Loved the story... connects a bit of magic, family drama, delicious baked goods and beautiful scenery. I've come to expect this in a Gaughan / Woods nLoved the story... connects a bit of magic, family drama, delicious baked goods and beautiful scenery. I've come to expect this in a Gaughan / Woods novel, and she doesn't disappoint here. Would have loved to learn more about why the vanilla worked (won't reveal the secrets here!) but I am totally good just going with it. Solid characters. Lovely setting. I'm all caught up on the author's books now....more
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
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
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
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
Almost four years ago, I stumbled upon the first book in Carrie Rubin's Benjamin Oris series, and I was fully impressed by the author's writing style,Almost four years ago, I stumbled upon the first book in Carrie Rubin's Benjamin Oris series, and I was fully impressed by the author's writing style, plot development, and ability to lure in a reader who wasn't typically a fan of the supernatural genre. I immediately grabbed the second book last year, and just this week, her third, The Bone Elixir, was released. Once again, within the first twenty pages, the story grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go for hours. By the time the ghost made his or her presence known, I was hooked and devoured the book in two days.
Benjamin Oris is a ~35ish medical resident who has a four-year-old son he co-raises with an ex-girlfriend. He's dating someone new, a woman from Haiti with an ability to occasionally understand what's happening with the dead -- not in a frequent way, but her family comprehends the boundaries and can often help Benjamin figure out what strange things are happening around him. In this book, he's inherited an old hotel in Massachusetts; his great-aunt skipped bequeathing it to Benjamin's mother because she had an accident a few years ago that left her in a coma. When Benjamin takes his vacation in Massachusetts to decide whether to keep or sell the hotel, he discovers his grandparents are still alive. But that's not all he finds when he explores the family home that was once an insane asylum.
I'm not quite sure where to start... yes, it's a typical ghost story in the beginning. Things move around on their own. Voices appear from nowhere. Shadows lurk in hidden rooms and passages. But as Benjamin meets the hotel caretaker and her son, random guests, and eerie townsfolk, things become much graver. People died there neve to be found again. His own family was responsible for the macabre of the past. And the relatives he thought he knew were not actually the people he thought they were. This is a true ghost lover's delight, ripe with genealogical puzzles and a fine line between reality and the supernatural. I need to visit this hotel! It's scary and beautiful and has such a tragic yet curious history, I couldn't stop myself from reading 'just one more chapter' before I finally had to take a break to deal with normal life stuff.
Rubin excels at taking you right up to that line where you don't know what's real or fantasy, but you love trying to find the answers. Clues from previous books reappear. We learn why Benjamin's mother suffered from psychosis all her life. And that's why this leaps from your typical ghost story to an elaborately crafted series of books that show us how Benjamin became the man he is today. He feels like one of the most 'real' characters I've ever met... and someone I'd truly want to hang out with. I'd also like to go on some of these adventures with him; although, someone always gets hurt, so maybe I shouldn't? A literary adventure is the perfect pathway though, and if you enjoy Ouija boards, determining how people are related, discovering the truth about a hotel's purposes, and a bit of romance, this series will captivate you....more
The 'Spencer Funeral Home Niagara Cozy Mystery' series never fails to surprise, entertain, and sadden me. Janice J. Richardson's tales about a funeralThe 'Spencer Funeral Home Niagara Cozy Mystery' series never fails to surprise, entertain, and sadden me. Janice J. Richardson's tales about a funeral home in Canada near Niagara Falls are heartwarming and educational, but above that, they are beautifully told. I thoroughly enjoyed this last one, and I'm hoping it won't be the last one... though I fear it is as the author is working on other books at the moment. Let's focus on all the positive things rather than worry about whether there might not be another one.
Jennifer Spencer runs two funeral homes, and the winter season has been brutal. A flu epidemic has settled in the area, and residents and town officials fear it could be as bad as the Spanish Influenza from the early 20th century. Morgues and hospitals have run out of bed space. Doctors and coroners are overworked. The military has been called in, and a special task force has been created. Jennifer's named to a high-ranking position as a coordinator among all the local funeral homes. In the end, 5% of the population dies. I tell you this now, not as a spoiler, but as a warning. Not all supporting cast members we've come to adore in the four books will make it out alive.
