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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Penne Dreadful in Books
Aug 2, 2019 (Updated Aug 2, 2019)
This Debut is Anything but Dreadful
Tessa Esposito has had her life turned upside down. Her husband has been killed in a car accident, leaving her a widow at 30. However, she is about to get another shock. Her cousin Gino, a cop, stops by to visit and drops the bombshell on her – the police don’t think the accident was an accident at all. Instead, they think it was murder. And he suggests that someone at Slice, the local pizza parlor where Dylan had lunch most days, might be responsible. After all, he was last seen alive leaving the restaurant. Tessa loves to cook, and Slice just happens to be advertising for a cook, so she snags the job, hoping to get a clue about what really happened to her husband. But her co-workers don’t seem to happy to see her. Is she going to be able to get anything out of them?
With Tessa’s husband being the victim, this book starts out with a more somber tone. Some events try to lighten it, but it didn’t quite work for me. After a bit of time to set up the characters and plot, things take off, and the book becomes impossible to put down. Tessa must unpeel the layers like an onion, and each new layer has a twist that kept me hooked until I reached the end. The suspects are all strong, and Tessa is a sympathetic lead character. It is easy to understand everything she is going through. The potential series regulars have a little room to grow, but that’s because they weren’t on the page too much. That’s what sequels are for, right? I did find some inconsistencies in the timeline late in the book, but nothing that ruins the plot at all. My biggest complaint is how much Tessa’s love life was a sub-plot; it’s something that should have been held until at least the next book in the series in my opinion. The book has some delicious sounding recipes at the end, including Tessa’s prize-winning tomato sauce. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Tessa next.
With Tessa’s husband being the victim, this book starts out with a more somber tone. Some events try to lighten it, but it didn’t quite work for me. After a bit of time to set up the characters and plot, things take off, and the book becomes impossible to put down. Tessa must unpeel the layers like an onion, and each new layer has a twist that kept me hooked until I reached the end. The suspects are all strong, and Tessa is a sympathetic lead character. It is easy to understand everything she is going through. The potential series regulars have a little room to grow, but that’s because they weren’t on the page too much. That’s what sequels are for, right? I did find some inconsistencies in the timeline late in the book, but nothing that ruins the plot at all. My biggest complaint is how much Tessa’s love life was a sub-plot; it’s something that should have been held until at least the next book in the series in my opinion. The book has some delicious sounding recipes at the end, including Tessa’s prize-winning tomato sauce. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Tessa next.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Lamp (the Lamp Series, Book 1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I received this book as a member giveaway through LibraryThing for an honest review. I received the Omnibus so read all four books together. I recommend that since you will want to know what happens next.
I was amazed by the characters in this series. They were so real but also had a uniqueness to them. [Jason Cunningham] did a magnificent job of taking you into the struggle between good and evil and showing you the shades of grey most of us get caught up in. [The Lamp Series Omnibus] as the name suggests is four complete novels that follow Violet, Levi, Jenny and Micah as they try to come to terms with what is right and wrong. Also they must decide how best to protect those they love.
As a comic book fan and someone who loves to read about struggles of conscience this series kept me coming back for more. I was vaguely reminded of [The Stand] except this was focused on one city.It is never made clear if it goes beyond. They mystery involved also keeps you on your seat.
[Cunningham] has written a must read for fans of many types of genres.
I was amazed by the characters in this series. They were so real but also had a uniqueness to them. [Jason Cunningham] did a magnificent job of taking you into the struggle between good and evil and showing you the shades of grey most of us get caught up in. [The Lamp Series Omnibus] as the name suggests is four complete novels that follow Violet, Levi, Jenny and Micah as they try to come to terms with what is right and wrong. Also they must decide how best to protect those they love.
As a comic book fan and someone who loves to read about struggles of conscience this series kept me coming back for more. I was vaguely reminded of [The Stand] except this was focused on one city.It is never made clear if it goes beyond. They mystery involved also keeps you on your seat.
[Cunningham] has written a must read for fans of many types of genres.
Sue (5 KP) rated Murder at the Mansion (Victorian Village Mysteries, #1) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Fifteen years after leaving the small town of Asheboro, Katherine “Kate” Hamilton is called home by her best friend Lisbeth. Asheboro is in financial despair after a huge storm damages all of the town shops. Insurance isn’t covering much and unfortunately, the town council had put all the town’s money into a historical Victoria mansion. What they need now is someone like Kate to help the town from going bankrupt.
No sooner does Kate arrive, but her nemesis and high school bully Cordelia is found dead. Her head bashed in on the steps of the Barton Mansion. There are a number of suspects including Cordelia’s ex-husband (and Kate’s old high school boyfriend).
The book had some good characters but they needed a bit more depth. The plot had some potential, but I wish that things were a bit more fleshed out. I felt the author repeated herself a number of times, just to fill the book with pages. I did like where the author was going with this new series and I plan on reading the next one to see what happens to the town and the character of Kate.
