REVIEW: A Good Dog's Guide to Murder

 A Good Dog's Guide to Murder
Author: Krista Davis

I have loved this series ever since the first book came out in 2013! Fun characters, cute pets, fun background premise, excellent amateur sleuthing -- perfect set up for an excellent and entertaining cozy series!

A Good Dog's Guide to Murder is the 8th book in the Paws & Claws Mystery series. This time the citizens of Wagtail, VA are all excited because the Gingerbread Dog & Cat House contest is coming to town over Thanksgiving! The event is enough to overshadow a slight kerfuffle over the new convention center. A Wagtail resident gifted the land to the city, and his relatives are a little upset over not getting the property themselves. The whole thing becomes a lot more serious when......you guessed it.....a dead body is found in a very strange place. Will a murder ruin Thanksgiving in Wagtail??

Loved this book! This series never disappoints me! Favorite characters? Trixie and Twinkletoes, of course! I love the idea of a tourist town that caters to pets. I would vacation there, if it were a real place! Very entertaining read. Definitely going to continue reading this series until the very last book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing and then bought my own copy when it came out! Love this series! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: On Skein of Death

 On Skein of Death
Author: Allie Pleiter

As I write this, it's late September. The weather is getting rather fall-ish, and every year when that happens I get in the mood for knitting and reading murder mysteries. :) I saw book one of the Riverbank Knitting Mystery series on the shelf at the library and knew this series would be a great way to mix two of my favorite Fall activities!

The basics: Libby Beckett returns to her hometown in Maine to follow her life-long dream of owning a yarn shop. She names her new shop Y.A.R.N. which has a special meaning to her, but she puts up a blackboard so customers can leave their own definitions for what the letters mean. Things are going great at first. The town even declares an entire day as Yarn Day to honor her shop! And, a special famous guest is coming to host a knitting event. But then things go horribly wrong. Her famous guest is murdered! Libby finds herself doing some amateur sleuthing to discover a killer, save her shop and make everyone in town feel safe again. Will she be successful before everything in her life unravels?

I enjoyed this book! I like the characters and the setting, and definitely love the mix of amateur sleuthing and knitting! This is the first book by Allie Pleiter that I've read. I will definitely be reading more! I already have book 2 in this series on hold at the library! :) Can't wait to read it!

REVIEW: Academy Assassin

 Academy Assassin
Author: Audrey Walker

Academy Assassin is a prequel story to the Shelby Griffin series. The novella is a quick read and a great introduction to the characters.

Shelby and her friends, Maya and Tracy, are nearing graduation at the police academy. Shelby excels at athletics, but her academic performance is slipping. In fact, if she doesn't score high on her final test, Shelby won't graduate from the academy. She's distracted from her need to study when a fellow recruit is found dead. The death is announced as a suicide, but Shelby knows the recruit didn't kill herself. Maybe solving the case will not only stop a murderer but also get Shelby back in the good graces with her superiors.

The story kept my attention from start to finish. There is plenty of investigation, a good plot and some interesting twists along the way. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Very entertaining!

REVIEW: American Demon

 American Demon
Author: Daniel Stashower

Cleveland. 1934. The Depression. A famous investigator pits his wits and skills against a serial killer. 12 dismembered bodies. A panicked public. The American Ripper case....The Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run.

After listening to the audio version of this book, I had two main questions. Number one -- how had I never heard of this case before?? In all my true crime reading and listening, before this book I had never once come across this case. A serial killer who dismembered 12 people over 4 years and was never caught -- even by the legendary Eliot Ness. And number two -- how have I never read a book by this author before?

This is an excellent book. It tells the story of the brutal killing of 12 people on the fringes of society in a rough time in American history. Stashower obviously did copious amounts of research into this case and presents the facts in an interesting way. The story kept my attention from start to finish. The fact this killer was never caught is chilling and disturbing.

At times, the book does seem to be more about Eliot Ness and less about the murders, but any case involving Ness is going to have that problem. He's almost a larger-than-life character. In this case, it didn't matter how famous he was or how skilled an investigator. The killer was never officially caught, although there were several suspects. The appalling conditions in Kingsbury Run, the impoverished victims targeted by the killer, and the brutal tactics used by law enforcement (including burning down Kingsbury run, a shanty town inhabited by addicts, the homeless, prostitutes and the poor) made this a rough book to listen to. It was a brutal era. And the killer may have easily moved on to another area of the country to continue his killing spree....it was easy to hop a train or just fade into a crowd back then. Many murders like this -- the Villisca Axe Murders for example -- went unsolved.

