17) The Cat, The Mill and the Murder by Leann Sweeney

The Blurb :

When cat lover and quilter Jillian Hart volunteers to help a local animal shelter relocate a colony of feral cats living in an abandoned textile mill, she never expects to find a woman living there, too. Jeannie went missing from Mercy, South Carolina, a decade ago, after her own daughter’s disappearance.

Jeannie refuses to leave the mill or abandon Boots, her cat who died years ago. After all, she and Boots feel the need to protect the premises from "creepers" who come in the night. After Jeannie is hurt in an accident and is taken away, those who've come to town to help repurpose the mill uncover a terrible discovery.. As the wheels start turning in Jillian’s mind, a mysterious new feline friend aids in her quest to unearth a long-kept and dark secret.

My Thoughts :

This is the fifth book in the Cat's in Trouble series and after book four I was expecting another full and action packed book.  However this one was a little more laid back in respect to the previous installment and despite lots of new information last time around, it was all a thing of the past as far as this story was concerned.

What really made me wonder this time around was the addition of a ghostly feline friend.  Hence my addition of Paranormal in the tags below.  There has never been a mention of anything supernatural but this book revolves a lot around Jillian being able to see a cat that only one other person can see.  I can't understand why the author suddenly went in this direction and if she will ever do so again but it was unexpected and made me believe that Jillian would end up collapsing and being diagnosed with some horrible illness.

So while the ghost cat was slightly unnerving it was also a nice twist.  The plot was, as always, interesting and it was fun trying to figure out who could have committed the murders.  I did get a little confused now again regarding the characters who were trying to buy the mill.  I could never remember who was who and in the end I just gave up concentrating on that and just enjoyed the book.

Once again I enjoyed the story, characters and location.  The cats are a lovely added bonus and a wonderful twist in this cozy series.  Once again I missed Clara and Candice.  They were around but not as much as I would have liked.  They appeared now and again and usually, in Candice's case, because of work.

Another great book and I am really looking forward to another installment.  I haven't checked if there is another book available but there was a nice cliffhanger to this one and I am eager to carry on listening!  Although I have lots of other audios that need my attention so I won't be rushing off to use my last Audible credit this time around.  I can be patient and wait!  I hope!!

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55) Sentenced to Death by Lorna Barrett

The Blurb :

As the owner of Stoneham, New Hampshire's mystery bookstore Haven't Got a Clue, Tricia Miles can figure out whodunit in the latest bestseller long before she gets to the last page. But when her friend is killed in a freak accident, Tricia must use her sleuthing skills to solve a murder mystery that promises to be much more sinister than the books on her shelves.

My Thoughts :

I haven't been feeling to well the last few days so I really haven't been in the mood to read.  However when I did want to read there was only one thing I could think about picking up and that was the next installment in the Booktown Mystery Series.  I am on #5 and still have a couple more to read before I am up to date but as it is I am finding it harder and harder to resist picking up the next part.  There is something about this cozy series that has me addicted.  I don't think it will be long before the next book finds it way into my hands.

This time around the murder is all in Tricia's mind.  Or is it? The tragic accident that kills a friend isn't all it seems but Tricia's suspicions aren't shared by anyone else.  Her snooping manages to dig up all kinds of information but nothing concrete and it isn't until the very end that everything comes together and things make some kind of sense.  I was pretty sure that it was 'drumroll' murder but I, like the other characters involved, couldn't really see it at first.  It took a while and when it finally all came to a head it was over so quickly that if I had blinked I would have missed it.  After all that effort I admit I was expecting a bit more oomph!

Book number five sees some major changes in the town of books.  The mysterious and rich investor makes a bigger impression which is beginning to confuse all the locals.  Ginny makes a big decision and as already mentioned a friend ends up dead.  Russ finally backs off and Tricia snags a romantic interest while wondering about her ex-husbands intentions.  Angelica becomes even more likable and Bob gets the 'He should be the next victim' award.  Miss Marple becomes very vocal in this book and I missed Mr Everett.  He was there but just not enough.

Another great addition to the series and a good mystery.  I really enjoy visiting Stoneham and can't wait to go there again.  The plots are always interesting but the characters are the pulling point.  Such diverse and unusual people are hard to leave alone and not get involved with.  I certainly can't wait to see what they all get up to next time.  I also look forward to finding out how Tricia's relationships continue and what this secret investor is up to.  I hope all will be revealed soon...I have a feeling it will be someone we know.

