Scared to Death by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards

by Carol2 Comments
Scared to Death was my first visit to Cherringham, but I'm sure it won't be my last. It's a novella, as are most of this series and I really enjoyed it. Sarah and Jack are well-known for solving local mysteries, so when someone is "playing pranks" on Basil Coates, an elderly man who was once the horror film star, his still enchanting wife, a former star herself, calls on the duo to find out what's going on. It's a quick story, but self-contained. We get a good feel for who Sarah and Jack are, although I'm not sure if they're just friends or if there's a potential for more there. I'm hoping the former. The authors also do a good job at fully developing the secondary characters, the Coates househould. There are a couple plausible suspects and Sarah and Jack do a good job at following upon the clues. There was one choice Sarah made that I wish she hadn't, but women amateur...
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My Favorite . . Thing about Fall

by Carol16 Comments
My Favorite.. is a weekly meme hosted by Maureen’s Books. In this meme we share every week something we love with each other. Because let’s face it.. The world can be a dark place and it’s time to share something positive. For more info: My Favorite Meme. Fall always make me a little sad. I miss the warm temperatures and sun of summer. There are definitely things I like about fall, though, aside from the fact that both our anniversary and my birthday are in the fall. I love warm sweaters and boots. I like to cuddle up on the couch under a blanket. I love hot drinks - coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate; and fall foods - apple dumplings, pumpkin pie. I like the colorful leaves and bonfires and Halloween decorations. Who's your favorite thing about fall? Join in at Maureen's Books....
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Death at Breakfast by Beth Gutcheon

by Carol8 Comments
I expected to enjoy Death at Breakfast. It seemed right up my alley. Recently retired Maggie Detweiler and her old friend, Hope Babbin, are staying at an inn in Maine and attending a week-long (I think) cooking class held by the chef. A great setting, two intelligent but quirky amateur detectives and food - a promising set-up. Quick review: Fine, but not outstanding. It's not exactly a waste of time, but if you have something you're dying to read, skip this and pick that one up instead. On the other hand, the choice of murder weapons is semi-unique. I guess my main problem with the book is that the character I found most interesting is the one who ends up dead. And he was interesting because of his thoughts, his way of seeing the world, things that we no longer see once he's dead. Maggie and Hope are nice and smart, but I didn't connect with either of them. There are a lot of...
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Readers’ Workouts – 10/10

by Carol6 Comments
I almost didn't post today, that's how lousy my exercise routine has been lately, but I pushed myself yesterday to get my steps in and do some Pilates so I feel a little better.   This week's activities: Thursday - Walk at the track Friday - Walk with the dog Monday - Pilates Meal ideas for next week: Spaghetti Fried rice Sloppy Joe We're going to a football game Friday, a band festival Saturday and the lake Sunday and Monday, so probably lots of burgers, pizza, and/or hot dogs. Year Fitness Goals: - Lose weight. Goal - Lose 26 lbs. (Currently at -13.4) - Run 2 5ks, 1 10K and 1 half. Completed - 1 10K; 1 5K - Hit my weekly step goal (56,000 steps) for 48 weeks. Weeks completed: 29 How was your week? Readers’ Workouts is hosted by Joy at Joy’s Book Blog....
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Spotlight on Unexpected Outcomes by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

by Carol3 Comments
Read an excerpt: CHAPTER ONE “I can’t believe I’m gonna die. Please, no. Why are you shooting at us?” I pulled the trigger and watched as the bullet raced through the air, smacking my best friend in the center of her chest. I bolted upright; sweat dripping from my forehead, tears streaming down my cheeks, my heart beating faster than ever. I’d just dreamed I’d shot my best friend. My best friend. “It’s just a dream,” I mumbled. “Just a dream.” My husband, Jake rolled over and rubbed my leg. “You okay, Babe?” I lay down and snuggled into him. “I just shot Mel in my dream.” He squeezed his arms tight around me. “We both know that would never happen. You’d be lost without her. It was just a dream. Don’t let it upset you.” I glanced at the clock. It was four AM, and I knew I wouldn’t fall back asleep, so I kissed Jake and got up for the day, resigned to the fact that...
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Spotlight on In It for the Money by David Burnsworth

by Carol6 Comments
Read an excerpt: Chapter One Lowcountry, South Carolina, early June, Thursday morning The old rotary phone sitting on the desk refused to ring. No matter how much Blu Carraway wanted it to. He looked out the window of his makeshift office at the surrounding marsh and sighed. Crumpled up in his right hand was the latest tax assessment, in his left was an electronic cigarette. Without thinking, he took a hit off the vaporizer, which replaced Camels as his only vice. Well, that and pirated satellite TV. And still the receiver remained silent. One more good job. It was all he needed. Then Charleston County would be happy for another year, and he’d get to keep his little island home. Just. One. Good. Job. The hula girl on his desk a Desert Storm buddy had given him when he first hung out his PI shingle bobbled at him as if to say, “How long did you think you could keep this up, tough guy?” He swatted her off the...
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