Friday, January 31, 2020

Friday Memes: Golden in Death by J. D. Robb

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City ReaderThe Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:
Dr. Kent Abner began the day of his death comfortable and content.
Friday 56:
He drank. "Added to it, the priceless lesson she taught me. Marriage is for fools. Why legalize and complicate what you can simply enjoy?"
This week I am spotlighting Golden in Death by J. D. Robb. This is the fiftieth book in the series. Here is the description from Amazon:
In the latest thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, homicide detective Eve Dallas investigates a murder with a mysterious motive―and a terrifying weapon.

Pediatrician Kent Abner received the package on a beautiful April morning. Inside was a cheap trinket, a golden egg that could be opened into two halves. When he pried it apart, highly toxic airborne fumes entered his body―and killed him.

After Eve Dallas calls the hazmat team―and undergoes testing to reassure both her and her husband that she hasn’t been exposed―it’s time to look into Dr. Abner’s past and relationships. Not every victim Eve encounters is an angel, but it seems that Abner came pretty close―though he did ruffle some feathers over the years by taking stands for the weak and defenseless. While the lab tries to identify the deadly toxin, Eve hunts for the sender. But when someone else dies in the same grisly manner, it becomes clear that she’s dealing with either a madman―or someone who has a hidden and elusive connection to both victims.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Book Review: Arrow's Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Arrow's Fall
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar (Book 3)
Publication: DAW (January 5, 1988)

Description: Follows the adventures of Talia as she travels the land as a Herald of Valdemar in the third book in the classic epic fantasy Arrows trilogy

With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen’s Own Herald returns to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth’s future.

But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar. And, to her horror, Talia soon discovers there is far more going on at Prince Ancar’s court than just preparation for a hoped-for royal wedding. For a different magic than that of the Heralds is loose in Ancar’s realm—an evil and ancient sorcery that may destroy all of Valdemar unless Talia can send warning to her Queen in time!

My Thoughts: The final book in the Arrows trilogy sees Talia finished with internship and back in the capital to take her place by the Queen's side as a full voting member of the Council. Just in time, too! The Council has been debating a marriage proposal for Elspeth with the heir to the throne of Hardorn. Valdemar has a long history of friendship with King Alexander but doesn't know much about his heir Ancar. After turning down the Council's wish for an immediate betrothal and wedding, Selenay decides to send a couple of Heralds in advance of a State Visit to take a look at Ancar.

Kris and Talia are chosen. Talia has the position of Queen's Own and Kris has a family background in Court politics. Besides, they worked well together during Talia's internship and are ready to go. However, since returning to the capital things are not going well between the two of them. Talia still feels that Kris's uncle Lord Othallan is trying to undermine her influence with the Queen. Kris is quite used to making excuses for his uncle and refuses to believe Talia. Besides that, Kris's best friend Dirk and Talia have formed a lifebond though neither of them is admitting it and Dirk is especially torn because he thinks Talia might have fallen in love with Kris.

Both Talia and Kris are eager to go off on a mission to get away from all the drama. But they soon find that they have traveled into a danger they couldn't have expected. Ancar has plans to take over the throne of his country and of Valdemar too and has gathered an army made up of prison dregs along with magicians. Valdemar has its mind Gifts but real magic like that practiced in Hardorn is something out of legend to them. They need to get back to Valdemar to stop Selenay and the State Visit but Ancar has other plans.

This story was filled with epic adventure, great sorrow, battles, and finally a happy ending.

Favorite Quote:
"It seems to me that evil is a kind of ultimate greed, a greed that is so all-encompassing that it can't ever see anything lovely, rare, or precious without wanting to possess it. A greed so total that if it can't possess these things, it will destroy them rather than chance that someone else might have them. And a greed so intense that even having these things never causes it to lesson one iota - the lovely, the rare, and the precious never affect it accept to make it want them."
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

YA ARC Review: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
Author: Holly Jackson
Publication: Delacorte Press (February 4, 2020)

Description: For readers of Kara Thomas and Karen McManus, an addictive, twisty crime thriller with shades of Serial and Making a Murderer about a closed local murder case that doesn't add up, and a girl who's determined to find the real killer--but not everyone wants her meddling in the past.