This series is well worth trying especially if you are a big book lover because well it is based in a town full of books!  Otherwise just take a look in and check out the small town life.  It isn't boring in Stoneham and you will definitely find something you will like.

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23) Night Broken by Patricia Briggs

The Blurb :

An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from her new boyfriend. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.

Soon, her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the farthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.

Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s ex is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.

My Thoughts :

The Mercy Thompson series has been a favourite of mine ever since I came across it when book three in the series was releasing.  Now eight books in I can hardly contain myself until another installment arrives.  Mercy is an amazing female character that never ceases to amaze me.  Her story so far has not only been exciting and addictive but also inspiring.  I am really happy that I found this series and have had the pleasure of reading it.

This time around there is a bit of trouble at home which makes for some nice bitchy and witty dialogue and a nice practical joke.  The problem that comes to stay is Adam's ex-wife.  This in turn brings along a whole new kind of supernatural nastiness and pulls Mercy into a very gruesome chain of events.  Dog lovers beware!  You will not like some of this story!

Now that Mercy is married to Adam and is part of the pack it is interesting to see how the other members react to her and also how they treat her.  This book builds on the relationship she has with the other wolves and also challenges the bonds they have made.  Both sides are having to cope with the new situation and I enjoyed being able to see how things progress instead of some kind of invisible switch being turned.  It made for great reading and while the process of her joining the pack is done it will definitely be long time before Mercy is completely accepted.

Also in Night Broken we have another meeting with Coyote and Mercy meets a relative.  The new family member is or could be a step-brother but he could also be a cousin three times removed.  The up in the air suggestions make it more fun to read about and gives Mercy a chance to act very unbothered about it all.  She actually has enough to deal with and I hope the character will appear again so we can find out more.

All in all this was another great addition to the series.  I just wish that there wasn't such a long wait between installments.  It isn't hard to forget about Mercy and her life but the events that have taken place and are sometimes referred to are more difficult to remember as the years pass by.  However this is a series I hope to revisit via Audio book sometime soon.

Well worth reading!  This is one of the best Paranormal Urban Fantasy series out there and it has an amazing amount of supernatural delights and manages to stay unique and addictive.









 

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17) Picture Her Dead by Lin Anderson

The Blurb :

She began to scrape at the mortar. A few minutes later she was able to prise the edge of the brick loose. The resulting rush of foetid air made her gag, but she focussed her torch beam on the enlarged hole and peered inside. Her eyes widened in horror.

When art student Jude Evans disappears on a photographic visit to a derelict Glasgow cinema, her friend Liam he enlists the help of his birth mother, forensic scientist Dr. Rhona MacLeod, in his search for Jude.

Visiting other derelict cinemas on her list, they find clues to her disappearance and to the horrifying secret she may have discovered behind those walls. Throughout the investigation, Rhona must deal with the news that a face from her past is literally back from the dead—but for how long?

My Thoughts :

I came across Lin Anderson's books while visiting Edinburgh a while back.  Over the years I have tried to keep up with the series as often as possible and have become quite attached to Rhonda and her friends.  The murder mysteries and continuing story arcs have kept me coming back for more but I have to admit that the Glasgow setting and brilliant forensic angle keep me hooked.

This time around the author explores another interesting little known fact about Glasgow and weaves a mystery into it.  The amount of time that went into the research really shows and the subject matter will have you doing a Google search as soon as you have the chance.  As always the mystery keeps you guessing till the very end and there is lots of possibilities to stop you from deciding on one.

Wonderfully written with some great characters and an amazing story, I loved this eight installment as much as I did the previous seven.  I can't wait for more and hope that some of you will feel like trying this series out.  CSI, Bones and Broadchurch are all tied up together with a huge Scottish bow.  Well worth giving a go and not for the kind of person who has to have a perfect happy ending!





 

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158) Fairy Debt by Gail Carriger

The Blurb :

"I knew it would all end in tears the moment I saw the hat."

Cups is a fairy with a problem. She can't grow wings because is she under a death promise to a local king. So she takes service at his castle as the Least Jester, hoping to earn her wings and learns a great deal about cupcakes, tea daemons, and Earth dragons along the way.

