*** Audiobook *** This is a well-balanced mystery with plenty of suspects among the users of her limo service. The development of Andi's relationship w*** Audiobook *** This is a well-balanced mystery with plenty of suspects among the users of her limo service. The development of Andi's relationship with her neighbour and his girlfriend is original and intriguing ad kept me listening. An easy "read" by virtue of a subtle narrator, and an overall clean, cosy mystery. ...more
Paranormal stories are not my usual read, but with this being a cozy mystery, I thought I'd give it go. It was actually great fun, with** Audiobook **
Paranormal stories are not my usual read, but with this being a cozy mystery, I thought I'd give it go. It was actually great fun, with some bizarre but entertaining plots. Victoria doesn't see herself as a witch, certainly not a practising one, and she has doubts she'd ever be able to pull of any spells after her last attempt went so disastrously wrong. Her familiar, a cat by the name of Professor Studmuffin III bakes - of course - but with the driest sense of humour and the biggest ego ever. What could possibly be any more bizarre? Maybe when Victoria tries to prevent a series of deaths (one of which is her own) and has to keep travelling back in time with a spell to do so, but is constantly thwarted by one thing or another. It's funny, amusing, yet you can't help be drawn into Victoria's life and her problems. For me, a non-American, the narration was an issue at times, usually when the narrator was in character, and the Southern accent was hard to understand. At one time, Victoria says something about "having a laff" (which to my British ears is having a laugh). However, after rerunning it a few times, I realised she meant "having a life". I would definitely read more in this series but think I'll stick to reading rather than listening. Great fun, quirky, and frequently chaotic - in the best possible way! ...more
When you think of booking a short break on the Isle of Skye, Loch House would make very few "must visit" lists. For Nicola, her son George, and partneWhen you think of booking a short break on the Isle of Skye, Loch House would make very few "must visit" lists. For Nicola, her son George, and partner Matt, it's far from what they expected. Matt plans to propose, while Nicola has totally different ideas on where their relationship is heading. But a heavy snow storm and Matt getting the dates of his booking wrong at a different hotel see them have little option than to check in to Loch House, the only place with vacancies. Other guests seem to feel equally as uncomfortable in the old-fashioned verging on derelict guest house, and the owners added rules seem particularly harsh. After all, "no phones, no going out after 9pm, windows that don't open and doors that only lock from the inside" are not the usual demands made of hotel guests EVER! So why are these guest house owners so inflexible? It seems Loch House has a bloody history, and that weekend is the tenth anniversary of that event. Even so, history rarely repeats itself - or does it? The Last Guest House is a locked room mystery combined with a psychological thriller and the story of the guests' stay there that weekend runs alongside a subplot featuring true crime podcasters trying to unravel the bloody murder mystery of the house a decade ago. As it happens, the podcasters are in for a surprise too, their "investigations" being tied into the goings on at the house in more ways than expected. A great cast of characters - Dorothy & Henry (the owners of Loch House) are uncomfortably odd and stuck in the past, but maybe they have good reason to be so. My favourite character is young George, showing such empathy and loyalty to the surprise resident of the house.
Told from varying viewpoints - to call them opposing would be an understatement - the story is slow to take off, and the podcast snippets sometimes feel jarring, but eventually it all becomes clear. And, sadly, the history of Loch House is heart-breaking, the actions of the owners (though questionable) suddenly make sense, and the podcasters finally crack the case... but at what cost?
Thanks go to Embla Books and Netgalley for my copy; I really enjoyed this and will gladly check out more by this author....more
Bloodshed on the Boards is a community-led cosy mystery with its very own "Miss Marple" sleuth in Morwenna Mutton. Morwenna likes to tackle mysteries Bloodshed on the Boards is a community-led cosy mystery with its very own "Miss Marple" sleuth in Morwenna Mutton. Morwenna likes to tackle mysteries in her own way, by asking questions and following up leads while seeming to be perfectly innocently curious. Set in Cornwall, with the added attraction of a wild swimming club where members talk "freely" about what's happening in their lives and their village. It's prime puzzle-solving ground for Morwenna in this book as she interacts not only with her friends but also others connected in some way to the travelling theatre group - whose director/owner has just been killed - and the murder itself. Very much family-oriented, the story thrives on the interactions of Morwenna and her family and friends and their shared activities support the mystery plot well while also adding some fun red herrings to the mix. It's an entertaining, enjoyable and easy read. A good whodunnit with more than its fair share of humour, community spirit, joie de vivre and good, old-fashioned fun. A series I could happily explore further.
