I am not a big mystery/thriller reader, but I needed one for a reading challenge. I have no regrets picking up All Good People Here.
I was engrossed fI am not a big mystery/thriller reader, but I needed one for a reading challenge. I have no regrets picking up All Good People Here.
I was engrossed from the very beginning! When this decades old JonBenét Ramsey-ish murder coming back into the forefront when another little girl goes missing from a nearby town, it sets a former local on a search for answers. The story deftly alternated between past and present as Margot slowly uncovers the truth of what happened. There were things I predicted and things that surprised me, but the one true crime here was the open ending Flowers left us with. I was actually thinking this could be 4.5 stars (even though there is zero joy here) until the ending.
Overall, I did enjoy tagging along with Margot as she sought answers to her best friend's murder as the story was told at a good pace with lots of reveals scattered throughout to keep me guessing.
This was a wild ride. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about Grayson. Grayson worked with his half-siblings on one mystery whilRating: 4.5 Stars
This was a wild ride. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about Grayson. Grayson worked with his half-siblings on one mystery while Jameson was trying to solve puzzles to win a game. It may seem like a bit of a detour from the original trilogy, but in the end, I found it tied up some of those loose threads while revealing how Avery will use the fortune AND perhaps, planting the seeds for the another mystery via Jameson's secret. I am eager to return to this world and read the next book.
After loving the Royal Street books, I decided to go back to the beginning. I rather enjoyed getting to know Melanie and Jack in this capacity, at theAfter loving the Royal Street books, I decided to go back to the beginning. I rather enjoyed getting to know Melanie and Jack in this capacity, at the beginning of their relationship. The bigger part of the story, for me, was learning more about Melanie and her gifts. She was a reluctant beacon, but she did a great job with the spirits as she worked with Jack to solve this mystery. I am looking forward to returning to this world so I can watch Melanie and Jack fall in love as they continue to renovate the house on Tradd Street.
When Lydia finds the body of one of her Book Frogs in the bookstore, she is forced to revisit her past.
That was a rather dark and twisty treat. I am When Lydia finds the body of one of her Book Frogs in the bookstore, she is forced to revisit her past.
That was a rather dark and twisty treat. I am a fan of interconnected stories and loved the way Sullivan wove these characters' lives together. Joey left behind books with cutouts, and Lydia set out to discover what Joey was trying to tell her. I was hooked as each new thing Lydia learned about Joey seemed to point her back to someone or something from her past.
Lydia had witnessed a gruesome murder, and it was easy to see the long term effect it had had on her life. She was estranged from her father and held others at arm's length. This made me sad, but I had hope that reopening those wounds of the past could lead to some closure or healing for her. Not sure if she was really healed, but progress was definitely made.
Overall, this was an engaging mystery that was full of emotional which kept me fully invested.
I am a big fan of this series, and I loved that McManus brought me full circle with this final installment. The whole Bayside Crew waRating: 4.5 Stars
I am a big fan of this series, and I loved that McManus brought me full circle with this final installment. The whole Bayside Crew was here with villains, old and new, wrecking havoc with their lives. There was this one point where I knew I was at the boiling point, and it was fantastic the way it all just started to unwind from there. I am pretty sure I learned something great about the near future/future for each member of the Murder Club, and I was hopeful for them all.
This book picks up pretty much where the last one ended. Sunny had returned after twenty years, and Beau is determined to get to the Rating: 4.5 Stars
This book picks up pretty much where the last one ended. Sunny had returned after twenty years, and Beau is determined to get to the bottom of her kidnapping. As the gang work to decipher the evidence they have while uncover more, a malevolent has entered the scene. There were some really intense moments due to this pesky ghost, but I thought the integration of this spirit expanded the story in a great way.
I really enjoyed having Nola's family visiting. They were a lot of fun to be around. But, let's be honest, Jolene continued to steal, scene after scene. I hung on her every word because they were often hilarious. She brings a bit of levity to a story that could easily become bogged down with murder, kidnappings, and other things. Nola's sister was fantastic, too. She embraced her gift and was such an asset to uncovering the facts of Sunny's kidnapping.
As this mystery wrapped up, the seeds were planted for another, AND a real love triangle developed for me. Beau and Nola continue to deny their emotions, but I think this new player will give Beau a run for his money. He's a serious contender for me.
With all that in play, I am looking forward to the next book, an new mystery, and seeing how Nola's love life develops.
I was so excited when I heard Molly was getting another book, and I was not disappointed.
The Mystery Guest takes place five years afRating: 4.5 Stars
I was so excited when I heard Molly was getting another book, and I was not disappointed.
