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Midge (525 KP) rated Chocolate Cream Pie Murder in Books
Feb 26, 2019
Captivating Cozy Mystery!
“Chocolate Cream Pie Murder” is the twenty-fourth book in the Hannah Swensen Series by the author, Joanne Fluke. Why did I want to read this novel? Well, I love to curl up on the sofa on a dark winter’s night, or any time, really, with a mug of hot chocolate and a good cozy mystery and if it’s about food, as this one is, then so much the better!
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series yet, however, I don’t think that this spoilt my enjoyment of this novel. That said, there is nothing more exciting than picking up a book which is the first in a new series.
When Hannah’s Bakery, The Cookie Jar, becomes the setting of a TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes the spotlight will be shining on her bakery, and not the unsavoury scandal about her personal life. But that’s impossible with a disturbing visit from someone she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, moving to her mother Delores’ penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case and as suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must find the killer prowling around Lake Eden before someone takes a slice out of her…
I liked that the opening chapters drew me into the story and captured my attention immediately. Although I had to wait a while before an actual murder took place there was still a lot going on. I found many of the characters very funny and easy to relate to, particularly Hannah herself and many of the other characters in the book were extremely amusing and unusual. I even liked the bad guy, the one everyone loves to hate.
The book had a natural, steady pace, and even though the murder occurred towards the end, I was kept guessing until the surprising reveal. Delightful and entertaining “Chocolate Cream Pie Murder” is a quick, light read for all cozy mystery fans.
{Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series yet, however, I don’t think that this spoilt my enjoyment of this novel. That said, there is nothing more exciting than picking up a book which is the first in a new series.
When Hannah’s Bakery, The Cookie Jar, becomes the setting of a TV special about movies filmed in Minnesota, Hannah hopes the spotlight will be shining on her bakery, and not the unsavoury scandal about her personal life. But that’s impossible with a disturbing visit from someone she once believed was her one and only love, a group of bodyguards following her every move, and a murder victim in her bedroom. Now, moving to her mother Delores’ penthouse, Hannah and an old flame team up to solve a case and as suspects emerge and secrets hit close to home, Hannah must find the killer prowling around Lake Eden before someone takes a slice out of her…
I liked that the opening chapters drew me into the story and captured my attention immediately. Although I had to wait a while before an actual murder took place there was still a lot going on. I found many of the characters very funny and easy to relate to, particularly Hannah herself and many of the other characters in the book were extremely amusing and unusual. I even liked the bad guy, the one everyone loves to hate.
The book had a natural, steady pace, and even though the murder occurred towards the end, I was kept guessing until the surprising reveal. Delightful and entertaining “Chocolate Cream Pie Murder” is a quick, light read for all cozy mystery fans.
{Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Knives Out (2019) in Movies
Nov 28, 2019
Donut Hole
Knives out is a classic old fashioned murder mystery given a breath of fresh modern day life to make it one of this years biggest delights. Knives out from the get go clearly and proudly wears a history of films/tv shows that it ows its existence to on both of its arms from Murder she wrote to Hetty Wainthropp a dash of Clue and many other murder mystery stories/tales too. Sets are fascinating with every nook and crany intricately stuffed full of the very things that inspired it almost as if its proud to display and pay great tribute to this sadly almost forgotton genre. As a film its comparable mostly to murder on the orient express mixed but its quirkiness, intelligence and charm help it soar way above that movie. Daniel Craig plays an almost Poirot character and its fascinating to watch his mind tick over and piece the puzzle together gradly along side the viewer. Its a slow burner but not a second of it drags as we follow the gradual and methodical webb spun infront of us. Pieces of clues are scattered everywhere tucked away in subtle background objects, woven into dialog and even hinted at in character names keeping your brain constantly engaged/stimulated and your eyes and ears paying attention. Its all so intricate, gradually layered, unpredictable and intelligent not even once using cheap methoods or reasoning to come to a conclusion. Subbtle themes underline the entire film too pulling the film into the present and making it higly relevant to today's goings on. Characters are deceitful, betray each other/lie constantly and the film depicts how these traits can be just as bad as murder but almost never face the same consequences. Symbolisum and metaphors are also everywhere along with great use of shadow showing inocence and and sinister intent (echoing back to classic film noir movies). Knives out certainly indeed left me smiling and challenged as well as thought provoked and rewarded. A clever, intriguing and facinating movie with a message that in a world plagued with racism, polotical lies, selfishness, deceit, distrust and the internent being used instead of knowledge nothing is more powerful than the wisdom of the old and the kind heart and inocence of a good heart.
Debbiereadsbook (1478 KP) rated For the Murder (The Murder #1) in Books
Mar 2, 2022
different but very good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Diana needs a murder; a lone crow is a dead one. But to be accepted back into the murder that banished her, she needs to steal a very powerful blade. But others want it too, and Diana isn't too sure what's going on with her magic. Sasha isn't sure what these feelings are he has for Diana, but he also needs that blade to free himself from the demon who bound him. One of them will not be happy with the outcome.
