Review: Bad Tourists

Bad Tourists by Caro Carver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

prepare for a eye opening read

Trigger warning: Abuse


Get ready for a roller coaster vacation thriller. Set in tropical Maldives everything should be glorious right? Well it would be if there weren’t tons of people keeping secrets. WHO can you trust who is lying? This book keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. Crazy psychological twists and turns throughout all the way to the end. It will be hard to stay in a remote inn for a while for sure

View all my reviews

Review: Long Island

Long Island by Colm Tóibín
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

drama drama and more drama

In this sequel to Brooklyn we meet up with Eilis, Tony, Nancy and Jim again. I must say some of the characters behaviors while understandable made them very easy to dislike. There is plenty of manipulation and stubbornness amongst them all and in the end I’m not sure if anyone is happy. Indecision is the bane of their existence and leads to much unrest and unhappiness. The drama is well written and it’s easy to imagine being amongst the characters in Long Island and Ireland

View all my reviews

Review: Rum and Choke

Rum and Choke by Sherry Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This cozy has a bit of an edgier feel to it than many of them. Chloe finds herself mixed up in some grey areas while helping a friend. This plot is also mixed with levity and light moments particularly in the Sea glass Saloon. I enjoy this series because of my familiarity with the setting. It makes it easy to visualize the scenes as they transpire. I hope there are more books to come

View all my reviews

Review: XOXO

XOXO by Axie Oh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I selected this book for a reading challenge and really had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. The teen drama was well depicted and the culture of Korean and Seoul specifically was fascinating. I knew nothing about KPop other than having crossed paths with fans in Singapore years ago. I found the details and perspectives quite enjoyable. Definitely found myself cheering for the MC to be successful and find her path in life

View all my reviews

Review: A Glimmer of a Clue

A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great 2nd book in the series. The mystery was well disguised and the murderer slowly unveiled. I also enjoyed seeing multiple people discover their ability to see fairies. I also enjoyed learning about all the different kinds of fairies in the fairy kingdom. It’s an intriguing story concept set in a wonderful setting of Carmel, Ca. Looking forward to reading more in the series

View all my reviews

Review: Curds of Prey

Curds of Prey by Korina Moss
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book dragged a bit at times and I just couldn’t seem to really get into the story at first. Great cheese explanations but the romantic angst was a bit much at times. It seemed to overshadow the mystery. Hopefully the next book is more like the earlier ones with plots that engage. The core characters are good and are forming a non blood family for sure

View all my reviews

Review: Death by Arts and Crafts

Death by Arts and Crafts by Alexis Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This mystery was definitely full of plot twists. I did not see the guilty party until the reveal. On top of that there was plenty of intrigue in Abby’s personal life as well. Despite her best intentions Abby got sucked into yet another murder investigation and even when actively trying to get to steer clear she still gets sucked into it. Abby is an endearing MC with a heart of gold and a strong personality. It’s hard not to like her and feel as though you could be her friend. I look forward to seeing how the storyline develops in future books

View all my reviews

Review: Mischief Nights are Murder

Mischief Nights are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another mystery full of the antics of Poppy and her Aunt Ginny. This book has them embroiled in a ghost tour only one problem the b and b isn’t haunted. Or is it? The recently departed doesn’t want to show and reveal his killer but that’s not the only secret he was keeping. Centered around Halloween there are some fun mysterious pranks affecting the B&B as well. All in all it’s a fast moving and humorous cozy.

View all my reviews

Review: Of Spice and Men

Of Spice and Men by Sarah Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good cozy. The ultimate motive was well constructed and concealed. This installment highlighted Bret and Marley’s relationship. There are definitely bumps in the road as the story progresses. There was also a well written character whom you are supposed to dislike. It was definitely achieved. Overall animal lovers, beach lovers and those with a touch of the Hollywood bug will find this book fun

View all my reviews

Review: Of Spice and Men

Of Spice and Men by Sarah Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good cozy. The ultimate motive was well constructed and concealed. This installment highlighted Bret and Marley’s relationship. There are definitely bumps in the road as the story progresses. There was also a well written character whom you are supposed to dislike. It was definitely achieved. Overall animal lovers, beach lovers and those with a touch of the Hollywood bug will find this book fun

View all my reviews

Review: Of Spice and Men

Of Spice and Men by Sarah Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good cozy. The ultimate motive was well constructed and concealed. This installment highlighted Bret and Marley’s relationship. There are definitely bumps in the road as the story progresses. There was also a well written character whom you are supposed to dislike. It was definitely achieved. Overall animal lovers, beach lovers and those with a touch of the Hollywood bug will find this book fun

View all my reviews

Review: The Berry Pickers

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TW: child death; cancer; Alzheimer’s

