Showing posts with label mystery fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mystery fiction. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2014
Plot Twist
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
October Book Club Pick- great choice!
Summary (back of book)
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
My thoughts
In all honesty, I LOVED this book! I was so convinced in the first few chapters that Nick killed his wife. I mean it made sense, it all added up- except the body. But then once you actually start seeing Amy through Nick's eyes, and even reading the Diary Amy entries, you start to think, what? Yes, Nick looses his temper but is he really capable of murder? I don't think so. This book is brilliant, from beginning to end. I mean, Gillian Flynn is a genius. A true genius. The mind it takes to fashion a crime so devious, is remarkable.
It's hard for me to really decide if Amy is demented sociopath or just pure evil. I think both really. Yes, she's incredibly smart but who the hell does THAT to their husband to teach them a lesson? I mean come on. Just divorce him for heaven's sake. I mean the attention to detail she had planning her own murder/death, wow. I could never do that- which probably why I'm considered normal. I mean it took her a year or so to plan all the details. The fake credit cards, the fake diary..I mean, wow. In a sick way, she is to be admired. She's the kind of psycho that has followers and copycats. Flynn definitely broke the mold creating this character.
Nick is a tired, bored husband who only has one thing going for him- the 20-something hot college student he's banging. He never sees the setup by his wife coming. He does figure it out though. And the good thing is that one of the officers is on his side. I mean you get the feeling he's just not that smart to pull off a murder. He would do something to screw it up. In a big way, like call 911 on himself. In the end though, I just feel incredibly sorry for him. I mean geez, to figure out your wife framed you for her own murder, then she shows back up after killing her supposed 'kidnapper, rapist' well, damn, that sucks so bad. And the thing is, he can't divorce her. She has too much on him. His life is rough and it sucks. I really would love to know what happens though. I would love to know if he does end up killing her, like she should be, that demented witch.
Amy's parents are a different breed. I hated them. I mean HATED them. They are the reason she is the way she is.
I loved loved this book. The plot and all the twists and turns will keep you wanting to read and make you not want to sleep. In total, it took me 24 hours to read. I started it one morning and finished it the following afternoon, after begrudingly going to bed because my eyes were going bleary. It's so worth the lack of sleep.
5 out of 5 stars!
Summary (back of book)
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
My thoughts
In all honesty, I LOVED this book! I was so convinced in the first few chapters that Nick killed his wife. I mean it made sense, it all added up- except the body. But then once you actually start seeing Amy through Nick's eyes, and even reading the Diary Amy entries, you start to think, what? Yes, Nick looses his temper but is he really capable of murder? I don't think so. This book is brilliant, from beginning to end. I mean, Gillian Flynn is a genius. A true genius. The mind it takes to fashion a crime so devious, is remarkable.
It's hard for me to really decide if Amy is demented sociopath or just pure evil. I think both really. Yes, she's incredibly smart but who the hell does THAT to their husband to teach them a lesson? I mean come on. Just divorce him for heaven's sake. I mean the attention to detail she had planning her own murder/death, wow. I could never do that- which probably why I'm considered normal. I mean it took her a year or so to plan all the details. The fake credit cards, the fake diary..I mean, wow. In a sick way, she is to be admired. She's the kind of psycho that has followers and copycats. Flynn definitely broke the mold creating this character.
Nick is a tired, bored husband who only has one thing going for him- the 20-something hot college student he's banging. He never sees the setup by his wife coming. He does figure it out though. And the good thing is that one of the officers is on his side. I mean you get the feeling he's just not that smart to pull off a murder. He would do something to screw it up. In a big way, like call 911 on himself. In the end though, I just feel incredibly sorry for him. I mean geez, to figure out your wife framed you for her own murder, then she shows back up after killing her supposed 'kidnapper, rapist' well, damn, that sucks so bad. And the thing is, he can't divorce her. She has too much on him. His life is rough and it sucks. I really would love to know what happens though. I would love to know if he does end up killing her, like she should be, that demented witch.
Amy's parents are a different breed. I hated them. I mean HATED them. They are the reason she is the way she is.
I loved loved this book. The plot and all the twists and turns will keep you wanting to read and make you not want to sleep. In total, it took me 24 hours to read. I started it one morning and finished it the following afternoon, after begrudingly going to bed because my eyes were going bleary. It's so worth the lack of sleep.
