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Merissa (12330 KP) created a post
Apr 12, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door in Books
Nov 2, 2020 (Updated Nov 2, 2020)
Is Jane’s Neighbor Crazy?
Jane Darrowfield’s newest client is Megan Larsen, her next door neighbor. Megan is a single, mid-30s lawyer on track to become a partner in her firm. However, she begins to suspect that something might be wrong with her. She’s hearing voices and having blackouts among other symptoms. Either she’s going crazy, or someone is out to make her think she is. Jane quickly comes up with a diagnosis, but then something happens that makes Jane question everything she thought she knew. Is Megan in danger? Or is Jane really living next to a madwoman?
I enjoyed the first book in this creative cozy series, so I was anxious to visit with Jane again. I loved this second book just as much. The story is creative and easily fits outside the typical cozy storyline while still fitting perfectly in the cozy mystery genre. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen that would confuse me again. Yet the details all fit together perfectly at the end. Jane is a strong main character. I don’t feel like her friends are well defined, but they don’t get much page time, so that isn’t an issue. Megan is a very sympathetic character, which makes us care for her. The rest of the characters we meet along the way are great as well. This isn’t as funny as the first book in the series, but that’s not a complaint. The subject matter is more serious, and I thought this book perfectly handled that. If you are looking for a slightly different cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I enjoyed the first book in this creative cozy series, so I was anxious to visit with Jane again. I loved this second book just as much. The story is creative and easily fits outside the typical cozy storyline while still fitting perfectly in the cozy mystery genre. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen that would confuse me again. Yet the details all fit together perfectly at the end. Jane is a strong main character. I don’t feel like her friends are well defined, but they don’t get much page time, so that isn’t an issue. Megan is a very sympathetic character, which makes us care for her. The rest of the characters we meet along the way are great as well. This isn’t as funny as the first book in the series, but that’s not a complaint. The subject matter is more serious, and I thought this book perfectly handled that. If you are looking for a slightly different cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Booked for Trouble (Lighthouse Library Mystery #2) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This is the second book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series, but you can jump right in without feeling like you have missed anything. I loved the lighthouse / library setting it feels cozy and calm, at least until a murder takes place right outside. I also liked the cast of characters in this one. Lucy has believable problems, and the supporting cast are a likable bunch. The mystery itself was fast paced and not too obvious. I will definitely go back and read number one in the series.
With a home perched above a library full of books, a lighthouse, a murder, and a library cat this was a perfect cozy read!
***NOTE: I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
With a home perched above a library full of books, a lighthouse, a murder, and a library cat this was a perfect cozy read!
***NOTE: I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Crêpes of Wrath (A Pancake House Mystery Book 1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
With this installment, the Pancake House Mystery series is off to a great start. I loved the characters, the sea-side setting, and the suspense. Throw in some delicious sounding recipes and a little romance, and this was an all-around wonderful cozy mystery. There were enough suspects to keep me guessing right up to the end, and I couldnt put it down until I found out who did it. Cozy fans shouldnt miss this one.
A word of warning about this book if you are a fan of pancakes, waffles, and other such breakfasty goodies, then dont read it on an empty stomach! :)
<i>NOTE: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</i>
A word of warning about this book if you are a fan of pancakes, waffles, and other such breakfasty goodies, then dont read it on an empty stomach! :)
<i>NOTE: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</i>
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Absence of Alice in Books
Jan 2, 2021
Seeking Stella
Sarah Winston is happily preparing a garage sale for her latest client, Alice Krandle, when she gets a phone call claiming to be from someone who has kidnapped Sarah’s landlady and friend, Stella. With clear instructions not to contact the police, she sets out to find Stella while also following the kidnapper’s strange demands. Can she find her friend in time?
Yes, this book is part thriller, but it is still part cozy as well. The balance truly works. The twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Because of the plot, the book is a bit darker than a typical cozy, but it is just a shade or two darker. One reason this book still feels cozy is the locations and characters we love are front and center. How this plot impacts the characters and their relationships is realistic and does a great job of building on what we’ve seen in previous books. There are discussions of some of the Sarah’s other cases, and they are vague enough to avoid most spoilers, but I still recommend reading the books in order. If you aren’t already a fan, you’ll be hooked in no time. And those who already know and love Sarah will be thrilled with her latest adventure.
Yes, this book is part thriller, but it is still part cozy as well. The balance truly works. The twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Because of the plot, the book is a bit darker than a typical cozy, but it is just a shade or two darker. One reason this book still feels cozy is the locations and characters we love are front and center. How this plot impacts the characters and their relationships is realistic and does a great job of building on what we’ve seen in previous books. There are discussions of some of the Sarah’s other cases, and they are vague enough to avoid most spoilers, but I still recommend reading the books in order. If you aren’t already a fan, you’ll be hooked in no time. And those who already know and love Sarah will be thrilled with her latest adventure.
Murder on Cape Cod
10.0
Rate It
Book
A Cape Cod shop owner and her book club must find a crafty killer in this charming new series from...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Mad Mouse (John Ceepak Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Summer is winding down, and Danny is contemplating his future on the force. Meanwhile, a sniper is targeting he and his friends. The characters are great and the plot moves very quickly. Not my normal cozy, but a wonderful read.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-mad-mouse-by-chris.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-mad-mouse-by-chris.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The Quiet Book
Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska
Book
Quiet can be delicate. Quiet can be thundering! Quiet can be sweet, and cozy, and can most...
Devendra Banhart recommended Turtle Island in Books (curated)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Murder at the Taffy Shop in Books
Apr 2, 2020
Bad Neighbors Become Murder Victims
When Mac Almeida is visiting her parents, who live just down the street in her town of Westham on Cape Cod, she encounters Beverly Ruchart, their neighbor. Beverly is always complaining about something, be it the local soup kitchen or Mac’s parents’ puppy. Two mornings later, Mac finds her friend Gin crouched over Beverly’s dead body. When the police begin to suspect that Gin had something to do with the death, the Mac and the rest of the Cozy Capers, a book group that reads nothing but cozy mysteries, jump into action to clear one of their own. But can Mac piece together the clues everyone is finding?
I enjoyed the first in the series, so I was anxious to get back to visit Mac and her friends again. We do get a lot of characters, but the important characters stand out, and the rest are subtly reintroduced when they appear on the page again, so it is easy to track them. I have to give a special shout out to Mac pet, an African Gray parrot who gave me a couple good laughs. I did have a harder time tracking all the suspects early on, and especially their connections to each other. I suspect that might have been me being distracted by real life, and as I read, I was able to sort everything out. The plot gives us plenty of twists to keep us engaged. The ending was a little abrupt but logical. I enjoy the nods to other cozy series we get here, and as a bonus, we get five recipes at the end of this book for a variety of treats. Cozy lovers will enjoy solving a case along with a cast of characters who love cozies as much as they do.
I enjoyed the first in the series, so I was anxious to get back to visit Mac and her friends again. We do get a lot of characters, but the important characters stand out, and the rest are subtly reintroduced when they appear on the page again, so it is easy to track them. I have to give a special shout out to Mac pet, an African Gray parrot who gave me a couple good laughs. I did have a harder time tracking all the suspects early on, and especially their connections to each other. I suspect that might have been me being distracted by real life, and as I read, I was able to sort everything out. The plot gives us plenty of twists to keep us engaged. The ending was a little abrupt but logical. I enjoy the nods to other cozy series we get here, and as a bonus, we get five recipes at the end of this book for a variety of treats. Cozy lovers will enjoy solving a case along with a cast of characters who love cozies as much as they do.