Everyone in Fairview knows the story.

Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.

But she can't shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?

Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn't want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.

This is the story of an investigation turned obsession, full of twists and turns and with an ending you'll never expect.

My Thoughts: Pippa Fitz-Amobi has decided to look into a five-year-old crime for her Senior Capstone project. Everyone knows that Sal Singh killed Andie Bell and then killed himself. Seems simple, but...

Andie's body has never been found and Sal wasn't the kind of young man you'd think of as a murderer. Pip knew Sal and always found him to be a kind, quiet young man. As soon as she starts looking into the past, she finds questions that weren't answered to her satisfaction. As she interviews people who were part of the investigation, she finds lies and cover-ups. Even her best friend's older sister Naomi who was one of Sal's friends seems to be keeping secrets.

She goes to interview Sal's younger brother Ravi who is completely convinced that his brother wasn't a killer and he becomes her partner in the investigation. She doesn't have as much luck when she tries to interview Andie's younger sister.

The investigation becomes something of an obsession for Pip as she uncovers more and more and keeps finding new suspects and new avenues to investigate. But the investigation gets really close to home and someone desperately wants Pip to stop investigating.

This was an excellent, fast-paced story filled with twists and turns. The characters, especially Pip, were well-drawn and interesting people. The plot kept up a fast pace and the ending came as quite a surprise.

Favorite Quote:
"You want to go to a house party?" Ant said pointedly.

"Yes," she said.

"Everyone will be smashed, people throwing up, passing out. A lot of mess on the floor," Ant said. "It's not really your scene, Pip."

No of course it wasn't--she couldn't think of anything worse--but she stood firm. "Sounds...fun. I want to go."
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

ARC Review: An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham

An Everyday Hero
Author: Laura Trentham
Series: Heart of a Hero (Book 2)
Publication: St. Martin's Griffin (February 4, 2020)

Description: From award-winning author Laura Trentham comes An Everyday Hero, an emotionally layered novel about redemption, second chances and discovering that life is worth fighting for.

At thirty, Greer Hadley never expected to be forced home to Madison, Tennessee with her life and dreams of being a songwriter up in flames. To make matters worse, a series of bad decisions and even crappier luck lands her community service hours at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Greer cannot fathom how she’s supposed to use music to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when the one thing that brought her joy has failed her.

When Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, her plans to stay detached and do as little as possible get thrown away. New to town and dealing with the death of her father in action, she hides her emotions behind a mask of bitterness and sarcasm, but Greer is able to see past it and recognizes pieces of who she once was in Ally. The raw and obvious talent she possesses could take her to the top and Greer vows to make sure life’s negativities don’t derail Ally’s potential.

After Greer is assigned a veteran to help, she’s not surprised Emmett Lawson, the town’s golden boy, followed his family’s legacy. What leaves her shocked is the shell of a man who believes he doesn’t deserve anyone’s help. A breakthrough with Ally reminds Greer that no one is worth giving up on. So she shows up one day with his old guitar, and meets Emmett’s rage head on with her stubbornness. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her―and along the way they might just save themselves too.

My Thoughts: Greer Hadley feels like she's hit rock bottom. Her career as a singer-songwriter in Nashville implodes when she suffers from a freeze up when performing for someone who could jump start her career. She comes back home to walk in on her fiance in bed with another woman. When she drinks too much and attacks a jukebox for playing the wrong song, she's arrested and has to go to court with her Uncle Bill presiding. He sentences her to community service at a music therapy charity. Greer would rather clean up ditches than face her fears about her music but she has no choice.

Greer's first client is a teen named Ally who has gone off the rails a bit when her father is killed in combat and her mother uproots her and brings her to Nashville. Her mother is not doing well in her grief and Ally is only fifteen and not ready to be her mother's emotional support. Greer's tough love and their shared love of music helps her forge a relationship with the young girl.

