"Ah, but you must have a Christmas uncomplicated by murder."
This has all the makings of a classic mystery - a rich old man, his sons (all of whom have"Ah, but you must have a Christmas uncomplicated by murder."
This has all the makings of a classic mystery - a rich old man, his sons (all of whom have disappointed him), mysterious outsiders, all home for the holidays. The old man is found dead, his diamonds are missing, and Poirot is called in to investigate.
I'm glad I picked this up during the festive season! I enjoyed the setup, and the ending was a genuine surprise! Four stars from me!...more
Ravenshollow? Ivy had never heard of the place. Then again, one doesn't hear much of anything growing up in a larder.
I really feel like I'm not in theRavenshollow? Ivy had never heard of the place. Then again, one doesn't hear much of anything growing up in a larder.
I really feel like I'm not in the right audience for this book. 12-year-old me would have been obsessed with this, but to 20-something me, it was fine. Nothing extraordinary, but nothing terrible either. The world was intriguing, the characters were fun, the magic system was cool. The pacing felt weird, the decisions the characters made were a little baffling, the dialogue felt awkward at times. But if I ever get asked to recommend a book for someone in the 12 to 15 age range (particularly if they loved Harry Potter), this will definitely be at the top of the list.
3.5 stars from me!
Thank you to the author and Stories Untold Press for sending me a copy of this book! A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own....more
"That's the curious part about speaking the truth. No one does believe it."
I... have mixed feelings. I think Christie was trying to do more of a spy t"That's the curious part about speaking the truth. No one does believe it."
I... have mixed feelings. I think Christie was trying to do more of a spy thriller than a detective mystery, but I don't know if it necessarily worked. I love Tommy and Tuppence a lot, but I expected them to actually, idk, be together more? Half the book we follow Tuppence actually getting things done and worrying about Tommy, and then half the book we follow Tommy who's busy being kidnapped. I called the final reveal from an early point, and I hoped there would be another twist, and there wasn't, so it kind of felt anticlimactic for me? I'll definitely pick up more Tommy and Tuppence mysteries in the future, but this one wasn't my favorite. So it gets 3 stars from me. Not bad, but not great....more
well if this wasn't the coziest thing ever, i'm so soft ;-; it was absolute perfection and I loved it to death Christmas "specials" will always be my fawell if this wasn't the coziest thing ever, i'm so soft ;-; it was absolute perfection and I loved it to death Christmas "specials" will always be my favorite...more
This is the problem with meeting your enemies. Once you have met them, it's really quite difficult to carry on hating them in the way you absolutely oThis is the problem with meeting your enemies. Once you have met them, it's really quite difficult to carry on hating them in the way you absolutely ought to.
This book was just a delight to read, as most Cressida Cowell books are. I love the characters of Wish, Xar, and Bodkin, I laughed out loud several times, the illustrations are so fun. I enjoyed the story, I liked where the plot went, it was just fun to be along for the ride. I can't wait to read the next one.
Five stars from me!
((also, the key being in love with the spoon and the fork being in love with the key is maybe the funniest thing I've read in a hot minute, lolll))...more
I... have a lot of feelings. Some good, some meh, but overall, the experience of reading this was just so fun. It gave me all the Star Wars feels withI... have a lot of feelings. Some good, some meh, but overall, the experience of reading this was just so fun. It gave me all the Star Wars feels with a plot that kept me engaged the entire way. Kendig's writing is excellent, the pacing was perfect, the descriptions were great, ahh, I had such a good time going along for the ride.
I understand why everyone is a little in love with Marco (I admit I'm a little in love with him myself), and Tigo was a delightful surprise I'd heard nothing about (he gave me all the Carswell Thorne vibes and I love him!). I liked Kersei a lot, and though everyone is obviously entitled to their own opinion, I didn't hate the insta-attraction/insta-love? Like, I don't mind that trope (though it can be done wrong, lol), I thought its use here was pretty cute.
The world-building is fascinating, I want to keep reading the series if only for the chance at learning more about the way everything works!
Gotta be honest, I hate the ending. Mostly because I'm a fan of a happy ending. But since this is the first in a series, I can forgive it. (And yes, I am very glad I have the next book on hand already, lol!)
Content warnings for attempted sexual assault and violence. (Nothing is too graphic by my standards, but it's there)
Overall, four stars from me, and I'm intrigued to see where the story goes next! ...more
Little Women has been a favorite of mine for a while, so when I learned that this book was being released, I knew I needed to read it. And much like iLittle Women has been a favorite of mine for a while, so when I learned that this book was being released, I knew I needed to read it. And much like its inspiration, I absolutely loved it.
It's always hard to rate/review devotionals, because reading one is such a subjective experience. What speaks to one may not speak to another, but I have to say that this one spoke to me. Specifically, at this point in my life, chapters 15 and 26. Here's the thing I loved most - this isn't a devotional just for new Christians, or just for those who've been followers for a long time. So many devotionals are for one or the other, but there's something for everyone in here, no matter where they are in their walk with Christ. And I think that's pretty great.
Overall, it was lovely to get to revisit the March family, and learn some lessons about faith along the way. The illustrations are also gorgeous and I adored them.