The audio book is just a bit over 12 hours long and is narrated by Will Damron. Damron does an excellent job of narration. He has a pleasant voice and reads at a nice, steady pace. Very interesting listen...although the subject and brutality of the killings makes this a rough one.

I will definitely be reading more by this author.

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

Review: The Plot is Murder

 The Plot is Murder
Author: V.M. Burns

I read this book when it first came out in 2017. Then life happened and I lost track of this series. I saw this book recently in my local library, and decided to jump back into the Mystery Bookshop series. There are now 8 books! I'm glad I decided to re-read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The Basics: Samantha Washington's life has completely changed. Her husband of 13 years died, but he made her promise to fulfill her dream of opening a bookshop. She keeps her promise, selling their house, buying a building and preparing to open her mystery bookshop in North Harbor, MI. Not only is she opening her dream shop, but Samantha is also writing a murder mystery. All her dreams are about to come true. Things are moving along smoothly until she discovers the dead body of real estate agent Clayton Parker in her enclosed patio. Parker tried to sabotage her purchase of the building, forcing her to get an attorney to help her complete closing on the property. Now he's dead. Parker had come to her door the day before asking to speak with her, and she had refused to open the door, walking away instead. Feeling guilty that there might have been a way to prevent the man's death (even if he was a shyster), she vows to find out who killed him.

This first book in the Mystery Bookshop series is actually a mystery within a mystery. As Samantha tries to discover who killed Clayton Parker, she is also writing her own British-style cozy mystery novel about Lady Penelope Marsh and her sister Daphne. As she works to discover who killed Parker, she's also working on her book. I enjoyed the snippets of Samantha's novel and thought the author alternating between the two stories was really creative and fun.

I love the characters in this book! Samantha is a strong woman, realizing her dreams while still grieving for her husband. Her grandmother Jo is a tough old bird, who enlists her friends at the retirement village to help in the investigation. My favorite side character is Irma....the lovely old lady who peppers her conversation with curse words.....well, the group stops her before she finishes saying them, but still....it's the thought that counts. ha ha. :) The colorful characters and humor sprinkled in with the mystery really made this an enjoyable book. The mystery moves along at a nice pace. There are plenty of suspects and sleuthing. Nana Jo's friends are really a huge help -- nothing like a gang of old ladies to dig up gossip and info on anybody!

There is only one thing about this book I didn't really like. One character is constantly called by an insulting nickname pinned on him in school. Over and over again. I don't like that sort of thing, and I hope that doesn't carry over into the rest of the series. It might have been funny if it was mentioned once and then stopped...but it was multiple times throughout the story. Yuck. But....only a minor irritant. Loved the book otherwise!

I already have book 2 checked out from my local library -- moving on to Read Herring Hunt!

For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: http://www.vmburns.com/

REVIEW: In Hot Water

 In Hot Water
Author: Kate Kingsbury

This series has been on my "I want to read this'' list for several months. I was at the library a few days ago and saw the second book on the shelf. I didn't see the first one so I pulled out my phone and looked it up. Yes...library has a copy it...but checked out and one other person in line waiting. Drat. Went to speak to a librarian to see if another library in the system had it. None available. But then the librarian smiled and said the magic words -  "It is available through our inter-library loan system from another nearby library though!" Huzzah! Hold placed....and I picked it up the following Friday. I told you that lengthy library saga just to add these next sentences:  I had to wait a week to get my hands on a copy of this book, and I'm glad I did. This story was worth the extra effort and the wait time!!

The basics: Following the death of her husband, Vivian Wainright fulfills a life-long dream and opens a British style tea shop, the Willow Pattern Tearoom, in Misty Bay, Oregon.Vivian is living her best life and doing her best to deal with her grief and loss. Problems arise when the ex-husband of her assistant is found dead on the beach. Apparently he fell from a balcony of a nearby hotel. And it wasn't an accident. When suspicion falls on her employee, Vivian and her staff jump in to do some amateur sleuthing. After all, they can't let Jenna go to prison for a murder she didn't commit!

