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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2635 KP) rated The Night Fire in Books

Dec 18, 2025  
The Night Fire
The Night Fire
Michael Connelly | 2020
9
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
An Old Case and Two Modern Ones Heat Up
When Harry Bosch gets a decades old murder book his late mentor had taken when he retired, Bosch goes to Renee Ballard to help him try to solve the case. But their first look through the old reports leaves them with more questions than answers. Meanwhile, Bosch is looking at the case of a murdered judge that the police got wrong. And Ballard is worming her way into the investigation to a homeless man who died in a fire.

Obviously, there is plenty here to keep the reader engaged. We bounced between the two characters, which helps us get to know them and get updates on the people in their lives. All the characters are great. This one does introduce a storyline I’m not going to enjoy in future books. The plot balances both characters well, and brings things to a satisfactory climax. It does rely on convenient things happening a time or two, but I had so much fun I didn’t really mind. These are police procedurals, and the content reflects that, so keep that in mind before you pick up a book in the series. But if you are looking for a book that will be impossible to put down, you’ll be glad you chose anything from this author.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2635 KP) rated Death of the Party in Books

Jan 28, 2026 (Updated Jan 28, 2026)  
Death of the Party
Death of the Party
Carolyn Hart | 2005 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Will This Party Be the Death of Someone?
Annie Darling is taking a break to head to the smaller, private island of Golden Silk when her husband, Max, is hired to help find a killer. A year ago, media mogul Jeremiah Addison died when he fell down the stairs of his mansion. At the time, only his sister-in -law knew it was something more than an accident. But now, she’s inviting the guests from the weekend back, and she’s hoping that Max will be able to help her find the killer despite his insisting that this is a job for the police. With Annie tagging along, can they determine which guest turned it into a killer party?

When a series moves the setting, it’s always risky. In this case, the risk paid off. Yes, I missed the other regulars, but Annie and Max really got to shine, and the suspects got more time to develop. The mystery was a little slow getting going, but once it did, I was along for every twist. The ending was a bit abrupt, but it did answer my questions. I did miss the references to other mystery novels, but I loved that we didn’t see more of Annie being furious with the police. Any other fans who haven’t gotten to this book yet will be happy with this entry.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2635 KP) rated Hooked on Murder (Crochet Mystery, #1) in Books

Mar 19, 2023  
Hooked on Murder (Crochet Mystery, #1)
Hooked on Murder (Crochet Mystery, #1)
Betty Hechtman | 2008
5
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
I Wasn’t Quite Hooked on This Debut
Recently widowed Molly Pink has landed a job as the events coordinator at a local independent bookstore. Part of that is overseeing the crochet group that meets in their event space. When one of their members, Ellen Sheridan, leaves behind her crochet needles, Molly decides to run them home. Unfortunately, she finds Ellen’s dead body, and the police are right behind her. Molly has more of a connection to Ellen then she lets on at first, and the police think that makes her a great suspect. Can she figure out what really happened?

When I realized this book was set in Southern California, I decided I had to give it a try. While there is a good mystery in here, the pacing is off, and some of the sub-plots slowed things down further. On the other hand, I loved the characters, who are varied and charming. I especially enjoyed the fictional celebrities who showed up. Part of my problem was the writing, which felt a bit vague at times, and kept me from getting fully into Molly’s world. There is a simple crochet project and a delicious sounding recipe at the end. I liked the characters enough to consider picking up the sequel, but it’s not a series I’m going to rush back to.
  
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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Night Shift in Books

Sep 17, 2023  
TN
The Night Shift
Alex Finlay | 2023
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
131 of 235
Kindle
The Night Shift
By Alex Finlay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s New Year’s Eve 1999. Y2K is expected to end in chaos: planes falling from the sky, elevators plunging to earth, world markets collapsing. A digital apocalypse. None of that happens. But at a Blockbuster Video in New Jersey, four teenagers working late at the store are attacked. Only one inexplicably survives. Police quickly identify a suspect, the boyfriend of one of the victims, who flees and is never seen again.

Fifteen years later, more teenage employees are attacked at an ice cream store in the same town, and again only one makes it out alive.

In the aftermath of the latest crime, three lives intersect: the lone survivor of the Blockbuster massacre who’s forced to relive the horrors of her tragedy; the brother of the fugitive accused, who’s convinced the police have the wrong suspect; and FBI agent Sarah Keller who must delve into the secrets of both nights—stirring up memories of teen love and lies—to uncover the truth about murders on the night shift.

I read this in one sitting and thought it was just brilliant. It kept me totally engaged and constantly guessing. It had some pretty nasty characters too which always makes for good reading. Really enjoyed it.