Simon's Cat: Feed Me!

Simon's Cat: Feed Me!
Author: Simon Tofield

Cats are obsessed with food -- eating food, catching food, playing with food, stealing food, even napping on top of food. This collection of Simon's Cat cartoons deal with that food obsession.

I smiled the whole time I was reading this cartoon collection. I have four cats (all rescues) and have fostered numerous litters of rescue kittens. They all have the same hangups and obsessions when it comes to food. I have one slightly pudgy white kitty named Festus who will bypass a full food dish to scratch open the bottom of a cat food bag and eat from the bag. We now have to keep the cat food in plastic containers with lids, and any pet food sacks inside a closet. I have another grown cat who eats bugs...if I see a spider, stink bug or any crawly critter, all I have to do is call Chester's attention to the thing. Gulp.....bug gone! The cat is so bug crazy that he can leap up and catch flies from the air. Weird cat. :)

So, given the weirdness of my own kitty herd, I knew this book would be one I would enjoy. I'm never disappointed by Simon's Cat books!

Simon's cat sizes up pet fish, steals groceries, eats peculiar things and definitely engrosses in Garfield-like binges in this lovely collection of cat-toons. Anyone who is owned by a cat will love this book!

REVIEW: Flowers and Foul Play

Flowers and Foul Play
Author: Amanda Flower

Fiona Knox has had a lot of sadness in her life recently. Her fiance dumped her. She was forced to close her florist business. And her much loved Uncle Ian has died. As she tries to pick up the broken pieces of her life, she learns that Uncle Ian left her his home, Duncreigan, in Scotland. Remembering wonderful visits with him there over the years, she travels to Scotland with a heavy heart, wondering if she will ever be happy again. She's greeted by the caretaker, Hamish, who tells her a story about the cottage and its magical garden. Hamish says that the garden has been dying ever since Ian MacCallister was killed in Afghanistan, but it will come back to life because she has come to Scotland to tend to it. There's a bit more going on in the garden than magic though. Hamish and Fiona find a dead man in the garden. Turns out several people in the nearby village of Bellewick might have wanted local attorney Alaistair Croft dead. But which one killed him? And how does the death tie in with Duncreigan cottage and the magic garden?

I absolutely loved this book! The story is a nice mix of magic and mystery. Fiona is a likable main character. Her life has pretty much imploded, and just when it seems things might be getting better, she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. But she is too intelligent and resilient to give up. She decides to investigate instead! :) I love Hamish and his pet squirrel Duncan. Quirky, magical characters to go with the magical garden. The mystery kept my attention from beginning to end. The story moved at a nice pace and there were plenty of motives and suspects. All in all, a totally enjoyable, magical and entertaining cozy mystery. Great start to a new series!

Amanda Flower's books never fail to entertain me. She writes several cozy series including the Magical Bookshop and the Living History Museum series.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos

Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos
Author: Simon Tofield

This book is a must-read for any cat lover, especially those who have brought home a cute, fuzzy kitten to the annoyance of an adult cat already in residence. :) As someone who has fostered many litters of rescue kittens, I know the annoyed stare of my adult cats as I clean, brush and play with infiltrators. I have seen my adult kitties run terrified from kittens who want to play with them, watched my chihuahuas herd baby kittens into their doggie bed for a nap, and chastised big kitties for whapping little fuzzy babies who just wanted to play on the cat tree. These cartoons had me laughing out loud and remembering incidents that actually happened in my house.

From a kitten's first lovely and also terrifying steps outside to spats with Simon's adult cat and the vacuum cleaner, these cartoons show the awesome relationship that forms between owner, kitty and kitten over time. The cats also make friends with a small dog, hedgehogs, birds, bunnies and other critters from the world outside.

This was a nice diversion on a rainy day filled with housework and listening to an audiobook that is rather heavy and depressing. I needed a smile -- and my own cats are all splayed out around the house sleeping. Simon's cat and his new kitten buddy provided me some much needed smiles and laughter. :)

I love these books! There is also a youtube channel filled with awesome videos (Simon's Cat).

REVIEW: Read Herring Hunt

Read Herring Hunt
Author: V.M. Burns

Samantha Washington, Nana Jo and her senior friends, Dawson and the whole crew are back in Read Herring Hunt, the second book in the Mystery Bookshop series. Samantha was widowed about a year ago. She fulfilled a dream she had with her husband to open a mystery bookshop. The shop is doing quite well, despite the dead body discovered nearby when it first opened. Sam lives in an apartment over the store. Nana Jo still stays over often. And adopted member of the family and college student, Dawson lives in the apartment above the garage. Things are getting easier for Sam...the shop is making money, she has friends, and she's trying to learn to enjoy life without her husband.

Dawson has become entangled with the wrong sort of girl. Nana Jo (always quick to express her opinion) hates her and calls her a floozy. Obviously the tart has her eyes on Dawson because he's a popular and talented football player at the local college, with prospects for a pro career. The day after breaking off his relationship with her, Dawson comes to work at the bookshop with a black eye and scratches on his face. He blames Melody for the injuries. Unfortunately, the floozy is found dead, and Dawson is immediately suspect number one. Sam, Nana Jo and the gaggle of lovely seniors join forces again to prove his innocence (before the upcoming big football game of course).

I love this series! Nana Jo is a hoot. And her friends are even more fun. They are outspoken and very good at helping Sam with her amateur sleuthing. Iris is probably my favorite. She has to be stopped each time she almost lets loose with curse words. Sam is a great main character. She's trying to put her life together after a terrible loss, and building the dream she had with her husband is making a new life for her. The other supporting characters like Dawson and Sam's sister, Jenna, make this a funny, feel good, entertaining cozy mystery series. Sam is also writing her own murder mystery series set in Britain in the 1940s. The story she is writing is included within the book, making each story a mystery within a mystery. This time, the story forms around the former King Edward VI who just abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. A woman is shot during a shooting party....who was the intended victim? And was the motive political?

Fun, entertaining and suspenseful cozy! The cover art is perfect -- very colorful with Sam's poodle smack dab in the middle. :) Very eye catching! I can't wait for the next book! Luckily, the next book in the series, The Novel Art of Murder, is coming out in November 2018! :)

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: These Broken Stars

These Broken Stars
Author: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen are both passengers on the Icarus, a ship whisking through the universe through hyperspace. But they are from totally different worlds. Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the world. Tarver is a soldier, a war hero recognized for his bravery. They are drawn to each other at first sight, but Lilac knows her father would never approve and Tarver knows she is out of his league entirely. But an emergency will bring these two together in a way neither one ever expected. And their lives will never be the same.

These Broken Stars is the first book in the Starbound series. At first, I had a hard time liking Lilac. She came off as a spoiled brat, but over time I came to understand the character better. Both main characters changed and matured over the course of the story, learning to support each other and pull together to survive, while also learning about love and respect.

This isn't normally the type of book I read. YA books with a romance angle usually come off as immature for me. But that's because they aren't written for 50 year old grandmas. :) But, I love science fiction, so I gave this book a try. And, I really enjoyed it. The relationship between the two main characters didn't come off as teenager-y or immature. I found myself really hoping that they would have a chance at a happy ending....that they would make it through the danger. Very enjoyable book! I'm definitely going to read the rest of this series! I love it when I read something that I wouldn't normally read, and end up totally immersed in an awesome story!

Amie Kaufman and Meaghan Spooner have both authored multiple YA books. I love the Illuminae series that Kaufman co-authored with Jay Kristoff. That's what led me to try this series she co-authored with Meaghan Spooner. I haven't read anything by Spooner yet, but definitely will after enjoying this book.

