Review - Pressed to Death

I reviewed the first in The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum (click here).  I finished the troublesome second book (always harder on the second book to keep up the momentum.)  Find out how this book stacked up. 

Author: Kirsten Weiss

Copyright: June 2020 (Misterio Press) 338 pgs

Series: 2nd in A Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy mystery with ghostly touches, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Maddie Kosloski, new manager of Paranormal Museum and skeptic 

Setting: Modern day in small town San Benedetto in central California

Obtained Through: library

Book blurb: "It's Halloween season in San Benedetto, and paranormal museum owner Maddie Kosloski has the perfect paranormal exhibit for the harvest festival – a haunted grape press. But before she can open the exhibit, she’s accused of stealing the antique press. And when her accuser is found murdered, all eyes turn to Maddie.

Solving the crime is the last thing on Maddie’s mind, but her mother insists she investigate. Does her mother have a secret agenda? And why has the local charity, Ladies Aid, seemingly gone gangster?

In this light, cozy mystery, haunted houses, runaway wine barrels, and murder combine in a perfect storm of chaos. Facing down danger and her own over-active imagination, Maddie must unearth the killer before she becomes the next ghost to haunt her museum."

Maddie Kosloski is settling into her unexpected career running and sprucing up a paranormal museum while dealing with her pressuring mother. Adele Nakamoto is her close friend who runs the adjacent tea room and daughter of a vineyard owner/mayor. Harper Caldarelli is another close friend and a financial advisor. Adele and Harper prove they are good friends in this addition to the series. Blond hunk Mason Hjelm who runs a motorcycle shop next door to the museum is her boyfriend and there is trouble when an old girlfriend shows up. Detective Slate (Laurel's partner) is a subdued potential romantic interest on the sidelines.  Detective Laurel Hammer is Maddie's nemesis from high school who looks for connections to Maddie in the murder.  The museum cat, GD for Ghost Detecting, is an interesting adjunct staff for the museum.   

The setting is mostly around the harvest festival and the paranomal museum (voted tackiest museum in town).  I enjoyed all the wine and grape related items in the story that were great touches.  I felt like I was in the middle of a wine focused community.

There is a subplot of the haunted grape press. The subplot has a haunting that presents its own little mystery and once that is solved the "haunting" is over. The subplot is always subtle, adding a little fun. The story kept my attention and made an enjoyable escape. The killer reveal was exciting and daring. It was done a little differently but it worked well.

This is a fun cozy mystery if you are looking for a lite book to pass the hours that has a rocky road for romance, a subplot that adds a smidgen of ghostly atmosphere, and a murder mystery to puzzle over.  It isn't perfect, for those who can't get beyond the author's use of providence when it should be provenance or the incorrect spelling of memento mori this isn't for you. But if you want a wine themed fun cozy with a dash of paranormal to entertain you for a few hours, this is the book. 

Rating:  Pretty Good - A fun read with a few minor flaws. 

Here is a short video on a similar type of wine press that is featured in the book (although not antique).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIhtpw5rq20

Book Review - Circle of Influence

This is a new-to-me author that I had to share with you.  This book was recommended by a fellow author and it lived up to my expectations.

Author: Annette Dashofy

Copyright: March 2014 (Henery Press) 294 pgs

Series: 1st in Zoe Chambers Mystery series

Sensuality: Adult themes without details

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Zoe Chambers, Paramedic 

Setting: Modern, rural Pennsylvania

Obtained Through: Personal Purchase

Zoe Chambers, paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township, has been privy to a number of local secrets over the years, some of them her own. But secrets become explosive when a dead body is found in the Township Board President’s abandoned car.

As a January blizzard rages, Zoe and Police Chief Pete Adams launch a desperate search for the killer, even if it means uncovering secrets that could not only destroy Zoe and Pete, but also those closest to them.

