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2375 reviews
Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Ahoy there mateys! This was a romantic fantasy about an "evil" queen who hires a dark magician to organize her library. Queen Saskia is actually highly loyal to her country and friends. The dark magician is a case of mistaken identity. Felix is an archduke on the run from his minister who has abused him his whole life.
I am normally a huge fan of this author's work but have to admit that this one was not to my taste at all. Surprisingly, I had problems with the characters and the world building. Everything seemed too simplistic. The romance was too much of insta-lust. Even though the queens are supposed to be the focus of the story, we got a lot more of Felix being the central character. Saskia felt immature and threw temper-tantrums. Even the plot was just okay.
I did like the bats. I don't have a lot more to say given how little this worked for me. I will not be reading the rest of the series. I am in the minority though because other fans of the author are loving this. Arrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am normally a huge fan of this author's work but have to admit that this one was not to my taste at all. Surprisingly, I had problems with the characters and the world building. Everything seemed too simplistic. The romance was too much of insta-lust. Even though the queens are supposed to be the focus of the story, we got a lot more of Felix being the central character. Saskia felt immature and threw temper-tantrums. Even the plot was just okay.
I did like the bats. I don't have a lot more to say given how little this worked for me. I will not be reading the rest of the series. I am in the minority though because other fans of the author are loving this. Arrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
*** minor spoilers for other books in the series ***
Ahoy there mateys! This series continues to be wonderful (if silly) and I loved this third installment. This book could be the series ender but I would read more if they happen. As a reminder, these books should not be read out of order and readers really should finish the Rockton series before beginning this spinoff. Otherwise confusion is likely.
Casey is now eight months pregnant and the pregnancy has not been as smooth as she would like. Dalton is trying not to be overprotective but it is a struggle. Then one of the women in town is drugged and dragged out of town. She is rescued but one of the 70+ town residents is responsible. How can Casey solve the issue when weather and baby brain is in the way?
Lots more happens in this book. We have another close ridiculous animal encounter. There is a couple in a marital dispute. Another murder. An intense whiteout blizzard. Casey is trying to survive her pregnancy and has to (gasp!) ask for help. Plus it is hard to rule anyone out including Casey's close friends.
While I did guess who-dun-it, the how and why tripped me up. There were multiple twists that I did not see happening. Even though some of the ending was absolutely over-the-top, I didn't care because watching Casey deal with cases is always a good time. And how the killer is dealt with was unexpected yet inevitable.
I absolutely love the characters in these books and never get tired of reading about them. I will read anything set in Haven's Rock. Arrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ahoy there mateys! This series continues to be wonderful (if silly) and I loved this third installment. This book could be the series ender but I would read more if they happen. As a reminder, these books should not be read out of order and readers really should finish the Rockton series before beginning this spinoff. Otherwise confusion is likely.
Casey is now eight months pregnant and the pregnancy has not been as smooth as she would like. Dalton is trying not to be overprotective but it is a struggle. Then one of the women in town is drugged and dragged out of town. She is rescued but one of the 70+ town residents is responsible. How can Casey solve the issue when weather and baby brain is in the way?
Lots more happens in this book. We have another close ridiculous animal encounter. There is a couple in a marital dispute. Another murder. An intense whiteout blizzard. Casey is trying to survive her pregnancy and has to (gasp!) ask for help. Plus it is hard to rule anyone out including Casey's close friends.
While I did guess who-dun-it, the how and why tripped me up. There were multiple twists that I did not see happening. Even though some of the ending was absolutely over-the-top, I didn't care because watching Casey deal with cases is always a good time. And how the killer is dealt with was unexpected yet inevitable.
I absolutely love the characters in these books and never get tired of reading about them. I will read anything set in Haven's Rock. Arrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Future's Edge by Gareth L. Powell
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Ahoy there mateys! I am not sure if this is supposed to be the beginning of a series or is just a jam packed standalone. There is a lot to like here but ultimately this was just an okay read for me.
