After reading the first book in the series and learning there is a second coming out this summer, I had to catch this prequel story about how it all bAfter reading the first book in the series and learning there is a second coming out this summer, I had to catch this prequel story about how it all began. Quick and helpful, we learn how Amber became Amber, which helps provide some empathy and some concern. Good to have this story available before reading the second book in the series as it probably helps set a lot of context about who comes to visit her....more
Many thanks to NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read the first book, 'Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies,' in The Vacation MysterieMany thanks to NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read the first book, 'Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies,' in The Vacation Mysteries written by Catherine Mack, which I only learned this week is a pseudonym for suspense novelist, Catherine Mackenzie. I enjoyed two of her books and had high hopes for this one. A writer goes on tour in Europe but her publisher sends several other writers, and the inspiration for her main character, who is a ruthless man that blackmailed the author on a few things. For plots, A+... as I loved the depth and detail. I liked some of the characters and the setting, but I wasn't pulled into the book as much as was needed. Part of it is due to the style in which the book is written. Mack tells the story through scenes and various commentary which is often footnoted. The footnotes contain references to her books and past events between her and the real-life guy they were based on. It was too jarring for me as I lost pace a lot. Sometimes it worked, but sometimes I also felt it was too much. Also, do not read this as an ebook. The formatting is such that the footnotes regularly appear page later, so you are swiping left and right so much, it was a chore! Had the formatting and overall style been more to my preferences, I would have given this a 4, but it was not an easy read. Sorry!...more
Another fun cozy in the Ravenwood Cove series where Amanda's mother-in-law takes a trip with a friend to Florida for a college reunion... and a guest Another fun cozy in the Ravenwood Cove series where Amanda's mother-in-law takes a trip with a friend to Florida for a college reunion... and a guest ends up dead. Good for the mystery, but I missed the main characters. Nice way to see into the author's writing style....more
Malia Zaidi combines historical fiction and a cozy amateur investigation into her Lady Evelyn Mystery series, and the 7th installment to date, A GraveMalia Zaidi combines historical fiction and a cozy amateur investigation into her Lady Evelyn Mystery series, and the 7th installment to date, A Grave Betrayal, brings us to a dazzling and brilliant India just before the stock market crash. The British and Indians are struggling for power as both sides feel they should control the country; uprisings are common and Bombay seems to be the center of it all, as well as the gateway to India itself.
Wealth and a new marriage are the backdrop for this delightful series, which I've read since its inception. Zaidi creates a beautiful setting and methodically researches the past to showcase the intensity of life nearly a century ago. Toss in the mysterious death of a youngish husband and father, and we've got quite the conundrum to solve. Readers feel part of the investigation which is less about outright trying to solve the crime and more about asking questions and getting to know everyone involved, through normal dinners and meetings.
I've enjoyed the writer's ability to transport me elsewhere, to imagine what it's like to be an intelligent female sleuth whose husband, Daniel, supports Evelyn and pushes her to solve the crime but also be super careful to avoid injury or death. As she befriends local Indians and British alike, Evie as Daniel affectionally calls her, finds herself in several tight situations, all which propel her closer to solving the crime and into dangerous territory. I miss the supporting cast back in England, but the recent additions here make for a fun diversion that offers something new and exciting too.
If you're looking for a relaxing, immersive experience when you read a historical cozy, this is a perfect series. Not a thriller or suspense novel, nor filled with massively dramatic moments, it's a realistic portrayal of 1920s life that pushed the boundaries just enough to explain why Evelyn could find herself smack in the middle of so many murders. Even while traveling abroad often! Already curious to see what will happen next....more
As most who check out my reviews know, I'm a huge cozy mystery fan. I also enjoy historical fiction, so when the two genres are combined, it often makAs most who check out my reviews know, I'm a huge cozy mystery fan. I also enjoy historical fiction, so when the two genres are combined, it often make magic. An Unholy Death, a novella in Leslie Budewitz's Food Lovers' Village Mysteries, is exactly that creation. Set in rural Montana in the early 1900s, we meet the series' modern-day amateur sleuth's ancestors who first settled in the area. A murder happens and Kate is determined to solve it, while simultaneously finding a home for the orphaned girl left behind. Things get worrisome along the path when a band of thieves show up and no remaining family will claim the girl. Lots of small side stories that help show how the town began to build up and the Merc was formed. Loved the history. I felt so connected to this story and wish there were more set in the past. Definitely one of the best in the series....more
Another fun installment where the snow traps the guests and someone winds up dead. I enjoy these characters and the mystery writing weeks with the autAnother fun installment where the snow traps the guests and someone winds up dead. I enjoy these characters and the mystery writing weeks with the authors....more
Another fun entry in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries written by Lynn Cahoon, Five Furry Familiars tells the story of a former fiancé who is stabbed to deaAnother fun entry in the Kitchen Witch Mysteries written by Lynn Cahoon, Five Furry Familiars tells the story of a former fiancé who is stabbed to death while visiting his ex. Mia struggles to figure out why her friends and family are haunted by these killers, and along the path, she also determines how to let someone down easily when he tries to win her back. Lots of catering scenes to make readers laugh... mostly the characters feel like extended friends we miss in between books. My only concern with this series is the last few chapters are always so surprisingly light. We're guessing on the killer's identity and then an odd scene that takes place days later where someone says, "oh year, this was the killer and we've all moved on." Love Cahoon's other series and novels... maybe these are just meant to be light endings! :)a...more
I've been craving the Pendergast services from authors Preston and Child, but the next release is a long way away. While searching for it, I realized I've been craving the Pendergast services from authors Preston and Child, but the next release is a long way away. While searching for it, I realized I had never found this short story, mostly because I just learned that it's only available from the author's website. I quickly downloaded and read it in 30 minutes this morning. We'd met the character before, and it's 3-4 years old, so it signaled something at the end that I already knew about (always read a series in order)... but still, it temporarily quenched my thirst. Macabre, dark, and mysterious. Frequently one of my top recommended series....more
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