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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Death at Holly Lodge in Books
Sep 30, 2021 (Updated Sep 30, 2021)
Who Stashed Santa in the Chimney?
Mimi Levante has recently purchased Holly Lodge, planning to turn it into her home in the UK, and since Mimi’s half-sister, Floria, is Daisy Thorne’s best friend, Daisy is meeting the two women there to check out the property. While they are there, the men working on restoring it make a horrific discovery – someone stuffed a dead man in a Santa suit in the chimney. Who was the victim? And how did he come to be hidden in the chimney?
This is such a great premise for a Christmas set mystery, and it delivered. We get the answer to the questions I posed and so many more by the time the book is over, and the pace is great, delivering clues and red herrings at a steady pace. Daisy and all the regulars are back, and I enjoyed getting to see them again. I especially enjoyed seeing the growth in her relationship with DCI Paul McGuinness. I did find some timeline issues, including a day we got twice in a row, but they were minor. The further I got into the book, the more I caught the Christmas spirit. If you are looking for a fun mystery to get you in the mood for Christmas, this is the book for you.
This is such a great premise for a Christmas set mystery, and it delivered. We get the answer to the questions I posed and so many more by the time the book is over, and the pace is great, delivering clues and red herrings at a steady pace. Daisy and all the regulars are back, and I enjoyed getting to see them again. I especially enjoyed seeing the growth in her relationship with DCI Paul McGuinness. I did find some timeline issues, including a day we got twice in a row, but they were minor. The further I got into the book, the more I caught the Christmas spirit. If you are looking for a fun mystery to get you in the mood for Christmas, this is the book for you.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Aftermath (Southern Spirits #5) in Books
Apr 19, 2023
Darren made his appearance as a new waiter in Virginia's cafe. He was extremely skittish and avoided eye contact with pretty much everyone. It's obvious he is on the run, but from what?! In Aftermath we learn his story, and boy, is it a good one. I loved how Darren grew in his self-confidence, once he realised that he actually had people he could call friends, and was helped by Lee. The relationship between these two is hot and romantic.
The other part that I loved about this book is that Connor, our long-term friendly (pesky) spirit, makes a new friend in Stefan. I absolutely adored this side story!
Laine and Severo are the main supporting characters in this book, although Zeke does get a quick mention.
So very well-written, with a smooth storyline and pace. There were no grammatical errors that I found, although as I was completely entranced by this story, I might not have noticed them.
This series is absolutely fantastic and I am thoroughly enjoying every book. I can wholeheartedly recommend both this book and the series as a whole.
* 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!
Nov 2, 2015
The other part that I loved about this book is that Connor, our long-term friendly (pesky) spirit, makes a new friend in Stefan. I absolutely adored this side story!
Laine and Severo are the main supporting characters in this book, although Zeke does get a quick mention.
So very well-written, with a smooth storyline and pace. There were no grammatical errors that I found, although as I was completely entranced by this story, I might not have noticed them.
This series is absolutely fantastic and I am thoroughly enjoying every book. I can wholeheartedly recommend both this book and the series as a whole.
* 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!
Nov 2, 2015
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder in Books
Oct 29, 2021 (Updated Oct 29, 2021)
Enjoy Christmas with The Family
The Belle View Catering Hall is busy with events as Christmas approaches, but Mia Carina gets distracted when the Boldano family asks for her help. Someone has shown up claiming to be Jamie’s long-lost brother. That’s a shock since Jamie didn’t even know he was adopted. Things get even more heated when Mia finds a dead body in her neighborhood. Can she figure out what is going on?
Those new to the series are in for a treat. Yes, this is a different cozy series since we have mobsters as characters and it is set in Queens. Yet these elements don’t overwhelm, and this feels like a cozy series. That’s mostly thanks to the characters, who come across as very real and likeable. In addition to the puzzling mystery, there are multiple sub-plots, which keep things hopping as we read the book. I did feel the climax didn’t quite work. Our questions are answered, but it was just a bit much. There’s plenty of Christmas spirit in this book, including a hilarious sub-plot about a Christmas light display contest. We get seven recipes and a couple of event tips at the end of the book. Fans new and old will enjoy spending this Christmas with Mia.
Those new to the series are in for a treat. Yes, this is a different cozy series since we have mobsters as characters and it is set in Queens. Yet these elements don’t overwhelm, and this feels like a cozy series. That’s mostly thanks to the characters, who come across as very real and likeable. In addition to the puzzling mystery, there are multiple sub-plots, which keep things hopping as we read the book. I did feel the climax didn’t quite work. Our questions are answered, but it was just a bit much. There’s plenty of Christmas spirit in this book, including a hilarious sub-plot about a Christmas light display contest. We get seven recipes and a couple of event tips at the end of the book. Fans new and old will enjoy spending this Christmas with Mia.
Christmas Past
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10.0
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Kidnapped and abused, Azim is losing hope. Can his fated mate save him body, mind, and soul? Azim...
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Clausing a Scene (Christmas Falls #6)
8.0
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I'm definitely on Santa's naughty list this year… My agent calls me a PR nightmare, but I'm...
Contemporary MM Seasonal Romance
His Holiday Fate (Christmas Omegas)
8.0
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Andrew Since my breakup with my cheating ex, I’ve hated the holidays. I hate the singing, the...
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Rockin’ Around the Chickadee in Books
Dec 20, 2024 (Updated Dec 20, 2024)
Who Should Be Presumed Guilty?
