Among the Wicked

How is everyone this Thursday?  I had to run my mother to the doctor this morning (I had to get up so early--9 a.m.--the crack of dawn for me).  At least I got munchkins out of the deal (I love glazed munchkins).  Do you like contemporary or women's fiction novels?  I would like to recommend that you check out Sarah Jio. She writes wonderful novels that are engaging and interesting. Some of her novels are Goodnight June, Violets of March, Blackberry Winter, Morning Glory, and The Last Camellia.  If you get a chance, take a look.

Among the Wicked by Linda Castillo is the eighth book A Kate Burkholder Novel series.  Kate Burkholder is the chief of police in Painters Mill, Ohio.  Kate lives with her significant other, John Tomasetti who is also a state agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.  John has two people who would like to meet with Kate.  Investigator Frank Betancourt and Deputy Superintendent Lawrence Bates from the BCI Division of the New York State Police.  They need someone with Kate’s background and experience (in other words they want Kate) to help them with a case.  There is a problem in an Amish community in Roaring Springs, New York.  The problems started with the new bishop, Eli Schrock.  A young Amish girl was found dead, but no one in the community will talk with the officers.  The officers suspect children are also being harmed, but they cannot get anyone to talk or get evidence.  They would like Kate to undercover into the community.  Kate grew up Amish (knows how to dress, the routines, etc.) and speaks the language.  She can join the community and find the answers they need.  John does not want Kate to take the assignment since she will be alone (without backup).  Kate cannot ignore people in danger and immediately starts making plans.  Kate joins the Amish community as a widow who needs a change and a less progressive Amish group.  Kate slowly makes friends and gathers information on what is happening in the Amish community of Roaring Springs.  But what happens when Kate tries to get solid evidence?  Will Kate make it back to Painters Mill and John alive?  You will have to read Among the Wicked to find out!

Among the Wicked is the best book in A Kate Burkholder Novel series (in my opinion).  There were so many twists and surprises as Kate delved deeper into the community.  There were a couple of slow places, but I was hooked (and stayed up late to finish the book).  I give Among the Wicked 4.5 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I thought Among the Wicked was well-written and easy to read.  The reader is drawn into the story and hooked.  Kate can be very determined and stubborn, but that is what makes her a good police officer.  There is some extreme violence in the book (just a little warning).  While Among the Wicked is the eighth book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.  The author does a good job of letting the reader know the details about the characters (what has happened in the past novels).  I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

The other novels in A Kate Burkholder Novel series are Sworn to Silence, Pray for Silence, Breaking Silence, Gone Missing, Her Last Breath, The Dead Will Tell, and After the Storm.  I received a complimentary copy of Among the Wicked from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.  The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.

It looks like I will have to wait to cook my dinner (cooking chicken on the grill).  It just starting pouring (heavy winds, thunder, lightening). Hopefully, it will go by quickly.  May all of you have a nice, relaxing evening.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Show Time

Pretty cover!

Welcome Back!  Do you enjoy paranormal romance novels?  If you do, then you should check out Molly Harper's Half-Moon Hollow series.  I look forward to each and every book because I am guaranteed an entertaining read (you will get a lot of laughs).  The latest book is Where the Wild Things Bite and it will be out July 26 (I pre-ordered my copy last November).  Molly Harper's other series is The Jane Jameson Series and it is equally as entertaining (you will be laughing through the whole book at Jane's antics). 

