Saturday, April 30, 2011

~Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine~




Yes, I just started this book last night. And yes, I'm now done with it.  It was just that good to me. And with lines like "I woke up the next morning nursing a Chunky Monkey hangover." and "I turned to see Walter and his hamster hair." what's not to love?

Laura Levine makes Jaine Austen a completely real and believable person. I love that. 

We all know I'm a huge fan of cozies, and this one did not disappoint. If you love cozies too and haven't checked this series out, you really should.

I decided to give it a 5 because I finished it in less than 24 hours. That makes it awesome in my book!

I checked this book out from my local library.


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Series Reader? Check This Out!

Seriously, I mean you have got to check this site out! It's call FictFact and I learned about it through this awesome post from Reading with Tequila. By the way, don't you love her blog name?

She explains it all very well but let me give you my take on this awesome site (that I've become addicted to in a matter of days folks!)

You're perusing your local library, or bookstore, or friends bookshelf, and you see a title that grabs you. So you borrow or buy the book and when you get home there are all these references to something that has happened before. That's when you realize "Oh dang - this is part of a series!" So, this happens to me - a lot. More than I care to admit. Now, you've got to figure out where this particular book is in the series and which other books are in the series.

How do I figure out what, where, and when? I have a list on my desk of all the series books I've read off hand and which books need to be read. I spent hours searching the web for the right order.

Enter FictFact. Now I don't have to do that anymore. Put the books in that you've read and abracadabra! it lists which books are not only in the series, but which to read next. That, my friends is freakin' awesome. Are you finished with a series? Now you'll know. When is the next book coming out? Oh, it let's you know that too.

So if you're a serious series reader, or just an occasional one - you really ought to check out this site. If I did this right you should be able to see my profile here. If not - look me up, I'm planetcaddick (of course!).



~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Friday, April 29, 2011

~The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry

Today I finished The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry. You should know what it looks like now, but just in case -


Since I'm not really a reviewer, I'm just going to tell you what I thought about this book.

I thought it was good. I missed one of the usual characters, who was absent from this book, and it seemed odd that the two main characters (Cotton Malone and Stephanie Nell) worked on different continents this time.

The history was a little vague this time. Maybe because I don't know that much about Charlemagne, so I couldn't identify as easily with what was going on.

The pace was still good, the descriptions spot on, and as usual it was well written. If you like Dan Brown, you'll like Steve Berry.

I give it a three - I liked it.



~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Library Thursday Blog Hop

This wonderful hop is hosted by Lazy Girl Reads. Seriously, more people need to get on board with this one - are there only three people in the blog world who actually go to the library? Oh, that would be so sad. And I know that's not the case! O.K. so off the soap box - I did go to my library this week - and checked out more books to add to the growing pile of "running out of renewals"! You all know what those are - I know I'm not the only serial renewer!

So, what did I get?


Xone of Contention by Peirs Anthony
Yes, it's a Science Fiction book - and I don't think I've ever read one of those. Ever. But I checked this out for one reason only - I needed an 'X' book for my A to Z challenge. I know, it's silly to check out a book for a letter of the alphabet. I had to do it anyway. Who knows, maybe I'll discover I love science fiction...




















The Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson
Sorry for the crappy picture. The cover was all hologramy and shiny. I actually picked this one up for the boy - but when he saw it was "really huge" (it's really not though) I figured I could read it. It takes place at Disney so I'm in - I love Disney!


























Break In by Dick Francis
One of the groups I belong to on Goodreads is reading this book for May. I've never read a book with a group before (by choice - I mean yes, in High School when we had to read Great Expectations but that doesn't count!) so I thought I would try. Sad thing is, I probably won't get to it in May - I have a stack of other books I still need to read.




Oh button - I almost forgot the button! Link up library going people! 


Why is blogger making it impossible for me to space stuff right today? Urg! Sorry for the weirdness folks!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

W... W... W... Wednesdays April 27

MizB over at Should be Reading is sick, but she still posted the link. Hop on over there and give her good "feel better" vibes.

So with no further ado it's time for WWW Wednesday.











What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you'll read next?

Currently I'm reading The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry













I recently finished reading Live Bait by P.J. Tracy













Next I'm going to read Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine.














