REVIEW: Death in Door County by Annelise Ryan

Summary


Morgan Carter runs a quirky bookstore in Door County, Wisconsin. It’s filled with all sorts of odd things Morgan has bought or found along with things her parents had put in the store when it was theirs and they were on the trail of various cryptids and other mysterious happenings.

When two bodies with mysterious markings wash up in the area, a local police chief seeks out Morgan’s expertise as a cryptozoologist. Because the “markings” look like teeth marks from an enormous, unknown sea creature.

 

Review


This was outstanding! My husband got this book when we first discovered it because the mystery sounded good and the cryptid angle fit with his hobbies. But, like me, he added it to his TBR where it sat for months.

When our local library picked it up, I suggested we team read it like we did My Roommate Is a Vampire. Unfortunately, this was so fantastic, I plowed through it before he was even able to pull it off the shelf. So we didn’t get to team read, but he did pick it up shortly after I finished so we were both able to enjoy it. I immediately pre-ordered book two, A Death in Dark Woods, once I finished, so we both have that waiting for us to read in 2024. The Monster Hunter Mystery series is now a must-read for me.

The voice for this book is great. That was the first thing I noticed. It was so easy to fall into the flow of the story, I didn’t want to put the book down. Then, the characters were great. I loved Morgan – she’s got a fascinating backstory, interesting job, and she’s had tons of unusual life experiences. She has an Andy Carpenter-esque philosophy about money and charity that I loved. Morgan’s friends and co-workers are terrific as well, and I got a kick out of the potential love interest.

Finally, the story is amazing. I had some solid ideas as I read that turned out to be on target, but I could not have predicted how it would all come together. I really enjoyed the wrap up of this one. If you are a mystery fan, I say carve out a quiet weekend and pick this one up. Once you start, you won’t want to put it down.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

 

REVIEW: ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas by David Rosenfelt

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


At the Tara Foundation Christmas party, one of their clients, Derek Moore, is arrested for murder. Derek adopted two dogs from the Tara Foundation – something that gets Andy Carpenter’s legal expertise on Derek’s side. Andy’s also curious because the police call Derek by a completely different name when they arrest him.

Derek was in witness protection because he gave testimony about two gang members for a murder they committed. But now,  one of the gang leaders has been killed – and the evidence is piling up against Derek.

Andy believes Derek is innocent, but proving it could be beyond even his considerable skill and experience.

Review


Another great Christmas-time mystery starring Andy Carpenter. My first ever Andy Carpenter mystery was a Christmas one, and they remain some of my favorites in the whole series.

This was such a satisfying read. I really got concerned that Andy was not going to pull this off – it was a tricky case! All the pieces came together so nicely, though. And in the end I even puzzled out a couple of the reveals on my own. Always a triumphant reading experience! Andy is his usual sassy self here, which I always enjoy. And he gets key help on this case from a surprising source which was a twist I really enjoyed.

I think new readers could start with this story and not have any trouble following the mystery. I don’t know how Andy plays if you don’t already love his sarcasm – but I love it so these are a perfect fit for me. If you enjoy mysteries that are more on the legal side than a cozy (court room drama, police and private investigators, etc.), you should give this series a try. Series fans should of course pick this up to stay current. Book 29, Dog Day Afternoon, will release in the summer of 2024.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BOOK NEWS: October 10, 2023

Let’s take a look at some of the books releasing this week!

Books for Kids


Frankie and Friends: Breaking News – When Frankie’s mom leaves on an assignment to cover a news event, Frankie and her friends decide to host their own news show. This new chapter book series looks fantastic!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Curlfriends: New in Town (Graphic Novel) – Charlie is used to being the new kid thanks to her military family’s frequent moves, but this looks like a place they could stay awhile, so she’s determined to make a good impression. But nothing goes like she planned. This sounds amazing!
Diana and the Hero’s Journey – The girl who will some day become Wonder Woman discovers the story of the first Greek hero, Hero.
Trouble Finds Plum! – Book 3 in a series about a young peacock named Plum. When the Athensville Zoo is overrun by raccoons, Plum has a plan to save the day.
Huda F Cares? (Graphic Novel) – Book 2 in this YA graphic novel series about Huda. This time Huda and her family are going to Disney World, but the forced togetherness with her sisters and the ways her family stands out in Florida are challenging.

