Hot Rocks, by Randy Rawls

Read from March 29 to 30, 2013

R is for Randy Rawls, author of Hot Rocks.   Hot Rocks is the first book in the Beth Bowman P.I. mystery series, a new series filled with odd and quirky characters, that combine into a winning formula. 

From the author's website:

Beth Bowman, South Florida PI, accepts a simple case: follow a husband and catch him with his girlfriend.  BUT . . .

Is the wife a wife?

Is the husband her husband?

Is there a girlfriend?  

Beth finds herself framed for murder of the husband, and the wife has disappeared.  Working the streets of Boca Raton in search of the wife, she recruits a homeless newspaper vendor.  But again, THINGS ARE NOT AS THEY SEEM.


Beth recruits a homeless newspaper vendor to help her solve the murder and clear her name.   This vendor, in turn, rounds up a small army of street people to assist Beth.    To learn how these unlikely heroes accomplish all this, and much more, you should read the book for yourself.  You'll be glad you did. 

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013 


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COMMENTS from GOOGLE+

Carina Olsen

1 month ago  -  Shared publicly

Sounds like an interesting book :D Glad you enjoyed it so much! Thank you for sharing. < 3
Thank you for commenting on my mailbox. < 3
Love, Carina @ Carina's Books

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Reply

Jane Reads

1 month ago

Thanks! and thanks for hopping in!  You're welcome any time.

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Brandi Kosiner

1 month ago  -  Shared publicly

Glad you enjoyed. i haven't heard of this one

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Reply

Jane Reads

1 month ago

Thanks!  I saw it on a list of free and cheap kindle books, and thought it sounded interesting enough to give it a try.  It turned out to be a page-turner that I couldn't put down!

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Dog on It, by Spencer Quinn

Read from March 23 to 25, 2013

Q is for Spencer Quinn, author of Dog On It.  Dog On It is the first book in the Chet and Bernie Mystery series, a new-to-me series that I'm very glad to have found.

I really enjoyed reading Dog On It.  The author has developed some unique characters in this book.  I look forward to reading about the next five cases of the Little Detective Agency - P.I. Bernie Little and faithful canine sidekick Chet.  

Book 6, The Sound and the Furry, is expected to be released on 9/10/13.  Stay tuned for more info about this book in an upcoming "Waiting On" Wednesday post.     

Oh, by the way, the book is narrated by Chet, which gives the tail tale a very unusual point of view. Read the book! 

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013 
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
What An Animal Reading Challenge VI 2013

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain

Read from March 16 to 23, 2013

From Goodreads:

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer.
Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Taking the reader on a journey from Dale Carnegie’s birthplace to Harvard Business School, from a Tony Robbins seminar to an evangelical megachurch, Susan Cain charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal in the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects. She talks to Asian-American students who feel alienated from the brash, backslapping atmosphere of American schools. She questions the dominant values of American business culture, where forced collaboration can stand in the way of innovation, and where the leadership potential of introverts is often overlooked. And she draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to reveal the surprising differences between extroverts and introverts.
Perhaps most inspiring, she introduces us to successful introverts--from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Finally, she offers invaluable advice on everything from how to better negotiate differences in introvert-extrovert relationships to how to empower an introverted child to when it makes sense to be a "pretend extrovert."
This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves.

As an introvert myself, I read this book mostly to learn "coping skills," so to speak.  While I found the book interesting, I didn't get as much practical advice as I had hoped, for my particular needs.  I think perhaps the book may be more suited for an extrovert wanting to learn more about the introvert in his/her life, or for parents raising an introverted child. 

      

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge

The Penguin Who Knew Too Much, by Donna Andrews

Read from March 14 to 16, 2013

P is for The Penguin Who Knew Too Much, #8 in Donna Andrews' mystery series about Meg Langslow, a blacksmith / amateur sleuth.  

The small zoo, in the town where Meg and Michael live, has been having financial troubles.  After the zoo goes bankrupt, the owner finds temporary foster homes for all of the animals. Meg's father is not only fostering the penguins (in Meg's basement!), but offers to take in ("just drop them off with Meg") any other unwanted animal visitors from the zoo. 

Oh, and there's a murder for Meg to solve. 

