**This is actually book ten in the series, not book thirteen. It was previously published as The Fourth Suspect and should be combined with that editi**This is actually book ten in the series, not book thirteen. It was previously published as The Fourth Suspect and should be combined with that edition**
I love this series. Each one just gets better and better. This time, the story takes place away from Melissa's village. Her father has been murdered and her mother is the prime suspect. Mel hasn't seen her parents for over twenty years (possibly nearly thirty?) as they threw her out when she got pregnant with her son Simon and wasn't married. Although the story is a murder mystery (one which I didn't actually solve this time, I was barking up the wrong tree completely) much of the actual story is about Mel and her relationship with her parents. We have been told that they are estranged previously and why, but it has only really been mentioned in passing. Now we not only get to meet her mother, but we find out more about both Mel's past and her parent's relationship. We also see much more of Mel's agent, Joe in this book. He has been a background character in previous stories, particularly because Mel has wanted to keep him at arm's length. In this book, he not only features quite prominently but Mel herself come to rely upon him more. There are another two books still to go in this series and I have one earlier one to go back and read. I'm loving them and I'll be disappointed when they finally come to an end. The Mel Craig series is highly enjoyable....more
It seems a long time since I last had the pleasure of reading a DI Hannah Robbins book, in actual fact, it's only been five months. However long it isIt seems a long time since I last had the pleasure of reading a DI Hannah Robbins book, in actual fact, it's only been five months. However long it is, it's always a please to tuck into one of these well-written mysteries, that have the added bonus of being set relatively locally to where I grew up. I have thought with previous books that I hope that Rebecca Bradley never decides to go on a murderous rampage. She seems to have an uncanny knack of thinking up some of the most devious and disturbing ways to commit murder. Not, in this case, at least, the way that the murder actually was done, but the background that leads to it. She also likes to tell stories that push seemingly ordinary people beyond the limits to act in a way that they never dream to be possible. This time around, I did wonder a few times if people really would go to these lengths? I really don't know. It was a gripping read in any case and I really enjoyed it. If you haven't read any of the series as yet, then I really would recommend going back to the beginning and reading all of them. It doesn't really matter though if you'd prefer to start with this one, it's a great read and works just as well as a standalone novel. I'm looking forward to finding out what Hannah will face next time. ...more
This book is a continuation of the first book in the series Shadow Play and really you have to read that one first. Although there is some explanationThis book is a continuation of the first book in the series Shadow Play and really you have to read that one first. Although there is some explanation at the start of this one that may fill in some of the details, I don't think that you would get anywhere near as much out of it if you start with this one. In book one Rebecca discovered that she had been chosen as a child by Merlin and had a part to play in saving both our world and the fae world. Not only had she been given a necklace that had given her powers that until now she had been unaware of, but it had also been gradually changing her. Making her appearance change and more importantly, change her into a fae. Now that she is aware of this change, she must now master this power and use it to defeat the dark fae that are trying to make their way into our world. I enjoyed this book, it was perhaps even better than the first because we already have met the characters and understand a lot about their world. Rebecca was again an interesting character and she really comes into her strength (both magically and her own personal strength) in this book. We also learnt more about Lochlan and he showed himself to be worthy of her and they make a good match. Again, there were a few little things that let it down in terms of the Northern Ireland setting. They were for the most part so small that they probably wouldn't bother most people but just stood out to me. Overall though, I really enjoyed it. I will be reading the next in the series which focuses on Rebecca's friend Ashley. I'm going to have a little break first though, there isn't a cliffhanger at the end of this book, so I can have a little breather before the next....more
It took me a little while to get into this one. I'm not sure if that was down to the beginning of the book or just my frame of mind. Having said that,It took me a little while to get into this one. I'm not sure if that was down to the beginning of the book or just my frame of mind. Having said that, once I was into it, I couldn't put it down and have polished it off and started the second straight away.
