Review This Reviews!

Friday, April 14, 2023

Collapsible Stackable Storage Bins with Doors & Removable Lids Review

I love my kitchen, but I wish it had a walk-in pantry. I have never lived in a home that has a walk-in pantry, but my grandmother-in-law had a fabulous walk-in pantry. I always thought if I ever built a house, the first thing I would require is a walk-in pantry.

I do have a cabinet pantry, which is pretty, but it simply is not big enough. My husband's grandmother had room for all kinds of stuff in her walk-in pantry, including small appliances, which left her counter tops clear. However, since I do not have that awesome walk-in pantry, I am always trying to find alternatives.

Because we eat most of our meals at home, I need more storage space in my kitchen. I have a whole shelf in my cabinet pantry dedicated just for the spices I use when cooking and another shelf for baking supplies.

I hate to admit it, but I started putting surplus supplies behind our washroom door that normally stays open. That was certainly not an attractive solution, but it did provide space for things that I could not fit in the pantry.

A few weeks ago, something wonderful happened! I came across storage bins with doors and removable lids. The fact that they are collapsible, is a huge bonus. When I do not need them, I can fold them up and store them away.

These storage bins are a lot more attractive than stacked boxes or plastic tubs. Plus, they fit perfectly behind the open door.

Collapsible Storage Bins

Closet Organizers and StorageCheck Price There are 2 sizes available. Based on the measurements of the space behind the door, I opted for a 3-pack of the 8.4 gallon size containers. Since I know what is inside the containers, the dark, clear plastic sides allow me to see inside the boxes if I look closely, but would not be clear enough for guests to see the contents. I can access the contents through the latching doors on the front of each container, or I can lift the lid.

The storage bins have little wheels on each bin for easy moving. Since the bins stack on top of each other, the lids are made with indentations to accommodate the wheels on a second bin. That construction method gives the overall unit of 3 bins more stability. They will not easily slide off of each other when moving. I literally have to pick up the top container to move it from the stack.

These stackable storage bins are the perfect solution for my need for an additional kitchen pantry. Now that I have them, and using them daily, I can easily think of a few other places in my home or vehicles where they would make a wonderful extra storage place.

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Easy Grip Jar Opener

This simple little gadget has saved me so much time and aggravation, that I just had to share it with our readers.

My Issues with Opening Jars and Cans

Over the last few years, I have been struggling to open jars, cans and bottles. I used to just bring them to my husband to open, but he had hand surgery in January and has yet to regain the strength in his hands. As we age, I think a lot of people struggle with opening jars and bottles.

I had tried a lot of different devices advertised to easily open jars but none seemed to work all the time. A few months ago, I had a jar of spaghetti sauce and no matter what I tried I couldn't open it. Finally, I gave up and went next door to have my neighbor open it. That incident sent me to my computer to research another method to use for opening jars and bottles. What I found seemed too good to be true. It was an undercounter opener that you see pictured above.

Here is the Amazon link to the opener.

Installing the EZ Opener

When the opener arrived, I thought for sure I would need to get some help to install it. I took it out of the packaging and decided to first try for myself. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to install. Even with my weak hands, I was able to easily screw it in under the counter and tighten it sufficiently. Now to put it to the test. I got a bottle of sparkling water that always give me fits to open and stuck it under the opener. With only a slight twist the bottle popped open. Since that time, I have used it for all sizes of bottles and jars. It has saved me so much time and frustration.

If you ever have trouble opening a bottle or jar, I suggest you get one of these handy gadgets. You will be glad you did.

FOLLOW US ON:

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

You’ll Love These Insanely Comfortable Memory Foam Slippers

Now that I am semi-retired and work from home, I wear slippers a lot. Especially since we have a large ivory antique Turkish rug in our living room, I prefer not to tramp around the house in shoes that have been worn outside. However, finding comfortable, machine-washable slippers with a memory foam foot bed and a sturdy but flexible sole has been a longstanding quest, especially since most slippers are too narrow for my feet.

For decades, I made do with the Acorn Spa Wrap slippers that are very popular for people with foot problems. Then, I finally found my “holy grail” slippers last year.

Here is my product review of my wonderful Landeer memory foam slippers, which I wear every day and love, and which Amazon buyers with both narrow and wide feet also rave about.

