Dungeons and Danger - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Dungeons and Danger (A Ravensea Castle Mystery #2) by Elizabeth Penney

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description:  As Halloween approaches, Ravensea Castle is bustling with excitement as Nora Asquith welcomes the fall season guests to her family's newly converted bed and breakfast. A historian studying the movements of the Vikings has traced their exploits to Ravensea. A certain Viking woman, known as the Red Maiden, landed here and the historian believes she buried a treasure hoard before the castle was built. He is hopeful he can find the hoard now. Nora can't help but wonder if the enigmatic castle ghost she's always referred to as the woman in red could be this very Viking?

Meanwhile, a team of four ghost hunters is coming to stay at Ravensea for the filming of Britain's Got Ghosts. Former students of the historian, the group arrives with their own rivalries and baggage. They try to see who can make the most paranormal contacts and end up getting more than they bargained for.

When the historian is murdered during a Viking festival on castle grounds and his notes go missing, Nora can't help but wonder if the treasure was why he was killed . . . and could it be connected to the visiting ghost hunters? Additional "accidents" befalling the hunters raise the stakes as Nora races to find the killer—and the treasure—before another death occurs.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book: I enjoyed the first book in this series and have enjoyed other books by this author.

My Impression: I enjoyed the first book which setup the structure for the series.  I liked Nora and her family (though her sister took a bit of patience) and of course I can't resist a haunted castle turned inn.  I enjoyed this even more.  Nora is getting the hang of running the family castle as an Inn all while managing dwindling family resources and running her own apothecary business where she makes soaps and salves using herbs grown on the castle grounds.

This was a fun setup with a treasure hunter and a group of ghost hunters who don't get along.  All the characters are up to something and it doesn't seem like anyone is telling the whole truth.  When the body finally falls about 30% in it isn't a surprise but the list of suspects is long.

I loved the mix of history and cozy mystery.  The characters are likable with slightly complicated dynamics and the side characters including dogs, a cat and a castle full of ghosts in entertaining.  The investigation is well done and kept me interested.  I liked the addition of Nora's boyfriend who is also a detective.  It adds a bit of validity to Nora's nosiness.   This was a fun read with a lovely setting and a fun mystery.  I'm looking forward to reading more from this author and especially this series.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you like cozy mysteries this is a good pick though I would recommend starting with the first book just for context.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

The Summer Share - Contemporary Romance Review

Goodreads: The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van. An unexpected inheritance from her Pops brings Hannah to Cape Split, North Carolina, where she learns she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his Gramps.

As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover the house was once home to a timeless love story. Soon, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past may be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

Hannah thought one summer at the Split would be enough, except it isn’t like any place she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—and she’s thinking about putting down some roots. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community the same way or their first summer share might also be their last.

Genre: Romance - Contemporary

Why I Picked This Book:  I typically enjoy McKinlay's books and I liked the premise of this one.

My Impression: I enjoyed this book for the most part.  Hannah and Simon are an interesting mix.  It's a little bit of a grumpy/sunshine setup but they're also both dealing with grief and quite a lot of trauma.  It was interesting to see how they both dealt with the issues as they're both processing but in different and fairly realistic ways.  I liked the setup quite a lot.  There's some hijinks at the beginning as they try to figure out just what is going on as well as an adorable and high spirited Great Dane.  I liked the community feel of the neighborhood.

After awhile it does feel like the plot is spinning its wheels a bit.  There's only so many time they can argue different opinions regarding the house without repeating themselves.  As well, it felt like it took awhile for Simon's backstory to really be revealed to the reader and to Hannah.  Overall, however, this was an enjoyable read with mostly likable characters - and did I mention the dog?  I liked the plot and found it a bit of a unique twist on the inheritance and forced residence trope which is one of my favorites.  

This was a fun read that tackled loss and a sense of betrayal that I think most of us deal with in some way at some point in our lives.  McKinlay's standalones have been super reliable enjoyable reads and this was no exception.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would!  While her books aren't always my favorite I do always enjoy them and I look forward to seeing more from her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you like lighter reads that tackle real emotion this is a great pick.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Favorite Books by Ten Favorite Authors

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Ten Favorite Books by Favorite Authors.

1.  Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie - If I absolutely had to name a favorite Christie this would probably be it.  There's a plot hole or two but I love the story so much I don't even care.  It's coming up for this year's Read Christie challenge and I'm so excited about it.

2.  Shattered Silk by Barbara Michaels - I have a few Michaels books that rotate as my favorite and this one involving a woman starting a vintage clothes store is my current favorite.

3.  Inheritance by Nora Roberts - I always enjoy Roberts' books but this first in the trilogy was my favorite in awhile.  I loved the premise, the setting and the characters.  I liked the rest of the trilogy but neither lived up to this one.

