Tag: mystery

REVIEW: Art of the Swap by Kristine Asselin and Jen Malone

REVIEW: Art of the Swap by Kristine Asselin and Jen Malone

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Hannah lives at the Elms, a turn-of-the-century (1900s) home that once belonged to the Berwind family. Her father is the caretaker, and they live in the old servant quarters of the mansion. A history buff, Hannah can’t imagine a better place to live.

Margaret Dunlap – Maggie – stayed with her aunt and uncle, the Berwinds, in 1905. They even commissioned a painting of Maggie by a new artist, Mary Cassatt. But the painting was stolen before it could be debuted. A servant was suspected of the theft, but neither he nor the painting were ever found.

At The Elms in Hannah’s time, they have a reproduction of the portrait. The mystery of the original’s disappearance is one of her favorite parts of the history of the house. If only she knew what really happened….

Hannah may get her chance to find out when she and Maggie swap places! Now Hannah is in 1905 trying to track down a missing painting and an art thief. And Maggie is in 2018 trying to figure out an unfamiliar world without anyone finding out what has happened.

Review

This was so fun! Hannah definitely got the better end of this swap. As a lover of history, and of Maggie’s story and The Elms, she is more prepared for her new surroundings. Poor Maggie isn’t ready for the social changes of our time – the language, the freedom for young women, the customs – much less the technology. Watching the girls negotiate their environments was a lot of fun.

This was less of a mystery than I expected. Discovering what happened to the painting played a smaller role than the bigger issues of (1) what to do with Hannah’s discoveries in 1905 and (2) how to get switched back to their own time. I would categorize this as historic fantasy moreso than mystery. This is an asset, though, because I think this will appeal to fans of historic fiction, fantasy, and mystery.

There’s a great girl-power piece to this that I wasn’t expecting but I adored. It took the overall story to a higher level for me than if they had not included it. There are recommended resources in the authors’ notes for readers who want to know more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Aladdin for the opportunity to read an electronic review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

REVIEW: Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Meghan heads to Las Vegas to stay with her grandmother, Hazel, after a terrible car accident puts Meghan on leave from work. She has no idea that her mom, Diane, has also come to Vegas.

Being in close quarters together shows the strain in the relationship between the three women. Meghan adores her grandmother, and Diane is jealous. Diane grew up feeling smothered by Hazel’s over-protectiveness. Determined to not be like Hazel, Diane pushes Meghan to be independent and self-sufficient. While Meghan does develop those traits, she feels like she missed out on some nurturing and displays of love in her life.

The women might not have survived together for long with their hurts and hang-ups. But Meghan accidentally discovers her grandmother’s life-long secret. Hazel’s little sister, Maggie, disappeared when she was three. Hazel had been with her, stepped away from a moment, and Maggie had never been seen again.  Meghan, a cold case investigator, offers to look into the 70-year-old disappearance. The chances of finding Maggie alive after all this time are slim, but they have to try.

Review

This was a lovely, emotionally satisfying story. The 70-year-old cold case is what initially grabbed my attention, but the relationships between these women made the story for me. I loved the relationship between Hazel and Meghan. It was warm and mutual. They were devoted to one another. Diane was prickly and abrasive. But you could see why and feel empathy for how she came to see life the way she did. The faith pieces of the story worked most directly in the relationship with these three characters. The faith pieces were handled well overall. They felt natural when they came into the story and they were realistic. No easy answers or promises of an easy life if the non-believing character would just believe.

The cold case was fascinating. No huge surprises – the clues were laid out for the reader. But the solution was satisfying. The cold case also brought in the romantic part of the story. This was an enjoyable, moving story. I would recommend this highly and would read others by this author.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans by Russell Ginns

REVIEW: Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans by Russell Ginns

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When Samantha’s Uncle Paul goes missing, she does her best to find a clue for where he is and what’s happened to him. But all the family is able to find is a long, confusing letter that leaves each of the kids a gift. Samantha’s sister, Buffy, gets $2.4 billion, which she promptly takes on a shopping spree of epic proportions. Samantha’s brother, “Nipper,” gets the deed to Yankee Stadium and ownership of the team, which he promptly loses to their manipulative neighbor. And Samantha? Uncle Paul’s partner in exploration? Samantha gets a worn, red umbrella with a weird note.

An umbrella? Seriously? How unfair is that?

Once Samantha gets some well-deserved moping time, though, she and Nipper discover there’s more to her umbrella than she thought. What they discover will send them on an international adventure.

