There's A Porcupine in My Outhouse: Misadventures of a Mountain Man Wannabe, by Michael J. Tougias

I have to admit, having had a porcupine visit my own spruce tree last year, the title is what drew me to "There's a Porcupine in My Outhouse" to begin with. I'm so glad it did. This book is a delight. Part whimsical, self-deprecating humor and part fascinatingly informative, it was just what I needed to read over this alternately snowy and rainy weekend here in Alaska. Author Michael J. Tougias has the soul of a teacher as well as the eye of a modern day Thoreau. He'll make you grin one moment, then ponder whether it's true spider's can walk on water, so to speak, or is that really the best fishing hint ever, then sneak in a teaching moment about the critters involved and the need to not conquer the land but protect it. I found a bit of Gary Paulsen in him, too, and was delighted to find a mention of Paulsen's book "Hatchet" as he flew over the land wondering about his pilot's health and if he could really fly a plane if necessary. Thank you, Michael J. Tougias for inviting me along to your cabin and sharing your friends, neighbors, and wildlife about you. If you have any interest in living wild, so to speak, nature and the outdoors, I think you'll love this book. Accept his invite into his rustic cabin and give this a read. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #RowmanAndLittlefield, #LyonsPress for the ARC.

 

Bear Witness (Alaska Untamed Mystery #1) by Lark O. Jensen

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the advanced copy. 

As I was walking my dog this morning in the freshly fallen snow here in Alaska, I thought about this book. I realized that thought spoke highly of the book. True, as an Alaskan I might quibble with a few things, like dogs on tour boats that I know from personal experience encounter very rough water at times, but Lark O. Jensen's descriptive powers and ability to bring characters to life made it stick with me. I've been on tour boats in the setting described and she captured that excitement and wonder at both the scenery and wildlife you'll see on such a tour well. Knowing the setting well, including the tour boats themselves, I felt right at home with this book and look forward to more in the series. Any book that can divert my mind from the beauty about me on my daily walk, complete with snow and mountains and, yes, a dog, albeit not a husky, has something going for it. That the author set a murder aboard amidst some of the world's most beautiful surroundings made the murder all the worse. Although I'd have liked to have seen things more along a bit faster, the story did drag in a few spots, "Bear Witness" is an excellent start to the series. I think I dreamed of leaping whales, husky kisses, and glacier bears. If you love travel, particularly to Alaska, huskies, wildlife, interesting characters, and mystery, you might enjoy this stop in Alaska. We'll be waiting to welcome you.

Murder at the Castle: A Belinda Penshurst Mystery Book 2, by Lisa Cutts

 

How things change. I didn't like main character Belinda at all when I started reading. Somewhere, without me noticing, I came to, okay, if not like her at least understand her better. At first I couldn't fathom what the relatively easy going Harry saw in Belinda. Their interests rarely seemed to mesh and at times they seemed bored and impatient with each other. As I read further, however, I saw how alive they became when faced with a mystery, one that gave them both an excuse to employ their wits as well as spend time with the other. This change in my own attitude speaks highly of the author's writing skill as the viewpoint alternates between Belinda and Harry.

I won't detail the plot, I'm sure others will do a far better job than I could, but will pat myself on the back for miraculously having an inkling who the guilty part was early on simply based on a comment made. Nope, not telling. You'll have to be your own sleuth. The clues are all there, you just have to find them and weed out the red herrings, of which there are plenty. Overall, the feel of the book reminds me a great deal of M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series, so fans of that series should welcome a visit into Belinda's world which, by the way, includes a castle and dogs. As for Harry, I'm wondering what his potential new job might entail. Again, nope, not telling. Read the book.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the ARC.

The Christmas Escape, by Sarah Morgan

Sarah Morgan's Christmas novels have become something of a holiday tradition for me. This one even made me feel right at home with the Lapland setting. Like Alaska, Lapland, as described by Morgan, sounds fit for a snow globe during the winter holidays. Thus, I felt particularly at home with this book as I live in Alaska and we've already had some early snow. Can Christmas be far behind?

