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Thursday, April 11, 2024

Review of Cozy Mystery Genre

Bar Harbor Maine
Photo by mbgphoto

The "Cozy Mystery" Genre for stories has become very popular. I thought this was a newer genre until I did a bit of research. Actually, it has been around for a while. Think about the TV program "Murder She Wrote" with Angela Lansbury and you find the perfect ingredients for a cozy mystery. Like so many cozy mysteries this program features a woman who finds herself falling into the role of amateur sleuth. She is an intelligent woman who also has main career. The program takes place in a small, coastal town, where everyone knows each other. She also has a good friend in law enforcement. As I read more cozy mysteries, I find that these features are common to many of the books.

Why I Like Cozy Mysteries

I like cozy mysteries because they are fairly short, they feature a mystery that keeps my interest throughout the entire book, and many times there is a romantic interest in the story. Often, they take place in places I have visited and really enjoyed. In the past year I have read cozy mysteries that took place on the coast of South Carolina, in a small Irish village, small Colorado town, and along the coast of Maine. I find this genre of books to be a wonderful way to relax and I often pick one up after I've been doing heavier reading. They are great reads for a day at the beach or to bring along on a vacation. Many cozy mysteries are part of a series of books with the same characters.

Cozy Mystery I am Currently Reading

Currently I am reading a book by Carlene O'Connor. It is called "Murder in an Irish Churchyard". It has an amateur sleuth named, Siobh'an who also runs a bistro. It takes place in a small Irish village where everyone seems to know everyone and is willing to talk about it. The book begins with a body being found in the local churchyard among the gravestones. Siobh'an finds the body and the mystery begins. All of these are common traits of the cozy mystery. Oh, and yes, there is a love interest with one of the local garda's (police).

As the story progresses, we meet a group of American's who are in Ireland researching their ancestors. Do they have anything to do with the dead body? I will leave you to read the book and solve the mystery. You can purchase the book on Amazon at the following link. https://amzn.to/3TPHOKA

Review This Writers Review Cozy Mystery Books

Many of the writers for Review This have reviewed cozy mystery books. Here are a few that are in the RT archives.

Margaret Schindel recommends this cozy mystery series. https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/.../Irish-Village...
Olivia recommends this cozy mystery Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthews – A Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)
Louanne recommends these books. I've reviewed a couple by Cynthia Ellingsen:

https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/.../the-lighthouse...

https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/.../BittersweetSurprise...
Pat Austin recommends this cozy mystery Book Review of ‘In Cold Chamomile’ (reviewthisreviews.com)
Here is another cozy mystery I have reviewed. Book Review - Toes on the Dash (reviewthisreviews.com)

Review This Writers Review Cozy Mystery Movies

Cozy mysteries are also very big in movies. Here are several that Cynthia reviewed for Review This.

Enjoy a Cozy Mystery!!

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

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Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Some Danger Involved: An Excellent Victorian Mystery for Sherlock Fans

Aficionados of Sherlock Holmes are sure to love "Some Danger Involved," an award-winning novel by Will Thomas and book one of the author’s popular Barker and Llewelyn mystery series. This story offers a captivating blend of Victorian mystery, intrigue, and varied cultures that undoubtedly will satisfy even the most discerning readers.

Set in late 19th-century London, this novel introduces us to the dynamic duo of Cyrus Barker, an enigmatic private enquiry (the British spelling) agent with many similarities to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famed fictional detective, and his newest assistant, Thomas Llewelyn, a down-on-his-luck former inmate who is eager to learn the many and varied lessons his new employer has to teach him about the ways of the world.

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The Barker and Llewelyn Mystery Series

Before getting into book one, "Some Danger Involved," let's look at Will Thomas’s Barker and Llewelyn mystery series that, at the time of this post's publication in 2024, includes 15 books to date.

We are transported back in time to Victorian London, where gas lamps flicker ominously in fog-laden streets and whispers of unsolved crimes linger in the air. Thomas's meticulous attention to historical detail is evident throughout, immersing readers in a world teeming with authenticity and atmosphere. His narrative skillfully evokes the essence of Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved Sherlock Holmes tales while simultaneously forging its own unique path.

