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In Clock and Dagger, the second in the Clock Shop Mystery series, Ruth is once again plunged in the middle of a murder. The clock is ticking, can Ruth find a killer before time runs out?
It's just after Christmas in Orchard, MA and clock maker Ruth Clagan is busy with several events, and with troublemaker Becket Green's unreasonable plans. Just days before she's set to re-open Cog & Sprocket, word gets out that Beckett is planning a book store/coffee shop/corner market/clock shop to rival all the struggling businesses in Orchard. During an open house event staged to spur local patronage to the town's shops, one of Ruth's employees is found dead and shortly after, another is critically wounded. Can Ruth put the pieces together before it's too late?
Good plot, although I figured most of it out 2/3 of the way through the book. The murderer was a surprise (mostly because they weren't in the book much) and I loved Caroline's intriguing back story and I enjoyed all the random trivia about clocks.
The conclusion didn't do it for me, though.
Although likeable, Ruth is rather obtuse. At one point, the bad guy says, "One thing I've always liked about you is your intellect." and I snorted. Really? It took her until the end of the book to figure out why Ben was in a snit.
Overall, an enjoyable read, even with all the plot holes. I like this series enough to continue with it, and I recommend it as a nice, light mystery.
In Clock and Dagger, the second in the Clock Shop Mystery series, Ruth is once again plunged in the middle of a murder. The clock is ticking, can Ruth find a killer before time runs out?
It's just after Christmas in Orchard, MA and clock maker Ruth Clagan is busy with several events, and with troublemaker Becket Green's unreasonable plans. Just days before she's set to re-open Cog & Sprocket, word gets out that Beckett is planning a book store/coffee shop/corner market/clock shop to rival all the struggling businesses in Orchard. During an open house event staged to spur local patronage to the town's shops, one of Ruth's employees is found dead and shortly after, another is critically wounded. Can Ruth put the pieces together before it's too late?
Good plot, although I figured most of it out 2/3 of the way through the book. The murderer was a surprise (mostly because they weren't in the book much) and I loved Caroline's intriguing back story and I enjoyed all the random trivia about clocks.
The conclusion didn't do it for me, though.
Spoiler
First of all, I used to work as an emergency operator/dispatcher and I find it hard to believe that a police department would cancel an emergency call if someone called back to say it was a false alarm. I guess it had to be that way to set up the damsel in distress ending, which was disappointing. The saving grace was Beckett trying to redeem himself, but I'm betting he'll be a thorn in Orchard's side for a while to come.Although likeable, Ruth is rather obtuse. At one point, the bad guy says, "One thing I've always liked about you is your intellect." and I snorted. Really? It took her until the end of the book to figure out why Ben was in a snit.
Overall, an enjoyable read, even with all the plot holes. I like this series enough to continue with it, and I recommend it as a nice, light mystery.
See my full review on Mystereity Reviews
Humorous, entertaining and witty, Quirky Essays for Quirky People has 24 essays/short stories about life, family, and the perfection of life as an imperfect person.
I'm a big fan of the author's cozy mystery series, so I expected this to be just as laugh out loud funny and it was! The story about her cooking disaster made me laugh until I cried. I related to so many of the stories! As a lazy bones procrastinator who can sniff out candy a mile away, I saw myself on quite a few of those pages. The author's stories about her family were heartwarming and sweet, they sound like wonderful people to be around.
Overall, Quirky Essays for Quirky People is a hilarious look into life and the perfect book to curl up with while trying to avoid doing something else.
Humorous, entertaining and witty, Quirky Essays for Quirky People has 24 essays/short stories about life, family, and the perfection of life as an imperfect person.
I'm a big fan of the author's cozy mystery series, so I expected this to be just as laugh out loud funny and it was! The story about her cooking disaster made me laugh until I cried. I related to so many of the stories! As a lazy bones procrastinator who can sniff out candy a mile away, I saw myself on quite a few of those pages. The author's stories about her family were heartwarming and sweet, they sound like wonderful people to be around.
Overall, Quirky Essays for Quirky People is a hilarious look into life and the perfect book to curl up with while trying to avoid doing something else.
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See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
David Bercoivci's The Origins of Everything in 100 Pages (More or Less) is actually closer to 150 pages, which still makes it a short, concise book considering there's 14 billion years of history packed into it.
I've always had an interest in the origins of the universe and life on Earth, but my knowledge is rudimentary. Before starting the book, I'd say my knowledge of the subject was pretty basic, limited to a few college courses years ago, some science documentaries on tv and an article here and there.
