Tag Archive: mystery



Bad MonkeyBad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I’m at 77% into this book. I have sped up the audio because I am bored with this book. I have read other Carl Hiaasen books, and I always feel like I want to quit. I wonder why I tried. This isn’t up my alley. The humor is not funny. Maybe my gender? My age? I just find it a bit vulgar and misogynistic. And I am sad to hear bad things about the Johnny Depp monkey from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. All of it may be true, but still… it is a monkey, ya know?

I’ll finish the book before I sleep tonight. If the last bit changes my opinion, I’ll come back and change the review. Obviously, others love this book —try it and see what you think. A plus was that Arte Johnson was the narrator.

Thankfully, I picked this up on Libby.

View all my reviews


Chasing Evil: Shocking Crimes, Supernatural Forces, and an FBI Agent’s Search for Hope and JusticeChasing Evil: Shocking Crimes, Supernatural Forces, and an FBI Agent’s Search for Hope and Justice by Robert Hilland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Robert Hilland (Author, Narrator) and John Edward (Author, Narrator) told a frightening story. And it is a nonfiction. It isn’t a ‘who done it’ as they knew who. They just needed to catch the guy in a legal way to stop his serial murders.

I made the mistake of trying to read this at bedtime and found I couldn’t sleep. The book opens the imagination and sets you in the detective seat, trying to figure out what is happening and how to catch the guy in the act before more deaths.

If you are a skeptic, this book challenges you. I must admit to my share of “Come on! No, WAY!” but then I still believe there is energy out there. Ghosts? Angels? Who knows until we get to the other side? I can see this book becoming a movie.

I was lucky to find this audiobook on Libby.

View all my reviews


The President's DaughterThe President’s Daughter by Bill Clinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don’t read this if you expect to ease into sleep at night. At 4:30 in the morning, I had to force the audiobook off so I could sleep. And yet I couldn’t. This book was very suspenseful.

With a cast of narrators that includes Tony Goldwyn, Fajer Al-Kaisi, James Chen, Jeremy Davidson, Amanda Dolan, Peter Ganim, Dion Graham, January LaVoy, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Soneela Nankani, the story is lively. The characters are full, flawed, and human.

About halfway through, I thought it was just an epilogue from the end. Then I looked at the progress line and saw that there was still a lot more to read. I needed to sleep!

This book is the second installment in the series, and I find that the collaborative writing of James Patterson and Bill Clinton creates a believable story that is also somewhat scary. Let this serve as a warning to be read in the light of day. Maybe a car ride audio rather than bed.

I am grateful to have borrowed this Libby audiobook.

View all my reviews


ConclaveConclave by Robert Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Pope died. It’s time for a new one. We’ve lived through a few of these. It is an interesting concept.

I’m not Catholic, but I have friends and family who are or have been. So I’ve always been curious. How does this work? How do they choose, especially since the church has a range of awesome and sinful? So when I saw the author on a talk show, I put the book on hold with Libby.

It was okay. For me, it was falling into a past of reading about men by men. Quite boring. But I’m glad I read it. Tiny bits of progress of thought seem to thread through this story. But I wonder if women are anything less than barefoot, pregnant witches to these self-important men. Sorry. Not sorry.

Still, these are my opinions that are changeable like the wind. Read it yourself and enjoy.

View all my reviews


Every Moment SinceEvery Moment Since by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I ran out of something to read too early in the night. Libby had this story available to borrow. I wasn’t sure about it. Murder mysteries are not my favorite. Especially in cases where a child is missing. But with the multiple narrators and character development, I was drawn in. Although it was a whodunit, it was more about family relationships, watching the characters grow up without their loved one.

It is undoubtedly sad at times, but one has to find equilibrium after loss. I think that was the main point of the story.

I loved Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s writing and the acting chops of Cassandra Campbell, George Newbern, Kirby Heyborne, Jane Oppenheimer, Macleod Andrews, and Renata Friedman.

View all my reviews


The White LadyThe White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was no Maisie Dobbs. However, it did seem like a lot of plot ideas wanted to be included in the series, but these were leftovers. So, by thinking of the story bits in ziplock bags, I had fun reading (listening) to this non-Maisie.

