She Stopped for Death: A Little Library Mystery

Welcome, fellow readers!  I hope you have had a great Sunday.  I am featuring Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli today.  Elizabeth writes the Emily Kinkaid Mysteries and A Little Library Mystery series.  You can follow Elizabeth on Facebook for the latest news on her books.

She Stopped for Death by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli is the second book in A Little Library Mystery series.  Jenny Weston lives with her mother, Dora in Bear Falls, Michigan.  Jenny moved back home after she divorced her husband.  They have two little library boxes in front of their home (one for adult books and one for children’s).  Jenny, Dora, and their neighbor, Zoe Zola have been spending their evenings on the screened in porch.  They notice a light coming down the street, and then someone stopped at the boxes.  It is the reclusive poetess, Emily Sutton.  Dora calls out to Emily, and Emily quickly runs away.  When they check the library boxes the next morning, they discover slips of paper with poems written on them.  It seems that Emily has started writing again and wishes to share her work.  Twenty-five years prior Emily had published a book of poetry.  After a book tour, Emily returned to the family home and did not venture out until now.  The next night Emily ventures by again and respond to Dora’s greeting.  Emily had lived in the family home on Pewee Swamp with her sister, Lorna.  Their cousin, Althea did the shopping for them (and the local banker paid their bills).  Lorna packed up and left with man according to Emily, and Althea has not been by recently.  Zoe volunteers to do the shopping for Emily.  Jenny and Zoe agree to visit Althea and see if she is well.  Then Alex Shipley shows up in town looking for her uncle, Walter.  He disappeared three years ago.  Walter had corresponded with Emily and was coming to Bear Falls for a visit.  What happened to Lorna, Althea, and Walter?  Emily and Zoe set out to get answers but what happens when Zoe disappears.

She Stopped for Death contains good writing and interesting characters.  Jenny has several “issues”.  She is jealous of her sister (Lisa), upset over her divorce, does not know what she wants to do with her life, has trust issues, and has trouble communicating especially with Tony Ralenti (the guy she is attracted to).  Jenny stews about her relationship with Tony, rants about her sister, and has no clue what to do with her future (you just want to shove a sock in her mouth).  Zoe Zola, the neighbor, is a quirky character.  Zoe is a little person who writes fairy tales.  She has fairy houses all over her yard with fairy occupants (she moves them around, gives them stories, and talks to them).  I am not a fan of Zoe.  Instead of funny, I find her unlikeable (really dislike her dialogue).  I give She Stopped for Death 3 out of 5 stars (am I being too kind?).  I figured out the mystery early in the novel (it was not complicated).   While She Stopped for Death is the second book in the series, it can be read alone.  The author provides the character background and details from the first book in the series.  I was hoping the second book in the series would be an improvement upon A Most Curious Murder (which is why I gave the series a second chance).  A Little Library Mystery series is just not for me.  I believe it is supposed to be quirky and humorous, but instead I found it foolish and nonsensical.

Do not forget that tonight is Framed for Murder:  A Fixer-Upper Mystery movie on Hallmark Movie and Mysteries channel.  It is based on A Fixer-Upper Mystery series by Kate Carlisle.  May all of you have a wonderful, Sunday evening.  I will return tomorrow to review Time Out by Suzanne Trauth.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Jesus Bible

Good Afternoon.  I hope everyone is having a blessed Sunday.  I am spending the day enjoying the women of mystery marathon on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel and reading A Fatal Romance by June Shaw.  

The Jesus Bible is the NIV (New International Version) translation of the Bible.  It is a grey hardcover book that measures 6 ½” by 8 ¼” and comes with a built in black ribbon for marking your page.  The book is 2” thick.  It contains the sixty-six books of the bible with essays written by Louie Giglio, Max Lucado, Ravi Zacharias, John Piper, and Randy Alcorn.  Each chapter has an introduction and sidebar articles.  The sidebar commentaries help the reader focus on Jesus.  There is room for adding notes and journaling.  Some pages have more room for writing than others.  The paper is thin, but it is a little thicker than onion skin paper which is traditionally used in bibles.  I would not recommend using markers (would bleed through the page) when writing in this book.  You can do notes in pencil and colored pencils.  The font for the actual bible chapters is very small (the introductions, essays and sidebar articles is slightly bigger).  There is a dictionary/concordance at the back of the book.  The Jesus Bible is a contemporary looking bible.  The Jesus Bible gives the reader an opportunity to get to know Jesus.  The reader will be able to do an in-depth study of Jesus, his works, life, death and resurrection.  I give The Jesus Bible 4 out of 5 stars.  It is nicely put together, and I enjoyed the special essays. If you enjoy doing journaling in your bible, then I would not recommend The Jesus Bible for you.  However, if you are wishing to learn more about Jesus, then I would advise you to look no further.

