Book Review : This Dark Endeavor

Title : This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein 

Series : #1 Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein
Author : Kenneth Oppel
Rating : ****

Basic Plot : This book (ahem trilogy) is the prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Victor and Konrad Frankenstein are twins who live an affluent life of imaginary adventure often involving their distant cousin and live in "sister" Elizabeth and their imaginative friend Henry. Suddenly though, after discovering a hidden, forbidden Dark Library in their manor house, their adventures become all too real. Konrad is taken ill, deathly ill, and Victor returns to the library in search of an alchemical cure. With time running out for his brother, Victor, along with Elizabeth and Henry, attempt to assemble the ingredients for the Elixir of Life. They climb the highest trees, explore the deepest caves, and make unthinkable sacrifices. This revival of the Gothic Novel would not be complete without these dark endeavors, seemingly magical potions, and the complicated love that fuels it all. 

Comments : I just have to start by saying LOOK AT THAT COVER! I love it so, so much and the story surpassed all my expectations. During much of the story, I admit, it was hard for me to relate to Victor, our dark hero. He is arrogant, dishonest, and power hungry--at times downright primal. Over the course of the story his character becomes more and more obscure. It is disquieting, but perhaps it is meant to be so. Needless to say, once started I could not put the book down. Through Mary Shelley we all know how the story ends, but far more intriguing through Kenneth Oppel's eye, we now can see how it might have begun. It is full of action, suspense, darkness. I am indeed looking forward to the next installment, "Such Wicked Intent."

Significance : One thing that really struck me while reading this book was how the corruption of our hero took place in increments. A deception here, a falsehood there. That was just the beginning. Also how the initial quest for the elixir was forged out of necessity and a deep desire to heal a loved one, but grew into a dark obsession and desire for power and praise. Our protagonist becomes brash, jealous, and arrogant--so unlike the heros I am used to cheering for, but perhaps far more realistic. The sacrifices made throughout the novel, to gain the ingredients, would have been noble had it not been for an underlying unease I felt about Victor's real intent and his battle between the primal and human duality within.

Similar : Frankenstein by Marry Shelley (read), Airborn by Kenneth Oppel (read), Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (wishlist).

Book Review :: Midnight in Austenland

Title : Midnight in Austenland

Series : #2 Austenland
Author : Shannon Hale
Rating : ***

Basic Plot : This story, much like the previous Austenland, is about a heroine, Charlotte, who is pretty much fed up with real life and looking for an escape. In this case she wants away from her ex-husband, his mistress turned 2nd wife, her teenage daughter, and her son. So, after an awkward run in with her daughter's boy friend, she has decided enough is enough and signs up for the Austen-esque vacation. She is lighted away to Regency England for two weeks where her days fill with polite chatting, evening attire, delicious gentlemen to cater to her fancies, and Gothic mystery. Once caught up in the fantasy, the lines of reality start to blur and Charlotte isn't sure if she finds herself enveloped in a story, or in a real life mystery. Does her life hang in the balance or is this all just part of the vacation experience?

Comments : Again, I really enjoyed this book, much as I enjoyed the original Austenland. It is simply charming to be swept up in these modern stories of Regency England. Right now it is probably one of my favorite genres to indulge in. I truly love the idea of an Austenland and wouldn't mind vacationing there myself if my husband would trail along and obey the rules. Alas, despite the goodness of the story and the plot the main character, Charlotte, is a bit too ridiculous for my taste. She is constantly running an inner dialogue, and though it is believable at times and even funny in the rare case, it is mostly unrealistic to my taste. I kept feeling the inner monologues were interruptions and wanted to get them over with so I could get back to the action. Despite the insanity of Charlotte, I still enjoyed the concept, the plot, and of course all that lives and flourishes in Austenland.

Significance : The significance of this book for me comes from an inner desire to avoid conflict and making yourself the martyr of a situation, a victim. A lot of the time I feel this way myself instead of taking charge of problems and circumstances and doing something about it. I fancy myself clever, strong, and brave. Much like Charlotte of the story, I need to start acting like it. That is my takeaway from this book really, but also that I need to go back and read more Gothic fiction from this time because I forgot how much I LOVE it!

