Title: Rough Weather by: Robert B. Parker

Title: Rough Weather
Author: Robert B. Parker
Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons
Series: Spenser #36
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

Hired as a bodyguard at an exclusive society wedding, Spenser witnesses an unexpected crime: the kidnapping of the young bride, which opens the door for murder, family secrets, and the reappearance of an old nemesis.

My Thoughts: 

Our intrepid hero is off to his next case which leads to Heidi Bradshaw inviting Spenser to be her bodyguard at her daughter's upcoming wedding.  He brings his beloved Susan Silverman with him.  Of course when they get there they meet the Gray man whom Spenser as gone up against before.  Not long the priest and groom are killed and Spenser is fighting for his life and to rescue Susan.  Once back in Boston Spenser begins trying to figure out what the hell happened and where is the bride?

This book was typical Spenser fashion he's ticked everybody off until people started showing they knew more than they implied they knew.  It led to many ex-husbands and an episode of the bride in the hospital 5 years ago.

I love Spenser he's great he's got wit, charm and everything in-between definitely a James Bond of Boston, along with his trusty sidekick Hawk they always get the job done!

Read More

Review: Sixkill by: Robert B. Parker

Title: Sixkill
Author: Robert B. Parker
Publisher: G. P Putnam's Sons
Series: Spenser #39
Pages: 293
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

In location in Boston, bad-boy actor Jumbo Nelson is accused of the rape and murder of a young woman. From the start the case seems fishy, so the Boston PD calls on Spenser to investigate. Things don't look so good for Jumbo, whose appetites for food, booze, and sex are as outsized as his name. He was the studio's biggest star, but he's become its biggest liability. 

In the course of the investigation, Spenser encounters Jumbo's bodyguard: a young, former football-playing Native American named Zebulon Sixkill. He acts tough, but Spenser sees something more within the young man. Despite the odd circumstances, the two forge an unlikely alliance, with Spenser serving as mentor for Sixkill. As the case grows darker and secrets about both Jumbo and the dead woman come to light, it's Spenser-with Sixkill at his side-who must put things right.

My Thoughts: 

In this book Spenser gets hired from the Boston PD to look into Jumbo Nelson who is being accused of rape and murder.  Of course Jumbo ain't talkin' so Spenser has his work cut out for him.  He has to decide if Jumbo did the deed.  Of course that puts Spenser in direct contact with Zebulon Sixkill who is Jumbo's body guard.  After failing to protect Jumbo against Spenser he takes Z under his care to see what he can do for the kid.

Alot of people have a lot to gain on this murder case as Spenser digs deeper he finds himself meeting up with some unsavory characters!

This book was fun to read Spenser helping a new kid and helping him find his way while also investigating the crime.  It was weird to have Hawk gone but Z brought a new spin on the story as we learn about Z's rise and fall and how Spenser helps him see the way to be something better than he was!

Read More

Review: Silent Night by: Robert B. Parker

Title: Silent Night
Author: Robert B. Parker
Publisher: G. P Putnam's Sons
Series: Spenser #41.5
Pages: 229
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

It’s December in Boston, and Spenser is busy planning the menu for Christmas dinner when he’s confronted in his office by a young boy named Slide.  Homeless and alone, Slide has found refuge with an organization named Street Business, which gives shelter and seeks job opportunities for the homeless and lost.  Slide’s mentor, Jackie Alvarez, is being threatened, and Street Business is in danger of losing its tenuous foothold in the community, turning Slide and many others like him back on the street.  But it’s not a simple case of intimidation. Spenser, aided by Hawk, finds a trail that leads to a dangerous drug kingpin, whose hold on the at-risk community Street Business serves threatens not just the boys’ safety and security, but their lives as well. 

Unfinished at the time of his death, Silent Night was completed by Parker’s longtime agent, whose decades-long association with Parker’s work gives her unique insight and perspective to his voice and storytelling style.  Her contribution also speaks volumes about their enduring friendship.

My Thoughts: 

Christmas is hitting Boston and Spenser has a new client  a young boy named Slide whose friend Jackie needs help.  Someone is trying to put Street Business out of business.  So Jackie hires Spenser to find out what is going on and why

This leads Hawk and Spenser to vicious drug dealer who wants to make the shelter go away and Jackie to do something else besides the pipe dream of a shelter for kids.  Jackie's brothers girlfriend is also deep in this and she needs Spenser to get her out without getting her killed!

