Pulse by Felix Francis - A Book Review

A horseracing mystery by the son of the well-known English author, Dick Francis

Felix Francis brings us another novel in the group of horseracing mysteries begun by Dick Francis and now continued by his son, Felix.

Synopsis

Pulse (A Dick Francis Novel)

A well-dressed man is found unconscious at a local racecourse and is rushed to the hospital. He subsequently dies and his identity is unknown. No identification is found on him and no one appears to be looking for him or reporting him missing. 

The ER Doctor who treated the deceased is Dr. Chris Reynolds. She is at first intrigued by this nameless man, and then is all but obsessed with discovering who he is. She begins asking questions and discovers this to be a problem. Someone doesn’t want the questions asked or answered and will go to any lengths to prevent it. 

At the same time, Chris is suffering from mental health issues and severe anorexia. Her husband and 14-year-old twin boys are worried about her. Even her job is in jeopardy if she cannot get her medical issues resolved.

While on medical leave, Dr. Chris continues to try and discover who the dead man is. When someone attempts to murder her, no one will believe someone tried to kill her. Chris is left with no option but to discover who the dead man was and why he died,  before the same thing happens to her.

Summary

Another mystery set in the world of horseracing where the subject of race fixing becomes a factor in the plot of the story. Pulse, by Felix Francis, is part of a collection of novels continuing the racing thriller tradition begun by his father, famous English fiction writer, Dick Francis. 

For more Francis (Dick & Felix) Book Reviews here on ReviewthisReviews, check out this link.

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*Book Review of Pulse is written by Wednesday Elf

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The First Gentleman Book Review

 The First Gentleman, a thriller by former President Bill Clinton and the master of thrillers, James Patterson.

The First Gentleman is Clinton, and Patterson's third collaboration with the first two being The President Is Missing and The President's Daughter. The books are not a series, so it doesn't matter what order you read them in. 

The First Gentleman: Plot

President Madeline Wright is in the middle of a reelection campaign and preparing a plan to save the US economy. But that is not her biggest problem; it's her husband, Cole Wright.

Cole is a former NFL star who played for the New England Patriots and is now the first gentleman. Cole is being charged with a 17 year old murder of a cheerleader, turning his world upsidedown.

Two investigative reporters, Garret Wilson and Brea Cooke, set out to write a book and uncover the truth about this cold case. Is Cole Wright guilty of murder? You will have to read this book to find out.

The story alternates between personal moments and political drama. You will be drawn into a web of secrets, investigations, and power struggles that feel real. Patterson keeps the chapters short and suspenseful, making this hard to put down. I do have the other two books and can't wait to read them.

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The First Gentleman: A ThrillerBuy Now

 

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Mischief and Manors Book Reviewed

I have recently started reading through the Change of Heart book series by Ashtyn Newbold and I have not been disappointed.  

This entire series is a  very romantic, very entertaining series built around characters with charm and wit.

Book 1 of the series is Mischief and Manors.  The title describes well what a reader should expect.  The mischief element is introduced by the two young brothers in the story.  Manors is also clear in reference to the homes.  Changing the spelling to "manners" would also have been appropriate since having the proper manners in society definitely matters.

Romantics at heart always love books with gentlemen and heroes.  This series is based on women who need a real gentleman and hero in their lives.  All Regency Romance novels are written based on a time period in the past when woman have little or no control over their own lives.  Happiness and romance are secondary to financial security and marriage arrangements may not include the woman's personal considerations.  

 

Synopsis of Mischief and Manors

Annette Downing and her two young brothers are orphans who were taken in my their uncle's widow when their parents died 5 years before the book's beginning.  Ruth Filbee is a cruel, selfish, and viscous woman who didn't want the children, but also didn't want to be criticized publicly for not taking them in.

 Mischief and Manors:
A Regency Romance (Change of Heart Book 1)Check PriceWhen Annette and her brothers were invited to spend the summer at Kellaway Manor, Annette couldn't get away from her aunt and the town of Silton fast enough.  Even though she thought she had found a way out of Aunt Ruth's house by accepting the vicar's marriage proposal, it would not be a love match.  Simply an escape from her aunt's abuse and guardianship.  She hoped to have time away from all of the stress by visiting her parent's friends, the Kellaways.  