Ultra Comfortable Memory Foam Slippers With Flexible Rubber Outsole

I first discovered these slippers about a year and a half ago while putting together a Christmas wish list, which my husband's parents request from both us every year during the holiday shopping season. Since my old Acorn Spa Wrap quilted terrycloth slippers with a memory foam foot bed (a popular model that I had worn and periodically repurchased for decades) had gotten quite "long in the tooth" and the memory foam had eventually lost its resilience, I decided that new slippers would be a good, affordable wish list item and a gift I would appreciate and use daily.

Since I have wide feet, the selection is pretty limited. Even though the Acorn slippers came in a wide width option, were machine washable and had a Velcro closure that accommodated my high instep, I didn't love them. They also had a very thin rubber outsole that wasn't ideal for, say, walking outside to the mailbox (especially given our New England weather).

After researching memory foam slippers with a sturdy, non-slip rubber sole that would fit my wide feet comfortably, I decided to put these Landeer indoor-outdoor slippers on my Christmas wish list. Since they were from Amazon, I knew they would be easy to return if they didn't work out. Fortunately, they turned out to be great!

What I Love About These Landeer Memory Foam Slippers

I much prefer these Landeer Memory Foam Slippers to my old, tried-and-true Acorn Spa Wrap ones. Here are some of the reasons:

Extremely comfortable, well cushioned and lightweight. These are by far the most comfortable slippers I've ever worn! The memory foam foot bed is substantial and has held up extremely well over time, much better than that of my old Acorn Spa Wrap slippers. And, unlike many indoor-outdoor slippers with a sturdy rubber outsole, these are also very lightweight.
Breathable fabric uppers. These slippers have uppers made of a breathable knitted fabric. My feet stay comfortably warm while wearing these but don't become hot and perspired.
Plush fleece lining. The soft, plush fleece lining feels so good against my tender feet!
Flexible, sturdy, waterproof rubber outsoles for good traction. The much thicker rubber outsoles have deeper treads for better traction and absorb the impact when I'm walking on a hard surface, like our kitchen laminate flooring, bathroom floor tiles and uncarpeted areas of our wood floors. Despite their thickness (just over an inch at the heel and tapering down slightly at the toe), these waterproof rubber outsoles are also flexible enough to bend in half. And although they are not marketed as indoor-outdoor slippers, I and many other Amazon customers who have reviewed them find these slippers suitable to wear on a cement patio, walkway or pavement, if desired.
Machine washable and durable. Being able to toss these into the washing machine is especially important for the (admittedly infrequent) occasions when I wear them outdoors. (I wish we could do that with our regular shoes, lol!) I'm pleased to say that these have held up well after repeated machine washing.
Fits both regular and wide width feet (not recommended for narrow feet). If you have been unhappy with the limited options for wide slippers, I recommend giving these a try. Even though I wear a size 7 or 7.5 extra wide shoe, these slippers fit me perfectly. Based on the many Amazon customer reviews I've read, buyers with regular width feet love them, too!

Note: I found that they run a bit long and, after wearing the Women's size 7/8 slippers that my in-laws bought me two Christmases ago for a while, I eventually bought myself a pair in size 5/6, which fits me perfectly. However, the majority of customer reviews indicate that they fit true to size, so I would recommend ordering your usual size and then exchanging them if you find them too long for your feet.
A wide choice of colors. As of this writing, there are 14 color choices for these Landeer mule slippers: Moonlight (a pretty aqua, and the color I chose), Navy, Olive Green, Purple, Red, Wine Red, Apple Green (a lighter olive green), Dark Gray, Light Gray, Pink Orange (a light peach shade), Rose Red (actually a bright medium pink), Pink (pale pink), Black and Yellow. Something to suit everyone, both men and women.
Very affordable price. The list price for these slippers on Amazon is $29.99 as of this post's publication date. As I write this, there's currently a 33%-off deal, so you can snag a pair (or two) for just $19.99. (I don't know how long it will last, though, so if you want to try a pair at this great price, don't wait to order!)

Feet wearing Landeer memory foam slippers

Sitting with my legs stretched out looking at my feet in my ultra comfy Landeer memory foam slippers

Backless "Mule" Slippers Are a Mixed Blessing

I appreciate that backless mule slippers are quicker and easier to slip on and off than styles that enclose the heels. Fortunately, thanks to the long uppers that cover the entire instep, these Landeer slippers stay on my feet without my having to grip the insole with my toes (like other backless styles I have tried on in the past).

