Pam
I want to thank Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Holmes is Missing. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: kidnapping, murder, drugs, suicidal ideations
Holmes Is Missing is the second in a series, and if the ending is any proof, it is not the last, either. The first book in the series, Holmes, Marple & Poe, was released in January 2024. You can find my review of that here. Holmes Is Missing gives us more information about Brendan's past, and some of what led him to become the person he is. Readers are also given glimpses into Margaret and Auguste's present lives.
Can we take a moment to talk about Poe's cars? How did he acquire such classic cars as a Road Runner and a Dodge Shelby Charger? And where can I go for a ride?
There are also a few author cameos in the book. It is always fun when that happens!
The pacing is so quick that you will find it difficult to put the book down. How dare things like eating and cleaning get in the way of reading? Seriously, how am I ever going to get through my TBR if I have to stop reading? Something that helps make it a bit easier is the fact that the chapters are short. Short chapters help make reading more effortless when you have only a few moments to read. But be warned, it's still hard to put it down and walk away.
Holmes Is Missing has its share of ups and downs, twists and turns. But I feel mystery readers will enjoy it. Trust me, you won't regret it!
3.5 rounded up to 4
Originally, I was leaning towards a 3 star rating. Why? Because there is so much discussion of hatred towards Jewish people. So why did I bump it up? Because of the authors comments at the end of the book, explain that the Protocols are real, and still being used to push hate even though they've been prove false.
I want to thank Grove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Shining Brightly. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
If you are looking for a feel-good holiday story, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a book set during the holidays that offers an honest look at life, especially the uglier side of it, then this book may interest you.
Ronja is a child, and the holiday season fills her with wonder, joy, and hope. Isn't that what the holiday season is about? Melissa is a teen who has seen enough and knows enough not to let the shine and sparkle of the season get to her. Their father has an addiction, one who can't see what he's doing to his daughters. There is no mother about it, so it falls on Melissa to be Ronja's parents.
The story is told through Ronja's eyes; as such, there is a certain childlike curiosity about things and a certain childlike resilience. Sometimes, her thoughts jump to conclusions that only a child can make, but she is determined to do what needs to be done.
While this book is set during the holidays, it doesn't have to be read during the holidays. As much as the story revolves around selling Christmas trees, it also revolves around struggling to survive when those around you cannot help you as they should.
A Legend in the Baking is the second book in the Fake It Til You Bake It series, but you don't need to read the first book to understand it. You can find my review for Fake It Till You Bake it here. Characters from the first book appear in this book, but there aren't any spoilers from this book for the first book.
A Legend in the Baking focuses on August, one of Sugar Blitz's owners, and his teammates Donovan and Nicolas. Sloane is a social media wizard and Dononvan's little sister. August and Sloane have known each other for several years. Because of their history, there are several will they or won't they moments throughout the book. There is minimal spice until you get around 75% of the way into the book. There is a whole chapter dedicated to nothing but spice.
Besides their history, Sloane and August have something else in common: both have issues with their dad and feel they deserve the love of others. Sloane wants to make it in life on her terms without relying on a man, including her brother. August felt as though he never mattered to his father.
While a third book has not been announced for this series, I hope Nicolas gets his own story. Doesn't everyone deserve love? In the meantime, I will be on the hunt for my own perfect cupcake shop! But you should read A Legend in the Baking.
I want to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A New Lease on Death. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: discussion of suicide, domestic abuse
A New Lease on Death is the first book I've read by Olivia Blacke, but it won't be the last. Blacke's writing style does take a bit of getting used to. Or maybe it was the fact that I wasn't able to give myself over to the story as much as I had hoped. How dare life get in the way of reading!
This book is set in Boston, and many details to help sell the setting. Many of these are through the conversations between the characters. You can pick up on the inflections when they talk about Jakey, Markie, and Scotty. There are also a few references to being a “Southie,” which is how someone from the neighborhood known as South Boston is often referred to. And, of course, there's mention of Dunkin' being everywhere and the best place for coffee and donuts.
The story is told from Ruby and Cordelia's point of view. It is easy to know who you are seeing things from, as each chapter is labeled with their name. This is especially useful when Ruby starts working at the company Cordelia worked for before her death.
Who should read A New Lease on Death? Everyone! But especially if you enjoy reading books with unexpected characters. How many cozy mysteries have you read with a ghost as one of the people working to solve the mystery? As such, the story has a darker vibe, but it's still a cozy mystery people should read.
I want to thank Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Christmas Countdown. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
The Christmas Countdown is a fun read set in a small town in western New York. Part of me was a bit annoyed when I started reading the book. Why? Because Fallbrook, the town the book is set in, is described as being in upstate New York. That automatically makes me think it's near the Canadian border. But the vibes it gave were that it was closer to New York City. The more I read, the more I realized it's closer to Buffalo than New York City. As someone from New York, I know that part of the state is considered Western New York. I know it's a bit nitpicky, but it's a battle I've had many times with people from New York and not New York. The part of New York I'm from is called Northern New York or Upstate New York. But that's a discussion for another day.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Callie is someone I could relate to. She's heartbroken, but she's always been cautious with what she says and does. She's just trying to protect her heart. Anita is someone who I wish I could be. She's daring and willing to seek adventure. But above all, she loves her sister and wants to see her happy and smiling again. Marco is someone trying to survive the holiday season. He's a baker and super busy with orders. He's concerned about his business and protecting his heart.
Fallbrook's setting is perfect for the holiday season. The town is mad for Christmas, and there seem to be daily activities leading up to December 25.
Overall, The Christmas Countdown reads much like a Hallmark holiday movie. And I am okay with that. Those movies are comfy and cozy. And who doesn't need more comfy and cozy in their lives?
