Tag Archives: Crime

Dyeing Wishes by Molly MacRae

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Dyeing Wishes
Author: Molly MacRae
Series: Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Craft, Crime, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

Dyeing Wishes is another wonderful cozy mystery featuring yarn. And ghosts. And all sorts of nonsense. But mostly, I just love that it’s a fun and gorgeous murder mystery which has a wool and yarn shop at its centre. And Kath trying to figure out her way in her new life. With the people she’s come to love, if not quite understand just yet. As with all of this calibre of mystery, I did kind of end up guessing just who the culprit was, but not quite all the way. There were still plenty of surprises and twists and turns to make me smile. And not want to put this down. Definitely not an easy read at the end of the day… I wanted to solve the mystery far too much!

Ultimately, I actually want Kath to end up with Deputy Clod (Cole) further along in the series. But, I’m enjoying them finding out more about one another as adversaries. And that Kath is spending a lot of time with his brother. And also just the fact that they’re constantly butting heads. I love adversarial couples finding their way to one another. It’s that whole opposites attract thing. I might be completely wrong, but I do love the dynamic that is being set up between Kath and Cole from the very beginning. It’s also kind of fun how they’re constantly trying to one up each other.

Kath’s TGIF posse is absolutely precious. I honestly want a group of women like this in my life – one’s from all age groups and walks of life. That are willing to support one another, but not blindly. Plus, they are able to be around one another in a realistic way. It’s not all sunshine and roses, there are plenty of niggles. But, they still present a united front against outsiders (often Deputy Cole, because hilarious). Plus, they are great at supporting Kath through the death of her grandmother and finding her feet in their little town. It all combines to create a great cast of somewhat zany sidekicks. Ones that had me laughing and smiling throughout this entire story.

From the beginning of Last Wool and Testament, Kath spends a bit of her brain power trying to find and decipher the clues left in Ivy’s note. Particularly the whereabouts of Ivy’s journals and just how her powers work. I love that the powers talked about within this are more subtle and work alongside our own world and experiences. And I love that, at the conclusion of this novel, Kath is more open to experiencing all of the wonders that her grandmother’s legacy has given her. Now, it’s time to go to the next journey with Kath and Geneva and the rest of the TGIF posse.

<- Last Wool and TestamentSpinning in Her Grave ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Universal Donor by Jeri Westerson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Universal Donor
Author: Jeri Westerson
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

The first half of this short story felt a whole lot less dark than I was expecting. Or that the tone of the story hinted at. After all, it was all focused on a guy trying to donate blood and constantly fainting… and then the darkness came in. And I realised that this story fits very nicely within this collection. And that it was actually MUCH more dark and twisted than I had anticipated.

As with everything with a “bad guy” I loved that the ending kind of had a moment of poetic justice to it. I mean, it was, again, very dark and twisted. But it was a good way for justice to prevail. Even if no one would’ve known that it was karmic justice of a kind.

This whole story was creepy and disturbing. But it did also highlight how dangerous entitlement can be. I mean, being a universal blood donor doesn’t entitle you to any kind of privilege, or special treatment. Particularly the kind this guy seemed to think he was entitled to…

<- Last CallMurder and Mayhem in Muskego ->

Image source: Amazon

Spectral Evidence by Gemma Files

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Hauntings: Datlow, Ellen: 9781616960889: Amazon.com: Books

Title: Spectral Evidence
Author: Gemma Files
In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I’m not entirely sure that I followed this short story. Yet, even with all of my not sure I followed it, I still enjoyed this. There was something dark and twisty about it. And all of those bits that made me not entirely certain that I followed it – they kind of added to the haunting and eerie aspect of the story. It’s incredibly hard to write a review on something that I didn’t quite follow, but still enjoyed…

The dossier feeling to this tale made it feel all that much more eerie. It’s the tale of three people all ending up dead or incarcerated, but through the lens of official documentation. It gives the whole tale a more removed, freaky feeling. Again, Files’ use of the unknown makes it that much more uncomfortable.

