The Case of the Caretaker's Cat

Review: I was recently traveling with my mother-in-law and we came across the James Dean Gallery and Museum in Fairmont, Indiana where they sold memorabilia along with some antiques. There I found several old pocket-sized books that I bought on impulse. Mostly I bought them because I love books and couldn't resist buying a few mysteries from the 1930's.

This book was a rather quick read and I truly enjoyed it. I have never read anything by Gardner before, but may look for other books of his in the future. It was filled with many twists and turns that kept me guessing as to who the actual killer was. Since I am not familiar with the Perry Mason storyline, (I may have only seen one of the movies made from the series), it seemed like a new tale and rather fun to be a part of.

In terms of style, the book flowed very easily. Climaxes and twists happened at all the right times to keep the reader invested in the storyline. I really didn't want to put the book down and was itching to get back to it when I had, which is something I look for in a book. The characters were also very believable and richly fleshed out. Mason was shown as a dashing, devilish, and highly intelligent man whom seemed to enjoy taunting the other lawyers and policemen. That alone made the story a great read, you wanted to see what he was going to do next.

Overall storyline was not all that original, but still a good read. It was a tale of greed leading to murder where some innocent people get caught in the crossfire. However, it was told in such a way that I wanted to know every little detail and to try to figure out who did it the same way I would in a 21st century mystery book today. Sometimes the simplest reasons or motives are the best ones to use.

If you enjoy a good, old fashioned mystery book from the 1930's era, then this book is for you. If you need all the bells and whistles of a new age mystery, then you most likely will not enjoy this book. All in all, I am glad that I spent the $2.50 at the James Dean Gallery for this little book and can't wait to read the other little book I bought by Agatha Christy.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

I bought this book at a museum/gallery that sold antiques; I was not paid to do a review of this book.
 

Brood X

Synopsis: Seth is laid off from work. His wife Lara just found out they are expecting a baby this summer. Seth plans on documenting the entire pregnancy with his brand new digital camcorder.

During an evening home watching television, the news reports that a swarm of cicada (Brood Ten) are expected to overwhelm the entire Northeast.

Brood Ten is vicious and ready to invade.

During a sweltering summer night, Brood Ten emerges and wreaks havoc with the electric grid, phone and cell service, wi-fi, food and water supply. Civilization as they know it is gone.

Seth and Lara are thrown back to the stone age in their own home with trillions of cicada trying to deposit their eggs and breed.

Fast paced and filled with tension, Brood Ten is the perfect summer read when you’re sitting outside listening to the cicadas sing.

Review: The author sent this book along with Stillwell and I decided to read it as well. In terms of the two books by Cash, this was the better of the two. Normally, I would stay away from books about bugs of any kind, but again, I found myself intrigued by the premise of an infestation of this proportion. It was Biblical in nature and really made my skin crawl to say the least.

The main issue I had with the book was with infestation; I found myself wondering how believable some of the situations were. Could the sheer volume of the bugs cause a house to collapse? Would they really attack anything that was moving, regardless of how many of the bugs there were? Many others came to mind, but I will not post them here to keep from giving away too much of the plot. Another issue that I had was with the main character Seth and how he brought sex up into almost any conversation for the first third of the book. I also found some of his unwillingness to prepare for the infestation a little unbelievable, especially since his wife was pregnant with their first child.

However, aside from all of that, this book was quite a wild ride about halfway through to the end. It made my skin crawl with respect to the bugs and actually made me a little paranoid that I would wake up with one of these big insects sitting on my chest with its stinger about to inject eggs into my body. That part of the story was excellent and is what really made me enjoy the book.

If you like a good bug story that keeps your adrenaline pumping a little all the while you are talking to yourself hoping that the main characters make it out alive somehow, then this book is for you. If you hate bugs then this book is not for. This book was a little slow in the beginning, but well worth getting to the end.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I was given a copy of the book by the author via Bostick Communications; I was not paid to give this review.

Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island

Synopsis: Paul Russo’s wife just died. While trying to get his family’s life back in order, Paul is being tormented by a demon who is holding his wife's spirit hostage on the other side. His fate is intertwined with an old haunted mansion on the north shore of Long Island called Stillwell Manor. Paul must find clues dating back hundreds of years to set his wife's soul free. (Picture and synopsis taken from www.goodreads.com).

Review: When I read the synopsis of the book I was intrigued because I enjoy a good paranormal storyline that also has a little bit of historical fiction within its pages. This book was slightly disappointing to me in that regard. I was expecting one thing and got something else entirely, which made me a little irritated to say the least.

The book itself was very simply written, which is not a bad thing, but it didn't read like adult fiction to me. Vocabulary was not sophisticated and the storyline itself wasn't all that challenging to follow or to figure out where it was leading to. In terms of how the story progressed, I thought that the timeframe was too short for this tale, since it only encompassed seven days total. However, it had a very easy flow and the conflicts/climaxes seem to happen at the right moments.

In terms of the storyline itself, I thought that it was a good outline for a novel, but incomplete. There was so much more that could have been added to help flesh out all the different love stories that were going on. Elaborating a little more of the meaning behind the title "Stillwell" may have helped with giving the tale more "haunting" content. Also, the grief that the main character felt, although understandable, seemed to take center stage and would often take me away from all the paranormal aspect of the piece, which made it seem more of a love story than a scary paranormal story. As for me, I also felt a little cheated by the ending and will not say anything more than that so I do not spoil it for someone else who has not read it yet.

Overall, this was an average read for me. It didn't have many memorable moments that would make me categorize it as a "scary" tale and the historical aspect that I was hoping for was missing. But in the end it was a good read and one that I did enjoy in places. If you are looking for something that will make you jump and become slightly paranoid that there are ghosts all around, then this book is not for you. If you enjoy something that is a little more humanistic and has some nice ghostly, romantic interludes then you would probably enjoy this book.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

I was given a copy of this book by the author via Bostick Communications; I was not paid to do a review of this book.

Touching Evil

Title: Touching Evil

Age group: adult fiction

Release Date: November 5, 2012

Book Summary:

Leila Marx is trying to put her life back together after her fiance is murdered. Her book illustrating career has limited her social contact and nightmares have trapped her in the past. When a police acquaintance enlists her help with a difficult case, Leila is surprisingly thankful to have a purpose. Not only will this help to keep her mind focused, but she will be able to use her talents as a touch clairvoyant that are frequently dismissed by skeptics. Leila and Detective Garrick Pearson delve into the mystery behind a series of missing teenage girls and mummified corpses while fighting their own growing attraction to each other.

Conner Hoffman is an intriguing lawyer and striking half-demon who enters Leila’s life unexpectedly. Although her visions are terrifying, she is fascinated by his charm and his legacy. When it becomes evident that the murders are linked to a paranormal event, Conner introduces Leila to a world unbeknownst to ordinary society. She suddenly finds herself immersed in supernatural politics, sorcery, and danger as she becomes the killer’s next target. Staying alive will mean relying on friends, accepting the unbelievable, and trusting in her heart again.

Links to books:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Evil-Leila-Novels-ebook/dp/B009ZTSKYA/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1351864525&sr=8-10&keywords=amber+garr

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/250636

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/touching-evil-amber-garr/1113732694?ean=9781480021594

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16054932-touching-evil?ac=1

Links to trailer: http://youtu.be/kIZfRkITVJc

Series site:

http://theleilamarxnovels.blogspot.com/

About the author (Amber Garr):

Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner and the author of The Syrenka Series and The Leila Marx Novels. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

 

 

Links to author:

Website: www.ambergarr.com

Blog: http://ambergarr.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Garr/232359720165110?sk=wall

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmberGarr1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5374297.Amber_Garr

Review:

This is the first book tour I have been a part of and I have to say, I thought that it was a good experience. Because it was pitched a little like a paranormal romance, I almost passed it up since I am not big into the passionate thrillers out there. However, I was extremely pleased with the novel.