At the heart of these stories lies the enigmatic figure of Cyrus Barker, a man of singular intellect and unorthodox methods. Much like Sherlock Holmes himself, Barker possesses a tremendous intellect and an uncanny ability to unravel the most perplexing of mysteries by employing keen observation and deductive reasoning. Yet, unlike Holmes, Barker's character is imbued with a sense of stoic pragmatism and moral ambiguity that sets him apart, making him a truly compelling protagonist in his own right. Barker plays his cards close to the vest, revealing information in judiciously measured and carefully timed droplets on a need-to-know basis or to elicit a specific reaction. In the book's prologue, his assistant Thomas Llewelyn describes him thus:

"I find myself at a loss when trying to describe my employer, Cyrus Barker, to someone who has never met him. He is, in turns, wise and stubborn, thoughtful and oblivious, gentle and terrifyingly lethal."

Equally fascinating is the character of Thomas Llewelyn, the young, naive, academically-minded, but gutsy assistant who suddenly is thrust into Barker's wholly unfamiliar world of intrigue and danger. Llewelyn's backstory adds depth to his character, as we gradually learn of his struggles to rebuild his life after a tragic accident left him heartbroken and destitute. His journey from wide-eyed novice to capable investigator is a compelling arc that adds depth and nuance to the narrative, as he grapples with his own demons while navigating the treacherous waters of Victorian society.

"Some Danger Involved" — Barker and Llewelyn Series, Book 1

"Some Danger Involved" is Will Thomas's debut novel published in 2004. The story begins with Llewelyn's job interview and probationary hiring as Barker's assistant. The tale unfolds against the backdrop of a city on edge, as rumors of an attempted pogrom* against London's Jewish population cast a shadow over the bustling streets. Against this volatile backdrop, Barker and Llewelyn find themselves embroiled in a complex case involving the gruesome murder of a young Jewish scholar in an apparent crucifixion. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of conspiracy and betrayal that threatens to engulf them both.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Some Danger Involved" is Thomas's ability to weave a complex and multilayered mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The plot unfolds with a steady pace, revealing a web of secrets and lies that ultimately lead to a shocking conclusion. Along the way, readers are treated to a series of cleverly devised twists and turns that will leave them eagerly turning the pages in anticipation of what comes next.

In addition to its engrossing plot and well-drawn characters, "Some Danger Involved" is also notable for its masterful prose and vivid imagery. Thomas's writing is rich and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of Victorian London in exquisite detail. Whether describing the opulent drawing rooms of the upper class or the seedy alleyways of the criminal underworld, the author's prose is always immersive and atmospheric, transporting readers effortlessly to another time and place.

*A pogrom is an organized mob attack or massacre approved or condoned by authorities against a religious, racial, or national minority, in particular that of Jewish people in Russia or eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Kindle Format Is Popular and Convenient

The Kindle edition offers a convenient option that allows readers to delve into the story at their own pace and carry it with them wherever they go. With the added bonus of access to maps, character profiles, and historical notes, the Kindle edition provides an enhanced reading experience that is sure to delight fans of historical fiction and detective mysteries alike.

Some Danger Involved: A Novel (Barker and Llewelyn Book 1)

The Audiobook Narration Enhances the Story

I also enthusiastically recommend the audiobook version of "Some Danger Involved," expertly narrated by Antony Ferguson. The audiobook captures the essence of the characters and brings the streets of Victorian London to life with vivid clarity. Ferguson's skillful narration adds an extra layer of depth and immersion to the story, making it feel as though Barker and Llewelyn are speaking directly to the listener. He delivers Barker's Scottish brogue convincingly.

Some Danger Involved: Barker & Llewelyn Series, Book 1

In conclusion, "Some Danger Involved" is a triumph of historical mystery fiction that is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. With its richly drawn characters, gripping plot twists, and atmospheric setting, Will Thomas's debut novel heralds the arrival of an exciting new voice in the genre. Whether enjoyed on Kindle or as an audiobook, this thrilling tale is destined to become a favorite among Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and lovers of Victorian literature alike. So, dear reader, do yourself a favor and embark on this thrilling journey into the heart of Victorian London—you won't be disappointed.

