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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated At Death’s Dough in Books

Dec 18, 2025 (Updated Dec 18, 2025)  
At Death’s Dough
At Death’s Dough
Mindy Quigley | 2025 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Frozen Valentine’s Day
It’s the beginning of February, and Delilah O’Leary is finding the quiet season is quieter than she planned on. She’s hoping for a full restaurant on Valentine’s Day to help carry her through to tourist season again. On one of the restaurant’s days closed, Delilah and her great aunt go out ice fishing, and they make an unexpected discovery - a dead body under the ice. The victim was dressed for scuba diving, but who would dive in the lake in the middle of the winter?

The premise definitely caught my attention, although I found the pacing was uneven. Yes, I could tell the story was being set up, but it felt a bit random to me for a while. Once things really got going, I was hooked, with plenty of excitement, especially in the final quarter. And we did reach a logical conclusion. The characters continue to shine, and I especially appreciated seeing Delilah growing while building her relationship with her boyfriend. And we get another four recipes to enjoy at the end. If you enjoy culinary cozies, you’ll find yourself grabbing all the slices in this series.
  
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ClareR (6256 KP) rated Spider, Spider in Books

Feb 24, 2026  
Spider, Spider
Spider, Spider
L. C. Winter | 2026 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’ve been wanting to read this ever since I first saw it on Instagram and then read the synopsis. I thought I’d look on NetGalley, just on the off chance that I could request a digital copy, and I found the audiobook. I’m so glad that I did!! I love an atmospheric, gothic read/ listen!

Molly Hanson narrates this so well from the points of view of young Nancy Ratcliffe and a woman called Spider. Both have been abused at the hands of the same man. Anyone who calls himself “The Prophet” is a red flag in the first place!

Nancy’s experience is in the “current” Victorian day, and Spiders is in the past (I wasn’t sure how long ago, though). Both stories are told in alternating chapters for the most part - and their actions are completely understandable.

It’s a story of religious control, female rage and revenge. The story flowed really well, and I was drawn in, hoping that they would both got their revenge and get away with it!!
Many thanks to Bolinda Audio, L. C. Winter and NetGalley for my copy of this thrilling book.
  
Frozen Stiff Drink
Frozen Stiff Drink
James J. Cudney | 2020 | Mystery
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder During a Snowstorm
As this book opens, Wharton County is bracing for a late winter storm that is supposed to dump quite a bit of snow on them. Before the storm buried them for good, the local magistrate dies under suspicious circumstances. But with his beloved Nana D missing, that’s all Kellan is able to think about. Until his brother becomes caught up in the murder investigation. Can Kellan help his family?

I came into this book hoping it would improve on the previous book, but it didn’t. The writing still keeps us outside the story, including summarizing conversations. There are many glitches, timeline and otherwise, that should have been caught with a good edit. While there is a lot going on, I still felt the pacing lagged, although the end did wrap things up well. The supporting players could use a bit more personality, especially considering how many there are and the complex connections. Still, I do like Kellan, and that makes me want to know what happens after the cliffhanger. If you aren’t already a fan, don’t pick up this entry.