My Thoughts :

Gail Carriger is best know for her Paranormal Steampunk delights but it seems the author also has a few short stories that let her visit other genres.  Fairy Debt is a extremely short but sweet fairy tale and if you need something quick to read then you should add this to your Kindle.

There isn't much I can write about this one because it is only about 15 pages long.  It was fun, cute, well written and interesting.  It was nice to read something else from this author other than her usual genre. Other than that there isn't anything else to say without giving the whole story away. This is one you really have to just get hold of and read.  So check it out if you can but don't think you are missing anything if you don't.






 

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Recommendations & Pre-orders - May

I am not sure if everyone knows but in the sidebar there is always My Picks and Pre-orders listed in an Amazon Widget.

To help you all see what I really liked reading lately I have the "My Picks" widget.  This lists the books I really enjoyed over the last few months and I highly recommend you read.  Of course there will always be something you don't fancy and there may even be an ARC or two thrown in there but you can quickly click over to Amazon and she what the book is about or when it releases.

The Pre-order list is exactly what it sounds like! The books I have on pre-order.  If you are looking forward to a certain book on the list you may want to go pre-order it yourself.  It also gives you an idea of what books I am planning to read and which ones I really want so much that I order them in advance.

Each month I try and update the lists and from now on I plan on posting them on the blog in a post so you can all see they have been updated and what is on them. Just incase you miss them on the sidebar.

Take a look at this months My Picks and Pre-orders!   Let me know if you see something you like! ;)

136) The Asylum Interviews : Bronx by Jocelynn Drake

The Blurb :

In Low Town, where humans walk and work side-by-side with elves, vampires, ogres, and all manner of creature, it's understandable that people occasionally need a little help in their lives. Whether is love, work, or ... other, tattoo artists are there to try to help turn the odds into your favor. When Gage's friend Parker needs help with his love life, tattoo artists Gage and Bronx are only too happy to help. But the incubus ends up getting more than he bargained for with his new tattoo, and his friends are forced to scramble to fix the mess they've created before someone gets hurt.

My Thoughts :

Jocelynn Drake is an author I once discovered (back in the day) but somehow lost track of when suddenly so many Paranormal delights started bursting out of every publishing house imaginable. I vaguely remember a brilliant debut novel from the Dark Days series but can't remember how much further I kept up with her work. So when I won this novella for her new series I was extremely excited.

The Asylum Tales sounds like something based in a mental institution but it is actually about a paranomal tattoo parlour! This isn't a completely original idea but it is one that hasn't been explored to its full potential. However if Bronx is anything to go by it looks like Jocelynn Drake has really hit the nail pn the head.

From the first few lines I was hooked. Great opening scene and some amusing going ons. The characters were nice, fun and easy to get used to even though this was only a novella and there wasn't much time to get to know them. Told from a male perspective it was unusual to have a guy in the lead role at first. Especially as so many Paranormal books are written by women and about women. It was a nice surprise and it worked well.

A super plot with some nice background, this short story really packed in some great details and gave a good insight to the upcoming series. I can't wait to find out more about the magical tattoos and the other bits and pieces that were mentioned. It could really turn out to be a must read, must buy.

If you need a short story to bump up your amount read or are a fan and want to check out the series then you really need to try this. I loved it and will definitely be getting myself a copy of the full length book when it comes out later this month.

110) Haunting the Night by Mara Purnhagen

The Blurb :

Charlotte Silver has been through hell.

Her mom’ s in a coma. She may have caused the death of a young man. And now her friend Avery wants her to tackle going to Prom? Not going to happen, even if she is dying to spend some alone time with her boyfriend, Noah. Instead, Charlotte needs to find some answers to a few nagging questions— why was her family attacked? Will her mother survive? And is there a creature from the Other Side coming for her? Soon enough, Charlotte's search for the truth becomes a race against time. But she may just find the sign she's been looking for all along

My Thoughts :

I have read all the books in the Past Midnight series but somehow I missed this novella. Haunting the night fits in after the second book but Amazon have it listed as book four. So I was a little confused and slightly annoyed when I started reading this one but I guess I was just a little too excited at the prospect of this series getting a new installment after thinking there would be no more books in the series.

