Wednesday, November 13, 2013

My Very UnFairy Tale Life by Anna Staniszewski

This is a book I chose to read because it sounded great from the reviews and the book cover was very cute and had a unicorn on it. It is a very slow read and took me forever to read.

Jenny is an adventurer who travels to different magical lands to help the magical creatures who live there. When she is tasked with helping the animals of Speak, she is unprepared for what she faces...a clown. She must finish her adventure before she can move on to the next, but will she? Klarr (the clown) is terrifying and Jenny understands why the creatures of Speak are so frightened and why no other adventurer has succeeded in saving the Prince.

2 out 5 stars! Too slow for me.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

What the Dog Said by Randi Reisfeld

This is a great story of love, loss, and finding a way to get back 'normal'. Grace is a young girl whose father has died. He was killed by an unknown gang member. When Grace's sister insists they adopt a dog, Grace goes along for the ride, a little begrudgingly. What she finds at the pound is Rex, a talking dog. Yes, that's right. A. talking. dog. Rex is a great dog. Perfect for Grace. He helps her out of her funk and gets her back to her 'normal'. All along the way, Grace wonders though, Who or What is Rex? Is he just a dog? Is she going insane? Or is Rex her dad's soul reincarnate? Grace's journey of healing is sure to make you laugh, cry, and have a good ole time...like any dog with a good book.

5 out of 5 stars! Great book that brings out emotions from the reader!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Booktalk

Oh the booktalk. How I hate thee. NO really, I do. I hate being in front of the camera and I hate having to talk about something (a book) that I like to myself essentially. It took me 15 takes to get it all together and still, I didn't really get it all together. You could tell I was reading a script but really 4 books and I'm supposed to just know? I have a horrible memory. Anyways, if you'd like to see my booktalk here's the link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVTUTtp-Oc8



I'm warning you though...I suck. It was my first time.
The books I talk about are: Pippi Longstocking, Ella Enchanted, Ramona Quimby Age 8, and Protector of the Small.


Personally, my favorite is Protector of the Small by Tamora Pierce.

Would you read one of the books mentioned? What do you think of my booktalk? Have you read any of the books?

Nonfiction Books- 4th-6th grade

First of all,

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! What are you dressing up as? or what are your kids dressing up as? My husband and I are a zombie couple and our daughter is going as a peacock! So CUTE!

Now for the books. These are all nonfiction books for 4th-6th grade students. These were assigned reading for my lit class.

The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman (2012): Surprisingly, I enjoyed this book. It was very educational and told the Boston Tea Party story in an interesting manner with lots of great pictures. It would be a great book to use for a lesson on the BTP or for a book report about the event.
3 out of 3 stars!

Bodies From the Ice by James Deem (2008): This book was by far my favorite of the ones we had to read for class. It's long but worth the read! It's photographs of the bodies found in the ice are phenomonal and are sure to bring in even the readers who don't like nonfiction (like me!). It reminded me of BONES tv show in the way that they described the bones, photographed the findings and told the story of the body. I thought this was a great great great book. I also found out it is part of series!
3 out of 3 stars! Definitely read this book!

There are 2 more books we read Butterflies and What to do About Alice? but honestly, they weren't all that great. Alice is a book about President Roosevelt's daughter Alice and her life and adventures. Butterflies is exactly what you think, it's about butterflies and moths. I did learn that silk worms are moths though so yay!


Thursday, October 3, 2013

The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan

I don't usually read graphic novels because they just aren't my cup of tea, so to speak. This is a required reading for my children's lit class though so I had to. Surprisingly, this book was fascinating to me. The pictures were amazing with detail and the characters looked too real for just a drawing. This book is set on a farm and there's a drought. The majority of the book is black and white with some color scenes every now and then when there's a different story being told or something important. The author's take on the drought it a very interesting one because he created a Rain King, who is the rain and he's trapped the thunder in a bag (because where ever you hear thunder, rain follows). Tired of the raining, the Rain King hides out in a barn and Jack finds him. Always used to being told he can't do anything, he defeats the Rain King and it finally rains. For the first time in 4 years.
The author notes that his story is based on the Dust Bowl and black and white pictures he saw when he was a child. He definitely does the story and pictures justice in his version.

