This is the last book in the Theodore Boone series. I had “co-read” the first one, “Kid Lawyer,” with my grandson. Review here: https://wwCatching up…
This is the last book in the Theodore Boone series. I had “co-read” the first one, “Kid Lawyer,” with my grandson. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... When this one was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I decided to go ahead and read it.
In this story, we find Teddy ready to graduate 8th grade and in the midst of taking a series of standardized tests. When the results come back mixed for him and his friend April, she tells him it is because teachers had changed the scoring because of pressure from the district. Because this affected her, she decides to do something about it. This creates headlines, and now teachers are accused of cheating and await their punishment.
There is also a side story in which Teddy helps a classmate who is concerned about his father’s actions against his mother and himself.
Since Teddy is considered a “teen lawyer” there is an expectation for lawyering to occur, as much as can be expected of a 13-year-old who isn’t a lawyer, but his parents are. With a courthouse scene, young readers will get a sense of what does take place in addressing these key issues of what happens when there is wrongdoing. Could there have been more substance in the story? Yes. But it still was fun to visit the idea of a young boy motivated to help fellow classmates because of the positive influence from his parents....more
When I went in to my local library to pick up books, I found this one on the shelves. (I forgot to put this in my currently reading list.) It had beenWhen I went in to my local library to pick up books, I found this one on the shelves. (I forgot to put this in my currently reading list.) It had been a long time since I had read a Decker/Lazarus novel, but I was up for it. So, what does that mean? Well, it means that it is probably best that you follow the series from the beginning, so you know who the characters are, but you can pick up after a long absence and still feel like you are family because the characters are so rich.
Rina (Lazarus) is Peter Decker’s wife. Peter is a former detective lieutenant with the LAPD who now works for the local Greenbury Police in upstate New York.
While walking a local trail and wanting to photograph the area, Rina stumbles upon skeletal remains. What happened here? And, what does this mean when 2 more skeletal remains are discovered that are related to missing students in the area? Does this nice college town have a serial killer?
As Decker investigates, much is discovered, and the heartache of families who have been missing these kids becomes front and center. But what happens when a fresh crime occurs?
This is an excellent police procedural, with well-developed characters, short chapters and an unknown killer that will keep readers guessing till the very end....more
Amira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodneAmira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodness for the distraction and a way out of that messy date. Her decision to go directly to her aunt’s lawyer’s office sets this story in motion. Because now she meets Naveen. The San Francisco lawyer who is working for his uncle’s small practice. Surprisingly, he is also looking for love. Oh, what could this mean in the rom-com world of love matches?
The problem is, Naveen is someone Amira has been matched with before and dumped. Oh no! What will readers be in for now? Well, it is a bit more complicated than a love match. We’ve got criminals in this story and a kidnapping, too. And, here you have this couple, Amira and Naveen who don’t want to be together, suddenly together on a madcap adventure. What is in store for them? Is this how one gets to a HEA?
If you want a light read this book will give you… Silly. Cute. Charming. Entertaining and Fun....more
“Looking forward to the day is good. Enjoying your work is good. Knowing you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Feeling as if you’re living th“Looking forward to the day is good. Enjoying your work is good. Knowing you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Feeling as if you’re living the right life.”
Lily has dropped out of medical school because she would rather be an artist. So now she is cleaning houses and squatting on the Cape at Dune Cottage on the sly, and enjoying her own painting. She is also harboring a crush on Todd who is now engaged to Amelie. Will she be able to find her happily ever after?
Cecilia has just turned 70+ and is feeling quite detached from her life. She has been a widow of famous author Cameron for a year, and is tired of being under the thumb of her daughter Kristen. While Kristen has planned a party, supposedly to celebrate Cecilia’s birthday, but mostly to honor her famous Dad, Cecilia sneaks out and heads for her secret place, Dune Cottage to hide away. But what about Seth? How does he play into this story? Will Cecilia be able to find her happily ever after?