Review

As I was reading this, it reminded me of Dan Gutman’s Genius Files series. A couple of kids traveling to interesting, far-flung places, looking for clues and dodging villains. This will appeal to fans of that series.

There are a lot of quirky things for kids to enjoy with this one. Samantha’s siblings are a large part of the quirk. The ways the kids move around the world, and the dangers they encounter will appeal to fans of adventure stories, too.

I wish I had a better feel for the characters in this. The books I love almost always have characters I love. Samantha and her family are interesting, but I didn’t connect with them emotionally. I don’t feel like I really got to know Samantha in this book, so it’s harder to care what happens on her adventures. I think kids who love a lot of action and activity in their stories will enjoy this. Kids who want to connect with great characters may need to work a little harder to get to know Samantha and her family.

Thanks to Netgalley and Delacorte Books for the opportunity to read an electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Rating: ♥♥♥

REVIEW: A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell

REVIEW: A Grave Issue by Lillian Bell

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

It started with an emu.

A dead emu. Rosemary and Alan Brewer said the barking is what killed it. In their opinion, Kyle and Lola Hanson’s dogs scared the emu to death.

The death of the emu led to the fight. At the funeral home. That’s how Desiree got dragged into the mess. She was working at her family’s funeral home when Rosemarie and Lola had an altercation over the emu. Desiree was supposed to be helping her family business. A fight during a funeral isn’t very helpful. Not Desiree’s best moment. (Also, not her worst!)

Things go from bad to worse when Alan is found dead and Kyle is arrested for the murder. Kyle has been like a second father to Desiree. And with her own father presumed dead after a surfing accident, Desiree is determined to track down the truth and exonerate Kyle.

Her skills as a former reporter and her ties to the folks in her home town could be just what Desiree needs to puzzle things out.

Review

This was excellent! The setting – a funeral home – is unusual and gives Desiree access to lots of folks around town. The mystery is complicated and the pacing for it was perfect. Every so often a new layer or wrinkle or clue comes along to keep the reader engaged and guessing. And there are side stories like Desiree’s sister’s pregnancy or her best friend’s maybe-stalker that serve to cement the other characters into the story. Everything connects and makes sense yet doesn’t overshadow the main plot.

Desiree is great. She’s smart and determined and likable. She’s hoping to reinvent herself eventually after a major gaffe. But she stays focused on the here and now – helping her family and proving Kyle innocent.

There are a couple potential love interests for Desiree and an overarching mystery that will carry into the next book. The overarching mystery is a brilliant thing I have seen in some other series recently. It draws readers onto the next book to see what happens. I know I will definitely be reading book 2 (If the Coffin Fits – Fall 2018) in this terrific new series.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for access to an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was a treat to read this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Arts and Thefts by Allison K. Hymas

REVIEW: Arts and Thefts by Allison K. Hymas

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Jeremy, Case and Hack are heading to an art show for the day. Case has entered a painting in the show. Of course his best friends are there to back him up!

But trouble is brewing. Someone stole paint and paintbrushes from another artist. Jeremy’s sometimes-nemesis/sometimes-partner, Becca, is on the case. Even though they worked together once before, Becca is determined to catch Jeremy at something and see him in detention forever. But Jeremy isn’t a thief. Sure, he takes “retrieval” jobs, but it’s always to right wrongs.

Becca and Jeremy realize the thief could use the stolen items to sabotage the art show. If they work together, they could solve the case and protect Case’s painting and the others from the saboteur. Jeremy is a righter-of-wrongs after all. But he can’t let Case or Hack know he’s working with Becca. They would never understand.

Review

In preparation for reading this book, I read the first book, Under Locker and Key, a book that has been on my wishlist since it published. I loved it and gave it 4.5 stars in my (non-blog) reviews. This second book, while different, is just as terrific. Book one is more of a heist/con story (like The Great Greene Heist – which I loved – but with a much smaller crew) while this is a more traditional mystery. The characters are fantastic. Becca and Jeremy like to think they are on opposite sides of the law, but their intentions are similar – to right wrongs.

I loved that this story took place almost entirely over one day at the art show. It gave the story a nice, quick pace. The secondary characters for this one were a lot of fun. I hope there’s going to be a book 3 because I’d love to see how the new characters could factor in. I’m also hoping for more of Case and Hack. I feel like they are going to make a huge contribution to a later story. They have the skills, but we haven’t gotten to see much of them. Yet.