The alien Cutters have destroyed Earth and the majority of its colonies. The refugees of Earth are at the edge of the galaxy making colony ships and hoping to save as many as possible before the Cutters reach them. Ursula is one of those refugees that made it off Earth with some help from an infection by a long extinct alien race's artifact. She may hold the key to humanity's survival.
I really enjoyed Ursula as a character. She has changed a lot since her student days studying archeology. We get flashbacks into her time on Earth, her time with the alien artifact, her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Jack, and her relationship with alcohol. I appreciate that going through the end times not only produces trauma and regret but also personal growth and reflection. How she handles the reappearance of Jack and his new loves, the ship's AI and its avatar, was another highlight. We also get journal entries from the ship itself.
The major problem I had with the book was the overall plot itself and how Ursula's infection worked. I just didn't find the circumstances to be that exciting. I liked the pieces of the puzzles but not the execution. The other characters on the ship, particularly Siegfried and Mouse, had potential but seemed to be used as plot devices only. Several of the other crew had mentions but didn't really do anything. The ending itself was hopeful but much too convenient for me.
In general, I seem to find the author's books to have fun concepts and characters but lackluster plots and solutions. I am not sure if I would read anything else by the author due to this personal taste. Again I am in the minority though but the rest of the crew loved this. Arrrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
The alien Cutters have destroyed Earth and the majority of its colonies. The refugees of Earth are at the edge of the galaxy making colony ships and hoping to save as many as possible before the Cutters reach them. Ursula is one of those refugees that made it off Earth with some help from an infection by a long extinct alien race's artifact. She may hold the key to humanity's survival.
I really enjoyed Ursula as a character. She has changed a lot since her student days studying archeology. We get flashbacks into her time on Earth, her time with the alien artifact, her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Jack, and her relationship with alcohol. I appreciate that going through the end times not only produces trauma and regret but also personal growth and reflection. How she handles the reappearance of Jack and his new loves, the ship's AI and its avatar, was another highlight. We also get journal entries from the ship itself.
The major problem I had with the book was the overall plot itself and how Ursula's infection worked. I just didn't find the circumstances to be that exciting. I liked the pieces of the puzzles but not the execution. The other characters on the ship, particularly Siegfried and Mouse, had potential but seemed to be used as plot devices only. Several of the other crew had mentions but didn't really do anything. The ending itself was hopeful but much too convenient for me.
In general, I seem to find the author's books to have fun concepts and characters but lackluster plots and solutions. I am not sure if I would read anything else by the author due to this personal taste. Again I am in the minority though but the rest of the crew loved this. Arrrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Grave Empire by Richard Swan
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ahoy there me mateys! This is a new series set several centuries after the events in the Empire of the Wolf trilogy. While this series can be read separately, I think it is a much richer experience reading the trilogy first. There is a trickle down effect where having history of the previous Empire helps explain the politics and opinions of the current regime.
This book has three points-of-view. The first is Renata, the junior ambassador to the the Stygion Merfolk. She and her boss are often ridiculed because most people don't believe the Merfolk even exist. The second is a lieutenant named Peter who has been sent to the fringes of the Empire. An unknown phenomenon is killing the soldiers and driving men mad. Poor Peter is sent out to investigate. The last viewpoint is Von Oldenburg, a man who is out for himself.
The contention in this book is due to the prophecy of the Great Silence which could lead to doom for the whole world. All three characters become involved in different ways. I found Renata's time with the Merfolk to be wonderfully weird and exciting. Their culture is fascinating. Peter's timeline is a close second because he does not have the best luck and he is fighting his own fears. Von Oldenburg is, well, dislikeable if interesting.
Book one is very much a set up with very few answers but the hints about where book two is headed make me wish I had a copy now. Arrrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book has three points-of-view. The first is Renata, the junior ambassador to the the Stygion Merfolk. She and her boss are often ridiculed because most people don't believe the Merfolk even exist. The second is a lieutenant named Peter who has been sent to the fringes of the Empire. An unknown phenomenon is killing the soldiers and driving men mad. Poor Peter is sent out to investigate. The last viewpoint is Von Oldenburg, a man who is out for himself.