Show Time by Suzanne Trauth is the first book in A Dodie O’Dell Mystery series.  Dodie O’Dell is the manager of the Windjammer restaurant in Etonville, New Jersey.  Dodie left the Jersey Shore after Hurricane Sandy.  Etonville is a quaint small town and Dodie made a good friend in Lola Tripper.  Lola is a retired science teacher who now spends her time at the Etonville Little Theatre (ELT for short).  Dodie convinced Windjammer’s owner, Henry, to start a dinner and theater affair.  Dodie creates special menus (themes) to go along with each ELT production.  ELT is getting ready to hold auditions for their latest play which is Romeo and Juliet.  Walter Zeitzman, the director and general factotum, decided to try Shakespeare (ELT has not done works of the Bard before).  Lola convinces Dodie to help out during the auditions.  Walter’s assistant, Penny tends to be a little scatterbrained and disorganized.  Jerome Angleton is friend of Dodie’s.  Jerome is another retired teacher (English) who acts in the theater’s productions.  Jerome and Dodie share a love of mystery novels.  Jerome confided in Dodie that money has been disappearing from the theater, and Jerome has been looking into it.  Unfortunately, Jerome is found dead on the theater’s loading dock before he concludes his investigation.  Dodie wants to find out who killed her friend and sets out to get answers in between her work at Windjammer and helping out with the production of Romeo and Juliet.  Chief Bill Thompson is new to the town and could use some help (Dodie cannot help but notice his handsome exterior).  Bill is not privy to the gossip at ELT nor is he familiar with all the citizens of Etonville yet.  It turns out that Jerome had some secrets (who doesn’t).  Follow Dodie as she unravels the clues to find the killer.

Show Time has some interesting characters (Dodie, Lola, Carol), and I liked the theater aspect.  However, I found the book to be slow paced (it seemed to drag at times) and the book was not holding my interest.  There are many characters (and they all seem to be quirky and troubled) thrown at us in this first book as people are trying out for Romeo and Juliet.  The author tried to make the mystery complicated (we are led on a merry chase), but it is actually child’s play to solve (the killer stood out like there was a flashing, neon arrow over the culprit’s head).  There are way too many references to Dodie’s car which she refers to as “my metro” (I have no clue what that is).  It was entertaining to read about what goes into a small town theater production.  I give Show Time 3.5 out of 5 stars (It was okay, but needs some work).  The series does have potential, and I will read the next book in A Dodie O’Dell Mystery series.

The next book in A Dodie O'Dell Mystery series is Time Out.  It is scheduled to be released in January 2017.  You can check out Suzanne Trauth at www.suzannetrauth.com.   I received a complimentary copy of Show Time from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.  The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.

Thank you for visiting. I am currently enjoying Kilt at the Highland Games by Kaitlyn Dunnett.  I hope all of you have an enjoyable Wednesday.  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot outside), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Address to Die For

It's Tuesday!  I hope all of you are having a great day.  It has been raining this afternoon in my area (makes it dreary).  I was doing little tasks that you think will be quick but end up taking quite a bit of time.  I want to tell you about two new cozy mysteries that were released today.  They are Address to Die For by Mary Feliz (which I am reviewing) and Show Time by Suzanne Trauth (I will review it tomorrow).  

Address to Die For by Mary Feliz is the first book in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series.   Maggie McDonald and her family have picked up moved from Stockton to Orchard View, California (near Silicon Valley).  Max (Maggie’s hubby) inherited a beautiful old home from his Aunt Kay (a hundred year old California Craftsman).  Max has fond memories of the house, barn, and property and is looking forward to moving in.  Maggie is a professional organizer and believes she has everything in hand.  Things do not go quite as planned (of course).  Max goes down the basement to check on the electrical panel (the lights are not working) and stumbles over a pile (he thought it was laundry at first) at the bottom of the stairs.  It turns out to be the dead body of the house’s caretaker, Javier Hernandez (which explains the dilapidated condition of the house).  The police investigate and discover that the electrical panel was rigged to cause a fire when the family started using the electricity.  To top it off their moving truck has encountered problems and has been delayed.  Thankfully, they can stay in the barn (while the police process the house) since it has electricity and full bathroom.  Then Max gets a call from his new boss and finds out that he has to leave for India (for a few weeks) on Monday (it is Labor Day weekend).  When it rains it pours.  Can the things get any worse?  The family takes a walk with their dog, Belle and upon their return the mailbox explodes (not from a bomb).  It turns out that Javier reported several incidents of vandalism since Aunt Kay passed away.  What is going on and why is there house being targeted?  Maggie is inquisitive and cannot help poking around (and asking questions).  School opens for the year and incidents start happening at the middle school (nasty ones).   Maggie has to run a permission slip over to the school one evening and finds the office door unlocked.  She enters and finds the principal, Miss Harrier dead in her office.  Miss Harrier was not well-liked which makes for a long suspect list (one way for Maggie to meet the townspeople).  All of these incidents are not giving the McDonald family a good feeling about Orchard View.  Why was Miss Harrier killed?  Is the killer also behind the malicious mischief at the school and the McDonald House?   Maggie wants to help the investigation, but will her inquisitiveness put her in the path of a killer.