Greer's second client is not so easy. Emmett Lawson was in her class at school. He went to West Point and was serving in the Army until his unit ran into insurgents killing his sergeant and causing Emmett to lose his lower leg. Emmett has turned himself into a hermit in the guest house on his parents' horse farm. When Greer climbs a fence to confront him, he greets her with a shotgun shot over her head. But Greer's stubbornness, tough love, and the feeling that she owes him a favor for something he did for her in high school, keeps her coming back until she manages to help him out.

I really liked this story. The characters were all interesting people. I did think that the coincidence that Ally's dad was Emmett's sergeant was a little far-fetched but otherwise the plot was realistic and well designed. Fans of feel good romances with intriguing characters will enjoy this story.

Favorite Quote:
Disappointment was inevitable, but Greer was too far down the road to do a U-turn now. "I'm not a therapist or even a good example of a successful, functioning member of society. Keep your expectations low."

Mrs. Lawson's laugh was weak but natural. "Will you let me know how you make out?"
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Monday, January 27, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Jan. 27, 2020)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I will be combining my YA and adult reading and purchases on this one weekly roundup.

Other Than Reading...

This was another quiet, gray, gloomy week with off and on snow showers. The County snowplow drivers settled their contract and were back to work on Friday. They only missed a couple of the snow events last week which the substitute drivers handled well - at least on the roads I have to drive.

I did get out on Friday to go to the doctor's office for the blood work I have to have done every three months but otherwise didn't take myself away from home. I made one trip to exercise when my brother went.

I did the usual things around the house. I baked bread, made a new batch of thousand island dressing, and made a big batch of split pea soup. Other than that my week was filled with reading and playing Bejeweled Blitz on my computer.

Read Last Week

If you can't wait until the review shows up on my blog, reviews are posted to LibraryThing and Goodreads as soon as I write them (usually right after I finish reading a book.)

  • Breaking Silence by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin (Review; Feb. 4) - Entertaining contemporary fantasy. My review will be posted on Feb. 6.
  • Written in Red by Anne Bishop (Mine) - 1st 2020 reread
  • The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson (Mine) - Entertaining and much-anticipated conclusion to the Truly, Devious YA mystery trilogy. My review will be posted on Feb. 8. 



Currently

  • The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (Review; Feb. 18) - This is creepy enough that I only want to read it in the daytime!
  • Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop (Mine) - reread

Next Week




Reviews Posted




Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

  • Moontangled by Stephanie Burgis - Kindle gift from author because I support her through Patreon.
  • Where The Dead Lie by C. S. Harris - Kindle daily deal which is late in a series I've only read the first in.
  • The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson - Much anticipated onclusion to the Truly, Devious trilogy.

What was your week like?

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Book Review: Felicity Carrol and the Perilous Pursuit by Patricia Marcantonio

Felicity Carrol and the Perilous Pursuit
Author: Patricia Marcantonio
Series: Felicity Carrol (Book 1)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (February 12, 2019)

Description: Amidst the heraldry of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee celebrations, a string of brutal murders rocks Britain's upper crust—and could threaten the realm itself—in the spellbinding debut of Patricia Marcantonio's Felicity Carrol mysteries.

Felicity Carrol is interested in everything—except being a proper young matron of Victorian society. Brilliant and resourceful, Felicity took refuge in science and education after her mother died and her father abandoned her to servants. Now, all he wants is for her to marry into a family of status and money.

Felicity has other ambitions—but her plans shudder to a halt when her mentor is murdered at the British Museum and his priceless manuscript of King Arthur lore is stolen. Tapping into her photographic memory and the latest in the burgeoning field of forensic detection, Felicity launches an investigation. Handsome Scotland Yard Inspector Jackson Davies is also on the case, and finds Felicity as meddlesome as she is intelligent. But when more nobles are murdered and their King Arthur relics stolen, Felicity must journey on her own into the dark underworld of antiquity theft, where she uncovers a motive far more nefarious than simple profit.

