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aconitecafe's reviews
554 reviews
The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews
5.0
Such a lovely book, it will have you overwhelmed with emotions in the first few pages.
Then it will proceed to take you on a rollercoaster of hope, and heartbreak as two kids try and find a family to call their own. This story of siblings, broken homes and found families is one that you won't regret reading. Though you may regret not having enough tissues.
I love the way C.G. Drews writes these characters. Her style / voice gives so much depth to these lives. We all know a Sam & Avery, the kids that were fighting their battle with their abusive home life while dealing with school, and growing up invisible. The kids that were damaged before they were even able to speak up for themselves. They some how managed to get away from their abusers but now have to figure out how to navigate life without the trusted adult to guide them. This book doesn't just touch on physical abuse, but emotional as well. It's a read that leads you through the lives of two children that never had the parent to run to when they were alone, and does so in an elegant way that leaves you feeling hope instead of sadness.
If you were one of these kids then you will know the De Lainey family just as well as you know the Lou's. The kids that you thought had the most awesome family even though they complained about it constantly. The family that you wished with all your might would adopt you, and suck you into their madness.
Even if this isn't your genre, or even the type of book you'd ever read in a million years. I encourage you to pick it up. Fall in love with these characters, then go out into the world and spread kindness to the people who thought they were invisible.
While I held it together for most of this book pretty okay, the acknowledgements caught me off guard, and I could help but cry. Stab me right in the hard why don't you:
"And to anyone reading this book who is searching for something like family or a home or friends who will wrap you up tight and keep you close: I hope you find what you are looking for."
Then it will proceed to take you on a rollercoaster of hope, and heartbreak as two kids try and find a family to call their own. This story of siblings, broken homes and found families is one that you won't regret reading. Though you may regret not having enough tissues.
I love the way C.G. Drews writes these characters. Her style / voice gives so much depth to these lives. We all know a Sam & Avery, the kids that were fighting their battle with their abusive home life while dealing with school, and growing up invisible. The kids that were damaged before they were even able to speak up for themselves. They some how managed to get away from their abusers but now have to figure out how to navigate life without the trusted adult to guide them. This book doesn't just touch on physical abuse, but emotional as well. It's a read that leads you through the lives of two children that never had the parent to run to when they were alone, and does so in an elegant way that leaves you feeling hope instead of sadness.
If you were one of these kids then you will know the De Lainey family just as well as you know the Lou's. The kids that you thought had the most awesome family even though they complained about it constantly. The family that you wished with all your might would adopt you, and suck you into their madness.
Even if this isn't your genre, or even the type of book you'd ever read in a million years. I encourage you to pick it up. Fall in love with these characters, then go out into the world and spread kindness to the people who thought they were invisible.
While I held it together for most of this book pretty okay, the acknowledgements caught me off guard, and I could help but cry. Stab me right in the hard why don't you:
"And to anyone reading this book who is searching for something like family or a home or friends who will wrap you up tight and keep you close: I hope you find what you are looking for."
This Coven Won't Break by Isabel Sterling
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Such a fantastic ending to an emotionally charged duology about growth.
I loved how well the YA characters were written, they weren't overly mature, but they also weren't that weird over the top, super whine, making rash choices garbage that some adult authors write young adults as.
Hannah isn't alone in needing to grow, while her growth is in admitting that she needs mental health help, all of the adults around her are having to face the fact that thick prejudices are what is making them weak. The story is over flowing with inspiring acts of selfless-ness, and putting deep seeded assumptions aside to make a better future for all involved.
The turmoil between clans, mixed with the turmoil between hunters and clans made for an exciting ride of where do everyone's allegiances lie. A few of the twists caught me off guard, and many of the outcomes brought me to tears.
A great read if you're looking for a light hearted yet intense story about people putting differences aside and coming together for the greater good of all.
Notes: LGBT+
TW: HP mentions.
I loved how well the YA characters were written, they weren't overly mature, but they also weren't that weird over the top, super whine, making rash choices garbage that some adult authors write young adults as.
Hannah isn't alone in needing to grow, while her growth is in admitting that she needs mental health help, all of the adults around her are having to face the fact that thick prejudices are what is making them weak. The story is over flowing with inspiring acts of selfless-ness, and putting deep seeded assumptions aside to make a better future for all involved.