REVIEW: Gus Was a Christmas Ghost

Gus Was a Christmas Ghost
Author: Jane Thayer

The first book in this cute series about Gus the Ghost -- Gus Was a Friendly Ghost -- was my all time favorite book as a young child. I made my parents and siblings read it so many times I'm sure they had it memorized. When I could read by myself, I still loved it. The story was great...and the illustrations were fabulous. Imagine my surprise when I discovered recently that Gus had 7 other stories! I had no idea that my favorite children's book was just book one in a series! I immediately set out on a mission to find and read the entire series.

Gus Was a Christmas Ghost is the 3rd book of 8. The house Gus lives in has been turned into a history museum. He loves it there and enjoys all the displays....candlesticks, a harp, oil lamps, a grandfather clock, etc. The curator of the museum, Mr. Frizzle, is a bit cranky. And he doesn't like ghosts. He's always crabbing about Gus. Then, Mr. Frizzle leaves to spend Christmas in Florida. So Gus and his friends, Mouse and Cora the Cat decide to have an old fashioned Christmas while the old crank pot is away. :)

This story is so sweet and fun! The illustrations are by Seymour Fleishman. I always loved his artwork best of all....so the pictures made me smile. :) These are perfect books to read to small children. The stories are sweet and the illustrations are colorful and cute. I'm so happy Gus got more stories! I'm definitely going to have to find copies of the entire series for my keeper shelf. I always have a copy of Gus Was a Friendly Ghost. So far, the entire series is just as good! So I will just have to have them all. :)

Jane Thayer is a pen name for Catherine Woolley. She wrote many books for children including The Horse With the Easter Bonnet and The Popcorn Dragon.

REVIEW: Haunting the Deep

Haunting the Deep
Author: Adriana Mather

Samantha Mather is still trying to recover from events that happened in Salem six months before. She started seeing ghosts, was almost hanged and was betrayed by someone she had once trusted. Her family ties to the Salem Witch Trials caused magic and spirits to become a part of her life. She's hoping that all goes away. But, when she starts seeing victims of the Titanic disaster....ghostly figures dripping sea water....she knows it's not going away.

Haunting the Deep is the second book in the How to Hang a Witch series. Samantha finds that her life is tied to the sinking of the Titanic. But the strange events aren't just effecting her....some of her friends and her father are also getting pulled into the situation this time. Strange dreams, packages showing up on her porch, weird feelings and strange artifacts....what's going on? And how can they stop it?

I enjoyed this book. It's a great follow up to How to Hang a Witch. Samantha has found a home in Salem....but her life isn't easy. The supernatural and magic just seem to crowd in on her. Makes for a great suspenseful story. This book is definitely YA, but not juvenile. As an adult, I still enjoyed reading the story. Samantha is an intelligent main character. Her friends, father and the other supporting characters aren't well developed, but do help move the plot along. They all have their quirks and personalities. All in all, it's a well written book. The fact that the author is actually descended from Cotton Mather and survivors of the Titanic sinking add another facet of interest to this book.

The front cover-art is great!! It really draws attention to the book.

I can't wait to see what the next book will have in store! I will definitely be reading more of this series!

REVIEW: What's a Ghost Going to Do?

What's a Ghost Going to Do?
Author: Jane Thayer

My absolutely favorite book as a child was Gus, The Friendly Ghost by Jane Thayer.  My mom ordered it for me from The Weekly Reader Book Club. Every month or so they sent me books. I loved it when the package showed up! I can remember only three of the titles* I got way back then....and two are permanent residents of my Keeper Shelf.

Imagine my total surprise (and very happy reaction!) when I discovered just last week that Gus had a series! His adventures didn't stop with Gus, The Friendly Ghost! There is a series with 7 more books! I was immediately on a mission to read each and every one of them! Gus was one of my best book buddies as a young girl...and I want to know the rest of his story! Two of the books I was able to put on hold at local libraries in the county where I live....when I got the phone call that the books were available, the librarians both sounded surprised I had put a children's book on hold. They are used to me checking out mysteries and thrillers, not kid's books. :) I picked the Gus books up this week, along with a Jo Nesbo and C.J. Box books I had waiting for me at the library.....strange mix. :)

What's a Ghost Going to Do? is just a lovely book!!! The artwork is by Seymour Fleishman just like the first book in the series. It made me smile clear down to my soul. :)

Story basics: Gus lives in an old summer home owned by the Scott family. The family is there in the summer. When falls comes around, they leave. And then Gus' friend Mouse comes to stay with him. Unfortunately, the Scotts decide to sell the old house and build a new one somewhere else. What's a friendly ghost to do when he might lose his home? 

I won't say how it turns out! Read the book! :) 

The illustrations really make the story great! :) 

Jane Thayer is a pen name for author Catherine Woolley. She wrote many children's books under this name, including The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy. I am SO happy to discover that Gus the Ghost is an 8 book series! I will have to collect the other books to go with my copy of Gus, The Friendly Ghost on my keeper shelf. :) I will definitely be reading this entire series....and hunting down used copies for my shelf. I love Gus!! And have since I was 3 years old! 

*The other two books I remember receiving from the Weekly Reader club are: The Laughing Dragon by Kenneth Mahood (which also has a place on my permanent keeper shelf) and The Gollywhopper Egg by Anne Rockwell. The other titles I received were enjoyed.....but not remembered.

REVIEW: The Bat

The Bat
Author: Jo Nesbo

I really want to watch the movie The Snowman, based on a Harry Hole book by Jo Nesbo. But I have a rule...if a movie is based on a book, I have to read the book before I watch the film. There is a bit of a problem with that rule sometimes. I am a bit OCD when it comes to reading a series. I always have to start at book 1 and read through in order. The Snowman is book #7 of #11 in the Harry Hole series...so I have a bit of reading to do before I can watch the film.

Jo Nesbo is Norwegian, and his Harry Hole series was not translated into English in order. The first book, The Bat, was written in 1997. But it wasn't published in English until 2012. From what I read, the delay is probably because the novel is set in Australia, not in Oslo as the later books. The second book, The Cockroaches, was also not translated until many years after it's publication in Norwegian. The second book is set in Thailand, as Harry Hole is sent there to assist in a murder investigation. So, technically a reader could jump in on book 3 where Hole is at home in Norway. Word is that the books set in Norway are better. I can't be a judge of that since I haven't read them yet. I'm reading in order.....it's just my way.

The basics: Norwegian detective Harry Hole is sent to Sydney, Australia to help investigate the murder of a Norwegian woman, Inger Holter. Australian officials don't really want his help, but he digs into the case anyway. He's paired up with an Aborigine detective, Andrew Kensington. Hole (pronounced Hole-y) finds that there are similar killings of other blonde women, turning the investigation into the search for a serial killer.

If I had to judge the Harry Hole character from this first book....I would have to be honest and say he's pretty unlikable. He makes some really crappy decisions in this first book...from falling off the wagon and making a total drunken ass of himself on more than one occasion to stupidly putting an innocent woman in danger to solve the case. Not to mention the really bad stuff in his past....yikes! Is he a good investigator -- yes. Is he perfect, or even respectable? Not really.  But being an asshole and making some huge mistakes doesn't mean he's a bad detective.....just a flawed one. I know this series gets better as it goes along.....so I'm going to give Harry the benefit of a doubt and not declare him too douchey for my reading tastes....yet. He makes some whopping bad judgement calls in this first novel....but he is flawed and undeniably human. And a damned good investigator, drunk or sober.