I will return later with my review of She Stopped for Death by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli.  I hope you enjoy a relaxing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

The Guests on South Battery

Welcome Back!  I hope all of you have had a lovely Saturday. Today's author is Karen White and the Tradd Street series.  The books in the Tradd Street series are The House on Tradd Street, The Girl on Legare Street, The Strangers on Montagu Street, and Return to Tradd Street. The newest addition to the series is The Guests on South Battery.  You can follow Karen White on Facebook and Amazon.

The Guests on South Battery by Karen White is the fifth book in the Tradd Street series.  Melanie Middleton Trenholm is returning to work in Charleston, South Carolina after being away a year on extended maternity leave.  Melanie gave birth to twins, J.J. and Sarah.  Melanie arrives at Henderson House Reality to find a client waiting in her office.  Jayne Smith has inherited the Pinckney house on South Battery and is eager to sell it.  Jayne has a dislike of old homes (they make her uncomfortable).  Jayne has no clue as to why Button Pinckney left her the house.  Melanie has sixth sense that she inherited from her mother’s side of her family.  Spirits (or ghosts) have left her alone for the last year, but now they are making a reappearance.  Melanie agrees to sell Jayne’s home and gets the bonus of having Jayne as her nanny.  Upon entering the Pinckney home, Melanie discovers there are restless spirits in the home.  One of them is strong and can shroud its presence from Melanie.  Melanie is going to need the help of her mother, Ginette Prioleau Middleton.  Between the two of them, they hope to move these spirits on (get them out of the house).  Will they be able to settle these restless spirits?  Why did Button leave her home to Jayne?

The Guests on South Battery is nicely written.  It is a combination of women’s fiction, mystery, and paranormal.  While it is part of a series, The Guests on South Battery can be read alone.  The author gives the readers the needed information on the characters and happenings from the other novels are mentioned throughout the book.  I give The Guests on South Battery 3 out of 5 stars.  I was hoping for more of the paranormal element in the book.  I did not find it compelling and it was predictable.  The mysteries can be solved long before the results are revealed.   I had a hard time liking the characters especially Melanie.  Melanie has many issues. The main one is her OCD (she should really see a therapist and get some medication). Melanie believes that the twins should be kept on a timetable (she has a spreadsheet), and she has labeled everything in their room (this is just the start).  Melanie seems to suffer from “Scarlet O’Hara” syndrome (ignore things or think about them tomorrow).  Melanie’s pre-pregnancy clothes do not fit her and she finds the oddest explanations (strange fumes in her closet, the dry cleaner shrunk them).  I believe it is supposed to be funny, but it comes across as just odd (like a comedian who tells a joke and does not get laughter).  I did not understand Melanie’s attitude towards her gift (she seems to resent it).  This seems to be a recurring theme in paranormal novels lately.  I found some information repeated frequently throughout the novel (an example is how Jack’s daughter loaned the pair money for the house).   I thought there was a little too much going on in the book.  I only summarized the main events of this novel. I just felt that the novel needed a little rewriting and editing.  

I appreciate you visiting and reading my latest book review. Tomorrow I will be reviewing She Stopped for Death by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli.  May all of you have a special evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Dead Cold Brew: A Coffeehouse Mystery

Welcome!  My Friday was spent doing laundry, baking cookies, and doing housework in between catering to my animals.  I need to find a way to install a doggie door!  It would make my life so much easier.  I asked my father to install one about ten years ago, but it did not happen.  Cleo Coyle is the author of The Coffeehouse Mystery series.  You can find a complete list of the books in the series here.  You can find more information about Cleo Coyle and her novels on her website.

