Review: Hemlock House: A Liar's Beach Novel

Hemlock House: A Liar's Beach Novel by Katie Cotugno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

did not see that coming

Wow the twist was pretty impressive. There were quite a few bombshells at the end after the story had slowly percolated. This was a fun read set in Boston with plenty of drama and late teen angst.

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52 Bookclub Mini Challenges

 

    

 

Prof Plum:  The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters Blog Post and Goodreads Review 9/18/24

In the Kitchen:   Of Spice and Men (Pancake House #3) by Sarah Fox  Blog Post  Goodreads  9/19/24

With a Revolver:  Rum and Choke (Chloe Jackson #4) by Sherry Harris Blog Post / Goodreads 9/30/24

Set in Paris:   The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 8/28/24

Flame on Cover: A Glimmer of a Clue  by Daryl Wood Gerber Blog Goodreads 9/27/24

Going for the Gold:  The Key to Murder (French Quarter #1) by Jen Pitts Blog Post  Goodreads 8/22/24

M Last Nm starts w/ M: One of Us Is Back (One of Us Is Lying, #3) by Karen McManus

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 6/1/24

A is for Alpha:  

Y Interrogative word in title:  

Give you up:

Let you down:

Desert you:

Black Author in Fav Genre:  Sniffing out Murder by Kallie Benjamin Blog Post Goodreads  2/25/24

Be Mine Valentine:  

Author born in a leap year:

Oct Mini Challenge 52 Book Club

 https://www.the52book.club/october-2024-mini-challenge/

Beverage on the Cover:  

1. A Fresh Brew (Hill Country Mysteries #1) by Verena DeLuca
• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 10/16/24

Pairs with a Favorite Sweater:

1. Mulled to Death (Colorado Wine Mystery, #3) by Kate Lansing
•  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 10/13/24

Cozy Read: 

1. Good Day Sunshine with Morning Fog ('60s Surf Shop Mysteries, #2) by Donna Amis Davis
•  Blog Post and Goodreads Review 10/13/24

Review: A Fresh Brew

A Fresh Brew by Verena DeLuca
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this intro to the series. I’m usually not a big fantasy reader but I enjoyed the concept of a dragon and its protector. The mystery was a parallel story in this case as Hailey tries to work through her grief and transition to her new responsibilities. Once I got used to how the transmitting of silent communication was written it was a fun writing style. The mystery itself was a bit abrupt in some ways but was still plausible and it was probably a realistic representation of an amateur sleuth stumbling through a case
I look forward to reading more about Hailey and Azure.

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Review: Killer on the Court

Killer on the Court by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good installment in the Murder she wrote series. This one is set at Rockaway and is centers around a family compound and Jessica’s niece It’s a fun vacation one book and a good plot. The guilty party was a bit unexpected and a nice twist on it. The series is generally formulaic but this one was a bit different and enjoyable to read

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Review: Mulled to Death

Mulled to Death by Kate Lansing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable mountain setting that seems to peaceful to be the setting for a murder. Who would want to kill the Olympic champion turned resort owner. Someone did and wanted to make sure no one figured out who it was. The ultimate motive and guilty party was quite shocking. I’m notaskier but I must admit after reading this book I’d want to visit this amazing ski resort for pampering and the wonderful views skip the murder though

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Review: Good Day Sunshine with Morning Fog

Good Day Sunshine with Morning Fog by Donna Amis Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting plot and timeframe. It’s interesting to read a story set in the late 60s. The perspective on the current events such as the Vietnam War and MLK assassination is quite a different approach from most cozy mysteries. The mystery itself was a bit abruptly resolved but did wrap up the different pieces and explained the various motives. Overall a fresh approach to the cozy genre

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Review: The Flatshare

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

great story of growth more than a rom com

Tiffy is such a quirky fun loving protagonist. It’s fun to read as she and Leon develop a relationship. While there is light and fun moments these characters definitely have some heavy baggage to overcome. The story is well paced with levity offsetting the serious topics the book incorporates. I found a recommendation for this book on SM and am glad I finally moved it off my TBR

