A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart

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A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart

Publishing:  March 7, 2023 by Simon & Schuster

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  First, she’s Canadian.  Second, I read her “Still” series, and although they weren’t deep, they were good books.  I’m really looking forward to this stand-alone.

 

A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Simon & Schuster and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Nadine Walsh is throwing a 60th birthday party for her mother, the famed author Marilyn Millay.  This garden party will be the talk of the town.   Drinks and catered food galore.  Everyone is enjoying themselves…except the dead guy in the basement.

Still recovering from a fall down the stairs six months ago, Nadine has been anxious all day.  There are so many secrets in this house.  Paul, her husband, is fairly unaware,  her daughter Isobel is in her own little world, as is her son Damien.  They’ve all been through a lot. Her niece Margot moved in with them after the fall, and she has been helpful.  But today is special.  Her mother, the guest of honour is aware that this is also another anniversary. Nadine can’t get that anniversary out of her mind.

 

My Opinions:
First, I love the cover — peonies are one of my favorite flowers.

The story starts with Nadine and the body, and then takes us through her day.  During that day, we find out about Nadine’s entire life.  We don’t actually know who the body is until the end. It was an interesting way to tell the story, and Nadine’s story through flashbacks..

Now, if only I had liked Nadine.  Right from the start, you knew she had many secrets, and wasn’t quite the devoted and loving wife and mother people thought.  Anxiety is one thing, but she was overly protective of her family, made very bad decisions, and was really nosy.  Eventually, the story took over, and Nadine herself didn’t really matter.

The plot was the saving grace.  I found it to be a fast read, and I kept turning the pages if, for no other reason, to find out who was in the basement.  There were a few characters I would have been okay with dying.

Anyway, I ended up enjoying it.

 

Read: March, 2023

 

Amy StuartAbout The Author:  Amy Stuart is a Canadian author, born in Toronto, where she still lives with her husband and three sons. She has an MFA from University of B.C.  Aside from writing, she loves hockey.  *** Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5179517991

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

Hold Your Breath by Helen Phifer (#9 – Morgan Brookes)

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Hold Your Breath by Helen Phifer

Publishing:  June 2, 2023 by Bookouture

                                                                      

 

Reason(s) I Chose to Read this Book:  I am really enjoying the plots and characters in this series.

 

Previous Book in this Series: #8 – Their Burning Graves

 

Hold Your Breath by Helen Phifer is the 9th in the Detective Morgan Brookes series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:    (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Morgan Brookes is a Detective Constable for Rydal Falls.  She lives and works with her boyfriend, DS Ben Matthews, her boss.  They’ve discovered he has some heart issues, but things are good.  Other cast members include Amy,  Wendy, Cain, Will, Cathy and Mads.   They are still mourning the loss of a fellow team-member, Des.  Their new boss is DI Mark Howard, and they are getting used to him.  Their go-to Forensic Pathologist (and friend) is Declan Donnelly.  After losing her mother to suicide,  Morgan finally got to know her alcoholic step-dad, who turned out to be a good guy, but Stan is now dead (murdered).  Both Morgan’s brother, and her biological father, Gary Marks,  are serial killers.  Morgan’s aunt Ettie is considered a “witch”.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Morgan is called to investigate the death of 20 year-old Jasmine Armer, a dental assistant.  There are restraint marks on her wrists and ankles, and some time of glue on her eyelids.  Strangely, her body was found in her car, in the same spot that her father had committed suicide just 6 months ago.

Clues and suspects are rather scarce, although the dentist is a little suspicious.

When another body with similar  marks is found, both Ben and Morgan are devastated.  They both new the victim.

Meanwhile, Morgan receives a death mask in the mail, but dismisses it as a bad joke, until a second one arrives.

 

My Opinions:
I am really enjoying this series.  I love Morgan and Ben – and their relationship, but the entire team is like a cohesive family, and that makes the story more enjoyable.  As well, I think both Theo and Ettie make nice additions.

The plot, as always was great, and the number of suspects good.  Although I had an idea as to the perpetrator, I was actually surprised when I was right. 

The pace was good, although for some reason the book seemed a little too long.  I can’t actually think of anything that needed cutting, but it still felt a little long.

Anyway, I highly recommend this series….and I really think the books should be read in order, as things are mentioned from previous books, but not always explained in detail — which is perfect as far as I’m concerned.