4.  The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery - I love all of Montgomery's books (even the ones that you can tell she wrote just to fulfill contract obligations) but this one is probably my absolute favorite.  Any book with Anne is a close second with Jane also being serious competition.

5.  The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly - I have so many books of Kelly's left to read but so far I've thoroughly enjoyed every book I've read.  This one stands out a bit though.

6.  Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry - This is another author who has many books I still need to read but I've loved everything I've read.  This one absolutely hooked me and I'm looking forward to a reread.  

7.  The Twelve Jays of Christmas by Donna Andrews - This is a chaotic cozy mystery series with an enormous cast and lots of hijinks and it is always a good time.  The Christmas mysteries are typically my favorite and this one involved everyone having to wear hats indoors because they kept being divebombed by Blue Jays.  I don't remember why there were a lot of birds inside, but it was funny.  

8.  Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas - I love Kleypas's historical romances and am thrilled to see she has a new book coming out in the next few months.  This is one I've reread countless times and I never get tired of it.  It's the only villain redemption story I've every truly believed in.

9.  Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh - Balogh was one of my first favorite historical romance authors and I've recently gotten back to her books.  I don't find them quite as rereadable as Kleypas but I love the worlds she creates. 

10. When All the Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz - I wouldn't necessarily list Krentz as one of the highest quality authors and they very rarely stay with me after I've finished them but they are a guaranteed distraction and a fun reading experience.

What are some of your favorite books by your favorite authors?

The Final Target - Romantic Suspense Review

Goodreads:  The Final Target by Nora Roberts

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.

Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…

An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude―but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden's purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

Genre: Romance - Suspense

Why I Picked This Book:  I always enjoy Roberts' books so of course I had to pick this one up!

My Impression:  This was an entertaining read with a mix of cozy elements and some nail-biting scenes.  The basic structure of the book reminded me quite a bit of a previous book - The Obsession - something bad happens, then we have the main character making her home and getting settled, followed by some more bad stuff.  The plot is completely different and other than being in creative fields Arden and Naomi don't have anything in common.  This did make me want to reread The Obsession because I enjoyed this one so much and remember enjoying that one as well.

Arden is a likable main character who can be a bit standoffish with new people which makes a lot of sense considering her backstory.  I loved the buildup of the story and the evolving of the world Arden lives in.  The bad guy in this is super creepy in a completely believable way.  I enjoyed Gideon's character and really loved his relationship with his grandfather.  

As I would expect from Nora Roberts, this was a great read with a fantastic group of characters, a well paced plot and just compulsively readable.  I always enjoy her yearly standalone romantic suspense and this was no exception.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  This made me want to reread some of her past books I enjoyed while I wait for her next book.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy romantic suspense but still want likable main characters this is a must read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

The Dancing Floor - Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Dancing Floor by Barbara Michaels

Rating: Just Okay (2 Stars)
Source: Purchased

Description:  For years, Heather Tradescant had dreamed of the journey she and her father would take to England--a pilgrimage to the great gardens of history. Now that her father is dead, Heather is determined to fulfill his dreams. Unfortunately, her request to see the fabled 17th-century garden of Troytan House is denied by the owner. Though unwelcome, she braves the walls of briars and reaches the Victorian manor house beyond. She senses a strange mission of evil lurking, tainting the manor's peaceful beauty. Only then does Heather begin to wonder whether it is only stories of long-vanished witchcraft that haunt Troytan House or whether there is some more modern horror, nearer at hand, and far, far more dangerous. Continuing in the classic tradition she established with such acclaimed novels of suspense as Stitches in Time, Vanish with the Rose, and House of Stone, New York Times bestselling author Barbara Michaels has penned a chilling tale that will keep you reading until the last page.

Genre: Fiction

Why I Picked This Book:  I love so many of Barbara Micheals' books that I wanted to read this one.

My Impression:  Michaels is so fantastic at setting a scene and she does not disappoint here.  Troytan House is decidedly eerie with something dark lurking behind the scenes.  Heather ends up being taken into the house by the eccentric and wealthy owner, Frank.   There is a thread of witchcraft past and present running around the house and the village that increases the sense of unease that permeates the book.

Unfortunately, this book was just okay.  For starters I just really didn't like Heather.  She's prickly and quite often just plain rude.  As well, the constant mentions of her appetite and the amount she ate got to be a bit much as well as the fact that every male character seemed to fall instantly in love with her.  

The ending also left quite a bit to be desired.  It wrapped up kind of out of nowhere and there were a few developments that just felt completely out of left field.

Anything by Michaels (or under the name Peters) is going to be readable and well paced but I was glad to see the end of these characters.  It definitely isn't going on my reread shelf.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would definitely read more from this author but I will not be rereading this one.

Would I Recommend this Book? Probably not.  I love Michaels but this one just isn't a winner.