Dead Cold Brew by Cleo Coyle is the sixteenth book in A Coffeehouse Mystery series.  Clare Cosi is the manager and master roaster at Village Blend in Greenwich Village, New York.  Clare loves the job despite the contact with her ex-husband, Matteo “Matt” Allegro.  Matt visits to tell Clare about a great opportunity.  Victor Fontana is the head of a consortium that has built a new ship that is a re-creation of the S.S. Andrea Doria.  The original ship sank sixty years ago in 1956.  Village Blend is one of five companies competing to be the exclusive supplier of coffee for the ship.  Clare needs to come up with a unique blend for the competition.  Clare is thrilled until she reads the morning paper.  Someone is going around shooting cops.  Clare’s boyfriend is Lt. Michael “Mike” Quinn and he is the head of the OD Squad for the NYPD.  Mike stops by Village Blend with Detective Sully Sullivan to reassure Clare.  Sully leaves and they hear a gunshot.  Sully has been shot and Clare sees someone resembling Panther Man leaving the area (this does not go over well with the police).  Matt receives a visit from an attorney.  It seems a special inheritance has been left for Matt and Sophia Campana (and their children).  Upon opening the lockbox, the discover a letter and the Occhio del Gatto (Eye of the Cat).  This gem was supposedly sunk with the Andrea Doria.  The one person who may have answers is Gustavo Campana.  He was on board the Andrea Doria.  When the group goes to visit Gus, they discover him unconscious in his apartment.  Gus was poisoned and Clare sees someone fleeing the scene.  Someone is after the diamond.  Clare wants to find out what happened sixty years ago on that ship, but she is also worried about the safety of Mike with a cop killer on the loose in New York.  Will Clare be able to unravel this mystery before the killer strikes again?

Dead Cold Brew is nicely written and full of action.  The novel is packed with characters and activities (I did not tell you everything that occurred in this book).  I found it difficult to keep track of the various people and their plot lines.  The pace of the novel is slow (the book seemed to go on forever).  The author is very descriptive and includes details of drinks, scenery, food items, etc.  Some information is repeated throughout the book.  I give Dead Cold Brew 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay).  I wish the author had picked just one storyline for this book (either the sunken ship along with the gem or the cop killer).  I do, though, like how she ended up tying the events together.  While both mysteries may seem complicated, the solution is simple.  I was able to solve the mysteries early in the book.  The clues might as well have been neon arrows pointing to the perpetrator.  While Dead Cold Brew is the sixteenth book in the series, it is the first book in the series that I have read (I was hoping to discover a new cozy mystery series).  Dead Cold Brew can be read alone (you will be a little confused in the beginning).  The author provides the needed background details on the main characters. While The Coffeehouse Mystery series is not for me, I do recommend The Haunted Bookshop Mystery series.  Cleo Coyle writes the series under the name Alice Kimberly.   

• Thank you for visiting.  I am reading Little Girl Lost by Carol Wyer.  I will be reviewing The Guests on South Battery by Karen White tomorrow.  I am going to relax and watch Grimm, MacGyver, and Sleepy Hollow.  May all of you have a good night. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Beyond the Carousel: The Wyattsville Series

I hope all of you have had a good Thursday.  I am featuring Bette Lee Crosby today.  Ms. Crosby has written The Wyattsville Series and the Memory House Collection.  Readers can follow her on Amazon and Facebook.  For information on her books, you can check out her website. The first four books in The Wyattsville Series are Spare Change, Jubilee's Journey, Passing through Perfect, and The Regrets of Cyrus Dodd.

