New Book Review

I reviewed Glimmerglass by Jenna Black. You can read it here.


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

~Book Review~ A Witch in Time

Who and what: A Witch in Time by Madelyn Alt; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-425-23261-3 (A Bewitching Mystery #6)

What it's about: Stony Mill, Indiana's newest witch, Maggie O'Neill, has been attached at the hip to the smoking-hot Marcus Quinn. Things couldn't get any better- until her sister Mel gives birth to not one, but two babies... 

Maggie's visiting Mel in the hospital when a whispered conversation in a cafeteria sends chills down her spine. She can't make out what they're saying, but Maggie knows malice when she hears it. The next night, death visits the hospital...twice. Nobody bats an eye, but Maggie knows something sinister is haunting the hospital. Now she'll need help if she's going to tie two murders to one killer. (goodreads)

What I thought: I've been interested in reading this series for a while - I'm way more partial to witches and such rather than vampires. I can't explain that - I like vampires, I just like witches more. Anyway...I had trouble getting into this book. I think it was more because there were a lot of references to things that happened in books past that impact things that happen here. I knew I was reading them out of order; sometimes it doesn't matter - but this time it did. Also I would have liked more actual witchcraft! LOL What can I say? I probably won't read any of the other books though.

Would I recommend? I hate to say this - but no, I wouldn't. The book as a whole just didn't flow all that well, in my opionion.

Where I got it: De Bibliotheek 

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year

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

~Book Review~ Strawberry Shortcake Murder

Who and what: Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke; Hardcover Edition; ISBN: 1-57566-644-8 *Book 2 in the Hannah Swensen Mystery Series*

What it's about: The stakes start rising faster than dough when a judge from the Hartland Flour company's Dessert Bake-Off is found dead in Hannah Swensen's strawberry shortcake. Can she catch the killer before he or she cooks up another recipe -- for murder? (goodreads)


What I thought about it: I really like this series. I'm getting better at picking who the murder is, and I did with this one too - but the motive slipped past me. This was a fun cozy and the recipes included sound heavenly! 


Would I recommend this book? Yes I would - fun, interesting characters and the little town of Lake Eden, MN sounds like a great place to live.


Where I got it: The library


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge


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

~Book Review~ Dark Legacy

Who and What: Dark Legacy by Anna DeStefano; eBook Version; ISBN 978-1-4285-0738-8

What it's about: “Die!” scream her nightmares. The voice is her sister’s, the compulsion stronger than any ordinary dream. 

Maddie Temple can’t go through this again. Her twin has been in a coma for the last ten years. Their psychic link was severed. At least, that’s what she thought. 

But there’s a lot Maddie doesn’t know—about the 200-year-old curse on her family, about the shadowy group that wants to exploit the Temple twins’ powers for themselves, about the sexy psychiatrist offering to help her. The only way to find the answers antd avoid being pulled into the abyss of madness is to trust her heart and confront her... Dark Legacy. (goodreads)

What I thought about it: This was another one that had reviews that varied so much I decided to take the plunge. I actually liked this book very much. I loved the whole mind melding thing - it made for an interesting twist. I didn't really care for her love interest - he was kind of a hot head - but overall it was a decent read.

Where I got it: It was a free download for my Nook.

Would I recommend it? Sure - I mean it was free - and it was pretty good.

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; Show Me the Free Reading Challenge

*recently I reviewed the audiobook Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. You can read that review here.*

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

~Book Review~ Raising the Dead

Who and what: Raising the Dead by Mara Purnhagen; eBook edition; ISBN 9781426888786


What it's about: As the daughter of the famous Silver Spirits paranormal investigators, Charlotte Silver is used to all things weird. But when coffins start floating down her street during a flood, life turns extra strange. And wonderful, when her friend and crush Noah signs on to help Charlotte and her folks in the aftermath. Cemetery cleanup might not sound exciting, but as shocking discoveries and a lurking stranger come to light, Charlotte learns that sometimes, raising the dead can bring unexpected rewards.


What I thought about it: It was a very quick read. Not only did read quick, it was pretty good. The characters were interesting. I liked that it was a book about paranormal stuff instead of vampires and such, that was a nice change for a teen book. This book must be part of a series, because it seems like there was definitely an door left open at the end for more.


Would I recommend it: Sure - it was pretty good.