As the killer sets his sights on a new victim—a charismatic duke who has captured Felicity’s imagination—the stakes rise to impossible heights. It’s a case that could shake the kingdom in Patricia Marcantonio’s series debut, Felicity Carrol and the Perilous Pursuit.

My Thoughts: This story begins with a fire and an explosion when something goes wrong during one of Felicity Carrol's scientific experiments. It is a great introduction to a young woman far more interested in science, history, and medicine than in following the path of most rich, well-bred young women into marriage.

She has no relationship with the father who has ignored her since the death of her mother and older brother when she was a small child and left to the servants to raise. However, she found a new father figure in Earl William Kent who was her mentor when she attended the university. When she learns that Kent has been murdered and a valuable artifact related to his strong interest in King Arthur stolen, Felicity is determined to bring his killer to justice.

Scotland Yard is also on the case in the person of Inspector Jackson Griggs Davies who isn't necessarily eager for Felicity's help. However, her photographic memory and extensive knowledge of history do give him clues he wouldn't otherwise know. When Kent's murder is only the first of a series of murders where the victim is distantly related to royalty and a collector of items related to King Arthur, Felicity needs to increase her knowledge of the new science of forensics which includes taking fingerprints to find the murderer.

This story has an intriguing main character who is brilliant but also vulnerable. Her desire for her father's love and respect made me feel sorry for her. I did like that she wasn't afraid to venture into situations that were unfamiliar to her like visiting thieves and villains. I liked her relationship with Davies.

This was a good start to a historical mystery series with a great setting and interesting characters.

Favorite Quote:
He blinked his eyes in curiosity only for a moment. "Miss Carrol, if you don't leave, I shall pick you up and carry you out."

She smiled. "No one has ever threatened to throw me out of anyplace. It's quite thrilling and frightening at the same time."

"You don't make anything easy do you, Miss Carrol?"

"One of my curses in life, Inspector. But please let me show you what I have found."
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Friday Memes: Felicity Carrol and the Perilous Pursuit by Patricia Marcantonio

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City ReaderThe Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:
"Everyone, please take shelter behind the hedges," Felicity Carrol announced.
Friday 56:
"And now how do you feel about the legend?" Felicity asked.

"Ah, in my older age, I see King Arthur not as myth or a real historical figure but as an allegory for mankind."
This week I am spotlighting Felicity Carrol and the Perilous Pursuit by Patricia Marcantonio. It is the first in a new historical mystery series. Here is the description from Amazon:
Amidst the heraldry of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee celebrations, a string of brutal murders rocks Britain's upper crust—and could threaten the realm itself—in the spellbinding debut of Patricia Marcantonio's Felicity Carrol mysteries.

Felicity Carrol is interested in everything—except being a proper young matron of Victorian society. Brilliant and resourceful, Felicity took refuge in science and education after her mother died and her father abandoned her to servants. Now, all he wants is for her to marry into a family of status and money.

Felicity has other ambitions—but her plans shudder to a halt when her mentor is murdered at the British Museum and his priceless manuscript of King Arthur lore is stolen. Tapping into her photographic memory and the latest in the burgeoning field of forensic detection, Felicity launches an investigation. Handsome Scotland Yard Inspector Jackson Davies is also on the case, and finds Felicity as meddlesome as she is intelligent. But when more nobles are murdered and their King Arthur relics stolen, Felicity must journey on her own into the dark underworld of antiquity theft, where she uncovers a motive far more nefarious than simple profit.