This is different, and I do like me some different!
Diana is a crow shifter, with 3 legs (who knew?) but she isn't in a murder because her father is a bit of a con man (a LOT, really, by the time we get all the gory details!) and Diana, her mother and father were banished from the murder, but not her younger sister whose magic had been accepted by the murder. Dad wants Diana to steal this blade to get them back into the murder's good graces.
But, seriously, things are NOT as they seem. And Sasha wants that blade to free him from the demon who bound him to a lifetime of servitude. Something though, goes ping in both Diana and Sasha and instead Nobu, a cat shifter who really isn't, and they end up fighting together, rather than against each other.
I liked this, a lot. Like I said different. Humans with angel blood who are bound to demons. Shifters of all manner of being. There was a LOT going on, and at times I did struggle to keep up.
And I think this is the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars, cos I did feel a little bit overwhelmed at points. Oh don't get me wrong, its a bloody good book, it really was, especially as this appears to be only the third book written by this author, and it is not short book, some 350 pages.
It's violent, some graphic scenes but I think they really are needed. Not explicit in any way, but there is romance, of a fashion, between Diana and Sasha, as their magic combines.
I really hope there are more books about the people in this book, a follow up for Diana and Sasha would be great!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Diana needs a murder; a lone crow is a dead one. But to be accepted back into the murder that banished her, she needs to steal a very powerful blade. But others want it too, and Diana isn't too sure what's going on with her magic. Sasha isn't sure what these feelings are he has for Diana, but he also needs that blade to free himself from the demon who bound him. One of them will not be happy with the outcome.
This is different, and I do like me some different!
Diana is a crow shifter, with 3 legs (who knew?) but she isn't in a murder because her father is a bit of a con man (a LOT, really, by the time we get all the gory details!) and Diana, her mother and father were banished from the murder, but not her younger sister whose magic had been accepted by the murder. Dad wants Diana to steal this blade to get them back into the murder's good graces.
But, seriously, things are NOT as they seem. And Sasha wants that blade to free him from the demon who bound him to a lifetime of servitude. Something though, goes ping in both Diana and Sasha and instead Nobu, a cat shifter who really isn't, and they end up fighting together, rather than against each other.
I liked this, a lot. Like I said different. Humans with angel blood who are bound to demons. Shifters of all manner of being. There was a LOT going on, and at times I did struggle to keep up.
And I think this is the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars, cos I did feel a little bit overwhelmed at points. Oh don't get me wrong, its a bloody good book, it really was, especially as this appears to be only the third book written by this author, and it is not short book, some 350 pages.
It's violent, some graphic scenes but I think they really are needed. Not explicit in any way, but there is romance, of a fashion, between Diana and Sasha, as their magic combines.
I really hope there are more books about the people in this book, a follow up for Diana and Sasha would be great!
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Murder on Moon Trek 1 in Books
May 23, 2018
Murder on a Space Ship
Sylvia Stryker has hacked her way onto Moon Unit 5’s maiden voyage, and she is hoping to keep a low profile. However, within hours of getting on board, she finds a body in the uniform closet. Now she finds herself facing questions not only about whether she should be on the ship but about the murder itself. Setting out to clear her name, she begins to wonder if something much bigger is going on. Can she stop it?
I loved this mystery set in space. It took me a little while to fully feel comfortable in Sylvia’s world, but that was a minor complaint. The mystery starts quickly and the pace is steady until the end. The characters we got to know were strong, and I can’t wait to see them again. The setting really was creative and well done.
I loved this mystery set in space. It took me a little while to fully feel comfortable in Sylvia’s world, but that was a minor complaint. The mystery starts quickly and the pace is steady until the end. The characters we got to know were strong, and I can’t wait to see them again. The setting really was creative and well done.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Special Topics in Calamity Physics in Books
May 25, 2018
I loved, loved, loved this book! 5 STARS!
Blue Van Meer is a young girl studying at Harvard who decides to write about her life. Kind of a brainiac, and a bit odd, she starts with some tidbits of her childhood. Her mother died when she was very young, so she was raised primarily by her eccentric father who is a professor that moved her around a lot, from place to place. But most of the book takes place in Blue's high school years, particularly her senior year where she meets and befriends her teacher Hannah Schneider and joins an elite group of eccentrics, named the Bluebloods. And then, there is a murder.
Its a great mystery, a definite page-turner and you see how this murder has impacted Blue's life, and my goodness, it just gets better and better as you read on. I'm a big fan of Pessl's now!
Blue Van Meer is a young girl studying at Harvard who decides to write about her life. Kind of a brainiac, and a bit odd, she starts with some tidbits of her childhood. Her mother died when she was very young, so she was raised primarily by her eccentric father who is a professor that moved her around a lot, from place to place. But most of the book takes place in Blue's high school years, particularly her senior year where she meets and befriends her teacher Hannah Schneider and joins an elite group of eccentrics, named the Bluebloods. And then, there is a murder.