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Review: Mistletoe and Mr. Right

Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

what an enjoyable book whose characters are quite endearing. the strength of Lana's personality while still showing vulnerability makes her an amazing character. her relationship with Rick is complex but you cannot help but rooting for the 2 of them to make it. I really love reading about the small town and quirky residents of Moose Springs and it makes me want to travel back to Alaska sooner than later. I appreciated this story had characters that were also in the 1st book in the series but is told from Lana and Rick's perspective rather than Zoey and Graham. I wonder who will be featured in the 3rd book. The use of animals as a character component is engaging as well. Who doesn't want to learn about a Santa Moose.

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Review: The Wayward Wind: Book Thirteen: The Cozy Cruise Mysteries

The Wayward Wind: Book Thirteen: The Cozy Cruise Mysteries by Lizzie Josephson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

enjoyable read especially if you like cruising

This book is similar to many of the others in the cozy cruise series. No violent crimes. It has multiple mysteries too. Beware though you may not want to read this one out of order because early books’ mysteries are discussed.

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Review: An Alaska Adventure: Book Twelve: The Cozy Cruise Mysteries

An Alaska Adventure: Book Twelve: The Cozy Cruise Mysteries by Lizzie Josephson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

clever cozy

This book is perfect for anyone looking for a quick paced cozy that doesn’t involve murder There are some clever plot points and I hope they eventually do cruise in Alaska for the descriptions. If you are looking for in-depth complex details this may not satisfy but if looks for a good plot with unique twists then be sure to read

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Review: Fatal First Edition

Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

wonderful job keeping the series fresh

Despite being the 14th book on the series McKinlay does a great job in keeping the story fresh. Even though we know Lindsay and Sully by now it’s nice to see their relationship and to see their friendships growing. It was fun seeing crossovers from other author’s series as well. The mystery is well conceived and enough valid suspects to keep the reader wondering. Even when you suspect someone you’re still not sure the motive. Even at the reveal there were motives exposing unexpected twists

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Review: Come and Get It

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

intensely layered book

The book at times can have you laughing but then on a deeper level you see the difficulty the different students have. I think this book resonated with me because I have current college student. It certainly tugged on my fears and emotions. I also felt the message was to not judge everyone using your preconceived ideas. There are aspects of the book that I found the characters to be quick to make judgements about something being racist that comes from a lens of trying to find that everywhere vs a simple phrase- Grow where you’re planted for example. it was hard to tell if that was the point or if that’s the author’s true feelings

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Review: Dial A for Aunties

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

funny and raw full of emotions

I love how Ms Sutanto has captured her Asian heritage in a way that shows the love and connections but also acknowledges that the traditions can be stifling for a modern woman. There are some laugh out loud moments and some poignant ones too. I so enjoyed the book and look forward to reading other works by this aithor

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Review: Death by the Finish Line

Death by the Finish Line by Alexis Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very good mystery. I appreciate all the complexities in this book. Although I suspected the guilty party part way through the book there were definitely twists and motives I didn’t see coming. The relationships that are built over time in this series are well developed. I appreciated the expansion of her friendships and seeing more about their personal lives too.

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Review: Murder is a Piece of Cake

Murder is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great read full of uncertainties of who to trust and who to hate more. The series focuses on Maddie’s Baby Cakes Bakery in the fiction town of New Bison. ( aka New Buffalo MI). Lots of small town drama and yummy delicacies. The book ends with some impending drama that leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book in the Baker Street mysteries

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Review: Killer Chef

Killer Chef by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

great short thriller

Bodies rack up in the Big Easy as a killer is on the loose. The foodies who read this will salivate over the delicious recipe descriptions. The story has some clever plot lines and clues. Perfect book to read over cup of coffee and a beignet

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Review: Murder at Rough Point

Murder at Rough Point by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a bit harder to get into than the previous books in the series. It may have been due to the number of characters as well as the sensation the book was like And Then There were None I did like the part Patch the fog played in the story and found the dynamic between Emma and her parents to be interesting. It is enjoyable to read a book either so many real life individuals as characters

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Review: Death by Coffee

Death by Coffee by Alex Erickson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting first book in a series. I do think the mc was a bit of a busybody that might not have gained that much insight being so new in town. I do plan to read more in the series to see how her character evolves and her relationships so as well.