The turmoil between clans, mixed with the turmoil between hunters and clans made for an exciting ride of where do everyone's allegiances lie. A few of the twists caught me off guard, and many of the outcomes brought me to tears.
A great read if you're looking for a light hearted yet intense story about people putting differences aside and coming together for the greater good of all.
Notes: LGBT+
TW: HP mentions.
First, Become Ashes by K.M. Szpara
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
K.M. Szpara is a master of writing traumatic experiences, and the road to recovery. Docile was one of my favorite reads from last year. So when I received the email from NetGalley announcing that I was approved for a copy of First, Become Ashes I squealed out loud. I thought I was prepared to be broken and rebuilt. But no. I wasn't prepared at all.
Every point of view in this book is masterfully constructed. The profound level of anguish within each chapter draws you in and doesn't let go. I think I read this book in less than 24 hours. I just couldn't put it down. I had to know if the characters made it out of their mental struggles, and were able to see the other side. If Lark can find the rainbow with everything that he experienced, that has to mean their is hope for the rest of us right?
Having read many accounts from outsiders looking in on cults, it was refreshing in a terrifying way to see the innerworkings of a mind within the followers (or anointed). We see the news of cults being "liberated" and often think, "so great those people were freed from a crazy person". But it's not that simple. Real people believed with everything they had in that person. There are real minds facing cognitive dissonance that can't be cured by someone saying "it wasn't real". You can't overcome that level of cognitive dissonance without first burning everything you are as a person, and rebuilding yourself from the ashes.
The way the author tackled this 'after it falls' period, dripped with the feeling that the author did the leg work to understand what goes into being devoted to a cult. Having read Docile, I couldn't imagine any other author writing these experiences.
I was also thankful that the story does not focus on what was done to them during their time behind the gates. Like Docile, the book sets the stage by touching on each aspect of the trauma but lets your mind fill in the rest. By doing this, it gave the book a faster pace, I could envision all the horrors without having to read each transgression on the page. The day to day life while in the cult would have been a book in itself, and that wasn't this story.
Larks journey is empowering in ways I would have never expected. From the connections he makes with outsiders, to the way he comes to terms with his reality being shattered, it's a must read ride. But it's not just him. Every point of view character in this book has a journey that is inspiring, surprising and well written. They were real people that we all know in life.
Calvin was every nerd, wishing the lord of the rings was a place we could visit. I was so thankful for the add in of this con / nerd duo. The two of them brought a comic relief that broke up the horrors of the cult in the right way. It bridged the magic of the cult with the magic of the outside world in a way that amplified the story.
The use of pronouns, gender and sexuality is well crafted. Loved how real it felt, flowing off the characters tongue with ease, not awkwardness or trepidation in the other characters response. It was just apart of society. Normal.
Finally, the use of magic. I don't want to give away spoilers, and it is hard to discuss this aspect of the book without doing so because it was woven into the plot so masterfully you have to read it to understand how much mind f*ckery is going on with it. I mean it's a cult, the magic was obviously a lie. Right? Was it a lie? I NEED TO KNOW.
If you loved Docile, you'll love this book.
Note: LGBT Rep. HP Mention.
Trigger Warnings: Rape, abuse, ptsd, explicit sex, sex with minors.
Every point of view in this book is masterfully constructed. The profound level of anguish within each chapter draws you in and doesn't let go. I think I read this book in less than 24 hours. I just couldn't put it down. I had to know if the characters made it out of their mental struggles, and were able to see the other side. If Lark can find the rainbow with everything that he experienced, that has to mean their is hope for the rest of us right?
Having read many accounts from outsiders looking in on cults, it was refreshing in a terrifying way to see the innerworkings of a mind within the followers (or anointed). We see the news of cults being "liberated" and often think, "so great those people were freed from a crazy person". But it's not that simple. Real people believed with everything they had in that person. There are real minds facing cognitive dissonance that can't be cured by someone saying "it wasn't real". You can't overcome that level of cognitive dissonance without first burning everything you are as a person, and rebuilding yourself from the ashes.
The way the author tackled this 'after it falls' period, dripped with the feeling that the author did the leg work to understand what goes into being devoted to a cult. Having read Docile, I couldn't imagine any other author writing these experiences.
