Uncategorized – Carol's Notebook

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James

April 18, 2022April 21, 2022 by Carol4 Comments

The Book of Cold Cases is atmospheric, suspenseful, and a bit spooky. Shea Collins works as a receptionist in a medical office, but her true passion is her website, the Book of Cold Cases. She writes about unsolved murders, a project inspired by her own abduction as a child. Divorced and alone, she has few friends aside from her sister, Esther, and an ex-cop, Michael, who helps her with research. Then a client comes into the office: Beth Greer, who was charged and acquitted for the murders of two men in 1977. When Shea asks rich and aloof Beth for an interview, Beth surprisingly agrees. Shea gets sucked into the case, talking to Beth, Beth's lawyer, the police officer who was assigned to the case back then, anyone she can find with a connection. But the closer Shea gets to the truth, the more troubling and threatening the past becomes. We've got two timelines, 2017 when the book is set and forty...

Murder by the Book edited by Cynthia Manson

September 22, 2020September 22, 2020 by Carol6 Comments

Like a lot of anthologies, Murder by the Book is a mixed batch. All the stories have some literary connection, whether it be books, or a character or is a writer or whatever, and most have a crime that needs solved. Several authors I've read before and was not surprised that their stories were good like Dorothy L. Sayers (even though I don't think I'll ever be a Wimsey fan), Edward D. Hoch, Margaret Maron, Bill Pronzini, and Lawrence Block. I really enjoyed the "Jane Austen Murder" mostly because the main character was a hoot. I will be on the lookout for more by Knowlden. In "A Women's Voice," Hansen did a great job of letting us get to know the characters, even though it's a short story, and surprising me with the whodunnit. I didn't care for "In the Bluebell Wood" or "Body Language." Overall, though, I enjoyed the collection. I think I need to pick up a Halloween...

Audiobook Challenge Mid-Year Check-In

June 30, 2020June 30, 2020 by Carol2 Comments

2020 has been crazy , but there's always time for audiobooks. I have listened to 25 audiobooks so far this year, which is 50% of my goal, so I'm right on track. Thanks to Kimberly and Loupe as always. My list so far: Malice at the Palace by Rhys BowenCrowned and Dangerous by Rhys BowenWhy We Can't Sleep: Women's New Midlife Crisis by Ada CalhounThe Big Kahuna by Janet Evanovich, Peter EvanovichLost Hills by Lee GoldbergThe Black Cat Murders by Karen Baugh MenuhinBecoming by Michelle ObamaSweet Danger by Margery AllinghamThey All Fall Down by Rachel Howzell HallBy Its Cover by Donna LeonDoctored Evidence by Donna LeonJourney to the Center of the Earth by Jules VerneA Shot in the Dark by Neil Richards, Matthew CostelloFlowers for the Judge by Margery AllinghamDeath in the Family by Tessa WegertA Rage in Harlem by Chester HimesThe Case of the Late Pig by Margery AllinghamMurder on Astor Place by Victoria ThompsonJade Dragon Mountain by Elsa HartA...

3 Unique Gifts for the Special Child in Your Life

April 18, 2020April 17, 2020 by Carol1 Comment

Today’s kids certainly have more toys than ever before. Finding the right gift for the child in your life can be time-consuming and seemingly impossible. Fortunately, many parents and relatives are starting to realize that gifts don’t have to be toys. Some of the best, and most special, gifts are not toys. Here are three unique gifts to give to a special child in your life. 1. Personalized Books Books are one of the greatest gifts you can give a child, and it's probably no surprise that I give books as gifts fairly often. Reading opens a world of opportunities to a child and encouraging a love for reading can begin by buying books for their home. In addition to regular books, personalized books make reading even more fun. There are so many options to choose from: a personalized birthday book for a child, holiday-themed stories and personalized books that teach life lessons such as potty training. A personalized book makes reading...

A Little Night Murder by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards

April 16, 2020April 16, 2020 by Carol2 Comments

Sir Harry Mortimer and his American wife, Kat, are settling into married life in the small town of Mydworth. A Little Night Murder is the second in the Mydworth series and can be read as a stand-alone, but since they're each only a little over 100 pages, it might just make as much sense to go back and meet Harry and Kat at the beginning. They make a good couple. They're both smart and resourceful. Kat is definitely a "modern woman" for the times, the late 1920s, and Harry seems quite happy that she can ride a motorcycle and throws a mean hook when she needs to. Harry is a nice, friendly, refined man who can also be tough when it's called for. This time around, the pair are investigating the death of a poacher at the request of the dead man's mother. She's certain it was not an accident, as the police claim. Of course, she's right. We follow...

Creating a Backyard Sanctuary

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019 by Carol9 Comments

So, my yard might have gotten a bit neglected over the winter. But now it's finally spring!! I've been weeding, planting new flowers, and thinking about what else I want to do. Backyards are the perfect spots for relaxing with a good book, hosting an afternoon tea with friends or just relaxing with your family. Creating my own special backyard might inspire me to spend more time outside breathing fresh air and relaxing, which is something everyone needs more of. If you're like me and thinking about how to create your own backyard sanctuary, here are a few ideas. Handcrafted Outdoor Art Is there anything more cherished than an original beloved piece of art? Art doesn't need to be restricted to the indoors. In fact, a customized handcrafted metal art piece makes for a stunning addition to a backyard. Outdoor art can be beautiful and functional and you can find fire pits, lanterns and gates that are both gorgeous and utilitarian. Planter...