There is a lot of interesting discussion about Aborigine history, life and beliefs. I enjoyed those portions of the story immensely. And the criminal investigation was engaging and suspenseful, if a bit far-fetched in spots. I liked the way the story ends -- it was perfect.

All in all, Harry Hole is a very flawed character....but I like him anyway. I'm going to keep reading this series and see the development of the character over time. I'm glad I'm coming in when the series is already translated. It does make me wonder how many outstanding similar series I am missing out on because they aren't in English. I love discovering authors who are new to me.....I'm really looking forward to reading more books by Jo Nesbo.

REVIEW: We Have Always Lived in the Castle

We Have Always Lived in the Castle
Author: Shirley Jackson

Constance, Mary Katherine and Uncle Julian all live in Blackwood House. The house and all the land owned by the family are enclosed by fences and a locked gate keeps the local villagers out. Years before, the other members of the family died from poisoning and Constance was put on trial for their deaths. She was acquitted, and the three have lived shut up in the old house ever since. Occasionally Mary Katherine, or Merricat as her sister calls her, goes to town to buy food and supplies. The villagers don't like them. Kids taunt her with catcalls. Adults make comments about poison and murder. They are shunned. Merricat doesn't really care....she spends her days in the woods and wants everything kept the same. Her parents things where they belong. Everything in the house where it belongs. Nothing changed. Then cousin Charles arrives. Merricat knows he's up to something....he isn't to be trusted. And he brings change. What can she do to make him just go away?

This story is twisted, strange and delightfully horrifying. Shirley Jackson's writing is subtle. Everything is there....but the horrific truths build slowly in the background. And just when you think you know what's going to happen....the tale takes an unexpected turn in the other direction. I had to read the ending of this book twice to let it all sink in. The story is perfectly written and ends just as strangely as it begins.

Every town has a house with a story....a place or people that are avoided because of a tragedy, crime or whatever gossip fits the local tale. In this particular village, it's Blackwood House. The gossip and truth slowly merge by the end, and the ending is perfect.

 I'm so glad I finally read this book! It's a chilling and strange tale....great read!

REVIEW: Spooky Choc Orange Donut Murder

Spooky Choc Orange Donut Murder
Author: Susan Gillard

Heather Shepherd's business, Donut Delights, has reopened after an expansion and renovation. It's fall and Halloween is in the air. Donut Delights has created a lovely chocolate and orange theme doughnut for the season. And, they are providing sweet treats for the most fancy-schmancy Halloween party in town. Sarah Kenny is a wealthy socialite in Hillside, TX and throws parties that are perfect and well-attended by other local elite. Heather and her bestie Amy show up to deliver the doughnuts. Trick or Treat night turns a bit sour as Sarah and another wealthy resident have a pretty public cat fight in the hallway, throwing barbs and insults at each other. Heather and Amy just want to deliver the doughnuts, schmooze a little to promote the shop, and leave quietly. Wanting to politely thank the host and leave, they exit the party but get lost in the large Kenny home. They don't find the front door.....but they do find Sarah Kenny's dead body. Who strangled the snarky right woman with her own tacky party streamer?

Spooky Choc Orange Donut Murder is the 23rd novella-length story in the Donut Hole Mystery series. The stories are light, cozy mysteries that are perfect for those times a mystery lover just wants something short and sweet to read. I turn to this series as a sort of palate cleanser between the tense, suspenseful thriller and horror novels I enjoy. Sometimes I just need a happy ending and a mystery that is quick, simple and just entertaining. I like the characters in the Donut Hole series, the stories are quick to read, and they are definitely cozy mysteries -- no cussing, no gore, no sex or explicit situations. It's a nice break from more adult mysteries that incorporate much more graphic violence and situations.

Although this series does have a serious need for better editing, the books are enjoyable. I can read over typos and figure out incorrect words...but it does pull me out of the story. There are errors that a professional editor will find that spell check programs will not -- like typos that are actually words and slight continuity errors. But, for me, the likable characters, fast paced, simple mysteries and cute doughnut shop background theme make up for the little mistakes here and there. This series is fun and entertaining....it doesn't have to be perfect. It's my go-to series when I need to reset my reading zen before diving into murkier waters with books that portray grisly murders, rape, kidnappings, etc. I can sip hot tea, laugh at Dave the Dog, and let my mind just be entertained. Brain candy. This series does give me doughnut cravings though.....and there is a doughnut shop 3 blocks from my house. :)

There are 60 books the Donut Hole series. But don't panic -- the books are quick, short reads...so don't let 60 books stop you from reading this series.There is also a spin-off series, Oceanside Mysteries, that features the same characters. Right now there are 28 books in the Oceanside series with Susan Gillard adding new books frequently. Someday I will catch up with her....I'm almost halfway through the Donut Hole series! On to the next book!

REVIEW: Tart of Darkness

Tart of Darkness
Author: Denise Swanson

Dani Sloan's life has been on a downturn lately. She left her corporate job after there were some major issues. She had to sign a non-disclosure document so she can't even discuss what happened. Then on top of that, she discovered her boyfriend was actually engaged to marry someone else. But, things take a positive turn when she suddenly inherits a house and decides to embark on a business venture that's more her style -- cooking bagged lunches for local college students and running a catering service. She hopes Chef-To-Go will take off and be successful. In an emergency, she allows three college students to move into the house with her. She provides their room and board and in return they work a few hours a week for her. It's a win-win situation for all. One of the girls sets her up with a catering job....an upscale summer party. Regina Bourne is beautiful and known for her lavish parties. Unfortunately, the day after the event, Regina is found dead on a lounge next to the pool. Because of some problems during the party, Dani and her housemates find themselves suspects in the murder. One of the girls has an uncle who used to be a police officer. So with his help, Dani starts investigating Regina's death. Who killed the spoiled rich girl?

Tart of Darkness is the first book in a new series, the Chef-To-Go Mysteries. I'm not sure I would  classify this book as a "cozy'' mystery....I'm going to say it's cozy-ish. There is no gore, explicit sex or anything completely un-cozy, but there is some language and some minor sexual themes (for example, one minor character enjoys bondage and rough sex) that aren't usually in cozy mysteries. For readers who want to avoid any discussion of sexual themes or for younger readers, this might be one to avoid. As for me, I enjoyed the story.  It's a nice start to a new series! I like the background theme of a college town catering business. Dani is an interesting main character, and the 3 college-age girls she rents rooms to are great supporting characters. The hunky uncle is a nice love interest. The ending of the book seemed a bit abrupt...but it definitely made me wonder when the next book will be coming out. :) The romance angle seemed a bit trope-y as did the sudden inheritance of a huge house that allowed the MC to start a new business venture.....but the book is well-written and fun to read. I didn't really mind the trope-y moments.

All in all, this is an enjoyable cozy(ish) mystery! I will definitely be reading more of this series. Denise Swanson is the author of several cozy mystery series including Scumble River and the Devereaux's Dime Store Mysteries. I think I will start reading the Scumble River series while I want for the next Chef-To-Go mystery!