The contention in this book is due to the prophecy of the Great Silence which could lead to doom for the whole world. All three characters become involved in different ways. I found Renata's time with the Merfolk to be wonderfully weird and exciting. Their culture is fascinating. Peter's timeline is a close second because he does not have the best luck and he is fighting his own fears. Von Oldenburg is, well, dislikeable if interesting.
Book one is very much a set up with very few answers but the hints about where book two is headed make me wish I had a copy now. Arrrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Orb of Cairado by Katherine Addison
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ahoy there me mateys! I was overjoyed to hear about this novella set in the same world as the goblin emperor. Reading about this world is a comfort to me and I have already read this book twice. This features Ulcetha Zhorvena, a disgraced historian whose best friend dies in an airship blast and leaves him a puzzle. This puzzle leads him to an artifact, treasure, and a murder.
On the first read, I found Ulcetha Zhorvena to be a bit distasteful while still compelling. This is because he uses his history background to write fake provenances for false artifacts because it pays well. And he enjoys it even though selling the fakes does make him a bit uncomfortable. It was interesting to read about a character in the world that is disreputable given that the other books set in this world have exemplary main characters.
On the second read, Ulcetha Zhorvena had a lot more of my sympathy. He is kicked out of university due to a stolen artifact and he was innocent of the charge. In addition, one of the leaders of the university is completely prejudiced against Ulgetha for class issues and that is awful. His best friend is dead and leaves him a puzzle that leads to painful truths and Ulcetha Zhorvena chooses to do the right thing even though the consequences for him are stark. Plus the years of being outside the university system do cause him to mature in unexpected ways. Ulcetha Zhorvena may have made bad choices but fundamentally is a good person in the end.
Reading about Ulcetha Zhorvena is fascinating but so is the world building and history. This novella ties in nicely to the events of the world as seen in other books but very subtly. I continue to love insight into the culture and politics. I would very much love to read future events of Ulcetha Zhorvena and see what happens to him next. Arrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
On the first read, I found Ulcetha Zhorvena to be a bit distasteful while still compelling. This is because he uses his history background to write fake provenances for false artifacts because it pays well. And he enjoys it even though selling the fakes does make him a bit uncomfortable. It was interesting to read about a character in the world that is disreputable given that the other books set in this world have exemplary main characters.
On the second read, Ulcetha Zhorvena had a lot more of my sympathy. He is kicked out of university due to a stolen artifact and he was innocent of the charge. In addition, one of the leaders of the university is completely prejudiced against Ulgetha for class issues and that is awful. His best friend is dead and leaves him a puzzle that leads to painful truths and Ulcetha Zhorvena chooses to do the right thing even though the consequences for him are stark. Plus the years of being outside the university system do cause him to mature in unexpected ways. Ulcetha Zhorvena may have made bad choices but fundamentally is a good person in the end.
Reading about Ulcetha Zhorvena is fascinating but so is the world building and history. This novella ties in nicely to the events of the world as seen in other books but very subtly. I continue to love insight into the culture and politics. I would very much love to read future events of Ulcetha Zhorvena and see what happens to him next. Arrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Shining City by Kate Forsyth
I had found Kate Forsyth's Witches of Eileanan series at a used bookstore and bought the whole thing based on my recollections of loving her Rhiannon's Ride series back in the day. I figured I would reread the books about Rhiannon before embarking on the Witches series. Yikes! I ended up thinking the first book in the trilogy was barely okay and that book two was a ONE star read. This series walks the plank! What in the world was younger me thinking?
Let's go back to somewhere around 2006. I know exactly what caused me to want to read this series:
Rhiannon is a half human/half satyricorn. The satyricorns are women with something like rams horns that basically hunt, sleep, and eat. They like to catch human males to breed with though they treat them like animals and slaves. Theirs is a group with a pecking order based on ferocity. Rhiannon's mother is the head of the satyricorn herd. If Rhiannon's horns do not grow in she will be killed. She "tames" the flying horse to escape.
