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This new gift from Dacus, her third album, was built on an interrogation of her coming-of-age years...
Siren Song (The Chameleon Effect #3)
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Connell Kurēn doesn’t love being a paparazzo… He’s a member of the most scorned profession...
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Death in a Blackout in Books
Apr 7, 2022
Sets Up a Promising New Series
After a tragedy at home, Billie Harkness finds herself needing a new start, so she accepts an invitation from a distant cousin to visit the northern coastal town of Hull. She arrives just before Hull experiences its first air raid in 1940. In the devastation that follows, Billie finds a dead young woman inside a building. Surprisingly, no debris is around her body. In her new job in the newly formed Women’s Police Constabulary, she starts a quiet investigation. Can she figure out what really happened?
This series debut is much like a TV show’s pilot. We get a lot of set up near the beginning. It helps us get to know Billie better, but it does mean it’s a while before the mystery truly gets going. Although we do get some threads of the mystery thanks to Peter Upton, the other third person view point character. Both of these leads are strong, and I enjoyed getting to know them. Once the mystery gets going, it is great with plenty of twists and an ending that caught me off guard. Those familiar with Jessica Ellicott’s other series will note the more serious tone, which is appropriate given the time and place this one is set. I loved how the story brought the history of the era to live; the plot wouldn’t have worked in any other time. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what danger Billie uncovers next.
This series debut is much like a TV show’s pilot. We get a lot of set up near the beginning. It helps us get to know Billie better, but it does mean it’s a while before the mystery truly gets going. Although we do get some threads of the mystery thanks to Peter Upton, the other third person view point character. Both of these leads are strong, and I enjoyed getting to know them. Once the mystery gets going, it is great with plenty of twists and an ending that caught me off guard. Those familiar with Jessica Ellicott’s other series will note the more serious tone, which is appropriate given the time and place this one is set. I loved how the story brought the history of the era to live; the plot wouldn’t have worked in any other time. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what danger Billie uncovers next.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Where the Guilty Hide in Books
Feb 2, 2023
When Home Invasion Leads to Murder
Erie City Police Detective Matthias Honeywell has been called to the site of a second home invasion robbery in a matter of days. The difference here is that the husband managed to escape and go after the thieves. Unfortunately, the next morning, photographer Emma Anderson finds the man’s body in some debris that washed on shore from Lake Erie. The more Honeywell investigates, the more he finds that revolves around Emma. Can he solve the case? Will she be the key to unraveling it?
This is a strong start to a new series. Both Honeywell and Emma come alive quickly for us, partially thanks to their backstories which are slowly given to us without over teasing. The rest of the cast is just as strong. We get the story from both Honeywell’s and Emma’s third person points of view in alternating chapters, so it is always easy to tell when we are switching. And the story is strong. I struggled when I had the put the book down, especially when I hit the page turning climax. (Stupid real life!) Since this is a police procedural, it is darker than the cozies I often read, so know that going in. Those already a fan of the author will be delighted with the new series. If you haven’t started reading her books yet, this is a great place to jump in.
This is a strong start to a new series. Both Honeywell and Emma come alive quickly for us, partially thanks to their backstories which are slowly given to us without over teasing. The rest of the cast is just as strong. We get the story from both Honeywell’s and Emma’s third person points of view in alternating chapters, so it is always easy to tell when we are switching. And the story is strong. I struggled when I had the put the book down, especially when I hit the page turning climax. (Stupid real life!) Since this is a police procedural, it is darker than the cozies I often read, so know that going in. Those already a fan of the author will be delighted with the new series. If you haven’t started reading her books yet, this is a great place to jump in.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Fair Game in Books
Aug 31, 2023 (Updated Aug 31, 2023)
Murder is Never Fair Game
Zoe Chambers is spending the week at the county fair, showing her horse and working in the ambulance. However, it’s not the relaxing week she’d hoped for as she keeps seeing people from her past in 4H, people she’d rather forget. Meanwhile, Pete Adams is investigating the mysterious death of a woman who vanished after a drunken night out. Except her friends all insist she wouldn’t have gotten drunk. So what is really going on?
Fans of the series know to expect plenty of twists, and that’s what we get here. Even though I knew something that was coming later on, I was pulled into the story and enjoyed watching everything unfold. Zoe and Pete continued to shine as our co-leads, with us spending equal time in their third person points of view. I was also happy to see Pete behaving in a way I could support in their relationship here. The rest of the cast are all strong, and that included some supporting characters I was happy to see again. These are a little darker than the cozies I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. As I was reading this book, I realized how much I love the sense of community these books have. If you are looking for a fast-moving plot with characters you’ll love, this is the book, and series, for you.
