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Merissa (11689 KP) created a post
Feb 24, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 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.
Mothergamer (1514 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Spiritfarer in Video Games
Sep 13, 2020
This is a beautiful and thoughtful game that is described as a cozy time management game about death. You play as Stella the new spiritfarer who is taking over for Charon. Stella has to fulfill the final wishes of the spirits she meets before they make their final journey to the Everdoor, the gateway to the afterlife. There is exploration in the game as well as crafting and farming. The way the game truly shines is how thoughtful and gentle it is talking about death while telling a lovely story with some wonderful characters. The game is available to play on all platforms. You can read the Mothergamer review here: http://lorrie28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2020/09/spiritfarer-beautiful-journey.html
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 KP) rated Murder Makes Scents in Books
Feb 26, 2020
Stella Returns Home with an Unexpected Souvenir – Danger
Stella Wright is taking a break from the Wick & Flame, her candle shop on Nantucket, to attend a perfume conference in Paris with her mother, Millie, who is one of the speakers. The conference ends abruptly, however, when Stella and Millie are part of a crowd that witnesses a man being stabbed right in front of them. After being questioned by the police, they return home to the island, assuming their only connection to the crime is behind them. Stella quickly begins to think that trouble has followed them home. Is she correct? What might their connection to the murder be?
When I first heard this book was going to start in Paris and move the action to Nantucket, I was worried the author wouldn’t be able to pull it off. From the pacing standpoint, I didn’t have any issues with this book since the story picked up quickly. The book uses a MacGuffin to ignite the plot, and that’s where my issue was. I just couldn’t buy into it. Having said that, I still found the story compelling since the stakes were personal for Stella. I flew through the book in a couple of days because I had to know what was going on. The climax is a bit over the top, but it fits the plot well. Due to the nature of the story, we don’t see as much of the supporting cast from the original, but the new characters more than make up for it. They are perfect at being suspicious without being obviously the villain. Unfortunately, there are also a few timelines issues in the story, but nothing that affects the plot, just stuff that annoys me. We get some tips for making candle molds and a delicious sounding cranberry pie recipe at the end of the book. Even with my issues, I was glad I read this book.
When I first heard this book was going to start in Paris and move the action to Nantucket, I was worried the author wouldn’t be able to pull it off. From the pacing standpoint, I didn’t have any issues with this book since the story picked up quickly. The book uses a MacGuffin to ignite the plot, and that’s where my issue was. I just couldn’t buy into it. Having said that, I still found the story compelling since the stakes were personal for Stella. I flew through the book in a couple of days because I had to know what was going on. The climax is a bit over the top, but it fits the plot well. Due to the nature of the story, we don’t see as much of the supporting cast from the original, but the new characters more than make up for it. They are perfect at being suspicious without being obviously the villain. Unfortunately, there are also a few timelines issues in the story, but nothing that affects the plot, just stuff that annoys me. We get some tips for making candle molds and a delicious sounding cranberry pie recipe at the end of the book. Even with my issues, I was glad I read this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 KP) rated Murder at Keyhaven Castle in Books
Sep 16, 2022 (Updated Sep 16, 2022)
You Are Invited to a … Murder
The wedding of American heiress Stella Kendrick to Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst is just days away, and they can’t wait. A murder in a nearby town doesn’t seem like it could interfere, until they learn the man was ranting about killing someone before he died and he had a copy of the newspaper’s announcement of their wedding in his pocket. When another murder happens during an outing to the ruins of Keyhaven Castle, it threatens their wedding. Are the two deaths related? Will Stella and Lyndy be able to get married?
This is another case where you could jump in here, but the events and the characters’ reactions to them will make more sense if you’ve read the first two books in the series. The story walks a fine balance between taking the events of the story seriously and being too dark, and I appreciated how that was handled. I did figure out a few things early on, but there was so much happening, it didn’t really ruin the story for me. Part of that is because of the strong romance in the series – I think I was rooting for Stella and Lyndy to get married as much as they were. Obviously, I love them, and they continue to lead a great cast of characters. Again, the world of 1905 was brought to life wonderfully. If you are a fan of this series, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. If you are new, I suggest you meet Stella and Lyndy soon.
This is another case where you could jump in here, but the events and the characters’ reactions to them will make more sense if you’ve read the first two books in the series. The story walks a fine balance between taking the events of the story seriously and being too dark, and I appreciated how that was handled. I did figure out a few things early on, but there was so much happening, it didn’t really ruin the story for me. Part of that is because of the strong romance in the series – I think I was rooting for Stella and Lyndy to get married as much as they were. Obviously, I love them, and they continue to lead a great cast of characters. Again, the world of 1905 was brought to life wonderfully. If you are a fan of this series, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. If you are new, I suggest you meet Stella and Lyndy soon.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 KP) rated Murder at the Majestic Hotel in Books
Jul 14, 2023 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
Honeymoon Interrupted but a Not So Sweet Death
This book picks up a couple of days after the third book ended. The newly married Stella and Lyndy have just arrived in York for their honeymoon, but they discover that, despite their reservation for the honeymoon suite, it has been taken by someone else for the night. The interloper is Horace Wingrove, owner of England’s most popular chocolate company. The next morning, Wingrove is dead, and Stella and Lyndy can’t help but worry that this might have been their fate had their reservation been honored. But Stella sees a few things that don’t quite make sense to her. Will she figure out what is really going on?