As novellas go this wasn't bad. It wasn't the best either. It was nice to get back into the series and catch up with Charlotte. I really liked the concept of this series so it was good to go back and see a little more. However it was too short and slightly unimpressive compared to the other stories.

This one had a great ending and I was happy to see Charlotte get a small piece of real life without anything supernatural messing it up. I just wish there were more books in this series because it really is a good one. Maybe there will be something new. I just have to keep checking.

Great author with super ideas. I love her style and will be checking out any other books she brings out.

108) Lethal Outlook by Victoria Laurie

The Blurb :

When a mysterious client approaches Abby with a cryptic message about a young mother who has vanished, Abby is more than willing to get involved. After all, it's the perfect distraction from dealing with the headache of her sister Cat - who has flown into town and turned Abby and Dutch's impending nuptials into Weddingpalooza.

After Abby recruits her business partner and BFF, Candice, to assist, they meet with the parents of the missing woman. But the parents refuse to put their faith in a psychic. What's worse, due to a grave misunderstanding, the family suspects Abby has a connection to their daughter's husband - the man they believe to be responsible for her disappearance.

So while the family may be blind to the truth, with a potential killer in her sights, Abby is determined to keep her eyes wide open.

My Thoughts :

I have been a huge fan of the Psychic Eye Mysteries since I started reading them. Victoria Laurie does a great job of mixing something a little paranormal into a mystery and keeping you hooked till the very end of the book. Lethal Outlook is no exception and I couldn't wait to find out who did it and why. The Psychic help Abby gets in between is interesting and adds excitement to what would be your ordinary case of a missing person. This is always a series worth reading.

However we are on book 10 in the series and now that we have come this far there are a few slight problems popping up. The last book with the CIA involvement was way off track and in this new release it is great to see Abby back on track and seeing normal clients. Despite this turn back to the 'real' Abby there was no tie up of loose ends from book nine. Abby seems to be still in pain, suffering with a can and physical therapy but can still get into trouble and run off to bed with her guy. Broken pelvis in three places is either bad or not bad make up your mind!

Then there is Dutch. Wasn't he dying? Why is he suddenly healed with no problems? Oh and the wedding and house!! Gah the storyline was quiet annoying in this book and I was fed up of hearing the moaning and groaning about it! If you don't want to plan a wedding then elope or don't get married. If you don't want to make decisions on stuff for your house then stay in the one you are in! The childlike behaviour of this top FBI guy and Psychic were over the top this time around.

On saying all that this is still a great series and you can get around these little pieces of the continuing storyline because the series is soooo good. Especially after ten books I have to say the author is doing a really super job of coming up with new and exciting plots. I love them. It is just a shame that she is trying too hard with Abby's private life.

This series continues to be a must read and must buy. Although I have to ask...wasn't this tenth book, while worth it, a little pricey compared to the previous ones?

104) Hearts of Fire by Kira Brady

The Blurb :

She’s the heiress to Seattle’s most powerful shifter clan. Her destiny is as controlled and certain as moonrise. However, from the moment Alice Corbette encounters the man known as Brand, she will defy all constraint and break every rule to make this dragon-shifter hers. Brand is determined to repay the clan leader he owes his life to. But one taste of Alice’s exquisite spirit will make him question his loyalty—and plunge them both into the middle of a ruthless power play. Their only chance at freedom is a gamble that could risk the future of humans and shifters alike.

My Thoughts :

This prequel novella to a new series was pretty much over before it began. Hearts of Fire introduces a world that will be expanded upon in the The Deadglass Trilogy. The first book, Hearts of Darkness, releases in August and I have to say I am pretty impressed with the idea of releasing a novella to get a taste of things before diving in at the deep end.

However I am not sure if my visit to this new world was a good one. The story takes place over 100 years before the series begins and I don't think that it gave me a good enough idea about how things will look in the first length novel. Although I have to say I did like the authors style and the world building was subtle but offered enough information to make the short story readable. What I didn't like was the speed at which the story unfolded. This is always a problem with novellas and the author fell into the trap and had her characters fall in love way too quickly.

Will I be checking out this new series? My interest has certainly been piqued but I am still not sure. I hoped that this novella would give me a 'wow' or a 'duh' feeling but I am left unsure. I think the historical angle may have put me off and would have preferred a story set in the present day instead. That said I am still extremely interested and may just pick up Hearts of Darkness someday.

