Take a photo of a barcode or cover
1.16k reviews by:
mystereity
See this an all of my reviews on Mystereity Reviews
Equal parts exciting, poignant, thrilling and frustrating, 360 to Paradise is the 21st century's Catcher in the Rye.
This was a captivating read! When I received a copy of this book to review, my first thought was that I was too far out of youth culture to get into it. I was so wrong! I was quickly absorbed into Cody's world from the very first page. Cody is a kid with a lot of baggage; he never knew his real parents, grew up as a foster kid and has apparently never had anything in the way of a support structure. As a result, he's had to find his own way in life and is doing a poor job of it. I spent half the book wanting to give the poor kid a hug and the other half wanting to give him a kick in the pants.
The plot was off like a shot right from the first page and follows 24 hours in Cody's hedonistic life; drugs, sex, partying and all the trouble it brings. His best friend is pregnant, his drug dealer is after him and he risked all of his money on a last ditch attempt at finding his real father. As he makes his way through his day, Cody is forced to confront the reality of his situation and learns a lot of very hard lessons. And that's the beauty of this story; it's not a retelling of a day-in-the-life, it's a heartbreaking look into one boy's struggle as he comes of age.
Overall, 360 To Paradise is a stellar read that will captivate readers young and old.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Equal parts exciting, poignant, thrilling and frustrating, 360 to Paradise is the 21st century's Catcher in the Rye.
This was a captivating read! When I received a copy of this book to review, my first thought was that I was too far out of youth culture to get into it. I was so wrong! I was quickly absorbed into Cody's world from the very first page. Cody is a kid with a lot of baggage; he never knew his real parents, grew up as a foster kid and has apparently never had anything in the way of a support structure. As a result, he's had to find his own way in life and is doing a poor job of it. I spent half the book wanting to give the poor kid a hug and the other half wanting to give him a kick in the pants.
The plot was off like a shot right from the first page and follows 24 hours in Cody's hedonistic life; drugs, sex, partying and all the trouble it brings. His best friend is pregnant, his drug dealer is after him and he risked all of his money on a last ditch attempt at finding his real father. As he makes his way through his day, Cody is forced to confront the reality of his situation and learns a lot of very hard lessons. And that's the beauty of this story; it's not a retelling of a day-in-the-life, it's a heartbreaking look into one boy's struggle as he comes of age.
Overall, 360 To Paradise is a stellar read that will captivate readers young and old.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
When a girl's body is found in a dustbin, a case that is eerily similar to the crimes of a serial killer recently released from prison, and Calladine's instincts say that he's the killer. But with an unshakable airtight alibi, Calladine is warned off of harassing him and Ruth tries to convince Calladine that it's a copycat. When another girl is found killed in the same manner, and a third girl goes missing, Calladine and Ruth race to find a killer before any more young lives are lost.
Dead Nasty is the second book I've read in this series and I loved it as much as the last. Ruth and Calladine make a good team, with Calladine's gut instincts and Ruth's rational devil's advocate mindset balance the pair and keep the investigation moving. The labyrinthine did-he-or-didn't-he plot kept me second guessing myself with each page. The pace never slows, a nice little plot twist at the end and an unpredictable plot, made for one of those reads that keeps you off-balanced just enough that you can't put it down.
Overall, another excellent book in the Calladine & Bayliss series, and I recommend it for fans of police procedurals or Brit crime fanatics.
Thank you to Joffee Books and Netgalley for a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
When a girl's body is found in a dustbin, a case that is eerily similar to the crimes of a serial killer recently released from prison, and Calladine's instincts say that he's the killer. But with an unshakable airtight alibi, Calladine is warned off of harassing him and Ruth tries to convince Calladine that it's a copycat. When another girl is found killed in the same manner, and a third girl goes missing, Calladine and Ruth race to find a killer before any more young lives are lost.
Dead Nasty is the second book I've read in this series and I loved it as much as the last. Ruth and Calladine make a good team, with Calladine's gut instincts and Ruth's rational devil's advocate mindset balance the pair and keep the investigation moving. The labyrinthine did-he-or-didn't-he plot kept me second guessing myself with each page. The pace never slows, a nice little plot twist at the end and an unpredictable plot, made for one of those reads that keeps you off-balanced just enough that you can't put it down.
