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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 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.
ClareR (5911 KP) rated The House of Odysseus in Books
Nov 19, 2024
Penelope is still fending off her unwanted suitors, thanks to the rules of Greek hospitality. The men are drinking the cellars dry and eating as much as they want, whenever they want, and still expecting Penelope to choose one of them. They all think Odysseus is dead.
Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isn’t doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a ‘visit’.
Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but she’s canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.
I enjoyed reading everything from Aphrodite’s point of view - at least you can’t accuse her of favouritism. These gods don’t seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.
Claire North’s women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. It’s clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.
I’m currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I can’t wait to read Claire North’s version (no spoiler: it’s not disappointing me at all so far!).
Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isn’t doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a ‘visit’.
Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but she’s canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.
I enjoyed reading everything from Aphrodite’s point of view - at least you can’t accuse her of favouritism. These gods don’t seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.
Claire North’s women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. It’s clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.
I’m currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I can’t wait to read Claire North’s version (no spoiler: it’s not disappointing me at all so far!).
Firefax
Book
"I would advise you, young man, to take care around anyone with the surname Firefax. I know not if...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Villains’ Realm in Books
Jun 6, 2024 (Updated Jun 6, 2024)
Enchantment Creating New Lands
Disney’s CEO has completely changed his mind about opening a Villains’ Realm in each park. The man was opposing it because it was a clear threat, giving the villains a foothold. But now, he’s greenlit them, and constructions has started immediately. In order to stop them from being completed, Eli and his friend Blair are going to have to team up with Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Can they stop it in time?
If you haven’t been following this saga, you’ll probably be lost trying to follow what is happening. Fans will want to read this book since it sets up the next book. Unfortunately, it falls into middle book trap. We don’t get any real battles with the villains, just stand offs. The climax is abrupt and the story just kind of stops. As usual in the series, the characters are thin as well. Plus some editing left me confused a couple of times. On the positive side, it’s always fun to watch the Kingdom Keepers interacting with Disney characters, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of the action taking place at the California parks. I’m curious to see where things are going, so I’ll be back for the conclusion.
If you haven’t been following this saga, you’ll probably be lost trying to follow what is happening. Fans will want to read this book since it sets up the next book. Unfortunately, it falls into middle book trap. We don’t get any real battles with the villains, just stand offs. The climax is abrupt and the story just kind of stops. As usual in the series, the characters are thin as well. Plus some editing left me confused a couple of times. On the positive side, it’s always fun to watch the Kingdom Keepers interacting with Disney characters, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of the action taking place at the California parks. I’m curious to see where things are going, so I’ll be back for the conclusion.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated There’s No Murder Like Show Murder in Books
Jun 1, 2025 (Updated Jun 1, 2025)
Local Theater Rocked by Murder
Tasha Weaver is the head of the costume shop at the regional theater in Eastbrook, Connecticut. They’ve been struggling financially, so they are hoping that bringing in a couple of Broadway stars for their latest production will help the theater return to black. But Kurt Mozer, the male lead, is being very difficult. Still, it’s a surprise when someone shots him center stage when the theater is mostly empty. Who would want to kill the star?
Since I love theater, this book caught my attention, and I’m so glad it did. The story is strong with plenty of suspects, motives, and twists to keep me engaged until we reach the logical ending. There were a couple of leaps of logic, but they were minor overall. Tasha is a wonderful lead, and the rest of the cast was entertaining. A few have room to grow, but they work for the amount of page time they get. And the suspects were strong. Plus I enjoyed this look at life behind the scenes in a theater. Well, behind the scenes when a murder is thrown into the mix. This is a strong debut that cozy mystery fans will devour. I’m hopeful that we will get another book from this author soon.
Since I love theater, this book caught my attention, and I’m so glad it did. The story is strong with plenty of suspects, motives, and twists to keep me engaged until we reach the logical ending. There were a couple of leaps of logic, but they were minor overall. Tasha is a wonderful lead, and the rest of the cast was entertaining. A few have room to grow, but they work for the amount of page time they get. And the suspects were strong. Plus I enjoyed this look at life behind the scenes in a theater. Well, behind the scenes when a murder is thrown into the mix. This is a strong debut that cozy mystery fans will devour. I’m hopeful that we will get another book from this author soon.