Friday Fives - Five Books I Bought For My Birthday

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much.  Last year I bought every book I could find but this year I've been a bit more restrained, so I only have 5 (though I suspect I've got some used bookstore trips coming up!).  

1.  The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick - This has been on my TBR and in person the cover is gorgeous - and there are sprayed edges involved.

2.  A Secret in the Garden by Jeneanne O'Riley - More sprayed edges and gorgeous covers AND it looked nice and creepy.

3.  The River Muse by Laura Resau - Another gorgeous cover (are you seeing a theme) and an interesting premise with a bit of magic.

4.  Secret Nights and Northern Lights by Megan Oliver - This was on the staff recommends shelf and it looks really good.

5.  Whose Body in the Library by Eva Gates - This is a preorder so I don't have it yet but I'm really looking forward to it.  I've really enjoyed the series and I'm intrigued by the new direction.

The Lake House - Contemporary Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Lake House (Firefly Summer #2) by Lori Foster

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: When Pixie Nolan first came to Bramble, Kentucky, the abandoned and desperate young single mother found hope, healing, and a fresh start. With the loving support of her best friends—Marlow Heddings and her handsome Marine husband, Cort—Pixie is now happily raising her toddler son in a cozy cottage, managing Marlow’s thriving boutique, and designing firefly logo t-shirts that are selling like hotcakes. The past is behind her, and life is good.

She never expected to make an electrifying connection with a summer renter, a retired Navy SEAL with his own complicated past . . .

A rugged warrior with scars both seen and unseen, Brogan Rafferty arrives with an adorable baby girl in tow and settles into the lake house next door. And while he’s a stunning addition to the gorgeous scenery, it’s his caring devotion that captures Pixie’s heart—the way he gently snuggles away the precious infant’s cries, or swoops Pixie’s delighted little boy high in the air with his tattooed, muscular arms.

But it’s no coincidence that Brogan has found Pixie, and his startling revelations make it clear she’s the key to healing old regrets and building new dreams. And when a hostile stranger turns up with shocking accusations against Bramble’s new hometown hero, Pixie must put her own fears and heartbreak away for good—and learn what it truly means to trust.

Genre: Fiction - Contemporary/Romance

Why I Picked This Book: I enjoyed the first book in this series and wanted to see more of the story.

My Impression: This was a nice book about nice people who have found each other and built a found family.  Pixie Nolan and her son Andy met Marlow in the first book when Pixie had hit rock bottom and had nowhere to turn.  Now happy, healthy, and firmly on her feet she meets Brogan Rafferty.  While he doesn't seem helpless or at rock bottom, he's looking for family and acceptance - even if he doesn't know it yet.  

This isn't a dramatic book.  There are some encounters with some pretty vile people and the main two characters have sad backstories but the story itself is positive and full of hope.  It's nice to see such a strong found family that really supports each other.  There's a bit of repetition especially in the first half of the book and this isn't necessarily a story that will really stick with me.  That said, it's a nice bit of escape reading with genuine characters and enough heart to not be silly.  It's a perfect relaxation read.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would!  This was a really lovely, sweet read and I enjoyed it just as much if not more than the first book.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you're looking for a comforting read this is a good choice though I would recommend reading the first book before this one just to give you the background.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite Secondary Characters

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Favorite Secondary Characters.  I love a lot of side characters but there are 2 that stand out as my least favorite so I had to include those too.

1.  Inspector Japp from the Poirot mysteries by Agatha Christie - I love Japp and his interactions with Poirot.  He does a good job of being respectful and exasperated at the same time.

2.  Will in the Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong - Will is such a good balance to Casey and Dawson's intensity but is still extremely capable.  I'm torn if I want spoilers or not on the fate of his character.  If it's going to be bad I think I probably do so can you warn me?

3.  Cas in The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - How can you not love a sentient spider plant with a cheerful nature and a bit of sass?

4.  Steve Wheeler in We Solve Murders by Richard Osman - I loved Steve and his willingness to help. His page time was some of my favorite moments in the book.

5.  Abigail in the Scottish Isle Mysteries by Lucy Connolly - I love Abigail and how intelligent and humble she is but also how she's starting to really relax into her new role.

6.  Ms. Cole in the Library Lovers series by Jenn McKinlay - Ms. Cole has one of the best character development journeys of any cozy mystery side character.

7.  Cherry Baker in The Mirror Crack'd by Agatha Christie - She's in at least one other book but his is where she makes her appearance.  I love how she deals with the companion Miss Marple's nephew has stuck her with especially.

8.  The puffin in Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan - How can any book featuring a side character of a puffin not be on this list?

Least Favorite Side Characters

9.   Queenie from the Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen - Queenie drives me crazy.  She's incompetent and unwilling to learn.  I get why Georgie still has her around but I'm happier when she doesn't have much page time.  She at least has a good heart so that's one (and only one) point in her favor.  