On the other hand, they can also come off more easily in situations when I'd rather they didn't, such as when I'm going up and down our treacherous old basement steps, which are very steep and have narrow treads that were built long before the current codes were established.

Designed for Both Women and Men

I was delighted to see that these Landeer memory foam slippers are sized to fit both women and men. Because of the width of the size selection boxes, the size decriptions are truncated until you click on a box to display the full description, so at first glance it might appear that there are only women's sizes. However, when you click one one of the size selection boxes, you will see that each size includes corresponding men's sizes for each of the women's sizes, e.g., "9-10 Women/7-8 Men."

The Amazon product listing also includes helpful size charts that convert U.S. women's and men's sizes to European sizes and foot lengths in both inches and centimeters, as well as instructions for how to measure your foot length correctly.

Makes a Thoughtful Gift

After having put them on my Christmas wish list and worn them since Christmas 2021 (including ordering a pair one size smaller after a few months), I can't say enough good things about what a terrific gift these Landeer memory foam slippers have been.

I think they would make great gifts for men as well as for women, and especially for people who work from home or are retired or bedridden. I'll bet someone who requires an extended hospital stay would also appreciate these soft, easy-on and easy-off slippers with a sturdy rubber outsole that provides good traction.

The price is right, especially if you can snag a pair during the 33% off deal on Amazon. Why not pick up a few pairs and get a jump on your birthday and Christmas shopping?

Finally, don't forget yourself! If you don't love your current slippers, I highly recommend giving these a try.

Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Selected Colors

Landeer memory foam slippers Moonlight Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Moonlight

Landeer memory foam slippers Dark Gray Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Dark Gray

Landeer memory foam slippers Navy Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Navy

Landeer memory foam slippers Red Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Red

Landeer memory foam slippers Purple Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Purple

Landeer memory foam slippers Apple Green Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Apple Green

Landeer memory foam slippers Rose Red Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Rose Red

Landeer memory foam slippers Black Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Black

You’ll Love These Insanely Comfortable Memory Foam Slippers by Margaret Schindel

Get More Gift Ideas From My Product Reviews

Solaire Mattress and Adjustable Base Plus Product Reviews

Saatva Organic Cotton Bedding Product Review

Holiday Gift Guide: Thoughtful, Affordable Gift Ideas They Will Love

Long, Lined Leather Gloves - A Luxurious, Affordable Gift She'll Love

How To Get Bright, Younger-Looking Eyes In 60 Seconds

The Best Dentist Approved, Inexpensive, 5-Mode Electric Toothbrush

The Best Affordable, Super Sharp Kitchen and Steak Knives Set

The Best Powerful, Lightweight Stick Blender With Versatile Attachments

The Best Bone-Conduction Bluetooth Headphones Review: Shokz OpenRun Pro

The Best Dentist Approved, Inexpensive, 5-Mode Electric Toothbrush

The Best Tool Roll Organizer To Store & Protect Your Tools

The Best Affordable Programmable Large- and Small-Batch Coffee Maker

The Best Manicure Tools for Strong, Healthy Nails

The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide

Flippy Tablet, Kindle, Phone, and Book Stand Lap Pillow Review

Hamama Microgreens Starter Kit and Seed Quilts Review

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Simple Egg Salad Recipe

Simple Egg Salad Recipe - Reviewed

Are you looking for a simple and delicious egg salad recipe? If so, then you have come to the right place.

I'm going to show you how I make my simple egg salad, using only a few ingredients.

This egg salad is so creamy and delicious. It's perfect for your classic egg salad sandwich, or enjoy it on your favorite crackers as a snack.

First, you need to hard-boil your eggs. You can do this by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. I don't like to boil my eggs because sometimes the eggs tend to crack while boiling.

I like to steam my eggs by placing about 2 inches of water in a double boiler. Bring the water to a boil. Place the eggs in the top pan, cover them, and steam them for 12 minutes. You'll get perfect hard-boiled eggs every time.

After the eggs are steamed, I place them back in the pot with cold water and ice. Leave them for about ten to fifteen minutes. This cooling down period makes them so easy to peel.

Simple Egg Salad Ingredients:

6 hard-boiled or steamed eggs

1/4 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and Pepper to taste

I separate the yolks from the whites and mash the yolks with a fork. Then, chop up the whites into small pieces. In a bowl combine the yolks and whites, add the mayonnaise, onions, and mustard, and mix until the egg salad is nice and creamy.