This cozy mystery is entertaining and fun to read. I like the characters, the setting, and the plot. There is plenty of action, investigation, and suspects. The plot moves at a nice pace and the tearoom setting is an enjoyable background for a cozy mystery. I'm a huge fan of tea, so I loved the title and the premise.

Glad I finally got around to starting this series! It is a relatively new series..as I write this, there are only two books. I already have book 2, In Too Steep, on hold at the library!

REVIEW: Baxter - K9 Hero

 Baxter: K9 Hero
Author: Jodi Burnett

When a 10-year old girl disappears while on a school field trip, FBI Agent Kendra Dean and her K9 partner Baxter immediately jump into action to find her. This novella is a short, but action-packed introduction to the FBI K9 series by Jodi Burnett.

This is the first book I've read by Burnett. I was thrilled to discover the story is set where I live. I love reading stories that have places, roads, landmarks that I recognize! The story is paced perfectly and has plenty of action. I like Kendra as a main character. She is intelligent, skilled, trusts her K9 partner 100%, and knows just how to circumnavigate issues with other law enforcement officers. The story definitely kept my attention from start to finish. Favorite character? Baxter, of course! What a good boy!!

I'm a sucker for K9 thrillers, so I will definitely be reading this entire series and Burnett's Tin Star K9 series as well! Looks like I'm set for dog action/adventure thrillers for a little while! Yay!

This prequel story to the FBI K9 series is available for free through the author's website: https://jodi-burnett.com/  Navigate to the Giveaways tab and you can download 3 books, including a cookbook.

I already have the first book in this series downloaded to my Kindle. I can't wait to start reading Avenging Adam!

REVIEW: Maus II - And Here My Troubles Began

 Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began
Author/Artist: Art Spiegelman

The story of Vladek and Anja Spiegelman as told through their son's artwork continues in Maus II.The book not only tells how the couple survived in Auschwitz and Birkenau during WWII, but also depicts the author's complex and oftentimes frustrating relationship with his aging father and his emotions/struggles following the success of the first Maus graphic novel.

This second volume deals with the time Vladek and Anja spent in concentration camps. The story outlines what they endured -- violence, starvation, heavy labor, punishment, and witnessing deaths/murder on a daily basis. Their experiences are hard-hitting and dark. But I see no reason why this book is so often found on banned book lists. The reasoning I saw explained in several articles was language, violence and nudity. There are very few illustrations in this book that involve nudity in any way. It is never graphic and the characters are depicted as animal caricatures not human beings. Violence -- yes, it's there. By nature of the subject it can't be avoided. But again, it is not graphic. Language - there are no words in either volume of Maus that teenagers don't hear on television, while playing video games or from their own peers, family members and parents. There are a few minor curse words, but it is not overused or over-the-top. No F-bombs at all.
   
So why do some schools/libraries choose to ban this book?  Subject a bit too raw, or real??? I can't think of one solid reason to stop teenagers or anyone from reading this book. If a particular parent wants to restrict their child's access to this book -- then that is their personal choice. But I will state this fact -- nobody has a right to restrict or limit MY child's right to have access to this book. My teenager has my full permission to read whatever books he wants to read, and nobody has the right to stop him from doing so. I do not support banning books. And after reading both volumes of Maus, I have no clue why these books would be banned from any middle, high school or public library.

These events happened. We can't ban history. Stories like this one need to be told, or horrible atrocities like the Holocaust can happen again. We have to learn from the past, and keep the knowledge present in our schools.

REVIEW: Maus - A Survivors Tale

 Maus: A Survivor's Tale
Author: Art Spiegelman|

I have been fighting an inner battle over reading this book for years. On the one hand I wanted to read it because books don't win the Pulitzer Prize for no reason. But, I always stopped short of actually picking up a copy because the idea of a Holocaust graphic novel where nationalities are depicted as different animals bothered me. I guess I felt like it would somehow demean or belittle the deaths of my family members at the hands of the Nazis? I'm not even completely sure, to be honest. I just know I was very conflicted.

Turns out my aversion to book banning is even stronger than my qualms about a Holocaust graphic novel.

Banned Books Week 2022 is September 18 - 24th. Leading up to it, I'm reading several books that have been banned by schools and libraries for being too graphic or too controversial. Apparently Maus ends up on many banned book lists for language, nudity, and subject matter.

I'm glad I finally decided to suck it up and read this book. My preconceived notions about Maus were completely wrong.