Where I got it: it was a free download from Kobo Books for my eReader


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; A to Z Reading Challenge; Show Me the Free Reading Challenge


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

~Book Review~ Un Lun Dun

What and Who: Un Lun Dun by China Mieville; eBook edition; ISBN 978-0-345-49723-9

What it's about: By every indication, Zanna seems to be the Chosen One, the girl who is destined to set things in order and lift the evil smog. Even foxes and umbrellas pay her tribute. So when Zanna and her friend Deeba are magically transported to another realm, Un Lun Dun seems headed toward the moment of her triumph. But then, as readers of China Mieville may have already suspected, things happen that were not mentioned in prophecy -- and suddenly, 12-year-old Deeba is thrust into a world-saving situation. (goodreads)


What I thought: I've read varying reviews of this book but it just sounded so interesting I had to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. This book was extremely interesting and the descriptions of the things living in 'the other London' are wonderful. Sometimes frightening, sometimes funny, but always enjoyable. It was long - I had to break the book up by reading a novella in between (because I have a short attention span - I tend to do that a lot!). 


Would I recommend this book? Yes - a little bit of fantasy, and maybe science fiction(?) I'm not sure how to classify it but it was good.


Where I got it: Initially I checked it out from the library - but I had to return it so I bought it for my Nook.


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; A to Z Reading Challenge


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

~Book Review~ The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Who and What: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 9780316125581


What it's about: All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out. 
Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as "her". As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth? (goodreads)

What I thought about it: I actually enjoyed this book. I know the character was small in the Eclipse book - but I thought it was kind cool to see things from the other side of the fight. I did find it a little odd that there were no chapters though - it was just written straight through. 

Would I recommend it: Sure - it wasn't horrible by any means.

Where I got it: I bought it at Borders

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge

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

~Book Review~ Naughty Neighbor

Who and What: Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich; Paperback (Large Print) Edition; ISBN 978-0-06-147440-8

What it's about: Louisa Brannigan's neighbor is a handsome hell-raiser—and he's driving Louisa crazy. He makes terrible coffee, steals her newspaper, and listens through her walls. But when she's fired from her government job, Louisa is persuaded to join his undercover investigation. Sneaking around in the shadows is more fun than she ever imagined, especially when the getaway car is a Porsche.

Pete Streeter never figured on finding such an attractive partner in crime. Louisa is all he ever wanted in a woman, and more. But once he's taught her to enjoy living on the edge, will she finally feel safe in his love? (goodreads)

What I thought: This book felt more like a novella. It was 200 (large print) pages of fun! I picked it because I was looking for smallish books from the library - and it ended up not being a bad pick. I would consider it a perfect beach read!

Would I recommend it: Yes. It's not deep, but it's extremely readable.

Where I got it: The Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; A to Z Reading Challenge

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

~Book Review~ Holes

Who and What: Holes by Louis Sachar; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 0-374-33265-7

What it's about: (goodreads) Stanley Yelnats is unjustly sent to Camp Green Lake where he and other boys are sentenced to dig holes to build character. Stanley learns the warden has them digging holes for something else- but what?


What I thought: OMG - have you read this book? O.K. probably but I couldn't put this thing down. I read it in one night! It was just a very well written, interesting book. I completely enjoyed it.


Where I got it: My home away from home - The Sumter County Library


Would I recommend it: Yes. I actually think Zach might like this one - so after he's done with his summer reading project I'm going to have him read it.


Challenges this book counts toward: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 


*this book also appears on the 100 Books List at #83*


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

~Book Review~ Sweet Poison

Who and What: Sweet Poison by Ellen Hart; eBook edition; ISBN 9781429946070; *book 16 in the Jane Lawless Series*


What it's about: Jane Lawless is at her wit’s end keeping her Minneapolis restaurants running while volunteering on her father’s campaign for governor. With an eleven-point lead, the race is Ray Lawless’s to lose, but all that changes when his rival posts a list of violent criminals that are back on the streets early, thanks to Ray’s work during his career as a defense lawyer.

Corey Hodge is one of the convicts that took Ray’s advice to plead guilty for a crime that he swears he didn’t commit. Bitter from time served, revenge lurks in the back of his mind. Then one of Ray’s young campaign volunteers is killed, and with the murder mirroring the crime Corey was convicted of, Jane has to bring the killer to justice to save her father’s political career and to keep Corey from going to prison again.

The high stakes and political intrigue that fuel Sweet Poison, the latest in Lambda and Minnesota Book Award--winning author Ellen Hart’s absorbing Jane Lawless series, make for an intense mystery of ambition and obsession. (goodreads)

What I thought about it: Even though it took me a while to read it wasn't because it was a bad book. In fact, I found it very well written with enough twists to keep you guessing, but not too many that you get confused. The ending definitely left me wanting to know what happens in the next book. I had never read anything by Ellen Hart before and I picked this just based on the title alone. 

