Sunday, October 31, 2021
The Sunday Post! Happy Halloween!!! - Old Pictures and to #Nanowrimo or not?
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Snowed: A Rylie Cooper Mystery
This is a novella-length cozy mystery and is the latest installment in Stella Bixby's Rylie Cooper Mystery series. Rylie Cooper is a Park Ranger so she is an amateur sleuth, but law enforcement adjacent which is helpful in this series since she keeps running into dead bodies.
This series is available as part of a Kindle Unlimited subscription, so if you haven't already done so, do yourself a favor and start reading this fast-paced cozy series. Stella Bixby pushes the boundaries of 'coziness', which I enjoy but if you are not one who wants any romance or talk of romance, this series is not for you.
Snowed is a real page-turner, I could not put it down! In addition to finding out if a murder had happened, I needed to know if the wedding was going to happen!
After a fall filled with above-average temperatures, this week we finally got those cool 50 degrees (or 10 degrees Celcius) days, reading about a massive snowstorm felt extra cozy as it rained outside my window!
4 Stars!
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
The Hallmark Channel Itself Could Not Out Do This Book For Perfect Autumn Romance Ambiance!
The Ex-Hex By Erin Sterling is like a perfectly made Pumpkin Spice Latte in Book Form. This book feels like it was blessed by the Good Witch Cassie Nightingale herself.
I can't imagine anyone who enjoys Autumn or tales of sorcery who would not enjoy this book. It really puts you in the spirit of the Spooky season. As I was listening to this book and really enjoying the story unfold, I realized that when it comes to romance, I enjoy the romance more if there is an obstacle that the couple has to unite to overcome. On that front, like most paranormal romances this book delivers.
We may be too old for trick or treating, but we can still treat ourselves to Halloween treats right? This book is better than any fun-sized Snickers bar by far!Monday, October 25, 2021
Cozy Mystery Talk! A New Series! #LiveLocalandDead #NetGalley
A new voice in the cozy-sphere, Live, Local and Dead (A Vermont Radio Mystery) by Nikki Knight introduces us to WSV radio DJ and station owner, Jaye Jordan.
Nikki Knight weaves a decent cozy mystery for our sleuth to solve, and in this story, the town really shines. I would like to visit ASAP, even if there is a snow or ice storm. Nikki Knight gives the reader a real flavor of Vermont from Maple syrup tasting and a friendly moose to that independent spirit of New England.
This book is more romance-heavy than some cozy mysteries. There is no love triangle, so if you like some nice romance but dislike a triangle, I think you'll be pleased. If you don't like any romance, this is not the book for you.
Jaye has a dry sense of humor which I enjoy in my reading. Jaye converted to Judaism and the Jewish faith plays a role in this book, I can't think of another cozy that I have read where the sleuth was Jewish and I liked learning about some of the traditions of the faith through Jaye especially when it came to discussion of Jewish Hamantaschen Cookies.
Where we find the dead body in this book sounds like something another writer dared Nikki Knight to try, unique to say the least. Additionally, the subplot hinges on one of my favorite motives, greed. Everything comes together nicely at the end and I would like to read more in this series. I'm giving this book 4 stars because of the witty writing, the depth of the characters and because we make it through a whole book wherein the amateur sleuth is not physically assaulted during the sleuthing--- which is far too common in cozies.
4 stars to #LiveLocalandDead thanks for the ARC #NetGalley! All the opinions are mine!
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Well I did finish the Marathon.. and Cozy Mystery Review #NetGalley #MurderAtTheLobstahShack
My poor toes have let me know, in no uncertain terms, that they think I should switch to running half-marathons. I have to agree with them. Oh my goodness what a long day! I am glad I can say I finished, that's about all I can say. I looked like I was auditioning for a part as a zombie in the Walking Dead for about the last five miles!
Here I am before the race started as we stood around waiting to move up to the starting line. I don't know how accurate my FitBit is, but it said I had over 69,000 steps. I was so done at the end of the race, I didn't take advantage of the Mimosa Bar!
My poor big toes are super sore, I'm not ready for regular shoes, but we have a wedding to go to on Saturday so hopefully by Saturday I can wear a pair of flats with my dress!
Now on to a Cozy Mystery book review!
If I had to describe this cozy mystery in one word, the word would be solid. Solid setting, solid cast, solid plot. They sure do eat a lot of seafood in Westham, MA, but that does make sense since this town is part of Cape Cod.
Mac is a likable and savvy sleuth, she runs a bicycle shop and seems to find dead bodies on the side. The relationship between Mac and law enforcement is more plausible than many other books. Mac gives the sheriff tips and gossip and he doesn't tell her much about the case. Now, one might think well if I was up to no good in Westham, MA I would definitely steer clear of this Mac person--but that's a problem for another book.
The book deals with social issues that plague small and large towns alike, including mental illness, addiction, and people who are without housing. Maddie Day does an excellent job talking about these issues and humanizing the characters involved.
4 solid stars for Murder at the Lobstah Shack by Maddie Day!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review! #MurderattheLobstahShack #NetGalley
Saturday, October 9, 2021
#TheSundayPost Marathon Day is Here! Wish me luck!