This probably stands on its own, but I almost wish I had read it before the series rather than after. Still, once again, we inhabit an England during wartime. As only Jacqueline Winspear can, you are transported to layers of the populace amid crimes and courageous efforts by ordinary people. And women get their due in history, even if this is fiction, I’m sure situations like this existed.

Orlagh Cassidy’s great narrating talent makes the reader feel a part of the story.

View all my reviews


Cables and Conjurers (Vampire Knitting Club, #15)Cables and Conjurers by Nancy Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why is it over so soon? It was such a welcome relief when Libby shared with me that they are now carrying Nancy Warren’s books, including this latest addition to the Vampire Knitting Club. These books are so much fun! With all that is going on in the world, one needs a good escape.

No, you don’t need to know anything about knitting. After all, the yarn store owner, Lucy Swift, knows only enough to get in trouble. Nor do many vampire rules apply in these books. Hence, the fun of the club that meets after the store closes.

I think my only issue with any of these books is the murder that must be solved. But somehow, we’ve grown cozy with folks being killed. Besides, it does keep the story going.

Nancy Warren’s writing, including her fantastic sense of humor make these stories perfect. Sarah Zimmerman (Narrator) knows how to relate the scenes flawlessly.

Sadly, I’m finished with the series. I must seek out more of Nancy Warren books! Please, if you need a lightweight read, look for this Vampire Knitting series.

View all my reviews


The President Is MissingThe President Is Missing by Bill Clinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don’t read this at bedtime! Perhaps a great read for jogging or biking? It is one of those thrillers that keeps the adrenaline pumping. I don’t often read books as exciting as this. However, I thought the combination of authorship and team of narrators (Mozhan Marnò, Jeremy Davidson, Peter Ganim, Dennis Quaid, January LaVoy) would make this feel like a radio show. Or a mental movie.

I wish there were an occasional random female voice. I find that a male voice imitating a female pulls me right out of the story. However, aside from that issue, this was quite the adventure. I’m eager to read the next book.

Libby had this book to lend. Yay!

View all my reviews


The Comfort of Ghosts (Maisie Dobbs)The Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I put off writing this review because it is so hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful series. I lived with Maisie Dobbs through all her trials and good times. I don’t think it would be easy to write another chapter in this life, but it seemed a good finale.

Libby had all the books ready on audiobooks, so I listened to Orlagh Cassidy narrate all the books. I loved each and every one. I may have to get these on Audible so I can relive the whole story. Jacqueline Winspear’s writing is so compelling that you feel you are right there in Maisie’s head, experiencing everything she sees, feels, and hears.

I have my good friend, Kay, to thank for letting me experience this series. If you get the chance, you will find that truth that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Technology changes a little, but hearts and minds are complex and give each of us so much to learn and love.

View all my reviews


A Sunlit Weapon (Maisie Dobbs, #17)A Sunlit Weapon by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so sad to say I have finished the series. I read and listened so quickly that I forgot to review the books in between.

Each book has a unique story, and each pulls the reader into the life of the story. One feels they are there, immersed in the time and place with all the triumphs and terrors of the time of war.

This story highlighted the lives of female flyers. And the aftermath of bombing attacks. And murder.

I was fortunate to borrow these audiobooks from Libby.

Jacqueline Winspear’s writing and research are amazing. Orlagh Cassidy’s narration made me see the world from the characters’ eyes.

Thank you, Kay, for recommending this series.

View all my reviews

Sip, Snack, See

A Blog About Food and Travels

Golu lodhi

I upload photos & videos Golu lodhi village pairakhedi

Hunza

Travel,Tourism, precious story

IsabellaJoshua

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

A Flower in the Field of Life

Faith Disability Lifestyle

intricate cantrips

twisted yarns, unraveled

Introverted Growth

The Introvert's Roadmap to Self Discovery and Growth

Histopedia

story telling from history

KaustubhaReflections

Where ancient wisdom meets modern technology. Stories that illuminate the wonders of science, culture, and life — crafted with human creativity and a touch of AI magic.

Roads Lesser Traveled

Life is just down the road lesser traveled....

Enlarge my heart

In the Quiet Space of a Benedictine Heart: Seeking God in Every Moment

A.M. Barnich

My Author Page

TheEnlightenedMind622

Open Your Mind

leviticalscript.code.blog

Welcome to the High Priest media

Daily Topics Hub

Scroll Less, Know More