It's a bit like chucking pumpkins but at Christmas time in this small seaside town. Except the flying holiday treat (not a popular one?) causes a disaIt's a bit like chucking pumpkins but at Christmas time in this small seaside town. Except the flying holiday treat (not a popular one?) causes a disaster. Surely someone couldn't die by fruitcake? Amanda solves the case, among celebrating the holidays with friends and family. Good installment but very light!...more
Strange guests at the inn. Someone trying to buy up property. A divorce in the making. And murder. Whodunit this time? Another fun installment in the Strange guests at the inn. Someone trying to buy up property. A divorce in the making. And murder. Whodunit this time? Another fun installment in the Ravenwood Cove Mysteries. I see the next one turns the series more toward romance. Interesting twist?...more
When you combine books, witches, and historical fiction, I'm all in. Such is the case with Helen Phifer's new book, The Vanishing Bookstore. Loved howWhen you combine books, witches, and historical fiction, I'm all in. Such is the case with Helen Phifer's new book, The Vanishing Bookstore. Loved how the past connects to the present, and we're dealt mischievous men who want to hunt down the women who wouldn't fit in their boxes. Terrible POVs but the women win in the end... thus I enjoyed the story's conclusion. Much to applaud. Lots to get sentimental and worried about. And I enjoyed the various generations. Crazy how the past can come back to haunt you too....more
I remember watching the last few seasons of Golden Girls when it was still on the air, and decades later, I've rewatched the entire series a few timesI remember watching the last few seasons of Golden Girls when it was still on the air, and decades later, I've rewatched the entire series a few times. Actually, we started again for the new year and watch an episode before bed many weeknights. When the book was announced, I giggled. It could be terrible, it could be amusing. It hit my queue last week, so I jumped on in. The author does a good job balancing the comedic zingers and exuberant personalities, as well as drawing a bit of a caricature for the traits that define each of the 4 women. All their exploits are front-and-center, tho this is primarily about Rose and Dorothy. There are moments (like most cozies) where I worry it's not plausible, and there are others where things are too coincidental, but it's a lovely balance of all it is supposed to be. If you're a fan of the show and like extended fan fiction, you'll enjoy this. If you're the kind of reader who picks away at something because that's just what you do, stay away. For two reasons - stop being such a grumpy reviewer who enjoys ruining things for other people and you weren't going to like it anyway so why bother? But for most fans of the show who are readers and who enjoy light mysteries, you'll relish!...more
Janovsky does it again with Once Upon You and Me! Loved both main characters and rooted all the way for them to work it out. Very much enjoy how well Janovsky does it again with Once Upon You and Me! Loved both main characters and rooted all the way for them to work it out. Very much enjoy how well the author creates memorable personalities and provides a balanced take on reality versus fiction. Can't wait to read another one....more
The Other People, written by C.B. Everett, had all the right ingredients to make for a spectacular read: locked room mystery, ten strangers invited toThe Other People, written by C.B. Everett, had all the right ingredients to make for a spectacular read: locked room mystery, ten strangers invited to an island, one by one they die... any Agatha Christie fan would love it. And it delivered on so many levels. I couldn't put the book down for most of the time. As we got down to the final few suspects, things unraveled a little for me. We began to see signs of intentional information being left out which was both crucial to discovering the killer and couldn't be told until the very end without giving the plot away. So, it felt a bit distracting... But, the plot device, once it's fully unveiled, actually has a lot of merit and brought out the mystery fan in me. There were a few dangling threads in the end, meaning... either a red herring / clue was left open-ended or purpose behind some of the plot was murky. As a whole, it totally delivered on suspense and I could see how it would play out as a movie... so kudos to the author!...more