Similar : Austenland by Shannon Hale (read), The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (read), Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson (wishlist)

Find me on Good Reads

Reading List : October

I love October. I love fall. I love Halloween, well not the scary bits, but the dressing up and having fun and getting treats bits. I also really love fun Halloween-esque books and save them up particularly for this month. I am not a horror lover, in fact I really hate that kind of stuff. So these are not your typical haunted forest, ghosts and gore kind of stories. Just the way I like it. Instead they are fun, kind of scary, kind of intense, mostly kid's stuff, full of adventure and magic. Here they are, the books I will be churning through this month.

"Midnight in Austenland" by Shannon Hale
I picked this one because I really liked Austenland, and wanted to revisit the dressing up and acting as if it were Regency England. This novel fits for October though, because it leans more towards the Bronte style of Gothic writing with a little more darkness, mystery, and perhaps murder. Right up my mild Halloween ally.

"This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein" by Kenneth Oppel
Confession time: I really like the Matt Cruse trilogy written by this author. Hubby and I listened to it on a road trip a few years ago and, though I was reluctant to like it at first, I have come to really, really like it. So that is reason numero uno as to why I chose this new series to start. Also it is a reinvention of the Gothic novel, a prequel to Mary Shellys Frankenstein, and is giving me heart palpitations just thinking about it. I can't wait!

"The Witch's Daughter" by Paula Brackston
This is a book I selected from my Pinterest board. This is one of the cases where I completely and fully judged a book by its cover. Sorry to say I am sometimes THAT kind of reader. Anyway, I liked it enough after reading the back cover to reserve and pick it up from the local library. We will see how that works out in the end.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
This is just an October classic for me. I will have these books on tape, these well worn pages, the soundtracks, and these movies on repeat all month. Also am thinking of skipping the trick or treating and simply going with a "Hallows" Eve celebration of butter beer, floating candles, and a movie marathon. Who is with me?

So have you read any of these books? What did you think? Or, even better, what is on your October reading list? Do you have any traditional Halloween must reads? I need to know because I plan to churn through these in the first week, they all sound so good.

The Library, Our Citatdel

On cloudy, overcast days much like this one the Littleman and I tend to retreat to our citadel. It is the one place where I can encourage quiet reverence, and at the same time safely throw open all the windows of his imagination. The library holds a sacred place in my heart, and I hope, with much encouraging on my end, it will hold the same comfort and amazement for my Littleman. 

For me, the library has always been a place of refuge; the place I flee to when I need something only gleaned from the printed page. The walls of the library are to me the impenetrable workings of the most steadfast and impervious castle. They protect ideas, creativity, and the ever-reaching goals of improvement and self-seeking knowledge. Though my library does not have towers and turrets, I always feel well watched over. The questions I have are carefully answered by the knowledgeable librarian acting as adviser to my quests. 

There is one particular thing I love about a good visit to the library: I never leave empty handed. Despite my intentions for a quick stop, or just to return a few things, without fail I find something calling out to me from the halls and corridors. Some times it is the tortured prisoner wailing from the damp, pressing dungeon. Some times it is the stern voice of a tutor admonishing from the study hall. Other times it is the Queen with her regal and projecting timbre encouraging etiquette and skill. The dim witted princess often calls out from her chamber with nothing but romantic thoughts and whimsical tales. Once in a while it is the quite whisper of the humble, stooped over manservant who appears to have little to offer, but in turn will bewilder with depth, graciousness, and wisdom. Most often though, it is the squandering prince, the adventurous rouge who beckons me along on his death-defying quest for gold, or pride, or love.

I escape the castle with an armful of limitless possibilities. I take them home and devour them page by page. I sneak secrets from the text, I find purpose in the words, I find myself over and over, deeper and deeper. Then I return to the citadel for more. 

Oh yes, the library. Let us return at once!

 

     

February Blogger Book Club

Hello February! You are the month of love. You are the month of red hearts and paper doilies. You are the month of chocolates and flowers. For some, you are the month of single awareness or lost loved ones. So, for my set list of books for this month I have tried to choose books about love, love, love. Why? Because I love love. I like it in all stages of awkwardness and growth. I like how affection develops and blooms. I like how it is different for everyone. Love! 