I was also thankful that the story does not focus on what was done to them during their time behind the gates. Like Docile, the book sets the stage by touching on each aspect of the trauma but lets your mind fill in the rest. By doing this, it gave the book a faster pace, I could envision all the horrors without having to read each transgression on the page. The day to day life while in the cult would have been a book in itself, and that wasn't this story.
Larks journey is empowering in ways I would have never expected. From the connections he makes with outsiders, to the way he comes to terms with his reality being shattered, it's a must read ride. But it's not just him. Every point of view character in this book has a journey that is inspiring, surprising and well written. They were real people that we all know in life.
Calvin was every nerd, wishing the lord of the rings was a place we could visit. I was so thankful for the add in of this con / nerd duo. The two of them brought a comic relief that broke up the horrors of the cult in the right way. It bridged the magic of the cult with the magic of the outside world in a way that amplified the story.
The use of pronouns, gender and sexuality is well crafted. Loved how real it felt, flowing off the characters tongue with ease, not awkwardness or trepidation in the other characters response. It was just apart of society. Normal.
Finally, the use of magic. I don't want to give away spoilers, and it is hard to discuss this aspect of the book without doing so because it was woven into the plot so masterfully you have to read it to understand how much mind f*ckery is going on with it. I mean it's a cult, the magic was obviously a lie. Right? Was it a lie? I NEED TO KNOW.
If you loved Docile, you'll love this book.
Note: LGBT Rep. HP Mention.
Trigger Warnings: Rape, abuse, ptsd, explicit sex, sex with minors.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Torture
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Sexual assault
Spelling the Tea: The Vampire Tea Room Magical Mysteries by Erin Johnson
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
For anyone that is reading the reviews wondering if the cover moving from illustrated to 'real people' is signifying that the series will be less cozy you can find that answer here.
For me, if I had seen this 'real people' cover in the wild not knowing who Erin Johnson was, I wouldn't have picked up it. Aside from not liking the style, I have always thought these 'shocked someone poked me expression real people covers' signaled paranormal women's fiction or an urban fantasy spin on the cozy genre, not the typical cozy genre I read. Erin is one of my favorite cozy mysteries authors of all time, so her name on the book is what told me to give it a chance.
Yup, I'm a cover judger. *hangs head in shame* Just wanted to throw that out there in case anyone else was judging these type of covers as I do.
-
If you haven't read an Erin Johnson mystery, you're in for a treat. She is a master of twists. I love the complexity that she gives her series. With the series long plot line, tied into a case that is complex and uses the full world to explore as the sleuth searches for the culprit. It's hard not fall head first into her worlds.
This is an excellent start to a series, Minnie shows us so much potential and I'm excited to see which paths she takes. From the vampire's council, to the hints of her joining a coven. There is unlimited options for adventure and mystery.
The city of Bath is described like something out of a fairy tale. Well researched and well utilized in the story. Some books set in beautiful places will only touch on the location, like "look how cool this book is, it's set in a destination" but Erin does a great job of really grounding you in the city, and brings it to life as if it is more than just an average city but a living part of the story. This aspect alone makes me super excited to dive into future books.
Minnie is relatable, and raw, her struggles with her current predicament were given to us in an honest, believable manner. I felt for her from the first few pages of the story. I don't want to give away spoilers, but her personal struggles in this book have me excited to watch her personal growth journey as a witch, and a person. Her divorce has been a mixed bag for her, but I'm pulling for it to end up being the best thing that ever happened to her life.
We also get introduced to what I assume will make up Minnie's circle, unlike other mysteries, Minnie is currently the sole female in a cast of attractive guys. (The non paranormal tea shop workers, vampire owner, vampire friend, and the cop.) I'm not sure if this is signaling love triangle -ew- or leaving room for a coven of women dynamics, but I already have my love interest team picked out and am hoping for no triangles. (again no spoilers here!)
I love that this series is going to be set in the world of non paranormal, so we can explore how open Minnie is allowed to be, and who knows about what aspects of her life. Gives another layer of complexity to the story, and I am excited to discover how it's handled.
From Spells and Caramels to Spelling the Tea Erin's style becomes more defined and this book really shows her true poetic way with words. If you love cozies, you'll appreciate typical tropes with a fresh take on world building and execution.
Note: Clean read.
