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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2609 KP) rated Blood Red in Books
May 19, 2022
Promise in the Book, but Needed Another Edit
When her husband disappears and their assets are frozen, Cissy has to return to her career as an interior designer to the rich and famous in Los Angeles to pay the bills. Fortunately, it’s a job she loves. Her current client is renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Martin, but when she appears at his mansion for a meeting, she finds him shot to death in the library. Turns out, he wasn’t as rich as he pretended, and now Cissy might not get paid. In order to free up his estate, she starts looking into his murder. Can she solve it?
I picked up this book thinking it was a cozy, but the language in it kept that from being the case. Fortunately, it did lessen (although not go away completely) as the book went along. The plot was decent and came to a logical conclusion, but it needed another edit and a bit more focus. The story really wanders and takes it’s time getting to the solution. It’s a shame because I enjoyed the characters quite a bit. I am curious where a few threads introduced here go, but I doubt I will be back for Cissy’s next adventure.
I picked up this book thinking it was a cozy, but the language in it kept that from being the case. Fortunately, it did lessen (although not go away completely) as the book went along. The plot was decent and came to a logical conclusion, but it needed another edit and a bit more focus. The story really wanders and takes it’s time getting to the solution. It’s a shame because I enjoyed the characters quite a bit. I am curious where a few threads introduced here go, but I doubt I will be back for Cissy’s next adventure.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2609 KP) rated Murder by the Seashore in Books
Oct 19, 2023
Murder Under the Pier
Scarlett Gardner is living her dream. She’s moved to Oceanside, California, and she’s opened a bookshop right on the beach. She’s opened in time for tourist season, and business is beginning to pick up. Unfortunately, a pre-work walk on the beach ends when Scarlett finds a woman dead under the pier. She recognizes the woman as her last customer the day before, but she assumes after she gives a statement to the police that her involvement is done. The next day, she finds herself pulled back into the case in a surprising way. Can she figure out what is really going on?
The premise of this one called to me with the beach and bookstore setting. I felt at home right away with Scarlett and the rest of the regulars. The plot pulled me in. It is more event heavy rather than investigation heavy (I prefer a good mix), but there were still times the events kept me reading longer than I should have. And yes, the setting is fun since I have spent some time in Oceanside on a regular basis. I hope this series runs for a long time. If you are looking for a great new cozy series, look no further.
The premise of this one called to me with the beach and bookstore setting. I felt at home right away with Scarlett and the rest of the regulars. The plot pulled me in. It is more event heavy rather than investigation heavy (I prefer a good mix), but there were still times the events kept me reading longer than I should have. And yes, the setting is fun since I have spent some time in Oceanside on a regular basis. I hope this series runs for a long time. If you are looking for a great new cozy series, look no further.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2609 KP) rated The Shadow of Memory in Books
May 11, 2022 (Updated May 11, 2022)
Is a Cold Case Leading to Modern Murders?
Kate Hamilton and her fiancé, Tom Mallory, are trying to plan their wedding, but having difficulty making decisions. Meanwhile, Kate and her colleague, Ivor, are asked to sell a painting that might be several centuries old. Something about it seems off to Kate, however. Then there’s the murder in Kate’s village with ties to a friend of hers. Kate begins to think these events are connected, but can she prove it?
There is a lot going on here, but I never had trouble following the story at all. I’m impressed with how everything comes together at the end without dropping any of the plot points along the way. The characters we already know are wonderful, and it is great to see their relationships growing. The new characters feel real, even though they don’t get that much page time. This book is on the more serious side of the cozy spectrum, but that’s just an observation, not a warning. I was actually frustrated that life kept getting in the way of my reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Fans will be pleased. If that isn’t you yet, start this series today.
There is a lot going on here, but I never had trouble following the story at all. I’m impressed with how everything comes together at the end without dropping any of the plot points along the way. The characters we already know are wonderful, and it is great to see their relationships growing. The new characters feel real, even though they don’t get that much page time. This book is on the more serious side of the cozy spectrum, but that’s just an observation, not a warning. I was actually frustrated that life kept getting in the way of my reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Fans will be pleased. If that isn’t you yet, start this series today.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Aug 19, 2022
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2609 KP) rated A Bird’s Eye View of Murder in Books
Mar 19, 2022
Frankie Finds that Murder Isn’t Flighty
Frankie Chandler’s hardly recovered from the murder she got involved in the month before when her aunt comes for a visit. The aunt has scored some tickets to the taping of a live baking show, and Frankie joins her. That’s how Frankie stumbles on the dead body of the contestant winner. With the police looking at her aunt, her aunt hiding secrets, and animals starting to talk to Frankie again, can she figure out what is really going on?
Yes, this book falls into the paranormal cozy subgenre, which I tend to avoid. I appreciated how Frankie wrestles with her gift and what it means since those are the same things I struggle with myself. And it’s a minor part of the book anyway. In fact, this is more comedic, at least to me. I enjoyed laughing at the antics of the characters as the book progressed. The story started a bit slowly, but it grew stronger as it went along, and I was surprised by the ending. Do keep in mind that there is some violence to animals, but they are treated no worse than the human characters in the story. I really enjoyed the characters. I’m hoping I can get to the next in the series soon.
Yes, this book falls into the paranormal cozy subgenre, which I tend to avoid. I appreciated how Frankie wrestles with her gift and what it means since those are the same things I struggle with myself. And it’s a minor part of the book anyway. In fact, this is more comedic, at least to me. I enjoyed laughing at the antics of the characters as the book progressed. The story started a bit slowly, but it grew stronger as it went along, and I was surprised by the ending. Do keep in mind that there is some violence to animals, but they are treated no worse than the human characters in the story. I really enjoyed the characters. I’m hoping I can get to the next in the series soon.
Finding You (Bewitching Women #3)
8.0
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Forty days with brooding Mayor Rome D’Amore shouldn’t be too difficult, right? Becca Spencer has...
Paranormal Romance
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The Charity Shop Detective Agency
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A serial killer is stalking the elderly of Southbourne. The only clue left behind is a domino in the...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2609 KP) rated Murder at the Marina in Books
May 25, 2023
Heritage Festival Brings Murder
Kelly is taking an afternoon to see the boat that her friends, Ivan and Rudy, own. But the tour never happens when she finds a dagger covered in what looks like blood on the boat. While neither of the brothers own it, they do recognize it from their past. A few days later, the owner of a Russian merchandise store turns up dead on their boat as well. What is going on? Does it have to do with the Russian Heritage Festival taking place in town?
I love it when background characters get a chance to shine, which is what happens here. I was intrigued from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out. Unfortunately, I did feel the climax was abrupt, and therefore weaker than it could have been. While the suspects are appropriately shady, the rest of the cast is charming, which is no surprise to fans of the series. I really do love these characters. As always, I enjoyed spending time in a fictional version of the area where I grew up. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, be sure to check this one out.
I love it when background characters get a chance to shine, which is what happens here. I was intrigued from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out. Unfortunately, I did feel the climax was abrupt, and therefore weaker than it could have been. While the suspects are appropriately shady, the rest of the cast is charming, which is no surprise to fans of the series. I really do love these characters. As always, I enjoyed spending time in a fictional version of the area where I grew up. If you are looking for a fun cozy series, be sure to check this one out.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Bakeries and Buffoonery (Magical Mystery Book Club #4) in Books
Jul 2, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The snapdragon inn is the setting of a cozy mystery book club with a difference they get transported into the stories to find out whodunit!
This time they are trying to find out who hates cake so much, in the town of Frosting that they have caused chaos, mayhem, and murder. Can they do it before the next murder happens?
This is such a delightful series they really are a pleasure to read. Elizabeth does such an amazing job at pulling you into the story as if you are one of the characters and I must say I am rather fond of all the characters, I'm sad we've lost one but happy for her circumstances and hope we do find out how she gets on.
Although this is a series I personally think you could read it as a stand-alone, but it's much more fun reading the series as you get to find out more about everyone.
I highly recommend and give 5/5
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
The snapdragon inn is the setting of a cozy mystery book club with a difference they get transported into the stories to find out whodunit!
This time they are trying to find out who hates cake so much, in the town of Frosting that they have caused chaos, mayhem, and murder. Can they do it before the next murder happens?
This is such a delightful series they really are a pleasure to read. Elizabeth does such an amazing job at pulling you into the story as if you are one of the characters and I must say I am rather fond of all the characters, I'm sad we've lost one but happy for her circumstances and hope we do find out how she gets on.
Although this is a series I personally think you could read it as a stand-alone, but it's much more fun reading the series as you get to find out more about everyone.
I highly recommend and give 5/5
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Midge (525 KP) rated The Winter Mystery in Books
Mar 18, 2019
Great & Humorous Cozy Mystery
Over recent months I've become a great fan of cozy mysteries so, when I saw this second book in the series featuring Jenny Starling being launched, I knew I had to read "The Winter Mystery." Also, it has a culinary theme which I love and a little light humour. The first book ‘The Birthday Mystery’ was so good, I knew it was likely that Faith Martin had written a winner with this book, too, and I was right!
Best-seller author Faith Martin has also written the ‘Detective Hillary Greene’ mysteries.
First, we are introduced to Jenny Starling who is spending Christmas in a snowed-in country house cooking all the traditional food she loves, however, the family she’s working for are not full of the seasonal spirit. On Christmas Eve, someone is found dead on the kitchen table and the head of the family is blaming Jenny! But with an incompetent detective called in, and seemingly no motive for the murder, Jenny will have to turn amateur sleuth again. She will stop at nothing to clear her name and find the perpetrator.
Faith Martin’s writing skills set the scene beautifully for this novel. The house is a large, charming, Cotswold-stone, Georgian farmhouse in rural Oxford, complete with stables, outhouses, a cobbled courtyard and a resident sheepdog.
Faith Martin’s character development is wonderful, particularly that of Jenny who is an impressive woman and in her late twenties. Curvaceous and sexy, she’s a modern single woman, living and loving life as a travelling cook. She is happy travelling the country catering for different events and cooking great food. She doesn’t like having to divert her attention from baking delicious cakes or creating a new sauce recipe by having to solve murders. She is great at reading people and unmasking killers, always with a good dose of humour.
There are many suspects in this mystery, with clues and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. It was a thoroughly satisfying read and I often found myself asking the same questions as Jenny and I was kept in suspense to the end. The pacing in "The Winter Mystery" was very good and I never lost interest, as it wasn't long before something intriguing would happen. Things came together for a fulfilling finish and wrapped everything up very neatly.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next novel featuring Jenny Starling and other books by the author, Faith Martin. "The Winter Mystery" whets your appetite for more to come.
My thanks to #NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author for providing me with a free advanced copy of #TheWinterMystery.
Best-seller author Faith Martin has also written the ‘Detective Hillary Greene’ mysteries.
First, we are introduced to Jenny Starling who is spending Christmas in a snowed-in country house cooking all the traditional food she loves, however, the family she’s working for are not full of the seasonal spirit. On Christmas Eve, someone is found dead on the kitchen table and the head of the family is blaming Jenny! But with an incompetent detective called in, and seemingly no motive for the murder, Jenny will have to turn amateur sleuth again. She will stop at nothing to clear her name and find the perpetrator.
Faith Martin’s writing skills set the scene beautifully for this novel. The house is a large, charming, Cotswold-stone, Georgian farmhouse in rural Oxford, complete with stables, outhouses, a cobbled courtyard and a resident sheepdog.
Faith Martin’s character development is wonderful, particularly that of Jenny who is an impressive woman and in her late twenties. Curvaceous and sexy, she’s a modern single woman, living and loving life as a travelling cook. She is happy travelling the country catering for different events and cooking great food. She doesn’t like having to divert her attention from baking delicious cakes or creating a new sauce recipe by having to solve murders. She is great at reading people and unmasking killers, always with a good dose of humour.
There are many suspects in this mystery, with clues and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. It was a thoroughly satisfying read and I often found myself asking the same questions as Jenny and I was kept in suspense to the end. The pacing in "The Winter Mystery" was very good and I never lost interest, as it wasn't long before something intriguing would happen. Things came together for a fulfilling finish and wrapped everything up very neatly.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next novel featuring Jenny Starling and other books by the author, Faith Martin. "The Winter Mystery" whets your appetite for more to come.
My thanks to #NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author for providing me with a free advanced copy of #TheWinterMystery.