Todd, who is Cecilia’s grandson has found his own way, despite his family’s wealth. But something isn’t quite right for him either. He adores his grandmother, and is concerned for her. And, did he make the right decision about Amelie? Will he be able to find his happily ever after?
So, we have 3 very likable characters who are attempting to find themselves, and perhaps something that has been alluding them in their lives. How will these lives intersect, especially as Cecilia finds Lily at Dune Cottage? And, Todd suddenly showing up?
And, of course there is Kristen, too. Will she be able to find her happily ever after?
And, what about the art? What Lily wants for herself? Or, what Cecilia gave up in herself? What secrets does Cecelia hold as it relates to “The Girl on the Shore?”
The author presents a peaceful calm Cape ocean setting. It allows readers to connect to the characters and feel hopeful that whatever happens, whether it is predictable or not, the pages turn in a way that makes one feel a sense of gratification that they just had a truly lovely reading experience....more
Meow! Purr! And, yoga! Who could ask for more? How about murder? Yikes!! Let us start with the kitties.
Ashley Branson opens a yoga studio called A PuMeow! Purr! And, yoga! Who could ask for more? How about murder? Yikes!! Let us start with the kitties.
Ashley Branson opens a yoga studio called A Purrfect Pose that helps people find inner peace, because it also provides cats for adoption. But unfortunately, one of her clients is found dead, and her brother is accused of the murder. What will happen to her business now? And, does this mean she becomes a bit of an investigator, too? In some ways this drags the story down a bit, as does her dysfunctional family.
There are so many characters to keep track of in this story that it becomes difficult at times to know who is who. Yet, the premise of a yoga studio with kitties for adoption seemed sweet. Still, it will be hard to imagine what other trouble could occur in future stories for this series. If it involves her family members, that may not be worth following.
3 stars with .5 upward for the kitties for adoption concept! ...more
“Maybe that is how it worked: certain people came into your life at just the right moment – only you didn’t know it was the right moment, not at the t“Maybe that is how it worked: certain people came into your life at just the right moment – only you didn’t know it was the right moment, not at the time.”
Stylishly scenic, readers will first be attracted to the beautiful area, Porthpella, (a coastal village in Cornwall). We are feeling the ocean, the sea breeze and the cozy setting as we meet main characters Ally Bright, a recent widow and her dog, Fox taking their regular walk along the beach.
Soon, something happens that gets her involved, in a police investigation. She did not expect this might be her new calling, and it is easy for her to be befriended by Jayden, an ex-policeman who is a recent transplant to the town with his wife and baby. Jayden is very interested in addressing the issue of the young man who has fallen off the cliff (suicide attempt?) and has a history with the town.
But there is more, and both seem to find themselves within the middle of what could possibly be tied to a cold case.
The cast of characters are well-developed, likable and believable. The plot is a slow-burn, but it moves comfortably with twists and turns that keep readers engaged. An easy-to-read, entertaining and thoughtful story with themes of loss and redemption that makes this nice first in the series cozy, work....more
“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” – Dylan Thomas
As readers, our first introduction to this motle“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” – Dylan Thomas
As readers, our first introduction to this motley crew of senior citizens (for the most part) is when they are being commandeered by an officer of the law. Everyone has an opportunity to release their reasons for the officer to want to take them in. What kind of past are they hiding from, that all these guilty voices would be rising in this calamitous moment?
“How could you create a future when you had no past you would admit to?”
As it turns out, they all have come to the local senior center to find companionship. Told in multiple P.O.V.’s everyone has their own story and reason for wanting to find others. If nothing else, other than to overcome their own sense of loneliness as they recognize their advanced age and uncertain purpose at this stage of their lives. And, some come with a spectacular attitude.
“Where’s the fun in aging gracefully? Personally, I intend to age as disgracefully as possible.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
But as we connect with their inner lives, we watch how things change for them as they connect with each other. And, our curiosity as readers, especially with that introductory prologue, makes us wonder, who were they really before they were the people they are now?