The author admits that "the goal of this book is not meant to be deep and comprehensive, but instead to be boldly (or badly) shallow and superficial in the best sense of these words." Which is a good thing, because although the book is written to be understood by anyone, part of it were still over my head. I had to read this bit by bit, because it was easy to overload on the information and at that point, it was hard for me to absorb the information. So I'd take a break for a bit, then go back to it.
Starting with The Big Bang and the formation of Earth, continuing through plate techtonics and finally the evolution of life on Earth, The section that interested me the most was the formation of our planet, including how and why Earth is the only temperate and habitable planet. I was fascinated by the explanations that answered many of the questions I had, such as why Venus didn't evolve like our planet did and even raised new questions that I can explore.
Overall, The Origins of Everything in 100 Pages (More or Less) is an excellent book that covers the basics of Planetary physics and Geophysics and is a great overview for those starting out in learning, or who want to expand their knowledge.
Thank you to Yale University Press and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
David Bercoivci's The Origins of Everything in 100 Pages (More or Less) is actually closer to 150 pages, which still makes it a short, concise book considering there's 14 billion years of history packed into it.
I've always had an interest in the origins of the universe and life on Earth, but my knowledge is rudimentary. Before starting the book, I'd say my knowledge of the subject was pretty basic, limited to a few college courses years ago, some science documentaries on tv and an article here and there.
The author admits that "the goal of this book is not meant to be deep and comprehensive, but instead to be boldly (or badly) shallow and superficial in the best sense of these words." Which is a good thing, because although the book is written to be understood by anyone, part of it were still over my head. I had to read this bit by bit, because it was easy to overload on the information and at that point, it was hard for me to absorb the information. So I'd take a break for a bit, then go back to it.
Starting with The Big Bang and the formation of Earth, continuing through plate techtonics and finally the evolution of life on Earth, The section that interested me the most was the formation of our planet, including how and why Earth is the only temperate and habitable planet. I was fascinated by the explanations that answered many of the questions I had, such as why Venus didn't evolve like our planet did and even raised new questions that I can explore.
Overall, The Origins of Everything in 100 Pages (More or Less) is an excellent book that covers the basics of Planetary physics and Geophysics and is a great overview for those starting out in learning, or who want to expand their knowledge.
Thank you to Yale University Press and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
The Healing Art of Essential Oils: A Guide to 50 Oils for Remedy, Ritual, and Everyday Use is a great reference as an introduction to essential oils and aromatherapy.
A few months ago, I got a neck massage and the therapist used juniper and eucalyptus oil and I was curious to find out why those particular oils? So when I saw this book for offer on NetGalley, I was interested in expanding my knowledge and this book accomplished that and so much more.
Kac Young obviously knows her oils and she explains them well, breaking down each essential oil's properties and usage. The explanation of the various ways to use essential oils (diffuser, inhaler, on the skin, etc) Very well researched and easy to understand, the book guides you through how to purchase quality oils, how to blend them and the best uses for each oil. There are so many useful tips in here, from how to blend the fragrances, to how to use essential oils to cure common ailments and even recipes for everyday products. Since it's cold/flu season, I plan on utilizing the recipes to clean and sanitize the air in your home, plus household cleaners and hand sanitizers that are all natural. I really want to try the anti-aging serum (have you seen how much they cost at the store? Much cheaper to make it myself, and with all natural ingredients!) I have never had so many bookmarks in one book before, I can't wait until the book is released to buy a hardcover to keep as a handy reference.
Overall, a great book to get budding aromatherapists started, and would make an excellent gift for anyone interested in all-natural products for healing and in the home.
Thank you to Llewellyn Publications and NetGalley who provided an advance copy in return for my honest review.
The Healing Art of Essential Oils: A Guide to 50 Oils for Remedy, Ritual, and Everyday Use is a great reference as an introduction to essential oils and aromatherapy.
A few months ago, I got a neck massage and the therapist used juniper and eucalyptus oil and I was curious to find out why those particular oils? So when I saw this book for offer on NetGalley, I was interested in expanding my knowledge and this book accomplished that and so much more.
