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dontmissythesereads's reviews
2140 reviews
Four-Alarm Homicide by Diane Kelly
4.0
Book #55 read in 2024
I love Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge Mystery series, so I grabbed this one even though I haven't read the previous books in the series. While I do feel I missed some of the backstory, I was able to quickly learn the characters and also love them. This was a great cozy mystery, and I will find time to go back and read the ones I skipped!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the complimentary ebook.
I love Diane Kelly's Mountain Lodge Mystery series, so I grabbed this one even though I haven't read the previous books in the series. While I do feel I missed some of the backstory, I was able to quickly learn the characters and also love them. This was a great cozy mystery, and I will find time to go back and read the ones I skipped!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the complimentary ebook.
Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles
3.0
Book #54 read in 2024
While I don't usually choose historical fiction books, I love books about librarians. It is told in dual timelines: 1918, where we follow Jessie "Kit" Carson as she fights to establish children's libraries during wartime, and 1987 when Wendy Peterson discovers Jessie and tries to learn what happened to her. I really loved the 1918 timeline, but didn't connect so much with the 1987 one. Maybe it was that I listened to this on audio, and maybe it was the timing of the book in my life. This is one that I feel historical fiction lovers would really enjoy.
Thank you to Atria Books for the complimentary ebook.
While I don't usually choose historical fiction books, I love books about librarians. It is told in dual timelines: 1918, where we follow Jessie "Kit" Carson as she fights to establish children's libraries during wartime, and 1987 when Wendy Peterson discovers Jessie and tries to learn what happened to her. I really loved the 1918 timeline, but didn't connect so much with the 1987 one. Maybe it was that I listened to this on audio, and maybe it was the timing of the book in my life. This is one that I feel historical fiction lovers would really enjoy.
Thank you to Atria Books for the complimentary ebook.
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
4.75
Book #52 read in 2024
This book gave me all the feelings. I have several of Serle's books on my shelf but haven't gotten around to reading any of them. I'm glad this was my first. The touch of magical realism was what set it apart from other books I've read. I really enjoyed the friendship between Daphne and Hugo. He was the only one who knew about the relationship expiration dates, and it was clear how much he cared for Daphne. The story unfolded exactly how I had hoped. I definitely need to go back and read more from this author.
Thank you to Atria Books for the complimentary ebook.
This book gave me all the feelings. I have several of Serle's books on my shelf but haven't gotten around to reading any of them. I'm glad this was my first. The touch of magical realism was what set it apart from other books I've read. I really enjoyed the friendship between Daphne and Hugo. He was the only one who knew about the relationship expiration dates, and it was clear how much he cared for Daphne. The story unfolded exactly how I had hoped. I definitely need to go back and read more from this author.
Thank you to Atria Books for the complimentary ebook.
Ill-Fated Fortune by Jennifer Chow
4.0
Book #51 read in 2024
This is a fun start to a cozy series set in a Magical Bake Shop. I'm not usually one to be drawn to books that have supernatural elements, but this was done in an interesting way. Both Lissa and her mom infuse their baking with their feelings. So, for example, if they are feeling sad, the baked goods make people cry. Also, Lissa is learning her power to write personalized fortune cookies for people after she touches them.
Amidst all these supernatural occurrences, a murder mystery unfolds. A rival fortune cookie baker is found dead outside Lissa's family bake shop, setting the stage for a thrilling investigation. Lissa and her friend, Kelvin, take it upon themselves to solve the mystery, adding an exciting layer to the story. This is a promising start to a cozy series, leaving me eager for more.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the complimentary ebook.
This is a fun start to a cozy series set in a Magical Bake Shop. I'm not usually one to be drawn to books that have supernatural elements, but this was done in an interesting way. Both Lissa and her mom infuse their baking with their feelings. So, for example, if they are feeling sad, the baked goods make people cry. Also, Lissa is learning her power to write personalized fortune cookies for people after she touches them.
Amidst all these supernatural occurrences, a murder mystery unfolds. A rival fortune cookie baker is found dead outside Lissa's family bake shop, setting the stage for a thrilling investigation. Lissa and her friend, Kelvin, take it upon themselves to solve the mystery, adding an exciting layer to the story. This is a promising start to a cozy series, leaving me eager for more.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the complimentary ebook.
Rhythm and Clues by Olivia Blacke
4.75
Book #50 read in 2024
Gosh, I love Tansy and this series! Once again, Tansy finds herself at the center of another murder in Cedar River. With the help of her supporting cast of characters, Detective Beau and hunky Teddy, she sets about trying to solve the case. The growing love triangle is so fun. What was missing was more interaction with the sisters and their mother. We didn't get nearly enough of Juni and Maggie. I can't wait for the next installment in the series!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the complimentary ebook.
Gosh, I love Tansy and this series! Once again, Tansy finds herself at the center of another murder in Cedar River. With the help of her supporting cast of characters, Detective Beau and hunky Teddy, she sets about trying to solve the case. The growing love triangle is so fun. What was missing was more interaction with the sisters and their mother. We didn't get nearly enough of Juni and Maggie. I can't wait for the next installment in the series!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the complimentary ebook.
More Than You'll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez
3.5
Book #49 read in 2024
The synopsis of this book drew me in, but it didn't fully deliver on its promise. Marketed as a thriller, this is actually more of a domestic drama with a smidgen of mystery. Both of the women main characters are flawed and unlikeable, although as more of their backgrounds and stories are revealed, we begin to see why. There is a lot of dialogue in Spanish without translation. At first, I spent time trying to understand and translate what was said but eventually gave up as it became more frequent. I just tried to use the context to figure it out. If you enjoy domestic dramas, this may be one for you.
