REVIEW: Bear a Wee Grudge

 Bear a Wee Grudge
Author: Meg Macy

Bear a Wee Grudge is the 5th book in the Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery series. This time around it's spring in Silver Hollow, MI and time for the Highland Fling Festival. Sasha Silverman runs the Silver Bear Shop & Factory, and as usual there will be a Silver Scottish themed bear for the festival. Things are awesome at the festival until some evil doer comes with an axe to grind (or throw, actually) and makes Sasha's father a murder suspect. 

I enjoy this series for the setting, characters and cute teddy bear side theme. There's a nice mix of mystery and humor as well. Just what I like in a cozy mystery! 

The mystery moves along at a nice pace in this newest installment. There were plenty of suspects and some great sleuthing moments. All in all, an entertaining reading experience! 

The cover art for this book is great as usual! So cute! 

I'm definitely hanging around for book 6...and the rest! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Dark River Inn

 Dark River Inn
Author: JR Erickson

Dan, a police detective on suspension, has imploded his life. On his ex-wife's wedding day, he just has to get away so he travels to his brother's cabin near the Ohio River. Time to think. Time to relax. Time to forget. But he's not there even two whole days before he gets pulled into a mystery.....a girl who disappeared years before. What happened to Ivy Trent? 

This book is SO good!! I started reading on my PC while doing laundry. Over the course of the day I had to switch from PC to my Iphone to my Ipad....back and forth technology hopping. I read while standing in line at the grocery.....in a parking lot waiting for my son to get off work.....as I folded laundry....even while cooking dinner. This story sucked me right in and kept me reading until the last word. Loved it! 

This story is a mix of mystery and supernatural...with just a splash of romance added in. Well-written and quite suspenseful! This is the first book by JR Erickson that I've read, and I'm definitely reading more! Like...  All. The. Books.  Yep....I'm hooked.  Thanks for the great story, Jacki! 

There is a bonus epilogue to the story that readers can download (link included at the end of the story in the Kindle book), and a freebie story called Kerry Manor as well (link on author's website at http://jrericksonauthor.com/  ). Plus, the series is included in Kindle Unlimited for those who subscribe to that service.   

There are four books in the Troubled Spirits series so far. I've got book two - Helme House - queued up in my Kindle app already! Can't wait to start reading! 

REVIEW: Discovery

 Discovery
Author: Paul Rix

Discovery is the first book in the Mars Frontier series. A crew travels from Earth to set up the first exploration colony on Mars. They knew that survival was going to require dedication, work and sheer luck...but some of the challenges they face are things they never could have seen coming. And.....there's a traitor in their midst. Can they survive?

This story went in directions I didn't expect -- I love it when that happens! Very enjoyable read and I will definitely be reading more of this series by Paul Rix. I have to know what happens next! 

REVIEW: Christmas With the Cornish Girls

 Christmas With the Cornish Girls
Author: Betty Walker

The story of The Cornish Girls continues in this second book in the series. Christmas 1941. Eva, Lily and Rose work in a convalescent home for wounded soldiers. The war has had an effect on all aspects of life. But, the holidays are a season of light and hope even during wartime. 

These books would make an excellent PBS series. The stories remind me of The Land Girls or Home Fires. Enjoyable characters, dramatic events and heartwarming emotions. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop! I found myself sneaking moments of reading in whenever I could just to find out what happens next. I can only imagine what it was like for the people who actually experienced this era in world history. So much change, uncertainty, loss, violence and upheaval. It would have been so difficult to adapt and survive. But little bright spots like the holidays back then must have meant so much. 

Another great book by Betty Walker. Can't wait to read the next one! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Avon Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

 

REVIEW: The Return of the Pharoah

 The Return of the Pharoah
Author: Nicholas Meyer

I have an entire bookshelf dedicated to the original stories,  retellings,  and new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I just can't get enough of the character! My shelf, of course, has an old hardback copy of The Seven Percent Solution by this author. When I saw this new book by Meyer, I knew I had to read it. I enjoyed his 2019 book The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols, and I enjoyed this new story too! 

It is 1910. Dr. Watson heads to Egypt with his wife, who suffers from Tuberculosis. While his wife is resting and receiving treatment, Watson unexpectedly bumps into his old friend, Sherlock Holmes. Holmes is investigating a case....and Watson (of course) gets sucked into it with him. With the help of a soon-to-be-famous archeologist, the two old friends are on the case! 

Loved this book! Lots of descriptions of Egypt, archaelogy in the early 1900s, the political climate at the time....all wrapped up within a great Sherlock investigation! 