Kac Young obviously knows her oils and she explains them well, breaking down each essential oil's properties and usage. The explanation of the various ways to use essential oils (diffuser, inhaler, on the skin, etc) Very well researched and easy to understand, the book guides you through how to purchase quality oils, how to blend them and the best uses for each oil. There are so many useful tips in here, from how to blend the fragrances, to how to use essential oils to cure common ailments and even recipes for everyday products. Since it's cold/flu season, I plan on utilizing the recipes to clean and sanitize the air in your home, plus household cleaners and hand sanitizers that are all natural. I really want to try the anti-aging serum (have you seen how much they cost at the store? Much cheaper to make it myself, and with all natural ingredients!) I have never had so many bookmarks in one book before, I can't wait until the book is released to buy a hardcover to keep as a handy reference.
Overall, a great book to get budding aromatherapists started, and would make an excellent gift for anyone interested in all-natural products for healing and in the home.
Thank you to Llewellyn Publications and NetGalley who provided an advance copy in return for my honest review.
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
Jesse lives a hermit's life on an island just off Haven Harbor's shore, alone except for his beloved Great Cormorants. When a millionaire visits Haven Harbor and decides to buy Jesse's island, Jesse's only concern is to save the island for the birds. When Jesse is found dead, there's plenty of suspects, but who was the killer and why?
I enjoy Haven Harbor and its cozy atmosphere and
the enjoyable plot kept a steady pace through the book, with a little bit of action to added to the suspense. I had a good idea who the killer was halfway through the book but it turned out I was wrong (close, but wrong.)
I thought the climax of the book was a little abrupt. The plot was slowly and steadily moving along, then screeched to a halt. It was, for the most part, a satisfying conclusion and the plot was resolved, but it was incongrous with the pace of the book and a the loose ends a little too neatly tied up.
Overall, I enjoyed Dangling by a Thread and I will continue to read the series (even if only for the recipes at the end of the book. Those Maple Oatmeal cookies sound amazing. No raisins for me, please.)
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley, who provided an advance copy to read and review in return for my honest review.
Jesse lives a hermit's life on an island just off Haven Harbor's shore, alone except for his beloved Great Cormorants. When a millionaire visits Haven Harbor and decides to buy Jesse's island, Jesse's only concern is to save the island for the birds. When Jesse is found dead, there's plenty of suspects, but who was the killer and why?
I enjoy Haven Harbor and its cozy atmosphere and
the enjoyable plot kept a steady pace through the book, with a little bit of action to added to the suspense. I had a good idea who the killer was halfway through the book but it turned out I was wrong (close, but wrong.)
I thought the climax of the book was a little abrupt. The plot was slowly and steadily moving along, then screeched to a halt. It was, for the most part, a satisfying conclusion and the plot was resolved, but it was incongrous with the pace of the book and a the loose ends a little too neatly tied up.
Overall, I enjoyed Dangling by a Thread and I will continue to read the series (even if only for the recipes at the end of the book. Those Maple Oatmeal cookies sound amazing. No raisins for me, please.)
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley, who provided an advance copy to read and review in return for my honest review.
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
Minnie arrives at work one morning, and as she is shelving book, stumbles onto a woman lying dead on the floor. Soon after, the library, the bookmobile and a local shop are vandalized. Is the murder connected to the vandalism? Minnie and Eddie find themselves once again looking for a killer.
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, but I rounded up to 4 because of Eddie. Although enjoyable, it meandered a bit (ok, maybe more than a bit) in the middle. I think there was too many other things going on that distracted from the plot; the search for a new library director, Kristin's insecurities, her aunt's strange behavior, it was a bit too much packed into one book.
I love that Minie is such a book nerd, it makes her more relatable to me than anything else. "I breathed deep, drawing my favorite smell into my lungs: books. Flowers were all well and good, but what could compare to the scent of stories, of knowledge, of learning, of history?"
And, of course, there's Eddie. He's the star of the show, (mrr!) and he knows it. There's a note at the beginning of the book that the real Eddie passed away earlier this year. How very sad. RIP Eddie *sad mrr*
Overall, I enjoyed Cat with a Clue, but I do think this would've been better with fewer plot threads. This book can be read as a standalone, and I and recommend the series to cozy mystery fans looking for a light read.
Minnie arrives at work one morning, and as she is shelving book, stumbles onto a woman lying dead on the floor. Soon after, the library, the bookmobile and a local shop are vandalized. Is the murder connected to the vandalism? Minnie and Eddie find themselves once again looking for a killer.
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, but I rounded up to 4 because of Eddie. Although enjoyable, it meandered a bit (ok, maybe more than a bit) in the middle. I think there was too many other things going on that distracted from the plot; the search for a new library director, Kristin's insecurities, her aunt's strange behavior, it was a bit too much packed into one book.