Annette had visited the Kellaways in the past with her parents, but her brothers had never been there.  She knew their mischievous antics could cause problems, but she hoped she would be able to instruct them.  She had done the best she could to raise her young brothers, but she knew she needed help.  The need for help was another reason why she was considering the vicar's proposal.

Dr. Owen Kellaway remembered Annette, and she certainly remembered him and his own mischievous ways when he was young.  After all, when she was previously there, he had led her into an "adventure" that ended up with her being hurt.  

Owen was immediately drawn to Annette and her dedication to her little brothers.  The more he learned about their lives, the more he wanted to help them, but Annette wasn't interested in a relationship with Owen.  However, she did realize he could help her instruct and properly teach her brothers to be gentlemen.  She finally agreed to a proper friendship.  She had no desire to be taken in by his charm or flirtation, but she thought she was safe to have him as a much needed friend.

____________

It is pretty evident early on that Annette and Owen's friendship will develop into a love relationship.  However, Annette's aunt had accepted the vicar's proposal for Annette and she has threatened to send her brothers to an orphanage.  No matter who Annette marries, her aunt is still her brother's guardian and has total control over them.

As with any "Cinderella" story, you really want to see the wicked guardian's plans thwarted.  

 

        

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Books by Ashtyn Newbold Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com

• The Last Eligible Bachelor 
• The Ace of Hearts 
• The Captain's Confidant  
• With Love, Louisa
• Lord Blackwell's Promise
  

   

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Mischief and Manors (Change of Heart Series) Reviewed by:

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The Cat in the Stacks Cozy Mystery Series Reviewed

 Starring volunteer librarian Charlie Harris and his rescue Maine Coon cat, Diesel. 

We first meet Charlie and Diesel in Book I - Murder Past Due, the 2010 debut of this charming and delightful series.

To date, author Miranda James has written 17 books in the series, with Something Whiskered having been published in 2025.

Series Synopses

Charlie Harris is recently retired from his position as a Library Director in Houston. Widowed, and with his two children grown and pursuing their own careers, Charlie decides to move back to his hometown, a small town near the coast in Mississippi where he has inherited a house from a great-aunt. 

The house is large, so Charlie rents out a couple of the rooms to boarders. His aunt’s housekeeper has run the house for years and stays on part time to tend to Charlie and his boarders, cleaning and cooking. Since Charlie adores her fine Southern cooking, this works out fine with him. 

To keep busy, Charlie volunteers a couple days a week at the local public library and also works one day a week as custodian of the rare books collection at the local college. 

One day, as Charlie parks at the library for one of his volunteer days, and anxious to get inside as it is pouring rain, he  spots movement under a nearby bush. Investigating, he discovers a very large, and rather wet, Maine Coon cat. He picks up the cat and takes him inside to dry him off.

As time goes by, Charlies tries to find out where the cat belongs, while taking care of him at his home. Unable to locate an owner, he ends up keeping the cat. Since the cat has a very deep and rumbling purr, Charlie names him Diesel. He decides he sounds just like a diesel engine. :) 

Then a murder happens and Charlie Harris and Diesel end up playing detective to solve the crime. 

Diesel goes everywhere with Charlie, including the library where he is a favorite with the children. He even walks on a lease when doing so would keep him safer. 

In subsequent books, Charlie and Diesel become involved in more unsolved murders.  The dynamic duo of genial librarian Charlies Harris and his smart and clever cat, Diesel, earn  the reputation of becoming quite good detectives. 

*You can find the entire collection available here on Amazon. 

Author Miranda  James

Miranda James is a pen name for Dean James, a former medical librarian of two decades. His professional background includes extensive published research on library science, medical history, and the mystery genre. In addition to the Cat in the Stacks series, he is the author of three other series of books. James lives in Texas. 

Summary

If you enjoy cozy mysteries and also like stories that include animals, you will be pleased with this Cat in the Stacks series. As time goes on, Charlie’s two kids move back to Charlie's small Mississippi town (the son, a lawyer, from Houston and the daughter, a striving actress, from California) and become a part of subsequent stories. As does the housekeeper’s daughter, who is a senior detective on the town’s police force and keeps bumping into Charlie when he somehow keeps finding bodies. 

Each story leads into the next, so reading them in sequence is recommended. The Cat in the Stacks series is a darling and light-hearted series of cozy mysteries. 