Address to Die For was a good first book.   The town is unusual (the schools do not have buses) with quirky characters, the new home sounds gorgeous (just needs a facelift), and I liked the main characters/family (McDonald family).  The mysteries are easily solved if you pay careful attention to the clues provided.  The first half of the book is slow paced because of all the details (the family, town, house, etc.) which bog it down a little.  The pace does pick up in the second half of the book.  I found some of the vandalism offensive because it involved animals (I really wish the author had not included it), but that is just me.  The kids and their schooling took up quite a bit of the book.  We get many references to their band practice (made me want to smash their instruments and grateful my daughter never took up an instrument).  Address to Die For is easy to read and is nicely written.  I give Address to Die For 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I will definitely be reading the next book in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series which is Scheduled to Death.

You can follow Mary Feliz on Amazon.  I received a complimentary copy of Address to Die For from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.  The comments and opinions expressed above are strictly my own.

I want to sincerely thank all of you for checking out my blog and latest review.  I am off to make dinner (my mother is still deciding what she wants to eat), put clean sheets on my bed, and then relax! Make sure to take time for yourself tonight and relax!  It is good for your overall health.   Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Toasting Up Trouble

Welcome!  I hope everyone is having a good Monday.  I had something tragic happen (what I consider tragic).  The last thing I do (well next to last) before I go to bed is plug in my Kindle so it can charge while I am asleep.  It makes a little bing when I plug it in.  This time no bing!  I open up the cover and check.  No lightening bolt to indicate it is charging.  I tried different cords and adaptors.  No luck! Thankfully, I took out a warranty on it (you should take out a warranty on all electronics and appliances).  So I called the SquareTrade (warranty company) number and was greeted by the nicest lady.  I found out that it is still covered under the manufacturer's warranty.  Amazon is sending me a new Kindle 10, and I will have it tomorrow!  It is times like this that I am very grateful that I have a back-up Kindle!

Toasting Up Trouble by Linda Wiken is the first book in A Dinner Club Mystery series.  Jennifer “J.J.” Tanner is an event planner and works for her friend, Skye Drake at Make It Happen.  J.J. is also a member of Culinary Capers Dinner Club in Half Moon Bay, Vermont (near Burlington).  They do monthly dinners.  Each month a different member picks a cookbook.  Everyone then makes a dish from the book for a delightful dinner.  J.J.’s latest job is to create an Italian themed birthday party for Angelica Portovino.  Angelica is turning twenty-one and the party will be held on the Portovino estate.  The caterer she hired backed out and J.J. needs to find another chef.  Antonio Marcotti, of Bella Luna, was recommended to her.  He is rumored to be difficult to work with, but he is an excellent chef.  Antonio wishes to use a special appetizer (a signature dish) but it is too expensive (does not work with the budget J.J. was given).  Antonio does not take no for an answer and manages to include it at the party (behind J.J.’s back and instructions).  J.J. has words with him after the party.  The next morning J.J. arrives at the Portovino estate to finish the clean-up and is greeted by the police.  Antonio was found stabbed to death (he was not a pleasant man).  J.J. was the last person seen with him (of course), and they did argue (just a wee disagreement).  J.J. needs to clear her name (pronto).  The gang from Culinary Capers is ready to assist her in the investigation.  Can J.J. find the real culprit before she ends in jail or the next victim?

