Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated The Ducal Detective in Books
Apr 25, 2024
This is a fun novella that introduces a mystery series with a light fantasy setting. Considering all that the novella has to do, it’s impressive how it balances it in the short length it has. I was immediately drawn to Jacqueline, and I loved what we saw of her here. I also really liked the rest of the characters. The world was fun, and I hope we get to explore it further as the series goes along. For the length of the story, the mystery was good with enough twists to keep us engaged on the way to a logical climax. I appreciated the balance we got in tone between the sadness Jacqueline is experiencing and the lighter scenes. I can’t wait to make a return visit to this series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated In the Event of Murder in Books
Aug 22, 2024
It's been a couple of years since the first book in this series came out, so I wasn’t sure how much I’d remember about the characters. Fortunately, I was able to slip back into their world without too much effort. Sadly, the mystery was disappointing. The emphasis was more on the planning for the event, and those scenes grew repetitive. We did reach a solution, but parts of it felt forced to me. On the other hand, the characters were charming. I really did enjoy seeing Emma and her family and friends again. I wanted to like this more than I did, but it was mixed for me.
The Sinister Sitcom Caper
8.0
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Sandy Fairfax, former teen idol and star of the '70s hit TV show Buddy Brave, Boy Sleuth, is now...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated The Sinister Sitcom Caper in Books
Jan 15, 2025 (Updated Jan 15, 2025)
Since I enjoyed meeting Sandy in book one, I was looking forward to spending more time with him. I wasn’t disappointed. While the sitcom setting does not provide the laugh a minute laughs you would get from a good sitcom, there are still some laughs and smiles. The mystery kept me guessing and reached a logical conclusion, but I would have liked to know how Sandy reached it. I loved getting to know him better, which was helped by the fact that he was home for this book. The rest of the cast was great as well. I’ll definitely be back to spend more time with him soon.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Death in St. George’s in Books
Aug 13, 2024 (Updated Aug 13, 2024)
The mystery started well, and I was intrigued. Unfortunately, I did find the pacing was uneven as our leads spent quite a bit of time theorizing. Still, there was a strong mystery underpinning the book, and I was impressed when I reached the end. I love Stefanie and Thomas, so I enjoyed spending more time with them even if a sub-plot involving their relationship made me roll my eyes. The suspects became strong characters by the end of the book. I’ve definitely got some sights I want to see if I ever make it to Bermuda in person. Until then, I enjoyed this virtual vacation with murder.
Wedding Bride and Doom
5.0
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California wedding planner, Kate Ludlow, moves back home to New England after her marriage implodes....
Frightened to Depths
10.0
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Murder is never smooth sailing... Charlotte McLaughlin assumes she's finally shed all her tears on...
The Case of the Canterfell Codicil
10.0
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There's a literary niche for all tastes including those who think that either Dorothy L Sayers...
Crescent City Christmas Chaos (Vintage Cookbook Mystery #4)
9.0
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Have yourself a merry little . . . murder? Ricki James-Diaz gets the best present ever when her...
Cozy Mystery Culinary
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Homicide in the Indian Hills in Books
Mar 26, 2025 (Updated Mar 26, 2025)
I enjoyed this trip to India in 1927. The country and time really came to life for me. Jane and Redvers are the only returning characters, and it was nice to spend time with them again. This also means you can jump in here if you want to. The new characters are a mixed bag, but they are strong enough to pull us into the story. The mystery kept me intrigued until we reached the logical and suspenseful climax. Those who missed the electronic only Christmas novella from a year and a half ago will be happy to see it included here as an extra. Anyone looking for some travel with their historical mystery will be glad they picked up this series.