Zoe Chambers is a strong woman with her share of baggage that she has to face in this story.  She is a good neighbor and friend who works hard.  Her job of paramedic and part time coroner puts her in the middle of murders quite naturally.  Chief Pete Adams is a potential romantic interest with his own baggage, such as his ex-wife who is somehow linked to the murder.  His relationship with Zoe is complicated, as most are in reality.  All the characters are finely brought to life to populate the town with intertwined connections and motives.

The winter setting had me feeling chilled as I read and the rural location was used to great effect for a sense of isolation.  The story opens by setting the stage of a contentious Township Board meeting and from there the plot leads you on a twisting path.  This is one of the few mysteries where I didn't connect the various threads myself.  The pages flew by as I just had to read more to see what happened.  

The climax was harrowing and not rushed (as many tend to feel). I particularly liked how the killer reveal was pulse pounding and suspenseful while coming together naturally.   

Although this could be classified a cozy, it has a slightly more gritty feel to it.  All the elements of the story are deftly woven together for a first rate mystery.  I highly recommend and will definitely be delving into the following books in the series.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Mystery Podcast

Kings River Life Magazine has a brand new mystery podcast called Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast. Episodes will consist of mystery short stories, and first chapters of mystery novels, read by actors in the San Joaquin Valley of California. 

The first one went up in June and is a short story by Nancy Cole Silverman. The 2nd one went up on July 3 and is a short story by Joan Leotta. Coming up we have Jeri Westerson, Dennis Palumbo, Lesley Diehl, Elaine Viets and more. There will be a new one up the first Tuesday of every month, and possibly some bonus ones as well. 

To listen to these episodes and subscribe to the podcast you can go to mysteryratsmaze.podbean.com. We are also on iTunes and Google Play. You can also subscribe to our podcast newsletter to keep up with all of the news tinyletter.com/kingsriverlife.

Review - A Treacherous Curse

I read and reviewed the first in the series, A Curious Beginning (click here).  You may be familiar with this author.  Ms. Raybourn is the author of the amazing Julia Grey historical mysteries.  This series is strikingly different in the main characters.  See what you think as I review the third in the series.

Author: Deanna Raybourn
Copyright: Jan 2018 (Berkley) 313 pgs
Series: 3rd in Veronica Speedwell Mystery series
Sensuality: Innuendo and frank mature discussion within period language.  Nothing crude.
Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth
Main Characters: Veronica Speedwell, an amatuer entomologist raised by "aunts" - now in an uneasy partnership with a black sheep explorer
Setting: 1888 London
Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review, Netgalley
From the book blurb: "London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can’t resist the allure of an exotic mystery—particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker. His former expedition partner [who left him for dead- he bears scars on his face from that disastrous expedition in the Amazon] has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.   But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker’s past. Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats—and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe—Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything..." Veronica is larger-than-life, incredibly ahead of her time, stubborn, and highly intelligent with a sharp tongue and wit.  Stoker (Mr. Ravelstoke Templeton-Vane) is cranky and reclusive, a little bitter and struggling with the growing relationship between he and Veronica.  Stoker's ex-wife, who told harsh lies that damaged his reputation to get a divorce, is back and Stoker must face her in this book.  Stoker's brother, a Viscount, makes a few short appearances, too.  Their benefactor who employs and houses them makes a slight appearance.  Both their benefactor and the Viscount are enjoyable supporting cast.
The setting is London during an Egyptian craze.  The backdrop of a museum display of Egyptian artifacts and an ominous life-size specter of Anubis appearing around town set the eerie tone for this outing.  The countryside is used effectively during the climatic events.
The plot begins as a simple robbery of priceless artifacts from an Egyptian dig and a missing persons case.  But, complications ensue with a murder and the personal aspects of the missing person in question.  The pace of the story keeps the interest with the myriad personal conflicts in addition to the investigation and personal peril to Veronica and Stoker. The climax includes an unconventional chase scene and a nail biting showdown.  The series is making big cinematic-style killer confrontations a regular feature and I love it.  The wrap up throws in some interaction with her estranged and distant father.  I like how we learn a little more about Stoker and what has happened to make him who we see on the pages.  Veronica shows her teeth toward those who treated him so badly, exhibiting her loyalty to Stoker.  Veronica's showdown with the ex-wife is worth the read alone.  Veronica isn't your period woman, she fights the conventions and is her own woman.  This may bother some, but I love it.  The dialog is great. Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - Hooked on Ewe

