Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

by Carol4 Comments
I should have loved Magpie Murders. It's definitely a book for mystery readers. Not only does it have two well-plotted mysteries, it has some great quotes about the nature of mysteries and reading. “You must know that feeling when it's raining outside and the heating's on and you lose yourself, utterly, in a book. You read and you read and you feel the pages slipping through your fingers until suddenly there are fewer in your right hand than there are in your left and you want to slow down but you still hurtle on towards a conclusion you can hardly bear to discover.” “As far as I'm concerned, you can't beat a good whodunnit: the twists & turns, the clues and the red herrings and then, finally, the satisfaction of having everything explained to you in a way that makes you kick yourself because you hadn't seen it from the start.” The set up is great, a novel within a novel, both murder...
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Thursday’s Tale: Disney Manga: Tangled

by Carol2 Comments
The story is the same as the Tangled movie from 2010. It's a re-imagining of Rapunzel, but the only thing it really has in common with the original fairy tale is the girl with long hair kept in a tower. The princess, Rapunzel, is stolen from her crib by Mother Gothel, because her can magically heal people.  Mother Gothel hides Rapunzel in the tower, forbidding her to ever leave it, keeping the precious hair safe. While Gothel is away getting a present for Rapunzel’s 18th birthday, Flynn Ryder ends up in the tower as he's on the run from the palace guards. Rapunzel recognizes her chance and convinces Ryder, with the help of a frying pan, to take her to see the annual lights festival. Adventure, danger, love and the requisite happy ever after ending all follow. The story is what it is, it's Tangled re-done as a manga. I thought the manga art was well-done and I'm sure middle schoolers would...
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My Favorite . . Love Story

by Carol4 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. It's been a while since I read it, but the love story that I though of first was Persuasion by Jane Austen. It's classic Austen, witty and observant, but it's also a "second chance at love" story. Anne fell in love with Wentworth over 8 years before the story takes place, but was convinced by a well-meaning family friend to break off the engagement. Fast forward, and they meet again. Both are older, wise, have made mistakes, but are still in love. What's your favorite love story? Join in at Maureen's Books....
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Readers’ Workouts – 8/1

by Carol4 Comments
I can't believe it's August. Where has summer gone? I just missed my step goal this week according to the chart, but my fit bit died on Wednesday and I didn't get a chance to recharge it until bedtime, so I'm giving myself some extra credit.   This week: Tuesday - Walk with the dog Thursday - Walk with the dog Saturday - Walk with the dog Monday - Walk with the dog, Pilates I have a fitness Pinterest board and I pinned this plan a while ago. I thought it might be a good one to try for August, although I hate jumping jacks. I may trade jumping jacks for jumping rope. Meal ideas: Pork tenderloin with pierogies Turkey Chiles Rellenos Chicken Tacos Shrimp fried rice Mozzarella mini quiches Flatbread pizza My fish cakes turned out yummy last week. https://www.instagram.com/p/BW_XQqeACz3/?taken-by=carolsnotebook Year Fitness Goals: - Lose weight. Goal - Lose 26 lbs. - 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: 24 How...
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Book Blast: Audition for Murder by P. M. Carlson

by Carol1 Comment
Hear More About AUDITION FOR MURDER: Read an excerpt: Lisette stumbled on the way to the car, and Nick caught her elbow to steady her. Rob had unlocked the back door, and Nick helped her in while Rob let Maggie into the front passenger seat and then went around to the driver’s side. There were a few snowflakes blowing in the wind, and his pale hair licked about his forehead like little flames. He sat down, closed the door, and stared at the wheel a minute. “God,” he said. “I’m stoned. A little.” “Do you want someone else to drive?” asked Maggie. “No. I’ll be fine.” He raised a dramatic finger and declaimed, “Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.” “Every inordinate cup is unblessed,” countered Nick, who had maybe had a drop too much himself. “I’ll be extremely careful,” Rob promised. He turned the key and started out of the lot. Lisette lurched against Nick as they rounded the corner onto...
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