Search
Search results
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2186 KP) rated Christmas Caramel Murder (Hannah Swensen, #20) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It’s Christmas time again in Lake Eden, but trouble is brewing for Lisa, Hannah’s partner at The Cookie Jar. Her husband, Herb, is working late every night, and his new assistant is Phyllis, his high school girlfriend. Then Phyllis is cast as Mrs. Claus opposite Herb in the community play. Naturally, when Phyllis shows up murdered, Lisa and Herb are both suspects, and Hannah must work hard to clear their names.
Those familiar with the series will enjoy a chance to check in with the gang in this Christmas novella. The book is short, just 200 pages, including a dozen recipes, and the result is that some characters are reduced to cameos or even just mentions. The story touches all the usual bases, but it is fun and works its way to a logical climax. A few scenes take their cue from A Christmas Carol, but being a fan of that book I enjoyed them although they are certainly different for the series. Most interesting to me, this was a flashback, ignoring the events of the last couple of books, and a major character from those books only appears in the wrap around prologue and epilogue.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-christmas-caramel-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Those familiar with the series will enjoy a chance to check in with the gang in this Christmas novella. The book is short, just 200 pages, including a dozen recipes, and the result is that some characters are reduced to cameos or even just mentions. The story touches all the usual bases, but it is fun and works its way to a logical climax. A few scenes take their cue from A Christmas Carol, but being a fan of that book I enjoyed them although they are certainly different for the series. Most interesting to me, this was a flashback, ignoring the events of the last couple of books, and a major character from those books only appears in the wrap around prologue and epilogue.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-christmas-caramel-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Descent of Blood (The Red Veil Series Book 1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I'm usually not a big fan of historical romance, but I wouldn't say that's all this is, there's so much more there. What drew me in was the vampire angle, because I'm a softie when it comes to anything with vampires. The idea behind the different vampire clans, the floated theory about how the vampire lineage, etc., all of it drew me in from start to finish.
This story is just the prequel for The Red Veil series, and it's an amazing start. I could actually get lost in the story, the time period, the characters' relationships, etc. while reading, and that's something I think every author strives for. What really did it for me was the use of period language, phrases, manners of speaking, and so on. I've read a couple other historical works, and while the story may have been set in a certain time, the writing just didn't pull it off. However, this was not the case with Descent of Blood, and I will definitely be on the lookout for Book One in the series, as I just have to know how the rest of the story goes!
5 stars =)
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I'm usually not a big fan of historical romance, but I wouldn't say that's all this is, there's so much more there. What drew me in was the vampire angle, because I'm a softie when it comes to anything with vampires. The idea behind the different vampire clans, the floated theory about how the vampire lineage, etc., all of it drew me in from start to finish.
This story is just the prequel for The Red Veil series, and it's an amazing start. I could actually get lost in the story, the time period, the characters' relationships, etc. while reading, and that's something I think every author strives for. What really did it for me was the use of period language, phrases, manners of speaking, and so on. I've read a couple other historical works, and while the story may have been set in a certain time, the writing just didn't pull it off. However, this was not the case with Descent of Blood, and I will definitely be on the lookout for Book One in the series, as I just have to know how the rest of the story goes!
5 stars =)
tonidavis (353 KP) rated The Recruit: Book 1 in Books
Jul 8, 2018
James adams (2 more)
Mr Large
Premise
If kid spy where real it would happen this way.
There are a lot of young spy kids books on the market. The Cherub series however is by far my favourite. The reason behind this is simple. The children in the book are allowed to be children yes there training got be says but there not good at everything they do. Unlike Alex rider if they get in touch spot they get caught in thought spots.
James Adams is the protagonist for this series in the first book he goes to an orphanage where he's potential for a spy is noticed. He is an ordinary kid which happens to have a gift for numbers he get in trouble one of the first assisgment he goes on though stricley speaking he not supposed to is to break I to a home make it look like kids whilst somone steal data from a computer. There nothing in this book that would make you think we'll that s reddiculus they have get out of that there no I must tell you my every plan because your you to die. There is just wow okay this could happen and I want to be part of cherub. Of course not everything is easy James is challenged by the camp instructed Mr large who takes pleasure in children pain.
James Adams is the protagonist for this series in the first book he goes to an orphanage where he's potential for a spy is noticed. He is an ordinary kid which happens to have a gift for numbers he get in trouble one of the first assisgment he goes on though stricley speaking he not supposed to is to break I to a home make it look like kids whilst somone steal data from a computer. There nothing in this book that would make you think we'll that s reddiculus they have get out of that there no I must tell you my every plan because your you to die. There is just wow okay this could happen and I want to be part of cherub. Of course not everything is easy James is challenged by the camp instructed Mr large who takes pleasure in children pain.
