A change of pace was the following of Theo B, until you couldn't! Her dead mentor created an early point of puzzlement, too. Writerly processes were iA change of pace was the following of Theo B, until you couldn't! Her dead mentor created an early point of puzzlement, too. Writerly processes were included, and brother Gus was a plus. Can't say too much, or the cat's out of the bag!
This one kept me on my toes, especially in the wrap-up.
*A sincere thank you to Sulari Gentill, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #mysterywriter #NetGalley 52:41...more
As a big fan of British Bake-Off, the idea of this read appealed right away.
The setting is in Vermont, at a fancy spot named Grafton where an US versAs a big fan of British Bake-Off, the idea of this read appealed right away.
The setting is in Vermont, at a fancy spot named Grafton where an US version called Bake Week, run by Betsy Martin (who feels a lot like Mary Berry with attitude) and six contestants gather for the filming of the show. There are thorough descriptions of each of them, some of the film crew and the new co-host of the show, Archie Morris (yep, feels rather Paul-ish).
Clearly, there is plenty of opportunity for interactions to lead to contention, which leads to resentment, add to that competitions that only one person wins and the air in the tent is pretty ripe with murderous intent.
An entertaining read if your interests are in these areas!
Not sure how this physical book ended out in my possession - but I'm ever eager for random reads. However, this one did hit some personal tender spotsNot sure how this physical book ended out in my possession - but I'm ever eager for random reads. However, this one did hit some personal tender spots that surely affect this response, as my brother met his too soon end of life in a river, my father present. I know how that ends. For the last one standing, it doesn't. Ever.
Genre listings include this in the 'Christian' category. It doesn't feel particularly that - more hinting at spiritual metaphors rather than a religion of any stripe. And the obsession with The River feels very worshipful.
Truly, a story written to make a few specific points that can spread into even more if you want follow them down their various trails. Good points, wise advice about life focus, whole-hearted engagement, honesty and respect for fellow travelers.
Ahoy, matey and all that here in this fanfic version of Treasure Island, only switch out Jim with a daughter and tFeatured in a grandma reads session.
Ahoy, matey and all that here in this fanfic version of Treasure Island, only switch out Jim with a daughter and the Capt'n (or John Silver?) with her Dad. Off they go to find Treasure Island.
We enjoyed the book, but as the teens said. . .it's not at all like the book. The teens are weighing in a lot more these days. . . ...more
I usually let my post-read response simmer before a review, but not here. . . .
Can't say too much as it would unravel all, but you know that tempting I usually let my post-read response simmer before a review, but not here. . . .
Can't say too much as it would unravel all, but you know that tempting click-bait option that pops up in social media, in one of your obsession areas. . .and how they take minute bits of gossip, rumor, ephemera and discuss NOTHING for 99 screens pinned in place with 499 ads. . .? Well, this kinda felt like that. Lot of characters, lot of life events, questions-a-plenty, and tons of sinister shadowings. . .it got me. I couldn't quit. I'm a mystery junkie.
But then somewhere I kept falling off. Literally. Asleep. 3 times to the end. So I gave up, thinking I knew what happened but not how. So what to do? I had to know. So listened, chapter by chapter backwards. It was an amusing exercise, until I found the sleepy bit and stopped before it could happen again. After all, I already knew what happened in the conscious chapters, right?
Anyway. I liked enough to read through the whole thing, in a variety of orders. You'll make your own decision. Still. . . a good tale. That sleepy chapter, though. . . don't skip it. It's the one who tells you whodunit, and you don't find out for a long time, when you've already been asleep awhile....more
A genuinely entertaining read! One that keeps poking at my 4 stars and arguing for one more. . .**
Even though I figured out the big reveal early on, A genuinely entertaining read! One that keeps poking at my 4 stars and arguing for one more. . .**
Even though I figured out the big reveal early on, and even the direction things were going to go, it was fun to read every sentence. The datedness felt tolerable, and the scandal tame, and Augusta sooooo self-centered, amoral and very Red Queenish, still I loved the men in her story, especially the one who loved her best.
Thank you to the Graham Greene fans who recommended this one. I was despairing, and then this was found. Again, one of my favorite reasons for appreciating the GoodReads community!
**UPDATE: 5 stars won! AND found the movie done in the 70's. . . AWESOME. . .Maggie Smith is the aunt - not to be missed, although it was changed up a bit. AND Lou Gossett is Wordsworth. . . .to die for. . . ....more
Joined the Big Library Read today. . . .pretty good tale, a thriller and unexpected (mostly) twists. Set in the middle of a national snow storm duringJoined the Big Library Read today. . . .pretty good tale, a thriller and unexpected (mostly) twists. Set in the middle of a national snow storm during the holidays. It's every person for themselves to find a way home.