For me, if I had seen this 'real people' cover in the wild not knowing who Erin Johnson was, I wouldn't have picked up it. Aside from not liking the style, I have always thought these 'shocked someone poked me expression real people covers' signaled paranormal women's fiction or an urban fantasy spin on the cozy genre, not the typical cozy genre I read. Erin is one of my favorite cozy mysteries authors of all time, so her name on the book is what told me to give it a chance.
Yup, I'm a cover judger. *hangs head in shame* Just wanted to throw that out there in case anyone else was judging these type of covers as I do.
-
If you haven't read an Erin Johnson mystery, you're in for a treat. She is a master of twists. I love the complexity that she gives her series. With the series long plot line, tied into a case that is complex and uses the full world to explore as the sleuth searches for the culprit. It's hard not fall head first into her worlds.
This is an excellent start to a series, Minnie shows us so much potential and I'm excited to see which paths she takes. From the vampire's council, to the hints of her joining a coven. There is unlimited options for adventure and mystery.
The city of Bath is described like something out of a fairy tale. Well researched and well utilized in the story. Some books set in beautiful places will only touch on the location, like "look how cool this book is, it's set in a destination" but Erin does a great job of really grounding you in the city, and brings it to life as if it is more than just an average city but a living part of the story. This aspect alone makes me super excited to dive into future books.
Minnie is relatable, and raw, her struggles with her current predicament were given to us in an honest, believable manner. I felt for her from the first few pages of the story. I don't want to give away spoilers, but her personal struggles in this book have me excited to watch her personal growth journey as a witch, and a person. Her divorce has been a mixed bag for her, but I'm pulling for it to end up being the best thing that ever happened to her life.
We also get introduced to what I assume will make up Minnie's circle, unlike other mysteries, Minnie is currently the sole female in a cast of attractive guys. (The non paranormal tea shop workers, vampire owner, vampire friend, and the cop.) I'm not sure if this is signaling love triangle -ew- or leaving room for a coven of women dynamics, but I already have my love interest team picked out and am hoping for no triangles. (again no spoilers here!)
I love that this series is going to be set in the world of non paranormal, so we can explore how open Minnie is allowed to be, and who knows about what aspects of her life. Gives another layer of complexity to the story, and I am excited to discover how it's handled.
From Spells and Caramels to Spelling the Tea Erin's style becomes more defined and this book really shows her true poetic way with words. If you love cozies, you'll appreciate typical tropes with a fresh take on world building and execution.
Note: Clean read.
Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
Discovered this book through the show, wanted to read it before I watch it.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that loves occult woven into the fabric of our reality. The description was fantastic. Each scene was well crafted, and felt as if it came out of the time period. From clothes, to speech to how people treated each other. All well researched and described.
The occult aspects were fantastic, I loved the way the author mixed political intriguing in with a long standing secret underground of alchemists. Plus family drama, we all know any organization that thrives on lineage is going to have it's fair share of family drama. While I did not see the ending for the alchemist coming, I loved how it wrapped it all up. And the message the books left us with.
Where the story feel short for me was in the presence of emotion. Each chapter in this book could be dripping with emotion. The characters are going through their day to day, discovering mind blowing occult things, plus dealing with hate that is still dealt with today. But the book doesn't do the best job of capturing this emotion. It hops from one charged scene to the next with no time for the characters to unpack what happened. No one having a breakdown, or falling apart over what they just went through. Just a recap for the time jump.
Some of the jumps are months, where as some are days or weeks. But with zero reflection or emotion. Just the scenes as an onlooker would describe them as they unfold.
I would not say "if you love Lovecraft you'll love this book" because I wouldn't say that the book is Lovecraftian at all. And while that author is mentioned in the book, it's not the writing style etc. Just adding that in case anyone is scanning reviews looking for that information specifically.
You'll love this book if you enjoy a touch of fantasy set in a historically accurate period of American history.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that loves occult woven into the fabric of our reality. The description was fantastic. Each scene was well crafted, and felt as if it came out of the time period. From clothes, to speech to how people treated each other. All well researched and described.
The occult aspects were fantastic, I loved the way the author mixed political intriguing in with a long standing secret underground of alchemists. Plus family drama, we all know any organization that thrives on lineage is going to have it's fair share of family drama. While I did not see the ending for the alchemist coming, I loved how it wrapped it all up. And the message the books left us with.