Plus, she and Michael are planning their elopement! 

Read the book!  

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013 
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
What An Animal Reading Challenge VI 2013

No Nest for the Wicket, by Donna Andrews

Read from March 11 to 14, 2013

No Nest for the Wicket is #7 in Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow cozy mystery series, about a blacksmith / amateur sleuth.

The Wicket in the title refers, not to typical croquet, but to Extreme Croquet.  Extreme Croquet is a team sport which is the latest fad in and around the town where Meg and Michael live.  Extreme Croquet is not played on carefully manicured level lawns, but in such extreme locations as the cow and sheep pastures across the road from Meg's house.  

When playing Extreme Croquet in such extreme locations, one might expect to encounter cow patties and poison ivy, but not a dead body - that is, unless one is Meg Langlow.  (Meg seems to attract bodies the way Jessica Fletcher did on Murder She Wrote.)  

Meg solves this murder even better than Jessica Fletcher could have, because Meg solves it despite the meddling assistance of her zany family, around the demands of the Extreme Croquet tournament, and with a huge dose of hilarity.  

Another highly recommended read! 

Owls Well That Ends Well, by Donna Andrews

Read from March 10 to 11, 2013

O is for Owls Well That Ends Well, #6 in Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow mystery series about a blacksmith / amateur sleuth.

The adventures in this book revolve around a two-day-long, 30-family yard sale -- in Meg's back yard, of course.

There are lots of people in costumes (at a yard sale?), lots of sheep (at a yard sale?), a few owls and, as always, an evil-doer or two.

Intrigued? Read the book! You'll be glad you did.

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
What An Animal Reading Challenge VI 2013

Family Jewels, by Norah Wilson

Read from March 05 to 10, 2013

N is for Norah Wilson, author of Family Jewels.

#2 in the Dix Dodd Mystery Series.

An Ontario PI and her hunky apprentice go to Florida, after Dix receives a fax from the Pinellas County Deputy Sheriff. Dix's mother is under suspicion for the theft of tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewels at her Retirement Village, and is also a person of interest in a man's disappearance.

It turns out that the deputy ... {no, that would be telling}.

Read the book!  And #1 in the series, The Case of the Flashing Fashion Queen, another four-kitty book!

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013


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Berried to the Hilt, by Karen MacInerney

Read from March 02 to 03, 2013
  

M is for Karen MacInerney, author of Berried to the Hilt.

#4 in the Gray Whale Inn Mystery Series and the best one, so far!

A sunken ship is discovered in the waters off Cranberry Island.  Speculation runs amok as the marine archaeologists and treasure hunters race to identify the ship, so as to lay claim to the cargo.  

Is it the ship of Captain Jonah Selfridge, the ancestor of one of the islanders?  

Or is it a 17th century pirate ship, matey?  Arr!

The entire series is very enjoyable and highly recommended ─ all four-kitty reads!  Book #5 in the series, Brush with Death is due out on May 8, 2013.


                         

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
Finishing the Series Reading Challenge 2013 

We'll Always Have Parrots, by Donna Andrews

Read from February 27 to March 01, 2013

L is for Meg Langslow in We'll Always Have Parrots.

In We'll Always Have Parrots, Meg travels with her fiance Michael to a fan convention for Porfiria, Queen of the Jungle--a cheesy cult TV show on which Michael has a minor role. Michael hopes the weekend will give him a chance to talk Miss Wynncliffe-Jones, the show's temperamental leading lady and executive producer out of enforcing a certain provision in Michael's contract.

Of course, Michael's not the only person whose career the dictatorial star has manipulated. So when the star is found murdered, the police have plenty of suspects. Trouble is, Meg doesn't believe they're going to arrest the right one. Soon she finds herself following the murderer's trail through a hotel filled with egotistical actors, costumed fans, and a motley flock of monkeys and parrots who, rebelling against their role as live scenery, have escaped from their cages to take an active (and noisy) role in the festivities.

#5 in Donna Andrews' wonderful Meg Langslow cozy mystery series about a blacksmith / amateur sleuth, her zany (to put it mildly) family, and her boyfriend.  Highly recommended!