5 out of 5! Surprisingly vivid and great story!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda caught my attention for obvious reasons: 1. It mentioned Yoda 2. It had to do with Origami which I find fascinating and 3. the obvious reason, You can never go wrong with a Star Wars themed book, or at least one that mentions it.
Tommy and his friends are trying to decide if Origami Yoda is real or fake. Does Origami Yoda really know all the answers to his questions or his the school dork, Dwight just messing with them? Tommy compiles a case file on Origami Yoda asking students from his school to tell their stories of their encounters with Origami Yoda and if he helped them out or not. The majority of people say yes, Yoda helped them. But as with all middle schools, there is a doubter, Harvey. He hates Dwight and think Origami Yoda is a joke. Harvey decides to make his own Origami Yoda after Dwight loses it at lunch and throws away his Yoda. The last case file is about Tommy. Tommy likes Sara and wants to know if Sara likes him. It's the duel of the Yoda's as Dwight remade one the night before and Harvey has his with him too. So the task, Ask Sara to dance at Friday's Fun Night- if she say yes, Dwight wins; if she says no, Harvey wins. Well, Tommy is tired of Harvey and his negativity so he does it (after a lot of thinking and hesitation). Turns out, Sara likes him too and they 'twist' the night away.
This is a great book for middle school students 6-8 grade (Tommy and his friends are 6th graders). It's a quick read and part of a series! The next book is titled, Darth Paper Strikes Back.
It's cute, funny and shows the thoughts of 6th grade boys. I found it entertaining and loved the story line. The author also includes some cute little drawings throughout showing what people and Yoda look like. It's very reminiscent of Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. There are also Origami Yoda instructions at the end (which I tried and failed- very hard since they are drawn out like a 6th grader drew them).

4.5 out of 5 stars! Origami Yoda instructions should not be drawn out the way they are; too hard to determine what you're supposed to do.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

The Mostly True Story of Jack by Kelly Barnhill

This book was so interesting! The main character, Jack, starts out as a whiny oh -whoa -is- me kid who is very annoying. As the story progresses though, Jack finally gets it and understands his role in life.
This story is full of magic, friendship, love and some evil. The evil in this story is best described as, creepy. The She is the evil half of a lady who split herself in two, She and the Other. The She half steals souls of people in order to get more powerful. The Other half was wielded into a house where the professor and his wife live. Throughout the story, I thought that Mabel was the good half but then it became clear that the house, with its pulsing of heat, its fondness for Jack was indeed the Other.
While the story is a tad confusing overall, it is a great story of finding who your really are and accepting yourself. Jack was a lonely boy who finds out he's not who he thought he was. He finds out that he's been invisible most of his life because in fact, he's not human.
One of the best characters in the story is Wendy. She should get her own book! She witty, strong and independent. She is a great contender for a co-star in the book.
A great read for 6th graders and up. Adults who like fantasy/magic will enjoy this read.
4.5 out of 5 stars! Slow beginning that warms up fast.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Juvenile Books Part 1

Frindle by Andrew Clements (sound recording): I had to listen to a book on disc for an assignment and it had to be for 4-6th graders. This books is perfect. It was cute, short and it made a great point about the English language and how words are created. The story is about a 5th grader who likes to pull pranks on teachers. His best prank ever is in 5th grade in his language class where he tests his teacher's patience and teaching when he creates the word 'frindle' to replace the word 'pen' to describe that writing tool. The story ends happily for everyone - Nick becomes rich off his new word. I admit it, it brought tears to my eyes.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman: Creepy, creppy, creepy. Both the book and movie (had to compare)  are creepy and sinister in ways. Black button eyes for the people in the other world. Coraline would be great for Halloween to scare the bejeezus out of kids.

Picture Books

The Three Pigs by David Weisner: LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. This is telling of the 3 little pigs tells the story then takes you on ride through some of the other popular fairy tales too. The pigs come out of their story and fly around to the other tales. It's very cute. Toddlers will love this book!

http://www.teachingbooks.net/author_collection.cgi?a=1&id=47

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen: A little girl and her dad set out on a walk at night and she sees an owl. The illustrations really capture this story. The details are amazing.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds: Cute book that is great for Halloween and Fall. I think older kids (K-2nd) would love this story of the bunny being followed around by carrots so he won't eat them any more. It made me laugh!