I reviewed the debut novel in this new series, Off Kilter (click here) and the author graciously provided a guest post (click here).  It is time for the second installment in this series set in rural Scotland.  FYI, there is a quote from my review of the debut book in the first pages! Yay,

Author: Hannah Reed

Copyright: July 2015 (Berkley) 295 pgs

Series: 2nd in Scottish Highlands Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Scottish Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Eden Elliott, recently divorced and contracted to author romance novel

Setting: Modern day, Glenkillen Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Early September and Eden is three months into her planned six month working sabbatical.  She has finished writing her first romance and working on plotting her second and she has volunteered to help with a sheep dog trial to benefit the local hospice center.  She finds she is more interested in avoiding the difficult event coordinator, Isla Lindsey.  Then Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson wants to talk with her about temporarily being a Special Constable, it’s in name only, since "not much happens in Glenkillen."

Her friend Vicki is enjoy the sheep dog trials since many of her yarn club skein-of-the-month members are picking up the first club kit and everybody but spiteful sister Kirstine thinks they are fabulous kits.  Until, that is, Isla is found dead with the yarn wrapped around her neck. Forget wizardry of forensic labs in rural Scotland, the inspector and Eden start tracking down all the yarn kits to determine whose kit was used as a murder weapon.  This proves to be mired by gossip and misdirection, but Eden doggedly follows the clues.

Eden gets a feel for the frustrations of Jamieson's job, but getting to carry pepper spray (banned in Scotland) makes her happy.  Vicki MacBride is the kind-hearted friend that gives this a warm touch.  Leith Cameron, the epitome of a romance novel highlander, isn't in a rush to kindle any heat.  Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson has moments of breaking out of his serious demeanor and might even like Eden...hmmmm.  Special Constable Sean Stevens is even more bumbling that before.

Glenkillen is an idyllic setting for the sour note of murder. 
The plot stays with a basic mystery whodunit scenario and supplies plenty of suspects and red herrings.  The pace remained steady.  The dramatic killer reveal gave some tense and edge-of-the-seat moments - kudos.  The wrap it gives a new enticement for Eden to extend her allotted time in Scotland.  I won't say anymore.

This second book stays close to its cozy roots and delivers a
delightful adventure with just enough whodunit versus danger.  The sprinkling of potential romance adds a touch of innocent spice.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

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Review - Toured to Death

Hy Conrad, author of Mr. Monk books and Monk TV writer has made a career out of light mystery, earning a Scribe Award and garnering three Edgar nominations. Along the way, he developed a horde of popular games and interactive films, hundreds of short stories and a dozen books of solvable mysteries, published in over a dozen different languages.  In the world of TV, he is best known for his eight seasons as a writer and co-executive producer for the ground-breaking series "Monk."  I was overjoyed to have him as a guest blogger (click here) discussing the difference between TV Monk and the book Monk.

But, today I am reviewing a new book series by Mr. Conrad.  It is the debut novel of Amy's Travel Mysteries.  When I stumbled across this new series, I as delighted and had to read it.  Library finds are like discovering treasure tucked away.  See what you think.

Author: Hy Conrad

Copyright: January 2015 (Kensington) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Amy's Travel Mystery series

Sensuality: mild kissing and adult topics

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Amy Abel, Widow and owner of Amy's Travel Agency and
Coordinator of mystery-themed European road rally

Setting: Modern day, Europe and New York

Obtained Through: Library Find

The Amazing Race meets Clue, where you race from Monte Carlo to Rome following clues to a mystery, attempting to be the first to solve the crime.  Amy Abel is taking a huge chance on this concept for her travel agency, but it combines her love of mysteries and the one thing she cherished with her deceased husband - travel.  The man who wrote the entire mystery road rally, Otto Ingo, is killed in his home in NY and Amy finds out that the script is all based on a true murder that is still unsolved...and two people on the trip were part of the original murder five years ago.