February Book Club Books:

Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict  by Laurie Viera Rigler

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

January Blogger Book Club

I don't know if anyone would be interested, but I was thinking of opening up a blogger book club. This year I want to read a lot of books, 52 to be exact. That is one book a week and it sounds crazy, I know. Time is not a commodity I have in excess, but I do have Audible, Kindle, and a library card in my book reading arsenal. This year I have decided it is time to put them to good use. 

So how would a blogger book club work? Honestly, I have no clue. The basics of a book club include reading the same read and discussing it with a group. Sounds simple, and it is when you don't have the world wide web between you. A blog would make discussing a book difficult unless you want to navigate a long stream of comments. I really don't want to do that. So if local book readers want to meet in person, that is one thing, but for all the online buddies what could we do? Ideas? Instant messaging? :) You can easily see how this would gets complicated and likely wont hold up.

Ok, so maybe a blogger book club would be more about moral support. It wouldn't matter if you read one book, two, or fifty-two. It wouldn't even matter if you were reading one of the books on the monthly list. Rather it would be all about reading, commenting, and giving recommendations. There is very little I like more than a good book recommendation from a like minded literary enthusiast. So what do you say? What are you reading? What are your 2013 goals as far as reading is concerned? Anything good so far?

We can post reviews at the end of the month of the books we read and then do a linkup. That way we can see what friends are reading, what they liked, and what we can skip. Sound good? Okay. Look for a linkup post at the end of this month and we will see how this goes. 

For me I am looking at these four books for January:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman

A New Year's Resolution

I am all about resolutions. Making them, keeping them, breaking them, writing them down every year no matter what. Well this year things have changed a little bit with little man. I have less time, much less time for myself. So, when my friend decided she wanted some support for her venture to read 52 books this year, I thought it sounded like the perfect way to find time for myself. Enough time to read one book a week at least. So I am joining in. She has some rules and guidelines and other friends joining in the fun. It will be good to get back into some kind of reading routine.

Did you know that in elementary school I was not a reader. In fact, they put me in the the remedial reading class. Insert stink eye right here! I did not like it. Not one bit. Sixth Grade Helper: Go on, sound it out. Me: raised eyebrows. Helper: You can do it. Me: K N E E. You can see how much help it really was. Honestly though, it probably wasn't fourth grade remedial reading that taught me to love books, but it did teach me the importance of learning to read. It wasn't until junior high that I really started feeling this passion for books. 

So yes, I am jumping on the book wagon and hope to read one book per week. I wanted to put my own little spin on this challenge because I know what I like and I end up reading a lot of books in the same genre. So, for this year I am going to try branching out. My reason? Because there are too many good books out there, and bad ones, to be missed because I read only a certain type of book. So here is the rhyme.

Something Old :: Classics

Something New :: Modern Reads (preferably written in my lifetime)

Something Borrowed :: From The Library 

Something Youth :: YA/Children's Longer Books (I could have done blue, but it would have been a stretch)

Wildcard :: Anything I Like (this is because some months do have five weeks in them)

So there you have it. Read more about the challenge, the rules, and other book reviews here. Without further a' do, the January Plan. Wish me luck!

Something Old :: Count of Monte Cristo

Something New :: Better Than I Know Myself

Something Borrowed :: Giraffe

Something Youth :: The Beloved Dearly

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt

Title : Saving CeeCee Honeycutt Series : NA
Author : Beth Hoffman
Rating : 4

Characters : CeeCee Honeycutt, our narrator, was twelve years old when her mentally disturbed mother darted out into the street, directly in front of a truck. Mrs. Odell is a kindly, elderly next door neighbor who reached out to twelve year old CeeCee, having her over for Sunday breakfast. Great Aunt Tootie is a round, little, and entirely impeccable woman who shows up to be CeeCee’s guardian angel. Oletta is Tootie’s lovely cook and there ain’t nothin’ a bowl of her hot oatmeal won’t cure. The beautiful, independent Miss Goodpepper, and her extensive library, provide quite the allure. All these women, and one little girl.

Setting : Savanna, GA. Sometime in the seventies.