I love that Minie is such a book nerd, it makes her more relatable to me than anything else. "I breathed deep, drawing my favorite smell into my lungs: books. Flowers were all well and good, but what could compare to the scent of stories, of knowledge, of learning, of history?"
And, of course, there's Eddie. He's the star of the show, (mrr!) and he knows it. There's a note at the beginning of the book that the real Eddie passed away earlier this year. How very sad. RIP Eddie *sad mrr*
Overall, I enjoyed Cat with a Clue, but I do think this would've been better with fewer plot threads. This book can be read as a standalone, and I and recommend the series to cozy mystery fans looking for a light read.
See this review and more at Mystereity Reviews
In 1890, a new church is being erected in Stoke Newington, headed by a charismatic preacher named Tristan King whose congregation is at odds with the C of E teachings. Despite the disapproval of many of the townspeople, King's church manages to attract a following, including a young woman desperate to escape her controlling half-brother.
In the present day, Alex's daughter just bought a new house, and Alex offers to help with the renovations. When an old floorboard is pulled up to reveal an old box containing papers related to an old church, Alex can't help but find out more about them. Not long after, old bones are found nearby at a construction site. Alex's investigating leads her to an unbalanced woman trying to prove ownership of King's church. Soon, Alex finds herself tied up in past events and current mysteries, trying to put all the pieces together.
While I enjoyed the book, it just didn't live up to my expectations. I thought the historical part of the mystery dragged the book down, most of it was pretty predictable and I found myself flipping through much of those chapters. While it was interesting, it went on too long. If pared down to be less wordy, and the modern day plot beefed up a little more, this would've been a 5 star book.
The present day plot about Jane and ownership of the church fizzled out with an anti-climactic whimper and I was left wondering why it was a part of the story, it was almost like an afterthought.
I did enjoy the genealogical part of the mystery; it was interesting to see Alex connect the dots. Genealogy is a hobby of mine and I love those aha! moments when you finally find that missing link in a family tree.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and the premise was interesting but I just didn't connect with the story at all.
Thank you to Endeavor Press and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
In 1890, a new church is being erected in Stoke Newington, headed by a charismatic preacher named Tristan King whose congregation is at odds with the C of E teachings. Despite the disapproval of many of the townspeople, King's church manages to attract a following, including a young woman desperate to escape her controlling half-brother.
In the present day, Alex's daughter just bought a new house, and Alex offers to help with the renovations. When an old floorboard is pulled up to reveal an old box containing papers related to an old church, Alex can't help but find out more about them. Not long after, old bones are found nearby at a construction site. Alex's investigating leads her to an unbalanced woman trying to prove ownership of King's church. Soon, Alex finds herself tied up in past events and current mysteries, trying to put all the pieces together.
While I enjoyed the book, it just didn't live up to my expectations. I thought the historical part of the mystery dragged the book down, most of it was pretty predictable and I found myself flipping through much of those chapters. While it was interesting, it went on too long. If pared down to be less wordy, and the modern day plot beefed up a little more, this would've been a 5 star book.
The present day plot about Jane and ownership of the church fizzled out with an anti-climactic whimper and I was left wondering why it was a part of the story, it was almost like an afterthought.
I did enjoy the genealogical part of the mystery; it was interesting to see Alex connect the dots. Genealogy is a hobby of mine and I love those aha! moments when you finally find that missing link in a family tree.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and the premise was interesting but I just didn't connect with the story at all.
Thank you to Endeavor Press and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
See this review and more at Mystereity Reviews
I love this novella length series. Great mysteries, no violence or murder, and lovable characters. It's always a nice change of pace to curl up with one of these books.
Joan and Janet are into the post-Christmas slump and are happy to have a bookings for their B&B, a young couple just starting out, happy to have a few days holiday and an older woman who was sent to the B&B by Edward, Janet's mysterious friend. Not long after the guests arrive, a string of break-ins have the shop owners in Doveby Dale on edge. Could their guests be involved?
While I figured it all out pretty early on, it was still a very enjoyable book, and I expected nothing less. It always amazes me how rich the plots are in this series, considering they're only around 100 pages.
A very enjoyable escape from reality, this is a great series for anyone who loves a clean mystery without murders or violence. This book can be read as a stand alone, and don't really have to be read in order, but I recommend it.
I love this novella length series. Great mysteries, no violence or murder, and lovable characters. It's always a nice change of pace to curl up with one of these books.