I love Spenser his books are great to read and really have funny parts to it.  You get to see what Spenser is up to and how he spends his holiday season!  His books have everything humor, adventure.  and the charm that is Spenser it was also bittersweet as it was the last book he didn't get to finish but you'd never know it!

Read More

Review: The Stonekeeper by: Kazu Kibuishi

Title: The Stonekeeper
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Publisher: Graphix
Series: Amulet #1
Pages: 192
Format: Paperback
Source: Library

Description:

Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot---and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

My Thoughts: 

This was a great book about a female stone keeper who has to save her family from monsters I can see why it's people like this book so much.

Read More

Review: Turkey Trot Murder by: Leslie Meier

Title: Turkey Trot Murder
Author: Leslie Meier
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Lucy Stone #24
Pages: 247
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

It's late autumn in Tinker's Cove, Maine, and the last surviving flowers on Lucy Stone's porch have fallen victim to the first frost of the season. But as the part-time reporter learns, this cold November morning will claim more than potted plants . . .

Besides the annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day, Lucy expects the approaching holiday to be a relatively uneventful one--until she finds beautiful Alison Franklin dead and frozen in Blueberry Pond. No one knows much about Alison, except that she was the daughter of wealthy investor Ed Franklin and struggled quietly with drug addiction. Police blame her death on an accidental overdose, but Lucy can't understand what terrible forces could lead a privileged woman to watery ruin . . .

Alison's funeral service is just as puzzling. Many believe Ed's young--and very pregnant--new wife, Mireille, divided the family, leaving Alison to wither on the vine. Did Mireille truly adore her stepchild as Ed claims, or did she pit father against daughter for personal gain? 

As a state of unrest descends on Tinker's Cove, Lucy is thrown into a full-scale investigation. Now, in a race against time, Lucy must beat the killer to the finish line--or she can forget about stuffing and cranberry sauce . . .

My Thoughts:

Lucy Stone has her work cut out for her in the latest mystery in this one she is preparing for a Turkey Trot 5k run on Thanksgiving.  While practicing she discovers the dead body of Allison Franklin who has drowned.  While everyone is quick to dismiss the death as drug overdose Lucy can't help but wonder if it is something else.

When Allison's father gets the town in an uproar over immigrants and misconceptions about a new family starting a business his prejudice misjudges the family in question.  He accuses them of being immigrants when they are as american as apple pie.  When her father Ed Franklin winds up dead loyalties are torn and divided.  Who killed the father and daughter and why?  Will Lucy figure it out in time or will her time run out?

I love Lucy and her knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  She finds herself torn about the whole thing.  Wanting to believe that it's not a race issue.  Or a drug issue.  But could it be?  Will her town ever be the same again.  Definitely a series I love to read when I come across it!

Read More

Review: Patterns in The Sand by: Sally Goldenbaum

Title: Patterns in The Sand
Author: Sally Goldenbaum
Publisher: Obsidian
Series: A Seaside Knitters Mystery #2
Pages: 294
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

The follow-up to Death by Cashmere: next in the new mystery series set in a tight-knit seaside community. 

When young fiber artist Willow Adams visits Izzy Chambers's knitting studio, she's immediately embraced by the Seaside knitters, and they see the monthly arts event at Canary Cove as a perfect place to showcase Willow's work. But the idyllic summer in Sea Harbor turns somber when the body of Nick Peabody-owner of a popular gallery-is found in a community garden. Soon all Nick's secrets begin to surface, and the residents of Sea Harbor realize they didn't know him at all. And when Nick's will reveals that his entire estate has been left to Willow, the knitters find that Willow has some dark secrets of her own...

My Thoughts: 

This book follows newest person to show up at Canary Cove Willow Adams.  Willow Adams winds up sleeping at Izzy's studio.  When the women find her they are determined to help her and really wonder why she is there.  When Aiden a gallery owner dies the assumption is made that Willow killed Aiden.  Did Willow kill him or did someone else and why?

Nell, Izzy, Ben and everyone else in town has their work cut out for them trying to figure out who killed Aiden and why?

I enjoy this serious thoroughly.  It's such great fun to go back and see what everyone is up to and this one didn't disappoint.  l would love to be a friend to spend Friday nights at Nell's and see what everyone has been up to or to solve the latest mystery!  Can't wait to see what is next for the Seaside Knitters!

