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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated A Sprinkle in Time in Books
May 28, 2022 (Updated May 28, 2022)
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.
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.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated No Parm No Foul in Books
Nov 1, 2022 (Updated Nov 1, 2022)
The Only Harm Would Be Skipping This Book
Carly Hale is excited to be able to participate in the Balsam Dell fall food festival for the first time. However, one of her other contestants is throwing a wet blanket on things. Ferris Menard owns a sub shop across the village square, and he has turned his temper on Carly. The festival ends with him creating a public scene. However, the next day, he is found dead in his shop. A clue at the scene points of Carly’s boyfriend. Can she find the truth?
I enjoyed meeting this cast of characters in the first book, and they were just as charming and fun to be with here. The plot was strong. I thought I had it figured out early, but I quickly realized I was wrong. There was one element that wasn’t really resolved, but I still understood the killer and motive just fine. I enjoyed the fall setting and could feel the crispness in the air. I also appreciated the cheesy puns, especially in the sandwiches that Carly serves in her restaurant. Speaking of which, we get recipes for two of them at the end. I already have the next in the series pre-ordered, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
I enjoyed meeting this cast of characters in the first book, and they were just as charming and fun to be with here. The plot was strong. I thought I had it figured out early, but I quickly realized I was wrong. There was one element that wasn’t really resolved, but I still understood the killer and motive just fine. I enjoyed the fall setting and could feel the crispness in the air. I also appreciated the cheesy puns, especially in the sandwiches that Carly serves in her restaurant. Speaking of which, we get recipes for two of them at the end. I already have the next in the series pre-ordered, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Death of a Halloween Party Monster in Books
Aug 26, 2023
Cold Costumed Corpse
This story features Lee Hollis’s series star Hayley Powell, who is hosting a Halloween party at her new restaurant. However, the night ends in horror when the body of the high school music teacher is found in the freezer. Is one of Hayley’s friends a killer?
I don’t read this series, just the novellas when they are part of an anthology I want to read, but I found myself feeling right at home partying with these characters from the beginning of this story. I did figure out one aspect of the story early on, but there were several more, including the identity of the killer, that I hadn’t pieced together until Hayley did. It’s a twist on a locked room mystery, which is always fun. The ending was great and kept me turning the pages. There are also some recipes to enjoy while you read or at a party you are hosting this Halloween.
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.
I don’t read this series, just the novellas when they are part of an anthology I want to read, but I found myself feeling right at home partying with these characters from the beginning of this story. I did figure out one aspect of the story early on, but there were several more, including the identity of the killer, that I hadn’t pieced together until Hayley did. It’s a twist on a locked room mystery, which is always fun. The ending was great and kept me turning the pages. There are also some recipes to enjoy while you read or at a party you are hosting this Halloween.
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.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Death by Yule Log in Books
Dec 1, 2022
New Boyfriend and a Christmas Murder
This Christmas, Hayley Powell's daughter is coming up to Maine for Christmas and she's bringing her new boyfriend. Hayley does her best to greet Connor with an open mind, but something about him just rubs Hayley the wrong way. However, when a young man is found murdered after getting into a fight with Connor, it begins to look like Connor is the prime suspect. Hayley may not like him, but she doesn't want to see Connor accused of a crime he didn't commit. Can she figure out what is going on?
This story made me want to pick up the full length novels, not that I have yet. While I obviously didn't understand all the character history, I certainly got enough to fully enjoy what was happening here. The mystery was strong and kept me engaged until the end. As a bonus, there are recipes throughout, including one for a Yule Log cake.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Yule Log Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
This story made me want to pick up the full length novels, not that I have yet. While I obviously didn't understand all the character history, I certainly got enough to fully enjoy what was happening here. The mystery was strong and kept me engaged until the end. As a bonus, there are recipes throughout, including one for a Yule Log cake.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Yule Log Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas mystery.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Hidden Beneath in Books
Jun 29, 2023 (Updated Jun 29, 2023)
What Happened to Ginny?
