Friday LInkups - The Westing Game

It's Friday linkup time!  I'm linking up with the Book Blogger Hop hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer, Book Beginnings of Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, and the Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice

This Week's Book Blogger Hop Question:
Do you participate in readathons and/or reading challenges?

My Answer:  
I love the idea of readathons and reading challenges but I'm terrible at them.  I pretty much mean to participate in every readathon that I see but it always seems to not happen at the last second.  As for the challenges I signed up for several for the first few years of blogging but I'm awful at remembering to linkup or really track the books so I finally quit doing them.  I do the Goodreads challenge but that's about all I seem to be able to manage.

This week's book is a childhood favorite that I've been really looking forward to reading.  I don't remember the last time I read The Westing Game but it's been at least 20 years and if I'm being completely honest probably more like 25!  No matter how long it's been I can't even begin to count how many times I read The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin.  I'm almost done with it now and I've been really impressed with how well it's holding up!  It's just as much now as I remember it being.

The Beginning:
The sun sets in the west (just about everyone knows that), but Sunset Towers faced east.  Strange!

My Thoughts:
Not the most exciting beginning but it does set the tone for some of the weirder things that happen during the book!

The 56:
No matter how much fear and suspicion he instilled in the players, Sam Westing knew that greed would keep them playing the game.

My Thoughts:  
Greed is a pretty strong motivator so I think Sam Westing knows what he's doing here!

So what do you think?  Keep reading?  Do you have a childhood favorite you'd love to reread?

All Signs Point to Murder - Cozy Mystery Review

All Signs Point to Murder (Zodiac Mystery #2) by Connie di Marco

Rating: Very Good
Source: NetGalley

Description: Julia Bonatti is alarmed by the astrological signs looming over Geneva Leary’s wedding day, but nobody asked Julia’s opinion and being a bridesmaid means supporting the bride no matter what. Even with the foreboding Moon-Mars-Pluto lineup in the heavens, no one’s prepared for the catastrophes that strike: a no-show sister, a passed-out wedding planner, and a lethal shooting in the dead of night.
With anger and grief threatening to tear the Leary family part, Julia is determined to understand how such a terrible tragedy could occur. As she digs deeper into the family’s secrets, her astrological insights will lead her to the truth about a criminal enterprise that stretches far beyond the California coast.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book: I enjoyed the first book in this series and I really like the Soup Mystery books she writes under the Connie Archer name.

My Impression: I really enjoyed the first book in this series about astrologer Julia Bonatti but I was not prepared for just how much I was going to enjoy the second book!  di Marco is back strong with this new book about some crazy dysfunctional family dynamics and the astrologer who ends up smack in the middle of the drama.

The mystery was solid and while I had some guesses at how it would end up there were still a few points that were definitely a surprise which is always a lot of fun for this regular mystery reader.  As well I felt like Julia's character was fleshed out a lot more without taking the focus off the mystery.  I really enjoyed getting to know her and spend a few hours in her world.  She has some interesting friends!   Watching her do the astrology readings was really entertaining and made me wish she was real so I could send my birth information to her!  I really enjoy watching an amateur sleuth do a little bit of work in their day job and di Marco did a fantastic job of using Julia's occupation to further the mystery and let the readers get to know the characters a little better.

If you haven't read the first book in this series I don't think you'd have any trouble jumping in right here.  I've been in a little bit of a reading rut this summer and this book was really the bit of fun I needed to get me back on track.  If you're looking for a fast paced cozy mystery with a likable amateur sleuth and a well done mystery don't pass this one up!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I'm really looking for the next book and this series and reading more from this author in general.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you're a cozy mystery fan you really need to read this!  Connie di Marco/Archer is one of the best!

The Dream Keeper's Daughter - Paranormal Romance Review

The Dream Keeper's Daughter by Emily Colin (Amazon link)

Rating: Okay
Source: Publisher

Description:  Eight years after the unsolved disappearance of her boyfriend Max Adair, archaeologist Isabel Griffin has managed to move on and rebuild her life with her young daughter, Finn, her last tie to Max. But after a series of strange incidents, Isabel begins to wonder if Max might still be alive somewhere, trying to communicate with her. She has no idea that the where isn’t the problem—it’s the when. Max has slipped through time and place, landing on his ancestral family plantation in 1816 Barbados, on the eve of a historic slave uprising. As Isabel searches for answers, Max must figure out not only how to survive the violence to come, but how to get back to his own century, the woman he loves, and the daughter he has only ever met in his dreams.