Beyond the Carousel by Bette Lee Crosby is the fifth book in The Wyattsville Series.  It is 1918 in Wyattsville, Virginia.  Emory Hawthorne has been married to Rose for twelve years when he receives an unexpected inheritance from his father, Lester.  Lester Hawthorne left a portfolio of stocks worth $9,000.  Emory and his wife use the money to purchase of home on Chester Street.  Their daughter, Laura is eleven years old when they move into the home.  When Laura is eighteen she gets a secretarial position at Ridge Valley Savings Bank.  It is at the bank that Laura meets Franklin Wilkes.  Franklin is a stockbroker with Sampson Investment Company.  The two quickly fall in love and marry.  They have a little girl they name Christine.  Franklin does well with the stock market and purchases them a cute bungalow.  In 1928, Franklin invests his bonus check into stocks and convinces Emory to do the same.  But then the market starts to fall.  Franklin warns his clients to remove their money, but many do not listen.  George Feldman had mortgaged his mother’s home and invested the money into the stock market.  Franklin tried to convince him to withdraw his funds, but George is a stubborn man.  Once George has lost everything, he blames Franklin.  One night in 1930 Franklin is working late when George enters the building.  George goes to Franklin’s office and shoots him six times.  George quickly flees town and the police are unable to find him.  Laura raises Christine with the help of her family.  Christine grows up to marry Patrolman Jack Mahoney in Richmond.  When Jack becomes a detective with the Wyattsville Police Department, he starts looking into Franklin’s murder.  Twenty-five years have passed since Franklin’s senseless death.  Jack is hoping to find some clue that will lead him to George Feldman.  Will Christine and Emory finally get closer?

Beyond the Carousel is a well-written story with a good pace.  The story contains lovely characters and a moving story.  I found Beyond the Carousel to be heartwarming and heartbreaking.  Beyond the Carousel will take you through the full range of emotions (joy, grief, love).  I like how Bette Lee Crosby takes the reader through three generations of a family.  We get to experience their ups and downs with them.  This novel captured my interest from the very beginning and held it until I read the very last word.  I love how the author wrapped up the story.  I give Beyond the Carousel 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).  While Beyond the Carousel is the fifth book in the series, it is a stand-alone.  I have read several of this author’s books, but Beyond the Carousel is, by far, my favorite.  She really brought the characters and story to life for me.

I hope you enjoyed today's review.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Dead Cold Brew by Cleo Coyle.  I hope all of you have a delightful evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Elusive Elixir: An Accidental Alchemist Mystery

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit.  I had a hard time summarizing The Elusive Elixir (it is a busy book).  I did not want to give away too many details, but I wanted to give enough information to intrigue you.  The other two novels in The Accidental Alchemists Mystery series are The Accidental Alchemist and The Masquerading Magician. You can find Gigi Pandian on Facebook and her website.

The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian is the third book in The Accidental Alchemist Mystery series.  Zoe Faust is in Paris hoping to find answers to help her gargoyle friend, Dorian Robert-Houdin.  Dorian was changed from a stone gargoyle at Notre Dame Cathedral’s Gallery of Gargoyle’s into a live gargoyle.  But over the last few months he has slowly turning back into stone.  Dorian will be alive but trapped in his stone exterior.  Zoe wants to save him and has come to Paris for answers.  Another gargoyle was recently spotted alive in Prague and it was turned over to the Paris University (Zoe has not been able to get access).  Before Zoe can get some answers, Blanche Leblanc approaches her.  Blanche claims to have known Zoe in 1942.  The woman then has her nephew, a police officer, talk with Zoe regarding the fire of Elixir (the herbalist shop Zoe owned in Paris) and the death of Jasper Dubois.  Zoe cannot risk her secrets coming to light and flees Paris.  Back in Portland, Ivan Danko, Zoe’s neighbor and friend, is busy trying to discover the Elixir of Life (he does not wish to die).  Zoe soon realizes that someone has followed Zoe back to Portland.  They want Dorian’s book Non Degenera Alchemia, which talks about backward alchemy.  Life has taken a very dangerous turn for Zoe.  Will she be able to rescue Dorian and keep the book safe?

The Elusive Elixir is well-written, easy to read, and fascinating.  There are a lot of details and it can be hard to keep them all straight.  I have not read the previous books in this series, but it did not hinder my enjoyment of The Elusive Elixir (the author provides the necessary background information on Zoe and Dorian).  I give The Elusive Elixir 4.25 out of 5 stars (I really liked it).  I did find some information to be repeated several times (that Max Liu is Zoe’s “sort of” boyfriend, the basics about backward alchemy, and information about Zoe’s past).  Zoe Faust is a great main character.  She is intelligent, strong, and resourceful.  I appreciated Dorian.  He is humorous and entertaining (and an excellent chef).  I found the mystery fascinating, but I did figure it out (it is wonderfully complex).  I am looking forward to reading the other novels in The Accidental Alchemist series.  