All in all, I loved the vibe of this story. It was creepy and eerie. There’s also the feeling that I could reread this and get all that much more out of the story…

<- The Bedroom LightTwo Houses ->

Image source: Amazon

Murder and Mayhem in Muskego edited by Jon & Ruth Jordan

Book Review, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego
Author: Jon Jordan, Ruth Jordan, Megan Abbott, Dana Cameron, Reed Farrel Coleman, Hilary Davidson, Sean Doolittle, J.M. Edwards, Andrew Grant, Ted Hertel, Jr., Chris F. Holm, Brad Parks, Gary Phillips, Kat Richardson, Greg Rucka, Marcus Sakey, Tom Schreck, Nathan Banks, Zoe Sharp, Bryan VanMeter & Jeri Westerson
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Mystery, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I loved this collection, it is very aptly named – truly a collection of murder and mayhem. Hilariously so if I’m being honest. Alright, some of the stories aren’t all that hilarious – because they are somewhat disturbed. But, still, this was a fantastic collection. One that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to reading again in the future.

Although there were a few mystical stories in this collection, the majority were contemporary tales. That definitely made them more relatable and kind of disturbing. I did like that there were the occasional paranormal stories though. They just added a little bit of variety, and some unexpected twists to the tales throughout this collection. Although, they pretty much all dealt with murder, regardless of what kind of genre they sat within.

I loved that pretty much every story in this collection is filled with chaos, and some pretty serious horribleness being planned. In one way or another. I mean, it wouldn’t be a anthology of murder stories if they weren’t planned… that’d be manslaughter. Admittedly, there were one or two stories that didn’t fit the mould. But the majority were deliciously filled with horrible acts.

Honestly, I really enjoyed this anthology. Maybe not every story was my cup of tea, and it wasn’t my favourite anthology ever. But it was still enjoyable. And one I plan to keep on my shelves so that I can read it again in the future!

<- Universal DonorHollywood Lanes ->

Image source: Amazon

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
Author: Agatha Christie
Series: Hercule Poirot #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Crime, Mystery
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1920

Thoughts

I read Murder on the Orient Express a long while ago, and then just didn’t get around to reading more of the Hercule Poirot series. Now I’m wondering why it took me so long to pick up this book. It was a fun and easy read. With a whole lot going on. Honestly, you could skim read and just float on the story line, or you could delve deeper (like I did) and spend the whole time trying to figure out just who the culprit was.

This is one of those books / series that I know will be a pleasure to reread. Christie manages to leave clue upon clue, but you only realise this in hindsight. Then there are plenty of red herrings that lead you to dead ends and down rabbit holes. I love that this is kind of confusing and meandering, yet, somehow it’s also fairly linear and simple. If you’re not like me and just happy to find out the culprit at the end, the story would be such a simple read.

To make this story even more compelling, and increase the difficulty of guessing the villain, every single suspect in this story has something to hide. It was a lot of fun trying to figure out which secrets were about the murder, and which ones were just people being horrible. It was nice that some of these secrets also weren’t so sinister. And that they actually lead to a nice happy ending.

I truly enjoyed this novel. It was a closed room mystery with a lot of intrigue and twists. I loved trying to figure out everyone’s secrets and now I can’t wait to dive into the next Poirot novel… it’s easy to see why these books are considered such classics.

<- More Agatha ChristieThe Murder on the Links ->

Image source: Kobo

The Particular Talents of Lenny Bright by Zoe Sharp

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Particular Talents of Lenny Bright
Author: Zoe Sharp
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really loved the setup throughout this short story for the twist at the end. Which, if I don’t want to put spoilers in this review, I won’t talk too much about. But, the setup didn’t actually tell you what was going to happen, but, in hindsight, it definitely pointed you towards what that final moment was going to reveal.

This is a fun and light short story, particularly when you compare it to many of the other stories in the Murder and Mayhem in Muskego collection. I mean, there isn’t really any murder. Or blood. Or general stabbing-ness that has been prevalent throughout the rest of the short stories thus far.

This is a good reminder to never judge a book (or old lady) by its cover. I mean, we get told that all the time. And we all know that you shouldn’t just judge on outward appearances. But this short story is a great reminder as to why.