99) Blood Moon by M.R. Sellars

The Blurb :

A mere handful of months has passed since the horror known as Miranda turned Rowan Gant’s and his wife Felicity O’Brien’s lives into an extended nightmare from which there seemed no escape. And still, her evil continues to affect them on levels unimagined-both in the real world and the ethereal. Struggling to cope with those lingering aftereffects and restore some semblance of normalcy to their days, the resilient duo are cursed to find themselves asked to take on the wholly unwanted task of aiding their friend, homicide detective Benjamin Storm, in solving yet another bizarre murder.

While consulting for the Greater Saint Louis Major Case Squad has become an almost full-time job for Rowan-as well as a deeply ingrained part of his life-his desire for a normal existence devoid of crime scenes and horrific visions fuels a deep reluctance to get involved.

However, when a long time enemy within the police force and an insistent spirit both demand the benefits of Rowan’s unique talents, he is thrust into a situation that leaves him no choice in the matter.

But as questions are answered, a thread of deception unravels in the encroaching darkness, leaving the unofficial Witch of the Major Case Squad to wonder who he can really trust.

My Thoughts :

I have really enjoyed this series and during the read-a-thon last weekend I found this ninth book about Rowen Gant hiding among the other dusty 'to be read' books. It had to be read and I couldn't believe I hadn't picked this one up earlier.

The good thing about this series is that it isn't pretending to be something it isn't and there are no over the top theories or made up special abilities. You get a wiccan and his wife who help solve crimes with a detective friend and over the years they have been pulled in deeper than they wanted to be.

This story is no exception to the rule. Once again Rowan finds himself being plagued by the victims who want their murders solved. However on the sidelines, over shadowing the case, is the tail end of the Miranda case. The tension is there and the worry is there. How it all plays out involves a lot of energy being used by all involved. The job gets done even if there are repercussions for Rowan but it is all taking its toll on the 'kimosabe'.

I really liked this ninth installment but I really want Rowan and all his family and friends to finally have a break. So much has happened and I believe it is time for them all to get their reward for all the work and dedication they have put into everything. However I am not giving up on the series. I know there is at least one more book so I am looking forward to seeing if Rowan finally gets a break.

A brilliant series that feels like it should be on TV. A cross between 'Medium' and 'Criminal Minds' the author manages to pack a punch and keep things real. The style flows and the characters are the kind you want to go and have coffee with. A definate must read or at least must try!

38) Timeless by Gail Carriger

The Blurb :

Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.

Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

My Review :

The Parasol Protectorate was a series I only started reading by accident. It wasn't even something I thought would be 'my cup of tea' but within pages of the first book, Soulless, I was addicted and fell in love with the whole cast of characters and the world they lived in. Now after five books the story of Alexia Tarabotti has come to an end. Timeless ends the series and ties up all loose ends. The story that leads us to the conclusion is however just as amusing, action packed and superb as all the books before it.

Two years have passed since Alexia gave birth and moved into Lord Akeldama's closet. The arrangement seems to be working well and I have to admit one of the funniest parts of this whole book is Prudence. Now a toddler she is hilarious and had me giggling and laughing out loud on many occasions. This lovely child really made the book and really seems to be influenced a lot by the vampire who has adopted her.

The rest of the book is pretty much filled with what fans have come to expect. Alexia being her usual demanding but delightful self and Lord Maccon annoying her by stripping off his clothes and turning into a werewolf in front of whoever is around. Then you have Ivy and her awful theatrics and hats while Floote manages to keep everything running smoothly but also shows his true colours. This time around Biffy takes a bigger role and of course Professor Lyall holds down the fort while the majority of the characters run off to Egypt.

As plots go this was a goody. There was quite a few surprises and twists but generally it all works up to Alexia getting answers and rounding things up. I enjoyed the trip abroad and loved being kept in the loop about the London side of things but missed Lord Akeldama just a little. He made a huge presence at the beginning but then he was hardly seen or heard from during the rest of the book which is very unlike him. Also I felt that Alexia's family could have made more of an impact. They always make for fun reading.