Read:  May, 2023

 

 

Helen PhiferAbout The Author: Helen Phifer is a British Author of crime and horror.  She is best known for writing both the Annie Graham series and Lucy Harwin series.  Helen lives in a small town called Barrow-in-Furness with her husband and five children.  *** Photo taken from GoodReads

 

Check her out: 

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5593310769

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

 

My Monday Reviews for June, 2023

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My Monday Reviews for June, 2023

Well, it is really spring here, with touches of summer thrown in.  Finally able to sit outside with a good book and not freeze.  Love it!   Hope your month is entertaining!

My Monday reviews include authors from different countries, and different genres.  A couple surprised me.  Have you ever noticed that when you are really looking forward to a book, it isn’t always what you had anticipated.  Sometimes they just get too much hype!

Anyway, you’ll have to check out my reviews throughout the month to determine whether or not I liked them, and how much….or how little.  But remember, these are my opinions only, and yours may be different!

Just a reminder that my blog has many more reviews, and if you’d like a recommendation, feel free to ask! Remember, #keepreading and #staysafe.

Here’s hoping your next read is 5 stars!!!

 

…📖📖📖…

 

A Death At the Party by Amy Stuart (Publ. March, 2023)

Nadine throws a party for her mother, knowing that this is also an anniversary of another event.  Then there’s a dead body in the basement.

Amy Stuart is Canadian, and author of the Still series.

 

 

…📖📖📖…

 

 

The It Girl by Ruth Ware (Publ. 2022)

April was a vivacious, center-of-the-party girl.  By the end of the second semester, she was dead.  Her room-mate Hannah, has never let it go.

Ruth Ware is a British best-selling author.

 

 

…📖📖📖…

 

Billy Summers by Stephen King (Published 2021)

Billy prides himself on being a hit-man who only kills “bad” people. He decides to retire, but when offered one more job with a lot of money on the line to kill another hit -man, one not so ethical, he agrees.

Stephen King is a legendary American author.

 

…📖📖📖…

 

  Ward D by Freida McFadden (Published: May, 2023)

Amy is on tonight’s Psychiatric Ward rotation, and is not looking forward to it, for a number of reasons.  If anything can go wrong, it does.

Freida McFadden is an American author, and a practicing physician.

 

…📖📖📖…

 

 

The above are just a small sampling of what I will/have read in the month.  If something appeals to you, please check out the full review on my blog, where you will find many other books, perhaps something that will peak your interest.

 

I’d appreciate your comments…..Have you read any of  these?  Is there a book you would recommend that I read?

 

 

 

 

Keep Her Secret by Mark Edwards

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Keep Her Secret by Mark Edwards

Publishing:  May 30, 2023 by Thomas & Mercer

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: I really enjoy his books.

 

Keep Her Secret by Mark Edwards is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Matthew and Helena met at their college reunion, and after 20 years apart, they rekindled their relationship.  Helena’s husband Lee had recently died, and Matthew was still single.   Perfect timing.

They decide to go on a trip to Iceland, where Helena almost dies.  This near-death experience prompts Helena to share a shocking confession, which Matthew agrees to keep secret.  

However, Matthew is not the only one to hear Helena’s deepest secret, and when they arrive back home, a blackmailer appears on the scene.

Things go from bad to worse, and although Matthew’s conscience occasionally bothers him, he sticks by Helena, and gets more involved than he thought he possible.

 

My Opinions:
This was quite good, although quite predictable (and a little over-the-top).   Sometimes I felt like it was slap-stick – and I’m not really a fan.  The plot was full of twists and turns.  Yes, 90% of them were predictable — yet really entertaining.  I loved the ending

The book was about greed, and secrets, and abuse.  This premise usually works very well.  However, I didn’t like ANY of the characters.  Not one of them.  This sometimes made for a hard read.  Not caring if any of them survive is difficult.

Thankfully the book was still entertaining, moved quickly, and ended up being a fast read.  This may not have been my favorite Mark Edwards book, but it was still good.

 

Read:  May, 2023

 

 

Mark EdwardsAbout The Author:  Mark Edwards (1970 – ) is a British novelist, whose past careers have included everything from answering complaint calls for a rail company to teaching English in Japan and being a marketing director.  He now writes full-time, and has co-written a number of books with Louise Voss.  He lives in England with his wife, three children, two cats and a golden retriever.    v*** Photo Taken from GoodReads

Check him out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5317666587

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

 

 

Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury

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Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury

Publishing:  February 28, 2023 by Simon & Schuster Canada

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  She’s Canadian….no other reason needed.