I won't detail the plot as others always do a far better job at this than I ever could. I'll just say that an unexpected trip involving child care duties, secrets, and strained relationships enter the picture. The book's title uses the word "escape" and that is an appropriate choice. What better time to strengthen and repair relationships than during the always hopeful holiday season? No one promised it would be easy, of course, but the stumbles and detours, not to mention the excuses we make to ourselves and others is all part of the process. That much of it happens to be taking place in a winter wonderland is simply a plus. Your heart, to borrow from the Grinch, will grow a few sizes as the story progresses while also aching for all those involved at the same time. Another winner from Sarah Morgan. 

Thanks to #SarahMorgan and #HQN for the ARC of #TheChristmasEscape    #NetGallery

Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today, by Valerie Vertinelli

I see myself in Valerie Bertinelli. We're of the same generation and, of course, I watched her grow up in front of my eyes. I wasn't expecting such raw honesty from her in "Enough Already" and at times it felt like she was speaking directly to me. Like her, I've always tried to control things, seeing that as a way to please others. I, too, saw my parents into their Golden Years and beyond and have lost others I've loved. Also, like her, there's that dang perpetual ten pounds I'd love to lose but, well, unlike her it's never dominated my life since I didn't have to answer to a camera lens that showed all faults. Bertinelli is a brave woman to have bared her soul here, including the death of the love of her life, Eddie Van Halen. Cancer sucks.

As noted above, so many things in this book spoke to my heart. If you've ever doubted yourself, ever felt you weren't enough, weren't doing enough, or simply failed to enjoy the small things in life that are, in the grand scheme of things, you will perhaps feel the same. I was also reminded in her discussion of where her family came from that we are probably distant cousins through Claypoole family tie s. Maybe that is part of why I felt such empathy with her as the book progressed and I knew it was getting closer and closer to the point where she'd lose Eddie. who knows? Again, in the grand scheme of things, irrelevant, but little things like that help bring us all together. Let's all heed her suggestion that we stop wasting time and learn to love ourselves and get on with embracing the joys of everyday life. Thank you, my maybe distant cousin for those words of wisdom.

Deadly Thanksgiving, by Maureen Fisher

 I loved this book. Set in Canada, Maureen Fisher's "Deadly Thanksgiving" offers up both some serious moments and fast-paced action and humor. I mean, an attack cat named Snuggles? A rogue goat during a goat yoga class, goats that throw up, a guard llama, a drunken wannabe beau who shows up in only a robe one night, power outages, raucous guests, murderous guests, and, oh, yeah, one particularly hunky retired Mountie are just part of the fun. 

We learn more about Carla and her sisters, however, that isn't so much fun, including Carla's abusive father and physically abusive former husband. Kudos to Fisher for tackling such events in an otherwise relatively humorous book. Sisterly relationships and expectations are also tackled. As a result, we get to see Carla's growth and slow acceptance of ex-Mountie Hawk's efforts to break down the barriers she's erected for self-protection. He has his own ghosts, of course, that color his behavior.

Yet, it's the humor and fast paced action that dominate "Deadly Thanksgiving". Guest Roland's wannabe Lothario is an early example and things only pick up from there. Bottom line, if you love humor with a touch of seriousness, seriousness that doesn't disrupt the good feeling, give "Deadly Thanksgiving" a read. It put a smile on my face.

Murder on the Menu, Nosey Parker series, by Fiona Leitch

This book wasn't what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to read the full series, not to mention the author's other books, but was somehow expecting the focus to be on food and/or the preparation of food. True, main character Josie "Nosey Parker" is a caterer but she's also retired from the Met Police. This gives an added twist to the usually relatively clueless amateur sleuth genre. Author Fiona Leitch is new to me and I found her writing very descriptive and the dialogue flowed along smoothly and realistically. She tended to show us rather than tell us, always a welcome trait from writers. 

Josie  left the police to give her daughter a safer environment in the Cornish village she calls home. Her father was a well-known and respected police officer and seems to almost be a legend amongst the officers who have been around long enough to remember him and the visits Josie made to him as a youngster. That does give her both an edge and provides some interesting and frequently humorous background. Ah, memories. We'd just as soon some never be remembered, right?

