Thursday, October 17, 2024

Lesa's Book Critiques: What Are You Reading?

 Lesa's Book Critiques: What Are You Reading?

Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: "Love and Russian Literature" by Somerset Maugham

Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: "Love and Russian Literature" by Somerset Maugham: This short story, told wonderfully in Somerset Maugham's dry, satirical style, is based on Maugham's own experience as a secret agen...

In Reference To Murder: Mystery Melange 10/17/2024

 In Reference To Murder: Mystery Melange 10/17/2024

Patricia Abbott: Short Story Wednesday, CHALLENGE THE IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL PROBLEMS OF DR. SAM HAWTHORNE, Edward D. Hoch

 Patricia Abbott: Short Story Wednesday, CHALLENGE THE IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL PROBLEMS OF DR. SAM HAWTHORNE, Edward D. Hoch

George Kelly: WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES #197: MURDER MOST CONFEDERATE Edited by Martin H. Greenberg

 George Kelly: WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES #197: MURDER MOST CONFEDERATE Edited by Martin H. Greenberg

Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: Shadow Voices, ed. by John Connolly

Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: Shadow Voices, ed. by John ...:   The subtitle for this volume of short stories is "300 years of Irish Genre Fiction, A History in Stories." The first story is fr...

Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: THE BODYGUARD

Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: THE BODYGUARD: "The Bodyguard" by Lee Child (fist published in First Thrills , edited by Lee Child, 2010; reprinted in Child's collection Saf...

Lesa's Book Critiques: Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise

Beneath the Stains of Time: Murder Most Monstrous: Case Closed, vol. 91 by Gosho Aoyama

Beneath the Stains of Time: Murder Most Monstrous: Case Closed, vol. 91 by Gos...: The 91st volume of Gosho Aoyama 's Case Closed series opens, traditionally, with the conclusion of the story that was setup, and closed...

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Haunted South: Where Ghosts Still Roam by Nancy Roberts

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Haunted South: Where Ghosts Still Roam by Nan...:   Reviewed by Jeanne Some of my fondest memories are about sitting and listening to ghost stories told by family members, usually during t...

Lesa's Book Critiques: Gathering Mist by Margaret Mizushima

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Gathering Mist by Margaret Mizushima

SleuthSayers: Crimes Against Nature: The Anthology

SleuthSayers: Crimes Against Nature: The Anthology: I don't know if you noticed that the world changed on Monday, October 7, but I did. Down and Out Books published Crimes Against Nature:...

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Bad Moon Rising: Newer names in horror fiction

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Bad Moon Rising: Newer names in horror fiction: Compiled by Christy  October is the time for spooky stories and creepy tales!   Usually some of   the first names that come to mind when hor...

In Reference To Murder: Media Murder for Monday 10/14/2024

 In Reference To Murder: Media Murder for Monday 10/14/2024

Little Big Crimes: The Hanging Judge, by Dave Zeltserman

Little Big Crimes: The Hanging Judge, by Dave Zeltserman:  "The Hanging Judge," by  Dave Zeltserman, in Black Cat Weekly, #163, 2024. World-building is a topic that gets discussed a lot a...

Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg

Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – It Happened One Knife by Jeffrey Cohen

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – It Happened One Knife by Jeffrey Cohen

Monday, October 14, 2024

Computer Died Yesterday

The old computer that I was using died yesterday just before noon. Scott spent much of the day working on it to no avail. I was going to close up shop and call it a day. He would not hear of it. 

He ordered a replacement  that is close to what I had and it should he here midweek. 600 bucks and change before tax and money I don’t have with all the medical stuff these past three months and yet mire medical stuff this week and next. But, we are  doing it to prevent my small circle from closing down even more. When your world is doctor office and the occasional foray to the library, one needs that online connection and this iPad isn’t going to get the job done. 

Now you know why things are so quiet here. 

Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: The Confidence Games by Tess Amy


Tess Amy writes the popular Marion Lane historical mysteries under the name T. A. Wilberg. Her first contemporary crime fiction novel was released in July 2024. The Confidence Games highlights Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow, two school friends turned international con artists who specialize in stealing high-end jewelry and watches and then selling them to the highest bidder on the dark Web. Nellie comes by her tricks naturally, having been trained from a young age by her grandmother. Emma had to acquire pickpocket and scam artist skills as an adult but she managed. Together they are an unstoppable duo, until one night when Nellie is kidnapped and Emma is told that she has to steal a famous diamond necklace to ransom Nellie. Emma isn’t used to working alone but how she collects her self-confidence and rises to the occasion is witty and clever and makes for an amusing and absorbing read.

While the book starts off as a light-hearted caper and keeps the vestiges of a heist, the story soon veers into more serious territory, examining concepts of identity, self-discovery, and family. Hardly anyone in the book is who they say they are, contributing to the confusion and the surprises of the ultimate resolution.

The inventive cast of characters includes an 8-year-old girl who carries a book of advice with her everywhere and consults it on all occasions. I was especially amused by Dax Frederick, the duo’s so-called computer “expert”. While most fictional IT gurus know technology inside and out, Dax is apologetically ignorant of most of the conventions of breaking into a system. His apartment is full of textbooks about hacking as he tries to bring his skills up to the standard the two con artists need to function safely on the dark Web. Playing against type he is hopelessly inept.

The ending is immensely rewarding, as the bad guys get their comeuppance and Nellie and Emma are re-united in a suitably dramatic fashion. Highly readable, possible series potential. Recommended.

 


  • Publisher: Berkley (July 9, 2024)
  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • ISBN-10: 0593642503
  • ISBN-13: 978-0593642504

 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3NHehQF 

 

Aubrey Nye Hamilton ©2024

Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Review: Death at a Scottish Christmas: A Scottish Isle Mystery by Lucy Connelly


Death at a Scottish Christmas: A Scottish Isle Mystery by Lucy Connelly is the third read in this highly entertaining cozy mystery series that began with An American in Scotland. A lot has happened since Doctor Emilia McRoy arrived in Sea Isle, Scotland, back in August. As we roll into December here in this new book, it is best to have read the preceding books in the series.

 

The doctor is supposed to be off for the month of December until January 3rd. She is a tad bored on this December 10th as she is ready with her gifts, reorganized a closet, and caught up with her medical journals. Mara, manager of the Pig & Whistle Pub well as being a good friend, has recruited her to help out with various things as holiday parties and celebrating various events are a big deal in Sea Isle as are the tourists. But, she is still at loose ends.

 

That is until Mara calls with a request to help transport some members of the rock brand, Bram and the Strokers. Highly popular in the United Kingdom, they are to play in town to kick off the holidays. Their bus broke down shortly after leaving Edinburgh. Mara needs help getting the members and their equipment to town and the doctor has a SUV. She agrees helps ferry band members to town, and is there at the party/concert that evening. It was a great night. Though things got awkward several times between various people.

 

It was also the last time folks heard Bram sing. It was the doctor herself who found him sitting on a chair on the beach in very cold weather. The sun was up, but it was a cold morning, and he wasn’t dressed for it. As if he sat down to look at the sea and just went to permanent sleep.

 

Doctor Emilia McRoy also serves as the coroner and that means she has a joint investigation with Ewan Campbell, the town constable and much more. It also means that there is huge media publicity regarding Bram’s death. That publicity brings in Evan’s bosses, the media, and a lot more complications.

 

What follows is another twisty mystery that further solidifies many of the existing characters and brings in a couple of other new characters who might be around in subsequent books. Author Lucy Connelly continues to bring a very special place alive for readers while providing a lot of entertainment and mystery. This book, and the series as a whole, are well worth your time.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3YmkDLe

 

My reading copy came by way of the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. 