They are on a mission to save their senior center. And, these gallant six geriatric individuals, along with a young man, an infant and child with his own issues…including a sweet dog named Margaret Thatcher, (or versions of that name) make their own splash into the hearts of readers.
Still, in some ways, it was difficult to fully engage with the plot. The characters weren’t always likable, or even always liking each other (in the beginning) and it took some time to connect with them. But eventually there were moments, out-loud-laugh moments, that made it easier to appreciate and understand them.
This may be a book that readers will just want to sit back, take it in, relax with it, and watch the trouble the characters seem to make. And not take yourself to seriously while enjoying the reading experience.
So, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you aSo, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you are asking for a summer romance escape. Amirite?
With this one, Clara is the perfect protagonist who is burnt out, dumped and sent off by her boss on a forced vacation. An old friend has asked her to come to a yearly visit to their old summer camp. And, there we find her old “nemesis” who really was her old “crush,” Mack. Now, we are smart readers, right? We know what is going to happen.
The camp is closing. Wait, what? It just can’t! These girls have got to do something about it, right? And, this chemistry between Mack and Clara has to go somewhere, right?
And, that is your story. Will they or won’t they save the camp? Will Mack and Clara get together or not?
Cute, nostalgic summer camp romance. Are you up for the escape and fun of it? Then this is the book for you....more
It seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t TemIt seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t Tempe Brennan, our favorite forensic anthropologist a fighter too? For whatever reason, I just feel at home in a Bones book. The characters feel like family, including her cat, Birdie.
Of course, going backwards, when I am already reading her most recent novels, reminded me that I had already read this one, but it was nice to re-visit it. It also reminded me how devoted she is to her cases. The importance she places on getting all the facts, her bossiness, her relentless pursuit for the truth, and her willingness to dive deep until she knows what really happened despite whether the victim was a “good” person or not. Because sometimes cops were just opinionated about the victims. And, she cared to know what really happened before putting the case to rest.
There is always good dialogue throughout, interesting banter, and of course, the never-ending tension with her soon to be ex-husband, Pete and what may come with her on-again-off-again partnership with Ryan. And, in this one, there will be some sadness that Ryan endures in this story, that will affect him deeply.
With this case, the more Tempe digs, the more she discovers, with the right amount of page-turning tension, which gives readers a very satisfying read.
As in all series, it is best to start from the beginning to get the full satisfaction of the characters back stories.
And, of course, as a treat, the author provides a “from the forensic files of Dr. Kathy Reichs” at the back of the book that should not be read until the end....more
We typically know this author for his Ladies Detective Agency series. He also has the Isabel Dalhousie and 44 Scotland Street and Corduroy Mansions boWe typically know this author for his Ladies Detective Agency series. He also has the Isabel Dalhousie and 44 Scotland Street and Corduroy Mansions book series, as well other stand-alone books. So, when I saw this one in the local library, I discovered that this series actually has been around since 2013. I guess I haven’t been paying attention!
So, with this series, we have Detective Ulf Varg who is well, odd. He also has a unique pet dog, Marten, who is deaf and can read lips. Yes, you heard me right.
Yes, this is quite the series, which takes place in a fictional, Scandinavian setting. Their cases, well, they are odd, too. A made-up missing boyfriend, paranormal goings on, a market trader who is wounded, but not seriously. And, then all the goings on with everyday life.
The crimes may be insignificant but the people interactions are interesting throughout the book. And, we can’t discount McCall Smith’s sense of humor as we watch Varg and all the other characters interact who are rather quirky, but likable. It is a quick, entertaining, easy read.
Even though this isn’t the first in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But as in all series, it probably is best to start at the beginning. ...more
I love this “If you take a mouse” series. It is wonderfully illustrated and always has a sing-song-y type of lyrical story that will keep young readerI love this “If you take a mouse” series. It is wonderfully illustrated and always has a sing-song-y type of lyrical story that will keep young readers engaged.
