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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2414 KP) rated Mint Chocolate Murder in Books
Jul 30, 2022 (Updated Jul 30, 2022)
Was the Photographer’s Death Picture Perfect?
September has fallen, and the crowds have dropped off from their summer peak at Udder Delicious, but manager Riley Rhodes is finding life isn’t slowing down yet thanks to the art festival that former supermodel Maude Monico is hosting at the castle she’s purchased just outside of town. Riley is catering the opening night ice cream social, and that allows her to observe the weekend’s guest of honor, Adam Blasco, a controversial photographer. He fails to show up for his talk the next day, and he is soon found dead, locked in the castle’s former dungeon. Now Riley has to figure out not only how he came to be there, but who wanted him dead.
Yes, there is a reason that this castle (and a Scottish castle at that) is in the middle of Connecticut. That adds a fun layer to this mystery, but it does require a bit of set up at the beginning. Between that and meeting the victim and suspects, we are able to ease into the story. Since we have a locked room puzzle and in addition to figuring out who the killer is, there is plenty to keep us engaged, and the pages flew by until I reached the end. I enjoyed meeting the characters last year, and they were just as charming here. Meanwhile, the suspects were strong. While there actually isn’t much mention of mint chocolate here (a favorite flavor of mine), pumpkin spice proves to be a popular ice cream flavor in the story, and we get a recipe for it in the end. Whether you love ice cream or not, you’ll find this book a delicious sequel that you’ll enjoy.
Yes, there is a reason that this castle (and a Scottish castle at that) is in the middle of Connecticut. That adds a fun layer to this mystery, but it does require a bit of set up at the beginning. Between that and meeting the victim and suspects, we are able to ease into the story. Since we have a locked room puzzle and in addition to figuring out who the killer is, there is plenty to keep us engaged, and the pages flew by until I reached the end. I enjoyed meeting the characters last year, and they were just as charming here. Meanwhile, the suspects were strong. While there actually isn’t much mention of mint chocolate here (a favorite flavor of mine), pumpkin spice proves to be a popular ice cream flavor in the story, and we get a recipe for it in the end. Whether you love ice cream or not, you’ll find this book a delicious sequel that you’ll enjoy.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2414 KP) rated The Self-Working Trick (and Other Stories) in Books
Feb 2, 2022
Eli Faces Crime in This Short Story Collection
For the eighth book in the Eli Marks series, author John Gaspard decided to present a short story collection. While two have been previously released, the rest of the twelve stories here are new. Over the course of this collection, Eli must help his ex-wife and her new husband figure out what happened in a bizarre murder/suicide case. Eli finds himself being questioned by the police when someone who gave him a one-star review is found dead. Eli finds himself being sent in by the police to perform magic for a man who refuses to come out of his house. And Eli and his uncle Harry figure out what happened to a man shot in front of a crowd on Halloween night.
While a couple of the stories don’t feature a crime, they still give us a great chance to see Eli in action and let us get some insight into his character. The rest of the stories feature a crime, often with a perfect puzzle that only makes sense when Eli uses his knowledge of the principles of magic to solve it. If you want to be fooled by magic, you’ll be happy to know that these principles are discussed in such a way that the solution to the mystery makes sense, but the specifics of how a trick works aren’t ruined. I love that. Fans will love getting these small glimpses of what else Eli has been up to between the big cases we’ve already read about. If you are new to the character, you’ll find the information you need to follow these cases with nothing from the regular novels spoiled. Most importantly, these stories are fun, with a few laughs along the way as well. This is a completely enjoyable short story collection.
While a couple of the stories don’t feature a crime, they still give us a great chance to see Eli in action and let us get some insight into his character. The rest of the stories feature a crime, often with a perfect puzzle that only makes sense when Eli uses his knowledge of the principles of magic to solve it. If you want to be fooled by magic, you’ll be happy to know that these principles are discussed in such a way that the solution to the mystery makes sense, but the specifics of how a trick works aren’t ruined. I love that. Fans will love getting these small glimpses of what else Eli has been up to between the big cases we’ve already read about. If you are new to the character, you’ll find the information you need to follow these cases with nothing from the regular novels spoiled. Most importantly, these stories are fun, with a few laughs along the way as well. This is a completely enjoyable short story collection.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgertons, #4) in Books
Jan 6, 2022
I think that this has by far been my favourite of the Bridgerton series that I have read so far! After not enjoying An Offer From A Gentleman quite as much as the first three, I’m glad to see that Julia Quinn seemed to have gone back to her original style rather than retelling a fairytale.
We follow Penelope Featherington as she resigns herself to a life as a spinster after no proposals in all of the time that she has been out in society. I felt for Penelope that she’d not even interested one man. Despite being intelligent and witty, Penelope never was noticed at the balls and was a wallflower who only had eyes for one man, Colin Bridgerton.
I spent so much of the book wishing for Colin to notice Penelope and notice how talented she was, rather than be like the rest of the ton men. And once he finally did, it was amazing to read on as his feelings grew. Although I wasn’t too keen when he lost his temper with Penelope multiple times, but I understood the reasoning behind him doing so but just wished that he would listen to Penelope’s side a bit more.