There were a few small things that I had a few issues with, but nothing too big. Just my quirky side revealing itself once again. Within the novel, there were several grammatically incorrect areas where things like "than" was used instead of "then", etc. My biggest complaint about the main character was that I never got a very clear image of what she looked like. Her thoughts and motives seemed to be clear, but I just kind of imagined what I thought her physical attributes were. The beginning of the book moved very quickly and I had a hard time following it. Since it was a dream sequence, that made a little more sense after I figured that out. Also, normally the novel would not start with a dialogue sequence because it throws the reader directly into the story without a clear sense of setting, personality of the main character, etc. Sometimes that can be rather disorienting and could turn off the reader. However, here, I did not feel that was too much of a hindrance.

What I really liked about this novel was the ease at which it read. It had a great flow and I didn't want to put it down. I was fully engrossed in the plot and wanted to know what was going to happen next. For me, I'm a big fan of old monster movies, so the beloved characters of werewolves, vampires, and witches brought a sort of nostalgic familiarity that I loved. However, I would have loved for that part of the storyline to have been fleshed out a bit more. Perhaps it was a set up for the next book in the series.

The struggle that Leila had between the two men was interesting as well. Two very different types of men and I actually thought that the romantic part of the novel would keep me from enjoying it. However, it didn't and I found myself wondering why she would choose the one man over the other.

Overall, I thought that this book was a very well written and captivating story. If you enjoy light supernatural thrillers with a dash of romance, then this book is for you. If you need a little more detail and a little bit more supernatural darkness, then this book may not be for you. Either way, I think that it is worth reading at some point.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I was given a copy of the novel for the book tour; I was not paid to give this review.

Death of an Intern

Synopsis:

Thriller Debut Book in Laura Wolfe Series Presents Suspenseful Murder Mystery Situated in the Nation’s Capital. Plot Twists Keep Readers Guessing “Who Done It” Right Down to the Final Pages.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Stories about crime in Washington, DC, are nothing new, even when politicians are involved. But when protagonist Laura Wolfe, a reporter for the Washington Daily Star, follows her instincts covering a multiple-murder case, dubbed a serial killing, and is led to the doors of the Vice President of the United States . . . well this reporter seeks more. Death of an Intern by Keith M. Donaldson takes readers on unexpected twists, stops, and starts that keep them in suspense throughout. (Synopsis provided via Bostick Communications e-mail).

Review: I thought that Keith Donaldson did a very good job at developing his leading character to be a strong female lead. However, outside of that, I didn't think that the other main characters were fleshed out as well and I had trouble trying to visualize them over the course of the novel. Sometimes, the supporting characters were not given enough background development and I had a hard time understanding their motives or actions.

Donaldson states at the end of the novel that he first wrote this as a screen play and that helps me to understand some of the issues that I had with this. First off, the lead character is always written in first person point of view. That is okay, but sometimes the author forgets that you only see or feel things through that character and would state what the other character in the scene was thinking. In first person, you can't do that. All the other scenes in the novel are written in third person point of view, which is fine. I wish that Donaldson would have just stuck with third person for the whole novel, since it would have made it a much easier read.

The other main issue that I had with this novel was that it had over 100 chapters in it. Some of the chapters were less than a page long. This is just a pet-peeve of mine, but by doing that, it makes it a much faster read and choppy at times. Nothing seemed to get developed and I was using too much of my own imagination filling the spaces in between the main storyline.

However, even though the plot was not entirely original, sex scandal in the White House, it did have a few twists and turns here and there that made it enjoyable. Again, I liked the strong female lead and how the characters themselves seemed realistic and not entirely fictional. I enjoyed this novel and felt that it was an entertaining read.

If you are someone who likes a good, old-fashioned political scandal murder mystery, then this book is for you. If you are into a more modern or fresh approach to a political murder mystery, then this book isn't for you.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

I was given a copy of this book by the author via Bostick Communications; I was not paid to review this book.

