REVIEW: The Lace Widow

 The Lace Widow
Author: Mollie Ann Cox

Alexander Hamilton is dead, killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. His widow, Eliza, is doing her best to put her life back together. She has no choice. She has eight children to raise by herself. 

One night, her carriage is stopped on the street and she witnesses a murdered man's body being dragged out of the river. Later, her son becomes a suspect in the killing because he was seen arguing with the man. Then another man dies. Eliza sees a pattern and believes the deaths are tied to her husband's death. Eliza jumps into investigating the deaths to prove her son isn't a murderer and to clear her late husband's name. 

This was an interesting read and a good historical mystery story. I had a bit of a rough time reading, as I don't like the way women were treated in that era. 

The mystery moves along at a good pace, the historical aspects are very interesting, and the story is well-written. 

Definitely a book I would recommend to those who enjoy historical mysteries.

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

REVIEW: Death by Demo

 Death by Demo
Author: Callie Carpenter

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. New series and new-to-me author -- a combo I love! 

The basics: When Jaime's marriage crumbles she finds the only thing she takes away from the divorce is also crumbling. A victorian house. A house in terrible repair that needs a huge amount of restoration work. But Jaime has mad skills when it comes to restoring and decorating homes. And she really needs a project. But even her skills can't help when she knocks down a wall and finds.....

A dead body. 

This book is a fun read. I really like the characters, the setting, the background story! I will definitely stick with this series. I love the idea of renovating an old house like this (minus the dead body though, thank you). I lack the skills Jaime has though, so I will just enjoy reading about demo and construction/renovation projects. The book has just the right mixture of humor and amateur sleuthing. A cat. And lots of interesting characters. Definitely a cozy series I will enjoy!

The cover art is cute and colorful. Love it! 

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

REVIEW: The Lost Tomb

 The Lost Tomb
Author: Douglas Preston

Douglas Preston is one of my favorite authors. He reminds me a bit of Clive Cussler -- an author who wrote exciting, thrilling books and also did The Things in real life. Having been an investigative journalist, Preston has looked into, researched and written about all sorts of weird, mysterious, and downright scary events and places. I love how he (and co author Lincoln Child) weave some of these real occurrences into their Agent Pendergast and Nora Kelly books, adding their own twists to make the story their own. 

I read Preston's 2017 non-fiction book The Lost City of the Monkey God with fascination when it came out. I could only imagine the excitement and uncertainty of searching the Honduran rain forest with LIDAR to find a legendary lost city. 

When this book - The Lost Tomb - popped onto my radar before its publication, I knew I had to read it. I read part of the digital arc I requested from the publisher -- and stopped. Not because I didn't want to finish the book, but because I was enjoying it so much I wanted to wait....to slow down....to wait until I had the audio book to listen while reading the words, and a bit more time to read/listen, look up facts on the real events online as I read, and just savor this book. I have a almost obsessive love for mystery, the unexplained, and the strange directions real events can take. And, this collection of stories hits all the buttons for me. I didn't want to just read this for pre-publication review purposes -- I wanted to completely enjoy this book! 

So I stopped reading. And waited. Christmas holiday. Several days off of work. No place I need to be. And, I loaded up my digital print copy of this book and bought the audio book. 

I was ready to enjoy Douglas Preston's stories. 

I'm glad I waited. 

The stories are from journalistic pieces he researched and published, and tales he and Lincoln Child wove into their books. Everything from an Italian serial killer case that spanned decades to Dyatlov Pass - the stories are varied and each as interesting as the next. 

For readers who love mysteries, interesting and intriguing tales and books like the Agent Pendergast and Nora Kelly series -- you really need to read this book! 

Loved it! And, Douglas Preston is firmly situated right at the tippy-top of my favorite authors list. Not only that, I think he would be an interesting person to spend time with, to have dinner with, to have real conversation with. An interesting person, who has led an interesting life. I've met a number of authors in my years as a reviewer. Most were very nice people who I enjoyed speaking to and spending time with...and a couple were incredible douchemeister asshats (not naming names). My intuition tells me that Preston would be a wonderful member of the former, and not the latter. If he ever does an event near Denver I will be there to thank him for his work, and to also see if I'm right. :) 

I'm definitely in line for his next non-fiction book. He has me hooked! 

The audio book is just over 12 hours long and narrated by Will Collyer. This is the first audio book I've listened to that was narrated by Collyer. He has a pleasant voice, reads at a good pace, and is easily understandable. Great job of narration! The audio book is very enjoyable! 

I highly recommend this book! I bought a copy, so I don't have to add a disclaimer that I received a free review copy and that all opinions are strictly my own, yadda yadda yadda....but I will just out of habit....

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

REVIEW: The ABC Murders

 The ABC Murders
Author: Agatha Christie

Out of the large number of Agatha Christie novels I have on my bookshelves (nearly all of them), this is one that I don't have. I recently re-organized my bookshelves and put all my Agatha books in publication order since that is how I am reading them. And I was caught by surprise that I didn't have this one. It is one of the more well-known Poirot stories. I guess I never came across an old paperback version of this one over the years, or I owned it at one time and it was lost or borrowed and not returned. Who knows? But, luckily in the digital age this was a much easier problem to correct than it was when I started collecting Christie paperbacks back in the 80s! 

Within seconds -- thanks to my lovely public library system -- I accessed a digital print copy and an audio book to do my usual read-listen combo. I chose an old hardback edition of this book that actually includes two other Christie novels: Murder Go Round: Thirteen at Dinner, The ABC Murders, and Funerals are Fatal published by Dodd, Mead & Company in 1972. The audio book is from HarperAudio, released in 2012. I like to compare older print versions to the newer audio books to see if there are any changes. I only read The ABC Murders from the physical book. I have already read and reviewed 13 at Dinner. And, Funerals are Fatal (After the Funeral) was published in 1953, so it's a bit further ahead in my publication order reading. The audio book features Hugh Fraser as narrator. He played Hastings in the long-running BBC Poirot television show. He always does an outstanding job as narrator. The audio is 6 hours long.

The ABC Murders was originally published in the UK on January 6, 1936. US publication followed on February 14, 1936, under the same title. 

 This story was excellent! As I read, I was more and more confident that I hadn't read this book before. Definitely classic Christie! I did not see the ending coming! I enjoyed every minute. 

There were very few differences between the printed book and the audio book. The biggest one was the addition of a story recap at one point -- it was in the audio book and not in the printed book. I don't feel the addition was necessary.

This story is so clever. ABC not only refers to the names of some of the murder victims, but also an old

Railway Guide that was readily available in the UK at the time. I liked how Christie wrote the story. Portions of it were written as a narrative of events from Hastings, Poirot's sidekick, and other sections are specifically identified as not being part of Hastings' memories of events. Normally, I don't like point of view changes like that, but Christie pulls it off wonderfully.