 

Heads Up:  Some harsh language as well as  emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury is a ghost story and psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Simon & Schuster Canada and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Daisy is a black, 17-year old girl when her mom inherits a secluded mansion in northern Ontario.  Grace lets Daisy decide whether or not they should move to Timmins.  It is the perfect time for Daisy to move out of Toronto, as Noah just dumped her, and she’s feeling blue.  Not a good state for someone who sees ghosts who gravitate toward the sad and lonely.  A move is just what she needs….and perhaps it will finally help Daisy escape her mother’s hold.

But the house is more than it seems on the outside…and the fact that her mother doesn’t want Daisy to enter the house at all seems strange.  Grace is terrified of it, and as Daisy soon discovers, it is filled with more than just ghosts.

A decade later, Brittney, who does a podcast about hauntings, is forced to visit that same mansion.  Brittney’s mother is a best-selling author who writes self-help books, the first one documenting her awful relationship with her daughter, until “she turned her life around”.  The only way Brittney can truly get out from under her mother’s influence, is to earn enough money to be self-reliant.  She has to take this job, even though the “Miracle Mansion” is where her mother supposedly got better.  But Brittney knows better, and she knows it’s all a sham.

Brittney decides to uncover what really happened in that mansion, and finally expose her mother’s lies.  But she has another reason to visit that house….she wants to tell the story of a dead girl.

 

My Opinions:
First, I didn’t realize this was YA until I started reading it, which isn’t usually a problem, but I wrestled with the writing, the constant “black” this and that, the immature characters, and the crazy mothers.  I really struggled to get into this one…and it’s long!

I didn’t like the characters, even though the reason for their behaviour was because they were abused themselves.  They all had a rough up-bringing, and this lead to their actions.  I understand that, but I still didn’t like them.  The theme that “they did the best they could” didn’t cut it for me.  Some turned themselves around (eventually), but in most cases it was too late for me to care.  That being said, I really liked King.

The story is told in two time-lines.  Brittany’s is current, and Daisy’s is 10 years ago.  This was good, although I must say I enjoyed Daisy’s much more than Brittany’s.  I think Brittany’s could have been wiped out altogether  (that would have shortened the book, anyway).

Yes, it is a ghost story — and I absolutely loved that part.  It is also about friendship, and that was rather sweetly done.  It is about trying to do what is right, and really screwing up – that felt right.  However, it is also about mothers and daughters, and their rather intense and manipulative relationships.   It is about abuse.  It is about lies, deceit, manipulation and abandonment. Those were hard topics to read (maybe because I was just expecting a ghost story).

All that being said, and even though I struggled for the first 60% of this book (much, much too long), the last quarter was really good.  It just moved way too slowly.  It was still good, but, perhaps not for me — I prefer horror to family dynamics….and the combination here didn’t work for me.  I have this feeling I may be in the minority on this one, but it just wasn’t what I was expecting.

Oh, and I loved the cover.

 

 

Read: February, 2023

 

Favorite Quotes from Delicious Monsters:

“There are no friends in survival.  Everyone else is just a raft to keep you afloat.” 

 

Liselle SamburyAbout The Author: Liselle Sambury is a Canadian author.  She writes in multiple genres, including fantasy, sci-fi, horror and more.     *** Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5235129675

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

 

Lost Victim by Helen H. Durrant (#6 – Rachel King)

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Lost Victim by Helen H. Durrant

Publishing:  May 25, 2023 by Joffe Books

 

 

Previous Book in the Series: #5 – Last Victim

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  This is a series installment.

 

Lost Victim by Helen H. Durrant is the sixth in the Detective Rachel King series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DCI Rachel King is with the serious crime squad for east Manchester. Her team consists of: DS Elwyn Pryce, her long-time colleague and friend; DC Jonny Farrell, whose father is disappointed in his career choice; and DC Amy Metcalfe, who is a bit unreliable, and is not sure she is suited for the job.  Their boss is Mark Kenton.  Rachel has two daughters from her ex-husband Alan, and a new baby from Jed McAteer, a man with a criminal past, but the love of her life.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Rachel has been off work for three months, and her first day back has her viewing the dead body of Mary Dunn, an 84-year old woman who was posed on the altar of a church, her mouth taped shut, and her arms tied over her chest with white ribbon.  A white rose is in her hands.

