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Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Thai Die (A Needlecraft Mystery, #12) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I started reading this series years ago, because of "meeting" Ms. Ferris via <a href="nntp://rec.crafts.textiles.needlework">rec.crafts.textiles.needlework </a>. It's odd to think of how much has changed since then—I don't even have a dedicated usenet client installed any more! Still, I still stitch, and I still enjoy the little handwork bits throughout Ferris' novels.
Unfortunately, the digressions into minutia on other topics (do I care where Goddy picked up an expression? Honestly, no) gets annoying. If there had been one more sentence about Lars' Stanley Steamer, I might have thrown the book across the room.
Still, these books are much brighter in tone than so much of what I read that they make a nice break here and there. The free patterns at the back of each book certainly don't hurt, either.
Unfortunately, the digressions into minutia on other topics (do I care where Goddy picked up an expression? Honestly, no) gets annoying. If there had been one more sentence about Lars' Stanley Steamer, I might have thrown the book across the room.
Still, these books are much brighter in tone than so much of what I read that they make a nice break here and there. The free patterns at the back of each book certainly don't hurt, either.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Love You More (Tessa Leoni, #1; Detective D.D. Warren, #5) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
I haven't read many detective books as their usually not my type of book. However, having read the summary of this book, I thought I'd give it a go.
I'm so glad I read it. It is amazing!! Definitely my favourite detective book. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book right up until the very end, literally!! I kept thinking I had figured out the plot, then something else would happen to totally throw me off.
I never would've predicted the ending which says a lot as I'm usually able to figure out the plot at least by the middle of the book.
Definitely give this book a read even if it isn't your usual genre. This book has made me want to read more detective novels!
I'm so glad I read it. It is amazing!! Definitely my favourite detective book. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book right up until the very end, literally!! I kept thinking I had figured out the plot, then something else would happen to totally throw me off.
I never would've predicted the ending which says a lot as I'm usually able to figure out the plot at least by the middle of the book.
Definitely give this book a read even if it isn't your usual genre. This book has made me want to read more detective novels!
Sue (5 KP) rated Smugglers & Scones (Moorehaven Mysteries, #1) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
I am a fan of cozy mysteries and when the opportunity to read this book fell into my lap I, of course, jumped at the chance.
The main character is Pippa and she runs Moorehaven, which is a quirky bed-and-breakfast that had been the home of a world-famous mystery writer. The B&B attracts writers who want to find their own fame of writing crime novels.
The book was filled with some mystery, a little suspense, a possibility of a love connection, funny situations, and of course a murder to solve. This was a fun new mystery and I feel other readers like myself will be jumping at the chance to read more in the series.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
The main character is Pippa and she runs Moorehaven, which is a quirky bed-and-breakfast that had been the home of a world-famous mystery writer. The B&B attracts writers who want to find their own fame of writing crime novels.
The book was filled with some mystery, a little suspense, a possibility of a love connection, funny situations, and of course a murder to solve. This was a fun new mystery and I feel other readers like myself will be jumping at the chance to read more in the series.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
Dalicat (20 KP) rated The Tin Roof Blowdown in Books
Sep 1, 2018
A novel one lives rather than reads
Each of the fifteen Dave Robicheaux novels which preceded this one are masterpieces and this is the Grand Finale. The plot and characters move within the devasted landscape of New Orleans following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina. The scenes of environmental destruction are described with heartbreakingly beautiful poetic prose which serves as a counterpoint to a seering indictment of the socio-economic political landscape of the time. The extreme conditions under which the plot develops drive the characters to their limits of good and evil. The plot is as relentless as the driving force of the hurricane. Often difficult to read due to the sheer emotional weight of the work but too compelling to put down.
Milleen (47 KP) rated The Girl Before in Books
Nov 14, 2018
A twist on the popular domestic noir novels that have dominated the bestseller list. This psychological thriller revolves around Jane, recovering after a traumatic loss, she moves into an architectural showhome, an austere house with strict rules. One Folgate Street is a formidable fortress of technology that promotes, sleek, sterile, minimalist living but it hides a murky past. Jane is not the first resident to enjoy the stark lifestyle and her interest is piqued when a stranger leaves flowers at the door. Who was the girl before and will the same fate befall Jane?
This narrative uses the two women’s perspectives to draw you into the plot. The film is being directed by Ron Howard so there’s time to read the book before you see the movie. One for your travels.
This narrative uses the two women’s perspectives to draw you into the plot. The film is being directed by Ron Howard so there’s time to read the book before you see the movie. One for your travels.