Tras leer este primer libro de la serie, quiero leer más del curioso inspector Salazar y su compañera Sofia Garay. Es una historia original, conectandTras leer este primer libro de la serie, quiero leer más del curioso inspector Salazar y su compañera Sofia Garay. Es una historia original, conectando la vinicultura con la muerte de un politico, con una conclusion inteligente y amusante. Tambien, la vida privada del inspector - con su guitarra y la gata, Paca - le hace un personaje interesante y inolvidable. No obstance, la historia termina con un gancho que plantea cuestiones al inspector relacionadas con su infancia y le presenta de nuevo a alguien a quien había renunciado: alguien que ahora ocupará un lugar destacado en su vida laboral....more
**Audiobook ** I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
I previously listened to the second book in this series - A Fine Year to Mu**Audiobook ** I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
I previously listened to the second book in this series - A Fine Year to Murder (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) - and vowed then I'd check out book one. I'm so glad I did, but not because it filled any gaps rather simply because it was even more tense and dramatic and exciting... I could go on :)
So what did I like about it? Firstly, hats off to the narrator who made this such a great listening experience. Clear diction, perfect emotion, and superb character definition. Kudos to C.J. McAllister! But, there's the small matter of a great story too. Being familiar with Murphy and Jessica, it was easy to settle back and follow their journey. And what a journey it was.
Lieutenant Murphy Thornton takes on a case concerning the murder of five women in one house. Five women who share no common history except for one thing - they were joining forces to exact revenge on a man who raped them years before and got away with it every time. A man whose career in the military has seen him climb to the highest echelons of power, within breathing distance of The White House. Can it be possible that such a man could become the president's advisor? They didn't think he should be allowed such a privilege, yet someone else thinks differently and wants them out of the way so they cannot muddy the waters.
Murphy and Jessica (now a PI) and his father (Captain Josh Thornton) and new mother-in-law (Cameron Gates, also in law enforcement and with a personal interest in this case relating to her first husband) work together to find the murderer, not expecting the military connection at first, but then realising that greater forces are protecting the man at the centre of the case. With fast-paced action (shootouts in a coffee shop, car chases - with potentially life-threatening consequences - and even a kidnapping), the story lurches from one drama to the next, making for a page-turning, hold your breath, kind of read. Interspersed with the action are lovely family scenes with the most incredible pets, and a subplot focusing on Izzy, the daughter of one of those five women.
It's tense and heart-warming, and will raise all sorts of questions over the ability of those in power to control the outcome to their advantage. I'm so glad there are more in this series, and will be heading out to nab them right away....more
I haven't read the first in this series but I'm definitely going back to check it out even though this seems to stand alone.
Newly wed Jessica and MurpI haven't read the first in this series but I'm definitely going back to check it out even though this seems to stand alone.
Newly wed Jessica and Murphy have an unusual dilemma to solve: Jessica's nightmares are causing her to hit, scratch and even bite him during her sleep - even on their honeymoon. The reason behind the nightmares relates to an incident Jessica witnessed several years before, the memories of which she has suppressed, though snippets of the incident - a murder - are coming back bit by bit. After speaking to Dallas Walker, it seems that Jessica may have witnessed the Pine Bridge Massacre, a story Dallas (as an investigative reporter) is revisiting. They decide to return to the scene of the crime to see if, indeed, these memories of Jessica's may hold the key to the mystery. Hopefully, if Jessica can get to the root of the problem causing her nightmares she will see an end to them too. So, with Spencer (or is it Candy) the dog in tow, they head to Pine Ridge where very odd characters (I'm talking about you, cousin Celestino) and a haunting lady in white sees them dice with many dangers as they seek to solve the crime. There are plenty of twists in this tale that throws the case up in the air several times and kept me listening long into the night. Another reason for my attentiveness has to be down to the great narrator who really brings everything to life and maintains a great pace of suspense and high stakes with some funny, light-hearted moments to balance things out. A new-to-me author whose back catalogue I can't wait to explore....more
This was such a good read from many angles. These former CIA agents have retired to Purity, Maine, looking for a quiet life. But when a past case brinThis was such a good read from many angles. These former CIA agents have retired to Purity, Maine, looking for a quiet life. But when a past case brings danger to their door, the former spies find their old skills are not as rusty as they thought they might be. Great characters with fascinating backstories and a strong bond that, combined with their innate sense of curiosity sees them "run" the investigation themselves, much to the annoyance of the local police chief. I loved the relationships between the spies - and the conundrum it throws up for the main character, Maggie - but I also enjoyed the friendships she has found since moving to Purity with Luther and Carrie. The ending is compelling and leaves me wanting more from The Martini Club. ...more
I loved the blurb for Agnes and was excited to read an advanced copy. I wasn't disappointed. It was so good and heart-warming to watch Agnes's transfoI loved the blurb for Agnes and was excited to read an advanced copy. I wasn't disappointed. It was so good and heart-warming to watch Agnes's transformation throughout the story from the vulnerable and self-doubting young woman almost hiding away from life, making her bears, to the much stronger, grounded and determined woman we see at the end. I couldn't help but root for her and to see her becoming empowered, standing up for herself, no longer going with the flow for an easy life, made me want her to have the happy ending she deserved.