~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Saturday, April 23, 2011

I need help!

What I need to do is quit roaming around the blogosphere and finding reading challenges, but I've done it again.  I found one today that fits not only with my love of reading but my love of the library!

It's actually called 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge!  Yeah, you knew I wouldn't be able to resist, right?

Hosted by Home Girl's Book Blog I have decided (a little late in the year) to take the plunge of 25 books.  To be fair I'm only starting with the book I'm currently reading.  It would feel like cheating if I went back, at least to me.

The challenge has been added to my 2011 Reading Challenges page, and I've pre-listed the books I currently have checked out from the library.  You know, sometimes I have to do that so I can remember which books came from where!

Have a great weekend everyone!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Friday, April 22, 2011

Friday Book Blog Hops 4.22.11

Friday Blog Hop Time!  Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books hosts the Book Blogger Hop -

Book Blogger Hop

This weeks question - If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?

Well, of course I do.  Sometimes I'm disappointed, but most of the time if the first book I pick up is one that I enjoyed I will enjoy all the books, although maybe not equally.  A few of my now favorite authors who I found randomly are Steve Berry, Douglas Preston, Kathy Reichs.  I first picked up their books because the titles caught my eye at the library.


Rachel at Parajunkee's View hosts Friday Follow.





This weeks question - What is on your current playlist right now?


How sad, I don't have a playlist.  I rarely listen to music in the car, not that I don't love music - but the car is my quiet time, and sometimes I'll listen to my iTunes randomly if I'm working on the computer. That doesn't happen very often though because I get distracted. If I do listen to music in the car it's either one of my Daughtry CD's or the rock station on the radio. 




~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~ Live Bait~ by P.J. Tracy


Today I finished Live Bait by P.J. Tracy.  This is the second of the Monkeewrench books.

Synopsis: Minneapolis detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are bored-ever since they solved the Monkeewrench case, the Twin Cities have been in a murder-free dry spell, as people no longer seem interested in killing one another. But when elderly Morey Gilbert is found dead in the plant nursery he runs with his wife, Lily, the crime drought ends-not with a trickle, but with a torrent. Who would kill Morey, a man without an enemy, a man who might as well have been a saint? His tiny, cranky little wife is no help, and may even be a suspect; his estranged son, Jack, an infamous ambulance-chasing lawyer, has his own enemies; and his son-in-law, former cop Marty Pullman, is so depressed over his wife's death a year earlier he's ready to kill himself, but not Morey. The number of victims-all elderly-grows, and the city is fearful once again. Can Grace MacBride's cold case-solving software program somehow find the missing link? 

Filled with intelligent, well-drawn characters, sparkling, snappy dialogue, and razor-sharp plotting, P. J. Tracy's stylish, high-voltage new nail-biter will have readers on the edge of their seats.  (Thank you goodreads for the image and synopsis)

What I thought: I liked this book. It didn't "grab" me as much as the first book did, but it was still pretty darn good. The characters are growing and the suspects were interesting and fun. I love how they bring to life the basic day to day life in Minnesota - weather and all. 

I give it a 4 - I liked it.



~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Library Thursday Blog Hop

Lazy Girl Reads hosts this hop on Thursdays. It's very cool because sometimes people post pictures of their local library and we all know, the library rocks. If you check out this link right here, all the rules are posted.





This week I didn't make it to the public library. Boo! I did make it to the library at the University though, because I'm writing a paper and they had some books I needed for resource material. Not a very exciting reason to head to my favorite place *sigh*. The library at the University looks cool, but I couldn't find a picture of it.

I did check out a couple books though. Don't judge me - remember - I'm writing a paper!

Oh yeah, don't judge the pictures - I snapped them quick with photo booth!

 Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany
by Earle Rice Jr
Backwards - the way it should be


The Mind of Adolf Hitler
by Walter C. Langer
also backwards, natch

Check out the other blogs and by all means visit your library dangit!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

W... W... W... Wednesdays April 20

It's time to link up with Should be Reading for W.W.W Wednesday.










What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you'll read next?

Currently I'm reading Live Bait by P.J. Tracy












I recently finished reading Dead Weight by Batt Humphreys. This was an excellent book - I highly recommend!