This book is both part of a series and a duet. Which means, that this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger (hence my starting book two immediately). As a rule, I'm not a fan of books that leave you gasping for the next instalment, or rather, I enjoy them too much and then go slightly crazy waiting for the second book. Fortunately, for this series, I already have the next book lined up, so I'll let that go.
I liked Rebecca and her friend Ashleigh. Lochlan shows promise, but I think that it's going to take the next book to really show who he is and how he will be with Rebecca. There's quite a bit of world-building to do here. Both in terms of the background of the world of the fae and the fact that it's set in Ireland. It is obvious on a few occasions that the writer is not from the UK/Belfast, but overall it doesn't spoil the story.
I'm looking forward to finding out what will happen to Rebecca next. On that note, I think I'll go and find out......more
This was quite an unusual book. To begin with, it isn't really completely obvious who the main subject of the story is and where it is going to go. WeThis was quite an unusual book. To begin with, it isn't really completely obvious who the main subject of the story is and where it is going to go. We are introduced to Leah fairly early on and while in many ways this is her story, it isn't only her story. By learning more about her family and where she comes from, we learn more about her. The book follows the course of the lives of a number of different members of a family and the other families around them that are connected through marriage and just from living nearby. To begin with, the various stories do not seem to have that much to do with one another, but as the book progresses, we find out that they all help to tell the story of Leah. About who she really is and where she comes from.
A lot of this book revolves around the idea of where someone comes from. Much is made of the fact that many of the characters have Irish ancestors. I suppose this is a story about where you come from, even if you personally don't come from there, shapes who you are and how you act. In many ways, that makes it a very American story, as they do seem to be far more into the idea of putting labels on people than much of the rest of the world.
This was a really interesting story and once I'd got into it I couldn't help but read and see what would happen next. The only slight issue with it is that it covers a lot of ground and as a result, much of the story is told rather than shown. In the early chapters, this made it quite heavy going and I didn't find myself dragged along by the story, which is what I personally like to happen when I read. It was still a very interesting plot and that shone through as the book progressed.
Overall, this is an enjoyable and engaging read. If family sagas are your thing, then you'll probably love it. ...more
I love a good who done it and this one is certainly that. Not only did I find that the storyline drew me in, but I also loved all of the characters. TI love a good who done it and this one is certainly that. Not only did I find that the storyline drew me in, but I also loved all of the characters. They were beautifully portrayed and I found them so engaging from the very beginning. Much of the start of this book is spent building up the background story, with the mystery coming in later in the book. Sometimes books like this can drag a little bit, but the story itself drew you along so that it didn't matter that there wasn't much of a mystery to get your teeth in straight away. Once the murder actually takes place, there was the usual cast of potential suspects and plenty of clues and red herrings to confuse and enlighten. As well as the two professional detectives, Hannasyde and Hemingway, (who apparently appear in some of Heyer's other mystery novels). A young member of the family, fourteen-year-old Timothy, spends much of his time trying to work out who the murderer is. I loved how excited he was, diving around, without really taking anything very seriously. He reminded me very much of my own son, who is a little bit younger, he was fantastic though and really added to my enjoyment of this book. The mystery itself worked well. I had pretty much solved it by the end of the book and before the detectives in the book had got there. It wasn't too obvious though and worked well (my two usual tests for a good murder mystery). This was a great read and an excellent classic style mystery. I really enjoyed it and I love Georgette Heyer's writing. I'll certainly be giving some more of her mystery novels a go. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I do enjoy Meara Platt's books. The writing is great and there is just something about them that puts a smile on my face. This particular one is listeI do enjoy Meara Platt's books. The writing is great and there is just something about them that puts a smile on my face. This particular one is listed as a Regency Fairy Tale and I think that's a perfect description for it. If you are a stickler for historical accuracy, then this might not be the book for you. But, if you like the idea of a story more or less set in the Regency, as in there are gowns, Dukes, balls and carriages, but the rules don't really apply, then I think you'll love this little story. Here we have Millie, a young lady with no connections, no money, but an incredible artistic talent, begging the Duke of Melbourne to come to her aid and sponsor her to have her art exhibited at an upcoming art fair. She has tried herself but as she is a woman, the dastardly Earl of Matlock has refused to allow her. (I don't know if it was intentional to choose two places in Derbyshire or just a coincidence). Of course, as a result, Millie and Bran (the Duke) fall for one another and skip into the sunset happily ever after. If you like fairytales, particularly ones that are quite well written, then I'm sure you'll love this. ...more
Another great book from Betty Rowlands in the Melissa Craig series. I did wonder how she would fare now that Iris, her next door neighbour and close fAnother great book from Betty Rowlands in the Melissa Craig series. I did wonder how she would fare now that Iris, her next door neighbour and close friend had left for France. The arrival of a new neighbour to live, at least for the time being in Iris's cottage soon throws Mel into the midst of another mystery and it isn't long before she finds herself involved in a little sleuthing.
