The synopsis mentions a comparison to The Island Of Doctor Moreau. Got me all kinds of curious so I gave this a go.
Couldn’t help but feel sorry for thThe synopsis mentions a comparison to The Island Of Doctor Moreau. Got me all kinds of curious so I gave this a go.
Couldn’t help but feel sorry for these characters. They think they struck gold when asked to assist in a study for the rich and powerful Billy Sans. Things change fairly quickly as they realize it’s actually a killing ground with a mad man as the puppeteer.
While this was fairly predictable, I still had a good read. Couldn’t wait to see what kind of creatures emerged and who would be picked off. Things moved quickly, people were torn to pieces, and I loved how some got a well deserved comeuppance.
A good ending too. Made me appreciate the thrilling cover....more
This book was a delight to read. The main character, Bridget, is newly dead, but that doesn’t slow her down a bit. The afterlife is every bit as busyThis book was a delight to read. The main character, Bridget, is newly dead, but that doesn’t slow her down a bit. The afterlife is every bit as busy and fashion challenged, and even ghosts can be murdered. Who woulda thunk it.
I had a rip snort of a read. Loads of snark, which I love, fun characters galore, and a challenging mystery to solve, all added up to a ghostly good time. I feel for this one and moving on to the next....more
Being maid of honor in a wedding isn’t in Sheriff Kenni Lowry’s job description. Neither is wearing a hideous green dress. But, it’s quite the big deaBeing maid of honor in a wedding isn’t in Sheriff Kenni Lowry’s job description. Neither is wearing a hideous green dress. But, it’s quite the big deal, being the Mayor’s wedding and all, so she will suck it up and do her part. Or maybe not. Called to the scene of a dead body, Kenni runs into her grandfather. He’s long shed his mortal coil but returns to help Kenni when its a case of murder. Which she now knows this to be.
I’m enjoying seeing how Kenni grows in her role as Sheriff. It seemed to me she used to think of her job as not a permanent thing, and second guessed herself often. Now, she’s strong, confident and darn good at her job.
And the relationship between Kenni and Deputy Finn is steaming right along. They’re getting very close and I enjoy their encounters throughout the book. While Finn has no idea that the ghost of Kenni’s grandpa is helping her with the case, he is suspicious when she appears to have conversations with herself and acts on clues that seem to come out of thin air.
With plenty of suspects to choose from, the mystery wasn’t easy to solve. When the culprit is revealed its like that box of chocolates, you never who you’re gonna get. I sure had fun following along as Kenni, her grandpa and Finn got to work.
The quirky and endearing character’s, funny encounters and situations and convoluted mystery are something I’ve come to expect and look forward to in this series and Tonya delivers again.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. My review is voluntarily given....more
I’m a big cozy fan and, being, a southern gal, I enjoy books set in my neck of the woods. The icing on the cake for me was. literally, the dessert. ThI’m a big cozy fan and, being, a southern gal, I enjoy books set in my neck of the woods. The icing on the cake for me was. literally, the dessert. The author described some sweet concoctions that had me craving something sweet. And there’s more than one kind. The possible romance between Sophia and Sherriff Carter of the adorable dimples added to the flavor.
I like a story about starting over too. Been there. Done that. And with loads of humorous scenes and eccentric character’s I couldn’t help but laugh and relate. Sophie might have begun the story in emotional shock from a cheating boyfriend, but after returning to her roots, her sassy mother shows her she’s tough and smart enough to begin anew and her friends lend charming and funny support.
The mystery wasn’t easy to solve either. I couldn’t pick any obvious suspects. And the thing with the new frying pan kept me especially intrigued.
The author mixed together all the right ingredients for a fun cozy mystery.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given....more
There are many things I enjoy about cozies. I like meeting all of the quirky characters. The stories are usually set in small towns. I live in one andThere are many things I enjoy about cozies. I like meeting all of the quirky characters. The stories are usually set in small towns. I live in one and can relate. And the mysteries, while mostly murders, aren’t gruesome.
