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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated A Midnight Puzzle in Books
May 18, 2024
Litigious Customer Murdered
Secret Staircase Construction is being sued by their latest customer. He maintains that his wife’s accidental fall down the stairs was the result of their shoddy construction. Tempest Raj doesn’t believe a word of it and thinks he may have tried to kill his wife and blame them. Before they can figure out what to do the man dies at the theater where Tempest is preparing for her farewell tour – a theater with a connection to the Raj family’s tragic past. While the police are initially looking elsewhere, Tempest knows it is just a matter of time before they look at her family. Can she figure out what really happened?
This book wraps up an arc that Tempest has been on, which means fans of the series will be satisfied. If you are new to the series, there is some background, but you might not fully understand some of what happens here. The pacing in this book is off, with things a little slow in the second act. Unfortunately, it means that the third act, while it does logically wrap things up, also feels very rushed. We needed a little more time to fully absorb the twists. Still, I love the premise of this series, and Tempest and her friends and family are always a joy to spend time around. As usual, there are a couple of recipes at the end. Fans will be looking forward to the next entry when they finish this one.
This book wraps up an arc that Tempest has been on, which means fans of the series will be satisfied. If you are new to the series, there is some background, but you might not fully understand some of what happens here. The pacing in this book is off, with things a little slow in the second act. Unfortunately, it means that the third act, while it does logically wrap things up, also feels very rushed. We needed a little more time to fully absorb the twists. Still, I love the premise of this series, and Tempest and her friends and family are always a joy to spend time around. As usual, there are a couple of recipes at the end. Fans will be looking forward to the next entry when they finish this one.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated The High Court in Books
Mar 14, 2019
We are welcome back to MO Prep and it students right before the start of a new term. Zeus and his siblings and friend Metis are all visiting Crete. They are there to visit and get introduced to his adoptive family. I loved this book and story behind it.
Things get tense when they run into his former professors. There seem to be heated conversation with Zeus and Metis. We also find out who Metis parents are? Chris Ledbetter doe a wonderful job with his characters.
We seem to see the confrontation once again with Zeus and Titans students or at least some of them. What will happen at Othrys Hall? They seem to start their new term and find new member to join MO Prep. Once they do, they go about their day. Once in the afternoon they seem to get attacked by something of a Giants Creatures on their war game practice. What are they? Who sent them?
If you want to know how it starts, I would suggest reading “The Sky Throne” by Chris Ledbetter. This one continues it. If you want to know how Zeus ends up with his struggles with toxin that Zenus has and is deal with during this book. Read the first book which I mentioned above.
I also really think there something going on with how the professors of the lower and upper academy are treating the MO Prep students. I can not wait for the next installment of this story. I am left wondering what Kronos means and why he got sentence he got? There are surprises and secrets spilled. What happens to Hyperion? There are two trials that goes on.
Things get tense when they run into his former professors. There seem to be heated conversation with Zeus and Metis. We also find out who Metis parents are? Chris Ledbetter doe a wonderful job with his characters.
We seem to see the confrontation once again with Zeus and Titans students or at least some of them. What will happen at Othrys Hall? They seem to start their new term and find new member to join MO Prep. Once they do, they go about their day. Once in the afternoon they seem to get attacked by something of a Giants Creatures on their war game practice. What are they? Who sent them?
If you want to know how it starts, I would suggest reading “The Sky Throne” by Chris Ledbetter. This one continues it. If you want to know how Zeus ends up with his struggles with toxin that Zenus has and is deal with during this book. Read the first book which I mentioned above.
I also really think there something going on with how the professors of the lower and upper academy are treating the MO Prep students. I can not wait for the next installment of this story. I am left wondering what Kronos means and why he got sentence he got? There are surprises and secrets spilled. What happens to Hyperion? There are two trials that goes on.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Evil Genius in TV
Aug 14, 2018
I found the beginning of Evil Genius to be truly, jaw-droppingly astonishing. Being in the UK, I don't remember ever actually hearing about this taking place. Having never heard or read anything about the case - or read any "blurb" about the series - I was genuinely shocked when witnessing the footage of what happens to Brian Wells. I honestly expected that things would "fizzle out", he would walk away with the police and the investigation would begin from there. Unsurprisingly, I spent the next few minutes with my eyes wide open, my mouth agape at what I had just witnessed.
