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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated Murder on Pleasant Avenue in Books
Oct 13, 2022 (Updated Oct 13, 2022)
Did Kidnapping Lead to Murder?
When Gino’s sister-in-law shows up at the detective agency Frank Malloy now owns, she is looking for help. One of the volunteers at the settlement house where she volunteers in her neighborhood of Italian Harlem has been kidnapped by the Black Hand. Soon Sarah has joined her husband, Frank, and Gino is trying to figure out what has happened. But just as they think they’ve gotten a handle on what is happening, a murder happens and Gino is the only suspect. Can they clear him before the Black Hand decides to take revenge on him?
It was a pleasure to jump back to 1900 once again and visit these characters. The action unfolds quickly. While I figured a few things out before the characters, I didn’t have the entire picture put together until they did. I did feel the final chapter felt forced into the book, but that was a minor complaint. I love spending time with these characters. We don’t see all the supporting players, but I was happy with some of the advances we saw for the core characters. I also enjoyed the seeds planted for some upcoming historical events. I’m so glad I’ve spent the time reading this series. Anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery will enjoy it as well.
It was a pleasure to jump back to 1900 once again and visit these characters. The action unfolds quickly. While I figured a few things out before the characters, I didn’t have the entire picture put together until they did. I did feel the final chapter felt forced into the book, but that was a minor complaint. I love spending time with these characters. We don’t see all the supporting players, but I was happy with some of the advances we saw for the core characters. I also enjoyed the seeds planted for some upcoming historical events. I’m so glad I’ve spent the time reading this series. Anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery will enjoy it as well.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Cat Who Caught a Killer in Books
Oct 30, 2022
I love cats and I love reading about murder (strange I know!) so even though this book is quite different to what I normally read, I thought I'd give it a go and, overall, it was pretty good.
This is definitely what is called a 'cosy mystery'; it is not offensive or violent. Emily's mother in law dies suddenly and unexpectedly and whilst her death is put down to natural causes, Emily, an ex Police Officer, is not convinced and so sets off to get to the truth along with a talking cat that has adopted her.
I thought I would struggle with the talking cat angle but whilst it was a little absurd at the beginning, it worked really well and, I think, it symbolised Emily's inner voice.
With great characters and a good story line, this is an easy to read mystery. There are twists and turns but, unfortunately, they weren't too much of a surprise so this let it down a little and although the pace was steady, there was a little bit too much description at times which slowed the story down somewhat.
Overall though, I would recommend to those who enjoy a simple, easy to read and inoffensive mystery and my thanks must go to PanMacmillan, Macmillan and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Cat Who Caught a Killer.
This is definitely what is called a 'cosy mystery'; it is not offensive or violent. Emily's mother in law dies suddenly and unexpectedly and whilst her death is put down to natural causes, Emily, an ex Police Officer, is not convinced and so sets off to get to the truth along with a talking cat that has adopted her.
I thought I would struggle with the talking cat angle but whilst it was a little absurd at the beginning, it worked really well and, I think, it symbolised Emily's inner voice.
With great characters and a good story line, this is an easy to read mystery. There are twists and turns but, unfortunately, they weren't too much of a surprise so this let it down a little and although the pace was steady, there was a little bit too much description at times which slowed the story down somewhat.
Overall though, I would recommend to those who enjoy a simple, easy to read and inoffensive mystery and my thanks must go to PanMacmillan, Macmillan and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Cat Who Caught a Killer.
Edge of The Grave
8.0
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Winner of The Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year Shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for...
Historical fiction Suspense Scotland
Dirty Heart (Cole McGinnis #6)
9.0
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Book
Final book in the Dirty Series arc. Former LAPD detective Cole McGinnis’s life nearly ended the...
Contemporary MM Romance Crime Mystery Suspense
A Short History of Lithuania to 1569
Book
Why did Lithuania’s dictator in the 1920s (the pro-Nazi Augustinas Voldemaras, who aligned himself...
history bookbuzz
Fouling in Business and College Athletics
Book
Using a business mindset, the author lays out a compensation method for fair and manageable to...
sports business bookbuzz
Harm Reduction
Book
A secret binds them together, the truth will unravel them. Jenny Ocean’s life is already on...
thriller bookbuzz
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated Joshua Tree in Books
Jul 17, 2024
Being Window Dressing Can Be Dangerous
When a ranger dies while participating in a bull riding event, everyone chalks it up to a tragic accident. Everyone except for the man’s family, who is threatening to sue Joshua Tree National Park, where he works, as well as local law enforcement. So Jack Prester is sent out to poke around a little and back up the official investigation. Basically be window dressing. However, it isn’t long after Jack arrives when he finds a whole lot more going on that could shed new light on the death. Can he figure out what is going on?