A Great Gift for Any Mystery Lover

Anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery with complex, well-drawn characters and hard-to-guess plots will enjoy "Some Danger Involved." Better yet, if they love it, they can continue with the rest of the popular Barker and Llewelyn murder mystery series, giving them many hours of reading or listening pleasure for a long time to come.

Some Danger Involved: An Excellent Victorian Mystery for Sherlock Fans by Margaret Schindel

Monday, April 1, 2024

Reviewing Reacher - The Book and the Amazon Series

Lee Child created an intriguing character when he wrote the story of Jack Reacher in the military thriller titled Killing Floor. This first book in his Reacher series includes a cast of memorable characters and a mysterious murder (string of murders) case that is very difficult to solve. The twists and turns keep everyone guessing and suspicious of each other.

Amazon has brought that book to life in a streaming series that is binge-worthy. When my friends ask for recommendations for a weekend of binging, I always recommend the Reacher season 1 series. Thank you Amazon for bringing a breathing, walking, talking Jack Reacher into homes everywhere. I love it when the movie/television version stays true to the book.

Killing Floor (Jack Reacher, book 1) by Lee Child

The book. Many years ago I read Killing Floor by Lee Child. The story was about a Veteran (ex-military police) named Jack Reacher. Reacher is a drifter who goes to a small Georgia town because at some point in time his brother mentioned a Blues Singer named Blind Blake. And in this fictional story Blind Blake had history in Margrave, Georgia.

Reacher is in Margrave for less than an hour when he is arrested for a murder that occurred along the highway just before he walked into town.

I devoured Killing Floor and then the 2nd book in the series. I remember enjoying Lee Child's descriptive writing and his characters. Somehow, probably busy with life, I did not continue the book series. And I am surprised (but not surprised) to find that Lee Child's series has continued to almost 30 books in the Reacher series! I have resumed reading about this drifting, giant Veteran who always tries to do the right thing - which often eventually means being left with the only option of fighting and killing the bad guys.

The author. Lee Child (James Dover Grant's pen name) is a profilic writer. He has a huge fan base. He is reportedly one of the world's leading thriller authors. Lee Child refers to his stories as revenge stories - someone does something horrific and Reacher gets revenge. Child has said that he writes novels because they are the "purest form of entertainment". Others report that his style is commercial and focused on profitability. I'm okay with that. Gripping and entertaining is going to result in profitability.

Lee Child fans might be interested to know that he makes a brief, cameo appearance in the season 1 finale.

Reacher (Season 1) on Amazon

The Series. My excitement about Jack Reacher resumed in 2021 when my oldest son told me that the book had been made into an Amazon original series. I had not been at all interested in seeing the 2012 Jack Reacher version starring Tom Cruise. There is no way that I'd be able to forget Cruise and believe that he was Jack Reacher. But my son assured me that this Amazon series starred someone else and that the series was good. Skeptically, I watched. And then impatiently looked forward to each weekly installment.

Alan Ritchson plays Jack Reacher. I think he's perfect for the role! I'm not familiar with Alan Ritchson so it is easy to allow him to become the Reacher that Lee Child described. Ritchson is big man and delivers a believable portrayal of a tough, skilled investigator.

As happens in the book, Jack Reacher gets off the bus in a small town in Georgia and is not able to taste his peach pie when the local police roll up, sirens and lights, and arrest him for murder. "Reacher, why does trouble always find you?" his mother tells him during a flashback in time as they settle into their newest home. Reacher and his brother are military brats. His own military career includes being the head of a special investigators unit.

Reacher is attention-grabbing on his own. How much better to be surrounded by other unique characters.

Chief Detective Oscar Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin) - Finlay has transplanted from Boston to Margrave, Georgia. Why does a Harvard graduate, tweed-suit-wearing, talented detective move to an extremely small police force in Georgia where no one looks like him, sounds like him, and he is clearly the outsider where everyone else has lived all their lives. It takes us awhile to find out why this very talented urban detective has moved to a "quiet", small, southern town.

Roscoe Conklin (Willa Fitzgerald) - Roscoe is a pretty, young officer whose family has lived in Margrave since it was founded. However, she doesn't have any family left. When her parents died when she was very young, Roscoe was raised by her grandmother. And Chief Detective Gray helped looked after her but he has also since passed away. "I feel bad about the Margrave welcome wagon running you over" she says to Reacher as she's getting to know him.

