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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2652 KP) rated Rivers and Creaks in Books
Jan 11, 2025
Andy Finds a Corpse on His First Day
Andy Shirley and his late wife had planned to run a bed and breakfast in Monte Rio after they retired. Now that the time has come, he has to take it on by himself. While he’s been figuring out how to be a good host, something that doesn’t come naturally to him, he runs into a problem he wasn’t expecting – murder. When he takes over the business, there is a wedding party staying there, and one of the bridesmaids has been killed. Can he solve the crime, or will it destroy his business?
This author has been on my radar to try for a while, and I finally got a chance with this book. Sadly, the results were mixed for me. I grew up near where this book is set, so I enjoyed that aspect of things. However, the plot was uneven, with as much focus on Andy settling into his new life as the murder. This led to a weak climax that at least did answer our questions. Meanwhile, Andy was a bit pricklier that I found enjoyable. I get it, but it took a while to warm up to him. Some of that came from the new relationships he is forming, and I enjoyed reading about those. I also enjoyed the humor of the book. I’d give a second book in this series a try, but I hope the issues with the first are ironed out.
This author has been on my radar to try for a while, and I finally got a chance with this book. Sadly, the results were mixed for me. I grew up near where this book is set, so I enjoyed that aspect of things. However, the plot was uneven, with as much focus on Andy settling into his new life as the murder. This led to a weak climax that at least did answer our questions. Meanwhile, Andy was a bit pricklier that I found enjoyable. I get it, but it took a while to warm up to him. Some of that came from the new relationships he is forming, and I enjoyed reading about those. I also enjoyed the humor of the book. I’d give a second book in this series a try, but I hope the issues with the first are ironed out.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2652 KP) rated Halloween Night Murder in Books
Aug 27, 2025 (Updated Aug 27, 2025)
This Halloween, the Tricks are Murder, Which is a Treat for Us
Kensington has another Halloween novella collection. In the first story, Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone gets involved when a teen is killed in a hit and run near her home. Will she figure out what happened while helping her new neighbors? The second story finds Lee Hollis’s Hayley Powell returning from a concert with her two best friends. But when an accident strands them in the woods, it appears the only place they can find help is a creepy cabin. There’s nothing to fear about this set up, right? Finally, we travel to the North Pole as Liz Ireland’s April Claus tries to prove an elf who has just returned to town didn’t freeze a snowman. He's also innocent of murder, right?
I usually struggle with Leslie’s contributions to these collections, and that was true here again. But I enjoyed the other two. Lee’s novella has just a touch of horror tropes while still being a cozy and being absolutely page turning. And I find Liz’s Mrs. Claus series completely charming. This story was no exception. With each story being roughly 100 pages, you get a novel length book and a chance to catch up with old friends between books or try new series without committing to a full novel. Whether you read this book now or save it for Halloween night, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
I usually struggle with Leslie’s contributions to these collections, and that was true here again. But I enjoyed the other two. Lee’s novella has just a touch of horror tropes while still being a cozy and being absolutely page turning. And I find Liz’s Mrs. Claus series completely charming. This story was no exception. With each story being roughly 100 pages, you get a novel length book and a chance to catch up with old friends between books or try new series without committing to a full novel. Whether you read this book now or save it for Halloween night, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
Out For Blood (Monsters of London #3)
10.0
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Book
A century ago, I shattered the bond between me and my mate. Now our paths are colliding once again. ...
MM Paranormal Romance
Claiming His Cowgirl (Crawley Creek #3)
8.0
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Book
In a small town in North Dakota there resides a family of misfits on the Crawley Creek Ranch....
Contemporary Western Adult Romance
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2652 KP) rated Gone but Not Furgotten in Books
Aug 17, 2022 (Updated Aug 17, 2022)
Tail of Two Halves
Summer is in full swing, and that means Maddie James is busy with her cat café thanks to the tourists on Daybreak Island. However, when her friend Cass informs her of a potential cat hoarding situation, Maddie readily agrees to help. Sadly, when they arrive, they find Laurel at the bottom of her stairs. It appears that her cats tripped her, but Maddie starts to notice a few things that don’t make any sense. Can she figure out what happened?