Add in an attempt on a participant's life, rooms being ransacked, and another murder and Amy has her hands full. One of the travel companions is the only suspect for the murder in Rome, and Amy is convinced they have the wrong person. Plus a rogue who charms her and her pushy mother with a cast of fellow mystery buffs and its enough to give a girl a migraine. At the back of the book are several great travel tips.

Amy Abel is timid and learning to stand up for herself, so the events on the trip and back at home with her mother test her new-found resolve.  Fanny is like Marie Barone of "Everybody Loves Raymond,"  annoying and comical at times.  Although, Amy really needs to set some serious boundaries there.  Marcus Alvarez is the charming rogue who opts for a lie when the truth would do, and then doesn't understand why Amy doesn't trust him.  The Murder Mystery tour has twenty four guests, but only a handful are key to the story and it is easy to follow the characters.

The first two-fifths take place in Europe, highlighting charming and historical spots, the rest unfolds in New York with a side trip to New Jersey.  Descriptions add to the vacation theme without slowing down the story.  The plot is a cleaver concept and perfect for an exotic cozy. The pacing was steady and kept me turning pages. 

The climax is an opportunity for Amy to shine in the midst of danger.  I do have to comment that almost all the scenes are from Amy's view point, but approaching the climatic killer reveal (nicely done) Marcus gets a long section from his view point. Although I understand why that was done for the sake of showing some developments, it seemed to lessen Amy's role in the climax, which is critical.  The wrap-up leaves a perfect door open for further adventures and I am looking forward to them.

Leave it to Hy Conrad to pull off this quirky concept with panache! Characters to draw you in and an interesting story told with deceptive ease.  This is a definite beach read to keep you entertained during your own travels, or as an armchair tourist.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Here is a short snippet of Mr. Conrad discussing travel and the new series:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUsPm1LLFCA

The dynamic between Amy and her mother:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmBVZPND4_I

The inspiration for the new series:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFjx-GfAPyY

Writing Novels versus writing for television:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1CaZMh2NXk

The California Wine Club - Handcrafted, Quality Wines from "Mom & Pop" Wineries. No Bulk Wine.

Sale Specials and Deals from EntirelyPets.com

Review - Fillet of Murder

I love fish 'n chips - it is a splurge for me.  I saw this new mystery series featured a mom-and-pop fried fish dinner and a New England setting, I had to give a try.  I am glad I did.  

Author: Linda Reilly

Copyright: May 2015 (Berkley) 296 pgs

Series: 1st in Deep Fried Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Talia Marby, works at Lambert’s Fish and Chips 

Setting: Modern day, Berkshires in Maryland

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Talia left a miserable job, and a broken relationship in Boston and has returned to her hometown in the Berkshires.  She picks up a job in Lambert's Fish & Chips to help out the owners since one is in the hospital.  Lambert's is just one business in a shopping plaza that resembles an old English village.  But Phil Turnbull, the owner of a lighting store is on the rampage to prevent a comic book store from opening in the plaza.  Phil turns up dead and Bea is suspected.  Talia vows to clear Bea's name and in the process finds out many unpleasant things about Phil.


Talia is kind-hearted and mending from a break-up and quitting a job. We see her come into her own in the course of the story.  I found her an easy character to like and identify with.  Bea, a sweet grand-mother type who runs Lambert's Fish and Chips.  There are a variety of shop owners: Suzi Sato runs the bath and body store, Jill Follansbee owns the tea shop, Jim Jepson, her former Geometry teacher has the pottery store, Cliff Colby and others.  Rachel is Talia's BFF and some comedy relief.  Ryan Collins, an old high school classmate now a software designer (not a cop!) and potential boyfriend.  I don't often think the romantic interest is a stand-out, but Ryan is a great character and I am looking forward to more of him.  I can't forget to mention the sweet little calico cat Bojangles that Talia entices into her home.