Roscoe, Finlay, and Reacher form an alliance to try to catch the murderers.

Frances Neagley (Maria Sten) - Neagley is a beautiful, tough, no-nonsense member of Reacher's disbanded Special Investigators team. She realizes he's in trouble and comes to help her former boss with her very special military talents. I LOVE watching Neagley in action. She is probably Reacher's best friend (not that he admits to having friends).

You can find Reacher, Season 1 - an Amazon original series here.

I have binged seasons 1 and 2 (repeatedly) and look forward to season 3's release. If you like shoot-em-up, murder mystery, action thrillers and haven't yet seen Reacher, I highly recommend that you do.

Parental Warnings. As with many action thrillers, this series includes violence, language, and nudity. Please look up parental guides to find more specific information.

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Saturday, March 2, 2024

No Reserve by Felix Francis – Book Review

A Dick Francis Novel

Author Felix Francis continues following in his father's footsteps with the series of books which are always placed in the horse racing world in Great Britain. Each main character in these books written first by Dick Francis, and then continued on by his son, Felix Francis, is related in some way to horse racing. The character may be a jockey, a horse trainer or owner, or in some way work in a related field.

In this latest book, No Reserve, the reader gets to follow the actions and adventures of an auctioneer in Newmarket at the bloodstock yearling sales.

Synopsis of No Reserve

The higher the stakes, the greater the risk....

No Reserve (A Dick Francis Novel)

Theo Jennings has been working for a bloodstock sales company these past three years, hoping to continue climbing the ladder in his chosen field. On Day 1 of the Newmarket October sales he makes his first-ever multimillion-dollar sale of a yearling colt. A few days after the sale, Theo finds out that the colt has died. After having accidentally overhearing a conversation about that colt and insurance, he becomes suspicious that foul play was involved.

Theo begins to investigate the death of the colt, with the help of a young woman friend who works in the accounting department of the sales company. But no one really wants to talk to him or answer any questions. Then a person's body is found in the same stable where the colt was found dead.

Suddenly, Theo finds fingers pointed at him and his world turns upside down with the accusations. The only way to clear his name is to find the real murderer.

Summary

Another exciting adventure in the English world of race horses by mystery writer, Felix Francis. A thoroughbred thriller for sure!

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Book Review of 'Nightmare' by Lesley Egan/Anne Blaisdell

A spellbinding tale originally published under the name Anne Blaisdell in 1961 and later reprinted under the pen name, Lesley Egan.

Lesley Egan, Anne Blaisdell, and Dell Shannon are all pseudonyms of the 'Queen of the Police Procedural', Author Elizabeth Linington. She was one of the first women authors to write in this genre; usually a male-dominated area. Prior to the beginning of her many mystery series totally over 77 books, she wrote 'Nightmare', a fascinating thriller.

Synopsis of Nightmare

A young American woman, Pat Carroll, having inherited a small legacy, takes herself on an extended tour of the British Isles. Her interest stems from the fact that she was once engaged to a man from Wales who was killed in an auto accident several years ago. When her tour takes her to Wales, she plans to make a brief duty call on her dead fiance's mother whom she had never met.

While driving through the Welsh countryside, in a driving rain, she happens upon a stranded young man whose car had broken down. Pat rescues Alan Glentower, a writer, and they take shelter from the storm in an Inn in the next town. After spending dinner, the evening and breakfast the next morning together, Pat and Alan are quite taken with each other and Pat agrees to let Alan show her Wales after her visit to the bereaved mother in a small Welsh village. They plan to meet the following week.

Arriving at her destination, Pat discovers her hostess, Mrs. Trefoile, to be rather eccentric – Pat's private explanation for the mandatory attendance at Bible readings, the bad food, and the insistence that Pat conduct herself as a proper “widow”, giving up bright clothes, jewelry and makeup. But the truth is that Mrs. Trefoile is quite 'mad' and Pat soon discovers that she is not permitted to leave.