I found Toasting Up Trouble to be a little slow (it is just the first book), and I am not sure if I like J.J. (need to get to know her more).  I found her a little pushy at times (she is a murder suspect so I will cut her a little slack).  In this book there was too much time devoted to her thinking and contemplating (pages and pages).  Overall, Toasting Up Trouble is a good novel and has some interesting characters (like Rocco Gates).  I did find some information repeated a few times which was not necessary.  The main thing I enjoyed was the mystery (which is good since it is a cozy mystery).  It was complex (just like I like them) with a couple of twists (the reader can solve it if you pay close attention).  I give Toasting Up Trouble 3.5 out of 5 stars.  The series has potential and there are some delicious sounding recipes included.  I enjoyed the reference to Victoria Abbott’s latest mystery in the novel (cute touch).  I will be reading the next book in A Dinner Club Mystery series.  I believe as the main character develops, I will find her more likeable and relatable.

The next book in A Dinner Club Mystery series Roux the Day.  You can follow Linda Wiken on Amazon. A fun fact is Linda Wiken is also Erika Chase who writes Ashton Corner Book Club Mystery series (which I enjoy).  I received a complimentary copy of Toasting Up Trouble from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Thank you for checking in and reading my latest review.   I am off to enjoy dinner and finish Read to Death by Terrie Farley Moran (I did not have a chance to read it before now) and then Live and Let Growl by Laurien Berenson.  I hope all of you have a delightful evening. I will be back tomorrow to tell you about another book!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Dressed to Kilt

Happy Sunday!  The beginning of another week.  My Mother had a very nice birthday.  She received pj's, sock monkey night light, money to get her hair cut, a quilt hanging with a sock monkey on it, a Raggedy Ann doll with dress (and accessories) from sock monkey fabric (see below), two shirts, and a book on the history of sock monkeys.  Her favorite was the book!  It made her laugh.  The cake was a big hit (my daughter loves it).  I hope all of you have had a fabulous weekend!

Dressed to Kilt by Hannah Reed is the third book in A Scottish Highlands Mystery series.  Eden Elliott is in Glenkillen, Scotland (in the Scottish Highlands) to work on her Highlands Desire Series (new romance series).  Her friend, Ami Penderson, convinced her to go to Scotland and work to add authenticity to her books.  Eden has been staying in a cottage on MacBride Farm.  Eden met Vicki MacBride on the airplane from London.  Eden’s six-month tourist visa is getting ready to expire (but Eden really does not want to leave), so she has little time left spend with friends and explore the area.  Leith Cameron is a local barley supplier and Eden’s romantic interest.  Leith invites Eden to a whiskey tasting at Glenkillen Distillery.  It is a special event for a select few hosted by Bridie Dougal, the owner of Glenkillen Distillery (and chieftain of the Dougal clan).  Eden is getting a tour of the distillery when she sees an arm sticking out of a washback.  Eden rushes over to see if she can help.  Eden finds Henrietta dead.  Henrietta McCloud is Bridie’s long-time companion.  Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson soon arrives on the scene along with Sean Stevens.  Who would want to hurt Henrietta and why did she want to speak with Eden (asked to meet with her after the whiskey tasting event)?  Eden assists with the case as the local Special Constable (a volunteer position).  It turns out that Bridie knew Eden’s grandfather and father.  Eden has not heard from her father since she was six years old (when he went to Scotland to attend his father’s funeral).  Being in Scotland is Eden’s chance to find out about her family and what happened to her father, but Eden has resisted.  It looks like the door to the past has swung open and Eden has no choice but to enter.  Join Eden as she sets out to find Henrietta’s killer and why her father never returned to his family.

Dressed to Kilt may be the third book in the series, but you can read it alone (I have not had a chance to read the other books in the series yet).  The book is nicely written and easy to read (has a good pace for the most part).  I had some trouble liking Eden (I will probably warm up to her).  I thought Eden spent too much time thinking and analyzing (and complaining).  We are subject to her rambling thoughts (pages and pages of them).  I wish the writer had provided more clues to the mystery (instead of complaints about Eden’s father which dominated the story).  The mystery was twisty and curvy which was enjoyable.  Is the mystery solvable? Definitely.  While the author did not provide many clues, I thought that the killer was easy to figure out.  Some of the characters speak with a Scottish accent (of course), but it is difficult to read (comprehend).  I give Dressed to Kilt 4 out of 5 stars (the mystery improved the rating).  I will be reading the next book in the series.  I believe Eden will improve (I hope) now that her daddy issues have been resolved.