Overall, another excellent book in the Calladine & Bayliss series, and I recommend it for fans of police procedurals or Brit crime fanatics.
Thank you to Joffee Books and Netgalley for a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
Another enjoyable plot at Papa Pacelli's pizzeria. A light, quick read and I enjoyed it a lot more than the last book, I didn't suspect the killer at all and the great ending capped off a great plot. Ellie's "romance" with the sheriff is picking up, and the Italian Wedding pizza sounded really good (I wonder they kept it on the menu?)
Overall, this is a cute and enjoyable series, and Italian Wedding Pizza is the best of the series so far.
Overall, this is a cute and enjoyable series, and Italian Wedding Pizza is the best of the series so far.
See this review and more on my blog Mystereity Reviews
What a great book! Very well organized and thoroughly researched, the book neatly lays out the progression of forensic toxicology in the 1800s, encompassing some truly outrageous poisonings in England, France and even in the United States. I don't know what surprised me more, how many people got away with it, or how many people were found guilty of their crimes. Forensic toxicology was in its infancy during the nineteenth century and some of the techniques used to find poisons in the body after death were ingenious. Equally amazing was that many scientists would take samples from the stomach, intestines and vomit of the poison victim and taste a small amount. Good grief, that takes a lot of guts (pun intended.)
Warning: there are numerous references to animals being experimented on, so if you're an animal lover, you may find it hard to read at times (I know I did.)
Absorbing and horrifying, The Secret Poisoner will appeal to fans of true crime or forensic science.
What a great book! Very well organized and thoroughly researched, the book neatly lays out the progression of forensic toxicology in the 1800s, encompassing some truly outrageous poisonings in England, France and even in the United States. I don't know what surprised me more, how many people got away with it, or how many people were found guilty of their crimes. Forensic toxicology was in its infancy during the nineteenth century and some of the techniques used to find poisons in the body after death were ingenious. Equally amazing was that many scientists would take samples from the stomach, intestines and vomit of the poison victim and taste a small amount. Good grief, that takes a lot of guts (pun intended.)
Warning: there are numerous references to animals being experimented on, so if you're an animal lover, you may find it hard to read at times (I know I did.)
Absorbing and horrifying, The Secret Poisoner will appeal to fans of true crime or forensic science.
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
After a powerful storm hits North Ashcot, Cassie's friend, Daisy, is found dead underneath a tree branch. When it's found that Daisy's death was no accident, the victim's husband, Cliff, enlists Cassie's help investigating the murder.
The plot was convoluted, but not in a bad way! With deftly written misdirections and red herrings, it was easy to get turned around and doubt my instincts, and the surprising ending was satisfying and enjoyable.
One thing I like about this series is that a fascination and appreciation for history, especially postal history, is sprinkled throughout. It's obvious the author has a real penchant for it, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
Overall, an enjoyable book and a great cozy mystery. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first book in the series is worth a read as well.
After a powerful storm hits North Ashcot, Cassie's friend, Daisy, is found dead underneath a tree branch. When it's found that Daisy's death was no accident, the victim's husband, Cliff, enlists Cassie's help investigating the murder.
The plot was convoluted, but not in a bad way! With deftly written misdirections and red herrings, it was easy to get turned around and doubt my instincts, and the surprising ending was satisfying and enjoyable.
One thing I like about this series is that a fascination and appreciation for history, especially postal history, is sprinkled throughout. It's obvious the author has a real penchant for it, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
Overall, an enjoyable book and a great cozy mystery. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first book in the series is worth a read as well.
See my full review (and more!) at Mystereity Reviews
For Whom the Bread Rolls picks up where book 1 left off. Marley is having trouble with Ida, a vindictive former employee whose childish pranks are wearing thin. When Marley goes to Ida's house to confront her, she finds Ida dead, bashed in the head by the lamp that she stole from Marley. Concerned that she's being suspected of the murder, and how that could impact her business, Marley starts snooping, uncovering no shortage of suspects and a flood of motives. Desperate to clear her name, Marley doesn't waffle around and sets out to catch a killer.