Pat is locked up and brutalized by this madwoman and her servants. Her only salvation appears to be in getting a message out to Alan Glentower so he can search for her and free her.

Summary

Long out-of-print, Nightmare is still available in used condition on Amazon and Ebay. I acquired my copy many years ago at a used book sale and just recently discovered that I had never read it. Having now just finished it, I found it to be a fascinating read and I highly recommend it. It is every bit as good as all the other books I own by author Elizabeth Linington.

NOTE: The original cover design of my copy of Nightmare has since undergone several different designs. Therefore, if you do a search for it on used book sites, keep in mind that the covers may be different.

One more interesting note: Nightmare, published in 1961, was made into a movie in 1965. I have not seen the movie, but the write-up on Wikipedia shows some of the storyline to be somewhat different than the book. Not an uncommon occurrence. But for 'movie buffs', you might be interested to know that it is listed as a British horror thriller film called 'Fanatic' in England and 'Die! Die! My Darling! in the U.S. It starred Tallulah Bankhead (in her final feature film role) as Mrs. Trefoile, along with Stefanie Powers, Peter Vaughn and Donald Sutherland.

Book Review of Nightmare written by Wednesday Elf

Nightmare

Die Die My Darling

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Thursday, February 22, 2024

Book Review of The Dry

I love a good crime novel with a mystery that is just waiting to be solved. I find it particularly interesting when the author keeps you guessing till near the end of the book on who the guilty party is. Jane Harper accomplishes this in her book The Dry. In The Dry there is not just the current crime (a possible murder/suicide) but also a death from twenty years ago that is still unexplained.

Setting

The story takes place in a small fictional Australian town called Kiewarra. It is located about five hours north of Melbourne and the story takes place when the town and the area is suffering from a drought that is the worst in recent history. The drought is so severe that it is placing a real burden on the farmers and the livelihood of the locals. It has become so bad that suicide is on the minds of many of the residents.

The Book on Amazon

The book can be purchased on Amazon as an ebook, paperback, hardcover or audio book. Here is a link The Dry

Summary

The book begins when Aaron Falk, a law enforcement officer in the big city of Melbourne, receives a letter from the father of his best friend from childhood. In this letter the father requests /demands that Aaron attend his son's funeral. The son (Luke Hadler), son's wife and young son were all found shot to death and the town consensus is that the son shot his family and then turned the gun on himself.

Aaron Falk had left the town 20 years ago when another close friend, Ellie Deacon, drowned and again the town jumped to the conclusion that either Aaron or his Dad had something to do with Ellie's death. They left town, never to return again, until Aaron returns for Luke's funeral.

This is a small town where everyone knows or at least thinks they know everyone else's business. It is full of secrets, gossip and people jumping to the wrong conclusions.

Aaron Falk teams up with the local law enforcement official, Raco, and unofficial investigate the Hadler murders/suicide. There are many unanswered questions and as they look into the current murders they find the sins of the past coming in to play.

My Thoughts

This was one of those books where I guessed at the outcome throughout and yet was completely surprised at the ending. I don't want to give anything away but want you to know you won't be disappointed in the endings. The sins of the past are brought to task in the heroism of the present. I found this to be an excellent book. In fact, after reading it, I immediately downloaded the second book in the Aaron Falk series. It is called Force of Nature and can be found on Amazon at this link Force of Nature

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Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Irish Village Mystery Series by Carlene O'Connor — Delightful, Cozy Whodunits

I recently started reading author Carlene O’Connor’s extremely popular Irish Village Mystery series. I have enjoyed the first two books so much that I have ordered the remaining volumes in this 10-book (to date) series.

Here is my review of this charming "cozy mystery" series based on my experience so far.

Carlene O'Connor's Irish Village Mystery series

Meet The "O'Sullivan Six"

The Irish Village Mystery series is set in Kilbane, a small village in County Cork, Ireland.

Siobhán O'Sullivan and her older brother, James, along with their younger siblings have taken over the family business, Naomi’s Bistro, which serves breakfast and lunch. Since their parents' untimely death, James, Siobhán (pronounced Shi-VAWN). their sisters Grainne (pronounced GRAWN-yah) and Ann, and their brothers Eoin (pronounced Owen) and Ciaran (pronounced KEER-awn) are often referred to in the village as the “O’Sullivan Six.”