With the changes that happened in the last book, I knew that we were likely to be without a few of the supporting characters from previous books. Although I have always enjoyed reading about them, they weren't really missed her and Mel still had a couple of friendly faces to rely upon.
This time the mystery focuses on the death of a girl was it an accident, or something more sinister? There is also something decidedly seedy going on in the village. It becomes pretty clear what's going on, although there are no graphic descriptions, just enough hints to make it clear what certain characters have been doing. I've said before that I feel that these books are more 'classic mysteries' than cosy mysteries. Although things aren't spelt out as such, I think that the crimes do make these more classic than cosy, but perhaps that's because I tend to be a little dismissive of the term 'cosy' and see it as twee and insubstantial, which these novels certainly aren't.
One of the joys of this series is the way that village life is depicted. I don't know if it's because I grew up in an English village and I relate to this picture, or just because it's so well written, a little of both perhaps? I suppose that there is a little nostalgia too, with these books being set (and written) twenty years or so ago now. That doesn't detract from the enjoyment though, these are great mysteries and a good read, even if the world has moved on a little.
The more of this series I read, the more I enjoy them. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for Mel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
This is, sadly, the last book (so far) in the Jamie Quinn series. I hope that it is only so far and that another is to follow soon as I've become quitThis is, sadly, the last book (so far) in the Jamie Quinn series. I hope that it is only so far and that another is to follow soon as I've become quite a fan after reading the previous books. I think that I mentioned in previous reviews that each one just seems to get better and better and that was still the case with this one. I am probably repeating myself here, but much of the joy of this series is the characters who appear in every book, rather than the mystery so much. Jamie herself is fantastic and I love reading about what she gets up to. Then there is the ever-growing cast of supporting characters, from the wonderful Duke, her tame private detective, to Jamie's best frenemy Nick. Each of them adds too much to the books and I'm as keen to find out what is going to happen with Jamie and her boyfriend/fiance-to-be Kip and with Jamie's father. The mystery this time has to do with the residents of an old people's home (an assisted living facility I think is the current term) a number of whom seem to have got themselves mixed up in art fraud. Jamie, of course, is in the thick of it, even though she doesn't intend to get involved in these things, she seems to have a knack for it. This was another great instalment in this series and I can't wait to read more if and when they come out. ...more
After reading the first book in the uninhibited series, Waking to Black, I was keen to read more and find out what would happen with Evelyn and Adam.After reading the first book in the uninhibited series, Waking to Black, I was keen to read more and find out what would happen with Evelyn and Adam. While the first book followed the beginning of their relationship, this second book focuses on from when they have separated and follows them as they find one another again.
In the last book, I was interested to see how Evelyn would deal with a very controlling man, which is what Adam is. As a rule, I don't like these domineering characters, but Evelyn, despite her many problems, does seem to be able to match him and I think that there's a real chance that they could become equals. In this book, that relationship develops further, with both Evelyn and Adam trusting one another more and more and giving more away.
