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John George Haigh, the Acid-Bath Murderer: A Portrait of a Serial Killer and His Victims
Book
What motivated John George Haigh to murder at least six people, then dissolve their corpses in...
SG
Slow Growth: On the Art of Landscape Architecture
Book
The art of landscape architecture is in need of description and illustration in the broad...
Michael Graves: Design for Life
Book
One of the most prominent and prolific designers and architects of the late twentieth century,...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Candy Slain Murder in Books
Oct 1, 2020
Skeleton at Christmas
This Christmas is bringing plenty of surprises to Robbie Jordan’s life. The first is the young man who walks into Pans N’ Pancakes, Robbie’s country store and restaurant, and claims to be Robbie’s assistant’s half brother. Danna never knew she had any siblings. The bigger surprise is the skeleton discovered when a house catches fire. As gossip about who the remains belong to heats up, a fresh murder takes place, and Robbie is once again drawn into the case. Can she figure out what happened?
Since the last book took place outside of South Lick, it was fabulous to be back and see all the regulars again. Everyone gets a scene or two to shine and give us updates on their lives. Unfortunately, the plot could be stronger. While there are plenty of suspects and red herrings, the suspects are weaker than they need to be. The climax is suspenseful and does answer all our questions, however. I’m a sucker for Christmas set cozies, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. The scenes in the restaurant will make you hungry for the six recipes at the end. Fans of the series will certainly welcome this Christmas entry.
Since the last book took place outside of South Lick, it was fabulous to be back and see all the regulars again. Everyone gets a scene or two to shine and give us updates on their lives. Unfortunately, the plot could be stronger. While there are plenty of suspects and red herrings, the suspects are weaker than they need to be. The climax is suspenseful and does answer all our questions, however. I’m a sucker for Christmas set cozies, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. The scenes in the restaurant will make you hungry for the six recipes at the end. Fans of the series will certainly welcome this Christmas entry.
Bluebird, Bluebird
8.0
Rate It
Book
Southern fables usually go the other way around: a white woman killed or harmed in some way, real or...
Thriller
Scarecrow: An international mystery full of murder and mayhem (Danny Sanchez Thrillers Book 1)
8.5
Rate It
Book
If the killer’s been caught, why are people still turning up dead…? When Danny Sanchez, a...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Villains’ Realm in Books
Jun 6, 2024 (Updated Jun 6, 2024)
Enchantment Creating New Lands
Disney’s CEO has completely changed his mind about opening a Villains’ Realm in each park. The man was opposing it because it was a clear threat, giving the villains a foothold. But now, he’s greenlit them, and constructions has started immediately. In order to stop them from being completed, Eli and his friend Blair are going to have to team up with Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Can they stop it in time?
If you haven’t been following this saga, you’ll probably be lost trying to follow what is happening. Fans will want to read this book since it sets up the next book. Unfortunately, it falls into middle book trap. We don’t get any real battles with the villains, just stand offs. The climax is abrupt and the story just kind of stops. As usual in the series, the characters are thin as well. Plus some editing left me confused a couple of times. On the positive side, it’s always fun to watch the Kingdom Keepers interacting with Disney characters, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of the action taking place at the California parks. I’m curious to see where things are going, so I’ll be back for the conclusion.
If you haven’t been following this saga, you’ll probably be lost trying to follow what is happening. Fans will want to read this book since it sets up the next book. Unfortunately, it falls into middle book trap. We don’t get any real battles with the villains, just stand offs. The climax is abrupt and the story just kind of stops. As usual in the series, the characters are thin as well. Plus some editing left me confused a couple of times. On the positive side, it’s always fun to watch the Kingdom Keepers interacting with Disney characters, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of the action taking place at the California parks. I’m curious to see where things are going, so I’ll be back for the conclusion.
Merissa (13866 KP) rated Her Mountain Christmas (Honey Ridge #4) in Books
Nov 17, 2025
HER MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS is the fourth book in the Honey Ridge series and, as you may have figured out, takes place at Christmastime.
Ella comes from money, but that has a price tag. When she finds out her parents have basically sold her to a man she can't stand, she leaves the party and leaves her apartment. Unfortunately, as happens when you're running away, she doesn't check the weather forecast and ends up driving in a blizzard. Along comes Jack to the rescue, who warms her up in more ways than one!
This is another cracker of a book from Alyson Archer. It is Christmassy with plenty of snow, but steam aplenty indoors. I loved how Ella knew what she wanted and made no bones about it, whereas Jack was more than happy to give his girl what she wanted, even when she didn't know what that was.