Next I'll read The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry. I've already renewed it once from the library - it's time to get it knocked out!















~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Saturday, April 16, 2011

~Dead Weight~ by Batt Humphreys


Synopsis:  In one of America's most beautiful cities, an ugly crime. Charleston, South Carolina, in 1910 is the scene of a true story. There is a trial in the town, a triangle of animosities. A Jewish merchant murdered, a black man accused and a white populace primed for a hanging.

Into the real events, steps a fictional character. A reporter from New York arrives to cover the story. Hal Hinson follows the facts, but finds that Charleston is a much more complex and seductive city than he imagined. Hinson discovers a dangerous balance in the racial divide, a country of beauty and cruelty, and a love story that reviewers describe as Shakespearean in its ending.  

My thoughts: I'll admit - I checked this book out because I saw (but missed) the authors visit to our local library and that definitely made me curious. I was not disappointed. The author did an excellent job of weaving the fictional Hal HInson into the true life story of Daniel "Nealy" Duncan. The book was made even more sad with the realization that the City of Charleston pretty much tried and convicted an innocent man before his trial even started.  The book is very well written and I highly recommend it.

On a side note, I was looked up the application for the posthumous pardon the author submitted to South Carolina to right the 100 year wrong - it was denied. The article is here. I applaud Mr. Humphries for making the attempt and am saddened that the state is still afraid to correct an injustice. Sorry I got all soapboxy on you.

I give this book a 4 - I loved it. 


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Friday, April 15, 2011

Friday Book Blog Hops 4.15.11

I'm pretty sure I missed these last week. But I'm back for now so let's do this thing!

Crazy-for-Books is my first link up. She hosts the Book Blogger Hop.

Book Blogger Hop

This weeks question - "Pick a character from a book you are currently reading or have just finished reading and tell us about him/her."


I just (seriously, like an hour ago) finished reading Dead Weight by Batt Humphreys. There are many real and a few fictional characters in the book, I'm going to tell you about Miss Randy. A Charleston transplant from New Orleans, Miss Randy runs some of the brothels in the city. She is a decent person though, and throughout the book you get to see her compassion. She is also a woman - so she has some cunning and a few tricks up her sleeve. I really ended up liking her a lot. She seemed like a real person - which is the point of good writing, isn't it?

Next up we have Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee.




Her question this week - "Do you have anyone that you can discuss books with IRL? Tell us about him/her."


Well, as far as face-to-face there is one - that would be Nicole. Everyone thinks we are sisters, which is cool. And we have pretty similar tastes in books. I lean more to the mystery than she does though. Plus she is willing to branch out a little more than I am. She recommended The Kite Runner to me and I loved that book. I have real life friends I discuss books with - but since we are a military bunch it's not face to face. But mostly, I read the blogs because there are not a lot of readers in my life.


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Library Thursday Blog Hop

This is a little hop I found while meandering around the blogosphere. Since we all know how much I love my library and that I go there at least once a week (whether I need to or not) I thought I'd join in. 

It's hosted by Lazy Girl Reads - and you should check it out! 


Not including the gigantor stack I checked out previous to yesterday 
(after all, those weren't checked out this week!)
I only walked away with two books 
(and one was for the boy
I'm desperately trying to find something that will make him fall in love with books!)
So, for him I picked up The Spiderwick Chronicles Book 1
I've heard it's turned several non readers into readers
I'm willing to give it a shot!



For me I checked out Deaths Excellent Vacation
I'm looking forward to reading this
even if it was just a random shelf find!
those are the best anyway


As usual, I have checked my books out from the Westmark Branch of the Sumter County Library. I love those girls over there - they are the best ever!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots by Leslie Meier - audiobook review

Remember this audiobook I got from the library?


The final offering on the CD was Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots by Leslie Meier. Have no doubt - I love Leslie Meier and the Lucy Stone Mystery Series. Come on, that's why I picked this one up really.

I enjoyed the performer on this one. She did a good job of varying her voice so I knew who was speaking all the time. I finally figured out that this is important when you can't see the printed words! Sometimes I would find myself sitting in the driveway or parking lot just listening to what was going to happen next. I guess that's the equivalent of not being able to put a book down.

