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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2185 KP) rated A Sticky Situation (Sugar Grove Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
It’s sugaring season, which means Dani Greene is super busy with the sap running, the annual Maple Festival, and the annual visit from her difficult great-aunt. The last things she needs is the body in the town hall basement. The remains are identified as a drifter who came through town 30 years ago and stole cash before he left. Now, Dani is asked to figure out who really took the money. Can she do that without getting in a killer’s crosshairs?
This series has some great characters, and it was a treat to get to visit them again. The new characters are just as strong. The main mystery and some sub-plots weave in and out of each other, and the result is a book I didn’t want to put down.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-sticky-situation-by-jessie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This series has some great characters, and it was a treat to get to visit them again. The new characters are just as strong. The main mystery and some sub-plots weave in and out of each other, and the result is a book I didn’t want to put down.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-sticky-situation-by-jessie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2185 KP) rated Suspendered Sentence (An Amish Mystery, #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When the Stolrzfus barn catches fire, the Amish community comes together for a barn raising. But in the midst of the building, bones are discovered, and they are quickly identified as those of Sadie Lehman, who disappeared 20 years before. With the mystery of her disappearance now on everyone’s mind, Claire begins to search for answers to help those she has come to love. But what really happened all those years ago?
The mystery was a tad slower than I thought it could be, but the book more than makes up for it with the characters. I’ve come to care for them, and the growth we see here is not only organic, but growth that made me very happy. These characters pulled me into the book once again, and I can hardly wait to visit them when the next in the series comes out.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-review-suspendered-sentence-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The mystery was a tad slower than I thought it could be, but the book more than makes up for it with the characters. I’ve come to care for them, and the growth we see here is not only organic, but growth that made me very happy. These characters pulled me into the book once again, and I can hardly wait to visit them when the next in the series comes out.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/11/book-review-suspendered-sentence-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2185 KP) rated A Puzzle to be Named Later (Puzzle Lady #18) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Yankee’s pitcher Matt Greystone moves to town to rehab after a car accident, Cora Felton is thrilled. That is before a therapist’s house is broken into and Cora is asked to solve a puzzle that points to something in the therapist’s files. When a second puzzle shows up on the dead body, she knows she has to figure out what is going on.
Like some others in the series, the mystery is the weak link in this book. The action is quick even if it doesn’t always lead us anywhere. The climax is a bit convoluted as well. However, I read these books for the word play and comedy, and that’s here in spades. I laughed multiple times in the book and smiled throughout. Plus, it’s fun to spend time with the gang again, and I liked the new characters as well.
Read my full review at <a href="https://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-puzzle-to-be-named-later-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Like some others in the series, the mystery is the weak link in this book. The action is quick even if it doesn’t always lead us anywhere. The climax is a bit convoluted as well. However, I read these books for the word play and comedy, and that’s here in spades. I laughed multiple times in the book and smiled throughout. Plus, it’s fun to spend time with the gang again, and I liked the new characters as well.
Read my full review at <a href="https://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-puzzle-to-be-named-later-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Sem Rasto (Darby McCormick #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I have absolutely no idea how I came across this book. I'm glad I did, though. It was very well-written, and the character of Darby McCormick was fleshed out very thoroughly. I don't normally read many books of this genre, though I do watch shows like Criminal Minds.
The reveal as to the final villain felt somewhat off, - if I hadn't been reading an ebook, I probably would have flipped back to figure out what clues I had missed. That isn't quite as simple on an ereader, so I didn't, but I did spend time thinking it over. I read the book very quickly, when I wasn't feeling well, so it's entirely possible that I did miss something that I would have ordinarily caught.
I'll look for another book in the series to see if it is more intellectually satisfying for me, since I did like Darby and the overall writing style was enjoyable.
The reveal as to the final villain felt somewhat off, - if I hadn't been reading an ebook, I probably would have flipped back to figure out what clues I had missed. That isn't quite as simple on an ereader, so I didn't, but I did spend time thinking it over. I read the book very quickly, when I wasn't feeling well, so it's entirely possible that I did miss something that I would have ordinarily caught.
I'll look for another book in the series to see if it is more intellectually satisfying for me, since I did like Darby and the overall writing style was enjoyable.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The War of the Dwarves in Books
Feb 20, 2018
The follow-up to the first Dwarves book sees the dwarves again join forces with the humans and now join forces with their age old enemies the elves to battle against a new source of evil.
There is a lot packed into this book with a number of stand-offs against the evil thirdling dwarves, the evil elves and an invading force from the Outer Lands.
For me at times it felt like the story was being made up on the spot with the overarching plot changing a number of times to suit the author's mood. At one point the feared enemy in the West was just a hoax by the thirdlings then it was real etc etc. There were still some good action scenes but these were in the minority here as so much of the book was taken up with politics and intrigue.
Something of a comedown from the first in the series.
There is a lot packed into this book with a number of stand-offs against the evil thirdling dwarves, the evil elves and an invading force from the Outer Lands.