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Review: Town in a Lobster Stew

Town in a Lobster Stew by B.B. Haywood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyable next installment I do think Candy does act like the lead female in a horror movie at times- doing exact what doesn’t make sense or seem safe. The mystery is well constructed though and has good clues and motives.

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Review: Starfish

Starfish by Lisa Fipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A must read for all middle schoolers

This is an insightful story about the struggles of being an overweight child and how society doesn’t see the damage making jokes about weight can have. I appreciate the therapist sessions and how the advice can help readers as well as play aN important role in Ellie’s progress toward accepting herself. I also thought it was good to realize that she had issues seeing beyond her struggles to realize others were struggling. An emotional read for sure

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Review: Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect

Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I appreciate the style being similar to the tv shows where they break the 4th wall. Including the reader in the story and investigation. I think I enjoy the book because Ernest has a self deprecating way about him. His character development is subtle and clever. The mystery is well constructed and the logic and motives are laid out by the end. It is like getting in the mind of an author while also reading a mystery.

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Review: Barbacoa, Bomba, and Betrayal

Barbacoa, Bomba, and Betrayal by Raquel V. Reyes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyable book that is sure to get your mouth watering. I love the mix of history blended into the mystery. It’s easy to forget you’re reading a mystery at times. I only give it a 3 vs a 4 because some of the situations Miriam and Alma find themselves in seemed a bit absurd in some ways. I did love all the information on Puerto Rico and about 3 kings day. I look forward to reading the next book as this one ends quite abruptly with some very unresolved issues

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Review: No Parm No Foul

No Parm No Foul by Linda Reilly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

delightful mystery with sandwiches that will make your mouth water

This second book In The grilled cheese mysteries’ series was very clever. Carly is a charming independent business owner who has great coworkers and friends The suspicions cast on various characters throughout the story work well and leave the reader guessing. I look forward to reading more in the series

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Review: Cassandra in Reverse

Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I really didn’t know ow what to expect in this book but was I so happy I read it. I have a nephew on the spectrum and there are so many traits in Cassandra that I see in him but I also remembered after reading Ms Smale’s author note that there is no one characteristic of individuals on the spectrum. I love that she highlights that all people are different and we are all unique just because some approach things differently than others doesn’t make them different. This book is in a lot of ways a self discovery by Cassandra but also by those in her orbit. I truly cannot say how happy this book made me feel and I am so glad I picked it from my library.

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Review: Closely Harbored Secrets

Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this latest book about Everly Swan and her Aunts and friends in charm, NC. I like that she’s not a complete dimwit and has real emotions and reactions to personal situations. The mystery and the seemingly paranormal elements of the stories add to the appeal. If you think strong stubborn MCs then you will enjoy this series

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Review: The Black Queen

The Black Queen by Jumata Emill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After worrying the book would be preachy as it started I was happy to see how the story developed. Tinsley’s progress towards understanding and empathy showed the reader how seemingly innocent opinions can inadvertently be perceived as racist. The thriller storyline is quite well developed and turned out to be very good. If you like well plotted thrillers that provide thought provoking themes this is a great choice

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Review: A Guide to Midwestern Conversation

A Guide to Midwestern Conversation by Taylor Kay Phillips
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed reading the book and seeing much of the language and behaviors that are so common in my friends and family in the Midwest. The author is so spot on on so many fronts its a great book for a light read and can was one picked up and read in small bursts. Great for a few smiles and chuckles

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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



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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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


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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

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