I avoid reading books in a series if I’ve missed the first entry. I also don’t read reviews before selecting books because I don’t want to read any spoilers. That did not serve me well in deciding to read The Blue, Beautiful World. Imagine my surprise when I discovered thisContinue Reading
When humans look up at the sky, they yearn to travel among the stars. But questions abound. Are we alone? If not, why haven’t we discovered any undeniable evidence of other species? The author of Interstellar postulates that our instruments are inadequate. He hopes to remedy that as director ofContinue Reading
On the publisher’s blurb of a new thriller is a clear challenge, “My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard.” I confidently chose to take up the challenge. However, I should’ve known, based on the author’s previous book, The SilentContinue Reading
My Review What started out as a beautiful park side Honey Bee Tea quickly turned into a Honey Drop Dead disaster. A politician named Osgood is killed by someone dressed as a beekeeper. The murder, and the resulting panic of the guests, leaves the hostess, an art gallery owner, teeteringContinue Reading
Aisling Cooley is trying to find her father through a DNA website in the latest British police procedural in the DCI Jonas Sheens series. The detectives are searching for a local serial killer when the crime scene DNA is linked to Aisley’s DNA. Could Aisley’s long-lost father be the killer?Continue Reading
In Dark Corners, Rachel Krall is a true crime podcaster. She built up a following by using her show to prove the innocence of convicted murderers. But even she is not ready when the FBI asks her to speak with a presumed serial killer, Terry Bailey. Terry has only twoContinue Reading
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up Gone Tonight…but it certainly wasn’t what I got. And that’s a good thing. The book describes the relationship of mom Ruth and daughter Catherine. Ruth has just been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease at forty-two. Unfortunately, recent nursingContinue Reading
With a golden-age mystery plot, The Puzzle of Blackstone Lodge is sure to bring readers fond memories of Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr. However, I’m not sure about how fair play this mystery was despite the listing of specific sentences shown in the back of the book as theContinue Reading
Meg Langslow and her crazy family and friends are back for their thirty-third humorous cozy mystery with Birder, She Wrote. This time Meg’s friends take center stage when a gentrified area of town becomes riled up about a farmer’s beehives and take matters into their own hands by poisoning allContinue Reading
A romantic getaway! A Halloween party complete with custom made costumes! A storybook wedding! It all sounds enchanting, doesn’t it? So why did I dislike the new cozy mystery, Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft, so much? Jane’s family has a long history of protecting a secret vault of uniqueContinue Reading
Step back in time to early 1970s British pop and then fast forward through punk, rockabilly, New Wave and even some country music. You are living the wacky life of a British music reporter and it’s Too Late to Stop Now! It is no surprise now to discover that EltonContinue Reading
It’s always delightful to step back into the world of Lily and her grandmother Rose in the Tea by the Sea cozy mysteries. In Steeped in Malice, it gets personal for Lily when a well-heeled guest is killed. Wesley, the victim’s new husband aka Lily’s abusive ex-boyfriend, has millions ofContinue Reading
Silver Nitrate is the latest book by the author of the excellent Mexican Gothic and the so-so The Daughter of Doctor Moreau. I was hoping this book was more like the first book. Unfortunately, it was not. My issue with Daughter was the slow pacing and the unoriginal subject matter.Continue Reading
The Block Party makes me glad I moved away from the suburbs! Everyone in the cul de sac is trying to impress everyone else at their annual block party. But they are all burdened with secrets. Secrets that come out after a murder occurs at the following year’s party. AsContinue Reading
If you have just finished your budget and realized you spend way too much money in sushi restaurants, I have the book for you. Sushi Master looks at sushi creation in the most detailed way possible. From what tools you need to clear and concise techniques to cut and prepareContinue Reading
The artwork in Dahlia in the Dark Vol. 1 is great. However, the plot is confusing. While the idea of a fairy world living side-by-side with humans is intriguing, the execution is choppy, and the characters are paper thin. It’s a shame. 3 stars. Thanks to Mad Cave Studios andContinue Reading