Who doesn't want to spend that with 5 strangers, one of which (at least one) is maniacal?!?***
***BYOB (bring your own blanket, cuz you're gonna get cold)...more
Both Lucy and Alice were characters I neither liked nor for whom I had even one jot or one tittle of empathy. I lasted to the end, but once I got therBoth Lucy and Alice were characters I neither liked nor for whom I had even one jot or one tittle of empathy. I lasted to the end, but once I got there, I realized I could have read another book entirely.
And. . .the breathy narrator got on my nerve....more
Once my concerns about people eating blackbirds in a pie were relieved (they are not) - I leaned easier into the story the author tells through her chOnce my concerns about people eating blackbirds in a pie were relieved (they are not) - I leaned easier into the story the author tells through her characters.
It's a southern mystical magical tale, with romance woven in, with family restorations and pie. Fluffy, a little slow, and from which I was easily pulled away. I had to concentrate to finish, and called the ending before I got there - still I stayed to the end and felt relatively satisfied once there. I felt happy for all the characters and their loops closed.
Upon reflection, though, in these days of #BLM, I heard mention of no one of color, from this story in the south. I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean that one or more of these characters weren't other than white, but all of their behaviors, cares and concerns were operating from a place of assumed acceptance and access even in their areas of struggle, and so that's how I read them. Does anyone else do this? Judge a tale by discovering I'm in the middle of the focus demographic?
Hmm.
Again - good story. Worth your time if you are looking for light, fluffy romance in the white south.
Shan's story is long and convoluted. It is blessed with remarkable coincidences along the way and as a reader I had to roll my eyes just a little. AlsShan's story is long and convoluted. It is blessed with remarkable coincidences along the way and as a reader I had to roll my eyes just a little. Also, for an Irish guy (I descend from some Irish guys), he seems to hold on to his temper in an uncanny way with restraint that is certainly not familiar to me. All that said, this was enough of an interesting read to me that I stuck with it to the end. I called the end way before midway through the book, but have to admit the cover helped a lot.
Ok, I'd swear that #19 was not written by the same person who wrote the previous few. . .those were all about letting their biases shine. This one doeOk, I'd swear that #19 was not written by the same person who wrote the previous few. . .those were all about letting their biases shine. This one doesn't, but there is only one shade of very pale persons in this mystery. . .however, fat-shaming Bess sure does pick up. . . gotta have our girls just so, you know. Hmm.
On another note, the story for this one held together better than the last few, I thought. Treasure was found, with, of course, no mention as to from whom that original pirate stole the booty. It just was deposited in Mr. Drew's client trust account, and helped paid fees.
4 stars for Ned's rescue of Nancy rolled off a yacht. I have a soft spot for Ned, and fantasized about stealing him out from under her. Status on that: 6th Decade in: That did not happen. Just sayin'....more
Interesting. . . a puzzle. I enjoyed the read, but figured it out before too long. I was mildly irritated by the lack of diversity in the characters, Interesting. . . a puzzle. I enjoyed the read, but figured it out before too long. I was mildly irritated by the lack of diversity in the characters, and how alike they were in many ways. Is reality like that? Maybe. Once the story took over, it became less about the characters and I stuck more to the story and got into it.
I liked the way there was an end that found a measure of justice without the measure of a justice - if you know what I mean. That is always satisfying to me. I've been in the justice world for decades, and if folks can find a way to Justice's feet without spending all that time and money. . .kudos and points to them, so says I....more
Well, this is me trying on the wrong clothes. That's what this read feels like. I like the bones of Thackeray's tale, but his voice. . .it is so arrogWell, this is me trying on the wrong clothes. That's what this read feels like. I like the bones of Thackeray's tale, but his voice. . .it is so arrogant, smug and full of himself. I just want to move him up to the 90's at least, sit him at a computer, get him something from Starbucks, give him a word limit and deadline. Then possibly we might get something that fits better.
Meanwhile, that was an exercise for me. All those authorial invasions - poking his nose out to make comments to Dear Reader. I wanted to smack him. He's all over folks because of their choices. I'd like to talk to him about a few of his. One more fat stereotype (all fat people fall into some spectrum of the either-good-but-stupid-evil-but-smart rainbow) and I was going to hunt down a descendant to bedevil.
I stayed to the very end, but it was work. Oh, well. At least Dobbin gets his girl....more
Nina is anxious, awkward, sassy and addicted to books. She works in a bookshop and that's where we begin.
This read is a total romp, amused me thoroughNina is anxious, awkward, sassy and addicted to books. She works in a bookshop and that's where we begin.