The Berkshires was a good setting for the story, made me want to visit. Am I the only person with a vacation wish list resulting from story locations?  The plot proceeded with the reader thinking the story and murder is about one thing, to be surprised that it is all about something completely different, even with the clues right there.  Excellent plot written well to give a great surprise.

   The pacing was perfect, my interest was maintained and engaged throughout and I zipped through it as a result.  The climax and killer reveal was unique and tense, had me on the edge-of-my-seat. The wrap-up was heartening and paves the way for more adventures. 

This is a cozy mystery done right!  Good characters, not too quirky but developed and enjoyable with a tantalizing mystery that delivers a great twist.  I want more.

Rating: Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend.

The California Wine Club - Handcrafted, Quality Wines from "Mom & Pop" Wineries. No Bulk Wine.

Sale Specials and Deals from EntirelyPets.com

Review - One Foot in the Grape

I enjoy mysteries set in California wine country, so I was excited to see this new series.  There are a few others, but not many.  So there is room for another with this theme.  Check out Cypress Cove California.

Author: Carlene O'Neil

Copyright: May 2015 (Berkley) 295 pgs

Series: 1st in Cypress Cove Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Penny Lively, former photojournalist newly inherited Joyeux Vineyard

Setting: Modern day, Cypress Cove - California wine country

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Penny Lively lost her job as a photojournalist but is taking up the reins ofJoyeux Winery that her aunt left her.  By her side are her niece Hayley asAssistant Manager and Connor as winery manager.  But the owner of theneighboring winery, and a distant relative, Antonia Martinelli, asks for help with apparent sabotage of her wines.  Her winery is large and influential, but somebody is out to ruin her.  Penny agrees to help, but  she didn't realize what was involved when she finds the Martinelli Tasting Room Manager, Todd Ryan, in the grape crusher.  Penny feels protective since Hayley was the last person with Todd, and thus is a prime suspect.

Penny is in her mid thirties, a head strong person used to being on her own.  She is a likeable character.  Haley complements Penny well and grounds her.  Connor, the Winery manager is the potential romantic interest who harps about Penny's safety.  Antonia is the iron-fisted matriarch of a dysfunctional family that includes daughters Francesca and Chantal, plus Stephen the heir and his wife Veronica. Chief Lucas works the case without being antagonist with Penny.  This cozy has solid characters and less of the eccentric or comic elements, but not as gritty as an amateur sleuth or PI novel.

A good portion of the story takes place during the Autumn Festival, a two-days of wine, food, and judging local vineyards wine entries.  I particularly enjoyed the luscious descriptions of wine country during harvest and decorated in autumn colors.

The plot had several elements in play, so there is no simple solution which made this solid mystery. The pacing was steady throughout, resulting in what felt like a "fast" read.  The mystery resolution and killer confrontation was exciting with some good nail-biting suspense.  The wrap-up tied up the remaining issues.

This is a solid debut with a strong likeable main character, fantastic setting, and multifaceted mystery.  If you enjoy the Wine Lover's Mystery series, check this new series out.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - April 2015

It is the first Monday of the month and time for another highly anticipated Blog Carnival.  Now on to this month's blog carnival.  Click on the title or author's name to go to that link.