*Book Review of the “Cat in the Stack” series of cozy mysteries is written by Wednesday Elf

There's a cat in the stacks...

...and he makes the purr-fect partner for a librarian-turned-sleuth.

Murder Past Due (Cat in the Stacks Mystery)

Something Whiskered (Cat in the Stacks Mystery)

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All in One Course, for Piano, Review

Decades ago, when I first took piano lessons, I was instructed to purchase individual books on theory, and some other books as well. There were three or four books that I had purchased. It is what was available at the time, and I got the books my teacher recommended.

When I had gone for quite awhile without playing, sans piano, I decided to get some books to help me relearn piano.

What I found was a book that has Lesson, Theory, and Solo, all in one book. I already worked through Book 1, and have recently started with Book 2.

I like this approach much butter, you learn a bit of theory along with explanations, and practice songs to reinforce the theory and technique, all in one book.

It's so much nicer having the various steps of learning, all in one place, in an easy understandable order, without having to go to one book from another; it's all sequential. It's much easier for one to follow and know what to do next, especially if they don't have a piano teacher.

When I started working in Book 2 of the All in One Course, Lesson, Theory, Solo, I was able to jump in and play the presented song from beginning to end, (They are short."), without much hesitation. I am pleasantly making progress. I know it helps that I had piano lessons many years ago, but overall, I think this method is much more enjoyable than the earlier method was, and easier too.

It is so nice having the lessons flow from one aspect to the next, in a sequential order, all in one book. If you are interested in checking out this book on Amazon, you can check it out here: All in One Course. There are other books in this series for different levels.

Cheryl Paton

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Final Orbit ~ A Book Review

Final Orbit is a novel that you just won't be able to put down.  Chris Hadfield is a master at putting together a story that is full of facts and yet manages to weave in some fiction into the story plot as well. He is much loved Canadian Astronaut, author, musician and writer.  This reviewer has read his books and loved each one.  But let's get into the Final Orbit!

The 1970's space race had everyone interested in what was out there.  There was much political, international and general interest in all of the exploration of the moon, the space station and the possibilities of future travels in space.

In 1975 the space race took on a whole new focus as Apollo and the Russian Soyuz were to jointly dock with the now abandoned Space Station.  It was a time of hope for the whole world that the two super powers could in fact come together to benefit all of mankind with  cooperation and not with suspicions.

But unknown to both the US and Russia, China has been secretly trying to enter into the space race as well.  Deep in remote location, China secretly launches it's first manned spaceship.   No one knows what their purpose is and even though the Russians and Americans are working together, they are never totally above being suspicious of each other too.

This space mission is full of many triumphs and many  mistakes as well, not just in the heavens but here on earth as well.  Three of the six astronauts die during a decompression error.  One of the Soviet's and two American astronauts are no longer part of the mission as it was supposed to happen.  That leaves two Soviet's and one American aboard the Apollo capsule to figure out what needs to be done and how to do it.  Just to add to the astronauts stress, there is the language barrier to work through and teaching the Cosmonauts how the Apollo works, compared to their Soyuz craft.  And then there is that pesky Chinese astronaut out there too.  

It doesn't take too much imagination to put yourself right into that Apollo capsule along side these three space travellers.  That's what makes this book so intriguing.  

If you are an astronaut wannabe or get excited about the possibilities of outer space travel, this book is for you!  

If you lived through the 1960's and beyond, the Space Race and all of the missions Apollo made, you will relive some history that was happening on earth during that time as well.  The Cold War, Patty Hearst. civil unrests and more are all part of what happened during this mission.  

Once you open the book, Final Orbit, will be glued to your hands until you finish the last page. and then you will want to go back to the start and read it all over again.  

Well done Chris Hadfield, well done indeed!

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Heart and Steel Book Review

I grew up in Western Pennsylvania and am a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. My daughter and grandsons got me this book for Christmas. 

Heart and Steel: Inside the Steelers Dynasty is more than a football book. It's a deep, personal look at leadership, resilience, and what it truly takes to build a championship culture. Written by Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher with veteran sports journalist Michael Holley.

The book follows Cowher's journey from his roots in Crafton, Pennsylvania, just minutes from the stadium he would eventually call home. The book traces his path from a linebacker at North Carolina State to an NFL player and, finally, to an amazing coaching career.