Children's Literature Class- Board Books

So this Fall (August-December) I am taking a Children's Literature class for my Master's in Library and Information Science. I have read SO many that I don't want to do separate posts for each but I am going to start doing posts each week about the books I read for my reader's to see and know about.

This post will be the first of about 7 about the Children's books I've read since the middle of August when school started.

We started with Board Books:

The Going To Bed Book by Boynton: It's very cute board book about what you do before going to bed. Taking a bath, hanging your towel, brushing your teeth, etc. The pictures are cute and the animals are precious. My daughter enjoyed this book a lot!

Moo Ba La La La by Boynton: It's cute and tells you what animals say..The cow says Moo...etc. My daughter just tried to chew on the book the whole time.

Where is Baby's Belly Button by Katz: This is a cute interactive board book for kids. You flip up the parts of the baby in it to find different body parts. My daughter enjoyed it.

No No, Yes Yes by Patricelli:  I hated this book. It's the same words (no no and yes yes) on each page showing what's good and bad. Dumbest thing ever...and there's more like them.


Unnatural Acts: Dan Shamble Zombie P.I. by Kevin J. Anderson

This second book in the Zombie P.I. series focuses a bit on politics this time. In the Big Uneasy (where Dan lives and works) Senator Balfour is someone who detests unnaturals. He writes a bill titled the Unnatural Acts Act- which bans basically everything from unnaturals. Along with this there is a man who is doing good deeds- or so it seems. His name is Goodfellow ( I love the irony in this book). Goodfellow and his sister Missy are from a very wealthy family (mobsters) and they are evil. One day Goodfellow is almost killed by a piano falling on him so he decides to change his ways. What no one realizes is that he is buying heart and soul combo packs from a little troll to become nice-since evil is in his blood. Dan finds out and he is arrested. Their Smile Syndicate business (Missy runs) is reported for tax evasion and shut down also. We also meet the ghost of William Shakespear or so the ghost claims. A fire destroys the set in the graveyard where Shakespear in the Dark is held. Shakespear hires Dan to find out if Balfour's goons are responsible. Dan finds out that it was in fact Shakespear who set the fire so he could bring MORE interest to his shows. Wow!
Also, Robin takes on a case of discrimination (werewolf and vampire couple) who want to live outside the Big Uneasy but are being told No by everyone because they are unnaturals. We meet a succubus and a Madam of a brothel who is mummy. A witch and her swine sister (literally) who Dan helped in the previous book. They are interviewing him for a book series about a Zombie P.I. (get it?)
I like these books because there is always so much going on but it all ties together some how which is great and genius on Anderson's part.
I can't wait to get my hands on the third book!

5 out of 5 stars! Never a dull moment and always something different.

Death Warmed Over: Dan Shamble Zombie P.I. by Kevin J Anderson

So I actually read half of the second book in the series before reading this one (oops!). Death Warmed Over introduces us to Dan Shamble- a Zombie P.I. He wasn't always a zombie. He was once alive until someone shot him in the head for getting too close to something. You meet his ghost girlfriend, Sheyanne (real name Anne but she was shy when she was alive so her stage name as a singer was Sheyanne). Also, their friend and co-worker Robin Deyer- a lawyer with lots of smarts. Together they all make up Chambeaux and Deyer business (P.I and lawyer and Sheyenne as the receptionist plus a ton of other jobs.) There is also McGoo- a human cop who also happens to be Dan's BHF- Best Human Friend. So how did all this happen? A book was brought to life by a virgins blood and some planets alined and BOOM! The Big Uneasy happened. Now all unnatural and natural beings live together. I think it's awesome and fun. Dan's sense of humor is great and there are some great cases he works on. We meet vampires, werewolves, goblins, zombies, evil humans who have a vendetta and more.
Death Warmed Over focuses on the beginning. Solving cases- mostly who killed Dan and Sheyenne. Which happens to be the bad guy who sells a unnatural cosmetic line and someone who turns into a zombie at the end after being electrocuted. Ironic, no?

I highly recommend this series if you like: zombies, humor, mysteries, and are looking for something fun to read.

5 out of 5 stars!

