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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Crime and Parchment in Books

Oct 3, 2024 (Updated Oct 3, 2024)  
Crime and Parchment
Crime and Parchment
Daphne Silver | 2023 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Family and Lost Books
Rare books librarian Juniper Blume is surprised when she gets a message from her ex-brother-in-law claiming he has found a clue to where the covers for the Book of Kells might be. She’s even more surprised to see he thinks they are in the small Maryland town of Rose Mallow. But Juniper is also intrigued, so she returns, even if it means dealing with some complicated family relationships. But when she goes to the meeting, she finds a dead body. Can she figure out what is going on?

This book received lots of praise when it came out, and I can see why. There’s a lot packed into the beginning, but I was able to follow it, and it pulled me into the story. It did make the book feel a little slower later, but maybe that was just my expectations. I was definitely intrigued the entire way through, and the ending answered my questions. I also appreciated that the author did a good job of making us believe that the treasure hunt Juniper found herself on was believable. The characters were good, and the subplot involving Juniper and her family felt realistic. I liked how that played out. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next for these characters soon.
  
My Nightmare is Yours
My Nightmare is Yours
Diane Vallere | 2026 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I Found This Book a Dream Not a Nightmare
Several years (and many books) ago, Madison worked for Ned and his then wife, Connie, redesigning their house. While Connie and Madison have stayed friends after the divorce, Madison hasn’t had much to do with Ned. But now he is back, wanting to hire her to turn a 1950’s ranch house into a period recording studio as he hopes to transition from music promoter to music producer. Unfortunately, the morning he hires Madison, Madison and Connie find the dead body of young singing sensation Vanessa Wright, one of Ned’s two clients. With the evidence pointing at him, Madison finds herself in a unique position to find the truth. What will she uncover?

While Connie has popped up in multiple books, it’s been a while since we saw Ned. It was nice to see him again. You can jump in here and follow this book without having all the backstory. The mystery was strong with plenty to keep me engaged on the way to the logical climax. And I enjoyed seeing the growth in Madison and her relationships again here. Those familiar with Doris Day’s movies, especially her second one, will spot an Easter egg or two. When you pick up this book, you’ll find it anything but a nightmare.
  
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Miss Frost Save the Sandman ( Jayne Frost book 3)
By Kristen Painter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost's daughter, Santa Claus's niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now...private investigator. Sort of.

When the Sandman comes to Santa’s Workshop, the shop Jayne manages, to do his first ever book signing, it’s a major event. He’s kind of a supernatural celebrity and she needs to keep him happy.

All is well until trouble shows up at the party thrown in his honor. Trouble in the form of Luna Nyx, the Mistress of Nightmares and his creepy counterpart. The Sandman’s assistant says Luna is dangerous, and Jayne believes it when her dreams turn dark.

Can Jayne keep the Sandman safe from this gothic goddess? Or will Luna’s threats put them both to sleep for good?

What’s not to love about this series? It’s so quirky I love it! They are just about the right length to fit the whole story plus relationships without being overbearing or boring. I love Jayne she is so likeable actually I can’t think of any character I don’t like. This series is just so much fun. This book introduces us to the Sandman and his ex wife death. Brilliant if you’re looking for something fun and quirky.
  
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Merissa (14132 KP) rated Finding You (Bewitching Women #3) in Books

Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 12, 2023)  
Finding You (Bewitching Women #3)
Finding You (Bewitching Women #3)
Viola Estrella | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is book 3 in the Bewitching Women series. This book is the story of Becca and Rome who both have issues caused by paranormal problems although neither of them know this to start with. The fireworks are in immediate evidence when Becca and Rome meet and it doesn't take much for the spark to turn into a flame. The attraction is instant and HOT!

Of course, like I said, they both have issues, not least of which is an ex-wife from hell and a witchfinder. Lost family members, relationships, death, friendship - this book just doesn't slow down from the moment you open it up. There is always something happening and usually Becca has a quip to go with the occasion.

There are so many adjectives that go with this book and most of them are paradoxical to each other - hot, sweet, contemporary, paranormal, friendship, romance, deceit, betrayal. It's all here.

This is very well-written with wonderful characters that leap from the page, including a brief cameo from old friends.

Definitely recommended! and I'm hoping for more to come in this series because I thoroughly enjoy it!


* 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!
Jun 05, 2015
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2623 KP) rated Vinyl Resting Place in Books

Mar 16, 2023 (Updated Mar 16, 2023)  
Vinyl Resting Place
Vinyl Resting Place
Olivia Blacke | 2022 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Vinyl May Not be Dead, but Somebody Is
Juni Jessup and her sisters have opened Sip and Spin Records, a combined record store and coffee shop, on the site of the one that their family used to own before records stopped selling. The night before their official opening, they are throwing a party, but things turn tragic afterward when Juni finds a dead body in their storage closet. When their uncle is arrested for the crime, Juni and her sisters don’t hesitate to put their shop up to get him released on bail. But then he vanishes. Can the three of them figure out what is really going on in time to save their shop?

I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.