Search
Search results
Brushstrokes from the Past (Soli Hansen Mysteries #4)
Book
WWII and the mid-seventeenth century are entwined in this fourth dual timeline novel about Nazi art...
Historical Fiction Mystery Sweet
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Easter Basket Murder in Books
Jan 25, 2024 (Updated Jan 25, 2024)
Here’s to a Deadly Easter
Kensington has called on their go to trio for three new holiday themed mysteries, this time featuring Easter. Up first, Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone gets involved with a promotion for the local businesses leads to the theft of a golden Easter egg. Then Lee Hollis’s Hayley Powell finds the Easter Bunny dead at a community Easter egg hunt. Finally, Barbara Ross’s Julia Snowden’s Easter on the family island off the coast of Maine is interrupted when she finds a man in coat tails dead in the garden. Then, a few minutes later, he’s gone.
All three stories have fun with the theme, and present it in some clever ways. As is often the case, I found the first story the weakest, but the mysteries in the other two stories are strong. Still, I was engaged no matter which story I was reading. All three have some great Easter elements that made me feel like it was spring. And I love the community aspects we get. I’m only a regular reader of Barbara Ross’s series, and I was interested in the updates we got on the characters there. If you are looking for some new dishes to serve this year, you’ll be interested in the recipes we get with the second and third story. Each story is roughly 100 pages, so you can read them in a sitting or two. Overall, this is a fun anthology you’ll be happy hopped on to your to be read pile.
All three stories have fun with the theme, and present it in some clever ways. As is often the case, I found the first story the weakest, but the mysteries in the other two stories are strong. Still, I was engaged no matter which story I was reading. All three have some great Easter elements that made me feel like it was spring. And I love the community aspects we get. I’m only a regular reader of Barbara Ross’s series, and I was interested in the updates we got on the characters there. If you are looking for some new dishes to serve this year, you’ll be interested in the recipes we get with the second and third story. Each story is roughly 100 pages, so you can read them in a sitting or two. Overall, this is a fun anthology you’ll be happy hopped on to your to be read pile.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Blood's Game in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Like, I'm sure, many others, my first exposure to the writings of [a:Angus Donald|584064|Angus Donald|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png] was when I picked up [b:Outlaw|6624899|Outlaw (The Outlaw Chronicles, #1)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347668868s/6624899.jpg|6819139] on sale: a novel which reimagined the familiar character of Robin Hood, and which I thoroughly enjoyed: so much so that I made it a point to pick up all the novels in that series ([b:Outlaw|6624899|Outlaw (The Outlaw Chronicles, #1)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347668868s/6624899.jpg|6819139], [b:Holy Warrior|7710240|Holy Warrior (The Outlaw Chronicles, #2)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327539941s/7710240.jpg|10428506], [b:King's Man|11351795|King's Man (The Outlaw Chronicles, #3)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328436464s/11351795.jpg|16281574], [b:Warlord|13077584|Warlord (The Outlaw Chronicles, #4)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1342984405s/13077584.jpg|18244685], [b:Grail Knight|20613734|Grail Knight (The Outlaw Chronicles #5)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410172817s/20613734.jpg|21976159], [b:The Iron Castle|19857964|The Iron Castle (Outlaw Chronicles, #6)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402550564s/19857964.jpg|27860558] and (finally) [b:The Death of Robin Hood|29348050|The Death of Robin Hood (The Outlaw Chronicles, #8)|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467543641s/29348050.jpg|49585935]).
This, however, would be the first time I had read one of Donald's novels that concerned a different central character, and that had a different setting: would it, I wondered, be more of the same, or would it have it's own 'feel'?
The answer, I can now say, is the latter.
Replacing Alan-a-Dale with Holcroft Blood, and told in the more traditional her-and-know third-person narrative (instead of the conceit of an elderly Alan recalling his youthful adventures with Robin Hood), this particular novel deals with the (attempted) theft of the Crown Jewels from the Tower of England during the reign of King Charles II, not long after the restoration.