10. Jackie from A Year Round Christmas Mystery by Vicki Delany - Unlike Queenie above, Jackie doesn't have a good heart.  I do not understand why Jackie still has a job.  She's argumentative, disrespectful and overly flirty with male customers.  I've read every book in the series and have yet to find a redeemable character trait.  

Who are some of your favorite secondary characters?

Reading What I Love - Under the Stars

The last few years I've made a list of 10 books - 5 books off my shelf, 5 books from the library - that I'm really wanting to read.  There's no real rhyme or reason.  I just go through my library list and my shelves and pick the books that are calling to me.  My focus in 2026 is reading books I think I'll love - or at least really enjoy.

Goodreads:  Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams

Blurb:  Audrey Fisher has struggled all her life to emerge from the shadow of her famous mother by forging a career as a world-class chef. Meredith Fisher’s glamorous screen persona disguises the trauma of the tragic accident that haunts her dreams. Neither woman wants to return to the New England island they left behind and its complicated emotional ties, but Meredith has one last chance to sober up and salvage her big comeback, and where else but discreet, moneyed Winthrop Island can a famous actress spend the summer without the intrusion of other people? Until Audrey discovers an old wooden chest among the belongings of her estranged bartender father, Mike Kennedy, and the astonishing contents draw the women deep into Winthrop’s past and its many secrets…attracting the interest of their handsome neighbor, Sedge Peabody. How did a trove of paintings from one of America’s greatest artists wind up in the cellar of the Mohegan Inn? And who is the mysterious woman portrayed on every canvas?

On a stormy November night in 1846, Providence Dare flees Boston and boards the luxury steamship Atlantic one step ahead of the law….or so she believes. But when a catastrophic accident leaves the ship at the mercy of a mighty gale, Providence finds herself trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the one man who knows her real identity—the detective investigating the suspicious death of her employer, the painter Henry Irving. As the Atlantic fights for her life and the rocky shore of Winthrop Island edges closer, a desperate Providence searches for her chance to escape…before the sea swallows her without a trace.

Why I Think I'll Love This One:  Family issues AND a historic shipwreck plus an author I've had pretty good luck with in the past sounds like a win!

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book!  I liked Audrey as a main character and her relationships with both her parents was really interesting.  I also really enjoyed the other two timelines how they looped together.  I would have liked a little more from Meredith's - especially with how it carried into the present timeline - but all three were really interesting.  I really enjoyed the relationship between Sedge and Audrey as well.  She jumps to conclusion about him at first meeting and it definitely isn't instalove but it feels real.  I'm really looking forward to reading more from this author - and luckily she has a pretty good sized backlist!  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Who Knew Mood Was So Important - A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping

Goodreads: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Library

Description:  Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her magical Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps Aunt Jasmine run an inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests' shenanigans, tries to keep the talking fox in check, and longs for the magical future she lost.

When she learns about an old spellbook that holds the secret to restoring her power, she turns to Luke Larsen, a gorgeous historian who might just be able to help her unlock the book’s mysteries. Luke, who has his own reasons for staying at the inn, never planned on getting involved in the madcap goings-on around him and certainly had no intention of letting certain grumpy innkeepers past his icy walls, so no one is more surprised than he is when he not only agrees to help, but also finds himself thawing .

Running an inn, reclaiming lost magic, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera is about to discover that she doesn’t have to do it alone... and that the weird, wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all.

Genre: Fiction - Cozy Fantasy

Why I Picked This Book: I didn't love it when I first read it so I wanted to give it another try.

My Impression: This was a reread for me and when I originally read it I gave it 3 stars and was kind of meh about the whole experience.   Part of the issue is when I first picked this up I had it in my head that it was going to be a sequel to Mandanna's first book.  It was not and it took far too long to get my head around that concept.  As well, I tried to read this book in a rush and I have learned that cozy fantasy is not a genre to be rushed.   Cozy fantasy needs to slow read as the reading is the point not the solution.  

So in a different frame of mind I picked this one and got a very different result.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I liked Sera even which she was prickly and annoyed.  She was doing her best to keep everything going all while living with the loss of her magic as well as the frustrations of her absent parents.   She's devoted and loyal to those around her - especially her Aunt - and never hesitates to take people in (even if she does complain).  I loved watching the relationships evolve as the journey went along and looked forward to picking up this book every day.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  Though I will go into the next book by this author in the right headspace!

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you are looking for a slow (but not slow paced) cozy read with a quirky and likable group of characters this is a good choice - provided you don't make the same mistakes I did.

Friday Fives - Five Books I'm Planning on Buying For My Birthday

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much.  May is my birthday month and my favorite month of the year as I celebrate the whole month (plus a little planning time in April and a wind down time at the beginning of June).  Here are 5 books I'm thinking about buying as part of my birthday celebrations.