The book gave me the chance to relive those glorious 15 years of Cowher's coaching and the team that I love. From the heartbreak of narrow playoff losses to the decision-making involving stars like Ben Roethlisberger.

While Steeler fans will love this book and the stories, the most moving chapters aren't about football at all; they focus on Cowher's life after the whistle. This book made me both laugh and cry. Cowher addresses doubts, criticism, and the sacrifices required to succeed at the highest level, along with their impact on his family life. 

Heart and Steel is an engaging and thoughtful read that captures the spirit of Steeler football and offers insights into Bill Cowher's leadership and determination.

From the very first chapter, I could not put this book down. You can find Bill Cowher today as the cohost of CBS's NFL Today.

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Heart and SteelBuy Now

 

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Review of We Were The Lucky Ones

The author, Georgia Hunter, did meticulous research on this book that is based on her grandfather's family.  Even though this is a book of historical fiction her careful research really brings to life the struggles of the Kurc family during World War II.  The story, which was largely left untold until Georgia discovers the stories during a family reunion, is one of struggles, hardship, love and the endurance of the human spirit.  

Book Summary

The book begins in 1939 as the Kurc family gathers for the Passover in their home in Radom, Poland.  There are three generations gathered, and they are only missing Addy who is working in France.  

At first the issues of the world seem remote, and they struggle to lead normal lives even as the threat of war looms.  The dinner conversation consists of talks of babies and romance and everyday life.

The peace that they knew will soon be destroyed and the family will be forced to come to grips with the reality of the coming war.  The family will be sent to the far ends of the world and be divided so that the main struggle and conversations will be their desire to stay alive and someday all be together again.

The author does a wonderful job of making you feel a part of each of the family members struggles and wanting to read on to find out how they will survive.  There are members of the Kurc family sent to labor camps in Siberia and ghettos in their hometown when their beautiful home is taken from them.  Other family members pose as Gentiles to survive, and one is able to escape the continent and travels to Brazil.

With the title of the book leading us to believe they all survive, I was always wondering how each one would survive the terrible struggles they endured.

This book was based on the actual lives of the authors ancestors which made it even more compelling.  I highly recommend this New York Times bestselling book.  It is a true testament to the human spirit that can survive and thrive.

Miniseries made from Book

The book has been made into a miniseries. It premiered on Hulu in 2024.  It stars Joey Kirs and Logan Lerman.

Book on Amazon

The book is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audio book.   We were the Lucky Ones

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Review of Short Story by Lisa Wingate

 

There are times when life is particularly hectic or perhaps when I've just read a long book and I'm in the mood for something lighter that a short story is just what is needed.  That happened to me at the end of 2025, and I found this short story by Lisa Wingate that just hit the spot.  I had read books by this author before and knew I liked her writing style, so I downloaded this book to my kindle and enjoyed a nice break from my holiday preparations.

Story Synopsis

In this moving short story, Olympic silver medalist Kalista Brooks returns to her hometown to be with her father when his heart condition worsens.  He was a beloved coach to many and always holds a special place in Kalista's heart.

As the visit, her father has one request.  He really would love to return to their old farmhouse in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He would love to relive that area in all four seasons.  Since time is to short to be there a year, Kalista works on a way to relive all four seasons in a months' time.

As the narrative continues, they relive their shared experiences such as spring blossoms, homemade jam in the summer, a special autumn festival and a very special winter evening.

Along the way Kalista learns some valuable lessons and takes another look at what is really important in her life.

This short story looks at the enduring love between a father and daughter and the valuable bonds that family relations hold.

I found this a very touching and delightful read.

Book on Amazon

Here is a link to the short story on Amazon,  The Last Father-Daughter Dance

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Review of Rescuing Lord Inglewood by Sally Britton

I can always rely on author, Sally Britton, to deliver a unique and entertaining Regency Romance.  

I recently started the series, "Inglewood" and was immediately drawn in by the first book, "Rescuing Lord Inglewood".  It didn't take me very long to read the book from cover to cover simply because I could not put it down.

This book is categorized as a Christian fiction on Amazon, but in fact, it is simply clean and wholesome.  I don't remember any reference in the book to Christianity, but I can easily recommend it to anyone who prefers non-salacious romantic content regardless of religious beliefs. 