Both Adam and Evelyn have pretty hideous families. We saw a little of this in the previous book, but Adams family, in particular, seems to get even worse this time. It seems that everything is against them.
I really liked seeing the relationship between Adam and Evelyn grow. They still have a little way to go I think, which is probably a good thing, seeing as there's another book to go as yet. Although this book doesn't leave on a cliff hanger as such, there are still plenty of questions that need to be answered, not only for our main characters but Adam's sister and Evelyn's best friend also seem to have storylines that need a little more explanation.
This is a good read. I would suggest reading book one first so that you can follow the story from the beginning. I'm certainly looking forward to book three, I hope that I don't have to wait too long for it. ...more
I was keen to read this as soon as I could, after reading book one in the Kings of Mayhem MC series; Kings of Mayhem. While the first book focused onI was keen to read this as soon as I could, after reading book one in the Kings of Mayhem MC series; Kings of Mayhem. While the first book focused on romance and Indy and Cade, who had broken up 12 years previously but never got over one another. This book had more of a thriller element to it. It picks up straight after the last book finished and moved at a pretty rapid rate from then on. There is still a little bit of romance, again focused on Cade and Indy who quickly move from just being back together to becoming an established long term couple. The thrust of this book though is who has it in for the Kings of Mayhem. Is it a rival gang, or is there something else going on here? With more and more of the gang members being targetted, it becomes clear that no one is safe until they get to the bottom of what's been going on and who has a problem with them. Cade is struggling with the loss of his cousin, who in every other way, was like a brother to him. Indy, although suffering from the loss herself tries desperately to ease his pain. If anything it helps to strengthen their relationship, in spite of Cade's bull-headed stupidity that he knows best. There's a lot to go through here, with abuse, rape and murder all touched on in one way or another. If you are looking for a sweet gentle romance, then this just isn't it. As mentioned before, in many ways, this novel belongs more in the thriller category. Either way, it was a great read and one that I couldn't put down. I don't know where book three in this series will take us? Back to a romance, a thrilling crime novel or something different. I can see that these books wouldn't be for everyone, but I am really enjoying them and can't wait to find out what will be next. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I'm not sure if it was the bright yellow colour with purple writing or the title that drew me to this book initially, but I spotted it down at the locI'm not sure if it was the bright yellow colour with purple writing or the title that drew me to this book initially, but I spotted it down at the local library and couldn't resist giving it a read. I was there to collect the kids, but by the time we left I'd devoured the whole of this little volume. For the most part, it's a collection of humorous 'feminist erotica' There were many that struck a chord with me, but to give you a flavour, here is one that really made me chuckle: 'Tell that to me again' I whisper into her ear. It made me soooo excited.' 'you don't have to pack lunch today,' She toys with a strand of my hair. 'In fact, you won't have to ever again, Abby. Our kids have decided they're old enough to plan and pack their own lunches. Every. Single. Day. 'YES!' I scream, 'YES, YES, YES!' Hopefully, that gives you a flavour. Of course, this book is very funny, or at least it is until you stop and think for a minute. Yes, not having to pack lunches again is a dream of mine, but much of what is in there shouldn't be a dream. The ideas of being taken seriously, of not being dismissed just because we're women, or should that be, not men... Yes, on face value it's funny, it's true, but most of all, it's deeply, deeply sad that in this day and age, these jokes still work and are relevant. ...more
This series just gets better and better. I'm not sure if it's because I've got to know the characters more, or that the storylines are improving, I suThis series just gets better and better. I'm not sure if it's because I've got to know the characters more, or that the storylines are improving, I suspect that it's a combination of both. Either way, what was a very good series has developed into a very very good series. This time, like in previous books, there's as much going on in the back story, in terms of Jamie's life and loves as there is in the main story of the book itself. This time there's even more of a mystery, with two elements for Jamie to look into. There is a murder to solve, but that doesn't seem to happen until at least halfway through the book. It doesn't really matter though, as there's plenty to keep you guessing before that. I was so involved in all that was happening that I couldn't put it down. I'm loving this series, that is on the cosy side of mysteries, but still with plenty of intregue and interesting storylines. Just what I was in the mood for. I can't wait to read the next Jamie Quinn mystery. ...more
