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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated A Sprinkle in Time in Books

May 28, 2022 (Updated May 28, 2022)  
A Sprinkle in Time
A Sprinkle in Time
Dana Mentink | 2022 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Corpse in the Trunk. Maybe.
Trinidad Jones is focused on the Alpenfest that is in town for the new two weekends, hoping that the tourists will provide a nice bump to her Shimmy and Shake Shop before business slows for the winter. Her life gets complicated, however, when her grandfather finds a corpse in the trunk of his classic car. When the police show up, the body is gone, only to turn up floating in the lake. What is going on?

I enjoyed the first in the series, but this one was even better. I was pulled in right away, and the plot never lagged. Because of how it impacted some of the characters we got to know in the first book, I found it compelling. I had part of the solution figured out, but there was a lot I hadn’t pieced together. The characters are strong again. I laughed at parts, but because of how things were impacting everyone, I also got chocked up a time or two. There are two recipes at the end to help with your cravings for ice cream and sweets in general. I’m already looking forward to visiting the gang again soon.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated A Bird’s Eye View of Murder in Books

Mar 19, 2022  
A Bird’s Eye View of Murder
A Bird’s Eye View of Murder
Jacqueline Vick | 2014 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Frankie Finds that Murder Isn’t Flighty
Frankie Chandler’s hardly recovered from the murder she got involved in the month before when her aunt comes for a visit. The aunt has scored some tickets to the taping of a live baking show, and Frankie joins her. That’s how Frankie stumbles on the dead body of the contestant winner. With the police looking at her aunt, her aunt hiding secrets, and animals starting to talk to Frankie again, can she figure out what is really going on?

Yes, this book falls into the paranormal cozy subgenre, which I tend to avoid. I appreciated how Frankie wrestles with her gift and what it means since those are the same things I struggle with myself. And it’s a minor part of the book anyway. In fact, this is more comedic, at least to me. I enjoyed laughing at the antics of the characters as the book progressed. The story started a bit slowly, but it grew stronger as it went along, and I was surprised by the ending. Do keep in mind that there is some violence to animals, but they are treated no worse than the human characters in the story. I really enjoyed the characters. I’m hoping I can get to the next in the series soon.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Cozy Up to Christmas in Books

Dec 15, 2022  
Cozy Up to Christmas
Cozy Up to Christmas
Colin Conway | 2021 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Being a Mall Santa Turns Complicated
Ed Belmont has landed a job as a mall Santa at a run-down mall in Pennsylvania. He’s managed to hold on to the job for a month, and is looking at his final week on the job. Unfortunately, dealing with kids, not Ed’s strong point, isn’t his biggest worry. Someone has been robbing convenience stores dressed as Santa, and the police think Ed might be the culprit. Then Santa robs the mall after hours. Can Ed figure out who is really behind these thefts?

Those familiar with the series will immediately recognize that Ed is the latest identity of our protagonist, who is in witness protection. I knew seeing him playing Santa would be fun, and I was right. Unfortunately, a sub-plot intended to also be funny made me more uncomfortable. I do like Ed and enjoy watching him deal with his newest struggles. The rest of the characters are a bit thin. The plot does wander a bit at times, but it comes together for an interesting climax. I do enjoy watching Ed solve things. And this is a fast read. Fans will enjoy seeing what Ed gets up to in this holiday entry in the series.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Scared Off in Books

Aug 26, 2023  
Scared Off
Scared Off
Barbara Ross | 2023 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
While the Parents Are Away, a Corps Turns Up
Julia Snowden responds to a panic call from her niece, who was supposed to be spending the night with two friends but needs help when a party breaks out. The police have been called, and, while they are making sure everyone is gone, discover a dead body in the shed outback. Was Julia’s niece spending the evening with a killer?

If you are also a fan of this series but haven’t read, Shucked Apart, a word of warning that this story contains spoilers for that book. As I said earlier, it’s always great to spend time with the characters. It’s also hard to believe how old Julia’s niece is getting. I always lose track of book time in the series I read. Anyway, the mystery was great; I enjoyed the way it unfolded. As a bonus, there’s a recipe for you to enjoy at your own party.

NOTE 1: This is a novella, so expect something shorter than a typical novel before you pick it up.

NOTE 2: This novella was originally in the Halloween Party Murder anthology. If you’ve already read it there, you don’t need to buy it again here.