Basic Plot : CeeCee was trying her best to look after her deranged mother, but on the last day of school she found out she had died. Her practically non-existent father was very little help in this time of crisis and when CeeCee couldn’t handle real life she found solace in her books. (You can see why this appeals to me.) She had over 200 of them coming from library sales, ten for a dollar. Then, after the death, Aunt Tootie shows up, and though she missed her niece’s funeral, she is just in time to give her grand niece, CeeCee, the things she needs most: love, care, and joy of life. Stealing CeeCee away they travel to Tootie’s home town and there they meet some incredible and influential women, all of them a little crazy in their own ways. Each of them help CeeCee put the pieces of her shattered life back in place

Comments : This book is full of heart and kindness, but one thing is for sure, I bet not a lot of men out there would like it. Too girly I think. But the content is lovely and the reading is very quick. There is one funny moment where the ridiculous back yard neighbor comes out in her nighty and a strip tease is mentioned. The circumstances are pretty funny while CeeCee and Miss Goodpepper hide in the bushes and launch slugs. Nothing naughty happens, but there is an accident involving the slugs and a pair of yellow pom pom pumps. In reality there is little to no sex and violence in this book and as far as age appropriate I would put it at about reasonable 13 year old.

Similar : Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen (Susan Gregg Gilmore) // Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Jamie Ford) // The Forgotten Garden: A Novel (Kate Morton)

Body Movers

Title : Body Movers
Series : Body Movers #1
Author : Stephanie Bond
Rating : 4

Characters : Carlotta Wren was the daughter of wealthy, doting parents but is now working Neiman Marcus and living in a small apartment because of the white collar crime her father allegedly committed. Wesley Wren is Carlotta’s little brother and he is prone to trouble: drugs, gambling, fraud, and government hacking. Then be ready to keep track of three love interests. First is Carlotta’s ex-fiancé who married another woman, but is now inconveniently available, Peter Ashford. Next is hunky Detective Jack Terry who is on the case. Finally is Cooper Craft, Wesley’s boss and fellow body mover.

Setting : Atlanta

Basic Plot : Poor Carlotta. That is the basic plot. Her mother and father abaondoned her and her little brother when they were accused of a white collar crime. Not long after her high school boyfriend/fiancé dumps her flat. At eighteen she had to take care of house, brother, and real life. Now Carlotta works at Neiman Marcus to try and make ends meet. Her brother is an idiot, addict, felon who cant stay out of trouble to save his life. When she has finally had enough of him she tells him to grow up and get a job. Well, he does, but its not the type of job she had in mind. He gets a job movie bodies to the morgue.

Comments : The beginning is really tough to sift through. It is like trying to swim through an information dump and looking for a life preserver to clutch to. It is basically the entire, depressing life story of Carlotta Wren and how she came to be where she is today. It feels like too much, but if you keep reading you will get past this and get into the plot. The book is pretty humorous despite the murders and death that make up the main premise. For me, the characters make the book, not so much the plot. They are fresh, funny, and interesting. There is some sexual innuendo involved, but nothing physical yet. This is only the first book after all.

Similar : Party Crashers (Stephanie Bond) / Knock Off (Rhonda Pollero) / High Anxiety (Charlotte Hughes)

Real Murders

Title : Real Murders
Series : #1 Aurora Teagarden Mystery
Author : Charlaine Harris
Rating : 4

Characters : Aurora “Roe” Teagarden is a typical librarian with thick glasses, sensible clothing, brown hair. Arthur is local policeman and member of the Real Murders Reading Group. Robin Crusoe is new to the neighborhood and is a mystery writer. There are so many others that you will just have to read the book and get to know them yourself.

Setting : Lawrenceton, Georgia full of southern flare and a great sense of place.

Basic Plot : Once a month Roe gets together with real murder enthusiasts on Friday night. This month is Roe’s turn to present on murder and she arrives in the unlocked building and starts setting up. She can’t find the woman who unlocked the building, but she is too busy getting ready to be really concerned. When she does find her Roe is met with a gruesome murder scene, her friend dead. Not only dead, but dead like one of the real murder cases Roe and her comrades had discussed before. Then the bodies start piling up, all of them a duplicate of a real murder case from history.