Although Ms Archer writes one helluva steamy scene, my favourite was when Ella stood up to her parents, with Jack by her side. Take that, you snotty pair!!!
Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nov 17, 2025
Ella comes from money, but that has a price tag. When she finds out her parents have basically sold her to a man she can't stand, she leaves the party and leaves her apartment. Unfortunately, as happens when you're running away, she doesn't check the weather forecast and ends up driving in a blizzard. Along comes Jack to the rescue, who warms her up in more ways than one!
This is another cracker of a book from Alyson Archer. It is Christmassy with plenty of snow, but steam aplenty indoors. I loved how Ella knew what she wanted and made no bones about it, whereas Jack was more than happy to give his girl what she wanted, even when she didn't know what that was.
Although Ms Archer writes one helluva steamy scene, my favourite was when Ella stood up to her parents, with Jack by her side. Take that, you snotty pair!!!
Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nov 17, 2025
Merissa (13866 KP) rated Rough Harmony (Rough Harmony #0.5) in Books
Mar 16, 2026
ROUGH HARMONY is a prequel novella to a series of the same name. It's about an all-male, all-queer, leather-bound, a capella group that is the brainchild of Max and Theo.
You don't get much, but what you do get is enough to intrigue and draw you in, giving enough information on each singer to leave you wanting more. Each man is broken in their own way, searching for something to help them be.
Each chapter is either Max, Theo, or one of the new guys. It is hard not to find it at least a little repetitive when each one has to audition, but it's also hard to avoid. I found it hard to remember names, attitudes, and the little bit of backstory that we did get, but I know with a full-length novel, it will be easier.
A great prequel that has whetted my appetite, and I can't wait for more. A quick but intriguing read that I definitely recommend.
** 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!
Feb 16, 2026
You don't get much, but what you do get is enough to intrigue and draw you in, giving enough information on each singer to leave you wanting more. Each man is broken in their own way, searching for something to help them be.
Each chapter is either Max, Theo, or one of the new guys. It is hard not to find it at least a little repetitive when each one has to audition, but it's also hard to avoid. I found it hard to remember names, attitudes, and the little bit of backstory that we did get, but I know with a full-length novel, it will be easier.
A great prequel that has whetted my appetite, and I can't wait for more. A quick but intriguing read that I definitely recommend.
** 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!
Feb 16, 2026
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Accidental Guardian (High Sierra Sweethearts, #1) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
Holy cow! This book was fantastic! I have been a forever fan of Mrs. Connealy's since I read Petticoat Ranch. She is absolutely one of the best Christian Western Romance writers out there and I will forever sing her praises. When I saw she had another series releasing, I was all for jumping on that band wagon (no pun intended!)! Sitting down to read this, I had it read it less than two days, it was just that captivating.
Opening the pages to Deborah's story, watching her try to protect her sister and the young ones was amazing. I could feel myself becoming Deborah, telling her younger sister just what to do to keep them safe. When Ms. Connealy enters Trace into the picture.....well, whew! Not only was I instantly pulled to him, his protective side in a man like him, really made me swoon through out the book! I loved that! Seeing him with Deborah, his caring way toward her, was undeniably God-filled and romantic.
Mrs. Connealy has created yet another keeper for my shelf! She has taken a story of intriguing suspense, wrapped it up with her trade mark swoon-worthy cowboys and sassy heroines, and dished her readers an unforgettable laugh out loud, love story. This book is perfect for that rainy day, or long drive for a summer trip. Don't wait to get this one. Go grab it up now! It's 5 star worthy and so much more! Well done, Mrs. Connealy! Well done!!! I am highly anticipating the release of book 2, The Reluctant Warrior.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Opening the pages to Deborah's story, watching her try to protect her sister and the young ones was amazing. I could feel myself becoming Deborah, telling her younger sister just what to do to keep them safe. When Ms. Connealy enters Trace into the picture.....well, whew! Not only was I instantly pulled to him, his protective side in a man like him, really made me swoon through out the book! I loved that! Seeing him with Deborah, his caring way toward her, was undeniably God-filled and romantic.
Mrs. Connealy has created yet another keeper for my shelf! She has taken a story of intriguing suspense, wrapped it up with her trade mark swoon-worthy cowboys and sassy heroines, and dished her readers an unforgettable laugh out loud, love story. This book is perfect for that rainy day, or long drive for a summer trip. Don't wait to get this one. Go grab it up now! It's 5 star worthy and so much more! Well done, Mrs. Connealy! Well done!!! I am highly anticipating the release of book 2, The Reluctant Warrior.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*