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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Panty Raid in Books
Apr 28, 2022
Combining Work with Pleasure. And Murder.
Samantha Kidd and her fiancé, Nick Taylor, are in Las Vegas for a working vacation. Samantha has been sent to attend a lingerie show, but the couple have arrived early to enjoy some time away. However, things take a turn when Nick runs across his friend Marc Rico when they are checking into the hotel. Nick starts acting funny before revealing a dark story from his and Marc’s past. The next morning, Samantha finds a dead body across the street from their hotel. Can she figure out what is happening?
This book captured my attention early and never let go. I enjoyed the creative clues and red herrings Samantha had to navigate on the way to the solution. There are one or two things about the climax that we have to deduce for ourselves, but they are minor. Since Samantha and Nick are out of town, they get plenty of page time, and I enjoy seeing their relationship continue to grow. Not to mention how Samantha is maturing. The rest of the cast is good, and there is a reappearance of a recurring character here. There’s also plenty of humor, and I was laughing and grinning the entire way through. If you are looking for a fun mystery, this book is a winner.
This book captured my attention early and never let go. I enjoyed the creative clues and red herrings Samantha had to navigate on the way to the solution. There are one or two things about the climax that we have to deduce for ourselves, but they are minor. Since Samantha and Nick are out of town, they get plenty of page time, and I enjoy seeing their relationship continue to grow. Not to mention how Samantha is maturing. The rest of the cast is good, and there is a reappearance of a recurring character here. There’s also plenty of humor, and I was laughing and grinning the entire way through. If you are looking for a fun mystery, this book is a winner.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Vinyl Resting Place in Books
Mar 16, 2023 (Updated Mar 16, 2023)
Vinyl May Not be Dead, but Somebody Is
Juni Jessup and her sisters have opened Sip and Spin Records, a combined record store and coffee shop, on the site of the one that their family used to own before records stopped selling. The night before their official opening, they are throwing a party, but things turn tragic afterward when Juni finds a dead body in their storage closet. When their uncle is arrested for the crime, Juni and her sisters don’t hesitate to put their shop up to get him released on bail. But then he vanishes. Can the three of them figure out what is really going on in time to save their shop?
I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.
I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Murder in Morningside Heights in Books
Feb 16, 2022 (Updated Feb 16, 2022)
Murder at a Women’s College
Frank Malloy’s new private investigation business has only been open a few months, but it hasn’t gotten him any interesting cases until the Northrups walk in. Their daughter Abigail has just been murdered on the campus of the women’s college where she taught. Her parents want to know what happened without the press getting wind of a scandal to ruin her reputation. Soon, Frank’s new wife, Sarah, is helping him figure out what happened to Abigail. With several competing motives, will they figure out the truth?
As always, this was an excellent trip back to 1890’s New York City. The story was fast paced, so even when I was ahead of the characters, it wasn’t for that long. And I still wasn’t sure about who the killer was until we reached the logical conclusion. Of course, it’s always great to spend time with the characters, and I love how Frank and Sarah’s world continues to evolve. I also enjoy the humor that the characters and their relationships provide. It’s a nice balance to some of the more serious themes the series tackles. This book will please fans of the series. Believe me, it is worth the time invested in catching up if you are still behind on the series like I am.
As always, this was an excellent trip back to 1890’s New York City. The story was fast paced, so even when I was ahead of the characters, it wasn’t for that long. And I still wasn’t sure about who the killer was until we reached the logical conclusion. Of course, it’s always great to spend time with the characters, and I love how Frank and Sarah’s world continues to evolve. I also enjoy the humor that the characters and their relationships provide. It’s a nice balance to some of the more serious themes the series tackles. This book will please fans of the series. Believe me, it is worth the time invested in catching up if you are still behind on the series like I am.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated The Pajama Frame in Books
Jul 26, 2022
Odd Inheritance Leads to Danger
Madison Night is surprised when her friend Alice Sweet leaves her the factory for Sweet Dreams, a pajama company that was closed years ago after a tragic death. Rumors over the decades hinted there may be more to the death than was reported at the time, and there are those who want to get in and see if they can find any clues for themselves. Before Madison can decide exactly what to do with the building, she stumbles over a very fresh dead body. Can she figure out what is going on?
This book started out well, and it never really let up. I was engaged the entire time, and the twists came faster as we got closer. Unfortunately, one aspect of the plot was never really fully explained, but the rest of the mystery is successfully wrapped up. Once again, Madison grows here, and I enjoy seeing her journey. The rest of the cast is just as strong and engaging. Fans of Doris Day movies will enjoy a few Easter eggs hidden in the book, although if you miss them (and I’m sure I missed a couple), it doesn’t take anything away from the story itself. Some humor sprinkled throughout the book added to the fun. If you, like me, need to catch up on this series, you’ll enjoy this book.
