Archive | April 2023

The Painted Lobster Murders by Millie Ravensworth

Apr21

Not You Monty!

The Painted Lobster Murders by Millie Ravensworth is the second book in the delightful contemporary A Cosy Craft Mystery series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading book one first for maximum enjoyment.

We rejoin Izzy and Penny as they continue to run their grandmother’s craft shop. They are a delightful pairing who work well together. They are wonderful sparring partners as well as amateur sleuths. They come up with innovative ways to make money in the craft shop, as well as getting into a few scrapes along the way.

Throughout there are repetitive ideas and catch phrases which adds to the reader’s enjoyment. Who can forget the masks they gave away at a ten year olds party and the repercussions! Also Monty the dog – a catch phrase developed around him, as he adopted the pair.

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Better Off Wed by Portia Mackintosh

Apr20

Delightful

Better Off Wed by Portia Mackintosh is another delightful contemporary offering that will warm your heart and leave you smiling.

There is a wonderful light-hearted tone to the story as we follow the preparations for a double wedding.

All the characters are realistic and likable, creating a warm atmosphere that envelops the reader.

The leading lady is charming and hilariously funny with her jokes and one-liners. There was a wonderful chemistry between her and the leading man.

We see that new friendships have big hearts. Characters bond over food and companionship.

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End Game by Liz Mistry

Apr20

Gripping

End Game by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary crime thriller. It is the sixth book in the DS Nikki Parekh series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action takes place in and around Bradford as present day murders seem to be linked to crimes spanning decades. As the book progresses, the reader tries to join the dots.

As we work our way through the book, we ‘hear’ the voice of the crime boss, one of the victims, and watch the action alternating between present day to an undisclosed time in the past.

With comprehensive descriptions, the landscapes spring to life. As my daughter lives in Baildon, I was familiar with many of the locations which added to my enjoyment. The weather and dark nights all build on the dark atmosphere.

Nikki Parekh and her side-kick Sajid are likable, hard-working coppers. They leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.

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Buttercups In The Basement by Jane Harvey

Apr19

The Dawn Of A New Era

Buttercups In The Basement by Jane Harvey is the delightful second book in the Hummingbird House series which I am really enjoying.

The action alternates between present day and 1967 when the landlord moved in. I recommend reading the books in order so you can follow the action. Present day events are the same as in book one but seen from a different perspective. In 1967 the young lady has her whole future ahead of her. Fast forward to present day to the eighty two year old with a huge heart, love and compassion for others.

The swinging sixties was a time of great change but life was still restricted for some. The world was beginning to change but it is horrific to see that there were back street abortions, and also a character was severely beaten because he homosexual. Characters were not free to be who they were meant to be, placing pressure on them to conform to society’s views.

There is the theme of female camaraderie as a new friendship is birthed providing love and support.

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