Garnish with the paprika, add salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy this nice creamy egg salad. Some variations if you like a little more flavor and texture to your egg salad, try adding some chopped pickles, parsley, or celery. You can also experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon, or whole grain.

What a perfect way to use up those beautiful dyed Easter Eggs.

Here are two more recipes to make good use of your dyed Easter Eggs from my friend Cynthia:

Deviled Eggs Recipe

Potato Salad Recipe

To make your hard-boiled eggs by steaming them you will need a double boiler.

Farberware Classic Stainless Series 2-Quart Covered Double BoilerCheck the Price

Click here for more great recipes on Review This:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

FOLLOW US ON:

Monday, April 10, 2023

Favorite Webbed Lawn Chair Reviewed

Winter weather brings summer sale prices! This is an excellent time of year to start thinking about replacing items which may have seen there last summer sunset and need attention. After holiday sales also brings attractive prices for summer and spring items for last seasons' merchandise manufacturers are looking to sell. Who is thinking lawn chairs in January - raise your hand! I am.

One of my favorite finds of 2022 were lawn chairs with the old school webbing. We actually had a few vintage chairs which the webbing was frayed beyond use; unfortunately while replacement webbing is inexpensive, the bolts are the chairs were rusted and I found the chairs needed replacement.

Old School Webbing

I, what I now know was an error, had mistakenly purchased two lawn chairs from the local drugstore and thought I had a great deal. While the webbing looked old school, it wasn't until we started to move the chairs around was the difference quickly noticed.

These chairs were so heavy! Heavy because the frame was steel versus aluminum and what a difference that makes when carrying lawn chairs car to car, car to picnic, car to beach, car to anywhere!

While I have tried many a lawn chair I keep coming back to the old school webbing as a favorite. A quality webbed lawn chair I found lasts decades! The comfort is also superior to many I have tried. I found Lawn Chair USA on amazon and could not have been more pleased with the purchase. I also very much liked this is a family owned business.

Styles and Colors

What I love about this company is the huge selection of colors and styles of the old school web lawn chairs. The styles offered are: classic, magnum, high back, low back and two packs. Over 20 color combinations are offered and will certainly mix in with established chairs or start a new color combo.

These vintage lawn chairs are made to last! Enjoy.

FOLLOW US ON:

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Bringing Warmth and Cheer to Your Home with Sunflower Decor

Sunflowers are one of my all-time favorite flowers. Their bright yellow petals never fail to make me smile and lift my mood.

Did you know that sunflowers have been cultivated for centuries, dating all the way back to 1000 BC in the Americas? No wonder they have become such a beloved flower in many cultures.

Embrace the Positive Symbolism of Sunflower Decor in Your Home

Not only are they beautiful, but sunflowers are also associated with positive traits such as happiness, warmth, and loyalty. Incorporating sunflower decor into the home can bring a sense of joy and comfort.

If you're also a fan of sunflowers, here are some fun ways to add a touch of sunflower-themed decor to your space:

Sunflower Lamps: Adding a sunflower lamp is an easy way to bring warmth to any room. I personally love table lamps with sunflower designs, but there are also beautiful floor lamps to consider. You can find them in different materials like metal or glass, and they can make lovely pieces for end tables or foyer tables.
Sunflower Rugs: A sunflower rug can add an extra pop of color and texture to a space. They come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your room. You can use it to anchor a seating area, but you could also use it to make your entryway more inviting.
Sunflower Pillows: If you're looking for an easy way to add some sunflower decor to your bed or sofa, consider getting some sunflower pillows. They come in all shapes and sizes, with different styles like embroidered or printed designs.
Sunflower Drapes: Adding sunflower drapes is a great way to bring some elegance and warmth to any room. They come in different fabrics like cotton or silk and can be found in many patterns and colors. You could even get creative and use them as a room divider.

Beyond Aesthetics: Uncovering the Lesser-Known Benefits of Sunflowers

Not only are sunflowers aesthetically pleasing, but they also have some amazing benefits. Did you know they're a food source for birds and other wildlife?

Sunflowers are also used in many human food products, as they are rich in nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium. They are even used in cosmetics and skincare products to help soothe and moisturize the skin.