You may already know that a "Regency romance" is set during the early 1800's British Regency time period and society.  It offers readers a look back in history and societal expectations.  It often makes a reader grateful that they did not live during that time period even though we admire the higher standards.

 

Synopsis of the Book, "Rescuing Lord Inglewood"

 Rescuing Lord Inglewood: A Regency RomanceCheck PriceWhile out for a leisurely walk, Esther Fox sees that a tragedy is about to unfold before her eyes.  Without even thinking about any consequences to herself, she runs straight into danger to knock a man out of the way of a falling statute.  Unfortunately, she is the one hurt and knocked unconscious. 

Lord Inglewood, Earl of Inglewood, has no idea what has just hit him and why.  All he knows is that a beautiful woman is laying on top of him on the sidewalk in front of everyone.  He is immediately concerned when he sees her head is bleeding, especially once he learns that her injury is due to her rescuing him from sure death.     

This most unusual encounter puts both of them in the center of gossip and even has wagers being written in the book of the exclusive London gentleman's club, Whites.  Fortunately for both of them, they have known each other all of their lives.  That makes the situation a little bit more tolerable, but not easily laid to rest.

________

Their next course of action may seem obvious to Regency romance readers, but the story is truly entertaining!  But, prepare yourself, there are some parts that are extremely sad.  After all, even in a Regency romance, life is not all sunshine and roses.

 

 

Books by Sally Britton Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com

• A Haunting at Havenwood Book Review
• Her Unsuitable Match (Supposed Scandal Series) Reviewed
• Silver Dollar Duke: Hearts of Arizona Series - Book 1 Reviewed
• The Social Tutor Book Review
• The Earl and His Lady (Book 4 in Branches of Love Series) Book Review

 

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Book Review: Rich Blood by Robert Bailey

In this legal thriller, Jana Waters' husband was murdered on their boat dock and tossed into the water. She is being tried for murder. The victim was the well-respected Dr. Waters but for a variety of reasons there was a short list of folks in this small town who might have wanted him dead. She insists that Jason Rich, the ambulance-chasing injury attorney, represent her. 

While people are celebrating the 4th of July, no one hears the gunshots that kills Dr. Waters. The upcoming trial exposes how the mixing of affairs, alcohol, drugs, and debts can ruin lives, relationships and careers. 

The cast of characters in Rich Blood by Robert Bailey: 

Dr. Waters - A beloved small town doctor who also had some significant flaws as a husband. As a doctor, he'd been sued for a surgical mistake on the town's star football player; ending those college prospects and future career.  

Jana Waters - The pampered, emotionally volatile doctor's wife who lived in the nice house on the water, with her husband and children. She also owed a significant amount of money to her dealer.

Jason Rich - Jason returns to town at the request of his sister.  She asked him to be her defense attorney in her murder trial. After all, he was a successful attorney complete with billboards in the area that nobody could miss.  Billboards for accident and injury cases. Fresh out of rehab for his own addiction issues, he decides to return to the town he was glad to have left behind and agrees to represent her. It is his first time trying a criminal case. 

Waylon Pike - the criminal who was "by no means a criminal mastermind" claims that he was paid by the wife to kill Dr. Waters. Was he really stupid enough to brag about committing the murder or was that a part of framing Jana Waters?

I believe I've just discovered a new favorite author. As is often the case, I may be the last to know about a talented author. Robert Bailey is an award-winning, best-selling author whose specialty is legal thrillers. It is easy to understand Bailey's popularity as a writer with the character development. I was completely absorbed in Rich Blood and immediately began the 2nd book in the series.

Additional Links:

Rich Blood by Robert Bailey is available on Amazon. At the time of this writing, the book is rated at 4.4 stars from 45,000+ reviews. 

The author's official website:  www.robertbaileybooks.com 

photo attribution: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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A Very Merry Murder Mystery-Review

 

Christmas Cozy Mystery

I really enjoy cozy mysteries, so as the Christmas season was approaching, I found several Christmas themed cozy mysteries that I downloaded to my Kindle. I found one set of books that contained three different cozy mysteries all about a woman named Meridith and called Merry.  In these mysteries you are introduced to Merry and her interesting cast of friends who live in a small town.

