book review

Audiobook Review – Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan

~ Erika K ~ 1 Comment

Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan – Witch’s Child #1
Read by Erin Spencer and Will Damron

Julia Vanishes Julia has the unusual ability to be . . . unseen. Not invisible, exactly. Just beyond most people’s senses.

It’s a dangerous trait in a city that has banned all forms of magic and drowns witches in public Cleansings. But it’s a useful trait for a thief and a spy. And Julia has learned–crime pays.

She’s being paid very well indeed to infiltrate the grand house of Mrs. Och and report back on the odd characters who live there and the suspicous dealings that take place behind locked doors.

But what Julia discovers shakes her to the core. She certainly never imagined that the traitor in the house would turn out to be . . . her.

Genre: YA / Urban Fantasy / Steampunk-ish
Story Rating: **** (4 stars)
Narration Rating: *** (3 stars)

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Cozy Review – Reading Up a Storm by Eva Gates

~ Erika K ~ 4 Comments

Reading Up a Storm (Lighthouse Library Mystery #3) Misfortune blows into North Carolina’s Outer Banks when a dead body in a boat on the shore leaves local librarian Lucy Richardson racing to solve a strange new mystery….

After a successful party at Bodie Island’s Lighthouse Library, librarian Lucy Richardson is ready to curl up with her cat, Charles, and a good book. But her R and R is cut short when she notices some mysterious lights leading a small boat to crash into the coast.

The two shipwrecked seafarers survive the ordeal—but one of them shows up dead ashore a few days later. Lucy finds herself again roped into a murder investigation and navigating a sea of suspects, all of whom had motives to deep-six the deceased. And this time, she has a sinking feeling that finding the real killer won’t be so easy…

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Audiobook Review – Beyond the Ice Limit by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

~ Erika K ~ 2 Comments

Beyond the Ice Limit by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Gideon Crew #4

Beyond the Ice Limit (Gideon Crew, #4)That thing is growing again. We must destroy it. The time to act is now…
With these words begins Gideon Crew’s latest, most dangerous, most high-stakes assignment yet. Failure will mean nothing short of the end of humankind on earth.
Five years ago, the mysterious and inscrutable head of Effective Engineering Solutions, Eli Glinn, led a mission to recover a gigantic meteorite–the largest ever discovered–from a remote island off the coast of South America. The mission ended in disaster when their ship, the Rolvaag, foundered in a vicious storm in the Antarctic waters and broke apart, sinking-along with its unique cargo-to the ocean floor. One hundred and eight crew members perished, and Eli Glinn was left paralyzed.

But this was not all. The tragedy revealed something truly terrifying: the meteorite they tried to retrieve was not, in fact, simply a rock. Instead, it was a complex organism from the deep reaches of space.

Now, that organism has implanted itself in the sea bed two miles below the surface-and it is growing. If it is not destroyed, the planet will be doomed. There is only one hope: for Glinn and his team to annihilate it, a task which requires Gideon’s expertise with nuclear weapons. But as Gideon and his colleagues soon discover, the “meteorite” has a mind of its own-and it has no intention of going quietly…

Narration – *** (3 stars)
Story – **** (4 stars)

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Calamity Cafe by Gayle Leeson – Blog Tour and Giveaway (ENDED)

~ Erika K ~ 5 Comments

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The Calamity CafeAspiring chef and small-town Virginia native Amy Flowers is ready to open her own café offering old-fashioned Southern food. But her dream may go up in smoke when someone kills the competition…

Tired of waiting tables at Lou’s Joint, Amy Flowers doesn’t just quit—she offers to buy the place from her bully of a boss, so she can finally open the café of her dreams. Amy can’t wait to serve the kind of Southern, down-home treats and dishes that her grandmother always loved to the kooky cast of regulars at the restaurant. She knows her comfort food will be the talk of the sweet, small town of Winter Garden, Virginia.

At first Lou Lou refuses to sell, but when she seems ready to make a deal, she tells Amy to come see her.  Showing up at the eatery ready to negotiate, Amy is shocked to find her former employer murdered. As the prime suspect, Amy will have to clear her name by serving up the real killer—and with Lou Lou’s stack of enemies, that’s a tall order.