The Mystery Guest takes place five years after the last book. Molly is head maid, and just when she thought people forgot about the hotel murder, now they have a dead author. Once again, Molly finds herself in the middle of it all. Why do they alway think it's the maid? I enjoyed the mystery, and especially liked how it tied into Molly's past.
At first, I was a bit sad that this didn't have the same family vibe as the last book, but I appreciated learning more about Molly and her childhood. I love how many of the characters' lives were intertwined, and found some of the reveals quite surprising and wonderful.
Prose left Molly in an interesting place. She left the door open for Molly's story to go in a whole new direction should there be more books. Not sure if these changes will happen, but if Prose writes another Molly the Maid book, I am sure to read it.
I had a rather fun time solving this mystery with Charlotte and her Scooby-like crew.
Charlotte had enjoyed some notoriety as a child detective, but wI had a rather fun time solving this mystery with Charlotte and her Scooby-like crew.
Charlotte had enjoyed some notoriety as a child detective, but was now a floundering adult. Her two besties seem to be flourishing while she is wasting away in her mother's home. She was feeling stuck when her brother presents her with a mystery to solve. Once Charlotte was sleuthing again, she was rediscovering pieces of herself that had been dormant for some time as she discovered some new things as well.
This book was packed with humor and hijinks which made me smile. It also featured a fantastic friendship and a sweet sibling relationship. I am not sure how I felt about the actual mystery though I thought the build and reveal was great, and overall, I had a fun time figuring out what happened to Eric as I got to meet Charlotte and her crew.
This is my first Karen White book, and I know it won't be my last.
It's interesting that Nola would choose to return to the city for aRating: 4.5 Stars
This is my first Karen White book, and I know it won't be my last.
It's interesting that Nola would choose to return to the city for a fresh start when it was where she sort of fell apart, but that's exactly what she did. The city seemed to be a magnet for her, and it also brought some important people from her past back into her life. First, she reunited with Beau who she seemed to have a complicated relationship with. (I am rooting for a romance between these two, by the way.) Shortly thereafter, her old college roommate came in like the powerhouse she was. Jolene was my favorite character in this book. She was a warm and wonderful delight who brought sunshine and hilarious southern sayings to each scene she stole. I could not get enough of her.
I think I clearly loved the characters in this story, but I also enjoyed the setting. I have never had the opportunity to visit New Orleans (yet), but White did an amazing job transporting me there. There was a big focus on the history, lore, and homes that filled the city, and I enjoyed the tour.
Then there was the mystery. It unfolded slowly, and the paranormal elements were well utilized. There were some good, spooky moments, but also a lot about the people with gifts that allow them to interact with the dead. It was all very interesting.
White guaranteed I would be reading more from her with the way this book ended. One part of the mystery was fully solved, while there were still some HUGE unanswered questions. That ending has me chomping at the bit for the next book, and I know I will be returning to this world in no time.
The hype about Hollywood invading their small town was a fun aspect, and I had a good time collecting all the breadcrumbs aA solid cozy mystery here.
The hype about Hollywood invading their small town was a fun aspect, and I had a good time collecting all the breadcrumbs as I tried to solve the mystery. The cat's name is fantastic too - Flap Jack. Love it!
This is my third book by Jesse Q. Sutanto, and I have to say, she writes some of the most fabulous and memorable characters. Just thinking about Vera This is my third book by Jesse Q. Sutanto, and I have to say, she writes some of the most fabulous and memorable characters. Just thinking about Vera brings a smile to my face. You know what I would love to see? A meeting between Vera Wong and the Aunties. I think Vera could definitely hold her own with the Aunties too.
I laughed so much as I read this book. Vera was wacky, hilarious, and a total sweetheart. I was often wondering why she was doing something, but every time, there was a method to her madness. Sutanto did a beautiful job depicting Vera's hidden emotions as well. There were times when her loneliness hit me hard, and that was why it brought me so much pleasure to see her finding her way into a rather amazing found family.
As for the mystery, the murderer was a total surprise for me. I must admit, though, that I was more invested in all the other characters, their lives, and relationships than I was the murder. The characters all earned a place in my heart, and I couldn't help but care for them. The food and tea talk were things that grabbed my interest too. I enjoyed learning about the different teas and their uses as Vera cooked feasts and meddled in all the "suspects" lives.
Another delightful book from Sutanto! Be prepared to have your heart filled with warmth, laughter, and joy as you read of Vera's madcap adventure.
Loved this! A young woman with superior math skills uncovers a terrorist plot. There was a lot of action packed scenes and decoding, Rating: 4.5 Stars
Loved this! A young woman with superior math skills uncovers a terrorist plot. There was a lot of action packed scenes and decoding, but I really enjoyed getting to know Farrah, aka Digit. The humor, warm familial interactions, and touch of romance put this over the top for me. It was a great escape.