Read More

Review: The Body in The Casket by: Katherine Hall Paige

Title: The Body in The Casket
Author: Katherine Hall Page
Publisher: William Morrow
Series: Faith Fairchild #24
Pages: 256
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library

Description:

The inimitable Faith Fairchild returns in a chilling New England whodunit, inspired by the best Agatha Christie mysteries and with hints of the timeless board game Clue

For most of her adult life, resourceful caterer Faith Fairchild has called the sleepy Massachusetts village of Aleford home. While the native New Yorker has come to know the region well, she isn’t familiar with Havencrest, a privileged enclave, until the owner of Rowan House, a secluded sprawling Arts & Crafts mansion, calls her about catering a weekend house party.

Producer/director of a string of hit musicals, Max Dane—a Broadway legend—is throwing a lavish party to celebrate his seventieth birthday. At the house as they discuss the event, Faith’s client makes a startling confession. “I didn’t hire you for your cooking skills, fine as they may be; but for your sleuthing ability. You see, one of the guests wants to kill me.”

Faith’s only clue is an ominous birthday gift the man received the week before—an empty casket sent anonymously containing a 20-year-old Playbill from Max’s last, and only failed, production—Heaven Or Hell. Consequently, Max has drawn his guest list for the party from the cast and crew. As the guests begin to arrive one by one, and an ice storm brews overhead, Faith must keep one eye on the menu and the other on her host to prevent his birthday bash from becoming his final curtain.

Full of delectable recipes, brooding atmosphere, and Faith’s signature biting wit, The Body in The Casket is a delightful thriller that echoes the beloved mysteries of Agatha Christie and classic films such as Murder by Death and Deathtrap.

My Thoughts:

This book follows Faith Fairchild as she is hired to work for Max Dane a big time Broadway legend.  Max is hosting a special birthday party and is adamant someone is trying to kill him.  When he receives a casket at his secured house he's more determined to find out who wants to kill him.  Samantha Miller is back her mother Pix works for Faith the two wonder why Samantha is back what happened to her job and her boyfriend.  With so much going on you know it will never be dull with Faith.

I like this series alot as Faith is the wife of a minister in small town Massachusetts.  We also see how Faith's kids are doing along with other people in town.  This one also brought alot from the off Broadway play of Heaven and Hell and what the people involved in it are up to now.  Which held all sorts of mystery.  Especially when the cousin of Max's winds up dead with a poisonous snake in a draw as the weapon.

Faith pulls alot from Clue to figure it out and get the murderer before they can strike again.  I really enjoy her stories as they pull you in to other things going on as well!  Can't wait to see what is next for Faith!

Read More

Review A Summer in Sonoma by: Robyn Carr

Title: A Summer in Sonoma
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 368
Fomrat: Paperback
Source: Personal Purchase

Description:

They've been best friends since seventh grade. But this summer, teetering on the threshold of thirty, four women are going to need each other more than ever.

Cassie has sworn off men after yet another bad date though, deep down, she's still looking for Mr. Right. A long-haired, tattooed biker is definitely not him, so there's no harm in a few Harley rides through Sonoma. Right?

 Julie married her high school sweetheart too young and now wonders how her life became all about leaky faucets and checkbook balances. Maybe love isn't enough to sustain the perfect couple.

Marty's firefighter husband takes her for granted, and with her marriage on the rocks, an old flame begins to look mighty tempting. She's seriously thinking of crossing that line. 

Beth is a busy doctor trapped in a body that's betrayed her yet again and she's becoming a difficult patient and a secretive friend. She's fighting for her life. Life can change in an instant...or a summer. As these four friends deal with life's challenges, the strength of their bond will see them through.

No one delves into the complexities of female friendship better than #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr. 

My Thoughts: 

This book follows four girls who've been friends since grade school.  They have had their ups and downs and they have relied on each other through it all.  This summer seems to really test their friendship in so many ways.

Cassie who has had her last bad date and winds up being saved by someone she would never have guessed a biker who looks so bad could he really be good for her?  Cassie swears she sworn of men but could the right one be right in front of her?

Julie feels like she is drowning with debt and her husband Billy and his happy go lucky attitude isn't helping much.  When she finds herself lashing out and making tough decisions it really shows how much Julie and Billy need to communicate so he can understand what is going on at home.

Marty is so ready to throw her husband to a wall to get it through his head that he use to care more about her and himself now he's seems destined to drive her insane and almost into another's arms.  Can Joe and Marty get past their issues or is it too late for them?  Only time will tell.

