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Briannabrown1019 (799 KP) rated the Xbox One version of Donut County in Video Games
Aug 4, 2021
Fun, cozy, casual game
This was a very simple to learn, sometimes funny, sometimes weird, casual and cozy game. I'd compare it to Katamari, but instead of rolling up a big ball, you're sucking objects into a hole, which gets larger the more it collects. There is a bit of a puzzle aspect to it, and the story is really fun. These kinds of games are super satisfying to me! I played this recently using Xbox Gamepass so it may still be available on there. I just wish it were a bit longer, but otherwise I was impressed.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated Murder on Cape Cod in Books
Dec 19, 2018
Macenzie "Mac" Almeida has returned to Westham, Massachusetts, after several years away, and she is settling back into the town where she grew up. She's enjoying time with her family, her bike shop is thriving, and she enjoys her weekly meetings with the Cozy Capers, a book club that reads exclusively cozy mysteries. Returning from their meeting one night, Mac stumbles over the dead body of Jake Lacey. Jake didn't have the best reputation in town, and Mac had her own disagreement with the man over a repair he had been hired to do for her. Worse yet, she recognizes the knife as one her brother owns. With the rest of the Cozy Capers jumping in to try to help solve the crime, will they succeed?
Ever since this series has been announced, I've been looking forward to it, and the debut didn't disappoint. I always love vacation destination settings, and this one is fun; now I want to visit Cape Cod. Plus, what cozy mystery fan isn't going to want to read about a club that loves the same sub-genre we do? We are introduced to a large selection of series regulars here, and it took some work to keep them all straight, but I'm sure that will get easier as the series goes along and the various supporting characters get enough page time. The suspects don't have the same issue, and it is easy to remember their motives. There are several secrets and potential motives for murder, but by the time Mac figures things out, everything is clear to us and her. While this isn't a traditional culinary cozy, Mac's boyfriend owns a bakery in town, and we get several recipes at the end of the book.
Ever since this series has been announced, I've been looking forward to it, and the debut didn't disappoint. I always love vacation destination settings, and this one is fun; now I want to visit Cape Cod. Plus, what cozy mystery fan isn't going to want to read about a club that loves the same sub-genre we do? We are introduced to a large selection of series regulars here, and it took some work to keep them all straight, but I'm sure that will get easier as the series goes along and the various supporting characters get enough page time. The suspects don't have the same issue, and it is easy to remember their motives. There are several secrets and potential motives for murder, but by the time Mac figures things out, everything is clear to us and her. While this isn't a traditional culinary cozy, Mac's boyfriend owns a bakery in town, and we get several recipes at the end of the book.
Merissa (12919 KP) created a post
Dec 13, 2021
Merissa (12919 KP) created a post
Mar 21, 2023
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated A Dark and Stormy Murder (A Writer's Apprentice Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This cozy mystery is dedicated to Mary Stewart, and that should tell you something! A fan of gothic romantic suspense, the author has done a great job of incorporating the common elements of that genre into a cozy mystery.
I've always loved Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, and similar authors, so I was very excited to hear about this cozy. I was not disappointed. There's the young heroine, living in an unfamiliar house, the "is he good or is he bad" guy, and the "he must be good but there's something we don't like about him" guy, and lots of other suspicious characters for us to distrust. All of these elements, combined with a modern mystery and a likable amateur sleuth, created a story I didn't want to put down.
This one also wrapped up a little differently than most cozies - the reader is left with a pretty good idea of what the characters will be doing at the beginning of the next book. I can't wait for it!
I've always loved Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, and similar authors, so I was very excited to hear about this cozy. I was not disappointed. There's the young heroine, living in an unfamiliar house, the "is he good or is he bad" guy, and the "he must be good but there's something we don't like about him" guy, and lots of other suspicious characters for us to distrust. All of these elements, combined with a modern mystery and a likable amateur sleuth, created a story I didn't want to put down.
This one also wrapped up a little differently than most cozies - the reader is left with a pretty good idea of what the characters will be doing at the beginning of the next book. I can't wait for it!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated Knot What You Think in Books
Jan 12, 2022
Discovering a Dead Body is Complicated
Martha Rose is looking forward to a typical Tuesday quilting session with her friends until Jazz, the latest member of the group, shows up. As Jazz describes his morning, everyone begins to worry about the friend he was trying to see earlier in the morning. When they go to investigate, they find the body of Dolleen Doyle on her kitchen floor. Dolleen is the second wife of a man currently in jail for running a Ponzi scheme. With the police looking at Jazz as their prime suspect, Martha begins to investigate. Can she find the real killer?
Those familiar with the series will know what to expect here, and they won’t be disappointed. The plot is complex with several twists before Martha pieces the clues together. I do wish we hadn’t had the scenes with the psychic, but that’s a minor complaint. I enjoy the characters since they are different for a cozy series, and I appreciate how their lives are evolving as the series progresses. The suspects are just as sharp and interesting. While the Los Angeles setting is unusual for a cozy, as a native, I enjoy it, and the book still feels cozy. There’s a nice dose of humor as well, and I can’t wait to see how what happens next to Martha after the way this book ended. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, this is definitely one to check out.
Those familiar with the series will know what to expect here, and they won’t be disappointed. The plot is complex with several twists before Martha pieces the clues together. I do wish we hadn’t had the scenes with the psychic, but that’s a minor complaint. I enjoy the characters since they are different for a cozy series, and I appreciate how their lives are evolving as the series progresses. The suspects are just as sharp and interesting. While the Los Angeles setting is unusual for a cozy, as a native, I enjoy it, and the book still feels cozy. There’s a nice dose of humor as well, and I can’t wait to see how what happens next to Martha after the way this book ended. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, this is definitely one to check out.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Death at First Sight (Bay Island Psychic Mystery #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Book #1 in the Bay Island Psychic mystery series.
This paranormal cozy mystery was really mostly cozy, with just a touch of paranormal, but that was fine with me. I loved the protagonist, Cass. She and her friends were very well developed, and felt like a group of people Id like to get to know. The mystery itself was well written and full of surprises. It took me a few chapters to get really sucked in, but once I did, I couldnt put it down. This was a great way to start a series Ill be watching for book #2!
<i>NOTE: I voluntary read and reviewed an advanced copy.</i>
This paranormal cozy mystery was really mostly cozy, with just a touch of paranormal, but that was fine with me. I loved the protagonist, Cass. She and her friends were very well developed, and felt like a group of people Id like to get to know. The mystery itself was well written and full of surprises. It took me a few chapters to get really sucked in, but once I did, I couldnt put it down. This was a great way to start a series Ill be watching for book #2!
<i>NOTE: I voluntary read and reviewed an advanced copy.</i>
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated Feint of Art (An Art Lover's Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Annie Kincaid gets caught up in a web of murder and betrayal when she identifies a painting at a San Francisco museum as a forgery. Plenty of laughs to this cozy caper, and the characters were wonderful.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-feint-of-art-by-hailey-lind.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-feint-of-art-by-hailey-lind.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Jonathan Van Ness recommended Red, White & Royal Blue in Books (curated)