In reading book one, I could see some of the appeal. Young me certainly liked the idea of satyricorns and Rhiannon not fitting in. I also liked that when she joins humans, she judges them through her mother's culture and thinks a lot of customs and rules were ridiculous. I could relate. And, basically, at that age, I wanted a flying pony.
However, much of the first book deals with Lewen (the love interest) and his teaching Rhiannon to be more human. Lewen's main interest in her is "she's hot" and "I want to protect her" even though Rhiannon should want to stab him (I did) and could kill him easily. The horse taming happened in basically one day by Rhiannon tying herself on the horse and not falling off. Then the horse plays basically no role in the plot.
Rhiannon is in trouble because she killed a king's messenger even though her background meant she couldn't have known about it being a hanging offence. She travels in a caravan of magical youngsters who are insipid and caricatures. There is an evil necromancer who steals kids and does death magic. He has a poisoning sidekick. Somehow only Rhiannon knows this. The "Rhiannon is uncultured so can't possibly have morals or ever tell the truth" got old real fast and is the common theme of the series. The adults in this book don't use their brains. Seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY, no one thinks rationally. Rhiannon saves a child and helps fend off dangers and yet she is always considered a threat. The blurb says "Rhiannon, the rider no one can catch." She spends much of this book tied up, locked up, or chained. But I couldn't help but like Rhiannon despite the ridiculous nature of the book.
But book two! Ugh. No joke, Rhiannon spends about 300 pages of this novel locked up in prison. That's right, the main character cries, gets depressed, and sits in jail. Her magical flying horse could help her escape and fly away but no. Lewen is ensorcelled under a love spell and NONE of the greatest magic users notice. Rhiannon turns into a lovelorn idiot. The supposedly intelligent adults never think. Rhiannon gets the blame for everything EVEN THOUGH SHE IS IN JAIL.
Other messes include an undead queen spirit floating around that all the magic users miss. Another evil witch breaks free from the spell that keeps her from talking, performs in local pubs, and NO ONE notices. The poisoner from book one leaves jail and poisons the head healer. Does anyone notice? The head female prison warden makes sexual advances towards female prisoners, tortures them, and some die. Everyone knows this except the magic folk who are supposed to keep the prison humane. Then we spend a stupid amount of time on the royal part-fish girl who flirts and makes people jealous and talk about her upcoming wedding. And drama with other royal family members. I am tired just thinking about it.
Rhiannon's trial is a joke. I laughed (in pain) about how stupid it was. Lewen saves her anyway by hanging on a bell. The necromancer escapes prison and there is death and kidnappings and poisonings. Rhiannon has been an absolutely horrible and boring character to read about in this book. She has been treated like garbage for two books. Yet she is the only one who can save the day? Let the city burn and she shouldrun fly away to another country. I hated this book and only finished it out of pure stubbornness to see if I could remember what happens after the cliffhanger ending. I remembered just enough to give up on this series. Young Me was wrong and Old Me is disappointed.
Do I read the Witches of Eileanan series? Do I keep the copies of the Rhiannon's Ride trilogy that I have lugged with me all over the country from place to place? I will never read these again. But, the covers are just so pretty.
Thoughts? Arrrr!
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Ahoy there mateys! I tend to get focused on the new shiny treasure. But part of what I love about readin’ is re-visitin’ old friends. So I have a category where I take a second look at a previously enjoyed novel and give me crew second reflections, as it were, upon visitin’ it again . . .
*** SPOILERS BELOW. PROCEED AT YER OWN PERIL! ***
I had found Kate Forsyth's Witches of Eileanan series at a used bookstore and bought the whole thing based on my recollections of loving her Rhiannon's Ride series back in the day. I figured I would reread the books about Rhiannon before embarking on the Witches series. Yikes! I ended up thinking the first book in the trilogy was barely okay and that book two was a ONE star read. This series walks the plank! What in the world was younger me thinking?