So, although both James and Siobhán are their younger siblings’ legal guardians, from a practical standpoint she is often the primary person in loco parentis due to his struggles with alcoholism. Her younger sisters sometimes resent her in that quasi-parental role, just as she sometimes resents having had to give up her plans to join her friends during their freshman year at university so she can keep Naomi’s Bistro running and her young family afloat. The challenge of balancing familial responsibilities and personal aspirations is central to her character.

As hard as it is, however, feisty, determined, red-haired Siobhán is up to the task. She is the glue that holds her siblings and their livelihood together. But scraping together enough money to pay the rent every month is tough. She also has developed a bit of a crush on local garda (policeman) Macdara Flannery, who might or might not return those sentiments.

Siobhán's character is the driving force of the O'Sullivan Six. Her perseverance and genuine care for her siblings paint a relatable and endearing portrait. The familial dynamics add depth to the narrative, making the O'Sullivans not just characters but a resilient young family facing life's adversities together.

Murder in an Irish Village (An Irish Village Mystery Book 1)

In the first book, Siobhán is 22 years old. It has been nearly a year since the O'Sullivan Six siblings' parents were tragically killed in a car crash caused by young, feckless, drunk driver Billy Murphy.

Billy's brother Niall tries to extort Siobhán for an outrageous sum of money in exchange for what he claims is evidence that Billy, despite his conviction and incarceration, was not the person responsible for her parents’ deaths.

When James finds out what Niall has tried to do to Siobhán, he is so outraged that he confronts Niall and breaks his six-month sobriety streak by going on a bender. In fact, James drinks so much that he blacks out.

The next morning, a few of the O'Sullivan clan discover Niall seated at one of the tables in Naomi’s bistro. Upon closer inspection, they see a pair of promotional hot pink scissors from the local hair salon plunged into his chest. James has disappeared, and even after he has been found, he has no recollection of what happened the previous night, apart from having had an altercation with the murder victim before blacking out.

When James is accused of the murder, it’s up to Siobhán and their siblings to figure out who the real murderer is and exonerate their eldest brother.

Murder at an Irish Wedding (An Irish Village Mystery Book 2)

In the second book, the wedding of a famous fashion model has the tongues of everyone in the small village of Kilbane wagging. Siobhán and her siblings have their hands full catering the huge three-day affair.

The bride’s father is doing everything he can to thwart the union. Meanwhile, best man Kevin has his invitation revoked as a result of his offensive, drunken, pre-nuptial antics. Garda Macdara Flannery, another of the groom’s friends and now Siobhán’s beau, takes his place.

Kevin’s dead body is discovered in the nearby woods the next morning. Then, a valuable heirloom engagement ring goes missing. When a second victim is murdered with poisoned champagne in a personalized glass flute engraved with Macdara’s name, Flannery instantly moves from best man to prime suspect.

Can Siobhán unravel the mystery, identify the murderer (or murderers), exonerate her beau, and prevent any more untimely deaths? And what of her burgeoning desire to join Macdara as a member of the Gardaí (national police and security force) instead of going to university?

Thoughts on Carlene O'Connor's Irish Village Mystery Series

I am really enjoying this series with its delightful blend of cozy charm, multidimensional characters, and compelling storylines set against the picturesque backdrop of the small Irish village of Kilbane. It offers a delightful escape into a world where quaint traditions meet modern-day sleuthing.

O'Connor's descriptive prose brings the Irish village to life, allowing readers to visualize the charming streets, bustling pubs, and rolling green hills. The cultural richness of the setting adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a mystery series but also a cultural exploration of Irish traditions and the Irish way of life.

The mysteries are well-crafted and engaging. O'Connor weaves intricate plots that keep us guessing until the final reveal. Each book in the series introduces a new puzzle for Siobhán to solve, ensuring that the reader remains hooked. The stories can be a bit slower-paced than other murder mysteries, but I find that the leisurely unfolding of the story contributes to the overall charm.

With its lovable characters, charming setting, and engaging mysteries, the Irish Village Mystery series offers a satisfying escape for readers looking for a lighthearted yet compelling read. Fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of Irish flair will undoubtedly find themselves enamored with Siobhán O'Sullivan's adventures in Kilbane.