Books for Adults


Better Hate Than Never (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Wilmot Sisters series after Two Wrongs Make a Right. Childhood enemies discover an unexpected spark in this modern take on Taming of the Shrew. I have book 1, based on Much Ado About Nothing, on my TBR, and now I think I need to bump it up the list because those two Shakespeare plays are my favorites!
The Holiday Mix-Up (Trade Paperback) – Basically While You Were Sleeping with fake dating – and I am HERE FOR IT!
Let It Crow Let It Crow Let It Crow (Hardcover) – Book 34 in the Meg Langslow series. To help out a friend, Meg gets pulled into a televised blacksmithing competition at Christmas time. Yes, please!
Love Interest (Trade Paperback) – After Casey is passed over for a job, she has to work with the person who got it instead of her – the son of the board chairman.
The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed (Trade Paperback) – Sana’s mother won’t let her be named guardian of her autistic younger brother unless she is married, so she agrees to an arranged marriage, despite her feelings for an old friend (and family enemy) who has resurfaced in her life.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Illyrian Enigma (Graphic Novel) – A graphic novel bridging season one and two of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Sword Catcher (Hardcover) – The prince’s body double and a magic-wielding physician get drawn into the criminal underworld of their kingdom where each is offered what they truly want most. But they uncover a conspiracy that leads them to question everything. This sounds amazing!
‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas (Hardcover) – Book 28 in the delightful  Andy Carpenter series. Andy defends a man who adopted his dogs from the Tara Foundation when he’s accused of murder. I’ll be reviewing this one soon!

REVIEW: Flop Dead Gorgeous by David Rosenfelt

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


Jenny Nichols is a famous actress. She’s also someone Andy Carpenter dated for a little while in high school – something he likes to drop into casual conversation. The two have stayed in touch and she’s been in town and met Andy, Laurie, and their friends for dinner. A dinner that Jenny’s ex ruins with his barbaric behavior.

So when that same ex is later found in Jenny’s house, murdered, and the police think she’s the killer, she calls Andy. But Andy and his team might be in over their heads on this one.

Review


Another great mystery in the Andy Carpenter series! This one kept me on the edge of my seat almost to the last page. The mystery was twisty and super satisfying in the end.

I loved spending time with Andy and his team in this book. There were several laugh-out-loud moments in this one. Andy’s snark was top notch.

While I always like to enjoy a series in order, I started reading this one mid-series. And I think new readers could absolutely start here. Other than references to Andy and his family and investigative team – who have a long history in the series – the case itself stands on its own.

Series fans should definitely pick this one up – and keep an eye out for ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas which will release in October. You can read more about the Andy Carpenter series here as well as the author’s spin-off K-Team series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

BOOK NEWS: July 4, 2023

Happy Independence Day (week) and welcome to the first release week of July. Here are some of the new books out this week!

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Pure of Heart (Disney Mirrorverse) – First in the new Mirrorverse line from Disney Press. A Mirrorverse Snow White, with new powers, faces evil versions of her friends created by Dark Magic. In order to defeat the Evil Queen, Sorcerer Mickey, the ruler of the Mirrorverse, assigns some special Guardians to help Snow White in her quest. This sounds quirky and clever, and I can’t wait to check it out!

 

Books for Adults


A Body in 3B (ebook – July 7) – First in the new Murder at Morrisey Mystery series. A woman and her ghost friend try to help the police solve a murder.
Business or Pleasure (Trade Paperback) – When a ghostwriter meets the next personality she is working with, it turns out to be they guy from that disappointing one night stand. So in addition to helping him with his book, she offers to help him in the bedroom, too.
Dane of My Existence (Trade Paperback) – From the author of For the Love of the Bard. A lawyer in Bard’s Rest on sabbatical runs into a developer who wants to take out the town’s outdoor theatre. I have book one on my TBR – I need to catch up on this series!
Excavations (Hardcover) – Four women at an archaeological dig have to team up to dig into a mystery surrounding an artifact they have discovered. I am intrigued by this one!
Flop Dead Gorgeous (Hardcover) – Book 27 in the delightful Andy Carpenter series.  Andy’s high school girlfriend – now a famous actress – is accused of murdering her co-star. Of course, Andy takes the case. I’ll be reviewing this one soon!
Marvel Wastelanders: Star-Lord (Trade Paperback) – Novelization of a scripted podcast. Star-Lord and Rocket are on Earth – in Doctor Doom’s Wastelands – at the behest of the Collector, looking for an ancient relic.
Don’t Let Them Bury My Story (Hardcover) – The oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre shares her story.
Raised to Stay: Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Million Reasons to Walk Away (Trade Paperback) – How to say yes to Jesus while saying no to church politics and burnout.