For me at times it felt like the story was being made up on the spot with the overarching plot changing a number of times to suit the author's mood. At one point the feared enemy in the West was just a hoax by the thirdlings then it was real etc etc. There were still some good action scenes but these were in the minority here as so much of the book was taken up with politics and intrigue.
Something of a comedown from the first in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2185 KP) rated Disney Lands (Kingdom Keepers: The Return #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The mission isn’t over. Despite what the Kingdom Keepers want to believe, Wayne left them a final message, and Finn insists on following it. What he quickly learns is that the Overtakers aren’t all gone. But the reason surprise, is where he lands as he starts following the clues. Can the rest of the Kingdom Keepers join him in their new mission?
While technically a new series, this is really a continuation of the Kingdom Keepers books and should be treated as such. And fans of the characters will be delighted with this book that sets up an interesting new mission. I had a clue where the book was going, but I still had a blast getting there. The characters continue to be fairly flat, but that’s been a complaint since day one for me.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-disney-lands-by-ridley.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While technically a new series, this is really a continuation of the Kingdom Keepers books and should be treated as such. And fans of the characters will be delighted with this book that sets up an interesting new mission. I had a clue where the book was going, but I still had a blast getting there. The characters continue to be fairly flat, but that’s been a complaint since day one for me.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-disney-lands-by-ridley.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2185 KP) rated The Syndrome (Kingdom Keepers, #7.5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Amanda can’t reach any of the Kingdom Keepers for a few days, she travels from California to Florida to try to find them – only when she arrives, she discovers it is worse than she feared. Meanwhile, Jess is having visions again that show Amanda might be in danger. What is going on?
How could this DisNerd not love this series, and the transition book to a new story is filled once again with twists, danger, and lots of fun. The scenes in the parks are exceptionally well done as always, plus I felt that we really got to know Amanda and Jess in this book. The first person narration does alternate between several people, and it works well, although at times I feel like it needlessly repeats scenes. My biggest complaint is sloppy editing, however.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-syndrome-by-ridley-pearson.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
How could this DisNerd not love this series, and the transition book to a new story is filled once again with twists, danger, and lots of fun. The scenes in the parks are exceptionally well done as always, plus I felt that we really got to know Amanda and Jess in this book. The first person narration does alternate between several people, and it works well, although at times I feel like it needlessly repeats scenes. My biggest complaint is sloppy editing, however.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-syndrome-by-ridley-pearson.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2185 KP) rated Voodoo River (Elvis Cole, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Actress Jodie Taylor wants to find out about her birth parents, so she hires Elvis Cole to go to Louisiana and track them down. She just wants medical history, so she is trying to keep the search quiet. Cole is trying to keep his inquiries a secret, but he’s hardly started when someone starts following him. What has he stumbled into?
Unfortunately, what he has stumbled into is a rather weak entry in the series. The plot rambles all over the place before finally introducing us to a crime that Cole seems to care about. By the time that happens, the book just has time for a rush to climax, and the climax is yet another weak dues ex machina. The characters are interesting and save the book, although I can’t help but roll my eyes at the way women fall all over Cole.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-voodoo-river-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Unfortunately, what he has stumbled into is a rather weak entry in the series. The plot rambles all over the place before finally introducing us to a crime that Cole seems to care about. By the time that happens, the book just has time for a rush to climax, and the climax is yet another weak dues ex machina. The characters are interesting and save the book, although I can’t help but roll my eyes at the way women fall all over Cole.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-voodoo-river-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2185 KP) rated Feta Attraction (Greek to Me Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Georgie’s husband goes missing, she doesn’t think much of it. Spiro has done that several times since he came out of the closet. However, when he doesn’t show up for an appointment, she begins to worry, and the strange notes she is receiving aren’t helping. However, finding the body floating in the St. Lawrence River really makes her start to investigate. What is going on?
There are lots of threads at the start of this book, but they soon begin to weave into one coherent story. Georgie helps hold things together, too; she is such a likable main character, you can’t help but root for her to get a happy ending. I really enjoyed this debut and think it looks like the start of a fun series.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-feta-attraction-by-susannah.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
There are lots of threads at the start of this book, but they soon begin to weave into one coherent story. Georgie helps hold things together, too; she is such a likable main character, you can’t help but root for her to get a happy ending. I really enjoyed this debut and think it looks like the start of a fun series.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-feta-attraction-by-susannah.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Heart of Iron in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Honestly thought I would DNF this book in the beginning - but about 1/4-1/2 way through it really picked up the pace - I loved Di and his story, I didn't care for Ana and the story between Jax and Robb was amazing - I think i'd be down for a story of Jax and his life before he got where he was. And I'd really love a story about Di - but I don't think I'll continue the series after this. I really have words for Erik - I had words for some of the others too but he really got in my head. I must have misread some part of the book because I thought something horrible had happened and I wanted to throw the book a little, but alas - I kind of want to know about the end - like, did she really have what she says she does - it doesn't make sense to me - hmmmm - questions