When I started this, I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy it. I find overbearing, need to get their own way, completely controlling men difficult tWhen I started this, I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy it. I find overbearing, need to get their own way, completely controlling men difficult to like. Particularly when the female lead has all kinds of issues and allows herself to be pushed around. Fortunately, there was more to this book than that. Yes he was pushy and yes she let herself be pushed around, but she did stand up to him. In fact, she stands up to him more than she does her hideous mother and somewhat overbearing friend. I understand that they are concerned about her, but the best friend passes onto the controlling side of concern on more than one occasion. As for her mother, well, not only has she had a vile emotionally abusive father, but her mother is as bad but in other ways. This is the first in the trilogy, so clearly there's still a lot of ground to cover here. Yes, Adam is controlling and overbearing, but maybe, just maybe he can grow beyond that in future books. I liked the chemistry between them, I liked the way that they challenged one another. At this stage, I'm really enjoying this and waiting to see where it goes. I hope that they can both evolve as characters and become all that they have the potential for. Looking forward to the next book. ...more
I loved this book. I suppose that's obvious from the five-star review, I don't tend to give out many of those, but this story and the way that it wasI loved this book. I suppose that's obvious from the five-star review, I don't tend to give out many of those, but this story and the way that it was told earned it. I was captivated from the moment that I first started reading to the last sentence. This is a love story. A romantic love story, where two people grow to love one another as they learn more about each other, but also a love story about the place that it is set. I have never been to Hawaii, but it was portrayed so clearly, that I could picture it clearly. I do have some experience in the Pacific, currently living in New Zealand and having visited a number of other Polynesian islands. Even for someone who knows little of the culture, it's so clearly explained through the eyes of Maile, who has never known anything different and John, who is a visitor to the shores. I'm not sure if this is a more of a romance or more of a story about two different cultures meeting and learning about one another for the first time. Either way, both parts of the story weave together to create an overall fascinating and satisfying read. Maile and John learn that they have as much in common as they have differences and as they discover more about one another, they fall in love. This was the kind of book that gripped me from the start, pulled me willingly along on the journey and then left with me with a contented sigh at the end. In many ways, it was perhaps inevitable that I would love this book. Historical fiction has long been a soft spot, combined with the Polynesian setting and a romance, what wasn't to love. What really brought this story to surpass all of this was the wonderful way in which it was told. I fear the only downside is that I may now be left suffering from a 'book hangover' for a while, where nothing else quite measures up and I feel the loss of the joy in its pages. Highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ...more
I'm getting through these Mel Craig mysteries at the moment, up to book eight already with book nine ready to go next. Like the previous books in theI'm getting through these Mel Craig mysteries at the moment, up to book eight already with book nine ready to go next. Like the previous books in the series, these are classic mysteries with a who done it to solve. This time Mel finds herself drawn into the case after the disappearance of an old freezer from the house of a fellow resident of her village. To begin with, she thinks nothing of it, but when the freezer turns up twenty miles away complete with a dead body inside. Mel being Mel, she can't resist but find out what has happened and with the help of journalist Bruce, she begins to investigate further. In the previous books, Mel has been involved in a relationship with ex-policeman Ken. She's kept him very much at arm's length and now he's pushing for more commitment. The main problem is that he doesn't like her getting involved in the investigations that she seems to find herself in the middle of. The end of the book resulted in some changes or coming changes in Mel's life. I don't know yet what this will mean for some of the characters who have been regular so far. I am looking forward to finding out and seeing what mystery Mel gets involved in next. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
This is the last book in this series and I can't say that I'm sorry for that. There was so much potential here, the storylines were interesting and haThis is the last book in this series and I can't say that I'm sorry for that. There was so much potential here, the storylines were interesting and had a flair of originality, there was a lot going on in each, but for me, it just didn't work. In many ways, this book was a culmination of all that I disliked in the previous books. Again, most of the action took place off screen, there was a lot of repetition and things kept contradicting what had gone before. I'd had such high hopes for these books, which is probably why I ended up being all the more annoyed by them. Somehow, getting close but then missing is worse than being miles off. It's not that they were badly written, but the other things I have mentioned let them down. Then, the added problem with this final book was that I really didn't feel any connection with Jeb or Jena or that they had any spark between them. By the end of the book, I really didn't care what happened to them. It's such a shame because I think that the three storylines could have been really interesting and the setting, with the threat of global warming to the NOLA area, should have made these books much more than they were. Sorry, just not for me....more