As the killer sets his sights on a new victim—a charismatic duke who has captured Felicity’s imagination—the stakes rise to impossible heights. It’s a case that could shake the kingdom in Patricia Marcantonio’s series debut, Felicity Carrol and the Perilous Pursuit

Thursday, January 23, 2020

ARC Review: Cast in Wisdom by Michelle Sagara

Cast in Wisdom
Author: Michelle Sagara
Series: The Chronicles of Elantra
Publication: MIRA; Original edition (January 28, 2020)

Description: SOMETHING IS WAKING

The fiefs that exist at the heart of the city of Elantra are home to sentient Towers that guard the world against the incursion of Shadow. But between the fiefs exists the gray world of the border zone. In it, geography changes between one passage across a border and the next. The rules of magic are different there—and yet somehow familiar to Kaylin Neya.

When a Shadow escapes, Kaylin must find out how…and why. If Shadows can breach the barrier erected by the Towers, the whole of Elantra will be devoured. It’s happened on other worlds. Bellusdeo, Kaylin’s Dragon companion, absolutely believes it can happen on theirs.

The border zone holds secrets and ancient histories, and people are gathering there in search of its power. Without even understanding what that power is, or why it exists, Kaylin is in a desperate race against time to find those secrets first. She doesn’t know who her enemies are. She doesn’t know how many she’ll face. But she won’t face them alone.

My Thoughts: When one of the fief lords lets a Barrani carrying Shadow cross into Elantra from his fief, the Hawklord assigns Kaylin and Severn to do a survey of the fiefs to make sure their borders aren't letting other Shadows through.

Bellusdeo, the only female dragon and a survivor of a world Shadow overwhelmed, is Kaylin's friend and decides to go along. As they are exploring the borderlands they discover an ancient sentient building which was once the Academie which was a major center of learning before the towers were built and the war against Shadow began. But the same fief lord who let Shadow through is trying to take over the Academie and add to his store of power.

Kaylin and her companions including Bellusdeo, the Cohort, and the Arkon who was once a student at that Academie need to find a way to oust the evil fief lord and restore the Academie to health and utility.

This is an excellent entry into the Chronicles of Elantra series filled with complex situations, danger and adventure. Kaylin is a character to root for. The world building is extensive and intriguing.

Favorite Quote:
"Sedarias says the Emperor is a dragon. He's powerful enough that he gets to make the laws. We're weak enough - for the moment - that we have to follow them when he's looking in our direction. Hawks exist to be the eyes that are looking in all directions when the Emperor can't. They're meant to enforce the more powerful person's will."

"That's not the purpose of the law," Kaylin snapped.

"Then what is it?"

"We're there to enforce the laws so that people without the Emperor's power are safe from people with attitudes like yours."
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Book Review: Boundary Haunted by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Haunted
Author: Melissa F. Olson
Series: Boundary Magic (Book 5)
Publication: 47North (December 3, 2019)

Description: Months after her battles in Wyoming, Allison “Lex” Luther is still struggling with the aftereffects of the psychic attack she suffered—and with the new developments in her own magic.

Then Lex’s boss, the cardinal vampire of Colorado, passes along a strange request from her counterpart in Atlanta. Hundreds of Civil War spirits have abruptly vanished in Beau Calhoun’s territory, and he wants Lex to figure out why. In exchange, Beau can help her understand boundary magic, which runs in his family line as well.

Despite her trepidation, Lex journeys to the Deep South, where she discovers that ghosts are everywhere…and that her host’s intentions are more complicated than he promised. It seems his teenage descendant is being hunted, and both Beau and Lex fear the young woman’s boundary blood may have made her a target.

With Atlanta’s history looming over her every move, Lex will have to face Beau’s ghosts—and her own—to prevent a boundary magic attack she never dreamed possible.

My Thoughts: Lex is still feeling the aftereffects of her previous adventure in the form of nightmares when Maven asks her to go to Atlanta to help cardinal vampire Beau Calhoun who has a ghost problem. Someone is stealing his ghosts. An incentive is the Beau comes from a boundary magic family and might be able to help Lex learn more about her own boundary magic.

Lex has to go alone because Quinn has a daughter in the area that he would be too tempted to visit if he went along. Lex decides to meet his daughter herself so that she can reassure Quinn when she returns and is pleased to meet a stable, confident young woman.