Santa Slaughter

The first book in A Very Merry Murder Mystery series is set during a Christmas festival in a small town.  Meridith "Merry" is in between jobs and is working as an elf in the Santa hut.  Her friend Maggie has a booth by the Santa hut that sells hot chocolate.  On the first day of the festival Merry is working to set up the candy canes and her helpers are getting the children in line to see Santa.  The first two children enter the hut and start talking to Santa when he gets called away for a minute.  When Merry goes to take the photos she discovers that Santa is not there, the children show her how he went out the back door of the hut.  When Merry goes out to check on him she finds him on the ground and the mystery begins.  

First Date Disaster

In the second book, Merry's life his getting on a good track.  She now has a job running the cafe/coffee shop in her small town.  She also has a love interest in the town veterinarian.  When the book opens, they have yet to go on a date but that soon changes and things are looking up until they run into a dead body on their first date. Merry feels invested in solving the murder especially when a friend of hers becomes a suspect.  Rob, her date, is supportive and helpful but what a start to a relationship!  Will this work out? Will the murder be solved?  You will need to read the book to discover these answers.

The Body in the Bookstore

The third book in the series takes place when one of Merry's favorite authors, Aloysius Hunt comes to town to talk about his newest book at a local bookstore.  Merry's Aunt Cassie is also a big fan of the Mr. Hunt, so she comes to town to attend the event with Merry.  Before the event they are serving people in the cafe when a group of big fans of the Aloysius Hunt come in for some snacks and drinks before the big event.  They follow Mr. Hunt wherever he is speaking and they are very excited about his newest book.  

All is going well until they are at the bookstore, and a tragic accident occurs.  When it turns into a murder, it looks like they have another mystery to solve.

The Books on Amazon

The first three books in this series, along with the other six, can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or for Kindle.  Here is a link to the books A Very Merry Murder Mystery

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The Let Them Theory Book Review

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins has certainly made a run this year after its' publication in December 2024.

Many a media feed currently contains the author and nuggets from the book. From podcast to influencer to award winning author of The Five Second Rule and The High 5 Habit and life coach Mel Robbins is very visible.

The Heart Of The Book

What I found to be the heart of the book and an excellent reminder for everyday life, every minute, every hour is the reminder that one cannot control others. Let Them is not about changing others, but changing what you can control which is yourself. The Let Them is paired with Let Me which is the key as to how you deal with difficult people, difficult decisions, unfair situations etc. 

Sounds simple in theory, but reality can be much different. If you are an older adult, I suspect you will have 'heard' much of what is in this book. But it is is helpful to view as a compilation, a reminder, a coaching moment. 

The Numbers

According to Amazon where the book has over 30,000 reviews with a 4.5 star rating; the book has generated the following numbers (and is currently number 2 this week on  Amazon Charts.)

• "Over 7 Million Copies Sold ...

• #1 New York Times Bestseller

• #1 Sunday Times Bestseller

• #1 Audible Bestseller

• #1 Amazon Bestseller "

Impressive indeed!

Makes A Great Gift

Fans of books which self help, life coaching, problem solving for difficult people will particularly enjoy this book. Younger adult readers who are entering jobs may very well benefit from the anecdotes in this book as they encounter situations new to them. Same would hold true for college students seriously considering management as a career.  Great stocking stuffer gift or graduation gift.

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Reviewing Simone Stier's Cafe Cozy Mystery Series

 Simone Stier's Cafe Cozy Mystery Series starts with A Shot of Scandal where we first meet Parker Hayes, former true-crime podcaster who has decided she wants to try small town life and is reinventing her life as a cafe owner. When a murder and theft occurs at a high society gala in Magnolia Grove (said small town), Parker's plans for a peaceful life start to dissipate as her investigative senses start to itch.

If you love cozy mysteries then this is a great series to look into, it includes all the classic cozy tropes of small town, found family & quirky cast. The setting is the southern town of Magnolia Grove and the books really do make it feel like a warm, tight-knit community.

The characters are great, Simone Stier has done a great job in making the town's residents feel real. Parker's friendships and conflicts with other locals are often a highlight in the books. Although each book can be read as a standalone, if you read them in order you see Parker's growth as she lets people in and develops friendships.

I love the name of her cafe - Catch You Latte which is a very subtle nod to her history as a very successful true-crime podcaster. We learn more about why she stepped away from her podcast as we work our way through the early books. There are often references to episodes of her podcast and it's her experience as a former private investigator and podcaster that give her a unique view point on these situations.