1.  The Shippers by Katherine Center - I loved the one book by this author that I've read and this sounds fantastic!  The only question is do I buy it in print or audio?

2.  Five-Star Summer by Sarah Morgan - I've really enjoyed the most recent books I've read by this author and this one sounds like a lot of fun!

3.  Thistlemarsh by Morea Corrigan - I want to buy this mostly for the gorgeous cover but luckily it also sounds like a fantastic read.

 
4. The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer - This sounds so fun and I'm really looking forward to reading it.

5.  The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sacher - I love the cover of this one as well and I've seen some fantastic reviews for it.  I haven't read enough middle grade lately so this one really appeals to me.

What would book would you buy for your birthday?

Books from the Backlog - The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria: The Sinking of The World's Most Glamorous Ship by Greg King and Penny Wilson

Blurb:  In the tradition of Erik Larson's Dead Wake comes The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria , about the sinking of the glamorous Italian ocean liner, including never-before-seen photos of the wreck today.
In 1956, a stunned world watched as the famous Italian ocean liner Andrea Doria sank after being struck by a Swedish vessel off the coast of Nantucket. Unlike the tragedy of the Titanic , this sinking played out in real time across radios and televisions, the first disaster of the modern age. Audiences witnessed everything that ensued after the unthinkable collision of two modern vessels equipped with radar: perilous hours of uncertainty; the heroic rescue of passengers; and the final gasp as the pride of the Italian fleet slipped beneath the Atlantic, taking some fifty lives with her. Her loss signaled the end of the golden age of ocean liner travel.

Now, Greg King and Penny Wilson offer a fresh look at this legendary liner and her tragic fate. Andrea Doria represented the romance of travel, the possibility of new lives in the new world, and the glamour of 1950s art, culture, and life. Set against a glorious backdrop of celebrity and La Dolce Vita, Andrea Doria 's last voyage comes vividly to life in a narrative tightly focused on her passengers – Cary Grant's wife; Philadelphia's flamboyant mayor; the heiress to the Marshall Field fortune; and many brave Italian emigrants – who found themselves plunged into a desperate struggle to survive. The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria follows the effect this trauma had on their lives, and brings the story up-to-date with the latest expeditions to the wreck.

Drawing on in-depth research, interviews with survivors, and never-before-seen photos of the wreck as it is today, The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria is a vibrant story of fatal errors, shattered lives, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  One of my goals this year is to read at least 5 nonfiction books and at the moment I'm at one nonfiction book.  This has been on my TBR for ages and I'm especially intrigued with the comparison to Dead Wake which was one of my favorite books.

Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivial - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Murder, She Wrote: Murder Most Trivial by Jessica Fletcher and Barbara Early

Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description:   Jessica Fletcher and friends Seth Hazlitt and Maureen and Mort Metzger team up for pub trivia and crush the competition, then are stunned to learn that the prize is a chance to appear in a five-day trivia tournament filming in LA.

No one expects life-or-death stakes! But on day one of the tournament, a crew member is murdered. Who would benefit from derailing the show? Jessica has to come up with the ultimate answer.

In a metafictional twist, the investigation takes Jessica and the gang to the filming locations of their favorite mystery shows, where they discuss how Columbo, Monk, or Jim Rockford might go about solving the case.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book: I really enjoy this series so of course I had to pick this newest one up.  

My Impression:  This series is really high up on my cozy reading list and I always enjoy spending time with Jessica Fletcher.  This book was no exception.  While my favorite books are set in Cabot Cove this was really fun in that we had the Metzgers and Seth accompanying Jessica and the tie-ins to TV and movies was really fun.  I also loved her niece's house with all the falling down old Hollywood mansion glamour and things that go bump in the night.  I also really enjoyed we got some insight into Jessica's feelings regarding some personal things.

As is pretty common for this series it takes awhile for the mystery to really get going.  But the setup to the actual murder was fun as the Cabot Cove crew land in LA and get settled in their temporary lodging.  I really liked the focus on Maureen and Mort away from his sheriff duties.  The tv show premise was entertaining and provided a good reason for a wide group of people being stuck together.  I was especially interested in Victoria's house and that subplot as well.  

This is the newest in a long running series but can easily be jumped into here - especially if you are even vaguely aware of the show premise.  It's not the fastest paced book (or series in general) but it is delightfully cozy with an entertaining mystery.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Yes, definitely.  I always enjoy spending some time in Jessica Fletcher's world and I really like this author's version.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you like cozy mysteries this is a fun series to read and this is a fun read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books I'd "Pick" at a Bookstore/Library

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is May Flowers.  I've done a lot of flowery covers and titles so I decided I'd look at 10 books I'd "pick" if I was getting books at a bookstore or library.  I'd rather have a bouquet of 10 books than a bouquet of 10 flowers any day!