Beau's great niece is another story. Odessa has been raised by Beau since her parents died in a car accident. He has given her the best possible education and encouraged her love of horses. Unfortunately, her desire to go the Olympics with her horse would bring too much publicity to Beau and he forbids it. This leaves Odessa at sort of loose ends.

Lex investigates and finds herself in immediate danger. A sniper who just missed killing her but left her with a broken left wrist means that Maven sends in backup. Tobias who is her werewolf friend comes to help.

But the next near miss is an exploding spirit bottle that kills one of Beau's vampire colleagues, injures Beau, and ruins a mahogany obsidian crystal that was a gift from Quinn and kept ghosts from getting into Lex's head. Now, she's without protection in a city that is absolutely rife with ghosts and facing an enemy who combines human tactics and witch magic.

This was an engaging, fast-paced story with lots of action and excitement. I liked that Lex is learning more about her boundary magic.

Favorite Quote:
Guilt isn't necessarily logical, and it doesn't have a statute of limitations.
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Book Review: Arrow's Flight by Mercedes Lackey

Arrow's Flight
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar (Book 2)
Publication: DAW (September 1, 1987)

Description: Follows the adventures of Talia as she travels the land as a Herald of Valdemar in the second book in the classic epic fantasy Arrows trilogy

Talia could scarcely believe that she had finally earned the rank of full Herald. Yet though this seemed like the fulfillment of all her dreams, it also meant she would face trials far greater than those she had previously survived. For now Talia must ride forth to patrol the kingdom of Valdemar, dispensing Herald's justice throughout the land.

But in this realm beset by dangerous unrest, enforcing her rulings would require all the courage and skill Talia could command—for if she misused her own special powers, both she and Valdemar would pay the price!

My Thoughts: Talia has become a full Herald but has one more hurdle to overcome. She needs to spend eighteen months riding circuit in Valdemar to learn more about her role as a Herald. Kris is her mentor and guide and has had his image of her poisoned by his uncle Lord Othallen. Talia has a unique mind Gift; she has a very strong gift for empathy and the ability to manipulate other people's emotions.

She is also dealing with falling shields. Her gift came upon her early and was strange. No one was quite sure how to help her get a handle on it. The Heralds passed her on to the Healers who have similar gifts. Unfortunately, each group thought the other had taught Talia the basics of controlling a mind Gift. Now the stress of dealing with Kris's distrust and the rumors that indicate she's misusing her Gift have set her into a downward spiral to depression and maybe even suicide.

Besides dealing with a plague and an epic snowstorm, she and Kris have to find a way to build the foundations she never had and help her get control of her Gift.

This was an excellent middle book in a trilogy because it focused on Talia's Gift and her gaining control of it and understanding about it. It is a coming of age tale with real growth for Talia during the course of the book.

Favorite Quote:
"Isn't it enough? They say you're young, you're inexperienced - some say too young to be in the position of power that you are, and to be wielding such a strange mind Gift."

"As  if," she replied bitterly, "I have any choice in the matter."
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Monday, January 20, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Jan. 20, 2020)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I will be combining my YA and adult reading and purchases on this one weekly roundup.

Other Than Reading...

This has been a pretty quiet week. It snowed last Monday, Wednesday, Friday and today. It didn't really amount to much except for the six-eight inches we had overnight. The problem is that the St. Louis County snowplow drivers went on strike on Monday. They are in charge of plowing the county highways and so many of the most used roads in Duluth are county highways. The plowing is still being done with a smaller crew of supervisors and other county employees but, with fewer people, it is taking longer.

We didn't get the blizzard conditions that most of the rest of the State was expecting and receiving. Altogether it really didn't have much impact on the City of Duluth or my lifestyle. My brother had most of the week off and likes going out in this kind of stuff. So we got up to the gym for exercise on Wednesday and Friday which was enough for me.

