Carol – Page 59 – Carol's Notebook

Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty

November 9, 2022November 8, 2022 by Carol3 Comments

I have a soft spot for mysteries with a sci-fi backdrop. Mallory is one of those people, like Angela Landsbury or any cozy mystery sleuth, who just seems to attract murders. She almost always helps the cops solve the crimes, but she's tired, her family hates her, and she can't keep friends - no one wants to risk being the next corpse. She seeks refuge on Station Eternity, a sentient space station populated by aliens, a station that doesn't allow humans aboard. Well, that's not strictly true. There is a human ambassador and there's also Xan, who is hiding out under rather unusual circumstances. But more people are on their way. When the shuttle carrying a human shuttle is almost docked at the space station, the space station, the shuttle, and Mallory's life explode into chaos. Several humans and at least one alien are killed in separate, but probably related events. The station's in turmoil, Mallory's vacillating between wanting to solve...

Marple: Twelve New Mysteries by Naomi Alderman, Leigh Bardugo, Alyssa Cole, et al.

November 8, 2022November 8, 2022 by Carol2 Comments

We all know I'm a huge Christie fan, so of course, this collection of twelve new Marple mysteries has been on my wishlist since I heard about it. I appreciate the variety. Each of the stories is written by a different contemporary female crime writer doing her take on the iconic Miss Jane Marple. Miss Marple is a force to be reckoned with, and these writers captured her intelligence, her wit, and her tenacity. Granted some of the stories are more successful than others, but that's to be expected. Overall, it's fun. The stories: Evil in Small Places - Lucy FoleyThe Second Murder in the Vicarage - Val McDermid: This one might have been my favorite. A second murder occurs at the vicarage in St. Mary Mead. Luckily, Jane Marple lives right next door. Miss Marple Takes Manhattan - Alyssa Cole: Miss Marple visits Manhattan with her nephew. A play base on his work is being performed - off-Broadway. I liked seeing...

November Cloak and Dagger Link-Up

November 1, 2022October 27, 2022 by Carol8 Comments

Happy November! My birthday's later this month, which is one of the few good things about this month. Here in Ohio, it's mostly cold and rainy — not my favorite. But it is a good month to curl up under a blanket with a book. I should have the sign-up post for next year's challenge up later this month. Link up your November Cloak and Dagger reviews below or in the comments. You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter...

Halloween Party Murder by Leighann Dobbs

October 27, 2022 by Carol7 Comments

Halloween Party Murder is a fun novella. Juniper Holliday throws the best parties and this year's Halloween party is gearing up to be fabulous — until the cops cut it short after a dead woman is found in the guest house. Juniper is funny and eccentric and not afraid to speak her mind. I enjoyed the tension between her and the dective on the case. There's a touch of paranormal: a few helpful ghosts, and some friendly neighborhood werewolves. It was funny, the mystery was clever, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. The next in the trilogy will come out just in time for Thanksgiving....

The Snowman Killer by Wendy Meadows

October 24, 2022October 24, 2022 by Carol4 Comments

I have to admit I was less than impressed by the beginning of The Snowman Killer. It was a bit confusing at first. Sarah, a former homicide detective, has moved to a small town in Alaska for a fresh start. She now owns a coffee shop and writes mystery stories under a pseudonym. But someone is using the plot of her own book to threaten her. And there's a new detective in town who knows more about her than she's comfortable with. Once I settled into the story though it was enjoyable enough. The plot moves along quickly and takes some twists and turns or jumps depending on how you look at it. There are several characters to keep straight and we don't really get to know them well because it is so short. It was free, which was nice too. As a series, it has potential. I'll probably at least give the next one a read....

24 Hour Readathon

October 22, 2022October 23, 2022 by CarolNo Comments

Happy Readathon Day! I love readathon days. I don't have much going on today, so I'll have plenty of time to read. I’ll be trying to update this post throughout the day/night. I’m also on Twitter and Instagram. Opening Survey: What fine part of the world are you reading from today? And what time is it where you are? I am in eastern Ohio. The Readathon started at 8:00 a.m., but I’m starting at 10:00. I slept in a bit.Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Marple: Twelve New Mysteries. I've been saving it for today. Which snack are you most looking forward to? I've got cinnamon rolls and ice cream. And we'll order out for dinner - probably Italian.Tell us something about yourself. I love mysteries and cozy blankets and hot chocolate. Mid-Event Survey: What are you reading right now? Marple: Twelve New Mysteries and The Enigma of Room 622How many books have you read so far? I've finished one and read...