I won't detail the plot as others will have done a far better job of that than I can, but will note that although she has retired from police work, Josie hasn't lost her instinctual investigative skills. Unlike during her days as a Met Police officer, however, she's on her home turf and knows the victim and potential suspects well. Another edge. DCI Withers, relatively new to the area, is the chief investigator and she immediately clashes with him. She also notes that he's very good looking and seems almost to go out of her way to be sarcastic. Perhaps as a way to deny her attraction to him?

In any case, what began as Josie's first catering gig and wound up with a dead woman and missing bride is a thoroughly entertaining, quick read. I loved it and will be looking for the follow-ups to this series soon. I thoroughly enjoyed the very British humor or, hmm, maybe I should spell that humour?

Thanks to #NetGalley and #OneMoreChapter for the ARC.

Bake, Borrow, and Steal, a Bakershop Mystery by Ellie Alexander

First, an admission. I was initially attracted to the Bakeshop Mystery series because of the Shakespeare connection. Ashland, Oregon, the setting, is basically "Shakespeare Central" with some much of the town focused on him, from festivals and plays to shops and names. While my own knowledge of Shakespeare's work is fuzzy at best, entombed in old notebooks used for college notes, I do have a connection. According to some pretty solid family tree research, he's a distant cousin many times removed. Now that I've bored you, on with the review.

A precious, priceless artifact is coming to Jules' hometown museum, an exhibit of "Double Falsehood", a long lost Shakespeare manuscript. Jules, real name Juliet Montgue Capshaw, is a busy, successful businesswoman who finds joy in food, food of all kinds. Her restaurant, Torte, has been selected to create a unique display for the exhibit, a chocolate desk and chair, the desk even to have working drawers. Her restaurant will also provide the food and treats for the grand opening of the exhibit. No pressure, right?

Then, the manuscript goes missing. A custodian is found in the basement seriously injured just as the theft becomes known with a box of cash nearby. Not long after, the young security guard is found dead. It's a puzzle worthy of a Shakespeare play. Jules is drawn into the investigation by friend and family ties, not to mention her own curiosity. She's joined by her friend Lance, who is flamboyant and eager to investigate. Although that investigation initially seems stuck in neutral, Lance does play a critical role in the story. Toss in several strong suspects, red herrings, twists and turns, not to mention an abundance of food and food preparation mentions, yummy, and Jules' investigation seems to be flailing. Fortunately, she's not in this quest alone.

Then....oh, read the book. 

You won't be disappointed. Excellent characters you'll wish you knew, food you'll wish you could taste, a wedding to plan, and the approaching holiday season, all while attempting to help solve a murder and theft. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and hope you will, too. I've already looking forward to the next installment. Was Jules serious about what she was thinking about? I don't know. I'll have to read that book to find out. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPaperbacks for the ARC.

But Knot for Me, by Betty Hechtman

Casey Feldstein is complicated. On the one hand she's friendly and efficient and shows not just investigative skills but leadership skills. On the other, she seems a mass of contradictions. As we discover, her past has colored her present and she's wary of putting down roots and opening up to others. Initially, it almost appears as if her closest and most enduring relationship is with her cat. As the story continues, however, she slowly begins to realize that she not only has friends but a man who, despite all the barriers she has thrown up, seems to genuinely care about her. 

I won't detail the plot, which focuses on the retreat of a flashy and demanding, but charismatic guru known as Jordan and the contrast with Casey's own, more laid back, knitting retreat.They are all looking for something, however, an improved, better life. Then, two members of the Jordan retreat staff are murdered. Casey's ability to open up to others provides her with insight when some members of  Jordon's staff come to her for enjoyable food and coffee. Seems the focus on Jordan's retreat is self-sufficiency, self-sufficiency right down to foraging for their own food. In the quest for that improvement, people have been seriously injured, Casey discovers. Given that some of the challenges include walking on hot coals and an escape room with all your fears included in the experience, it's no wonder. Casey's experience in the escape room is, well, you'll have to read the book to find out. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BeyondThePage for the ARC.