In this particular story, it is Christmas themed and has a mouse enjoying coming along to the movies. And, oh my goodness, there are so many wonderful Christmas-y ideas that come up in this story too, for families to do with kids! What a clever mouse!
In all probability, it is very likely we know the rhyme. Most children probably have made that wish every night to the stars… (At least, I know I did In all probability, it is very likely we know the rhyme. Most children probably have made that wish every night to the stars… (At least, I know I did as a kid. To be honest, I still do! ☺️)
“Star light, star bright First star I see tonight I wish I may I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight.”
But what makes this book so beautiful, is the gorgeous illustrations by Alexandra Day and the lovely positive message that goes along with it.
Each child and parent will have an opportunity to enjoy the star gazing colorful beauty of this book for each bedtime reading.
This is the first in the Booklover’s B&B Mystery series. And, as it so happens, I was gifted the first two books in the series for my LittCatching up…
This is the first in the Booklover’s B&B Mystery series. And, as it so happens, I was gifted the first two books in the series for my Little Free Library Shed. (I chose to just read this one. Both will go into the LFL after this posting.)
Charlotte Reed has inherited a B&B that isn’t quite the moneymaking business, even though it is located in beautiful coastal, Beaufort, North Carolina. So, one way Charlotte feels might attract people is to host special events celebrating books. One such event puts the spotlight on mystery author, Josephine Tey. Only Charlotte never expected that this event would turn up a real-life murder that would also turn her in to a crime-solving sleuth, especially when people think she is the murderer!
Now, even though it had a cute premise and a stunning setting, the characters weren’t exactly likable. So, much of the story was rather predictable and typical cozy mystery. But having said that, it did follow a format that may turn it into a fun little series that may please readers looking for a simple escape. And, hopefully the author will tone down Charlotte a bit as the series grows over time, since she is the one readers are supposed to connect to the most....more
I have been going through a lot of tests and blood draws to figure out what is going on with me since first writing my review for “The Lost Art of DyiI have been going through a lot of tests and blood draws to figure out what is going on with me since first writing my review for “The Lost Art of Dying” by Lydia S. Dugdale this past June. My Review (and personal update) included here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My go to place has been to get lost in books.
So, why not a book about books?
Well, as I was searching for the perfect book to get lost in, this one came up. And what made it even more perfect was my husband.
How does my husband fit in to this experience? What has been especially fun has been the experience of being read to by my husband. We use to do this early in our marriage, where when I might have some difficulty sleeping, (which has been happening to me a lot lately for obvious reasons) he would pull out some Ellery Queen short stories and read them. I know…you would think some cozy mysteries would get me excited and have difficulty sleeping. But in this case, it would be a perfect snoozer!
And, of course, with these short stories which also leads in on the cover, “crime strikes in the world of books.”
I have to admit, I did find myself falling asleep to some of the stories, and having to pick up and read them again to re-familiarize myself with what he read to me so I knew what I was reviewing! But the fun of being read too, again…priceless!
What attracted me most to this series of short stories was that the crimes were centered around books.
Penzler included classic authors from the past. Some printed so far back that it would be hard to find them. But he did.
The stories are imperfect, and because they are so old, you aren’t going to find modern police procedurals or DNA solutions.
Sometimes readers might find themselves sighing heavily, telling themselves, “really?” when the solution that is being brought forward, appears so implausible. But all in all, most the stories were fun and cozy. And, well worth the time to go back in time and appreciate Penzler’s willingness to find these stories for readers to get lost in.
And, if you can, I truly recommend making this a “read-to” experience. It’s my turn next book. To “read-to” my husband, that is....more
River Close is a quaint little neighborhood with quite the collection of neighbors. Like a chess master (grandmaster), and an overworked doctor, or thRiver Close is a quaint little neighborhood with quite the collection of neighbors. Like a chess master (grandmaster), and an overworked doctor, or the overlooked black QC (British lawyer – senior barrister), and so forth. Readers get to meet them all.