The story is one of nurturing friendships, particularly with Niina (who is amazing) and the old woman in Sweden, but also a story of her finally feeling free and comfortable in her own skin with Guy in Australia. And despite all the obstacles and disappointments she faces, she finds the strength to do what she knows in her heart is right. Her personal growth aside, the story reflects the value of good friends and being true to yourself. Agnes is creative, intelligent and caring - worthy of more than she seemed ready to settle for, so the resolution of her story is all the more satisfying (but watch out for the added mystery that brings clarity to her family history and which she handles with grace and integrity, not expecting to benefit from its outcome). A most enjoyable debut novel and a new author for me to follow. ...more
As a huge fan of courtroom dramas, I really enjoyed this and especially the switch between timelines - then and now. Emily has argued with her best frAs a huge fan of courtroom dramas, I really enjoyed this and especially the switch between timelines - then and now. Emily has argued with her best friend, Shell, and feels invisible at school, so when one of the more popular girls takes a liking to her, Emily is delighted. And so begins the spiral of wanting to please her new friend so that she can fit in. Yet, it takes just one ordinary event to change Emily's life for good - babysitting. By joining her friend on an evening's babysitting, Emily is introduced to the family she is later accused of negligently killing. It's a page turner to understand Emily's inner thoughts, to recognise how the need to fit in drives her to give in to peer pressure even though she knows that leaving the young children on their own is wrong. That fateful weakness lands her in a whole load of trouble - could it be any worse than ending up on a manslaughter charge? The court case is riveting, as those in her "new friendship group" are not above twisting the truth to save themselves. Yet it is the care shown to her by her family and old friends that gets her through the darkest moments - until she decides to testify in the case herself. Can she really explain away the events of that night after others have painted her in such a poor light?
A compelling story, told in such a way as to maintain the pace and keep the reader guessing as to how it might end. 4.5 stars overall....more
Peggy Rector didn't expect to be solving any murders when she returned to her hometown of Stinky Springs in Texas. Then again, she didn't ever imaginePeggy Rector didn't expect to be solving any murders when she returned to her hometown of Stinky Springs in Texas. Then again, she didn't ever imagine she'd be on the suspect list either. In between writing her novel and trying to catch a stalker, and attempting to avoid being eaten by a mountain lion, she has enough on her plate. But when you add in her quirky neighbours, a possible romance and her beloved pets, Peggy's life just got more complicated. This is a fabulous cosy mystery, full of great characters, community disputes, ex-wives who don't want to remain ex-wives and lots of small town shenanigans. I will definitely be back for more. That said, I listened to the audiobook version, which I had to slow down to 75% as the dialect was way too strong and fast for my ear (non- American), so I'll be reading the next books in the series. ...more
A most enjoyable cozy mystery with the added twist of a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter, all of which I'm tempted to try ;) Avalon Nash finA most enjoyable cozy mystery with the added twist of a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter, all of which I'm tempted to try ;) Avalon Nash finds herself unexpectedly employed as a bartender in Tranquillity when she was only meant to be passing through. However, the death of her predecessor gives her the opportunity of a job and a new start (from what we have to discover as her past is only glossed upon here but, no doubt, more will follow in subsequent books).
So, who killed Joseph, the previous bartender, and why? Surely Avalon will leave it to the police to solve... until other strange events quickly follow, including one that leaves her with a very sore head. This mystery is chock-full of secrets and twists than turn the story on its head a few times; nothing is as straightforward as it seems. With interesting characters and beguiling backstories, there is definitely more to Tranquillity than Avalon ever expected.