Sadly, the documentary seems to go downhill from there.
The narrator/interviewer isn't particularly engaging in his commentary.
The story is somewhat disjointed, going from story to story, from suspect to suspect, without any real sense of flowing or logic. As such, at times it can feel a bit like you lose track of where you are and what has gone on, particularly when a thread is dropped only to be picked up later on, with additional information introduced but no logic to the way it has been brought in.
As something that seems to be a truly one-off type of crime, this should be such compelling viewing. Instead, after the initial shock-factor, it really does seem to fizzle out very quickly, and the only thing that compels you to keep watching is to find out what happened - and even that is something of a let down, as not all information seems to be followed up or confirmed.
Overall, it is an extremely interesting story which, unfortunately, has been let down by the way in which it has been put together.
Sadly, the documentary seems to go downhill from there.
The narrator/interviewer isn't particularly engaging in his commentary.
The story is somewhat disjointed, going from story to story, from suspect to suspect, without any real sense of flowing or logic. As such, at times it can feel a bit like you lose track of where you are and what has gone on, particularly when a thread is dropped only to be picked up later on, with additional information introduced but no logic to the way it has been brought in.
As something that seems to be a truly one-off type of crime, this should be such compelling viewing. Instead, after the initial shock-factor, it really does seem to fizzle out very quickly, and the only thing that compels you to keep watching is to find out what happened - and even that is something of a let down, as not all information seems to be followed up or confirmed.
Overall, it is an extremely interesting story which, unfortunately, has been let down by the way in which it has been put together.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated A Poison Tree in Books
Nov 8, 2019
David Braddock has a happy home life and a successful business he enjoys running. When he runs into occasional acquaintance Jim Fosse in a bar, things begin to change. Jim makes him a surprising offer: kill my wife and I'll kill yours. David has no reason to kill his wife and is appalled at the offer. But then his life begins to slowly fall apart both at home and at work. Perhaps Jim Fosse's suggestion wasn't as outlandish as it first appeared?
As his life spirals out of any of his control, David struggles to come to terms with the reality of his situation. But what is real and what is just a figment of his imagination, grown from a malicious poisonous seed?
This is a fantastic read, if at times pretty bleak. It shows how what appears on the surface to be a stable lifestyle is only held up by the slimmest of supports and these can easily be removed. Throughout all of the main plot following David's fall, some of it from external factors, some of it very much of his own making, there are several twists which take the story in a new directions, some of which are like emotional hammer blows, others are reveals that are obvious in hindsight.
Despite the dark tone of the story Dolan's light touch keeps things moving along preventing the flow from getting anywhere near being described as 'harrowing'. Characters and dialogue are very well handled and there is a natural pace that draws the reader on, even if they are unsure if they want to find out what happens next.
An interesting read and a recommended one for anyone who appreciates realistic characters and plotting.
As his life spirals out of any of his control, David struggles to come to terms with the reality of his situation. But what is real and what is just a figment of his imagination, grown from a malicious poisonous seed?
This is a fantastic read, if at times pretty bleak. It shows how what appears on the surface to be a stable lifestyle is only held up by the slimmest of supports and these can easily be removed. Throughout all of the main plot following David's fall, some of it from external factors, some of it very much of his own making, there are several twists which take the story in a new directions, some of which are like emotional hammer blows, others are reveals that are obvious in hindsight.
Despite the dark tone of the story Dolan's light touch keeps things moving along preventing the flow from getting anywhere near being described as 'harrowing'. Characters and dialogue are very well handled and there is a natural pace that draws the reader on, even if they are unsure if they want to find out what happens next.
An interesting read and a recommended one for anyone who appreciates realistic characters and plotting.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Delirium in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I have to admit that I'd heard so many good things about this book that I was thrilled to finally get started on it. I have to say though, that I was not hooked right from page one like I thought I'd be. It took me several chapters to really get into the story & the characters. BUT once I did, I was hooked! I can't wait to see what happens to Lena & Alex!!!!!
Delirium tells the story of love being a sickness, a disease, something that the US government has found a cure for. Society cures people at the age of 18 after they've gone through an interview process & then been matched with their mate & told what they will do & how many children they can have.