I am currently reading Time Out by Suzanne Trauth.  I have to a finish a few items before I can enjoy my evening (i.e.--put on my pj's and relax).  I will review Beyond the Carousel by Bette Lee Crosby tomorrow.  May all of you have a great night  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Exposed in Darkness

Happy Tuesday.  Many of you are probably expecting a review of The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian today (which was released on January 8). However, I did not realize that today was January 10--Book Release Day (it could happen to anyone). A few of the new novels that were published today are Dead Cold Brew by Cleo Coyle, She Stopped for Death by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli, Beyond the Carousel by Bette Lee Crosby (it is wonderful), A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn, The Guests on South Battery by Karen White and Dead and Breakfast by Kate Kingsbury.

Exposed in Darkness is Heather Sunseri’s first adult suspense novel.  Brooke Fairfax has been mourning the death of her husband, Teddy for the last year. Brooke quit her job as an FBI analyst and shut out everyone.  Then she receives an email with a video attached from Romeo.  Brooke has also not heard from Romeo in the year since Teddy passed away.  Romeo is a CHS (confidential human source) that only worked with Brooke.   The video shows the murder of Melissa Centers, Kentucky’s lieutenant governor.  It is believed that the actual target was Kentucky’s governor, Truman Spencer.  Truman happens to be Brooke’s brother-in-law.  Special Agent Mike Donaldson contacts Brooke to get her to rejoin them for the case.  Brooke refuses their request, but she will not let anything happen to Truman.  Brooke packs and heads for Kentucky.  The FBI believes that businessman, Declan O’Roark might be behind the crime, and they want Brooke to get close to him.  The attraction between Declan and Brooke is instantaneous, but Brooke feels guilty about her feelings (because of Teddy).  Then there is a second victim.  He died after drinking bourbon from Declan’s Elkhorn Reserve Distilleries (just like Melissa Centers).  Someone is trying to set up Declan and Brooke is determined find out who these heinous acts.  Will Brooke be able to find the perpetrator before there are more victims?

Exposed in Darkness is well-written and it will capture your attention right away.  This is not the type of book that you can skim.  There are many necessary details (I only gave you a small summary).  It does slow down the pace of the book a little bit, but I was still riveted.  I found the mystery to be complex with many twists and turns.  I had to pay very careful attention so I could gather the clues and figure out who was behind the crimes.  At the end of the book, the reader will still be left with one question.  Who is Romeo?  Unfortunately, readers will have to wait for the next book to get answers (we hope).  The good news is that we do not have long to wait.  I give Exposed in Darkness 4.5 out of 5 stars.  I did find that the romance between Declan and Brooke was predictable and a little soppy.  I wish the romance portion had been as sophisticated as the rest of the novel.  Otherwise, I just loved Exposed in Darkness and look forward to reading Cut in Darkness (release date is April 4).  Heather Sunseri did a masterful job with her first adult novel (she has written young adult novels prior to Exposed in Darkness).  If you enjoy novels of suspense, I highly suggest Exposed in Darkness.

I appreciate you visiting to check out my latest book review.  I am currently reading Cruel Winter by Sheila Connolly.  I will return tomorrow to evaluate another novel.  I hope you have an enjoyable night.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Fatal Twist: A Downward Dog Mystery

I hope all of you have had a good Monday.  I spent the day running errands now that my car is up and running again.  Tracy Weber writes A Downward Dog Mystery series.  The four books in the series are Murder Strikes a Pose, A Killer Retreat, Karma's a Killer, and A Fatal Twist.  You can follow Tracy Weber on Amazon and Facebook.  You can also find more information on the author and her books at www.TracyWeberAuthor.com.