Includes delicious Southern recipes!

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Tea Cups and Carnage by Lynn Cahoon – Blog Tour and giveaway (ENDED)

~ Erika K ~ 8 Comments

Synopsis:

The kettle’s about to boil over . . .

The quaint coastal town of South Cove, California, is all abuzz about the opening of a new specialty shop, Tea Hee. But as Coffee, Books, and More owner Jill Gardner is about to find out, there’s nothing cozy about murder . . .

Shop owner Kathi Corbin says she came to South Cove to get away from her estranged family. But is she telling the truth? And did a sinister someone from her past follow her to South Cove? When a woman claiming to be Kathi’s sister starts making waves and a dead body is found in a local motel, Jill must step in to clear Kathi’s name—without getting herself in hot water.

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Audiobook Review – Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

~ Erika K ~ 1 Comment

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld, narrated by Cassandra Campbell
The Austen Project #4
Eligible (The Austen Project #4) A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice

This version of the Bennet family—and Mr. Darcy—is one that you have and haven’t met before: Liz is a magazine writer in her late thirties who, like her yoga instructor older sister, Jane, lives in New York City. When their father has a health scare, they return to their childhood home in Cincinnati to help—and discover that the sprawling Tudor they grew up in is crumbling and the family is in disarray.

Youngest sisters Kitty and Lydia are too busy with their CrossFit workouts and Paleo diets to get jobs. Mary, the middle sister, is earning her third online master’s degree and barely leaves her room, except for those mysterious Tuesday-night outings she won’t discuss. And Mrs. Bennet has one thing on her mind: how to marry off her daughters, especially as Jane’s fortieth birthday fast approaches.

Enter Chip Bingley, a handsome new-in-town doctor who recently appeared on the juggernaut reality TV dating show Eligible. At a Fourth of July barbecue, Chip takes an immediate interest in Jane, but Chip’s friend neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy reveals himself to Liz to be much less charming. . . .

And yet, first impressions can be deceiving.

Genre: Romance, Fiction
My Rating: **** (4 stars)

First of all, I have to say that I love Pride and Prejudice. It’s my favorite Jane Austen novel, and Liz Bennet my favorite Austen heroine. I was a little nervous that a modern retelling of the story, complete with modern language, would be a disappointment. The author has done a wonderful job, though, of keeping the dialog as modern as possible while giving the narration a more classic feel. The story itself provides the same type of contrast, as it is easy at times to forget that this is a modern take on Pride and Prejudice, yet at other times it feels so familiar that you know just what will come next.

Cassandra Campbell as narrator does a good job of differentiating the Bennet girls’ voices, and is pleasant to listen to. Pleasant that is except when she’s doing Mrs. Bennet’s voice, but I think that is to be expected. 🙂

While some of the situations that the girls find themselves in do seem over-the-top, I enjoyed the story, and Ms. Campbell’s performance of it.

 

NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Final Tap by Amanda Flower – Blog Tour / Giveaway (ENDED)

~ Erika K ~ 9 Comments

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The Final Tap by Amanda Flower
Living History Museum Mystery #2
THE FINAL TAP March on Barton Farm can only mean one thing: maple sugar season. To combat the winter slump, resilient director Kelsey Cambridge organizes a Maple Sugar Festival, complete with school visits, pancake breakfasts, and tree tapping classes. Kelsey hires curmudgeonly maple sugar expert Dr. Conrad Beeson to teach the classes, despite misgivings over his unpleasant demeanor. It’s a decision she ends up regretting when, before the first tree can be tapped for sap, Dr. Beeson turns up dead.

The maple sugar expert’s death threatens to shut down not only the Maple Sugar Festival, but also Barton Farm itself. Kelsey must solve Dr. Beeson’s murder to escape the increasingly sticky situation.