Comments : First of all, this book has nothing to do with vampires. Just thought I would get that out of the way. Now the first three chapters are amazing—what a great hook! After that the tension slowly decreases until the very end of the book. It’s a good mystery plot. I honestly kept thinking I knew who the murderer was, then all of a sudden I was thrown for a loop again and again. It was extremely hard for me to put this book down each night, but the read is fairly easy and went by quickly. My only complaints are that the book was set up so well, but then sort of fizzles downhill for the rest of the plot and the ending is rushed. Otherwise I loved it. Characters are great! Premise is good. The series has promise.

Similar : Anything in the Aurora Teagarden Mystery Series.

City of Bones

Title : City of Bones
Series : #1 Mortal Instruments
Author : Cassandra Clare
Rating : * * *

Characters : Clary Fray, a six-teenager, discovers at a club that she can see a handful of supernaturals that no one else can see. Simon Lewis is Clary’s best human friend despite how much he is in love with her. Jace Wayland is hunky shadowhunter, orphaned at a young age and living with the Lightwoods. Isabelle Lightwood is Jace’s adopted sister who is both beautiful and obnoxious. Alec Lightwood is the oldest of the gang, but has no demon killings to his name. And so, so many more—can be confusing at first.

Setting : New York where tame werewolves roam and vampires attend parties put on by warlocks.

Basic Plot : This is more Buffy than Twilight. Clary gets drawn into the world of shadowhunters and as a result much of the plot snags on long descriptive passages to set up the world of the shadowhunter, the shadows hunted, and Clary’s part in all of this. Basically the shadowhunters use tattoo like markings for their supernatural powers to protect and fight against demons. Clary’s mother has disappeared and the more Clary learns of the invisible shadowhunting world the more she recognizes her mother’s secrets. Her quest in this novel is to find the mortal cup and keep it from a rebel shadowhunter.

Comments : This is a book that hinges on the urban fantasy genre. If you like that genre you will like this book. There are plenty of fantastical battles with swords gleaming/glowing and demons to spare. Unfortunately the dialogue is jarring—feeling all to forced in some parts, while being overly witty here and entirely bland there. I found the characters shallow with little personal development throughout. The plot is predictable and the “twists” and “turns” are more like a complete turn around leaving me as a reader confounded and frowning. However, I did finish reading the whole book, as well as the other books in the series, so I can’t say it was a total bust. I would recommend this for ages 13+ with the violence and monsters.

Similar : Hush, Hush (Becca Fitspatrick) Graceling (Kristin Cashore) Beautiful Creatures (Kami Garcia)

The King of Attolia

Title : The King of Attolia
Series : #3 The Queen’s Theif
Author : Megan Whalen Turner
Rating : * *

Characters : The main perspective comes from Costis, a confused and conflicted member of the King’s guard. He serves a whipping boy, dueling partner, and rescuer—but none of those roles really suit him. Eugenides, former thief of Eddis, is starting to really mature, but he keeps his own company, staying out of the way of his courtly followers as well as many of the captains of the guard. Attolia, the queen, rules with a bejeweled iron fist. She glitters and glimmers into each scene, but never merits a smile as she rules with unshakeable command.

Setting : Byzantine-like landscape comparable to ancient Greece. Technically it is the imaginary landscape of Eddis, Attolia, and Sounis where guns and pocket watches coexist with swords and armor. Attolia, the queen not the kingdom, strolls around her castle in beautiful gowns, striking fear into the hearts of her enemies and demanding absolute loyalty from her guard and followers. Mostly, each character is a bit of a mystery with some darkness in their closet.

Basic Plot : Attolia has a new king, unfortunately he was a former thief of Eddis, and therefore is not wholly trusted by any Attolian. They view him as a on handed fool, unfit to rule alongside their long beloved queen. You feel bad for the poor guy as he combats various practical jokes at his expense. The Queen of Attolia, on the other hand, wants Eugendies to step up and fulfill his role as the new ruler, working side by side with her instead of behind and slightly to the left of her. Just goes to show it’s not easy becoming a king—even if you are the best thief back home, one good enough to steal the Queen, and her heart.