Joan and Janet are into the post-Christmas slump and are happy to have a bookings for their B&B, a young couple just starting out, happy to have a few days holiday and an older woman who was sent to the B&B by Edward, Janet's mysterious friend. Not long after the guests arrive, a string of break-ins have the shop owners in Doveby Dale on edge. Could their guests be involved?
While I figured it all out pretty early on, it was still a very enjoyable book, and I expected nothing less. It always amazes me how rich the plots are in this series, considering they're only around 100 pages.
A very enjoyable escape from reality, this is a great series for anyone who loves a clean mystery without murders or violence. This book can be read as a stand alone, and don't really have to be read in order, but I recommend it.
See this and more reviews at Mystereity Reviews
Cait Morgan is a psychologist who specializes in victim profiling. Newly married to retired cop, Bud, they are surprised one day when Bud's mother calls to say her long-lost brother, Jonas, has died. His final message to Bud was to ask him to come to Amsterdam and fulfill his final wishes; to distribute some painting to a few surviving friends. When they arrive, Cait and Bud find things aren't what they seem, and it's up to them to unravel the secrets Jonas has hidden for decades.
This is the first book I've read in this series, and now I'm going to go back and read the others! It's been on my To-Be-Read list for months and if I'd known how good it was, I'd have gotten to it sooner! This can easily be read as a standalone, references to prior books were few and didn't distract from the story. I really enjoyed the writing style; the plot unwound steadily as the book progressed, with just enough suspense to keep me turning pages, yet relaxed enough that I felt like I was in Amsterdam soaking up the sights right along with Cait and Bud. While I figured out the "why" pretty early on, it was no less enjoyable and the conclusion was excellent. You know how on Murder, She Wrote, Jessica would take you through, step by step, the whole rotten plot right to the end? That's how this one was done. It was a great way to end the book.
The locale was a big draw, the old world city of Amsterdam with its art museums and bicycles and cafes and I really liked the description of Jonas's house, one of those tall, skinny buildings skirting the canal, complete with a pulley on top to move furniture in and out. I would've loved to see those steep, narrow staircases and that beautiful studio on the top floor.
The characters really make the book. Cait is smart and astute; with a photographic memory and a knack for reading people, she was the first to realize something was a bit off after arriving in Amsterdam. Jonas sounded like an interesting character, it's a shame he wasn't in the story. I really liked the solution of who was in the photos that Jonas had in his bedside table. What a great, memorable plot thread. I'll remember that one for a long time.
Overall, an excellent cozy mystery with a riveting plot, great characters and a beautiful locale, and I definitely recommend it for cozy mystery readers.
Cait Morgan is a psychologist who specializes in victim profiling. Newly married to retired cop, Bud, they are surprised one day when Bud's mother calls to say her long-lost brother, Jonas, has died. His final message to Bud was to ask him to come to Amsterdam and fulfill his final wishes; to distribute some painting to a few surviving friends. When they arrive, Cait and Bud find things aren't what they seem, and it's up to them to unravel the secrets Jonas has hidden for decades.
This is the first book I've read in this series, and now I'm going to go back and read the others! It's been on my To-Be-Read list for months and if I'd known how good it was, I'd have gotten to it sooner! This can easily be read as a standalone, references to prior books were few and didn't distract from the story. I really enjoyed the writing style; the plot unwound steadily as the book progressed, with just enough suspense to keep me turning pages, yet relaxed enough that I felt like I was in Amsterdam soaking up the sights right along with Cait and Bud. While I figured out the "why" pretty early on, it was no less enjoyable and the conclusion was excellent. You know how on Murder, She Wrote, Jessica would take you through, step by step, the whole rotten plot right to the end? That's how this one was done. It was a great way to end the book.
The locale was a big draw, the old world city of Amsterdam with its art museums and bicycles and cafes and I really liked the description of Jonas's house, one of those tall, skinny buildings skirting the canal, complete with a pulley on top to move furniture in and out. I would've loved to see those steep, narrow staircases and that beautiful studio on the top floor.
The characters really make the book. Cait is smart and astute; with a photographic memory and a knack for reading people, she was the first to realize something was a bit off after arriving in Amsterdam. Jonas sounded like an interesting character, it's a shame he wasn't in the story. I really liked the solution of who was in the photos that Jonas had in his bedside table. What a great, memorable plot thread. I'll remember that one for a long time.
Overall, an excellent cozy mystery with a riveting plot, great characters and a beautiful locale, and I definitely recommend it for cozy mystery readers.