While that (attempted) theft is carried out by Thomas Blood - who was caught red-handed but later, incredibly, was granted a pardon by Charles II - this novel does not have Thomas as the central character: rather, instead, we follow the fortunes of his youngest son Holcroft: a son who, throughout the course of this novel, becomes friends with Sir John Churchill, the future Duke of Marlborough (and Winston Churchill's direct descendant).
Whether true or not, young Holcroft is portrayed in this as suffering from a mild form of Asperger's Syndrome, able to easily code and decode correspondence sent to his master The Duke of Buckingham from his various spies and informants: a skill that comes in handy in this tale! I have to say, too, that the court of King Charles II comes across as incredibly decadent, full of scheming and back-stabbing rivals out wholly for themselves ...
I'd be interested in seeing where this series goes, especially as the next entry ([b:Blood's Revolution|36146468|Blood's Revolution|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504033386s/36146468.jpg|57749834]) concerns itself - at least, according to the blurb at the back of this - with what is (in this country - Northern Ireland - at least) a very divisive and pivotal moment in English history.
This, however, would be the first time I had read one of Donald's novels that concerned a different central character, and that had a different setting: would it, I wondered, be more of the same, or would it have it's own 'feel'?
The answer, I can now say, is the latter.
Replacing Alan-a-Dale with Holcroft Blood, and told in the more traditional her-and-know third-person narrative (instead of the conceit of an elderly Alan recalling his youthful adventures with Robin Hood), this particular novel deals with the (attempted) theft of the Crown Jewels from the Tower of England during the reign of King Charles II, not long after the restoration.
While that (attempted) theft is carried out by Thomas Blood - who was caught red-handed but later, incredibly, was granted a pardon by Charles II - this novel does not have Thomas as the central character: rather, instead, we follow the fortunes of his youngest son Holcroft: a son who, throughout the course of this novel, becomes friends with Sir John Churchill, the future Duke of Marlborough (and Winston Churchill's direct descendant).
Whether true or not, young Holcroft is portrayed in this as suffering from a mild form of Asperger's Syndrome, able to easily code and decode correspondence sent to his master The Duke of Buckingham from his various spies and informants: a skill that comes in handy in this tale! I have to say, too, that the court of King Charles II comes across as incredibly decadent, full of scheming and back-stabbing rivals out wholly for themselves ...
I'd be interested in seeing where this series goes, especially as the next entry ([b:Blood's Revolution|36146468|Blood's Revolution|Angus Donald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504033386s/36146468.jpg|57749834]) concerns itself - at least, according to the blurb at the back of this - with what is (in this country - Northern Ireland - at least) a very divisive and pivotal moment in English history.
Family Locator Locategy
Lifestyle
App
Locategy is a family locator with parental control features: allows parents to locate their kid’s...
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Crimson Shore (Pendergast, #15) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I always look forward to a new Pendergast adventure, and was so excited to read this one! It started out as any mystery might - Agent Pendergast is hired to find out who broke into a lighthouse-turned-residence and made off with the owner's extensive wine collection. He wouldn't normally be bothered with anything so mundane, but there is a rare bottle of wine to be had if he can find the thieves.
I was pleased to see so much of Constance Greene in this installment. As frequently as she appears in the series, she is still something of an enigma, and I always enjoy learning more about her. When she and Pendergast arrive in Exmouth, MA, to investigate, it doesn't take long to realize that the break-in had to do with a lot more than simply theft. Pendergast soon finds himself investigating both a recent death and a very cold murder case.
Throughout the story we hear talk of an ancient colony of witches, and Constance is convinced that they play some part in the current goings-on in Exmouth, but Pendergast is not convinced. Even so, there is very little paranormal activity until near the end of the novel. I've come to expect (and enjoy) a paranormal element to this series. In this story, however, it felt "tacked-on", or forced. I didn't have a problem with what happened, it just felt like a bit of an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed this latest Pendergast novel, and am already anticipating the next one.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was pleased to see so much of Constance Greene in this installment. As frequently as she appears in the series, she is still something of an enigma, and I always enjoy learning more about her. When she and Pendergast arrive in Exmouth, MA, to investigate, it doesn't take long to realize that the break-in had to do with a lot more than simply theft. Pendergast soon finds himself investigating both a recent death and a very cold murder case.
