tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53329908710597501762024-03-20T08:42:39.346+01:00Amberkatze's Book BlogBook reviews and Author events.
Paranormal Urban Fantasy with some Young adult reads thrown in and a few Cozy mysteries when I am in the mood!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.comBlogger2066125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-10379493259022120492016-12-09T17:17:00.002+01:002016-12-09T17:17:42.138+01:00Amberkatze's Book Blog Amberkatze's Book Blog was started nearly 10 years ago when some friends asked me to share my thoughts on the books I was reading. Suddenly authors and publishers were writing and asking me to read their books and review them. I even had some of my reviews quoted on the covers and on the inside of books. I made some wonderful (if only virtual) friends over the years which included some lovely authors. It has been hard work and it wasn't always easy but I enjoyed it. <br />
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Lately that enjoyment has faded. I still enjoy reading but I am not spending as much time with the books I really want to read. I'm feeling really bad about not getting to review books on time but I am not reading as often as I used to. So I am going to stop stressing myself out and just read. Read for fun and stop writing here. <br />
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So Amberkatze's Book Blog is saying goodbye! Maybe it should have a long time ago. So if you want to know what I am reading, add me on Goodreads (link is in the sidebar). If you are checking here because I requested a book, you will get a review, just sent directly to you! Please don't email me asking to review your book. I will say no unless you are one of my favourite authors (you know who you are!). Otherwise I will leave you with this :<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-20147096266761945322016-11-27T13:18:00.000+01:002016-11-27T13:18:02.173+01:0088) Body on the Bayou by Ellen Byron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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The Crozats feared that past murders at Crozat Plantation B&B might spell the death of their beloved estate, but they’ve managed to survive the scandal. Now there’s a très bigger story in Pelican, Louisiana: the upcoming nuptials between Maggie Crozat’s nemesis, Police Chief Rufus Durand, and her co-worker, Vanessa Fleer.<br />
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Maggie, inexplicably tasked with being Vanessa's Maid of Honor, quickly discovers why everyone else refused the assignment when the Bridezilla hands her a long list of duties — the most important of which is entertaining Vanessa’s cousin, Ginger Fleer-Starke, a mysterious woman with dangerous secrets. But just days before the wedding, Ginger’s lifeless body is found on the bayou behind Crozat Plantation and the Pelican PD, as well as the Crozats, have another murder mystery on their hands.<br />
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There’s a gumbo-potful of suspects, including an ex-Marine with PTSD, an annoying local newspaper reporter, and Vanessa’s own sparkplug of a mother. But when it looks like the investigation is zeroing in on Vanessa as the prime suspect, Maggie reluctantly adds keeping the bride-to-be out of jail to her list of Maid of Honor responsibilities.<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I really enjoyed the series debut, Plantation Shudders, and had this book on my pre-order list as soon as it showed up on Amazon. Unfortunately I got behind with my reading and didn't get to it straight away and then when I did start it I kept having to put it down as I couldn't concentrate or didn't have enough time. I was enjoying it but with life throwing other things at me I just wasn't getting far.<br />
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Finally I finished this one and have to say that I really liked it. It wasn't as good as the debut but it was still a great book. The mystery kept me guessing and there are some wonderful characters involved in the series. This time around it seems they got a little crazier than I remembered them to be but it all made for good reading so I don't care one bit.<br />
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Some of the plot was a little annoying in a way. The whole wedding debacle was slowly getting on my nerves but I wasn't the only one. Even Maggie had had enough and I felt it brought us a little closer. Sometimes the Bo angle frustrated me but I think that was intended. After all there is nothing like a romance problem to keep people reading. <br />
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All in all this series got off to a great start and is continuing to shine in this second installment. I can't wait to read part three and hope that there are many more Cajun Country Mysteries to come. I will definitely be picking them up and checking out what Maggie gets mixed up with next and how things progress with her guy and all the other wonderful characters in her life.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-22115149166970792642016-11-26T13:32:00.001+01:002016-11-26T13:32:54.577+01:0087) Turbo Twenty-Three by Janet Evanovich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Larry Virgil skipped out on his latest court date after he was arrested for hijacking an eighteen-wheeler full of premium bourbon. Fortunately for bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, Larry is just stupid enough to attempt almost the exact same crime again. Only this time he flees the scene, leaving behind a freezer truck loaded with Bogart ice cream and a dead body—frozen solid and covered in chocolate and chopped pecans.<br />
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As fate would have it, Stephanie’s mentor and occasional employer, Ranger, needs her to go undercover at the Bogart factory to find out who’s putting their employees on ice and sabotaging the business. It’s going to be hard for Stephanie to keep her hands off all that ice cream, and even harder for her to keep her hands off Ranger. It’s also going to be hard to explain to Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, why she is spending late nights with Ranger, late nights with Lula and Randy Briggs—who are naked and afraid—and late nights keeping tabs on Grandma Mazur and her new fella. Stephanie Plum has a lot on her plate, but for a girl who claims to have “virtually no marketable skills,” these are the kinds of sweet assignments she does best.<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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It has been way too quiet around here and I apologise. I won't bore you with the details but will just say that life got in the way and there hasn't been much reading going on. It hasn't been from lack of trying though and when I realised the new Stephanie Plum book was out I got an Audible copy and started it straight away. Finished it quickly and then didn't get around to coming here until today to write about it! <br />
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So another Stephanie Plum! Twenty-Three books in and sometimes you have to admit it feels like deja vu. Stephanie goes out to get a bail skip, finds a dead body, gets sucked into the investigation and finally after madness and mayhem she solves the whole thing. Insert Morelli and Ranger problems and sex, include some craziness from Lula and Grandma Mazur then wait for the typical jokes, wit and sarcasm. It sounds monotonous but to tell you the truth I love each and every installment as much as the last.<br />
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Stephanie never ceases to amaze me. She gets into some really unbelievable and funny predicaments while making some very stupid decisions but there are always laughs and the plot keeps you hooked. Despite following more or less the same pattern, each book manages to stand out and be different in some way. Even though the whole Morelli vs. Ranger angle is one of the things you finally want solved, you know that it would be extremely boring it that chemistry and indecision was gone. <br />
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Kudos to Evanovich for another Plum success. I only wish that they would come out more often. After all they don't seem like much and I sure she could get out two or three a year. Maybe that would ruin things but I just want more of the funniest and most relaxing series there is out there. I love visiting Trenton and catching up with the crazy characters. I could do with more of this getaway in my life.<br />
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If you have the chance make sure to check out the audio version of the books. Lorelei King, the best audio book narrator there is, lends her voice to this series and she does it as well as she does to all the others she brings to life. She is amazing. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-51010678682556860322016-11-14T20:47:00.000+01:002016-11-14T20:47:00.934+01:0086) Pressed to Death by Kirsten Weiss <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Perfectly pressed. Perfectly proper. Perfectly deadly. <br />
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Paranormal museum owner Maddie Kosloski thinks she has the perfect paranormal exhibit for the harvest festival—a haunted grape press. But before she can open the exhibit, she’s accused of stealing the antique press. And when her accuser is found murdered, all eyes turn to Maddie.<br />
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Solving the crime is the last thing on Maddie’s mind, but her mother insists she investigate. Does her mother have a secret agenda? And why has the local charity, Ladies Aid, seemingly gone gangster?<br />
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In this light, cozy mystery, haunted houses, runaway wine barrels, and murder combine in a perfect storm of chaos. Facing down danger and her own over-active imagination, Maddie must unearth the killer before she becomes the next ghost to haunt her museum. <br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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Sorry for the silence. I had to go on a business trip and it was all very short notice and not a lot of internet. Also didn't get to read much either! However I did finish this book before I left but I just didn't get a chance to write about it. So after nearly two weeks I am finally able to write a little about the book. Not much though, because I realised now that this one doesn't release until next year! For some reason I thought it released this month so I was a little premature with reading this and don't want to give anything away!<br />