I also love the fact that we found out the identity of Lady Whistledown in this book, but will however miss her summary of the parties and her comments about the goings on around town. I think Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers were such a fun addition to the stories and the mystery behind who she was was a puzzle that occupied me throughout the first four books of the series.
I’m hoping the next book is just as good as this one, and I am enjoying this series immensely.
We follow Penelope Featherington as she resigns herself to a life as a spinster after no proposals in all of the time that she has been out in society. I felt for Penelope that she’d not even interested one man. Despite being intelligent and witty, Penelope never was noticed at the balls and was a wallflower who only had eyes for one man, Colin Bridgerton.
I spent so much of the book wishing for Colin to notice Penelope and notice how talented she was, rather than be like the rest of the ton men. And once he finally did, it was amazing to read on as his feelings grew. Although I wasn’t too keen when he lost his temper with Penelope multiple times, but I understood the reasoning behind him doing so but just wished that he would listen to Penelope’s side a bit more.
I also love the fact that we found out the identity of Lady Whistledown in this book, but will however miss her summary of the parties and her comments about the goings on around town. I think Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers were such a fun addition to the stories and the mystery behind who she was was a puzzle that occupied me throughout the first four books of the series.
I’m hoping the next book is just as good as this one, and I am enjoying this series immensely.
Dream a Little Dream (To Love a Psycho #1)
9.0
Rate It
Book
His student. His obsession. His undoing. “Aaron Jones was a spark in the dark. Beautiful....
Dark MM Romance Contemporary Psychological Thriller
Murder on West Lake (South Shore Mystery #3)
Book
A scream shattered the tranquil air, echoing off the ice-covered lake, and Daniel's heart froze. He...
Historical Mystery Cozy Mystery Romantic
Debbiereadsbook (1524 KP) rated A Game Cursed and Deadly (Beyond The Veil #1) in Books
Sep 21, 2025
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I copy from a recent review I wrote: The thing I love most about reviewing is finding brand spanking new authors. Finding those new authors who smash it out the park with their first book is just the icing on the cake! This is such a book!
The thing I loved most about this book, was that for a long time, I mean a REALLY long time, I couldn't see how the curse would be broken! It's not until it revealed in the book, that all the clues and bits and pieces slot together to form a solution to the puzzle that was there all along, and I just couldn't see it.
I loved that, very quickly, Teizel realizes that Esme is someone special, someone who could possibly, maybe break this curse, but he dare not hope. He's had his hopes dashed many times, and another time will truly break him. But Esme pushes all his buttons and then some, and slowly, she creeps under his skin.
Some very interesting twists along the way, and I loved that I didn't see a single bloody one!
Both Tei and Esme get a say and I loved that.
One thing, though, that made me spit my dummy out, throw my toys out the pram and almost, ALMOST throw my kindle in the swimming pool in Malta where I was reading.
It ends in a bit of a cliff hanger and I did NOT see that coming either!
All in all, Ms Laurenti, I'd say, that was a job well done and please, PLEASE hurry with the next book!!
5 full and shiny stars but honestly? I can't recommend this book highly enough!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I copy from a recent review I wrote: The thing I love most about reviewing is finding brand spanking new authors. Finding those new authors who smash it out the park with their first book is just the icing on the cake! This is such a book!
The thing I loved most about this book, was that for a long time, I mean a REALLY long time, I couldn't see how the curse would be broken! It's not until it revealed in the book, that all the clues and bits and pieces slot together to form a solution to the puzzle that was there all along, and I just couldn't see it.
I loved that, very quickly, Teizel realizes that Esme is someone special, someone who could possibly, maybe break this curse, but he dare not hope. He's had his hopes dashed many times, and another time will truly break him. But Esme pushes all his buttons and then some, and slowly, she creeps under his skin.
Some very interesting twists along the way, and I loved that I didn't see a single bloody one!
Both Tei and Esme get a say and I loved that.
One thing, though, that made me spit my dummy out, throw my toys out the pram and almost, ALMOST throw my kindle in the swimming pool in Malta where I was reading.
It ends in a bit of a cliff hanger and I did NOT see that coming either!
All in all, Ms Laurenti, I'd say, that was a job well done and please, PLEASE hurry with the next book!!
5 full and shiny stars but honestly? I can't recommend this book highly enough!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Itsy Bitsy Spider - Educational Activities & Songs
Education and Games
App
~~~ 10 fabulous games and full sing along in one great kids app! ~~~ ~~ 5 beautiful verses of the...
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Education and Games
7.0
Rate It
App
~~ 9 educational activities & games inside + a full interactive Twinkle Twinkle song ~~ ~~ More than...
If you’re happy & you know it - Sing Along
Education and Games
App
-> Full Interactive Song + 9 Amazing Educational Games Inside -> Top HD graphics and superb musical...
The fabulous Animal Playground
Games and Entertainment
App
If your kids are animal lovers and you’re looking for something both fun and educational, with...