The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen is a 1929 publication.
A murder takes place in a packed theatre and Inspector Richard Queen is called in to inveThe Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen is a 1929 publication.
A murder takes place in a packed theatre and Inspector Richard Queen is called in to investigate. His son, Ellery, a crime novelist, has joined him and together they attempt to solve the most perplexing case the Inspector as ever encountered…
This is the first book of the Ellery Queen mystery series, which was originally published in 1929. The series has a quite a legacy, but I’d never thought of tackling it until I was gifted a copy of one the installments for Christmas one year. I have since acquired a stack of Ellery Queen paperbacks, but unfortunately, the print is so small I can’t read them in that format- which forced me to attempt to find them in digital format so I can adjust the font size.
I do believe that most of the series is digitized, but whew! They want a bit too much for books this old and this short! My local library only had a handful of them to check out… but Hoopla saved the day.
But, after going to all that trouble to track down digital copies- I found this first installment to be incredibly confusing. The bit about the hat droned on and on and on and on until my eyes glazed over.
I love, love, love old mysteries and had really high hopes for this series, but found that it was too slow for my taste and the Queens were not likeable or interesting enough to keep me invested when the plot spun in place for too long.
All that said, my understanding is that this first novel by the authors- who were cousins, if you didn’t already know- is not considered to be a very good representation of their work.
Unfortunately, we are so hardwired to start a series with the first installment, when possible, that this one may not make a strong enough impression to motivate the reader to continue on with the series. At this writing, I don't plan to read another installment for a good long while- but...
With of the books available on Hoopla, in both eBook and audio formats- I may give Queen another chance someday....more
“Mildred Pierce” by James M. Cain is a 1941 publication.
This month, "Turner Classic Movies' has been airing their “Thirty Days of Oscar” special coll“Mildred Pierce” by James M. Cain is a 1941 publication.
This month, "Turner Classic Movies' has been airing their “Thirty Days of Oscar” special collection of movies. As I scrolled through all those incredible movies, I was struck by how many of them I had never seen, including “Mildred Pierce”.
But, every time I considered watching the movie, I decided to wait and read the book first. So, I set my DVR to record the movie and then set out to find a copy of the book at the library… and so FINALLY- I have read a book I’d been meaning to read for ages.
Okay- so my thoughts on the book:
I love noir- and this book is labeled as classic noir- but it is not a detective novel or a piece of crime fiction, which is how I normally think of noir. The story is often bleak, dark and moody, and chock full of flawed, morally bankrupt people. It’s a look at a complicated mother/daughter relationship during the depression era, and a cautionary tale about the ugly side of ambition.
Overall, the book is highly absorbing and thought-provoking. Although there are words the author used, rather too frequently, that were offensive, and some violent scenes made me uncomfortable (which is something that is going to pop up in anything categorized as “noir” or hard-boiled that was written during the 1940s), this is yet another novel I wish I had read a lot sooner.
The characterizations are incredible and will stick with me for a long while.
4.5 stars
*I FINALLY watched the classic movie starring Joan Crawford, as well. The movie is very good- but while some parts were close to the book, there were many changes to the story that gave it an entirely different slant- but that's par for the course in Hollywood. I liked the book better- but the I understand why the movie received such high praise. I recommend enjoying both the book and the movie, if you haven't already....more
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand is a 2014 Little, Brown & Company publication.
I’m not sure why I have never managed to get into Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand is a 2014 Little, Brown & Company publication.
I’m not sure why I have never managed to get into Elin Hilderbrand’s books before now. By all accounts, her novels should be in my wheelhouse, but as they say, better late than never.
While this author has been given the moniker of ‘Queen of the Beach Read’, with Nantucket as the primary location for her books, this one is set during the Christmas holidays- still in Nantucket, but with a winter setting, this time.
This is the first book in a four-part series, which is centered around the Quinn family. Family patriarch, Kelley, finds his wife in the arms of another man, and she promptly walks out right before the Christmas holidays, leaving him and the “Winter Street Inn” in limbo.
Once word reaches his children and his ex-wife, that he’s been dumped, they all show up at the Inn for Christmas, except for his youngest son, Bart, who has joined the marines and was sent to Afghanistan- and has not been heard from since, despite numerous attempts to contact him.