Genre: Romance - Paranormal

Why I Picked This Book:  I love a missing persons case and this sounded really intriguing with the main character being and archaeologist and the history element.

My Impression: This very well may be a case of a book just not being for me.  If you enjoy time travel elements and love a romance don't let the fact that I didn't love this stop you from picking it up!
The Good:
The atmosphere of the book felt seriously spooky and forbidding through most of the book.

I loved Isabel's daughter Finn.  She was really smart and sweet and a little unnerving at times.  She seemed to know things there was no way to know including what people were thinking sometimes.

Isabel and Finn's relationship.  It felt really real and Isabel's frustration with Finn being ostracized by her peers for her strangeness really rang true.  She's a parent who desperately wants to protect her daughter.

Isabel's father.  He suffered a trauma very similar to Isabel when his wife disappeared.  He's determined to learn from his mistakes as a father to Isabel and be the best grandfather he can be.  As well he really tries to give advice to Isabel based on his own mistakes.

The history.  I love history and enjoyed the present day research whether it was looking into genealogy or Isabel's job as an archaeologist.

The Bad:
The book felt a bit overwrought.  Isabel's emotions were on high from beginning to end as were most of the other characters.  It got a bit exhausting.

I never quite bought how Max managed to slip through time in the first place.  I mean I know you have to suspend belief a little bit anyway and I'm fine with that but his motivations for the whole thing - especially at that exact moment just didn't ring true.

The ending.  I actually liked the way it worked out but it didn't fit the book at all.  I just didn't feel that the characters would have done that.  Obviously I can't say too much without giving it away but I just struggled with it.

Overall:  I loved the history elements and the setting but felt like there were some significant plot holes.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Potentially though the blurb would really have to appeal to me.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If the time travel element really appeals to you than you may enjoy this one.

Books I've Meant to Read But Haven't

So often I find myself saying the same thing when it comes to books - "Oh I've been meaning to read that!" or "I really want to read that but just haven't yet."  That list or books that I really mean to read is so ridiculously long that it some times feels more than a little overwhelming.  So of course the answer is to put some of them in a list!  Lists really fix most everything.  I figure I'll focus on these 10 for now so I at least feel like I'm making progress!

1.  I Found You by Lisa Jewell - Really I want to read just about anything by Lisa Jewell but this one sounds especially good!  I love dual time lines and lots of mystery.

2.  Until It Fades by K.A. Tucker - I've been hearing raves about Tucker's books years and somehow still haven't managed to pick one up.

3.  Written in Blood by Anne Bishop - I've heard fantastic reviews on this series since I started blogging and while it's a little outside my reading comfort zone it definitely has caught my attention.

4.  A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman - This book has been everywhere for ages and it sounds like a book I would love.

5.  Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews - Andrews is one of those can do no wrong authors and while it's another one outside of my usual reading it's definitely one I want to try!

6.  Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbott - I haven't really seen anyone mention this one for a bit but for awhile it was everywhere and I really wanted to read it.  Just the other day I saw it at the library and if my bag wasn't already full there was no way I could have resisted!

7.  Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas - Devil in Winter is quite possibly one of my absolute favorite romance novels so why haven't I read this sequel featuring their son that came out months ago??  No idea!

8.  A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin - When I first heard of that one I thought what a great concept!  I should really read it.  And then somehow the third book was just released and I still haven't read it.

9.  Beach House for Rent by Mary Alice Monroe - Every summer a new Beach House book comes out with a gorgeous summer-y cover and a plot that sounds wonderful.  Then the glowing reviews start showing up!

10. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater - Another one that it a little outside my comfort zone and another one that I've heard nothing but raves for.  I'm really looking forward to this series!

What books have you been meaning to read but haven't managed to get around to yet?

Shadow Girl - Blog Tour Mystery Review + Giveaway

SHADOW GIRL by Gerry Schmitt

Shadow Girl (An Afton Tangler Thriller)
Suspense/Thriller 2nd in Series Release Date - August 1, 2017
Hardcover: 320 pages ISBN-13: 978-0425281789 Kindle ASIN: B01MXHV6CL

The brutal murder of a business tycoon leaves Afton Tangler and the Twin Cities reeling, but that’s just the beginning of a gruesome crime spree...