Sunflower Symbolism: Elevate Your Home Decor with a Deeper Meaning

Sunflowers also have a rich symbolism behind them. In addition to their association with happiness, warmth, and loyalty, they symbolize faith and worship. Sunflower petals resemble the sun's rays, and the flower itself always turns towards the sun, making it a powerful symbol of growth and renewal.

Incorporating sunflower decor into a home is a small but meaningful way to bring some joy and positivity to daily life. Whether it's a sunflower lamp, rug, pillow, or drape, there are many ways to add this sunny flower to your decor.

FOLLOW US ON:

Saturday, April 8, 2023

National Scrabble Day – Holiday Review

National Scrabble Day is celebrated each year on April 13, which is the birthday of Alfred Mosher Butts who invented this iconic board game.

Scrabble Game

The game of Scrabble is based on the crossword puzzle and anagrams and was originally called Criss Cross. It was developed by an architect named Alfred M. Butts in 1931. The game was later redesigned and renamed Scrabble. First sold in Great Britain in 1954, this popular game is now found in three out of every five American homes. The games range from a Junior Edition to the standard game, a deluxe game and even travel-sized games.

Scrabble is a word game played by two to four players. You score points by placing tiles, that each contain a letter, on a game board which has a grid of squares. Many of the letters are worth one point, while certain letters are worth more points. There are extra-point squares on the board for doubling or tripling a letter or a whole word.

Scrabble is a fun game for kids through adults. A board game that is a family friendly strategy word game. It also makes a great party game.

A Personal Scrabble Game Story

We were playing Scrabble one evening at the home of friends. Hubby Bob had a 7-letter word which would have given him 50 bonus points, in addition to the points he would earn from his letters. Playing all 7 letters in a single turn is called a BINGO. There were three places on the Scrabble Board where he could have played his Bingo on a Triple-Word Score, giving him 3X the points.

Believe it or not, there were 3 players ahead of Bob before his next turn and, naturally, we each took those triple-word places ~ not having a clue that Bob had this 7-letter word.

Bob's word was BAZOOKA, which would have scored him 22 points for the points on the letter tiles, times 3 for the triple-word space, PLUS the 50-point bonus for a total of 106 points!

B3+A1+Z10+01+01+k5+A1=22

Of course now there was no place left on the board to play. Obviously, it was a big disappointment not to be able to play such a great word, but Bob eventually did play KAZOO for 18 points. The rest of us DID hear about it for several minutes as the game continued. And it became a favorite story every time we'd get together to play games. LOL.

Summary

So, on April 13, or any day, get out the Scrabble game and have a wordy good time!

More Scrabble-Related Reviews:

5 Fun Scrabble Decoration Ideas by Brite-Ideas
Games Day by Wednesday Elf

National Scrabble Day

April 13

*National Scrabble Day Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

A Variety of Scrabble Games

Hasbro Scrabble Deluxe Edition (Amazon Exclusive)Check Price Scrabble Board Game, Word Game for Kids Ages 8 and Up, Fun Game for 2-4 Players, Classic Crossword GameCheck Price Scrabble Score Pad: scrabble score sheets:100 score Pages _ Perfect size at 8.5 x 11 in / 21.59 x 27.94 cm/A4.Check Price WS Game Company Scrabble Deluxe Travel EditionCheck Price

FOLLOW US ON:

Friday, April 7, 2023

The Importance of Kitchen Knife Guards (or Knife Sheaths) Reviewed

three different brands of kitchen knife guards

I recently found out the hard way why kitchen knife guards are essential in kitchens!

I have two knife blocks that I constantly use in my kitchen and I love them. However, I have several chef knifes that I have been given over the years that are not part of a set and do not have a "slot" in the blocks. For 20+ years I have stored those chef knives in a kitchen drawer, under my cast iron trivets. Since the trivets sit on little feet, this has worked beautifully for me for all of that time. I keep those chef knives because we need them during the holidays when I share my kitchen with several family "chefs".

A few months ago, I purchased a Dexter-Russell 12" Scalloped Slicer. I have been wanting one since fellow contributor, Dawn Rae, recommended the Dexter-Russell 8" Bread Knife. I needed the 12" instead of the 8" simply because I need to be able to easily cut cake layers in half horizontally. The Dexter-Russell 12" scalloped slicer is fabulous! It can cut so much more than cakes or bread and has been a wonderful addition to my kitchen chef knife collection. I join Dawn in highly recommending the Dexter-Russell knives.

