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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2615 KP) rated Sugarplum Dead in Books
Jul 27, 2024
Can Annie Catch a Killer at Christmas?
Annie gets a surprise this Christmas when her father, Pudge, walks into her store. He’s on the island because his ex-sister-in-law has summoned the family together. Annie winds up on hand when she makes an announcement that upsets everyone. The next night, someone dies and Pudge becomes the prime suspect. But Annie doesn’t think he’s the killer. Is she right?
This book seemed to wander a bit with the set up, and I was wondering when it was going to get to the point. But when it did, it was great with several twists that surprised me and an ending that wrapped everything up well. We didn’t see as much of many of the regulars, but Laurel has some fantastic scenes. We also get to know some of the suspects better than is often the case. The Christmas element was subdued, but the references to other mystery authors and books was toned down, which was great. This is another book that fans of cozy mysteries will love.
This book seemed to wander a bit with the set up, and I was wondering when it was going to get to the point. But when it did, it was great with several twists that surprised me and an ending that wrapped everything up well. We didn’t see as much of many of the regulars, but Laurel has some fantastic scenes. We also get to know some of the suspects better than is often the case. The Christmas element was subdued, but the references to other mystery authors and books was toned down, which was great. This is another book that fans of cozy mysteries will love.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2615 KP) rated Frightened to Depths in Books
Jul 10, 2025 (Updated Jul 10, 2025)
Nothing to Be Frightened About Here
When Charlotte and Jane’s cruise ship docks for a couple of days in New Orleans, they run into an old crush of Jane’s. He joins them aboard the ship, along with a band reuniting with a former member. But when that band member is shot with a silver bullet under a full moon, Jane’s new beau looks like a suspect. After all, he is writing a book about New Orlean’s werewolf legend. Will finding the truth cost Charlotte her relationship with her sister?
I was excited to be back with these characters. While some of the supporting cast are in the background, the suspects are strong, and I enjoyed watching the main cast’s relationships grow. I have to give a special shout out to Charlotte and Jane’s relationship since their struggle is well represented. The plot is strong, with plenty to keep us engaged before the logical climax. If this is how these characters sail off into the sunset, I’ll be happy. But I hope they come back for more.
I was excited to be back with these characters. While some of the supporting cast are in the background, the suspects are strong, and I enjoyed watching the main cast’s relationships grow. I have to give a special shout out to Charlotte and Jane’s relationship since their struggle is well represented. The plot is strong, with plenty to keep us engaged before the logical climax. If this is how these characters sail off into the sunset, I’ll be happy. But I hope they come back for more.
The Party
9.0
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An unforgettable story about two sisters and a night that changes everything, from the master...
Historical fiction
Insomnia wasn’t at all what I expected - and that’s a good thing!
Emma is terrified that she will end up like her mother on her 40th birthday: which is only 12 days away. At the same age, her mother became paranoid and tried to kill Emma’s sister. She ends up in a psychiatric hospital for the rest of her life - but not before predicting that Emma will end up the same way.
Emma isn’t sleeping. Is the insomnia an understandable result of the worry and trauma caused by her mother, or is she really going to end up with the same mental illness?
Ooh, this was a twisty-turny one! When Emma starts ‘losing’ parts of her day, even I thought she was heading down the same path as her mother. Trying to keep her disturbed past and her successful present completely separate seems an impossible task, and really piles the tension on.
This was a very tense read, and I was completely hooked - this is one of those books that you won’t want to put down.
Emma is terrified that she will end up like her mother on her 40th birthday: which is only 12 days away. At the same age, her mother became paranoid and tried to kill Emma’s sister. She ends up in a psychiatric hospital for the rest of her life - but not before predicting that Emma will end up the same way.
Emma isn’t sleeping. Is the insomnia an understandable result of the worry and trauma caused by her mother, or is she really going to end up with the same mental illness?
Ooh, this was a twisty-turny one! When Emma starts ‘losing’ parts of her day, even I thought she was heading down the same path as her mother. Trying to keep her disturbed past and her successful present completely separate seems an impossible task, and really piles the tension on.