As the family gathers at the Inn, each one of them is at a crossroads in life and are facing big choices and uncertainty about the future… And we get a front row seat to all the holiday drama…
This is a short book, with many characters, but the author deftly sets each one up with a story of their own, which will move forward in future installments. The story is quite absorbing, and I did find myself getting caught up in it… so much so, that when the book ended, I was a little miffed- not just because I liked it so much I never wanted it to end, but because there’s a bit of a cliffhanger.
Normally, that would be a huge pet peeve for me. But, giving the series a closer look, I see that it was meant to be a holiday tradition, dropping in on the family every Christmas to see how they are doing. This is something I do with some of my ‘summer’ series, and I always look forward to touching base with my favorite family’s- sans the cliffhangers, though, I must say.
And besides, the upside of reading older books is that one doesn’t have to wait for the next installment to drop and you can even ‘binge’ read the entire series, if so desired.
That means I won’t have to wait to find out what happens next… thank goodness, because the suspense is killing me!
Overall, a very solid beginning for this series. The Quinn’s family dysfunction is often funny, poignant, touching, and heartwarming, and a little bit addicting, too.
The Chocolate Chip Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2000 Kensington publication.
This book is our introduction to the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. ThThe Chocolate Chip Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2000 Kensington publication.
This book is our introduction to the Hannah Swensen cozy mystery series. This series began over twenty years ago and is still going strong.
Hannah is busy running her cookie shop- “The Cookie Jar”, and warding off her mother’s numerous attempts at matchmaking, when her life is suddenly upended by the murder of Ron, the ‘Cozy Cow Dairy’ delivery man. His body is found behind the bakery surrounded by Hannah's chocolate chip cookies.
Hannah is naturally worried about the shop's reputation, and is trying to keep her eyes and ears open for any possible information about the murder- but her sleuthing takes her deeper and deeper into a world secrets and possible danger...
I thought this was a well-balanced ‘first in a series’ mystery. We meet Hannah, her family, and what will most likely be the recurring cast of characters. I got a good glimpse at Hannah's personality, which I liked, for the most part, and I enjoyed the Minnesota scenery, as well.
And the mystery?
Very solid! It kept me guessing and turning those pages!
Overall, this is a great start to the series and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops over time.
Ready for Romance by Debbie Macomber & Child on His Doorstep by Lee Tobin McClain is a 2022 Harlequin publication.
I checked this book out on impulse Ready for Romance by Debbie Macomber & Child on His Doorstep by Lee Tobin McClain is a 2022 Harlequin publication.
I checked this book out on impulse at the Overdrive library. This is a two book bundle pack of previously published Harlequin romance novels.
I encourage publishers or authors who have control over their book rights to digitize their older books- so I’m glad to see so many of Debbie Macomber’s vintage titles are available in e book format. The first book featured in this two-fer was originally published in 1994- nearly thirty years ago!
Naturally, a Harlequin romance written several decades ago will be somewhat dated. But, other than some truly cringeworthy workplace casualness, for a lack of a better word, and the premise of hiring a woman for matchmaking purposes, rather than for her job skills, the story was still readable and enjoyable. It’s an average story, nothing especially memorable here, but it was fun to read one of Macomber’s early works.
3 stars
The second ‘bonus’ book is a more recent release, and as such, I thought it was the better story- so this is the one I’m going to review. This is also a Harlequin publication- originally published in 2020 for the ‘Love Inspired’ faith based imprint.
Corbin’s parents were alcoholics leaving him bitter and resentful towards them. Then he discovers, he has a much younger brother, when his mother drops him off on Corbin's doorstep.
Corbin knows nothing about children, but thankfully, and quite fortuitously, he finds Samantha, a woman looking for a fresh start, with a background in childcare, to become a his live-in Nanny.
Little does he know that Samantha’s involvement is slightly orchestrated.
As Corbin and Samantha get to know one another better, they both feel a spark between them- but Samantha’s past struggles with substance abuse causes Corbin to put up all his immovable defenses. Yet Samantha is slowly softening his resolve to never get emotionally involved with an alcoholic. But what would he do if he found out that Samantha has been keeping a big secret from him?
I’ve been meaning to give this author a try for a while, and this was a great way to sample her work. The story is quick, with a strong message of human frailty, being judgmental, and about being open to forgiveness and hope.