*I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book from Sourcebooks via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: How to Hang a Witch

How to Hang a Witch
Author: Adriana Mather

Samantha Mather lived in New York with her dad and step-mother Vivian until her father suddenly fell into a coma. With medical bills mounting, Vivian sells their NYC apartment and moves them to Salem, Massachusetts. Samantha's grandmother owned a house there before she died, and they can live there while Samantha's father is hospitalized. Immediately, things do not go as planned. As a relative of Cotton Mather, a proponent of the Salem witch trials, local descendants of those killed in the trials take a disliking to her. Strange things begin happening....accidents, injuries, deaths. Samantha has felt cursed all of her life. Maybe it's more than a feeling. Maybe she is actually cursed. With the help of a friendly spirit that only she can see, Samantha works to unravel the mystery causing harm to descendants on both sides of the infamous witch trials.

This book is an enjoyable read. The mystery is engaging and the plot moves along at a nice speed. The suspense kept me reading until the very last page. While definitely a YA book dealing with teen social issues alongside the witch trial, history of Salem, etc., the plot is not juvenile. As an adult, I still enjoyed the story. There is no sex, graphic violence or anything that would make this book inappropriate for middle grade aged students through adults. It does have a witchcraft theme...if that isn't your bag, then I'd pass this one by.

How to Hang a Witch is the first book in Adriana Mather's series about Samantha Mather. Luckily I have the second book, Haunting the Deep, on my TBR shelf waiting for me! Interestingly enough, Adriana Mather is actually a descendant of Cotton Mather just like the main character in her series.

REVIEW: The Accidental Guardian

The Accidental Guardian
Author: Mary Connealy

Deborah Harkness and her younger sister, Gwen join a wagon train going west. They are caregivers for two small children whose family is travelling to California to join relatives. Unfortunately, the wagon train is attacked by ruthless criminals. Deborah, Gwen and the children are the only survivors. Rancher Trace Riley happens upon the burning wagons and takes the women and children to his ranch. He's determined to find the men who murdered all those people and protect the survivors. Little does he know that he will also find love along the way.

I love stories about the old west and those who braved the trail to head west, so I knew I would like this book. I don't usually read romance novels, but this story has more than enough action in it to make it more of an adventure than a romance story. Trace is conflicted. He has done some violent things to keep innocent travelers safe and is afraid that it makes him a bad man. Deborah knows that he saved their lives and many others....and does everything she can to make him realize that. The criminals who have been murdering many along the trail for years are dangerous, and Trace knows they have to be stopped. Plenty of action, suspense and danger along with love and faith in this story!

I enjoyed this story. The characters all grow and learn much about relationships, faith and love along the way. There is violence, but it's not graphic or overdone. This is Christian fiction...so there is no bad language or graphic sex. There are murders, violence and other criminal actions, but no graphic descriptions of bodies, gore, etc.  Some of the events central to the story would lead me to say this is a PG-13 sort of story -- multiple murders, dangerous criminals, etc....not really a story for kids under 13. Very enjoyable western without the racist, sexual or more gritty themes you might find in non-Christian stories. The Christian theme is not over-done.....the characters are Christian and there is talk about God, prayer and their beliefs, but it isn't so strong that it detracts from the main story.

This isn't the usual sort of western that I normally read. It's a bit more simple and light, given the fact that the violence and description are somewhat downplayed to fit the Christian theme. That was sort of a refreshing change. This book focuses on the characters and events, rather than the violent aspects of the "bad guys'' and the romance portion was not just centered on sex. Nice change from what I usually read. I enjoyed the story, and will definitely be reading more of the same from Bethany House. The front cover is perfect....adorable, and fits the story.

The Accidental Guardian is the first book in a series, High Sierra Sweethearts. A second book, The Reluctant Warrior, will be released in October 2018. I normally avoid romance stories, but the western background theme will be enough to keep me reading. Sometimes a break from the thrillers and more gritty stories I usually read is nice.....a bit of Christian romance as a palate cleanser. :) This story was well-written and enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more from Mary Connealy.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Looking Glass

Looking Glass
Author: Andrew Mayne

Professor Theo Cray has a reputation as a rogue scientist willing to do anything to catch a killer. Having just used every scientific and investigative tool at his disposal to catch a serial killer in Montana, Cray is approached by a father whose son disappeared 9 years before. The police assumed the boy was involved in gang activity because the area of South California he disappeared in is known for violence. His father knows better. Cray agrees to look into it, and finds that a killer called the "Toy Man'' has been stalking, enticing and murdering young, black boys for years. Once again acting outside of law enforcement, Cray is on the trail of a dangerous serial killer and making use of every revolutionary scientific approach he knows to pinpoint a suspect, getting himself into hot water again in the process.

Looking Glass is the second book in the Naturalist series, but the first book by Andrew Mayne that I have read. Readers can jump in and start the series with book two like I did, but be forewarned that lots of information about the first story is revealed during the second book. I don't mind....I'm still going to backtrack and read the first book, even though I know who the killer is already and some of the events leading up to his capture. Cray is an interesting character. He is highly intelligent and very knowledgeable about scientific investigation, procedure and testing. He thinks in a purely logical manner, which makes emotion and social situations a bit tough for him. He tends to come off as a jerk, but it's really just directness and true knowledge, not know-it-all jerkishness. He annoys law enforcement because he bypasses their investigations when they refuse to listen to him. He solves cases they can't solve themselves and doesn't care whose toes he steps on.  When I first started Looking Glass, I had a hard time liking this character. He really did come off as a bit of a self-absorbed academic. But, then I got pulled into the story and came to understand that Theo Cray merely looks at all things in a purely logical and scientific manner. He has a goal and uses everything in his disposal to reach that goal -- this time, it's catching a serial killer preying on children. It wasn't long before I was totally on Cray's side, forgiving him for his personality.

This story is well-written and just amazing. The suspense is fantastic and the investigation is incredibly interesting. Cray has access to new scientific tests and tools that help him ferret out clues. Whether or not these things are actually available I have no clue....but the science seemed credible enough to me. I'm no expert....so I just went with the flow and enjoyed the story. Loved it! By the end, I was completely immersed in the story. The ending is fantastic! (No spoilers from me! Read the book!)

A third book in this series, Murder Theory, will be coming out in February, 2019. I can't wait!! I will be backtracking to read the first book, The Naturalist. Andrew Mayne has written several other books including the Station Breaker series and the Jessica Blackwood novels. I will be reading his other books while I wait for the new Theo Cray novel.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this novel from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Oreo Sprinkled Murder

Oreo Sprinkled Murder
Author: Susan Gillard

Heather Shepherd, her foster daughter Lilly, and bestie Amy go to the new museum in Hillside to see the huge gold nugget on display there. Called The Goose Egg, it is the largest gold nugget ever discovered in Texas. Museum Curator Henry Boddington seems a bit preoccupied when Heather asks him some questions about the nugget. Later when the curator is found dead of a drug overdose and the nugget is missing from the museum, Heather thinks maybe he was a bit more than just preoccupied. Once again, Heather is called in to consult with the local police department to help discover who killed the curator and made off with the gold.

Oreo Sprinkled Murder is the 22nd cozy mystery in the Donut Hole series. The books are novella length and light cozy mysteries. The doughnut shop background theme is cute and the characters are likable. I like reading this series in between heavier mysteries or thrillers as a sort of entertaining palate cleanser. Sometimes I just want to read something light and entertaining...this series definitely fills that need! There are some minor editing issues here and there in this self-published series, but nothing that hampers my enjoyment of the stories. It's definitely my go-to cozy series when I want a quick and easy read to entertain me for an hour or so. The covers always feature a brightly colored doughnut that ties into the story somehow. Never fails to make me crave some fried doughnut goodness. :)

There are 60 books in the Donut Hole series. But readers should not be intimidated by that number. The books are short and easy to read. There is also a spin-off series, Oceanside Cozy Mysteries, that has more than 25 books in it. The author publishes new books in the Oceanside series quite often...so hopefully at some point I will catch up to her! :) I have a lot of reading to do!