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I really enjoyed the first book in this series, A Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, and was really looking forward to the next installment. However I have to say straight away that this sequel, although good, wasn't as good as the debut. I can't really put my finger on why but there was something that didn't sit right the whole time I was reading it.<br />
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Once again there was an interesting enough mystery. It was a little far fetched but the plot was ok and kept me interested. The whole Ladies Aid angle seemed a little unnecessary but it gave the reader a chance to get to know some of the characters better and added some strength to the story. I really was annoyed with the Mason plot. It may have added another mystery to the story but in my honest opinion it was too soon in the series to go that route already. <br />
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While the paranormal aspect of the series is still a little 'up in the air' I found that this time it wasn't as well written. I liked the whole idea but there wasn't much of the paranormal to deal with and it was all circumstance. The murder mystery was readable and nice and cozy but I expected something better after the debut book. This one seemed like it was patch worked together from many ideas without having a clear decision on how it would look in the end.<br />
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I still want to keep reading this series. There are some great cozies out there and there are always room for more. Especially paranormal ones. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with for book three and hope that she finds another interesting story to base a murder mystery and paranormal mystery on. Maybe less drama and more stability is needed but for now I am happy and will keep reading. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-49452227782334985982016-11-01T14:59:00.000+01:002016-11-01T14:59:04.931+01:0085) Otherworld Chills by Kelley Armstrong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Embrace the obscure. In the final installment of the Otherworld anthology series, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong once again opens the gates to the Otherworld. This collection of rare and never-before-published novellas and short stories brings the clever wit, dark twists, and intense suspense Otherworld readers have come to expect. Favorite characters return, secrets are revealed, and several important storylines reach their conclusions. <br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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Once again there is another collection of tales from the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong. Once again I rush around hoping to get a copy because I really miss this series and love this author. While I usually hate anthologies this is an exception to the rule because the stories are all by Kelley, are all from the Otherworld and are all short stories. No this isn't just a bunch of really short stories these are stories that actually have chapters because they are so long. This is a book you can get your teeth stuck into and enjoy. This author gives the fans the good stuff.<br />
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BRAZEN<br />
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This story is all about Nick. The threat of Malcolm is topic of the story but the romance aspect seemed to take front stage most of the time. This one was a little flat and a poor choice for the first story in the collection. I spent the whole story just hoping that things will get better because this one, while not boring, wasn't exactly exciting either. Nice to see things from Nick's perspective but sadly not as good as the other stories in the book.<br />
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CHAOTIC<br />
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A tale about Hope and Karl and how they met. It felt familiar and I had the feeling throughout the story that I have read it before somewhere. Maybe I have. Despite that 'I've been here before' déjà vu I still read the story until the end. It was action packed and interesting but not the best of the bunch.<br />
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AMITYVILLE HORRIBLE<br />
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I really like Jamie so this one was one of my favourite stories. Being tricked into taking part in a haunted house reality show, the necromancer manages to find more ghosts that expected. With Jeremy around for support it was a great read. I like their relationship and combined with the ghostly mystery I was hooked. Creepy and definitely putting the chills into the book title, this was definitely my favourite of the bunch.<br />
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SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD<br />
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A vampire story. It seems the author tried to cover every character or at least every Otherworld supernatural. Cassandra and Zoe were always around somewhere but they never really got to tell a story like the other women. However this still wasn't their chance. The story was the shortest of all and disappointing. <br />
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OFF-DUTY ANGEL<br />
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You can't have an Otherworld collection of stories with one about or featuring Eve Levine. She is one of the well known and prominent characters in the series and it was a done deal about her being in here somewhere. However the story wasn't the best of the bunch and not my favourite about her. It was ok but I wouldn't have missed the story, although I would have missed Eve, if this one had been left out of the book.<br />
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THE PUPPY PLAN<br />
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So I am very sure I read this one before somewhere and skipped most of this story. A tale about Elena and Clay's twins and of course, as the title suggests, a puppy. A nice read and one that all fans of the series will appreciate. It is always great to check in with Elena and Clay. They really made the series and nearly everything revolved around them. <br />
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BABY BOOM<br />
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The other characters that took up a lot of the series is Paige, Lukas and Savannah. So it was a nice surprise to have this story come in at the end. A good story and a good end to the book. It's all about pregnancy and may not be the best plot but it was a nice read and I loved catching up with them all. <br />
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All in all this is a nice book that fans will appreciate and enjoy. I really would prefer more full length books in the series but I know that this is most likely never going to happen. It also sounds like this is the last time any of the characters will be seen again. Such a shame but it was an amazing series and one I will be re-reading sometime soon. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-81655291314619517352016-10-31T15:14:00.001+01:002016-10-31T15:14:46.811+01:0084) Menagerie by Rachel Vincent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town. <br />
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But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed. <br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I really like this author and have enjoyed so many of her books over the years. This one was on my wishlist quite a while until I grabbed it in a sale on Audible. The last couple of days I have been listening to it as much as possible whenever I had time. There was something about this one that made it very addictive even if, at the end, I didn't think it was a five star book. Because while this was well written, unusual, exciting and definitely worth reading, I have to rate it against Rachel's other books and this one just doesn't reach that high standard.<br />
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A great concept. One that may or may not of been done before but definitely has an unique twist to it. I liked the idea from the beginning, even if I couldn't completely follow what the 'Reaping' was and what exactly happened (I think it was harder to follow via Audible). Delilah was a wonderful character, like so many more from this author. Strong, fierce and fearless. Another character to admire and root for. <br />
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The first half of the book was very exciting and I was addicted but as things started to get into the end stage I didn't find the story as compelling. For some reason it turned into what I had expected all along and the lack of surprise or a twist in the tale make me a little disappointed. Also the book ended like it was a one off but looking around I see that this is at least to be a trilogy. So now I am left unsure about my feelings for the book altogether.<br />
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Definitely worth reading, please don't let me put you off with my ramblings. This was a great read and a nice audible. There was some very good storytelling in this book and it was exactly what I expected from the author. I look forward to seeing what the rest of this trilogy involves and what the author has in store for the Menagerie.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-61011955407723095652016-10-29T14:25:00.000+02:002016-10-29T14:25:12.512+02:0083) Staked by Kevin Hearne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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When a druid has lived for two thousand years like Atticus, he's bound to run afoul of a few vampires. Make that legions of them. Even his former friend and legal counsel turned out to be a bloodsucking backstabber. Now the toothy troublemakers—led by power-mad pain-in-the-neck Theophilus—have become a huge problem requiring a solution. It's time to make a stand.<br />
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As always, Atticus wouldn't mind a little backup. But his allies have problems of their own. Ornery archdruid Owen Kennedy is having a wee bit of troll trouble: Turns out when you stiff a troll, it's not water under the bridge. Meanwhile, Granuaile is desperate to free herself of the Norse god Loki's mark and elude his powers of divination—a quest that will bring her face-to-face with several Slavic nightmares.<br />