The first two books in A Scottish Highlands Mystery series are Off Kilter and Hooked on Ewe.  You can follow Hannah Reed on Amazon and Facebook.  Hannah Reed also writes A Queen Bee Mystery series (which I enjoy reading).  I received a complimentary copy of Dressed to Kilt from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.  The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.

I want to thank all of you for visiting. I really do appreciate it and I hope you like my review.  I am currently enjoying A Bee in Her Bonnet by Jennifer Beckstrand (taking a break from mysteries).  I am off to enjoy Home Fires and dinner.  I will be back tomorrow with another book review.  Take care, have a lovely evening, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Arsenic with Austen

Welcome Back!  I hope everyone has had a delightful Saturday. I wanted to tell you about a new book by Deanna Chase.  It is titled New Corpse in Town and written under the pseudonym Lucy Quinn.  She will also have two new Pyper Rayne books coming out soon. They are Spirits, Rock Stars, and a Midnight Chocolate Bar (August) and Spirits, Beignets, and a Bayou Biker Gang (September).  You can find all of them on Amazon.  

Arsenic with Austen by Katherine Bolger Hyde is the first book in the Crime with the Classics series.  Emily Worthing Cavanaugh receives a letter from an attorney letting her know that her Aunt Beatrice has just passed away, and Emily is a legatee (she is inheriting something in the will).  Emily is a professor of literature at Reed College and school has just ended for the year (perfect timing).  Emily heads down to Stony Beach, Oregon for the funeral and to speak with the attorney.  It turns out that Emily inherited the bulk of her aunt’s estate (and Emily was just hoping to get her library collection).  Emily had always loved Windy Corner (her aunt’s house) and is delighted to be able to live there (even it if is part-time).  Emily is immediately approached by Vicki Landau, real estate agent, and Everett Trimble, the mayor (right after the funeral).  The mayor wants to make Stony Point a resort town (with tacky shops, condos, hotels, and many, many tourists).  Beatrice (who owned the land they needed) preferred a quiet, cozy town and would not cooperate with their plans.  Emily likes Stony Beach just the way it is—a quiet, beach town.  However, Brock Runcible, Horace’s nephew (Beatrice’s deceased husband) is all for the mayor’s plans for the town.  Out of the four blocks of shops in town, Brock inherited one of them.  Agnes Beech was Beatrice’s housekeeper and does not believe that she died of natural causes.  When Sheriff Luke Richards (Emily’s high school beau) is of a similar mind, Emily decides to explore it further.  Before Emily can take action, she finds Agnes dead at the bottom of the cellar steps (and it was no accident).  Something fishy is going on in this town.  Can Emily and Luke get answers before the killer strikes again?  With Emily and Luke working closely together is there a chance to rekindle their old romance?

Arsenic with Austen had too much romance and too little mystery.  The romance between Emily and Luke dominated the book (along with Emily’s thoughts of Luke which went on and on for many pages).  These two have not seen each other in 35 years, but Luke loves her like it was just yesterday.  Emily keeps obsessing over Luke from the moment she starts driving to the town (it was obnoxious).  Emily acted more like a lovesick teenager than a woman in her 50s with regard to Luke.  There is a Christian theme to the book (especially about forgiveness).  The mystery seemed complicated, but it was really basic and simple to solve.  There are quotes from various Austen books at the beginning of each chapter, and Emily compares people in the town with various characters from literature (mostly from Austen’s books).  I found the book easy to read (nice writing), but the pace was slow until the end (the pursuit).  I give Arsenic with Austen 3 out of 5 stars.  One character that I did not like was Emily’s friend, Margaritte.  I found her annoying (the feminine wiles and how she captivates every man).  I wish the author had written her a little differently.  Will I read the next book in the series?  I probably will to see if there is improvement (every series deserves a second chance).