REVIEW: Gemina

Gemina
Authors: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Gemina is the second book in the Illuminae Files series. The story is told using personal journal entries & drawings, emails, ship communication logs and other information related to an attack on a space station. I absolutely love the creativity and suspense of this series! It's not just a great story...but it's visually entertaining as well. The diagrams, drawings, messages, logs, etc just bring a coolness factor to the story. It makes this series different.....and one of the most entertaining science fiction/action stories I've read in a long time!

In Illuminae, mining corporation BeiTech attacked a colony on Kerenza. To cover up the attack, BeiTech now intends to jump a fleet of drones through the wormhole at Heimdall Jump Station to destroy any survivors of the Kerenza attack. Then, they will also destroy the Jump Station. No witnesses. No survivors. Hanna Donnelly, daughter of the station's captain and two members of a drug-dealing crime family, Ella and Nik Malikov find themselves thrown together to resist the murderous invaders on the station.

I'm always a bit worried when I really love the first book in a series that the subsequent books won't be as good. This time I had nothing to worry about. Gemina is a fabulous continuation of the story started in Illuminae! Lots of action...great suspense...just a very entertaining space action story! Gemina ends on a bit of a cliffhanger....so I'm very very glad I have the finale of the trilogy, Obsidio on my TBR shelf waiting for me!

I am definitely going to be reading more by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. The Illuminae series is just outstanding! I will be sorry to reach the end....but will jump into other books by these two talented authors!

REVIEW: The Bengal Identity

The Bengal Identity
Author: Eileen Watkins

Cassie McGlone runs a cat boarding and grooming service in Chadwick, NJ. Just as rumors are circulating about a wild cat roaming the nearby hills attacking dogs and children, a man drops off a cat to board at her shop. The cat's fur has a strange texture and appears dirty, so she gives the animal a bath. Brown dye cascades down the drain, revealing that the kitty is an expensive purebred Bengal. The man never comes back to get the cat, so Cassie starts investigating whether the feline might be stolen. When the stranger who dropped the cat off is killed in a hit and run accident and someone attempts to break into Cassie's business, it appears the case is much more than just a case of possible cat-napping.

The Bengal Identity is the second book in the Cat Groomer Mystery series. The covers are always eye-catching and inviting. The bright orange background and lovely Bengal kitty on this latest cover definitely got my attention! The characters are likable and the background theme of a cat groomer and boarding business is fun and interesting. Cassie is an intelligent main character, and the supporting cast, such as Cassie's veternarian boyfriend and her employees, really add to the story. In this newest addition to the series, the mystery moved along at a nice pace with plenty of twists and clues. I thought I had things figured out....I was close, but the plot held some surprises back until the very end.

I like this series. The mix of humor, cat facts and mystery really appeal to me. I'm definitely going to keep reading! The next installment in the series, Feral Attraction, comes out in September 2018.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Gus Was a Mexican Ghost

Gus Was a Mexican Ghost
Author: Jane Thayer

Every child has a favorite book. A book that always got picked first during bedtime reading. A book that stays on the shelf even when its owner grows up. A book that gets purchased for children, grandchildren, other people's children because it's just a lovely book.  There are three such books** from my childhood that I remember and ALWAYS keep a copy on hand.  The book always at the very tippy top of the list is Gus the Friendly Ghost by Jane Thayer.

Imagine my shock today when I discovered that Gus was actually a SERIES of books!! After his appearance and designation as friendly....he went on to star in 7 more books! I'm nearly 50 years old...but the thought of more adventures with Gus and the lovely illustrations by Seymour Fleishman had me smiling like I was 5 years old again! I had no idea that Thayer wrote several additional Gus books up until the final one (Gus Loved His Happy Home) in 1989.

I immediately went on a mission to read each and every Gus book! The first one I could find is actually the 5th book in the series. Gus Was a Mexican Ghost! Gus lives in a historical museum with a cat, a mouse, a baby ghost, and a cantankerous human named Mr. Frizzle. Mr. Frizzle yells a lot. The museum is closed every winter. One particular winter, Mr. Frizzle leaves to go to Mexico during the off season. Gus misses Mr. Frizzle while he is gone. A postcard arrives from sunny Mexico that says "Wish you were here.''  Gus decides Mr. Frizzle wants to come home, so he decides to go to Mexico and fetch him. What adventures can a cat, a baby ghost and Gus get into in Mexico?
And can they find Mr. Frizzle?

This is an absolutely lovely children's book! The story is cute and the illustrations are colorful! Mr Frizzle's face turns red when he yells....hilarious! :) This book keeps all the charm I love about Gus is a Friendly Ghost. Mouse became his friend in that book....and is in this story, too. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and learn more about Cora the Cat, the baby ghost and Mr. Frizzle.

(For anyone who wants to know the other two children's books that always have a place on my shelf....they are:  The Laughing Dragon by Kenneth Mahood and Frog & Toad Together by Arnold Lobel)

REVIEW: Banana Coconut Murder

Banana Coconut Murder
Author: Susan Gillard

Ballerinas....the epitome of female grace and beauty. But Isabella Hunt isn't graceful anymore. She's dead. Struck on the head and pushed down a flight of stairs, the ballerina will no longer be the lead dancer in the current production planned by the Hillside ballet school. Heather Shepherd is once again on the case, assisting her husband, Ryan, a detective with the local police department. Who offed the prima ballerina?

Banana Coconut Murder is the 21st novella length story in the Donut Hole cozy mystery series. The books have a doughnut shop theme, with each cover featuring a new doughnut offered in Heather's shop, Donut Delights. These books are quick, simple stories...and definitely cozy. No cussing, no graphic violence, sex or gore. Perfect for reading on vacation, while waiting for appointments or whenever an entertaining but short book is needed. I like the characters and the doughnut shop background theme.

Banana Coconut Murder is an enjoyable read. The mystery proceeds at a good pace, the plot is interesting and the ending made sense. I pretty much had the ending figured out, but the Why behind it was a surprise. There are some nice developments for Heather and Ryan in this book. Made me smile! :)

There are 60 books in the Donut Hole mystery series. But don't freak out -- the books are short, fast reads. A cozy lover could work their way through the entire series with ease. There is also a spin-off series, The Oceanside series, that has almost 30 books. Susan Gillard churns these books out fast. Someday I will catch up with her! :)

On to the next book!

REVIEW: Bad Neighbors

Bad Neighbors
Author: Maia Chance

Bad Neighbors is the second book in the Agnes & Effie Mystery series. Agnes had a serious falling out with her former fiance in book 1 (he left her for a sexy pilates instructor) and found herself not only heart-broken but homeless. So she joined forces with her Aunt Effie, a feisty older gal, to restore the Stagecoach Inn. The old place has seen many, many better days....