ClareR (5911 KP) rated How To Save a Life in Books
Apr 16, 2024
This was a moving story about three school friends - one of whom goes into cardiac arrest on New Year’s Eve. Kerry begins CPR immediately, Tim freezes and finds himself unable to help, which is inconvenient as they both want to go to medical school. But when the paramedics arrive, Tim has at last started to help (even though Kerry has worked alone for about 15 minutes) and takes the praise as well as Kerry.
It’s here Tim starts to realise that being a doctor may not be what he thought it would be.
Kerry’s life takes a turn when she fails her A Levels, and Joel finds it hard to accept his heart condition and the changes he has to make in his life.
I liked that each of the characters had the chance to tell their story in alternating chapters. These characters experienced addiction, depression and other health conditions, and the main theme of the story, Joel’s heart condition, is revisited often. As are the mechanics of CPR, and it’s pointed out by the author that a persons life is more likely to be saved if you at least try.
This is a lovely, and often moving story. I really enjoyed it.
It’s here Tim starts to realise that being a doctor may not be what he thought it would be.
Kerry’s life takes a turn when she fails her A Levels, and Joel finds it hard to accept his heart condition and the changes he has to make in his life.
I liked that each of the characters had the chance to tell their story in alternating chapters. These characters experienced addiction, depression and other health conditions, and the main theme of the story, Joel’s heart condition, is revisited often. As are the mechanics of CPR, and it’s pointed out by the author that a persons life is more likely to be saved if you at least try.
This is a lovely, and often moving story. I really enjoyed it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated A Voyage of Vengeance in Books
Aug 5, 2024
Sailing with a Killer
Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier is thrilled to be joining the maiden voyage of Rose of the Sea, a luxury vessel. The voyage is also a birthday celebration for one of her friends, Lady Carriena, the future ruler of Isla DeLacqua. But Jax is surprised to find that her fellow passengers are an odd assortment of people, more for the political gain of her friend’s duchy than a true celebration. Then the weird things start happening. Can Jax figure out what is going on?
I was so happy to be back with these characters for the third novella; they already feel like old friends. While we get all the suspects introduced to us at once, it wasn’t long before I felt like I knew them well. The plot wandered a bit, but my patience was rewarded with a strong mystery and a great revelation. I also appreciated that the plot felt appropriate for the length of the story. The setting has just hints of a fantasy world to it while still being mainly about the mystery, and I love it. There are some hints at what came before, so know that going in. I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see how the series transitions to full novels.
I was so happy to be back with these characters for the third novella; they already feel like old friends. While we get all the suspects introduced to us at once, it wasn’t long before I felt like I knew them well. The plot wandered a bit, but my patience was rewarded with a strong mystery and a great revelation. I also appreciated that the plot felt appropriate for the length of the story. The setting has just hints of a fantasy world to it while still being mainly about the mystery, and I love it. There are some hints at what came before, so know that going in. I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see how the series transitions to full novels.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Small Great Things in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Ruth Jefferson is a successful labor and delivery nurse with over twenty years of experience. She has a nice home and a college-bound seventeen-year-old son, Edison. She also happens to be African American. When Ruth takes over for a colleague at shift change, she is simply doing a checkup on newborn baby boy Davis. But after his checkup, she's told Davis' parents don't want her touching their child. A post-it note in his file states that no African American staff should be touching the patient. Ruth is shocked-- and angry. The next day, when Davis has a medical emergency, Ruth is faced with a choice. Does she help the baby--defying the order of the parents and her supervisor? Ruth's decision leads her on a path that involves the police and being charged with a serious crime. Police come into her home, handcuffing her and her son. Her public defender, Kennedy McQuarrie, recommends that Ruth's defense not involve race: a lightning rod for juries, she says. But Ruth is angry and humiliated and wants to clear her name, at whatever the cost.
This is a touching and powerful novel. Told from the varying points of view of Ruth, Kennedy, and Turk--baby Davis' father-- it is a compelling look at how race and family history shapes the person we become. It is a poignant story at points: it is amazing what people can rationalize when it comes to hatred. I found the novel very fitting right now, with what's going on in the U.S. Honestly, it's very frightening at times and hits a little too close to home.