Where the story feel short for me was in the presence of emotion. Each chapter in this book could be dripping with emotion. The characters are going through their day to day, discovering mind blowing occult things, plus dealing with hate that is still dealt with today. But the book doesn't do the best job of capturing this emotion. It hops from one charged scene to the next with no time for the characters to unpack what happened. No one having a breakdown, or falling apart over what they just went through. Just a recap for the time jump.
Some of the jumps are months, where as some are days or weeks. But with zero reflection or emotion. Just the scenes as an onlooker would describe them as they unfold.
I would not say "if you love Lovecraft you'll love this book" because I wouldn't say that the book is Lovecraftian at all. And while that author is mentioned in the book, it's not the writing style etc. Just adding that in case anyone is scanning reviews looking for that information specifically.
You'll love this book if you enjoy a touch of fantasy set in a historically accurate period of American history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent
Pineapple Pack: Pineapple Port Mystery Series Books 1-3 by Amy Vansant
5.0
Book 1
Who knew a retirement community could be so much fun?!
Loved the concept of this world building, a girl being raised by a retirement community, and staying there into her adult years. She def. fit right in with the retirees and their gossip mill.
All of the cast was unique and relatable. From the busy body, to those living in the past of their failed dreams. A great array of retirees, creeps, and friends.
Charlette's personal journey through this book with her life purpose struggles was relatable and I hope it will continue into the next book. Loved all her quirks, and her side hustle. Cute concept throughout the story. The romance felt rushed, would have preferred a slow build over books. Especially for where they were putting Charlette experience wise.
The mystery was a nice convoluted one. It did take the cast a bit longer than I expected to untangle the mess, but it leaned into the armatures aspects of their sleuthing. With how this mystery panned out I am excited to see what the next one is about.
You'll love this book if you love cozy mysteries that involve a retired cast and punny banter.
Note: This book is written in 3rd person with multi POVs. While I do think it added more to the mystery, it was a change from the normal 1st person, single POV cozies. There was also mild profanity & drug use.
Book 2
The characters in these books are so hilarious.
Loved getting more back story to many of the cast members, and seeing Charlotte stumble through learning how to become an investigator. I like that while she is the sleuth, the story doesn't revolve around her, but more revolves around the residents of Pineapple Port.
I did feel like this book dragged in a few places, and was a bit longer than it needed to be. A few strings within each of the various storylines needed more suspension of disbelief than usual but it didn't pull me from the plot. The convoluted multi mystery was unique, and I enjoyed discovering the culprit for each case.
Can't wait to see Charlotte grow as a person and a sleuth.
Book 3
This installment was a bit problematic for me, but I adore the cast, and found the storyline to be unique and thrilling at points so I'm still 5 staring it.
I love that Charlotte is having to work at being a PI. Being observant, finding clues, etc. isn't coming easy to her and it makes the storyline so realistic. She had a crazy career idea and is having to work for it. Each mini case around the port that she gets is simple yet, a learning experience. I excited to watch this skill of her develop as the series goes on.
Now to the problematic stuff.
The entire Stephanie storyline is so hard to buy. I kept thinking "but why" throughout most of her chapters. I am not looking forward to her being a main character. Who just casually lets their crazy cheater ex come over, or speak to them?? I've been puzzling over this since she appeared in the last book, but now it's clear that her being allowed to stay had to happen because she needed to be in the picture to be in this book. After the scare in the last book, any logical person would have ex communicated her, not just giggled off her crazy behavior.
The added POVs to give the reader spoilers were also ugh for me. It's like the book couldn't decide who was the main character and what the main plot line was. Is it adorable Charlotte, hunting down her port mysteries. Or is it Stephanieserial killing it up just like her mom ?!?
While I loved the shocking reveal in Jamie's storyline, the connections revealed between Stephanie and Jamie were over the top for me. Like it was done for pure shock value.
I don't know, this book book left me with thoughts. lol I know I'll continue onto the next because i am curious who is lead, and the cast gives me a good laugh, but this book, and any where Stephanie's over the top storyline dominate won't be favorites of mine.
I'm also now rooting for Charlotte to leave Declan because no one has time for someone who can't push off an ex. She deserves better.