Throughout the story we hear talk of an ancient colony of witches, and Constance is convinced that they play some part in the current goings-on in Exmouth, but Pendergast is not convinced. Even so, there is very little paranormal activity until near the end of the novel. I've come to expect (and enjoy) a paranormal element to this series. In this story, however, it felt "tacked-on", or forced. I didn't have a problem with what happened, it just felt like a bit of an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed this latest Pendergast novel, and am already anticipating the next one.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Carma (21 KP) rated Don't Open Till Christmas (Santori Stories #3) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Noelle is trying to forget all about Christmas, both the holiday and the town. Currently in a dressing room she hears noises coming from the room next door. Oh great now she gets to hear a couple going at it, she truly needs a life. After hearing some commotion outside her door it flies open and a very hot man literally ends up in her almost naked lap. After one very scorching kiss he leaves her room so she can get dressed again. She hightails it out of there hoping no one sees her.
Mark waits a minute and returns to the dressing room area to get the name of the woman who just blew his mind with a single kiss. She is no where to be found, great. Work calls then, as he is needed at the station to get information on the latest robbery in town. A business was targeted and their Christmas funds stolen. Heading to the location he asks to see the owner to get more information on the theft and runs smack into his mystery kisser.
Noelle and Mark do all they can to avoid each other but the universe has other ideas for them. When Mark heads to the town of Christmas, Noelles hometown, to follow up on some leads on the thefts he sees exactly the life she is trying hard to leave behind. Pretending to be her boyfriend to stop the town gossip mill has him falling even harder for her.
Holiday themed romance with light mystery, was a good read for the holiday season for me. Part of the Santori Stories series, this is book #3
Mark waits a minute and returns to the dressing room area to get the name of the woman who just blew his mind with a single kiss. She is no where to be found, great. Work calls then, as he is needed at the station to get information on the latest robbery in town. A business was targeted and their Christmas funds stolen. Heading to the location he asks to see the owner to get more information on the theft and runs smack into his mystery kisser.
Noelle and Mark do all they can to avoid each other but the universe has other ideas for them. When Mark heads to the town of Christmas, Noelles hometown, to follow up on some leads on the thefts he sees exactly the life she is trying hard to leave behind. Pretending to be her boyfriend to stop the town gossip mill has him falling even harder for her.
Holiday themed romance with light mystery, was a good read for the holiday season for me. Part of the Santori Stories series, this is book #3
Ross (3284 KP) rated Perfect Kill in Books
Feb 7, 2020
Superb, a real return to form
Thanks to the publishers Avon and NetGalley for the chance to read a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This, the 6th of Fields' Edinburgh crime thrillers has a different feel to it. These books had started to feel a little formulaic, with one major investigation, one minor one and personal issues lurking in the background. Here the story is for once fully focused on (what turns out to be) one large-scale linked crime.
Luc Callanach, who has taken something of a back seat in the recent books, is back in his native Paris, as Scottish liaison to Interpol. He is working to uncover a suspected organ theft operation with potential Scottish victims. Meanwhile back in Edinburgh, Ava Turner is embroiled in missing persons cases, apparently unconnected murders and a few bone fragments left by pigs, trying to piece it all together.
The underlying story is strong as usual, with clear and believable twists and discoveries. The new characters introduced are all well-formed and distinct, and the dialogue much stronger than in previous books (I have at times had issues with the form of swearing in the books - living in Edinburgh and taking public transport I hear a fair amount of it!).
I absolutely rattled through this book in under 4 days - pretty much unheard of for me - partly due to being away on business and with no English TV channels in my hotel room, but also due to the superb rolling storyline which makes you want to read one more chapter.
A superbly told and imagined crime thriller.