Beth who has survived Cancer once before has found herself on a nasty Cancer receiving line.  She's determined to keep her friends away from the Cancer as the first time around it didn't play out very well.  What she really finds out is sometimes you need your friends whether you want to admit it or not!

I really enjoy this book it was such fun to read the woman and see where they are headed in life.  Sometimes having life long girlfriends is the best you can have!  I always look forward to her books whenever I see them available!

Read More

Review: Poisoned Pages by: Lorna Barrett

Title: Poisoned Pages
Author: Lorna Barrett
Publisher: Berkeley Prime Crime
Series: A Booktown Mystery  #12
Pages: 320
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Mystery bookstore owner Tricia Miles learns that nothing kills a good party like a murder in the latest entry in the New York Times bestselling Booktown Mysteries.

Tricia Miles, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth, throws a housewarming cocktail party in her new apartment and has cooked all the food by herself--quite a feat for someone who previously couldn't boil water. Then one of her guests is poisoned and dies. Tricia's left to wonder if her cooking is to blame or if there's something much more sinister at play. Either way, Tricia's once again in hot water with her ex-lover, Chief Baker.

Meanwhile the charming town of Stoneham is being disrupted by a vandalism crime wave. It's the hot topic in the race for Chamber of Commerce president which sees Tricia pitted against two bitter rivals. With all that's going on can she find the killer before she's the next item on the menu?

My Thoughts:

This book follows Tricia Miles who has finally having her cocktail party at her newly fixed up apartment.  All sorts of residents from town show up.  When the guests are departing a gentleman friend of Frannie's winds up choking and dying.  The town is wondering what killed him and why at Tricia's party. 

Angelica's having her own issues as someone is demanding money or else all her secrets will be made public will Angelica pay or is she finally tired of the secrets in town?  When Tricia tries to advise her Angelica shuts down her sister. Deeming to handle it her own way.

Someone else is running around town vandalizing things.  Tricia wonders if it is because there is an election for the Chamber president and Tricia thrown in her name as well as Russ Smith who is doing it to spite Tricia along with Chauncey who has bad blood with Tricia.  Could it be one of them?  Or is someone else out to hurt people?

I love this book it's such fun especially seeing Mr. E and Pixie Poe come into their own and help out where they can.  I also loved the out come of the story.  Mr. E has his work cut out when he and Grace adopt a cat named Charlie whose at the end of his life/  How much time he has left is anyone's guess but they'd rather have a cat die before they would.  The relationships have come so far between the three and they form a great band together! 

Read More

Review: A Just Clause by: Lorna Barrett

Title: A Just Clause
Author: Lorna Barrett
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Booktown Mystery #11
Pages: 320
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Just when things are getting back to normal in Booktown, Tricia and Angelica have their lives turned upside down by a shocking visitor from their past in this latest entry in Lorna Barrett’s New York Times bestselling series. 

Tricia Miles, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth, is in for a surprise when her ne’er-do-well father, John, comes to town—and promptly becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a woman with her own scandalous past. Even Tricia’s faith in the old man is shaken when the Stoneham police break the news that her father is a known con man who has done jail time.  

But what about bestselling thriller author Steven Richardson? Is it a coincidence that he arrived for a book signing just before the crime or that the victim was found with a signed copy of his latest bestseller?  

From merlot to murder, Tricia is determined to clear the family name before another body shows up and ruins Stoneham’s first—and highly anticipated—wine and jazz festival.

My Thoughts:

Tricia, Angelica and friends are back for their next adventure this one starts with a book signing of an author Tricia met on her cruise Steven Richardson.  When Tricia's father John shows up in town surprising both his daughters they have to wonder what John is up to now?  When Carol a darts opponent of Tricia's ends up slapping both Steven Richards and her father John Tricia wonders what they did to upset Carol?  When Carol winds up dead Tricia wonders who killed her and why?  Will Tricia figure it out in time or will her luck run out?

I love this series it's such fun with it's different people who help Tricia and especially learning more about their family and how it's all a mess.  The one thing Tricia seems to have longed for is some sort of relationship with her mother and it was intriguing to read about how it played out in this book.  Also watching how the girls deal with their father being in town and what his agenda is.  Can't wait to read the next adventure!