Lena's mother was infected & the cure was adminstered to her with no effect. Lena lives terrfied that she will be like her mother & therefore counts down the days until she can be cured. And then,quite by accident, she meets Alex. And as they say the rest is history!
There isn't much more I can say without giving too much away. The story sucks you in & sweeps you away. I was laughing & crying & hoping against hope that Lena would somehow avoid the cure. Did she? I don't know & that's the part that SUCKS! Gotta wait til the next book is released. ARGH!!!
Delirium tells the story of love being a sickness, a disease, something that the US government has found a cure for. Society cures people at the age of 18 after they've gone through an interview process & then been matched with their mate & told what they will do & how many children they can have.
Lena's mother was infected & the cure was adminstered to her with no effect. Lena lives terrfied that she will be like her mother & therefore counts down the days until she can be cured. And then,quite by accident, she meets Alex. And as they say the rest is history!
There isn't much more I can say without giving too much away. The story sucks you in & sweeps you away. I was laughing & crying & hoping against hope that Lena would somehow avoid the cure. Did she? I don't know & that's the part that SUCKS! Gotta wait til the next book is released. ARGH!!!
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Princess Bride in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I had never read the Princess Bride before, but I was quite familiar with the movie. The director did such a wonderful job translating this book into a movie, that every scene was familiar. I listened to it via audiobook and it was the version narrated by the director himself. It was interesting because he inserted a number of asides during his narration that illustrated the effect the story had on him as a young boy and the changes that his father made in the retelling.
This could be considered a spoiler, so ignore the next paragraph if you want to avoid any possible spoilers.
My biggest qualm about the story is that it does not have an ending. As interesting as it is to decide for yourself what happens, it's never quite as satisfying as reading the entire story from start to finish and knowing what the conclusion is. It feels abrupt and that is the only thing that isn't perfect about it.
The characters, action and adventure, and story hit all of the right notes. It has become a classic for a reason and I'm so glad that I finally got a chance to read it. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as it was an enjoyable way to experience the book.
This could be considered a spoiler, so ignore the next paragraph if you want to avoid any possible spoilers.
My biggest qualm about the story is that it does not have an ending. As interesting as it is to decide for yourself what happens, it's never quite as satisfying as reading the entire story from start to finish and knowing what the conclusion is. It feels abrupt and that is the only thing that isn't perfect about it.
The characters, action and adventure, and story hit all of the right notes. It has become a classic for a reason and I'm so glad that I finally got a chance to read it. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as it was an enjoyable way to experience the book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated A Dark and Twisting Path in Books
Aug 15, 2018
Lena’s Path Continues to be Enjoyably Twisty
Lena London and Camilla Graham have just returned from their first joint book tour when Lena gets a call from her friend Allison. Allison has found a dead body on the edge of her property. Lena goes over to be with Allison only to recognize the letter opener sticking out of the victim as one she gave her boyfriend Sam. Who is trying to frame him for murder now?
After the second book in the series, I was anxious to see what would happen to these characters next and how the cliffhanger would be resolved. I’m thrilled to say I was very satisfied with how things developed here, and I am confident that fans of the series will be as well. If you aren’t familiar with the series, it borrows heavily from Gothic stories, so this isn’t a typical cozy plot, but that doesn’t make for a bad story in the slightest. The pages turned all too quickly. I was annoyed by some timeline issues early on, but those were minor overall. Lena is a strong heroine, and the rest of the cast are charming and eccentric. If you haven’t started this series yet, I recommend it; I just don’t recommend you start here. You really need the previous two books to fully appreciate what happens here.
After the second book in the series, I was anxious to see what would happen to these characters next and how the cliffhanger would be resolved. I’m thrilled to say I was very satisfied with how things developed here, and I am confident that fans of the series will be as well. If you aren’t familiar with the series, it borrows heavily from Gothic stories, so this isn’t a typical cozy plot, but that doesn’t make for a bad story in the slightest. The pages turned all too quickly. I was annoyed by some timeline issues early on, but those were minor overall. Lena is a strong heroine, and the rest of the cast are charming and eccentric. If you haven’t started this series yet, I recommend it; I just don’t recommend you start here. You really need the previous two books to fully appreciate what happens here.