I'm definitely on-board to read more of these Watson's Journals/Sherlock mystery tales by Nicholas Meyer. They have the feel of the originals by Arthur Conan Doyle and always keep my attention from start to finish! And, the front cover is awesome!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Restoration

 The Restoration
Author: J.H. Moncrieff

Terri is divorced and sees her latest renovation project as a way to re-bond with her 10-year old daughter. They move into the old, crumbling 3-story brick manor house and immediately things start to go south. There's a reason why all of the prior contractors hired for this project left. The manor house is haunted!

This is the first book by J.H. Moncrieff that I've read. I will definitely be reading more! OMG -- this story is so atmospheric and creepy! And, it doesn't build slowly. Moncrieff whips out the horror immediately and keeps it at creep factor 10 all the way through the 200 pages. Some very creepy horror action....twists.....and lots of suspense! Great story! I love a good haunted house tale! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Deep in the Woods

 Deep in the Woods
Author: Bryan Johnston

I am a huge true crime fan. TV shows, podcasts, books.....always into one story or another. I had never heard of this case -- the kidnapping of George Weyerhaeuser in 1935 -- before I listened to this audiobook. The story is very interesting and definitely kept my attention from start to finish! 

Narrated by Roger Wayne, the audio is just over 8.5 hours. Wayne does a great job of reading. He keeps a nice pace, and his voice is pleasant. He kept the story an entertaining listen. I really enjoyed this book! Johnston definitely did a lot of research into this case and covers it from beginning to end with much detail. This is the first book by Johnston that I've read. I will definitely be reading more! 

I'm not going to say anything about the case to avoid spoilers. There were definitely some events I didn't expect and can only guess at the extreme fear, stress and feelings of helplessness the parents must have experienced! 

**I listened to a review copy of this audiobook from Tantor Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Buried Memories

 Buried Memories
Author: Simon R. Green

Buried Memories is the 10th book in the Ishmael Jones series. I've been a big fan of this series since book one, and definitely onboard for more books! In this newest adventure, Ishmael is delving into his strange history. He has no memories prior to 1963 when his ship crash landed and made physical changes to him so he could blend in on Earth. He wants to know more....who and what he is, where he came from, and what he was doing when he crashed.  He travels to Norton Hedley, a village where one person might have some of the answers he seeks. But when he arrives, there has been a murder....and he ends up being the main suspect. 

Great new story in this series! I started reading my digital review copy....then snagged a copy of the audiobook on release day. I started over again to listen to the entire story! The audio, narrated by Gildart Jackson, is just over 7 hours long. Jackson does a great job of voice acting. It was an entertaining listening experience. 

I love this series....it's creepy, suspenseful and unusual. Simon R. Green is one of my favorite authors. Never disappointed! Can't wait for the next Ishmael Jones story!

**I voluntarily read a digital review copy of this book -- and bought the audiobook. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Murder at Mallowan Hall

 Murder at Mallowan Hall
Author: Colleen Cambridge

Agatha Christie has been my favorite author since I was 9 years old and discovered Hercule Poirot. As a Christie lover, the concept of this novel made me jump at the chance to read it - what a fun idea for a series! The main character, Phyllida Bright, is the head housekeeper for Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan. Mallowan Hall is a large country manor and Phyllida runs the household efficiently. She is very protective of her employers and wants things to be just right at all times. A dead body in the library does tend to get things in an uproar, however.....

I love the 1930's setting for this novel, and although completely fictionalized the house, staff and setting sucked me into the story immediately. Can you imagine?? A cold blooded murder....in the library....at AGATHA CHRISTIE's house???  :) Perfect!! 

The story moves at a nice pace. There is plenty of sleuthing and lots of suspects. It was like being in a Christie novel featuring her own household staff. Fun! 

I read a digital review copy of this book, and also listened to the audiobook. Narrated by Jennifer M. Dixon, the audio is just short of 9.5 hours. Dixon has the perfect voice to narrate this book! Her voice acting performance was wonderful. A fun, interesting listening experience! 

I am definitely, 100%, no doubt whatsoever completely on board for more stories in this series! Can't wait!!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington and listened to audio from HighBridge Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: A Perfect Bind

 A Perfect Bind
Author: Dorothy St James

The new Beloved Bookroom cozy mystery series continues with this second book, A Perfect Bind. 