This is a nice story with mature characters, and I got a good first impression of this author. I think Lee Tobin McClain has moved, as did Debbie Macomber, into the women’s fiction category, and I’m looking forward to reading a few of her newer books in the near future.
3.5 stars for this one
Overall, this is a solid pairing of older books by two authors who have both progressed with their writing. I do wish readers had a better idea of how old the Macomber book is before going in, as I thought it might be a bit misleading. It didn’t bother me because I don’t really mind reading older books, but others might be confused by the pub date and the updated cover.
Other than that, this was a nice, warm, comforting way to spend a cold January Sunday afternoon.
Die Like an Eagle by Donna Andrews is a 2016 Minotaur publication.
It’s time for summer games!
Wow! I’ve now read TWENTY books in this series!
I’ve foDie Like an Eagle by Donna Andrews is a 2016 Minotaur publication.
It’s time for summer games!
Wow! I’ve now read TWENTY books in this series!
I’ve followed Meg through courtship, marriage, pregnancy and the birth of her twins. Now the boys are playing baseball for the Caerphilly Eagles, Michael is a coach, and the reader is invited to opening day…
Unfortunately, the festivities are marred by the discovery of a dead body in a porta-potty- so naturally, Meg once more finds herself at the center of a murder investigation…
Wow! I can’t believe I’ve just finished my 20th Meg Langslow mystery! This series is very dependable, which is why I have stuck with it for so long. The Christmas stories are always a bit more special and are worth checking out even if you don’t follow the series.
Naturally, there have been a few wobbles, too, but overall, dear Meg has remained steady, calm, organized, and hysterically funny, in the midst of absolute chaos. In short, this series is a riot.
The pacing, though, can occasionally feel a bit too brisk, and despite the fun cast of recurring characters, the pressure to inject all of them into each installment can be distracting, which is why I thought this installment was a bit more settled and was perhaps one of the stronger efforts by Andrews.
Nearly all my favorite characters make an appearance, satisfying my desire to touch base with them again, but for the most part they stayed on the periphery, popping in and out long enough to compliment the story, without disrupting Meg’s focus on the mystery.
I felt the pacing was less frenetic and this helped to keep Meg focused on the mystery and as a result the whodunit wasn’t upstaged by Meg’s zany family members.
The tradeoff, perhaps, is that the humor wasn’t quite as sharp, but Meg’s narration is still top-notch and the story didn’t not lose any of its usual charm.
Overall, this is one of the strongest chapters in the series- and as always it was great fun to check on Meg and the gang!
Chloe Cates is Missing by Mandy McHugh is a 2022 Scarlet publication.
Chloe Cates is the thirteen- year-old internet blog star of CC and Me- created bChloe Cates is Missing by Mandy McHugh is a 2022 Scarlet publication.
Chloe Cates is the thirteen- year-old internet blog star of CC and Me- created by her mother, Jennifer. Her charmed life is all an illusion, though. Chloe’s real name is Abby- she has no friends, is homeschooled, and her every move is choreographed for her mother’s blog- and she’s absolutely miserable.
When 'Chloe' goes missing, Jennifer tries to spin it- keep it all under control- but when a body is found on the edge of their property the secrets, manipulations, and lies begin to unravel…
This is a thought-provoking and chilling thriller that could also double as a cautionary tale. The revelations are well-timed, and the twists are dark and disturbing.
Though the reader will need to suspend belief here and there, and the characterizations are perhaps a bit too exaggerated, I thought the depiction of the underbelly of internet fame- especially with kids as influencers, was handled well- and is probably more accurate than we would like to think.
Overall, I didn’t catch a lot of hype around this one- so I’d say it is a bit underrated. It’s a good, solid, absorbing, fast and compact little thriller. I really liked it!
Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn is a 2022 publication. (Amazon Original Stories)
Normally, I don’t do well with short stories, but the title of thResting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn is a 2022 publication. (Amazon Original Stories)
Normally, I don’t do well with short stories, but the title of this book grabbed my attention, and I just couldn’t resist.
As it turns out, this quickie was very well done. The characters have some good back and forth dialogue, there’s a hint of holiday magic and a cute romance all rolled into a compact package. It was well worth the time spent reading it, and it might even cure your own ‘Resting Scrooge Face’.
