Review: The Silence of the Llamas (Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries) by Anne Canadeo

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Jenn

  • Series: Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries
  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Gallery Books
  • ISBN: 978145164479
  • Source: Publisher

Ellie and Ben Krueger moved to Plum Harbor to fulfill their dream of raising llamas.  As hosts of a grand opening fiber festival, they are thrilled at the exposure the crowds bring. Their enthusiasm turns terror quickly, however, when someone attacks their prized llamas. This isn’t the first incident; they have a sneaking suspicion their neighbor, Justin Ridley, is responsible. Ridley is a survivalist, of sorts, an individual who prefers his acres of land to exist in a natural state, free of development. The Krueger’s llama farm is a contradiction of everything Ridley believes in. Then again, there’s also Angelica Rossi, owner of a rival fiber farm. She raises alpacas for their fiber and has no qualms with spreading rumors about the quality of the Krueger’s product.

When acts of vandalism morph into murder, the Kruegers’ dreams are shattered.  Members of the Black Sheep Knitters quickly jump in and help get to the bottom of  this devastation.

While this is the fifth book in this series, it is my first experience with the Black Sheep Knitters.  What a fun bunch of women! Originally brought together by their love of knitting, they quickly become fast friends who just happen to wind up in the middle of a mystery.  While I haven’t knitted in years, the addition of knitting patterns (and recipes) were a wonderful addition to this book.  While the cast of characters is vast, the author includes cast profiles of each of the club members at the beginning of the book. Most helpful if you are like me and have a difficult time remembering who is who! And the title? The play on words? Love!

What I particularly enjoyed about this cozy was that the culprit wasn’t obvious from the beginning. Canadeo threw in quite a few red herrings, not revealing the identity until the end. The pacing was fast and fluid, never wavering or waning. A truly enjoyable reading experience; I can’t wait to go back to read the rest of the titles in this series! Highly, highly recommended!

 

2014CozyMysteryWeek

Posted in Cozy Mystery, Cozy Mystery Week, Gallery Books, Review | Tagged | Leave a comment

Review: By Cook or by Crook (Five-Ingredient Mysteries) by Maya Corrigan

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Jenn

  • Series: A Five-Ingredient Mystery
  • Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Kensington (November 4, 2014)
  • ISBN: 9781617731389
  • Source: Personal copy

 

RECIPE FOR A DELICIOUS FIVE-INGREDIENT MYSTERY
Take a burned-out cookbook publicist.
Stir in a crusty codger.
Toss with a large helping of murder.
Add a dash of romance.
Serve with a twist of humor.

When Val Deniston, former cookbook publicist, is involved in a car accident, it changes her life irreparably. She leaves her job in New York and moves to Bayport, MD and hopes to start a quieter life and the opportunity to work on her own cookbook.  Instead, she finds herself mixed up in murder.

When a member of Val’s tennis team is found brutally murdered, Val’s cousin and dear friend is assumed a prime suspect.  Unwilling to accept someone so close to her could be responsible, Val launches her own investigation to uncover the identity of the killer.

What a fun read! Ok, I know that sounds odd. Yes, there is a murder, but surrounding that plot line is a multitude of other side stories. Val’s moved from the Big Apple to a quiet, bay town. That move alone is shocking!  She’s moved in with her curmudgeon Grandfather, who somehow ends up being the food columnist for the local newspaper.  Additionally, the car accident that changed her life is a mystery of its own to be solved, for amnesia has left her completely devoid of memories of the accident.

Corrigan brilliantly weaves all of these vastly different storylines into one perfectly executed cozy mystery. The dynamic characters and discussion of food make the perfect recipe for a truly enjoyable read. And yes, as the series title suggests the author includes five-ingredient recipes (my favorite may very well be the crab cake recipe)!

All this said, I know there are foodies out there that will critique the author’s (and character’s) culinary skills. This is a cozy mystery, people, not some gourmet cookbook. Take it for what it is, a truly fun and delightful read. I can’t wait to check out the next book in the series, Scam Powder, due out next summer. Highly recommended!