While I am sad to see this series end I am glad that the author didn't try and keep things going just to sell more books. This was an excellent story and the best Steampunk I have come across so far. The paranormal elements fit in nicely and the author has a brilliant eye for detail that makes the world even more inviting. I also have to give the author a huge thumbs up for her Britishness. As a Brit myself it is nice to see an author getting it right for a change.

If you haven't already read this series now is your chance to swallow it all up in one go. I highly recommend! However I warn you that you may have to laugh out loud so it is best to read this one at home and not out in public. Already reading the series? You can't miss this one. Don't wait for it to go down in price or put it off because you have so many other books to read. The story is too good to wait any longer.

I look forward to anything else this author brings out and am looking forward to the gossip about a follow-up series with Prudence and the Finishing School Series. Unfortunately we have a long wait before either appear on the shelves but they will be must buy, must read and will go on my pre-order list as soon as possible.

30) The Chosen by Celia Thomson

The Blurb :

Despite a rocky few weeks, Chloe King is starting to get it. She's figured out who she is (a girl with catlike superpowers), where she belongs (at home with Mom), and what she wants to do (chill with her friends).

Yes, she's got funky superpowers, and yes, two rival groups think she's some "chosen" leader. But no, she's not buying all that ancient-warrior crap. And she's definitely not developing a superhero alter ego like in those old comic books. For Chloe, being the One means she can have whatever she wants ... i. e. , more goof-off time and fewer "cat people" conventions.

Then she finds her friend bleeding in an alley. All at once Chloe realizes that the years of bloodshed are not over. In fact, they never will be. The Mai and the Tenth Blade are going to persist in their dangerous rivalry. Unless Chloe accepts her destiny ... and takes control.

My Thoughts :

Although this series wasn't really blowing my mind there was something about it that made me read this third book about Chloe King. There were still questions left open and the concept intrigued me. I wondered how the author would continue things and ultimately I also wanted to see how she would end it.

All in all this third book was a huge disappointment. Some of those answers I wanted were given to me but the story itself was pretty boring and lame. I am glad I read the books but believe the author could have done so much more and so much better. It started off so promising and it is no surprise that I can't find any more books about Chloe King and the rest of her lives.

One thing that bugged me was Chloe's father. It was hinted that he knew something about Chloe but you never find out who he was or where he went. Or I fell asleep and missed it. For something that was brought up so often I expected closure but nothing stood out. Not a bad series but not one I would recommend.

26) Chaotic by Kelley Armstrong

The Blurb :

Kelley Armstrong returns to the Otherworld with "Chaotic," where a half-demon tabloid journalist's boring date is saved...by a supernatural explosion? She's off to save the day—if only her less-than-stellar date wouldn't tag along! Luckily, the intriguing, infuriating, and just plain sexy werewolf/jewel thief Karl Marsten also appears.

My Thoughts :

I really love the Women of the Otherworld series and couldn't resist this one. Despite only being a Novella this short story still manages to show the reader how amazing this writer and series is. Any fan will appreciate finding out how Hope and Karl met and the circumstances surrounding their relationship. While anyone who hasn't yet had the pleasure of reading this series will get a nice idea of how things work in Armstrong's super urban Paranormal books.

This was a quick read and I am pretty sure I have read it before somewhere else. Of cours I would have loved this to be longer but it was a nice little visit before the next full length novel comes out. You really have to read this series if you haven't. It is a must for any readers of the genre.

25) Sweetheart in High Heels by Gemma Halliday

The Blurb

Being the wife of a cop isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially when dead bodies keep ruining your romantic dinner plans. But fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer is determined that her husband's latest case, dubbed the "Sex Shop Murder", will not keep him from celebrating their first anniversary together, which just happens to fall on the most romantic of all holidays, Valentine's Day. She's ready to do whatever it takes to make this night special and distraction-free - even if it means solving his case herself!

My Thoughts :

I was very happy to find this series was still going or at least had some new additions added to it. This was a cozy mystery series I really enjoyed and for some reason I never checked up on it until I saw a recommendation for it on Amazon.

This short story was like going to visit sn old friend. Depsite not reading anything sbout Maddie for so long it didn't take me long to catch-up with her and feel at home with everything. The plot was good for a novella and it managed to fit in some good stuff. A huge improvement on the Christmas novella.