Agnes & Effie have cleaned the inside of the old Victorian. In fact it's spotless. But they are just starting to gauge the enormity of the project ahead of them.....bathroom updates, roof replacement, windows, floors, painting....  It's overwhelming. It's nowhere near time to apply for an innkeeping license or even think about having guests. But when a busload of leaf peepers are stranded by a broken down bus, it seems all the available rooms in town are filled. Four of the leafers will have to stay at the Stagecoach as Effie's guests. They will have plenty to do in town because it's Harvest Festival time in Naneda, NY and there's a murder to investigate. When the tourist bus broke down, the leaf peepers found the  body of a local mechanic stuffed in his car trunk at the repair shop. Dead. Bludgeoned with a wrench. And, owner of Hatch Automotive, Otis Hatch (the man Agnes is head over heels in love with) is taken in for questioning. Can Agnes....along with Effie and the four leaf peepers....solve the murder so that Otis can go on a trip to the mountains with her instead of being arrested for murder?

This newest adventure is filled with the same humor and quirky characters as the first book. Fun to read! The mystery is nicely paced with plenty of suspects and twists. Effie is still feisty and Agnes still manages to get herself into trouble. This time even her eyebrows get in on the action. :) I like this series and will definitely be reading more!

Maia Chance also writes the Discreet Retrieval Agency mysteries and the Fairy Tale Fatal series.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Force of Nature

Force of Nature
Author: Jane Harper

Five women go into the Australian wilderness on a corporate team-building excursion. Only four come out. Alice Russell is secretly working with federal authorities investigating her employer. Did she disappear because of that investigation? Is she simply lost? Or something much worse? Federal Agent Aaron Falk and his partner Carmen hope to find their informant alive. The story switches back and forth between the search for Alice, and flashbacks to the hike that led up to her disappearance.

Force of Nature is the second book in the Aaron Falk series. I loved the first book, The Dry. And this second book is just as good! I don't usually like a lot of flashbacks, but in this case, it works. Jumping back in time to the women's hike in the woods together added to the suspense. The plot moves at perfect speed, building tension the whole way. I didn't quite know how things would end until the last few pages. Perfect!

Falk is an interesting main character. He carries a lot of emotional baggage, but is an excellent investigator. He works well with his partner, Carmen. I can't quite figure out his personal life and hang-ups, but neither can he...so it's all good.

Harper really drives home the fact that we never really know casual friends, co-workers or employers very well. Some people hold grudges, harbor secrets, and others are just completely toxic. And nobody can really be sure what someone will do when they are pushed too far.

I can't wait for the next book in this series! Outstanding writing, interesting characters, and killer plots! I definitely recommend both books in this series to anyone who enjoys suspense stories!

REVIEW: Shot in the Dark

Shot in the Dark
Author: Cleo Coyle

I enjoy this series. It's on my list of go-to cozy mystery series when I want a cozy with a good story, well developed background theme and great writing. Set in a fictional NYC coffee house, Village Blend, the mysteries center around shop manager Clare Cosi. The supporting characters -- her detective fiance, coffee shop employees, her ex-husband and his mother who owns the company -- all have their own personalities and add to the richness of the plots. This series is like a coffee shop that serves a fabulous cup of java .... I will keep coming back!

Shot in the Dark is the 17th Coffeehouse Mystery. It seems everyone in the Village is using dating apps. Casual meet-ups seem to be causing all sorts of problems, and Clare is not comfortable with some behaviors she seems becoming commonplace. Then a woman brandishes a gun on the second floor of Village Blend, threatening a man she hooked up with using a dating app. A video of the incident at the coffee shop goes viral online quickly. Things go downhill from there, and the next day Clare discovers a body floating in the river. She recognizes the woman as a customer at Village Blend. The dead girl has a memory stick in her belongings. A video of the incident at Village Blend is saved on the memory stick. Are the two events related? Turns out there's a lot going on besides casual hook-ups.

The mystery is fast-paced and suspenseful, with lots of suspects and twists. The coffee house background theme is wonderful as usual. And all the characters just make these books enjoyable every time! As usual, at the end of the story there are recipes (my husband will LOVE the Italian Sub Quesadillas!), great info on the different types of coffee drinks and instructions on how to use a moka express pot.

The cover art for this book is perfect. Very eye-catching and ties in with the plot of the book. I love the look on the barista's face....she's like...WTF? lol

Cleo Coyle is the pen name for writer duo Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini. They also write the Haunted Bookshop cozy series under the name Alice Kimberly.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Penguin via First to Read. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. And I'll take a venti skinny sugar free peppermint mocha with two shots. Cinnamon on top. No whipped creme. :)**

REVIEW: Raspberry Mojito Murder

Raspberry Mojito Murder
Author: Susan Gillard

Raspberry Mojito Murder is the 20th book in the Donut Hole cozy mystery series. I like this series because the books are short, easy reads. There are times when I want to read, but want something short, light and entertaining. Sometimes I just need something cute and simple as a palate cleanser in between mystery/thriller novels or quick reads for car trips, vacation, etc. That's when I turn to this series. The books are novella length. The doughnut shop background theme is cute and the characters are likable. It's a cozy mystery series so there is no cursing, graphic sex or gore. Just a nice, entertaining light mystery series.

This time around Doughnut Delights proprietor Heather Shepherd is trying not to get stressed. Her shop is being renovated and expanded. It's a week from re-opening day! She wants to spend the week relaxing and taking a vacation from her usually busy schedule. Life has other ideas though. An office building near the doughnut shop burns down. Not only is it a case of arson, but murder. Paul Jackson died in the fire. As a consulting detective for the police department, Heather is on the case with her husband, a local police detective. Can she discover the identity of the murderous arsonist in time to catch a break before her newly remodeled shop re-opens for business?

I enjoyed this book. As usual the plot is light and moves at a fast pace. There are some interesting developments for Heather and Ryan Shepherd in this book. I knew eventually this particular event would happen...but wasn't sure how or when.

There are 60 novella length books in the Donut Hole series. Plus a spin-off Oceanside Mysteries series that has 20+ books. Don't fret about there being so many books if you are new to the series. The stories are easy, short reads. And readers can jump in at any point in the series and still enjoy the mysteries. I am a bit OCD about reading series from book 1 in order, so I'm trying to catch up. :) I try to read a couple of these mysteries each week to work my way to the Oceanside series. Gillard puts out new books regularly and often....so I have a lot of reading to do! I will catch up! It's an enjoyable race at least. :) Maybe she will go on vacation this summer and I can slip in a bit of extra reading and get a bit closer to catching up! :)

I love the cover for this book -- colorful! And the green with pink sprinkles doughnut looks tasty! I admit I had to look up what a raspberry mojito is. I knew it was a drink, but wasn't sure what was in it. It's raspberry and mint flavored....just like the doughnuts in the book. I found a recipe:

Raspberry Mojito Recipe

Sounds yummy!

On to the next book!

REVIEW: Hell House

Hell House
Author: Richard Matheson

I absolutely love the early 70's movie version of this book, The Legend of Hell House with Roddy McDowell. But I never read the book it was based on. Following the spirit of my challenge to myself this year to read more books that I've always wanted to read but never have....I decided to delve into the evil that is Hell House. I have to admit that I saw the actors from the movie in my head as I read this story. I'm not sure I like the mixing of so much cheesy horror with what might have been a great haunted house tale. It worked in a cheesy 70's movie....not so much for the original book, in my opinion. I enjoyed the story......but I would have enjoyed it more had the plot just ..... not tried too hard. That's the best way I can word it. 

This story definitely brings a 1960's/early 1970's horror movie feel to the classic haunted house story. Lots of strange biofeedback-type pseudoscience reigning here, but it does make for a spooky and strangely demented story. The basics: Dr Lionel Barrett is a physicist. With backing from a wealthy (and terminally ill) patron, he heads an expedition to a haunted house. Not just any haunted house -- the last group that went into the Belasco House was almost entirely annihilated and the house was sealed for decades. The house is evil....evil caused by years of extreme debauchery and wickedness. Lionel wants to prove that the supernatural is not some magical spiritual thing, but a testable form of residual energy instead. It's good vs evil.....and science vs supernatural. Turns out that the house isn't amused.....