Anne Freemont hasn’t even had time to settle into the old Victorian she just purchased before she’s tangled up in the murder of her neighbor. While not a suspect herself, a young woman she’s become friends with is the main suspect and begs her to help clear her name. Having no idea how to go about it, the town rallies and they all put on their sleuthing caps.
I easily connected with Anne. Moving from a bustling city to a small town takes getting used to. Everyone knows each other’s business and don’t hesitate to butt into hers. When her new friend, Kandi, is arrested for murder and asks her for help, I found it a fresh angle that she has no idea where to start. Most cozies have the character diving in enthusiastically, having some ideas on how to go about it. Anne has none. Luckily, she has a secret that helps her.
The friendship between Anne and Kandi is a fun one. Years separate them but they have a lot of common interests. Kandi’s use of the work like in every other sentence drives Anne nuts but they soon find it a source of amusement.
The small town of Carolan Springs is filled with a slew of interesting characters. How they welcomed Anne into their midst was comical and heart warming. Anne recognizes that being a newcomer might help her in her investigation as she might notices things that the residents, being so familiar with each other, might not. A fresh set of eyes and ears you might say.
The mystery is a tough one. I usually spot a few bread crumbs, but didn’t catch one this time. When the author finally reveals what happened, I was caught completely by surprise. Never saw it coming.
And I really liked the ending. Some might think it was sappy, but I thought it was precious.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given....more
I dig books about archaeology. It’s been a dream of mine to visit some of the ancient cities and pyramids that have been uncovered, and I couldn’t waiI dig books about archaeology. It’s been a dream of mine to visit some of the ancient cities and pyramids that have been uncovered, and I couldn’t wait to join these character’s in their adventure.
The story begins with Alex, an Egyptologist, who discovers a secret in the sand that could be the end of mankind if it falls into the wrong hands.. Mathew Connor instantly comes to mind when she realizes she needs people she can trust to help her uncover and protect it. They have worked together before and she feels she can trust him. Mathew is excited to join her and brings with him two trusted friends, Cal and Robyn, who’ve also been on expeditions with him before. The excitement of the adventure is dimmed by the reality of what they might uncover and what it might mean for mankind. But they can’t help but be thrilled as tunnels are discovered, tombs are opened, and things long lost are now found. History will be changed.
Not having read the first book, City Of Gold, I still didn’t have any trouble reading this, the second book in the Mathew Connor series. The author filled me in at appropriate points about past connections and events without slowing down my reading enjoyment. But I’d still recommend reading the previous book first. You don’t want to miss the fun of discovering these characters and seeing how they came to be where they are now.
I had a good feeling about this book going in. What I didn’t expect was the nail biting suspense. If it’s not tunnels collapsing, it’s flooded chambers and lethal cobras. Not to mention others who might want they uncover. I could picture this on the big screen. The darkness under the desert. The chill of opening hidden chambers. Being trapped with snakes all around you. No idea if help will come in time. Yep, it would be a great movie.
Each character tells their story but you won’t get confused. I quickly came to know them and easily recognized who was narrating. Cal, especially. He’s a wise cracker and made me chuckle in between the dangerous events. And the author did it just right as it helped me to understand each character’s motivations and reactions. Led to a much deeper read for me.
Mysteries, action, adventure, danger, and genuine character’s await you inside this well researched and fun book. You’ll quickly become immersed in it and reach the end feeling satisfied yet wanting more.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given....more
I’m a pushover for books like this. Give me a bunch of people wandering around in a park in the dark with something hunting them and I’m a happy campeI’m a pushover for books like this. Give me a bunch of people wandering around in a park in the dark with something hunting them and I’m a happy camper. Jason doesn’t let me down.
As each group encounters something in the night, it’s a mad dash to find safety. They all wind up in the same place, a falling down shack in the middle of the park. What’s outside wants in. But those inside want out. Most of them aren’t nice people and they all have a reason to want to harm each other. The group dynamics are a big part of the story and I eat that stuff up.