5 out of 5 stars!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series (books 1-5) by Miranda James
I convinced my husband to take me and our daughter to the book store a week or so ago just so I could peruse the goodies on the shelves. Well, I ended up buying the first 5 books in this mystery series. I am such a sucker for mysteries! Especially when they have all the books in that series ready for you to buy..Bless my husband's heart..he stood no chance.
The books:
1. Murder Past Due
2. Classified as Murder
3. File M for Murder
4. Out of Circulation
5. The Silence of the Library
As you can see the series is set in libraries and revolves around library type stuff. Miranda James is an alias for Dean James. He also writes under a couple other names. I LOVE this series because it's set in Mississippi, which is where I'm from. Honestly, it made me very homesick.
Overview
Charlie Harris is a 50ish year old man, widower, with 2 adult children. He also is works at the college library in Athena, MS. He volunteers at the public library once a week also. What makes Charlie interesting and the talk of the town is his companion, Diesel. Diesel is a Maine Coon cat, who is large even for the breed. Charlie and Diesel go everywhere together.
In Murder Past Due, Charlie is working hard when his old high school classmate, Godfrey Priest, arrives. Priest is an unbearable man who is famous for writing thrillers. Events unfold quickly once Priest arrives- he lands a man in the hospital, and then he's found dead- by Charlie. Justin, a boarder in Charlie's house, is the biological son of Priest. They both just found out and were getting acquainted. The story continues with Charlie helping out Deputy Berry solving the murder. Who killed Priest and why? Can Charlie clear Justin's name? Yes he does. Read Murder Past Due to find out who kills Priest!
In Classified as Murder, Charlie is asked by the town's eccentric resident, James Delacorte, to do inventory for him of his rare books collection. He has feelings that someone is stealing his books, and the thief is related to him. On the first day of inventory, Charlie leaves for lunch only to return to find Mr. Delacorte dead in the library. Charlie once again is thrown into the investigation to help find out who killed Mr. Delacorte and why. Charlie tries not to step on Deputy Berry's toes and tries to stay out of trouble poking his nose around. After receiving threats, Charlie can't stop. He must find out who killed this man. Can Charlie put all the facts together? Read Classified as Murder to find out!
File M for Murder revolves around the arrival of noted playwright, Connor Lawton. He's in town helping Athena College perform a new drama. We also meet Charlie's daughter, Laura, and learn of her previous relationship with Connor. After Connor calls Laura and asks her to come over to his hotel room, Laura finds Connor dead. She immediately calls Charlie and asks him to come help her and what to do. Deputy Berry arrives sometime later full of questions for both Charlie and Laura. Can Charlie make Berry see that Laura would never murder anyone? Charlie has to find who killed Connor before Deputy Berry arrests Laura for a murder she did not commit. Charlie poles his nose around and soon finds out who did it and the twist on why! This was probably the most twisty book in the series. I enjoyed this one because it had drama with it- stalkers, loud clothing, drama actors. Read File M for Murder, you will love it!
Out of Circulation finds Charlie as a member of one of the town boards- along with some very high rolling ladies. The Ducote sisters are one of the wealthiest and charitable ladies in town. Along with Vera Cassity they like to throw big todo's in town to raise money for various organizations. Charlie finds himself disliking Vera and throwing his vote in with the Ducote sisters. But was that the right thing to do? Especially after they tell him, Vera will get what's coming to her soon. At the party of the year, Vera is found dead and Charlie's maid, Deputy Berry's mother, Azalea, is in the midst of it- or so it seems. Can Charlie help Berry clear Azalea's name? and find out who the true murderer is? This book is full of twists and turns! I LOVE this one too!
The Silence of the Library is about National Library Week and the week of events that will be happening in honor of it. Charlie is working on a display about mystery series. One of the series authors, Electra Barnes Cartwright, is rumored to have settled close to Athena. He and Teresa (library director) go and visit Mrs. Cartwright to invite her to talk during the week. She gladly accepts! Teresa is called the next day by Cartwright's daughter to discuss the fee- something the Teresa is shocked about since money wasn't discussed at the meeting. Now Teresa fears that the author won't appear because paying her isn't in the library budget. Soon, collectors start to arrive and try to bully their way into having Mrs. Cartwright sign all their copies of her mystery books. They are willing to pay crazy amounts for her to do this. When the president of the ECB's fan club is found murdered Charlie puts on his detective hat once again to help solve the murder and find out if Mrs. Cartwright is truly alive at 100 yrs old or if something more sinister happened to her.