As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles, by Leslie Budewitz

If I'm ever falsely accused of a crime, I hope someone like main character Erin Murphy is around to help sort things out. She's feisty, tenacious, and dedicated to her family and friends. She's also willing to take on the task of finding the truth about the murder of a, let's face it, mere acquaintance. In the process, she's also juggling running a business, decorating for Christmas, trying to find a good handyman, not to mention help a repentant shop lifter, spend time with her soon to be husband, and take care of all the details of her rapidly approaching wedding. No pressure, right?

I won't detail the plot here as others will do a far better job than me. I'll just note that it all begins with what appears on the surface to be a family feud in the middle of the otherwise festive decorating binge the town of Jewel Bay, Montana, is in. Erin befriends the daughter and invites her to a gathering at her place. The daughter, Merrily, doesn't show. Although concerned, Erin isn't overly worried until she's called to meet a business friend who has found Merrily's dead body. From there on it gets complicated, full of family secrets, love gone wrong, and the odd way some are reacting to the murder. Money is missing. Fingers are pointed. Gossip is exchanged.

All this is done in a masterful way. The dialogue not only moves things along but sounds genuine, not forced. It helps make the characters all the more real to readers, especially as long-time tensions and secrets are revealed. In the middle of it is Erin, who somehow manages to keep everything moving forward, even after being run into a ditch full of water by an unknown driver. Vehicles similar to the one that ran her off the road are everywhere in the area, so the vague description of the vehicle is little help. Kudos to Budewitz for her mentions of natural treatments such as arnica for pain rather than prescribed drugs, btw. Anyway, then Erin spies another clue. And, well, you'll have to read the book to find out how it all ends. 

I felt as much sadness at the end of the book as I did relief that the murder and mysteries surrounding it had been solved. Kudos to the author. It isn't often an author can make you genuinely feel sympathetic to a murderer. That reveals the skill of author Leslie Budewitz. She not only brings Erin Murphy and family to life but the characters around her, both innocent and guilty. Five stars for this book. Give it a read. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BeyondThePage for the ARC.

Short Circuited in Charlotte, by Amy Patricia Meade

Who would want to kill the seemingly saintly Philip Morehouse? Seriously, the man has his hand in many areas of research and development, all with the intent to make life better for those less fortunate. He's gathered a group known as the Creators about him who are working on everything from music for the masses to using technology to help those with little or no mobility, as well as yurts for the poor and homeless and fiber optic fabrics for medical uses. The man seems to be highly regarded, liked, and a valuable member of society. 

While I wasn't very fond of main character Stella Buckley, I had to admire her persistence in getting to the truth. Although she came across to me as rather pushy and smugly sure of herself, she also showed a genuine concern for those about her, including the cat in the story. Her husband, Nick, seemed to play a minor but valuable role. His ability to point out some of her failings, such as in operating a stick shift vehicle, also helped even out her smugness. She also didn't like being compared to either Jessica Fletcher or Miss Marple, refusing to harbor the thought that she might be viewed as old to some.

The various characters are a mixed bag. It took me awhile to wrap my brain around the names, I must admit, all designed to show their creative, artsy side, I'm sure. Their creative projects were intriguing, especially knowing how far modern technology has come in using what we'll call robotic suits to help those with limited or no mobility. Most of the characters seemed quite a bit more chatty than one might expect under the tragic circumstances but that does allow Stella to make rapid progress. Between her investigative and observational skills, she's making progress when some seemingly unimportant happenstances help her zero in on "whodunit". 

This book is the first of a new series for the author. Admittedly, I'm honestly not sure whether I'll seek out future books in this series but it was an interesting read, if only for the possible relevance of such creative ventures today. I'm torn on how to rate given my own reaction but will say it is a solid three star for me and would surely rate higher for many. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BeyondThePage for the ARC. 

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Best in Snow, by David Rosenfelt Andy Carpenter series, #24

First, as painful as it is, I have an admission. I'm batting zero on figuring out whodunnit in any of Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter books before the big reveal. What is surprising is that somehow that doesn't matter. I'm long since stopped trying to figure things out and just enjoy the ride.

