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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Murder in Chelsea in Books

Mar 3, 2021 (Updated Mar 3, 2021)  
Murder in Chelsea
Murder in Chelsea
Victoria Thompson | 2013 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Mystery of Catherine
Sarah Brandt is devastated to learn someone is trying to locate Catherine, the little girl she’s taken in. When Sarah goes to meet this woman, her story seems genuine, but it could mean that Catherine is in danger, so Sarah asks Frank Malloy to help her figure out what is truly going on. However, Frank goes to meet the woman who is asking after Catherine only to find her dead. Is Catherine in danger, too?

The mystery of Catherine’s past has been brewing for several books now, and I was thrilled to see it finally fully explored. While you could jump in here, you’ll enjoy it more if you are already familiar with the characters. That includes some humor coming from how the regular characters interact with each other – I am loving how these relationships are developing. The plot is compelling and drew me in. These books always transport me to the world of New York City in the 1890’s, and I love visiting. I did have to question the series’ timeline as I read this book since it suddenly seemed to be compressed, but maybe that’s just me. I’m also very happy with some of the events that happened in the main character’s lives in this book. The series gets better with each book, and I can’t wait to get to the next entry in the series.
  
Gilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
Gilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
1969 | Rock
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"It's such a beautiful record. What can I say? Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman from The Byrds did these soul songs like 'Do Right Woman', which was originally recorded by Aretha Franklin and they played it like a country rock song. Also, they took like 'Dark End Of The Street', which was written by Dan Penn, originally for the soul singer James Carr on Goldwax, a Memphis label, which they also recorded in the style of a country rock song. Country rock is often a dirty term, but to turn that into something else, that transformation was incredible. Gram's gentle, soulful voice completely slays me every time! I'm in love with Gram Parsons. I feel like I know him. When I hear him sing, his voice fills me up and makes me feel loved. Admitting that you're broken and sad that a woman left you, feeling vulnerable was rare in music, apart from maybe soul and blues. But rock music was so macho. Gram turned up and wrote these beautiful original songs. It's okay to admit you're weak, it's okay to admit you have a broken heart. A huge influence on me and Primal Scream. Also, when I got married to my wife Katy England, I had Alexander McQueen design for myself and my wife a suit with satin lapels and hemmed embroidery in the trousers and jacket with roses, in tribute to Gram Parsons."

Source
  
Assassin's Apprentice
Assassin's Apprentice
Robin Hobb | 1995 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.9 (11 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book is about 20 years in the reading. I first started reading Assassin's Apprentice in 2001 when on holiday with my parents. But for whatever reason I only got a few chapters in. Since then this book, asking with its various sequels has become one of the corner stones of Fantasy. It's just one of those books that any self respecting Fantasy fan has to have read or at least had on their TBR for forever and a day. Obviously it's been on my TBR (to at least try again) for 20 years, and I've finally got around to it!

Am I disappointed? Did the wait diminish my enjoyment? Does it live up to the hype? To the first two of these questions, the answer is an easy, Heck No! To the last one, the answer is a assured Heck Yes!

This book feels like it spans the gap between traditional fantasy and some of the modern fantasy we see published today, while at in your faux-medieval civilization, it brings different things to the table then what you might expect. It doesn't say away from putting your protagonist through hell, and I think its only a shame that the tension is slightly lessened because you know he might survive, as there are at least two future books featuring the character. Whether he keeps all his senses by book three however is highly debatable!
  
The Murder List
The Murder List
Hank Phillippi Ryan | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Rachel North is a non-traditional law student at 36, but she plans to join her husband, Jack Kirkland, in his practice as of one Boston’s premier defense lawyers once she graduates. But first she has to survive a summer internship with ADA Martha Gardiner. To say that Jack and Martha hate each other is putting it mildly, but Rachel thinks it will a good opportunity for opposition research. When Martha takes a personal interest in Rachel, Rachel is flattered. But can she navigate the two lawyers now in her life? Or is she being played?

This book not only switches between the present and when Rachel first met Jack and Martha six years ago, but it also incorporates all three character’s viewpoints. Don’t worry, it all flows smoothly, and you can always tell who and when you are currently learning about. I will admit I had a bit of a different idea what a book called The Murder List might be about, but I quickly got hooked on the story being told here. This is a suspense novel, with plenty of twists and surprises along the way. My biggest struggle was the characters. This really is Rachel, Jack, and Martha’s story, and all three are deeply flawed. I found it hard to root for them at various points in the story; I usually like to have at least one character I can root for. Overall, I did enjoy this book and I’m glad I read it.
  
Collateral Damage
Collateral Damage
Jessica Wayne | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
79 of 200
Kindle
Collateral Damage (Tethered book 2)
By Jessica Wayne

 
Paislee Adams possessed what one man craved: power. After being held captive for fifteen years, she manages to escape and spends the next year of her life pursuing the one who destroyed her. A gunshot heard one night in an alley changes everything, when she comes face to face with Timothy McGinley, a man harboring his own secrets. Ever since a spell left him frozen in time nearly two centuries ago, Timothy has harbored a hatred for all things magic. But when a witch saves his life, he is forced to confront his own mortality for the first time in two hundred years.A man trapped in time.A powerful witch on the run.A dangerous enemy on the hunt.As these two unlikely allies join forces, they have to put aside old grudges in order to stop a man harboring a deadly obsession with them both.



So I was in between 3 and 4 stars for this as I really did enjoy it ! There was a bit more bye to this book than Tethered. Both Timothy and paislee had a bit more character but it was also nice to go back to Aengus and Abby too. A few small inconsistencies but nothing to ruing the book and a lovely nod to Meg Anne who I absolutely love! Another magical romance and if you like romance you will enjoy this!!
  
Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide
Mrs. Claus and the Halloween Homicide
Liz Ireland | 2021 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Introducing Halloween Has Consequences
April Claus is beginning her second year as the North Pole’s new Mrs. Claus, and she’s decided it would be fun to introduce Halloween to the residents of Santaland. Unfortunately, not everyone is on board, as evidenced by the threatening messages someone is leaving and the attack on the pumpkins one of the elves is growing. However, when things escalate to murder, April takes matters into her own hands to try to figure out what is going on. Can she keep the holiday from being ruined for everyone?

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was anxious to return to the world that author Liz Ireland is creating. This book was fabulous as well. The murder takes place a little later in the story, but there is plenty going on to keep us entertained, and it only gets stronger as it goes along. The climax is wonderful. I did think there was a timeline issue at one point, but I think the fault is just a scene that is written unclearly. The little details of the world are guaranteed to make you smile; I just love them! While not all the characters are human, they are all completely real and we come to care for them quickly, which is key to getting us to believe in this world. If you are looking for a cozy mystery with a dash of fantasy, you’ll love this book.