Comments : The style of Megan Whalen’s writing is matter of fact where moods are captured, settings are described concisely, and dialogue is perfectly articulated. I might even go as far as saying her writing is sparse, making the plot a little confusing at times. The majority of the novel is expressed from Costis’ point of view as the King’s guard. It made the story a little more accessible, offering a unique perspective in how a person develops respect for another—even if it is practically against their will. My biggest complaint is that since I received this as a gift, and since I don’t have the first or second book, it was extremely difficult to understand what was going on. Things started off slowly and it took quite some time for the plot to feel like it was advancing at an acceptable pace. I’m rating it only as “like it” for now, but maybe I’ll read the first two and come back to give another stab at it.

Similar : The Enchanted Glass (Diana Wynne Jones) Finnikin of the Rock (Melina Marchetta) Fever Crumb (Phillip Reeve)

Electric Blue

Title : Electric Blue
Series : #2 Jane Kelly
Author : Nancy Bush
Rating : * * * *

Characters : Jane the information specialist in training is back with her sidekick the Binkster, her pug. Dwayne Durbin is Jane’s rakish mentor/employer who is a cowboy from his hat to his boots. Jasper “Jazz” Purcell is the handsome hunk who hires Jane to investigate the mental faculties of his old grandmother.

Setting : Back in Lake Chinook.

Basic Plot : Members of the crazy family Purcell all want to get their hands on the purse strings held by their grandmother, Orchid. With all of them vying for inheritance, Jane during her investigations is embraced by the aging woman. This, as well as her attraction for Jazz, motivates her to look into the fishy family past, especially the death of Jazz’s mother, Lily. She does this while also wrestling with the flirtations from her boss and a budding relationship with Jazz himself. Then, to make things all the more interesting, another Purcell ends up dead. Threaded throughout are other cases being handled by Dwayne, the workings of Jane’s family clock, and several crazies.

Comments : This is another fast paced, easy read that keeps the reader guessing right up to the end. We encounter not only the familial woes of the eccentric Purcell’s, but also get to know a little bit more about Jane and her family situation. This novel has some instances of language, sex, and violence giving it a low PG 13 rating in my book, but the plot advances nicely, the characters develop, and the mystery thickens. Side note, there is a scene in this book that has me laughing every time I drive by the nursing home in my neighborhood, still!!

Similar : The Morning After (Lisa Jackson), and High Anxiety (Charlotte Hughes)

Ophelia

Title : Ophelia
Author : Lisa M. Klein
Rating : * * * *

Characters : Think Cast of Hamlet and you would be spot on; however, our sulking hero has been swapped for the charismatic heroine. Enter Ophelia: 16 years of age, tomboy tagalong turned into a lady. Hamlet is the fervent love interest who goes mad with revenge. Horatio is best friend to Hamlet, stalwart, loyal, and genuinely good. Polonius is just as negligent and pompous as ever. Gertrude proves to be an observant and concerned mentor to Ophelia.

Setting : The Elizabethan era rather then the medieval times of the original play.

Basic Plot : In this retelling of Hamlet the romance between the Danish Prince and Ophelia takes on new light—cast by Ophelia. Closely follows the plot of the play with one major twist—which I will leave up to you to discover for yourself because its just that good.

Comments : One of the things I loved best about this novel is how close it keeps with the framework of Good Ole William’s play with just enough of a spin to make the playwright proud. The Shakespearean style banter and wit traded between the main characters will make any Old English linguist smile and delight the ordinary reader. Klein smoothly weaves her plot so tightly it blends seamlessly with the work of Shakespeare. You don’t even need to know the original work to be captured by this new take. In fact, the work of Klein makes following the convoluted plot of Hamlet easier to follow and all the more fun. Though her text is not as poetic as the Bard's, the intrigue and societal mores of the times mirror his moral criticisms. In this novel you find honor, betrayal, love, romance, and a search for personal identity. Excellent!

Similar Stories : Lady Macbeth’s Daughter, Saving Juliet, and Enter Three Witches

Dearly Depotted

Title : Dearly Depotted
Series : Flower Shop #3
Author : Kate Collins
Rating : 3

Characters : See Mums The Word. A new addition, Richard Davis, is Grace's boyfriend. He, of course, is a suspect and seems like the total opposite of what you would picture to be a beau to prim and proper Grace.