This book started out well, and it never really let up. I was engaged the entire time, and the twists came faster as we got closer. Unfortunately, one aspect of the plot was never really fully explained, but the rest of the mystery is successfully wrapped up. Once again, Madison grows here, and I enjoy seeing her journey. The rest of the cast is just as strong and engaging. Fans of Doris Day movies will enjoy a few Easter eggs hidden in the book, although if you miss them (and I’m sure I missed a couple), it doesn’t take anything away from the story itself. Some humor sprinkled throughout the book added to the fun. If you, like me, need to catch up on this series, you’ll enjoy this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Spy School: Project X in Books
Oct 6, 2022 (Updated Oct 6, 2022)
Target: Ben Ripley
Any student will tell you that finals is a stressful time, but it is even more so at Spy School. After all, not only do you have to pass your classes, but failing could lead to serious pain. Ben Ripley has something extra to worry about since he’s been summoned to the principal’s office. Fortunately, he is running a little late since, while he is on the way, the principal’s office explodes. Another attack confirms it – assassins have targeted Ben. Fortunately, Ben’s friend, Erica Hale, knows exactly who is behind it. Unfortunately, that means a trip to find and confront this villain with danger around every corner. Will Ben make it?
This was another wonderful book in the series. The action is almost non-stop, yet it never feels forced into the story but is instead a result of Ben’s need to stop the attempts on his life. There’s also plenty of humor, often coming from the over the top (in the best way) action sequences but sometimes coming from the characters. Speaking of characters, there were a couple of slower moments, which allowed for some good growth. I’m intrigued by the tease at the end of the book, so I’m anxiously awaiting the next entry in the series. If you are a fan old or new, you’ll enjoy this book.
This was another wonderful book in the series. The action is almost non-stop, yet it never feels forced into the story but is instead a result of Ben’s need to stop the attempts on his life. There’s also plenty of humor, often coming from the over the top (in the best way) action sequences but sometimes coming from the characters. Speaking of characters, there were a couple of slower moments, which allowed for some good growth. I’m intrigued by the tease at the end of the book, so I’m anxiously awaiting the next entry in the series. If you are a fan old or new, you’ll enjoy this book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Wild Swans ( Timeless Fairytales book 2) in Books
Jan 5, 2022
3of 230
Kindle
The Wild Swans ( Timeless Fairytales book 2)
By K M Shea
Elise is the foster-daughter of the King of Arcainia, a mathematician, and the country's treasurer. She is not a hero. But when her step-mother, a wicked witch, curses Elise's seven foster-brothers - the princes of Arcainia - and turns them into swans, Elise is the only one who can save them. To break the curse, she must knit seven shirts made of stinging nettles, but there's a catch. She has to complete the shirts without uttering a word, and if she doesn't finish the task, Arcainia and her foster-brothers will be lost. THE WILD SWANS is a retelling of the German Six Swans fairytale and the Dutch Wild Swans fairytale. It is a story of humor, love, adventure, and magic, and it is part of the top selling Timeless Fairy Tales series - a series comprised of loosely related adaptations of your favorite fairytales. All Timeless Fairy Tales take place in the same world and can be read all together, or as individual, stand-alone books.
I must confess I’d never heard of this fairytale where have I been!! This was beautiful and a sure sign of love and strength. I love K M Shea her books are just so well written. Definitely recommended to those that love retellings of fairytales.
Kindle
The Wild Swans ( Timeless Fairytales book 2)
By K M Shea
Elise is the foster-daughter of the King of Arcainia, a mathematician, and the country's treasurer. She is not a hero. But when her step-mother, a wicked witch, curses Elise's seven foster-brothers - the princes of Arcainia - and turns them into swans, Elise is the only one who can save them. To break the curse, she must knit seven shirts made of stinging nettles, but there's a catch. She has to complete the shirts without uttering a word, and if she doesn't finish the task, Arcainia and her foster-brothers will be lost. THE WILD SWANS is a retelling of the German Six Swans fairytale and the Dutch Wild Swans fairytale. It is a story of humor, love, adventure, and magic, and it is part of the top selling Timeless Fairy Tales series - a series comprised of loosely related adaptations of your favorite fairytales. All Timeless Fairy Tales take place in the same world and can be read all together, or as individual, stand-alone books.
I must confess I’d never heard of this fairytale where have I been!! This was beautiful and a sure sign of love and strength. I love K M Shea her books are just so well written. Definitely recommended to those that love retellings of fairytales.
Right Place, Right Time (The Pilsdale Chronicles #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Sometimes the path to true love twists so much that you end up right back where you started. Ben...
Contemporary MM Romance Age Gap Best Friend's Dad
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Claws of Death in Books
Aug 16, 2023
Who is Crabby Enough to Commit Murder?