Rachel is feeling a little “off”.  She is worried that she may have lost her touch after being at home for three months, and dealing with being a single parent.  She decides to take on an au pair so that she can continue to work.    She is also considering selling the rather large house and moving closer to the station house.  With all this running through her mind, she worries about her current case.

Then forensic evidence finds evidence on Mary’s clothing that says her murderer is The Slasher, a serial killer who was around fifteen years ago, but who died in prison.  More confusion.

And then they find the body of a young girl in the church’s crypt.

 

 

My Opinions:
Another fast-paced and easy read from this author.  This, actually, may be the best of the series – thus far.  Maybe because Jed was not front and center.

The plot was really good, with plenty of suspects, and plenty of twists.  Although I had easily guessed the perpetrators early on, it was still a fun ride.

I continue to love Elwyn, Jonny, as well as Alan and Belinda.  I still have problems with Amy.

I repeat (from other reviews of these books), the appendix of British slang at the back of every book should either be scrapped, or entered as foot-notes.

 

Read: May, 2023

 

Helen H. DurrantAbout the Author:  Helen H. Durrant is a British Author.  She started writing full-time when she retired from working in a local further education college.  Her other series include the ‘Calladine & Bayliss’ series, the ‘DI Greco’ series, and the DI Matt Brindle series.  She has a grown-up family and five grandchildren. *** Photo taken from GoodReads

 

Check her out:

 

 I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5573336421

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen

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Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen

Publishing:  January 19, 2023 by Thread Books

(Originally published in 2005)

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: I really enjoy both Olsen’s fiction and non-fiction.  This looked really good, and I have never heard of this woman.

 

 

Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen is the true story of Dr. Linda Hazzard and her bizarre methods of fasting to promote health (and of course murder).

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thread Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

In the early 1900’s, Dr. Linda Hazzard founded the Hazzard Institute of Natural Therapeutics, a sanitarium in the forests of Olalla Washington, west of Seattle and across the Puget Sound.  Locals called it “Starvation Heights”.

She professed that all diseases, of both body and mind, could be cured through her revolutionary “fasting treatment”.   While “curing” people, Linda Hazzard and her husband Sam, became rich.  Not all of their clients survived, but they often left their money to Linda, and that was okay.  After-all, she can’t promise it will work for everyone.

When British sisters Claire and Dora Williamson became aware of Dr. Hazzard in 1911, they were intrigued.  They often tried revolutionary treatments.  Claire in particular, was enthralled with the idea of fasting.  They willingly accepted the brutal methods employed by this woman.  Unfortunately, one of them died, and the other barely escaped.  The remaining sister took Dr. Hazzard to court.

 

My Opinions:
Well, the story was definitely interesting, definitely gruesome, and definitely a little scary.

Basically it was about a medical mal-practice suit.  “Dr.” Hazzard fed only broth to her patients, brutally smacked their bodies, and gave them really long enemas.  Yet she felt she was doing no harm.  If her patient died, well, she took their money and moved on.

This book looked at two rather naive sisters who fall under the spell of a very greedy woman. But what was truly scary was the support this woman had, from a wide range of individuals.  She won over many people.  Without a doubt, Hazzard’s internal strength and psychological methods made her a force to be reckoned with.  The prospect of being found guilty of killing someone surprised her.

The story was interesting, and although often repetitive, I had no real complaints with the writing.  However, my problem with the book was it’s length.  It was much too long, and often dragged.  I ended up skimming, and couldn’t wait to be done.

Bottom line, it was an interesting topic, which could have been written in a much more condensed manner.  I really enjoy Olsen’s work, so I was a little disappointed in this one, but it certainly won’t stop me from reading more by this talented author.

 

Read: April, 2023

 

About The Author: Gregg Olsen (March 5 1959 – ) is a native of Seattle Washington. He currently lives in rural Washington State with his wife. He is the bestselling author of over 30 books, both fiction and non-fiction. He has appeared on various television and radio shows as well as being featured in a number of magazines. He has won numerous awards.   *** Photo taken from GoodReads

 

Check him out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5491846134

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

 

The Woman in Carriage 3 by Alison James

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The Woman in Carriage 3 by Alison James

 Publishing:  May 22, 2023 by Bookouture

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  I enjoyed her Rachel Prince series, and have read a few of her stand-alone books.  This one looked good.

