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R13: SS Team 1 - All Series Start With One
Completion PostWeek 5
Spot: 39
Book:
The Wolfe Widow by Victoria AbbottQualification: Book Collector Mystery #3
Finished: 2/21/22
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: Another good book although there was no book mystery in this one. Which I missed, although the blathering on about Archie Goodwin did make me want to read some Nero Wolfe. :D Instead the mystery revolved around Vera's past, even though she was oddly missing from the story. I hope that everyone will be back in the Van Alst mansion and back to form in the next book. Also who the hell was the widow?
FInished my book. Will try to get my review up tomorrow but I have a really full day so I may not get a chance until Wednesday.
Mod
Week 5
Spot: 39
Book: A Castle of Sand by Bella Forrest
Fits: #3 in the A Shade of Vampire series
Finished: 2/22/22
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I am loving this series. It just gets better but let me tell you that Sofia has one twisted family. Neither of her parents cares about her or what she wants. She seems to be a toy that they fight for control over. I am curious what the whole "immune" thing is. I guess I will have to wait for book 4 to find out.
Mandiann wrote: "FInished my book. Will try to get my review up tomorrow but I have a really full day so I may not get a chance until Wednesday."👍🤓
Completion Post Week 5 - Roll 10
Spot 36
Book: Mahu Fire by Neil S. Plakcy
Pages: 308 per GR
How It Fits: It's the third book in the Mahu series.
Completed: 2/22/2022
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Mahu Fire is the third book in a very good mystery series set in Hawaii. Unlike many mysteries for which the setting could be anywhere with little change to the plot, Plakcy makes the most of his chosen location, which is fascinating.
While this third book isn’t quite as good as the first two, it still had no trouble holding my interest. Detective Kimo Kanapa’aka, who was reluctantly outed in the first novel, continues to solve crimes while coming to terms with his somewhat altered place in his family, the police force, and society at large. He also gets a bit of romance, this time, that doesn’t end badly by the end of the book. I'll definitely be continuing the series.
Completion Post: Week 5, Spot 39
finished: 2/23/22
how it fits: book 3 of Spell's Angels
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
This one started off slow as vampires come to town and start making trouble. Scout once again is the only one of a supernatural investigative team that uses any powers (which is really weird). She and Gunnar's relationship continues to grow and we learn basically nothing new about Scout's past. I like this series, so I hope my issues disappear in the next book.
Completion PostWeek 5
Spot 39
Book: The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead
How it fits: #3 in The Glittering Court Series
Rating: 3.5 stars
Date Read: 2/21
Review: I think I liked this book best of all three in the series. I didn't find it as repetitive as book #2, since Tamsin's journey was split off from Adelaide and Mira's much earlier. I also enjoyed the romantic interest in this book immensely which added to my enjoyment. I wish that we had more of an epilogue that tied up the ending of all three stories together a bit more but overall, I enjoyed the series (although I highly doubt I would ever reread it).
BONUS: read 3 books in the same series
Team 1 ~ Week 5
⚄ + ⚅ = 11 + 28 = New Spot 39
3rd, 9th or 39th in a series
Or alternate task: 39. Three Word Title (excludes articles like A, An, The) examples: Behind Closed Doors or Etched in Bone
Truitt - Mahu Fire - Mahu series #3 - Completion Post
Donna✸ - A Castle of Sand - A Shade of Vampire series #3 - Completion Post
Diane ~ No Crone Unturned - Spell's Angels #3 - Completion Post
Allison Ann✸ - The Wolfe Widow - Book Collector Mystery #3 - Completion Post
Mandiann✸ - The Emerald Sea - The Glittering Court #3 - Completion Post
Alison✸ - Pudding Up With Murder (Undercover Dish Mystery #3 ) - Completion Post
✸ Claiming ✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series
✸ Claimed ✸ Valentine's Bonus, 2 in 1 & >500 pages
We are kicking butt at this game. :D Great work all.
Allison Ann wrote: "We are kicking butt at this game. :D Great work all."👍 as long as I can get good rolls for the next 7 or so weeks. 🙃
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • BONUS POINTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
✔✸
✔✸
✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.
✔✸ 2 in 1:
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate lists. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
✔✸ Valentine's Bonus:
It's nice to know that that we'll likely be in the 40s - or very possibly, the 50s - with next roll. On my SSS team, luck of the roll has had us reading 3s what feels like forever!
I have a 4 book already borrowed and ready for our next roll as well as a 5 just in case :)
I have three choices for 4 - I know we should be hoping to roll up to the 50s, but I'm better prepared for the 40s!
I hope we don't skip the 40s completely. I like reading series in order whenever possible and if I skip #4 and have to hope for a roll that will fit it later.... 49 would be good though. :D
I agree - I hate to read a series out of order unless it's a series in which the books are incredibly loosely related OR I've reread the series so many times that I've got it all in my head.If we jump, I'll just have to read a 4th before I move to the 5th. Next time I play this, I'll prepare better - I could have planned more carefully.
I also dislike reading out of order and won't do it unless it is a reread. My 4th and 5th are from two different series.