Tru Beckett is still maintaining her secret bookroom filled with much loved physical books after her library went digital only. But now on top of trying to hide the fact she has a hidden bookroom in the library, Tru is trying to discover who is breaking into the bookroom and vandalizing the books. Then a dead body is found behind the library. Tru is once again on the trail of a killer, hoping to keep her secret safe and discover if the vandal has something to do with the death. 

I enjoy this new series! It's always hard to protect a secret....even harder when dead bodies keep materializing to complicate things. This story was just as fun as the first book. The story moved at a nice pace, plus there was plenty of investigating and interesting character building. I like Tru as a main character. She loves books, freaks out at emergencies just enough to be amusing, and gets to serious work sleuthing when it comes down to ferreting out a killer. I'm definitely on board to read more books in this series! Always a fun read! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Lightning Down (audio)

 Lightning Down (audiobook)
Author: Tom Clavin

I'm a history junkie and a big Tom Clavin fan. I loved his previous books on Wild Bill, Tombstone and Dodge City. So when I saw this WW II book pop up for review, I knew I needed to read this as well. What a story! I couldn't stop reading!

Lightning Down tells the story of Joe Moser. Moser was 22-years old when he bailed out of his airplane over France in WW II. He was captured by the Germans and sent to a concentration camp. Buchenwald....a notorious death camp. He was one of 170 airman imprisoned there. It was a fight for survival as conditions were incredibly horrific.

OMG -- this book is so good! Once I got sucked into the story of everything this man went through, I couldn't stop reading! I can't even imagine what he and the others at Buchenwald went through. And how so many did not make it out again.

I listened to the audiobook version of this newest book (as well as reading in my digital review copy). Narrated by George Newbern, the audio is just short of 8.5 hours long. Newbern does a great job of reading. His voice is pleasant and he reads at a nice pace. Very enjoyable listen! 

Another awesome book from Tom Clavin! I can tell his books are just going to be must-reads for me from here on out! I read early ARCs for review and then buy the audio book afterwards for every single one. Keep 'em comin, Tom!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Watching Darkness Fall

 Watching Darkness Fall
Author: David McKean

Watching Darkness Fall tells the story of the rise of the Third Reich from the perspectives of Joseph Kennedy, William Dodd, Breckinridge Long and William Bullitt,  US foreign ambassadors under FDR. David McKean, a former ambassador himself, lays out the history in an interesting, very detailed, informative way. 

I read this book slowly, stopping frequently to look things up so I understood the who, what and whys behind the early days of the Reich. I've read a lot about this era over the years, but still managed to learn many new facts from this book. This isn't a quick read -- there is a lot of detailed information. But it's well worth reading for those interested in what occurred. 

This is the first book I've read by David McKean. I'm definitely going to check out his other books. I like his writing style and he definitely knows his subject well! Detailed historical accounts can get a bit dry, but McKean kept it interesting throughout. Very informative!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Dungeons & Dragons Academy - No Humans Allowed!

 Dungeons & Dragons Academy: No Humans Allowed
Author: Madeleine Roux    Illustrations: Timothy Probert

As a big fan of D&D, this middle grade story made me happy to my soul. The academy trains monsters and magical creatures. Zelli is a human. Her parents disguise her as a minotaur so that she can blend in with the other monstrous students. She does her best to not get noticed, but it's a bit difficult to hide what you really are, especially when attending classes like "The History of Horrible Humans.'' 

This book is just so much fun! The illustrations are wonderful, and the humorous adventure is entertaining. Perfect middle grade book! As an adult and RPG player, I enjoyed it too!

The fun story also has some important lessons on embracing differences and the importance of true friendships. 

Loved this book! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Harper Collins. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Lightning Down

 Lightning Down
Author: Tom Clavin

I'm a history junkie and a big Tom Clavin fan. I loved his previous books on Wild Bill, Tombstone and Dodge City. So when I saw this WW II book pop up for review, I knew I needed to read this as well. What a story! I couldn't stop reading! 

Lightning Down tells the story of Joe Moser. Moser was 22-years old when he bailed out of his airplane over France in WW II. He was captured by the Germans and sent to a concentration camp. Buchenwald....a notorious death camp. He was one of 170 airman imprisoned there. It was a fight for survival as conditions were incredibly horrific. 

OMG -- this book is so good! Once I got sucked into the story of everything this man went through, I couldn't stop reading! I can't even imagine what he and the others at Buchenwald went through. And how so many did not make it out again. 

Another awesome book from Tom Clavin! I can tell his books are just going to be must-reads for me from here on out! I read early ARCs for review and then buy the audio book afterwards for every single one. Keep 'em comin, Tom! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**