*Note: I began to read this as an audiobook, but the missing translations made it complicated to understand. Unless you are fluent in Spanish, I would suggest reading the book or at leasthaving it handy to reference.
The synopsis of this book drew me in, but it didn't fully deliver on its promise. Marketed as a thriller, this is actually more of a domestic drama with a smidgen of mystery. Both of the women main characters are flawed and unlikeable, although as more of their backgrounds and stories are revealed, we begin to see why. There is a lot of dialogue in Spanish without translation. At first, I spent time trying to understand and translate what was said but eventually gave up as it became more frequent. I just tried to use the context to figure it out. If you enjoy domestic dramas, this may be one for you.
*Note: I began to read this as an audiobook, but the missing translations made it complicated to understand. Unless you are fluent in Spanish, I would suggest reading the book or at leasthaving it handy to reference.
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham
4.25
Book #48 read in 2024
I enjoy historical novels with a mystery as part of the plot. The story opens in 2017 when Rowen Chase finds bones buried under the floor of her guest house. It takes place during the Tulsa Race Riots in 1921 and is told in alternative timelines. Throughout the entire story, we are left to wonder who the bones belong to and how they ended up under the floor. In flashbacks to the past, we see the race war heating up and follow Will and his family as they navigate the times.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect, and it led me to do more research on the Oklahoma riots, as that is, unfortunately, not something I remember learning about in school. This one is definitely worth the read!
I enjoy historical novels with a mystery as part of the plot. The story opens in 2017 when Rowen Chase finds bones buried under the floor of her guest house. It takes place during the Tulsa Race Riots in 1921 and is told in alternative timelines. Throughout the entire story, we are left to wonder who the bones belong to and how they ended up under the floor. In flashbacks to the past, we see the race war heating up and follow Will and his family as they navigate the times.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect, and it led me to do more research on the Oklahoma riots, as that is, unfortunately, not something I remember learning about in school. This one is definitely worth the read!
Never Tell Collection #1-6 by Caroline Kepnes, Andrea Bartz, Rachel Howzell Hall, Liv Constantine, Ivy Pochoda, Loreth Anne White
4.0
Book #40 read in 2024
In this short story collection, there are six books by well-known authors. It is a great way to read a short story from a favorite author and experience/find new authors to love. My favorite story and author from this collection was Everywhere You Look by Liv Constantine. I just love her writing style and always look forward to anything she writes. My favorite from a new to me author was The Ghost Writer by Loreth Anne White. However, all of these were interesting and a great way to spend time. I'm really enjoying these collections from Amazon!
Thank you to Amazon Originals for the complimentary ebooks and Audible Originals for the complimentary audiobooks.
In this short story collection, there are six books by well-known authors. It is a great way to read a short story from a favorite author and experience/find new authors to love. My favorite story and author from this collection was Everywhere You Look by Liv Constantine. I just love her writing style and always look forward to anything she writes. My favorite from a new to me author was The Ghost Writer by Loreth Anne White. However, all of these were interesting and a great way to spend time. I'm really enjoying these collections from Amazon!
Thank you to Amazon Originals for the complimentary ebooks and Audible Originals for the complimentary audiobooks.
The Widow Spy: A Novel by Megan Campisi
4.0
Book #46 read in 2024
I'm realizing I really like historical fiction, not set in WWII, that is based on real women. This is set during the Civil War and follows Kate Warne, the first female Pinkerton agent, and a union spy. I always appreciate when a novel prompts me to Google and research. The Author's Note gave historical updates on each of the characters, which I loved.
The story itself was a little bit of a slow burn. It dropped us right into an investigation and we were learning the characters in the midst of it which muddled things a bit. I really liked the first part of the book and the interplay between Kate and Rose, the target of the investigation. The second half veered into different investigations and developed Kate's character even further. Overall, this was an interesting glimpse into historical events that were less known to me.
Thank you to Atria Books for the complimentary ebook.
I'm realizing I really like historical fiction, not set in WWII, that is based on real women. This is set during the Civil War and follows Kate Warne, the first female Pinkerton agent, and a union spy. I always appreciate when a novel prompts me to Google and research. The Author's Note gave historical updates on each of the characters, which I loved.
The story itself was a little bit of a slow burn. It dropped us right into an investigation and we were learning the characters in the midst of it which muddled things a bit. I really liked the first part of the book and the interplay between Kate and Rose, the target of the investigation. The second half veered into different investigations and developed Kate's character even further. Overall, this was an interesting glimpse into historical events that were less known to me.
Thank you to Atria Books for the complimentary ebook.
The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton
4.0
Book #45 read in 2024
When I accepted this one, I did not realize it was a part of a series. I am usually particular about reading a series in order, but I figured I'd just jump in and see how it went. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed meeting Delaney and this cozy case was interesting. I decided to listen to the audio to keep reading between ebook sessions and to my surprise, the narrator is my top favorite, Susan Ericksen. She brought these characters alive and made the story more enjoyable than it already was. I think I may go back to beginning to see how the series started.
Thank you to St. Martin's Minotaur for the complimentary ebook.
When I accepted this one, I did not realize it was a part of a series. I am usually particular about reading a series in order, but I figured I'd just jump in and see how it went. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed meeting Delaney and this cozy case was interesting. I decided to listen to the audio to keep reading between ebook sessions and to my surprise, the narrator is my top favorite, Susan Ericksen. She brought these characters alive and made the story more enjoyable than it already was. I think I may go back to beginning to see how the series started.
Thank you to St. Martin's Minotaur for the complimentary ebook.