I finished four books this week and DNFd one. All of them were from my review stack. I have a couple more review books to read for February but am also fitting in some of my own books. All of the new ones I bought this week were by favorite authors. And the new review books were also by authors I have read and enjoyed in the past. I am not feeling very adventurous in my reading choices lately.

Read Last Week

If you can't wait until the review shows up on my blog, reviews are posted to LibraryThing and Goodreads as soon as I write them (usually right after I finish reading a book.)

  • Alone in the Wild by Kelley Armstrong (Review; Feb. 4) - This is the fifth in the Rockton series of thrillers and was an entertaining addition to the series. I like the characters quite a bit. My review will be posted on Feb. 5.
  • Felicity Carrol and the Murderous Menace by Patricia Marcantonio (Review; Feb. 11) - Second in this historical mystery series. It has great historical detail. The only flaw might be a main character who is just too competent. My review will be posted on Feb. 4.

  • A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (Review; Feb. 4) - It was an interesting mystery filled with social media, a crime that impacts the detective, and lots of adventure and danger. My review will be posted on Jan. 29.
  • Golden in Death by J. D. Robb (Review; Feb. 4) - The 50th In Death mystery was a good addition to a long-running series. My review will be posted on Feb. 1.

DNF

  • Belle Revolte by Linsey Miller (Review; Feb. 4) - I wasn't feeling this YA Epic Fantasy with shades of The Prince and the Pauper and the apparently mandatory revolution. It was told from two viewpoints and I didn't care about either character. The worldbuilding was interesting with woman's magic and men's magic but ultimately not enough to keep me reading. 

Currently


Next Week

  • Still Life by Louise Penny (Mine) - First in a mystery series that is currently up to book 15.
  • The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (Review; Feb. 18)


  • Belladonna by Anne Bishop (Mine) - second in the Ephemera trilogy
  • Bridge of Dreams by Anne Bishop (Mine) - third in the Ephemera trilogy

Reviews Posted




Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Bought
Review
What was your week like?

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Book Review: Boundary Broken by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Broken
Author: Melissa F. Olson
Series: Boundary Magic (Book 4)
Publication: 47North (March 19, 2019)

Description: Years ago, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther made a promise to an alpha werewolf. Now, just when the supernatural community in Colorado is enjoying a period of hard-won peace, the alpha turns up at Lex’s door to call in his marker. Two of his pack members have disappeared in the Colorado sand dunes, and he needs safe passage to hunt for them.

With her friend Simon Pellar along for backup, Lex ventures into the dunes to search for the missing couple…but what they find is only the opening move in an ambitious assault against those who hold power in the Colorado Old World. An old enemy has returned to tear their peace apart, and Lex is soon embroiled in politics she doesn’t understand, from a time before she had magic.

To save her friends and her way of life, Lex will have to cross every line she’s drawn since learning what she is—and it may still be too late.

My Thoughts: This story begins with a werewolf calling in a favor. Lex had promised to help him and now he needs safe passage into Colorado to hunt for a couple of missing pack members. Lex goes along with witch Simon Pellar to help locate them. They find their bodies but that only deepens the mystery. When the werewolf who called Lex in is caught and murdered before he can get out of the State with his packmates bodies, Lex feels that there was something else she could have done to change things.

What Lex doesn't know is that the deaths of the werewolves is only the first move in a well-thought out plan to disrupt things in Colorado. The villain wants to change rulership of the covens of witches and grab power from Lex's boss Maven. To do this, the villain threatens Lex's four-year-old niece Charlie who is a null and under the protection of Maven.

Between conflicts among the witches, conflicts among the werewolves, conflicts with the vampires including her boyfriend Quinn, and Lex's own magic which she still doesn't know very much about, Lex has her hands full in this episode.

Even though it has been years since I read the first three books in this series, I felt right at home here. I really like Lex and the magical world that Melissa F. Olson has built.

Favorite Quote:
"Would it make you feel better," he said quietly, "if you yelled at me some more?"

I considered this for a minute. "It might," I said, "if I really understood what I'm upset about. I'm still...sorting through it."

He nodded.

