Search
Search results
ClareR (6256 KP) rated Gallowstree Lane (Collins and Griffiths #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Fans of The Wire or Broadchurch will love this.
I didn't realise until after I'd finished this, that it was actually the third in the series - not that it made any difference whatsoever to my enjoyment!
It's a really well told, gritty police procedural, heavy on the character building. In fact I became very attached to these characters: the struggling single parent WPC; the teenaged boys who had become involved in drug dealing; the officer involved with a big operation; the DC investigating a murder. I didn't like the big drug dealer though (which I think was the whole point. He was a man devoid of conscience).
The mothers in this really resonated with me: women trying to do their best , one working long hours and sacrificing time with her baby to be able to provide for him in a job she loves; the other, a woman who risks losing her son to drug dealing and violence. Both women backed into impossible-to-get-out-of corners.
I really, really enjoyed this book, and I'll be buying the first two in the series to read and catch up!!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to the author, Kate London, for reading along with us!
It's a really well told, gritty police procedural, heavy on the character building. In fact I became very attached to these characters: the struggling single parent WPC; the teenaged boys who had become involved in drug dealing; the officer involved with a big operation; the DC investigating a murder. I didn't like the big drug dealer though (which I think was the whole point. He was a man devoid of conscience).
The mothers in this really resonated with me: women trying to do their best , one working long hours and sacrificing time with her baby to be able to provide for him in a job she loves; the other, a woman who risks losing her son to drug dealing and violence. Both women backed into impossible-to-get-out-of corners.
I really, really enjoyed this book, and I'll be buying the first two in the series to read and catch up!!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to the author, Kate London, for reading along with us!
Dee R (8 KP) rated Midnight (Skulduggery Pleasant #11) in Books
Sep 11, 2018
Quikly captures the reader (3 more)
Paints the images clear
Cover work is enticing
Great next installment
Derek Landy is amazing
Contains spoilers, click to show
So fans of Skulduggery Pleasant had been waiting for this installment of the series for a year. Derek Landy had said this was the last in the series so it was highly anticipated and most of us had preordered copies and some lucky fans got to get theirs signed.
Starting the first page you are instantly teleported into the world of Valkyrie and Skulduggery.
How Derek focused on the after affect of Valkyrie becoming Darquesse, shows dedication to the main characters and that even though they may only be real within the words he types, that there is love there.
He portrays Valkyrie going through a difficult transition and coming to terms with what she had done but she knew once she had the individuals in the magic world would not forget.
The tale gets intense within a few chapters, as they work on a case as unoffical investigators. Meeting new and important people throughout, helping them once more save the day.
But the best thing of this book is the fact right at the end Derek Landy gives us a short snippet of the next book! Which like this one is now highly anticipated.
Starting the first page you are instantly teleported into the world of Valkyrie and Skulduggery.
How Derek focused on the after affect of Valkyrie becoming Darquesse, shows dedication to the main characters and that even though they may only be real within the words he types, that there is love there.
He portrays Valkyrie going through a difficult transition and coming to terms with what she had done but she knew once she had the individuals in the magic world would not forget.
The tale gets intense within a few chapters, as they work on a case as unoffical investigators. Meeting new and important people throughout, helping them once more save the day.
But the best thing of this book is the fact right at the end Derek Landy gives us a short snippet of the next book! Which like this one is now highly anticipated.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Choosing (Seer, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I am finding it difficult to write a review without giving too much of the story away! This book is filled with so many aspects that left my mind reeling, my heart aching, and my stomach churning. But through it all, the message is clear. The Father has chosen us, chosen me. I am beautiful, I have worth. There is freedom in the truth.
With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful.
The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series.
I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful.
The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series.
I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Summoned to Thirteenth Grave (Charley Davidson, #13) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
So this continues where book 12, The Trouble with Twelfth Grave, left off. Charley has been banned from Earth for bringing someone back from the dead after their soul had already left the body. It's been over 100 years and she's sad that she's missed the passing of all of her friends and family. She lands in the middle of the desert and within seconds can feel Reyes seductive heat surrounding her. Turns out that, on Earth, she's only been gone for ten days and she has to help destroy the hell dimension that they accidentally opened when Reyes broke the God glass a few books ago.
Hmm... I did enjoy this but I do feel like the series has not been fully completed. There's still the whole Beep facing Lucifer thing and where did Osh disappear to?
Nevertheless, this was once again full of Charley craziness and I do love her and her gang of friends. There were several mysteries thrown in to the mix for her to solve including one to do with her birth, secrets came out of the woodwork and a few little shocks thrown in too.