I Will Blossom Anyway is the second book from Disha Bose that I've read. Centered around an Indian woman living in America, the story brings to light I Will Blossom Anyway is the second book from Disha Bose that I've read. Centered around an Indian woman living in America, the story brings to light the concept of arranged marriages, freedom of choice, and the impact of circumstances outside your control. While more on the gentle and humorous side, there is a lovely poignancy that reflects throughout the pages. Death can surprise you. But so can a slowly burgeoning love that may not be what you expected but is what you needed. Imagine feeling different yet struggling with how to meet the expectations of many people in your life whom you've possibly let retain too much control? A memorable trip home to India. Blind dating humor. And tests to the bonds of friendship. I loved the reality of all the relationships, some good and some bad. It was a little slow-moving at times, and a few of the scenes felt forced to fit the overall plot rather than the natural actions of characters. I didn't like the early death one of person who had more story to tell - perhaps it was a one-sided narration and so it was meant to be that way... kind of like life taking someone from you without understanding why. So in that case, it's spot on... but it was just missing a few things to move to 5 stars for me. Still a recommended read....more
This series has been a bit all over the map throughout its 31 books, but this one was quite strong. Great murder caper. Loved the family dynamics withThis series has been a bit all over the map throughout its 31 books, but this one was quite strong. Great murder caper. Loved the family dynamics with Lucy's two youngest daughters and embracing of modern times. Found myself thoroughly enjoying the series again......more
A woman who's kept secrets for nearly 18 years is at the center of Mother Daughter, a new thriller written by Anya Mora. I've read one of the author'sA woman who's kept secrets for nearly 18 years is at the center of Mother Daughter, a new thriller written by Anya Mora. I've read one of the author's previous books which is why I grabbed this new release when it appeared on NetGalley. Ripe with conflict and natural curiosity, it's a compelling story. Clearly the mother has been traumatized by something in the past, and when we learn what happened to her, it's horrific. But those people were apprehended, so who could be causing all the problems now again? As it comes together, it's a little off-center, but it makes for a complex tale with good characters. Kept me engaged the whole time and shows why the author's solid for untold stories....more
Eva Gates is a go-to author when I want that special, fun cozy mystery series. In Shor Through the Book, a Lighthouse Library Mystery, Lucy is again tEva Gates is a go-to author when I want that special, fun cozy mystery series. In Shor Through the Book, a Lighthouse Library Mystery, Lucy is again the victim of finding the corpse. But this time, she lets the victim into her house and while she's preparing something to drink in one room, he's killed in another. How could that happen? Gates invents a great plot, and we once again are entertained by many of the core series characters. Some changes in the local police department and main character side stories breathe a little bit of fresh into the future of the town. We learn about a few interesting authors and writers in the town's history, and the humor of all the relationships, Louise Jane in particular, rise to the surface. A fun few hours to escape reality....more
Another good edition from Lisa Unger, tho I was worried about the plot from the beginning. Why would a mother risk so much, and how could she let her Another good edition from Lisa Unger, tho I was worried about the plot from the beginning. Why would a mother risk so much, and how could she let her children follow someone with so many skeptical doubters? That aside, classic whodunit in a bit of a locked room mystery. Mysterious isolated island. Only a few people invited. Storm. Dangerous building collapsing near the ocean. The drama was high, but it didn't go the path I thought it would. Was expecting each contestant in the game to die, one by one. Instead, there were less contestants and more corporate workers running the game. Always enjoy Unger's writing style tho!...more
Never trust a family with a dark history. A couple falls in love quickly and he brings her home to his family. His wealthy family. Who don't approve. Never trust a family with a dark history. A couple falls in love quickly and he brings her home to his family. His wealthy family. Who don't approve. But why? Every single one of his relatives has a reason to hide something, and as the secrets unfold, it's clearly an exaggeration of reality but oh so enticing to discover the true nefarious ones from the purely just selfish ones. I always enjoy these types of settings and this one didn't let down. I knew the culprit was not the first one identified, but why was always the big question. Good writing. Must love intense plots with a few headshaking moments. Will keep reading the author's work....more
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