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
What An Animal Reading Challenge VI 2013

Insatiable, by Emily Kimelman

Read from February 20 to 23, 2013

I is for Insatiable, #3 in the noir Sydney Rye series. 

INSATIABLE is the third novel in Emily Kimelman's best selling, award winning Sydney Rye Series of dark murder mysteries. This series feature a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

INSATIABLE begins with private detective Sydney Rye living a simple, disciplined life in London, but when a dangerous man from her past calls, Rye finds she cannot turn him away. Robert Maxim explains that the daughter of a powerful friend has gone missing and he wants Rye to find her. In exchange he offers her something she had given up hope of ever having; freedom from her past.

With her dog, Blue, at her side, Rye meets up with her new partner, a handsome man she's not sure she can trust. Heading for Mexico City, they go undercover, posing as husband and wife. After meeting with the bereaved parents, Rye starts to sense that there is more going on than just a missing girl. But it isn't until they arrive in the Yucatan Peninsula, hot on the girl's trail in Paradise, that all hell breaks loose. Sydney has to reach out for help from old friends and deal with the consequences of her past, if she's going to find the girl and keep them all alive.

To learn more about Emily Kimelman's Sydney Rye series of dark murder mysteries please visit www.emilykimelman.com.  From Goodreads


No skipping around in this noir series -  these four-kitty books must be read in order.   #1, Unleashed; #2, Death in the Dark (novella), #3, Insatiable.  I recommend all three as very good reads! 

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013

Blue Murder, by Emma Jameson

Read from February 16 to 17, 2013

H is for Lord Hetheridge, in Blue Murder, #2 in the Lord and Lady Hetheridge cozy mystery series.

Blue Murder is the sequel to Ice Blue (also a Five-Kitty read).  The main characters are Anthony Hetheridge, Chief Superintendent for New Scotland Yard (otherwise known as Lord Hetheridge, ninth Baron of Wellegrave) and his team, Detective Sergeant Kate Wakefield and Detective Sergeant Deepal “Paul” Bhar.

I like this book and series, not only for the murder mystery plots, but also for the growing romantic attraction between Tony and Kate, which began in Ice Blue.  Tony is sixty, her boss, and a baron; whereas, Kate is in her early 30s, care-giver for her young nephew and mentally-challenged brother, and from a working-class family.

Looking forward to the release of Book 3 Something Blue, coming in Spring 2013!
 

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013

Ammie, Come Home, by Barbara Michaels

Read from February 15 to 16, 2013

Ammie, Come Home is another old favorite, a gothic romance page-turner that will be a quick read for the YLTO toppler. 

I love  this book. I first read it in high-school, when a classmate loaned it to me.  I will be forever grateful to her.  Many thanks, Dale, wherever you are!

 Ammie, Come Home may be the first gothic romance I ever read.  I know it's the first of many Barbara Michaels books that I have read, and re-read. 

If you have never read it, and you like a spooky storyline (séances, spirits, noises in the night) plus a romance or two, I highly recommend Ammie, Come Home!

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
YLTO February Toppler 

The Same Last Name, by Kathleen Gilles Seidel

Read from February 13 to 14, 2013

Marriage means more than sharing the same last name.  

April Peters knew that Christopher Ramsey did not love her when they married. But Christopher's genteel Virginian background dictated that a woman about to have your baby became your wife in a hurry.... Innocently, April believed that Christopher would grow to love her once they were a family, until her baby died at birth and she was propelled into cold, harsh reality. She left Christopher without a trace as to her whereabouts and headed toward upstate New York.

Six years later as a successful State Forest Ranger April meets Christopher again. In the serene setting of a natural preserve, old passions turn to mature desires too powerful to be controlled!...from Goodreads and the back cover

I also read The Same Last Name for the week-long February Toppler. It is another old favorite, a keeper that I have read many times over the past 30 years.  The storyline has such a good romance that it was perfect for the toppler! Plus, I like that April is a Forest Ranger - that's an unusual twist for a 1983 Romance novel.  Again, what can I say?  I have a mushy side, as well as the side that delights in the murder and mayhem of a cozy mystery.

