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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Watching the Detectives in Books

Sep 12, 2025  
Watching the Detectives
Watching the Detectives
Julie Mulhern | 2017 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Decorating with a Dead Body Is Not Recommended
When this book opens, it’s been four days. Only four days since Ellison Russell was chased by a killer clown. Ellison has decided it is time to redecorate her husband’s study, and she’s brought in Khaki White, one of her potential boyfriend’s ex-wives. But Khaki is the go-to decorator among the country club set, so Ellison is getting a quote. That is until her housekeeper calls with car trouble, and Ellison runs out to get her. The two women return to find Mrs. White dead in the study, shot by a revolver. Can Ellison navigate the latest dead body in her life?

It has been too long since I read the previous book, but I was quickly back in Ellison’s world. I enjoyed seeing what was going on with the characters, and I’m hopeful the love triangle has been put to rest. Her mother wasn’t quite as overbearing in this book, which was appreciated. The 70’s are brought to life with plenty of great details, and some of the politics of the day. Fortunately, the content the series has had that keeps it just outside of cozy for me was toned down in this book. The mystery gets a little sidetracked, and the ending is weaker than I like, but it still kept me going. Ellison’s dry wit narration is a delight and keeps me smiling if not laughing. Hopefully, it won’t be so long before I revisit the characters.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Hen of the Baskervilles (Meg Langslow, #15) in Books

Mar 9, 2018  
HO
Hen of the Baskervilles (Meg Langslow, #15)
Donna Andrews | 2013
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Meg is the assistant direct at the Un-fair, a local alternative to the state fair. The first morning things get off to a rough start with some vandalism and theft, including two heritage chickens from the chicken tent. Throw in tension in the wine pavilion and things are hoping before the dead body shows up.

While I didn't find this one as laugh out loud funny as some of the previous entries, I did really enjoy it. The plot was good and the characters - new and old - were fun. Meg's twins stole every scene they were in, too. Fans of the series or lighter cozies in general will love it.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-hen-of-baskervilles-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.