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As Atticus globetrots to stop his nemesis Theophilus, the journey leads to Rome. What better place to end an immortal than the Eternal City? But poetic justice won't come without a price: In order to defeat Theophilus, Atticus may have to lose an old friend.<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I remember when I started this series and I couldn't get enough of it. I loved the Iron Druid Chronicles so much that I believe I even binge listened to them. So when I got to the last installment that was available I waited for the next part and it was a really long wait. I read somewhere that the next book was going to take a little longer than usual but waited patiently to hear something. So imagine my surprise when I came across this new installment last week. Totally by accident. Amazon and Audible didn't even recommend it to me and it has been out since January! I couldn't wait to listen to it.<br />
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Since the series started this have grown so much that the books started to be narrated by three different druids. Now at first I forgot about this and when Granuaile took over it totally confused me and I have to start that chapter again. However when I got back into this I remembered most of what happened in the previous books and caught up. There was the same witty banter, fun characters and very magical storyline. Everything was there that I expected and I enjoyed the book until the end.<br />
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However I have to say there were certain parts of the book that made me zone out a little. The narrator is amazing but I am not one for fighting and action scenes and even though he does a great job bringing them to life I just couldn't keep up with that aspect of the story. The rest was great but the battles and fights just kind of washed over me and I was only interested in the result.<br />
<br />Staked ended like it was the end of the series. I haven't looked this up but despite enjoying the series a lot I wouldn't be too sad if this book was indeed the last installment. It has been a hell of a ride but I feel like the druids need a break. So much has happened and it is time for them to have some rest.<br />
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Great series, unusual and unique. One that I would also re-read at some point but definitely one to listen to on audio. Great narrator and well worth listening to.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-35360625073181625802016-10-26T16:57:00.003+02:002016-10-26T16:57:32.201+02:0082) Dangling by a Thread by Lea Wait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Hermit Jesse Lockhart lives alone on King’s Island, three miles east of Haven Harbor, Maine, where he’s created a private sanctuary for the endangered Great Cormorants. But when a wealthy family wants to buy the island and Jesse’s cousin Simon petitions for power of attorney to force him to sell, Jesse is the one who becomes endangered.<br />
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Mainely Needlepointer Dave Perry, who befriended Jesse in the VA hospital, rallies the group to his defense. Angie Curtis and the ravelers stitch “Save the King’s Island Cormorants” pillows and sell T-shirts to pay for Jesse’s legal counsel. But tragically, on a visit to the island, Angie and Dave find Jesse dead. Now the search is on for a common thread that can tie the murdered man to his killer . . . <br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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It hasn't been a good month, reading wise. Despite having some great reads lined up and a huge selection of books on my to be read pile, I am constantly struggling to read as fast as I usually do. Distracted or just busy, I am not getting enough read quick enough. I hope that as Winter comes along I will be more prone to curl up in bed and read. Especially if they are books like Dangling by a Thread.<br />
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I have really enjoyed this series so far and couldn't wait to start this fourth installment. Not much time has passed story wise since the third book, Thread and Gone. Angie is still in Haven Harbor and things are going well. So well that she is thinking of staying longer than the six months she has promised. Unfortunately this book also sees Angie getting involved with another murder investigation but once again there is a great location, some interesting facts and a nice plot. I enjoyed it as much as the previous books.<br />
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However there were some little minor problems I had with this installment. One thing was that I can't believe it has only been three months since Angie arrived back. A lot has happened and this is the fourth book and therefore fourth murder investigation. It seems all a little too much in such a small amount of time. Also I find the whole premise that Angie is only staying for six months completely unnecessary. She has had the house signed over to her, gets a pet, is running the business, getting involved in everything and can even carry her gun because the laws changed. Does the author think we are stupid? <br />
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This time around I also had a problem with how the characters spoke to each other. It is hard to explain but there were so many conversations that sounded sarcastic, unsure, a little nasty...Sometimes it felt like there was a tone that wasn't all nice and friendly even when the characters involved have been great friends. Especially between Angie and Dave but also with others.<br />
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All in all I am still loving this series. I may have figured out who the murderer was before everyone else and I did think the ending was a little too quick but I enjoyed it and look forward to more. I really like the little needlepoint references and history at the beginning of each chapter and only wish there were some pictures attached to them as they are hard to imagine. <br />
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Well worth checking out if you are looking for a nice welcoming cozy series. This fourth part in the series may have had, in my opinion, a few little bumps but it was still a great read and continues to be a good well though out and well written series.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-43980453437451483242016-10-19T21:47:00.001+02:002016-10-19T21:47:22.925+02:0081) The Harvesting by Melaine Karsak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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It's all fun and games until someone ends up undead.<br />
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Layla Petrovich has spent her whole life running away from her hometown of Hamletville. Raised by the town's medium, and dubbed the "weird" girl for her fascination with swords, the last thing Layla wants is to go home.<br />
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But when she receives a desperate call to return just as a mysterious outbreak sweeps the country, Layla's instincts urge her to go. Good thing, because the dead are rising.<br />
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Layla, however, isn't entirely on her own. With her psychic powers growing, surely everything will turn out okay, right?<br />
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Not so fast. Just when Layla believes she might survive the apocalypse, a sinister and ancient force rises from the shadows to finish mankind for good.<br />
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Because the truth is, we were never alone in this world. <br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I don't know why I picked this book up. Maybe I saw it recommended somewhere or it was just on sale at Audible. However I come across it, I know I would have checked the ratings on Amazon and/or Goodreads which both show 4-5 star average reviews. This confused me a slightly because while the first half of the book was really good, the second half went off into crazy, weird and desperation land and didn't seem to want to let go. <br />
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Things started off so well, a nice female character, strong, well educated with a nice background story you could relate to. The fact that she just happens to know a thing or two about weapons is just an added bonus as soon as the zombies appear. Which is still where the story was actually interesting, somewhat the usual thing but still keeping a bit of the unique. <br />
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Where did things start going pear-shaped? I guess the New Years party. I think anyone who has read the book will understand. Because up until then it was all ok. The story was keeping me hooked enough and even though there was a feeling of 'When will something else happen?' I wasn't quite expecting that. What was that? It was vampires, spirits and other things thrown in what felt like a desperate attempt to make the story go somewhere. I got the feeling like the author had taken a break from writing and came back with a whole new idea that she just had to work into this story. It was surprising and like someone switched films while you weren't looking.<br />
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However I am not saying it was that bad. While the story suddenly became the 'second part' and changed all the rules and scenery, there was still something about it that kept me listening to the audio book. Now if I had been reading this one I may have stopped reading but the audible kept going as I was walking along and I kept listening. Things got very sexual, weird and violent (yeah even more than killing zombies) and the story got a wee bit confusing. Yet all the time I wondered where the author was going with it all and also if she actually has a plan.<br />
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Which is why I am most likely, despite the semi bad review, going to try the next book. I want to know what the author does next. The ending was a total cliffhanger and while I know it won't keep me awake at night, I do need to know what happens next. Not straight away, because there is some parts of this book that I still need to digest...but soon. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-56754751728929164082016-10-16T18:02:00.001+02:002016-10-16T18:02:23.678+02:0080) The Witch and the Dead by Heather Blake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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When Darcy moved to Salem, Massachusetts, she never expected her life to change as drastically as it did. But within a short time, the Enchanted Village has become her home, its mystical residents have become her family, and As You Wish, the personal concierge business formerly run by her Aunt Ve, has become her calling. Still, the time has come for change—and for Darcy to move out of Aunt Ve’s house.<br />