Maus tells the story of Vladek and Anja Spiegelman, a Jewish couple that survived the Holocaust, and also includes some insights into the relationship between the author/artist Art Spiegelman and his elderly father.  It's a rough and raw subject to read about by its very nature, but this book tells the Spiegelman's story beautifully. It tells a very human story. Vladek talks about people he knew. He recounts stories of people who survived and many who did not, memories of his now deceased wife, and recollects betrayal, fear and persecution. Outside of sharing his recollections of the war and the Holocaust, Vladek also fusses about his new wife, stubbornly attempts home repairs, and has little tiffs with his grown son. The author/artist also depicts his struggle to get his father to tell his stories, the difficulty in understanding and tolerating some of his father's behaviors, and his deep emotions and even anger over his mother's suicide.

While the Holocaust is a difficult subject, I didn't find anything in this book that made me agree in any way with those who pushed to ban it from school libraries. Teens hear stronger language from television, video games, and their own peers. The topic does include war, violence, and genocide, but it isn't depicted in an overly graphic manner. There are more graphic descriptions of war and its effects on people in books frequently used in classrooms like The Things They Carried and even The Book Thief.

This book is wonderful. I understand now why it won a Pulitzer. I highly recommend everyone read it -- including teens. The events described actually happened. This isn't a made up, over dramatized war story. People endured these events. Millions lost their lives in horrible ways. And their stories should continue to be told. It is the only way to prevent this from ever happening again.

I was wrong to form preconceived notions about this book before I even looked at it. That was an error in judgement. The artwork depicting people as different types of animals just brought the story into better focus. Jews were forced to hide or try to blend in by pretending to not be Jewish. The mouse characters in the book sometimes are shown wearing masks of other animals to try and hide in plain sight.

Can anybody in first world countries today really understand what this was like? Even down to the poorest citizens of most nations, we live a life of privilege and relative safety in modern times. I can't even imagine what it would be like to watch my neighbors, friends and even my children rounded up by the military and police and to never see any of them again. I have never had to hide from the police in a hidden bunker because they are rounding up people to kill them. I have never spent months or years starving because the government imposed severe food rationing for people like me. I've never had to live in a government restricted ghetto where dead bodies are frequently laid out in the street, most naked because others scavenged their shoes and clothing.

We can't ban the teaching of history. These things happened. And I believe teenagers should have access to this book. But, if I'm completely honest, I believe everyone should have access to all books. I am totally 100% against book banning or restrictions of any sort. If parents want to restrict what their children or teenagers read, then that is their choice. But, nobody has a right to restrict MY son's access to books at school, at a public library, or anywhere else at any time. My son can read any book he chooses to read. We might talk over certain subjects or books before, during or after he reads -- but I do not restrict my son's access to books. Period.

I'm moving on to the second book, Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began.
 

REVIEW: Dark Waters

 Dark Waters
Author: Katherine Arden

 Dark Waters is book 3 of the Small Spaces series. I enjoy this series -- and middle grade books in general -- because they are a wonderful escape from adulting. For just a little while I can escape into a story that has that sense of innocence and adventure that is so fleeting and elusive once life brings responsibilities, children, bills etc. Small Spaces is middle grade spooky/horror as well. I love being able to enjoy a creepy/spooky story that doesn't involve adult themes, gore, sex, etc.

The basics: Brian, Coco and Ollie are stressed from constantly worrying about The Smiling Man coming back. They have fought his evil twice now, and they all wish they could just defeat him and be free from his threats. So far though they can't figure out a way to destroy him. When their parents plan a day boating on Lake Champlain it sounds like a wonderful escape from their worries. But, it turns out Lake Champlain is home to a monster.....

I feel sorry for these kids. They just want to spend a day boating on the lake with their parents, but they end up fighting monsters again. The Smiling Man just won't give them a break. Very creepy story with a cool shipwreck/ghost/supernatural vibe to it. Very entertaining and perfect for my spooky reading season. Every fall I read as many ghostly/spooky/dark stories as I can fit into the weeks leading up to Halloween. This book was perfect! And, I have the next book, Empty Smiles, on hold at the library! Thankful for the awesome library system here! This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm glad to know the next part of the story is waiting at the library for me to pick it up. I don't have long to wait before I can find out what happens next for Brian, Coco and Ollie!

Great series. Very age appropriate for middle grade readers. Spooky story with a bit of scary -- but not too much. Perfect! And, the front cover art is awesome!!