After getting out of rehab, Jackie Norwood is looking for any way to rebuild her life, and professionally, she is taking her celebrity chef name on the road, judging food festivals. Her first one is a crab festival in Texas. She is horrified to realize that her fellow judge is her nemesis, Heather Curtis. Then disaster strikes when Heather drops dead after tasting their first dish – a dish prepared by Jackie’s ex-boyfriend. With the police looking at the two of them as suspects in Heather’s murder, Jackie has to jump in and find out what really happened. Can she do it?
Author Cathy Wiley has introduced Jackie in some short stories in the Destination Murders series, and I’m thrilled to see Jackie get her own novel finally. I liked getting to know Jackie better, and the rest of the cast, introduced here, are fantastic. The story starts quickly and never lags. I enjoyed how Jackie pieced things together at the end. Throw in some humor, and this was a book I never wanted to put down. It was over all too quickly. Those who enjoy crab will be interested in the recipes at the end. If you are looking for a fun new series, you’ll be thrilled you got your claws into this debut.
Author Cathy Wiley has introduced Jackie in some short stories in the Destination Murders series, and I’m thrilled to see Jackie get her own novel finally. I liked getting to know Jackie better, and the rest of the cast, introduced here, are fantastic. The story starts quickly and never lags. I enjoyed how Jackie pieced things together at the end. Throw in some humor, and this was a book I never wanted to put down. It was over all too quickly. Those who enjoy crab will be interested in the recipes at the end. If you are looking for a fun new series, you’ll be thrilled you got your claws into this debut.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Tough Luxe in Books
May 27, 2023
Twists of the Pretzel, but a Bit Empty Overall
Samantha Kidd has landed a new gig as a fashion columnist for the local paper. But she doesn’t expect that to lead to an invitation to visit someone in prison. Pretzel heiress Suzy Kintz was a high school acquaintance of Samantha’s, but a few years after they graduated, Suzy was convicted of killing her husband, and has been in jail ever since. Now, there is new evidence that might exonerate Suzy. Can Samantha figure out what really happened all those years ago?
I was immediately intrigued by the premise, and I enjoyed watching Samantha try to piece things together. However, when we hit the end, I was found I was left with too many questions – one I’d had since the beginning and a couple more than came up from the climax. I also found a sub-plot involving Samantha and her husband to be cringe inducing. At least that sub-plot led to some great character growth in Samantha. On the plus side, it is always great to hang out with these characters, and I loved the humor of the book. If you are already a fan, you’ll want to see what Samantha gets up to here. If you are new to the series, you should pick up an earlier book first before you see what happens here.
I was immediately intrigued by the premise, and I enjoyed watching Samantha try to piece things together. However, when we hit the end, I was found I was left with too many questions – one I’d had since the beginning and a couple more than came up from the climax. I also found a sub-plot involving Samantha and her husband to be cringe inducing. At least that sub-plot led to some great character growth in Samantha. On the plus side, it is always great to hang out with these characters, and I loved the humor of the book. If you are already a fan, you’ll want to see what Samantha gets up to here. If you are new to the series, you should pick up an earlier book first before you see what happens here.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Malibu Burning in Books
May 4, 2024 (Updated May 4, 2024)
Is Arson Covering Another Crime?
Former US Marshal Andrew Walker has joined the LA Sheriff arson investigators just as wild fires are breaking out all over the county. His partner, veteran Walter Sharpe, is picking up on clues that these fires are arson and not accidents. But Walker thinks there is a larger motive behind them. If he is right, what other crimes might be happening?
If you need to read a book that takes place in chronological order, this isn’t the book for you since the book jumps back pretty often in the first two thirds to show us how the criminals came together and set up their plan. These jumps are always easy to follow, although I do think there is a small timeline glitch at one point. The final third takes place in the same day and it is hot page turning action. One aspect of the climax didn’t sit well with me, but I think that’s more about me. Walker and Sharpe can be a bit cliché, but they become more developed as the book proceeds. As usual for this author, some of his humor doesn’t work for me, and this isn’t one of my cozies, so keep that in mind when you pick it up. Overall, this is a great new series debut from a reliably enjoyable author.
If you need to read a book that takes place in chronological order, this isn’t the book for you since the book jumps back pretty often in the first two thirds to show us how the criminals came together and set up their plan. These jumps are always easy to follow, although I do think there is a small timeline glitch at one point. The final third takes place in the same day and it is hot page turning action. One aspect of the climax didn’t sit well with me, but I think that’s more about me. Walker and Sharpe can be a bit cliché, but they become more developed as the book proceeds. As usual for this author, some of his humor doesn’t work for me, and this isn’t one of my cozies, so keep that in mind when you pick it up. Overall, this is a great new series debut from a reliably enjoyable author.