Let's go back to somewhere around 2006. I know exactly what caused me to want to read this series:
Aye, flying pony on the cover. I can be extremely shallow at times. To be fair, even though I prefer sea tales, I will still pick up pony books especially if they have talking ponies. Now the pony in these series does not talk but flying will work just as well. So that is why I chose this trilogy but liking it?
Rhiannon is a half human/half satyricorn. The satyricorns are women with something like rams horns that basically hunt, sleep, and eat. They like to catch human males to breed with though they treat them like animals and slaves. Theirs is a group with a pecking order based on ferocity. Rhiannon's mother is the head of the satyricorn herd. If Rhiannon's horns do not grow in she will be killed. She "tames" the flying horse to escape.
In reading book one, I could see some of the appeal. Young me certainly liked the idea of satyricorns and Rhiannon not fitting in. I also liked that when she joins humans, she judges them through her mother's culture and thinks a lot of customs and rules were ridiculous. I could relate. And, basically, at that age, I wanted a flying pony.
However, much of the first book deals with Lewen (the love interest) and his teaching Rhiannon to be more human. Lewen's main interest in her is "she's hot" and "I want to protect her" even though Rhiannon should want to stab him (I did) and could kill him easily. The horse taming happened in basically one day by Rhiannon tying herself on the horse and not falling off. Then the horse plays basically no role in the plot.
Rhiannon is in trouble because she killed a king's messenger even though her background meant she couldn't have known about it being a hanging offence. She travels in a caravan of magical youngsters who are insipid and caricatures. There is an evil necromancer who steals kids and does death magic. He has a poisoning sidekick. Somehow only Rhiannon knows this. The "Rhiannon is uncultured so can't possibly have morals or ever tell the truth" got old real fast and is the common theme of the series. The adults in this book don't use their brains. Seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY, no one thinks rationally. Rhiannon saves a child and helps fend off dangers and yet she is always considered a threat. The blurb says "Rhiannon, the rider no one can catch." She spends much of this book tied up, locked up, or chained. But I couldn't help but like Rhiannon despite the ridiculous nature of the book.
But book two! Ugh. No joke, Rhiannon spends about 300 pages of this novel locked up in prison. That's right, the main character cries, gets depressed, and sits in jail. Her magical flying horse could help her escape and fly away but no. Lewen is ensorcelled under a love spell and NONE of the greatest magic users notice. Rhiannon turns into a lovelorn idiot. The supposedly intelligent adults never think. Rhiannon gets the blame for everything EVEN THOUGH SHE IS IN JAIL.
Other messes include an undead queen spirit floating around that all the magic users miss. Another evil witch breaks free from the spell that keeps her from talking, performs in local pubs, and NO ONE notices. The poisoner from book one leaves jail and poisons the head healer. Does anyone notice? The head female prison warden makes sexual advances towards female prisoners, tortures them, and some die. Everyone knows this except the magic folk who are supposed to keep the prison humane. Then we spend a stupid amount of time on the royal part-fish girl who flirts and makes people jealous and talk about her upcoming wedding. And drama with other royal family members. I am tired just thinking about it.
Rhiannon's trial is a joke. I laughed (in pain) about how stupid it was. Lewen saves her anyway by hanging on a bell. The necromancer escapes prison and there is death and kidnappings and poisonings. Rhiannon has been an absolutely horrible and boring character to read about in this book. She has been treated like garbage for two books. Yet she is the only one who can save the day? Let the city burn and she should
Do I read the Witches of Eileanan series? Do I keep the copies of the Rhiannon's Ride trilogy that I have lugged with me all over the country from place to place? I will never read these again. But, the covers are just so pretty.
Thoughts? Arrrr!
Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Ahoy there me mateys! I am in one of those weird reading periods where I am having trouble finding something to fit my mood. I was scrolling through Audible Plus when I found a novel called "Dead Bolt." That was a silly name so I randomly clicked on it. It follows Mel Turner, a contractor, who restores historic homes in San Francisco and finds out she can see ghosts. Can she solve the murders and still get the projects done in time? I wanted to find out.