I am definitely reading this series until it reaches its conclusion! 

REVIEW: Murder, She Knit

 Murder, She Knit
Author: Peg Ehrhart

Murder, She Knit is the first book in the Knit & Nibble Mystery series. I first read this book in 2018 ahead of its initial publication, and then with life, family, going back to full time work, etc I lost track of the series. Saw the cute cover at the library the other day, along with several other books in the series, and grabbed it right up to check out! Glad I did -- I enjoyed re-reading this book!

Murder, She Knit is definitely a cozy mystery -- cute cat, a knitting group, dead woman in the bushes with a knitting needle embedded in her chest, and an amateur sleuth determined to solve the case. And, this one is romance free, which I found to be a nice change. No main characters falling in love with a detective on the case, no love triangles, no kissy-face moments with suspects....just a middle-aged woman who doesn't appreciate someone stabbing a person to death in her bushes. Understandable, right? Knitting needles are meant to knit, not murder (especially when it's just outside the home where the Knit & Nibble knitters group is meeting!).

I enjoyed Pamela Paterson as a main character. She is a widow and her daughter has left home to attend college. She keeps herself busy by editing articles for a fiber crafts magazine, and she enjoys meeting with her knitting group. Her fellow knitters are great side characters...all different and quirky in their own ways. The characters all worked well together.

The mystery moves along at a nice pace. There were plenty of suspects and a few twists along the way. I felt the reveal was a bit abrupt, but it made sense. The plot is not complex, but that's ok since this is a light, cozy mystery. All in all, an entertaining story and a nice start to a new cozy series. The cover art is SO cute! The cover definitely drew me in and made me want to read this book!

I will definitely be reading the rest of this series! I have book 2, Died in the Wool, on  hold at the library. And just requested a review copy of book 7, Irish Knit Murder, which is coming out in February. 

REVIEW: Deadly Traditions (Christmas Card and Feathered)

Deadly Traditions: Christmas Card and Feathered
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan

This review is really just a place holder for when I get my hands on this complete Christmas themed cozy anthology. I have read one of the stories - Christmas Card and Feathered from Mollie Cox Bryan - and can't wait to read the rest!! I will add the list of other stories and authors once I have my hands on the full book!

When the weather starts to cool off each  year and it edges to Halloween season and straight through to Christmas, I find myself binge reading cozy mysteries. Not sure why other than I enjoy them and there are so many with holiday/season themes. Each year I grab the Halloween and Christmas cozy anthologies and get introduced to so many new-to-me authors and series I haven't read yet -- plus many favorites that keep me coming back for each new book or short story.

Mollie Cox Bryan's story that will be in Deadly Traditions is part of her Victoria Town Mystery series. Victoria Town, VA brings in tourists for all things Victorian. It's like a trip back in time. I read the first book in this series when it came out, but after reading this new short story I'm going back and reading through all 3 books in this series. Adding it to my cozy reading list for this year! I like the setting, the characters and the basic premise, plus I enjoy all of Mollie Cox Bryan's books. Woot! See? An anthology found me a series to read by a fav author -- and I've only read one of the stories so far! I'm sure the rest of the anthology will have me adding other authors/books/series to my list! Can't wait!

I love the cover! So Festive!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this upcoming short story from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Into the Sublime

 Into the Sublime
Author: Kate Boorman

Four teenage girls enter a dangerous cave to find a fabled underground lake. Only three girls come back out. Two are taken immediately to the hospital and one is uninjured, yet covered in blood. What happened in the depths of that dark cave? Did they find The Sublime, the legendary lake they were seeking....and what happened to the missing girl?

I was in the mood for a spooky story with a bit of a psychological twist to it...and this book definitely gave me what I was looking for! The cave is dark and dangerous -- perfect setting! The characters all have their own agendas. And the entire situation is just creepy. I'm a bit claustrophobic, so the idea of going down into a cave is scary for me to begin with -- add in some of the events down there, and I was completely creeped out.

I'm definitely going to read more by this author. I liked how the story developed and how it kept me wondering until the very end. Enjoyed it! The cover art is perfect!

REVIEW: Organize Your Corpses

 Organize Your Corpses
Author: Mary Jane Maffini

Charlotte Adams moves back to her hometown in Upstate New York after her life implodes. She wants to start over, establish her career as a professional organizer and just re-focus. But chaos follows her. She discovers her first client dead, squashed by clutter in an old family mansion.