Review: Good Dog, Bad Cop by David Rosenfelt

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


The K-Team – Corey Douglas, Marcus Clark, and Laurie Collins, plus retired K-9 Simon Garfunkel –  have been helping the Patterson Police Department by working cold cases for the city. But this time, Corey is calling an audible and choosing their next case himself rather than picking from ones the chief has pulled for them.

Danny Avery was a detective killed, execution style, in his car. His friend, Jimmy Dietrich, another detective, didn’t work the case, but it never sat right with him. He knew Danny, and his wife Susan. When Jimmy’s body is discovered, along with Susan Avery’s, the quick explanation is murder-suicide. But that never sat right with Corey, especially since the coroner said she couldn’t be certain it wasn’t a double murder instead.

So Corey and the K-Team decide to dig into what really happened to Danny, Susan, and Jimmy. They are determined to finally get the truth for these two Patterson cops.

Review


This was fantastic! The case was super twisty with an ending I didn’t see coming. Other than pauses for interruptions – like my job – I read this from start to finish in one day, and it was so satisfying.

I have read all of Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter books as well as the first three books in this K-Team series. I love them – the cases, the characters, the sass. But reading this book I really noticed – and enjoyed – how different the “voices” are between the two series. I think it would be tricky to create two distinct characters and approaches to mysteries where the setting and many of the core characters are the same. But the K-Team is its own fully fleshed-out series. This is perfectly plotted. Rosenfelt and series fans should not miss this!

I actually think newcomers could start here without too much trouble. The case stands on its own without needing a lot of explanation. The character relationships and history don’t play a huge role in the story, so this should be easy to follow for someone who has not yet tried the earlier books. But once you try one, I think you will want to go back and read the rest of both of these fantastic series!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Santa’s Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ]
(No kids or teen book to review today, so here’s a Christmas-y review to fill in!)

Summary


When he was in jail, Chris started a program where inmates could work with service dogs in training. When he gets out, he continues the work and starts helping at the Tara Foundation. He tells Andy that he was wrongfully convicted based on a lie. But the guy has recently come forward saying he would testify in secret to make things right before he goes into hiding.

Before Andy can set up the testimony, Chris says the guy has changed his mind. He’s furious. Before long, the lying witness is dead. And Chris is arrested for his murder. While Andy wasn’t attached to Chris’ original case, he’s determined to prove Chris’ innocence – of both crimes – and find whoever is truly responsible.

Review


Another fun Andy Carpenter case! I enjoyed how this one played out – I was starting to get worried about Chris’ chances for freedom. This is a tough case! But Andy and his team pushed through to a satisfying resolution.

If you’ve never read an Andy Carpenter mystery before, I feel like the stories hold together well so newcomers can drop in anywhere. My first Andy Carpenter book was a Christmas one, so I have a soft spot for them. What you might miss by starting here – and mainly it’s backstory for Andy and his team – shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the mystery.

I keep coming back to this series for Andy and his team – I love them! Andy’s sass fits my mood every time. And the mysteries always leave me satisfied. Some of my favorites have been Bury the Lead (book 3), Play Dead (book 6), The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (book 15 – my introduction to the series), and Holy Chow (book 25). Book 27, Flop Dead Gorgeous, will release in the summer of 2023. And a new K-Team book, Good Dog Bad Cop, releases in March. Be sure to check them out. (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BOOK NEWS: October 11, 2022

Here are some of the new books releasing this week that I have on my radar:

 

Books for Kids


Star Trek: Trek the Halls – A holiday Star Trek picture book. Yes, please!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Playing Through the Turnaround – When a beloved teacher leaves because of budget cuts, his students band together to speak up for changes at their school. I love stories like this!
The Search for Sasquatch – First in a new nonfiction series. I’ll be reviewing this one soon!
Twelfth Grade Night (Graphic Novel) – First in a new series. At her new school where she can dress how she wants, Vi falls for Orsino, but he is in love with Olivia and asks Vi to help him get her attention, assuming Vi isn’t into guys. I have requested this from the library – sounds like a fun Twelfth Night retelling!