Mod
I agree with reading series in order. Luckily I have a zillion series started so plenty of options through seven and a couple for 8 and 9.
You all have me smiling after a crazy day.Next roll from spot 39.....
+⚀&⚀=41
+⚀&⚁=42
+⚀&⚂ or ⚁&⚁=43
+⚀&⚃ or ⚁&⚂=44
+⚀&⚄ or ⚁&⚃ or ⚂&⚂=45
+⚀&⚅ or ⚁&⚄ or ⚂&⚃=46
+⚁&⚅ or ⚂&⚄ or ⚃&⚃=47
+⚂&⚅ or ⚃&⚄=48
+⚃&⚅ or ⚄&⚄=49
In comparison to over 50.....
+⚄&⚅=50
+⚅&⚅=51
So realistically we are way more likely to get something we can all use for our #4 in a series, witout reading out of order. 😉😁🤓😃🤓
So fancy Alison. :DSee you all tomorrow for our book choices.
WEEK SIX ROLL
⚄ + ⚂ = 8
Old spot ~ 39 + 8 = 47 New Spot
We have 4th, 7th or 47th in a series
Or alternate task: 47. Science Fiction
SELECTION POST - Week SixSpot: 47
A Fatal Fettuccine (Undercover Dish Mystery #4 ) by Julia BuckleyFits: 4th book in series
BONUS ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.
reading the crimson crown by cinda williams chima, 4th in Seven Realms.
Mod
Spot: 47
School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins
Fits: 4th book in Hex Hall series
Week SixOld spot ~ 39 + 8 = 47 New Spot
4th, 7th or 47th in a series or alternate task: 47. Science Fiction
Truitt & Allison Ann - ???
Diane✸ ~ Cut to the Crone - 4th book in Spell's Angels
Donna - School Spirits - 4th book in Hex Hall
Mandiann - the crimson crown - 4th in Seven Realms
Alison✸ - A Fatal Fettuccine (Undercover Dish Mystery #4 )
BONUS ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.
Selection PostSpot: 47
Book: The Marsh Madness by Victoria Abbott - 304 pages
How It Fits: Book Collector Mystery #4
Selection PostWeek 6
Spot 47
Book: Encore by Eden Finley
Pages: 287 per GR
How It Fits: It's the 4th book in the Famous series.
Week SixOld spot ~ 39 + 8 = 47 New Spot
4th, 7th or 47th in a series or alternate task: 47. Science Fiction
Truitt_T - Encore - Famous series #4
Allison Ann - The Marsh Madness - Book Collector Mystery #4 (✸5 books in series)
Diane ~ Cut to the Crone - Spell's Angels #4 (✸6 books in series) - completion post
Donna - School Spirits - Hex Hall #4
Mandiann - The Crimson Crown - Seven Realms #4 - completion post
Alison✸ - A Fatal Fettuccine (Undercover Dish Mystery #4) - completion post
BONUS ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.
Completion PostWeek 6
Spot 47
Book: The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima
Date finished: 2/27
How it fits: #4 in Seven Realms Series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I was very conflicted at how to rate this book. Evaluating it on its own, I felt it didn't deserve 4 stars. In fact, I felt that way about most of the books in this series. They are paced a little strangely at times and many supporting characters seem like they are just there to drive the story rather than to be real characters which disappointed me. But the world was so rich and I enjoyed the series as a whole immensely. As this was the last book in the series, I feel my rating may reflect my enjoyment of the whole series more than just this book. I can't wait to pick up the companion series.
COMPLETION POST ~ Week SixSpot: 47
A Fatal Fettuccine (Undercover Dish Mystery #4) by Julia BuckleyCompleted: February 26th
Fits: 4th book in series
Rating: ✯✯.5
Review: This time I read the kindle rather than listening to an audiobook, it was very poorly edited, so I was frustrated, and had a hard time enjoying the story.
In this fourth and final instalment of the Undercover Dish Mystery by Julia Buckley we once again find the main character Lilah Drake caught up in the middle of a murder investigation. This time it is more of a cold case situation, spurred on by a investigation of a serial killer for a book. Detective Jay Parker puts himself on the case while taking vacation days from work.
As I stated with the previous books this is a twist on the caterer, cook or baker status quo for many of these food related cozy mysteries. It was definitely entertaining. But again as with most in this genre it really does follow a formula. Once again it is good for semi quick light diverting read, but with the continuity issues and other editing errors I was a bit frustrated, and had a hard time enjoying the story.
Claiming ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series.
Undercover Dish Mystery Series — 4 primary works • 4 total works
The Big Chili (Undercover Dish Mystery #1) - done 2/1/2022 - Post
Cheddar Off Dead (Undercover Dish Mystery #2) - done 2/7/2022 - Post
Pudding Up With Murder (Undercover Dish Mystery #3 ) - done 2/18/2022 - Post
Completion Post: week 6, spot 47
how it fits: book 4 of Spell's Angels
finished: 2/28/22
rating 3 stars
review: I would have given 4 stars if it wasn't for the glaring inconsistencies from previous books.
The Winters visit and bring danger with them while Drake returns with someone from Scout's past. We FINALLLY get to see Gunnar shift although the rest of the team have yet to do anything paranormal. Sammi is a fun character to read about, but I would want to slap her IRL.