I will say that for a small town there's a high body count and somehow Parker seems to keep stumbling into these murder cases at community events, galas, even haunted mansions.

The tone of these books is very cozy, there's humor, warmth, friendship and plenty of coffee and pastries. One of the recurring characters is Hazel who is a student that loves baking so works for Parker in her cafe baking the amazing cakes for Parker to serve. She also dyes her hair a different shade for each book, the color to compliment the coffee special that is featured in the book. I love the sound of these coffee creations as much as I enjoy the story.

In later books Parker also hires Renee to bake and let's just say Renee and Hazel are like chalk and cheese,. I'm looking forward to see where their relationship arc is going to lead.

Another notable character in the books is Major - her part time dog, because every small town cafe owner needs a dog in my opinion. Then there's Parker's love interest Walt, the town historian. I won't dwell on the myriad of other characters in these books - they are all just waiting for you to discover them.

The mysteries are well constructed with red herrings, twists and clues. There's also a good balance between investigating crime and her day to day cafe challenges. In book 2 (A Drizzle of Danger) for example her grand opening turns into a major crisis when a body is found near her cafe.

Later books continue to raise stakes and weave more complex plots eg A Measure of Mayhem involves a Polar Plunge at a festival, property disputes and hidden grudges. Just as you're thinking surely there's no more secrets this small town can hold and is there anyone left to kill? We see Parker being asked to help investigate a 15 year old cold case in a neighboring small town of Willow Springs in A Dusting of Doubt. 

These books are great for readers who prefer "cozy" over "dark" crime where the violence is implied rather than graphic. The book's tone stays light even when the stakes are high, making them relaxing reads. If you enjoyed Cleo Coyle's The Coffeehouse Mysteries you will love this series.

The series isn't over yet! There are 14 published books so far with one about to be released on December 1st and when you look at the author's page there are 9 other titles that have been listed as also coming! I am halfway through book 12 at the moment.

I love reading cozy mysteries to relax and unwind when my head is too full to concentrate on my more favorite genres of psychological thrillers or gritty whodunnits. Cozy mysteries tend to be more predictable and everything gets resolved happily which means you don't stay awake afterwards thinking about them and you also don't have to concentrate too hard to figure out what's happening.

I also love that a number of cozy mysteries are more character focused and this series is one where you really feel wrapped up in the community as you read the book - like friends on a page.

With all of that it probably comes as no surprise that I was introduced to this series earlier in the year when I was sick and promptly read the first five books in quick succession. I was introduced to a couple of other cozy mystery series at this time as well, but this is the only one where I have an alert to download the new books every time they are published which should tell you that I definitely give this series a big thumbs up.

If you want to enjoy this series and lots more amazing books then you might want to try out Kindle Unlimited - I love it and would rather give up Netflix than my Kindle Unlimited account!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Book Review of Dark Horse by Felix Francis

 Popular character, Sid Halley, makes a return in Dark Horse when he is brought in to investigate a stalking turned murder case. 

Synopsis

Dark Horse: A Dick Francis Novel

Rising Irish jump jockey Imogen Duffy is on the cusp of stardom, but her life is a nightmare. Her controlling and jealous ex-boyfriend, Liam, is stalking her, and when she tries to break free, his harassment turns violent. Fleeing to England, Imogen hopes to escape his shadow, but Liam refuses to let her go, also moving to England and continuing his harassment. 

Then, he is found murdered, a knife with Imogen's fingerprints left at the scene.

With the evidence stacked against her, Imogen's father enlists the help of former jockey turned private investigator Sid Halley. Reluctantly agreeing to the case, Halley's investigation soon becomes a life-or-death race against time. He discovers that he, too, is being watched and threatened, suggesting Liam's murder was part of a much larger and darker game. As the stakes get personal, Halley must uncover who is truly responsible for the murder and the new threats before the killer claims another victim.

Summary

Dark Horse is the latest in Felix Francis’ series of novels. It is an old-fashioned thriller with a horse-racing background. Written by Felix Francis in a manner similar to that of his famous father, Dick Francis, Felix brings back the beloved character Sid Halley. Fans of horse-racing, and of the Francis’ authors Dick and Felix, will enjoy this one. 

The ending is one that will surprise you!

*Book Review of Dark Horse is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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