Milleen (47 KP) rated The Empress Of Ice Cream in Books
Nov 14, 2018 (Updated Nov 14, 2018)
This was published back in 2010 but I recommend it for anyone who enjoys historical novels or gourmet food. This is a gastronomic romp through history. Based on the real-life of Louise De Karouelle, who went from Louis XIV French court at Versailles to 'keep company' with the British King, Charles II. An Italian chef, Carlo Dimirco, is sent to tempt the Royal British taste-buds with ices, sorbets, cordials and ice creams. His observations about the royal household, experiments in the ice house and the addition of extracts from 'The Book of Ices' balance Louise's view of her life. You'll come away with a dozen summer recipes and a good knowledge of a woman who is distantly related to both Princess Diana and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall.
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Beau, Lee, The Bomb, & Me in Books
Jan 6, 2019
Not Okay
I'm normally a fan of road trip novels, and the crazy adventures they feature. I picked up this book expected to really enjoy a cynical take on life as a teenager. Instead this book pissed me off. I would never ever want any teenager who suffers from depression or bullying to read this book. The attitude in this book is that bullying happens, and no one cares so don't bother asking for help. By the end of the book the attitude is a little better, but never enough to make up for the awful things that adults allow to happen in the beginning. I will say there was a few shining moments mostly involving a dog, but even that only pulls my overall rating to a 3.
I have to say that, although I haven't read them all, I usually quite enjoy Crichton's novels. Unfortunately, if I had to sum "Next" up in one word, that word would have to be: "disappointing"
I think the problem is that there's no clear central character: unlike, say, "Prey" or even the famous "Jurassic Park" I didn't really 'conect' with anybody in the story. Although the various threads did all coalesce towards the latter half, it also came across more like a jumble of mini-stories haphazardly collected together than as one coherent whole.
I'm just glad the "Next" was not the first Crichton book I read (that would have to be "Jurassic Park"): if it was, I wouldn't be going out of my way to read more!
I think the problem is that there's no clear central character: unlike, say, "Prey" or even the famous "Jurassic Park" I didn't really 'conect' with anybody in the story. Although the various threads did all coalesce towards the latter half, it also came across more like a jumble of mini-stories haphazardly collected together than as one coherent whole.
I'm just glad the "Next" was not the first Crichton book I read (that would have to be "Jurassic Park"): if it was, I wouldn't be going out of my way to read more!
David McK (3791 KP) rated Me Bandy, You Cissie (The Bandy Papers, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fourth book in Donald Jack's Bandy series of novels, following a Canadian aviator through the early parts of the 20th century.
This is the first novel not set in (or related to) The First World War, as it is set in the 1920s, and follows the trials and tribulations of its titular character upon his escape from Russia and return to America: events that see him join (and then get fired from) the postal service, and eventually become an unwitting early Hollywood star.
While it's still fitfully amusing, I have to say I didn't find this as funny as the earlier books: maybe because it is set in America, and relates to events and characters that we (in the West) are not as familiar with as our American or Canadian counter-parts.
This is the first novel not set in (or related to) The First World War, as it is set in the 1920s, and follows the trials and tribulations of its titular character upon his escape from Russia and return to America: events that see him join (and then get fired from) the postal service, and eventually become an unwitting early Hollywood star.
While it's still fitfully amusing, I have to say I didn't find this as funny as the earlier books: maybe because it is set in America, and relates to events and characters that we (in the West) are not as familiar with as our American or Canadian counter-parts.
David McK (3791 KP) rated Hal Spacejock 2: Second Course in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Earlier this year, I picked up a novel (re)named '[b:Hal Spacejock 1: A robot named Clunk|12381591|Hal Spacejock 1 A robot named Clunk|Simon Haynes|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524681176s/12381591.jpg|1083521].
I enjoyed it, but thought it was nothing special.
Recently, I saw an advert on Facebook (I think), for the first three of the Hal Spacejock (yes, that's the real name of one of the characters!) novels and a bonus short story for 99pence. As I'd been reading a lot of heavier fare recently, and as it was only 99p, I thought I would pick it up.
And, I have to say, I enjoyed this one (the second in that collection) more than I remember enjoying the first, complete with a few actually laughed-out-loud moments!
I enjoyed it, but thought it was nothing special.
Recently, I saw an advert on Facebook (I think), for the first three of the Hal Spacejock (yes, that's the real name of one of the characters!) novels and a bonus short story for 99pence. As I'd been reading a lot of heavier fare recently, and as it was only 99p, I thought I would pick it up.
And, I have to say, I enjoyed this one (the second in that collection) more than I remember enjoying the first, complete with a few actually laughed-out-loud moments!