You can follow Katherine Bolger Hyde on Amazon to get updates on her latest novels.  I received a complimentary copy of Arsenic with Austen from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.  The opinions and comments above are strictly my own.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, check out Save Our Cozies.  It is taking place today (it started at midnight and lasts twenty-four hours).  They are on Facebook, Goodreads, and their blog.  If you have a moment, you should check it out!  Thank all of you for stopping by.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

All the Missing Girls

Happy Friday!  Are you ready for the weekend?  I am just about ready for my mother's birthday celebration.  She will be 71 this year!  The cake is baked and the whole house smells wonderful.  I will decorate it tomorrow (if I do it now, I will find cake missing later).  I have to dig my mother's gift out of the gift trunk and put them in decorative bags (we are not fans of wrapping). I have these pretty wood trunk that I bought years ago and painted.  I buy gifts ahead of time and hide them in the trunk.  It is one place the dogs and cats cannot get into (though they have tried).  My mother loves sock monkey's, and I made that the theme for her birthday gifts (Christmas will be Ohio State items).  I found a beautiful handmade quilt (to hang on the wall) with a sock monkey on it!  I also found a sock monkey night light!

All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda is a story told in reverse (the writer does not pull it off).  Nicolette Farrell has returned to Cooley Ridge to take care of her father’s affairs (clean out the house and put it up for sale) now that he has been moved into an assisted living facility (dementia) by her brother, Daniel.  Nicolette has not been home since she was eighteen and her friend, Corinne Prescott disappeared.  Corinne was never found and no one (except the killer) knows what happened to her. Nicolette is not home long with Annaleise Carter disappears.  It is happening again.  Are the two cases connected in some way?  Join Nicolette, Daniel, and Tyler (Nicolette’s high school boyfriend) as they set out to get answers.

All the Missing Girls was just too confusing.  It starts out in the present day.  After the disappearance of Annaleise Carter, the story speeds ahead to Day 15.  The story is unfolded in reverse (day 15, 14, 13, etc.).  It is confusing.  Information gets repeated a few times.  It did not feel like a suspense or thriller book until I was about 85% of the way through the book.  Then it gets a wee bit more interesting (and a little icky).  I found the novel to be slow paced and the majority of the characters are unlikeable.  All the Missing Girls did not hold my interest (and I really did not want to finish it).  At the end of the book we are still left with unanswered questions (which made me really dislike this book).  The story is told in the first person (which did not help it).  I give All the Missing Girls 1.5 out of 5 stars (it was a clever idea to tell a book in reverse order).  This book was just not for me (as you can tell).

You can follow Megan Miranda on Amazon.  I received a complimentary copy of All the Missing Girls in exchange for an honest and fair review.

May all of you have a good evening.  There are two science-fiction shows on tonight (if you like that type of program).  Killjoys and Dark Matter are on the Syfy channel.  I am currently reading Show Time by Suzanne Trauth.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Borrowing Death

Despite what my Mother thinks, it is Thursday (she keeps saying it is Friday).  It was a close call, but I got my Mother to her test (she tried to cancel).  Now I can work on her birthday celebration!  I am currently baking her chocolate chip cookies (and peanut butter for the dogs) while working on reviews (they do not write themselves). Tomorrow I will bake the special Grandmabertie Cake (involves white cake mix, walnuts, and vanilla) and wrap her gifts.  Do have special traditions for birthdays?  Does you family go all out for your birthday?  Everyone deserves to have a special day on their birthday (gifts, dinner, hoopla)!