Read More

Review: Six Cats A Slayin' by: Miranda James

Title: Six Cats A Slayin'
Author: Miranda James
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Cat in The Stacks #10
Pages: 288
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, are busy decking the halls for the holidays when an unexpected delivery and a shocking murder conspire to shake up the season in this all new installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

December twenty-fifth is right around the corner, and Charlie is making his list and checking it twice. He is doing his best to show some peace and goodwill toward his nosy neighbor Gerry Arbitron, a real estate agent who seems to have designs on his house (and maybe on him, as well), while preparing for a very important role, indeed--his first Christmas as a grandfather.

The last thing Charlie expects is to gain several new additions to his family. Charlie finds a box on his doorstep with five kittens inside and a note begging him to keep them safe. With Diesel's help, Charlie welcomes the tiny felines into the Harris household just as Gerry decides it is time to throw a lavish holiday party.

Determined to make her mark on Athena, Gerry instead winds up dead at her very own party. Though attempts to dig into her past come up empty, Charlie and his girlfriend, Helen Louise, witness two heated exchanges involving Gerry before her death: one with a leading citizen and another with the wife of a good friend. Will one of these ladies wind up on the sheriff's naughty list? Charlie and Diesel have to wrap up the case before the special season is ruined by a sinister scrooge.

My Thoughts: 

This book follows beloved Athenian Charlie and Diesel Harris who have landed themselves 5 kittens.  Charlie takes them determined to find out who the owner is and why they have been left there with a cryptic note.  Charlie also meets a new neighbor who seems very mysterious Gerry Arbitron.  Gerry seems to be very flirtatious towards Charlie which raises more questions of whom she really is?

Charlie and others around Athena have been invited to a part at Gerry's house and everyone is curious to learn more about the party goers and the one whose throwing the party.  Charlie and Helen Louise over hear a very vocal argument between Gerry and another resident Mrs. Thompson what could they possibly be arguing about?  When Gerry winds up dead and all party goers are questioned and released it's up to Charlie to figure out who killed Gerry and why?

In between Charlie's two mysteries he's also watching the effects of a baby on a new mom  Alex has been having a heck of time with baby Rosie.  Alex is starting to think she's a bad mom for even thinking of help but sometimes you need help and it's not great defeat to ask for it.  Sean steps in and makes the hard decisions when the time comes.  

I love Charlie and Diesel, Laura, Frank, Sean and Alex and all their friends and loved ones they come together it's so beautiful to see how far Charlie has come since the beginning.  He has opened himself up to so many people and we get to see where they go every time.  One of my go to books whenever I see one available.  I read it one day and that really makes it all the more wonderful!

Read More

Review: Set The Night On Fire by: Laura Trentham

Title: Set The Night On Fire
Author: Laura Trentham
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Series: Cottonbloom #6
Pages: 336
Format: e-book ARC
Source: Book Tour

Description:

Cottonbloom is the perfect place for starting over, finding your way back home--and falling head over heels. . .

Ella Boudreaux has a lot to prove to her family, friends, and foes--and to herself. So when her marriage ends she decides to invest her energy and money into a place that brings back some of Ella's happiest memories: the Abbott brothers' garage. Maybe, if she puts her mind to it, she can teach skeptical, stubborn Mack Abbott how to make the business a true success. Which would be a lot easier if the hunky mechanic didn't make her motor run quite so fast...and hot.

Mack was furious when his brother, Ford, sold his share of the business. He's in no rush to team up with a wealthy divorcee who shows up to the garage in stilettos--and the longest, sexiest legs he's seen in forever. But Ella's grit and determination won't quit...and soon Mack can see that she's been down a few rough roads herself. Neither Mack nor Ella can deny the fierce attraction that's revving up between them. Could it be that true love has been in the backseat all along...and they've finally found the key?

My Thoughts: 

This book follows Mack Abbott who owns Abbott brother's garage and is having a heck of time since learning that his brother Ford sold his share of the company to Ella Boudreaux.  What he didn't count was her showing up at his garage so frequently and actually enjoy being there.

Ella Boudreaux sees potential in the garage even if she has to deal with good looking cranky Mack to help them.  Ella is moving on in life after leaving her train wreck of a marriage.  What she didn't count on was her ex's wife showing up hiding from him.  Ella recognizes all the signs she went through in the marriage and tries to help her make a decision of her own.

The heat in this book sparks quickly and pulls you in wanting to see how it will all play out.  In this case both Ella and Mack have a lot to overcome to get to the happy place they want to be.  I love going on this journey with them.  It has funny parts along with the seriousness of certain situations.  I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

Read More