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2024 

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Mystery Magazine: August 2024

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Mystery Magazine: August 2024

Dru's Book Musings: New Releases ~ Week of October 13, 2024

 Dru's Book Musings: New Releases ~ Week of October 13, 2024 

KRL Update 10/12/2024

Up on KRL this week a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "A Dark and Stormy Knit" by Peggy Ehrhart, along with a fun Halloween craft from Peggy https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/a-dark-and-stormy-knit-by-peggy-ehrhart/

And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Death Scene" by Carol J. Perry https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/death-scene-a-witch-city-mystery-by-carol-j-perry/

 

And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Sunflowers, Scarecrows, and Scandal" by Erica Wynters, along with an interesting interview with Erica https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/sunflowers-scarecrows-and-scandal-by-erica-wynters/

 

We also have another spooky short story perfect for Halloween, this one is "Clown-O-Phobia" by Bobbi Chukran https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/clown-o-phobia-a-spooky-short-story-by-bobbi-a-chukran-for-halloween/

 

For those who prefer to listen to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast directly on KRL, here is the player for the latest episode which features the ghostly mystery short story "The Codicil" by Shannon Taft and read by local actor Sean Hopper. Perfect for your Halloween listening https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/new-mysteryrats-maze-podcast-featuring-the-codicil/

 

Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by mystery author Margaret Fenton about how she became a mystery writer and her new book "Little Boy Blue" https://kingsriverlife.com/10/09/how-i-became-a-mystery-writer-my-little-series/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "The Damages" by Shelley Costa https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/the-damages-by-shelley-costa.html

 

And if you are looking for something a little scarier for your Halloween reading, we also have a review and ebook giveaway of "Harrigan's Price and Other Stories" an anthology with tales of mystery, intrigue and horror by Christian Bauer https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/harrigans-price-by-christian-bauer.html

 
Happy Halloween season!
Lorie

Beneath the Stains of Time: The Killer Everyone Knew and Other Captain Leopold Stories (2023) by Edward D. Hoch

Beneath the Stains of Time: The Killer Everyone Knew and Other Captain Leopold...: The Killer Everyone Knew and Other Captain Leopold Stories (2023) is the thirteenth volume of Edward D. Hoch 's fiction, published by C...

Scott's Take: Batman: City of Madness by Christian Ward


Batman: City of Madness by Christian Ward, who also illustrated it, is the first book I have read by him. He does a really good job on both aspects. This is another standalone elseworlds Batman book. In this comic, Batman of the surface teams up with The Court Of Owls to stop the Batman Below. Secretly, there is another Gotham city below the main Gotham. This dark mirror world’s Batman has left his city to train a Robin in the above. He seeks to merge these two Gotham into one. Doing that would damage reality for all and cause widespread insanity in both levels. Batman of the surface and the Court of Owls will attempt to stop him.

 

This graphic novel is an atmospheric read featuring a decent number of characters. Several characters play a bigger role than the synopsis implies.  Unfortunately, because it is only three issues, there is not a lot of time to go into much detail in this fast paced read. I am a little disappointed that the Gotham Below is not explored as much as it could be.

 

The art is excellent and depicts the cosmic horror really well. There are several disturbing scenes for some readers in regards to body horror. There is a clear setup for a sequel. That setup causes the read to abruptly end. I hate this trend of teasing a sequel that may not even happen.

 

I enjoyed this read despite its flaws. It really needed a longer time to explore the ideas presented, but it is worth reading. 

 


Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4gv1RIE

 

My reading copy came from Hoopla through the Dallas Public Library System. 

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2024 

Friday, October 11, 2024

Lesa's Book Critiques: Winners and Off to Europe Giveaway

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Winners and Off to Europe Giveaway

Happiness Is A Book: Friday’s Forgotten Book: The Case of the Advertised Murders by Minna Bardon

 Happiness Is A Book: Friday’s Forgotten Book: The Case of the Advertised Murders by Minna Bardon

Patricia Abbott: FFB BRIARPATCH, Ross Thomas

 Patricia Abbott: FFB BRIARPATCH, Ross Thomas

FFB Review: It Happened One Knife: A Comedy Tonight Mystery by Jeffrey Cohen

 

From the massive archive…. 

 

It has been four months since patrons darkened the comedy tonight movie theater in New Jersey. The balcony has been fixed, the snacks are in a new display case, there are new seats in the theater and all is right with the world. In fact, Elliot Freed, owner and occasional investigator, is allowing his projectionist to screen his violent western “Killin' Time.”

 

Elliot made a promise and Anthony did his part so the movie is playing to a large crowd. A movie that Elliot pretty much doesn't like and not just because it isn't a comedy. Despite Eliot's opinion and probably because it is excessively violent and graphic, the movie is a sure hit according to the rep for the comedy film distributor.

 

"'It’s got blood!' Vic held up a finger. 'It's got cursing.' Another finger. 'Killing, sex, cruelty, character's nobody could like.' Finger, finger, finger, thumb on the other hand. It can't miss.'" (Page 4)

 

Vic wants the movie and plans to work a deal with a studio for Anthony and take a piece of the money along the way. The idea that this gruesome movie could be a hit appalls Elliot who is a fan of the classic comedy. Almost as appalling is the fact that when Anthony's one print of the film turns up missing minutes later, Anthony accuses Elliot of taking it over jealousy and a need to keep Anthony in his place. Something a number of other folks seem to believe as well.

 

That storyline becomes secondary to the main point of the book which is Elliot's opportunity to show as part of his double feature the legendary comedy movie "Cracked Ice." Starring a famous comedy team of Harry Lillis and Les Townes who ruled the mid 1950's to early 1960's, the movie is a personal favorite of Elliot's. Even better, Vic knows where Harry Lillis is living these days and that location isn't too far away giving Elliot a chance to meet one of his idols and have him come to the theater.

 

The problem with idols is that too often they are merely mortal men with feet of clay. The image on screen is far different than the reality and before long Elliot finds himself in a multi decade's old murder case involving the comedic duo. A case that, while it was hushed up back in the powerful movie studio days, once again may cause more death.

 

And if that isn't enough, Sharon, Elliot's ex-wife, just might want to get back together again.

 

Released last July, this sequel to the comedic mystery Some Like It Hot Buttered brings everyone back for another mystery that contains elements of humor and romance. Elliot Freed has a sarcastic streak that comes out under pressure and frequently comes out once this slow to get going novel moves into gear.

 

The mysteries are secondary to the character relationships which have driven both books. Family is important and that means much more than simple blood connections. For Elliot Freed, just about everyone involved in his life on a steady basis is family and his bike just might be as well.

 

Filled with references to comedy movies and other trivia, Jeff Cohen has created another enjoyable tale of romance, crime, and comedy. It may not split your sides with laughter, like the Aaron Tucker series frequently will, but you will get plenty of chuckles along the way.  


Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4gZ0zpC 

 

This book was provided by the Allen Public Library of Allen, Texas by way of the Plano, Texas Public Library System. 

 

Kevin R. Tipple © 2009, 2017, 2024

Thursday, October 10, 2024

The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: SMFS Member Guest Post: IF YOU JUST HANG ON… by Ni...

The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: SMFS Member Guest Post: IF YOU JUST HANG ON… by Ni...: Please welcome back Kathleen Marple Kalb to the blog today in her Nikki Knight personae. The book, Live, Local, and Long Dead: A Vermont Rad...

In Reference To Murder: Mystery Melange

 In Reference To Murder: Mystery Melange

Lesa's Book Critiques: What Are You Reading?

 Lesa's Book Critiques: What Are You Reading?

Lesa's Book Critiques: The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

 Lesa's Book Critiques: The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

Beneath the Stains of Time: Death Croons the Blues (1934) by James Ronald

Beneath the Stains of Time: Death Croons the Blues (1934) by James Ronald: Stories of Crime & Detection, vol. 7: Death Croons the Blues (2024) is, as of this writing, one of the recent additions to the ambitiou...

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: A Season with the Witch by J.W. Ocker

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: A Season with the Witch by J.W. Ocker:  Note:  This blog was first run in 2018 but we thought it was worth running again! Reviewed by Christy              J.W. Ocker likes to trav...

Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: Ladies' Lunch by Lore Segal

Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: Ladies' Lunch by Lore Segal:   This book of short stories was published by Lore Segal in 2023 on her 95th birthday. It consists of 16 stories; 10 of them are about the &...

George Kelly: WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES #198: IN THE MAD MOUNTAINS: STORIES INSPIRED BY H. P. LOVECRAFT By Joe R. Lansdale

 George Kelly: WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES #198: IN THE MAD MOUNTAINS: STORIES INSPIRED BY H. P. LOVECRAFT By Joe R. Lansdale

Patricia Abbott: Short Story Wednesday "Hi, Daddy," Matthew Klam, THE NEW YORKER

 Patricia Abbott: Short Story Wednesday "Hi, Daddy," Matthew Klam, THE NEW YORKER

Tuesday, October 08, 2024

Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Some Like It Hot-Buttered by Jeff Cohen

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – Some Like It Hot-Buttered by Jeff Cohen

Art Taylor: The First Two Pages: “The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion” by David Avallone

 Art Taylor: The First Two Pages: “The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion” by David Avallone

SleuthSayers: If You Think Your Life is Going to Pot, Call Annabelle ... by Barb Goffman

SleuthSayers: If You Think Your Life is Going to Pot, Call Annab...: Where do you get your story ideas ? I don't usually have a good answer to this question. They often seem to come from nowhere . I'm ...

Jerry's House of Everything: NAKED CITY: NICKEL RIDE (OCTOBER 7, 1958)

Jerry's House of Everything: NAKED CITY: NICKEL RIDE (OCTOBER 7, 1958): There are eight million stories in the Naked City.  This is one of them. While detectives are visiting the captain of a Staten Island ferry,...

Mystery Fanfare: THE MACAVITY AWARDS 2024

Mystery Fanfare: THE MACAVITY AWARDS 2024: The Macavity Awards 2024 (for works published in 2023) The Macavity Award is named after Macavity: The Mystery Cat , in T.S. E...

Review: The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames


The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames opens with a phone call. Mrs. Jack Currey is worried about her sister and Chief of Police Samuel Craddock just happened to be the one answering the phone. Jarrett Creek, Texas, is a very small town and he pretty much either knows everyone or knows of them. He has no idea who Maddy Benson is, but her sister is insistent she lives in the area.

 

She also reports that her sister seemed to be out of breath and said something about needing to get away before saying she would call back and hung up. Mrs. Jack Curry is rattled and clearly is concerned about her sister. She finally explains she has not lived there long which is why Chief Craddock does not know her. Mrs. Jack Curry provides the address and Sheriff Craddock realizes that the location is out in a relatively new development north of town.

 

Chief Craddock and Deputy Maria Trevino go looking in the area and eventually spot an open gate at Tom Gainer’s property. His gate is always closed during the week as he only comes around on weekends. Further investigation deeper into the property yields a body.

 

The body is female and she has been shot in the middle of the back.

 

It does not take long at all to determine that the deceased woman is Maddy Benson. Her murder unleashes a complicated tale that had stirred up quite a few members of the local citizenry. People who had found out what she was doing and objected. Threats had been made. The suspect list is a long one and it is not helped by the fact that her family is beset by their own internal grievances and relationship drama.

 

Much is going on in The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames. While it is a good mystery/police procedural read, this is a book that is not for everyone.

 

A major aspect of the read is what is happening in Texas with abortion and reproductive health care rights. Author Terry Shames deftly encapsulates the fear on one side and the outright anger and hostility shown by some on the other side. It is a deeply felt issue for many people. Therefore, some readers may have a hard time with this read.

 

The latest in the series, The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames deftly deals with a hard subject while entertaining readers with a complicated mystery. Simply put, it is a good read.

 


Make sure you read Lesa Holstine’s review as well as her author spotlight on author Terry Shames. 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ZLGs8a


My reading copy was an ARC from the publisher, Severn House, through NetGalley. 

 

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2024