 

The Woman in Carriage 3 by Alison James is a psychological thriller. 

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Hattie rides the same 18.53 train home from her temporary job every night.  She’s back to living with her parents, after having lost her boyfriend, their flat, and her full-time job.  Too much drinking, too much partying, too little sleep has left her a little lost.  

But the train ride becomes more interesting when she actually gets to know her fellow passengers.  The group contains Julian Cobbold (a lawyer), Carmen Demirci (a university administrator), Lewis Handley (in security),  Bridget Dempsey (a civil servant), and Casper Merriweather (works in a fine art auction house).  Casper’s good looks immediately catch Hattie’s eye, and it isn’t too long before she finds herself in a relationship with him.

Then one day, one of the group drops dead, and trust becomes an issue.

 

My Opinions:
First, I disliked Hattie right from the beginning.  An immature “woman” using alcohol and men to try to get over a broken relationship is a recipe for disaster, and I feel that women who are portrayed as that weak, and with no redeeming qualities, is just wrong.   Especially when you know that the author is going to have to miraculously turn her life around.   So the book did not start out promising (for me).  I was quite annoyed.  Actually, the only character I really liked was Lewis.

The pace was very slow.  So between the fact that nothing was happening,  the lack of likeable characters,  and the somewhat predictable outcomes, the first 40% of the book made me wanted to stop reading all together — which of course does not happen in my world (although it should).

Anyway, it did get better, and it ended up being an okay read — for which  I was very surprised.  But it was a little late for kudos.

 

Read: May, 2023

 

 

Alison JamesAbout The Author: Alison James is a British author who studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist, author, paralegal, commercial copywriter, a TV storyliner, and has now returned to writing.  *** Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

Check her out: 

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5450728172

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

 

Deadly Fate by Angela Marsons (#18 – Kim Stone)

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Deadly Fate by Angela Marsons 

Publishing: May 25, 2023 by Bookouture

 

 

 Reason I chose to Read this Book:  It’s a series installment of one of my favorite all-time series of books.  The protagonist and her team are amazing.

 

Previous Book in the Series: #17 – Hidden Scars

 

Deadly Fate by Angela Marsons is the 18th in the Detective Kim Stone Police Procedural series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:    (Contains spoilers from previous books) DI Kim Stone learned to be tough.  Her mother, who recently died of cancer, was being held in a home for the criminally insane due to actions that almost killed Kim, and resulted in her brother’s death.  Kim had little to do with her.  Although Kim’s social skills are lacking, her heart is in the right place, and her detective skills outstanding .  Her team consists of: Bryant, her right hand man and friend, and the person who voices concerns in a much more diplomatic way than Kim ever would; Stacey, who can find required information in a seemingly bottomless computer system; and  Austen Penn, who for some reason, enjoys attending autopsies.  

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Kim and her team investigate the death of Sandra Deakin, who was found in a graveyard, with multiple stab wounds (including one across the face).  Sandra believed she could communicate with the dead, so she often walked through the graveyard with her dog, much to the dismay of the local clergy, who had banned her from the church.

Sandra is a psychic, and recently met with a group of women who wanted readings.  They were all there for a specific purpose, but none really got what they wanted, and tensions rose.

When a 19-year old boy is found dead just outside the call center where he works as a psychic, things take another turn.  

Kim, of course, thinks that psychics are all frauds, but she will have to open her mind if she wants to solve this one.

Meanwhile, Penn is on his own search, and Stacey has a stalker.

 

My Opinions:
For the first time…..I don’t have to deduct 1/2 star for the cover.  I love this new one!!!!!

I guess, as the blurbs state, you could read this as a stand-alone novel, but I would strongly recommend reading these books in order.  You really need the back-ground of each character to truly understand them.

The book touches on a number of topics.    One topic that is covered quite extensively is psychics, and whether they are fraud or not, and reasons why people believe.  It also made you wonder whether frauds do harm.  Homelessness was also touched upon, and why some actually choose this lifestyle.  Gambling and stalking are also topics that were discussed.

The characters in this series are like family.  I was happy to see Eloise make an appearance, and Tink.