My feelings
I absolutely loved this series! I read it in 5 days- yes, one book a day. I was uncertain about having a man as the lead character in a mystery series but I really love Charlie and his cat Diesel. I'm so used to having strong female leads in the mysteries I read, that it was refreshing to have Charlie and his sweet cat be the spotlight. I loved this book even more because it's set in my home state of Mississippi. It made me so very homesick that I was calling my mom regularly (which I do anyways but more so). I even researched Miranda James to find out more about her only to find out she's a he! It made more sense that Dean James would have a male lead in a detective series such as this once you discover the name Miranda James is his pseudonym. It works though! I especially love Diesel! I would love love love to see a Maine Coon in person. They sound like such amazing and beautiful animals, smart too.
One of my favorite characters, besides Charlie and Diesel, was Deputy Kanesha Berry. She was the first African American woman Deputy in the small town of Athena and she is FIERCE! Her character is strong, smart, and badass. She's intimidating but she knows good help when she finds it. She doesn't trust many but when she does she relies on them. I thought her character was needed in the story. She was the yang to Charlie's ying since he's so nice and welcoming.
I HIGHLY recommend this series! I cannot wait to read the next books in the series.
5 out of 5 stars for all 5 books!!
The books:
1. Murder Past Due
2. Classified as Murder
3. File M for Murder
4. Out of Circulation
5. The Silence of the Library
As you can see the series is set in libraries and revolves around library type stuff. Miranda James is an alias for Dean James. He also writes under a couple other names. I LOVE this series because it's set in Mississippi, which is where I'm from. Honestly, it made me very homesick.
Overview
Charlie Harris is a 50ish year old man, widower, with 2 adult children. He also is works at the college library in Athena, MS. He volunteers at the public library once a week also. What makes Charlie interesting and the talk of the town is his companion, Diesel. Diesel is a Maine Coon cat, who is large even for the breed. Charlie and Diesel go everywhere together.
In Murder Past Due, Charlie is working hard when his old high school classmate, Godfrey Priest, arrives. Priest is an unbearable man who is famous for writing thrillers. Events unfold quickly once Priest arrives- he lands a man in the hospital, and then he's found dead- by Charlie. Justin, a boarder in Charlie's house, is the biological son of Priest. They both just found out and were getting acquainted. The story continues with Charlie helping out Deputy Berry solving the murder. Who killed Priest and why? Can Charlie clear Justin's name? Yes he does. Read Murder Past Due to find out who kills Priest!
In Classified as Murder, Charlie is asked by the town's eccentric resident, James Delacorte, to do inventory for him of his rare books collection. He has feelings that someone is stealing his books, and the thief is related to him. On the first day of inventory, Charlie leaves for lunch only to return to find Mr. Delacorte dead in the library. Charlie once again is thrown into the investigation to help find out who killed Mr. Delacorte and why. Charlie tries not to step on Deputy Berry's toes and tries to stay out of trouble poking his nose around. After receiving threats, Charlie can't stop. He must find out who killed this man. Can Charlie put all the facts together? Read Classified as Murder to find out!
File M for Murder revolves around the arrival of noted playwright, Connor Lawton. He's in town helping Athena College perform a new drama. We also meet Charlie's daughter, Laura, and learn of her previous relationship with Connor. After Connor calls Laura and asks her to come over to his hotel room, Laura finds Connor dead. She immediately calls Charlie and asks him to come help her and what to do. Deputy Berry arrives sometime later full of questions for both Charlie and Laura. Can Charlie make Berry see that Laura would never murder anyone? Charlie has to find who killed Connor before Deputy Berry arrests Laura for a murder she did not commit. Charlie poles his nose around and soon finds out who did it and the twist on why! This was probably the most twisty book in the series. I enjoyed this one because it had drama with it- stalkers, loud clothing, drama actors. Read File M for Murder, you will love it!
Out of Circulation finds Charlie as a member of one of the town boards- along with some very high rolling ladies. The Ducote sisters are one of the wealthiest and charitable ladies in town. Along with Vera Cassity they like to throw big todo's in town to raise money for various organizations. Charlie finds himself disliking Vera and throwing his vote in with the Ducote sisters. But was that the right thing to do? Especially after they tell him, Vera will get what's coming to her soon. At the party of the year, Vera is found dead and Charlie's maid, Deputy Berry's mother, Azalea, is in the midst of it- or so it seems. Can Charlie help Berry clear Azalea's name? and find out who the true murderer is? This book is full of twists and turns! I LOVE this one too!