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Darcy’s belongings are stashed in Aunt Ve’s garage, alongside a mess of memories, forgotten possessions, and, to both Ve and Darcy’s horror, a pile of old bones. It turns out they belong to Ve’s long missing second husband. Now Darcy must unpack old secrets to solve a cold case—and make sure her aunt isn’t looking at a spell behind bars.<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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The seventh Wishcraft Mystery was a wonderful, compelling and satisfying a read as the previous six books in the series. Everything I have come to know and love about the Wishcraft books was there and the story continues to make me excited and happy about the next instllaments. Darcy and the other characters that make this series a joy to read were all out in force and it was spellbinding and magicial. I enjoyed it all. I love it all.<br />
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Murder and mystery once again finds its way to Salem and once more Darcy is given the task of finding out who the killer is. This case is a little more close to home when the body is found in her Aunt Ve's garage but as things progress it is clear that the secrets surrounding this mystery are not Ve's. <br />
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Once again I was sucked into the lovely little village atmosphere, the unique magical elements and the on-going story. I enjoyed every moment even if I did, at times, find it hard to keep track of who was who in the case. With so many characters, a long break between books and trying not to mix this series up with Heather's other amazing Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series, It is easy to have some moments of 'huh...' <br />
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I can't wait for more. I love everything there is about this and I am really happy that things are progressing the way they are. I am also continuously intrigued by the on-going story and the little cliffhangers and secrets that are unveiled in each installment. Well worth checking out even if don't like cozies and also worth checking out if you aren't a paranormal fan. This series is just too magical not to try!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-89151069709741853742016-10-13T06:47:00.000+02:002016-10-13T06:47:52.249+02:0079) Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Lightning-struck sleuth Harper Connelly and her stepbrother Tolliver take a break from looking for the dead to visit the two little girls they both think of as sisters. But, as always happens when they travel to Texas, memories of their horrible childhood resurface...<br />
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To make matter worse, Tolliver learns from his older brother that their father is out of jail and trying to reestablish contact with other family members. Tolliver wants nothing to do with the man - but he may not have a say in the matter.<br />
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Soon, family secrets ensnare them both, as Harper finally discovers what happened to her missing sister, Cameron, so may years before.<br />
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And what she finds out will change her world forever...<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I read the whole Harper Connolly series back when it released. However I have a thing with Charlaine Harris and always end up reading her books again but via Audible. Why? One reason is that she has been graced by the audio book gods and always has amazing narrators. Another reason is that her books are just so good they are worth reading again. Especially when the series is over and you can binge listen to them.<br />
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The Harper Connolly series was always hard to get hold of on Audio but I noticed a while ago that they had become available and I couldn't wait to revisit the series. Despite having read the whole series I found that I had forgotten so much about all the books. I knew the general story about Harper and the lightning strike, what happened after, her abilities, her family and so on but the details that I had completely disappeared were the mysteries from each book. The plots came across, in most instances as completely new. Sounds bad in a way but it meant that this second visit to the series was even more fun.<br />
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This fourth and last book in the series tied up the loose ends. As everything started to come together there is a sense of shock but relief as Harper finally finds out what happened to her sister all those years ago and more surprisingly finds out she lost another family member around the same time. She just didn't know. <br />
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In Grave Secret is all about family. Harper and Tolliver go back to their hometown to visit some family, both welcome and unwelcome. People get hurt and people die. It is dim at times but the story is compelling and has a story you can't give up on. Especially if you have read the rest of the series.<br />
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Charlaine Harris recently released a new Aurora Teagarden Mystery and I have to wonder if she will do the same for her other series. It would be nice to catch up with Harper and Tolliver. See how they are doing. Maybe a collection of short stories. Other cases they have worked on. I feel like Harper's ability keeps filling their lives with mysteries.<br />
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A great series, interesting characters and an unique paranormal twist. Well worth reading. Definitely worth listening to.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-27853282280974310152016-10-09T13:33:00.001+02:002016-10-09T13:33:40.561+02:0078) Murder of a Cranky Catnapper by Denise Swanson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1471279942l/28186318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1471279942l/28186318.jpg" width="198" /></a><br />
With her morning sickness finally abated, Skye Denison Boyd is ready to pounce on the pertinent problems she faces as Scumble River School’s psychologist. After trying almost every trick in the book to aid a handful of socially awkward fourth grade boys, Skye opts for the innovative approach of pet therapy with the assistance of the local vet, a Siberian husky, and a Maine coon cat.<br />
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Unfortunately the first session only breeds disaster and draws the ire of cantankerous school board member Palmer Lynch. But Skye’s worry over the episode changes to dread after Lynch is found dead in his home with the therapy cat hidden in his garage. With a clowder of questions unleashed, Skye finds herself dealing with a killer who isn’t pussyfooting around...<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I basically binge listened to the Scumble River mysteries and when I was done with installment eighteen I was annoyed that I had to wait for a new addition to the series. So when this nineteenth book finally released I was even more annoyed to find that there was no audio book version available. Despite wanting to read the new release straight away I have listened to the whole series and wanted to listen to this new part. Then finally nearly a month after the book released, an audio version appeared! <br />
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After the wait I was eager to start this book and actually finished it pretty quick too (Did you know you can speed up books on Audible? If you can put up with it...). I enjoyed every minute even if things were a little less exciting due to Skye's pregnancy. However on the other side I am happy the author didn't decide to put her through some kind of crazy chase or injury while she is expecting. <br />
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Things progress nicely in the on-going story and it was great to catch up with all the usual characters. The plot and mystery weren't as good as some of those in the previous books but it was still interesting and compelling. It was nice that the author kept to the usual style and didn't decide to fast forward too far into the future or change things completely now Skye is married and with child. <br />
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Now the wait begins again. I am pretty sure the series still has a few more books in it but how the author will keep things exciting is the question. I feel happy for Skye for everything she has achieved during the series but I wonder if she is now too weighed down to go out amateur sleuthing. It certainly will be a challenge for the author. I can't wait to see what happens.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-48002745666740705852016-10-04T21:27:00.001+02:002016-10-04T21:27:26.649+02:0077) Dirty Little Secret by Liliana Hart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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J.J. Graves has seen a lot of dead bodies in her line of work...<br />
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She's not only in the mortuary business, but she's also the coroner for King George County, Virginia. When a grisly murder is discovered in the small town of Bloody Mary, it's up to J.J. and her best friend, Detective Jack Lawson, to bring the victim justice.<br />
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The murders are piling up...<br />
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The residents of Blood Mary are dropping like flies, and when a popular mystery writer shows up on J.J.'s doorstep with plans of writing his new book about the Bloody Mary Serial Killer, J.J. has to decide if he might be going above and beyond the call of duty to create the spine tinglers he's so well known for. It only clouds the issue and puts her reputation on the line when the attraction between them spirals out of control.<br />
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And passions are rising...<br />
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J.J and Jack are in a race against time. They discover each victim had a shocking secret, and the very foundation of J.J.'s life is in danger of crumbling when it turns out she’s harboring secrets of her own—secrets that make her the perfect victim in a deadly game<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I had already listened to Liliana Hart's Addison Holmes Mysteries and picked this first in the series book up sometime while it was on sale at Audible. After it taking up space for quite some time I finally got around to listening to it and found myself getting hooked pretty quickly. Which was good because the audio version was quite short compared to the usual length of books I listen to. <br />