Overall, because this one is under a hundred pages, it would be terrific ‘lunch break’ distraction and quick holiday spirit booster!
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney is a 2021 Flatiron publication.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright- Amelia and Adam- and their dog, Bob, are having a weekend awaRock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney is a 2021 Flatiron publication.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright- Amelia and Adam- and their dog, Bob, are having a weekend away, knowing this is a last-ditch effort to salvage their marriage. Adam is a workaholic screenwriter who has lived with face blindness his entire life. Amelia works at a dog shelter, which is where she wins this getaway trip in a raffle drawing.
Once they arrive at their destination, which is a remote Chapel of all places, things go awry from the get-go. The tension between the couple, brought on by mistrust, lies and secrets, only intensifies when a series of odd occurrences soon becomes an edgy cat and mouse game. Someone lured them to this exact location, and now they want them to stay…
Indefinitely…
Ha! This is my third book by this author and so far, we are three for three. Very clever, well executed, and it held my undivided attention from start to finish.
Overall, a solid, twisty- (and twisted)- psychological thriller with a chilling conclusion!
Your guide to not to Getting Murdered in a quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson is a 2021 Ten Speed Press publication.
A must for mystery lovers-Your guide to not to Getting Murdered in a quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson is a 2021 Ten Speed Press publication.
A must for mystery lovers- especially the British variety! Yes, I do love a quaint English village- and of course, crime fiction readers, do know better than to be fooled by the deceptiveness of the bucolic scenery. That is what made this satirical graphic novel so funny. There’s a lot of dark humor, along with many fabulous illustrations, which made this a very entertaining book! This is a quick, one-sitting type of book, and was a nice change of pace.
Overall, I loved this graphic novel and highly recommend it to mystery lovers, of course, and maybe more for those who aren’t aware of the dangers of visiting a quaint English village….
Snowed in For Christmas by Sarah Morgan in a 2022 HQN publication.
Lucy, Ross, Alice, Nico, Clemmie, Fergus, Glenda, Douglas and last, but not least, Snowed in For Christmas by Sarah Morgan in a 2022 HQN publication.
Lucy, Ross, Alice, Nico, Clemmie, Fergus, Glenda, Douglas and last, but not least, Nanna Jean have all gathered for Christmas- except that Lucy is an unexpected guest, having found herself trapped there by a vicious winter storm after she pulls an in person ‘cold call’ with Ross Miller, the CEO of ‘Miller Active’, which specializes in activewear, desperately hoping to snag a new and lucrative account.
Lucy has idealized the Miller family- but soon discovers their ‘perfect family’ image isn’t as perfect as it seems. The Millers also have their share of personal resentments, broken dreams, and doubts and fears- just like everyone else…
I love Sarah Morgan- she’s one of my ‘go-to’ contemporary fiction/ romance authors, these days. Knowing this author, I knew the book would have depth and might not necessarily have the light festive atmosphere of other Christmas themed stories.
Don’t get me wrong, the issues are not all that heavy, really, but… the story is heavy on the drama, if that makes sense. This is SM’s style, no matter what the calendar says. In fact, with a calendar change and few tweaks here and there, this book would work just as well as a 'beach read'. So, while there are holiday festivities- the story does have a bit more levity.
I admit I got caught up in the Miller’s lives, and their various concerns and relationship woes- it was pretty good stuff. If I must make a complaint, it would be that the story was too busy. I’m ashamed to admit that for a while there I almost completely forgot all about poor injured Lucy, who was left alone for an inordinate amount of time. In fact, the characters seemed to have realized this at about the same time I did- and thankfully, Lucy was checked on- and was woven back into the story. So- yes, a few too many POVs and characters, perhaps.
I also thought that Clemmie and Alice’s issues might have been wrapped up a little faster, as well as the Ross/Douglas/Glenda thread- because all these characters have a long history with their family and prospective partners, whereas Lucy and Ross only just met, and spent precious little time alone. Their banter was not terribly playful or sharp the few times they did have a convo, and their romance was terribly rushed.
That said, Morgan is a seasoned pro, and she was able to adeptly bring all the threads together with satisfaction and with a nice happily ever after!
All’s well that ends well, right?
Right!
Oh-and just one more thing, Nanna Jean deserves a special mention as she very nearly stole the entire show!! I loved her!...more
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