Richardson broke my heart a few times. I completely understand it from a writer's perspective. From a reader's, I was torn. It absolutely made sense and was the right thing to do; I recognize that much. Therefore... I must say... I loved how much it impacted me. Kudos to Richardson for creating such wonderful characters I don't want to say goodbye to. That said, it wasn't all just about the flu epidemic. We also followed up a bit on the killer who got away with murder in the last book, and revisited some oldies from prior books who resurfaced in unexpected ways.
The best thing I can say about these books is how well-written and balanced they are. Richardson has taken something that could be painful and awkward, then turned it into a beautiful story of caring for the dead. I never thought I'd want to read about a funeral home (okay, well, I am interested in that stuff) and its daily operations, but this is such an intriguing concept in a book. To watch our morticians suffer through loss, to grieve with the families... it's truly a unique setting.
The mysteries are generally very light, so if you're looking for a hardcore whodunit, this isn't what you will get. I'm good with that, as there is a fine balance to letting the cops work the murder case in these books. Jennifer provides info to them, doesn't seek out the killer herself. It usually falls in her lap, or she just picks up on something... then lets the professionals handle it. I like that style too, and given the writing style and character development, it's a perfect fit for this series.
What a great ride! I'm hoping for more but thrilled to have experienced these four. All easy-to-read within 3 hours each, and in the end, I feel like I learned and grew a lot. Thank you....more
Death of a Bacon Heiress is the 7th book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries written by Lee Hollis. I picked up the cozy mystery series Death of a Bacon Heiress is the 7th book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries written by Lee Hollis. I picked up the cozy mystery series earlier this year because it was set in Maine, and I've continued reading it because the protagonist, Hayley Powell, is amusing and clever. As a mother of two teenagers and food columnist for a local Bar Harbor newspaper, she's flanked by besties Mona and Liddy. Liddy is the wealthy high-society friend and Mona is the salt-of-the-earth working class mother who has at least 7 kids so far. When Hayley fills in for a drop-out on a show in NYC called The Chat, sharing a bacon recipe, she meets Olivia, a woman who inherited the bacon-producing company from her late father but who also owns a pot-belly big as a pet / pseudo-child. Olivia summers in Bar Harbor and loves Hayley's column, so they get together to talk business... but one day, Hayley finds Olivia dead. Who killed her and why? Meanwhile, Olivia's husband has a secret and the host from the NYC program shows up, developing a girl crush on Mona. Hollis made me laugh out loud several times and balanced a traditional cozy with several non-traditional elements -- in a positive way. I am saddened by the change in Hayley's relationship status and not fond of the path it looks to be going in... but we shall see when I read the next book later this month....more
A good cozy mystery contains a perfect holiday theme, memorable characters, a devious yet light-hearted murder plot, and fantastic scenery. PeppermintA good cozy mystery contains a perfect holiday theme, memorable characters, a devious yet light-hearted murder plot, and fantastic scenery. Peppermint Barked, the 6th Spice Shop Mystery written by Leslie Budewitz, hits all those marks and more. I've been reading this series as well as her other ones and her stand-alone novels for a few years, and she's getting stronger with each and every one. Pike Place is an ideal place to offer an assortment of characters from all over the world, as everyone visits this special setting -- in reality too! I've been a few times and I can only imagine the hustle and bustle at 6am when everyone's receiving deliveries and setting up shop. In this installment, we spend more time with Pepper's boyfriend and his brother, and Nate is growing on me. I love the side stories with the spice shop employees, and learning more about Pepper's HR past keeps me even closer. Definitely one to recommend!...more
Potager Plot is the fifth book in the Backyard Farming Mysteries written by Vikki Walton. I've read the previous four books in the author's series, buPotager Plot is the fifth book in the Backyard Farming Mysteries written by Vikki Walton. I've read the previous four books in the author's series, but I haven't yet read any of her other stand-alone or series books; those will happen later this year, most likely. In this upcoming release, Anne is helping the garden club when one of the members dies unexpectedly. Although the woman was suffering from cancer, friends thought things were improving... so when she's found dead in her own home under a bookshelf, Anne can't believe it was merely an accident.