"How about we turn our full attention to this werewolf thing, but I reserve the right to reopen this fight at a later date, when I know exactly what horrible thing you've done to piss me off."

Quinn smiled, as I'd hoped. "Sounds fair."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Friday Memes: Boundary Broken by Melissa F. Olson

Happy Friday everybody!
Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City ReaderThe Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:
"For the last time, Lily," I said, not bothering to hide my impatience, "we are not using code names. There's no need."

"Copy that, Griffin. We are all set up on this end. Flower Child over and out."
Friday 56:
After the werewolves left, Simon went to dismantle his humans-go-away spell. I brushed off my clothes as much as I could and got inside the Jeep, getting the heater going.
This week I am spotlighting Boundary Broken by Melissa F. Olson. This is the fourth in the Boundary Magic Urban Fantasy series. It has been a while since I read the first three books, but I remember enjoying them very much.

Here is the description from Amazon:
Years ago, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther made a promise to an alpha werewolf. Now, just when the supernatural community in Colorado is enjoying a period of hard-won peace, the alpha turns up at Lex’s door to call in his marker. Two of his pack members have disappeared in the Colorado sand dunes, and he needs safe passage to hunt for them.

With her friend Simon Pellar along for backup, Lex ventures into the dunes to search for the missing couple…but what they find is only the opening move in an ambitious assault against those who hold power in the Colorado Old World. An old enemy has returned to tear their peace apart, and Lex is soon embroiled in politics she doesn’t understand, from a time before she had magic.

To save her friends and her way of life, Lex will have to cross every line she’s drawn since learning what she is—and it may still be too late.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Book Review: Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers

Unnatural Death
Author: Dorothy L. Sayers
Series: Lord Peter Wimsey (Book 3)
Publication: Open Road Media Mystery & Thriller (July 31, 2012)

Description: When a terminally ill woman dies much earlier than expected, Lord Peter Wimsey suspects murder: “First-rate detection” (The Cincinnati Enquirer).

Though never quick-witted, Agatha Dawson had an iron constitution and a will to fight that never abated in her old age. Even after three operations failed to rid her of her cancer, she refused to give in. But as her body began to weaken, she accused lawyers, nurses, and doctors of trying to kill her and snatch her fortune. The town physician, an expert in cancer, gives her six months to live. Only three days later, she is dead.

Though the autopsy reveals nothing surprising, the doctor suspects that Agatha’s niece had some hand in the old woman’s death. When Lord Peter Wimsey, the dashing gentleman detective, looks into the matter, he finds that death stalks all those who might testify. How can he continue his investigation when every question marks another innocent for murder?

My Thoughts: This third in a series begins when Lord Peter and his friend Parker are dining out and discussing the perfect crime. A man at the next table tells about a suspicious occurrence which intrigues Peter. The man is a doctor and tells of the unexpected deaths of one of his cancer patients and his suspicion that she was murdered by the great-niece who inherits all of her worldly goods.

Peter first needs to convince Parker that there was actually a crime committed since the medical examiners put the death down to heart failure. Peter sends in one of his irregulars. Miss Climpson to do what she naturally does. As a spinster of limited means she is the perfect one to ask impertinent questions since that is what spinsters apparently do.

Peter begins to believe that the case has something to do with the victim's lack of a will. A new law has been passed that would not allow the great-niece to inherit if the victim had just lived into the new year. But even with that clue and the fact the possible witnesses to the niece's behavior are dying, Peter still can't figure out how the crime was committed.

This was an entertaining mystery with Peter's usual dithering and literary asides. I especially enjoyed Miss Climpson's reports with underlining and multiple exclamation points. I did miss Bunter and wished that he had had a larger role in the story. I did notice a lot of racial and gender in-sensitivities that would have made the book hard to publish today.

Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this one.

Favorite Quote:
"I make imbecile suggestions and he does the work of elaborately disproving them. Then, by process of elimination, we find the right explanation, and the world says, 'My god, what intuition that young man has.'"
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.