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder

Synopsis: This summer has been warmer than usual in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and Hannah Swensen is trying to beat the heat both in and out of her bakery kitchen. But she's about to find out the hard way that nothing cools off a hot summer day like cold-blooded murder. . .
It's a hot, muggy evening, and the last thing Hannah wants to do is squeeze into a pair of pantyhose for the Grand Opening of the refurbished Albion Hotel. But with Hannah's famous Red Velvet cupcakes being served in the hotel's new Red Velvet lounge, she can't bring herself to back out.

The party starts off with a bang with the unexpected arrival of Doctor Bev, a Lake Eden legend who left town in shame after she two-timed her fiancé one too many times. Bev's splashy appearance on the arm of a wealthy investor is the talk of the night. But the gossip comes to a screeching halt when a partygoer takes a mysterious dive off the hotel's rooftop garden.

The victim is the sheriff's secretary, Barbara Donnelly, and she is barely clinging to life. The question is, did she fall--or was she pushed? As the police investigate, the only one who isn't preoccupied with the case is Doctor Bev. She's too busy trying to stir things up with her old flame Norman, who's reunited with Hannah.

Just as Hannah's patience with Bev runs dangerously thin, her rival is found dead at the bottom of Miller's Pond. The only clue the police have is the Red Velvet cupcake Bev ate right before she died--and the tranquilizers someone seems to have baked into it. To everyone's shock, Hannah is now the unlikely target of a murder investigation--and she's feeling the heat in a way she never has before. . .(Taken from Goodreads.com).

Review: I had to read several of her books in a row! Call this a guilty pleasure or a new obsession. At some point I see myself owning all of the books in this series.

The only think that I was a little disappointed about with this novel, was that I was able to figure out who the murderer was rather quickly and why that particular individual was the killer. Again though, this book was just delightful and I enjoyed reading every page. I also thought that the fact Hannah was stringing along two men would bother me, but that strange triangle romance did not get too much in the way of the mystery at hand, which was a good thing. I think that Joanne Fluke is a very skilled writer and it has been a long time that I have enjoyed reading a series this much!

On a bakers note: I tried out the Tickled Pink Lemonade Cookie recipe in this book and it was quite delicious. I did make a slight change to it, but that is just what I do with most recipes; tweak them to my liking : )

Again, I would recommend that people who love murder mysteries and to bake read this book.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

I bought this book at a local store; I was not asked to do a review of this book.

Cinnamon Roll Murder

Synopsis: When Hannah learns that the Cinnamon Roll Six jazz band will be playing in Lake Eden, Minnesota, she bakes up a supply of their namesake confections to welcome them. But tragedy strikes when their tour bus overturns on its way into town. But minor injuries for the keyboard player turn deadly when someone plunges surgical scissors into his chest. (Taken from Goodreads.com).
Review: I think that I might have found another favorite author to read. Joanne Fluke has combined two things that I love: murder mysteries and baking! In fact, the way things are going, I may need to read the whole series star to finish!

Review: This book was well written and the characters are extremely developed. So much to the point, that I did not feel hindered by starting toward the end of the series instead of with the first book. The lead character Hannah is part private investigator and local cookie baker. What was really great about her, is that she isn't the typical beauty that most people would make their leading ladies out to be. She is a little awkward and has flaming, unruly red hair! Her family is also very close and the way they interact with one another is very believable. It brought back many memories of my own family gatherings and I love it when I am able to connect to book like that.

The other thing that I truly LOVE about this book is the fact that it includes many delicious recipes. There are two recipes that I can't wait to try: for cinnamon rolls and raspberry sandwich cookies. If you are an avid home baker such as myself, you will find these recipes easy to follow.

Overall, I thought that this was delightful. The killer is not quickly exposed and you are working toward finding out who it is along with Hannah. So, if you enjoy easy reading that invokes the urge to make homemade bake goods, then this book is for you. If finding recipes at the end of many of the chapters would seem like a distraction, then don't read the book. However, I think that you would be missing out on an extremely fun read.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

I bought this book at a local bookstore; I was not asked to do a review of this book.