Thursday, October 7, 2021
When The Lights Go Out by Mary Kubrica ( there will be a spoiler)
Not since Sally wasted her entire night, losing out on all her tricks and treats, sitting in a pumpkin patch with Linus waiting on the Great Pumpkin to show, has anyone been hoodwinked and cheated as I was by this book.
Finding herself suddenly at the center of a bizarre mystery, Jessie tumbles down a rabbit hole, which is only exacerbated by grief and a relentless lack of sleep. As days pass and the insomnia worsens, it plays with Jessie’s mind. Her judgment is blurred, her thoughts are hampered by fatigue. Jessie begins to see things until she can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what she’s only imagined."
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
A Couple of Short, Seasonal, and Slightly Spooky Listens
I love this time of year, I love the decorating, the food, and of course the ghost stories! I found a couple of short listens via audible and the Libby app from my library.
The first is an audio play of the famous Agatha Christie book And Then There Were None. The audio play is from the BBC and crams the book into a very digestible hour and about twelve minutes. It's a great accompaniment to walk in the woods, or while raking leaves, or baking a pumpkin pie! The plot of And Then There Were None is clear in the title. There is a group of people and someone is picking them off one by one. The mystery is not that people are going to die, it's the who and the why. And if you want more Agatha Christie there is a good adaptation of Crooked House streaming right now.
Monday, October 4, 2021
New Christmas Cozy Out Tomorrow! #MurderattheChristmasCookieBakeOff #NetGalley
Are you like me? Do you love cozy mysteries and cookie bake-offs? If so, get this book ASAP! This is the second book in Darci Hannah's Beacon Bakeshop series. The setting is a small town on Lake Michigan. Lindsey is our overwhelmed bakery owner and amateur sleuth. Already in book two she has become known as a crime solver. There are nice twists and turns and a false ending--so if you think you know who the killer is, you might be right, or you might be wrong!
This book doesn't have an overwhelming number of characters, it's easy to follow the story without having read the first novel. There is no love triangle, wahoo! This book has the perfect amount of Christmas coziness including a visitor from the North Pole. As the book goes on you can see the community of Beacon Harbor really embracing Lindsey as one of their own.
The cookies themselves were described in the most mouthwatering way, I was so thrilled to see that Darci Hannah has included all the preliminary and final cookie recipes in the back of this book! Because this book does work as a stand-alone and because it has so many cookie recipes in the back, it could be a really fun book to give with a cookie tray as a Christmas gift!
4.5 stars to Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah!
Thanks so much #NetGalley for the ARC of this book! All the opinions are my own! #MurderattheChristmasCookieBakeOff
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
I'm in a Quandary. Not Sure if I Will Finish This Book or Rate It.
Well, I suppose on the plus side, this wasn't a book that I received an ARC of in exchange for a review. This is the September read for a book club, and it was part of my Kindle Unlimited program so I didn't have to pay for the book and I don't feel an obligation to review or finish the book. Right now I'm 60% of the way through the book. have not read other books by this author, so maybe this book is a poor reflection of their overall work.
In a nutshell, this series isn't for me and that is due to three reasons:
1. Their is a throwaway transphobic moment at the reunion that is supposed to be funny I assume. It's so unnecessary I'm unsure why it is included in the book at all.
2. Then their is a jailhouse scene that involves some racial and LGBT stereotypes around drug use and prostitution that seem lifted out of something from the 1970s. This scene also utilizes a trope known as the magical negro trope. The trope may seem innocuous, but it's insidious so I am not a fan to put it mildly.
3. A major portion of the main character's identity is channeled through her weight. So much centers on how fat she thinks she is, how she has always been heavy, how she can't fit in clothes and on and on and on. Then she goes to see a natrapath practitioner who prescribed a paleo diet for her. There is a long very detailed section of the appointment and then moving forward lots of talk about her and her diet. Too many books that have first person female characters have inner monologues about how they need to lose weight or how their pants are getting tight or how they don't want to see x, y z guy because they aren't at the weight they want to be--and I'm very tired of reading over and over and over again about women feeling fat it takes away from stories at this point for me, esp when it's a mystery.
It's a real bummer for me when I read something that I just can't enjoy. This is only my opinion on this particular book, I do not know how other books in the series are, but given this book I won't continue on this series.
Monday, September 20, 2021
Everything I Wanted To Happen Happened! Review of Heart of Obsidian- Books Of My Heart Read Along!
Sunday, September 19, 2021
#TheSundayPost Fall Starts This Week - And Happy HOCO!
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Another Fun Cozy from Stella Bixby! Magical Mane Series Book 5!
In this installment, we learn more about Ellie's mysterious family and a huge expectation that awaits her. She may be taking on a very important role in the magical world she is just now learning to navigate. I'm so excited to see what happens next.
The central mystery in this book is a good one, I was kept guessing right up until the reveal. I liked the introduction of a witch that can communicate with animals. I would like her to come and chat with my dog!
My favorite scene in the book is not part of the mystery at all, it's a scene between Jake and Ellie. I don't want to spoil it, suffice it to say I love that theme of found family that winds through this series.