Picoult's characters are well-formed and dynamic, and you find yourself drawn into parts of each.
Turk, obviously, despite the loss of his child, is not a sympathetic character, but he is a complex one; his progression over the course of the novel is intriguing, and it's amazing how Picoult did not make him a one dimensional white supremacist. The book is extremely well-researched; both from the side of white supremacy, as well as racism and the medical aspects of Davis' case. Kennedy is likeable and her struggle with Ruth's case, as she realizes the depth of both the visible and latent racism her client faces on a daily basis, is real and relatable. I applaud Picoult for tackling such a difficult subject with such honesty. It's almost as if, through Kennedy, she's admitting exactly what she doesn't know. (I highly recommend reading Picoult's afterword, as well.)
For me, the hardest parts of the book was that it gets a little too poetic in the Jodi Picoult way (those who frequently read her novels will identify), with her waxing on about race and parents and being brought together, versus letting the story tell itself. At points the book just goes on and on a bit, versus getting to the story and the point. There are lots of little subplots that go off, detracting at times from the main story and frustrating the reader. And, of course, there are some weird twists and plot points in the typical Picoult style, though they don't seem to pack the punch of her older novels. It all wraps up a little too smoothly, though I have to confess I sort of enjoyed the ending. It may have been a bit trite, but I am often a sucker for such things.
Overall, I was impressed with how Picoult approached this novel, and I enjoyed the storyline for the most part (I was certainly invested), though it dawdled at times and ended a bit too easily. I'd rate this a strong 3.5 - 3.75 stars. Certainly worth reading, especially if you're a Picoult fan.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley; is available everywhere as of 10/11/2016.
This is a touching and powerful novel. Told from the varying points of view of Ruth, Kennedy, and Turk--baby Davis' father-- it is a compelling look at how race and family history shapes the person we become. It is a poignant story at points: it is amazing what people can rationalize when it comes to hatred. I found the novel very fitting right now, with what's going on in the U.S. Honestly, it's very frightening at times and hits a little too close to home.
Picoult's characters are well-formed and dynamic, and you find yourself drawn into parts of each.
Turk, obviously, despite the loss of his child, is not a sympathetic character, but he is a complex one; his progression over the course of the novel is intriguing, and it's amazing how Picoult did not make him a one dimensional white supremacist. The book is extremely well-researched; both from the side of white supremacy, as well as racism and the medical aspects of Davis' case. Kennedy is likeable and her struggle with Ruth's case, as she realizes the depth of both the visible and latent racism her client faces on a daily basis, is real and relatable. I applaud Picoult for tackling such a difficult subject with such honesty. It's almost as if, through Kennedy, she's admitting exactly what she doesn't know. (I highly recommend reading Picoult's afterword, as well.)
For me, the hardest parts of the book was that it gets a little too poetic in the Jodi Picoult way (those who frequently read her novels will identify), with her waxing on about race and parents and being brought together, versus letting the story tell itself. At points the book just goes on and on a bit, versus getting to the story and the point. There are lots of little subplots that go off, detracting at times from the main story and frustrating the reader. And, of course, there are some weird twists and plot points in the typical Picoult style, though they don't seem to pack the punch of her older novels. It all wraps up a little too smoothly, though I have to confess I sort of enjoyed the ending. It may have been a bit trite, but I am often a sucker for such things.
Overall, I was impressed with how Picoult approached this novel, and I enjoyed the storyline for the most part (I was certainly invested), though it dawdled at times and ended a bit too easily. I'd rate this a strong 3.5 - 3.75 stars. Certainly worth reading, especially if you're a Picoult fan.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley; is available everywhere as of 10/11/2016.
Carma (21 KP) rated How to Keep a Secret in Books
Jun 17, 2019
How to Keep a Secret is written in a different style than we normally see from Sarah Morgan. As with all her other novels, this one flows story to story without hesitation blending all 4 womens stories into one overall story. Not leaving you feel like you are reading separate stories, another 5 star, well done for Ms. Morgan.
How to Keep a Secret follows the stories of Mom Nancy, a painter who barely had time for her daughters while they grew up. Sisters Jenna, who longs for a baby with her husband (maybe too much), Lauren, whos husband unexpectedly dies leaving her in chaos with her teenage daughter Mack, who isnt much into supporting her mother right now. They each are well versed in secret keeping, will they come together as one to tackle them head on.