I can't say I'm disappointed with how the author finished this series... I just feel it hasn't been fully ended as mentioned above.
Hmm... I did enjoy this but I do feel like the series has not been fully completed. There's still the whole Beep facing Lucifer thing and where did Osh disappear to?
Nevertheless, this was once again full of Charley craziness and I do love her and her gang of friends. There were several mysteries thrown in to the mix for her to solve including one to do with her birth, secrets came out of the woodwork and a few little shocks thrown in too.
I can't say I'm disappointed with how the author finished this series... I just feel it hasn't been fully ended as mentioned above.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2662 KP) rated Murder Most Fowl in Books
Sep 1, 2021 (Updated Sep 1, 2021)
Which of the Things Meg is Juggling Led to Murder?
It’s turning into a crazy summer for Meg Langslow. Not only is her husband, Michael, directing a production of Macbeth, but the actors are camping out on their farm. Meanwhile, another group has decided to reenact what life was like in sixth center Scotland, and they are camped nearby. Filming all of this is a documentarian, Damien Goodwin. But when he shows what he has so far, no one seems happy. The next morning, Meg finds Damien’s dead body. Can she figure out who killed him?
Because of all the plot threads that need to be set up, this book feels like it is taking a bit of time to get going, but it is all definitely worth it as we get to see everything pay off before Meg solves the mystery. Of course, spending time with Meg is always a joy. She and the other from the large cast of regulars are a delight as always, and the suspects fit perfectly into the world. I grinned through much of the book, and even laughed a few times. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this entry. If you are looking for a light mystery, this series is definitely for you.
Because of all the plot threads that need to be set up, this book feels like it is taking a bit of time to get going, but it is all definitely worth it as we get to see everything pay off before Meg solves the mystery. Of course, spending time with Meg is always a joy. She and the other from the large cast of regulars are a delight as always, and the suspects fit perfectly into the world. I grinned through much of the book, and even laughed a few times. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this entry. If you are looking for a light mystery, this series is definitely for you.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2662 KP) rated Once Upon a Murder in Books
Feb 21, 2024
Not as Strong as the First Book
It’s 1784, and spinster Tiffany Woodall is hoping to put the chaos and intrigue of the last few months behind her. However, when she finds a dead body on her way to work at the castle one morning, she knows that isn’t going to happen. When the local bookseller, the man Tiffany loves, is accused of the crime, she can’t help but get involved. Can she figure out what happened?
The first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year. This book wasn’t as good, but it was still enjoyable. As with the first book, the mystery takes a backseat at times. However, here the other storylines weren’t as compelling. This is especially true of the romance. I was glad it wasn’t dragged out too much and I bought it in a way I wouldn’t in other series, but I wasn’t as invested in it. When the murder really kicks in during the second half, I was more fully on board, and I love how that was resolved. Likewise, I still loved all the characters and did enjoy seeing what happened to them. Fans of the first will want to pick this up. If you missed the first, you’ll definitely want to start there.
The first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year. This book wasn’t as good, but it was still enjoyable. As with the first book, the mystery takes a backseat at times. However, here the other storylines weren’t as compelling. This is especially true of the romance. I was glad it wasn’t dragged out too much and I bought it in a way I wouldn’t in other series, but I wasn’t as invested in it. When the murder really kicks in during the second half, I was more fully on board, and I love how that was resolved. Likewise, I still loved all the characters and did enjoy seeing what happened to them. Fans of the first will want to pick this up. If you missed the first, you’ll definitely want to start there.
Merissa (14190 KP) rated Crush (Unhinged Holidays #3) in Books
Jan 23, 2026
CRUSH is the third novella in the Unhinged Holidays series, featuring Cupid no less! He arrives to help Anabel and Cole break through the man-made barriers and fears that stop them from loving each other. He's only supposed to watch and guide, not participate. That's fine, surely?!
Nope!
Luca is drawn from the very first moment to Anabel and Cole. He is turned on by watching them, even more so when they give him permission to join in. And the three of them together? Hot, hot, hot!
This was a quick, short read that is full of heat, emotion, and connections you hoped for, but never expected. It takes place over one night, so don't expect an in-depth backstory. However, if you're here for a steamy love menage, then you're in the right place.
I will say, this isn't my favourite of the series; that title still belongs with Spice. However, I thoroughly enjoyed every word and definitely recommend it.
** 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!
Jan 23, 2026
Nope!
Luca is drawn from the very first moment to Anabel and Cole. He is turned on by watching them, even more so when they give him permission to join in. And the three of them together? Hot, hot, hot!