Five stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**...more
They were the troubled girls of Dragomir Academy—breaking, but never broken—and they had stories to tell.
*4.5 stars It's been so long since I've been They were the troubled girls of Dragomir Academy—breaking, but never broken—and they had stories to tell.
*4.5 stars It's been so long since I've been able to devour a story in 2 days that I'd almost forgotten how fun it is. It helps that, as always, Anne Ursu's writing is beautifully easy to devour. I'll admit I was nervous to pick this up - I adore "Breadcrumbs", I liked "The Real Boy", but I didn't really enjoy "The Lost Girl". I'm happy to report, this one was a win.
A story of friendship with a thrilling mystery and an important message, this was just such a fun reading experience. I didn't want to put it down, if only to figure out what was going on in this super sus school, lol! I loved the characters, I loved how the sibling relationship grew, I found the mystery fascinating and the magic super cool. I feel like the message is layed on a little thick for my taste, but it's a powerful one, so I don't mind it too much.
Overall, it gets 4.5 stars from me! I had a great time, and I'm so happy I did....more
The intelligent people on whose intelligence she could rely were all far too busy. Not only had they all got jobs of varying importance, their leisureThe intelligent people on whose intelligence she could rely were all far too busy. Not only had they all got jobs of varying importance, their leisure hours were usually apportioned long beforehand. The unintelligent who had time on their hands were simply, Miss Marple decided, no good.
I enjoyed this one a lot! I like the character of Lucy, the dodgy family were fun to figure out, I liked the Alexander and James, and seeing Miss Marple and her dear friend Mrs. McGillicuddy. It was fun all the way through and I didn't see the ending coming!
There was something magical about an island—the mere word suggested fantasy. You lost touch with the world—an island was a world of its own. A world, There was something magical about an island—the mere word suggested fantasy. You lost touch with the world—an island was a world of its own. A world, perhaps, from which you might never return.
*4.5 stars. Whoa.
I've spent this year so far learning that Agatha Christie fully earned her moniker as the Queen of Mystery, and while I've enjoyed all the books of hers that I've read so far, there have only been a few that make me sit back and go "well dang, that was good." This is one of them.
I don't remember the last time I read a book that made me feel so claustrophobic and stressed, which I honestly count as a sign of excellent writing. (And excellent narration, Dan Stevens did an A+ job) There's something so cool and captivating about how the island seems smaller and smaller as the book goes on, as the characters become fewer and more suspicious. I decided pretty early on that I wasn't going to try and have a theory and just enjoy the ride, mostly because I knew I'd definitely get it wrong, lol.
I'll admit it, I missed having Poirot or Miss Marple or something comforting to hold on to as the story went on, but I had such a good time and such a distinct reaction to it that I came out of it knowing it was a great story.
There are definitely trigger warnings for gruesome murders, suicide, and some racist comments, and the whole thing definitely has a rather hopeless feeling, but oof. That ending tho.
“You want beauty,” said Hercule Poirot. “Beauty at any price. For me, it is truth I want. Always truth.”
Y'all, I can't believe it. I actually guessed “You want beauty,” said Hercule Poirot. “Beauty at any price. For me, it is truth I want. Always truth.”
Y'all, I can't believe it. I actually guessed the killer. Christie tried to throw me off, but I said, nope, I'm sticking with my original answer. And I was RIGHT!! Will this be my proudest moment of at least this month if not the whole year? Remains to be seen. xD
In all seriousness, though, I liked this one a lot! It had the perfect amount of Halloween spookiness without being scary, I enjoyed the characters we met, I love Poirot, as always. Although I have to say, being drowned in an apple bobbing tub sounds like the worst mode of murder so far. Especially having thought about the whole concept of apple bobbing in our current world and how gross it is? Like... no thank you, lol.
"We’re all mad, dear lady,” he said as he ushered her in through the door. “That’s the secret of existence. We’re all a little mad."
I ACTUALLY GUESSED"We’re all mad, dear lady,” he said as he ushered her in through the door. “That’s the secret of existence. We’re all a little mad."
I ACTUALLY GUESSED THE KILLER I CAN'T BELIEVE IT
whether this means the mystery was not as good as others, or I'm getting better at guessing, I'm not sure. my guess is I just got lucky. but still. it's worth celebrating, I think, haha!
I did enjoy the sheer amount of Miss Marple in this one, Jane was in almost every scene and that made me very happy.
"No: I am not tired. I have a curious constitution. I never remember feeling tired by work, though idleness exhausts me completely."
I enjoyed this one"No: I am not tired. I have a curious constitution. I never remember feeling tired by work, though idleness exhausts me completely."
