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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Murder Outside the Lines in Books

Sep 29, 2021 (Updated Sep 29, 2021)  
Murder Outside the Lines
Murder Outside the Lines
Krista Davis | 2021 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Florrie is Haunted by Murder this Halloween
Fall is in the air with Halloween fast approaching. Florrie Fox has a special author appearance planned for Color Me Read, author and psychic Hilda Rattenhorst. However, when Hilda shows up, she claims to have seen a carpet wrapped up with a foot sticking out of it in a nearby doorway. Florrie and her boyfriend, Eric, who is also a police officer, head out to check it out only to find nothing when they arrive. Then, during her talk before signing books, Hilda claims to feel a killer’s presence in the audience. As Florrie is trying to figure out if it is a publicity stunt, one incident after another begins to happen. What is going on?

Even for a Halloween themed cozy, I was a little surprised at the number of potential supernatural elements we got at the beginning of the book. As the crimes took center stage, that began to recede a bit. I did feel the plot could have used better focus. There are quite a few elements to the story, and it felt like it was wandering in the middle. But things came together for a satisfying climax. I was once again charmed by the Georgetown neighborhood where Florrie lives and works. It was great to get reacquainted with the characters and see the next chapter in their lives. This book is for you if you are looking for a charming fall cozy.
  
The House of Ashes
The House of Ashes
Stuart Neville | 2022 | Crime, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am ashamed to say that I haven't read anything by Stuart Neville for years ... I have no excuse other than I must have had my head stuck in the sand or developed short-term amnesia because I forgot how much I enjoyed reading his words.

This is a sad and tragic story told from the perspective of two women, Sara and Mary, and from two timelines, the present and sixty years ago, with all 'action' taking place on an isolated farm in Northern Ireland.

This is not a story full of joy or happiness but rather there is an overwhelming sense of darkness and sadness with a foreboding undertone from start to finish that is intense and certainly keeps you on edge. Having said that, it is also a story of strength, survival and hope amidst a backdrop of abuse, control and gaslighting.

I admit this isn't a story for everyone and I can't say I enjoyed it given the nature of its content, however, it was an excellent read that had me hooked and took me through so many emotions that many books don't do nowadays that I can only recommend it to others who enjoy dark, psychological thrillers with a little of the supernatural thrown in to enhance the overall feel of the book.

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
Everlasting Fire (Infernal Regions for the Unprepared #3)
Everlasting Fire (Infernal Regions for the Unprepared #3)
Maya Daniels | 2023 | Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
EVERLASTING FIRE is the third book in the Infernal Regions for the Unprepared series and it starts where book 2 finished, so you really should read these in order.

Brooklyn allowed herself to be captured in order to save her friends. Unfortunately, this looks as though it wasn't the best idea, seeing as how she is either caged or put in a ring to fight goodness-knows-what. It is during one of these fights that her arm gets slashed which unleashes a whole load of chaos.

Alice is still the main woman for me! I love her attitude, her witticisms, and her bravery. She is just the 'poor human' with a touch of magic (that I really want to know more about because I don't think it's a touch!) holding her own against supernatural beings. Rowen is a new addition and I loved the scenes he was in. I can't wait to continue with the story.

Samir, Dominic, and Brooklyn all play their roles perfectly, definitely leaving you on a cliffhanger and wanting to know what comes next.

A great addition to the series that I definitely recommend. Black Hand is still my favourite of the bunch, but I am thoroughly enjoying the series.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!