Where I got it: I bought it from Kobo Books for my eReader

Would I recommend it: Yes - *but* the majority of the relationships in this book are homosexual. There is nothing graphic, just basic relationship drama. I have friends and family who are gay so it doesn't bother me at all - but if you are going to bothered I wouldn't read it. It would be a shame though because it really is a good book.

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; Goodreads June Mini Challenge (4/5)

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

~Book Review~ The Homeplace

What and Who: The Homeplace by Janet Dailey; Large Print Hardcover Edition; ISBN 0-7838-8686-1

What it's about: Every novel in this collection is your passport to a romantic tour of the United States through time-honored favorites by America's First Lady of romance fiction. Each of the fifty novels is set in a different state, researched by Janet and her husband, Bill. For the Daileys it was an odyssey of discovery. For you, it's the journey of a lifetime. Your tour of desire begins with this story set in Iowa.


What I thought: When I was younger (like much younger - back when Jr. High was Jr. High and not Middle School) I read Janet Dailey like a fiend. That's why I checked this book out - I wanted to see what I loved about the books so much. Honestly, I don't remember - I'm just glad this book was only 200 pages - I couldn't have read anymore than that. It was all just so silly - why hate a guy because he bought the farm? I don't get it. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. 


Would I recommend this book: I would never tell anyone not to read a book - but you may be able to pass on this one.


Where I got it: The library


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

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

~Book Review~ TimeRiders

Who and What: TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-8027-2172-3 *First in a new series*

What it's about: Maddy should have died in a plane crash. Liam should have died at sea when the Titanic sank. Sal should have died in a tragic fire. But a mysterious man whisked them away to safety.

Maddy, Liam, and Sal quickly learn that time travel is no longer just a hope for the future; it is a dangerous reality. And they weren't just rescued from their terrible fates. . . they were recruited for the agency of TimeRiders created to protect the world from those seeking to alter the course of history for personal gain. By reliving the highly documented events in New York City on 9/11, they can closely monitor history for any deviations—large or small. When just such a change is detected, they are alerted that a threat is at hand unleashing the evil of the Nazis to wreak havoc with Earth's present and future. Can Maddy, Liam, and Sal fulfill their destinies as keepers of time to save the world from utter destruction? (goodreads)

What I thought: The premise was good - the execution was a little lacking. It was always interesting, I was about halfway through before I had to know what was going to happen next. There was never any doubt what time (or version of time) you were reading about and it does make you think "what if". Overall I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't put it on my list of very favorites.

Would I recommend it: Tough to say - I guess if someone was looking for a book about time travel, I would.

Where I got it: An ILL from The Marion County Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 100 Books in a Year

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

~Book Review~ Antiques Flee Market

Who and What: Antiques Flee Market by Barbara Allen; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-7582-1195-8  This is the third book in the Trash 'N' Treasures Mystery Series


What it's about: Brandy Borne's new life in the small Mississippi River town of Serenity is anything but serene. Moving back in with her bipolar mom, Vivian-an antique herself, who treats Brandy like a perpetual five-year old-is challenging enough, but stocking and running their antiques holiday booth at the mall together is positively daunting. And as the big Christmas season gets into full swing, they find themselves in the midst of small-town mayhem when an old flame of Vivian's turns up mysteriously deceased. `Tis the season-to be murdered?

Brandy and her diva mom last saw the recently departed dealer, Walter Yeager, at a flea market where Vivian made her usual theatrical scene while saving Walter from under-pricing a valuable first edition of Tarzan and the Apes. The prospective buyer was furious, and when Walter winds up dead the next day-"officially" of a heart attack-and the book goes missing, Vivian senses a Yuletide homicide.

As the season's first flakes of snow drift lazily down over Serenity, Brandy and her mother-with moral support from Sushi, the decidedly spoiled Shih Tzu-must unearth vintage clues that point to restless ghosts from the town's past. If there's any duo that can tell a fake from the real thing, it's Brandy and her scene-stealing mother. But even though they may know who's been naughty and who's been nice, they'll have to be very careful not to disturb too many ghosts from Christmas past...

What I thought: I enjoyed the first book of this series very much, but I had trouble with this one. Maybe because I skipped the second one? I don't know for sure. There were enough questions left at the end though that I feel compelled to read the rest of the series. It seems that the books might actually be getting some substance to the characters towards the end, which makes checking the next one out worth it.


Would I recommend it? Probably not. Unless you really want some antiquing tips which show up at the end of each chapter. I'm only sucked in because I actually read the dang thing - so don't go there!