It’s another busy summer for the Snowden Family Clambake, but Julia quickly agrees when her mother, Jacqueline, asks Julia to join her for a memorial for a friend who vanished five years ago. Since it’s been five years, Ginny has been officially declared dead. Something about her disappearance feels off to Jacqueline, so she asks Julia what she can find out. Will Julia find any answers after all this time?
As a long time reader of the series, I enjoyed that this book continued a couple of ongoing storylines. I was satisfied with how things played out in them. As always, the characters are fantastic. I was smiling within pages of starting the book at getting to spend more time with these old friends. The plot spends a little time laying a foundation before it really takes off, but I was hooked the entire time and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough by the end. We get five recipes at the end as well. This is a favorite series of mine. If you enjoy it, you’ll be thrilled with the latest entry. If you aren’t yet a fan, pick up a book today, and you’ll get hooked.
As a long time reader of the series, I enjoyed that this book continued a couple of ongoing storylines. I was satisfied with how things played out in them. As always, the characters are fantastic. I was smiling within pages of starting the book at getting to spend more time with these old friends. The plot spends a little time laying a foundation before it really takes off, but I was hooked the entire time and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough by the end. We get five recipes at the end as well. This is a favorite series of mine. If you enjoy it, you’ll be thrilled with the latest entry. If you aren’t yet a fan, pick up a book today, and you’ll get hooked.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Brie Careful What You Wish For in Books
Apr 10, 2024
Murder of a Bad Customer
Business is booming at Carly Hale’s grilled cheese restaurant this summer, thanks in part to Ross Baxter’s new cash delivery service. He’s saving money for college this fall by delivering orders to seniors. One, however, is giving him problems with her constant demands and complaints. But when Ross discovers her dead body one day, the police think he could be the killer. Can Carly clear him?
I’d fallen in love with this series, so I was happy to be back for book four. With the victim being difficult, we had plenty of suspects, although we soon focused in on a smaller group. They did their job well confusing me. I had a few pieces figured out, but most of it was still confusing to me until I reached the end, when things made sense. I appreciated other characters warning Carly about the danger of getting involved at first, but it felt a bit one note as the story went on. Still, that’s a minor complaint. All the series regulars have key parts in the story, and I loved getting updates on their lives. The two gourmet grilled cheese recipes at the end sound delicious. Fans will find themselves wishing for another book when they set this one down.
I’d fallen in love with this series, so I was happy to be back for book four. With the victim being difficult, we had plenty of suspects, although we soon focused in on a smaller group. They did their job well confusing me. I had a few pieces figured out, but most of it was still confusing to me until I reached the end, when things made sense. I appreciated other characters warning Carly about the danger of getting involved at first, but it felt a bit one note as the story went on. Still, that’s a minor complaint. All the series regulars have key parts in the story, and I loved getting updates on their lives. The two gourmet grilled cheese recipes at the end sound delicious. Fans will find themselves wishing for another book when they set this one down.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Mushroom Capped in Books
Jan 10, 2024
Jackie Finds Murder Mushrooming
Former celebrity chef Jackie Norwood has landed in Conway, Maryland, for their second annual mushroom festival. She’s especially excited about connecting with her friend, Marshall. However, she quickly discovers that there’s lots of tension in town thanks to a big farming company trying to buy up the mushroom farms in the area. When Jackie finds the owner of the company dead, Marshall becomes the prime suspect. Can Jackie clear him?
I loved the first book in the series, and it was great to be spending time with Jackie again. All of her family and friends from the last book are back as well. While it would have been nice to see a bit more development for them, I still enjoyed spending time with them and loved the humor they brought to the story. The story started quickly, and when I reached the end, I appreciated just how the clues and motives were layered into the story. I was engaged the entire time, and the ending made perfect sense. If you like mushrooms, you’ll be interested in the five delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. This is looking to be a great culinary cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens at Jackie’s next festival.