The Silence of the Library is about National Library Week and the week of events that will be happening in honor of it. Charlie is working on a display about mystery series. One of the series authors, Electra Barnes Cartwright, is rumored to have settled close to Athena. He and Teresa (library director) go and visit Mrs. Cartwright to invite her to talk during the week. She gladly accepts! Teresa is called the next day by Cartwright's daughter to discuss the fee- something the Teresa is shocked about since money wasn't discussed at the meeting. Now Teresa fears that the author won't appear because paying her isn't in the library budget. Soon, collectors start to arrive and try to bully their way into having Mrs. Cartwright sign all their copies of her mystery books. They are willing to pay crazy amounts for her to do this. When the president of the ECB's fan club is found murdered Charlie puts on his detective hat once again to help solve the murder and find out if Mrs. Cartwright is truly alive at 100 yrs old or if something more sinister happened to her.
My feelings
I absolutely loved this series! I read it in 5 days- yes, one book a day. I was uncertain about having a man as the lead character in a mystery series but I really love Charlie and his cat Diesel. I'm so used to having strong female leads in the mysteries I read, that it was refreshing to have Charlie and his sweet cat be the spotlight. I loved this book even more because it's set in my home state of Mississippi. It made me so very homesick that I was calling my mom regularly (which I do anyways but more so). I even researched Miranda James to find out more about her only to find out she's a he! It made more sense that Dean James would have a male lead in a detective series such as this once you discover the name Miranda James is his pseudonym. It works though! I especially love Diesel! I would love love love to see a Maine Coon in person. They sound like such amazing and beautiful animals, smart too.
One of my favorite characters, besides Charlie and Diesel, was Deputy Kanesha Berry. She was the first African American woman Deputy in the small town of Athena and she is FIERCE! Her character is strong, smart, and badass. She's intimidating but she knows good help when she finds it. She doesn't trust many but when she does she relies on them. I thought her character was needed in the story. She was the yang to Charlie's ying since he's so nice and welcoming.
I HIGHLY recommend this series! I cannot wait to read the next books in the series.
5 out of 5 stars for all 5 books!!
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Forget Me by K.A. Harrington
Recommendation from Tumblr.
Summary:
Three months after her boyfriend's death, Morgan uploads a picture of him to a social media site for 'closure'. In doing this, she finds out that her may be alive as the site prompted to tag someone- who looks exactly like him. Realizing she doesn't know a lot about her boyfriend of 2 months, Morgan sets out to find out who this 'twin' is and why her boyfriend was so secretive. Morgan goes into detective mode and finds out a lot of answers to questions she has. This fast paced novel really delves into the lies and mysteries in a small town and found in your own family. Is Morgan's boyfriend really alive? No. Does he have a twin? No. But the person she does find is even better than him. Does she bring down an evil man who was thought to be dead? Yes. Does she give the town peace? Yes.
Read it to find out how! It's a super quick read. I read it in 2 hours.
My Thoughts:
LOVED IT! The conversations are quick and well written. Morgan is a quick-thinking teen who is motivated to find the truth. Her best friend is a great side-kick but can definitely hold her own. Evan is adorable (come on, dimples, *swoon*). I think he's the one she's been looking for anyways. Their relationship is real from the start, a little weird under the circumstances but real. What I really liked about this book is the active presence of parents. It's so great to finally have parents who care! Who actively parent in a book. It's so life-like. So hooray for that, Harrington. It's a face paced read and you will enjoy it. It's maybe a little easy to figure out but it's such a great read that you won't care. Read it.
5 out of 5 stars! I love quick reads that are also quick-thinking and have strong characters.
Summary:
Three months after her boyfriend's death, Morgan uploads a picture of him to a social media site for 'closure'. In doing this, she finds out that her may be alive as the site prompted to tag someone- who looks exactly like him. Realizing she doesn't know a lot about her boyfriend of 2 months, Morgan sets out to find out who this 'twin' is and why her boyfriend was so secretive. Morgan goes into detective mode and finds out a lot of answers to questions she has. This fast paced novel really delves into the lies and mysteries in a small town and found in your own family. Is Morgan's boyfriend really alive? No. Does he have a twin? No. But the person she does find is even better than him. Does she bring down an evil man who was thought to be dead? Yes. Does she give the town peace? Yes.