Borrowing Death by Cathy Pegau is the second book in A Charlotte Brody Mystery novel series. Charlotte Brody is a reporter in Cordova, Alaska working at the Cordova Daily Times (how can they have enough news for a daily paper). She also does freelance articles for The Modern Woman Review in New York.  Charlotte is experiencing her first winter in Alaska, and it is extremely cold.  A fire breaks out at Fiske’s store, and Charlotte rushes over to get the story.  When the fire is put out they find the body of Lyle Fiske (store owner).  After he is examined by Dr. Michael Brody (Charlotte’s brother as well as the local doctor and coroner), it is determined that Lyle was stabbed.  The fire was set to cover the crime (the arsonist botched the job).  Charlotte is quick to insert herself into the investigation.  Deputy Marshall James Eddington is dating Charlotte, and he does not want Charlotte sticking her nose into the investigation.  But Charlotte is stubborn, tenacious, and curious. She runs around town talking to various people (as well as some late night snooping) to find the culprit.  Charlotte is also stirring up trouble with her editorial on prohibition (she is against it).  The local temperance society ladies are not happy with her point-of-view.  Trouble is brewing for Charlotte, and she had better be careful or she will get burned!

Borrowing Death was just okay (satisfactory).  Charlotte has her strengths and her weaknesses (men seem to be a big weakness for her).  I like the she is independent and has her own voice (point-of-view).  But Charlotte reminds me of a dog with a bone when she is in pursuit of information (story or investigating a crime).  I found some information (about Charlotte’s past boyfriend and personal issues) repeated a few times which is unnecessary (we did not need to keep rehashing it).  Charlotte’s personal life seemed to dominate Borrowing Death (her past one with Richard and current romance with James).  I liked the mystery (it had depth), though it was easy to figure out the killer.  The murder happened too early in the book and the pace of the novel was extremely slow.  I give Borrowing Death 3 out of 5 stars.  I was hoping that this book would be better than the first one in the series.  I was disappointed (yet again).  I will not be continuing with the series.  This book just did not hold my interest (I was bored).

The first book in A Charlotte Brody Mystery series is Murder on the Last Frontier.  I received a complimentary copy of Borrowing Death from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.  The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.

I hope all of you are having a great day!  You deserve it.  I am off to finish up a few things before cooking dinner.  I am currently enjoying Address to Die For by Mary Feliz (enjoying it so far).  I will be back tomorrow with another review.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

From This Moment

Happy Wednesday!  We are halfway through the second week of July.  It is another scorcher today at 103 degrees with 69% humidity (too hot).  I actually got my mother out for her blood work and her doctor's appointment (a minor miracle).  She tried to delay and took quite a long while to get ready (three hours).  She had to finish getting ready in the car (her hair was still not done). Unfortunately, I now have to take her for a test tomorrow.  Wish me luck!  

From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden is set in Boston, Massachusetts in 1897.  Stella Westergaard is determined to find out what happened to her sister.  She has been told that her sister drowned, but Stella knows that is impossible.  Stella wants the truth and has moved from London to Boston to get it.  Stella has given up her career as an illustrator while she searches for the truth.  Stella is working as a stenographer at city hall (her sister, Gwendolyn did this as well).  Stella is using West as her surname to avoid suspicion.  Romulus White is the editor of Scientific World (and co-owner).  He has been trying to hire Stella West for years.  He is surprised when he finds out that she is in Boston (she said she never wanted to leave London).  Stella originally tells him no, but then discovers that Romulus’ connections will help her get the answers she seeks.  Stella slowly finds out what Gwendolyn was doing and how it led to her death.  Will Stella be able to get justice for her sister? 

From This Moment was a good story, but I had a few problems with Stella.  Stella was a little too independent, stubborn, determined in her single-minded crusade (I like independent women, but Stella was a little over-the-top).  I found her a little overbearing.  Romulus seemed overly concerned with appearances.  From This Moment is nicely written and easy to read (the novel has a good pace or flow).  There are long-winded descriptions of everything (I am glad I learned to speed read).  I give From This Moment 4 out of 5 (I liked it).  I thought the book was a little too long (it could have easily been shortened a wee bit and it would have enhanced the book) and it really did not need the additional problem of Evelyn and Clyde (Evelyn is Romulus’s cousin and her husband).  They were experiencing marriage problems and then an accident brought them back together (predictable).  I understand why it was added after I read the book (to tie it in with a prequel).  I enjoyed the mystery in the book.  I liked the twists and turns as the pair tried to get at the truth.  I hope Ms. Camden’s writes more books with a mystery in them (she does a good job with them).  From This Moment has a light Christian theme, but I did not feel that either character was a Christian (it just did not come across).  I will be reading the next book by Elizabeth Camden.