Where I got it: The Sumter County Library


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

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

~Book Review~ Killer Blonde

Who and What: Killer Blonde by Laura Levine; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 0-75820162-1; Third book in the Jaine Austen mystery series

What it's about: A gal with a serious Ben & jerry's habit and credits including a tome entitled "I Was Henry Kissinger's Sex Slave" can't afford to be too picky about employment opportunities. So when Beverly Hills socialite Sue Ellen Kingsley offers Jaine megabucks to ghostwrite a book of hostess tips, it's time to sharpen the #2s. So what if Jaine has to take dictation from a rail-thin lady of leisure in a bubble bath? Pride doesn't feed the cat and the dubious side benefit of this particular job is an up-close, personal view of the amorous exploits of Hollywood's ladies-who-lunch. The only bright spot is sixteen-year-old Heidi, a girl after Jaine's own heart. Shy, overweight, and oppressed by her step-mother, Sue Ellen, Heidi could use a friend as much as Jaine could use an ally. But everything short circuits when Jaine finds Sue Ellen floating face down in her tub, fried by her own blow dryer. Peroxided suspects abound, including a very private masseuse, a jealous nurse, a former game show hostess...even a closet blonde with a surprising secret. One of them is hiding a murderous heart behind pricey highlights, and laine's out to expose the killer's dark roots. Because blondes have enough fun without getting away with murder. (Amazon Product Description)

My thoughts: I'm back on the Jaine Train! After the last offering, which I found lacking, I was very glad to see the writing I fell in love with is back! This one actually had a surprise ending that I didn't see coming - so it gets extra points for that. The main characters are starting to grow on me - even the man crazy best friend - and Jaine's parents - what a hoot!

Would I recommend it? Yes - it was a fun, summertime read.

Where I got it: The Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

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

~Book Review~ Hex Hall

Who and What: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-142312130-5; First book in the Hex Hall Series

What it's about: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.     By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.     As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her. (from goodreads)

What I thought about it: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It grabbed me in from the very first and I couldn't put it down. The characters seem like regular kids - just with abilities. The cliques form different ways in the school, but you get to see them as normal (almost) teenagers. It's a perfect sit down and enjoy kind of book.

Would I recommend it? Yeck YA! It was a very good book - I only hope the second book is written as well.

Where did I get it? The Library

Challenges this book counts toward: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

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

~Book Review~ Last Writes

Who and What: Last Writes by Laura Levine, Hardcover Edition, ISBN 0-7582-0160-5, This is the second book in the Jaine Austen Mystery Series.

What it's about: (from goodreads)  Jaine still hasn t found a good man or a way to keep all those sugary snacks from going straight to her hips. But with a little help from her best friend Kandi she s finally landed a gig as a sitcom writer! True, Muffy n Me (aka Bewitched with Tits ) isn t going to win any Emmys. And her office at Miracle Studios needs a little sprucing up, and a few dozen rat traps. But it sure beats writing boring brochures and bad resumes, so Jaine s not complaining. Until the plot thickens with murder

Jaine figures the trouble all started when Muffy n Me s hottest star, gorgeous Quinn Kirkland, seduced the head writer whose husband also works on the show. But when Quinn s caught in bed with the barely-legal actress who plays his niece, things really heat up and his many jealous girlfriends start to figure things out

So when the no-good heartthrob drops dead after nibbling a poisoned doughnut, Jaine isn t terribly surprised. But who could have done it? A competitive co-star and a couple of scorned lovers top Jaine s list of suspects, but the police have zeroed in on her man-crazy pal Kandi. She fell hard for Quinn and nearly fell apart when she learned of all his other women. Now Jaine has to figure out who finally stopped Quinn s cheatin heart before her best friend ends up behind bars

What I thought: I actually like this series a lot, but for some reason this one didn't speak to me as much as the others I've read. I love Jaine, Prozac, and her crazy parents and the book was fairly well written. I think the problem is I've hit a cozy wall and it's time to read something different. Overall it was just o.k. for me.

Would I recommend? Yes, it was still a decent read.

Where I got it: The Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 100 Books in a Year Challenge

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

~Book Review~ Espresso Shot

Who and What: Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0425-22177-8 *This is book seven in the Coffeehouse Mystery Series*

What it's about: Coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi has been hired to create a gourmet coffee and dessert bar for her ex-husband's wedding. But her main problem is bridezilla Breanne Summour. When people close to Breanne begin to suffer fatal accidents, it's Clare who may get burned. (goodreads)


What I thought: I really liked this book. A little longer than a typical cozy but it never dragged. There were a lot of little twists that kept it interesting and maybe it's because I've never read this author before but I didn't know who the bad guy was until it was revealed. That always makes the book more fun in my opinion. I don't think starting late in the series made a difference, the author supplied some background so you would know who was who. 