We learn somethings about Scout's past that are interesting, but there is still a lot of mystery to uncover.
I really need to start posting my books as soon as I finish them - I promise I will tonight!
Truitt_T wrote: "I really need to start posting my books as soon as I finish them - I promise I will tonight!"👍
Allison Ann and Donna, how are you gals doing with your books? Will you both be done and able to post a completion by the deadline?
Truitt_T wrote: "I really need to start posting my books as soon as I finish them - I promise I will tonight!"Even an incomplet completion post is better than nothing. 😉 You can always edit it or add to the book review later. 🤓
Sorry I am done. Just need to sit at a computer for a few minutes to get my review up. Once my morning baking is done, promise.
Allison Ann wrote: "Sorry I am done. Just need to sit at a computer for a few minutes to get my review up. Once my morning baking is done, promise."👍🤓
Completion PostWeek 6
Spot: 47
Book:
The Marsh Madness by Victoria AbbottQualification: Book Collector Mystery #4
Finished: 3/01/22
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: Another enjoyable mystery with Jordan and her crazy family and friends. This one was less lighthearted than previous books, seems to be the direction the series is heading. And we ended on a bit of a question, so I'm looking forward to the next book.
Completion PostWeek 6
Spot 47
Book: Encore by Eden Finley
Pages: 287 per GR
How It Fits: It's the 4th book in the Famous series.
Completed: 2/26/2022
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Encore is a nice end to Eden Finley’s Famous series. While this one focuses on Blake and his love interest, Jordan Brooks, it also wraps up everyone’s stories and gives readers the chance to see all the members of Eleven and their partners and families happy and well.
Perhaps because there was the need to wrap up the series, Blake and Jordan’s story didn’t have as much depth as some of the others. Initially, I thought the barbed banter between the two was going to grow annoying rather quickly, but it eased off soon enough. The relationship between the two was nice.
I’ll admit that Ryder and Lyric remain my favorite pair, but BLake and Jordan may come in second.
Mod
I will be done. Sorry, I fell asleep reading last night. However, there is only like an hour or so left.
Mod
Week 6
Spot 47
Book: School Spirits
Pages: 304
How It Fits: It's the 4th book Hex Hall Series
Completed: 3/3/22
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I found this to be an odd addition to the series. Don't get me wrong, it was good. However, it didn't actually take place at Hex Hall. Same world different school and different characters. I think it was originally supposed to be the start of a spinoff series but no other books were written so it just seems a bit off in the series. Overall, it was a fun story with lots going on.
Team 1 ~ Week 6
⚄ + ⚂ = 8 + 39 = New Spot 47
4th, 7th or 47th in a series or alternate task: 47. Science Fiction
Truitt_T - Encore - Famous series #4 - Completion Post
Allison Ann - The Marsh Madness - Book Collector Mystery #4 - Completion Post
Diane ~ Cut to the Crone - Spell's Angels #4 - Completion Post
Donna - School Spirits - Hex Hall #4 - Completion Post
Mandiann - The Crimson Crown - Seven Realms #4 - Completion Post
Alison✸ - A Fatal Fettuccine (Undercover Dish Mystery #4) - Completion Post
✸ Claiming ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series.
✸ Claimed ✸ 3+ in Series, Valentine's Bonus, 2 in 1 & >500 pages
Truitt_T wrote: "Completion PostWeek 6
Spot 47
Book: Encore by Eden Finley
Pages: 287 per GR
How It Fits: It's the 4th book in the Famous series.
Completed: 2/26/2022..."
Truitt,
Please make sure write a review so I can roll at midnight Central. Thanks 🤓
Per the rules:
Denise wrote: "A couple of things to keep in mind:
...✸ Let your team know if it looks like you won't get your review posted by Thursday, 11:59pm. You do have all of Friday to submit your review, but it can be intensely frustrating for your captain if they don't know when or if they can expect your review before the deadline...."
In the thread How to Play, Help & Discussions in message 3 it says "
**VERY IMPORTANT**
A team CANNOT advance if all the reviews are not complete and in by the deadline. Reviews are due at the latest by end of day on Friday - 11.59pm Central Time. Without a free pass to cover a review still missing by deadline, the team will have to sit out the next roll. That being said, players should have their reviews in on Thursday as your team captain cannot roll until ALL of the team REVIEWS have been posted."
I have yet to miss a deadline. I will not miss tonight’s deadline.If you wish, I will withdraw from the team.
Truitt_T wrote: "I have yet to miss a deadline. I will not miss tonight’s deadline.If you wish, I will withdraw from the team."
Oh no, I was not meaning that. I was just trying to make the rules clear.
Sorry if it came over as too heavy handed.
I posted my review almost two hours ago, a little after 11pm ET.
Truitt_T wrote: "I posted my review almost two hours ago, a little after 11pm ET."Awesome, thanks
The Challenge Factory
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Week 5 - Spot 39
Book: Mahu Fire by Neil S. Plakcy
Pages: 308 per GR
How It Fits: It's the third book in the Mahu series.