Police Procedural / PI Book Review / Legal

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri


Kay's Reading Life reviewed To Dwell in Darkness by Deborah Crombie


Carstairs Considers reviewed The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly


Girl Lost in a Book reviewed The Edge of Dreams by Rhys Bowen


Booking Mama reviewed A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear




Amateur Sleuth / Cozy book Review
Mysteries and My Musings reviewed A Wee Murder in My Shop by Fran Stewart


Carstairs Considers reviewed Wouldn't It Be Deadly by D. E. Ireland


Girl Lost in a Book reviewed The Counterfeit Heiress by Tasha Alexander


Debbie's Book Bag reviewed Steeped in Evil by Lara Childs

Carstairs Considers reviewed At the Drop of a Hat by Jenn McKinlay


Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Horse of a Different Killer by Laura Morrigan


Girl Lost in a Book reviewed The Witch Hunter's Tale by Sam Thomas


Carstairs Considers reviewed Death is Like a Box of Chocolates by Kathy Aarons


Debbie's Book Bag reviewed Murder Ties the Knot by Christy Fifield




Girl Lost in a Book reviewed Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis


Carstairs Considers reviewed Puzzled Indemnity by Parnell Hall


Debbie's Book Bag reviewed Assault and Pepper by Leslie Budewitz


Girl Lost in a Book reviewed The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis



Thriller/Suspense /Intrigue Fiction Book Review

Booking Mama reviewed Crazy Love You by Lisa Unger


Booking Mama reviewed Woman With a Gun by Phillip Margolin


Booking Mama reviewed Monday's Lie by Jamie Mason





Author Interview

Mysteries and My Musings featured a guest post by Fran Stewart


Mysteries and My Musings featured a guest post by Laura Morrigan

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"THANK YOU"

to all the wonderful bloggers who contributed to the carnival.  Keep them coming and let's keep this carnival going. 

 

Let's make next month's Carnival even better. For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your posts go here. 

Please help the newsletter for the blog carnival to get more subscribers. If a blog reviews mystery/suspense/thrillers (even occasionally) then I would like to feature those reviews. I send the newsletter out once a month announcing the deadline for submitting to this blog carnival. Multiple entries from a blog are welcome.


Subscribe to our carnival reminder mailing list

Subscribe to our carnival reminder mailing list

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - January 2015

It is the first Monday of the month and time for another highly anticipated Blog Carnival.  Click on the title or author's name to go to that link.

Police Procedural / PI Book Review / Legal

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and shares "This is the beginning of the Veronica Mars franchise living on in books."

Carstairs Considers reviewed The Black Echo by Michael Connelly

Booking Mama reviewed To Dwell in Darkness by Deborah Crombie

Kings River Life Magazine reviewed Die Again by Tess Gerritsen



Booking Mama reviewed Asylum City by Liad Shoham and shares "It is classified as a murder mystery and is fast paced with several engaging characters; but it is much more."

 
Amateur Sleuth / Cozy book Review

Carstairs Considers reviewed Ghost in the Guacamole by Sue Ann Jaffarian

Debbie's Book Bag reviewed You Cannoli Die Once by Shelley Costa sharing "wit and humor take center stage"

Carstairs Considers reviewed Feta Attraction by Susannah Hardy

Debbie's Book Bag reviewed Basil Instinct by Shelley Costa

Carstairs Considers reviewed For Whom the Bluebell Tolls by Beverly Allen


Kings River Life Magazine reviewed The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian


Debbie's Book Bag reviewed Death with All the Trimmings by Lucy Burdette

Carstairs Considers reviewed Scene of the Climb by Kate Dyer-Seeley


Thriller/Suspense /Intrigue Book Review

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed XO by Jeffery Deaver and shares "Deaver's take on a celebrity stalker produces a devious villain pitted against a dogged CBI agent."

Booking Mama reviewed I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

Mystery Author Carmen Amato reviewed Smokescreen by Khales Talib

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Slow Horses by Mick Herron and shares it "delivers spies who are neither slick nor sauve."

Booking Mama reviewed The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and shares "I know this book will be one of my favorite reads for 2015!"

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed The Prime Minister's Secret Agent by Susan Elia MacNeal and shares "the reader is drawn into the drama of the approaching Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."


Author Interview

Cozy Chicks has a guest post by Duffy Brown, cozy author "Who's Got Your Back?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A huge "THANK YOU" to all the wonderful bloggers who contributed to the carnival.  Keep them coming and let's keep this carnival going. 