Definitely worth trying if you are sure about the full length mysteries. Also a nice little short cozy to put on your Kindle for when you want a good quick read. I am happy I found this one and hope the author writes some more High Heel stories.

144) Drink Deep by Chloe Neill

The Blurb :

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

My Review :

After the ending Chloe Neill left us with in the last Chicagoland Vampire book, Hard Bitten, I was expecting a few things in this new installment. One I can't mention because it is a bit of a spoiler but let's just say I was right, it did happen. What else? Well I expected Merit to mope around. She didn't. She got right back into the thick of things and did what she does best. So my other expectation also went out of the window as I thought this book was going to be extremely depressing. It was the exact opposite.

What the author does in Drink Deep is not only keep things interesting and on par to the previous books but she also manages to make some more extreme but wonderful twists and turns. The story is just thriving with action, mystery and paranormal delights which I absolutely love. The mixture in Neill's recipe is just right and I have no idea what her secret ingredient but she has perfected the taste, feel and texture of the dish she is serving up.

Merit is a super character and her co-stars aren't too bad either. The concept of the Chicagoland Vampires is, and still remains, a wonderful change to the usual ideas that have done over and over again. The writing style is daring which in turn means you never know what is going to happen next. It is always s surprise and shock which leaves you wanting more.

I hope the author continues to keep the Chicagoland Vampires so cool and Sophisticated. This fifth book in this series surely shows that things are far from over and I am glad there will be more. If you haven't already started this series I recommend you catch up as soon as possible because you are missing out on a huge treat. If you have been following Merit then you really need to Drink Deep and find out what happens next.

111) To The Moon and Back by Jill Mansell

The Blurb :

When Ellie Kendall tragically loses her husband she feels her life is over. But eventually she’s ready for a new start – at work, that is. She doesn’t need a new man when she has a certain secret visitor to keep her company...

Zack McLaren seems to have it all, but the girl he can’t stop thinking about won’t give him a second glance. If only she’d pay him the same attention she lavishes on his dog.

Moving to North London, Ellie meets neighbour Roo who has a secret of her own. Can the girls sort out their lives? Guilt is a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...

My Review :

A long long long time ago before I discovered books filled with vampires, werewolves and other paranormal delights, I used to read other books. A good mystery or thriller maybe even a chick-lit. It depended really on the mood I was in. However lately those genres have been a thing of the past but every now and again I feel like a change and when my favourite chick-lit author, Jill Mansell, brings out a new book I still have to get hold of a copy and read it. Her stories are just too good to not read.

To The Moon and Back is another reason to love Jill Mansell. Filled with emotions that you can either relate to or just sympathise with, her stories tell tales that can and do happen in real life. Her characters don't need time to grow on you because you can't help but adore them within a few pages of meeting them. They are the friends, family and workmates you already feel you have known for years. I nearly stayed up all night reading this one because I felt so at home with the characters.

One thing I really liked about this book and Jill's other books is the 'real' story feel they have to them. Sure there are the usual chick-lit clichés but Jill Mansell manages to surprise the reader by twisiting things around a bit. Being allowed to share the hardest part of Ellie's life is certainly a roller coaster ride of emotions but you just know that things are going to turn out ok in the end.

The way this author weaves her plots together to come to an amazing, if not, teary end, can only be admired. You will laugh and cry while reading this but it will be one of the most amazing pieces of chick-lit you ever read. Oh and the best bit. This is British! Totally lovely and British and not over the top. Jill Mansell remains my favourite chick-lit author who can get me away from the paranormal.

To The Moon and Back released in the UK back in February. The US version is due to be released next month.

98) Vision Impossible by Victoria Laurie

The Blurb :

Abby Cooper, the FBI's newest Civilian Profiler, is adding Spy to her resume. The military's digital photography software that captures one's aura- just like Abby can-sits in a drone aircraft that's been stolen. It's a major breach in security as every country's leader can be identified by their aura...

Abby springs into action to stop the criminals before they set their diabolical plan into motion, while making herself a prime target.

My Review :

I can't believe this is Psychic Eye Mystery #9. I have been following this series for years and have always enjoyed the mysteries. However this book, while ok, wasn't the best and wasn't what I was expecting. I think this series is going in a direction that may not to be everyone's liking and I am not sure what to think of it.