Monday, August 12, 2013

Emerald Isle (A Stacy Justice Mystery) by Barbra Annino

This is another in the line of Stacy Justice books that I enjoyed. I always love a good magic book especially where the main character is a kick ass witch. In this installment of the series you find out more about Birdie, Stacy's grandmother, and you also find out that Stacy is indeed the Seeker of Justice.
The story begins and centers around Stacy's 30th year which is the year one can become a full witch with full powers. She is screaming and yelling at a painting of the goddess and then all of a sudden she is sucked INTO the painting! She meets the goddesses and they give her some help with her struggles. I should mention that before this she is being haunted by an apparition who gives her riddles to help her. After getting back from the goddess' Birdie tells her (or rather Birdie's enemy) that there is a challenge for her and that she must find the stolen cauldron before another does. They fly to Ireland and stay in this giant castle where Stacy is haunted in her room by a bad ghost. Then she thinks she sees her Mother who she is trying to save too. After a meeting or two, she and her cohorts whisk away to find the cauldron of the ancestors. They see it and find out that it's at the castle. That the leader of the clan is the one who stole it and he's betrayed them all. The evil ghost is the father of  Birdie's enemy who thinks that the Seeker should stay in his bloodline.
All in all, a great story. It kind of seems to me this series is finished with this telling. Stacy Justice a great heroine to read about.
5 out of 5!

A Hidden Fire: Elemental Mysteries Book 1 by Elizabeth Hunter

Beatrice, known to friends and family as 'B', is a quiet, unassuming young woman who is a student in the library science department of her college. She works at the college library helping in the quiet department handling old books and documents. Her life is going great until she meets Giovanni. He's a tall, handsome man with beautiful skin and hair. But, there's something different about him. A lot different. He's a vampire. As a very old vampire Giovanni, Gio to most, has lots of money and lots of time. He's in the process of copying an old document for a friend when he realizes who B is. She's the daughter of a man who killed 10 years ago. Or so she thought. Her father was actually turned into a vampire because of what he found in Italy all those years ago. Gio and B start to hang out outside of the library. He starts stalking her basically. Then he proposes she work for him since his vampire affinity is fire- which an unusual gift. Because of this fire affinity, he cannot work with computers as he sparks fire when touching them or anything mechanical. Brought into this vampire world B doesn't understand what she's gotten herself into until he brings her to a vampire bar to show all the other vamps SHE is HIS. They find out that Gio's 'child', a man he turned in a vampire is after B. It appears that whatever B's dad found has come back to haunt her now. He also has Gio's library that he thought was long long ago burned. No matter how much protection and how close he is to B, Lorenzo still manages to capture her and take her captive. She is rescued, of course, by Gio and his vampire friends. She steals Lorenzo's money as we learn that she is very good at hacking because she was a loner as a kid after her dad died.
Honestly, this book is very captivating. Maybe it's because I haven't read a lot of vampire stories lately or maybe it's because you fall in love with B and Gio and root for them the whole time but it really is a great read and worth your time.
I plan on buying the next books in this series too!
5 out 5 stars!!
Characters and setting and plot are all great. Gives a different spin on vampires which is MUCH appreciated.

The Princess Problem (A Fairy Tale Romance) by Diane Darcy

A short story about love based around a princess theme. The Princess in this story is based on the 'Princess and the Pea'. Alicia has a great eye for detail and it shows in all the work she does. She is hired by a mattress company to shoot a commercial for their new store. Her idea is unique because it's based on the princess the Princess and the Pea. The son of the woman who hires Alicia falls instantly for Alicia's smart wit and head strong ways. It's apparent that they are meant to be. It is a whirl wind romance from start to finish especially since they get married a few months later. I really enjoyed the short and sweet of this story. It was predictable but in a 'awww, I'm so glad they got together and are happy' sort of sappy way.


4 out 5 stars!

Predictability lessens score.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly

A very hard book to get into. Slow going and boring.
It's the typical get too drunk, wake up married type book but the female character wanted to do it because she wants a baby. The main character, Megan, wants what any woman wants- to find a true love, settle down, and start a family. But is just doesn't seem like it's the cards for her. When she runs into Connor, it's too good to be true. He wants that too- he's rich, handsome and wants a wife who looks good on his arm without all the love stuff. Megan says that fine.
Jump to the morning..and she's wondering what the hell she has done.
Eventually she comes around, they admit they love one another..yada yada...

2.5 out of 5 stars!

Free Kindle book too.

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

As a new mom and someone who is very sensitive, I try not to read about children being abused in any way, shape or form. This book was a free download on my Kindle and of course, I can't pass up free. I didn't really think I would actually read this book because I just wasn't feeling the title. But I've been running out of stuff to read on my Kindle and so I thought, 'Hey, why not.'
This book really scares you into wanting to protect these characters. A douche bag Dad (Kayden's) and a shitty guy who's best friends with your brother (Callie) makes you want to punch someone/something or throw up. It's hard not to hate the Dad and best friend just like it's hard not to want to hug Callie and Kayden. I'm a big fan of cop shows (Law & Order, CSI, NCIS, etc) but this book, this book, really tugs and pulls at your heart strings. It's almost like looking at a car accident- you want to look away but you just can't.
Callie is a small girl who is leaving for college early to get away from her life back home. Her mom is oblivious to things and her brother is a jerk. She's been through a lot of crap in her life- the major focus of this story is her being raped at 12 by her brother's best friend on her birthday. ON HER BIRTHDAY! I mean really?! If these characters were real, that friends would be dead. She starts school and meets Seth who becomes her best friend. It's not hard at all to tell that he's her gay best friend. He's hilarious, protective and has problems of his own. He was beat and left for dead by his high school football team. Callie and Seth help each overcome and live again.
When Kayden starts college on a football scholarship at the same college in the Fall, they run into each other, literally. Kayden's baggage is that he's been beaten from the time he was about 7 yrs old by his Dad and his mother doesn't care because all she wants is her wine. Sad life. He doesn't care about anything and feels dead inside. It's only when he starts to care about Callie that he learns what love is supposed to be like. Their relationship moves really fast. Callie is trusting Kayden like she's never trusted anyone before and she knows it feels right.
When they go home for Thanksgiving that's when everything goes from awesome to horrible. It's during their visit home that Callie reveals to Kayden who raped her. Kayden then beats the ever loving shit out the guy and is arrested. Kayden's dad hits him again and they fight. Kayden's dad ends up stabbing him and then the reader finds out that Kayden is a cutter. He cuts himself to escape the pain. After not hearing from him for a while, Callie borrows her parents car to go over there. She finds him in a pool of blood...and that's how it ends!
Talk about pissing me off. I hate when books leave you hanging. But, Ill be buying the next one so I know what happens to Kayden and what happens with their relationship.

4 out 5 stars! (not 5 because the ending pissed me off)

Worth the WeightThe Worth Series Book 1: The Nice One) by Mara Jacobs

As someone who has struggled with body image and weight issues her whole life, this book really hit home. Lizzie is a smart, successful woman who has recently lost a lot of weight (it's never said how much weight). She's a planner and list maker who knows how to get things done and gets those things done by being 'the nice one'. It's often referred to in the book -her being nice. She comes up with this master plan to "Find, Fuck, and Forget Finn Robbins", an old high school boyfriend. Wanting to test out her new body she does just that. Her friends Alison and Katie are there for her the whole time she is plotting this plan and putting it into motion. They warn her that she's not one to have a relationship without emotion but Lizzie tells them she can do it. How wrong could she be?! In the process of hooking up with Finn she falls in love with his 2 kids from a previous marriage. Annie is in a wheelchair due to a spinal issue from birth and Stevie is a teen with a lot of angst. It's only when Lizzie comes to terms that she has always loved Finn that she realizes her friends were right.
The only thing predictable about this book is that you know once the main character finds herself, has sex, and tells the guy she loves him- something bad is bound to happen. That's exactly what happened. Finn overhears her friends talking about the plan and he storms offf in a rage, chews her out in front of a large crowd and leaves her- again.
Overall, it's a great book. If you're someone who has weight or body issues then this really will hit you in the gut and you'll understand Lizzie's struggles better than someone else.

4 out of 5 stars!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

UnEnchanted by Chanda Hahn

This book is one I've read recently and thought, "Oh it's free on Kindle why not try it out for looks." OMG. Who knew that I would LOVE it so much and buy the 2nd one and then find out that the 3rd one isn't even finished, there's no release date and the name is only potential. Argh! I hate when I find a good series and then BAM! nope you can't finish that series you have to wait a year or more for the next book.
So back to the review...
This book starts out slow, like snail slow. It's not until about halfway or so that you realize that this is a story that relates to the Grimm tales. Then and only then, it gets interesting. Mina is a girl who is unlucky or so she thinks. Her whole life she's been uprooted from her mother, Sara, when something happens out of the ordinary. When Mina saves a life, that of her crush and classmate, it's only then that Sara spills the family secret. Their name is not Grime but Grimm and they are cursed to live out each fairy tale in the real world. The fantasy of it all is so awesome. She has a guardian of sorts and a book that helps her 'eat' the bad guys. It's really a great take on the tales and makes you want to pick up the Grimm Fairy Tales and reread or read them for the first time. If you're into fantasy check out this book!

3.5 out of 5 stars!

Written in Stone by Ellery Adams

I think this book really was one that made me question whether or not this series was crazy or brilliant. Adams throws in some witchcraft for good measure in this book. In case you're wondering, BRILLIANT! is what it is. Olivia and her friends from the Bayside Book Writer's Club are in for a treat with one when they have to solve a 'who dun it' when the witch of the Bay turns up dead after she visited her. The oddness of her death spurs Olivia to check into it herself and solve the mystery behind the witch's death. Along with murder, Olivia also has to solve who poisoned two people at the local Food Festival.

A great 4th book in this series! Please go out and buy a copy and read it NOW or see if it's available at your local library.

5 out of 5 stars!

The Last Word by Ellery Adams

Who doesn't get excited when a celebrity comes to town? When best selling author Nick Plumley comes to town the town is a twitter with excitement in hopes to glimpse a sight of him. Who better to have the first chat with Nick then Olivia- the towns wealthiest resident. After a chat with him in her favorite diner (run by her good friend Dixie) Olivia finds out that Nick is here to write his next best seller. They agree for Olivia to come by his place later so she can read what he's got so far. But being who she is, Olivia of course stumbles upon another dead body. That of Nick Plumley! He's been strangled and his place ransacked. Could the thieves/murderer been looking for his book? Have no fear, the Bayside Book Writer's Club is on the hunt!

All of Ellery Adams' books are written wonderfully. She has the perfect amount of suspense, plot thickening, and romance to make you want to read more and not put down the book. This series is highly recommended, not only because the plots are so unique but also because Captain Haviland (the dog and Olivia's constant companion) add something to this story. Haviland is by far the best sidekick I've read about in a mystery series.

5 out of 5 stars!

A Deadly Cliche by Ellery Adams

Olivia is at it again with her Bayside Book Writer's Club! This time it's Olivia who discovers the dead body though on her morning walk of the beach. How horrible would that be to find a dead body on a beach..or anywhere for that matter! She handles it with the grace of anyone and her love interest Rawlings (also the chief of police & a member of the club) comes to her aide and also to investigate. Who is this dead person and why are they buried so crudely? The suspects always one step ahead in their wrongdoing set up the crime scenes to appear as "odd tableaus". With the help of the club can Rawlings find out who dun it? Also, this is FINALLY where Olivia and Rawlings pick up their love interest more. I always love a good murder with a love twist!

4 out 5 stars!

Update and Review of- A Killer Plot by Ellery Adams

Wow! It's been forever since I've done anything on my blog here. It's been crazy busy in my life with a new baby and being in my last year of grad school. But now things have settled and I've been a reading machine. Over the next few days I'll post reviews of about 10 books! I know crazy but after a long day reading makes it all better.

Review

A Killer Plot by Ellery Adams

I was unsure of how I would feel about the main character Olivia in this series but it turns out she's very lovable and not stuck up like I thought. She's a rich woman who can afford anything and everything but lives a pretty ordinary life without too many splurges. Her constant companion is her dog named, Captain Haviland. In the beginning stages of the story we find that Olivia is a target for gossip because of her wealth, recluseness, and also her best friend is a dog. She stays to herself and often lets the gossip roll off her back. Her good friend owns the local diner she frequents and has a 'spot') <---important to mention this because she spends A LOT of time there and it's mentioned frequently.) She starts to come out of her shell and joins a writing club(Bayside Book Club) for people who are currently writing their own books/novels. The people in the group are characters all their own! The fun begins for the group when people in their town turn up dead with haiku poems being left as clues! Can the club figure them out for the police? Oh yes they can!!
This book was very good and I enjoyed it so much I bought the next 3 in the series. I would definitely try out the first of this mystery series!

5 out of 5 stars!