This, the 6th of Fields' Edinburgh crime thrillers has a different feel to it. These books had started to feel a little formulaic, with one major investigation, one minor one and personal issues lurking in the background. Here the story is for once fully focused on (what turns out to be) one large-scale linked crime.
Luc Callanach, who has taken something of a back seat in the recent books, is back in his native Paris, as Scottish liaison to Interpol. He is working to uncover a suspected organ theft operation with potential Scottish victims. Meanwhile back in Edinburgh, Ava Turner is embroiled in missing persons cases, apparently unconnected murders and a few bone fragments left by pigs, trying to piece it all together.
The underlying story is strong as usual, with clear and believable twists and discoveries. The new characters introduced are all well-formed and distinct, and the dialogue much stronger than in previous books (I have at times had issues with the form of swearing in the books - living in Edinburgh and taking public transport I hear a fair amount of it!).
I absolutely rattled through this book in under 4 days - pretty much unheard of for me - partly due to being away on business and with no English TV channels in my hotel room, but also due to the superb rolling storyline which makes you want to read one more chapter.
A superbly told and imagined crime thriller.
Policing, Port Security and Crime Control: An Ethnography of the Port Securityscape
Book
Ports are the vital hubs of the maritime transport industry, and crucial to the flow of global...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Heartless (The Privileged of Pembroke High #1) in Books
Dec 18, 2020
210
Kindle
Heartless (The Privileged of Pembroke High book 1)
By Ivy Fox
Review will be completed on Smashbomb once finished link will be placed in comments
I had their love once.
They saw me for the girl I am and the person I yearn to become one day—a woman who thrives in her freedom and dances away in her rightfully earned independence.
They saw all the strong, unafraid parts of me, and coaxed each one of them out, daring me to dream bigger, climb higher.
They never once saw the girl I had been groomed to see in the mirror.
The abandoned daughter of a dead man.
The unwanted child of a woman who despised her.
The broken body formed wrong and built on a shaky foundation, threatening to fall apart and shatter.
They made all the ugliness disappear and left only wonder and promise. The love we shared for each other was probably the only miracle I would be granted in this life, and I knew they felt the same.
Or so I thought.
Everything I held dear has been robbed from me, and I’ve been a victim of theft too many times to mention.
I will not have them steal my pride.
They can keep my heart, for all I care.
The day they became my stepbrothers, it stopped working anyway.
Well that was so much better than I thought it was going to be! I do love Ivy’s books. This was brilliant I didn’t put it down. So much has happened and we haven’t hit the school yet! The epilogue was sooo good!
Kindle
Heartless (The Privileged of Pembroke High book 1)
By Ivy Fox
Review will be completed on Smashbomb once finished link will be placed in comments
I had their love once.
They saw me for the girl I am and the person I yearn to become one day—a woman who thrives in her freedom and dances away in her rightfully earned independence.
They saw all the strong, unafraid parts of me, and coaxed each one of them out, daring me to dream bigger, climb higher.
They never once saw the girl I had been groomed to see in the mirror.
The abandoned daughter of a dead man.
The unwanted child of a woman who despised her.
The broken body formed wrong and built on a shaky foundation, threatening to fall apart and shatter.
They made all the ugliness disappear and left only wonder and promise. The love we shared for each other was probably the only miracle I would be granted in this life, and I knew they felt the same.
Or so I thought.
Everything I held dear has been robbed from me, and I’ve been a victim of theft too many times to mention.
I will not have them steal my pride.
They can keep my heart, for all I care.
The day they became my stepbrothers, it stopped working anyway.
Well that was so much better than I thought it was going to be! I do love Ivy’s books. This was brilliant I didn’t put it down. So much has happened and we haven’t hit the school yet! The epilogue was sooo good!
Justice for Elsie (Mail-Order Grooms Book 3)
6.5
Rate It
Book
Elsie Fin is hell-bent on revenge against her father’s murderer. She develops a successful...
Romance Westerns Spanking Erotica Historical Romance