Would I recommend this book: Yes - sit down and enjoy...


Where I got it: The Library


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; Book 3 in my June Goodreads Mini Challenge


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

~Book Review~ South Carolina Ghosts from the Coast to the Mountains

Who and What: South Carolina Ghosts from the Coast to the Mountains by Nancy Roberts; Paperback; ISBN 0-87249-429-2

What it's about: Eighteen stories based upon actual events including the famous Gray Man of Pawley's Island, Alice of Murrells Inlet, and the hitchhiker of Hwy 107. (goodreads)

What I thought: Well, I love all things paranormal - so I thought this book would be a great change from my normal cozies and thrillers. The writing though left me cold. The stories could have been really interesting but the author had no emotion in her writing. Normally you would expect pictures that show shadowy blobs, black mists, and the like. While this book has a few pictures none of them are of the ilk normally found in books of this genre. I wasn't drawn to looking to see if I could make something out. They were just, well, pictures. Overall, it was a disappointment.

Would I recommend this book? Nope. Not unless you are a hard core paranormal buff who hasn't heard any of these stories before.

Where I got it: The Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

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

~Book Review~ Ghost at Work

who and what: Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-06-087436-0; Book 1 in the Baily Ruth Series

what it's about: Bailey Ruth Raeburn has always been great at solving mysteries. Why should a little thing like her death change anything? In fact, being dead gives her more of an opportunity to be on top of events. Bailey Ruth is delighted that her unique position as a ghost makes it possible for her to lend a helping hand, sometimes seen and sometimes not. And if anybody needs a little help, it's Kathleen, the pastor's wife. There's a dead man on her porch, and once the body is discovered, the pastor is sure to become a suspect. 
 

Uncharitable people might call it meddling, but Bailey Ruth knows Kathleen needs her help! As a member of Heaven's Department of Good Intentions, Bailey Ruth goes back to earth to extricate Kathleen from a dire situation. If Bailey Ruth has to bend a few rules to help Kathleen save her family, Wiggins, her fussbudget supervisor, will make sure it all turns out right in the end. (goodreads)

what I thought: Oh my goodness - I really did not like this book. I never felt any connection to the characters at all. I thought the idea was very good, and I read one of Carolyn Hart's 'Death on Demand' series and enjoyed it very much but I just couldn't get into this one. I wish I could put my finger on exactly why I didn't enjoy it, but I think it was just a little bit of everything. At least I finished it *whew* but I won't be reading any more in this series.

where I got it: Let's all say it together "The Library"

challenges this counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 100 Books in a Year Challenge

Goodreads June mini challenge 2/5 

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

~Book Review~ Icing Ivy by Evan Marshall

Who and What: Icing Ivy by Evan Marshall; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 0-7582-0224-5

What it's about: Once Jane Stuart and Ivy Benson were best friends - until Ivy's daughter Marlene took a job as nanny to Jane's son and was later murdered. Now it's time for Jane and Ivy to heal past wounds and catch up on old times. The perfect opportunity presents itself at a week at the off-season mountain lodge where Jane has scheduled a fiction writers' retreat

So much for best intentions. Ivy's brought Johnny, the new man in her life, who has eyes for one of Jane's students-a local waitress with little promise as a writer but a great future as a home wrecker. But Carla's not the only reason for Johnny's guest appearance. The handsome lothario is also a man on the run, and the Mt. Munsee Lodge is his perfect hideaway.

What Johnny's running from is soon catching up with all of them--and with a blizzard leaving them snowbound, there's little chance for escape. Especially Ivy. Jane's discovered her old pal dead--stabbed with an ice pick--on a lonely mountain trail. Johnny's the likely suspect, except he's disappeared. And as far as Jane's concerned, he had no real motive to ice his latest flame. But one of her student's apparently did.

As the melting ice gives way to startling clues, Jane and Winky's investigation leads them into Ivy's complicated past--and the deadly secrets of a writer who has the clever manipulations of the murder mystery down cold...(from the jacket flap)

What I thought about it: Naturally the person who gets killed is less than likable - but I found Ivy even more so - and the list of suspects was a cast of rude, appalling characters that made me cringe. Normally I really like this series, but for some reason with this cast of characters, I found myself not caring why Ivy was killed or who did it. Granted, I thought the ending was surprising - I missed the clues along the way - but maybe that's because I wanted all of them to go down for the crime? I didn't hate it, but it certainly wasn't one I liked a whole lot either. This is the fourth book in the Jane Stuart and Winky Mystery Series.

Where I got it: the library

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge, 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge, A to Z Reading Challenge

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