One of the things that lure me in with cozy mysteries are the titles. For Whom the Bread Rolls gave me a smile and if I wasn't already a big fan of this series, would definitely entice me to pick it up.
The great plot and steady pace kept me guessing, and that surprise ending crêpe'd up on me and it was over almost too fast. The plot was tricky with lots of misdirection to keep things interesting, and there was muffin that diminished how much I enjoyed this book.
All of these puns are bacon me hungry.
Along with the great setting, the engaging characters really enhance this book. I think my favorite person is Ivan and his glowering arm-folding (and tasty dishes!) and I liked seeing more of him in this book. and I hope for more in future books. Could there be a romance brewing with Lisa? I can't wait to find out!
Overall, Sarah Fox has written another yummy Pancake House mystery guaranteed to keep cozy fans coming back for seconds.
Thank you to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest review
For Whom the Bread Rolls picks up where book 1 left off. Marley is having trouble with Ida, a vindictive former employee whose childish pranks are wearing thin. When Marley goes to Ida's house to confront her, she finds Ida dead, bashed in the head by the lamp that she stole from Marley. Concerned that she's being suspected of the murder, and how that could impact her business, Marley starts snooping, uncovering no shortage of suspects and a flood of motives. Desperate to clear her name, Marley doesn't waffle around and sets out to catch a killer.
One of the things that lure me in with cozy mysteries are the titles. For Whom the Bread Rolls gave me a smile and if I wasn't already a big fan of this series, would definitely entice me to pick it up.
The great plot and steady pace kept me guessing, and that surprise ending crêpe'd up on me and it was over almost too fast. The plot was tricky with lots of misdirection to keep things interesting, and there was muffin that diminished how much I enjoyed this book.
All of these puns are bacon me hungry.
Along with the great setting, the engaging characters really enhance this book. I think my favorite person is Ivan and his glowering arm-folding (and tasty dishes!) and I liked seeing more of him in this book. and I hope for more in future books. Could there be a romance brewing with Lisa? I can't wait to find out!
Overall, Sarah Fox has written another yummy Pancake House mystery guaranteed to keep cozy fans coming back for seconds.
Thank you to Random House-Alibi and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest review
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
3.5 stars
After a "Storage Wars" type auction, Aunt Ibby and Lee bid on a locker full of boxes after Aunt Ibby thinks she sees some promising items. After winning the locker and hauling the contents home, they discover several historical items - and a mystery!
An enjoyable tale, this series always features original storylines, and Murder Go Round was no different. The intrigue kept me turning pages, and the sprinkle of Russian history added flavor (the descriptions of the Russian pastries, especially!) I loved Stasia, her colorful antics added a lot to the book. I hope she's in later books, she was a real hoot.
Some elements in the book just didn't do it for me, so I had to reduce my rating. I'm not going to outline them here, because it would give too much away and perhaps (hopefully) those elements will be changed before the book is released.
Overall, this is a cute series, and the book was entertaining and enjoyable but not without a few issues.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest review.
3.5 stars
After a "Storage Wars" type auction, Aunt Ibby and Lee bid on a locker full of boxes after Aunt Ibby thinks she sees some promising items. After winning the locker and hauling the contents home, they discover several historical items - and a mystery!
An enjoyable tale, this series always features original storylines, and Murder Go Round was no different. The intrigue kept me turning pages, and the sprinkle of Russian history added flavor (the descriptions of the Russian pastries, especially!) I loved Stasia, her colorful antics added a lot to the book. I hope she's in later books, she was a real hoot.
Some elements in the book just didn't do it for me, so I had to reduce my rating. I'm not going to outline them here, because it would give too much away and perhaps (hopefully) those elements will be changed before the book is released.
Overall, this is a cute series, and the book was entertaining and enjoyable but not without a few issues.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest review.
See this and all my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
3...2....1....Happy New Murder!
