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Are you into murder mysteries? Then look at Lauren Carr's books if you want a cold case to unpack and enjoy. Then her latest series, "Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery," is an excellent series to get your fix or bite into.

My latest book, "Chris Crossed Murder," is filled to pack a punch from the very beginning of the book. Why would someone send a swat team after Chris Matheson and his daughter? Why do these family members think he is dead? We get twists and turns from the beginning of the book to every end.

The cold case starts to get hot, and Chris Matheson gets pulled into a hard case that he worked on nine years earlier. Who should be the text buddy that Chris Matheson gets? It starts with a dead body found with Chris Matheson's federal badge.

Every time I turned the page, I would try and guess, but we met the holiday gang. Who are they, and did they commit Sky Belmont murder? Who wants Chris dead? Is Dylan trying to figure out what Serra's stepfather is doing? Why? Dylan's parents wish to do something, or are they connected to Sky Belmont's murder?

There seem to be quite a few different murders going on. But who wants Chris dead, and why? The geezer squad is on it. There appears to be a romance in the air for a member and new family member named "Red"? This book set is on a winter night near Christmas.
  
Everealm (Everealm, #1)
Everealm (Everealm, #1)
J.D. Wright | 2014 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a fantasy romance, with some very hot and steamy scenes, that do not overpower the story. The two main characters, Breestlin and Rowan, have loved each for a long time but were separated when their parents found out that they had 'been intimate'. Rowan's path takes a different turn from becoming the knight he expected, whilst Bree has suitor after suitor paraded in front of her. Luckily, she doesn't accept any of them, and her parents don't force the issue (which is good being as they married for love!)

Dagan and Sidonie are excellent characters who really add a certain 'va va voom' to the story. I actually wanted to hear more about Finn, but I'm hoping he will have his story in a later book. Silas is an evil character from the start. Although, for the most part, he is almost crude in his power plays, there is also a sly side to him that makes for a twisted story. All of the characters are well-developed, whether you like them or not, and the world-building is spot-on. Smoothly paced and well-written, this is a fantasy that will delight. I am looking forward to reading book 2, Wildfire, and am hoping it is just as good.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 29, 2015
  
Chalvaren Rising (Kingdom of Chalvaren #2)
Chalvaren Rising (Kingdom of Chalvaren #2)
Paula Millhouse | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Different worlds, dragons, elves, evil yet misguided women - what more could you ask for?

Now, this is the first 'full' book in the Kingdom of Chalvaren series, although there is the novella in which our two main characters meet. What made this book interesting for me is that they were already 'together' right at the start. So although I knew that things had moved quickly in the prequel, it actually made for fantastic reading as the two of them got to know each other and explored their feelings for each other. Trust me when I say those feelings run hot! Their relationship has the normal ups, downs and misunderstandings that occur when two people are trying to live together and that made for excellent reading. Throw in a world in chaos, with a crazy woman trying to resurrect the dead along with killing the dragons, you have an action-packed world, full of character and heart.

With a smooth, steady pace and excitement on every page, this is a wonderful Fantasy Action Romance. I know that there are two books in this series but I am really hoping for more. I loved the world of Chalvaren and hope to see more of it, and the dragons, in the future. Highly recommended for all fans of Fantasy!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 25, 2015
  
The Santa Suit
The Santa Suit
Mary Kay Andrews | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ivy Perkins buys a 106-year-old farmhouse, sight unseen, after a divorce. Known as Four Roses Farm, it was once home to Bob and Betty Rae Rose. Bob was famous as the town's Santa Claus, which Ivy learns when she discovers his lovely Santa suit tucked in a closet. In the pocket is a note from a young child, who simply wants her father to return home from the war. The note strikes a chord with Ivy, who finds herself wondering who the child was--and did she ever reunite with her father? Her investigation brings her in contact with the local townspeople, including Ezra, her realtor, neighbor, and handyman; a young woman named Phoebe; and a sweet town elder named Everett. Despite her reluctance to join in the town's many Christmas traditions, Ivy cannot help but be swept up in the small town and its spirit of Christmas.

"You mean, what's a nice, single, big-city girl like me doing in a hick town like Tarburton?"

This was an incredibly adorable, silly, cheesy book (more of a novella really). If you love Christmas movies, you'll find that this is basically a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. And, as such, it's practically perfect: the snowy setting, a magical Santa suit, and a small town romance. What more could you ask for? Yes, you could pick at plot pieces and motives, but why? This is a quick read and a sweet one. Read in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. 4+ stars.