I enjoyed this one so much more than the first one. Treasure hunts, locked rooms, all the good stuff is here. Watson is my favorite character, though Sherlock is a lot of fun too. Although the man does do drugs when he's bored... it's his life, I guess, but that seems a poor way to do it. Play some sudoku, knit a sweater, idk, get a hobby. xD But yeah, I had fun, and I do really like the writing style.
okay wow does Gingell know how to write an intriguing ending. o-o
my Thoughts: • Pet is such a fun narrator to follow, I love hearing her sass at everytokay wow does Gingell know how to write an intriguing ending. o-o
my Thoughts: • Pet is such a fun narrator to follow, I love hearing her sass at everything around her • Her relationship with her psychos is going to make me so soft before this series is over, isn't it? • The mystery element was super cool, I liked it a lot. • Some stuff was set up for later books that has me very intrigued indeed. • I just had a really good time and I'm hyped about it. I'll definitely be picking the next one up sooner rather than later!
4 stars from me!
re-read 2023: okay I can't say what because spoilers but WOW does some stuff about this book hurt in hindsight....more
second of all, here are my thoughts: • I enjoyed this one SO much more than the first one, wow. I knew I didn'tokay first of all, what was that ending?
second of all, here are my thoughts: • I enjoyed this one SO much more than the first one, wow. I knew I didn't want to wait too long between reading them or I'd forget everything, so I'm glad I picked this one up when I did. • Pet is such a fun character voice to follow, she's so sassy and snarky and I love it • "Pet, don't poke the vampire." is a direct quote. • It used the word 'gruntled' in a way that was totally natural, so it gets bonus points for that. • “What are you, a mushroom? Where did you spring up from?” is used in exclamation and I’m absolutely using that next time I get startled by someone. • I will always love that Pet continues to call them her "three psychos" even though in some ways now it's more endearing than before. • I think I'm kiiind of getting the handle on how the magic works, and goodness, it's a really cool system. • I'm so intrigued to keep going, and I gotta hand it to that cliffhanger of an ending because UM I need MORE please and thank you.
4 stars from me!
re-read 2023: "Stay behind Zero. Don't die. Inherit my house. That's all I had to do."
I enjoyed it. I like Sherlock and Watson. But... why the Mormons? Why the sudden western adventure? Like, yeah, it was welI... don't know how to feel?
I enjoyed it. I like Sherlock and Watson. But... why the Mormons? Why the sudden western adventure? Like, yeah, it was well written and I enjoyed it, but what... what was it doing there? I'm confused.
But hey, at least now I can say I've read a Sherlock Holmes story, and I'll definitely be checking out more in the future. I'm going to give it a solid 3, I think....more
I might have been a fool. But I was the most reckless kind of fool, who believes she is a daring hero with legends of her own to make.
AHH I loved thisI might have been a fool. But I was the most reckless kind of fool, who believes she is a daring hero with legends of her own to make.
AHH I loved this so much! What's not to love about a sassy female Robin Hood who ventures into the infamous Bluebeard's castle and finds it teeming with secrets and magic? Add to that fun sibling dynamics, a quippy narrative voice, and a top notch aesthetic, and you have a story that is great fun from start to finish. Five stars from me!...more
All I had to do was be still, cease striving, and know. Know, as I knew breathing and gravity and Mama's love.
help I've fallen in love with this storyAll I had to do was be still, cease striving, and know. Know, as I knew breathing and gravity and Mama's love.
help I've fallen in love with this story and I can't get up. In equal parts, I want to shout from the rooftops how much I loved it and hold it quietly close to my heart and never let go. I haven't read any of this author's books before now, but rest assured I will be devouring her backlist sooner rather than later.
"A Midnight Dance" is an enchanting, haunting, deeply moving story of how God has His plan for us in place before we can see it ourselves. There's a bit of mystery, some fascinating characters, and so much love for dance that I ended up unashamedly twirling instead of walking around my house when I couldn't read. Dance has been a part of my life since I was very young, but at this moment in time, I haven't been able to go to class in over a year, and this book brought a yearning to be back like I haven't felt in a long time.
The faith content was just... amazing. I will always love a novel where the main character is firmly rooted in their faith, and their biggest desire is to know God better, and do what He's called them to do. (Don't get me wrong, a salvation story is great ((we get one of those in here too)) but as someone who's been a Christian for a long time, I just don't see as much representation of that as I'd like.) God used this book for me, and I know I won't be the only one.
I loved the mystery element here, it was so well done. The story peels back layer after layer as the plot progresses, where we learn new things about the characters and history, and each twist felt nicely placed, and nothing felt like a left turn. It made sense, as much as some of it hurt, and I enjoyed that a lot.
((also yes I am a little in love with Jack Dorian. he'd drive me crazy in real life, but he's prime book boyfriend material, lol))
Overall, this is definitely going to be amongst my favorites of the year, just from how it made me feel. I don't think it's going to leave me for a long while. Five stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**...more
I have... mixed feelings. It was fun. I had a good time. I love a good librarian sleuth. I really want peach cobbler now. But there seemed to be a lotI have... mixed feelings. It was fun. I had a good time. I love a good librarian sleuth. I really want peach cobbler now. But there seemed to be a lot of time spent on a lot of other stuff that didn't seem to have any impact on the mystery? And like, I get it, you want to develop the people around it, not just those who are important to the case. But there was just... too much of that, for me. But I'm glad I read it, and I'll definitely be checking out any further Peach Coast Library books that are published in the future! ((also if Marvey and Spence don't get together by the last one, I will be upset, pffft))