Leland Odin made his fortune launching a home shopping network, but his millions can’t save his life. On the list for a transplant, the ailing businessman sees all hope lost when the helicopter carrying his donor heart is shot out of the sky.

Now with two pilots dead and dozens injured, Afton Tangler, family liaison officer for the Minneapolis Police Department, is drawn into the case. As she and her partner investigate family members and business associates, whoever wants Leland dead strikes again—and succeeds—in a brazen hospital room attack.

The supposedly squeaky clean millionaire has crossed the wrong person—and she’s not finished exacting her revenge. The case explodes into an international conspiracy of unbridled greed and violence. And as Afton gets closer to unearthing the mastermind behind it, she gets closer to becoming collateral damage...

My Thoughts:

I've been a longtime fan of Laura Childs' cozy mysteries so when I heard she wrote thrillers under another name how could I resist?   To be honest I was expecting a thriller with some pretty cozy undertones but wow was I ever wrong!  This is a serious thriller with a lot going on.  There's surface to air missiles, conspiracies to kill no matter who gets hurt and what has to be done, and characters with some seriously shady backstories.  

This book flies with super fast pacing between the intense investigation and just the short chapter structure of the book.  While espionage wasn't really involved it had a very spy thriller feel to me with some pretty lethal bad guys.  This is more of a why than a who kind of mystery.  The names of the bad guys (and I mean that in a general sense versus just males) are revealed in the first paragraph but their reasoning takes some time to uncover.  I enjoyed watching the investigation unfurl as the police start with just the bits they know and slowly build a scenario and then a case.

I enjoyed the partner dynamic between Afton and her partner Max.  While Afton's role is a family liaison officer and not an investigator I didn't feel that Max didn't value her contributions to the investigation.  They really worked as a partnership which was nice.  As well the glimpses of Afton's home life added a lot of depth to her character and I felt like I knew her a bit better.  

This was a fast and enjoyable read.  I really enjoyed the Minneapolis setting and Afton's character. It isn't the most intense thriller I've read but it was thoroughly enjoyable and quite the fun puzzle-y read!  Rating: Good

About The Author

Gerry Schmitt is the author of the Afton Tangler Thrillers, and, writing under the pseudonym Laura Childs, the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty-five novels, the Tea Shop, Scrapbooking, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. She is the former CEO of her own marketing firm, has won TV and radio awards, and produced two reality TV shows. She and her professor husband enjoy collecting art, travel, and their two Shar-Pei dogs. Author Links - Webpage – Facebook Purchase Links Amazon B&N BAM

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 31 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
July 31 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW
August 2 – Mystery Playground – GUEST POST
August 2 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW
August 3 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
August 3 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
August 4 – Bookworm Cafe –  REVIEW
August 5 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
August 5 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
August 6 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
August 7 – The Editing Pen – GUEST POST
August 7 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – REVIEW
August 8 – My Reading Journey – REVIEW
August 9 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
August 11 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
August 12 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
August 12 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
August 13 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 13 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW

This Week in Reading - August 6

It's Sunday Post time!  This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

The Comfort Food Diaries:  My Quest for the Perfect Dish to Mend a Broken Heart by Emily Nunn - After her life falls apart all at once Emily Nunn turns to cooking for solace which starts a Comfort Food Tour project.  I love food books and I love project books so this one is perfect for me!  (NetGalley)

Duke of Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt -  I've been wanting to read the Maiden Lane series for awhile and Elizabeth Hoyt for even longer so I couldn't resist this one when I came across it on NetGalley! (NetGalley)

The Winter Wedding Plan by Olivia Miles - I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to see the little sister who has had a rough couple of years was getting her own book.  I'm excited to see her story!  (NetGalley)

Currently:

Reading:  The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin and All Signs Point to Murder by Connie di Marco

Listening:  I should be getting A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas any day now but until then I'm listening to podcasts.  I'm really enjoying What Should I Read Next? right now and getting some good bookish recommendations and I've loved The History Chicks too.

Watching:  J and I are finishing up Shetland on Netflix.  I really loved the episodes that were based of specific books but am less in love with season 3 which is just using the characters.  I'm also watching some I Love Lucy after listening to The History Chicks podcast about Lucille Ball and I've really been enjoying them.  In between all that I'm catching up on the hundreds of Hallmark Mystery Movies I've recorded in the last couple of years.  Pretty sure The Garage Sale Mysteries are my favorite.