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
Mel is volunteering with a local charity to update a disabled man's home. She only meant to donate her personal construction skills but instead she has been convinced to run the project. While there, she learns about the next-door Murder House where a father killed members of his family. Only two of the children escaped. Of course while working on the project, she discovers a dead body.
At least Mel isn't a suspect this time. This book was the least favorite so far. The Murder House subplot was easily figured out so I didn't have a lot of suspense reading this. Mel is also hired as a ghost investigator for the police which I thought was a weird choice. I still enjoyed all of the characters and Mel but thought this book wasn't as well thought-out or written as the others. A lot of Mel's ghost skills were weird. Apparently all ghosts are different and so that is why there don't seem to be a whole lot of continuity in ghost rules.
This will not stop me from reading the rest of the series though. I am addicted to these cozy mysteries. Arrrr!
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
Mel is volunteering with a local charity to update a disabled man's home. She only meant to donate her personal construction skills but instead she has been convinced to run the project. While there, she learns about the next-door Murder House where a father killed members of his family. Only two of the children escaped. Of course while working on the project, she discovers a dead body.
At least Mel isn't a suspect this time. This book was the least favorite so far. The Murder House subplot was easily figured out so I didn't have a lot of suspense reading this. Mel is also hired as a ghost investigator for the police which I thought was a weird choice. I still enjoyed all of the characters and Mel but thought this book wasn't as well thought-out or written as the others. A lot of Mel's ghost skills were weird. Apparently all ghosts are different and so that is why there don't seem to be a whole lot of continuity in ghost rules.
This will not stop me from reading the rest of the series though. I am addicted to these cozy mysteries. Arrrr!
Murder on the House by Juliet Blackwell
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Ahoy there me mateys! I am in one of those weird reading periods where I am having trouble finding something to fit my mood. I was scrolling through Audible Plus when I found a novel called "Dead Bolt." That was a silly name so I randomly clicked on it. It follows Mel Turner, a contractor, who restores historic homes in San Francisco and finds out she can see ghosts. Can she solve the murders and still get the projects done in time? I wanted to find out.
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
Mel is getting a reputation on working on haunted houses. She is also getting more comfortable with her ghostly encounters. Her skills bring her to a new possible project - a haunted B&B. The owners want to keep the ghosts. The catch? To win the contract, Mel must stay the night in the house. But there is competition and whoever stays the longest wins. Mel thinks she is ready to handle this house and its child ghost. Of course someone is murdered that night.
This was the best yet. I loved the silly competition. I loved that marbles are creepy. I loved how the sale of the house was contingent on the owner's living there and all the consequences of that. I even love the police captain.
Both the mystery of the ghosts and the modern day murder were easily solvable to me but again I had a fabulous time with this one. Arrrr!
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
Mel is getting a reputation on working on haunted houses. She is also getting more comfortable with her ghostly encounters. Her skills bring her to a new possible project - a haunted B&B. The owners want to keep the ghosts. The catch? To win the contract, Mel must stay the night in the house. But there is competition and whoever stays the longest wins. Mel thinks she is ready to handle this house and its child ghost. Of course someone is murdered that night.
This was the best yet. I loved the silly competition. I loved that marbles are creepy. I loved how the sale of the house was contingent on the owner's living there and all the consequences of that. I even love the police captain.
Both the mystery of the ghosts and the modern day murder were easily solvable to me but again I had a fabulous time with this one. Arrrr!
Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ahoy there me mateys! I am in one of those weird reading periods where I am having trouble finding something to fit my mood. I was scrolling through Audible Plus when I found a novel called "Dead Bolt." That was a silly name so I randomly clicked on it. It follows Mel Turner, a contractor, who restores historic homes in San Francisco and finds out she can see ghosts. Can she solve the murders and still get the projects done in time? I wanted to find out.
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
Mel is hired to restore a Queen Anne Victorian. There are two small problems - the owners won't leave the house during the renovation and yet the wife thinks the house is haunted and is terrified. Mel has a discussion with a local shop keeper who then ends up dead. Of course, Mel is a suspect and she needs to clear her name and get ghosts out of the house.