Setting : Abby’s Home Town

Basic Plot : Jillian, if you remember her from the last book, is finally getting married. Not just married, married to Abby's ex-fiances brother. Talk about complicated. Never-Say-No-Abby is bridesmaid/florist/grandma sitter. What a pushover. She is already busy up to her eyeballs and then a body shows up in the gazebo. Who is it this time? Its Jack Snyder, a man who recently got out of jail, and the person to discover him was the ancient woman Abby was supposed to be keeping an eye on. Great! To top it off the police feel their main suspect is Richard Davis. This wouldn’t mean much except Richard is Grace’s, one of Abby’s closest friends, boyfriend. Sweet, gentle Grace is always telling Abby off for poking her nose in others’ business, but this time Grace is begging Abby to poke her nose right in this investigation.

Comments : I am a series reader. Not a serious reader, a SERIES reader. I start a series and if I like book one I will try and read the rest ASAP. This series is no exception. Abby is still just as believable a heroine. She isn’t a professional detective and it shows, but neither is she simply lucky. She is developing some impressive sleuthing skills as we go along and that is a really nice touch to the series. This is a fun blend of clever mystery and engaging characters. This time I figured out the murderer before Abby did, but that doesn’t interfere with the story in any way.

Similar : Red Delicious Death (Sheila Connolly) / Murder is Binding (Lorna Barrett) / Grace Under Pressure (Julie Hyzy)

Slay it with Flowers

Title : Slay It With Flowers
Series : Flower Shop Mystery #2
Author : Kate Collins
Rating : 4

Characters : See Mums the Word. One more insert into the Abby Knight Family of characters is her annoying, high maintenance cousin Jillian.

Setting : I know it mentions the location somewhere in there, but I can’t remember, and I cant find it so just use your imagination. Its Abby’s hometown, that is for sure.

Basic Plot : In this, the second installment in the series, Abby Knight is not only bridesmaid to her cousin Jill, but she is in charge of all the flower arrangements too boot. Unfortunately one of the men in the wedding party disappears only to be found murdered and Jill insists that Abby solve the crime. She is not only on the case of the murderer, but Abby is convinced there is a prostitution ring in town, thinking the two crimes are connected.

Comments : Light, fun, and appealing. I liked this book a lot better than he first one. It moves a little faster and the mystery is more intricate. I also love how you get to know the characters alot better this time around. Jillian is a total pest and the only truly annoying part of this book. They way Collins writes always keeps you guessing and Abby is a doll, though sometimes you want to smack her and tell her to mind her own business. There are several funny scenes, two of which had me laughing out loud, and in the end it was an enjoyable read.

Similar : Glazed Murder (Jessica Beck) / The Diva Paints the Town (Krista Davis) / The Long Quicke Goodbye (Avery Aames)

Dead Girl's Don't Wear Diamonds

Title : Dead Girl’s Don’t Wear Diamonds
Series : #2 Blackbird Sisters
Author : Nancy Martin
Rating : 3

Characters : The three Blackbird sisters are back and just as fetching as ever. Libby, the pregnant one, is close to her due date. Emma has purchased a horse and started training. And, no surprise, Nora gets in the middle of another murder. College boyfriend to Nora, Flan Cooper, shows up to his father’s party with his wife, Laura, who has taken great pains with her appearance to look more like Nora. Mick Abruzzo is back and just as sizzling as ever.

Setting : Philadelphia high society.

Basic Plot : The story line picks up the immediately fall after the first in the series. Laura, the look alike to Nora, is found dead. Prime suspect is Laura’s husband, Flan. Nora still goes to a variety of parties to write her column for the news paper and tries to cling to the socialite life she was forced out of when her parents became tax evaders. While Nora starts poking her nose around she is surprised to discover how many people wanted Laura dead.

Comments : This book is another winner with the mystery of this story more riveting than the first. It is another fun, light-hearted, romp through Philly’s upper class with all their fashion, diamonds, thieves, and soirees. Nora is just as classy and sassy as ever, despite the disarray and disrepair of her family’s estate.