I also like Xander and I hope my trust that at the end of the day he will actually be good for Ellie despite what others say, is not misplaced!
Overall, as I have said each time I read a book in this series, if you like a magical cozy, read this series! It's fun and I like that it takes place in Iowa--not a typical cozy town location!
4.25 stars.
*****
Also today it was 88 degrees! I'm over it! Come on Fall! It's the last month of marathon training and I'm at the point where I'm tired of running especially in this ding-dong heat!
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Upcoming Cozy Mystery Release #DeathontheShelf #NetGalley
This series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I really enjoy the story arc of Carrie Singleton as she makes a life for herself in the town of Clover Ridge. This entry in the series focuses on a murder at a wedding and weddings is a central theme in the book. It was enjoyable reading to hear Carrie's inner monologue as she questions whether she might be ready to consider such a next step with her boyfriend Dylan.
Unlike previous books, there isn't as much of Uncle Bosco and Aunt Harriet, which makes sense as this book focuses on Carrie's best friend Angela (the bride) and her family. It's fun to see how Carrie and Police Chief John Mather work together. I wasn't too keen on the danger Carrie puts herself in as the book hit its climax, but the tension kept me up late into the night because I needed to know what happened next.
Once again, our library ghost, Evelyn seems shady and secretive with her requests for help from Carrie. A ghost of mystery. I like that Carrie continues to remain suspicious about Evelyn and her motives. I wonder how the library expansion will affect Evelyn?
It's Been Too Long! #TheSundayPost #MidSeptember!
Friday, August 27, 2021
Happy Friday! My Review is Featured on Books of My Heart!
Saturday, August 21, 2021
#TheSundayPost TBH, I've think I've had enough humidity for one year.
Thursday, August 19, 2021
While Justice Sleeps! A thriller by Stacey Abrams
A rarity in my bookcase, a hardback version of a book. I received this book from my dad for my birthday. A great choice on his part as it was on my TBR list and my library hold list. While Justice Sleeps is a thriller about a cover-up that goes all the way to the President. Our main character is Avery, a Supreme Court Justice Clerk. Avery is not just book smart, but street smart, she is passionate and she is able to keep working on a problem until she is able to solve it with not just a good outcome, but the best possible outcome.
The book contains many details about how the court system works, a fair amount of discussion on genetic research, and some new vocabulary words for me. I enjoyed that this book required more attention and taught me about things I didn't already know. It's a challenging ride, which I appreciated! I also appreciated that Avery isn't beat up or attacked physically over and over in the book. She outsmarts not outfights.
I thought the ending left things open enough that there could be a series staring Avery--if Stacey Abrams has time to write it!
All in all a quality thriller 4.25 stars from me!
Week 3,4 and now 5: Thursday #BCSM Post: Notes on taking Lynparza aka Olaparib
My mom gave me this mug when we visited a couple of weeks ago. Being agnostic, it didn't hit me on a spiritual level, but I really enjoy the quote from proverbs. I might like the bible more if we chucked everything outside the beatitudes and proverbs. Oh and the part where Jesus tells rich people they suck!
Exciting news I'm on my second bottle of this drug! One bottle (ie one month) down 11 to go. Taking this drug as prevention against a possible recurrence has given me a deeper respect for those who are living with metastatic cancer who take this drug until it stops working. It's not easy and there have been about three days each week where I want to just stop taking it. However, I remind myself of that old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Plus there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer.
Side effectwise, I had too many days of fatigue and nausea and that lead to me not posting for a couple of weeks. This week I am hoping I have turned a corner, the fatigue has been greatly reduced. The nausea is much less frequent. I tell you what, if I had to pay for this drug out of pocket, boy I don't think I could do it, it's not pleasant to take, it would be hard to justify if the cost was say $100 or more a month.
Fingers and toes crossed that my tolerance of the drug continues!
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Some October in August! #MrsClausandtheHalloweenHomicide #NetGalley
Saturday, August 14, 2021
#TheSundayPost #I'mBack!
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Second Book in a Witchy Cozy! #TwoWickedDesserts #NetGalley
Two Wicked Desserts is the second book in Lynn Cahoon's Kitchen Witch Mystery series. I would say that this is a paranormal lite cozy. I think if you are not interested in a cozy that really leans into the magic, you will probably enjoy this series as while there is some magic, the amateur sleuth still solves the murder using traditional questioning and observations.
I like Mia our main character, she is steadfast and remains calm even when bad people are after her. There is a nice slow romance with Trent, who is a grocery store owner and not in law enforcement, which is nice. Instead we have a competent sherrif in Mark Baldwin and Mark and Mia have an entertaining bit of bickering throughout the book.
The food and catering talk in the book is mouth-watering and the pets and Mia's grandma give the story just right amount of magic. This second book is a nice continuation of the first and I look forward to what happens next!
4.5 Stars for Two Wicked Desserts
***
Now that it is August is it time to start reading books about Autumn? What do you think? I think anytime after my birthday (which is in August) is a fine time to start dreaming of the fall.