This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

by Carol1 Comment
This Book Will Bury Me is told from Jane Sharpe's point of view. She's 24, has recently lost her father by way of a heart attack, and has become obsessed with true crime, or maybe more accurate, with a true crime online forum where amateur sleuths discuss clues and theories about the murders in the headlines. I listened to the audio and the narrator does a fabulous job. Her tone and pace match the story well. Each character has a distinctive voice, and she brings out Jane's emotions well. Take the time to read the author note on this one. She was inspired by several real life murder cases, including the killings in Idaho in 2022, and the loss of her own father. How you feel about that may influence whether you want to pick this one up or not. The plot is engrossing. Jane has found acceptance and support in her online community, even a bit of fame. Then...
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The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis

by CarolNo Comments
I was looking for a Thanksgiving cozy and ran across The Diva Runs Out of Thyme free with Audible Plus. I've read a couple others in the series, but had never gotten to this first one. "The Diva Runs Out of Thyme" is a fun read and pulls in plenty of holiday touches. W were introduced to a lot of characters in this book - Sophie and her family, the neighbors, her ex-husband and his family and girlfriend, and the stuffing competition judges and participants, but they each had their own personality and quirks. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a good job keeping everyone distinct. The mystery itself was fine, even if some of the characters' actions were questionable. I was surprised by who the killer turned out to be. Overall I enjoyed it....
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The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

by CarolNo Comments
At some point in the future, a fog, probably man-made, covers the whole globe. The fog is filled with tiny insects that devour any living thing they come in contact with, including humans. The only safe place is an island protected by a some kind of shield where 122 villagers and three scientists/elders live. It's a peaceful place where everyone has their jobs and knows their place. Until one of the scientists is murdered causing the shield to go down. If the murder isn't solved and the killer executed within 92 hours, the fog will engulf the island. The narrator is Abi, the artificial intelligence who knows everything that goes on on the island and controls most of it. She is also the one who wiped everyone's memory. The thing about Abi is that she has a job, she has commands she must follow. So even though she knows all and sees all, she doesn't share everything with the reader or...
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The Ghost Who Loved Diamonds by Bobbi Holmes

The Ghost Who Loved Diamonds by Bobbi Holmes

by Carol1 Comment
The Ghost Who Loved Diamonds is the second in the Haunting Danielle series. I did not read the first, but I felt the author did a fine job getting me up to speed. Danielle Boatman inherited Marlow House from her aunt and is planning on opening it as a B&B. The house is haunted by Walt Marlow, who is charming. I think his murder was solved in the first book. Danielle's annying cousin, Cheryl, has showed up and wants her half of the inheritance, especially the Thorndike necklace. This was a fun book. I liked Danielle and her friends, at least the ones who believe in her. Cheryl is a bit over the top, but it works for the story. The cops were less than competent, as in most cozies. The mystery moved along at a good pace, with several suspects and enough clues and red herrings. I was surpised by who the killer turned out to be....
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The Map Thief by Michael Blanding

The Map Thief by Michael Blanding

by Carol2 Comments
I found The Map Thief absolutely fascinating, not so much because of map dealer turned thief E. Forbes Smiley, but because of all the information about the history of mapmaking and map collecting. I will admit that I did pick it up because it's a true crime story. Smiley was a respected antiquarian map dealer in who ended up over his head and began stealing rare and famous maps from universities and turning around and selling them. Eventually, he got caught, but it was surprising how little security the rare book/map rooms had. And how incomplete the record-keeping was. And collectors and most other dealers never questioned his finds either. My favorite parts of the book were when Blanding spent time explaining the maps that were stolen and their significance. It was well-researched and easy to read. I learned so much about maps, their uses, the history of map making, and the historical figures behind them. I probably won't remember much...
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Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch

Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch

by CarolNo Comments
Moon Over Soho is funny and dark and full of magic. This time around we've got a jazz vampire on the loose in London. And a potentially very dangerous unethical wizard. This is the second in the series. Peter Grant is a cop/ apprentice wizard in London. He's called to the morgue where Dr. Walid wants him to note the definite vestigia about a dead man. Peter gets a clear sound of jazz sax, the kind of clue that only comes with strong magic. As Peter traces the steps of the jazz musician's life, he ends up meeting his former girlfriend, Simone, as well as his band-mates. I don't acutally have a lot to say about this one although I thoroughly enjoyed it. Peter's a great character, although he maybe lets his heart lead him a bit too much. I loved the jazz references and the bits of London history that were thrown in. There were a few rather creepy scenes....
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