<- The Muskego Long CountLast Call ->

Image source: Amazon

Last Call by Bryan VanMeter

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Last Call
Author: Bryan VanMeter
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This short story is all a great, big build up to a murder. And it’s brilliant. You know that everything is going to end in death, although you kind of hope that you’re wrong. It’s a great way to build tension without making it too painful.

I spent this whole story kind of hoping that the bar tender would somehow be pardoned. Even though he knowingly got himself into this situation, I was still incredibly hopeful. There was something so relatable and likeable about the gambling degenerate. And his obvious love for his regulars and job definitely helped with this feeling.

The ending to this wasn’t necessarily quite what I’d hoped, although I’m not really sure what I hoped for. It was a good, fun read, and definitely a great departure from real life for a short while (which is generally why I read).

<- The Particular Talents of Lenny BrightUniversal Donor ->

Image source: Amazon

The Muskego Long Count by Tom Shreck & Nathan Banks

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Muskego Long Count
Author: Tom Shreck & Nathan Banks
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really enjoy how this story jumps between two points of view. You have that really sinister voice that is planning bad things. And then there’s the more innocent bystander who ends up saving the day and making sure that the sinister things just don’t happen. It definitely helped to heighten the sense of thrill and suspense. Knowing that there were bad things about to happen, not knowing if the story will end with a better ending than death…

Duffy is a great character. Boxer, with an out of control dog. Actually, it’s really Al that technically saves the day. But I love the normalcy of Duffy’s interactions with the other characters and movements throughout this story. The unwitting hero is always quite a bit of fun. Particularly when they’re actually a bumbling dog that is just taking everyone out in his quest for food.

As with anything that touches upon the psychological, I found the bomb maker to be quite scary. I mean, massive many people killing vendetta is scary enough. But having that point of view written in a totally logical and calm manner? Terrifying.

<- Gravity and NeedThe Particular Talents of Lenny Bright ->

Image source: Amazon

Gravity and Need by Marcus Sakey

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Gravity and Need
Author: Marcus Sakey
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I knew that this was going to be a bit of a twisty kind of story. But I really didn’t see that ending coming. It was kind of brilliant and in one way, I really enjoyed it… on the other hand, it was pretty twisted and disturbing. There was not a moment in this that I could imagine being in the shoes of the two characters, but also not a moment in which I didn’t feel connected to them and sympathetic to both of their plights.

This short story makes till death do us part take on a whole new meaning. And not necessarily in a good way, it was pretty disturbed if I’m being honest. And of course, that is exactly what I loved about it. Kind of twisted and disturbed, a whole lot of fun. And when we talk about death, it’s really not the kind of death that you expect.

This short story is pretty dang dark and fatalistic. I, being the slightly twisted human that I am, absolutely adored it. Definitely a short story that I would be intrigued to read again.

<- The End is Never PrettyThe Muskego Long Count ->

Image source: Amazon

The End is Never Pretty by Greg Rucka

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The End is Never Pretty
Author: Greg Rucka
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Spies
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

You don’t even have to start reading this short story to realise that there isn’t really going to be an overly happy ending here. I mean, it’s literally called The End is Never Pretty. And then the story starts, and you continue to have that feeling that nothing is going to end well here. Which is fun, because you spend the entirety of this tale on pins and needles waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Although this is mostly in chronological order, it is kind of disjointed in its telling as well. As you read it, it becomes clear that it is more and more difficult for Nessuno to actually figure out who she is. I mean, we all have that battle at times – figuring out who we are and who we want to be. But most people aren’t doing this whilst literally pretending to be someone else. The disjointed nature of the story line works to highlight the disconnect that Nessuno is feeling more and more as her deception unfolds.

Honestly, there wasn’t really a surprising twist at the end of this story – two agents who have a moment in time together, and talking about the lines that you’ll cross to keep cover? Yeah, I kind of saw the ending coming. But I was really hoping that it wouldn’t be the case. It was just a little bit too tragic, most definitely working as a poignant end to a short story.

For all that this is a pretty damn dark story, it’s also a pretty easy read. I mean, it’s dark and twisty. Focusing on spy versus spy and the darkness of double agents, but it was still a simple read. One that I would probably enjoy reading again.

<- ChemotherapyGravity and Need ->

Image source: Amazon