This was a very tense read, and I was completely hooked - this is one of those books that you won’t want to put down.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2615 KP) rated Please Don't Push Up the Daisies in Books
Aug 10, 2024
Tex’s Family Brings Murder to Town
In the time that Madison Night has dated Tex Allen, she hasn’t met his sister. Until now. Lily and her four sons are moving to Dallas now that her husband is finally granting her a divorce. However, when Madison goes with Lily to pick up the papers, they find him dead in his office. With Tex out of commission thanks to his nephews, can Madison figure out what really happened?
This is another great mystery that jumps right in and keeps us guessing until the end. I did find a couple of things that could have been a little clearer, but nothing that truly impacted the plot. What I really loved is the character growth we got for Tex and another series regular. But Madison really shines in her moment; it was my favorite part of the book. There are some funny moments as well, and fans of Doris Day’s movie will find some fun nods. If you’ve been enjoying this series, you’ll be glad you picked up the latest in the series.
This is another great mystery that jumps right in and keeps us guessing until the end. I did find a couple of things that could have been a little clearer, but nothing that truly impacted the plot. What I really loved is the character growth we got for Tex and another series regular. But Madison really shines in her moment; it was my favorite part of the book. There are some funny moments as well, and fans of Doris Day’s movie will find some fun nods. If you’ve been enjoying this series, you’ll be glad you picked up the latest in the series.
Nothing Proved (Regina #1)
Book
Danger lined her path, but destiny led her to glory… Elizabeth Tudor learned resilience young....
Historical Tudor
ClareR (6256 KP) rated First Born in Books
Jan 22, 2023
I loved this gripping thriller - it had me guessing up to the last page.
Molly and Katie are twins. Katie is the adventurer, and has moved to New York to go to university.
Molly lives an extremely structured life, and finds it hard to deviate from her routine. However, when Molly gets a call telling her that Katie has died suddenly, she must fight her fears, fly to New York and stay in a hostel (all very difficult things for her to do).
There are so many twists and turns in this novel, that I didn’t know what was coming and couldn’t even begin to guess. I couldn’t decide if I even liked the main character Molly or not - she’s not a likeable person, which is probably why her sister moved to another continent. But I like not liking a character - and there was so much to dislike! Molly is manipulative and she’s determined to find the person that she believes killed her twin.
The suspense in this was set to maximum - it’s well worth a read!
Molly and Katie are twins. Katie is the adventurer, and has moved to New York to go to university.
Molly lives an extremely structured life, and finds it hard to deviate from her routine. However, when Molly gets a call telling her that Katie has died suddenly, she must fight her fears, fly to New York and stay in a hostel (all very difficult things for her to do).
There are so many twists and turns in this novel, that I didn’t know what was coming and couldn’t even begin to guess. I couldn’t decide if I even liked the main character Molly or not - she’s not a likeable person, which is probably why her sister moved to another continent. But I like not liking a character - and there was so much to dislike! Molly is manipulative and she’s determined to find the person that she believes killed her twin.
The suspense in this was set to maximum - it’s well worth a read!
A Day of Fallen Night
10.0
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Tunuva Melim is a sister of the Priory. For fifty years, she has trained to slay wyrms – but none...
High Fantasy Dragons
Merissa (14112 KP) rated Jade (Men of S.O.C. #2) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
Jade is the second book in the Special Operations Command series and follows the men as they work in the 'private sector' and get to pick and choose their jobs. Whilst still worthwhile, some of them, Jade included, miss the more high-risk jobs so when they get the chance to bring down a drugs ring with Cuba connections, they jump at the chance. Of course, things don't run smoothly and they find that Allie, Jaxon's sister, is up to her neck in trouble with a dodgy DA blackmailing her.
This is a high-impact, full-on action book and will leave you breathless. The wit and banter between Allie, Jade, and Jaxon are funny to read, with the relationship between siblings absolutely perfect. A brilliant continuation of the series and I look forward to reading more. Recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 24, 2016
This is a high-impact, full-on action book and will leave you breathless. The wit and banter between Allie, Jade, and Jaxon are funny to read, with the relationship between siblings absolutely perfect. A brilliant continuation of the series and I look forward to reading more. Recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 24, 2016
Wait! (Oxley College #2)
8.0
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Jordan Hays knows just how precious life is; that’s why he has his own mapped out. He’ll work to...
Contemporary Romance College Romance