This is a well written book that is told from 2 perspectives. There’s definitely heavy topics addressed in the story and I would caution those who struggle to read stories involving crimes and children. The interesting thing for me was the story was engaging in such a way that the heaviness of the subject matter didn’t weigh the reading down. Instead it was a surprisingly fast read. I do wish there was a bit more of the First Nation culture discussed in the narrative. Additionally it is important to remember the story is set in 1969s and 1970s. Thus readers need to be careful not to apply the filter of 2020s to their evaluation. This is especially true when thinking about the motives behind the crimes and the police involvement. It is a well written and tragic story; hard to believe it’s a debut



View all my reviews

Review: Liar's Beach

Liar's Beach by Katie Cotugno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

good beach read thriller

This was sort of a mix of Great Gatsby and a Seperate Peace. In the surface everyone is happy and carefree if not a bit shallow. But as the book progresses people’s real emotions and personalities reveal themselves. The book has some shocking reveals and could make a perfect movie. Looking forward to reading the next book

View all my reviews

Review: Brooklyn

Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

an unexpected charming read

I did not know much about this book as I was reading it bc my book club will be reading Long Island. I was pleasantly surprised by home much I enjoyed the story. It was interesting to read about the Irish immigrants in Brooklyn. The perspective in Ireland was also intriguing. I am looking forward to reading about Eilis and her future

View all my reviews

Review: Death by Irish Whiskey

Death by Irish Whiskey by Catie Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A treat to read a 5 th book in a series and have it still feel fresh. Megan, the murder driver, stumbles on yet another dead body. This time she’s far from alone when it happens. Her gf, Jelena, bff- Nimah and Niamhs bf who also happens to be Garda are along this time. No matter how hard Megan tries she cannot seem to stay clear of the investigation; people just tell her things. So once again she is trying to balance doing the right thing and preventing people getting angry with her. I give credit that this book doesn’t take the easy way out and have all happy endings. We also get a glimpse of some possible new characters in future books.

View all my reviews

Review: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

thoroughly enjoyed this book

What an intriguing mystery with wonderful characters. I appreciated the level of complexity in the individuals and their relationships. They all had sides they were keeping hidden from others but Vera finds a way to get the truth. She’s an endearing character that you cannot help but grow to like even with her annoying quirks

View all my reviews

Review: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

thoroughly enjoyed this book

What an intriguing mystery with wonderful characters. I appreciated the level of complexity in the individuals and their relationships. They all had sides they were keeping hidden from others but Vera finds a way to get the truth. She’s an endearing character that you cannot help but grow to like even with her annoying quirks

View all my reviews

Review: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

thoroughly enjoyed this book

What an intriguing mystery with wonderful characters. I appreciated the level of complexity in the individuals and their relationships. They all had sides they were keeping hidden from others but Vera finds a way to get the truth. She’s an endearing character that you cannot help but grow to like even with her annoying quirks

View all my reviews

Review: Darling Girls

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

creepy twisty psychological thriller

Trigger warnings: Child abuse. Drug use

Wow this was not what I was expecting at all. The story of the 3 sisters was fascinating and sad all at once. I really was shocked by the ending although some of it was a bit predictable from the story progression. Another good thriller by Hepworth

View all my reviews

Review: Scrappy Summer

Scrappy Summer by Mollie Cox Bryan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A fun novella in this series. It definitely packed in action for a short book. I would say I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as it felt rushed but that’s the nature of the length. Also it felt a bit like there were too many characters and a few too many red herrings due to being a novella as well. Definitely want to be familiar with the series and the characters when reading this one


View all my reviews

Review: The Chanel Sisters

The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting read about the life and early career of Coco Chanel and her sisters. I enjoyed reading about the haves and have nots in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The adaptation of society life during WW1 makes for an interesting perspective. I had no idea this was the era that made Chanel famous. It’s definitely helpful to read the author’s note on how ahead researched the story and her liberties she took. It’s a good read for those looking for a hist fiction not set in wW2

View all my reviews

Review: Oh, Fudge!

Oh, Fudge! by Nancy CoCo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love and betrayal is in the air on Mackinaw Island. Besides yummy fudge recipes there are interesting facts and descriptions about butterflies. Overall there are lots of shenanigans going on making it hard for Allie and the police to sort through everything. The mystery was well structured if a big far fetched at times. Looking forward to the next story.

View all my reviews

Review: Goodnight Moo

Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think I’m in love with cows after all the fabulous descriptions included in this cozy. Oh yeah the mystery was well constructed and even though I was sure I knew who was guilty. I was wrong. The characters both human and animal are very engaging. Looking forward to the next book

View all my reviews

Review: The Key to Murder

The Key to Murder by Jen Pitts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New Orleans charm shines through

This cozy mystery gives a great glimpse into life in New Orleans away from the tourist areas. Sammy is a new transplant captivated by the charm and ambience of New Orleans. She didn’t expect a murder to interrupt her settling into her new home. The mystery was well constructed and full of suspicious characters.