This is the second Julian Symons' novels that I have read. I have to admit that prior to seeing them on Netgalley, I hadn't heard of him. Although theThis is the second Julian Symons' novels that I have read. I have to admit that prior to seeing them on Netgalley, I hadn't heard of him. Although these books have a certain similarity in style to those of the golden age of murder mysteries, they are quite different too. They are written and set later, in the post-war era of the 1950s, but this is still 'old-fashioned' enough to us today to seem similar to the earlier books. The story itself is told in two halves, with the first being the lead up to the murder, told by the accused, as he shares his story to a psychologist. The second half takes place in court, with the cases for the defence and prosecution. This means that it's slightly different to the usual classic puzzle types of murder mysteries, although there is still a question over who done it and why. Overall, I really enjoyed this. Partly because it's a well-written look at both life in the late '50s in England, partly because of the way that the court scene is portrayed and partly because of the story itself. It's a little different to many other books of its genre and I suspect when it first came out it would have been something very new. This might be my first two Symons' novels, but I'd certainly been keen to look out for some more. They are well written, engaging and a glimpse at an earlier time as well as being good examples of the mystery genre. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ...more
This is the second book in the Bayou Bachelors series. In the first book, we saw Sonja and Henry fail to get married and this story deals with the aftThis is the second book in the Bayou Bachelors series. In the first book, we saw Sonja and Henry fail to get married and this story deals with the aftermath of her leaving him at the altar. On the whole, I'm enjoying this series. There are a few things I've noticed, however, that do detract from the stories. Firstly the timelines don't really make much sense, they vary between the books and at times seem to contradict each other. Then there's the fact that some of the things that happen either contradict one another or just don't quite make sense. It's almost as though all of the ideas that the writer had, went down and then no one checked to make sure that the plot was still clear and worked. It's a real shame because the ideas behind the stories and the way that they are told for the most part are very good. It also seems that in both this book and the previous one, a lot of the 'action' has already happened or is 'off-screen' and then what we do see is a bit repetitive. I liked the way that Henry and Sonja learned more about each other and the reason that things had failed. I also liked the way that the approached the way that they would parent their unborn child. Of course, I was willing them to get together again. I did really enjoy this book and I am perhaps being a little hard in this review. I enjoyed the read. It promised so much more and it wouldn't have taken much work to reach that, which ultimately makes it a little disappointing. ...more
There's a lot in this book that might put some readers off. In fact, I'd go further and say that there's a lot in it that would usually put me off. BuThere's a lot in this book that might put some readers off. In fact, I'd go further and say that there's a lot in it that would usually put me off. But, I really enjoyed it. The book opens with the hero with another woman. He's in a motorcycle gang and while they avoid drugs and guns, their business interests certainly lie on the more unsavoury side of life (brothels, strip clubs and pornographic films). Then there's the reason that this couple split up in the first place, 12 years ago... For some reason though, despite all of the things that would normally put me off a little bit, I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of both the club in the modern day and the scenes from Cade and Indy's childhood were great and really added to the story. I loved both Cade and Indy and the way that the interacted as they rediscovered their feelings for one another. As a rule, I struggle a bit with second chance romances, which is what this is in effect, but somehow it really worked. I did want Indy to drop her defences a little quicker with Cade, but in some ways, the fact that she didn't added to the overall feel of the book and worked well. Although I have some reservations about the setting, I did like that neither Cade nor Indy felt that had to change who they were or what they did. There was one thing I wasn't so keen about this story though, the fact that it was left on a bit of a cliffhanger. Now I HAVE to read the next one. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Fully Dressed is the first of three books that follow the same characters but focus on a different couple in each one. This first book is about PoppyFully Dressed is the first of three books that follow the same characters but focus on a different couple in each one. This first book is about Poppy and Brandon. Poppy has recently lost everything, her fiance, her cool (flipping out about the break up very publically and then having everything splashed all over social and not so social media) and her business. Brandon (who for reasons that are never explained, is also known as Gus) has had a similar loss. His best friend and business partner Jeb has scarpered, taking all of the businesses money and now he faces losing everything too.
