enjoy all of the stories and the characters in there, whether they are ones already paired up or not.
This is a great box set that I enjoyed, especially with the Glimmer teaser at the end! I can't wait to continue with this series and see who else will fall for their mate!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 21, 2023
We get to read about Anthony and Dimpy, Matty and Dum, Randall and Broadmire, and finally, Joe and Terrund. These four are easy to read with great characters. There wasn't as much world-building in this set, but then, I guess you don't need as much by now.
I will say, I wasn't as into these stories as the first set. It just felt as though it was lacking something. I was really looking forward to both Dimpy and Dum's stories, but I was left wanting more. Saying that, I did still enjoy all of the stories and the characters in there, whether they are ones already paired up or not.
This is a great box set that I enjoyed, especially with the Glimmer teaser at the end! I can't wait to continue with this series and see who else will fall for their mate!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 21, 2023
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Saboteur (Jude Lyon #2) in Books
Aug 22, 2021
I was lucky enough to be invited to read "The Saboteur" having previously read and thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series, "The Stranger". Let me tell you that I was not disappointed in the slightest and I was on the edge of my seat and totally engrossed in this book from the first to the last line. I want to reassure you that you don't have to have read "The Stranger" to enjoy this; this can most definitely be read as a standalone.
This book is absolutely packed to the rafters with action and suspense, thrills and spills, tension and twists. The plot is engrossing, riveting and fast paced - I found myself having to remind myself to breathe!
The cast of characters that Mr Conway has created are just fantastic - I literally cheered when the baddies got their comeuppance and cried when people were lost; not many books do this to me.
The ending was perfect and definitely leaves things open for a third - well I hope so anyway because I will be first in line.
Many, many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for inviting me to read this and, in return, to provide an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This book is absolutely packed to the rafters with action and suspense, thrills and spills, tension and twists. The plot is engrossing, riveting and fast paced - I found myself having to remind myself to breathe!
The cast of characters that Mr Conway has created are just fantastic - I literally cheered when the baddies got their comeuppance and cried when people were lost; not many books do this to me.
The ending was perfect and definitely leaves things open for a third - well I hope so anyway because I will be first in line.
Many, many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for inviting me to read this and, in return, to provide an honest, unbiased and unedited review.