1.  The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst - I have thoroughly enjoyed this author's books and this one is a bit different from her Spellshop series but still looks like a gorgeously cozy read.

2.  The Midnight Train by Matt Haig - I did not expect to enjoy The Midnight Library but I really loved it so I'm looking forward to this kind of sequel.

3.  The Shippers by Katherine Center - I loved the last book I read by this author and I love books set on cruise ships.  The last book I read with a cruise ship setting was such a disappointment so I'm hoping this redeems the whole setting a bit.

4. Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel by Elizabeth Everett- This looks wonderful and magical and like a fantasitc read.

5.  Terror in Topaz by A.M. Stuart - I read the first three books in this historical mystery series but for whatever reason never read the last book.  

6.  The House of Hidden Letters by Isabelle Broom - The premise sounds like my favorite kind of story and I've seen some great reviews for this one.

7.  The Codebreaker's Secret by Sara Ackerman - I really loved the previous book I've read by this author and this sounds like an amazing read.

8.  The Killer Question by Janice Hallet - I've heard really good things about this author and this looks like such a fun read.  

9.  The Lily of Ludgate Hall by Mimi Matthews - I've really enjoyed the previous two books in this quartet and am looking forward to Lady Anne's story.

10. Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell - I've heard some mixed reviews of this one but I usually enjoy her books and I like the premise.  If I stumble upon it at a bookstore than I'm taking it as a sign.

What books would you pick for your book bouquet?

You Can Tell Me - Thriller Review

Goodreads:  You Can Tell Me (Olivia Cruz #1) by Melinda Leigh

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description:  On the three-year anniversary of true crime writer Olivia Cruz’s horrific kidnapping, she’s scheduled to walk her podcaster friend Zoe March through the crime scene, but Zoe fails to show. Olivia knows Zoe would never stand her up—not today.

Zoe’s husband, who claims she never came home the night before, has reported her missing. But marital conflicts make the police suspect she has left him. Olivia thinks otherwise. The police aren’t looking for Zoe, so Olivia begins her own investigation. Retracing her friend’s last steps, she finds Zoe’s phone and a text with one chilling Run.

It soon becomes apparent that Zoe has been keeping secrets, and with her true crime podcast, there’s no telling what she has unearthed. To find her, Olivia must dig into her friend’s past. Did Zoe vanish to escape a killer, and is Olivia walking into a deadly trap?

Genre: Mystery - Thriller

Why I Picked This Book:  I've been wanting to try this author for awhile and this one looked really good.

My Impression: I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately so a fast-paced thriller seemed like the perfect pick.  This did not disappoint!  It's been taking me ages to finish books lately, but I flew through this one and hated to put it down.  I really liked the investigative team of Olivia and her niece Nicki with some help from Olivia's boyfriend, PI and former detective Lincoln Sharp.  It was a solid dynamic which each character bringing a different set of skills and a bit of a different attitude.  As well, they made logical (if at times risky) decisions and communicated well with each other.  

The mystery itself had me anxious to see what happened and the investigation was well done with a good pace of developing information.  There is some on page violence as well as some descriptions of crime scenes but I didn't find any of them too disturbing or overly graphic.  

I'm really thrilled by how much I enjoyed this series.  The author has a number of previous series including the Morgan Dane series which is loosely linked to this one.  I'm looking forward to reading more from her.  While this isn't a story that will stick with me it is a thriller that is fast paced with likable characters and a solid mystery.  I'm looking forward to reading a lot more of this author's books!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Definitely!  I have the first few books on the Morgan Dane series and the Bree Taggert series to look for next time I'm book shopping and I will definitely be looking for the next Olivia Cruz book.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you're in the mood for a fast-paced thriller that isn't too graphic this is a great pick.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Alice with a Why - Middle Grade Review

Goodreads: Alice with a Why by Anna James

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Library

Description:  England, 1919. Alyce – with a Y – lives with her grandmother, the original Alice, having lost her father during the Great War. When a mysterious invitation to a tea party hits her square in the face, Alyce realizes her grandmother’s strange stories of a place called Wonderland might have some truth to them after all.

But the land Alyce finds herself in feels different from the Wonderland of her grandmother’s stories – for it is trapped in its own war. The Sun King and the Queen of the Moon are fighting over a stolen hour, and soon Alyce is tasked with setting it right. With the help of the Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and a Sailor Fox, Alyce will have to solve Wonderland’s problems and, eventually, find her way back home.

Enter an enchanting adventure through Wonderland. Starring new characters and old favourites, Alice With a Why is both a celebration of Lewis Carroll's beloved original story, and a modern masterpiece.

Genre: Middle Grade

Why I Picked This Book:   I've really enjoyed another book by this author and the premise caught my eye.