Read it to find out how! It's a super quick read. I read it in 2 hours.
My Thoughts:
LOVED IT! The conversations are quick and well written. Morgan is a quick-thinking teen who is motivated to find the truth. Her best friend is a great side-kick but can definitely hold her own. Evan is adorable (come on, dimples, *swoon*). I think he's the one she's been looking for anyways. Their relationship is real from the start, a little weird under the circumstances but real. What I really liked about this book is the active presence of parents. It's so great to finally have parents who care! Who actively parent in a book. It's so life-like. So hooray for that, Harrington. It's a face paced read and you will enjoy it. It's maybe a little easy to figure out but it's such a great read that you won't care. Read it.
5 out of 5 stars! I love quick reads that are also quick-thinking and have strong characters.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
June Update
I've been working hard on my research paper for my LAST graduate class. I just found out I passed my comprehensive exam so now it's just getting this paper done and approved. I feel like I have so much to do but I know it's not all that much when I take it piece by piece. I work on it a limited amount of time because 1. I'm not a morning person, 2. I want to spend time with my toddler, and 3. it drains me lol.
I have read a couple of books though. I read, The Diva Wraps It Up, by Krista Davis. It's like the 5th or 6th book in her 'Domestic Diva mysteries' series. It's set around Christmas time and it has all kinds of Christmas-y things in it like a light decorating contest, a cookie swap, decorating tips, food recipes, and murder..oh wait. I love this series. It's one of my personal favorites and I preorder the books when I see there's a new one coming out. If you're looking for a good read, an easy read, a fun read- lots of laughs and sarcasm with a little bit of 'omg, she's so annoying' but still I love it.
I'm listening to Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck. It's for a book club I'm in and it's slooooow going. Not even past chapter 2. I'm reading on my Kindle, Shine Shine Shine by Lydia Netzer and if I'm being honest the cover drew me to it. It's really pretty.
I also bought The Fault in Our Stars by John Green- because let's face it if I'm going to watch the movie, I'm going to read the book first so I can complain about how the movie fails. Flat Out Love by Jessica Park is the other book I bought (don't judge, I had a giftcard for Amazon- had being the keyword). It sounded interesting from the description so I'm going to give it a go.
I do have a ton of other books on my kindle to read and add more and more books to my 'to be read' list everyday thanks to Tumblr. Speaking of, if you're on Tumblr: follow me at http://mommylibrariantom.tumblr.com/ or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/LibrarianTom227
Read on!
M
I have read a couple of books though. I read, The Diva Wraps It Up, by Krista Davis. It's like the 5th or 6th book in her 'Domestic Diva mysteries' series. It's set around Christmas time and it has all kinds of Christmas-y things in it like a light decorating contest, a cookie swap, decorating tips, food recipes, and murder..oh wait. I love this series. It's one of my personal favorites and I preorder the books when I see there's a new one coming out. If you're looking for a good read, an easy read, a fun read- lots of laughs and sarcasm with a little bit of 'omg, she's so annoying' but still I love it.
I'm listening to Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck. It's for a book club I'm in and it's slooooow going. Not even past chapter 2. I'm reading on my Kindle, Shine Shine Shine by Lydia Netzer and if I'm being honest the cover drew me to it. It's really pretty.
I also bought The Fault in Our Stars by John Green- because let's face it if I'm going to watch the movie, I'm going to read the book first so I can complain about how the movie fails. Flat Out Love by Jessica Park is the other book I bought (don't judge, I had a giftcard for Amazon- had being the keyword). It sounded interesting from the description so I'm going to give it a go.
I do have a ton of other books on my kindle to read and add more and more books to my 'to be read' list everyday thanks to Tumblr. Speaking of, if you're on Tumblr: follow me at http://mommylibrariantom.tumblr.com/ or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/LibrarianTom227
Read on!