I liked that Mel uses research to solve her problems. Sources include the local historical society, a local ghost hunter, and sometimes the ghosts themselves. Again the killer was not the point for me. Instead it was the relationships with Mel and details about the house itself.
I really began to love Mel. She is funny, a bit impulsive, stubborn, and caring. One of my favorite aspects are her quirky outfits designed by her friend Stephen, an aspiring Opera costume designer. I love that Mel is a woman in a man's field and that she isn't afraid to get dirty and pitch in. I enjoy her ability to talk to anyone. And I too love a good search in junk and antique shops. Arrrr!
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
Mel is hired to restore a Queen Anne Victorian. There are two small problems - the owners won't leave the house during the renovation and yet the wife thinks the house is haunted and is terrified. Mel has a discussion with a local shop keeper who then ends up dead. Of course, Mel is a suspect and she needs to clear her name and get ghosts out of the house.
I liked that Mel uses research to solve her problems. Sources include the local historical society, a local ghost hunter, and sometimes the ghosts themselves. Again the killer was not the point for me. Instead it was the relationships with Mel and details about the house itself.
I really began to love Mel. She is funny, a bit impulsive, stubborn, and caring. One of my favorite aspects are her quirky outfits designed by her friend Stephen, an aspiring Opera costume designer. I love that Mel is a woman in a man's field and that she isn't afraid to get dirty and pitch in. I enjoy her ability to talk to anyone. And I too love a good search in junk and antique shops. Arrrr!
If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Ahoy there me mateys! I am in one of those weird reading periods where I am having trouble finding something to fit my mood. I was scrolling through Audible Plus when I found a novel called "Dead Bolt." That was a silly name so I randomly clicked on it. It follows Mel Turner, a contractor, who restores historic homes in San Francisco and finds out she can see ghosts. Can she solve the murders and still get the projects done in time? I wanted to find out.
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
In this first book, Mel agrees to work on an older fading rockstar's renovation project. Unknown to Mel, said rockstar throws a drunken DIY party where the guests get to help tear down walls etc. Power tools and alcohol? Yikes. A partier ends up seriously injured and dies. Mel comes into the house to find disarray and the dead man's ghost.
For once, a main character does what I would do when confronted with a ghost - thinks she is hallucinating and freaks out. This is even worse when the dead man follows her around and talks to her. Mel is alarmed and doesn't know what to do. Watching her learn about and handle her new talent is part of what I like about the series.
The other thing I like is the cozy aspect. There is an adopted stray dog. Mel is divorced and yet still deals with her step-son from that marriage. She lives with her dad and his old friend Stan. She has good friends who help her but also keep her grounded. Watching all these interactions are sweet and often funny. Even the light romance aspect isn't too bad.
The conclusion to who-dun-it was fine. The house renovations and discussions about San Francisco were entertaining. The narrator Xe Sands does a good job. I was so entertained that I immediately got the next book. Arrr!
I enjoy other people's home renovation projects - especially the historical ones. I am a nerd for rediscovered fireplaces and original lighting fixtures.
In this first book, Mel agrees to work on an older fading rockstar's renovation project. Unknown to Mel, said rockstar throws a drunken DIY party where the guests get to help tear down walls etc. Power tools and alcohol? Yikes. A partier ends up seriously injured and dies. Mel comes into the house to find disarray and the dead man's ghost.
For once, a main character does what I would do when confronted with a ghost - thinks she is hallucinating and freaks out. This is even worse when the dead man follows her around and talks to her. Mel is alarmed and doesn't know what to do. Watching her learn about and handle her new talent is part of what I like about the series.
The other thing I like is the cozy aspect. There is an adopted stray dog. Mel is divorced and yet still deals with her step-son from that marriage. She lives with her dad and his old friend Stan. She has good friends who help her but also keep her grounded. Watching all these interactions are sweet and often funny. Even the light romance aspect isn't too bad.
The conclusion to who-dun-it was fine. The house renovations and discussions about San Francisco were entertaining. The narrator Xe Sands does a good job. I was so entertained that I immediately got the next book. Arrr!