My Impression: To be completely honest I'm not a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland.  I love the story itself, and the Disney movie is one of my favorites, but the book itself feels a little bit like someone telling me about their dream in great detail.

With that in mind, this was a fun read.  It had all the madcap feel and world play of the original Alice story but with a new Alyce.  I loved the play on the different versions of Alice and I loved seeing the familiar characters.  There are a few moments of poignancy mixed in with the craziness.  I also really enjoyed seeing the original Alice in adulthood.  

This was a quick read that I very much enjoyed.  There's not a lot of character development but there is a lot of fun.  It'd be a good companion to the movie or the original book as well as being enjoyable on its own.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  This is the second book by this author that I've read and I've really enjoyed both.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would - especially if you're in the mood for a quirky middle grade.

Friday Fives - Five Quick Reviews for Books I've Read Recently

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing 5 quick reviews for books I've read recently.

1.  Legend in Green Velvet by Elizabeth Peters - This may be my favorite of the standalone Peters books that I've read so far.  I loved the Scottish setting and the relationship between Susan and Jamie.  The mix of Susan's love for Scottish history and Jamie's disinterest was fun and the way Jamie's looks were used was really fun.  The mystery was a good one but got a bit lost in the chaos of all the escapes - which were so fun I didn't really feel the loss.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

2.  This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong - This is the third book in the Rockton series.  I love the setup here with the town of people hiding for whatever reason who must survive essentially on their own.  The addition of a new person caused quite a bit of chaos and was an interesting plot device.  Armstrong is fantastic at pacing and this was no exception.  My only issue - which is very much a case of it's not you it's me - was the level of violence in this one particularly with incidents involving animals.  It was borderline too much for me which impacted my enjoyment of the read.  I don't mind some violence but the animal addition and just the constant presence made this book not the most ideal read for me.  I will read another book in this series but if it continues in the same vein I don't think this series is for me.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

3.  Herbal Homicide by Fiona Grace - This the first book in the Penny Hawthorne series and I loved the premise.  Herbalist and tea shop owner, Penny Hawthorne, goes to Switzerland to create a line of teas for a resort and gets involved in a murder investigation.  Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me.  Other than occasional mentions of skiing it was very easy to forget where the book was set.  As well, Penny seemed oddly famous in Switzerland for a shop owner in New England.  If she was famous for her botanical work there was no real explanation of that.  Despite all that the mystery wasn't bad and it was entertaining overall.  What knocked it down a star was the fact I listened to the audio which was read by an AI voice.  The inconsistencies of tone, inflection, and emotional nuance where distracting as well as the random mispronunciations.  I will be more careful to avoid AI voices in the future.  My Rating: Just Okay (2 Stars)

4.  Summer Hours at the Robbers Library by Sue Halpern - The cover and the title pulled me in so I really didn't know too much about the plot going in.  It starts off with the beginning of the backstory of one of the characters that was a bit off-putting at first and I almost DNF'd it.  I'm glad I didn't!  Once I got through the first chapter I got to know Kit and Sonny and Rusty and all the other characters that live in the world of the library in small town New Hampshire.  Things are not easy and nothing ends wrapped up nicely in a bow but I really enjoyed the characters growth through the book.  I even enjoyed the backstory as it was woven into the story.  The audio is very well done and this is an author I would definitely read again.  It is kind of a quiet story that handles big topics with characters I found easy to like and to connect with.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

5. A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson - This was my second book by Peter Swanson and I thoroughly enjoyed this wild ride of a story!  Every time I thought I had what was going to happen next pinned down it would take a sharp turn.  But with all the twists and turn the story never got confusing and the development made sense.  I discovered after I had started it that this is actually the third book in the series featuring Harry Kimball and Lily Kintner.  There may be some spoilers for the past two books but I had absolutely no issue jumping in with this one.  Their previous relationship had no bearing on the mystery and their past history is explained easily and without an info dump.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading more of this author.  The audiobook was nicely done with multiple narrators.  My Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)

Books from the Backlog - The Summer Retreat

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Summer Retreat by Sheila Roberts

Blurb:  Celeste Jones has plans for a perfect summer with her boyfriend (and hopefully soon-to-be fiancé)—until he dumps her to be with the woman he’s had on the side for months. Heartbroken and furious, Celeste resolves to move on. When the going gets tough, the tough…okay, the not-so-tough go to the beach.
As soon as school lets out for the summer, she waves goodbye to her first-graders, packs up her bikini and heads for Moonlight Harbor, where she knows her big sister, Jenna, will receive her with open arms. Jenna could probably use some help at the Driftwood Inn, and Celeste is happy to do chores around the place in exchange for a relaxing summer escape. She just needs something—or someone—to distract her from her troubles.