The plot, and the different cases were all really good.  For the first time, I have a complaint (not bad for 18 books)….I didn’t like being kept hanging with one of the cases.  I usually find that more inexperienced writers will leave a cliff-hanger so that you want to read the next book in the series.  Marsons doesn’t have to do that, and I was disappointed.

Anyway, despite the cliff-hanger, I am looking forward to book 19!

Read: May, 2023

 

Favorite Quotes from Deadly Fate:

“Father Markinson, boss – he’s a bigoted, judgemental, authoritarian scumbag excuse for a human.”

“He sighed. ‘You know, sometimes I wish I could have the last word on something.’… ‘Keep trying, partner. It’s very entertaining,’”

 

Angela MarsonsAbout The Author: Angela Marsons (1968 – ) is a British author who discovered writing in Primary School when a short piece on the rocks and the sea gained her the only merit point she ever got.   Her books have now sold over 2 million copies worldwide.   She still lives in England with her partner, Julie.

*** Photo taken from GooodReads

Check her out: 

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5502839066

 

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.          

 

 

 

 

When the House Burns by Priscilla Paton (#3 – Twin Cities)

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When the House Burns by Priscilla Paton

Published: February 14, 2023 by Coffeetown Press

 

 

Reasons I chose to Read this Book:  I was approached by the publisher to read this series, so I’m playing catch-up….again.

 

Previous Book in the Series: #2 – Should Grace Fail

 

When the House Burns by Priscilla Paton is the third in the Twin Cities police procedural series.

First, let me thank both Ellen Whitfield and Layne Mandros from BooksForward, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:  (Warning: May contain spoilers from previous books)
The series is set in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Detective Erik Jansson and his partner, Deb Metzger (who describes herself as 6’2″ and lesbian), work in the Greater Metro Investigative Unit (G-Met). Erik is a runner, a top marksman, divorced, has a young son named Ben, and is somewhat reserved.  Their boss is Chief Ibeling (known as Almost Allwise Ibeling), and whose wife is rumored to be black ops.  

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
A real estate agent is found dead in the driveway of a listed house. Jean Nerstrand was both loved and hated, which apparently is the norm for the rather volatile real estate industry.  Competition can be nasty.

It looks like Jean may have stole some clients from another agent, Karma.

Jean worked for Lake & Isles but also worked with contractor Dominic Novak, a property developer.  He is in the midst of a number of jobs that have been rife with problems…a recent arson on one of his properties, a homeless encampment which is being run out because of his development across the street, and his relationship with his assistant Rafe is volatile.  Of course, then there is Renee, his wife…who used to be friends with Jean.  Perhaps once of his “problems” killed Jean.  It looks like Jean may have had a stalker….perhaps once of the homeless.

Jean’s ex-husband, Paul, may have lied about his alibi.  Jean, may have been having an affair.

The relationships between the parties involved are problematic, and that is where Erik and Deb come in….trying to solve Jean’s murder, while trying to separate the lies and secrets that everyone is telling.  Before it’s over, there will be a number of trips to the emergency department.

 

My Opinions:
This book moved slowly….again.  Very “wordy”.  I admit to skimming – a lot, and still didn’t miss any of the mystery.

The plot was good (although a book about real estate agents is not my thing — it’s personal).  A lot of strange characters, and as much as I have liked Erik and Deb in the past, their banter drove me nuts in this one — just too antagonistic.

There are actually a lot of things I disliked about the book….the length, the topic,  most of the characters, the endless pursuit of romance, the idiotic banter.  Throughout it all, I kept thinking when will it end? and this is the last book I am reading in this series…and then….

After all that, I’m not going to say I loved this book, but it was a good mystery.  The overall story was really good, and it was all tied up really nicely. I loved Rafe, and hope to see Maria again….yes, I’m going to continue reading these books.  Although I really feel the author is too wordy, there is no doubt that she can write.  As well, her characters are deep and entertaining.  Both Deb and Erik are passionate about their jobs, and that makes a good character.

So…until next time!

 

Read:  March, 2023

 

 

Priscilla PatonAbout The Author: Priscilla Paton is an American author.  She has a B.A. from Bowdoin College, a Ph.D. in English Literature from Boston College, and was a college professor who taught in Kansas, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Minnesota. She has previously published a children’s book, Howard and the Sitter Surprise, and a book on Robert Frost and Andrew Wyeth, Abandoned New England. She and her husband live in Minnesota.  *** Photo taken from GoodReads

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5130692668

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.