I listened to the audiobook version and found the narration to be really well-done, engaging and clear....more
Readers of The Appeal will be delighted to see the return of The Fairway Players in time for panto season. Personally, I was thrilled to be invited toReaders of The Appeal will be delighted to see the return of The Fairway Players in time for panto season. Personally, I was thrilled to be invited to read an early copy and couldn’t wait to get started on it, re-arranging my reading schedule to fit it in at the first chance possible. So, now having read it – in one sitting and after lots of chuckling – I’m ready to review it. Now, if you haven’t read The Appeal, don’t worry. The quirky writing style and format will draw you in, and if you’re in any way familiar with community groups or collaborative creative projects, you’ll soon recognise the internal dynamics as sooooo believable, only this time – as a voyeur – you’ll be able to see the funny side of their “banter”. Enjoy!
Retired KC, Mr Tanner has sent a set of documents for review to lawyers Femi Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd without telling them exactly what they might be looking for, but he’s convinced they’ll find the info – emails, texts, Whatsapp messages – interesting as well as a chance to “reconnect” with The Fairway Players who are preparing their latest show, a pantomime: Jack and the Beanstalk. The Players have a new chair team in Sarah–Jane McDonald and her husband, Kevin, who’ll be managing the performance in every aspect from casting to show night.
From the moment Sarah-Jane issues a casting call, the group dynamics are tested by an opponent to her leadership. With passive-aggressive emails to The Players , it’s clear Sarah-Jane’s rival wants to create a division within the group. It’s deliciously revealing and sets the tone for the rest of the group’s communications. Criticisms abound – but oh so subtly, and never face-to-face!
As Sarah-Jane and Kevin overcome challenges regarding the overlarge beanstalk, rumours of asbestos in said beanstalk, selling tickets (and not giving them away) and providing refreshments and goody bags, it finally looks as though they’re ready. But, of course, they’re not. Enter stage-right Chaos and Mayhem. When the best laid plans goes hilariously awry, the audience – unknowingly – are in for the treat of their life.
Meanwhile Femi and Charlotte are struggling to see why Mr Tanner wants their thoughts on the documents… and it’s only then that he provides a few more snippets of info that, along with the details of performance night and all its craziness ultimately prove there was a method to his madness.
The attempts by keyboard warriors to manipulate others by criticising and stirring up old tensions to change things in their favour are quashed with glorious one-liners and sublime putdowns that are the essence of the pantomime ethos that good will conquer evil.
The ending – and the reason why Tanner got Femi and Charlotte involved – is as off-the-wall as you could ever imagine, so worthy of the pantomime plotline. The personality clashes are as clear as ever, the rivalry as cutting, and the humour as sharp. I defy readers not to laugh aloud as they read through the messages and try to solve the mystery, because it’s a corker. Oh, yes it is!...more
I can’t resist this series, loving both the characters and the plotlines. This author knows how to keep me invested in her stories and I have to admitI can’t resist this series, loving both the characters and the plotlines. This author knows how to keep me invested in her stories and I have to admit I’m hooked. Of course, Daisy steals the limelight as usual, closely followed by Perry, but this story also sees a thawing in the relationship between Lady Beatrice and DCI Fitzwilliam… despite the weather and the fact that neither of them appear to want to run into the other. Methinks the Lady and the DCI doth protest too much ...more
Waving your young children off on a school trip is meant to be a momentous occasion: seeing them go off, all happy and excited without you is a sign tWaving your young children off on a school trip is meant to be a momentous occasion: seeing them go off, all happy and excited without you is a sign they’re growing up and exploring the world. It’s time to embrace their absolute joy and not feel as though they don’t need you anymore. It’s tough, but it’s a rite of passage… until they don’t return home. Then, your worst fears are realised and you need them back, safe under your protection. But you’re powerless, this is beyond your control and you have to trust others – namely, the police – to find them… alive and well. As a premise, this is such a compelling story, and seeing how the parents react is fascinating,especially when the twist comes and their own behaviour comes under scrutiny from those in this small circle of friends and neighbours, courtesy of very cryptic demands from the kidnappers. Tension increases, friction drives a wedge between the parents and the police, and then amongst the parents themselves. When the perspective shifts to the children, the reader gets an insight into how they’re being treated, who is coping and isn’t, and this lays the path towards a resolution. An intriguing style that really pays off in balancing the parents’ concerns with the kidnappers approach to keeping the children calm. Engrossing and engaging, well-paced and with an ending that might raise an eyebrow or two as to its credibility. Miscategorised as new adult and college fiction though. ...more
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