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This wasn't very cozy, there was some romance but this was mostly mystery. The plot was interesting and compelling and I liked the characters too. There is obviously still a lot to learn about them, the town and everything else but this start was good enough to keep me intrigued and putting the second installment on my wishlist. <br />
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However I do think this one had a couple of minor flaws. One thing was the self-confessed nearly a virgin again J.J jumping into bed with a guy so easily and falling so hard for him. Also her wild exploits, while thankfully not shared in any length, sounded a little too over the top for someone so unexperienced as she kept saying she was. Also what bugged me was her casual mention of vital evidence whenever needed. Seeing as the story was being told by her I would have thought she would have mentioned some of the findings much sooner.<br />
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Anyway, despite those little weak areas I really liked this debut in the series and will definitely be checking out the second installment. Maybe not for everyone due to the violence mentioned but definitely a great mystery with a good plot. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-10757028661035131502016-10-02T17:07:00.002+02:002016-10-02T17:07:50.851+02:0076) Faux Paw by Sofie Kelly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Normally, the arrival of an art exhibition at the Mayville Heights library would be cause for celebration. But thanks to the overbearing curator and high-tech security system that comes with it, Kathleen’s life has been completely disrupted. Even Owen and Hercules have been affected, since their favorite human doesn’t seem to have a spare moment to make their favorite fish crackers or listen to Barry Manilow.<br />
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But when Kathleen stops by the library late one night and finds the curator sprawled on the floor—and the exhibition’s most valuable sketch missing—it’s suddenly time to canvass a crime scene. Now Kathleen, her detective boyfriend Marcus, and her clever cats have to sniff out a murderous thief, before anyone else has a brush with death… <br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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Another Magical Cats Mystery made it on to my audible listening list and this seventh installment actually brings me up to date with the series. Although the next part releases this week so I will, technically, be behind again. <br />
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This series is very easy to listen to and the narrator is one I am used to and can actually switch to double time. Which means I finish the book quicker and the speed I would most likely read it. These books are never hard to follow or have too much information. Maybe sometimes it feels like it but when I think about others in relation to this one, this series is very easy on the ears and brain.<br />
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It is nice to see things move along for Kathleen. Her job, her relationship with Marcus and of course her place in the community have been slowly but surely making her feel at home and is, I am sure, a huge reason for people to keep reading. I only wish that the cats had more of a presence and something new would happen on their end. It is slowly becoming less magical and the series could just be called the Mayville Heights Library Mysteries.<br />
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I am looking forward to solving another murder with Kathleen soon. I doubt I will be able to stay away from the series for long but I will try and keep the new release away from my shopping cart for as long as possible and listen to something else from my pile. I do love everything about this series and therefore I want to make it last. If I read the new installment straight away I will have to wait a whole year for the next one. So I will resist! <br />
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A wonderful cozy mystery series and not just for cat lovers. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-49599475960048287072016-10-01T17:35:00.000+02:002016-10-01T17:35:44.478+02:0075) All The Little Liars by Charlaine Harris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Aurora Teagarden is basking in the news of her pregnancy when disaster strikes her small Georgia town: four kids vanish from the school soccer field in an afternoon. Aurora’s 15-year-old brother Phillip is one of them. Also gone are two of his friends, and an 11-year-old girl who was just hoping to get a ride home from soccer practice. And then there’s an even worse discovery—at the kids’ last known destination, a dead body.<br />
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While the local police and sheriff’s department comb the county for the missing kids and interview everyone even remotely involved, Aurora and her new husband, true crime writer Robin Crusoe, begin their own investigation. Could the death and kidnappings have anything to do with a group of bullies at the middle school? Is Phillip’s disappearance related to Aurora’s father’s gambling debts? Or is Phillip himself, new to town and an unknown quantity, responsible for taking the other children? But regardless of the reason, as the days go by, the most important questions remain. Are the kids still alive? Who could be concealing them? Where could they be?<br />
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With Christmas approaching, Aurora is determined to find her brother…if he’s still alive.<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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A decade after the last installment in the Aurora Teagarden series, Charlaine Harris has delighted and surprised us all with a new story! This ninth book in the series starts a few weeks after the last book finished but the author manages to bridge the ten years difference very well making this one feel more up to date but not too advanced. Aurora is as pleasant and inquisitive as always and all the regular cast of characters are either mentioned or play a part in the story. All The Little Liars was a reunion and an update of sorts and it was a wonderful read.<br />
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I have read and enjoyed every single book in the Aurora Teagarden series and then, like all of Charlaine's other books, I read them again via Audible book. So when I saw All The Little Liars pop up I couldn't believe that fans of her series were being so blessed! It was always a little annoying how the series ended. A nice happy cliffhanger but not the place I felt it should have been left. Thankfully it seems many more readers of the series also had the same attitude and the author managed to make something happen.<br />
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The mystery was a complicated one that wasn't too confusing but mostly mind-boggling. This is just the way Harris does things. A great twisted plot that keeps you guessing until the end. You may think you know what has happened but you really only get there when the amateur sleuth does. The author does a great job of keeping the reader hooked and offers up a good amount of information to keep you in the know and not confused or overwhelmed. This series is one of the best cozy mysteries out there and it shows even in this new release years after what we thought was the end.<br />
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So many things could be said about the plot and I could write a lot more about the story. However I don't want to give away all the surprises to fans who have been waiting for this new addition or spoil things for anyone who haven't gotten this far into the series yet. All I can say is that it was worth the wait. All The Little Liars was not a disappointment and I read it all in a few hours. I was completely and utterly hooked from the first chapter. <br />
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Now I hope that there will be more Aurora books. It would make me really happy to have a few more stories but maybe one more would be enough. However if there aren't any more I could handle it. After all this ninth book was a surprise I wasn't expecting and am very grateful for. I wonder if the author has plans for any other of her series to get new installments. I wouldn't mind catching up with Lily Bard or Harper Connolly but for now I will just say thanks and well done for All The Little Liars.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-27683706409399538322016-09-27T15:29:00.000+02:002016-09-27T15:29:02.728+02:0074) Death by Pumpkin Spice by Alex Erickson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . .<br />
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As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely . . .<br />
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With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . . .<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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Well it seems my reading slump is over and my reading is back on track again...if not a little behind. So it was only natural that instead of picking up one of the many books that have been on my to be read pile for ages that I went to the review books and picked up the one that releases next. Death by Pumpkin Spice is the third book in the Bookstore Cafe Mysteries and I was looking forward to reading the new installment after enjoying the first two so much.<br />
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Unfortunately while this was nice, easy and quick read I have to say it wasn't as good as the previous two books in the series. While the story was set in the right time of year and fits into the whole Halloween holiday that is soon upon us, that was one of the only things Death by Pumpkin Spice really had going for it. Actually I felt a little disappointed by this one.<br />
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While the murder mystery plot wasn't a bad one and kept me guessing, the majority of the book took place at a party in a house that I had a hard time visualizing and had nothing to do with the bookstore cafe. The idea wasn't a bad one but it was totally different to the previous books in the series and felt wrong from the beginning. The rushing around, being allowed to help and the relationship woes were all a little over the top sometimes and I couldn't keep track of the time frame of the story and wasn't completely convinced that the other guests wouldn't have made more of a ruckus.<br />