As for the things outside, the author dreamed up some nasty ones for ya. They’re relentless when the attack begins. There’s lots of running and screaming, and one by one, the character’s fall like dominoes. Don’t worry. You won’t mind when some of them bite the dust. The weren’t very likable anyway.
And Jason added some twisted surprises that caught me off guard and sure did contribute to the suspense.
If you like creature feature horror, you might want to give this one a go. It reads fast and definitely keeps you entertained. The title lives up to it’s name.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given....more
Dog Toys isn’t just the title of the book, it’s also the name of the star character. Dog Toys is a good dog. He enjoys living with Andrew and playingDog Toys isn’t just the title of the book, it’s also the name of the star character. Dog Toys is a good dog. He enjoys living with Andrew and playing with his toys. But there are no dogs in his neighborhood. Now he and Andrew are going to the beach. Will he meet other dogs? Will they play with him? He can’t wait to get out in the world and see for himself.
This was such a cute and fast read. Each page is a full color illustration. I really enjoyed how the author told the story along with showed it. And there’s many things to spot on each page. Dog Toys shares about what he sees and smells. I always wondered what my dog was thinking when he ran around, stopping to smell things, and what he might be seeing when he hung his head out of the car window. Makes me want to pack us up in the car and head to the beach.
This is one I recommend to dog lover’s of all ages. Dog Toys is a delight and so are the lessons learned and colorful illustrations....more
A family of powerful vampires flee from persecution and wind up in America, starting a new life in Seattle. But, someone or something won’t stop huntiA family of powerful vampires flee from persecution and wind up in America, starting a new life in Seattle. But, someone or something won’t stop hunting them. As strange creatures stalk the night and the family appears to be their focus, they’ll have to rely on each to survive and vanquish the evil.
What worked for me.
I thought it was a nice touch to have the family of vampires actually be the Romanov’s family of Russian aristocracy. Persecuted and pursued, they fled to America, trying to assimilate into society and hide in plain sight. And I also liked that they weren’t pretty vampires. They were actually more like shapeshifters and transformed into nightmarish beings. No nice vampires that only feed on animals.
What almost didn’t work, but did.
The instant love thing. Anna sees Eric and he sees her. Bang! Instant love. Normally I run far away from this scenario. But I stopped to think, and remembered how it felt when I had an instant attraction to someone. The more I read about these two, the more I wanted them to be together. So, I’d say the author made it work.
Lots of creatures.
There are deadly vampires, a huge dragon, some wee fairy dragons, and the Shetani. The Shetani are evil beings, dark as pitch. They come in all sizes and their shapes defy logic.
What builds the suspense.
At the end of each chapter, the suspense builds as the unknown being stalks the family, drawing closer. It adds to the creep factor and I’m always up for that.
Surprises.
Plenty of them. From Anna’s transformation into her hidden vampire form, to the reveal of who’s been pursuing them for over a hundred years, and so much in between.
The ending.
As I read the last few chapters of the book and I got all wrapped up in the action, I wasn’t thinking about how it would end. I was caught off guard and it worked for me.
I’d recommend this to those who like their vampires dark and deadly, but also able to love. And to readers who like magical creatures, good or evil.
I own a copy of this book. My review is voluntarily given....more
You can’t help but love Eddie Shoes. She’s a tough gal and a now seasoned private investigator who has to juggle her eccentric mother, Chava, who’s alYou can’t help but love Eddie Shoes. She’s a tough gal and a now seasoned private investigator who has to juggle her eccentric mother, Chava, who’s always butting her nose into Eddie’s business, along with a mob connected father that tries to protect his daughter but his connections make being near him a questionable risk.
A relaxing weekend at a resort with her mother becomes a new case, or two, for Eddie when she rescues a man from a forest fire. As the man is dying he asks Eddie to find his missing daughter. With very little to go on, she’ll have to draw on all of her investigative skills to solve both cases.