Unfortunately, there wasn't room for my awesome new Dexter-Russell scalloped slicer under the cast iron trivets so I set it, blade side down, against the side of the drawer. I keep my hot pads laying on top of the cast iron trivets. As you can imagine, things shift slightly when hot pads are removed and then put back up.

By now, you can probably guess what happened. 2 weeks ago, I reached for a hot pad without looking and my finger barely landed on my scalloped slicer. It took over 30 minutes to stop the bleeding. It was the next day before I could touch my finger without the bleeding starting again. As soon as I could type, I went in search of a knife guard!

One mishap with a knife was all it took for me to seek out knife guards for all of my unprotected chef knives in my kitchen drawer.

Recommended Chef Knife Guards

Fortunately, Dexter-Russell makes a knife guard for the 12" Scalloped Slicer. It is just as wonderful as the knife itself and it is now protecting my scalloped slicer from my frolicking fingers and hands.

Recognizing the previously ignored need, I also purchased guards for my extra chef knives.

I also ordered a cover for my most beloved vegetable slicing knife, which was originally my mother's knife that she gave me. Even though I keep that knife in the drawer with our flatware, I realized it really should have a cover too. After all, I use it all of the time because it cuts so well. It needs to be protected from frolicking fingers too!

Due to the length and width of the knives, I purchased different knife guard brands.

Mercer Culinary Knife Guard The Chef Sac knife guards are the perfect size for my 8" chef knives, while the Mercer Culinary knife guard is the perfect size for my long vegetable knife. The 12" Dexter-Russell knife guard was specially made for my Dexter-Russell scalloped slicer, so of course, it is perfect. There are additional sizes available in the Dexter-Russell guards.

All of the guards are completely open on one long edge so knives slip in and out of the guard with intentional pulling pressure, but they do not slip out otherwise. The Chef Sac knife guards have felt interiors which I am not crazy about, but they do the needed job of covering the knife blade and they fit the knives.

Either the Dexter-Russell or the Mercer brand (shown on the right) would be my first choice in knife guards. Which one I would purchase, would be determined by which brand offers the size needed.

I washed all of the guards in dishwashing soap before I used them. The felt lined guards took 2 days to air-dry on the inside, which is why I don't like them as well. I doubt the felt will hold up to a lot of wear & tear, but it probably will reduce scratches on the knife blade as claimed. Since I only use those chef knives during the holidays, the Chef Sac knife guards will probably last years for me.

Chef Sac Knife Edge GuardsCheck Price Mercer Culinary Knife Guard, 10 Inch x 1.5 InchCheck Price Knife Guard, 12 In, Poly, BlackCheck Price Dexter-Russell KG8W Wide 8-3/8Check Price

Regardless of the chosen brand, I highly recommend covering all knife blades with knife guards if they are stored in drawers or anywhere other than a knife block. The guards are definitely cheaper than an emergency room visit and a lot less painful.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

CRIME FICTION DETECTIVES

I recently read three crime fiction books from three separate authors and series that I love. I am systematically working my way through each of these series. Ordinarily, I do not read them back-to-back but this time I did and it made me realize that while I love all three, they are definitely very different and that it is not necessarily good to read one after the other. Learn a bit more here as I review the three crime detectives from these books.

CHIEF INSPECTOR ARMAND GAMACHE

Canadian author Louise Penny has written 18 crime novels set in the Eastern Townships of Quebec that feature Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Gamache is with the Sûreté du Québec, the provincial police force for that Canadian province. Penny’s books not only feature the solving of mysteries but they are also quite character-driven exploring as they do relationships between the various characters who live in or near the fictional town of Three Pines. While Gamache does solve mysteries, his character and these books are definitely kinder and gentler crime novels that feature love and friendship, belonging and hope and kindness.

Find Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache here on Amazon.

COMMISSARIO GUIDO BRUNETTI

American and Swiss author Donna Leon has written 32 crime novels set in Venice, Italy, that feature Commissario (Detective Superintendent) Guido Brunetti, a member of the Italian State Police. Brunetti reminds me of Chief Inspector Gamache. He is also neat and tidy and educated. He values his home life, trying to be home for dinner and to be with his family as much as he can be. Definitely not what you might not expect in the pages of a detective novel.