And then, there is the newest noisy neighbor who doesn’t seem to care what his neighbors think, Giles Kenworthy, until readers find him shot dead, and now all the neighborhood is under suspicion.
Enter, former detective Daniel Hawthorne, who is usually followed by writer, Anthony Horowitz. But not in this case. This time, this story within a story is told differently – in a back-and-forth way through time – where Horowitz is in the present – and Riverview Close is five years in the past. Since this is the case that Hawthorne is telling him about that Horowitz is wanting to write about for his next book.
So, how did this case really end?
Who wanted the despicable neighbor dead and why? What was someone hiding that Kenworthy may have unknowingly uncovered?
And then, just when all seemed to be clear, there is another murder. What? Why? And, who did it?
How will this second death play into the final scene? What will Horowitz discover as he sleuths out clues?
With so many people who hated the original victim, will this be difficult for readers to guess who could have been the culprit? Will this seem like readers are actually reading an Agatha Christie novel, like “Murder on the Orient Express?” Or, will there be a surprise twist that is original in its own way? (No spoilers from me.)
For fans of the Hawthorne & Horowitz series, this will feel like another easy-to-read, page-turning cozy. For those who are new to the series, you may want to start at the beginning...book 1, "The Word is Murder."...more
“I love to read. I love authors. I love to talk about their books. I could talk about books forever.” – Lillian Dabney, Librarian, Seattle Athenaeum
I “I love to read. I love authors. I love to talk about their books. I could talk about books forever.” – Lillian Dabney, Librarian, Seattle Athenaeum
I think Lillian Dabney, a librarian for the Seattle Athenaeum in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington just said exactly what I feel. And, I bet you feel the same way, too, right?
And, I also love the subtitle of this book. “True stories of the Magic of Reading.”
I think any of us who love reading, probably would be attracted to this title. And, I would have to believe any of us who take the time to post reviews here, would say that the fact that we read, and take the time to talk about what we read through our reviews, consider reading a magical experience.
Because…it simply enchants us in one way or another. Or, we love the escape it provides us. Or, the way it educates us. Or, the freedoms it gives to us by taking us places we may never have been. I am sure there are many other reasons we could list here. Because, there is so much about reading to love.
So, when I heard about this book, I couldn’t help but want to read it. Because, I was interested to hear what booksellers and librarians, who live the life of working around books – would have to say about it.
Would they feel as I do?
“To me, books are the greatest kind of escapism.” – Alexis Sky
Sky’s greatest experience was knowing that anytime anyone came to her bookstores, they could count on her recommendation of books. The true book whisperer! Who doesn’t just love that kind of person at your local bookstore?
Neighborhood bookstores should reflect their community. We have one. It is called Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay. We love how every time we would walk in to the bookstore, we not only could experience the smell of books, or sea air, but the staff would be available to discuss everything we needed to know about all the varying books and interests we had, or didn’t know we were wanting in a book. And, if the book wasn’t available, they would specialty order it for us. Independent bookstores are like that, and that is the message this book also conveys with the stories these booksellers shared.
Libraries also share that sense of community, too. It is a central hub for families and kids and the programs presented, that celebrate what is important to our communities. In our local library, Billie the corgi dog will read with the kids every week on Wednesdays (yes, you heard me right!). The children’s librarian will read with the pre-school kids once a week, too. And throughout the year there are programs for kids and teens, and an adult book discussion group once a month.
This book shares so many heart-warming stories that remind readers why we love to read. It also reminds us of the importance of our libraries and why we want to support independent bookstores. The stories are heart-felt and touching and thoughtful. And, a lovely tribute to the joy of reading and those who work in the field that support those of us who love to read....more
This is the first in the Lane Winslow mystery series. It is also the author’s debut novel. And, in this story, the author brings a rural country town This is the first in the Lane Winslow mystery series. It is also the author’s debut novel. And, in this story, the author brings a rural country town from the 1940’s to life.
Life is starting over for Lane as she is settling into small town life after serving as an undercover intelligence officer during WWII.