I loved the first book in the series, and it was great to be spending time with Jackie again. All of her family and friends from the last book are back as well. While it would have been nice to see a bit more development for them, I still enjoyed spending time with them and loved the humor they brought to the story. The story started quickly, and when I reached the end, I appreciated just how the clues and motives were layered into the story. I was engaged the entire time, and the ending made perfect sense. If you like mushrooms, you’ll be interested in the five delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book. This is looking to be a great culinary cozy mystery series, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens at Jackie’s next festival.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Torn Asunder in Books
Apr 25, 2024
The Murder of the Uninvited Guest
Julia Snowden is happy and nervous to be hosting the first wedding in years on Marrow Island. The wedding is between her friends Zoey and Jamie. The rehearsal dinner the night before has one man that Julia doesn’t recognize at it. Part way through the meal, he collapses. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes apparent that he was murdered. Fortunately, Julia’s detective boyfriend, Tom, is on hand. But if no one knows who the man is, who would want to kill him?
Obviously, Julia begins to make connections soon, and this book gave me major Agatha Christie vibes. I do mean that as a compliment. The suspects were strong, and I had a hard time putting the book down until things came to a logical and surprising climax. I love the characters in this series, and it was great to spend time with them again, even if some of the regulars only had cameos. There are five more recipes at the end of the book to enjoy later. I laughed and teared up a time or two as I was reading this book. Series fans will put this one down very satisfied. If you haven’t started the series yet, you need to fix that today. This is a great series.
Obviously, Julia begins to make connections soon, and this book gave me major Agatha Christie vibes. I do mean that as a compliment. The suspects were strong, and I had a hard time putting the book down until things came to a logical and surprising climax. I love the characters in this series, and it was great to spend time with them again, even if some of the regulars only had cameos. There are five more recipes at the end of the book to enjoy later. I laughed and teared up a time or two as I was reading this book. Series fans will put this one down very satisfied. If you haven’t started the series yet, you need to fix that today. This is a great series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Pretty Lentil Liars in Books
Oct 9, 2024
Can Jackie Find the Truth in a Town of Liars
Jackie Norwood has landed in Holland, Washington, for their lentil festival. It quickly becomes evident that the organizer has exaggerated how big the crowds will be, but Jackie wonders what else the organizer is hiding after she receives a note claiming the organizer is a constant liar. Then she hears about the teen who vanished on prom night twelve years ago. Can Jackie find the truth about what happened that night?
I was thrilled to be back in Jackie’s presence for this book. The set up was fun, and I quickly got caught up in the story. I thought I had the villain pegged early on, but I turned out to be wrong. Still, everything made sense when I was done. The characters are great, new and old alike. One of the supporting characters gets a chance to shine, and I liked the growth we saw for Jackie. We also get some humor, including puns, which I enjoyed. There are 10 recipes at the end featuring lentils, from the traditional soups to the more creative. If you are looking for a great book that is a fast read, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I was thrilled to be back in Jackie’s presence for this book. The set up was fun, and I quickly got caught up in the story. I thought I had the villain pegged early on, but I turned out to be wrong. Still, everything made sense when I was done. The characters are great, new and old alike. One of the supporting characters gets a chance to shine, and I liked the growth we saw for Jackie. We also get some humor, including puns, which I enjoyed. There are 10 recipes at the end featuring lentils, from the traditional soups to the more creative. If you are looking for a great book that is a fast read, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated Edam and Weep in Books
Aug 6, 2025
Carly Finds Murder at a Fundraiser
As this book opens, it’s just over a month until Carly’s wedding to Ari. But today, she’s focused on the 50’s diner themed fundraiser for the local high school’s gym. While she’s selling simple grilled cheese (of course), some of the other vendors are offering various other offerings. But the man selling sodas clearly doesn’t want to be there, and his rude behavior leads to a confrontation with Carly’s mom. When the man is found dead later with the scarf that her mom was wearing around his neck, Carly jumps in to figure out what really happened.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.
When I heard about this book, I quickly added it to my reading plans since I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series. Sadly, this one was disappointing. There are two dualing storylines, but they both losing steam in the second half. The mystery plot felt a bit familiar, although I didn’t have the killer pegged. Fortunately, the characters are still charming, and I enjoyed spending time with them. We get two cheese themed recipes at the end. This is one that fans will want to read to the end. But if you are new to the series, start with an earlier book.