This read is a total romp, amused me thoroughly. There were references to books throughout, and I was smug about that as I "got it" on every one. I even continued on when I realized I'd been trapped in a romance. In the list of things to do, this is not urgent, mostly leisure, and is definitely in the fluff category. Worthy of your time, if you have some to spare. If you have homework, do the homework first. ;)
This is a combination of history, mystery and Jack-the-Ripper horror – a recipe for a very good read. FelicityFelicity Carrol and the Murderous Menace
This is a combination of history, mystery and Jack-the-Ripper horror – a recipe for a very good read. Felicity is a WonderWoman type set in the 1880’s, full of knowledge, moxie and a past to which many references are made. This is a second book in a series, and the first is not one I have read. . . .yet. Starting out in England, she meets up with an Inspector with who she has worked in the past. He encourages her to investigate his theory that Jack TR is not dead, just immigrated to the USofA. . . .a theory that many have rolled out. There’s a cowboy who is interested in romance – but not to a sticky degree, he's easily distracted by his Western Environment. Other story elements are Soiled Doves (metaphor), a Plethora of Sharp Objects (not a metaphor), and in the middle of Placer, Montana in the post-civil war west, there was apparently a herd of doctors, butchers and people who know their way around a corpse.
I enjoyed all the characters, Felicity the most – there were places in the tale where she was waaaay more 1980’s than 1880’s, but that was bearable. The story moved right along, and wrapped up at the end in a satisfactory way (unexpected twist!). I’m on board with finding the first in this series and following any future additions to Felicity’s career. There is something very Nancy Drew about her – she’s well-provided for and so is able to be able without any holdups, coming complete with a housekeeper who mothers her. Felicity goes out alone when she shouldn't, in lonely dark places where she shouldn't, breaking and entering with abandon, AND she loves mysteries, science in jars and has a few MacGyver moves. Who loses with that kind of story?
Not me. 4 stars!
A sincere thanks to Patricia Marcantonio, and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
New York! New York! Ziegfeld Follies, Mary Pickford, Fanny Brice and other real characters and situations sGrace in the Wings A Grace Michelle Mystery
New York! New York! Ziegfeld Follies, Mary Pickford, Fanny Brice and other real characters and situations show up in this romantic mystery. Grace Michelle and her sister Sophia, are orphans taken in by Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr. These two have blossomed under his care, with Sophia developing into a “Star” and Grace as a worker bee in the sewing department. Grace, having similar attractions as her sister, lacks interest in the bright lights and prefers a less disingenuous way of life. Placed squarely in the middle of that fancy fishbowl, Grace is conflicted as the book opens at Sophia’s wedding to Jack Pickford – yep, that Pickford - brother of Mary. From there, the story swells with romantic interests that include Chet (handsome PI), and villain Joe Marciano (accompanied by requisite thugs), and a number of jealous lovers that cross-hatch their love-tracks over an ever-widening range of amorous opportunities.
Between the cover, and other limbs, a murder happens, sorrow occurs, blood is spilt, corsets are torn, love is discovered on a beach (who knew?) and virginity is lost – not stolen, but almost. Vengeance and vituperation? Indeed. Resolution and reconciliation? You bet! Is your heart palpitating? Of course, it is. Well, I’m keeping the cat in the bag. . . .3.5 stars from me!
A sincere thanks to Kari Bovee, Bosque Publishing and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
This was my first Tana French. I jumped in, but gotta say. . . . Toby. He left me wanting. Too much whining and drama. I’m not given to vThe Witch Elm
This was my first Tana French. I jumped in, but gotta say. . . . Toby. He left me wanting. Too much whining and drama. I’m not given to violence, but I did want to smack him.
My favorite character was Hugo, and I did win the “called it” early game I play with books like this. It went too long, felt overdone and was it really a surprise? My next favorite was the narrator . . . did a great job with getting me (in my head) to Ireland!
Anyway. 2 stars. Clearly, she’s a great author, and I’m going to press on and try her series, but this one didn’t thrill me. ...more
I wanted to like this one more, but the main "serial" characters - the ones I should care about, weren't very sticky. The murderer I picked out when tI wanted to like this one more, but the main "serial" characters - the ones I should care about, weren't very sticky. The murderer I picked out when they first showed up.
Oh well, I'll try another. . .maybe it will be better. Processes evolve....more
Another win for Nancy! Finally we have George and Bess, and this one has a Cult in it!! A cult is defined in a ND mystery as people who dance around iAnother win for Nancy! Finally we have George and Bess, and this one has a Cult in it!! A cult is defined in a ND mystery as people who dance around in the middle of the night dressed in white from head to toe, hoods - of course, and wave their arms in a frantic, crazy way. HA! Some things don't change (SEE Outlander opening, Seasons 1 and 2).
Did Sara remind anyone else of Britt-Marie from F Backman’s books? Maybe it was just her Scandinavian-nessThe Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend. . . .
Did Sara remind anyone else of Britt-Marie from F Backman’s books? Maybe it was just her Scandinavian-ness. . .and the emptiness of this town seems quite like the abandoned feel of Britt-Marie’s adopted home. Could just be me, tho.
This was a quick, light read for me, between more demanding reads. I enjoyed the interaction between Sara and the town members, and their gathering up of the loose ends of Amy’s life and desires for those left behind (without knowing that is what they were doing). It’s about community, friendship, books (not enough about books though), and about love. *Sigh* I’m always getting smacked with romance books. Not every happy ending needs a coupling.
Loading...