Becs (244 KP) rated Death Logs Out in Books
Aug 9, 2018
Great Thriller
I received a physical copy from Smith Publicity to review honestly and would like to thank them, along with the author for taking the time to send this out to me.
Firstly, the short chapters were what took half a star away. They work in this novel but the first couple was just a bit hard to get into and were kind of a bore. But, since I can't DNF a book, I kept trekking along regardless. I was met with an action-packed, page-turning thriller that kept me on my toes.
Religion, Nazi's, afterlife, artificial intelligence, and tons of action is littered throughout the novel. And boy, does it make it one heck of a book! This is the third installment of the Michael Nicholas series, but don't let that close the door for you on this novel. Be it a stand-alone or part of a series, this book is great either way.
The way that E. J. Simon writes, creates a sense of realism around Death Logs Out. And with the high -ranking Vatican villains, it makes you question and reevaluate the real world. Novel's like this, are the main reason why I enjoy reading Thrillers.
Firstly, the short chapters were what took half a star away. They work in this novel but the first couple was just a bit hard to get into and were kind of a bore. But, since I can't DNF a book, I kept trekking along regardless. I was met with an action-packed, page-turning thriller that kept me on my toes.
Religion, Nazi's, afterlife, artificial intelligence, and tons of action is littered throughout the novel. And boy, does it make it one heck of a book! This is the third installment of the Michael Nicholas series, but don't let that close the door for you on this novel. Be it a stand-alone or part of a series, this book is great either way.
The way that E. J. Simon writes, creates a sense of realism around Death Logs Out. And with the high -ranking Vatican villains, it makes you question and reevaluate the real world. Novel's like this, are the main reason why I enjoy reading Thrillers.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Dragonstone (Mithgar, #1) in Books
Dec 3, 2018 (Updated Dec 8, 2018)
The book follows our heroines and heroes hoping to avert a possible disaster by finding the jade egg and defeating a wizard. Their only real map a puzzle of a prophecy that they have to figure out. It does use a lot of what I call "old or high" language where the meanings have changed from today's usage and there are a lot of thee and thine. As well as a peppering of what I think is Japanese and possibly French words. He also really likes the word whelm. The Dragonstone is philosophical inclined and many discussions about free will vs. predestination are inside.
Technically, I rate this book as 7 1/2 stars (I'm not sure how to do a half rating & enjoyed it enough to round up). I received over half of his books over ten years ago about the same time as the LOTR movies came out. Yes, they are very similar. You can tell he is a LOTR fan. Like a lot of his books, this story starts in the middle and builds through flashbacks. One of my favorite things about this books series is that you get multiple p.o.v. And you can read the series all hodgepodge with few as "true" sequels or trilogies- most of those are contained as one book now.
Technically, I rate this book as 7 1/2 stars (I'm not sure how to do a half rating & enjoyed it enough to round up). I received over half of his books over ten years ago about the same time as the LOTR movies came out. Yes, they are very similar. You can tell he is a LOTR fan. Like a lot of his books, this story starts in the middle and builds through flashbacks. One of my favorite things about this books series is that you get multiple p.o.v. And you can read the series all hodgepodge with few as "true" sequels or trilogies- most of those are contained as one book now.
Merissa (12019 KP) rated Sparks (Shock Me, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
This book continues where Shock Me finished and you are left not knowing who to trust or where to turn. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca feel that they can only trust each other and Donna also feels the extra responsibility of trying to keep them safe too. There are a few more new players which help keep this book fresh and moving forwards. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca find answers to questions they had but also uncover more secrets. Just how long has this been going on and how widespread is it? Throw into the story the usual self confidence angst and boy troubles that high school brings and you are swept away into Donna's story.
The intriguing part for me about this series isn't so much the story, as fantastic as it is, but the characters themselves. Each character is individual with their own thoughts, feelings and flaws. You are never sure when reading what you will get - a bad boy who decides to be good, a good guy who does something against his conscience, an unknown who acts in a way different to that you expected - it's all here and much more.
A brilliant continuation to the series which leaves you gasping for breath on a cliff hanger ending. Highly recommended.