Let's make next month's Carnival even better. For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your posts go here. 

Spread the word far and wide!!!

Please help the newsletter for the blog carnival to get more subscribers. If a blog reviews mystery/suspense/thrillers (even occasionally) then I would like to feature those reviews. I send the newsletter out once a month announcing the deadline for submitting to this blog carnival. Multiple entries from a blog are welcome.

Subscribe to our carnival reminder mailing list

Review - Murder Off the Beaten Path

I reviewed the first book in this new series, Zero Degree Murder (click here) but surprisingly I have not  interviewed the author yet.  Even though autumn has descended in my neck of the woods, this book takes us to summer camp!

Author: M.L. Rowland

Copyright: October 2014 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 2nd in Search and Rescue Mystery series

Sensuality: some swearing, sexual assault, R rated in parts

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Gracie Kinkaid -- volunteer search and rescue working at a residential summer camp 

Setting: modern day, mountains of southern California

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

The book opens as Search and Rescue are searching for a teen girl.  The search is sadly called off after a week.  We are then introduced to Gracie's new job working as a ropes and climbing instructor at a residential church summer camp.  It becomes clear that something isn't right at the camp, but when Jett McKenna's car goes over the side of a mountain after leaving a frantic call on Gracie's answering machine, it becomes critical to uncover just what is happening and who is involved.  Gracie begins to realize that she can't trust anybody at camp, not even the pastor director -- and especially not his wild brother.  The more Gracie digs into the dark activities at the camp, she discovers illegal activities, and is in the path of vicious criminals who target her.

Gracie seems to have more baggage this time around, or perhaps she is just terrible at relationships all around.  She makes some progress by acquiring a dog, Minnie, in this outing.  This time some of her actions seem erratic, though. She manages to hurt her dear friend Ralph Hunter. Ralph is a fellow Search and Rescue member and was introduced in the previous book.  Ralph would like to take care of Gracie, but seems to still cling to his deceased wife.  Rob Christian, the mega-star British actor that figured prominently in the last book, is back for a brief appearance in this book.  Jett is the Ponderosa Camp friend who dies when her car goes over the side of a mountain.  She is dark and troubled, trying to find her way.  Brothers Jay, who runs the camp, and Eddie are obviously up to no good, but is it just petty stuff or more serious?

Timber Creek County and Camp Ponderosa's rugged beauty are vibrantly described.  Rowland weaves the wilderness into the story as a character.  The plot is uncomplicated but rather dark, so be warned.  The pacing is inconsistent with a too slow parts then speedy sections.  The climatic showdown has some hair-raising moments that got my blood racing.  Kudos there.  The wrap-up is without cheer and adds more complications to her life.

If you like your suspense characters with a bit more edge and somewhat harder and a few more dark notes in the story telling, this is your book. 

Rating: Good - An intense read, but not suited for everybody. Maybe read an excerpt before buying. 

It is autumn, one of my favorite times of the year.  If you love pumpkin spice flavored coffee, here is a recipe to make your own syrup to flavor your coffee all season.  



Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Ingredients
1½ cups water
1½ cups sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. ground cloves
3 tbsp. pumpkin puree
**If you don't want to measure out all of the spices individually you can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of Pumpkin pie spice instead.

Directions
In a medium saucepan combine sugar and spices, whisking together to incorporate, add water and turn heat on to medium, stir occasionally until sugar is completely dissolved. Add cinnamon sticks and the pumpkin puree. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring often, but do not let the mixture boil. Turn down the heat if necessary. Remove from heat and cool 10 minutes, then strain the syrup through a fine sieve or mesh strainer. If you do not have either, a funnel lined with a coffee filter works well.

Store in Fridge up to 30 days.

To make a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte, mix a shot of hot espresso with 2 TBS of Pumpkin Spice Syrup and 4-6 oz of hot steamed milk. Top with whipped cream, a dash of pumpkin spice seasoning and a drizzle of caramel.

Recipe from Budget 101 (click here).