This book can almost be divided into two parts. Unfortunately, the first half is rather weak. While a few threads of the mystery are set up, the focus is on rescuing the cats. Meanwhile, some of the characters, including Maddie, over react to what they find. Yes, the situation was bad, but their reactions were over the top. However, the book gets stronger in the second half as the mystery becomes front and center. There are some good twists and a logical solution even if a few pieces set up early don’t seem to quite be paid off. Also, a bit of character development is rushed. I do see that I’m in the minority in my reaction to this book, so if you are a fan of the series, give it a chance. But if you haven’t started it yet, try some of the earlier books before jumping in to this one.
This book can almost be divided into two parts. Unfortunately, the first half is rather weak. While a few threads of the mystery are set up, the focus is on rescuing the cats. Meanwhile, some of the characters, including Maddie, over react to what they find. Yes, the situation was bad, but their reactions were over the top. However, the book gets stronger in the second half as the mystery becomes front and center. There are some good twists and a logical solution even if a few pieces set up early don’t seem to quite be paid off. Also, a bit of character development is rushed. I do see that I’m in the minority in my reaction to this book, so if you are a fan of the series, give it a chance. But if you haven’t started it yet, try some of the earlier books before jumping in to this one.
How to Date a Fury (Syn City Shifters #1)
Book
Who knew dying would be the easy part of my day? It all started the night Chase, my mountain...
Paranormal Romance Mystery
![We Fly Beneath the Stars [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/802/80aa1332-831c-401a-87dd-f91c5a08d802.jpg?m=1670160938)
We Fly Beneath the Stars [Audiobook]
8.0
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1942, Europe: Based on the true story of a female-only bomber battalion, this is a totally...
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Apr 25, 2022 (Updated Apr 25, 2022)
Lonely Diner (Some Like It Haute! #3)
Book
Two gorgeous military men. One Lonely Diner, where people often search for romance. (The food is...
Contemporary MM Military Romance Second Chance
Merissa (14182 KP) rated Bear Creek Valentine (Holiday Mates #2) in Books
Mar 27, 2023 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
BEAR CREEK VALENTINE is a second-chance romance between a bear shifter and a human. Dash's first mate was killed 'by accident' and he has been alone ever since. Aiden is getting ready for Valentine's Day with his amazing baked goods, a day that reminds him how alone he is. Will these two be able to find their HEA?
Once again, I was lost in Bear Creek and loved every moment of it. The story is long enough for me to fully immerse myself in it with the characters. As with book one, there is a slight mystery that comes to its own conclusion before the end of the story. It doesn't take the front seat so if you're after a fully-grown mystery, you've got the wrong book. It does present Aiden with quite a few problems, mind you. Luckily for him, he has Dash with his deep pockets to help him out.
It was also nice catching up with Knox and Levi again, although you don't technically have to read book one to get this one.
Thoroughly enjoyed a year spent with Aiden and Dash. Definitely recommended by me and I'm already looking forward to the next story.
** 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!
Mar 19, 2023
Once again, I was lost in Bear Creek and loved every moment of it. The story is long enough for me to fully immerse myself in it with the characters. As with book one, there is a slight mystery that comes to its own conclusion before the end of the story. It doesn't take the front seat so if you're after a fully-grown mystery, you've got the wrong book. It does present Aiden with quite a few problems, mind you. Luckily for him, he has Dash with his deep pockets to help him out.
It was also nice catching up with Knox and Levi again, although you don't technically have to read book one to get this one.
Thoroughly enjoyed a year spent with Aiden and Dash. Definitely recommended by me and I'm already looking forward to the next story.
** 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!
Mar 19, 2023