Hounding the Pavement

Title : Hounding the Pavement
Series : #1 in Dog Walker
Author : Judi McCoy
Rating : 3

Characters : Ellie Engleman is recently decorced is looking for a new start and becomes enamored with the occupation of dog walking, especially after she has reconnected to one of her former pets reincarnated as a Yorkiepoo. Professor Albright, one of Ellie’s customers found dead in his entryway. NYPD Det. Sam Ryder who is on the case.

Setting : Manhattan’s Upper East Side

Basic Plot : When Ellie discovers one of her clients, a champion purebred, is missing after it’s owner is found dead, she goes on a hunt to find the poor dog.

Comments : What mainly caught my interest was that the author donates her royalties from this book to the Best Friends charity, which benefits dogs. The book was charming, though a bit paranormal with Ellie’s telepathic connection with the willing canines. The book is cute and fun and meant specifically for dog lovers, but you might have a hard time getting through the first handful of chapters. The dialogue, especially the conversations held between Ellie and her dog, are humorous and a bit witty. The mystery lead was fairly easy to follow and the anti-heroes are easy to hate. I can honestly say I thought this book was good, not great.

Similar : A Killer Plot (Ellery Adams) A Dog About Town (J. F. Englert) Murder Had A Little Lamb (Cynthia Baxter)

Dial Om for Murder

Title : Dial Om for Murder

Series : #2 Mantra for Murder
Author : Diana Killian
Rating : * * * *

Characters : A.J. our heroine. Lily is the co-manager of Sacred Balance and still begrudges having to share with A.J. Jake Oberlin, the attractive detective, is A.J.’s love interest. A.J.’s ex husband, who decided he was gay after they had been married for a handful of years shows up.

Setting : Stillbrook, north of Jersey.
Basic Plot : A.J. is still pleased with her decision to stay and manage her deceased aunt’s yoga studio. In this installment A.J. has two star clients that are disrupting her balance. When one of these celebutants is found dead A.J. is thrown into the murder mix once again. Then her ex-husbands shows up looking grim and rumpled. Will A.J. find the killer before it is too late? Will this be the last straw in her and Jake’s relationship? Read and find out.

Comments : I love this cute series. It really is a cozy mystery and I love the way the characters interact and develop together. A.J. is a super main character that most readers can identify with. The sensuality of this novel is extremely tame and so is the language. Tension runs high, tempers run higher. I like the book, I like the series, I will read more.

Similar : A Timely Vision (Joyce and Jim Lavene) Grace Under Pressure (Julie Hyzy)

The Luxe

Title : Luxe
Series : #1 Luxe
Author : Anna Godbersen
Rating : * * * *

Characters : Elizabeth Holland is 18 and she knows her proper place in society—at the top. She is the epitome of flawless; well, aside from her deepest desire she fights desperately to conceal. Diana Holland is little sister to Elizabeth at the age of 16. She is more outwardly rebellious than her sister. Penelope Hayes comes from younger money than the Hollands’, but isn’t the slightest bit concerned about that. Henry Schoonmaker is the playboy. Will Keller is the carriage boy who grows up with Elizabeth and Diana. Carolina Broud was born to serve, but carries a burning crush in her heart and a chip on her shoulder.

Setting : 1899 Manhattan

Basic Plot : Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan society. Unfortunately, as with all types of social status, nothing is secure and invisible lines one class are constantly being overstepped and violated. These sisters and their dichotomy play a central role in the plot. The girls’ future is threatened by socialites, bachelors, and servants alike. The story kicks off with the death and funeral of Elizabeth and the buzz continues throughout the plot of who will take her elite place in the upper class. She was the young lady every man wanted to be with, every girl wanted to claw, and the type of woman who no one really knew at all.

Comments : Admittedly the first thing that grabbed me about this book was the cover. It is simply stunning and I could not resist such a beautiful marketing technique. Sorry if this disappoints anyone. I know you cant judge a book by its cover, but it can certainly catch your eye if the cover is done well. Luckily the writing inside the novel lived up to my expectations. This novel is girly to the ‘enth degree and combines the best of Gossip Girl and historical fiction. It really is a glittering start to a “luxe”-urious series. Beware of stereotypes that make the plot drag a bit. Otherwise, enjoy the scene of near eighteenth century Manhattan.

Similar : A Great and Terrible Beauty (Libba Bray) The Season (Sarah MacLean) The Everafter (Amy Huntley)