It's New Years Eve in Laxey and Bessie is spending the evening at Thie Yn Trae, where her friend Mary Quayle is hosting a party to ring in the new year. Mary's daughter has invited her group of friends, including the beautiful Gennifer, who upsets many people after flirting outrageously with some of the men, including Hugh, whose girlfriend Grace is upset and angry when Hugh doesn't rebuff Gennifer's advances. When Gennifer is later found dead, everyone at the party is under suspcion. Can Bessie help catch a killer?
Aunt Bessie Knows is another delightful addition to the Aunt Bessie series. This one wasn't difficult to figure out; while there were lots of suspects, there were only a few obvious ones. Inspector Anna Lambert also returns, much to the chagrin of Bessie and her friends, but her brilliant idea to stage an re-enactment of the party was the best part of the book. It reminded me of Clue, my all time favorite movie.
Overall, Aunt Bessie Knows was a fun read, and I always enjoy another visit to Laxey. This is a great series for cozy mystery fans who like a gentle read with a great atmosphere you can sink into and enjoy.
3...2....1....Happy New Murder!
It's New Years Eve in Laxey and Bessie is spending the evening at Thie Yn Trae, where her friend Mary Quayle is hosting a party to ring in the new year. Mary's daughter has invited her group of friends, including the beautiful Gennifer, who upsets many people after flirting outrageously with some of the men, including Hugh, whose girlfriend Grace is upset and angry when Hugh doesn't rebuff Gennifer's advances. When Gennifer is later found dead, everyone at the party is under suspcion. Can Bessie help catch a killer?
Aunt Bessie Knows is another delightful addition to the Aunt Bessie series. This one wasn't difficult to figure out; while there were lots of suspects, there were only a few obvious ones. Inspector Anna Lambert also returns, much to the chagrin of Bessie and her friends, but her brilliant idea to stage an re-enactment of the party was the best part of the book. It reminded me of Clue, my all time favorite movie.
Overall, Aunt Bessie Knows was a fun read, and I always enjoy another visit to Laxey. This is a great series for cozy mystery fans who like a gentle read with a great atmosphere you can sink into and enjoy.
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
‘You’re going to make it complicated again, aren’t you McLean?’
In Prayer for the Dead, Tony investigates the seemingly ritualistic murder of a reporter in the historic Gilmerton Caves in Edinburgh, Scotland. With no evidence left at the scene, the investigation flounders amid several more murders possibly related to the first and Tony finds he has no choice but to reluctantly team up with a colleague of the victim, Jo Dalgleish, herself an abrasive reporter who has caused Tony problems in the past. With very few clues, Tony sets out to connect the murders and find a killer.
I’ve been an avid fan of this series since I read Natural Causes back in 2012. Tony is an enigmatic main character; each book tantalizes with just a little bit more of his history and you never quite feel like you get to know him. That accomplishes two things for me; for one, it adds an element of unpredictability that keeps you just a little off balance, you can never get ahead of Tony. The second thing, of course, is it keeps me coming back for more. Add in the colorful cast of characters that makes up Tony's "family" including Grumpy Bob, DC MacBride, DS Ritchie, Madame Rose and, of course, Mrs McCutcheon’s cat, and it's easy to be drawn into McLean's unique world where anything can happen.
The fast-paced plot blended a chameleon of a killer, possibly shifty developers and Madame Rose’s harassment into a twisty puzzle that kept me turning pages. I loved the plot twist at the end about the killer, and that moment when they went to the killer’s house? Creepy!
Overall, Prayer for the Dead is an entertaining and thrilling mystery, and readers unfamiliar with the series will find it an enjoyable police procedural. This book can be read as a standalone or as an entry into the series, but I recommend reading the series from the start, as there are some on-going plot threads that wind through the series.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Crooked Lane and Netgalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
‘You’re going to make it complicated again, aren’t you McLean?’
In Prayer for the Dead, Tony investigates the seemingly ritualistic murder of a reporter in the historic Gilmerton Caves in Edinburgh, Scotland. With no evidence left at the scene, the investigation flounders amid several more murders possibly related to the first and Tony finds he has no choice but to reluctantly team up with a colleague of the victim, Jo Dalgleish, herself an abrasive reporter who has caused Tony problems in the past. With very few clues, Tony sets out to connect the murders and find a killer.