"Protect her" - that was Owen's instructions to Hannah. I was riveted by this book as Hannah delved deeper and deeper into Owen's pasRating: 4.5 Stars
"Protect her" - that was Owen's instructions to Hannah. I was riveted by this book as Hannah delved deeper and deeper into Owen's past. Looking for clues, for answers, about the man she married. The mystery/thriller elements provided lots of tension and called me to flip those pages, but I really appreciated the exploration of love, family, and what we would be willing to sacrifice for these things. My emotions were ramped up during the story as more and more was uncovered, but the ending, made me cry.
McManus' books always hit the spot. This was the perfect blend of thrills, drama, OMG moments, and even some sweet romance. Lots of twists and turns tMcManus' books always hit the spot. This was the perfect blend of thrills, drama, OMG moments, and even some sweet romance. Lots of twists and turns to keep me flipping the pages, and I loved all the nods to her past books. Another fantastic and entertaining tale!
All I have to say about The Maid is believe the hype. This book was something special, and I attribute that largely to Molly being an incredible charaAll I have to say about The Maid is believe the hype. This book was something special, and I attribute that largely to Molly being an incredible character who I developed a strong affection for.
Molly’s life had not been easy. I am not sure what the author’s intention was, but Molly came across as on the Autism spectrum. She struggled with social cues, and sometimes, people took advantage of this. I was furious with them because Molly was a sweet and kind person with a heart of gold. Raised by her grandmother who instilled Molly with lessons of kindness, she was simply a good person with a great work ethic who unfortunately got caught up in a murder.
The mystery was well done, and I enjoyed all the twists and turns along the way, but what I loved more was the found family that formed and came to Molly defense. Her grandmother had passed, and this left Molly struggling with loneliness. She desperately missed her grandmother, and my heart broke for her. That’s why it was so satisfying when these friendships developed and grew. It’s always satisfying to see good things come to those who deserve them.
This was a fantastic mystery filled with quirky characters and told with so much humor and warmth, not what I expected from a mystery. The murder was solved and came to a satisfying conclusion while I delighted in seeing Molly’s world grow bigger.
Confession: I started this book months ago and set it aside because it was not grabbing me. Fast forward, I check the audiobook out oRating: 4.5 Stars
Confession: I started this book months ago and set it aside because it was not grabbing me. Fast forward, I check the audiobook out of the library, and I pretty much inhale the story. Not sure if my frame of mind is different this time around, or if this book was just better for me in audio format, but it was fantastic!
It begins with meeting the moms and getting a feel for their relationships, but once that murder mystery element was introduced, I was hooked. That element made all the rest so much more important. I wanted to collect the details, find the connections, and work out an explanation for what happened. There were some great twists, and I loved the way the ways all these people's lives intertwined.
In the end, this was a story about mothers and how far they would go to protect their children. That mother's love motif was visited in several different ways in this story. These complex characters and relationships were well explored, and the structure of flipping from the moms to the sons was very successful for me.
I have read several MKA books before this, and therefore, did not really read the synopsis. Maybe it wasn't what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it. ThI have read several MKA books before this, and therefore, did not really read the synopsis. Maybe it wasn't what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it. There was a bit of everything in there, with two murder mysteries and a touch of romance, but taking center stage for me, was what was going on between Drue and her dad. Maybe he was never a good husband, but it was not too late for him to be a good father. And, he was getting multiple chances in this story, too. I liked that Drue was able to come to terms with the pain of her past and the loss of her mother, while also figuring out her future. I, of course, liked the romantic touch. The dynamic between those two made me smile. Overall, entertaining with surprising outcomes for the murders, and some sweet and emotional moments.
Another great and madcap adventure with Finlay, Vero, and the crew. I can honestly say, I didn't that coming. Here's hoping there's mRating: 4.5 Stars
Another great and madcap adventure with Finlay, Vero, and the crew. I can honestly say, I didn't that coming. Here's hoping there's more Finlay Donovan books because I need this triangle to be resolved.
This whole series has been a thrill ride for me, and Barnes did not disappoint in the finale. Lots of interesting twists and turns, aRating: 4.5 Stars
This whole series has been a thrill ride for me, and Barnes did not disappoint in the finale. Lots of interesting twists and turns, and I enjoyed seeing how all the characters grew and changed. I was excited for what the future held for them, but I would be lying if I also wasn't clamoring for a spinoff. I just want more time with these characters, in this world.
Samantha (WLABB)
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