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I didn't enjoy Death by Pumpkin Spice as much as the previous books but I am still hopeful for the series. Maybe the author thought it would be good to have a change of scenery or she wanted to try something a little different. However I missed the Bookstore and Cafe setting, I was sad that Krissy's cat wasn't around as much and I was hoping to get to know the regular characters a bit better. Also the love triangle was bleh and Krissy putting herself down all the time was annoying. <br />
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All this said, I want to read more. Every series has its ups and downs and despite having some problems with this installment I still liked it enough to keep reading and I still want to read more. This is a nice cozy series that is still finding its feet but has a lot to offer. Worth trying and giving a chance to!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-43918322704244649572016-09-25T17:13:00.001+02:002016-09-25T17:13:46.297+02:0073) Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavia’s blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too empty—and not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver.<br />
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Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation. It’s amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for one’s spirits. But what awaits Flavia will shake her to the very core.<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I haven't read much in last couple of weeks and instead of listening to audio books I have been listening to music. For some reason nothing appealed to me and also a book I was waiting to listen to doesn't seem to be available yet on audible so that put me off a bit. Then I noticed a new Flavia de Luce installment was coming out and waited for its arrival. Nothing like a bit of Flavia to get me busy listening to books again.<br />
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Now I basically listened to all the Flavia de Luce mysteries in one go sometime last year so this first time I have had to wait for a new installment. The series is unique and funny with a wonderful main character who you can't help but love. Flavia is too big for her boots, a nosy troublemaker and twelve going on thirty but she is also clever, amusing and entertaining. <br />
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After getting home from Canada, Flavia gets some bad news. Her father is in hospital and despite the pull to go and see him, she is stopped from visiting by various reasons and excuses from others. So Flavia does what only Flavia can do and finds a dead body and distracts herself with the murder investigation. With Gladys helping and a bit of a support from Dogger and her new friend Mildred, Flavia goes about unraveling a mystery that has been around longer than she has.<br />
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Once again I was pulled into this postwar world that has only started to get some resemblance of the modern amenities that we take for granted of today. Delighted by her naive but genius logic as she solves another mystery I couldn't stop myself from listening to just a little more every time I had the chance. The talk of Steepholm, an island I have unfortunately never visited but saw nearly everyday growing up, made me a little homesick. However this whole Britishness, even if from another part of history, makes me want to go home and visit. The author just does a wonderful of job of capturing the place so well. <br />
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Anyway, well worth getting a hold of if you are a fan of the series. If you haven't tried the series yet then think about doing so! I didn't think I would like it at first but there is something special and addictive about Flavia de Luce. Also I highly recommend the audio books as the narrator does a brilliant job of bringing the characters to life. I couldn't even think about reading these. I have been spoilt by the outstanding audio versions.<br />
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Now the wait is on for the next installment. It should be another interesting one with the ending this eighth book left us with. I feel for Flavia but I know she is strong. I wonder if the author will ever jump ahead a little and give us an older version...I would love to find out what becomes of the youngest de Luce.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-38120559750363059452016-09-24T17:03:00.000+02:002016-09-24T17:03:14.443+02:0072) Paint the Town Dead by Nancy Haddock <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciting as it is exasperating.<br />
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To kick off the grand opening of their craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, Nixy and the Silver Six invite Doralee Gordon to teach a gourd painting class. Doralee’s spirit gets squashed when her ex-husband crashes the class with his new fiancée, but things really get messy when the bride-to-be later turns up dead. Now it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to use their melons to find the killer—before someone else gets painted out of the picture...<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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It hasn't been a very productive couple of weeks in regards to my reading. I have been in a bit of a slump and hopefully this wonderful book has pulled me out of it! Because this is the first book I have managed to read in the last two weeks. Nothing else has interested me, nothing else could grab me and I certainly couldn't be bothered to pick up anything else to read. However when I realised that this second book in the new cozy mystery series by Nancy Haddock was out I suddenly felt like reading again. Once again this author has brightened my day!<br />
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Now I know Nancy from way back when! She wrote an amazing vampire series that I miss terribly! So when her new cozy mystery series came out last year I was eager to start it and I remember enjoying it so much that I wanted to get a sequel a lot faster than the author can write! Now that sequel is here and I nearly missed it. I feel ashamed to say that even though I had it on pre-order it managed to get past me and lay in wait for a couple of weeks. It was however worth the wait and I spent a nice few hours in bed curled up with it.<br />
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I needed a few chapters to get my head around all the characters. After a year it is normal to have forgotten who is who. Especially if you read a lot of books. Once things were back into place I could start enjoying this wonderful sequel in a very unique and well thought out series. It took a few chapters to get to the murder mystery but I have to admit that I was actually more interested in Nixy and everyone else anyway and enjoyed the chance to hang out before the sleuthing started.<br />
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What else can I say without giving the whole plot away? I can only recommend you try this series out! It's a great cozy mystery and has so many cute and interesting things going on. This book even saw the arrival of some fascinating pets (even though as an Amber and as a cat person....well it was weird being the dog!) and of course the whole craft shop angle is not only fun but inspiring. I can't wait for more and look forward to visiting this lovely town again and finding out more about the secrets it holds and the people within it!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-85085494275003665312016-09-11T15:07:00.000+02:002016-09-11T15:07:30.889+02:0071) Immortal Nights by Lynsay Sands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Abigail Forsythe’s life hasn’t been easy lately. Still, if there’s one thing guaranteed to take her mind off an empty bank account and abandoned dreams, it’s a naked man locked in a plane’s cargo hold. A very big, incredibly gorgeous naked man. And when instinct prompts her to free him, Abigail must rely on this stranger for survival…a stranger who leaves her thrumming with need every time they touch.<br />
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Tomasso Notte knows he’s found his life mate in Abigail. Now he just has to hold on to her. They’re miles from civilization, hunted by his kidnappers. Abigail has no idea of Tomasso’s abilities, or of how intensely pleasurable their unique connection can be. But he’s about to show her, beginning with one wild, hot, immortal night… <br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I haven't read much the last couple of weeks and I haven't even got an audio book on the go either. So I needed a book to read that I knew would grab me and keep me hooked and I knew just what book to pick. Immortal Nights is the twenty-four book in the Argeneau series and was, just like every installment that came before it, a pleasure to read.<br />
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Fans of the series will know that the immortals are not really vampires but the descendants and survivors of Atlantis. The nano technology they have in their blood keeps them healthy, young and can heal nearly any injury. Lovers of the series will also know the rules the Immortals follow and how hard it is for them to find a life-mate. If you have read any of the books you will know that the general story repeats with all this information. Boring? No! The author makes each story feel new, and unique while the story is always individually tailored to the immortal and life-mate who are the center of each installment. It is a recipe that has worked all these years and one that doesn't seem to be going bad any time soon.<br />
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This time around we get to follow Tomasso's tale which is nicely entwined with that of Dante, his twin brother. His story was told in the previous installment and the on-going story continues with Tomasso and joins up with Dante's. The on-going story slowly progresses in Immortal Nights and there is even a nice cliffhanger but the general plot doesn't make too much headway which means more Argeneau books to come. I can't wait for the next part of the story and look forward to another romantic, action packed paranormal delight. <br />