Well, I’ve found yet another cozy mystery series to add to my must-buy list! I really enjoyed the setting – a working historical farm – and learned everything I could want to know about maple syrup production. Not in a clinical way, but as interesting bits of information presented during the story.

Our heroine Kelsey has her hands full trying to run the farm, raise her kindergarten-age son, and solve a murder before the police can pin it on one of her young employees. There was an interesting cast of characters, and that homey, small-town feel that I love in a good cozy.

While previous events are mentioned, it’s not necessary to have read book 1 to know what’s going on. Since this is only book 2 in the series though, I’d recommend starting with book 1 and reading them both. That way you’ll be caught up and ready for book #3 whenever it might be available! 🙂

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway  (ENDED) for a chance to win one of 2 print copies of The Final Tap.

About the Author

AMANDA FLOWER

Amanda Flower, a two-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling  author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.

Website: http://amandaflower.com/
Pen Name Website: http://isabellaalan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramandaflower
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aflowerwriter
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3412728.Amanda_Flower
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aflowerwriter/

 

Tour Participants – stop by to visit these other great blogs!

May 9 – Bubble Bath Books – REVIEW
May 10 – The Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
May 11 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
May 12 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
May 13 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
May 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
May 14 – Off
May 15 – Melina’s Book Blog –  REVIEW, GUEST POST
May 16 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
May 17 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST
May 18 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW
May 19 – Queen of All She Reads –  REVIEW
May 20 – Book Babble – REVIEW
May 21 – Booklady’s Booknotes – REVIEW, GUEST POST
May 22- LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW
May 22- Island Confidential – INTERVIEW

NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

House of the Hanging Jade by Amy M. Reade – Giveaway (ENDED)

~ Erika K ~ 3 Comments

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House of the Hanging Jade A dark presence had invaded the Jorgensens’ house. On a spectacular bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, something evil is watching and waiting . . .

Tired of the cold winters in Washington, D.C. and disturbed by her increasingly obsessive boyfriend, Kailani Kanaka savors her move back to her native Big Island of Hawaii. She also finds a new job as personal chef for the Jorgensen family. The gentle caress of the Hawaiian trade winds, the soft sigh of the swaying palm trees, and the stunning blue waters of the Pacific lull her into a sense of calm at the House of Hanging Jade–an idyll that quickly fades as it becomes apparent that dark secrets lurk within her new home. Furtive whispers in the night, a terrifying shark attack, and the discovery of a dead body leave Kailani shaken and afraid. But it’s the unexpected appearance of her ex-boyfriend, tracking her every move and demanding she return to him, that has her fearing for her life . . .

House of the Hanging Jade is a suspenseful tale of murder and obsession, all taking place against a beautiful Hawaiian backdrop. Lush descriptions of both the scenery and the food prepared by the protagonist leave you wanting more. Fans of both gothic romance and mystery novels should enjoy this story.

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway (ENDED) to win an ebook copy for yourself.

About The Author
Amy M. Reade grew up in northern New York. After graduating from college and law school, she practiced law in New York City before moving to southern New Jersey, where she lives now with her husband, three children, dog, two cats, and a fish. She writes full time and is the author of Secrets of Hallstead House, a novel of romantic suspense set in the Thousand Islands region of New York, and The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor, a novel in the same genre set outside Charleston, South Carolina. Her third novel, House of Hanging Jade, is set in Hawaii and will be released in April, 2016. She is currently working on the first book of a series set in the United Kingdom (expected release date in early 2017). She loves cooking, reading, and traveling.

website: www.amymreade.com
blog: www.amreade.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amreadeauthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/readeandwrite
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/amreade
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/amyreade

Tour Participants

April 25 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
April 26 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
April 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
April 28 – Musings and Ramblings – INTERVIEW
April 29 – Melina’s Book Blog –  REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
April 30 – dru’s book musings – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
May 1 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW
May 2 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
May 3 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – GUEST POST
May 4 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
May 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
May 6 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
May 7 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
May 8 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

NOTE: I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review – After the Fire by Jane Casey

