Nicole's 2014 Sleuth Extraordinaire Challenge

[Nicole]

Going to try to read 20 or more cozies :)
I of course review here on goodreads, but if you like to read them on my website, if I'm allowed to place that here, you are welcome to visit Springtime Lily Reading Corner

01. Dawn Eastman - Pall in the Family [01/07/2014]
02. Peggy Webb - Elvis and the Dearly Departed [01/17/2014]
03. Barbara Ross - Clammed Up [01/27/2014]
04. Rita Lakin - Getting Old is Criminal [01/28/2014]
05. Nancy Atherton - Aunt Dimity and the Duke [02/23/2014]
06. Ellery Adams - The Last Word [03/18/2014]
07. Maddy Hunter - Pasta Imperfect [04/10/2014]
08. Julie Hyzy - State of the Onion [04/24/2014]
09. Nancy Atherton - Aunt Dimity's Good Deed [05/06/2014]
10. Deb Baker - Goodbye, Dolly [ 05/18/2014]
11. Ellery Adams – Written in Stone [05/27/2014]
12. Rita Lakin – Getting Old is to Die For [06/08/2014]
13. Rita Mae Brown - Wish You Were Here [07/06/2014]
14. Debbie Viguié - The Lord Is My Shepherd [07/10/2014]
15. Karen Cantwell - Take the Monkeys and Run [07/16/2014]

[Yvonne]

Have fun!

[Nicole]

Here we go!

01. Dawn Eastman - Pall in the Family [01/07/2014]

[Nicole]

02. Peggy Webb - Elvis and the Dearly Departed [01/17/2014] Didn't like it too much though... Will read the next installment, but if I still don't like it, I won't read the whole series.

[Nicole]

03. Barbara Ross - Clammed Up [01/27/2014] Absolutely loved it! This is a recommendation to others! It has everything, family, tension, mystery and plot twist. Never guessed the killer to be that person!

[Mark]

I keep hearing such good things about this series. I really need to find time to check it out.

[Nicole]

If you mean the Clammed Up cozy, you should definitely read it! It's great!

04. Rita Lakin - Getting Old is Criminal [01/28/2014] I am a big Gladdy Gold fan and this book is awesome again! Love it!

[Nicole]

05. Nancy Atherton - Aunt Dimity and the Duke [02/23/2014] Loved this book! Was a bit surprised it started before the events in book 1, but still loved it!

[C. (Comment, never msg).]

Me too! You're one of few people "who got it"! You'll see my review with the book and we can compare notes! :-) Carolyn.

[Nicole]

C. wrote: "Me too! You're one of few people "who got it"! You'll see my review with the book and we can compare notes! :-) Carolyn."

I look forward to it :)

[C. (Comment, never msg).]

That brings a smile. :) What I didn't know upon reviewing is that when we read volume III, "Aunt Dimity's Good Deed" is much more enjoyable BECAUSE we have acquainted Nell so very well first. Only then can we believe a poised child like that. The author rightly risked throwing less-attentive readers off; to step back and fill in Emma & Derek's history.

[Nicole]

C. wrote: "That brings a smile. :) What I didn't know upon reviewing is that when we read volume III, "Aunt Dimity's Good Deed" is much more enjoyable BECAUSE we have acquainted Nell so very well first. On..."

Good to hear that Nell comes back in volume III, that is one is on my to read list of course! I think, even though it was a bit surprising that we did not continue from volume I, it was good that this book was written so we know more on Emma and Derek!

[C. (Comment, never msg).]

Let me know when you see my review, or I'll know if you comment there. :) Yes, Nancy fuses both couples back together in present time of the 1990s. I'm not much farther than you. III is exceptionally good; it was my third 5/5.

IV I had to give a 4. It was so subdued, there was no urgent mystery or atmospheric adventure. You could see my review there too. I have no doubt it was a slump or exception. This author's idea of a less emotional book is still 4/5 because I love the characters and the writing so very much.

Yes, in addition to knowing Emma & Derek extremely well: that whole adventure of meeting the Pym twins, being sent to the prince's castle, was mysterious and very atmospheric as it was. Ditching a crappy boyfriend and dry office job worked out very well for her!

[Nicole]

I have one more for the Reading the Season challenge and after that I want to start on book III. This series is just way too much fun!

Okay, so IV is still a good book, but has a little less adventure/mystery? I can't wait!

I added you as a friend, may be also easier for the reviews :)

[C. (Comment, never msg).]

I like to think it is because people want to get to know each other. If so, I'm flattered and pleased. :) I would have offered soon myself.