Walton brings a wonderful sense of eclectic charm to her books. This novel is filled with strong female characters, and the background setting offers readers a chance to enjoy the plot and to learn about backyard farming. Whether it's gardening or styling flower arrangements, there's a little bit of something for everyone who holds a keen interest in vegetables, plants and flowers. The books are a bit on the shorter side for a novel, which means they can easily be read in one sitting or in a day. The dialog and narrative flow quite easily, and the mystery is strong.
Between an affair, marital woes, best friends who are fighting, and someone climbing higher in the gardening club leadership team, there are plenty of suspects. And if you enjoy romance and family fun, Anne's fling with the sheriff gets more serious, and her ward might became her adopted son. Heartwarming and light, the story is a fine balance of touching and suspenseful all at the same time, while still managing to be a true cozy mystery. I look forward to more in the future....more
Another fun collection from authors... I reviewed some of these books in their individual novella release, but this particular review is for Yule Log Another fun collection from authors... I reviewed some of these books in their individual novella release, but this particular review is for Yule Log Murder. A focus on the early days when Lucy and Bill had just married, had Toby and moved to Maine. A great way to see them before the series began. Enjoyed it!...more
Recycled Love is the second book I've read by George Henry. While undeniably the same witty and strong writing style, there is a huge difference in thRecycled Love is the second book I've read by George Henry. While undeniably the same witty and strong writing style, there is a huge difference in the ultimate genre of the story and the complexity of all the relationships between the characters. Since I am a larger fan of mystery than I am action adventure, I must say, I found this one even better. That said, both are jam-packed full of thrills and suspense, so you'll enjoy either no matter which you choose.
One of my (if not the most) favorite books is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. When you have ~10 possible suspects in a murder(s), and you knock them off one by one, it's kinda exhilarating to see how it all turns out. While Recycled Love doesn't kill off victims one by one, it does throw out a cast of ~10 suspects for a previous string of murders. Through (mostly) the eyes of Dan, we get to know all his traveling companions, eager to discover which one (or couple) is lying about their identity. Where this reminded me a bit of the Christie tale (not in style but in format and POV approach) is that the author carefully drops enough clues that we as readers should've realized much sooner what was going on. Henry gives us ~10 suspects but he also gives us ~10 very different backstories, motives, and versions of chaos to unravel.
The characters are well drawn. A few were absolutely horrible people, but they served their purpose. One in particular (a certain ruthless mother) was the most unrealistic person I could've ever met...but her over-the-top dramatics were truly fantastic to witness and experience. From there, the traveling companions all grow exorbitantly decisive and intense. Henry throws us back and forth in deciding which couples should get together. Sometimes it's a shocker, others it makes sense. What popped the most for me in this story was the severity of the international antics that occurred. It mostly takes place in India and Nepal, and Henry takes great care to show the kinder and the more miserable aspects of living in these countries, dependent upon your wealth and connections. I couldn't possibly tell if this happens in the real world but from a book's perspective, it made for excellent drama.
If you like action/adventure, a bit of romance, tons of suspense and thrilling chases, as well as an intense psychological ride of the mind, drugs, and alcohol, you'll come away with a wonderful new author to add to your top lists. Be prepared, you will never be comfortable because Henry likes to jolt you when you least expect it....more
The Bone Hunger is the second book in the Benjamin Oris medical thriller series written by Carrie Rubin. I followed the author's blog a few years ago The Bone Hunger is the second book in the Benjamin Oris medical thriller series written by Carrie Rubin. I followed the author's blog a few years ago and picked up a copy of the book to read on a trip to Italy. If you read my review of that book, you'll learn that something that happens to the main character happened to me while in Italy, and I was convinced I had a curse put on me. Fast forward a few years... this one is released (or will be soon, yes... I got lucky enough to find an early copy), and since I can't travel right now, I opted to read the book in my apartment. Luckily, I didn't experience the same thing this time around as I would not want to find missing human limbs in the park! But I would definitely recommend you read this book; it is fantastic.