I’ve been an avid fan of this series since I read Natural Causes back in 2012. Tony is an enigmatic main character; each book tantalizes with just a little bit more of his history and you never quite feel like you get to know him. That accomplishes two things for me; for one, it adds an element of unpredictability that keeps you just a little off balance, you can never get ahead of Tony. The second thing, of course, is it keeps me coming back for more. Add in the colorful cast of characters that makes up Tony's "family" including Grumpy Bob, DC MacBride, DS Ritchie, Madame Rose and, of course, Mrs McCutcheon’s cat, and it's easy to be drawn into McLean's unique world where anything can happen.
The fast-paced plot blended a chameleon of a killer, possibly shifty developers and Madame Rose’s harassment into a twisty puzzle that kept me turning pages. I loved the plot twist at the end about the killer, and that moment when they went to the killer’s house? Creepy!
Overall, Prayer for the Dead is an entertaining and thrilling mystery, and readers unfamiliar with the series will find it an enjoyable police procedural. This book can be read as a standalone or as an entry into the series, but I recommend reading the series from the start, as there are some on-going plot threads that wind through the series.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Crooked Lane and Netgalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
See this and all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
With The Bonaparte House closed for the season and her mother in law gone for the winter, Georgie is looking forward to a relaxing winter; having a some long needed work done on the restaurant's bathrooms, catching up on her reading and plans to throw a huge Thanksgiving dinner. After the contractors demolish the bathrooms, Georgie finds the body of James MacNamara, her divorce lawyer, dead on the floor, stabbed with a Kebab skewer! When Russ, the son of Georgie's employee, falls under suspicion, Georgie puts aside her dislike for Russ, who has caused trouble for Georgie in the past, and starts investigating, uncovering several suspects with some very big motives to commit murder.
This is a cute cozy series, well written with great characters and intriguing plots and Killer Kebab is no different. With a well paced multi-dimensional plot that kept me turning pages, the book deftly juggles several storylines, including the murder, a mysterious illness at the resort owned by Georgie's friend, and even the mystery of an original recipe for Thousand Island dressing, all sprinkled with a bit of humor. Although there was a lot going on in the book, it was all well plotted and easy to follow, and that's what makes this series so enjoyable. But it was the shocking ending that really makes this a 5 star book. I dare you to read this and tell me that you saw the end coming. Go on! I dare you!
There's some great recipes at the end of the book, and I'm going to try the Maple Walnut Sandies very soon, and the Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) sounds so easy (and so tasty!) I've got try it at some point.
Overall, Killer Kebab is an entertaining read to curl up with, and will keep you guessing until the very end.
With The Bonaparte House closed for the season and her mother in law gone for the winter, Georgie is looking forward to a relaxing winter; having a some long needed work done on the restaurant's bathrooms, catching up on her reading and plans to throw a huge Thanksgiving dinner. After the contractors demolish the bathrooms, Georgie finds the body of James MacNamara, her divorce lawyer, dead on the floor, stabbed with a Kebab skewer! When Russ, the son of Georgie's employee, falls under suspicion, Georgie puts aside her dislike for Russ, who has caused trouble for Georgie in the past, and starts investigating, uncovering several suspects with some very big motives to commit murder.
This is a cute cozy series, well written with great characters and intriguing plots and Killer Kebab is no different. With a well paced multi-dimensional plot that kept me turning pages, the book deftly juggles several storylines, including the murder, a mysterious illness at the resort owned by Georgie's friend, and even the mystery of an original recipe for Thousand Island dressing, all sprinkled with a bit of humor. Although there was a lot going on in the book, it was all well plotted and easy to follow, and that's what makes this series so enjoyable. But it was the shocking ending that really makes this a 5 star book. I dare you to read this and tell me that you saw the end coming. Go on! I dare you!
There's some great recipes at the end of the book, and I'm going to try the Maple Walnut Sandies very soon, and the Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) sounds so easy (and so tasty!) I've got try it at some point.
Overall, Killer Kebab is an entertaining read to curl up with, and will keep you guessing until the very end.