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Celia Davies spends her days helping the women of 1867 San Francisco via her free medical clinic. One of her patients, a former Chinese prostitute is found murdered, and Celia must know what happened to her. Meanwhile, Nicholas Greaves is the police officer assigned to the case, and he is determined to get justice for the young woman. But where will the investigation lead?
This is a good debut that will please any fan of historical mysteries. The characters are intriguing, and their history makes them seem even more real. The plot did bog down a few times, but never for very long, and we reach a logical conclusion before the end. The world of 1867 is brought to wonderful life as well, and it’s easy to get lost in another time.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-no-comfort-for-lost-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a good debut that will please any fan of historical mysteries. The characters are intriguing, and their history makes them seem even more real. The plot did bog down a few times, but never for very long, and we reach a logical conclusion before the end. The world of 1867 is brought to wonderful life as well, and it’s easy to get lost in another time.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-no-comfort-for-lost-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Katie Guinn (34 KP) rated A Deadly Éclair (A French Bistro Mystery, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
A Deadly Eclair is the first book in a cozy mystery series. The main character, Mimi Rousseau, runs a small B&B and a French bistro in California’s wine country. As the story opens, she’s planning to host the wedding of a famous talk show host, but plans are derailed when the bride’s uncle (and Mimi’s financial backer) is found dead on the bistro patio, an eclair stuffed into his mouth. Mimi has to find the culprit before she’s hauled off to jail for murder. First of all, you should know that I love punny titles like this one. I also love cozy mysteries that feature food and/or chefs. Even if the constant descriptions of food makes my mouth water. I enjoyed the quirky supporting characters, and found myself laughing out loud several times. Did I find the frequent food facts unnecessary? Yes. Did I enjoy them anyway? Darn right I did. Ms. Gerber walked the fine line between too little description and too much like a gymnastic pro, and I will happily follow Mimi through her future adventures
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2516 KP) rated One Fete in the Grave in Books
Jul 6, 2018
This Fourth of July Ends with the Bang of Murder
When the fireworks show ends, party planning Liv McKay thinks her day organizing her town’s Fourth of July festival is over. Unfortunately, someone finds the body of councilman Bubba Rowland. Despite being on the council, Bubba had his enemies, and one of them was Earl, her mother’s new fiance. Can Liv help her mother by clearing Earl’s name?
This book starts with a bang – of fireworks, but it isn’t too long before we find Bubba’s body. Unfortunately, the book does still have some pacing issues as Liv’s party planning business slows things down. I did find one sub-plot lots of fun, however. The mystery does have some good suspects and twists before we reach the logical climax. Liv’s family and friends, including best friend Di, are as charming as ever. The suspects work, although we don’t get to know them as well as we might in some mysteries. This is a fun cozy for a relaxing summer read or any time of the year.
This book starts with a bang – of fireworks, but it isn’t too long before we find Bubba’s body. Unfortunately, the book does still have some pacing issues as Liv’s party planning business slows things down. I did find one sub-plot lots of fun, however. The mystery does have some good suspects and twists before we reach the logical climax. Liv’s family and friends, including best friend Di, are as charming as ever. The suspects work, although we don’t get to know them as well as we might in some mysteries. This is a fun cozy for a relaxing summer read or any time of the year.
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated Curse of the Ancients: Book 3 in Books
Aug 30, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
If you wanted to travel to the Middle East or at least a part of it. You do so though Hawk McKinney latest book "The Curse of Ancients". To me it get adventurous and involves mysteries though out the book. I also believe it got some real good crime and detective in the book.
We meet up with Craige Ingram once again, and one of his best friend McGarald. Craige is ask to come and look and be a part of the investigation and find out what going on and finding out. The action be hotter and intense.
Craige bring in another friend from his seal team. When, his home is being threaten and get him and his friend involved some more. They will not back down until they find the answers.
Are terrorists involved and who or what is going on that leaving agents dead? Hawk McKinney does this and pull you in for adventure and battle. Who will win? The book is a page turner and surprises though out. Who would want artifacts and why?
We meet up with Craige Ingram once again, and one of his best friend McGarald. Craige is ask to come and look and be a part of the investigation and find out what going on and finding out. The action be hotter and intense.
Craige bring in another friend from his seal team. When, his home is being threaten and get him and his friend involved some more. They will not back down until they find the answers.
Are terrorists involved and who or what is going on that leaving agents dead? Hawk McKinney does this and pull you in for adventure and battle. Who will win? The book is a page turner and surprises though out. Who would want artifacts and why?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2516 KP) rated What Child is This in Books
Jan 1, 2019
Simple, Heart Warming Short Story
The story opens on Christmas Eve in London in 1940. It's the middle of the blitz, and rationing is in full effect, so it is looking like a very dismal Christmas for Maggie and Jack Harris. But then what little they do have is taken from them suddenly, and they find themselves on the streets. Jack goes looking for shelter and finds what looks like an abandoned house. Is it abandoned? What will Christmas day bring?
While I rarely read short stories, I had to grab this story from Rhys Bowen. Best known for her historical mysteries, this is more of a glimpse at tragedy and triumph during 24 hours. As such, it doesn't have the twists or shocks you might expect, but it is a very heartwarming tale. Jack and Maggie really shine, although I did find Maggie annoying at times. Believable, but annoying. A quick read (I read it in about an hour), this is a good way to hold on to the Christmas spirit just a little bit longer.
While I rarely read short stories, I had to grab this story from Rhys Bowen. Best known for her historical mysteries, this is more of a glimpse at tragedy and triumph during 24 hours. As such, it doesn't have the twists or shocks you might expect, but it is a very heartwarming tale. Jack and Maggie really shine, although I did find Maggie annoying at times. Believable, but annoying. A quick read (I read it in about an hour), this is a good way to hold on to the Christmas spirit just a little bit longer.
David Betteridge (327 KP) rated The Stranger in TV
Feb 28, 2020 (Updated Feb 29, 2020)
Acting (3 more)
Interwoven story
Mystery
Giles!
Ending (2 more)
Slightly unbelievable actions
Under use of some great actors
Good short season, with a slight dip at the end
I started to watch this because people at work were talking about it, I'd never read the book so had no concept of the story or characters. Once I started watching episode 1 I was hooked and would find myself just letting another episode start even though it was way passed midnight!
I think The Stranger does keep you genuinely guessing with all the mysteries and secrets, and only let's you in, when it wants to, the acting was great and they do keep you intrigued until the final episode. However the final episode is where I have my issue, so much happens here that it could have done with splitting out into a couple more episodes, this would have fleshed out characters that could have had a bigger emotional impact and wouldn't have felt so rushed.
I think it would be nice if they have left things set up for another season.
I think The Stranger does keep you genuinely guessing with all the mysteries and secrets, and only let's you in, when it wants to, the acting was great and they do keep you intrigued until the final episode. However the final episode is where I have my issue, so much happens here that it could have done with splitting out into a couple more episodes, this would have fleshed out characters that could have had a bigger emotional impact and wouldn't have felt so rushed.
I think it would be nice if they have left things set up for another season.
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