whiskedawayreads's reviews
616 reviews

Death by Iced Coffee by Alex Erickson

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This was an enjoyable read. It was relaxing, with bits of suspense and humor woven throughout. I can’t say that there was anything majorly stand out about the book, but there wasn’t anything that was terrible or completely lacking either. There was increased focus on some side characters, when was a nice change of pace. The MC’s level of insight into their nosiness and behaviors relating to investigation was refreshing, compared to other mystery novels where the MC run head along into danger through sheer stubbornness.

Final Offer by Lauren Asher

funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

It was meh. There wasn’t anything terrible about the book, but there also wasn’t anything that was stand out. I wasn’t a fan of true female MC. As someone working in the mental health field, I also did not see an accurate portrayal of substance use- particularly through the perspectives of the characters. There were some humorous moments and pieces of good writing. But unfortunately I didn’t love this read.

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

lighthearted 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

0.25

I was so disappointed in this read. I have read every Hannah Swenson mystery since I started the series over 10 years ago. However, this book seemed like it was written by a different author, with no thought put to the plot line, repetitive nature of information, or characters at all. The jokes are overused and fall flat after the fourth time they are used, let alone the 100th by the end of the novel. The sexism and shaming present toward the young female characters was terrible to read, and completely unnecessary. There was more attention to the recipes and eating than the storyline. And the attention to the food and eating was so repetitive that it was not enjoyable to read. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone unfortunately.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous dark emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was a great follow up to the first book in the series. The plot and characters kept me intrigued and wanting to learn and read more. Despite the popularity of the series, I found myself being surprised at the storyline’s progression. It was also interesting to see more of this created world.

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

The reading style and chapter presentation was very unique, but also very enjoyable. The many perspectives allowed for a well rounded telling of these real life events. The aspects of gender and race were well explained and thoroughly explored within the context of the novel. The themes of forgiveness, respect and restoration were beautifully detailed.

Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane by Belle Calhoune

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book was pleasing in a relaxing, predictable way of reading. The characters were enjoyable and fun. I enjoyed the younger characters, as I don’t know how often young characters are developed with adult novels. I also loved all the inclusion of animals. The plot line was well developed and seemed believable. Now I want to go back and read the first books!

Court by Tracy Wolff

adventurous dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I am in love with this series! It was hard to stop at so many points, and I love it for that. The writing is superb, particularly the wittiness of so many of the characters. I enjoyed have plot lines previously discovered wrapped up, while also getting to see the development of new ones. Despite the loss of characters, including one of my favorite, I can be mad or upset. It was truly that good of a book! I can’t wait to continue with the series.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

challenging mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

There were plenty of twists and turns woven into the plot line. However, I still found the plot line somewhat lacking. It was enjoyable, and it’s likely I’ll continue on with the series- but it didn’t amaze me. The MC seemed somewhat one dimensional, as if things were just happening to her instead of active involvement with her life. However, I’ll give a shout out to Julian as he felt like a better developed character.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

challenging dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was a bit slow to start, but the pace picked up about 20% through. The characters were well developed. As well as the plot and connections between characters. There were some confusing pieces of the creation of magic; but not enough to take away from the enjoyment of the book.

Death by Spiced Chai by Alex Erickson

lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

While the stages of the book from beginning to end, I felt like the storyline was a bit more creative than previous books in the series. I enjoyed how it brought together the previous plot lines and characters. I thought that there were some interesting twists, particularly associated with previous characters. The end was also slightly unexpected. Overall, it was an enjoyable read!