Oddly enough, since I normally avoid books about messy murders and things like explosions and mob hits, I absolutely adore this series and have discovered that once I start reading I'm almost compelled to finish asap. Even more amazing, it's reluctant hero/lawyer Andy Carpenter's self-deprecating sense of humor and the well rounded characters who surround him that keep me coming back, not the desire to figure out the guilty party before the author discloses it.

I won't even attempt to detail the plot, which is complicated with many twists and turns and corruption in the highest places, but will simply say it starts with his beloved Tara finding a body in the snow during their regular walk. Although Andy is trying his best to retire, he finds himself the defense lawyer for the accused, a friend and associate of one of Andy's best friends. All the usual faces are there, including the inscrutable Marcus, and his team sets out to do what they do best, find the truth. Oh, did I mention Andy almost gets killed in the process.

Finally, of course there are dogs. The Andy Carpenter series has been built around the love that Andy (and author David Rosenfelt) have for dogs. Not only does Tara set things in motion by digging through the snow and finding a body, but there's a new Golden Retriever in town, Duchess. She and her reluctant care-taker, Vince, provide several humorous moments.

So, if you like dogs, complicated mysteries that somehow manage to combine humor and mayham, people you'll wish you knew, and the dynamics of friendship and family, you'll enjoy "Best in Snow". Daisy, who I have cautioned against finding any bodies during our daily walks, gives this one four paws up and a tail wag. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the advanced copy. #BestInSnow

A Three Book Problem, by Vicki Delaney

  A Three Book Problem, by Vicki Delaney

A Sherlock Holmes Bookstore Mystery, 7th in series

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the ARC. 

First, I absolutely loved this book/series. Main character Gemma's observation and intuitive skills are amazing. True, she's off base a few times but more often than not she is right. An intriguing story, the seventh installment in the series, with many red herrings, suspects, and sub-plots. I give it five stars. I'd toss in another star if possible for the unique murder weapon.

That said, as much as I admire the skills of the heroine of the story, Gemma Doyle, who runs a Sherlock Holmes focused bookstore, is also blunt and rude at times. Her observation skills are such that, much like Holmes, she doesn't miss much in the surroundings or actions of those about her involved but, sigh, she often seems to forget the human element involved. She particularly annoyed me when she called her Uncle Donald at 1 a.m. without a thought that he might be sleeping. To his credit, he instantly becomes alert and is ready to come to her aid wherever she is. She barely notices. She simply asks her question and basically hangs up on him without explanation of apology.

Despite all these quirks that must wear on those about her at time, I couldn't help liking her. Perfect? Not even close. But, doesn't that make her all the more human? I don't know about you but I'm sure I have quirks that annoy my friends and vice versa, so this all helps make Gemma seem all the more real. True, I found it odd she'd never heard the ol' saying about "curiosity killed the cat" but maybe that isn't as well known in England where she grew up. Speaking of cats, her own cat doesn't seem to like her. Another quirk.

As for the murder itself, no one really seems upset that the victim died. Even Gemma seems detached and more an observer than participant finding the solution in at first. Perhaps because she had no real connection to the victim? It actually isn't until late in the book that she "turns on" her Shelockian deduction skills as she dives headfirst into investigating and solving the murder. She even manages to find a few other crimes lurking beneath the surface in the process. 

I won't even attempt to detail the plot more than I've already hinted as I'm sure others will do a far better job of doing so than me. I'll thoroughly enjoyed the book and, in fact, the entire series and as much as she annoys me at times, am looking forward to spending more time with Gemma and her friends. I may even have to do some brushing up on my Sherlock Holmes reading between now and the next as it took me the entire book to figure out the significance of the title. Who am I kidding? The book finally tells us. Nope. Not telling. You'll have to read it yourself to find out. If you love a good mystery, characters who are both endearing and annoying, you know, real people, and enjoy matching wits with the amateur sleuths (and real investigators), this is a must read. 

Styled for Murder: A Bad Hair Day Mystery, by Nancy J. Cohen

I've read several of the books in this series and enjoyed them. Marla's change in circumstances from earlier stories, now a mother, with responsibilities pulling her in different directions adds a new element to the series. Exhausted from dealing with the new baby, she at first feels aggravation when her mother calls demanding she come over, over right now. That aggravation turns into worry when she discovers why. A body has been discovered in the shower of a bathroom remodel being done at their home. 