M
Friday, February 21, 2014
A Potion To Die For by Heather Blake
I'm a lover of mystery books. Especially the kind where mystery, love, and humor are all weaved together. This book is probably one of the best first books of a series that I've read in a while. The main character, Carly Bell Hartwell, is strong, independent, funny and also a witch. Her specialty is potions for the mind, soul, and body. As the oldest cousin she has the family 'secret recipe' to making potions. Her cousin Delia is constantly trying to find out the secret so her hexes will be more potent. The whole story revolves around Carly and how a dead lawyer is found in her store with one of her potion bottles in his hand. The whole town of Hitching Post, AL thinks she did it. And now, her business is taking a hit. What a girl to do? Solve the murder of course. With many twists and turns and you'll never guess who did it end this book is great!
One of the characters that did steal the show for me was Carly's best friend Ainsley. She was once a wile child but now a preacher's wife with 3 crazy kids. She brings the humor and Southern love and charm to this but also a sense of kickassery to the story too.
Another character worth mentioning is the swoon-worthy love interest of Carly's, Dylan, the sheriff. Those two have some history! Like being engaged twice and both times never getting hitched history. Burning down a chapel is mentioned a few times throughout the story too.
Aunt Marjie is also a character that people will love! She's a crazy old lady who has an itchy trigger finger. I loved her!
I really think that if you want to start reading good mysteries you should start with a good series...START WITH THIS ONE! Loved it sooo much. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
5 out of 5 stars!
One of the characters that did steal the show for me was Carly's best friend Ainsley. She was once a wile child but now a preacher's wife with 3 crazy kids. She brings the humor and Southern love and charm to this but also a sense of kickassery to the story too.
Another character worth mentioning is the swoon-worthy love interest of Carly's, Dylan, the sheriff. Those two have some history! Like being engaged twice and both times never getting hitched history. Burning down a chapel is mentioned a few times throughout the story too.
Aunt Marjie is also a character that people will love! She's a crazy old lady who has an itchy trigger finger. I loved her!
I really think that if you want to start reading good mysteries you should start with a good series...START WITH THIS ONE! Loved it sooo much. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
5 out of 5 stars!
Monday, February 3, 2014
Game by Barry Lyga
Game delves once again into the creative mind of Lyga except this time a new player is in the this game.
Jazz is at it again but this time the stakes are higher. He's hunting his dad, Billy Dent. Billy has escaped from prison and is killing people. But what's different are the people and what he does to them. Hats and dogs? What does that mean? Jazz travels to New York to help the police solve these murders and soon finds out that maybe Billy has an accomplice or two.
Jazz and the NYPD soon find out that Billy Dent is playing a sick game with 2 others who are doing the killings. Bodies are piling up and Jazz is so close to finding out so many more details of who he is and who Ugly J is.
This book gives us more of everyone else involved in Jazz's life and gets out of Jazz's head and the what if's of him becoming a killer like his dad. It is a BIG jump and leap that NYPD would consult a teenager about anything let alone serial killers but I guess for a fiction book anything is plausible. It does add a little bit of 'I don't know if this should be happening' but Lyga doesn't make it too crazy or out of the ordinary he makes feel like a last resort when the police don't have anything better than this teenager.
Lyga does go deeper into darkness with this book and that makes it more interesting but the humor like that first book isn't there as much. It becomes almost like an adult murder mystery rather than the teen fiction it should be.
What drives me absolutely mad is when authors leave you hanging and this author does just that...What the hell happens to Jazz? I can't wait for the next book in this series.
4 out 5 stars...only because of the ending that left me going "WTF"
Jazz is at it again but this time the stakes are higher. He's hunting his dad, Billy Dent. Billy has escaped from prison and is killing people. But what's different are the people and what he does to them. Hats and dogs? What does that mean? Jazz travels to New York to help the police solve these murders and soon finds out that maybe Billy has an accomplice or two.
Jazz and the NYPD soon find out that Billy Dent is playing a sick game with 2 others who are doing the killings. Bodies are piling up and Jazz is so close to finding out so many more details of who he is and who Ugly J is.
This book gives us more of everyone else involved in Jazz's life and gets out of Jazz's head and the what if's of him becoming a killer like his dad. It is a BIG jump and leap that NYPD would consult a teenager about anything let alone serial killers but I guess for a fiction book anything is plausible. It does add a little bit of 'I don't know if this should be happening' but Lyga doesn't make it too crazy or out of the ordinary he makes feel like a last resort when the police don't have anything better than this teenager.
Lyga does go deeper into darkness with this book and that makes it more interesting but the humor like that first book isn't there as much. It becomes almost like an adult murder mystery rather than the teen fiction it should be.