A Fatal Twist by Tracy Weber is the fourth book in A Downward Dog Mystery series.  Kate Davidson is the owner of Serenity Yoga in Seattle, Washington.  Kate has also been busy training to be a doula to help her friend, Rene.  Rene is expecting twins with her husband, Sam.  Kate is at the open house of the Lake Washington Medical Center new birthing facility.  After getting cake all over her top (thanks to Sam and Rene’s bickering), Kate heads to a restroom to clean up.  Just as she is about to enter, Rachel Jones comes out clutching her red handbag to her chest.  Rachel runs by Kate without a greeting.  Upon entering the bathroom, Kate finds Dr. Richard Jones (known by most as Dr. Dick) on the floor with a knife sticking out of his chest.  Dr. Dick lived up to his name with his philandering ways.  Because of Kate’s testimony, Rachel is arrested for the murder leaving her sixteen-year-old daughter, Nicole in the care of Justine (friend of Rachel’s).  Kate knows that Rachel did not murder her husband and sets out to find the real culprit.  Kate has some new additions to her household.  Michael, Kate’s boyfriend, brings home two puppies that he found outside his store, Pete’s Pets.  Bella, Kate’s one hundred pound German Shepard, actually likes the little fellows.  Soon, though, the destruction gets to be too much for Kate and Bella’s health takes a downward turn.  Will Kate be able to find Dr. Jones’ killer and the person responsible for leaving the puppies outside Michael’s shop before Rene has her babies? 

I found A Fatal Twist to be an easy read and a reader can enjoy it as a stand-alone novel.  I found the two mysteries (the murder and the puppy issue) to be easy to solve.  The identity of the killer can be figured out very early in the book (much to my disappointment).  The puppy conundrum can also be solved before the answer is revealed in the story.  I found A Fatal Twist to be packed with yoga, puppies, babies, lawsuits, cheaters, sleuthing, doula lessons, Bella’s stomach issues, Michael's destruction of Kate's kitchen (he is a messy cook) and Kate’s bio breaks (leaving little room for the mystery). The reader is subjected to many details regarding Bella’s digestive condition (EPI).  The details will have you reconsidering eating your next meal.  I also found the frequent mention of “bio break’s” unnecessary.  Does a reader really need to know every single time a character goes to the bathroom?  I give A Fatal Twist 3 out of 5 stars.  I found Kate to be a contradiction at times (and a hard character to like).  Kate loves yoga, but has issues with hot yoga (you could not pay me enough to subject myself to hot yoga).  Her reaction to the class seemed odd for this yoga lover (and over-the-top). The book does contain descriptions of various yoga poses and different types of classes. If you have enjoyed the previous books in the series, then you will enjoy reading A Fatal Twist.  If you prefer a cozy mystery with a little more substance, then I recommend reading a different book!

Thank you for your visit.  I have a few chores left to finish, and then I am going to relax.  I will return tomorrow to review The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian.  I sincerely hope all of you have a lovely evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader  

Forgotten Boxes

I hope everyone has had a good Sunday.  I spent the afternoon changing the battery in our car.  The job took longer than expected because of tool issues.  I had to hunt for the right tools (I really wish my father had labeled his tool drawers).  In the end, though, a brand new battery is in the car and the car works!  I am celebrating with my favorite chocolates.

Forgotten Boxes is a suspense novel written by Becki Willis.  Charity Gannon lives in Maryland where she has a freelance graphic design business.  Charity has come to Vermont to claim her inheritance from her aunt, Nell Tillman.  While cleaning out the shed behind the house, Charity discovers a black garbage bag with four boxes inside.  The boxes all of labels of Kingdom Parcel with the date of March 14, 1984.  March 14, 1984 is the date her uncle, Harold Tillman, was found dead in his delivery truck by the side of the road.  His death was declared a suicide.  Nell kept the clothes that Harold wore the day he died in her bedroom on a hall tree.  The shirt has a bullet hole surrounded by blood.  Charity has never been able to get the complete story of her uncle’s death.  Kingdom Parcel was the company her uncle started with two investors.  Charity decides to deliver the boxes to their intended recipients.  The first box provides a heartwarming love story, but the second undelivered box resulted in a terrible tragedy.  The final two boxes lead Charity to Tarn Danbury, the sugarmaker and his parents.  Charity had encountered Tarn at Dan’s Market in town.  He introduced Charity to the delights of Vermont maple syrup and maple cream.  These two boxes will provide the answers to a thirty-one year old mystery.  But someone else wants those boxes and will do anything necessary to get them. 