There have been several adaptations of this story over the years. In 1948, the radio drama Suspense had an episode based on the book. In 1965, Tony Randall starred in a film, The Alphabet Murders. In 1992, the show Agatha Christie's Poirot aired an episode. BBC radio did an adaptation in 2002.  A French series, Les Petits Muertres d'Agatha Christie, featured this story in 2009. And in 2018, the BBC did a miniseries starring John Malkovich and Rupert Grint. 

Suspense: I easily found this episode searching on Apple Podcasts (Yay for OTR podcasts! I love them!) It is also available on YouTube. This version stars actor Charles Laughton. The story is condensed into about 30 minutes, so there are a lot of changes/omissions. In fact, Hercule Poirot doesn't make an appearance in the episode at all. The episode is still enjoyable and some parts of Christie's story are there. I was a bit disappointed that they took Poirot out, but I think it was so that the episode could be trimmed down for time. 

The Alphabet Murders (1965): This movie stars Tony Randall as Hercule Poirot. It takes (steals and ruins, rather) small bits of Agatha's plot, but that's where the resemblance stops. The writers tried to make this a comedy, but it's cringe-worthy. First off, Tony Randall is not the correct casting for Hercule Poirot. He was a wonderful actor -- but what were they thinking? Agatha Christie did not watch this movie and wrote in 1965 that her friends and publishers told her "the agony would be too great."  And they were right. I suffered through 1 hr and 26 minutes of this drivel. They took a wonderful, complex story by Christie and turned it into.....whatever the hell I just watched. Miscasting. Terrible script. Bad all the way around. But, I am not above letting others suffer with me. So here is a link to this terrible movie. Should I say enjoy? :) It's on YouTube --  https://youtu.be/zwrT0GvdWAk?si=8jqwPGjnj15PC2xn      I am so glad that Christie never watched this steaming pile of poo. It is by far the worst screen adaptation of Christie I have ever seen.

Agatha Christie's Poirot (S4, ep 1):  This episode was first broadcast on January 5, 1992. There are some minor changes to the story to shorten and adapt it for the show, but the main plot is intact. To me, the casting for this episode was perfect! And, David Suchet was wonderful as Poirot, as usual. Hugh Fraser is excellent as Hastings, as well. Loved it!

The ABC Murders (2018): I was not sure what to expect from this 3-episode miniseries. John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot? And, I was excited to see Rupert Grint (Inspector Crome) in something other than Harry Potter movies. I went into it with a totally open mind, without reading any reviews or commentaries beforehand. This movie is available to stream on Amazon Prime. I did notice immediately that the actress playing Rose.Marbury is the same one that played Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter movies. The voice was unmistakable. There were some unnecessary sexual and violent additions to the plot, which were just completely ridiculous. The aging of Poirot and Malkovich's appearance is all wrong for the part. Poirot was fastidious about his appearance, especially his hair and mustache. And Malkovich's look is unkempt and his mustache is all wrong -- messy and bedraggled looking in his person and his dress.On top of that, his attempt at the accent is frightful. So NOT Poirot. Wrong, wrong, wrong! After I had a fit about that....I calmed, made a cup of tea, and came back to see how the plot held up. And had to see Rupert Grint, of course. :) The plot engaged me after I calmed from the initial shock. The tone is very dark, and the murders are made much more gruesome for effect.  They changed Hercule's character and added a backstory that Agatha Christie never intended. The movie was interesting, compelling and dark....I enjoyed watching it. But it was not Agatha's story. Too many changes. [Rupert Grint was great! Very well acted on his part!] 

BBC Radio Adaptation: I am really enjoying these radio versions. BBC did 70 of them! I found a list of them here: https://fourble.co.uk/podcast/bbcradio7. The adaptation of The ABC Murders condenses the story down to a 90-minute episode.It sticks pretty closely to Christie's plot, with the changes being made obviously for time. I really enjoyed it! 

On to the next! Murder in Mesopotamia! This is another Poirot story I haven't read before! And, one I didn't have in my personal library. But my local library came to the rescue once again with a digital and audio copy! Woot! 

 

REVIEW: Death in the Clouds (Death in the Air)

 Death in the Clouds
Author: Agatha Christie

Death in the Clouds was first published in the UK in March 1935. It was published as Death in the Air in the United States in July 1935. The story was first serialized in magazines in both countries and later came out in novel format. So many of Christie's works were first published in magazines in serial form. Oh what I wouldn't give to see a copy of any of those magazines!! I'd love to see the formatting, the illustrations and even the accompanying advertisements, and the rest of the articles, etc. Someday!!

As is my habit during my trip through Christie's writing in publication order, I listened to an audio book of Death in the Clouds (Harper Audio 2012) while reading a paperback copy of Death in the Air (Berkley 1986) to see if there were any differences. I didn't notice many changes and most were minor. For example, in Death in the Clouds, the poison used in the murder was named as hydrocyanic acid and in my old paperback copy of Death in the Air, the poison was called Prussic acid. Two names for the same chemical, but not sure why the change was made. I did some reading on the subject and discovered that the poison is also called cyanide - a term I was much more familiar with. Ah, the morbid and scary things Christie lovers have in their search history! 

The basics: Hercule Poirot is a passenger on an airplane along with several other people. As the flight prepares for landing, it is discovered that a passenger is dead, a suspicious small puncture wound in her neck. It is of course murder....and Poirot must discover which of the 10 other passengers is the killer. 

I enjoyed this story immensely! This is the first time I have read this book. I've had the old paperback on

my shelf with my piles of Christie novels for years, but never read this one. So glad I did! Very enjoyable Poirot mystery. Can you even imagine being on a flight....just as the plane gets ready to land, you discover someone on board killed another passenger? Yikes! I've been on some crappy flights before -- but never one that bad! 

There have been several adaptations of this story. It was adapted for an episode of Christie's Poirot in 1992 and in episodes 36-39 of the anime-style animated series Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple in 2005. Plus, BBC Radio 4 did a radio dramatization of the story in 2003. And, as usual, I hunted up all 3 adaptations and watched/listened to them all! 

Agatha Christie's Poirot: (S4, ep2. 102 minutes) I watched this episode on BritBox (which requires a subscription), but it is available other places like YouTube if you search. I love David Suchet as Hercule Poirot! This episode changes a few things to make it more dramatic and paced for television, but the story is basically intact. Enjoyed it!

Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple, Episodes 36-39 (English subtitles version) - This animated version of the story sticks pretty close to the mystery portion of the book. Some characters are added and some are changed in small ways, like Inspector Japp is renamed as Inspector Sharpe (for obvious reasons), and Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot know each other. Mostly the changes were to allow the show to combine stories featuring both detectives and add in some anime touches like a niece who has a cute pet duck, while condensing things to fit into four 30-minute episodes. I found the episodes on YouTube. Here's a link to the first one: https://youtu.be/WSqrxZtBkjo?si=2iz-_SpfmBSG1H2e  I found all four episodes by searching a bit on YouTube.  I really enjoyed this version. It made some very minor changes and the theme song had absolutely nothing to do with the topic, but it was very entertaining to watch! I'm going to watch more episodes as I read my way through the rest of Christie's stories. I had no idea this show even existed! 

BBC Radio 4 audio Drama:  Broadcast in 2003. John Moffat voices Hercule Poirot. This audio drama condenses the plot down to just about 1.5 hours, and does a relatively good job of it. The voice actors are wonderful, as is usual in this series. You can enjoy all of these BBC radio productions at:https://fourble.co.uk/podcast/bbcradio7

Bonus: There is a really cool reference to Death in the Clouds in the Doctor Who episode "The Unicorn and the Wasp," (Season 4, episode 7) at the end of the episode. :) The episode is completely awesome for any Agatha fan. And, for me, the best part is the book reference at the end! All of the seasons of the newest series are on Max for streaming, or I'm sure you could hunt them up elsewhere. Definitely lovely watching!

REVIEW: Murder in Three Acts (Three Act Tragedy)

 Murder in Three Acts (Three Act Tragedy)
Author: Agatha Christie

I have been happily meandering my way through Agatha Christie's writing in publication order for a couple of years now. I was very happy when Murder in Three Acts came up next on the list because I hadn't read this one before. 

Murder in Three Acts is the US publication title of Three Act Tragedy. This story was first published in the Saturday Evening Post in six installments using the American Title in 1934. And, the book was published in the United States about a year before it was published in England. I discovered that the English version of the story actually differs somewhat from the American version, and I was incredibly curious. So, I got an audio version of Three Act Tragedy and a paperback version of Murder in Three Acts. At first, the differences were slight - a maid's first name was changed from Doris to Alice; some paragraphs were added and some left out with very little effect on the overall plot; the chapters are numbered differently, and some basic wording here and there was changed. But, when you get to the last chapter....the reveal.....the culmination of Hercule Poirot's investigation....the motivation of the killer is totally different. While the change didn't require vast changes in earlier chapters, it surprised me that the US and British copies of the story would really need to change the killer's reason for killing. Seems an odd choice. 

 I had to think for awhile on which version I liked better. My guess is that the British version is what Agatha Christie preferred, so I'm going to go with that one. Most of the changes were in the last half of the book and most changes were minor, but if Agatha preferred her story told a certain way, I'm going to side with her. My guess is the publisher had something to do with the way the book was introduced, and after all, a writer lives by selling their work so she went with the flow. 

 I'm glad I read both versions. Very interesting to compare the two. I didn't realize at first there was a reason for the changes so I had to stop and read up on the book before continuing to read/listen. At least I was able to stop fuming regarding editing of Christie's book....it explained why there were minor differences between the audio book and the paperback I was reading! 

I had such a great time reading/listening to this story! Not only was it fun to find the differences in the two versions but the story is very much classic Hercule Poirot. Even though Poirot doesn't really play a part in the first half of the book, he comes in later with true Poirot style and finishes up with flair. Very enjoyable classic Christie! 

The audiobook I listed to is from Harper Audio and narrated by Hugh Fraser who played Captain Hastings in the series Agatha Christie's Poirot. His voice is quite pleasant, he reads at a good pace and is easily understandable. Definitely an entertaining listen, as usual! 

There are a few sentences in this book that caused me some concern....little jabs at races / classes of people I have found are sprinkled through Christie's writing. Things that were ok to say 100 years ago do not necessarily translate into being ok today. Examples: Servants being stupid, commentary on Jews or Latins, or upper class characters being quite outspoken regarding their superiority. Most of the things that concerned me were done for character building not social commentary, but it makes me wonder if some have been removed or edited in more modern releases of the book. I noticed a couple sentences regarding race were not in the 2012 audio book version. My paperback is from 1961. I don't mind edits to freshen up certain things like this. When it fundamentally changes the story I have an issue with it.

I did learn that Christie's stories were only different between the American and British versions twice -- in this book, and in The Moving Finger. I'm glad I know about The Moving Finger ahead of time....I will be sure to read both versions of that story as well! 

This book has been adapted for film twice. In 1986, a movie version starring Peter Ustinov was released. And in 2010, the story was included as an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot with David Suchet playing the detective (Season 12, episode 1). It has also been adapted for French television, BBC Radio did an audio play in 2003, and in 2022 a Swiss publisher came out with the tale in graphic novel format.   

Murder in Three Acts movie:  Oh dear. This 1986 movie starring Peter Ustinov as Poirot is just almost unwatchable, in my opinion. Too many liberties taken with the story. Hastings is in the cast, even though he does not appear in the book. The setting is moved to Acapulco for whatever silly reason and the main characters are all Americans. Character names are changed. The chemical used to kill the victims is changed. The story is set in the 1980s. And, the acting is really bad. Hastings is made to look like an idiot. The main characters are in Mexico, but can't speak Spanish. The costumes are ridiculous. Just....terrible. I tried to watch the whole thing but gave up and skipped to the reveal which was horrid. Bleck. Why film an Agatha Christie story if you are going to make it ridiculous?Some of the 1980s made-for-tv movies based on Christie's stories are enjoyable. This one is just garbage, in my opinion. They ruined the story.

Agatha Christie's Poirot:  The episode makes some changes.Because the show is about Hercule Poirot, a main character in the book, Mr. Satterthwaite, is removed and Poirot is there investigating from the start. In the book, Poirot really doesn't enter into the story much until the last half. It also adds some commentary/characterization of some key players that isn't in the book and moves some key parts of the investigation to earlier in the story. I think this was to build the story quickly as the time frame from start to finish was only 90 minutes, so things had to move along at a faster pace. The episode does remain true to the main story and uses the British ending mixed with just a hint of the American version.

BBC Audio Play: Out of all of the adaptations, the radio play by BBC Radio is by far the most true to the original story. I loved hearing some of the exact lines from the book included. The radio drama is just a bit over 2 hours long and is available online here:https://fourble.co.uk/podcast/bbcradio7 along with a list of other Agatha Christie audio dramatizations from the BBC. The voice actors were all wonderful and I liked the sound effects. Just enough effects to add to the story and not enough to detract from it. 

I enjoyed this story immensely! I had an old paperback copy of this book on my Christie shelf for years and never read it. I'm so glad I finally read this Poirot mystery! 

On to the next: Death in the Clouds! 

REVIEW: 28 Day FAST Start Day-By-Day

 28 Day FAST Start Day-By-Day
Author: Gin Stephens

I've been a book reviewer for both indy and traditional publishers for about 9 years now. I don't often review the self-help, health or diet genre. Just kinda shy away from those, as over the years I have tried so many diet plans. And, none worked. Some made me literally sick. Others I just couldn't follow long term because they were so restrictive, or I just saw no results. I made a pact with myself after my last failed attempt (Keto) -- no more diet books!

In the past, the one lifestyle / eating change that did work for me long term was Intermittent Fasting. I did IF for two years and felt amazing. Then life happened. I was in a bad place in my personal life and IF was just not sustainable for me. 

But I got offered a review copy of Gin Stephens newest book at exactly the right point in my life to revisit IF. I accepted the review copy -- and started reading. 

OMG! The 28 Day FAST Start Day-By-Day is the first book by Gin Stephens I have read. I didn't even recognize her name when I first started reading. I did IF previously using books by Bert Herring. I started reading this new book....and it was like Gin was talking to me. And I believed what she had to say as she backs it up with science and logic. I read a bit in this new book. Then went directly to my library to check out a copy of her previous book: Fast, Feast, Repeat. I went back and forth between my review copy of 28 days and FFR, feeling more and more motivated to jump back in to a fasting / IF lifestyle. 

And, I did it. Right then. Set my type of Fast Start on a Saturday afternoon, and started my 28 days on Sunday. I'm going into the last week of the Fast Start now, and this is amazing! I already feel better. I can see changes in the way I feel, my skin is clearing up, and my weight is going down. I have more than 100 lbs to lose...so this is just a start to the journey. 

But, I can honestly give this book a resounding positive review because I'm actually following the steps and doing the things. 

I have actually messaged with the author several times. She is a genuine, lovely person and knows her stuff. This book is for real. It doesn't make empty promises, and IF is a lot of work. But it's worth it, and makes a huge difference if you put in the work and dedication it requires to fast clean, stick to an eating window, and change your relationship with food. 

The daily reading in this book is wonderful. The real life examples are motivating. And you can even keep a daily journal about your IF FAST start right in your copy of the book. I highly recommend this book for anyone starting an IF journey! Just be aware that you really need to also read Fast, Feast, Repeat as part of this 28 day FAST Start. Buy both books. You will not be sorry!

Love it!! 

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

REVIEW: Where It All Began

 Where It All Began
Author: Lucy Emblem

I have no idea which author came up with it first. I just know I love prequel novellas that introduce readers to the characters, setting and back story of a series! As a reviewer, I read many of these. And, I enjoy each one. Nothing like a quick jaunt through the basics of a series (especially a cozy mystery series) to make me want to pick up the first book and start reading!!

Even better than a prequel novella for a new to me series is a prequel novella for a new to me series written by an author who is also new to me! Love, love, love! 

And, I'm happy to report I just got to have that experience. 

I read Where It All Began, an intro to Lucy Emblem's Tamsin Kernick Cozy English Mysteries series!

The basics: Tamsin takes a job house sitting for a rather eccentric man, famous for being an arctic explorer. She loves the mountain scenery of the Malvern Hills, the local village, and even the two unruly dogs she is taking care of while their master is off exploring. She helps her two new dog buddies, meets some new friends, and makes some important life decisions.

There are no murders or strange events in this intro novella. It's an introduction to the characters and the setting of the series, and includes some important character development for Tamsin (and the dogs!). 

With only 11 chapters, this is a quick read but it definitely had the desired effect! I want to read this entire series! And, the front cover is so cute!!

I already have book 1 loaded up on my Kindle and ready to go! 

**I got a free copy of this intro novella from a holiday themed BookFunnel Giveaway. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Dracula

 Dracula
Author: Bram Stoker

I love classic ghost stories and horror, but it's been a long time since I re-read some of the true classic horror. I decided this fall while I was trying to choose my spooky season reading to re-visit some tales I remember enjoying years ago. I chose Dracula first because the last time I actually read the book I was in college and read it because I had to read it. As a literature major, I read many things not because I wanted to but because I was required to read them. I loved the book, but it's different when you read something by choice and for a grade. 

This time, I delved into this 1897 novel from Bram Stoker because I truly wanted to read it.

In the past, I have read a physical copy of a classic story or novel while listening to an unabridged audio book at the same time. Often it is to compare two different editions of a story, but this time I did it because horror is just more engaging and chilling when it's being read out loud to me. I checked a hardback edition of Dracula out of my local library (illustrated by Edward Gorey) and listened to a full-cast audio version from Audible (cast included Tim Curry, Alan Cumming, Simon Vance and others). The audio was about 15 1/2 hours long. I decided since I truly wanted to enjoy this book that I was only going to read/listen when I had time to sit down with my book and concentrate only on the story. Sometimes I listen to books while driving or doing household chores, and I miss some things. I wanted to savor and enjoy this book, so only jumped in when I had time to give it my entire attention. 

It took me awhile...several weeks...to finish this book. Not because I wasn't enjoying it, but because I am incredibly busy right now at work and kept to my rule to only read this book when I had time to set aside just for reading. It might have been only for a few minutes here and there that I got to sit down and listen, but I thoroughly savored every word of this novel! 

We all know the story. Jonathan Harker travels to Count Dracula's castle on business as the count wishes to buy property in London. He discovers that Dracula is a vampire, but he is held captive in the castle while Dracula ventures to London. Jonathan escapes, joins up with several men and his wife Mina to confront the evil vampire. 

The story is chilling and still scary even after more than 100 years. I prefer the way Bram Stoker created the character, rather than all of the movie adaptations that changed fundamental parts of the story and characters. The horror is relatively tame when looked at with modern eyes, but I can only imagine how the tale was received when it was first published! It was probably viewed as quite graphic and racy! 

The story definitely kept my attention from start to finish. The last two chapters of the book are quite action-packed and gruesome. Stoker doesn't go into graphic detail but provides enough description for readers to envision the confrontation of the vampire and his evil minions. 

Loved it!! I'm going to do the same with Frankenstein next! I already have an annotated copy of Frankenstein and an audio version queued up in my phone! Not sure what I will delve into after Mary Shelley...but I think I will keep doing this for awhile. Very enjoyable!! 

Edward Gorey's illustrations in the physical book are wonderful! He is also the artist that created the old black and white intro to PBS' Masterpiece Mystery.

 

REVIEW: Sailing the Graveyard Sea

 Sailing the Graveyard Sea
Author: Richard Snow

Before reading this book, I had never heard the story of the attempted mutiny aboard the US Warship Somers in 1842 or Commander Alexander Slidell Mackenzie. Mackenzie reported when the ship reached port in Brooklyn, that 3 crew members had been hanged after the mutiny was prevented. But, later, it came out that the execution of the 3 crewmen may have been unlawful and that perhaps there had been no mutiny at all. 

This book outlines the history of the ship, the men involved, and the very public court martial that followed. 

Wow! What a tale! I'm not sure how I never heard of this incident! I enjoyed reading this account. The author presents the story of a training mission gone wrong using transcripts from the court martial. It makes for a very interesting read! Snow writes the facts in a very interesting way and the story kept my attention from start to finish. What a strange and very public case that definitely split opinions in its time. Some felt Mackenzie was a hero, and others thought he was a complete villain in the incident. 

Definitely a story I did not know at all before I read this book. I'm glad I learned the history of this naval incident and the good it eventually brought about that strengthened the U.S. Navy. 

I will definitely be reading other books by this author!

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

REVIEW: Snow Place for Murder

 Snow Place for Murder
Author: Diane Kelly

I love this cozy mystery series about the owners of a mountain lodge in NC! Great characters, nice mix of humor and mystery, and engaging plots make this series a very enjoyable cozy mystery series!

Snow Place for Murder is the 3rd book in the Mountain Lodge Mystery series. This time, a resort developer visits the lodge just before Christmas. Locals are angered, tempers flare, a blizzard rolls in.....and the developer is found frozen under the snow. Who put the resort plans on ice? 

Another great book in this series! The stories are always fun to read, engaging and enjoyable. The mystery moved along at a nice pace. There was plenty of sleuthing, local color and humor mixed in. 

Nice cozy to read just before the holiday season starts to get going! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series! 

Also, the cover art is wonderful! 

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

The Fatal Folio

 The Fatal Folio
Author: Elizabeth Penney

The Fatal Folio is the 3rd book in the Cambridge Bookshop series by Elizabeth Penney. I like the characters, the setting and plots in this series, so was happy to read the latest installment! 

This time, Molly Kimball is busily cataloging her boyfriend's family library. The collection is massive and impressive. While working amid the stacks, she finds an original copy of a mysterious gothic novel titled, A Fatal Folio. Little does she realize that this mysterious story will lead to murder during Guy Fawkes Night festivities. 

The plot definitely kept my interest from start to finish. There were plenty of twists and turns, suspects, and sleuthing. Very enjoyable read! I really like this series and can't wait for the next book! I loved how the text of the gothic novel was intertwined into the story. 

This was a fun fall read! This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery series!

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

REVIEW: Murder at Home

 Home at Night
Author: Paula Munier

I did not realize when I accepted a review copy of this book that it was the 5th book in the Mercy & Elvis Mystery series. However, even though I was jumping in at book 5, I was easily able to follow the story and characters. 

This was definitely a great addition to my Spooky Season reading -- a rundown Victorian mansion, poachers and poisoners, an altercation with a masked intruder, a mysterious letter and a dead body. 

I loved the setting, the characters and the plot. The story kept my attention from start to finish. The dogs were my favorite characters, of course! There were many plot twists and much sleuthing. Altogether, a great cozy mystery! Loved reading this during Halloween season, but would be great anytime! 

I am definitely going to backtrack and read this series from the start! 

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

REVIEW: Overdue or Die

 Overdue or Die
Author: Allison Brook

Overdue or Die is the 7th book in the Haunted Library cozy mystery series. I've been reading this series ever since it started, and have loved every book so far! 

I love books....mysteries, horror and suspense mostly. So tales about a haunted library and a librarian that seemingly always discovers murder victims is right up my alley! 

This time Carrie is trying to juggle wedding planning and setting up an art show at the library, when tragedy strikes. The local art gallery owner is murdered and turns out there is a lot more going on than just a killing. 

So much going on in this newest mystery in this series! It definitely kept my attention from start to finish -- interesting characters, twists, lots of suspects and sleuthing! Plus some nice character development in this book! 

I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in this series! Always an enjoyable story! 

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

REVIEW: On This Day in History S*it Went Down

 On This Day in History S*it Went Down
Author: James Fell

I think we all had at least one history teacher who made the class boring. Uninspired lectures. Tired old information. No spark. Nap time. I know I did. 

But then I had several wonderful instructors that brought history alive. Told the tales with some animation. Real discussion. And engaged the entire class in the learning experience. Those are the teachers and classes that made me have a life-long love of learning about the past. 

When I was offered a review copy of this book by James Fell, I completely loved the concept. A truthful, irreverent look at the past from ancient to modern, with F-bombs and every other word thrown in for emphasis. What's not to love? 

 There is a history tale for every day of the year crammed into this awesome book. A daily snippet of profanity laced history lesson that we all can learn from. Lovely concept!

I got about halfway through this book, and ordered my own copy. 

This definitely ain't your Mama's history book. Love it! 

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

REVIEW: The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport

 The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport
Author: Samit Basu

I am a huge fan of high-tech Sci-Fi/Fantasy stories. The more bots and tech the better! Once I read the plot blurb for this book, I knew I had to read it! 

Shantiport was once a great gateway to the universe, but now it's pretty much just a shadow of its former self. Rumors are that Shantiport will soon be no more. Lina loves her city, is a tour guide, and would love to see with city shine again. Her brother, a bot that looks like a monkey, wants to get the H out of the city and see the rest of the universe. Their whole life changes when they find an old bot, a magic ring, and a lamp.....

This story is a futuristic re-telling of the Aladdin story. It was a great mix of humor, sci-fi, political corruption and greed, and adventure! The plot has many twists and turns, and it took me along for the ride from start to finish!

Very enjoyable read! I love it when a book surprises me, and this one definitely did! I didn't realize until I got about 1/3 through the book that it was an Aladdin re-telling. Then it just completely sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading! 

Imaginative. Adventurous. Exciting. This story is wonderful! 

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

REVIEW: Let Him In

 Let Him In
Author: William Friend

The incredible, creepy front cover of this book is what first drew me in. Then I read the plot blurb and was instantly intrigued. Others have written great stories about children whose imaginary friends aren't so imaginary or innocent. But this story takes that premise to a new, bizarre and creepy level. 

Alfie and his twin daughters are trying to navigate life following the death of the girls' mother. When the kids start coming into his room at night to report there is a man in their room and they start talking about their imaginary friend, Alfie thinks they are just trying to cope with grief and loss. But soon, this imaginary friend takes a dark turn. 

As I started reading this story, I really thought it was going to be the run of the mill evil imaginary friend tale. Kids make invisible friend, parent is mildly amused, situation turns dark, imaginary friend is exorcised, evil entity comes back, parent strikes back, entity is banished, family lives happily ever after. But nope....every time I thought I had this story figured out, it took a dark turn in a totally different direction. Creepily bizarre, this book was a perfect addition to my Spooky Season reading this year! 

This turned into a binge read for me. I couldn't stop reading....I had to know how it ended! 

Bit of a slow burn. But the story delivers. Loved it!

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

REVIEW: The Night House

 The Night House
Author: Jo Nesbo

Richard is only 14 years old when his parents are killed in a fire and he is sent to live with his aunt and uncle. He has a rough time with his new life, town and school. He doesn't really fit in and starts causing major trouble. Stealing, pranks...just being a juvenile asshole. So, when he ropes another local teen into joining in on a prank and the kid disappears, most people think Richard had something to do with it. Richard has a wild, horrific story about what happened to Tom, but nobody believes him. 

Because really.....telephone booths at the edge of the woods don't make kids disappear, right? The logical explanation is that the weird, new kid pushed him in the river, or did something to him. Local law enforcement is pretty much convinced that Richard killed Tom. 

So, he forms a friendship with another local outsider to follow clues and investigate what happened to Tom.

I have read a couple of Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole Detective novels and enjoyed them. When I saw he had written a horror novel, I had to give it a read. This book is completely a departure from the gritty investigative Harry Hole novels.

This story is bizarre, yet completely sucked me in. It wasn't really that scary, but I found myself wanting to know WTH was going on. Creepy more than scary. Can you imagine being an outsider, and having something so fantastical and horrific happen right in front of you....and nobody believes you. Yikes!

I hope he writes more horror. I really enjoyed this book! The story was so weird, but engaging.

I kept thinking as I read that the story would make a really good creepy movie. I'd watch it!! 

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

REVIEW: Christmas Mittens Murder

 Christmas Mittens Murder
Authors: Lynn Hollis, Lynn Cahoon, Maddie Day

I love the holiday themed Cozy Mystery Collections that Kensington puts out each year. These have become a tradition for me, and I read each one as it comes out! Always enjoyable and gets me in the mood for each holiday season. This one gathers 3 stories from 3 skilled cozy authors all themed around hand knit mittens. 

I enjoyed each story!

Death of a Christmas Mitten Knitter - This story features Hayley Powell from Lee Hollis' Food & Cocktails cozy series. I have not read this series yet, so I enjoyed the introduction to the premise, characters and setting. Things get heated at the annual Bar Harbor Church Christmas Bazaar when a piece of jewelry goes missing. While looking for the ring, Hayley finds a dead body instead. 

Two Christmas Mittens - This story is a Kitchen Witch series novella by Lynn Cahoon. Mia Malone is working a second job at a local Lodge to make ends meet. A dead body, one red mitten, and an ancient curse form the mystery that Mia has to solve before more people die! 

Murderous Mittens - CeCe Barton, owner of a Wine Bar in LA, is the main character in this novella by Maddie Day. Spending a restful Christmas at her sister's B&B away from LA, CeCe finds herself sucked into a mystery when a local bar owner and mitten maker is found dead. Can she unravel the mystery before the holiday is ruined? I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I enjoyed this story!

Reading these three enjoyable cozy novellas made me want to delve into each of these cozy series! I have read other books and novellas by these authors, but not the series featured here!! I have added all three to my TBR list and will definitely be reading more! 

This book made me not only want to pick up my knitting needles, but also got me feeling that holiday spirit!! 

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

REVIEW: A Deadly Education

 A Deadly Education
Author: Naomi Novik

I really did not know what to expect from this book. I went in with bare minimum knowledge of the plot. 

All I can say is ..... wow! I really enjoyed this book! Sometimes YA Fantasy is really hit or miss for me. It's a genre not really written for adults...so at times it's a bit too juvenile or I just feel the story line doesn't hit the mark for me. But when I find a YA book or series that really does hit the mark with me despite my being 55 -- I really get excited! The story lines can be so adventurous, interesting, and new. And, this book, I am thankful to say hit all the marks for me. 

It's sort of like Hogwarts meets Hunger Games? But not exactly....it's too hard to explain. Read the book! I don't want to give any of the plot away, as I enjoyed this more coming in without any spoilers. The premise makes total sense really. Magic would be inherently dangerous. And a school of magic with no instructors, just the goal to survive, plus real monsters lurking around....yikes! Gives surviving school a whole new meaning! 

 I love it when a book whisks me away into a world where I can imagine actually being there....and whether I could survive the situation. This story is awesome!

If you like magical fantasy -- read this book!! 

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

REVIEW: Surely You Can't Be Serious

 Surely You Can't Be Serious
Author: David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker

I have watched the movie Airplane! hundreds of times over the years. When I was first living on my own after college, my dad would just show up sometimes on my porch with a DVD of Airplane! and dinner. We'd hang out and just laugh our butts off, even though we had seen the movie so many times. It didn't matter.....the jokes were always funny. 

I was hunting for a totally different book to review when I came across the listing for this one -- I can't even remember the book I was actually looking for. My brain latched onto this one - oh, hell yeah I'm reading this book! And when I'm done.....I'm watching the movie again and wishing my dad were still here to enjoy it with me.  His favorite line? The one I used to purposely feed to him so that he could use it on me? The dialogue would go something like this:  Me: Surely you aren't serious that you don't plan to watch the Chiefs play on Sunday!  Him: Yes I'm serious.....and don't call me Shirley. 

This book discusses the directors' careers in theater before the movie, how they cast so many famous actors in a project that was so wonderfully silly, and just how the entire project came about. I loved every word!! There are also lots of photos, quotes, anecdotes and other types of wonderful information! 

My favorite scene? Oh easily any of the bits with Stephen Stucker as Johnny. So funny! If you don't know who I'm talking about -- watch the movie! :) 

I looked through all of my streaming services to see where I could watch the movie....even restored my STARZ subscription because a site told me it was there.....nope. None of them. Unless I want to buy it again. Which I'm not going to do. Rats!

......Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue. 

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

Murder at Haven's Rock

 Murder at Haven's Rock
Author: Kelley Armstrong

 

This book is the first in the new Haven's Rock series. If you haven't read the Rockton series, I recommend you read those books first, as this is a continuation-of-sorts of that prior series. 

A town is under construction in an isolated area of the Yukon in Alaska. Haven's Rock isn't an ordinary town...the project is secret and its isolated location was chosen on purpose. Haven's Rock will be an oasis in the wilderness for people who need to disappear. A safe place. A prior town with a similar set-up just failed, and its leaders Casey and Eric are re-locating, starting over with a new town in a new place. They hope to avoid the problems they encountered in Rockton. But, just as they arrive to check out the new location ahead of allowing residents to arrive, there is already trouble brewing. There's only one rule in Haven's Rock -- stay out of the forest. Two members of the construction crew broke that rule. And, now they are both missing.....

I loved the Rockton series, and I was incredibly happy to see this new series! Characters from the Rockton series are present, and several new characters introduced in this first book. I love the concept of a town where people can go when they need to disappear. Casey and Eric are strong, intelligent and motivated main characters. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to manage a town in the middle of nowhere that has to maintain secrecy. 

Loved this book! I am definitely going to continue reading this series! Kelley Armstrong never disappoints!! 

I listened to the audio book version of this novel. The audio is just over 10.5 hours long and narrated by Therese Plummer. She does an excellent job of narrating and brings the story to life. Enjoyable listen! 

I can't wait to see what happens next in this series! 

REVIEW: Chapter and Curse

 Chapter and Curse
Author: Elizabeth Penney

Molly Kimball and her mother, Nina, move to Cambridge, England to help run the family bookstore. Thomas Marlowe Manuscripts & Folios has been in business for more than 400 years, but Nina's Aunt Violet needs help to keep the business going. Molly & Nina quickly start helping give the shop a better online presence and even schedule a poetry reading by a local famous writer. When a woman is found dead outside the shop right after the poetry reading, they find themselves doing a bit of amateur sleuthing to clear Aunt Violet of suspicion in the murder. 

I enjoyed this book! I love the concept - the idea of a 400 year old family bookstore! Love it! The characters are engaging, and the mystery developed at a nice pace. There were a few surprises I did not expect, and a couple I saw coming. I'm definitely going to continue reading this series. Very enjoyable! 

REVIEW: The Writing Retreat

 The Writing Retreat
Author: Julia Bartz

5 lucky winners. A writing retreat with a famous, but eccentric, horror author at her very remote estate. Alex feels this is her chance to finally get published. But, it turns out there is a reason why everyone says never meet your heroes......

I listened to the audio book version of this debut novel by Julia Bartz. The audio is 11.5 hours long and narrated by Gail Shalan. Gail is a skilled narrator with a pleasant voice. She read at a good pace and brought each character to life.

I'm not going to say a lot about the plot to avoid spoilers. But, this book went in some directions I didn't expect...and a few I did. The story dragged in the middle for me and I almost stopped listening. I stuck with it because I wanted to know the ending. But, I was disappointed - the ending was a bit of a mess, in my opinion.

The story was interesting, but this book overall missed the mark for me.  I didn't really believe the characters or the events. It just seemed a bit too contrived and odd in places. I felt there were some plot points that were just dropped and never given a satisfying conclusion. 

I'm glad I finished the story, but I wish I had enjoyed it more. 

REVIEW: It Found Us

 It Found Us
Author: Lindsay Currie

I love middle grade horror books! Every fall, I read as many as I can leading up to Halloween. I previously read Scritch-Scratch and What Lives in the Woods by this author and enjoyed them both. So jumped right on this one! 

First of all, the cover art is awesome! And, the story had all the elements for a creepy, ghostly story!

The Basics: Hazel Wood is always investigating things around town. She has a knack for following clues and getting to the bottom of things. But when her brother's best friend, Everett, goes missing after a game of hide-and-seek in a cemetery, Hazel discovers the whole thing may be tied to something that happened a century in the past. 

A graveyard. Ghosts. A spooky disappearance. Perfect!! 

I loved this story! The tale is spooky,but also age appropriate for middle grade readers. As an adult, the story kept my attention the entire time because I love ghost stories! 

Another great book from Lindsay Currie! I'm definitely looking forward to her next book! 

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

REVIEW: The Stranger Upstairs

 The Stranger Upstairs
Author: Lisa Matlin

Sarah's life is getting a bit chaotic. Her marriage is having trouble, and she has a lot on her plate with her career as a social influencer and therapist. So she and her husband embark on a project -- to renovate a house. But not just any house -- a murder house. A house infamous as the site of a murder/suicide. Even after 40 years, the house still has a sinister vibe. And, then strange things start to happen. Construction workers acting strangely. Weird accidents. Foosteps in the attic.....

I'm not sure I could buy an infamous house and renovate or live in it. I think I would constantly be thinking a person died in this room or that room, or imagine how scared they were, etc etc. My feelings about how I would react in a similar situation really made this story ultra-creepy for me. I ended up not being able to put the book down once I got into the story. I spent an entire Saturday binge reading this story!

I'm not going to say anything else about the plot. I recommend avoiding any spoilers. Go into this book like I did with very little information and just let the story unfold. 

Great, creepy and twisted story! I loved it! It would make a great movie! This was a perfect book to read as I begin my annual Spooky Season Reading. :)

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Random House/Ballantine. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Hemlock Island

 Hemlock Island
Author: Kelley Armstrong

There are scary stories....and then there are Scary Stories.  For me, I find the creepiest thriller/suspense stories are ones that keep me thinking "This could happen." I found myself frequently stopping while reading this book to think "Holy crap - something like this could actually happen to someone."

Going through a divorce during/after the pandemic isn't an uncommon thing. I'm going through one myself right now. Losing almost everything you own during a divorce and trying to hang on to the one thing you have left -- a house, property, whatever it may be -- is a common occurrence. But throw in being forced to rent the property to strangers and then having odd/creepy things happening that pulls in your ex, friends, relatives, etc.

For that house to be on an island. And, for all those people with awkward history to be trapped there together. Possibly with a killer. 

I was seriously creeped out by this story. 

At first I was pulled in by this new book because I enjoy Kelley Armstrong's writing. I've been a big fan of her Rockton series since it started, and just read the new novel in the spin-off series, Murder at Haven's Rock. But let's get real, if Kelley wrote it I would probably read the Encyclopedia of Stereo Instructions and love it. She's one of my favorite authors. 

Once I got started reading, I couldn't put the book down. Binge read time! The story seriously pulled me right in and creeped me the hell out. I love mysteries and thrillers that involve locked doors or a group of people not able to escape the situation. Ever since I read Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, I have loved this sort of story! 

Well done, Kelley! I loved this book!! 

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

REVIEW: Hansel & Gretel

 Hansel & Gretel
Adaptation: Neil Gaiman
Illustrations: Lorenzo Mattotti

I didn't realize that this graphic novel existed until I was searching around online for cool creepy reads to start my spooky season reading. Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite writers, and Hansel & Gretel is a freaking nightmare of a fairy tale. I went onto my local library's online site and found they did have it listed, but that their copy had gone missing. I requested they replace the copy.....flash forward about a month and I had a fresh new copy of this dark graphic story book in my hands. 

Wow! I remember this story of a witch kidnapping two children abandoned in the forest creeping me out as a kid, but done in Gaiman and Mattotti style it takes on an even darker edge. The illustrations are done all in black and Gaiman added war to the already dark themes of this classic Grimm Brothers tale.

Loved it! At 52 pages, it's a very quick read. There are many very dark illustrations. 

This was a fabulous graphic art book to start my spooky reading season! Gaiman keeps the original dark feeling of the story and expands on it a bit, making a war and impending starvation the reason why the children are abandoned in the forest. 

Mattotti's illustrations are fabulous! They definitely fit the dark theme of this story. I love the lines and dark simplicity of the drawings.

The last two pages of the book give a bit of background and history on the story of Hansel & Gretel. Very cool! 

Definitely a great book to kick off my annual Spooky/Halloween season reading!