Books for Adults


A Christmas Candy Killing (Hardcover) – First in a new Killer Chocolate Mystery series. Twin sisters who own a mystery bookstore with themed chocolates become murder suspects when a friend dies and their chocolates are found nearby. I love trying out new mystery series – especially book-themed ones! Can’t wait to give this a try.
Dashing Through the Snowbirds (Hardcover) – Book 32 in the fabulous Meg Langslow mystery series. When Meg plays Christmas host to some Canadian programmers working on a project with her brother’s company, she ends up playing investigator too when the programmers’ boss is murdered. I’ll be reviewing this one soon!
Dinosaur Philosophy (Hardcover gift book) – A new @DinosAndComics collection!
The Plot and the Pendulum (Hardcover) – Book 13 in the Library Lovers Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay. When Lindsey and the Crafternooners discover a skeleton that might be linked to a 30-year-old missing persons case, they start looking for a killer. I have this one on hold already at the library!
Santa’s Little Yelpers (Hardcover) – Book 26 in the delightful Andy Carpenter mystery series by David Rosenfelt. When a new Tara Foundation employee asks Andy to represent him in court because he found out a witness who once testified against him was lying, Andy agrees to take on the case. But when the witness is murdered and his client is arrested, Andy’s found more work than he bargained for. I’ll be reviewing this one soon!
Secret Lives (Trade Paperback) – A former FBI agent-turned-landlady finds herself investigating a murder when one of her boarders is killed. I pre-ordered this months ago – I can’t wait to read it!
The Socialite’s Guide to Murder (Hardcover) – First in a new Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series. Because of her agoraphobia, Evelyn hasn’t left her father’s hotel in over a year. But when a killer strikes and her best friend is twisted up in the case, Evelyn and her crush from the hotel staff team up to find the truth. Sounds awesome!
The Spare Man (Trade Paperback) – Inventor, heiress, and sleuth, Tesla must investigate a murder on the space liner where she was enjoying her honeymoon because Security has arrested her husband for the crime. Sounds fantastic!

SABBATICAL – Must Read Series, Part I

I am on a “sabbatical” from my blog this month, so I am sharing some posts that compile information my readers might find useful. Today it’s a look at what I consider my “Must Read” series. These might be books I buy or books I get at the library, but either way, I am NOT missing a book in these series. (It’s highly likely that I have forgotten some series, but this is a great starting list.)

This week I am focusing on series that are ongoing. Next week I will post some completed series that were must-reads when they released.