~ Erika K ~ 3 Comments

After the Fire by Jane Casey / Maeve Kerrigan series Book #6
Available May 3, 2016 from Minotaur Books

After the Fire (Maeve Kerrigan #6) London police detective Maeve Kerrigan has spent plenty of time at Murchison House. One of the many cement high-rise towers comprising the Maudling Estate housing project, Murchison Tower is home to a motley mix of society. From domestic abuse victims and elderly widows with nowhere else to turn to its flourishing criminal elements, Maeve is familiar with many of its occupants by name or reputation. But when a fire breaks out at Murchison House that consumes the top floors and leaves three dead, Maeve and her colleagues are startled to learn the identity of one of the victims. Geoff Armstrong was a wealthy, notoriously right-wing London politician – the last person they’d expect to find in a place like the Maudling Estate. And things get even murkier when evidence surfaces indicating Armstrong was murdered before the fire broke out. Was his death connected to the fire? To the other deaths at Murchison Tower? And what was he doing there in the first place?

Genre: Mystery
My Rating: **** (4 stars)

This was the best police procedural that I have read in a long time. I sometimes have issues with procedurals bringing so many police officers into the investigation that I can’t keep track of who’s who. That’s not a problem in After the Fire! Even with an entire department full of characters to keep track of, plus the residents of the burned out high rise, there was never any problem keeping people straight. Each individual in the story was just that – individual – which made them all memorable and the story easy to follow. That doesn’t mean that it was easy to guess what was going on or who was doing what, however. Once I got started, I didn’t want to put the book down until I reached the end. It was fast paced, suspenseful, and occasionally shocking. If you’re a mystery fan, I highly recommend this one, whether or not you have read any of the other Maeve Kerrigan novels. I have to thank Minotaur Press for introducing me to another “always-buy” author for my list!

NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. All thought and opinions are my own.

Silence of the Lamps – Blog Tour / Review / Giveaway (ENDED)

~ Erika K ~ 10 Comments

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Silence of the Lamps by Karen Rose Smith
Available 4/26/2016 from Kensington

SILENCE OF THE LAMPS

Business has never been better for home stager Caprice De Luca, but her personal life could stand a few renovations. Just when she thought things were getting serious with her boyfriend Grant, his pretty ex-wife swoops into town and nabs his attention. Uncle Dom is living with her parents and desperately needs a new job. And her sister Nikki’s catering business is threatened when rival Drew Pierson starts eating away at her share of the market. Things could not possibly get more chaotic when Drew is found bludgeoned to death by one of his grandmother’s antique Tiffany lamps–and Nikki is the number one suspect. Now, Caprice must act fast to illuminate the truth and clear her sister’s name–before a cold-blooded killer puts her lights out next.

 

Silence of the Lamps is book #5 in the Caprice De Luca mystery series, and while previous cases are mentioned, you do not need to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one. The interaction between Caprice and her sisters is so realistic you almost feel like part of the family while reading the story. And when one of her sisters is the prime suspect in a murder investigation, how can Caprice stay out of it? The more she asks around, the more she finds that her sister Nikki was far from Drew’s only enemy. With lots of clues to keep you guessing at the identity of the murderer, this was a fast paced, fun read.

Enter to win a set of Caprice De Luca Mysteries for your own or an Amazon gift card in the Rafflecopter Giveaway! (ENDED)

About the Author
karen rose smith Karen is an animal lover and especially a cat lover. She and her husband are cat parents to four rescued felines—London (15), Zoie Joy (4), Halo (?), and Miss Paddington (Paddy) who is growing out of kittenhood. If you’d like to read about Karen’s fur babies and care for strays, follow her on Facebook and/or sign up for her newsletter IN TOUCH.

Connect with Karen at her website:
http://www.karenrosesmith.com/

 

Tour Participants

April 25 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 25 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
April 26 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW
April 26 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
April 27 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
April 28 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
April 28 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW
April 29 – A Date with a Book – REVIEW
April 29 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
April 30 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW
April 30 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
May 1 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
May 1 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW
May 2 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
May 2 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

NOTE: I was provided with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thought are my own.