What I enjoy so much about this series is the characters. Eddie is a tough cookie but also vulnerable. Her mother, Chava, is a hoot. Another tough cookie but a bit on the zany side. And her father, who she’s just coming to really know, is a bit intimidating but also wants to be a part of Eddie’s life. These three make for some funny character dynamics.
The mystery is convoluted. Not easily solved. And I must have missed some bread crumbs as the final reveal caught me by surprise.
Fans of cozies with colorful character’s will enjoy this series. You could read this without having read the first books. The author drops some bones so you have an idea where everyone stands. But I’d recommend you start at the beginning and fully connect with these characters. You’ll catch up on all the fun that way.
I sure had a rip roaring time with this newest Eddie Shoes mystery. You can count me in for the next one!
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given....more
Two of my go to authors when I want something dark that makes me squirm while reading have come together with a thrilling new story. I enjoyed The FinTwo of my go to authors when I want something dark that makes me squirm while reading have come together with a thrilling new story. I enjoyed The Final Winter by Iain and Origin by Konrath. Now they’ve teamed up and written the sequel to Origin, including character’s from both of the books.
Imagine a secret society who’s sole purpose is to protect mankind from things that go bump in the night. Things we believe exist only in our imagination. Deep below ground there are creatures beyond imaging. Locked up in a facility. They believe this time they’ve covered all the bases. No way can what happened at Samhain happen again.
So, with that thought, things do go wrong, horribly wrong. It’s monsters on a grand scale. Some you’ll recognize, some are straight out of nightmares. There were a couple I just couldn’t picture. So bizarre. And once monstergeddon begins, it’s a massacre.
I really liked some of the character’s. A husband and wife team from the previous book, Origin, are recruited to try to find out what one of the most dangerous denizens is up to. Some honeymoon they’re having. And the young man that accidentally got himself invited along had no idea what he was in for. Most of the scientists, security and staff I figured to be monster chum. One soldier had potential to be a good guy. And Wolfie. I liked Wolfie. Might not have if I actually saw it up close. It’s not what you’re thinking it is. And one so called monster that looks like an ordinary man, first appearing in The Final Winter, remains a mystery as to his intent til right at the end.
Once the killing starts there’s no slowing down with this one. It’s bloody death on every level of the facility. Even monsters killing monsters. No one is spared. Kind of reminded me of a scene from Cabin In The Woods. And there’s this wild twist that still has me reeling.
You actually get two versions of this book. Iain Rob Wright explains how he came to write the sequel to Origin with J.A. Konrath.. You get the final version from both authors and the first one written by Iain. The authors put their heads together and give you Holes In The Ground in all its bloody glory.
Monster lovers and fans of these two authors, you don’t want to miss this one....more
When I read the synopsis I was a bit worried that there was so much going on things would be confusing. Not the case at all. The author starts you offWhen I read the synopsis I was a bit worried that there was so much going on things would be confusing. Not the case at all. The author starts you off by taking you back to Jamaica in 1817. You get a brief history of the White Witch, a nasty woman, and the Maroons, the poor slaves that were at her mercy. Then he drops you in modern day Jamaica and the White Witch may still be up to some of her tricks and the Maroons are still fighting for freedom and what is rightfully theirs.
An American company comes in to strip mine on land supposedly owned by the Maroons. One side attacks, the other returns the favor. The bodies keep piling up. A few brave people band together to settle the conflict once and for all. But will they survive to get their day in court?
I loved the mix of mysticism and modern culture clashing. I was kept guessing whether the Obeah priestess had a hand in certain events. There were some weird things happening at her old plantation. It lent a heavy atmosphere to the story. And it had many of the characters wondering too. Not all of the attacks could be explained away and with people switching sides and having their own agendas and beliefs, nothing was certain.
I’ve acquired a taste for the author’s writing and plan on reading more. White Witch is a fast read. The story flows smoothly. And the mystery and suspense gradually build, leading to a thrilling conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given....more
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