Summer of Dreams is a prequel to From This Moment (and is currently free on Amazon).  I personally have not read it, but other people suggest reading it before From This Moment.  I received a complimentary copy of From This Moment in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.  The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.  

I want to thank you for stopping by my blog and reading my book review. I am going to go fix dinner and finish my book.  I discovered a book that was missing from main list (again--I blame my Excel spreadsheet and not the person entering the data).  I am currently enjoying The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling.  I will be back soon (fair warning) with another review.  May all of you have a delightful evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Final Fondue

Welcome one and all.  There are some new books coming out next week that you might want to check out.  They are Show Time by Suzanne Trauth and Address to Die For by Mary Feliz.  Both books will be out on July 19.  There are some great books coming out over the next few months.  I will keep you updated (if I am not in jail for attacking my neighbor for revving the motor of his "dune buggy" for hours on end)!

Final Fondue by Maya Corrigan is the third book in A Five-Ingredient Mystery series.  Val Deniston is in for a busy week in Bayport, Maryland.  Bayport’s Tri-centennial Festival is taking place, and Val is running the booth for the Cool Down Café (where she works).  Val has convinced her Grandad, Don Myer, to take in guests for the weekend (will pay for the detective course he is taking).  Jennifer Brown has booked the rooms for herself and members of her bridal party (Fawn Finchley, Noah Hurdly, Sarina Rafael).  Jennifer is in town to make plans for her wedding to Payton Grandsire (son of Penelope Grandsire, rich family in town).  Grandad is also working on his recipe for the cook-off contest (a chocolate fondue).  He has to live up to his reputation as the Codger Cook.  Unfortunately, Chef Henri LaFarge is the judge, and he holds a grudge against Val (he is the one who got her fired from her publicist position).  Val is coming back to the house very late and stumbles in the dark.  Val has stumbled over Fawn Finchley, one of their houseguests.  Val calls in Bayport Police Chief, Earl Yardley.  Who could have wanted Fawn dead?  The suspect list is not long since Fawn was a guest in town (seems to limit it to the houseguests staying with Grandad).  Val is not sure that Fawn was the intended victim.  Val cannot help but do a little investigating.  Of course, Grandad insists on helping (it goes great with his detective course).  Can they find the culprit before there is another victim?  Come join in the hijinks in Final Fondue!

Final Fondue was a fun book to read.  It was enjoyable and easy to read.  There is just the right amount of humor in the novel (it was not over-the-top or too silly).  I liked the mystery (complex and plenty of misdirection) and following the clues to see if I was right in my choice of killer.  I like the relationship between Val and Grandad.  Their banter and slight bickering was entertaining (and you can tell that they truly care for each other).  While this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read alone.  Ms. Corrigan does a good job of updating the reader so they do not feel like they have missed anything by not reading the first two books (though I look forward to reading them).  The characters in the book are well developed and relatable (they seem real).  I give Final Fondue 4.5 out of 5 stars (I more than liked it but I was able to solve the mystery well before it was revealed).  There is plenty going on in Final Fondue, but it was not too much.  Ms. Corrigan did a superb job cooking up this cozy mystery.  I look forward to reading the next book in A Five-Ingredient Mystery series.  There are recipes included at the end of the book (that were mentioned during the novel).

The other books in A Five-Ingredient Mystery series are By Cook or By Crook and Scam Chowder.  I received a complimentary copy of Final Fondue from NetGalley (and Kensington) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.  The opinions and comments expressed above are strictly my own.

I hope you enjoyed my review (or it was at least helpful).  I am off to eat dinner and finish my current book (which is a little strange). May all of you have a relaxing and enjoyable night.  I will be back tomorrow with another review (fair warning)!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader