Robin Loves Reading

Homicide In Hardcover

7:00 pm 15 July 2019

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brooklyn Wainright is an expert bookbinder. After finding her mentor and teacher, Abraham Karastovsky, dead she is devastated. More than that, she is determined. Just before Abraham died he said a few words to her and gave her a priceless book, Goethe's Faust. When Abraham's employer, who is also Brooklyn's former boyfriend, asks her to take over the restoration of Faust, she agrees. Meanwhile she is forced to deal with a British security expert, Derek Stone, who both attracts her and annoys her.

At the outset, Derek thinks she might be guilty. His feelings on the matter change rather quickly, especially when he discovers that she plans on checking things out for herself. Meanwhile, Brooklyn is super busy. She has less than a week to restore the book, must fend off attacks while asking one too many questions, and has constant run-ins with Derek.

Brooklyn must also contend with another restorer, Minka. They have been having difficulties for years, and Minka is pushing all of her buttons. Despite Minka's evil nature, there are other great characters in this book, including Brooklyn's best friend Robin and her delightful parents.

This story is told in Brooklyn's first-person's point of view. One bonus to Kate Carlisle's writing style that I enjoyed while reading this book is Brooklyn's side comments to herself. She is so snarky and fun.

Homicide in Hardcover is a wonderful cozy mystery and I am glad to have had a chance to read it. It is the first book in the Bibliophile series. There are currently 13 titles. The latest title is The Book Supremacy, which I have already read. I really enjoyed that book, so I decided to backtrack and read the series from the beginning. Immediately after reading this first book, I then read the second, If Books Could Kill, and have already borrowed the third, The Lies That Bind, from my library.

Homicide In Hardcover

7:00 pm 15 July 2019

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brooklyn Wainright is an expert bookbinder. After finding her mentor and teacher, Abraham Karastovsky, dead she is devastated. More than that, she is determined. Just before Abraham died he said a few words to her and gave her a priceless book, Goethe's Faust. When Abraham's employer, who is also Brooklyn's former boyfriend, asks her to take over the restoration of Faust, she agrees. Meanwhile she is forced to deal with a British security expert, Derek Stone, who both attracts her and annoys her.

At the outset, Derek thinks she might be guilty. His feelings on the matter change rather quickly, especially when he discovers that she plans on checking things out for herself. Meanwhile, Brooklyn is super busy. She has less than a week to restore the book, must fend off attacks while asking one too many questions, and has constant run-ins with Derek.

Brooklyn must also contend with another restorer, Minka. They have been having difficulties for years, and Minka is pushing all of her buttons. Despite Minka's evil nature, there are other great characters in this book, including Brooklyn's best friend Robin and her delightful parents.

This story is told in Brooklyn's first-person's point of view. One bonus to Kate Carlisle's writing style that I enjoyed while reading this book is Brooklyn's side comments to herself. She is so snarky and fun.

Homicide in Hardcover is a wonderful cozy mystery and I am glad to have had a chance to read it. It is the first book in the Bibliophile series. There are currently 13 titles. The latest title is The Book Supremacy, which I have already read. I really enjoyed that book, so I decided to backtrack and read the series from the beginning. Immediately after reading this first book, I then read the second, If Books Could Kill, and have already borrowed the third, The Lies That Bind, from my library.

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish (Windham, #4)

7:00 pm 9 July 2019

Lady Sophie Windham is soon to join her family for Christmas in Kent. However, she decides to take a few days for herself. In so doing, she runs across an abandoned baby and finds herself assisted by Vim Charpentier. Vim is also headed to Kent, and he is none too pleased about it. When Vim realizes that Sophie has no idea how to care for the baby, he offers his assistance.

Vim is quite drawn to Sophie, but he thinks she must be a cook or a maid so he focuses on the baby, Kit. It does not take long for both Sophie and Vim to fall in love with the little fellow. There are several problems, however. For starters, they should not be alone in the mansion where they are currently staying. Furthermore, neither Vim nor Sophie know of each other's true identity. During their time together they engage in serious conversations and Vim slowly begins to share painful memories with Sophie.

Meanwhile, Sophie knows that her three brothers will be arriving soon, and, for reasons that are very important to her, she is keeping secrets from Vim. Sophie finds herself in a sensitive predicament. Not only has she fallen in love with Kit, she may just have fallen in love with Vim. Sophie is holding out for true love, nothing less, so she struggles to hide her feelings from Vim.

I love that this story centered around Kit. He was a a delight and proved to be the catalyst behind what happens for Sophie and Vim. How wonderful for the author to use such a young character in such an influential way. This book started off remarkably well and shaped into a warm and affecting romance.

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish is a re-release and that makes me quite happy. Otherwise, I am not sure that I would have known of this book or this series. I have read books by Grace Burrowes before and I definitely enjoy her writing. Being able to grab this book, all while anticipating the rest of the series, was truly wonderful.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish (Windham, #4)

7:00 pm 9 July 2019

Lady Sophie Windham is soon to join her family for Christmas in Kent. However, she decides to take a few days for herself. In so doing, she runs across an abandoned baby and finds herself assisted by Vim Charpentier. Vim is also headed to Kent, and he is none too pleased about it. When Vim realizes that Sophie has no idea how to care for the baby, he offers his assistance.

Vim is quite drawn to Sophie, but he thinks she must be a cook or a maid so he focuses on the baby, Kit. It does not take long for both Sophie and Vim to fall in love with the little fellow. There are several problems, however. For starters, they should not be alone in the mansion where they are currently staying. Furthermore, neither Vim nor Sophie know of each other's true identity. During their time together they engage in serious conversations and Vim slowly begins to share painful memories with Sophie.

Meanwhile, Sophie knows that her three brothers will be arriving soon, and, for reasons that are very important to her, she is keeping secrets from Vim. Sophie finds herself in a sensitive predicament. Not only has she fallen in love with Kit, she may just have fallen in love with Vim. Sophie is holding out for true love, nothing less, so she struggles to hide her feelings from Vim.

I love that this story centered around Kit. He was a a delight and proved to be the catalyst behind what happens for Sophie and Vim. How wonderful for the author to use such a young character in such an influential way. This book started off remarkably well and shaped into a warm and affecting romance.

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish is a re-release and that makes me quite happy. Otherwise, I am not sure that I would have known of this book or this series. I have read books by Grace Burrowes before and I definitely enjoy her writing. Being able to grab this book, all while anticipating the rest of the series, was truly wonderful.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Chocolate Covered Murder

7:00 pm 8 July 2019

Lucy Stone is the mother of four, and even though a couple of her children no longer live at homes, she is a very busy woman. Couple that with her job as a newspaper reporter, and there simply are not enough hours in a day. Lucy's boss Ted has given her a frustrating assignment. It is not the serious type of article Lucy prefers working on. Finding people to answer questions is frustrating as usual for Lucy.

Par for the course, things quickly change when two people turn up dead, one of them covered in chocolate. Lucy, the ever focused amateur sleuth, starts looking for answers of her own. In usual format, Lucy knows just who to talk to in order to get to the bottom of things.

I am loving this cozy mystery series, and with this being book 18, am nearing the end. I hope Leslie Meier keeps on writing these. There are currently 27 titles and the next one is Easter Bunny Murder.

Chocolate Covered Murder

7:00 pm 8 July 2019

Lucy Stone is the mother of four, and even though a couple of her children no longer live at homes, she is a very busy woman. Couple that with her job as a newspaper reporter, and there simply are not enough hours in a day. Lucy's boss Ted has given her a frustrating assignment. It is not the serious type of article Lucy prefers working on. Finding people to answer questions is frustrating as usual for Lucy.

Par for the course, things quickly change when two people turn up dead, one of them covered in chocolate. Lucy, the ever focused amateur sleuth, starts looking for answers of her own. In usual format, Lucy knows just who to talk to in order to get to the bottom of things.

I am loving this cozy mystery series, and with this being book 18, am nearing the end. I hope Leslie Meier keeps on writing these. There are currently 27 titles and the next one is Easter Bunny Murder.

Loyalty in Death

7:00 pm 4 July 2019

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Not only is there an unknown bomber in New York City, there is a formerly unheard of group sending teasing messages to Detective Eve Dallas. As things go from bad to worse, Eve scrambles to keep the city safe. Eve fights hard, and relies on sexy husband Roarke even more than ever. His technical skills are matched by no other and time is definitely of the essence.

I love this series! One of the things that captivates me is the way Eve is opening up to Roarke. It is bit by bit and equally sad and frustrating, while at the same time imminently rewarding. A dichotomy! Eve had a horrid past and being fully present for Roarke is taxing at times. The way J. D. Robb keeps this as part of the conflict in the story is done so remarkably well.

Peabody is front and center in this story. She is Eve's aide and they work together on every case. This time around, even with her professionalism, she manages to raise the ire of her boss. Peabody has gotten involved with McNab, another cop on the team. I enjoyed that distraction. Also, Eve's and Peabody's interactions are almost as fun as Eve's and Roarke's. Peabody is becoming one of my favorite characters in this series.

Let us not forget that this series is based in the middle of the 21st century. So the droids and other technology that are part of this story are definitely worth mentioning. Beyond the personal relationships, of course we have the mystery, danger and action. It never let up in this book.

There are fifty books in this amazing series, and Loyalty in Death is book nine. No matter how much I read every day, I cannot give this series the love and attention I wish. I will keep on reading as much as I can, and I am eager to read book ten, Witness in Death, as soon as reasonably possible.

Loyalty in Death

7:00 pm 4 July 2019

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Not only is there an unknown bomber in New York City, there is a formerly unheard of group sending teasing messages to Detective Eve Dallas. As things go from bad to worse, Eve scrambles to keep the city safe. Eve fights hard, and relies on sexy husband Roarke even more than ever. His technical skills are matched by no other and time is definitely of the essence.

I love this series! One of the things that captivates me is the way Eve is opening up to Roarke. It is bit by bit and equally sad and frustrating, while at the same time imminently rewarding. A dichotomy! Eve had a horrid past and being fully present for Roarke is taxing at times. The way J. D. Robb keeps this as part of the conflict in the story is done so remarkably well.

Peabody is front and center in this story. She is Eve's aide and they work together on every case. This time around, even with her professionalism, she manages to raise the ire of her boss. Peabody has gotten involved with McNab, another cop on the team. I enjoyed that distraction. Also, Eve's and Peabody's interactions are almost as fun as Eve's and Roarke's. Peabody is becoming one of my favorite characters in this series.

Let us not forget that this series is based in the middle of the 21st century. So the droids and other technology that are part of this story are definitely worth mentioning. Beyond the personal relationships, of course we have the mystery, danger and action. It never let up in this book.

There are fifty books in this amazing series, and Loyalty in Death is book nine. No matter how much I read every day, I cannot give this series the love and attention I wish. I will keep on reading as much as I can, and I am eager to read book ten, Witness in Death, as soon as reasonably possible.

Blueberry Muffin Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

7:00 pm 20 June 2019

Hannah Swensen, owner of The Cookie Jar, is as busy as ever. She is preparing for the Winter Carnival, but doesn't expect the glory she desires. Another woman, Connie Mac, gets top honors for the upcoming carnival. From a distance Hannah never liked Connie. However, when Connie arrives in Hannah's town, the taste in her mouth grows even more sour.

Connie is quite unlikable, and not just to Hannah. Most assuredly to someone, because, before long, she turns up dead - in Hannah's pantry of all places. With the carnival rapidly approaching, Hannah is more than a bit overwhelmed. With Connie murdered at Hannah's bakery, it is now off-limits. Hannah begins to scramble in order to find places to prepare her delectable blueberry muffins and other exceptional delicacies. More than that, Hannah is determined to find out who killed Connie. Just maybe she may get her kitchen back sooner that way.

While everything is going on, Hannah is enjoying the attention of two men in her town, the dentist Norman and the detective Mike. There are things about both of them that Hannah likes so she is keeping her options open.

Mike is nonplussed when Hannah will not stay away from the investigation. No matter to Hannah however. Ignoring Mike and his demands, Hannah begins questioning everyone about town. Meanwhile, Hannah finds a way to continue to bake and the reader is gifted with several delightful recipes in the pages of this book.

Blueberry Muffin Murder is part of a wonderful cozy mystery series that I have just begin reading. I am excited to be reading it now, and love the fact that there are already two dozen titles, with the twenty-fifth due in February, 2020.

Blueberry Muffin Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

7:00 pm 20 June 2019

Hannah Swensen, owner of The Cookie Jar, is as busy as ever. She is preparing for the Winter Carnival, but doesn't expect the glory she desires. Another woman, Connie Mac, gets top honors for the upcoming carnival. From a distance Hannah never liked Connie. However, when Connie arrives in Hannah's town, the taste in her mouth grows even more sour.

Connie is quite unlikable, and not just to Hannah. Most assuredly to someone, because, before long, she turns up dead - in Hannah's pantry of all places. With the carnival rapidly approaching, Hannah is more than a bit overwhelmed. With Connie murdered at Hannah's bakery, it is now off-limits. Hannah begins to scramble in order to find places to prepare her delectable blueberry muffins and other exceptional delicacies. More than that, Hannah is determined to find out who killed Connie. Just maybe she may get her kitchen back sooner that way.

While everything is going on, Hannah is enjoying the attention of two men in her town, the dentist Norman and the detective Mike. There are things about both of them that Hannah likes so she is keeping her options open.

Mike is nonplussed when Hannah will not stay away from the investigation. No matter to Hannah however. Ignoring Mike and his demands, Hannah begins questioning everyone about town. Meanwhile, Hannah finds a way to continue to bake and the reader is gifted with several delightful recipes in the pages of this book.

Blueberry Muffin Murder is part of a wonderful cozy mystery series that I have just begin reading. I am excited to be reading it now, and love the fact that there are already two dozen titles, with the twenty-fifth due in February, 2020.

English Tea Murder

7:00 pm 12 June 2019

If Lucy Stone wasn't nervous at being at least seven miles high in the air while flying to London, on a sponsored trip by Winchester college, when a fellow passenger suddenly drops dead, she certainly is now.

The man that died was tour leader, George Temple. The cause of death was apparently an asthma attack, but, as always, Lucy seeks to see if there was anything else at play here. So, par her natural course, Lucy acts as amateur sleuth yet again.

When in London, Lucy runs into someone from her past - and a man that has sparked her interest - Quentin Rea. Lucy has no business being drawn to Quentin as she is married to Bill, and is the mother of four, and is also now a grandmother.

Not only must Lucy ignore Quentn's overtly flirty behavior, she begins to notice other odd activity among other members of the group that are part of the tour. Strangely enough, just about everyone on the tour has some type of connection to the victim. When it is discovered that there was a real motive for revenge, then Lucy gets even closer to the cause. After another tour member dies, Lucy realizes that she just have to dig deeper and that she might have an idea as to what has happened. Can she prove her ideas, or will this place her in grave danger?

English Tea Murder was a quick read. I wasn't too keen on Lucy being tempted by Quentin, but I guess as it it can be human nature, it was understandable. However, there was enough intrigue to keep the story rolling at a great pace. I look forward to continuing the series. The next book is Chocolate Covered Murder.

English Tea Murder

7:00 pm 12 June 2019

If Lucy Stone wasn't nervous at being at least seven miles high in the air while flying to London, on a sponsored trip by Winchester college, when a fellow passenger suddenly drops dead, she certainly is now.

The man that died was tour leader, George Temple. The cause of death was apparently an asthma attack, but, as always, Lucy seeks to see if there was anything else at play here. So, par her natural course, Lucy acts as amateur sleuth yet again.

When in London, Lucy runs into someone from her past - and a man that has sparked her interest - Quentin Rea. Lucy has no business being drawn to Quentin as she is married to Bill, and is the mother of four, and is also now a grandmother.

Not only must Lucy ignore Quentn's overtly flirty behavior, she begins to notice other odd activity among other members of the group that are part of the tour. Strangely enough, just about everyone on the tour has some type of connection to the victim. When it is discovered that there was a real motive for revenge, then Lucy gets even closer to the cause. After another tour member dies, Lucy realizes that she just have to dig deeper and that she might have an idea as to what has happened. Can she prove her ideas, or will this place her in grave danger?

English Tea Murder was a quick read. I wasn't too keen on Lucy being tempted by Quentin, but I guess as it it can be human nature, it was understandable. However, there was enough intrigue to keep the story rolling at a great pace. I look forward to continuing the series. The next book is Chocolate Covered Murder.

Strawberry Shortcake Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

7:00 pm 11 June 2019

Our lovely amateur sleuth Hannah Swensen is back and has been thrust into an opportunity to solve yet another murder. Hannah is an exceptional bakery owner who already has enough on her plate, literally.

This time around, Hannah is afforded the opportunity to serve as head judge at the town of Lake Eden's first annual Desert Bake-Off. However, Coach Boyd Watson, a fellow judge is murdered. Hannah does two things: she keeps perfecting her delectable recipes, which are shared with readers throughout the pages of this novel, and she sets out to discover what happened to Boyd.

Meanwhile, Hannah's mother is still die-hard determined to act as matchmaker for her. Hannah may enjoy the company of one of the town's cops, but she also gets to work a bit closer with someone who is proving to be a good friend. It is of interest to see which man she will choose.

I knew from the advice of strong recommendation, that delving into this prolific series would be enjoyable. At only the second book, I already love Hannah. I look forward to devouring each book in the series, which will have twenty-five titles come February, 2020.

Strawberry Shortcake Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

7:00 pm 11 June 2019

Our lovely amateur sleuth Hannah Swensen is back and has been thrust into an opportunity to solve yet another murder. Hannah is an exceptional bakery owner who already has enough on her plate, literally.

This time around, Hannah is afforded the opportunity to serve as head judge at the town of Lake Eden's first annual Desert Bake-Off. However, Coach Boyd Watson, a fellow judge is murdered. Hannah does two things: she keeps perfecting her delectable recipes, which are shared with readers throughout the pages of this novel, and she sets out to discover what happened to Boyd.

Meanwhile, Hannah's mother is still die-hard determined to act as matchmaker for her. Hannah may enjoy the company of one of the town's cops, but she also gets to work a bit closer with someone who is proving to be a good friend. It is of interest to see which man she will choose.

I knew from the advice of strong recommendation, that delving into this prolific series would be enjoyable. At only the second book, I already love Hannah. I look forward to devouring each book in the series, which will have twenty-five titles come February, 2020.

Conspiracy in Death

7:00 pm 8 June 2019

Lieutenant Eve Dallas, and one of her officers Peobody have a new case. When they find a homeless person murdered with his heart removed, she finds that it is not just another random murder. The heart was removed with excellent precision, so Eve knows that this is not a run of the mill streeet killing. As Eve begins her investigation, she realizes that there were other killings in other cities with the same type of method, organs being removed with excellent detail. All of the victims were down and out.

While on the case, Eve has a run in with another cop. When that very cop turns up dead, Eve finds very career is threatened. Not only does Eve have to find the serial killer, she must get to the bottom of what happened to the cop, all while striving to get her good name and reputation restored.

I found this next book in the In Death series to be a bit more potent than the others that preceded this one. It was very tense throughout, even with Eve's sensitive and touching interchanges with gorgeous husband Roarke. No matter how their love was affirmed, Eve's past and present created problems that seemed impossible to overcome. The entire process that Eve experienced in this book hit me harder than any so far.

I was on the edge of my seat with this one. The futuristic aspect of this book went a bit further than others in this series, so that was a real bonus. I am ecstatic to get to the next book in the series, Loyalty in Death. There are 50 books in the series to-date.

Conspiracy in Death

7:00 pm 8 June 2019

Lieutenant Eve Dallas, and one of her officers Peobody have a new case. When they find a homeless person murdered with his heart removed, she finds that it is not just another random murder. The heart was removed with excellent precision, so Eve knows that this is not a run of the mill streeet killing. As Eve begins her investigation, she realizes that there were other killings in other cities with the same type of method, organs being removed with excellent detail. All of the victims were down and out.

While on the case, Eve has a run in with another cop. When that very cop turns up dead, Eve finds very career is threatened. Not only does Eve have to find the serial killer, she must get to the bottom of what happened to the cop, all while striving to get her good name and reputation restored.

I found this next book in the In Death series to be a bit more potent than the others that preceded this one. It was very tense throughout, even with Eve's sensitive and touching interchanges with gorgeous husband Roarke. No matter how their love was affirmed, Eve's past and present created problems that seemed impossible to overcome. The entire process that Eve experienced in this book hit me harder than any so far.

I was on the edge of my seat with this one. The futuristic aspect of this book went a bit further than others in this series, so that was a real bonus. I am ecstatic to get to the next book in the series, Loyalty in Death. There are 50 books in the series to-date.

Robin Loves Reading

Homicide In Hardcover

Homicide In Hardcover

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish (Windham, #4)

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish (Windham, #4)

Chocolate Covered Murder

Chocolate Covered Murder

Loyalty in Death

Loyalty in Death

Blueberry Muffin Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

Blueberry Muffin Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

English Tea Murder

English Tea Murder

Strawberry Shortcake Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

Strawberry Shortcake Murder (A Hannah Swensen Mystery)

Conspiracy in Death

Conspiracy in Death

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