I'm also grateful that there is neither gratuitous gore nor graphic descriptions of violence. This series consists of true cozy mysteries rather than thrillers, even though there is sufficient suspense to keep us guessing until the end of each book.

I am listening to the series as audiobooks, which I purchased on Chirp Books. The Kindle and paperback editions linked below are on Amazon. Although narrator Caroline Lennon's Irish lilt and expressive voice add a lot to my enjoyment of these books, I'm sure they would be equally enjoyable in Kindle and paperback formats.

Enjoy the journey!

Irish Village Mystery Series — Books in Order of Publication

Murder in an Irish Village (2016)

Murder at an Irish Wedding (2017)

Murder in an Irish Churchyard (2018)

Murder in an Irish Pub (2019)

Murder in an Irish Cottage (2020)

Murder at an Irish Christmas (2020)

Murder in an Irish Bookshop (2021)

Murder on an Irish Farm (2022)

Murder at an Irish Bakery (2023)

Murder at an Irish Chipper (2024)

Irish Village Mystery Series by Carlene O'Connor — Delightful, Cozy Whodunits by Margaret Schindel

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Sci-Fi Lovers, Project Hail Mary is For You! A Book Review

Anyone who has been reading my reviews knows that I am a typical Historical/Suspense novel lover. Once in a while I get out of my comfort zone and delve into something completely different. Project Hail Mary was one of those leaps into a genre that I normally don't gravitate towards!

I can imagine that anyone who loves Science Fiction and Mystery stories would absolutely love this book. So if there is a Sci-Fi Lover on your Christmas List this book is one for them.

This book is a #1 Best Seller on Amazon and has won much acclaim!

Synopsis:

Ryland Grace is the lone survivor on a mission that has been set into motion at some point in the past. He's not sure exactly when or where and what the mission is all about. He's been in a prescheduled coma for a while and his mind is kind of fuzzy.

Looking around he finds himself millions of miles away from earth with only his two deceased comrades for company.

What has happened and what is happening? His memories are slowly coming back and he realizes that he has an almost impossible task ahead. One that will be either the salvation of mankind or it's complete demise.

The sun is losing it's strength and the earth is cooling. There is another ICE AGE on the horizon unless he can find a way to capture and/or disarm the alien entity that is causing this loss of heat energy.

What else can possibly happen while Ryland is on this quest?

I found this book to be a total all encompassing read. While there were many parts that I could not wrap my head around, I think the author did an amazing job of making all of this believable, even though I don't necessarily understand all the science around it. I let my imagination run with the possibilities!

Is Earth the only planet that will suffer if the solution to the problem isn't found? Are there other possible populations in outer space that will also suffer this fate? It's time to pick up this book and find out. I can almost guarantee that once you start, you won't want to put this book down again.

I did have to re-read a few chapters in order to get a clearer picture in my mind's eye, but that was not a deterrent or a difficulty because I really wanted to understand the situation better.

Would I recommend this book? You better believe I will. As I said earlier it's not my favorite genre of book, but I think I will need to make an exception in this case. I might even have to get his other book, The Martian and read it too. Broadening my horizons is part of why I love reading.

I'm sure that a Sci-Fi lover would find this book totally engrossing and even the ending has a poignant cast to it.

I think my next read by Andy Weir will be The Martian, that's how much I enjoyed Project Hail Mary!

If you sign up for an Audible Trial you can enjoy both of these books free of charge.

I'm sure that these books will become a favorite for any Science Fiction Lover! Enjoy it, I sure did.

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Saturday, December 9, 2023

Reviewing The Night of the Sleepover: A Psychological Thriller

How many 14-year-olds have had sleepovers with their friends, I know my daughter had a lot of them. Three 14 year olds; Leah, Harriet & Jasmine have a sleepover at their other best friend's house, Vicky. They eat pizza and drink vodka before falling asleep in sleeping bags in the lounge.

The next morning Leah wakes up and there's no one in the room with her. Just like that three teenage girls disappear. Twenty-five years passed and there's still no sign of them anywhere.