This book continues where Shock Me finished and you are left not knowing who to trust or where to turn. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca feel that they can only trust each other and Donna also feels the extra responsibility of trying to keep them safe too. There are a few more new players which help keep this book fresh and moving forwards. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca find answers to questions they had but also uncover more secrets. Just how long has this been going on and how widespread is it? Throw into the story the usual self confidence angst and boy troubles that high school brings and you are swept away into Donna's story.
The intriguing part for me about this series isn't so much the story, as fantastic as it is, but the characters themselves. Each character is individual with their own thoughts, feelings and flaws. You are never sure when reading what you will get - a bad boy who decides to be good, a good guy who does something against his conscience, an unknown who acts in a way different to that you expected - it's all here and much more.
A brilliant continuation to the series which leaves you gasping for breath on a cliff hanger ending. Highly recommended.
Deborah (162 KP) rated Traitor (John Shakespeare, #4) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I think this is now the fourth title in Clements' series featuring John Shakespeare, (fictional) brother to the more well known playwright; I'm pretty sure I read the first book in the series, but although I think I quite enjoyed it at the time, I can't remember a thing about the plot. I suspect it will be something the same with this; it wasn't a bad read, but not sure how long the story will stay with me.
There are a number of similar style books in a similar period around at the moment, and they do all seem to have similar styles of cover! I admit that I prefer the Shardlake books (CJ Sansom) as they are a bit more thought and a bit less action, but that's all down to personal taste. This is more of a thriller than a detective story and as for the Traitor of the title - well, any number of people in the book commit acts of treachery, so I can't say I'm 100% convinced who exactly it is supposed to refer to!
I have to say that the character of Ivory was unconvincing; after nearly getting himself killed right at the the beginning of the book, he goes on to do more stupid things which show a distinct lack of self-preservation if nothing else! Entertaining, but not great.
There are a number of similar style books in a similar period around at the moment, and they do all seem to have similar styles of cover! I admit that I prefer the Shardlake books (CJ Sansom) as they are a bit more thought and a bit less action, but that's all down to personal taste. This is more of a thriller than a detective story and as for the Traitor of the title - well, any number of people in the book commit acts of treachery, so I can't say I'm 100% convinced who exactly it is supposed to refer to!
I have to say that the character of Ivory was unconvincing; after nearly getting himself killed right at the the beginning of the book, he goes on to do more stupid things which show a distinct lack of self-preservation if nothing else! Entertaining, but not great.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Cold Granite (Logan McRae #1) in Books
Dec 5, 2019
Well, what can I say? What a book this is ... there aren't enough superlatives to say how much I enjoyed it ... just brilliant and a must-read for any fans of crime novels. This is the first in the Logan McRae series but I have read subsequent stories before this one and can confirm that it made no difference to my enjoyment of this book.
Now, I must warn you that this book deals with the disturbing and upsetting subject of child murders with the additional sub-plot of the murder of a gangster and there are graphic descriptions of the crime scenes so if you are of a nervous disposition or easily offended, I would probably steer clear of this particular one.
The characters are strong, well developed, interesting and believable with authentic dialogue throughout and despite the dark subject matter, there are many moments of humour which made me chuckle on several occasions which helped to lighten things a little. The setting of Aberdeen in the winter is perfect and creates further atmosphere. The pace is non-stop with twists, turns and red-herrings throughout which certainly kept me on my toes and guessing until near the end.
Don't let this series pass you by ... highly recommended.
I have to thank HarperCollins UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Now, I must warn you that this book deals with the disturbing and upsetting subject of child murders with the additional sub-plot of the murder of a gangster and there are graphic descriptions of the crime scenes so if you are of a nervous disposition or easily offended, I would probably steer clear of this particular one.
The characters are strong, well developed, interesting and believable with authentic dialogue throughout and despite the dark subject matter, there are many moments of humour which made me chuckle on several occasions which helped to lighten things a little. The setting of Aberdeen in the winter is perfect and creates further atmosphere. The pace is non-stop with twists, turns and red-herrings throughout which certainly kept me on my toes and guessing until near the end.
Don't let this series pass you by ... highly recommended.
I have to thank HarperCollins UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Carbs & Cals Salads: 80 Healthy Salad Recipes & 350 Photos of Ingredients to Create Your Own!
Chris Cheyette and Yello Balolia
Book
The brains behind the #1 bestselling Carbs & Cals are back with the ideal salad book for the...
The Recruit: Book 1
10.0
Rate It
Book
The first title in the number one bestselling CHERUB series! James hits rock bottom before he's...