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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated Murder at the Mushroom Festival in Books

Oct 8, 2022

Murder is Mushrooming

The community of Redwood Cove is getting ready for the annual mushroom festival. It includes a mushroom hunting contest that is bring out the worst in some of the residence. Kelly Jackson witnesses several fights, including between the people attending a mushroom class she is hosting at her bed and breakfast. However, she is still surprised when a dead body is found. As she and the Silver Sentinels, a group that works to solve problems in the community, start to investigate, they find motives beyond the mushroom festival. Can they figure out what is happening?

It was nice to get to reconnect with Kelly and her friends. They make a great group of characters, and I love seeing their relationships grow in this book. It was also interesting to watch the suspects evolve as the book progressed. The book managed to surprise me as to who the victim was going to be, something that doesn’t often happen. It kept me guessing on the killer until Kelly figured it out, too. If you are looking for a light cozy, this is the book for you.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated Her Dying Day in Books

May 19, 2023 (Updated May 19, 2023)

Her Dying Day

Mindy Carlson | 2022 | Mystery

7.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

What Really Happened to Greer Larkin?

Documentary graduate student June Masterson has finally hit upon the perfect topic for her final project – the disappearance twenty years ago of Greer Larkin. Greer had burst onto the mystery scene with six well received books before she disappeared, never to be seen again. With the principles in Greer’s life agreeing to talk to June, she fantasizes about solving the case, making for the perfect end to her documentary. Can she do that? Will she even finish it in time?

I struggled with part of this book – a subplot in June’s life that I truly didn’t like. I can understand her choices, but still, it bothered me. I did appreciate the character growth we got. And the mystery itself was very well done. It kept me guessing all the way to the satisfying ending. There was one aspect that was left opened, but it could propel a follow up book. This book has some content that definitely keeps it from being a cozy; it’s honestly a little hard to place outside of just plain mystery. If you enjoy an engaging mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated Murder at the Breakers in Books

Feb 2, 2024

The Party to Die at

Emma Cross is attending the social event of the year at The Breakers. While she is distantly related to the hosts, the Vanderbilts, she is also covering it as the society reporter. The night ends in tragedy when a man falls to his death in front of Emma. With all the evidence pointing to her brother, Brady, who was up to something that night, Emma starts investigating. Can she find the truth?

This book does a great job balancing the beginning of the plot with the introduction of Emma and her world. The plot was great, and I appreciated that Emma fell for some red herrings before she reached the logical conclusion. The characters are also strong; it was hard to tell if some of them were going to be series regulars or were just suspects for this book. This book is a tad gray and falls closer to traditional than cozy for me, but that’s a minor issue. I also appreciated how the time and place came to life and were used by the author. It’s easy to tell why this series is so popular. I’m looking forward to reading more soon.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated Fatal First Edition in Books

Feb 15, 2024

Murder Aboard a Moving Train

This book starts out in Chicago, where Lindsey Norris and her husband, Sully, are attending the annual archivist convention. Lindsey is having a fantastic time, and that includes the train trip back home to Connecticut. Quite a few of the attendees are also on the train. However, when Lindsey wakes up the next morning, someone is dead in the compartment next to her and Sully. Does it have anything to do with the valuable first edition that Lindsey stumbled upon during the keynote address?

One thing I love about cozy mysteries are the familiar locations and characters, so I was happy to see this book found an excuse to spend a lot of time at home while continuing the plot. The series regulars gave us some great laughs. Meanwhile, the plot zigs in a different direction part way through, and I was hooked as a result. Unfortunately, it did make the climax a bit rushed, although it was still logical. Fans will be pleased with this entry in the series. If you haven’t started these books yet, you’ll be happy you changed that.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated You Feta Watch Out in Books

Nov 20, 2024

Who Made Sure Marley Really Was Dead as a Doornail?

Carly is happy to be attending a dress rehearsal of the production of A Christmas Carol that has come to town. However, Preston Lennon, the actor playing Jacob Marley, causes such a disruption they have to take an unscheduled intermission. Then Carly’s friend, Gina, finds Preston’s body in his dressing room. Can Carly clear her friend?

While a play of A Christmas Carol might be familiar in a Christmas cozy, I enjoyed the twist on who the victim was. It led to a strong mystery with plenty to suspects and a logical climax I didn’t see coming. The characters are all fun to be around. I especially enjoyed spending time with the series regulars again, and I appreciated that the warnings to Carly to be careful were toned down in this book. The Christmas spirit is strong; it made me wish I were reading it in December with my decorations already up. There are two recipes at the end, including a Christmas grilled cheese. Grill up a sandwich and enjoy this fun Christmas mystery.