So what was wrong with this one? Well in the previous book Abby started working with the FBI. This was great and definitely an angle I hoped to see explored more. It was interesting and she was still helping solve the kind of crimes she had always managed to get mixed up in as an amateur sleuth. However in this new book she is helping the CIA and playing spy. A huge leap and not something that suited her at all.

So nice Abby part time psychic, part time sleuth is now a spy and running around like she is in some kind of Bourne type thriller book instead of a cozy mystery. It was weird and although I admit some of the story was fun it was way over the top even for a cozy. I couldn't relate with Abby anymore and she didn't really use her abilities for much more than winning a poker game.

Disappointing in some aspects but also still well written. The plot did keep me reading and the ending surprised me but all in all I felt like I was reading the first in a new series and not the ninth part of a well established cozy. Of course I will be reading the next book because I don't want to give up on Abby yet. Hopefully in book #10 she will go back home and we can see more of the regular characters I have come to know and love while doing some good at the FBI.

86) Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

The Blurb :

Where there's smoke there's fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum. The bail bonds office has burned to the ground, and bodies are turning up in the empty construction lot. To make matters worse, Stephanie is working out of a motor home she shares with a dancing bear, and Joe Morelli's old world grandmother has declared a vendetta against her. And just when Stephanie decides it might be time to choose between the two men in her life, Morelli and Ranger, a third man from Stephanie's past moves back to Trenton...

My Thoughts :

Seventeen books into the series and I am still happy to read about Stephanie & Co and laugh all the way through each new installment. There is no doubt that the author can really write some amazing madcap comedy into a cozy like mystery. Great characters and always a good plot awaits the reader in every book. I mean it must be good if the series has lasted this long!

This series has always made me laugh and I am sure it always will. I love how Stephanie manages to get into all these crazy situations. How all the cars she has seem to explode for some reason or another. I especially enjoy the other characters like Lula and Grandma Mazur. It is like going to an amazingly hilarious family reunion every time a new book comes out. Do you hear it though? The But? Yeah...

But despite how cool and fun this series is and how sorry I would be to see it end...well I think it is time to clear things up and finish it. Why? Well the Morelli and Ranger thing has been going on way too long and I would like to have some conclusion to it all. I can't put up with the cliffhangers each book that imply Stephanie has made a decision or will do next time around.

Also I believe it is just time to let go. While the author is an extremely good writer I knew who the bad guy was as soon as it made his appearance. It was so obvious and it bugged me that Stephanie took so long to figure it out. Also this is a quick read. Actually as much as a new copy costs it is way too quick to read. I am not saying it is over-priced but as a long time fan I feel like I am being punished for wanting to read the series. Great for the author but what about the readers?

It is time Stephanie settled down or moved on. I don't mind if it takes another book or two to work out but I want to see her finally living a better life and it doesn't matter who with. I will keep reading the series but it is a hoot. I couldn't live without finding out what happens next but I need this to come to an end soon.

It is well worth reading this series if you want to have a laugh. Stephanie Plum is like a good comedy sitcom and once you start following it you can't stop.

27) Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

The Blurb -

Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) thought motherhood would be a breeze and that having a daughter was a dream come true – a shopping friend for life! But it’s trickier than she thought – two-year-old Minnie has a quite different approach to shopping.

She can create havoc everywhere from Harrods to Harvey Nicks to her own christening. She hires taxis at random, her favourite word is ‘Mine‘, and she’s even started bidding for designer bags on ebay.

On top of everything else, there’s a big financial crisis. People are having to Cut Back – including all of Becky’s personal shopping clients – and she and Luke are still living with Becky’s Mum and Dad. To cheer everyone up, Becky decides to throw a surprise birthday party – on a budget – but then things become really complicated.

Who will end up on the naughty step, who will get a gold star and will Becky’s secret wishes come true?

My Thoughts -

Yes this is a Chick-lit book but I really love this author and I have followed the Shopoholic series from the beginning and didn't want to miss out on this one. Of course this review will be short because there are no vamps, weres or anything else paranormal involved.

It was a nice read. Not as good as the previous books. A little long winded and not as funny as the rest of the series. I wonder if the author will now do a Shopoholic in L.A or let things be. Of course I will keep reading Sophie's books because she is a great author that I can not leave off my wishlist.