This riveting book by Kerry Wilkinson follows two timelines, the present day where Leah is still living in the same town and where one of her missing friend's brothers is doing a documentary about the night of the sleepover to coincide with the 25th anniversary. The other timeline is the night of the sleepover.

I loved this story, there were lots of twists and trying to work out who the mystery person messaging Leah was, let alone working out what happened at the sleepover kept me reading 'just another chapter'!

Towards the end, the mystery appears to have been solved before the final chapter when there's another twist that you probably won't see coming.

If you like psychological thrillers and you don't have a teenage daughter then I thoroughly recommend this book. If you have a teenager then I would wait a few years before reading as I'm not sure my daughter would've been allowed to go on another sleepover if I read this a few years ago!

The author is releasing a sequel called After the Sleepover this month which indicates that there may have been something else happening that we weren't aware of in the original book - I'm tempted to read it again to see if I've missed anything.

I was actually surprised to discover that the author was male as he seemed to really capture teenage girls extremely well. If you like books by Lisa Jewell or Lisa Unger then you will really enjoy this novel.

I read this as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription which I thoroughly recommend. I spend 2 hours a day on the train commuting back and forth from work and with Kindle Unlimited and I can spend that time in another world whether it's the world of disappearing teenagers, a historical novel, mystical tales or a good old romance. This subscription would also make a great gift idea for the reader in your life.

Reviewing The Night of the Sleepover by Kerry Wilkinson

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Saturday, October 28, 2023

Book Review: Blessings of the Lost Girls by J.A. Jance

A Brady and Walker Family Novel

Fans of author Judith (J.A.) Jance love her three popular series, one starring Joanna Brady, another J.P. Beaumont and the series with Ali Reynolds. She also wrote a short series (5 books) about the Walker Family featuring Native Americans from the Tohono O’Odham reservation in Arizona.

In this review of her latest book, Blessings of the Lost Girls, Jance combines members of the Walker Family and characters from the Joanna Brady series in an exciting adventure that includes Joanna's daughter Jenny and Brandon Walker's son-in-law, Dan Pardee.

Synopsis of Blessings of the Lost Girls

The story begins with a background of the serial killer who is the villain in the novel.

Then we are introduced to Danial Pardee, a former member of the Shadow Wolves Border Patrol, who patrol the U.S./Mexico border along the Tohono O’Odham Nation Reservation in Arizona. Now he is a field officer in the newly formed MIP agency (Missing and Murdered Indigenous People), an agency under the Department of Interior. The main purpose of MIP is to investigate and put right how law enforcement agencies all over the country had dealt with both solved and unsolved cases involving the deaths and disappearances of Native American victims.

A body is found in the desert on a ranch near Tucson consisting of nothing but burned bones. It took nearly 3 years, but the bones are finally identified as those of Rosa Rios, a young woman of Apache descent who was a one-time rodeo star. Dan is called to investigate, as the victim was found in his territory. As it turns out, all reports each MIP investigator files are automatically shared with other MIP field agents, which soon leads to other agents contacting Dan with reports of similar cases involving young women of indigenous descent, each of whom had some connection to rodeos. Soon, the agency realizes that Rosa's death is connected to a serial killer.

Dan contacts Joanna Brady, Sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona where Rosa's body was found. Later, Joanna's daughter Jenny, currently a criminal justice major at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, becomes involved in the case due to having once met Rosa at a rodeo.

Turns out, Jenny knows another girl who was once attacked at a rodeo by a man who matches the description of the killer they are looking for. And this girl happens to have saved a pair of eyeglasses which were knocked off the man during the attack. The girl never reported the attack at the time because her Morman family would not have approved of the boy she was dating, but finally agrees to turn in the glasses, from which fingerprints are obtained.

Summary

Between Dan, Joanna and Jenny, and Dan's best friend, Brian Fellows, Sheriff of Pina County in Tucson, a case is put together and the serial killer is tracked down.

*Special Note: Throughout the novel, the author weaves in a few fascinating ancient legends from the (Papago) Tohono O’Odham (Desert People) where the basis of the story begins. The legends, plus the excellent writing of J.A. Jance, makes Blessings of the Lost Girls a very special story indeed. I highly recommend it.