I think that the three books could probably be read as stand-alone stories, but there is clearly a lot of cross over. Or I assume that to be the case, this being the first book, I'm not sure how things will play out in the other two. The main romance story is contained well within this first book, but there are a lot of questions left about other events, which I assume are to be the main storylines in the next two instalments. I did find the timeline a little confusing throughout the book, things seemed to move along at what seemed an odd rate whenever the passage of time was mentioned.
As for the romance itself, I liked it. Poppy and Brandon work well together and I particularly liked Brandon as a character. Poppy was a little less likeable, but she grew on me as the story progressed. Overall, their romance worked and was satisfying. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next books add to the story....more
This is the third book in the Jamie Quinn Mystery series. Each one so far has been better than the last and I really enjoyed this instalment. These stThis is the third book in the Jamie Quinn Mystery series. Each one so far has been better than the last and I really enjoyed this instalment. These stories are cosy mysteries and they are really on the cosy side. There is a murder in this one, but it's almost a minor part of the rest of the story. In previous books, there hasn't been really much investigating or many suspects. This time around there were a few more potential suspects and it was more like a traditional mystery book. What I really love about these books is the characters and the background story. All of the recurring characters, from private detective Duke to Jamie's best friend Grace and boyfriend Kip are lovely and really add to the whole read. There are some more books in this series and I'd be definitely keen to check them out. ...more
I have to admit that I swung back and forth with this one. Initially, I wasn't sure about it at all and didn't know if I was going to even be able toI have to admit that I swung back and forth with this one. Initially, I wasn't sure about it at all and didn't know if I was going to even be able to finish it. This is a very dark story about American College life. It's not something that I know a great deal about, as it seems very different to the British University that I attended.
The characters in this book are not particularly likeable, which is one of the things that makes it a complex read and hard to identify with. But, this is a satirical book. I think if you go on with that in mind, rather than expecting an obvious dark comedy, you might get much more out of it. I think that's where I struggled to begin with, the description had me expecting a light, humorous read, but Sourpuss is certainly not that.
Rape culture, fraternities and sportsmanship all find themselves in the spotlight and under fire in this book. No punches are pulled, each is attacked by being pushed to the extreme. As I got further into this book and understood what it was trying to do, I enjoyed it more.
