Posts

Blog Tour - A Deadly Legacy

Image
  Review - 4 out of 5 stars: I’m always on the lookout for some new cosy crime, so when the opportunity to read A Deadly Legacy came my way, I was pleased. A Deadly Legacy isn’t as cosy as my usual favourites, but I still really enjoyed it. I liked the characters, though I don’t feel like I know them really well (which usually takes multiple books). The slightly unusual pets were a fun touch. The mystery itself was really interesting, and seemed almost insoluble at first glance. However, Jack and Alexi obviously have well established methods of finding things out, and I had fun being along for the ride. I read this book without reading any of the previous books in the series, but it works well as a standalone. It has its own story that is complete in itself, and manages to introduce the characters well, without spending too much time and annoying readers who started at the beginning. It’s that there are aspects that develop from book to book, but these do not detract from the enjoyment
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Christmas Wishes at Cranberry Cove

Image
Christmas Wishes at Cranberry Cove by Holly Martin My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’ve been a big fan of Holly Martin’s books for years now, and I especially enjoy the Christmas ones. So I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Christmas Wishes at Cranberry Cove. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was lovely to finally have Orla’s story. I love both Orla and Shay, and their long history. And of course, I loved Ivy too. The story was a good one. I felt that the back story was handled well, and the reasons things didn’t work out to start with were realistic. I found part of the story to be more dramatic than Holly’s usual style (I can’t say more without spoilers, there’s a TW at the bottom), but it clearly needed something to get Orla and Shay talking properly! Just maybe save it for a day when you’re not feeling fragile. I loved watching Shay and Orla work through their issues and end up happy. The atmosphere of the book was lovely and Christmassy, and I loved
Post a Comment
Read more

Review - The Secret Christmas Bookshop

Image
  Review - 5 out of 5 stars: I’ve been enjoying Cressida McLaughlin’s books for quite a few years now. So when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Secret Christmas Bookshop, I jumped on it. I loved this book. I loved the setting, which is beautiful and comes across really well. I loved the mix of people who live there, and how they affect Sophie. I love how they work together for the community. I really loved Sophie, who has not had the best upbringing, and so protects herself. I loved the fact that she makes handmade notebooks. I also loved Harry. He seems like a bit of a grump, but is actually lovely. And I was really pleased by the fact that Sophie didn’t fall for him because of the grumpiness, but because of the loveliness. I loved the way their relationship was written - you could feel the caring, rather than just being told it was there. I also loved how Christmassy this book was. The festive atmosphere just oozed out.  Overall, this was such a lovely, festive hu
Post a Comment
Read more

Blog Tour - The Cursed Writer

Image
  Review - 5 out of 5 Stars I absolutely loved The Missing Maid, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy of The Cursed Writer. It exceeded even my high expectations! This time, Harry receives a telegram to Sherlock Holmes, and thus starts a truly excellent mystery.  I love Harry, who is both courageous and realistic about what she can achieve. She is also clever and compassionate, and is fast becoming my favourite sleuth. I loved this mystery too. It was really compelling, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way it all seemed so unfathomable to start with, and small clues gradually revealed what was really happening. The setting was excellent. The house is mysterious and slightly creepy, and the fens even more so. They definitely added to the atmosphere of the story. Overall, this was a compelling and excellently written mystery that I just couldn’t put down. If you pick up just one book I’ve recommended this year, make it this one. Holly Hepburn is just getting better and b
Post a Comment
Read more

Blog Tour - Death at the Old Curiosity Shop

Image
  Review - 3.5 out of 5 stars: I do enjoy a cozy crime, and I thought Death at the Old Curiosity Shop sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a try. I liked Alice, though I found her a little naive for her age. The village was also full of odd characters who added plenty of interest to the story. The setting was good - Little Proud was an interesting village, with all sorts of fun quirks.  Unfortunately, Alice doesn’t actually start investigating until about 70% of the way through. Luckily I enjoyed reading about her settling in to her new home and sorting out the shop. And the mystery was interesting once it really got going. Overall, this was a fun introduction to a new series, with an interesting mystery. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. Blurb: When Alice Carroll steps into Curiosity Cottage, a picture-perfect former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start the new phase of her life. Fres
Post a Comment
Read more