Overall I enjoyed all the stories in this collection - just some more than others!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Monday, April 11, 2011

Book Blogger Hop Non Weekend Edition

Crazy for Books usually starts this hop on Fridays. I didn't participate this week because I was finishing up a paper for school, and since her schedule was busy she didn't host on Friday - but she's hosting now - so I'm joining in!

Book Blogger Hop

This weeks question: Outside of books, what's your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is this TV show -


I wish I could explain why, but I can't. 

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Sunday, April 10, 2011

National Library Week

Starting today, April 10th it's National Library Week.

Anyone who reads this blog knows I love my library. I could live in that place. I've always loved books and reading, and growing up the library was my place to go. I was the nerd child who waited impatiently every week during the summer for the book mobile. Even that small bus full of books was a haven for me.

If you have never visited your local library, shame on you! This is this week to go. Get that library card, wander through the shelves, smell the books. You will become addicted, I promise.

Check out what your library has to offer. I know our library offers free computer classes to learn windows software. Did you get that? FREE. Programs for the kids, movie nights, book clubs - our small town library offers all these programs. I would probably have an aneurism if I lived in Chicago or New York!

Last week I heard a rumor that someday libraries will become obsolete because of all the eBooks. I hope not. As much as I love my Kobo, I cannot imagine not having a book to hold and read.

If you have books you don't want anymore, donate them to your library. Let someone else enjoy them.

Support your library - this is the perfect week to start!

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Reading Challenges Update

Yes, I have a paper due on Monday so it's time for my procrastination post - reading challenges update! Seriously, you all know you wanted to know anyway!

Show me the Free Reading Challenge
I have listed all the free eBooks I've downloaded for this one. That's a good thing, because sometimes I can't remember which ones were free and which ones I paid for. I've finished 3 out of 12 for this challenge.

Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge
Big surprise - I've finished 11 out of 12. The book I'm currently reading doesn't qualify, but the next one will! I'm hoping to have this challenge finished by the end of the month.

Audio Book Challenge
I just started this one, but have managed to listen to 2 out of 12 books. I started my third today, but since I only listen in the car who knows when it will be finished. I've listed a couple of the books I've checked out from the library because I don't think I'll be able to finish them before they are due and I don't want to forget what I picked!

A to Z Reading Challenge
This one is proving to be harder than I thought, but I have managed 10 out of 26. Pretty good I think, considering I read a lot of books that start with the letter 'C'. I don't know why. It's weird, I know.

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge
According to Goodreads I'm 12 books behind on this one. I knew it was a huge goal when I set it, but I don't need to be reminded that I'm not succeeding very well - sheesh! I've finished 13 out of 100. I also double checked to see if audiobooks would count, yeah, they don't - but that's ok. I'm still going to plug away and try to reach the ever elusive 100 books! Next year I will probably look for a "beat yourself" challenge or something.

As always, current stats can be seen here.

Now I guess I'll go finish that paper.


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Friday, April 8, 2011

Audiobook Review - The Dangers of Gingerbread Cookies by Laura Levine


This is the second book on this set and I completely loved it. Never having read anything by Laura Levine, I immediately went to the library and checked one out (of course - did you think I wouldn't?!).

I loved the characters (especially Prozac), and the sarcastic wit of Jane. The narrator on this one was 100 times better than the Joanne Fluke offering. Other people may have figured out the murderer right away, but I honestly didn't realize it until she did. Maybe because I listen in 20 minute increments?

So, if you are an audiobook fan, I recommend this listen for the narrator and the funny protagonist (don't be scared - I used a big word!) . If you want to just read it, you have to get it with the other offerings - but I still think you should.