[Nicole]

C. wrote: "I like to think it is because people want to get to know each other. If so, I'm flattered and pleased. :) I would have offered soon myself."

Glad to hear you didn't mind!

I finished another cozy:
06. Ellery Adams - The Last Word [03/18/2014]

As with the other books, loved this one also! Ellery had that thing, I don't know what, but I just love her books!

[C. (Comment, never msg).]

My query attempted to confirim you did out of interest in making each other's aquaintance, not technical convenience. ;) I'm glad you like Ellery Adams entirely. That's another series in my library that I haven't brought into our house because I save what I think I'll like, for later.

[Nicole]

:D I agree!

Ellery Adams is an amazing writer! So far I loved the A Books by the Bay series! It grabbed me from book 1 on :D

[C. (Comment, never msg).]

Good! That's how I view the word, friendship. hehe I'm teasing because I like to hear people's reason for adding is "We both love animals" or "Can't get enough paranormal" so I had to giggle at yours. No Kodak moment there. LOL

I have the opening to her magic pies series too; one of many many collections in our personal libarary. Today however, I'm going to clean and then have a meal ready. It's my fiancé, Ron's birthday today! Here's to him! :) Carolyn.

[Betty]

Carolyn, every time I send an email to your email, it comes back to me with mail turned mail. Both ones I sent were fairly long and for spreading I can't change the address or forward them.

[Nicole]

C. wrote: "Good! That's how I view the word, friendship. hehe I'm teasing because I like to hear people's reason for adding is "We both love animals" or "Can't get enough paranormal" so I had to giggle at ..."

Hahahaha! Well you know I only like to add people who are either real life friends or friends that like the same books as me. That's what Goodreads is for me, a portal to which I can talk to people who like the same books as me! :D

I'd love to read that too. If it is as good as the Books by the bay series, then I know I'll love it!

Congrats with you Fiance's birthday! Hope you all will have a great day!

[C. (Comment, never msg).]

Or friends that could become real life friends. I'm a penpaller from way back. :) Ron's birthday was lovely. More to enjoy Saturday and then a week later with friends unable to join us earlier.

[Nicole]

Exactly! I have had that with friends I met over the Internet and a few of them are now real life friends. Sorry for the incredible late answer by the way!

Also, some new books added:

07. Maddy Hunter - Pasta Imperfect [04/10/2014]
08. Julie Hyzy - State of the Onion [04/24/2014]
09. Nancy Atherton - Aunt Dimity's Good Deed [05/06/2014]

[C. (Comment, never msg).]

Nice to hear from you, Nicole. What are you thinking of Julie Hyzy? I own the first two or more. How about "Aunt Dimity's Good Deed"? I gotta ask if people don't show ratings with their lists. ;) I gave her first three a whole 5/5. The next 4/5 because the mystery wasn't dynamic at all but I love the way she writes and am invested in the people. Carolyn.

[Nicole]

I loved Julie Hyzy! I read Dorothy St. James white house gardner book 1 and did not like it at all, so people recommended Julie Hyzy and it was very, very good! So I will certainly read the next book as well!

I LOVED Aunt Dimity's. Good Deed!! I smiled a lot during the book and it was just a real pleasant read! I really love this series so far! I will add my ratings from now on! It is easier to see indeed :) I also gave this a 5/5! The next one is on my list! With this series I just can't wait to start on the next one!

[Nicole]

10. Deb Baker - Goodbye, Dolly [ 05/18/2014]
Second book in this series! Really liked it! Good mystery, good suspense and I love the character development

11. Ellery Adams – Written in Stone [05/27/2014]
What to say about Ellery, I love her books, so this was also another great one!

12. Rita Lakin – Getting Old is to Die For [06/08/2014]
I love Gladdy, but this book was a little less for me than the others. Still a great read but no big mystery. I did like to read more about the personal life of Gladdy and her past, but I did miss a little mystery on the side!

[Nicole]

13. Rita Mae Brown - Wish You Were Here [07/06/2014]

Just finished this book. Liked it a lot! Gave it 4 stars. Missed the action a bit and the tension around the main character, but I did love the interaction between the animals!

[Nicole]

14. Debbie Viguié - The Lord Is My Shepherd [07/10/2014]

Loved this book! Certainly recommend it and gave it 5 stars!

[Nicole]

15. Karen Cantwell - Take the Monkeys and Run [07/16/2014]

Highly recommend it! Loved this book, maybe a bit over the top plot, but lots of laughs!