The over-the-top explanations of the evil doings of the original property owner took this story from scary to almost ridiculous. And the ridiculous origins led into cheesy displays of supernatural shenanigans ranging from ectoplasm to horny ghosts. Like I said earlier...for me, the plot just tried too hard. It took all the scare out of it for me and just made it creepy...not in the haunted house sense but in the sexual deviant weird guy on a park bench sense.

I'm glad I read the book. There were spooky moments....and I still love, love, love Roddy McDowell in the movie. The movie kept the debauchery but reined it in somewhat....70's horror movies are supposed to be cheese fests. The book version just dragged it out much longer....all the way to the ending that just fell a bit flat for me. Oh, I knew what was coming....but expected a bigger bang out of the book version.

In the end, my after thoughts amounted to a passing thought and chuckle about there being no diverse characters in this book. All of the people that enter the Belasco House to find out what makes it tick are white. But there is a reason for that --- all the people of color that were asked if they wanted anything to do with the house said NO.

There is bad language in this clip....but I have to add Eddie Murphy's take on this:

So, although this was a great nostalgia read for me because of the movie.....for the most part, this book was a miss for me. Too much cheese.....not enough actually scary moments. The mix of horror elements along with the haunted house just didn't work for me. Cheese overload. The 70's called....they want their physical mediums, seances and ectoplasm back.

I'm definitely going to read more by Richard Matheson though -- he's also the author of I am Legend and Stir of Echoes.

REVIEW: Ghostly Animals of America

Ghostly Animals of America
Author: Patricia Edwards Clyne

I love folklore and ghost stories. America definitely has its share of interesting, spooky tales. From the disappearance of colonists from Roanoke Island to strange tales of the Old West, there is no shortage of creepy-cool American folklore. Patricia Edwards Clyne gathers some very interesting stories, all featuring spectral animals, in her book Ghostly Animals of America.

All 19 stories in this book are well-written, interesting and obviously well researched. I enjoyed each one! The author also includes information on where the places and events occurred and how to learn more about the story. The author is careful to mention when places, homes, locations are private property or public park land. The stories are presented not as horror tales but as folklore. There is nothing too scary or graphic for middle-grade aged children. Children and adults alike will enjoy these tales of legendary animal hauntings. The stories are varied with locations ranging all over the United States.

I could definitely see this book incorporated into lesson plans for United States history, geography or even creative writing. Kids would enjoy the stories and learn a little bit about different areas of the country and folklore.

A fun read! I recommend this for anyone 10 & up who enjoys folktales with a bit of a spooky edge to them!

Patricia Edwards Clyne has written several books for middle-grade age children on caving, history and the Hudson Valley region of NY state.

REVIEW: Pacific Vortex

Pacific Vortex
Author: Clive Cussler

When I was a teenager, I loved the Dirk Pitt adventure stories. But once I went to college, got married, had kids, etc., I lost track of many series that I enjoyed. Now that I'm older and have more time for reading, I'm going back and revisiting many authors and series that I missed. I've read two James Bond books this year so far....and those stories reminded me of Dirk Pitt. Dirk Pitt is like James Bond...or what 007 would be if he was into underwater exploration and salvage missions.

Pacific Vortex is the first Dirk Pitt story, even though it was not the first book that was published. Dirk is an underwater engineer for the North American Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA). He investigates ship wrecks, salvages cargo and occasionally gets involved in political intrigue. In Pacific Vortex, Pitt discovers a communications float from a US Navy submarine that went missing six months before. The sub was never found, so he takes the information to the Navy. NUMA loans Pitt to the Navy to assist in looking for the submarine. It seems many vessels over the past 30 years or so have disappeared without a trace in that area of the Pacific. When one of the lost vessels is a new, state-of-the-art nuclear submarine, it's time to figure out what's going on. Turns out the investigation is going to be much more dangerous than anyone expected!

Just like James Bond, Dirk Pitt is very much a man's man. He likes beautiful women, fast cars, adventure and excitement. This story is very action oriented, a bit cheesy (just like Bond) and completely testosterone-y. Readers who don't enjoy man-centric action stories might want to pass this one by. Dirk does not pull any punches....literally. In this book, a woman attempts to kill him with a hypodermic needle filled with poison.....he punches her lights out. The character is a very masculine stereotype. He takes what he wants....goes after the bad guys....and attracts the most beautiful women. It is what it is. As for me, I love action stories. If Dirk were a real person, I would probably dislike him, finding him a bit over the top and arrogant. But......he is a fictional action hero. I'm just interested in things blowing up, gun fire, the answer to the mystery they are investigating and the final fight where the good guys win. :)

I enjoyed re-reading this book. I'm going to read the entire series. I've always enjoyed Clive Cussler's books....especially because he actually does underwater exploration and salvage in real life. Great adventure stories!

REVIEW: Caramel Glazed Murder

Caramel Glazed Murder
Author: Susan Gillard

Heather Shepherd really loves her bestie, Amy Givens. Amy is intelligent, a great employee, snarky in a fun way, a great friend.....and a murder suspect. Heather's doughnut shop is undergoing a renovation and expansion, so the crew is  doing deliveries and online orders only. Amy dutifully goes on a delivery run. Two extra thick chocolate milkshakes for Junior Buckle. Junior is a bit on the hefty side. Not just from doughnuts and milkshakes....but also because of his lifestyle. He's a video gamer. Well, he was a video gamer. After drinking his milkshake that morning, Junior Buckle is dead. Game Over. After passing her licensing exam to be an official private investigator, Heather comes in on the case as a consultant for the local police department, working alongside her husband, Ryan, a detective on the force. Who poisoned Junior Buckle? Heather knows it wasn't Amy and she is determined to prove it!

Caramel Glazed Murder is the 19th book in the Donut Hole Mystery series. The book are light, cozy mysteries of novella length. This series is great for a quick, cozy fix. The plots are usually simple and the story moves along at a quick pace. The doughnut shop theme is cute and enjoyable. Each book features a different type of doughnut on the front cover.

Pros: This series is entertaining and fun to read. Because they are short, the books are a quick, simple mystery fix. The characters are quirky and interesting. And doughnuts! mmmmmmmm :)

Cons: Lots of typos and other mistakes in this self-published series. For the most part, the errors are minor but it does pull me out of the story when I come across wrong words, misspelled words and mistakes. This is not a series to read for complex plots. At times, the story lines can seem a bit too simple, but it would be hard to wrap up a mystery in a hundred pages if it was more complex.

In the end, I read this series because I like the characters and the stories are great palate cleansers in between more complex novels. Sometimes I want to read a story just for entertainment, to relax and just enjoy reading. This series is perfect for that! I do end up craving a doughnut most of the time, but that's ok.

Caramel Glazed Murder is an enjoyable read. Heather finally gets her first real case as a consultant for the police department. No investigating behind her detective husband's back this time. She did do a couple things during her investigation that, in reality, might have hurt the police department's case. But, this is a cozy series.....I suspend reality for the most part and just go for it. I'm reading a couple thrillers right now, and needed a break. As usual, Heather and the gang are a perfect choice when I need a mystery that is just entertaining and not "heavy.'' Amy's snarky comments during interviews or Lilly and Dave the Dog's antics never fail to make me smile.