As she works through her changes, readers will experience how life is around the small post office to gossip chatter amongst the various characters, to garden tea parties and experiencing the beautiful countryside of British Columbia. And, our main character Lane will even have a love interest (no spoilers from me).
So, what happens when a body is discovered? And, how can Lane not get herself involved in the investigation?
Lane will work closely with Inspector Darling. They will be surrounded by an engaging cast of quirky characters. In some ways the story will feel cozy and somewhat predictable, but entertaining. And, even though Lane does her best not to create too much trouble as a sleuth, her experience as an undercover intelligence officer during the war, will serve her well. And, she will have quite the partnership with the Inspector.
The story flows fairly well, especially when showcasing the realities of how war has affected some of the characters. There are some usual twists and turns, but it is a fairly easy-to-read historical mystery that shows some promise as a series....more
The other day I was reading a review of one of my Goodreads friend, that I can’t recall the title, and I remember her lamenting, ‘why do tCatching up…
The other day I was reading a review of one of my Goodreads friend, that I can’t recall the title, and I remember her lamenting, ‘why do they always have to have the woman in a career as a florist?’ She wondered why the authors couldn’t be more creative. I had to smile because at the time I was reading her review of that book, I was re-visiting this one, that I had read a while ago. This had been donated to my Little Free Library Shed, which meant it was an opportunity for me to write a review of this one for Goodreads.
And yes, I was smiling, because the main protagonist is a florist. Did the title of the book give it away, too?
Ruby is a florist who has an intuitive gift of knowing what flowers will match the right person for the right experience. She seems to know everyone in town and she is an easily likable character. But, even though she seems to know everyone else’s needs – she isn’t very good about knowing her own.
This is a thoughtful, heart-moving character driven story that will tug at the heart of readers. (If you don’t mind another woman character whose career is a florist!)
There is a generosity of spirit, a loyal faithful dog (always my favorite when included in a story), familial love, friend and romantic love and of course, the flowers…it is almost like you can smell them through the pages....more
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Okay let’s be clear here. Look at the title and look at the book covCatching up…
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Okay let’s be clear here. Look at the title and look at the book cover. Would you not be a little bit enticed here? A woman lying on the beach with a book and the title is about a bookshop on a boardwalk? I’m in. Are you?
Mallery is known for women’s friendship fiction where each has problems and flaws, but…they are all hopeful with dreams. Especially for a new bookstore business to be successful on the boardwalk.
So, pull up a towel, with a nice comfy pillow on a sandy beach with this book. Add a little conversation, a few favorite snacks with your girlfriends, some gossip, maybe some tears, and hope for some important changes to occur in life. It’s time, right?...more
Have you ever been attracted to a book simply by its title? That happened to me with this book. Besides, I had made the mistake of reading the second Have you ever been attracted to a book simply by its title? That happened to me with this book. Besides, I had made the mistake of reading the second in the series, first, “Death in the Dark Woods” and I have learned it makes more sense, if possible, to start at the beginning with series.
Even so, when my Texas kids use to live in Illinois, and we visited them, we had the opportunity to also enjoy Door County, Wisconsin, which we absolutely loved. So, to be honest, when I saw this title, I thought, why not? Maybe, I will have a chance to re-live my experience of being in that great place again. (And yes, this is a very scenic read.)
This is also the first of the Monster Hunter series, in which Morgan Carter, the owner of the Odds and Ends Bookstore, in Door County, Wisconsin, enjoys hunting cryptids (lake monsters). She also has Newt the dog who brings a little humor and dog-love to the story.
When 2 young men go missing while boating at the lake, this is the perfect case for Morgan to help Chief Flanders find out what happened to them. Once discovered, the mystery steps up in high gear.
This is a page-turning, engaging and fun cozy, which according to the author’s note plays on some factual history. I won’t say what that is, because that will be a spoiler…I will leave that to readers to discover as they enjoy this first in the series, and may even want to befriend this quirky cryptozoologist.
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