Carol – Page 49 – Carol's Notebook

The Cage of Dark Hours by Marina J. Lostetter

February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by CarolNo Comments

The Cage of Dark Hours is the second book in the series, following The Helm of Midnight. Read the first before even attempting this one. The Cage of Dark Hours opens with a brief synopsis of what happened which works well as a refresher but not as a starting point. The Cage of Dark Hours continues a few years after the events of the first book. We have a couple of returning characters, but most of the cast is new. In the first, we learned how little the people living in the valley really understand about the magics that keep them safe, about their gods, or about the creatures that terrify them. This time around Krona and her companions are trying to pull the cover all the way off, revealing what is truly going on. The book opens with a Thalo ritual and we are introduced to Thalo Child who gives us insight into the inner workings of the Thalo order, people...

Foul Play by Helena Marchmont

February 23, 2023February 21, 2023 by CarolNo Comments

Foul Play is a fun addition to the Bunburry series. The story revolves around a lost play by none other than Oscar Wilde, and of course an ensuing murder. Marge is the executrix of her friend's estate so several of our friends, including Alfie, head off to the mansion. We get a good introduction to all the characters before the murder occurs so we have several suspects. The secret hidden in the library is definitely worth killing for. The plot was intriguing and the characters are well drawn. I especially loved the Oscar Wilde fans who descend on the town. I do wish Alfie's love life would get straightened out or let go by the wayside. These stories are short enough, I don't need the mystery given less attention so that we can see more of how bad Alfie is at communicating with women he's attracted to....

When Night Falls by Helena Marchmont

February 22, 2023February 21, 2023 by CarolNo Comments

When burglaries start happening in Bunburry, everyone is concerned their house will be the next target. When Alfie's two favorite people become victims, Alfie and Emma, who's supposed to be on leave, have to get involved. In the meantime, a new arrival from London has formed a vigilante group that is threatening the local youth with baseball bats. The mystery was good. Alfie jumps to conclusions a bit too quickly but is able to change his mind as they find new evidence. There are a couple of legitimate suspects and I liked how the clues worked together. Alfie and Emma make a good team, but they need to communicate better when it comes to their personal relationship. I enjoyed this installment. It's a fun, light series. I enjoy spending time with the quirky residents of Bunburry. I do wish I could have some of the fudge, though....

Red Lip Theology by Candice Marie Benbow

February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 by Carol1 Comment

Red Lip Theology, part memoir and part theological discussion, is honest, raw, and unapologetic. Candice walks us through her life- the good, the bad, and the ugly- tying all of it to the development of her theology. She has a clear voice and she tells her story with wisdom, wit, and humor. Several of Candice's essays revolve around her mother, a single mom who brought Candice up in the church. A church that shamed her mom for not being married and her by extension. She talks about the strength and faith her mom gave her, how she encouraged her and loved her. She talks about her grief when her mom died and the impact it had on her life and academic career. Candice talks about the choices she's made and how they all made her who she is today. She talks about how the church and pastors let her down time and again, but she also talks about her "spiritual care...

Just Murdered by Katherine Kovacic

February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 by CarolNo Comments

I have never seen the tv Mss Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries tv show, but Just Murdered is based on the screenplay of the first episode. In 1964, a somewhat aimless Peregrine Fisher discovers she has an inheritance waiting for her to claim in Melbourne. Which is good, since she just got fired from the latest in her string of jobs. She arrives at the Adventuress' Club and finds out that she had an aunt, Phryne Fisher, also an Adventuress, who has been missing for six months. Phyrne had left instructions that her sister, Pegegrine's deceased mother, be contacted in the event of Phryne's disappearance or death, which is why Peregrine was sought out to claim Phyrne's things. Almost immediately one of the adventuresses is accused of murdering a model and Peregrine is determined to help clear her name. This book was a lot of fun. Peregrine is self-assured and her variety of past jobs gives her random skills and knowledge...

The Helm of Midnight by Marina J. Lostetter

February 16, 2023February 15, 2023 by CarolNo Comments

The Helm of Midnight is a fantasy novel, but it's also horror and mystery. The book opens with a daring and deadly heist. The thieves stole a dangerous artifact of terrible power: the death mask of Louis Charbon. Charbon was once a serial killer and the theft of the death mask means that someone might have the power to channel Louis Charbon’s abilities when they wear it. Krona, her sister De-Lia, and the other Regulators need to find the thieves and discover the truth behind this heist. The story is told through the perspective of three main characters, each in a different time frame. The three viewpoints have different narrators which worked well by keeping it clear whose portion of the story we were listening to. And each read with appropriate emotion and helped flesh out the characters' personalities. Krona is in the present time, trying to solve the mystery and stop more killings. Melanie's chapters take place about two years...