Posted in Cozy Mystery, Cozy Mystery Week, Kensington, Review | Leave a comment

Review: Paging the Dead (Family History Mystery) by Brynn Bonner

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Jenn

  • Series: A Family History Mystery
  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (March 12, 2013)
  • ISBN: 9781451661866
  • Source: Publisher

Sophreena McClure and her business partner,  Esme Sabatier, make it their business to research the family history and genealogy of  their clients. Esme is a gifted medium and often uses her “talent” to get answers to questions they have been unable to locate in their research.  Their newest client,  Dorothy Pritchett Porter, is thrilled at all the information they have uncovered about her family, one of the town’s most prestigious families.  Dorothy is looking forward to displaying the scrapbooks Soph and Esme have created at Founder’s Day.  Unfortunately, Dorothy won’t get a chance to participate in Founder’s Day, for a few hours after meeting with Soph and Esme, she is found dead, strangled with her family pearls.

As Soph and Esme were two of the last people seen with Dorothy, they quickly become prime suspects in her murder.  Using their investigative skills, and the help of their scrapbooking club, they use their connections with both the living and the dead to narrow down the potential suspects in Dorothy’s family.  They uncover a multitude of skeletons in the family closet and, in a such a small town, there can only be so many suspects. Soph and Esme work desperately to uncover the truth, before they, too, become victims.

Paging the Dead is a quintessential cozy: light, funny, and incredibly engrossing. Fans of genealogy are certain to be rewarded by this incredibly witty series.  I adored the characters and their sense of humor. I was particularly taken by Esme and her talent of conversing with the dead. It certainly put a unique spin on the investigation!

Those new to this series will be thrilled to learn that the second book has already been published:Death in Reel Time. (Both books will are included in the Cozy Mystery giveaway! All you have to do to enter is link up a cozy mystery post or review!) New to this series myself, I can’t wait to dive in to the second book!

Bottom line: looking for a light, engaging cozy? Paging the Dead (and the Family History Mystery series) is a must read! Highly recommended!
 

 

2014CozyMysteryWeek

Posted in Cozy Mystery, Cozy Mystery Week, Review | Tagged | 1 Comment

Review: Murder at the Book Group by Maggie King

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Jenn

 

  • Series: Book Group Mysteries
  • Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Pocket Books (December 30, 2014)
  • ISBN: 9781476762463
  • Source:  Publisher

Hazel Rose and her friend Carlene formed Murder on Tour, a mystery book group,  to discuss books set in a specific geographic area. It was never their intent to form their own investigation, but when Carlene is found dead she must put on her detective hat and investigate the members of their book club.  Initially ruled a suicide by ingesting cyanide, no one who really knew Carlene believed she could have killed herself. Yet as Hazel’s investigation continues, she learns there was an awful lot about Carlene that she didn’t know…including her propensity for promiscuous behavior.

Hazel and Carlene’s relationship was always an interesting one (Carlene is married to Hazel’s ex-husband, after all) yet there is clearly something from Carlene’s past she was hiding. Cross-country moves, name changes…there was something she was trying to hide. Hazel must get to the bottom of Carlene’s history. She quickly realizes that everyone close to Carlene had a motive to kill her (even herself if you get right down to it!). Was her killer a member of their book group? Are all of their lives at risk?

Murder at the Book Group is certainly one of the heavier (and sexier) cozy mysteries I have read. Set in Richmond, VA, I particularly thrilled to recognize settings and characters I am quite fond of.  Yet as I eluded to, this cozie packed more of a punch than others in this niche. At 400 pages and a vast cast of quirky characters, there is a lot of substance to this cozie.  Certainly not a detriment to the enjoyment of this read, yet certainly a fact I feel necessary to point out to potential readers!