Fans of the series know to expect plenty of twists, and that’s what we get here. Even though I knew something that was coming later on, I was pulled into the story and enjoyed watching everything unfold. Zoe and Pete continued to shine as our co-leads, with us spending equal time in their third person points of view. I was also happy to see Pete behaving in a way I could support in their relationship here. The rest of the cast are all strong, and that included some supporting characters I was happy to see again. These are a little darker than the cozies I typically read, but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. As I was reading this book, I realized how much I love the sense of community these books have. If you are looking for a fast-moving plot with characters you’ll love, this is the book, and series, for you.
Merissa (13100 KP) rated The Handoff (Big Play, #3) in Books
Jan 17, 2019 (Updated Jun 8, 2023)
The Handoff (Big Play #3) by Jordan Ford
In the third instalment of the Big Play series, we meet Finn in more detail. He is the cool, collected, one that has been there for Colt and Mack throughout. When Mack goes to New Zealand, he asks Finn to keep an eye on his sister as he feels that she is not quite herself. Finn wants to say no but doesn't. Instead, he ends up helping Layla in more ways than he could ever have imagined, and as a result, sees her as a completely different person. Due to Finn's support, Layla changes herself and finds courage when she thought she had none.
With hints being given with the overall story arc, as well as snippets pertaining to Layla directly, this is a wonderful addition. Well written, full of emotion and gripping situations and characters, this is guaranteed to draw you into their story. You will be with Layla and Finn every step of the way, encouraging them to carry on when it seems too hard.
This is one of those series that I absolutely can't wait for the next book, but that is also bittersweet as I know it's the last one. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Jun 9, 2016
With hints being given with the overall story arc, as well as snippets pertaining to Layla directly, this is a wonderful addition. Well written, full of emotion and gripping situations and characters, this is guaranteed to draw you into their story. You will be with Layla and Finn every step of the way, encouraging them to carry on when it seems too hard.
This is one of those series that I absolutely can't wait for the next book, but that is also bittersweet as I know it's the last one. Highly recommended.
* 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!
Jun 9, 2016
Debbiereadsbook (1475 KP) rated The Hot Mess Prince in Books
Jan 19, 2024
It's sweet and snarky, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I found this a refreshing change, I really did!
I loved that Thibault loved to rattle Neel, and Neel knew he was doing it all on purpose, but he let him, mostly. I loved that the two of them grew close when Thibault set out to do a bit of an image reboot, given his recent behaviour.
I loved the layers of Thibault! Oh and I love love LOVED the fact that Neel was not allowed to call him Tibs, everyone else did that and he wanted something special in his life that was just his. Neel was his, they just didn't quite see it fast enough!
It's sweet and snarky, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This appears to be the author's first book, or it's the only one I can see under this name. In some places, that does show. It's written in third person, and a couple of places flips from one to the other and back again, in the space of a paragraph. Not a massive issue, just enough times for me to notice it and for it needing to be mentioned.
That said, I look forward to reading more work b this author, as they develop their craft.
A very good 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I found this a refreshing change, I really did!
I loved that Thibault loved to rattle Neel, and Neel knew he was doing it all on purpose, but he let him, mostly. I loved that the two of them grew close when Thibault set out to do a bit of an image reboot, given his recent behaviour.
I loved the layers of Thibault! Oh and I love love LOVED the fact that Neel was not allowed to call him Tibs, everyone else did that and he wanted something special in his life that was just his. Neel was his, they just didn't quite see it fast enough!
It's sweet and snarky, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This appears to be the author's first book, or it's the only one I can see under this name. In some places, that does show. It's written in third person, and a couple of places flips from one to the other and back again, in the space of a paragraph. Not a massive issue, just enough times for me to notice it and for it needing to be mentioned.
That said, I look forward to reading more work b this author, as they develop their craft.
A very good 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated One Wrong Word in Books
Jul 25, 2024
Rehabbing the Innocent. But Is He Innocent?
Ned Bannister, on trial for hitting and killing a man with his car, has been found innocent. But the public isn’t so ready to forgive, which means life is still difficult for him and his family. That’s why his wife, Cordelia, hires PR expert Arden Ward to help. But Arden is having a crisis of her own, with her job on the line after being accused of an affair. When the Bannister’s case takes an unexpected turn, Arden is left wondering who she can trust. Can she figure out a way to help her client and find her future?