Its a great mystery, a definite page-turner and you see how this murder has impacted Blue's life, and my goodness, it just gets better and better as you read on. I'm a big fan of Pessl's now!
11-year-old Flavia DeLuce finds herself involved in a second mystery when a traveling puppet show comes to town. She is asked to help them set up and settle in to their temporary home, but when murder makes an appearance, she begins to dig deeper to find the killer.
The murder doesn’t happen until almost the half way point, but the story doesn’t have the tension to keep our interest until then. Yes, what we learn comes into play later, but it could have been introduced later when we’d actually care and it would mean something to us. The characters continue to shine, however. The second half of the novel was wonderful. If the entire thing lived up to that level, it would be a wonderful book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-weed-that-strings-hangmans.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The murder doesn’t happen until almost the half way point, but the story doesn’t have the tension to keep our interest until then. Yes, what we learn comes into play later, but it could have been introduced later when we’d actually care and it would mean something to us. The characters continue to shine, however. The second half of the novel was wonderful. If the entire thing lived up to that level, it would be a wonderful book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-weed-that-strings-hangmans.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Permanent Sunset: A Sabrina Salter Mystery in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Sabrina and Henry have taken on a new villa, and the first event at this villa is a big wedding that they are helping coordinate. However, when family strife turns to murder of the bride-to-be, Sabrina finds herself once again playing detective to prove that she isn’t negligent in the murder of another customer.
I enjoyed the first in this series only a couple of months ago, so the characters were still fresh in my mind. It was absolutely wonderful to be back in their presence. The new cast are just as strong, and the conflict they provide keeps the pages turning until we reach the logical end. I read the book in two days, I just couldn’t put it down.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-permanent-sunset-by-c.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I enjoyed the first in this series only a couple of months ago, so the characters were still fresh in my mind. It was absolutely wonderful to be back in their presence. The new cast are just as strong, and the conflict they provide keeps the pages turning until we reach the logical end. I read the book in two days, I just couldn’t put it down.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-permanent-sunset-by-c.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated One Foot in the Grape (Cypress Cove Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Antonia Martinelli asks Penny Lively to look into sabotage at the Martinelli Winery, Penny feels like she has to say yes. However, things quickly escalate to murder, and Penny feels like she has gotten in over her head. Can she find the killer? Is the murder related to the sabotage?
This debut is filled with strong characters and a compelling plot that kept me turning pages. Sadly, the timeline early on had some errors in it, which is a big pet peeve. Those issues were resolved later in the book, and it never impacted the story. Overall, this is a strong book in what could easily become a long running series.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-one-foot-in-grape-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This debut is filled with strong characters and a compelling plot that kept me turning pages. Sadly, the timeline early on had some errors in it, which is a big pet peeve. Those issues were resolved later in the book, and it never impacted the story. Overall, this is a strong book in what could easily become a long running series.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-one-foot-in-grape-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Behind Chocolate Bars (A Chocolate Covered Mystery #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Michelle and Erica are getting into the Halloween spirit by helping create the annual haunted house to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. But their time gets distracted when a murder happens out of town, and Dylan, a teen they know, becomes the prime suspect. Can the duo find the time to help prove he didn’t do it?
It was fantastic to be back with these characters again. The series regulars are fantastic, and the new characters were just as good. This book was a little different because he didn’t meet the victim before the murder, but that didn’t hamper the plot at all with plenty of suspects and clues before we reached the logical end.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-behind-chocolate-bars-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
It was fantastic to be back with these characters again. The series regulars are fantastic, and the new characters were just as good. This book was a little different because he didn’t meet the victim before the murder, but that didn’t hamper the plot at all with plenty of suspects and clues before we reached the logical end.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-behind-chocolate-bars-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Murder Has Nine Lives in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Jaine’s cat Prozac lands a part in a cat food commercial, Jaine is already spending her money. However, on the day of the shoot, Dean, the creator of the cat food, dies after eating some. Jaine had witnessed his bad behavior first hand, but the police consider everyone there a suspect. Desperate to clear her name, Jaine begins investigating. Who poisoned the cat food?
This series is dependable for it’s light look at murder, and this book is no exception. The characters are a little out there, but they fit the tone of the book perfectly. The plot is strong with plenty of viable suspects and shifting motive, which kept me turning pages. And a couple of sub-plots pack in the laughs.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-murder-has-nine-lives-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This series is dependable for it’s light look at murder, and this book is no exception. The characters are a little out there, but they fit the tone of the book perfectly. The plot is strong with plenty of viable suspects and shifting motive, which kept me turning pages. And a couple of sub-plots pack in the laughs.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-murder-has-nine-lives-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.