Perhaps it was because of this heaviness and the multitude of characters that I didn’t feel connected at all to the characters. Throughout the novel we do learn a bit about Hazel and her past (she had quite a few relationships as well) but I never really felt like I knew the real Hazel. Now, I don’t have to become fully invested in a character to appreciate a book. It certainly helps, however.

Given that this is the first in a series, I’m not going to give up. There is plenty of potential with this series! A mystery book club? Right up my alley. Thank goodness, however, I don’t have a killer in my book club. Or do I?

photo 2014CozyMysteryWeek_zpsf41b9dd1.jpg

Posted in Cozy Mystery, Pocket Books, Review | Tagged , | 3 Comments

2014 Cozy Mystery Week: The Kick Off

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Jenn

2014CozyMysteryWeekI’m excited to be kicking off the third annual cozy mystery week!  I started this themed week in 2012 as an excuse/reason to curl up with some cozy mysteries. I look forward to it, fondly, each year! While the reviews/posts won’t start until tomorrow, I wanted to set up a kick-off post for all those others participating.

In an effort to make others more familiar about the vast inventory of cozy mysteries out there, if you’ve reviewed/posted about a cozy mystery this year (yes, the entire year!) link it up below. Don’t have a blog? Post about it in the comments.  Or, if you are posting this week, link up all your posts below.  At the end of Cozy Mystery week I’ll post a winner from the link-up and the comments. That individual will win a nice selection of cozy mysteries!

I hope you enjoy this upcoming week; I know I certainly will!


Posted in Cozy Mystery Week | 5 Comments

Product Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK® 7.0

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Jenn

*Note: This is not a sponsored post. I purchased the Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK® 7.0 and I am not receiving compensation for this review.*

Source: BN.com

I’m known to be a bit of a tech whore; I always have to have (or at least try) the latest and greatest technology, specifically if it is an eReader. My siblings & I decided to purchase a Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK® 7.0 for our mother for Christmas (no spoilers here, she already knows). The eReader she had before had long passed its due date and we wanted to get her a replacement. She has a Samsung Galaxy phone so this was a perfect fit.

Being the good daughter I am, I decided to set it up before sending it to my mother. Not to say my mother isn’t technologically savvy, but I wanted her to be able to open the product and use it right from the box. Before log, I found myself perusing the device myself. Which gave me the idea for this review.  I’ll start from the very beginning:

1. Ordering

I took advantage of a CyberMonday deal that lowered the price from $179 to $129. Can’t beat that! Unfortunately, that deal is no longer available. The following day, the device was delivered. Talk about speedy deliver!

2. Set-up

This device was remarkably easy to set-up. Add/create your Google account & Nook account information and you are good to go. Within 5 minutes, I was perusing the many available options this tablet has to offer.

3. Ease of Use

I’m an Apple girl; I have an iPad, iPhone & Macbook. That said, it didn’t take me long (after a few misses) to get comfortable with the Android-based system.   It is intuitive & quite easy to use. Most importantly, it fits remarkably well in one’s hand:

 

Source: BN.com

Source: BN.com

Major selling points:

  • Price: At under $200 for an eReader/tablet with the capabilities of this device, this is quite a bargain.  For those interested in purchasing an iPad or something similar but cost is an issue, the Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK® is a worthy option.
  • Size: 7.36 x 4.25, ” less than 1/2″ wide, 9.7 ounces in weight. You can easily tuck it into a briefcase or handbag.
  • Multi-Window feature: you can have more than app & window open at the same time! This is a serious selling point for me!
  • Family friendly! Parental controls! You can create up to 6 personal profiles so members of your family can have their own accounts for books, videos, etc.

05_VerticalProfileScreen

  • Battery life: 10 hours of video usage
  • Front & rear camera allow you to take pristine photos or participate in video chats. I know we’ll be using this feature quite a bit!
  • Memory: 8 GB, with the ability to upgrade to 32 with a micro SD card. Yes. The memory is expandable.
  • Nook software. Yes, I’m an avid lover and supporter of independent bookstores. All that said, B&N was my first “local” bookstore. I like the Nook system. The page-turning feature, the ease of use. The accessibility of hundreds of books & magazines.
    03_VerticalShopScreen08_VerticalMagPageTurnScreen
  • Google Play Store: as this is an Android-based device, you have access to countless apps, books, etc. through the Google Play store (including the competing ebook reading apps).