These are some of my favorite middle grade mysteries. I highly recommend both books – and that you watch for more from this series! Many, many thanks to Netgalley and Aladdin for an electronic review copy of this book for review purposes. That pushed me to get the first book off of my TBR list so I could enjoy this one fully.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Dog Dish of Doom by E. J. Copperman

REVIEW: Dog Dish of Doom by E. J. Copperman

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Kay Powell just wants to get her client, Bruno, this role in Annie on Broadway. Bruno has the skills to be an excellent Sandy! Kay is an agent for animals for TV, stage, and movies. And this role could be the beginning of a big career for Bruce. But his owners are a bit of trouble.

Well, Louise is okay – almost to the point of disinterest. But Trent is worse than any stage mom. He thinks Bruno can “do more” and that director Les McMaster is a “hack” and a has been. It’s so bad that Les will only work with Bruno if Kay is the one to bring him to the theater. He doesn’t want Trent or Louise there at all.

Imagine Kay’s surprise to read of Trent’s murder the next day, or to find a detective on her door step. Since Kay understands the theater world, she may be the only one who can figure out what happened to Trent.

Review

This was a terrific mystery. I loved the premise – agent to the stars! Animal stars. And Kay’s relationship with Bruno and her own dogs was lovely. I enjoyed the full cast – the quirky parents, the potential love interest, and the business partner/assistant. I would happily read more books with this ensemble.

The mystery was great. There was a lot going on, even or especially after the murder. Lots of questions about motives and secrets kept me guessing all the way to the end.

This is great for cozy fans and fans of animal stories. Also for readers who enjoy a creative set up and interesting cast of characters, both human and animals.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Winterhouse by Ben Guterson

REVIEW: Winterhouse by Ben Guterson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Elizabeth Somers is an orphan. She lives with a Dursley-ish aunt and uncle. This Christmas, penny-pinching Aunt Purdy and Uncle Burlap are going on an unprecedented vacation. Elizabeth is being sent to Winterhouse, a beautiful old hotel. Elizabeth has no idea how her aunt and uncle can afford to send her on the train or pay for a three-week stay at Winterhouse, much less afford a vacation. But everything is taken care of, and Elizabeth is welcomed into Winterhouse.

There are mysteries all around Elizabeth before she even boards the train. The weird feeling she gets before something unexpected happens. The whispered conversation between her aunt and uncle about a mysterious benefactor. And the conflicting stories and feelings about what happened to her parents.

At Winterhouse, the mysteries continue with the unhappy couple with a coffin of “books, ” and a curious library where people skulk around at midnight with flashlights. Soon Elizabeth is using her gift for puzzles, codes and crosswords to sort out the mysterious events at Winterhouse.

Review

This was an interesting book. Like The Westing Game or The Mysterious Benedict Society mashed up with Harry Potter. Puzzles and magic together. I enjoyed Elizabeth. Her affinity for puzzles and love of reading really clicked for me. The illustrations are also fantastic.

The setting of Winterhouse was great. It’s full of interesting and mysterious treasures and rooms that draw Elizabeth and her friend Freddy into the history of the hotel and the Falls family.

The author does a great job of doling out clues and questions from the beginning to keep the reader turning pages. Weird things started happening right from the start, and they built throughout the story. There is an element of dark magic at work, so sensitive readers should be prepared for that. I found it mild, but I read a lot of fantasy. The author leaves a few threads unresolved for future books. I am eager to see what might happen with these characters next and what other secrets are hidden in the Falls Family and Winterhouse.

Thanks to Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co for an electronic review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Lois Lane Triple Threat by Gwenda Bond

REVIEW: Lois Lane Triple Threat by Gwenda Bond

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

So far, Lois Lane has taken down two criminals. One was experimenting on kids and turning them into a single-minded weapon, and the other experimented on a friend’s sister to frame the mayor and shake things up in Metropolis.

Now Lois is itching for a new story – and just in time as a group of super-powered kids have been sighted around Metropolis. So far they’re just a spectacle, but they seem to be targeting Lois.

As if this case isn’t enough to keep her occupied, things are heating up with SmallvilleGuy and the “flying man” situation. SmallvilleGuy is coming to Metropolis to meet Lois face-to-face. Lois’ dad, the general, is off to Smallville to look for information on the flying man. And the general’s information seems to be coming from The Inventor. SmallvilleGuy might trust The Inventor, but Lois isn’t convinced he’s really on their side.

It all comes together in this exciting third book in the Lois Lane series.

Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Gwenda Bond. I’m not a huge DC Comics fan, but the books I have been reading – Superhero High and this series, are starting to change that for me.

I have enjoyed the characters even more than the mysteries in this series, and that’s especially true for this book. On it’s own, the mystery in this was a slow start and a quick finish. I had some unanswered questions at the end. Maybe those things were left open in case the publisher decides to add to the series later (I hope so!! The author said on Twitter this summer that there are no plans at this time for more books in the series. It’s too bad. I would snap up more if she wrote them!)

But the character pieces, especially the Lois and SmallvilleGuy parts in this particular story are excellent. Their time face-to-face was a perfect culmination of the lead up in the previous books. We don’t get as much time with the other kids at The Scoop in this one, which I missed. But the pieces with The Inventor were a nice addition. Lots of open-ended issues with that character, too, which would make for awesome future stories (hint, hint, Capstone Press!)

I have loved this whole series. I highly recommend it for strong storytelling; excellent, nuanced characters; and clean adventures for teen readers.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Innocent by David Baldacci

REVIEW: The Innocent by David Baldacci

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Will Robie is a government assassin. When he gets an assignment, he’ll travel anywhere in the world to take out the bad guys. His usual targets are terrorists and mass murderers. But on his latest assignment, he finds himself looking into the eyes of his target… and he can’t go through with it. Something about this hit just isn’t right.

A young girl sneaks out of her horrible foster home to go see her parents. She gets home in time to see her father killed. When her mother tells her to run, the girl takes off, certain that she will never see her parents alive again.

The two meet when Will saves the girl from being killed on a bus to New York. When the bus later explodes, Will feels responsible for keeping the girl safe. But they are both on the run and don’t know who they can trust. Are the two situations connected? The body count rises quickly while Will tries to puzzle out the truth. Can he figure it out in time to save them both?

Review

This book was part of our family’s summer reading challenge. My husband recommended this to me, and I really enjoyed it. This is the second Baldacci book he has had me read. The mysteries are great although the deaths tend to be more plentiful and more graphic than my usual cozy mysteries.

I wasn’t sure I would be able to get past the main character’s profession in order to enjoy this book. It took several chapters to get past the idea that he kills people for a living. Bad people, to be sure, but without due process – and maybe without knowing the whole story. But Will’s protectiveness of the girl, Julie, endeared him to be. From there, I didn’t put the book down until the last page. I was able to get close to solving the mystery myself, but not all of it, and I was guessing on parts all the way to the end. I would definitely read more Will Robie books in the future. (language, violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Much Ado About Murder by Elizabeth J. Duncan

REVIEW: Much Ado About Murder by Elizabeth J. Duncan

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Charlotte Fairfax is the costume designer for the Catskills Shakespeare Theater Company. As the company prepares to stage Much Ado About Nothing, many things at the resort/theater are shaking things up.

Their star, Audrey Ashley, has arrived from England with her sister/manager in tow. The director, who left town for personal reasons, decides suddenly not to return. The theater board tries to hire Wade Radcliffe, a local director, to replace him. But Miss Ashley, as the star, has veto power. She instead calls in Edmund Albright. In a surprise for everyone, including Audrey, Albright decides to modify the play to take place in the era of the Civil War. Budgets, sets, costumes, and his star’s disapproval, will not dissuade him.

As if the staffing changes and debates over the timing and setting for the play hadn’t slowed things down already, the death of a key player threatens to derail the whole thing permanently. Charlotte is determined to find the truth and save the play.

Review

This is the third book in the Shakespeare in the Catskills mystery series, and my first introduction to these characters.

This series is written in third person which was a shift for me from many of the cozies I read. You wouldn’t think it would make much of a difference but for some reason it did. The transitions from Charlotte’s scenes to others when she wasn’t there were jarring. I didn’t feel connected to her as a main character. There was a distance for the entire story that didn’t click for me. There were times early on when I was still finding the rhythm of the story where it felt like I was reading non-fiction because of the distance and formality in some of the writing. I prefer my cozies to be much warmer, and, well, cozier.

The mystery is solid from the start. There’s lots of time to get used to the different characters and their personalities and build tension over the play before the murder takes place. I was completely off base about the murderer, but the clues were there all along. Once I got into the story I was happy to read until the conclusion.

I missed the warmth and connection I feel with my favorite mysteries. I might read more of this series, if there was a story line that intrigued me. But the writing would take some getting used to for me. Other readers will not be bothered by the writing and will love this solid mystery.

Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the electronic review copy offered in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