This first book in the Charlotte Adams Mystery series is entertaining and enjoyable. I like the basic premise, the characters and the setting. My favorite characters? Charlotte's two dachshunds, of course! The plot moves along at a nice pace. There is plenty of investigation, clues and surprises! Charlotte isn't a bad amateur sleuth. The side characters are fun, especially Jack. Sally is a bit annoying....but I get the idea she is supposed to be a bit much. Overall, a nice start to a cozy mystery series. I liked the sprinkling of humor -- not too much....just the right amount.

Mary Jane Maffini also writes as Victoria Abbott (with her daughter Victoria).

I will definitely be reading more of this series!

REVIEW: Mousse & Murder

 Mousse & Murder
Author: Elizabeth Logan

Mousse and Murder is the first book in the Alaskan Diner Mystery series. The author's name is Elizabeth Logan, a pseudonym for the writer Camille Minichino (who also writes as Ada Madison (Sophie Knowles Mysteries) and Margaret Grace (Geraldine Porter Mystery series)). Whew.....that's a lot of names!

The basics: Charlotte "Charlie'' Cooke helps her mother run the Bear Claw diner in Elkview, Alaska. The diner isn't a big place or fancy....but it serves great food. When Charlie suggests a slight recipe change, the diner's chef throws a hissy and storms out. Several hours later, Charlie finds herself a suspect in his murder. Who killed Oliver?

I enjoyed this book! I already have the second book on hold at my local library. :) I like the setting, the characters and the mystery is interesting. The pacing is good, and all in all, the plot is well written and developed. This is definitely a cozy mystery, but it kept me entertained and engaged from start to finish. My favorite character?? The cat, of course! Eggs Benedict -- or Benny for short -- is supremely awesome!

There are even a couple tasty recipes from the story in the back of the book. Not sure I will be making moose meatloaf anytime soon, but it does sound good!!

Can't wait to pick up my book on Friday and find out what's next up for the diner crew from Elkview!

REVIEW: Nightmare Fuel

 Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Movies
Author: Nina Nesseth

I love horror movies. Zombies. Ghosts. Serial killers. Monsters. Aliens. Whatever. I've watched it all. Now I can't say that I haven't covered my eyes at particularly creepy bits, screamed occasionally at jump scares, and even turned the volume off to survive really gory parts......but I still love the genre!

This book pulled me right in. Of course I want to know what makes horror movies horrific! I'm all over that immediately! And this book delivers. I had such a fun time reading my review copy of this book. And, to kick off my Halloween season reading this year, I even checked this book out of my public library to read it again! My son says he gets to read it when I'm finished. I can't wait for the discussions after we've both read it. I'm sure we will be talking horror movies and our reactions to them for some time afterwards!

This book is divided into 8 chapters and delves into some really cool aspects of horror itself, why we find it scary, and why people are attracted to entertainment that scares them. So interesting! There is also a list of horror movies in the back of the book, plus a list of books for further reading on the topic.

Loved it! I can't wait to read what this author comes up with next!

REVIEW: Lights Beyond the Stars Pt 3

 Lights Beyond the Stars Pt 3
Author: J.V. Nolan

Dario Rojas' story comes to a close in this 3rd and final installment in the Lights Beyond the Stars series.

I enjoyed reading this series for the most part. I'm a complete space/alien/sci-fi story fan, so it was an easy choice to read this story. This series is divided into 3 short parts that are easy, quick reads. I read the entire series while doing my laundry on a Sunday morning. Great entertainment while waiting for loads to finish!

This 3rd installment needs editing. There are some minor errors and awkward sentences that need a bit of tweaking. But, the story is entertaining, interesting, and enjoyable.

I love the cover art!

I'm not sure why the author divides his work into such small pieces. It might have something to do with the way Kindle Unlimited works, or the best way for indy authors to get their work out there at the best advantage to them. Not sure. I didn't have to pay per installment so it didn't really bother me all that much...I just checked each piece out on Kindle Unlimited and read my way through the whole series. I had four loads of laundry to do. By the time all the clothes were back upstairs in my apartment, folded and put away I had the series read and reviewed.  Very quick read (and it does have some minor writing and editing flaws) but enjoyable. Nice way to spend a morning!