Bottom line: if you are looking for a simple, affordable eReader/tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK® is without a doubt a product I can fully recommend.  After playing around with this for a few days, I want one myself! Oh, Santa!!

Update: if you have a Nook 1st Edition, Nook Color, or Nook tablet, you can trade it in now through Jan. 17th and get a $30 credit toward a Samsung Galazy Tab 4 Nook!

Have questions? I have answers!

 

Posted in Bookish Chatter | 1 Comment

A Month in Review: November 2014

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Jenn

amonthinreview

 

Yikes! Where did November go? How did it get to be December already?

As the weather cools, I prefer to spend most of my time at home, comfortably curled up with a book. Despite having a short (ok, a week long!) reading slump, I quickly got back into my reading groove!

Books Reviewed

Since I was very selective in my reading this week, every book I read/reviewed is a favorite. Cop out? No. The truth? Yes!

See which December books I’m exited about!

Posts of Value:

Blogger 911: I Was Hacked


Special/Upcoming Events!

Thankfully Reading Weekend:

Coming next week:

How was your reading month? What were some of your favorites?

Posted in Bookish Chatter | 1 Comment

2014 Thankfully Reading Weekend: The Wrap-UP

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Jenn

photo ThankfullyReading_zps031c0cce.jpg

Yet another Thankfully Reading Weekend comes to a close! While I didn’t get nearly as much reading accomplished as I planned, I did enjoy the time spent visiting my family.

Thank you all for participating, especially those who participated on Twitter! Quite the active group of readers!  Rather than giving you another challenge to do today, I’m going to permit you all the reading time you can squeeze in on this last day!

That said, if you are still inclined to write a wrap-up post, link it up here. Perhaps cover the books you were able to read, maybe list your favorite? Again, this entire event is supposed to be relaxing so feel free to do as little or as much as you like!

Don’t forget to check out the challenges below, still open for entries!

What Book Are You Most Thankful For This Year?
My Life According to Books

Also, a special thanks to Jen, my partner in crime! Thank you so much for your innovative and unique challenge!


Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | 2 Comments

2014 Thankfully Reading Weekend: Day Three

Posted on November 29, 2014 by Jenn

It’s day three of Thankfully Reading Weekend!  How did everyone do yesterday? I didn’t get nearly as much reading done yesterday as I would have liked; We’re in Ohio visiting family. We’re heading home tomorrow and I’m sure I’ll get plenty of reading in on the long drive home!

Today’s challenge is hosted by Jen over at Jen’s Book Thoughts!  It’s a fun one!  Yesterday’s challenge is still up and live; you have through Sunday to enter!

Don’t forget: today is Small Business Saturday! Take a break in your reading a visit/support a small business in your area today!

The wrap-up post & link-up will go live tomorrow!

If you are just starting your Thankfully Reading Weekend today, remember to include your link and any update posts in the the kick-off post!

Happy Reading!

Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | Leave a comment

Thankfully Reading Weekend Day 2: What Book Are You Most Thankful For This Year?

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Jenn

It’s day two of Thankfully Reading Weekend!  How did everyone do yesterday? Full stomachs, plenty of reading time…sounds like bliss to me! I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a day of reading at home, avoiding the retail madness!

For today’s challenge, I invite you to write about the book you are most thankful for this year. Is it a book written by one of your favorite authors or one you just happened to come upon? Tell us about it!  Include a link to your post below (or if you don’t have a blog, tell us about the book in the comments.

The winner of this challenge will win a $20 gift certificate for literary accessories or bookish jewelry made by Melody! Check out her shop to see some of her amazing products!  I’ll announce the winner at the end of Thankfully Reading Weekend to give everyone a chance to enter!


Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | 5 Comments