Finding The One can be tricky, and Jenna is determined to make sure Celeste gets it right this time around. Not that Jenna’s an expert. She’s still trying to sort out her own love life. But if both sisters listen to their hearts, eventually they’re bound to discover that life—and love—is good at the beach.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I have a couple of books by this author but I keep getting her confused with another author whose books I didn't enjoy.  This author's covers are lovely and the books always sound intriguing so I need to read one by her - and this looks like a great summer read.

What I'm Reading Right Now - May 6

I always have a few books going.  Here is what I'm reading and what I'm thinking about them.

Ebook

You Can Tell Me by Melinda Leigh - This is my first book by this author and so far I'm really enjoying it.  The pacing has been really good.

Print Book

The Dancing Floor by Barbara Michaels - I read this once so many years ago I don't count it as a reread.  I'm about halfway done with this one and I can see why I never felt like rereading it.  It's fine but I don't really care about any of the characters and the story isn't pulling me in just like Michaels books usually do.

Audiobooks

None.  Audiobooks just haven't been clicking with me lately so I've been focusing on podcasts.  I did finish All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie which I liked back at the end of April.

What are you reading right now?

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Authors I Wish Were Still Writing

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Ten Authors I Wish Were Still Writing.  

1.  Agatha Christie - This feels mandatory.  Specifically, 1940s/50s Agatha Christie where she was really playing with different concepts and her mysteries were so beautifully detailed.

2.  Barbara Michaels - I love her Gothic-y mysteries and her stories.  I just wish there were more.

3.  Dorothy Gilman - I have one more Mrs. Pollifax book to read before I have finished the series and that makes me very sad.

4.  Patricia Wentworth - I'm almost out of new to me books by her and have read all the Miss Silver books and I really want more.

5.  Victoria Thompson - I love her Gaslight Mystery series and have really loved how she grew her characters and the world they live in. I was so saddened to hear of her death though I am glad I have a few books in the backlist left to read.

6.  Mary Roberts Rinehart - I love her classic mysteries with a Noir-ish twist.  I still have a few to read but am not in a rush because I don't want to be finished.

7.  Maeve Binchy - She has written two of my very favorite found family books and this is another author where I'm so glad I have books left to read.

8.  Lisa Kleypas* - This has an asterisk because she has a new book up on NetGalley which I am very excited about but I have missed her!  

9.  Kate Morton - I'm pretty sure she's still writing but I need her to write faster!  I only have one book left of hers to read and haven't heard of any release date for a new book.

10. Brynn Bonner - Her genealogy cozy mysteries are some of my absolute favorite and there are only 4 books.  I've tried to find other books she's written but with no luck.   I would love more books in this series.

Which authors do you wish were still writing - or which authors do you need to write faster?

The Library After Dark - Mystery Review

Goodreads:  The Library After Dark by Ande Pliego

Rating: Not For Me
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Aria Stokes is finally feeling settled—she lives in a tiny New York apartment, works as a bookseller at a local shop, and has even taken a leap of faith in love by indulging her attraction to bookstore regular Jasper. And he seems to already know her so well.

As a Valentine’s Day surprise, Jasper gets the two of them tickets to an exclusive, after-dark tour of the Daedalus Library—the grandiose establishment famed for its immersive genre-based reading rooms and, more notoriously, its rumored hauntings. While Aria normally loves all things ghastly, this place holds more dark secrets than she’d prefer Jasper to know. Like that the last time she was here, she left a body behind.

But when the automatic-door entry malfunctions and Aria, Jasper, and the five other people in their tour group become trapped in the library, they are forced to venture through the storied rooms and hidden passageways of the Daedalus in search of escape . . . and Aria quite literally has nowhere to hide from the shadows of her past. Then the group learns there’s a murderer in their midst.

Now, as she tries to break out of the library’s intricate reading rooms, Aria has to decide who she can trust—and what secrets are best kept buried—if she wants to make it out alive.

Genre: Mystery - Horror

Why I Picked This Book:  The blurb really caught my attention and how could I resist that cover?

My Impression: I wanted to love this.  I knew it was going to be a bit darker and potentially gorier than I'm used to but it's a haunted library with a very grim edge so how could I resist?  I was prepared for darker themes and more on page blood and violence.  However, what I wasn't prepared for and couldn't get past is that I just couldn't get into this at all.   I couldn't keep the characters straight and to be honest after a bit I didn't care enough to try.  

The writing style is very detailed with a lot of foreshadowing that I found frustratingly slow.  That said, from the other reviews I've read online it seems like this is either a love it or hate it kind of book.  Some people find the details and world building magical and very dark fairy tale-ish whereas others (me included) found it dull with hard to remember characters.    I think it's worth giving a try in case you're part of the former school of opinions but this may be one you try to find from the library just in case.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? No I don't think so.  I don't this author's style works for me.

Would I Recommend this Book? Yes, but with reservations.  This is one I would try and borrow or get a sample of before buying.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *