REVIEW: A Scandal in Scarlet

 A Scandal in Scarlet
Author: Vicki Delany

I'm enjoying this series! A Scandal in Scarlet is the 4th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series. If the main character's Sherlock themed book store was a real shop, I would definitely be a customer! 

This time, Gemma Doyle is out walking her dog and discovers the local history museum is on fire. The flames are put out before the entire building burns, but the damage is extensive. To help with the cost of repairs, Gemma and her business partner volunteer to host an afternoon tea and auction event. But plans go awry when a woman is murdered before the auction even begins! 

This story kept my attention from start to finish. There was plenty of amateur sleuthing, many suspects and a couple twists that I didn't see coming. Nice addition to this series!! 

I'm working to read titles from my shelves and then donate the books. I'm on a book buying ban until I have some empty shelf space! I was missing four books in this series, so checked them out of my local library. Had to get them in large print edition. At first it took me awhile to get used to the large type face, but by the end, I actually liked it. My copy of the next book is a regular paperback from my shelves....it's going to take me awhile to get used to small print again!  

Moving on to the next book -- There's a Murder Afoot! 

 

 

REVIEW: The Cat of the Baskervilles

 The Cat of the Baskervilles
Author: Vicki Delany

An aging actor past his prime comes to West London, MA as the main draw for the annual theater festival. Gemma Doyle doesn't care that much about theater, but the play The Hound of the Baskervilles and Sir Nigel Bellingham ought to bring good business into her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. Flash forward to the obligatory public appearances and an afternoon tea fundraiser and Gemma learns Sir Nigel is not only way past his prime but a drunk and then......dead. 

Uh oh. 

And then on top of it all, her best friend's mother is the prime suspect.....

I enjoyed this book. I'm finally getting into this series. It took me a couple books to start liking Gemma as a main character. She's still a bit annoying, to be honest.....but the plots and sleuthing in this series keep bringing me back.  

It's getting a bit tiresome when the author sprinkles in British English and then feels the need to explain what it means. The explanations aren't needed and I just find it annoying. It just adds to my difficulty in liking the main character in this series, as the books are from her point of view. I just concentrate on the main plot and ignore the annoying bits. :) 

Moriarty, the sometimes cantankerous shop cat, is growing on me, although he plays only a minor part in the stories. I will count him as my favorite character in this series as he's the only one that hasn't given me an eye-roll moment. Him....and Uncle Albert....who is always away and only shows up for brief conversations with Gemma. 

 Moving on to Book 4 -- A Scandal in Scarlet! 

One more book read and off my shelves in my quest to clear bookshelf space for new books! :) 

 

 

REVIEW: Body on Baker Street

 Body on Baker Street
Author: Vicki Delany

As I read my way through this series, I keep finding myself thinking that if the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium were a real shop I would definitely have to go there! Not to mention Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room right next door. :) I would definitely be able to lose myself in the book store for an extended amount of time....then next door to read and sip tea! 

Body on Baker Street is the second book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. 

The Basics: A well-known author demands a signing event at Gemma's shop with little notice. Gemma does her best to get everything set up and the shop is packed for the event. But....before the author has signed all the books and talked to all her fans....the author drops dead. Once again, Gemma finds herself investigating a suspicious death....much to the chagrin of the local police. 

I liked this second book much more than the first. Gemma seems much more mellowed out in this story. The cast of characters is growing on me. I'm still not enjoying the-local-female-detective-doesn't-like-the-MC angle very much....and the shop cat not liking Gemma isn't really working for me either. But....I'm going to continue reading this series...mostly because the plots are really good so far! 

There are some minor hints at a possible love triangle side theme. Just hints so far. I hope this doesn't become part of the plot. I'm really burnt out on the love triangle trope in cozies after a long-running series appears to be abruptly ending without any conclusion to the issue. Very hopeful this series does not move in that direction.  

Moving on to book 3! I have several books in this series on my bookshelves, and the ones I don't own I put on hold at the library. I am now committed to reading them all! :)  

REVIEW: Elementary, She Read

 Elementary, She Read
Author: Vicki Delany

I'm reading my way through series that have been on my bookshelves for a long time, but haven't been read yet. And, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series finally made it to the top of my TBR list! 

I read this first book in the series years ago when it first came out, and then lost track of the series. So, I just picked back up at the beginning again and re-read this one. 

The basics:  Gemma Doyle has moved from England to the American upper east coast to help her Uncle Arthur run his Sherlock Holmes bookshop. Adjoining the shop is Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room run by Gemma's friend, Jayne. 

Trouble starts when a strange woman hides something of value in Gemma's shop and then is subsequently murdered. Gemma finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation where she is a suspect. Can she use her high perception skills to catch the killer, and avoid being arrested herself? 

The plot of the story kept my attention from start to finish. There was plenty of amateur sleuthing and suspects. I just wish I liked the characters more. I found Gemma a bit annoying. From her constant remarks about Americans not being able to make tea to her hating her best friend's romantic partner, I just found her whiny and irritating. Jayne came off as a bit rude. The antagonism from the female detective character seemed without reason and overly dramatic. It got old by the end of the book.  

I'm going to continue reading and see if the characters develop a bit more and if the series grows on me as I progress. So far.....I'm not really a fan.  I think I'm realizing why I stopped reading this series. But, the concept is just too awesome for me to give up after only one book. But, I've set a limit. I'm going to read the first 3 books.If I'm not a fan by then, I have given myself permission to stop reading and move on. It might just be a great series that is just not for me....    But giving it a full chance before I make that call. 

 

REVIEW: The Quantum Revelations

 The Quantum Revelations
Author: Stuart Heinrich

I found myself really wanting to read something different...something off my usual genre path. So, I went looking for a review book to break me out of a reading rut. So glad I did. This book was a very enjoyable read and definitely got my brain thinking! 

The plot combines science, philosophy, religion and mystery. The world is being destroyed by severe climate change. As everything goes to hell around them, two scientists are working to create a quantum computer in an attempt to save humanity. They accidentally discover something that will totally change everything. 

Wow. Just wow! I really really love it when I stumble on a new-to-me author who just wows me with such a complex idea and a totally different, very intelligent, story. I really needed this book right now and I couldn't put it down once I started reading! I was getting stuck in a complete rut with my reading....and this pulled me right out of it. Nothing more enjoyable than a hard-hitting sci-fi book!  

I will definitely be reading more by this author! This story will have me thinking deep thoughts for a long time! 

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

REVIEW: The Sea Captain's Wife

 The Sea Captain's Wife
Author: Tilar J. Mazzeo

I'm always up for reading an adventurous, exciting true story. And this tale of survival on the sea definitely was exciting! 

I had never heard of Mary Ann Patten before reading this book. She was 19 years old and onboard ship with her husband and captain, Joshua, in 1856. During the voyage, her husband became sick, the crew began contemplating mutiny, and a heavy storm hit. Mary did what she had to do, and took over as captain, working with the crew to sail the ship to safety. 

What an exciting and awesome story! The first woman to captain a merchant vessel! 

I loved this book. The story kept me riveted the entire time. I read each night after work, excited to find out what was going to happen next! 

This is the first book I've read by this author. I will definitely be reading more! 

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

REVIEW: Death on Dickens Island

 Death on Dickens Island
Author: Allison Brook 

I have Allison Brook's Haunted Library series on my bookshelves and coming up next in my series TBR list!  I read the first book years ago, and then lost track of the series. So happy to be soon picking back up again and reading her books!

When I saw this first book in a new series pop up for review, I had to grab a early copy. I remember enjoying her characters and writing style so had to jump on this new series from the start. 

The basics -- Della Dickens is in her thirties, newly divorced and trying to start over again. She comes home to Dickens Island where she grew up to help with the family business and heal some family rifts. When her Uncle and Aunt end up suspects in a murder investigation, Della finds herself in the middle of secrets, lies and danger. 

I loved the setting, the characters and the suspense. The Dickens family has more than a little family drama going on and that aspect really heightened the suspense. I liked the ghostly/supernatural edge as well. I love the cover art!

Great start to a new series, and I will definitely be reading more! Can't wait for the next book! 

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

REVIEW: Running Deep

 Running Deep
Author: Tom Clavin 

I have read several of Tom Clavin's books and learned so much! His books are always well researched and well written. 

Running Deep is the story of the USS Tang, a US World War II submarine, and its Captain, Richard Hetherington O'Kane. The Tang was an attack submarine that had the best attack record of the submarine fleet at the time, before being accidentally sunk by one of it's own torpedoes. Only 9 crewmen, including the Captain, survived the sinking. 

The surviving crewmen were captured by the Japanese and sent to a prisoner of war camp.

A year later when the camp was liberated, O'Kane, weighing only 90 pounds, was rescued. 

Wow! This story was intense! 

I had never heard of the USS Tang or Captain O'Kane before. So glad I read this story and learned the history of the ship and its crew. 

With everything going on in the world right now, I found it hard to read a story about war. Even a war that ended so long ago. But, I persevered and finished the book, because I had to know what the fate of the crew was! 

The facts are presented in a very interesting way, and I enjoyed this book despite it being a very serious topic.  

Eagerly awaiting the next Tom Clavin book! 

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

 

 

REVIEW: Progress

Progress
Author: Samuel Miller McDonald

It took me quite awhile to read this book. Not because it was uninteresting, but because I needed to read slowly and fully digest the subject material. For me, this was not a book to skim or binge read. I wanted to take my time to understand the information so I could form an educated opinion.  

Progress is written in a very academic style. This will not appeal to all readers. He presents history and facts ranging from geography and history to philosophy and religion, tracing the effects of progress on society and cultures. I enjoyed how he presented the facts and then applied them to form an interpretive picture of progress across the centuries. 

Very thought provoking. How many millions of people and how many cultures have been decimated and destroyed over the years in the name of progress formulated from greed and dominance?  So, so many. What a waste. 

I wish humanity tended more towards harmony and building knowledge, rather than dominance and destruction. 

This book will have me thinking for a very long time. I'm still going on tangents of reading and research from notes I took while reading. So interesting! It will take me awhile to build my own educated opinion on this, but the journey and learning is the main goal! 

I will keep this author on my radar and definitely read more from him! 

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

REVIEW: Simple Designs for Meditative Knitting

 Simple Designs for Meditative Knitting
Author: Barbara Breen

Knitting can be relaxing and calming, but it can also be exacting and tedious, depending on the pattern. When I want to knit to just be calm, enjoy the rhythm of my needles and just get lost in my thoughts, I don't want to be making something with numerous color changes or a complex chart. Often I knit on something that doesn't require a pattern or a memorized design....so I can just be in the moment. 

This book gathers 19 designs with simplicity in mind, designed for relaxed, meditative knitting. The instructions are mostly simple knit and purl repeats -- easily memorized -- so that the knitter can just relax and enjoy the feel of the yarn and their thoughts.

These patterns would be great for car rides, airplanes, waiting rooms, etc as well -- any place you want to bring a spot of calm and something to do, but don't want anything complicated.   

I've tried several knitting books that were meant for being calming and relaxing, but the patterns often involved circulars, double points, fussy color changes, charts for lace work....  I can't really calm it and be counting yarn overs and slips at the same time. For me, calm requires a gentle flow, a pattern that doesn't require me to be paying attention to it, and a well-known design that I already know so well I could do it (and have done) with my eyes closed. I want soft yarn, straight needles, and a constant rhythm. :) This book has some patterns and ideas that I'm going to tweak to fit my style, and try them out. A little variation in those times where I just grab up needles, some soft or pretty colored yarn and create something. 

If you like to knit, and want to try some calm time with your needles, I definitely recommend this book. It's for beginners and experienced knitters alike. 

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

REVIEW: How to Talk to Your Dog about Murder

 How to Talk to Your Dog about Murder
Author: Emily Soderberg

Nikki Jackson-Ramanathan is working as a dog walker while she tries to get her pet behaviorist business idea off the ground. She lands an appointment to help a wealthy woman's dog get over grieving for his deceased owner. Just as Nikki thinks this might just be the thing to give her pet behaviorist career a boost, the rich woman turns up dead......and Nikki is a murder suspect.  

Such a cute concept! I really enjoyed Nikki as a main character. She has a great sense of humor and is just a quirky, fun character. I liked the mix of humor and mystery. I definitely can sympathize with Nikki's thoughts that she better relates to animals than people. I've felt that way many times myself! 

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. I liked the characters and the background plot of a pet behaviorist. There were plenty of suspects and lots of sleuthing. 

I'm not sure if this is a one-off or if this will be a series. If it's a series, I will definitely read more! 

Fun read! 

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

REVIEW: The Deadly Book Club

 The Deadly Book Club
Author: Lyn Liao Butler

Can you imagine being in an online chat about books only to have a member of the book club killed during the meeting? Yikes!

Since 2020, I can't even estimate the number of online meetings I've been in. But, I can safely say that nobody has died during any of the Zoom, Teams or other online gatherings I've attended. 

The basic premise of this story was intriguing, so of course I had to read the book. :)  I am easily sucked in by a good book blurb. 

The basics - a group of five well-established book influencers meet online each month to discuss books, events and their group monthly book pick.  Things turn violent when during a meeting their computer screens freeze and the screaming starts as one of them is brutally murdered.  The remaining 4 book club members find their secrets, hidden agendas and resentments suddenly brought out into the open. Can they put that all aside and work together to discover who killed their friend? 

I really had a hard time liking any of these characters. They were all completely annoying. But....I put that emotional response aside because I really wanted to find out who killed one of them and why! But the entire time I kept thinking that I wouldn't be able to stand 5 minutes in the company of any of them. Yuck. lol.  

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. The characters were incredibly obnoxious and complete drama queens, but they were supposed to be. The suspense built pretty steadily up to the reveal.  

Enjoyable read! I look forward to reading more by this author! 

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

 

REVIEW: Death at the Door

 Death at the Door
Author: Olivia Blacke

I requested a review copy of this cozy mystery thinking it was the first book in a new series. Then I discovered it is actually the second book. Ooops! 

Despite not reading the first book yet, I was easily able to jump in and enjoy this book. 

Ruby relocated to Boston to start a new life. Soon after her arrival, she discovered her apartment is haunted by a ghost of a former tenant who doesn't want a room-mate. Over time, they became friends and even do a bit of amateur sleuthing together. 

This time, Ruby has started a new job and discovers a dead body at work. The two reluctant roomies have to work together again to solve the crime. 

I loved how Cordelia (the ghost) wants to protect Ruby, and how they work together to solve the case. It would be difficult enough to share an apartment with a ghost, but start adding dead bodies into the mix and it goes to a whole new level. :) I'm not sure I could interact as well as Ruby does. I think I would be too creeped out.  

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed getting to "know" both Ruby and Cordelia. There were plenty of suspects and a good amount of amateur sleuthing. I also really liked the idea of a living person and a ghost teaming up to solve a murder. 

I'm back tracking and reading book one from my local library.  

I can't wait to find out what will happen to Ruby and Cordelia next! I will definitely be reading more of this series! 

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

REVIEW: When We Talk to the Dead

 When We Talk to the Dead
Author: Ian Chorao

I just love horror novels that are set on creepy, abandoned islands. The minute I read the blurb for this book, I knew I had to read it. 

An abandoned island. A family tragedy. A woman searching for lost memories, truth and closure. 

Definitely the sort of horror / suspense story I enjoy! 

The story was not exactly what I expected, but I still enjoyed reading. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen, and that's the perfect feeling for a creepy and suspenseful story. In places, I found the story development a bit too slow. But, before I lost interest, the plot would pick back up and something would happen. 

It's best to go in to this story with no knowledge of events. So, I'm not going to reveal any spoilers. Just be patient with the slow build, and let the plot suck you in. 

I can't imagine being in this situation. I'm not sure I would go to the island. I think I would be more apt to leave it alone. Not because of fear, but more out of an unwillingness to dredge all of those emotions up all over again. Not to mention, the creepy unexpected situation that occurs. 

I guess that means I really enjoy reading about creepy islands where bad things happened....but I don't actually have the guts to really GO to a creepy island were bad things happened. 

I'm ok with that. :) 

This is the first book I've read by this author. I will happily read more! The story wasn't what I thought it was going to be, but I still very much enjoyed it! 

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

REVIEW: Book 'em, Eddie

 Book 'Em, Eddie
Author: Laurie Cass

Book 'Em, Eddie is the 13th book in the Bookmobile Cat series. I still love Eddie just as much as I did when I first started reading this series! 

Mrrrrr! :) 

 This time, Librarian Minnie and her popular sidekick, Eddie are out in the Bookmobile. Minnie decides to take a quick detour to look at some homes. Eddie has plans of his own and escapes the Bookmobile, only to discover a woman in the woods with horrific injuries. Minnie and Eddie are once again on the case. Minnie firmly believes this was foul play and not a hunting accident. 

I enjoyed this book. I totally binge read the entire book in one day. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, so I always clear my schedule and just have an afternoon with Eddie. :) 

 I can't imagine walking into the woods and finding a badly injured person like that! Yikes! The plot kept my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and there was plenty of suspects and amateur sleuthing. 

As usual, I thought I had the killer figured out and was completely wrong. I'm glad I'm not a detective! 

I can't wait for the next book in this series!  

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

 

REVIEW: The Haunting of Paynes Hollow

 The Haunting of Paynes Hollow
Author: Kelley Armstrong

When Samantha Paynes' wealthy grandfather dies, she expects to receive nothing. After all, she's been gone for 14 years after her father was accused of murder and then died. She is forced to attend the reading of the will and completely shocked when she inherits the property where the family cabins are located. But there are strings....she has to remain on the property 24/7 for 30 days. If she leaves for more than 30 minutes, she forfeits her inheritance. 

Samantha and her Aunt head to the property, where she will be basically a prisoner. It doesn't take long for weird things to start happening and soon dark family secrets come out. 

This story really surprised me! I did not expect the direction it went in -- and enjoyed every word! Not going to say a word or give any spoilers. Best to go into this one with no prior knowledge. 

I started reading read an ARC copy of this upcoming book from St Martins Press and then switched to the audio book from Macmillan Audio. Who doesn't like having a horror story read to them!! The audio is narrated by EJ Lavery and runs 9 hours 24 minutes. Lavery reads at a good speed and has a pleasant voice. Great job of narrating! 

I enjoy Kelley Armstrong's Rockton series and the spinoff series, so it was enjoyable to read a horror story by her! Loved it!  

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book from St Martins Press and the audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** 

REVIEW: Gemini

 Gemini
Author: Jeffrey Kluger

I was too young when astronauts first landed on the moon to really remember much about it. I do however remember meeting Buzz Aldrin when I was in grade school. He seemed like a super hero to me at the time. 

I know a bit about the early space program, but not a lot. I definitely enjoyed listening to this audio book and learning more about how mankind prepared to put the first humans into space...and eventually on the surface of the Moon. 

The author definitely did exhaustive research and presented the facts in a very interesting way. The book kept my attention from start to finish. The challenges of a space program in a era of conflict and change. All the science, training and experimenting that made the space program work. The people and technology involved. So interesting!! 

I started out reading an ARC copy of this book from St. Martin's Press, and then switched to a review copy of the audio book from Macmillan Audio (10 hrs, 27 minutes). The narrator, Robb Reider, read at a perfect pace and has a pleasant voice. I was easily able to maintain attention and enjoyed the narration.  

I definitely want to read more about the space program from the beginnings through the Space Shuttle era. And, I hope to read more by this author. It's not easy to keep non-fiction from becoming boring or bogged down, but this was a very interesting listen! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy from St. Martin's Press and listened to a review audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** 

REVIEW: The Zorg

 The Zorg
Author: Siddarth Kara

When I started reading this book, I was completely unfamiliar with the story of The Zorg and the killing of more than 120 Africans bound for Jamaica to be sold as slaves in 1780.  

As the story unfolded and the terrible truth of what a ship's crew did was revealed, I just became more and more horrified. In the later pages of the book, court records from a subsequent insurance case just gutted me even more. A man actually told the court that throwing live Africans off a ship in the middle of the ocean was no more than throwing horses over board. Even the main question in front of the court was mind-boggling. The main question: Was it a loss cover-able by insurance if a crew willfully threw the "cargo" overboard due to a perceived shortage of drinkable water?

The author definitely did a lot of detailed research to write this book. The narrative flows and kept my attention from start to finish, even though it was very, very hard to read due to the subject matter.  

I started out reading from a review copy of this book and then switched to listening to the audio book version, narrated by Dion Graham. Graham read at a steady pace and his voice is easily understandable. He did great job of narration! 

Definitely thinking very deep thoughts after finishing this book. We've come a long way since 1780, but human beings are still incredibly cruel and violent to each other. It's sad. May the victims who had no chance of survival rest in peace. There is no apology or acknowledgement that makes up for what was done to them. Evil -- that's the only word that describes it. 

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

 

 

REVIEW: Furever After

 Furever After
Author: Sofie Kelly 

Finishing a series causes such mixed feelings.....

On the one hand, when I finished this book, took my magnetic bookmark out, and closed the cover...I felt happy that I had finally read this series. But then I realized it's over....no more tales of Owen and Hercules, the magical cats. 

At least I think there won't be any more. This book ends on a perfect note to finish out this series, and I read online in a couple places that this is the final book in the series. So, I'm going to assume that's true and be pleasantly surprised if I'm wrong. 

This time, Librarian Kathleen Paulson is preparing for her wedding to her local detective fiance, Marcus. So, of course, something has to happen to liven things up a bit. There is a break-in at the library. But not just any break-in....Kathleen finds the would-be thief dead on the floor. So, as usual, Kathleen, Marcus, the cats and assorted friends are all helping investigate what happened.....and planning the wedding. 

This book is a perfect wrap-up for a wonderful series. I enjoyed every word! And I feel better about reaching the end of this series. I realized I still have this author's (under her other pen name - Sofie Ryan) Second Chance Cat series on my bookshelf to be read! I will miss hearing about Owen and Hercules....but I can still enjoy this author's style! :) 

Moving on! And, I've added Second Chance Cat to my list of series I'm reading next. Have a couple other cozy series to read first, but eagerly waiting that series!