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Lynsay Sands has a gift and hopefully she will keep using it. This series has come a long way and I hope there is still a lot more to go. The Argeneau's are entertaining, exciting and inspirational. I love delving back into their world and always hate to leave it. Hopefully the wait for number twenty-five won't be a long one and it won't be the last one.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-43800638435563447912016-09-04T17:58:00.000+02:002016-09-04T17:58:03.330+02:0070) A Story To Kill by Lynn Cahoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Former English professor Cat Latimer is back in Colorado, hosting writers’ retreats in the big blue Victorian she’s inherited, much to her surprise, from none other than her carousing ex-husband! Now it’s an authors’ getaway—but Cat won’t let anyone get away with murder…<br />
The bed-and-breakfast is open for business, and bestselling author Tom Cook is among its first guests. Cat doesn’t know why he came all the way from New York, but she’s glad to have him among the quirkier—and far less famous—attendees.<br />
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Cat’s high school sweetheart Seth, who’s fixing up the weathered home, brings on mixed emotions for Cat…some of them a little overpowering. But it’s her uncle, the local police chief, whom she’ll call for help when there’s a surprise ending for Tom Cook in his cozy guest room. Will a killer have the last word on the new life Cat has barely begun?<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I have been enjoying the Tourist Trap Mysteries a lot so when I saw that the author, Lynn Cahoon, had another series coming out I couldn't wait to try it. A Story To Kill may have a not so spectacular cover but the contents definitely make up for it. It seems that the author has managed to come up with another interesting and unique cozy series with another set of great characters to get to know.<br />
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At first, I will admit, things didn't seem like they were going to be that good. The couple of chapters were a little off and while I can see what the author was trying to do, it just left me a little confused. If I hadn't already read her Tourist Trap Mysteries, I may have just given up on this one within the first few chapters. The jumbled information, leaving important information for later and the general mystery about Cat's circumstances was not welcoming. Luckily I kept going because the rest of the book was worth it.<br />
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Now the plot was a little twisty but the story was well thought out and I managed to follow it with no problems. I have to say I had a inkling who the murderer was but it was fun to go through the paces and get to know Cat, her friends and the other characters. Also there was always a hint of a much bigger mystery which actually turned out to be a cliffhanger. Even though I was already interested in more from this series I have to say this sealed the deal for me and I knew I would be back for more. <br />
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It is a shame that this book didn't get a nicer cover, I don't usually focus on covers when I write reviews but this one really doesn't do the book justice and doesn't even give you a feel for the great story hidden inside. This was a great cozy mystery and it deserved a better cover with more effort. This looks like some kind of stock photo off the internet. <br />
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Anyway, well worth checking out. Great debut in the new series and I am looking forward to more. The author manages to change her style a little and make A Story To Kill feel completely different to her other series. Actually it felt like she has evolved her style which made this book feel more mature and somehow better than her other series. Can't wait for more!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-34268209913719240122016-09-03T18:49:00.000+02:002016-09-03T18:49:41.533+02:0069) Unraveled by Jennifer Estep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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As the current queen of the Ashland underworld, you would think that I, Gin Blanco, would know all about some secret society controlling things from behind the scenes. I might be the Spider, the city’s most fearsome assassin, but all my Ice and Stone elemental magic hasn’t done me a lick of good in learning more about “the Circle”. Despite my continued investigations, the trail’s gone as cold as the coming winter.<br />
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So when Finnegan Lane, my foster brother, gets word of a surprising inheritance, we figure why not skip town for someplace less dangerous for a few days? That place: Bullet Pointe, a fancy hotel resort complex plus Old West theme park that Finn now owns lock, stock, and barrel. At first, all the struttin’ cowboys and sassy saloon girls are just hokey fun. But add in some shady coincidences and Circle assassins lurking all around, and vacationing becomes wilder—and deadlier—than any of us expected.<br />
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Good thing this assassin brought plenty of knives to the gunfight …<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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It is a great week in the reading world because the newest installment in the Elemental Assassin Series was released. Unraveled is the 15th book in the series and there can be no way that this series will ever get boring. I don't think I could ever give any book in this series a bad review. This has got to be one of my all time favourites and I don't think I ever want to see this one end. Ever.<br />
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Another installment filled with the characters I have come to know so well and love. Once more there is a great plot with the on-going story developing, twisting, evolving and making progress. Gin has been through so much and her strength and determination continue to leave me in admiration of her even if she is only a character in a book. <br />
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The story this time around focused on the revelations made in the previous book and even though Gin gets that little bit closer to finding out the truth, once again it is snatched away from her. She does get some answers but there are always more questions. However the progression isn't boring or annoying. You just find yourself even more invested in Gin's future as well as all the others who are along for the ride. <br />
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Jennifer Estep does it again. She really can't stop this series from being amazing. I dread the day it will end and only take comfort in the fact that I can then finally read the whole series again. Yes I could do that now but it isn't done yet. It isn't over. It won't be over until the assassin of Ashland puts away those knives forever. Hopefully it will a while.<br />
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One of the best Paranormal Urban Fantasy series out there. Unique, exciting and compelling this is a must read, a pre-order and a devour in one sitting kind of series. I look forward to the next installment and anymore that come along. I also can't wait for anything else this author releases. She has a talent and style that I can't get enough of.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-53681318580023828872016-08-30T21:02:00.000+02:002016-08-30T21:02:40.638+02:0068) Spells and Scones by Bailey Cates <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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When the bookshop next to the Honeybee Bakery hosts a signing for a Savannah radio celebrity's new self-help book, magical baker Katie Lightfoot is happy to provide some delectable desserts. A big crowd has turned out for the event, curious about the book (and maybe to sample some goodies), but the final chapter comes too soon for the author when she is found dead at the event.<br />
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The prime suspect is Angie Kissel, a former witch whose familiar was once Katie’s own terrier, Mungo. Katie is at first hesitant to help, afraid of losing the little dog who has become so important to her. But after a little nudge from Mungo himself, Katie decides to try to conjure up the real killer—before Angie gets served...<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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The sixth book in the Magical Bakery series was a pre-order of mine that I nearly forgot about. Only when I was deciding on which book to read next did I come across this one hidden amongst everything else on my Kindle. Suddenly all my other reading commitments and deadlines went out the window and I had to start the latest installment in this magical cozy mystery series.<br />
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I wasn't disappointed, much. There was a severe lack of magic, in my honest opinion. I expected much more in the way of spells and general development in the magical aspect of the series. However this book was more about sleuthing and I felt the paranormal twist wasn't as present as it could or should of been. My opinion and maybe not one that other readers will agree with but for me it just wasn't enough.<br />
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However the plot was good, the mystery interesting and the development of the characters and the on-going storyline was excellent. There were some nice surprises as well as some interesting twists with the end of the book bringing things to a nice happy conclusion. Hopefully this wasn't the last book but if it was then I wouldn't be too sad. Although I do believe that Katie has many a more stories to tell and it would be nice to keep visiting her and everyone else in this lovely magical series.<br />
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A must read for any paranormal cozy mystery lovers but definitely something that both paranormal and cozy fans will enjoy and appreciate. Cute but not too soft. Yummy but not too over the top. Serious without being too dramatic. I really love this series and look forward to more reads from this author.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-20205048197034419622016-08-28T21:42:00.001+02:002016-08-28T21:42:48.884+02:0067) A Crafty Killing by Lorraine Bartlett <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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The last thing Katie Bonner wanted was to become the manager of Artisans Alley. But when her business partner, Ezra Hilton, is found bludgeoned to death, she has no other choice. Business under Ezra has been faltering-but was it enough to provoke someone to murder? Only Katie can find the answer.<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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Well August is nearly over and I haven't made much progress reading wise. Apologies to authors who are waiting for me to review their books! Maybe don't release in Summer when there are so many other things to do and holidays to be enjoyed! I did however manage to squeeze in another audio book and because I didn't have any Audible credits I took one from my library that has been waiting for my attention!<br />