It’s the weekend before Christmas, but Meg isn’t basking in the season. Instead, she’s helping her grandmother, who is putting on a conference in town. The theme is about helping the wrongfully convicted, and many of Meg’s friends and family are presenting. Not everyone is on board with the topic, however. In fact, one of the attendees is known to be extremely vocal that all those convicted are guilty. So it’s not too surprising when he turns up dead. Can Meg help figure out what happened?
Yes, this is a Christmas entry in the series. And we get plenty of Christmas spirit as we read the book, even if the plot doesn’t tie into the season. But, at this point, I’m not sure what else the author could do with the season plot wise. I do wish the choir had sung some religious carols in one of the scenes, but that’s a minor complaint. The plot itself was well done with plenty of suspects to keep us guessing. And Meg and the rest were great to be around as always. In fact, I was impressed by just how many of the regulars got to play a part in what was happening. We also got some laughs along the way. Meg’s many fans will be happy to sit down with this book.
Yes, this is a Christmas entry in the series. And we get plenty of Christmas spirit as we read the book, even if the plot doesn’t tie into the season. But, at this point, I’m not sure what else the author could do with the season plot wise. I do wish the choir had sung some religious carols in one of the scenes, but that’s a minor complaint. The plot itself was well done with plenty of suspects to keep us guessing. And Meg and the rest were great to be around as always. In fact, I was impressed by just how many of the regulars got to play a part in what was happening. We also got some laughs along the way. Meg’s many fans will be happy to sit down with this book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Heart Bandit (Gargoyle Night Guardians #1) in Books
May 30, 2024
107 of 220
Kindle
Heart Bandit ( Gargoyle Night Guardians 1)
By Rosalie Redd
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beaumont prides himself on his stellar fae kill record, but his life is upended when a feisty, human female challenges him to seduce her and steals his spirit-embedded stone. He’s on a quest to save his soul, yet this woman makes him harder than a rock, and for a guy who spends his days encased in granite, that’s saying something.
Crafty and swift, Sadie learned to pickpocket from the best mentor ever—need. After she runs across a tall, sexy gargoyle and steals his most valuable possession, she’s up against more than can she handle. As he hunts her down to retrieve his precious stone, he stirs a passion she didn’t know existed…and can’t resist.
Gargoyle Night Guardians protect human souls from the evil clutches of dark fae. Be careful, though, gargoyles aren’t your average hero for within each guardian rests a questionable soul, one ripe for redemption and eager to become worthy of what we all crave—love.
This was interesting kinda Dark hunters but Gargoyle’s and Pagan goddesses. Decent story it does has a few trigger points of to be aware of if you have them. It was patchy in places but a quick read and I kinda liked it.
Kindle
Heart Bandit ( Gargoyle Night Guardians 1)
By Rosalie Redd
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beaumont prides himself on his stellar fae kill record, but his life is upended when a feisty, human female challenges him to seduce her and steals his spirit-embedded stone. He’s on a quest to save his soul, yet this woman makes him harder than a rock, and for a guy who spends his days encased in granite, that’s saying something.
Crafty and swift, Sadie learned to pickpocket from the best mentor ever—need. After she runs across a tall, sexy gargoyle and steals his most valuable possession, she’s up against more than can she handle. As he hunts her down to retrieve his precious stone, he stirs a passion she didn’t know existed…and can’t resist.
Gargoyle Night Guardians protect human souls from the evil clutches of dark fae. Be careful, though, gargoyles aren’t your average hero for within each guardian rests a questionable soul, one ripe for redemption and eager to become worthy of what we all crave—love.
This was interesting kinda Dark hunters but Gargoyle’s and Pagan goddesses. Decent story it does has a few trigger points of to be aware of if you have them. It was patchy in places but a quick read and I kinda liked it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Murder on Mistletoe Lane in Books
Dec 19, 2023 (Updated Dec 19, 2023)
Stella and Lyndy’s First Christmas Together Involves Murder
It’s late December 1905, and Stella and Lyndy are excited to spend their first Christmas together. Stella is a little confused by the house guests her in-laws have invited and the tension just below the surface their presence creates. But when a servant is killed, run down on the side of the road, she can’t help but investigate. Can she figure out what happened?
This is another strong entry in the series. I was glad that Stella and Lyndy were home since it meant that the supporting characters were back. I loved watching those relationships and characters grow more complex yet again here. There is a lot happening in this book, and the plots weave in and out of each other before reaching the logical climax. I did have a niggle with the climax, but it was a small one. The tone is a little somber, but it is in keeping with the rest of the series. On the other hand, all the scenes involving Christmas put me in the Christmas spirit, even if not everything was familiar. As always, the multiple view points of the narration were put to fantastic use. Those who enjoy historical mysteries will be glad they picked this one up.
This is another strong entry in the series. I was glad that Stella and Lyndy were home since it meant that the supporting characters were back. I loved watching those relationships and characters grow more complex yet again here. There is a lot happening in this book, and the plots weave in and out of each other before reaching the logical climax. I did have a niggle with the climax, but it was a small one. The tone is a little somber, but it is in keeping with the rest of the series. On the other hand, all the scenes involving Christmas put me in the Christmas spirit, even if not everything was familiar. As always, the multiple view points of the narration were put to fantastic use. Those who enjoy historical mysteries will be glad they picked this one up.