This book has an interesting premise, and I was quickly hooked. But then we hit the middle, where we had questions asked multiple times with very few answers of any kind. I would have been happy with lies, even, to advance the story and set up some twists. We do reach a satisfying climax, but the pacing could have been better. One character was whiney, but I found the rest of the characters likeable, and enjoyed spending time with them. Most of the story is told from Arden’s third person point-of-view, which helps us get to know her better, but we get some chapters from other’s view points. I’m wondering if I’m just not having realistic expectations for phycological thrillers. If you like the genre and this premise sounds interesting, definitely give this book a chance.
This book has an interesting premise, and I was quickly hooked. But then we hit the middle, where we had questions asked multiple times with very few answers of any kind. I would have been happy with lies, even, to advance the story and set up some twists. We do reach a satisfying climax, but the pacing could have been better. One character was whiney, but I found the rest of the characters likeable, and enjoyed spending time with them. Most of the story is told from Arden’s third person point-of-view, which helps us get to know her better, but we get some chapters from other’s view points. I’m wondering if I’m just not having realistic expectations for phycological thrillers. If you like the genre and this premise sounds interesting, definitely give this book a chance.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Fatal Reunion in Books
Jan 28, 2025 (Updated Jan 28, 2025)
Is the Past Repeating Itself?
When a missing high school teen’s body is found in a remote area of the county, Zoe Chambers Adams has flashbacks to her senior year of high school. There are too many similarities to three teen girls who were killed all those years ago. Back then, the police had a suspect, but he committed suicide before he was charged. The killings stopped, so everyone moved on. While Zoe’s new husband, Police Chief Pete Adams, is busy looking at modern suspects and motives for the death, Zoe can’t help but wonder if a killer has been roaming free all these years. And, with her twentieth high school reunion happening, she’s wondering if the killer is in town for the event. Is what is happening today tied into what happened two decades ago?
This is another excellent book in this series. As always, Zoe and Pete share the third person narration, and that gives us insight into the characters and story. It’s great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new ones are just as well drawn. The plot grabs you from the beginning and keeps you engaged until you reach the satisfying solution. These books are not cozies, so pick them up expecting something darker, and you’ll be fine. I’m hoping to get to the next two books in this series soon. If you are looking for fantastic mysteries, you won’t be disappointed you met Zoe.
This is another excellent book in this series. As always, Zoe and Pete share the third person narration, and that gives us insight into the characters and story. It’s great to spend time with the returning characters, and the new ones are just as well drawn. The plot grabs you from the beginning and keeps you engaged until you reach the satisfying solution. These books are not cozies, so pick them up expecting something darker, and you’ll be fine. I’m hoping to get to the next two books in this series soon. If you are looking for fantastic mysteries, you won’t be disappointed you met Zoe.
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Gratification in Gluttony (Passing Through Cafe #2) in Books
Jun 16, 2025
GRATIFICATION IN GLUTTONY is the second book in the Passing Through Cafe series and features Jude and Toni.
While I loved the first book, I only enjoyed this one. And by that, I mean it's still very good, but it didn't tick all the boxes like the first one did. I think part of the problem might be that I've read this story already, so reading it from their perspectives, while good at times, means I already know most of it.
I also didn't connect with either Jude or Toni in the way I wanted to, although I thought parts of both of their stories were wonderful. Jude flows hot and cold most of the time, and Toni's 'quirk' of referring to himself in the third person quickly became annoying. There are good moments, both of them are more self-aware than are given credit for, but still...
What I did enjoy were seeing parts of the story that I hadn't seen in Oliver and Liel's story, as well as parts of Rusty and Gem's, although I don't have their book to read. I think some people will love it, but it just didn't work for me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 13, 2025
While I loved the first book, I only enjoyed this one. And by that, I mean it's still very good, but it didn't tick all the boxes like the first one did. I think part of the problem might be that I've read this story already, so reading it from their perspectives, while good at times, means I already know most of it.
I also didn't connect with either Jude or Toni in the way I wanted to, although I thought parts of both of their stories were wonderful. Jude flows hot and cold most of the time, and Toni's 'quirk' of referring to himself in the third person quickly became annoying. There are good moments, both of them are more self-aware than are given credit for, but still...
What I did enjoy were seeing parts of the story that I hadn't seen in Oliver and Liel's story, as well as parts of Rusty and Gem's, although I don't have their book to read. I think some people will love it, but it just didn't work for me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 13, 2025