There are 60 books in the Donut Hole series, and 20+ more in the spin-off Oceanside series. I'm trying to catch up! :) Lots of reading to do!

REVIEW: Brief, Horrible Moments

Brief, Horrible Moments
Author: Marco Pandza

There is a moment in every horror movie where the plot twists around on itself and you get that oh-my-god-I-can't-believe-that-just-happened feeling. Brief, Horrible Moments delivers that feeling in every sentence. A collection of one sentence horror snippets, the book is a fun (yet demented) read.

My favorites:

All my friends knew I slept during the day because I worked the night shift, which was easier than explaining that I'd been given a curfew by the thing in my closet.

The smiling clown looked into my eyes, clutched my broken, twisted body and whispered, "I'm going to make you a balloon animal.''

Some of these little horrific gems are great, others gross, even demented and some missed the mark entirely for me. But we all have different things that horrify us....there's a little bit for everyone in this book. Definitely a fun read for those who like cheesy horror. The sentences are organized into chapters: Monsters, Demons, Creatures & Oddities; Murder, Death & the Dead; Family, Friends, Love & Relationships; Food & Eating; Fear, Dread & the Unknown; Crime & Punishment; Doctors, Health & Hospitals; and, The Human Body.

I had fun reading some of these out loud to my husband and son. Very creative and fun book!

**I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads.com giveaway. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her

Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew & the Women Who Created Her
Author: Melanie Rehak

Ok...first some Nancy Drew fan-girling....then my review of this book.

When I saw this book in my local library, I snapped it right up! Although Trixie Belden is my girl detective of choice ever since my teenage years in the 80's, I also enjoyed Nancy Drew. There's just something about a teenage girl sleuth that draws a young girl in to these books. Back in the day, I had the entire Trixie Belden series in paperback, and dutifully traveled to Waldenbooks in the city to pick up the last two books, published in 1986. I remember being so excited that there were new Trixie stories that I actually waited to read them. I had to build up some courage to read the final books. I knew when I finished those last books that it was over....no more Trixie. I still do that sometimes when I'm on the last book of a good series! It's hard to say goodbye to characters when a series is ending.

Trixie and Nancy Drew really started my love of books. Those were the books I CHOSE to read, rather than the books I HAD to read for school. Being forced to read a book just takes a bit of the enjoyment out of it. Laying across your bed with the cat completely engrossed in a story til your Mom yells at you that you're holding up dinner.....then getting lectured for bringing a book to the table....that's enjoying a book! You  never would have caught me getting in trouble for bringing The Red Badge of Courage to the dinner table. The exciting adventures of girl amateur sleuths were worth inciting The Wrath of Mom. Classic force-reads...not so much. I babysat my horrendous (he was so naughty and spoiled!) nephew in the summer to earn money to spend on Trixie books. A new $1.25 non-creased, new-book-smell paperback was worth all the whining, coloring on the walls and temper tantrums in the world to me. My whole bookshelf was filled with lovely 80's version tan cover much beloved Trixie paperbacks (that shows how many times I had to babysit that nightmare nephew!). But on the very top....held up with mismatched bookends (one side was a big piece of petrified wood and the other was the piggy bank my dad gave me for my birthday when I was 8. Being between those two prized items (which I still have displayed on my bookshelves even now) was a supreme place of honor!) was a partial row of bright yellow spines (and some blue, too). Nancy Drew! And another series published by the same people -- Hardy Boys!

Now that I have explained how much I loved these books....I can get to my book review. I'm getting there! I'm getting there!

I homed in on this book sitting atop my local library's shelf on display like Trixie jumping on a clue. Gleepers! It's a book about Nancy Drew! It might contain clues about who wrote the books! Egads! :) I was probably one of the only readers who didn't realize Carolyn Keene was a pseudonym used by ghostwriters to churn out this series. In my defense, I was young, naive and didn't realize publishers required some authors to sign away their rights to their work upon payment. Contract work exists to this day. When a paying job comes up, you take it...right? I read a lot of cozy mystery series (probably stemming from my early love of these girl sleuth novels) and cozy authors often contract to write series using another name under contract to a publisher. I don't think it's ever as extreme as with these early series. To this day, I still have never read any information about which authors wrote the Trixie Belden books! I wish I knew!! The in-house writers were all just lumped under the pen-name Kathryn Kenny (after book #6 when Julie Campbell ducked out). It gets complicated! And is still complicated!!!

OK.....Yes, I am finally getting to Melanie Rehak's book.  I brought Girl Sleuths home from the library, finished the two books I was reading at the time, and delved into the world of Nancy Drew and early twentieth century syndicate publishing.

Alas, some mysteries are better off left unsolved.

I found this book disappointing. A bit of a let-down. I wanted to the depths of my heart to love, love, love this book --- I naively expected to read about female authors getting to ply their craft and creating this wonderful, beloved girl sleuth and feeling chuffed and fulfilled as each book was published. That couldn't have been further from the truth. In reality, Nancy Drew was created by an early publishing syndicate that churned out many other series aimed at youth. They used ghostwriters, requiring the authors to sign away all rights to their work and paying them a small lump sum for their work. None of the money made from Nancy Drew was ever seen by the woman who penned the first books from 1929-1953, Mildred Wirt. She was paid $125 per book (or less during the depression when the publisher decided the bad economy required them to pay less per book). Working from an outline provided by the publisher and subject to editing of any dialogue or story events that seemed un-ladylike, Wirt churned out many books for the syndicate over the years (not just Nancy Drew), but under her contract was forbidden to claim any of it as her writing or discuss her part in the process. The syndicate was sure that the authors who wrote their books just followed the outlines provided to them without really adding that much to the process....     Really???

Not only was I disappointed to find out the authors of some of my favorite books were victims of blatant publisher contractual mind-rape....but this book is written in a pretty dry format. The book focuses on the founder of the publishing syndicate, Edward Stratemeyer, and his daughter, Harriet, rather than the books, characters or writers of these stories. The book reads like a dissertation....just a spewing forth of facts and dates....rather than a story about the people or books they published. There is very little about creation of the characters or covers for the books, modernization of the books, or what is happening with the series now.....just a lot of mind-numbing facts about the publishing syndicate that kept women at their typewriters for decades with no recognition.....even telling lies about who actually wrote Nancy Drew and other children's series to keep the actual authors identities a secret. It was all a marketing trick.....the books were churned out according to formula outlines and published in such a way to prevent authors from being loved by their readers so that a publishing syndicate could rake in big bucks. What a load of shit. 

I love the Nancy Drew books. I love Trixie Belden. But it appears the publishing world that created all of these stories is a mire of greed and just crappy behavior. I'm glad I know the identity of the woman who wrote most of the first Nancy Drew books. But I really couldn't care less about the publishing syndicate that took advantage of her, and others like her, for decades.

Gleepers! What a clue! I know who the crooks are! Egads!

What a let-down.

This book gets a 3 star rating from me.... it's well researched, but presented in a really dry, boring manner and just focuses too much on the Stratemeyers. Just a little bit more about the actual writing and editing process, the popularity of the series and other books based on this formula, how they developed new series, development of the characters over time, the decisions to edit the earlier books to modernize the characters, and where the series is going now would have been so interesting. But the book mostly dwells on the Stratemeyers, their publishing syndicate and its use of contracts to control the books, and their heavy-handed editing to maintain lady-like behavior and talk, etc. Ho, hum. It just ended up making me a mixture of angry and sad.