Each woman has her own story to tell and each is told with passion, compassion, dignity and grace from both their own perspectives and as seen from those around them. Once again Ms. Morgan uses her pen and paper to draw us into this world, surrounding us with new friends who we fight for, care about and are sad when they leave us.
Nancys story could be a mothers story from any age or perspective. She is the breadwinner and leaves the care of the girls up to their dad, the fun one. She feels like she has neglected them their whole lives and has no clue how to be there for them now. Having lost her husband 5 years ago she has become a shell of her former self. She has to do some major life adjustments and clean outs to get back to being herself again. Maybe even find love again.
Lauren is dealing with the loss of her husband as well, though in the present not the past as her mother is. She has lost the close connection with her teenage daughter Mack, and has absolutely no idea what happened to cause the rift. At her husbands funeral she finally finds out the reason behind Macks sudden departure. As she packs and moves back home to Marthas Vineyard, can she find peace with her daughter once again?
Jenna has suffered her own personal losses as of late she cant get pregnant. She has no idea why or how come, she just knows she wants a baby more than anything isnt being afforded the opportunity. If one more well-meaning person tells her how great a mom shed be when she finally decided to have a baby, she would spit nails. Shes decided the universe has not. Can her marriage to Greg withstand the constant pressure that comes from trying to make a baby and failing?
Mack is a confused, upset, lonely and borderline angry teenage girl. She just lost her dad Ed and is now having to move across the pond with her mother into her grandmothers house on Marthas Vineyard. Nothing about life is fair at this moment. Can she start over in a new place, with new friends and new family?
Ms. Morgan once again tells a beautiful story that has you so wrapped up in the lives of the characters you are quite upset that it has ended. I received a copy of the novel in advance without any expectations for review. Any and all opinions expressed are solely my own. I would advise you to run, not walk, to the nearest place that sells Ms. Morgans books and pick up a copy today.
How to Keep a Secret follows the stories of Mom Nancy, a painter who barely had time for her daughters while they grew up. Sisters Jenna, who longs for a baby with her husband (maybe too much), Lauren, whos husband unexpectedly dies leaving her in chaos with her teenage daughter Mack, who isnt much into supporting her mother right now. They each are well versed in secret keeping, will they come together as one to tackle them head on.
Each woman has her own story to tell and each is told with passion, compassion, dignity and grace from both their own perspectives and as seen from those around them. Once again Ms. Morgan uses her pen and paper to draw us into this world, surrounding us with new friends who we fight for, care about and are sad when they leave us.
Nancys story could be a mothers story from any age or perspective. She is the breadwinner and leaves the care of the girls up to their dad, the fun one. She feels like she has neglected them their whole lives and has no clue how to be there for them now. Having lost her husband 5 years ago she has become a shell of her former self. She has to do some major life adjustments and clean outs to get back to being herself again. Maybe even find love again.
Lauren is dealing with the loss of her husband as well, though in the present not the past as her mother is. She has lost the close connection with her teenage daughter Mack, and has absolutely no idea what happened to cause the rift. At her husbands funeral she finally finds out the reason behind Macks sudden departure. As she packs and moves back home to Marthas Vineyard, can she find peace with her daughter once again?
Jenna has suffered her own personal losses as of late she cant get pregnant. She has no idea why or how come, she just knows she wants a baby more than anything isnt being afforded the opportunity. If one more well-meaning person tells her how great a mom shed be when she finally decided to have a baby, she would spit nails. Shes decided the universe has not. Can her marriage to Greg withstand the constant pressure that comes from trying to make a baby and failing?
Mack is a confused, upset, lonely and borderline angry teenage girl. She just lost her dad Ed and is now having to move across the pond with her mother into her grandmothers house on Marthas Vineyard. Nothing about life is fair at this moment. Can she start over in a new place, with new friends and new family?
Ms. Morgan once again tells a beautiful story that has you so wrapped up in the lives of the characters you are quite upset that it has ended. I received a copy of the novel in advance without any expectations for review. Any and all opinions expressed are solely my own. I would advise you to run, not walk, to the nearest place that sells Ms. Morgans books and pick up a copy today.