This was a quick, short read that is full of heat, emotion, and connections you hoped for, but never expected. It takes place over one night, so don't expect an in-depth backstory. However, if you're here for a steamy love menage, then you're in the right place.
I will say, this isn't my favourite of the series; that title still belongs with Spice. However, I thoroughly enjoyed every word and definitely recommend it.
** 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!
Jan 23, 2026
Merissa (14190 KP) rated Fangs & Freaks (Shifters of Myth and Legends #1) in Books
Apr 2, 2025
FANGS & FREAKS is the first book in the Shifters of Myth and Legends series and features Bloody Mary. Bellonna was wrongly accused of being a witch by her so-called best friend, pressed and burnt. At the last moment, she calls on Lilith to help and spends the next three hundred or so years becoming Bloody Mary.
Varys is a unicorn who was kidnapped. Blackwell is the psycho boy, and Warrick is his brother and president of the MC. These four cause chaos and wreak mayhem on pretty much every page and I am here for it.
It is a dark read with TWs, so take note! It is fast-paced and with plenty of bl00d and s3x, although only one scene with the four of them together. Although not a traditional one, our guys do get a HEA.
This was a great read that I definitely recommend and I look forward to reading more in this series.
** 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!
Apr 1, 2025
Varys is a unicorn who was kidnapped. Blackwell is the psycho boy, and Warrick is his brother and president of the MC. These four cause chaos and wreak mayhem on pretty much every page and I am here for it.
It is a dark read with TWs, so take note! It is fast-paced and with plenty of bl00d and s3x, although only one scene with the four of them together. Although not a traditional one, our guys do get a HEA.
This was a great read that I definitely recommend and I look forward to reading more in this series.
** 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!
Apr 1, 2025
Merissa (14190 KP) rated Flying Hard for Finn (Pet Play by the Lake) in Books
Apr 21, 2023
FLYING HARD FOR FINN is another in the Pet Play by the Lake series and introduced me to dove play. I've read about puppies, ponies, and bunnies, but never a bird. It started off differently than usual too, which I thought was brilliant.
Finn is the younger one in the couple. When the story starts, he is a handler without a pet because puppies and kittens just don't do it for him. That changes when he sees a dove. It changes even more so when he realises he knows who the dove is - his step-uncle of the past four years.
There is lots going on here and with a slight hint of taboo-but-not-really. Theo is a brilliant character but his ex, Isaac, is a douche through and through. Finn has more understanding and patience than most twenty-three-year-olds. Together, it works.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more in this series. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 21, 2023
Finn is the younger one in the couple. When the story starts, he is a handler without a pet because puppies and kittens just don't do it for him. That changes when he sees a dove. It changes even more so when he realises he knows who the dove is - his step-uncle of the past four years.
There is lots going on here and with a slight hint of taboo-but-not-really. Theo is a brilliant character but his ex, Isaac, is a douche through and through. Finn has more understanding and patience than most twenty-three-year-olds. Together, it works.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more in this series. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 21, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2662 KP) rated Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra in Books
Jun 30, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2022)
Charlie’s Following Cleopatra’s Footsteps
Charlie Thorne is once again on her own, and she’s decided to find out what Cleopatra left behind over two thousand years ago. To do so, she needs to slip into the apartment of a rich Egyptian playboy. Naturally, things don’t go as planned, and Charlie finds herself being chased by not only the man’s security, but several different countries’ agents. Can she dodge them and still find what Cleopatra left behind?
This series has a couple of issues for me. One is Charlie, who can come across as a perfect character for far too long. Eventually, we do see some weaknesses, but it takes a while. I suspect this is something that adults will pick on more than kids do. Then there’s the data dumps. We need some of that information to have the context for the action, but it can get to be a bit much. However, overall, I do like these books, and this one in particular. There are plenty of action sequences and twists. I’m curious where the series is going to go from here. I like the core cast, yes, even Charlie. And I mentioned the action, right? Fans of good stories will enjoy this book.
This series has a couple of issues for me. One is Charlie, who can come across as a perfect character for far too long. Eventually, we do see some weaknesses, but it takes a while. I suspect this is something that adults will pick on more than kids do. Then there’s the data dumps. We need some of that information to have the context for the action, but it can get to be a bit much. However, overall, I do like these books, and this one in particular. There are plenty of action sequences and twists. I’m curious where the series is going to go from here. I like the core cast, yes, even Charlie. And I mentioned the action, right? Fans of good stories will enjoy this book.