View all my reviews

Review: A Batter of Life and Death

A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable second book in the series. I enjoyed how the drama of a baking show was mixed into the plot line. Part of the intrigue of this series is the drama in the personal relationships as well. The characters feel realistic because of their personal problems and dilemmas. I look forward to reading more in this series.

View all my reviews

Review: James

James by Percival Everett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quite a fascinating read. I must admit it’s been a long time seeing nice I read Huck Finn but I do vaguely remember the story. I really found this retelling intriguing and thought provoking. I found the double life aspect the most interesting. I am glad my book club selected this book

View all my reviews

Review: A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death

A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death by Valerie Burns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Get ready for a wild ride. This mystery is full of characters many of whom become suspects. Madison encounters many past nemesis and questions her character judgement. The death of a rival leads to her being a suspect and the adventure goes til the end. I will admit I figured out the Moriarty character well before the reveal but it was quite interesting to see the parallel with Sherlock in this book

View all my reviews

Review: Murder at an Irish Wedding

Murder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O'Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For those who live the charm of Ireland you will live this series. This book is full of characters that are easy to dislike and thus easy to suspect of murder. The plot weaves around a wedding that is not endorsed by all involved. While forging ahead with the wedding plans there are plenty of suspects and motives uncovered. In the end Siobhan held to Garda solve the case although it’s far from a happy ending.

View all my reviews

Review: Dial M for Mousse

Dial M for Mousse by Laura Bradford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really have grown to love and enjoy the characters in this series. Even the irritable Caroline. I like the concept of the emergency desserts and the fun play on word names they have. The mysteries always have a few layers to them and they aren’t easily solvable without some thought being put into it. I hope there are more on the series but I suspect it may have ended unfortunately.

View all my reviews

Review: Book Lovers

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

full of romance tropes but intentionally

This is. A Romance book full of predictable tropes and events. But instead of being annoying it’s purposeful so it’s enjoyable and has depth to it. There’s the question of what makes us happy and right for another person. Do they have to be mutually exclusive? I enjoyed the book much more as it progressed and was happy with the ending even if it was predictable

View all my reviews

Review: You Don't Own Me

You Don't Own Me by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

great installment in the series

Always enjoyable to read the Under Suspicion novels. This one is filled with twists and a surprise guilty party. Plenty of drama keeping readers engaged til the end.

View all my reviews

Review: All Murders Final!

All Murders Final! by Sherry Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thus book has plenty of twists. Besides having 2 murders Sarah has a stalker. This adds a large amount of drama and suspense. Additionally her love triangle is quite alive and well in this book. There are some quirky characters and done new characters with some mysterious behaviors. All in all this is good book with plenty of character development as well as plot I look forward to reading more

View all my reviews

Review: Phoebe and Her Unicorn

Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cute graphic novel with some quirky characters. Both Phoebe and the unicorn have some spunk to them It was a different read than I expected when I picked it as a quick read for a unicorn prompt

View all my reviews

Review: The Amish Sweet Shop

The Amish Sweet Shop by Emma Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very enjoyable book. I liked all the 3 stories by different authors with different main characters. It’s enjoyable how they overlap and interact in the different stories and intertwine. This format was quite fun. I want to see if there are more books by each author where the characters reappear.

View all my reviews

Review: Death a Sketch

Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a great book in the series The expansion into corporate retreats is a new endeavor for Miranda I enjoyed all the different activities she had for the participants and it was good to see her relationship with Austin progress. The mystery was definitely layered but I did feel like there were some unresolved pieces that had somewhat major plot attention. I look forward to reading more in the series

View all my reviews

Review: For Whom the Bread Rolls

For Whom the Bread Rolls by Sarah Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this second book in the series. I loved the combination of the details of the setting particularly when Marley is at the beach and swimming in the ocean. Her vulnerability in her relationship with Brett is very authentic and makes her a more well rounded character. I appreciated the level of clues and depth in the story. There were multiple possible guilty party and the way they were cleared made logical sense. I appreciated the fact the loose ends are wrapped up at the end of the story. Looking forward to more in the series

View all my reviews

Review: The 24th Hour

The 24th Hour by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy reading the Women’s Murder Club series. This book is no exception and I enjoyed how there were 3 story threads The only thing I found difficult was with so many characters I needed to flip back and forth at times to refresh my memories of what was happening in each thread. It was a bit of a pain as I was reading on the kindle so it was an Interuption that messed up the fast pace of the story. I do enjoy the bits of personal relationships that the story threads lead to

View all my reviews