rebeccasreadingrambles's Reviews (3.06k)

Another amazing book! Seriously this author does not miss. I personally LOVE when the narrator speaks to the reader/audience, so make sure you also enjoy that before diving in because it's part of what makes this book/series so much extra fun. I love a train-themed locked room mystery and this one was absolutely addicting and perplexing. I never knew what was going on and I loved being along for the ride. The reveals, twists, and interesting tidbits were given at the exact right timing for dramatic effect and I loved how Ernest kept us updated on little foreshadowing clues without giving anything away. The golden age dramatic killer reveal at the end was amazing and I just had so much fun reading this book!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and really loved it!

I think I might be falling away from this series (which makes me sad as this was my comfort series). I just don't think I click with any of the characters. I ADORE the setting - the pet friendly town where animals go everywhere and get gourmet meals, is just the epitome of cozy. The furry friends and what kept brining me back, and thinking of what a lovely place the inn sounds like. But, the actions of the characters just rings strange to me.  I could not figure out anyone's reasoning for doing anything (Holly's flip flopping attitude about she will the cops / not help them / oh wait we're helping again; her dad's weird insistence that she marry someone she isn't dating and hasn't seen in years, the characters that show up with weak reasoning that everyone just accepts). No one really seems to like anyone else. Though the story is intriguing, the actions of the characters just felt off to me. I will say I was surprised by the reveal and the ending, which is what kept my interest through the end.  I also feel like there is no growth from the MCs through the series and I am hoping for a little more (sometimes I feel like I hardly know them even after 9 books).

Note; I listened to the audiobook and think it's very well done.

I am reviewing this book as a non-Austen expert; though I have read Emma I wouldn't say I'm any kind of expert. And I'm happy to say that even if you haven't read Emma (the inspiration for the characters), this book was easy to follow and enjoy. Any pertenant previous drama is mentioned and explained so that you can understand the relationships between characters. I adored Emma and George and their equal and loving relationship! There is a lot of drama with their friends and aquaintenances - mostly about who courted and tried to marry who - which is to be expected and added flare and some laughs.  Emma's father is one of those characters that made you roll your eyes, but also laugh sometimes because he was over the top. I love how Emma stood up for herself, when all the men in authority treated her poorly because she is a woman; and I love how George stood up for her. I was SHOCKED by the reveal! A great start to this mystery series.

Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my review and thoughts are my own.

This series just gets better and better. I was completely immersed in this book and all the drama that ensued. I LOVE Phyllida Bright's character and how much she has developed and become more and more endearing.  She is a product of her time, but also as we learn more about her past, is breaking many molds.  She will not let the men talk down to her just for being a women and gets to SHINE at the end as she dramatically unravels the many mysteries that became entangled in this book. Also it is SO FUN to see these fictional events and how they fictionally inspired Agatha Christie's own mystery books.  I was SHOCKED by the ending, so happy about the budding romance, and enjoyed everything about this book.

I already cannot wait for more!

Thanks to the publishers for a free ARC; my review and thoughts are my own.

Wow.  This book is SO good. Dark - yes, horrifying - yes, completely addicting - YES. I read the second 50% in one night, staying up way too late because I was hooked and I needed answers!  This book takes turns you never expect and has some amazing characters.  Black Harbor is not a place where anyone wants to live and I cannot imagine it; but wow these characters are incredibly strong just for surviving there.  The writing, descriptions and atmosphere are IMMACULATE . And this book hit my hard; the way I teared up and had chills was intense.

I had to immediately start the next one because I cannot get enough.

Oh this series has my heart. It is quite emotional every time and especially this time when you see how the victim has been living; trapped with her own demons. And then all the reveals that come along the way. It goes to show that no matter someone's quirks or attitude, you just have no idea what someone is going through or has been through. I love how caring Nora is with everyone, even those who treat her badly or take advantage of her. I looove how her relationship with McCade is progressing and I wish them soooo much happiness. I LOVE a word-play scavenger hunt of sorts so this was a lot of fun to follow along with! This book just has all the most wonderful elements as a grittier cozy (my favorite) and the gorgeous writing to bring it to life. I always tear up a bit when the friends are spending time together, supporting and loving each other.

 Why was this so short?! Kidding I love a novella and this was perfection. I just think I could read about this couple and their chemistry for hundreds and hundreds of pages, that's how amazing the writing and characters and storytelling was. I need to read more of this author!

Audiobook: the audiobook was amazing! 

Well this was dark and fun! I love a good mystery and the historical and fantasy aspects made this even more alluring.  Death as a character was *chefskiss* and wow the romance was perfect for this book. Signa was smart and savvy (even though she was quite sheltered) and so intriguing.  Her big moment at the end gave me CHILLS. I did guess one big twist but I was THRILLED that I was right and then shocked by another reveal. The ending made me tear up! I loved all the thoughts about destiny and life and the writing was beautiful.  I was a bit disappointed that a big part of so many issues was just a refusal to explain/communicate, but such is life I guess. TBH I think this could be a standalone, it was all quite satisfying.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was lovely and Death's voice was *yes*.

I LOVE this series so much and it honestly keeps getting better and better. This book starts at a Christmas/Hanukkah party in a flurry of snow and ends up being the last party ever for one of the guests. I ADORE these characters and all of them really shone in this book; even the ones unfortunately under suspicion, which allows us to get to know them and their past more. Not only is the setting perfect, this is on the grittier side of cozy which you all know I LOVE.  Some things I read were enraging and heartbreaker and I felt for Delilah and her struggle with her family; the push and pull of wanting to be close, but always feeling like something is keeping her and her sister apart.  Families are hard and this was a really great depiction of the mixed emotions around the holidays. I did absolutely tear up at the end when Delilah was surrounded by her found family and I already miss these characters!

Thanks to the publisher for a free eARC; my thoughts and review are my own.

love love love!