Having to deal with a young child and getting him to day care is a new wrinkle in Marla's day but she arrives ready to deal with, well, whatever. She initially doesn't even know whether it's a natural death or something more chilling. Needless to say, when she discovers the body was found with one of her step-father's ties wrapped around its neck, however, there is little doubt. It's clear who the chief suspect will be.

I found myself a bit irritated at Marla for essentially managing to clash with the investigating officer almost immediately. Classic conflict in cozy mysteries and since Marla is a police wife herself, I just found this irritating. I gave her a pass, however, given that her exhaustion and lack of sleep had been revealed.I won't detail the plot as I'm sure others will do a far better job than I could. Let's just say secrets long hidden are revealed, suspects and bodies multiple, and Marla remains exhausted but presses on in her search for truth, even rushing in when warned not to. Typical cozy heroine, huh?

Marla's need to somehow maintain the precarious balance between her life as a wife and mother, friend, daughter, and amateur sleuth seems to leave her unbalanced at times. She's also a bit surprised to realize she misses the rush of being involved in helping solve a mystery/murder. These demands, combined with her need to know, do lead her into a precarious situation at the end. I found her sudden thought that she couldn't just give up without a fight and leave her son without a mother endearing. Even afterward there are more surprises in Marla's future. Just like life, she sees pluses and minuses in this unexpected event. How does it turn out? I guess we'll have to wait on the next book in the series to find out. 

Thanks to #NetGallery and #OrangeGrovePress for the ARC.

The Busy Woman's Guide to Murder, by Mary Jane Maffini

 

The Busy Woman's Guide to Murder, by Mary Jane Maffini 

A Charlotte Adams Mystery

 I found myself compelled to finish this book while, quite frankly, not knowing initially if it was because I wanted to know "who dun it" or get away from Charlotte. I didn't dislike her but found her obsessions and compulsion to go against everyone else's advice both admirable and annoying. In the end, I decided I'd like her, albeit in small doses. Jack, the love interest, summarizes Charlotte well when he tells her she has a "tendency to charge right in, no matter what the risks and try to make everything right." 

The plot itself is intriguing, the life long effect bullying can have on the victims.In this case it leads to multiple murders. Toss in some twisted personalities and it's no wonder chief victim, 911 operator Mona Pringle, begins to doubt her own sanity. Charlotte is a good friend and wants to support her. Now, if she just knew where Mona was. 

There are plenty of twists and turns, not to mention red herrings along the way, as well as hints on organizing your home and life. Charlotte is a professional organizer and we get to see her in action, a nice break from the building tension of the plot. Charlotte, of course, is in the middle of it all. I haven't read the previous books in the series so didn't feel like I knew the other regular characters as well as I might, but overall it made no difference. "The Busy Woman's Guide to Murder" works as a stand alone.

I won't detail the plot other to say Charlotte seems both compulsive and impulsive and basically ignores her friends' cautions that she needs to back off and let the police handle the investigation. This is a common theme in cozy mysteries, as is the main character shrugging of warnings and plowing ahead. Given Charlotte's personality and behavioral tendencies, I'm not sure she could stop even if she wanted to, to be honest, a compulsion that makes even the police and 911 operator reluctant to lend much weight to her ideas and theories. That leads to an especially frightening, tense ending.

I applaud the author for dealing with the potential long term harm of bullying, in this case during the characters' high school years. Charlotte seems to have slipped through relatively untouched, perhaps, as some hint, because of her mother's position (a story obviously told in previous books), but feels guilt now because she feels partly responsible for not doing everything she might have been able to do to stop it and protect the more vulnerable. I think it was that sense of responsibility, the caring about others and their pasts, that made me like Charlotte in the end, even while withing she could just chill out a bit. 

For an intriguing, thoughtful read, "The Busy Woman's Guide to Murder" is a winner. I'm tempted, I must admit, to skip backward and read the books in the series leading up to this one. I don't always feel this way when I jump into a series in the middle, so that is high praise. Excellent writing, a plot that moved along, and, oh, did I mention there are dogs? Therapy dogs, in fact, that visit an Alzheimer's wing with Charlotte. See, I told you there were reasons I liked her in the end. 