REVIEW: Lending a Paw

 Lending a Paw
Author: Laurie Cass

I have read the entire Bookmobile Cat series, and it's one of my favorites! So, I decided to backtrack and listen to the series from the beginning on audio. :) Just because. 

Lending a Paw is the first book in the series. 

The basics: Minerva Hamilton, known as Minnie, is a librarian in Chilson, Michigan. She lives on a houseboat with her rescue cat, Eddie. Minnie is excited about driving the library's new Bookmobile, but on the first day, she finds the body of a local businessman and philanthropist behind a rural farmhouse. In fact, the dead man gave the library the funds to purchase the Bookmobile. Minnie Eddie are on the case! Who killed the library's main benefactor? And, will they decide to take out Minnie too because she's asking questions?

I enjoyed re-visiting this book! I enjoy Minnie as a main character. Eddie is a love. And the side characters are all entertaining and add so much flavor to the story. Erin Bennett narrates the audio book and does a great job. From the various voices for the characters and Eddie's signature Mrrrr, I enjoyed her performance from start to finish. 

So glad to be revisiting this series from the beginning! Love it! 

REVIEW: A Troubling Tail

 A Troubling Tail
Author: Laurie Cass

I've been reading this series since 2017 when I happened to see book 1 at my local library. Cute cat. Bookmobile. Colorful cover. Yep -- had to read it. So glad I did! It has become one of my favorite cozy mystery series over the years!! There are only a few series that get my Favorite Stamp of Approval. Book series that send me to my computer to pre-order new books the minute I can....wait for my copy (or request an early review copy while still ordering a physical copy)....and then disappear into my room to binge read. The Bookmobile Cat Mystery series is on that list!! 

When this book showed up as available to review, I knew I couldn't wait until August to get my Minnie and Eddie fix. I requested my review copy, and scheduled a binge read day. Nothing like taking a day for myself, reading a book I enjoy, sipping on my favorite tea.....and just having a totally turned-down, self-care day. 

A Troubling Tail is the 11th book in this series. This time, Minnie ends up doing some amateur sleuthing (with her sidekick Eddie of course) when a local businessman is murdered and the local police have no leads. This new book is very entertaining! There is plenty of investigation and Eddie helping, a good number of suspects and little twists, and the plot moves at a nice pace. I can't wait to listen to the audio book! I always read the story to review by publication date, and then listen to the audio once the book is published. 

In honor of my long-term enjoyment of this series, (and while I'm waiting for the audio of this newest book to come out) I'm re-listening to the audio books starting with book 1. I wanted to refresh my memory and see how the characters have developed since the start of the series. I am having so much fun listening to the days where Minnie had to hide the fact Eddie was on the bookmobile! :)

I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!! After six years of reading, I still love every time Eddie says Mrrrr! 

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

REVIEW: The Ghost and Mrs. McClure

 The Ghost and Mrs. McClure|
Author: Cleo Coyle

I read the first five books in the Haunted Bookshop series more than 10 years ago and fell in love with the characters. I was SO happy in 2018 when the author started adding new books again! Then the audio books popped up on Audible+, so I decided to revisit the series from the start! I have the whole series in paperback on my keeper shelf, and now I can enjoy having them read to me! Woot! 

The basics: Penelope McClure is recently widowed. She decides to start a new life, moving to Rhode Island to help her aunt run her bookshop. Just when things start looking up, a best-selling author drops dead in the middle of a book signing and Penelope discovers the bookshop is haunted by the ghost of a long-dead detective, Jack Shepard. 

I love this series! I love ghost stories and cozy mysteries -- and this is a fun blend of both. The humor and a big dose of old time detective-speak make these stories entertaining. Penelope and Jack make a great crime fighting duo!

Narrated by Caroline Shaffer and Traber Burns, the audio book is just over 7 hours long. Shaffer and Burns do a great job of voice acting! Very entertaining listen!

So happy this series is included in Audible+. I'm going to listen to the entire series! 

 

[7/22/2023 - I just listened to this audio book again because I'm listening to the series from start to finish. I tried to do this a few years ago and life interrupted. So started over at the beginning again! I just love the characters, esp Jack, of course.]

REVIEW: Super Scary Stories for Sleep-Overs

 Super Scary Stories for Sleep-Overs
Author: Q.L. Pearce

I love reading middle grade spooky story collections. Reminds me of the days when I was in school and made a book order every fall filled with all sorts of Spooky Season reads! It seemed to take forever for the order to arrive! And, when it did I raced home and got right to reading all the awesome spooktastic stories!

Now several decades later I still get really excited when I find these out of print books at the used bookstore, thrift shop, garage sales or online. Some I recognize as ones I used to have back in the day! And I find similar books on the shelf at my local library as well! Always entertaining and fun to read. Scary but yet mostly tame. No spurting blood or adult themes to make me lay awake thinking about the gruesome stuff I just read. Just enjoyable spooky fun stories. :) 

This book fits in that category perfectly. 11 spooky stories that are age appropriate for middle grade readers. The stories are relatively short. Perfect read-aloud length or for bedtime stories, sleep-overs, camping out, etc. 

The stories are varied with everything from mummies and lake monsters to a creepy cave or a scary circus. There's something for everyone! :) The illustrations are black and white and very well done. 

All in all, an entertaining collection of stories! There are several of these books in a series. I'm definitely going to read the rest!

REVIEW: The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales

The Haunted House & Other Spooky Poems and Tales
Editor: Vic Crume & Gladys Schwarcz

Back in the day, I owned a copy of this book and absolutely loved reading the poems and short little spooky stories over and over again. It was passed down to me by my older sister and I'm sure was passed on to my nephews after I was done with it. A very well-read and much enjoyed book! 

This book is long out of print, but used copies are available online. It contains 39 tales, poems, gravestone epitaphs, and even songs all on a spooky theme. Age appropriate for middle grade readers. 

I felt very nostalgic as I read back through every story in this collection. It's been decades since I last read this book, but I read it so many times that I remembered most of the stories and poems after reading a few lines. I remember sitting in my room on my bed and reading these stories -- the spooky quarry, the velvet ribbon, a ghostly cradle...so many neat and varied stories! And I remembered the illustrations. Loved them as a kid! Still do as an adult!

The illustrations in this book are awesome, but the used copy I found online did not have a title page or show any credit given to the artist. I researched a bit to try and discover who illustrated and found out that Gerry Contreras provided the drawings. Awesome work! His name should have been on the front cover with the editors, in my opinion, as his drawings really made the book!! 

Loved reading this again! I wish I still had my old copy! I tried to choose one story/poem as my favorite and I just couldn't do it. I will just have to say that I enjoy them all! And, I'm glad I found this book online so I could enjoy reading it again! As I was posting my review to Goodreads, I saw another reader's review that talked about a vinyl record that was released with this book. I had no idea!! I found the recording on Youtube:   https://youtu.be/mqH4xFBtLZY    yay!!!