To catch you up... Ben has a young son with a woman he met in the last book. They are not together, but they are very close. As a result of what happened in the previous mystery, her knee needs to be repaired. Just so happens that it's a doctor Ben works for who will do the surgery, but it's also the same doctor who has several patients that have been brutally murdered. Less than 10 people were part of the surgical team, and it's clear one of them has gone a little off the deep end after a plane crash earlier in the year. But can Ben save the mother of his son in time?
I don't often read medical thrillers, and the only other one I do regularly read is the Patricia Cornwell Scarpetta series, which is much more technical and detailed, sometimes too much so. Rubin's books are perfectly balanced because she explains enough to keep you connected but also not too much that you're inundated with trying to understand the medical pieces and losing track of the clues and red herrings. As a mystery, it's well plotted and ripe with moments of clarity and confusion. Between characters with expected attitudes and others with shocking ones, there are lots to sink your teeth into here... you will bounce back and forth with guessing the villain's identity, and when it comes together in the end, you might kick yourself for missing some things.
The setting is described strongly. I can see the hospital, recognize the city of Philadelphia, and connect with the various rooms and backgrounds. I easily followed the chase scenes, found myself drawn to Ben's generosity and love for his family and friends. His dad is amazing, and his mom is quite a pip - by the way, she's in a coma the entire book! This is a great series... I like that I root for him, and in the end, there is a shocker apart from the mystery that left me breathless and worried. I can't wait to find out where the series goes next! Easily 4.5 stars and one to put on your reading lists this summer....more
4 stars to Sara Shepard's The Good Girls, the potentially conclusive second novel in her Perfectionist's series. After reading the debut of the series4 stars to Sara Shepard's The Good Girls, the potentially conclusive second novel in her Perfectionist's series. After reading the debut of the series last month, I was quickly intrigued and needed to read the second novel to learn what happens to the 5 girls who seemed to be hiding something. I picked it up yesterday morning and finished it within a few hours as my Sunday read. It's a fascinating ending and floats a potential opening for a third installment down the line, but it is also good should it just end here at book 2.
Story Book 1 leaves the 5 girls recognizing that the teacher they thought was the killer (who actually enacted the murder plot the girls has dreamed up as a joke) was then murdered himself. Yikes, the teacher can't be the murdered, so now what? Book 2 picks up with the girls each being interviewed by the police to try and piece together what's going on. The girls hold strong and don't reveal all they know hoping to figure out who is doing the killing and making it look like it's actually the girls behind it all. The sub-stories grow more intense and one by one each of the proposed murder victims from the original plot start to show up dead. A huge twist comes into play about 2/3 of the way through this book leaving the reader utterly confused and shocked but in the last 100 pages, it unravels and you realize all that you missed along the way.
Strengths It's a well-orchestrated plot with so many stories having to collide and so many potential suspects having to be present and concerning. It takes a strong writer to pull off this type of complexity; however, Shepard takes it a whole leap forward with the twist reveal 2/3 of the way through that I kept stopping to think back to the first book and the beginning part of book 2. I swore there were mistakes and it didn't jive, but it actually does... you get so drawn into the story that you may miss the hidden clues along the way.
Weaknesses Due to the style and the actual plot/killer, a few things had to be left out along the way. Some readers may be annoyed because they think they know someone but they really do not know them. It's also a bit of a jump to go from what we know to what we actually find out and see it as fully believable. (Trying not to reveal any spoilers here!) In the end, with a bit of disbelief and blinking one eye a lot, I see how it happened. But it went pretty far before someone figured out what was actually going on... I think that's where it gets a bit off track.
Final Thoughts Shepard is highly imaginative and really knows how to create different characters and plot lines. For that alone, one should read this book... but given this is her 25+ book, it will eventually start to feel all too similar. I watched Pretty Little Liars so I don't feel the need to go back and read all ~15 books in that collection, but I will probably give another one of her series a chance next year.
About Me For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators....more