The Poison Pen
American ex-pat and Scottish bookseller Delaney has done it again. The amateur sleuth has become entangled in a murder, a hoarder’s life, a pushy attorney, and a possibly stolen national artifact. Can Delaney solve the crime and determine the proper answers to the other questions? You will spend a delightfulContinue Reading
The Gathering
Picture an alternate world where vampires are not only integrated into society, but protected as a racial minority. However, just because they are protected doesn’t mean that everyone has accepted them. In The Gathering, a young man has been killed in a manner implicating the local vampire colony. But areContinue Reading
Murder She Wrote Murder Backstage Review and Giveaway
My Review It’s always a delight to spend time with Jessica, Seth and Mort. In Murder Backstage, Jessica’s identical British cousin, Emma, invites them all to vacation with her in Edmonton, Canada. Emma is rehearsing a new musical revue with a retiring fellow thespian when one of the crew isContinue Reading
Schizotopia
A totally unique take on a novel. Schizotopia is no John Dies at the End. However, it does offer an unusual look at schizophrenia from the inside of a character’s mind. Unfortunately, a schizophrenic narrator does not structure their ideas in a coherent manner. I would call this book moreContinue Reading
Wild Watercolour
From painting a simple ladybug to creating a professional sketchbook, Wild Watercolour teaches the reader step-by-step how to be a proficient watercolor painter. Beginning with the basics of tools and techniques, this book quickly progresses to lessons teaching perspective, character grouping and style. If you seriously want to improve, orContinue Reading
Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits is a collection of award-winning short stories by the great twentieth century science fiction writer, Harlan Ellison. If you are jaded and think you have read every plot imaginable, read some Harlan Ellison. The man was completely bonkers! His stories are totally original. They do take some gettingContinue Reading
Quick and Easy Grain-Free Recipes for Families
Quick and Easy Grain-Free Recipes for Families doesn’t make it easy on itself. Not only are grains out but so are corn and soy. This forces some unique recipes like tortillas made with almond and tapioca flours or bread made with ground cashews and coconut flour. However, many of theContinue Reading
Anime Art Class Sketchbook
If you already draw, the Anime Art Class Sketchbook may include enough instruction to curve your talents towards manga. If you don’t draw much (or at all), this book alone will not be enough. Start with one of the author’s excellent anime or chibi art class books first. The AnimeContinue Reading
Lili Gray and the World’s Most Embarrassing Superpower
Poor ten-year-old Lili Gray! In Lili Gray and the World’s Most Embarrassing Superpower, Lili’s mother is dead. Her stepmother, Bella, is pregnant and constantly plotting against her. Now, Lili’s Dad has disappeared without even saying goodbye. Oh, and she keeps blowing holes in her pants, chairs, and even her closetContinue Reading
Expiration Dates
Expiration Dates begins with an unusual premise. Since her youth, Daphne has received a note stating her next boyfriend’s name and how long they will be together. All have been true. One day in her thirties, Daphne receives a note with a name but no date. Is this Jake herContinue Reading
Cloistered
Have you ever wondered what being a contemplative (as opposed to a teaching or nursing) nun is like? If so, Cloistered is the memoir for you. Being shut into a convent year after year is definitely not for everyone. However, Catherine is drawn to the sisterhood in equal measures byContinue Reading
The Classified Dossier – Sherlock Holmes and Dorian Gray
The Classified Dossier – Sherlock Holmes and Dorian Gray is not from the oeuvre of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. No, in this world Dr. Watson is a vampire and the Island of Doctor Moreau is a real location. Despite these, and more, changes, it still feels somehow like it belongsContinue Reading
Dynamic Character Design
From a simple circle to a final artwork, Dynamic Character Design takes you step by step through the process. It takes almost 100 pages to reach the coloring phase. The book is that detailed. There is absolutely no knowledge, or even artistic skill, necessary to use this book. The bookContinue Reading
Quick and Easy Low Sugar Recipes
There is an unstated food truth. If you sacrifice sugar, you need to add fat to make something taste flavorful. And vice versa. Quick and Easy Low Sugar Recipes leans heavily onto fats to make its recipes tasty. For example, its homemade mayonnaise has over 2000 calories per cup. CompareContinue Reading
Mind Your Gut
Mind Your Gut is a deep dive into IBS and other gut busting chronic illnesses. I learned some new facts from this book despite having read quite a few books previously about gut issues. There is some interesting information here. Unfortunately, there are few concrete solutions other than advice toContinue Reading
Saucy
Just like this cookbook’s one word title, Saucy, I only have one word to describe it, yum! The recipes all look, because each has a photo, and sound delicious. Most include only common pantry ingredients, though you may have to buy a few of the more exotic spices if youContinue Reading