I give a 4 - I loved it!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Thursday, April 7, 2011

~Book Review~ Crushing Crystal by Evan Marshall

Synopsis (courtesy of Goodreads): Jane couldn’t say no when her nanny’s sister needed a place to stay, but she’s certainly glad to see her houseguest go. In just two short weeks as assistant director of the Shady Hills Public Library, Crystal Ryerson has proven herself a meddler par excellence. Relying on gossip and a powerful superiority complex, she has branded her realtor’s daughter an unfit mother, and formally accused a local school librarian of stealing computers. Popular, she is not. Still, it’s shocking when the next meeting of Jane’s library reading group crashes to a halt as thousands of pounds of books and shelves come toppling down on poor Crystal. Especially when Jane’s boyfriend, Detective Stanley Greenberg, makes a grim discovery: the bolts on the bookcase had been deliberately removed. By someone who had been at the meeting. Jane knows the strange events are all part of the same puzzle and she can’t resist searching for the missing pieces. She manages to stay on the murderer’s trail can go both ways, and this one may well lead the killer right to Jane’s doorstep.

What I thought – Honestly I checked this book out because I loved the cover. That cat totally looks like he’s laughing! For a cozy this book had some oddities – it takes place in New Jersey, it’s written by a man (I don’t mean that in a bad way), and Jane is not a middle class wife, or small crafty shop owner. Combined with the fact that the people she’s asking questions to really get angry and tell her off. That’s a nice change from a typical cozy! The ending was also a complete "I didn't see that coming" - always a bonus! I would have liked this book a lot more if I had not indulged in three cozies right before this one. I liked it though, so I’m giving a 3.




~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

W... W... W... Wednesdays April 6

It's that time of the week again, time to link up with Should Be Reading for WWW Wednesdays.

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you'll read next?

Even if you don't link up you should go check it out - I've found it to be an excellent source for learning about different books.

Currently I'm reading Crushing Crystal. It's my fourth cozy in a row, and if I hadn't checked it out from the library I would have pushed it to the end of my stack! I'm a huge cozy fan - but I definitely need to read something else.














Recently I finished reading Wedding Day Murder by Leslie Meier. Another library check out!














Next I plan on reading Dead Weight by Batt Humphreys.  Yes, from the library. I really do {heart} my library!














~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

~Review~ Wedding Day Murder by Leslie Meier

Synopsis (from book jacket) - Already juggling four kids' hectic schedules, a rambunctious dog, and attention-craving husband, and a full-time reporter job, Lucy Stone can't possibly squeeze in another responsibility...or can she? When Sue Finch asks for help planning her daughter Sidra's wedding to Internet millionaire Ron Davitz, loyal pal Lucy willingly dives into the world of white lace, roses, and chair rentals. What could be more perfect than a backyard summer wedding in the Stones' newly built gazebo?


Live doves and a hot air balloon, according to overbearing social climber Thelma Davitz. But the groom's mother's elaborate ideas and constant complaints are the least of Lucy's troubles. With the nuptials looming along with her latest deadline, the arrangements are in utter chaos - and so is Lucy's investigative piece on lobsters. Meanwhile, Ron is making enemies at every turn, including the bride's father, several local lobstermen, harbormaster Frank Wiggins, and the Stones' friend Geoff Rumford - who still happens to be carrying a torch for Sidra.


When the groom's body is found floating beside his yacht, Lucy isn't convinced it was an accidental drowning. From the picturesque waterfront to Norah Hemmings' mansion on toney Smith Heights Road, Tinker's Cove is awash with suspects.


Now, fresh from planning Sidra's wedding, Lucy finds herself contemplating her own funeral as she launches the harrowing pursuit of a killer who will do anything to keep from being unveiled.


What I thought - I love Lucy Stone, which means I love Leslie Meier! Sometimes the plot and characters get a little convoluted, but this one was written very well, without much extra junk (yes, that's my technical term!) thrown in. Not having all the extras didn't take away from the book. There were still plenty of suspects, plenty of motive, and plenty of personal problems to make it interesting without being confusing.

Every time I read one of these books, I want to move to small town Maine! Maybe I should stay away from the cozy's for a while so I don't end up dragging my family up north!

I give it a 4 - I actually loved this one!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Monday, April 4, 2011

My First Audio Book

I decided to try an audiobook from the library. I don't listen to much music in the car and it seems like I spend a lot of time there, so I figured why not?

So, I checked out this number, thinking I like Leslie Meier and Joanne Fluke, so it should be OK And you know what, it is! Of course my son and husband don't quite "get" the whole listening to book thing. But that's all right - they aren't really readers (which makes me sad).