Off the Blog:

His preferred sleeping position - under the blankets with his head on my shoulder

Kitten!  After much heated debate we've gone with the name Comet.  We're a bit space obsessed over here so Mars and Mercury were also suggested.  He adjusted really quickly and seems pretty content here   He's got lots of energy at times and it's impossible of him to take a picture when he's awake because he wants to see what is in my hand so usually I get a really close up shot of a cat nose or a paw.  He's super snuggly and wants to sleep under the blankets up against people which is a new one for me.  I've had cats that slept on beds but none that slept under the covers.  He's kind of a brat!  Okay more than kind of!  If he feels like he needs attention he's not quiet about.  He'll get between whatever you're working on and yowl at you until you pick him up.  Most nights he stomps on me and tries to head butt my Kindle out of my hand until I pet him enough for him to settle down.  It's really been so much fun to have a kitten around and he really does have an awesome personality even when he's driving me crazy!

On the Blog:

What Happened:

Monday:  The Innkeeper's Sister - Romance Review
Tuesday:  The Playboy Prince and the Nanny - Contemporary Romance Review
Wednesday:  Whispering in French - Fiction Review
Thursday:  Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag
Friday: Friday Linkups - The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy
Saturday:  The Escape - Historical Romance Review

What's Coming Up:

Monday:  Shadow Girl - Mystery Blog Tour Review

Tuesday:  Books I've Mean to Read But Haven't

Wednesday:  Dream Keeper's Daughter - Review

Thursday: All Signs Point to Murder - Cozy Mystery Review

Friday:  Friday Linkups with Current Book

Saturday:  TBD

Have a great week and happy reading!

The Escape - Historical Romance

The Escape (Survivors Club) by Mary Balogh (Amazon)

Rating: Very Good
Source: NetGalley

Description:  After surviving the Napoleonic Wars, Sir Benedict Harper is struggling to move on, his body and spirit in need of a healing touch. Never does Ben imagine that hope will come in the form of a beautiful woman who has seen her own share of suffering. After the lingering death of her husband, Samantha McKay is at the mercy of her oppressive in-laws—until she plots an escape to distant Wales to claim a house she has inherited. Being a gentleman, Ben insists that he escort her on the fateful journey.

Ben wants Samantha as much as she wants him, but he is cautious. What can a wounded soul offer any woman? Samantha is ready to go where fate takes her, to leave behind polite society and even propriety in her desire for this handsome, honorable soldier. But dare she offer her bruised heart as well as her body? The answers to both their questions may be found in an unlikely place: in each other’s arms.

Genre: Romance - Historical

Why I Picked This Book:  Mary Balogh has been one of my favorite historical romance authors for years and I couldn't resist this one.

My Impression: Mary Balogh has long been one of my favorite historical romance authors largely due to the fact that she really tackles darker issues than I usually find in historical romance.  She's not an author that really goes into the usual tropes.  Now don't get me wrong - I love some tropes and I adore a good light romp of a book full of witty banter but this isn't one of those books.

Ben is struggling to adjust to his new life post-wartime.  His injuries are keeping him from being the man he was before the war and there is a feeling of aimlessness that is causing him to start to fall into a depression.  Samantha's marriage wasn't the happily ever after she had hoped for but after 5 years of tending her wounded husband she is now stuck with his prim and stern sister after his death.  Both of them are unhappy and both of them long to live again though they don't have the faintest idea of how to go about it.

To say the romance is a slow burn would be an understatement.  They really don't have regular contact until a third of the way through the book.  While this would usually make me impatient it works here because their backstories and current situations are so important to who they both are that it never felt like nothing was happening.  The story was building from the very beginning and while the romance was slow developing the plot was not and the story itself hooked me early on.  I cared about these characters and I desperately wanted things to work out for them both as a couple and as individuals.

This is a romance that deals with very real issues yet never manages to lose its sweetness.  It pulled me in from the beginning and I didn't want to put it down!  While this is book is part of a series (and a later one judging from all the married friends) it works perfectly as a stand alone as it focuses almost solely on Ben and Samantha.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the Survivors Club books and really anything else Mary Balogh writes.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would!  If you like Sabrina Jeffries books I think you'd love Balogh's.