What drives me absolutely mad is when authors leave you hanging and this author does just that...What the hell happens to Jazz? I can't wait for the next book in this series.
4 out 5 stars...only because of the ending that left me going "WTF"
I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
I Hunt Killers was a book that I stumbled upon in the bookstore and couldn't stop thinking about after reading the back of it to see what is was about. When I got home, I immediately regretted not buying it and went on my Kindle Fire and bought it and felt so much better.
How do I feel about buying it? I feel like it was the ONLY choice and the BEST choice.
Jazz is a 16 yr old boy whose life is not like most. His dad, Billy Dent, is the most notorious serial killer to ever live. From a very young age, his dad would take him to scope out his 'prospects' and teach him how to be the best at killing. A pretty chilling and sad story about a kid who doesn't want to turn into his father so he works with the police and the local sheriff, G William, to catch killers. He's great at it too. No child should ever have the thoughts Jazz has in this book or worry about whether or not he's going to kill women like his father did. His best friend, Howie, is a great character to have in this story since he gives the comedic relief. Connie, Jazz's girlfriend, is the only one who can stand up to Jazz and takes no shit from him. Jazz's grandmother, well there are no words to describe her except maybe, batshit crazy. She is both hilarious, sad, senile, demented and gentle all at the same time and makes Jazz's life even more interesting.
In the first book of the series, Jazz is helping G. William and the police find what he is certain is a serial killer. He becomes obsessed and no matter how many times is told to stop or to let it go or that it's not a serial killer, he just KNOWS it is.
And it is....
And it's impossible to guess who it is. Lyga does a tremendous job of making the reader look and think one way and then pulling off a fast one with who it really is. The details of the murders are chilling but in such a way that you can't look away.
5 out of 5 stars!
Up next, Game- Book 2 in I Hunt Killers series.
How do I feel about buying it? I feel like it was the ONLY choice and the BEST choice.
Jazz is a 16 yr old boy whose life is not like most. His dad, Billy Dent, is the most notorious serial killer to ever live. From a very young age, his dad would take him to scope out his 'prospects' and teach him how to be the best at killing. A pretty chilling and sad story about a kid who doesn't want to turn into his father so he works with the police and the local sheriff, G William, to catch killers. He's great at it too. No child should ever have the thoughts Jazz has in this book or worry about whether or not he's going to kill women like his father did. His best friend, Howie, is a great character to have in this story since he gives the comedic relief. Connie, Jazz's girlfriend, is the only one who can stand up to Jazz and takes no shit from him. Jazz's grandmother, well there are no words to describe her except maybe, batshit crazy. She is both hilarious, sad, senile, demented and gentle all at the same time and makes Jazz's life even more interesting.
In the first book of the series, Jazz is helping G. William and the police find what he is certain is a serial killer. He becomes obsessed and no matter how many times is told to stop or to let it go or that it's not a serial killer, he just KNOWS it is.
And it is....
And it's impossible to guess who it is. Lyga does a tremendous job of making the reader look and think one way and then pulling off a fast one with who it really is. The details of the murders are chilling but in such a way that you can't look away.
5 out of 5 stars!
Up next, Game- Book 2 in I Hunt Killers series.
Friday, September 27, 2013
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.
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!
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!
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!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard
I'm such a huge fan of mystery fiction, it's one of my favorite genres. I actually read this book for a book club I'm in and I am so glad I did. I usually read those little cutesy tootsie mystery series but I may have to branch out and pick up more regular, more adult-like mysteries.
The story centers around Jody, a young woman whose parents were murdered 23 years ago and how the murderer is coming back to town after his being set free by the governor. After the first chapter, it flashbacks to the year the murders happened. Hugh-Jay and Laurie, her parents. were young, twenty somethings who had their whole future ahead of them. Laurie was a spoiled girl who was stealing from the Linders. Hugh-Jay and his family were rich and powerful but a good family in Rose, Kansas. Their marriage was in a rough patch because it turns out Laurie was stealing money from one of their ranches (which didn't surprise me one bit). One of my favorite characters was Chase. He was a rugged cowboy who all the ladies loved but he still worked hard and loved his family. I'm so glad he didn't kill his brother and sister in law since I thought the whole time he did! The man who was convicted of the murders was Billy Crosby, a mean son of a bitch who had a drinking problem and beat his wife and son. His son, Collin, is the one who gets him out of jail because he grew up to be a lawyer. As the story progresses, you find out that the Linder daughter's (Belle) fiance, Meryl, kills them but the way it happens, while horrible, is accidental. Hugh-Jay came home to find Laurie and who he thought was Billy having sex (he thought he was raping her) but really it was Meryl and Laurie having sex as they had been having an affair. Hugh-Jay is shot with his own shot gun after Meryl jumps at him and turns the gun on him. Laurie is taken to the rock formation where she falls to her death. In the end, Colling and Jody fall in love as they were meant to be all along.