Who knew a retirement community could be so much fun?!
Loved the concept of this world building, a girl being raised by a retirement community, and staying there into her adult years. She def. fit right in with the retirees and their gossip mill.
All of the cast was unique and relatable. From the busy body, to those living in the past of their failed dreams. A great array of retirees, creeps, and friends.
Charlette's personal journey through this book with her life purpose struggles was relatable and I hope it will continue into the next book. Loved all her quirks, and her side hustle. Cute concept throughout the story. The romance felt rushed, would have preferred a slow build over books. Especially for where they were putting Charlette experience wise.
The mystery was a nice convoluted one. It did take the cast a bit longer than I expected to untangle the mess, but it leaned into the armatures aspects of their sleuthing. With how this mystery panned out I am excited to see what the next one is about.
You'll love this book if you love cozy mysteries that involve a retired cast and punny banter.
Note: This book is written in 3rd person with multi POVs. While I do think it added more to the mystery, it was a change from the normal 1st person, single POV cozies. There was also mild profanity & drug use.
Book 2
The characters in these books are so hilarious.
Loved getting more back story to many of the cast members, and seeing Charlotte stumble through learning how to become an investigator. I like that while she is the sleuth, the story doesn't revolve around her, but more revolves around the residents of Pineapple Port.
I did feel like this book dragged in a few places, and was a bit longer than it needed to be. A few strings within each of the various storylines needed more suspension of disbelief than usual but it didn't pull me from the plot. The convoluted multi mystery was unique, and I enjoyed discovering the culprit for each case.
Can't wait to see Charlotte grow as a person and a sleuth.
Book 3
This installment was a bit problematic for me, but I adore the cast, and found the storyline to be unique and thrilling at points so I'm still 5 staring it.
I love that Charlotte is having to work at being a PI. Being observant, finding clues, etc. isn't coming easy to her and it makes the storyline so realistic. She had a crazy career idea and is having to work for it. Each mini case around the port that she gets is simple yet, a learning experience. I excited to watch this skill of her develop as the series goes on.
Now to the problematic stuff.
The entire Stephanie storyline is so hard to buy. I kept thinking "but why" throughout most of her chapters. I am not looking forward to her being a main character. Who just casually lets their crazy cheater ex come over, or speak to them?? I've been puzzling over this since she appeared in the last book, but now it's clear that her being allowed to stay had to happen because she needed to be in the picture to be in this book. After the scare in the last book, any logical person would have ex communicated her, not just giggled off her crazy behavior.
The added POVs to give the reader spoilers were also ugh for me. It's like the book couldn't decide who was the main character and what the main plot line was. Is it adorable Charlotte, hunting down her port mysteries. Or is it Stephanie
While I loved the shocking reveal in Jamie's storyline, the connections revealed between Stephanie and Jamie were over the top for me. Like it was done for pure shock value.
I don't know, this book book left me with thoughts. lol I know I'll continue onto the next because i am curious who is lead, and the cast gives me a good laugh, but this book, and any where Stephanie's over the top storyline dominate won't be favorites of mine.
I'm also now rooting for Charlotte to leave Declan because no one has time for someone who can't push off an ex. She deserves better.
Pineapple Puzzles by Amy Vansant
5.0
This installment was a bit problematic for me, but I adore the cast, and found the storyline to be unique and thrilling at points so I'm still 5 staring it.
I love that Charlotte is having to work at being a PI. Being observant, finding clues, etc. isn't coming easy to her and it makes the storyline so realistic. She had a crazy career idea and is having to work for it. Each mini case around the port that she gets is simple yet, a learning experience. I excited to watch this skill of her develop as the series goes on.
Now to the problematic stuff.
The entire Stephanie storyline is so hard to buy. I kept thinking "but why" throughout most of her chapters. I am not looking forward to her being a main character. Who just casually lets their crazy cheater ex come over, or speak to them?? I've been puzzling over this since she appeared in the last book, but now it's clear that her being allowed to stay had to happen because she needed to be in the picture to be in this book. After the scare in the last book, any logical person would have ex communicated her, not just giggled off her crazy behavior.
The added POVs to give the reader spoilers were also ugh for me. It's like the book couldn't decide who was the main character and what the main plot line was. Is it adorable Charlotte, hunting down her port mysteries. Or is it Stephanieserial killing it up just like her mom ?!?