Today I finished listening to the first story - Gingerbread Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke. It was good - but I'm not sure if I liked the reader (is that what they're called?) all that much. The second one (Laura Levine's The Dangers of Gingerbread Cookies) started, and I like the reader much better on that one. Also, having never read anything by her before I am definitely interested in looking into her books. A cozy with a cat named Prozac - yeah, my kind of book for sure!

So, I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of my audiobooks and maybe checking out something else later. The selection is rather thin in town, but I could always use the interlibrary loans, right?


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Sunday, April 3, 2011

~Review~ Antiques Roadkill: A Trash 'n' Treasure Mystery by Barbara Allen


Synopsis: Determined to make a new start in her quaint hometown on the banks of the Mississippi, Brandy Borne never dreams she'll become the prime suspect in a murder case...Moving back in with her eccentric, larger-than-life mother, Brandy Borne finds small-town Serenity anything but serene. It seems an unscrupulous antiques dealer has swindled Vivian out of the family's heirlooms. But when he is found run over in a country lane, Brandy becomes Murder Suspect Number One - with her mother coming in a very close second...The list of other suspects is impressive - the victim's business seems to have been based on bilking seniors out of their possessions. And when the Borne "girls" uncover a few very unsavoury Serenity secrets, they become targets for a murderer whose favourite hobby seems to be collecting victims. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)


What I thought: Well first, I'd like to say this was an absolutely free eRead that I downloaded onto my Kobo. Seemed like my usual 'type' of book and the price was right - so I had to go for it! I very much loved the tone of the book. Brandy is a lover of sarcasm, and who couldn't love that? If you've lived in a small town you can probably identify with almost all the characters in the book. It took me longer to finish this than it should because I got distracted by school and library books - but when I sat down to finish it, it only took a day. Quick cozy read!


I give it a 3 - I liked it




~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Friday, April 1, 2011

~Review~ Scone Cold Dead by Kaitylyn Dunnett

Synopsis (from book jacket) - After a knee injury forces professional Scottish dancer Liss MacCrimmon to give up her life of performing strathspeys, reels, jigs and Highland flings, she returns to her hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine, where she runs a Scottish Emporium. With one solved murder case under her dance belt, Liss has no idea she's about to spiral into another...


Switching to a life without footlights or greasepaint has been easier than Liss MacCrimmon expected. After seven months in her hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine, she's been able to keep her feet in the dance world by offering lessons to a few of the local children. Running the town's Scottish Emporium with her aunt, working on her physical therapy for her knee injury, and starting a budding romance with Dan Ruskin, a neighbor and former high school classmate, has kept her more than busy.


Still, she misses the life of a professional dancer with Strathspey, the Scottish dance company she belonged to before her knee injury forced her into early retirement. When the company goes on tour, Liss is instrumental in bringing the show to her hometown. Overjoyed at the prospect of seeing her old friends again, even if she can't dance with them, Liss arranges a reception for the troupe complete with a Scottish theme that includes a new spin on the classic Scottish scone her very own recipe for "cocktail scones."


Liss soon realizes that life in the group isn't all happy jigs and fancy dancing. Victor Owens, the company manager, has been making life miserable for every member of the company. She has no idea how miserable until Victor bites into one of Liss's prized cocktail scones, collapses and dies.


When the police set their sights on Liss and her best friends, it's up to Liss to find out whodunit before the killer makes an encore. With a missing ingenue, potential embezzlement, several secret romantic relationships, and a murderer in the mix, she'll have to work fast to uncover what is really going on backstage when the curtain falls on Strathspey.




My thoughts - This is the first book I've read by this author. I actually liked it. The characters had some depth and the doors are open for more mysteries starring Liss and the town of Moosetookalook. I actually love the name of the town too! I had some issues with all the dance lingo. For someone who knows nothing about dance, I don't need to in-depth, but a little more than what was offered. You know, don't bore me with the details, but give me something to picture in my head kind of thing.

I found this one day while wandering around the library. I find a lot of the books I read that way - I call them impulse check outs! I'm glad I picked this one up. Worth the read if you happen across it like I did.

I give it a 3 - I liked it.


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown
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