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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Teacher’s Threat in Books
Jul 15, 2023
Going Back to School is Murder
Madison Night needs cash to buy inventory to relaunch her decorating business. After the banks keep turning her down, she hopes that getting an MBA will change their minds. The only class she is finding helpful in the program is Radical Business Theory, even after the professor uses her as an example on her first day. However, when the professor is killed in the parking lot, Madison wonders what is going on at her new school. Can she figure out how to relaunch her business while also solving the murder?
This book really is focused on both parts of that question, and new comers to the series will definitely find the mystery slow as a result. As a fan of the series who is invested in Madison’s life, I found the dual focus enjoyable. It certainly helps that we have an ingenious murder method and a surprising yet logical climax. The characters, both new and returning, are great as always. Fans of Doris Day will laugh at the massive Easter Egg in this book, but if you haven’t watched the movies, you’ll be fine since the author uses the scene to advance the plot. If you are a fan of this mystery series, you’ll be happy with this book. If the series sounds fun to you, I recommend you start at the beginning.
This book really is focused on both parts of that question, and new comers to the series will definitely find the mystery slow as a result. As a fan of the series who is invested in Madison’s life, I found the dual focus enjoyable. It certainly helps that we have an ingenious murder method and a surprising yet logical climax. The characters, both new and returning, are great as always. Fans of Doris Day will laugh at the massive Easter Egg in this book, but if you haven’t watched the movies, you’ll be fine since the author uses the scene to advance the plot. If you are a fan of this mystery series, you’ll be happy with this book. If the series sounds fun to you, I recommend you start at the beginning.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder at a London Finishing School in Books
Jul 26, 2023 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
Returning to Their Alma Mater Means Murder
Brit Edwina Davenport and American Beryl Helliwell first met at Miss DuPont’s Finishing School for Young Ladies and forged their decades long friendship there. But now they’ve been hired by Miss DuPont to find out what is going on at the school that is driving down enrollment. The duo aren’t getting far with their investigation when they stumble on a dead body. Have the pranks escalated to murder?
If you look for the dead body to drop early, you might be disappointed with this book. I wasn’t. Between the early investigation and meeting the new characters, there was plenty to keep me engaged. Of course, things kick up a notch when murder enters the story. The ending, while logical, did feel a little rushed, but that was a minor complaint. We don’t see much of the series regulars, although a couple do make cameos. The new characters more than make up for it, and I appreciate how complex they were by the end. Beryl and Edwina grow as a result of visiting some place from their past. The story is set in the 1920’s, and things going on in society infuse the book. If you enjoy historical mysteries or mysteries set in England, you’ll be glad you picked this up.
If you look for the dead body to drop early, you might be disappointed with this book. I wasn’t. Between the early investigation and meeting the new characters, there was plenty to keep me engaged. Of course, things kick up a notch when murder enters the story. The ending, while logical, did feel a little rushed, but that was a minor complaint. We don’t see much of the series regulars, although a couple do make cameos. The new characters more than make up for it, and I appreciate how complex they were by the end. Beryl and Edwina grow as a result of visiting some place from their past. The story is set in the 1920’s, and things going on in society infuse the book. If you enjoy historical mysteries or mysteries set in England, you’ll be glad you picked this up.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Daring Provocation ( Shadow Veil Academy 3) in Books
Aug 5, 2023
101 of 235
Kindle
Daring Provocation ( Shadow Veil Academy 3)
By Heather Renee
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sometimes patience isn't a virtue.
Facing off with Malina didn't go quite how Raegan hoped, but she isn't one to give up easily. Now, she's back at school and more than eager to do whatever is necessary in order to protect those she loves most.
When a team is assembled and training begins in class, Raegan and Enzo grow closer than ever, but their happily-ever-after isn't within their grasp just yet. As one obstacle after another appears in their path, it will take ever bit of patience Raegan doesn't have in order to make it through.
With the final showdown drawing near, their team travels to New Orleans in hopes of keeping the battle away from school, but even then, the collateral damage might be more than any of them could have ever predicted. With more than one life at risk, Raegan will be forced to make choices she might never be able to recover from.
I do think this was the weakest of the 3 and didn’t really get me excited until the end. Although I did enjoy it I found most of it quite predictable. The series on a whole was really good especially for those that like dragon shifters which are a weakness of mine 😂
Kindle
Daring Provocation ( Shadow Veil Academy 3)
By Heather Renee
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sometimes patience isn't a virtue.
Facing off with Malina didn't go quite how Raegan hoped, but she isn't one to give up easily. Now, she's back at school and more than eager to do whatever is necessary in order to protect those she loves most.
When a team is assembled and training begins in class, Raegan and Enzo grow closer than ever, but their happily-ever-after isn't within their grasp just yet. As one obstacle after another appears in their path, it will take ever bit of patience Raegan doesn't have in order to make it through.
With the final showdown drawing near, their team travels to New Orleans in hopes of keeping the battle away from school, but even then, the collateral damage might be more than any of them could have ever predicted. With more than one life at risk, Raegan will be forced to make choices she might never be able to recover from.
I do think this was the weakest of the 3 and didn’t really get me excited until the end. Although I did enjoy it I found most of it quite predictable. The series on a whole was really good especially for those that like dragon shifters which are a weakness of mine 😂
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Written in Blood in Books
Jan 30, 2025
Needed a Rewrite or Two
When hand writing expert Claudia Rose takes on a case for recent widow Paige Sorensen verifying her late husband’s signature, Claudia doesn’t expect anything beyond the court case. But she gets pulled into Paige’s world, including the fighting with her step children and the happenings at the school where Paige is headmistress. But when two people go missing from the school, Claudia wonders what is really happening. Can she figure things out?
I enjoyed the first in the series enough to pick up this book, but I didn’t enjoy this book at all. Yes, some of it was the content in the Kindle version I purchased last year. There was more language, violence, and other stuff that made it hard for me to really enjoy the book. Plus, the mystery really took too long to get going. When we reached the climax, too much was thrown at us without truly explaining why or how it was happening that way. And, I feel like some of the things at the end contradicted the facts we’d gotten earlier in the story. On the other hand, I did like Claudia as a character. I’m not sure that will be enough to pull me further into the series even though I’ve already purchased some of the books.
I enjoyed the first in the series enough to pick up this book, but I didn’t enjoy this book at all. Yes, some of it was the content in the Kindle version I purchased last year. There was more language, violence, and other stuff that made it hard for me to really enjoy the book. Plus, the mystery really took too long to get going. When we reached the climax, too much was thrown at us without truly explaining why or how it was happening that way. And, I feel like some of the things at the end contradicted the facts we’d gotten earlier in the story. On the other hand, I did like Claudia as a character. I’m not sure that will be enough to pull me further into the series even though I’ve already purchased some of the books.
B (15 KP) rated Stuff You Missed in History Class in Podcasts
Jan 10, 2018
Stuff you Missed in History Class is all the things I wish I would have actually learned in school. From the stories you think you have already heard to things you would not think to look into this podcast covers them all. In the coverage, the overviews are often more informative then hours in the classroom. I love listening to Tracy and Holly tell the well-researched and well thought outlines full of what is promised history. This podcast leaves out most of the personal feelings of the hosts, which is very nice as well. Episode suggestions: New England Vampire Panic and Building Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Homegoing in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Extraordinary novel spanning seas and generations
A rather melancholic and at times bitterweet read, describing the journey of one family split into two lineages as a result of colonialism and slavery. It is rather horrific read to tales of rape and torture, but there is no way of skirting around the issue. What is more telling is the effects that eight generations of brutality has on a modern generation and how easy it is to dismiss today's problems without looking at the context.
Yaa Gyasi has really excelled in bringing the narratives together coherently. An important piece of literature worth putting as part of the school curriculum.
Yaa Gyasi has really excelled in bringing the narratives together coherently. An important piece of literature worth putting as part of the school curriculum.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Deadly Shipwrecks of the Powhattan and New Era On The Jersey Shore in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I was given this book by a high school friend who is related to the author. I love history and disasters so this book was right up my alley. It was well researched and written, as well as filled with information. As a non mariner some of the language was a bit over my head but I could follow it in context. I could almost put myself on the storm swept beaches with the rescuers, perhaps growing up on the Jersey Shore had something to do with that. Anyone who likes maritime history or history of the Jersey Shore should put this one on their list.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Reality Check in Detroit in Books
Jan 12, 2018
The Screech Owls are back with a new adventure and lesson. I love how [Roy MacGregor] mixes hockey with a life lesson in his books. In [Reality Check in Detriot] the team is asked to be on a reality show but they quickly learn that reality tv isn't that real.
The characters that [MacGregor] creates all blend well and keep a good balance in the story. Although I personally can't stand Nish and his ego but he is typical of boys that age. Travis is a good balance. I will be passing this book off to my niece to read and recommending that my school library get it at well.
The characters that [MacGregor] creates all blend well and keep a good balance in the story. Although I personally can't stand Nish and his ego but he is typical of boys that age. Travis is a good balance. I will be passing this book off to my niece to read and recommending that my school library get it at well.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated H2O (The Rain, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
H20 is a different type of post apocolyptic read. First off the killer is bacteria in water, not really something you can avoid. Secondly the main character, Ruby, is not a prepper, survival type but a regular self centered teen. She only survives long enough to figure things out becuase of the people around her but that makes her more realistic. How many teens do you know are preppers or care about anything but their cell phones? As a long time middle school teacher I can tell you not many.
It was a steady paced quick read. I plan on reading the next in the series. It is in my "pile".
It was a steady paced quick read. I plan on reading the next in the series. It is in my "pile".
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) in Movies
Jan 13, 2018
Excellent adventure
The story of two senior high school students who need to pass their oral history exam who get an time traveling phone booth to go and borrow historical figures to help them pass the exam in a really excellent fashion. The movie is full of fun and laughs even though the science is a little bit stretched. The fun of seeing Napoleon at a water park or Gengis Kahn go psycho in a mall dressed like a linebacker is worth the time. George Carlin plays the futuristic man who is tasked with getting them on their way and it makes a nice star cameo.