If you haven’t read this series yet, be aware that this book spoils some of the previous book in the series. It only makes sense considering what happened and how close in time this book is to the previous one. The plot seemed to wander a bit before it came into focus, but once it did, I was hooked, and things made sense at the end. While I enjoyed seeing Stella and Lyndy’s relationship continue to grow, I did miss some of the other regulars and the complications they bring. But the characters we did get to meet are good. The multiple viewpoint narration is great at bringing us the story as always. I also enjoyed the little bit of real history that is twisted into the plot. Fans of historical mysteries will be glad they picked up this series.
If you haven’t read this series yet, be aware that this book spoils some of the previous book in the series. It only makes sense considering what happened and how close in time this book is to the previous one. The plot seemed to wander a bit before it came into focus, but once it did, I was hooked, and things made sense at the end. While I enjoyed seeing Stella and Lyndy’s relationship continue to grow, I did miss some of the other regulars and the complications they bring. But the characters we did get to meet are good. The multiple viewpoint narration is great at bringing us the story as always. I also enjoyed the little bit of real history that is twisted into the plot. Fans of historical mysteries will be glad they picked up this series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 KP) rated Murder at Blackwater Bend in Books
May 13, 2022 (Updated May 13, 2022)
Fishing for Bodies
August 1905 finds American heiress Stella Kendrick and Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst planning their wedding as they get to know each other better. Things hit a snag when they find a dead body in a nearby river one morning while fly fishing. The victim was their neighbor, Lord Fairbrother. He wasn’t a nice man and seemed to have multiple enemies. However, suspicion falls on the local snake catcher, someone that Stella has befriended. Can she and Lyndy figure out what really happened?
I enjoyed the first in the series, but I found this one even better. The story is tight with lots to keep us hooked. I was impressed with how it all came together at the end. I do find Stella’s father horrible at times, which is my only negative. Lyndy’s mother, while still annoying, is more on the amusing side. The rest of the cast is charming, and Lyndy and Stella are wonderful leads. You can’t help but root for them. We get the story from multiple viewpoints, but it is always clear when we are switching things up. I’m already looking forward to finding out what happens to these characters next.
I enjoyed the first in the series, but I found this one even better. The story is tight with lots to keep us hooked. I was impressed with how it all came together at the end. I do find Stella’s father horrible at times, which is my only negative. Lyndy’s mother, while still annoying, is more on the amusing side. The rest of the cast is charming, and Lyndy and Stella are wonderful leads. You can’t help but root for them. We get the story from multiple viewpoints, but it is always clear when we are switching things up. I’m already looking forward to finding out what happens to these characters next.
Matthew Barlow (25 KP) rated How I Met Your Mother in TV
Mar 15, 2019
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 KP) rated Absence of Alice in Books
Jan 2, 2021
Seeking Stella
Sarah Winston is happily preparing a garage sale for her latest client, Alice Krandle, when she gets a phone call claiming to be from someone who has kidnapped Sarah’s landlady and friend, Stella. With clear instructions not to contact the police, she sets out to find Stella while also following the kidnapper’s strange demands. Can she find her friend in time?
Yes, this book is part thriller, but it is still part cozy as well. The balance truly works. The twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Because of the plot, the book is a bit darker than a typical cozy, but it is just a shade or two darker. One reason this book still feels cozy is the locations and characters we love are front and center. How this plot impacts the characters and their relationships is realistic and does a great job of building on what we’ve seen in previous books. There are discussions of some of the Sarah’s other cases, and they are vague enough to avoid most spoilers, but I still recommend reading the books in order. If you aren’t already a fan, you’ll be hooked in no time. And those who already know and love Sarah will be thrilled with her latest adventure.
Yes, this book is part thriller, but it is still part cozy as well. The balance truly works. The twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Because of the plot, the book is a bit darker than a typical cozy, but it is just a shade or two darker. One reason this book still feels cozy is the locations and characters we love are front and center. How this plot impacts the characters and their relationships is realistic and does a great job of building on what we’ve seen in previous books. There are discussions of some of the Sarah’s other cases, and they are vague enough to avoid most spoilers, but I still recommend reading the books in order. If you aren’t already a fan, you’ll be hooked in no time. And those who already know and love Sarah will be thrilled with her latest adventure.