Series Still Releasing New Books


Meg Langslow mysteries – This series kicks of with Murder with Peacocks. The most recent addition to the series, book 31, is Round Up the Usual Peacocks; a new Christmas book will release in October, Dashing through the Snowbirds. I love these because Meg feels so much like me in a lot of ways, and I have grown to love the chaotic, fascinating group of family and friends who populate each book.
Andy Carpenter mysteries – This series kicks off with Open and Shut (my least favorite book in the series – but it sets things up). The most recent addition to the series, book 25, is Holy Chow; a new Christmas book will release in October, Santa’s Little Yelpers. I love these because the mysteries are so good, and Andy is sarcastically delightful.
Gargoyle Queen series – This series kicks off with Capture the Crown and then Tear Down the Throne. The next book, Conquer the Kingdom, will release in the spring of 2023. I am thoroughly enjoying this series spun off from the Crown of Shards series (which will be in next week’s post). The world is fantastic, and I love the characters here. These books can’t release fast enough for me.
Scarred Earth Saga – This series kicks off with The Blacksmith Queen and The Princess Knight. The next book, The Heretic Royal, releases at the end of the year. The first book was an unexpected delight – violent but SO fun, with clever world-building and a fascinating family at the center of the story.
Kitty Katt-Martini/Touched by an Alien series – This series kicks off with Touched By an Alien. The last book released was Aliens Abroad in 2018 – book 16 in the series. The next book will be Aliens Like Us, but there’s no release date set for that yet. This series, which I picked up after the release of book 3, changed my reading life. I discovered a fun, sexy sci-fi series with a strong, bright, hilarious, sarcastic heroine I wanted to have as my best friend. These are my comfort reads, and I read at least a few of them, if not the whole series, every year.
Galactic Cold War series – Now considered book 0 or a prequel, this series kicks off with The Caledonian Gambit, while The Bayern Agenda is considered book 1, and The Aleph Extraction is considered book 2. Book “3”, The Nova Incident, just released this summer. It’s my favorite book in this scifi-spies series.
Bromance Book Club series – This series kicks off with The Bromance Book Club. The fifth book in the series, A Very Merry Bromance, will release later this fall. I love this series about a group of guys who help each other with their romantic relationships by reading romance novels together.
Countess of Harleigh mysteries – This series kicks off with A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder. Book 5, A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder, released this summer. You’ll notice there’s not a lot of historical fiction on my list, but there are a couple series where the characters and the mysteries are so good, they have worked past my mental block against historicals.
Rosalind Thorne mysteries – This series kicks off with A Useful Woman. Book 6, The Secret of the Lost Pearls, complete with a new cover design, will release later this year. This is the other historical fiction series that I love for the fantastic mysteries.
By the Book mysteries – This series kicked off this year with Buried in a Good Book. I fell in love with the characters in this, and the mystery was fantastic. Book 2, On Spine of Death, releases in November, and book 3, Murder Off the Books, will be out next spring.
Pies Before Guys series – I picked up the first book, Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies, at the library this summer, zoomed through it, but never had space to post a full review, although I have talked about it in other posts. The first book really connected with the small, angry part of me that sees how women have been harassed and dismissed for centuries and feels powerless to effect real change. Book 2, A Good Day to Pie, will release in 2023.
Inheritance Games series – This YA mystery series kicks off with The Inheritance Games followed by The Hawthorne Legacy. The third and final book. The Final Gambit, released a couple weeks ago.
Castles in Their Bones series – This fantasy/royalty series kicked off earlier this year with Castles in Their Bones. It was stunning. Exactly the right kind of book for me. Next year’s release will be Stardust in Their Veins. I cannot wait!!
Teen Titans Graphic Novel series – This DC graphic novel series kicked off with stand alone books for both Raven and Beast Boy. Then there was a book where they teamed up, Beast Boy Loves Raven. Book 4 will be Robin, and it releases in the spring of 2023.
HiLo series – There is no middle grade series I am as excited about as this one! This series started with a six-book arc, kicked off with HILO. They are now in a second arc starring Gina, which has released two books – Gina, the Girl Who Broke the World and Gina and the Big Secret– so far. Book 9, Gina and the Last City on Earth, will release in February. (I’ve already recommended it to my library!)

REVIEW: Holy Chow by David Rosenfelt

[I received a free electronic copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


Andy Carpenter knew Rachel Morehouse because she adopted a chow chow named Lion from his foundation/rescue. In fact, she had called him to talk about arrangements for Lion in case something ever happened to her. She was hoping her step-son would agree to take the dog, but Andy was her back up.

When Rachel died, it took a few days for the authorities to discover it was murder. By then, Andy had met her step-son, Tony, and he felt a connection to the case. When Tony is arrested, Andy agrees to represent him.

The prosecution’s case is solid, but circumstantial. And when Andy starts looking for other threads to pull, he’s drawn into a dizzying case. The question is if the things he discovers will be enough to convince a jury of Tony’s innocence.

Review


I have been an Andy Carpenter fan for years, but this new story hits a new high for me. I loved this! It drew me in right from the start. And it was a wild ride.  There were no slow spots – the pacing was perfect. I flew through this story, captivated by all of the twists and turns.

The wrap up was a little abrupt, but it felt like it was just a natural progression after the pace of the whole story. I was thrilled with the whole thing.

Series fans should not miss this new book. Readers who have enjoyed Rosenfelt’s K-Team series will see the team help in this story, too, so they should pick this up as well. I think newcomers could start here – I read my first Andy Carpenter by picking up something mid-series and had no issues following it. This would be an excellent starting place for this great series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ – Outstanding!