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Becoming the Witch (The Rise of Orion 0.5)
Book
This is the Haunting Prequel to The Rise of Orion series. As Miss Elizabeth Marshfield, I’ve...
Adult Paranormal Romance
The Captain and the Theatrical
7.0
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Book
When Captain Pendleton needs an emergency fiancée, who better to turn to than his male best friend?...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated Haunted House Murder in Books
Aug 17, 2022
Weak Novella
Halloween is coming, but everyone in Tinker’s Cove is talking about the old, abandoned house in town. While it looks run down from the outside, someone has bought it and moved in during the middle of the night. However, they aren’t very friendly, rebuffing Lucy’s and other’s attempts to welcome them to town. Then the rumors start flying and strange events start happening. What is really going on in this house?
I know that the Lucy Stone series is extremely popular, but I struggle to get through the stories I have read. Part of it is Lucy’s family. I haven’t spent enough time with them to look past their faults and love them, I guess. And, let’s face it, that is often what we have to do with people in real life. In this case, I found the story to be better suited to a short story than even a novella. It’s not bad, but it felt drawn out and a little forced.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Haunted House 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 consider this Halloween trip to Maine.
I know that the Lucy Stone series is extremely popular, but I struggle to get through the stories I have read. Part of it is Lucy’s family. I haven’t spent enough time with them to look past their faults and love them, I guess. And, let’s face it, that is often what we have to do with people in real life. In this case, I found the story to be better suited to a short story than even a novella. It’s not bad, but it felt drawn out and a little forced.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Haunted House 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 consider this Halloween trip to Maine.
ClareR (6101 KP) rated This Charming Man in Books
Jan 31, 2023
Are you feeling despondent? Need a little pick-me-up? Nothing too heavy? We all need (in this case) a book to make us feel happier and give us something to laugh at, and for me, that’s C. K. McDonnell’s job. I love these books. I really do laugh out loud.
The team at The Stranger Times have probably lost the will to laugh at their editor anymore. I mean, they see him every day, but his general bad attitude and shockingly bad work relations are hilarious.
Assistant Editor Hannah is back at work after her messy divorce, and Manchester is faced with what appears to be a bit of a vampire problem. But, you see, Vampires don’t exist. And everyone agrees on this.
Even when this book was being serious, it made me laugh. Banecroft’s interesting swearing system is workplace goals (although I work in Early Years, so still a no for me!), there’s a man on a canal boat who can’t lie and lives with a talking pug, the new journalist who lives in his van and lives on a diet of ice cream (and has terrible wind) - well. It’s just all delightfully wonky, funny and frankly genius!
I can’t wait for the next one!
The team at The Stranger Times have probably lost the will to laugh at their editor anymore. I mean, they see him every day, but his general bad attitude and shockingly bad work relations are hilarious.
Assistant Editor Hannah is back at work after her messy divorce, and Manchester is faced with what appears to be a bit of a vampire problem. But, you see, Vampires don’t exist. And everyone agrees on this.
Even when this book was being serious, it made me laugh. Banecroft’s interesting swearing system is workplace goals (although I work in Early Years, so still a no for me!), there’s a man on a canal boat who can’t lie and lives with a talking pug, the new journalist who lives in his van and lives on a diet of ice cream (and has terrible wind) - well. It’s just all delightfully wonky, funny and frankly genius!
I can’t wait for the next one!
Merissa (13816 KP) rated The Skriker (Pitch & Sickle #3) in Books
Sep 28, 2022
THE SKRIKER is the third book in this ongoing series and starts where book two finished. Pitch and Sickle are licking their wounds and recovering from their fight with the Verderer. However, even though his body appears to be mending, Pitch's mind is nowhere near healed. He pushes Silas away and, eventually, Silas goes.
For the majority of the book, Pitch and Sickle have their own separate 'adventures' and, although necessary, I wanted them to get back together. To me, it was pretty obvious who would be able to heal Pitch and I was all 'woohoo, it's finally happening!' only for it to stutter to a stop and we're back to square one. Gah!
The overall story arc is definitely picking up the pace and I look forward to Pitch and Sickle's upcoming adventures. I just wish they'd sort themselves out a bit more. They take the miscommunication or lack of talking trope to new extremes!
Still a great read and definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
For the majority of the book, Pitch and Sickle have their own separate 'adventures' and, although necessary, I wanted them to get back together. To me, it was pretty obvious who would be able to heal Pitch and I was all 'woohoo, it's finally happening!' only for it to stutter to a stop and we're back to square one. Gah!
The overall story arc is definitely picking up the pace and I look forward to Pitch and Sickle's upcoming adventures. I just wish they'd sort themselves out a bit more. They take the miscommunication or lack of talking trope to new extremes!
Still a great read and definitely recommended by me.
** 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!
Trancing the Tiger (Chinese Zodiac Romance, #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
He's a Tiger. She's a Rabbit. She'll entrance him. He'll devour her. After the Red Death...
Fantasy Romance Chinese Mythology
Lindsay (1804 KP) rated If Puppies Had Pockets in Books
Jan 7, 2022
Are you looking for an adorable book to read to your toddler or child? Well, If Puppies Had Pockets is a good one to get. It is cute and cute. It shows your child or children about some teachable moments like sharing. It can show who a puppy or dog would be willing to share and show its love to you or your children.
This book has some rhyming. What would you do if puppies had pockets? What would they have in their pockets? You could ask your child or children what they think their puppy or puppies would have in their pockets if they had them. It seems to me to be set on imagination and sharing and talking about love.