Thank you @NetGalley and #BeyondthePage 

Mistletow in Juneau, by Dahlia Rose (audio version)

 

Thank you to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia, a #HallmarkPublishing release, for the copy.

"Mistletoe in Juneau", by Dahlia Rose

I think I suffered from flashbacks as I listened to this book. You see, although I now live in Alaska myself, I felt myself reliving the experience of "first time Alaska" with main character Danni. Just like Danni, I brushed aside an instinctive trepidation at boarding my first small plane for a flight over Alaska. As with Danni, that trepidation was soon replaced by a captivated sense of wonder. How could such beauty, such unspoiled beauty exist. The mountains, so massive and almost overwhelming from the land seemed small from the plane, even Denali as we flew past. I also laughed as I recalled all too well the gasp Danni gave when she stepped from the plane and took a deep breathe. The cold air instantly makes your lungs hurt, eyes water, and a sort of brain freeze sets in. There are whale viewings, caribou, and Northern Lights viewing scattered throughout the book, all making for the ideal, almost overwhelming Alaskan experience for city girl Danni. Having visited Juneau myself, albeit in the summer, I felt like I knew the place.

The wonders of Alaska aside, "Mistletoe in Juneau" pretty much checks of the classic Hallmark features. Let's face it, you either love Hallmark's holiday stories or avoid them. I tend to fall somewhat into the last category, hence my surprise at how much I enjoyed "Mistletoe in Juneau" as a holiday read or, in this case, listen since I had the audio version. Kudos to the narrator, by the way. She was excellent, making me almost sure at times there were more than one narrator reading the story. She differentiated each character beautifully, from Danni's more sophisticated New York rhythm to the usually spontaneous utterances of young Peter. I would definitely listen to anything else she narrates. 

The romance is typical Hallmark, of course. Two people from different places with different lifestyles meet and, I don't think I'm spoiling anything given the Hallmark mode, after initial friction, fall in love. That said, the road to romance isn't smooth in real life and definitely isn't here. Danni is talkative, ambitious, and her life centers around big city life and opportunities. Love interest Declan is, well, the bruised soul. A wounded vet with PTSD who has sworn off romance after being dumped after his girlfriend discovered he hadn't just been wounded in battle but lost part of a leg. That and his own doubts  about worthiness make him wary of letting down his guard with Danni. 

How it all works out amidst the magic of an almost perfectly mythical Alaska winter is half the fun. The other half is getting a chance to see Alaska though another person's eyes as you get to know Danni and her friends, even George, dubbed the attack turkey. Definitely worth a listen this holiday season. 

A Novel Crime, a novella by A.C.F. Bookens

A.C.F. Bookens' novella "A Novel Crime" is a quick, entertaining read. Main character Harvey finds a dead body and that event pretty much changes her entire life, which continues in the St. Marin's Cozy Mystery series. I liked Harvey but, man, she would be high energy in real life and some of her decisions seemed based more on whim than either logic or clear thinking. You know, like setting off to find a murderer simply because she's not just curious but has some time on her hands after she ends her relationship abruptly. In this case, I'd say good for her. Her sleuthing is in its early days here as a prequel to the series and is, well, random and not exactly secretive. It seemed like she solved the case more by chance than on purpose, not to mention the role luck played in her surviving her initial foray into sleuthing, I have to admit but, hey, this is a back story and her first real try. I've actually read part of the series and now that I'm reminded of Harvey will surely go back and pick up where I left off. Maybe I should catch a nap first, though, given her energy level? Seriously, a quick, fun read.

Thank you to #BookFunnel and author #Bookens for the free prequel of the book.  

 https://bookens.andilit.com/

 

#novella     #holiday   #murder    #cozy    #sleuth   #AmataurSleuth   #Crime   #NovelCrime

 

Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas, by Lynn Cahoon

 Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas, by Lynn Cahoon

Part of the Magic Kitchen Witch Mystery series

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensingto Books for the ARC.