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
YLTO February Toppler
 

Twice in a Lifetime, by Rebecca Flanders

Read from February 11 to 13, 2013

 I read Twice in a Lifetime for the week-long February Toppler, of the You'll Love This One group on Goodreads.  

The toppler theme is It's a Love / Hate Thing, and the idea is to read as many books as possible within the theme.  I decided to fall back on some old favorites of mine, some oldies-but-goodies, that will be quick reads.

Twice in a Lifetime is one such old favorite, that I have read many times over the past 30 years.  The storyline has such a good romance that it was perfect for the toppler!

Barbara, a young widow, keeps fighting her attraction to Kyle, her sister's brother-in-law, because Barbara believes that true love only happens once in a lifetime.  Does Kyle succeed in convincing Barbara that true love can come along twice in a lifetime?   

Spoiler Alert:  Well, yes, he does.  But the fun part is reading about how Kyle convinces her! 

(I'm not really sure why this Romance novel, written in 1983, is such a favorite of mine, while the 2012 Romance novel  Waking Up Married barely rated Three Kitties.  But it is.  Oh, well.)

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
YLTO February Toppler

Waking Up Married, by Mira Lyn Kelly

Read on February 10, 2013

I read  Waking Up Married for the February Toppler of the You'll Love This One group on Goodreads.  The toppler theme was It's a Love / Hate Thing, and I thought this free Kindle Romance book would be appropriate.

I liked it alright, but since I am not a big Chick-Lit fan, I probably won't read any more by this author.

The storyline was amusing, so it would make a good beach read for Romance fans.

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Why Buy the Cow? 2013 Reading Challenge (free on Amazon 2/7/13)
YLTO February Toppler

Phone Kitten, by Marika Christian

Read on February 09, 2013

 Phone Kitten is a funny cozy mystery.  I really enjoyed and recommend it.

After Emily loses her job, the only one she can find is Phone Actress.  When one of her clients is murdered, she is one of the suspects, and so does some investigating to clear her good name.

At first, I thought it might be a little raunchy.  But Emily never does "the sex," she just talks "the nasty," as one of her friends puts it.

Here is a You Tube trailer for the book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0faZl...

I read an interview with the author. She is working on a sequel. I'm excited - I want to read more about Emily!

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
What An Animal Reading Challenge VI 2013
YLTO February Toppler

Devil's Food, by Kerry Greenwood

Read from February 05 to 09, 2013

G is for Kerry Greenwood, author of Devil's Food, #3 in the Corinna Chapman series.

It is another excellent book in the series, and picks up where Heavenly Pleasures left off.

I highly recommend the series, and recommend that you read it from the beginning.

I love me some Corinna Chapman!

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013

Scrapbook of Secrets, by Mollie Cox Bryan

Read from February 03 to 04, 2013

I was hooked from the first sentence of Scrapbook of Secrets: For Vera, all of the day's madness began when she saw the knife handle poking out of her mother's neck.

This is Mollie Cox Bryan's debut novel, an enjoyable cozy mystery that's a very good read.

I look forward to reading Scrapped, and to the release of Book 3 in the Cumberland Creek series.

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
Let's Make Fruitcake Challenge (YLTO - Goodreads)

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet, by Darynda Jones

Read from January 27 to 28, 2013

F is for Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet, #4 in the Charley Davidson paranormal mystery series.

Double WOW!!!!

There's not much else I can say, without including spoilers galore.  And I don't do that.  So, READ THE BOOK!

I can tell you that, after reading library copies of the Charley Davidson books, I loved the last one so much that I bought my very own copies of all four books!

Can't wait for Fifth Grave to be released!

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Finishing the Series Reading Challenge 2013
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013

The Curse of the Pharaohs, by Elizabeth Peters

Read from January 17 to 26, 2013

E is for England and Egypt, the two settings of The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters.  It is #2 in the Amelia Peabody series, about a British amateur archeologist and sleuth, and her husband, the famed Egyptologist Radcliffe Emerson.  


It is a re-read for me, as I have read the entire series and highly recommend it, giving most of the books Four Kitties.  


I acquired the first four books as a set for my Kindle, and so this one made a good choice for my E book in the Alphabet Challenge.

This book qualifies for
2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
Year-Long Alphabet Challenge 2013