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Catan in Tabletop Games
Oct 5, 2018
It's a good game to trading and playing the odds
Picking a settlement means picking specific numbers to get specific resources. when rolling two dice the most likely roll is a 7 statistically. with 6's and 8's being the next most and so on both up and down. Starting the game fast is vital so your placements are vital. then you collect resources and build from there. Negotiation with your neighbors to trade what you have to get what you need is a great part of the game.... unless you play with the people who just don't trade.... which happens. Also if the rolls are going to everyone else's numbers and not yours, there is literally nothing you can do about it. This game can be both amazing and frustrating at the same time, and with the right people this is a great time. It has some flaws but over all it's a great gateway game into modern board games, and everyone should play it once in their lifetimes even if you out grow it shortly after.... If all you play is monopoly and scrabble, this is a game that will blow your mind.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated Some Like it Haute in Books
Nov 11, 2020
Haute Time in a Small Town
Samantha Kidd has landed yet another temporary job in her home town of Ribbon, Pennsylvania. This time, she’s helping her ex-boyfriend’s maybe ex-girlfriend prepare a fashion show. Amanda is going to turn heads with this collection – assuming nothing goes wrong before then. Samantha thinks everything is going well, so she is surprised when she is fired the night before the big event. Then she is attacked on her way out to her car as she leaves. But when disaster strikes the show, Samantha begins to suspect that something larger is at work. Can she figure out what is going on?
The plot of this book started from page one and never let up. Samantha is facing quite a few challenges over the course of the story, and they always kept me engaged. While I don’t know much about fashion, it was used as a backdrop to the mystery, and I never felt left out. Having said that, Samantha’s fashion knowledge does provide her with a couple of clues that help her solve the mystery. Samantha is the strongest character in the book. The rest are interesting and hold our attention, but Samantha is the one who really shines. She’s also the one who gets the most growth, and I enjoyed watching that happen. I’m now anxious to see what happens to Samantha next.
The plot of this book started from page one and never let up. Samantha is facing quite a few challenges over the course of the story, and they always kept me engaged. While I don’t know much about fashion, it was used as a backdrop to the mystery, and I never felt left out. Having said that, Samantha’s fashion knowledge does provide her with a couple of clues that help her solve the mystery. Samantha is the strongest character in the book. The rest are interesting and hold our attention, but Samantha is the one who really shines. She’s also the one who gets the most growth, and I enjoyed watching that happen. I’m now anxious to see what happens to Samantha next.
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Hers, Times Two (Hers #4) in Books
Jul 2, 2021
Strong female lead...check.
Two, hot, sexy male aliens....check.
Recipe for hot alien sex and action.....Oh hell yeah!!
Hers, times two is book four in what looks to be a cracking series! I've read it as a standalone as I've not read the first three books.... considering I'm wanting to know what happens next I'll be heading off to get the others pretty sharpish.
Liz is cool, confident and feisty, but, like the rest of us, she's fighting her own demons. Demons which put her and her crew in the path of danger. Not her fault but she really takes it to heart.
I really like her, she's a dedicated friend and is an awesome pilot. She does annoy me a little as she tries to take too much responsibility for things she had no control over and beats herself up for it.....
Jackal and Zaster......the hot, sexy aliens.....and typical idiots that take forever to pluck up the courage to approach the woman of their dreams. I'll let them off though as they more than make up for it and the more we get to know and understand them it's easy to see why they're who they are.
I was entertained from start to finish and I even cried a few times, I'm such a softie haha
Two, hot, sexy male aliens....check.
Recipe for hot alien sex and action.....Oh hell yeah!!
Hers, times two is book four in what looks to be a cracking series! I've read it as a standalone as I've not read the first three books.... considering I'm wanting to know what happens next I'll be heading off to get the others pretty sharpish.
Liz is cool, confident and feisty, but, like the rest of us, she's fighting her own demons. Demons which put her and her crew in the path of danger. Not her fault but she really takes it to heart.
I really like her, she's a dedicated friend and is an awesome pilot. She does annoy me a little as she tries to take too much responsibility for things she had no control over and beats herself up for it.....
Jackal and Zaster......the hot, sexy aliens.....and typical idiots that take forever to pluck up the courage to approach the woman of their dreams. I'll let them off though as they more than make up for it and the more we get to know and understand them it's easy to see why they're who they are.
I was entertained from start to finish and I even cried a few times, I'm such a softie haha