Challenge Finished!

I'm so proud of myself - I finished a challenge!

The challenge I finished was this one

This was my original challenge - sadly I've added more, but getting one done makes me feel so much better!

The books I read for this challenge were -

1. The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry
2.  Tippy-Toe Murder by Leslie Meier
3.  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
4.  The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
5.  Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
6.  Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy
7.  The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry
8.  Scone Cold Dead by Kaitlyn Dunnett
9.  Antiques Roadkill: A Trash 'n' Treasure Mystery by Barbara Allen
10.  Wedding Day Murder by Leslie Meier
11.  Crushing Crystal by Evan Marshall
12.  Live Bait by P.J. Tracy


How are my other challenges going?


Show Me the Free: I'm at a standstill on this one - 3 out of 12 (25% complete)


Audiobook Challenge: I've listened to 4 out of 12 (33% complete)


Library Challenge: 4 out of 25 (16% complete)


A to Z Reading Challenge: 13 out of 26 (50% complete). I've even got the ever elusive 'X' book lined up!


100 Books in a Year: 19 out of 100 (19% complete). I'm further behind this month even though I've a read a lot of books since my last update!




~ 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

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

~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

~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

~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

~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

~Review~ The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry

Synopsis (from book jacket)


When Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile in 1821, he took to the grave a powerful secret. As general and emperor, he had stolen immeasurable riches from palaces, national treasuries, and even the Knights of Malta and the Vatican. In his final days, his British captors hoped to learn where the loot lay hidden. But he told them nothing, and in his will he made no mention of the treasure. Or did he?


Former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone is about to find out when trouble comes knocking at his Copenhagen bookshop. Actually, it breaks and enters in the form of an American Secret Service agent with a pair of assassins on his heels. Malone has his doubts about the anxious young man, but narrowly surviving a ferocious firefight convinces him to follow his unexpected new ally.


Their first stop is the secluded estate of Malone's good friend Henrik Thorvaldsen. The wily Danish tycoon has uncovered the insidious plans of the Paris Club, a cabal of multimillionaires bent on manipulating the global economy. Only by matching wits with a terrorist-for-hire, foiling a catastrophic attack, and plunging into a desperate hunt for Napoleon's legendary lost treasure can Malone hope to avert international financial anarchy.


But Thorvaldsen's real objective is much more personal: to avenge the murder of his son by the larcenous aristocrat at the heart of the conspiracy. Thorvaldens's vendetta places Malone in an impossible quandary - one that forces him to choose between friend and country, past and present. Starting in Denmark, moving to England, and ending up in the storied streets of Paris, Malone plays a breathless game of duplicity and death, all to claim a prize of untold value. But at what cost?




Here's what I think...


First, I love Berry. I have never read a book by him that didn't grab and hold me from the very beginning. Until now. I wanted to love this book as I had all his others - but I just couldn't. The focus was less on the power play and more on the personal vendetta side and I didn't enjoy that quite as much. 


As always, he always intertwines little factoids about history, which I love, and even separates real from what he concocted at the end. Those writer's notes are one of the things I love about him! There was enough action, intrigue, and back stabbing to make it a decent read, but for me, being such a fan I was a little disappointed.


Sadly (and I hate to do it!) I have to give it only a 2 - it was just O.K. for me.



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

~Monkeewrench~ by P.J. Tracy

Image from Goodreads

Synopsis - Haunted by a series of horrifying and violent episodes in their past, Grace MacBride and the oddball crew of her software company, Monkeewrench, create a new computer game where the killer is always caught, where the good guys always win. But their game becomes a nightmare when someone starts duplicating the fictional murders in real life, down to the last detail. By the time police realize what's happening, three people are dead. While the authorities scramble to find the killer, the Monkeewrench staff is playing their own game, analyzing victim profiles in a frantic attempt to discover the murderer's next target. In a thriller populated by characters both hilarious and heartbreaking, a rural Wisconsin sheriff, two Minneapolis police detectives, and Grace's gang are caught in a web of decades-old secrets that could get them all killed. ~From the book jacket


What I have to say - WOW! This book was incredible. I didn't even have this on my radar until I read a review on another blog about it and realized I HAD to read it. Then I went to the library, hunted up a copy and read like mad! I can't remember where I read the review now but thanks so very much.  I mean that sincerely. I'm not going to try and get all smart sounding on you by analyzing the characters and their emotional baggage.  I am going to tell you that each person is probably the most perfect mix of good and bad - just like real people.  I'm also going to tell you that you must read this book!  Now I have to add the rest of the series to my TBR pile!


I give this book 5/5 - it was awesome

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

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

This book includes: 

A Scandal in Bohemia 
The Red-Headed League 
A Case of Identity 
The Boscombe Valley Mystery 
The Five Orange Pips 
The Man with the Twisted Lip 
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle 
The Adventure of the Speckled Band 
The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb 
The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor 
The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet 
The Adventure of the Copper Beeches


Picture and description from Goodreads

This picture shows the Kindle version - I read mine on the Kobo and the front didn't look like this - but all the stories are the same.

This was the first free ebook I read.  The very first mystery book I ever read (even before Nancy Drew) was "The Hound of the Baskervilles".  I've always loved Sherlock Holmes, which is why when this came preloaded on my Kobo I knew I would read it!

My favorite story from the group was The Five Orange Pips.

It took me a little longer to finish than I had originally anticipated, but as always, well worth the read.

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

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Well, I finally finished it!  I feel like I've been reading this book forever - not because it was extremely long or boring (because it wasn't boring) but because school interfered with my reading more than I had anticipated!

So, without further ado - here are my thoughts on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I actually enjoyed this book.  Don't get me wrong, it was long - but it was still worth the read.

I read this book on my Kobo, which kept me updated on how much of it I had read (25% or whatever), so I always had a general idea of how much more I had to read.

Without giving too much away, because I hate when people do that, I was really surprised at one particular point, and it seemed like that should be the end - but it wasn't.  The actual end left me feeling a little disappointed.

Would I read this book again?  Probably not - I rarely re-read anything.  It's just not in my nature.  Am I planning on reading the next two books in this trilogy?  The jury's still out on that one.  Perhaps not right away, but I may put them on my want to read list sooner or later.

Up next on my Kobo is "The Goddess of Fried Okra" but I think I may swing by the library and hit up one of my quick 'cozy mysteries' first!



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