Once again, it was great to be spending time with these characters. The plot drew me in and kept me turning pages. There were a couple of things I might not like from another author, but this author pulled them off while answering all my questions. The characters, both new and returning, are wonderful. I was surprised at the bit of language in the book, mainly because most of the time when it showed up, it didn’t feel appropriate. But that’s a minor issue. Overall, I continue to love the author’s use of language. It’s almost poetic at times, but never gets in the way of the story. This is another great entry in a great series.
Once again, it was great to be spending time with these characters. The plot drew me in and kept me turning pages. There were a couple of things I might not like from another author, but this author pulled them off while answering all my questions. The characters, both new and returning, are wonderful. I was surprised at the bit of language in the book, mainly because most of the time when it showed up, it didn’t feel appropriate. But that’s a minor issue. Overall, I continue to love the author’s use of language. It’s almost poetic at times, but never gets in the way of the story. This is another great entry in a great series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated The Key to Deceit in Books
Aug 10, 2024 (Updated Aug 10, 2024)
Unlocking a Spy Ring
Ellie McDonnell is happy when Major Ramsey walks back into her life with another case he needs help with. A young woman has recently been found in the Thames, and she was wearing a bracelet locked to her wrist. Ellie successfully takes it off, but what the two find inside just leads to more questions. Soon, they realize they are on the trail of spies for Germany. Can they find them to stop them in time?
I enjoyed the first in the series, and I was happy to see the second one is just as fun. Ellie has a logical reason to be involved in the case, and the story unfolded in a logical way while keeping me fully hooked until we get to the suspense climax. On the other hand, I’m already frustrated by the love triangle, especially since I suspect I know where it is going to wind up, and I’m not going to be happy about it. The characters are loads of fun, probably because most of them are on the shady side of the law, and I enjoyed spending time with them. I also appreciated how real history from 1940 was woven into the book. Overall, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the third.
I enjoyed the first in the series, and I was happy to see the second one is just as fun. Ellie has a logical reason to be involved in the case, and the story unfolded in a logical way while keeping me fully hooked until we get to the suspense climax. On the other hand, I’m already frustrated by the love triangle, especially since I suspect I know where it is going to wind up, and I’m not going to be happy about it. The characters are loads of fun, probably because most of them are on the shady side of the law, and I enjoyed spending time with them. I also appreciated how real history from 1940 was woven into the book. Overall, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the third.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2423 KP) rated Crime and Parchment in Books
Oct 3, 2024 (Updated Oct 3, 2024)
Family and Lost Books
Rare books librarian Juniper Blume is surprised when she gets a message from her ex-brother-in-law claiming he has found a clue to where the covers for the Book of Kells might be. She’s even more surprised to see he thinks they are in the small Maryland town of Rose Mallow. But Juniper is also intrigued, so she returns, even if it means dealing with some complicated family relationships. But when she goes to the meeting, she finds a dead body. Can she figure out what is going on?
This book received lots of praise when it came out, and I can see why. There’s a lot packed into the beginning, but I was able to follow it, and it pulled me into the story. It did make the book feel a little slower later, but maybe that was just my expectations. I was definitely intrigued the entire way through, and the ending answered my questions. I also appreciated that the author did a good job of making us believe that the treasure hunt Juniper found herself on was believable. The characters were good, and the subplot involving Juniper and her family felt realistic. I liked how that played out. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next for these characters soon.
This book received lots of praise when it came out, and I can see why. There’s a lot packed into the beginning, but I was able to follow it, and it pulled me into the story. It did make the book feel a little slower later, but maybe that was just my expectations. I was definitely intrigued the entire way through, and the ending answered my questions. I also appreciated that the author did a good job of making us believe that the treasure hunt Juniper found herself on was believable. The characters were good, and the subplot involving Juniper and her family felt realistic. I liked how that played out. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next for these characters soon.