While I loved the shocking reveal in Jamie's storyline, the connections revealed between Stephanie and Jamie were over the top for me. Like it was done for pure shock value.
I don't know, this book book left me with thoughts. lol I know I'll continue onto the next because i am curious who is lead, and the cast gives me a good laugh, but this book, and any where Stephanie's over the top storyline dominate won't be favorites of mine.
I'm also now rooting for Charlotte to leave Declan because no one has time for someone who can't push off an ex. She deserves better.
I love that Charlotte is having to work at being a PI. Being observant, finding clues, etc. isn't coming easy to her and it makes the storyline so realistic. She had a crazy career idea and is having to work for it. Each mini case around the port that she gets is simple yet, a learning experience. I excited to watch this skill of her develop as the series goes on.
Now to the problematic stuff.
The entire Stephanie storyline is so hard to buy. I kept thinking "but why" throughout most of her chapters. I am not looking forward to her being a main character. Who just casually lets their crazy cheater ex come over, or speak to them?? I've been puzzling over this since she appeared in the last book, but now it's clear that her being allowed to stay had to happen because she needed to be in the picture to be in this book. After the scare in the last book, any logical person would have ex communicated her, not just giggled off her crazy behavior.
The added POVs to give the reader spoilers were also ugh for me. It's like the book couldn't decide who was the main character and what the main plot line was. Is it adorable Charlotte, hunting down her port mysteries. Or is it Stephanie
While I loved the shocking reveal in Jamie's storyline, the connections revealed between Stephanie and Jamie were over the top for me. Like it was done for pure shock value.
I don't know, this book book left me with thoughts. lol I know I'll continue onto the next because i am curious who is lead, and the cast gives me a good laugh, but this book, and any where Stephanie's over the top storyline dominate won't be favorites of mine.
I'm also now rooting for Charlotte to leave Declan because no one has time for someone who can't push off an ex. She deserves better.
Pineapple Mystery Box by Amy Vansant
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
The characters in these books are so hilarious.
Loved getting more back story to many of the cast members, and seeing Charlotte stumble through learning how to become an investigator. I like that while she is the sleuth, the story doesn't revolve around her, but more revolves around the residents of Pineapple Port.
I did feel like this book dragged in a few places, and was a bit longer than it needed to be. A few strings within each of the various storylines needed more suspension of disbelief than usual but it didn't pull me from the plot. The convoluted multi mystery was unique, and I enjoyed discovering the culprit for each case.
Can't wait to see Charlotte grow as a person and a sleuth.
Loved getting more back story to many of the cast members, and seeing Charlotte stumble through learning how to become an investigator. I like that while she is the sleuth, the story doesn't revolve around her, but more revolves around the residents of Pineapple Port.
I did feel like this book dragged in a few places, and was a bit longer than it needed to be. A few strings within each of the various storylines needed more suspension of disbelief than usual but it didn't pull me from the plot. The convoluted multi mystery was unique, and I enjoyed discovering the culprit for each case.
Can't wait to see Charlotte grow as a person and a sleuth.
Pretty Little Fliers by Erin Johnson
5.0
I’ve been waiting for Erins next series with serious anticipation since finishing Spells & Caramels. If you haven’t read Saved by the Spell yet, I suggest picking it up as it will give you some fun backstory for Officer Flint and Daisy.
I am in love with the characters in this series! It seems to be a the writing style of Erin to make all characters feel like main characters and I absolutely adore it! Give the story so much depth! I can’t wait to get more information on all of the key players.
If you’ve read her previous series, then you know that shifters aren’t well loved by the magical community and I am so thrilled that Erin choice this as the focal point for her next dive into the vast magical world she built for us.
If you love cozy mysteries, you will love all of Erins books, she takes the genre to a next level that I am so impressed with.
I am in love with the characters in this series! It seems to be a the writing style of Erin to make all characters feel like main characters and I absolutely adore it! Give the story so much depth! I can’t wait to get more information on all of the key players.
If you’ve read her previous series, then you know that shifters aren’t well loved by the magical community and I am so thrilled that Erin choice this as the focal point for her next dive into the vast magical world she built for us.
If you love cozy mysteries, you will love all of Erins books, she takes the genre to a next level that I am so impressed with.