No sooner does Kate arrive, but her nemesis and high school bully Cordelia is found dead. Her head bashed in on the steps of the Barton Mansion. There are a number of suspects including Cordelia’s ex-husband (and Kate’s old high school boyfriend).
The book had some good characters but they needed a bit more depth. The plot had some potential, but I wish that things were a bit more fleshed out. I felt the author repeated herself a number of times, just to fill the book with pages. I did like where the author was going with this new series and I plan on reading the next one to see what happens to the town and the character of Kate.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Memories of the Heart (Memories, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.
This book doesn't pull any punches as it takes you along for the ride. Both Josh and Micah have things to learn to make their own lives better. Along the way, their grandmothers are there to help, just as they always have been. But what happens when life gets in the way and rushes by. Before you realise it, a year has gone past. Is it too late to reconnect? This is what Micah has to learn and decide as the book starts. He is a tool at the beginning and his attitude sucks. However, as the story progresses, you understand more and more about the whys and wherefores and it actually helps make him a more rounded character.
Felice Stevens has once again brought to life some amazing characters and circumstances - enough angst to make it seem real and yet not over the top. Her writing style is excellent and well paced to keep you turning the pages and wanting the next part RIGHT NOW!
Definitely recommended for all fans of the M/M genre.
This book doesn't pull any punches as it takes you along for the ride. Both Josh and Micah have things to learn to make their own lives better. Along the way, their grandmothers are there to help, just as they always have been. But what happens when life gets in the way and rushes by. Before you realise it, a year has gone past. Is it too late to reconnect? This is what Micah has to learn and decide as the book starts. He is a tool at the beginning and his attitude sucks. However, as the story progresses, you understand more and more about the whys and wherefores and it actually helps make him a more rounded character.
Felice Stevens has once again brought to life some amazing characters and circumstances - enough angst to make it seem real and yet not over the top. Her writing style is excellent and well paced to keep you turning the pages and wanting the next part RIGHT NOW!
Definitely recommended for all fans of the M/M genre.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Death Awakening (Society #7) in Books
Nov 8, 2021
185 of 250
Kindle
Death Awakening ( Society book 7)
By Mason Sabre
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
They call it Moon-Night. The night when the moon rises high in the sky, fully visible for all to see, is the time Humans venture outside in hopes of catching a glimpse of Others for their personal entertainment—shifters transformed, strange dark creatures, all answering the call of the moon. Yvette is a vampire who works in a bar owned by a panther shifter called Raven. It is one of the few bars in their community in which Others and Humans can mingle. Restless shifters, blood lusting vampires, supercilious Humans … the night is filled with them. But what happens when the doors close tonight? What long-buried evil awaits Yvette? A dark force will awaken—one that will change her life, and those of the people around her. Forever.
This was one of the best novellas yet! It was fast paced and interesting we finally have some decent vampire action! But wtf was that ending 🙈 I now need to hunt down the next book set!
Kindle
Death Awakening ( Society book 7)
By Mason Sabre
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
They call it Moon-Night. The night when the moon rises high in the sky, fully visible for all to see, is the time Humans venture outside in hopes of catching a glimpse of Others for their personal entertainment—shifters transformed, strange dark creatures, all answering the call of the moon. Yvette is a vampire who works in a bar owned by a panther shifter called Raven. It is one of the few bars in their community in which Others and Humans can mingle. Restless shifters, blood lusting vampires, supercilious Humans … the night is filled with them. But what happens when the doors close tonight? What long-buried evil awaits Yvette? A dark force will awaken—one that will change her life, and those of the people around her. Forever.
This was one of the best novellas yet! It was fast paced and interesting we finally have some decent vampire action! But wtf was that ending 🙈 I now need to hunt down the next book set!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 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.
The Witless Protection Program
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In the fifth Catering Hall Mystery by Agatha Award-winning author Maria DiRico, series sleuth Mia...
Melja Gregory (2 KP) rated The Name of the Wind in Books
Jan 5, 2018 (Updated Jan 5, 2018)
Never expect an end to a great series
Wonderful book but a warning, don't expect to finish the series. The author seems to literally postpone writing the last, or at least next, book in the series for anything, and I mean anything. Like playing video games, and he brags/laughs about it on his social media. So not sure I should recommend this book no matter how good the series is, because the author seems very unmotivated to finish the cliffhanger you are left with in the second book.
A great series that may start a bit slow, but picks up fairly quickly as we go throughout the main characters life. The first book leads into the second, and the second should lead to a third, but once again the problem is you are left in the second before what feels like the big climax that if the third ever happens should be an epic conclusion.
A great series that may start a bit slow, but picks up fairly quickly as we go throughout the main characters life. The first book leads into the second, and the second should lead to a third, but once again the problem is you are left in the second before what feels like the big climax that if the third ever happens should be an epic conclusion.