This isn't a perfect book. There are things that I think could have been improved, but if you approach this as a damning satire, rather than expecting a light comedy, then you might just find that it's quite an interesting read, just like I did. ...more
I'm rapidly becoming a big fan of the Mel Craig mysteries. The more of them I read, the more that I enjoy. This instalment, number seven in the seriesI'm rapidly becoming a big fan of the Mel Craig mysteries. The more of them I read, the more that I enjoy. This instalment, number seven in the series, is in some ways slightly different from the previous books. Where Mel has found herself in the thick of investigations, usually against the wishes of her policeman boyfriend Ken, she takes a less active role in investigating this time. It still works well though and I liked the bigger role that Ken played. I wasn't sure about the relationship with Mel and Ken and wasn't sure if it was going to work or not. Things had changed a little by this book. Ken is no longer with the police service but has set up his own investigation service. He is away a bit seeing to other cases that he his working on, but much of the mystery this time is shown through him. Although Mel is still a little standoffish with him, I think that they will work things out in the end. Again with this one, I had more or less solved it all by the time that they had. It worked and was enjoyable to read about, which ticks the big boxes for me with murder mysteries. As I said, this book had a different feel to the others in some ways, but it was still a really good Mel Craig mystery. It goes without saying that I'm looking forward to the next one. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I wasn't sure about this one when I started it. As a rule, I don't tend to read sci-fi (that's not to say that I don't enjoy it, my experience is limiI wasn't sure about this one when I started it. As a rule, I don't tend to read sci-fi (that's not to say that I don't enjoy it, my experience is limited to TV and film for the most part). There was a lot of world building in the early chapters and while it was interesting, I wasn't sure how the rest of the story was going to flow. Fortunately, once I'd got into the book, the story grabbed my attention and pulled me along for the ride. As with any story set in a different time or world, there's a lot to take in, but the character of Laina helped to make it seem real. As she got to know the cyborg characters and we saw them through her eyes, they became more 'human'. I particularly liked the female crew members, Val and Alanna. I suspect that they might have their own stories to tell later? There's certainly plenty of scope for future stories here and I'll be interested to read them. In many ways, the romance almost came in secondary to the rest of the storyline. There was so much going on that you could almost be forgiven for forgetting from time to time that it was a romance story. That's not to say that the romantic side didn't work or wasn't good. It did. Ronan was very much like an ancient warrior, albeit a futuristic one. I did guess what their connection might result in, but I certainly wasn't disappointed when I was right. There are elements of this that reminded me of paranormal/supernatural romances. It did surprise me slightly, although thinking about it I'm not sure why. Perhaps the science in Sci-fi is what creates the 'magic.' I did get a little confused by the time scales in this, both how long ago things had happened (there was a lot of history of the universe to get your head around and what happened hundreds of years or thousands got a little bit mixed up in my mind) and the length of time between events in the book. I think that was mostly because there was so much to take in. Overall this was a good read and I would be certainly really keen to read more in this series and see how everything plays out....more
I've recently been reading Abigail Owen's Shadowcat nation series. After finishing it, I wasn't quite ready to stop reading her books though, so I decI've recently been reading Abigail Owen's Shadowcat nation series. After finishing it, I wasn't quite ready to stop reading her books though, so I decided to give the Legendary Consultants a go. This is the first in the series and already we've also met the people that are going to play a role in the other two main books. This was a fun story, with a bit of drama and adventure. It focuses on Nymph Lyliea and her boss Demigod Castor. I'm not entirely convinced about Demigods and nymphs acting like modern-day business people in America, but who knows. Either way, this was a fun read and I'll be checking out the other books in the series....more
I've had this book on my to be read shelf since it came out, but haven't actually got around to reading it. That wasn't because I was put off at all,I've had this book on my to be read shelf since it came out, but haven't actually got around to reading it. That wasn't because I was put off at all, but first I wanted to finish re-reading his dark materials to my twelve-year-old. Then, having really enjoyed them again, I didn't want to read this too soon, when I knew that I'd be left wanting the second book in this series. I wasn't wrong. I know that some people have been put off by how dark this book is, there is a darker element to it than the previous books, although I think that all of them do have this darkness, as well as some of Philip Pullman's other books for a similar age range. For me, this is one of the appeals of the stories, it adds an extra element to them. Other people have said that it reads like a long introduction. Perhaps this is true in some ways, but I think that it stands as a good read in its own right. I have read his dark materials, but if they were unknown to you, then I suspect that you wouldn't see this one as a long prologue to Northern Lights. I loved this book, once I'd started I couldn't put it down. Probably a good thing really, as my twelve-year-old has been itching to get his hands on it from the moment that I started. I just hope that we don't have to wait too much longer for the second book. ...more
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