The book stood created to be held by toddlers and children. It is thick enough for them to turn the pages. It is a short and easy read; Your child can learn to read with this. The pictures are cute; I love the images in this book. Children and adults will enjoy this book. If you are a dog or animal person, this book is for you and your family. Parents should put it on their child's bookshelves, or their grandparents could get it for their grandchildren.
This book has some rhyming. What would you do if puppies had pockets? What would they have in their pockets? You could ask your child or children what they think their puppy or puppies would have in their pockets if they had them. It seems to me to be set on imagination and sharing and talking about love.
The book stood created to be held by toddlers and children. It is thick enough for them to turn the pages. It is a short and easy read; Your child can learn to read with this. The pictures are cute; I love the images in this book. Children and adults will enjoy this book. If you are a dog or animal person, this book is for you and your family. Parents should put it on their child's bookshelves, or their grandparents could get it for their grandchildren.
Lindsay (1804 KP) rated An Invitation to Mystery (Deep Creek Detectives Club) in Books
Mar 2, 2026
We learn that a few couples have been invited to the Spencer Inn. But why? What only a few select members.
This brought together all my favorite characters for marking. If you haven't read any of the series by Lauren Carr, you are missing out. Each series is done wonderfully. I have a favorite from each. Once again, they came together for a mysterious gathering.
Will they solve it together, or won't they? What mayhem will the dogs get into?
What lovely adventures and discussions await? Will couples enjoy themselves and make friends? Will there be more of these detective clubs gathering in the future? Can they figure out the clues and put them together, and give the caption some peace of mind?
They seem to be talking about a case while enjoying some downtime. They all seem to be getting frustrated, angry, and tearing each other apart over it. It seems there are no clues.
Did Doris give one because the murderer had shared a grapefruit with someone?
But maybe Jessica found a break in the case as to how Emily Bennett had a Ska slip scarf that was Charlotte's?
Will they find out how Emily got the silk scarf? Will it lead to more clues?
This brought together all my favorite characters for marking. If you haven't read any of the series by Lauren Carr, you are missing out. Each series is done wonderfully. I have a favorite from each. Once again, they came together for a mysterious gathering.
Will they solve it together, or won't they? What mayhem will the dogs get into?
What lovely adventures and discussions await? Will couples enjoy themselves and make friends? Will there be more of these detective clubs gathering in the future? Can they figure out the clues and put them together, and give the caption some peace of mind?
They seem to be talking about a case while enjoying some downtime. They all seem to be getting frustrated, angry, and tearing each other apart over it. It seems there are no clues.
Did Doris give one because the murderer had shared a grapefruit with someone?
But maybe Jessica found a break in the case as to how Emily Bennett had a Ska slip scarf that was Charlotte's?
Will they find out how Emily got the silk scarf? Will it lead to more clues?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated A Killing in Costumes in Books
May 9, 2025
Memorabilia to Die For
Jay and Cindy were on their way to a successful career in Hollywood until their marriage ended when they both realized they were gay. Now, a couple of decades later, they are opening a Hollywood memorabilia shop in Palm Springs. Things are off to a slow start until aging actress Yana Tosh contacts them about selling her collection of Hollywood costumes. She’s talking to a larger auction house as well, and when Cindy and Jay’s competition dies, they quickly find themselves suspects. Can they clear their names?
This book has been on my radar for a while, and I’m glad I finally picked it up. The writing did make it hard to get into the story originally, but soon I was hooked on the mystery. There were several good twists and surprises on the way to the logical climax. Jay and Cindy share lead character duties, and they lead a cast of characters I enjoyed getting to know. And I smiled at the many references to classic movies, tv shows, and stars of the screen. We also get talk about classic musicians. At this point, this is looking like a standalone novel, but if a sequel does pop up, I’d be happy to visit Cindy and Jay again.
This book has been on my radar for a while, and I’m glad I finally picked it up. The writing did make it hard to get into the story originally, but soon I was hooked on the mystery. There were several good twists and surprises on the way to the logical climax. Jay and Cindy share lead character duties, and they lead a cast of characters I enjoyed getting to know. And I smiled at the many references to classic movies, tv shows, and stars of the screen. We also get talk about classic musicians. At this point, this is looking like a standalone novel, but if a sequel does pop up, I’d be happy to visit Cindy and Jay again.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated April Fool Dead in Books
Feb 13, 2025
This Killer Isn’t Fooling Around
Annie Darling is looking forward to hosting a book signing for the island’s resident mystery writer, Emma Clyde, on April first. She’s even come up with the perfect promotion for it, leaving fliers all over the island with the clues to identify famous mystery books for a prize at the signing. However, someone has mimicked her fliers, but instead of talking about fictional murder these new fliers are accusing residents of the island of real crimes. Just as Annie thinks her job restoring her name is over, someone dies. Is this murder connected to the fliers?
I love it when authors get creative with their plots, and we’ve got a winner here. I especially appreciated how everything came together. The characters remain a little thin, but they are strong enough to pull us into the story. There are a couple who show up from the previous book, so be aware of minor spoilers. The laughs are plentiful again, especially thanks to Annie’s mother-in-law. Do keep in mind that this book was originally released in 2002 as a couple of elements are dated, but nothing major. Overall, you’d be a fool to pass on this book.
I love it when authors get creative with their plots, and we’ve got a winner here. I especially appreciated how everything came together. The characters remain a little thin, but they are strong enough to pull us into the story. There are a couple who show up from the previous book, so be aware of minor spoilers. The laughs are plentiful again, especially thanks to Annie’s mother-in-law. Do keep in mind that this book was originally released in 2002 as a couple of elements are dated, but nothing major. Overall, you’d be a fool to pass on this book.