I've read Lynn Cahoon before and enjoyed her books although, quite frankly, this one wasn't quite what I was expecting. I won't detail the plot other than to say Mia Malone is being haunted by a ghost imploring her to find out who her murderer is. Of course, the first problem is that Mia and her friends have no clue who the ghost is other than the cryptic message it leaves to "Ask Mary Alice," Mia's grandmother who, as we discover, is helping her learn how to be a witch. Even after the ghost is identified, the task ahead is going to be difficult. Let's just say that there is every indication Dorothy, as the ghost turns out to named, appears to have died peacefully in her bed.

Mia's search for answers, which includes digging into finances and birth records, must come in between preparing for the holidays and parties. Ghost Dorothy tells them there is a deadline for her to know the truth about her murder because, basically, if it isn't revealed by the anniversary of her death that year she'll simply, well, go poof. That gives an urgency to the search for answers. With the help of boyfriend Trent, who seems to come from a magical family, too, but has shunned magic to be, as he dubs it, "boring", and some investigation and sheer luck, Mia digs into the mystery. But what if the real mystery isn't what they think it is? Hmmm...

My only real concern with the book is that while as a stand-alone story it manages to work but more background on all involved and the setting of Magic Springs itself might be helpful to first time readers. Heck, I'm sure I've read earlier books in this series and had no clue how or why certain things were happening or, say, why Trent's mother seemed to have contacts with authorities who would know about the afterlife. I also had a few unanswered questions at the end, including who gave Dorothy that deadline in the first place and why. Not to mention the back story on her cat could have been a bit more fully detailed. I obviously missed that book in the series.

That said, it was a quick, fun read. Although not thoroughly satisfying, it got me in the mood for Christmas decorations and food, lots and lots of goodies. A recipe for Cranberry Gooey Bars is included.

-Northwind, by Gary Paulsen

Intense. The images just keep on coming. Gary Paulsen is a master at painting the scene for his readers and he outdoes himself in "Northwind". On the surface, the plot sounds simple. A boy left alone in the wilderness through no fault of his own and forced to rely on his own wits and ability to learn from events and his own mistakes. 

Hey, I think I've heard that story before! Yes, the wilderness and self-reliance are a common theme in many Paulsen books but this time he's taken us to sea, to sea in a small canoe. Paulsen, an avid sailor, combines his wilderness lore and knowledge of the sea to create a memorable picture of a boy becoming a man against the backdrop of the sea, a sea that includes swirling tides, dolphins, whales, and icebergs. 

While the focus remains on the journey and growth, "Northwind" is full of Nordic mythology with references to life, death, and learning and moving forward, always forward. In Nordic mythology a ship often symbolizes life, livelihood and ones journey through life and the afterlife, according to a source I read. Leif's ship is a cedar canoe, perhaps?

I live in Alaska and have observed whales from a small boat, one that appeared relatively large at the dock but suddenly seemed dwarfed when surrounded by leaping, playing whales. I remember the awe of thinking I could almost reach out and touch a mother whale that came up alongside where I stood, then dived and swam directly under our boat. I've actually witnessed the bubble feeding process that nearly sucks Leif to his death.Thus, I could experience some of the awe and unease Leif, the main character, must have felt when encountering these massive, majestic creatures. Bears are common, too, in Alaska, often in our own yards, so I shuddered when Leif came practically face to face with one. His story of a young eagle learning to carry its prey rings true and I've seen it with my own eyes. Ravens? Everywhere and I chuckled at the descriptions of their calls.

It should come as no surprise to any but new readers that Gary Paulsen once lived in Alaska. He knows the north. Blending that knowledge with Nordic mythology, he makes the experiences, both the wondrous and frightening ones, real. Like Leif, I have to wonder if Paulsen is also always looking north, even when at the helm of a sailboat, as he keeps on learning and sharing the oneness of nature with us. He has another winner in "Northwind".

Added: Sadly, received word that Gary Paulsen has passed away. He was 82 according to the press release. He has reached Valhalla, leaving us with his words, wonderful words, and shall be missed by friends, of which I was one, and readers, of which I was also one, alike. The photo below is my own, taken during his brief attempt to run the Iditarod once again.

 

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup for the ARC.