Find Donna Leon's Commissario Guido Brunetti here on Amazon.

DETECTIVE INSPECTOR JOHN REBUS

Scottish author Ian Rankin has written 29 crime novels mostly set in Edinburgh, Scotland that feature Detective Inspector John Rebus. Rebus is a member of the Lothian and Borders Police force in Edinburgh. Rankin’s books are darker and, accordingly, Rebus is not so likeable. He is definitely not neat and tidy and his life usually seems to be in shambles. He fits the stereotype of what you might expect to find in a noir-style, crime fiction novel. That is, he is a disorganized, hard-drinking, over-worked policeman.

Find Ian Rankin's Detective Inspector John Rebus here on Amazon.

WHICH DETECTIVE DO I LIKE BEST?

The first two detectives obviously share somewhat similar styles but the third, Detective Inspector Rebus, has a style that is vastly different and therefore, the whole feeling of Rankins’ books is different. I like all three of the detectives and I stand by my previous recommendations to read each of these series but I don’t recommend reading them together or even back-to-back. Detective Inspector Rebus’ and his whole world are much, much darker and grittier than the other two and it is, therefore, very hard to like him after you have just finished solving mysteries with the very likeable Chief Inspector Gamache and Commissario Brunetti.

See you
At the library!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

Ian Rankin's Knots and Crosses Reviewed

Ian Rankin's Black and Blue Reviewed

Books I read in 2020 (Including Donna Leon's Quietly in Their Sleep

Louise Penny's Still Life Reviewed

CRIME FICTION DETECTIVES: Chief Inspector Gamache, Commissario Guido Brunetti and Detective Inspector John Rebus. Which is best?

Three police detectives; three crime series. Who did I like the best? Chief Inspector Gamache, Commissario Brunetti or Detective Inspector Rebus?

FOLLOW US ON:

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Fit to Die: A Thriller by Daniel Kalla ~ A Book Review

How far would you go to get the "Diet" results that seem to be eluding you? It is a known fact that we are obsessed with our own individual perceived short comings! We are hard on ourselves in so many ways and because of this predisposed condition, we fall for so many "quick fixes".

In this novel by Daniel Kalla, hones in on this shortcoming many of us have and weaves a story around those people who are determined to the be the fittest, slimmest, most beautiful people in the world.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Just imagine if you will, an elite athlete, after a competition hears someone comment that if they were just a couple of pounds lighter, the results of the race would have been so much different! As an athlete little things like a couple of pounds can be the difference between winning and loosing! Could that be true? Would that comment stick with you? If you were the person being spoken about, what would you do?

Enter the shady world of "Diet Pills" and online "doctors" who are always pedaling their overpriced and often unreliable and useless products to a population looking for a quick fix. All of us with our insecurities, are the prey these advertisements are geared towards. That's one of the reasons the "diet" industry is thriving.

Fit to Die follows the death of a young man (Owen) who is in his prime, a great student and a successful athlete. He ends up dead with symptoms that no Emergency Room doctor can figure out. Multiple organ failure and super high body temperatures that are causing seizures and ultimately his death. Yet there are no signs of drug use, steriods or anything else, even though he is in the typical age range for these problems! What has cause this death? His mother a US Senator in California wants answers!

Then there is another suspicious death in Vancouver. A young beauitful and very popular singer and media influencer dies with the same symptoms. What the heck is happening and what is the connection between these two seemingly unrelated deaths? Could there be a connection?

Image by Anna Mikkelgaard from Pixabay

Detective Chen from Vancouver and Detective Cari Garcia from LA must put their heads together to find out what is going on before it becomes an epidemic and more lives are lost!

You will have to read this book in order to find out the who, what, where, when and why of all the mystery!

This book had me reading well into the night and I know that this scenario is quite possible in our day, given our "need" to be perfect or as near perfect as possible. Who hasn't wanted a quick fix after dieting for months only to have the last 10 pounds hang on forever?

Dr. Daniel Kalla is not only a gifted writer, but he is also an Emergency Physician in the Greater Vancouver area. He has written 13 published novels and had a few of them optioned for film and a TV series. Keep your eyes open for this novel that is sure to keep you turning pages. You can preorder it on Amazon! Due out after May 9th of this year.

I was given a copy of this book for my honest review by Goodreads, Simon & Schuster Canada!

You can order yours here or you can read for free with your Audible account!