I highly recommend you read this book even if you now know who did it. The details are in the book and it's such a good read! It's one of those books you can't put down because it's so well written and suspenseful!
4 out 5 stars! (some typos)
The story centers around Jody, a young woman whose parents were murdered 23 years ago and how the murderer is coming back to town after his being set free by the governor. After the first chapter, it flashbacks to the year the murders happened. Hugh-Jay and Laurie, her parents. were young, twenty somethings who had their whole future ahead of them. Laurie was a spoiled girl who was stealing from the Linders. Hugh-Jay and his family were rich and powerful but a good family in Rose, Kansas. Their marriage was in a rough patch because it turns out Laurie was stealing money from one of their ranches (which didn't surprise me one bit). One of my favorite characters was Chase. He was a rugged cowboy who all the ladies loved but he still worked hard and loved his family. I'm so glad he didn't kill his brother and sister in law since I thought the whole time he did! The man who was convicted of the murders was Billy Crosby, a mean son of a bitch who had a drinking problem and beat his wife and son. His son, Collin, is the one who gets him out of jail because he grew up to be a lawyer. As the story progresses, you find out that the Linder daughter's (Belle) fiance, Meryl, kills them but the way it happens, while horrible, is accidental. Hugh-Jay came home to find Laurie and who he thought was Billy having sex (he thought he was raping her) but really it was Meryl and Laurie having sex as they had been having an affair. Hugh-Jay is shot with his own shot gun after Meryl jumps at him and turns the gun on him. Laurie is taken to the rock formation where she falls to her death. In the end, Colling and Jody fall in love as they were meant to be all along.
I highly recommend you read this book even if you now know who did it. The details are in the book and it's such a good read! It's one of those books you can't put down because it's so well written and suspenseful!
4 out 5 stars! (some typos)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Mind Over Murder (A Raven's Nest Bookstore Mystery) by Allison Kingsley
What could be better than a mystery series set in a bookstore in a small town? How about some magic and mind-reading with it? Clara Quinn and her cousin Stephanie Quinn Dowd are great characters, more like sisters than cousins their banter makes this story enjoyable. Clara has what is known as the Quinn Sense, it helps her know when people are lying (if only) and it's the only time where hearing voices is acceptable. The unexpected murderer makes the story all that more interesting, just when you think you know who done it the author puts doubt in your mind with some other clue. I also liked the romantic element between Clara and the Rick, the Hardware store owner. The subtle humor in this book makes it along with the mystery of who killed the mean old woman, worth reading!
Thanks to my Mom who let me borrow this book to read :))
5 out 5 stars!
Thanks to my Mom who let me borrow this book to read :))
5 out 5 stars!
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Diva Digs Up the Dirt by Krista Davis (#6 in A Domestic Diva mystery series)
I realize that I'm starting with #6 of this series but I PROMISE you that if you go back and read the other 5 in the series: The Diva Runs Out of Thyme; The Diva Takes the Cake; The Diva Paints the Town; The Diva Cooks a Goose; The Diva Haunts the House : you won't be sorry about reading this wonderful and surprising mystery series. Davis is wonderful at creating scenes for the main character, Sophie Winston, to get into and her counterpart, Natasha (who you love to hate), to get in her way and try to out do her. Mixed with murder, mystery, love and great food/drink recipes these books leave you wanting more and more from author Krista Davis. I think one of the best things about this book is the way Davis portrays the relationship between Sophie and her ex husband Mars - a healthy, happy friendship and shared custody of their dog. This book #6, sets the record straight about a rumor of who killed a young woman 4 years ago - which makes Sophie interested since the prime subject is her now boyfriend, Wolf, a police detective.
Start with book 1 and work your way up to this book 6 - you won't be disappointed!!
5 out of 5 stars!
Start with book 1 and work your way up to this book 6 - you won't be disappointed!!
5 out of 5 stars!
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