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I have enjoyed many a book by this author. Lorraine Barlett's Booktown Mysteries (written under the name Lorna Barrett) is a favourite of mine and I am eagerly awaiting a sequel in the Lotus Bay series. She has always had some great characters lined up and a great mystery. So naturally I wanted to try the Victoria Square series and have to say I kept putting it off and this is why I ended up with the audio version. <br />
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Now while I love the two series I already mentioned I have to say I am left with mixed feelings about this debut in the series. I had a very hard time envisioning what Victoria Square and Artisans Alley are supposed to look like. Despite the descriptions I was left confused about the whole set up and couldn't place everything where it should be. Which didn't help when following the plot. This was strange for me because the author has left me with a very vivid idea of how her Booktown location would look and even, after only one installment, the Lotus Bay location. <br />
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Another problem I had with this first in the series was the amount of characters involved. I found it really hard to keep track of the many people who were involved in the story. I managed to keep the main few characters in check but I couldn't tell you who the others were, why they were involved and where they fit into the Artisan's Alley/Victoria Square concept. <br />
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The plot was actually mediocre and not very compelling. I found I could follow it will no problem despite the location and character confusion. However it wasn't the most exciting or interesting. It wasn't bad enough to make me give up but I guess my expectations were higher or I am just used to a different style where this author is concerned. It didn't feel like the same writer that I have come to like so much.<br />
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Despite my less than glowing review I am going to give the second book a chance. Why? Because I did actually like the main character and I think the concept shows a lot of promise. The strength and determination Katie shows to get Victoria Square up to scratch is inspiring and I want to know how she does. What I am not sure about is if I will listen to the next book. This means it could take a long time for me to get around to the next installment but the narrator sounded like she had a blocked nose. This made it sound like Katie was ill with a cold all the time and the other characters too. It was pretty weird sometimes. Not at all the quality of audio book I am used to.<br />
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In conclusion...not bad but not that good either. This author has many other great books out there and I guess if you are a fan of her work and love cozies then you won't be able to stay away from this one. However be aware that this first book in the series isn't totally on par with her other work. That isn't to say it won't get better. Who knows, the second part could surprise me! Only time will tell.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-13343117840438574872016-08-21T15:59:00.001+02:002016-08-21T16:03:33.526+02:0066) An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Hired to find a boy gene missing in Doraville, North Carolina, Harper Connelly and her brother Tolliver head there, only to discover that the boy was the only one left of several who had disappeared over the previous five years. All of them teenagers. All unlikely runaways. <br />
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All calling for Harper. <br />
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Harper soon finds them—eight victims, buried in the half-frozen ground, all come to an unspeakable end. Afterward, what she most wants to do is collect her fee and get out of town ahead of the media storm that's soon to descend. But when she's attacked and prevented from leaving, she reluctantly becomes a part of the investigation as she learns more than she cares to about the dark mysteries and long-hidden secrets of Doraville—knowledge that makes her the next person likely to rest in an ice-cold grave.<br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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August hasn't been a great month for reading any kind of Kindle or physical books. However I am doing pretty well on the audio book front. All fans of Charlaine Harris will of, like me, have already read the Harper Connelly series but Charlaine Harris has managed to achieve something that rarely happens. I want to read her books again. So far I have read listened to all the Sookie Stackhouse, Aurora Teagarden, Midnight and Lily Bard books so I only have the Harper Connelly ones left. Yes I have read all of them before but the audio books are so good!<br />
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I only just listened to the second book in the series, Grave Surprise the other week. While I have many other books to listen to I just couldn't resist this third installment. Just like the second book, I couldn't really remember anything about what happened. It has been a long time since I read An Ice Cold Grave and the majority of the plot was forgotten long ago. Which made listening to this one even more interesting.<br />
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As with all other books by Charlaine Harris it was a great listen and once again a pleasure to read. The series is unusual, exciting and keeps you guessing until the end. I was happy see Manfred again in this third book. A character who also appears in the Midnight series. Most of the characters from Midnight have made appearances in other books but they have been forgotten over the years. One thing I didn't forget is Harper and Tolliver changing their relationship status. You can see it coming throughout the series but it was still an interesting development.<br />
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I am looking forward to listening to next and final book in the series. I really can't remember why this series stopped after the fourth book but with a new Aurora Teagarden installment due for release soon maybe there will also be a new Harper Connolly book sometime in the future.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5332990871059750176.post-85395196341155638942016-08-18T21:19:00.001+02:002016-08-18T21:19:42.545+02:0065) Boundary Born by Melissa F. Olson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Blurb :<br />
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Something wicked is at work in Colorado’s supernatural community. Vampires are being paralyzed or killed with poison…a weapon favored by witches. This offense threatens to break apart the already-fractured alliance between witches and the undead.<br />
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The state’s cardinal vampire, Maven, summons boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther to stop the killing before it ignites a war. Lex has barely started investigating when she gets another surprise: the biological father she’s never met arrives on her doorstep. He has answers to all of Lex’s questions about her bloodline, but getting those answers could mean betraying the life she’s already built.<br />
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Then the next vampire is poisoned—and this time it’s Maven herself. The new evil that hunts Lex is powerful and ruthless enough to stop the strongest supernatural creature in the state. In order to find such a killer, Lex will have to face down her own birthright and call on every ally—both living and dead. <br />
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My Thoughts :<br />
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I hadn't realised that a new installment in the Boundary Magic series had been released so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this one pop up on Audible and of course I couldn't wait to listen to it. I have listened to all of the Boundary books on Audio and can highly recommend them. The narrator is great and I enjoy the series a little bit more because of the well read version. <br />
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It didn't take me long to get back into the series. This one is so unique that it isn't hard to forget and I got hooked within a few minutes of listening. It became harder and harder to take a break from the book as things unfolded so I even sped up the book a little (yes on Audible you can speed up the books!) so I could pack more into my reading time. <br />
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While I didn't even like Lex as much as I liked Scarlett, I still admired her. This installment only fortified that admiration when she faces an evil that she didn't expect and would have broken most people. She showed her strengths, her weaknesses and then she kicked ass. A great heroine and definitely someone you want on your side if a fight breaks out. <br />
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This felt a little like the last of the series or at least trilogy. If I remember correctly there were also on three books in the Scarlett Bernhard series which this series is connected to. I am ok with this being the last book about Lex but I hope it isn't the last time the author visits this world she has put so much effort into creating. It is a masterpiece that should be enjoyed more and I am so there are a lot more things that can be written about based on this paranormal community.<br />
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I look forward to reading more from this world but all in all I will wait in anticipation for the next release from this author. She tells a great story and weaves a wonderful plot. I enjoyed every book I have read from her so far and I am pretty sure that this is a trend that will continue. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14293195296967735059noreply@blogger.com0