Forgotten Boxes is nicely written and is easily read.  The pace does get a little slow at times especially during the descriptions of the scenery, food, and Tarn.  The author likes to be descriptive in her narratives of nature and Tarn (I think she used every adjective available to describe him).  The whirlwind romance between Charity and Tarn is very much in the forefront of the book, and I found it to be just plain sappy (I skimmed through the sections on their attraction to each other).  I give Forgotten Boxes 2 out of 5 stars.  The mystery can be figured out early in the book (it is obvious from the moment Harold goes into business with the two men).  The reader will easily figure out what happened to Harold and the business long before it is revealed in Forgotten Boxes.  I did not feel that this was a suspense novel (there is no thrill or trepidation at all).  I thought the characters lacked development (they are superficial).  We never get many details on Charity or her past (though we certainly know what she thinks about Tarn).  The author does provide many detailed descriptions on Tarn’s appearance.  If you enjoy sentimental romance novels, then you will like reading Forgotten Boxes.  If you are looking for a good mystery or suspense novel, skip Forgotten Boxes.  Forgotten Boxes is a part of the Kindle Unlimited program on Amazon.  You can follow Becki Willis on Facebook and you can check out her other novels on her website.

I will see you tomorrow when I return with my thoughts on A Fatal Twist by Tracy Weber.  I am going to spend my evening relaxing with Beyond the Carousel by Bette Lee Crosby.  I will be watching The Librarians, Conviction, and Garage Sale Mystery:  The Art of Murder. Take care, stay warm and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Death at Victoria Dock: A Phryne Fisher Mystery

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable Saturday.  A cold front blew in overnight in my area (hooray). It is only in the 50s today (which is cold for our area).  Of course, my car battery decided to give up the ghost, and I had to wait for roadside assistance to show up.  By the time I arrived somewhere to get a new battery installed, I was told it was too late in the day.  I was able to purchase a battery, and I will now spend the evening watching videos on how to install one.  Wish me luck!

Death at Victoria Dock by Kerry Greenwood is the fourth A Phryne Fisher Mystery.  It is 1928 in Melbourne, Australia.  The Honorable Phryne Fisher is driving home late one night when her windshield is shot out.  Someone is shooting at her.  Phryne sees two men fleeing and another man on the ground.  She quickly stops the car and runs to his aid.  The man whispers a few words to Phryne before succumbing to his wounds.  The young man was only seventeen years old and did not deserve to die.  Phryne promises to find the men who killed him.  This pledge will lead Phryne to anarchists, a socialist bookshop, a tattoo parlor (where Phryne shocks the men within), a “spiritualist”, and Peter Smith (if you know Phryne, I bet you can guess where Peter will end up).  But what happens when the anarchists take Dot Williams, Phryne’s companion?  Phryne must split her time between finding the young man’s killer and her latest case.  Mr. Waddington-Forsythe’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Alicia has been missing for three days.  He would like Phryne to locate her quickly and discreetly.  According to Phryne’s two adoptive daughters, Alicia was not well liked at The Presbyterian Ladies College.  Alicia collected secrets which she then entered into her purple leather diary.  Did Alicia threaten to spill someone’s secret?  Phryne will need all her investigating abilities and the help of her friends to solve these two cases.

Death at Victoria Dock is a well-written and engaging mystery novel.  I love the character of Phryne Fisher.  Phryne is an intelligent, vibrant and witty woman (she is full of life).  Phryne is a woman who does not let anything stand in her way (I admire her).  The novel has just the right amount of humor and romance.  I give Death at Victoria Dock 4.25 out of 5 stars.  The novel is a quick and easy read.  The book has a good pace (except in a couple of spots) and two good mysteries (one is more complex than the other).  Death at Victoria Dock can be read as a stand-alone book.  All the information a reader needs is provided within Death at Victoria Dock.  You might, though, upon completion find yourself hunting out the other novels in A Phryne Fisher Mystery series.  I do wish that Detective Inspector Jack Robinson had been included in this story.  I will definitely be reading more books in A Phryne Fisher Mystery series.  There are twenty books in A Phryne Fisher Mystery series.  The series starts with Cocaine Blues and ends with Murder and Mendelssohn.  If you have not tried Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on PBS, I highly suggest you give the show a try. It is usually on Fridays at 9 p.m. on a secondary PBS channel. 

I am going to go watch videos on how to change a car battery (the car repairman suggested it).  I then need to start She Stopped for Death by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli.  I sincerely wish that all of you have a lovely evening. Please be careful if you are out driving (many states are getting snow).  Take care, stay warm and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader