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Sue (5 KP) rated The Pajama Frame in Books
Apr 23, 2018
The Pajama Frame is book #5 in the Madison Night Mystery series. While the books can be read as stand-alone, each preceding book builds on the characters and their relationships.
When her octogenarian friend dies and leaves interior decorator Madison Night a pajama factory, Madison is faced with a decades-old tragedy and a more recent murder. All Madison wants to do is hide from the drama, but when estranged family members and special interest groups want to get into the sealed factory, Madison realizes she is caught having to solve a mystery before she becomes the next victim.
As with previous Madison Night books, I found the character of Madison delightful and refreshing. She is no-nonsense, quirky, snarky, and a throwback to Doris Day. Who wouldn’t enjoy an independent woman that dresses and enjoys decorations from the era of the fifties and sixties? Add to the mix a love/hate relationship with the chief of police Tex and a few witty friends & neighbors; you have the perfect chemistry for a delightful cozy mystery series.
When her octogenarian friend dies and leaves interior decorator Madison Night a pajama factory, Madison is faced with a decades-old tragedy and a more recent murder. All Madison wants to do is hide from the drama, but when estranged family members and special interest groups want to get into the sealed factory, Madison realizes she is caught having to solve a mystery before she becomes the next victim.
As with previous Madison Night books, I found the character of Madison delightful and refreshing. She is no-nonsense, quirky, snarky, and a throwback to Doris Day. Who wouldn’t enjoy an independent woman that dresses and enjoys decorations from the era of the fifties and sixties? Add to the mix a love/hate relationship with the chief of police Tex and a few witty friends & neighbors; you have the perfect chemistry for a delightful cozy mystery series.
Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated As I Am in Books
Apr 24, 2018
3 good solid stars
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I thought I was getting over the first person/multi point of view thing, you know, but it appears that I still prefer to LISTEN to first person books than READ them.
That said, I enjoyed this, mostly. It's not a difficult, complicated read. It's quite emotional in places, Chase has to deal with the aftermath of his parents death, bringing up his younger brother in the best way he can. Noah is dealing with the aftermath of that too, but in a very different way. It's sexy in places, and inspiring in other, Chase's brother has a wise head on his 17 year shoulders.
It just didn't blow me away. It was a nice book, that is the best word I can come with, and ya'll know how much I hate using the N word!
It's told from both men's point of view, and the story flows well.
I just didn't love it.
3 good stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I thought I was getting over the first person/multi point of view thing, you know, but it appears that I still prefer to LISTEN to first person books than READ them.
That said, I enjoyed this, mostly. It's not a difficult, complicated read. It's quite emotional in places, Chase has to deal with the aftermath of his parents death, bringing up his younger brother in the best way he can. Noah is dealing with the aftermath of that too, but in a very different way. It's sexy in places, and inspiring in other, Chase's brother has a wise head on his 17 year shoulders.
It just didn't blow me away. It was a nice book, that is the best word I can come with, and ya'll know how much I hate using the N word!
It's told from both men's point of view, and the story flows well.
I just didn't love it.
3 good stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Ghost Wall in Books
Feb 11, 2019
A disturbing look at family dynamics.
This novella really packs a punch. Its uncomfortable subject matter is presented in an uncomfortable setting. Slivie, her checkout assistant mum and bus driver dad, spend their summer holidays recreating life in Iron Age Britain, along with an archaeology professor and some of his students. Silvie's dad is a very keen, knowledgable amateur archaeologist, and is well respected by the professor. However, he is an unhappy man. He seems to hate the way he lives, and takes his frustrations (physically) out on his wife and daughter. I actually thought Silvie was far younger than it transpired that she was, purely because of the way her father spoke to and treated her.
The book becomes darker as it goes on, as we see more of Silvie's dads' outdated ideas of masculinity and a woman's station in life, and the conclusion is simply stunning.
This is well worth a read in my opinion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book to read and fairly review.
The book becomes darker as it goes on, as we see more of Silvie's dads' outdated ideas of masculinity and a woman's station in life, and the conclusion is simply stunning.
This is well worth a read in my opinion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book to read and fairly review.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Voyage of the Fox Rider (Mithgar (Chronological) #2) in Books
Feb 26, 2019
many cultures (1 more)
diversity
lots of ship jargon (2 more)
slow at times
written dialects can be hard to follow
Don't read this series in chronological order. There are some spoilers in the epilogue. If you aren't hooked by chapter 14 or 15 you more than likely won't enjoy the rest of the book. Although, I wouldn't mind if you proved me wrong. Alamar's character is a love/hate guy especially because he enjoys arguing it'll get on your nerves or roll off your back depending on who he reminds you about. Jinnarin is a Pysk that hasn't really been away from home she is naive and surprised that the world is different than what she was told or thought.
about 3/4ths of the book is on a ship. Voyage is in the title... this is important.. VOYAGE is in the title. There are a lot of slow parts of the ship hasn't gotten to a destination what will we do? Talk philosophy , plann and descriptions of the ship. Heaps and Heaps of ship descriptions.
about 3/4ths of the book is on a ship. Voyage is in the title... this is important.. VOYAGE is in the title. There are a lot of slow parts of the ship hasn't gotten to a destination what will we do? Talk philosophy , plann and descriptions of the ship. Heaps and Heaps of ship descriptions.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated Of Mice and Men in Books
Mar 1, 2019
Pros:
▪Short story
▪Descriptive writing
▪Strong plot
Cons:
▪Emotional
Moving into March strong, I wanted a quick read last night so picked this one out of my TBR. It took me approx 1 hour to read.
I read this one in school many years ago but hated it, absolutely hated it, the teachers make you judge it and for this reason I think this book is so underrated by many generations! If you previously read this in school and feel you hate it, I really suggest you try read it again, you'll appreciate it so much more.
The narrative is strong and descriptive, yet short and to the point, making it flow really nicely. I feel that this story is about the misunderstood and the unloved, the people who are over looked, judged and forgotten. It ends tragically for a very innocent and naive character. I felt much more of a connection to it this time round and felt the rollercoaster of emotions aswell. Despite this being a marmite book, this is a classic and always will be.
▪Short story
▪Descriptive writing
▪Strong plot
Cons:
▪Emotional
Moving into March strong, I wanted a quick read last night so picked this one out of my TBR. It took me approx 1 hour to read.
I read this one in school many years ago but hated it, absolutely hated it, the teachers make you judge it and for this reason I think this book is so underrated by many generations! If you previously read this in school and feel you hate it, I really suggest you try read it again, you'll appreciate it so much more.
The narrative is strong and descriptive, yet short and to the point, making it flow really nicely. I feel that this story is about the misunderstood and the unloved, the people who are over looked, judged and forgotten. It ends tragically for a very innocent and naive character. I felt much more of a connection to it this time round and felt the rollercoaster of emotions aswell. Despite this being a marmite book, this is a classic and always will be.
Sam (228 KP) rated Sherlock Holmes (2009) in Movies
Mar 2, 2019
Gorgeous Imagery (1 more)
A wonderful Portrayal of a Classic Character
Humorous And Absolutely Wonderful
I find that this movie tends to get a bad rap and I will admit based on the multiple portrayals we see of Sherlock Holmes in the modern area this is no match for Cumberbatch's portrayal. However, I love it all the same. Even if people hate on it no one can tell me that this film holds any less whimsy or joy that Sherlock Holmes offers. The since of mystery and adventure bring a me much joy as I watch him piece things together without giving a damn for how it may make him look or a care for other's opinions. Everyone's portrayal of Sherlock is different and even if it's not Cumberbatch I love this one all the same and enjoyed every last second of this film. From the gorgeous imagery and scenes painted on the screen to the hilarious banter passed back and forth between the characters, this is a film one could watch again and again.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Slaughterhouse-Five in Books
Feb 9, 2018
So it goes...
Like most Vonnegut books you either love Slaughterhouse-Five or simply hate it, I can admit Vonnegut really isn't for everyone but for me his books are hilarious and leave me thinking about them more days after I finish them.
I found Slaughterhouse-Five at the perfect time in my life where I could really appreciate it. I had lost my grandpa not long before and this book really just help me accept it with this quote from the book;
“When a Tralfamadorian sees a corpse, all he thinks is that the dead person is in bad condition in the particular moment, but that the same person is just fine in plenty of other moments. Now, when I myself hear that somebody is dead, I simply shrug and say what the Tralfamadorians say about dead people, which is "So it goes.”
Through the ups and downs of this book, I just found the whole meaning behind "So it goes" to be so beautiful and I know it is something that will always stick with me.
I found Slaughterhouse-Five at the perfect time in my life where I could really appreciate it. I had lost my grandpa not long before and this book really just help me accept it with this quote from the book;
“When a Tralfamadorian sees a corpse, all he thinks is that the dead person is in bad condition in the particular moment, but that the same person is just fine in plenty of other moments. Now, when I myself hear that somebody is dead, I simply shrug and say what the Tralfamadorians say about dead people, which is "So it goes.”
Through the ups and downs of this book, I just found the whole meaning behind "So it goes" to be so beautiful and I know it is something that will always stick with me.
Chrissy (8 KP) rated Bewitching Hannah in Books
Jan 25, 2018
Bewitching Hannah is a page turner about 16-year-old Hannah. It tells an amazing tale of how her life changes, challenges she faces, and survival. Hannah has lost both of her parents, and goes to live with her Aunt J. When she starts school, she makes new friends, and frenemies. Although dealing with these high school mean girls does not happen in the normal fashion.
Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.
This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldnt put down.
I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Hannah has spent her entire life trying to be ordinary. With help from her new friends, a new love, and her aunt, she comes to terms with the fact that she is anything but ordinary. She embraces who and what she is to save the ones she loves and all the people in her town.
This is a powerful tale of self-acceptance with magical elements. There are characters you grow to love, and others you grow to hate. An incredible read, one that I couldnt put down.
I voluntarily received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Spectre (Zoe Martinique #2) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Hmm. <i>Spectre</i> feels less like a sequel to <i>Wraith</i> than a chapter two, if that makes any sense. Both books are full-sized novels, but they're so closely related that book two wouldn't make any sense without having read book 1 (and the novella in between). Unfortunately, <i>Spectre</i> ends on a cliff-hanger. I hate that.
At least I know (from her blog) that Weldon is working on the third book. I can only hope that it comes out soon and wraps up all the loose threads without introducing new ones that aren't left hanging again.
I do have to agree with another GR reviewer who mentioned that the main character carries on more like a 13-year-old kid than a 28-year-old woman. I have to agree. I understand that losing one parent early might, for some people, to a closer relationship with the surviving parent—but give me a break! Zoë apparently needs to move across the country to learn to live without Mommy. Or maybe Mommy should move?
At least I know (from her blog) that Weldon is working on the third book. I can only hope that it comes out soon and wraps up all the loose threads without introducing new ones that aren't left hanging again.
I do have to agree with another GR reviewer who mentioned that the main character carries on more like a 13-year-old kid than a 28-year-old woman. I have to agree. I understand that losing one parent early might, for some people, to a closer relationship with the surviving parent—but give me a break! Zoë apparently needs to move across the country to learn to live without Mommy. Or maybe Mommy should move?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Die Like an Eagle (Meg Langslow, #20) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Meg’s twins have joined the local youth baseball league, and Meg is quickly learning what a tyrant Biff Brown, the head of the league, can be. While most of the parents hate him, he hasn’t damped the enthusiasm any, and most of the town turns out for opening day. However, there is a major delay when Meg finds a dead body in the field’s only porta potty.
The politics of local baseball seemed to be more of the focus than the mystery this time, although Meg still spends plenty of time investigating. I’m not complaining, however, since there were so many great scenes and so much conflict I couldn’t put the book down. We get some nice twists before the logical conclusion as well. It’s always wonderful to spend time with these characters, and one I’d been wanting to see showed up again here, which I loved. This may be book 20, but the series is still going strong.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-die-like-eagle-by-donna.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The politics of local baseball seemed to be more of the focus than the mystery this time, although Meg still spends plenty of time investigating. I’m not complaining, however, since there were so many great scenes and so much conflict I couldn’t put the book down. We get some nice twists before the logical conclusion as well. It’s always wonderful to spend time with these characters, and one I’d been wanting to see showed up again here, which I loved. This may be book 20, but the series is still going strong.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-die-like-eagle-by-donna.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.