Introverts Unite to Color! But Separately and In Your Own Homes: A Comically Calming Adult Coloring Book for Introverts, from H.R. Wallace Publishing

 

Color on! Go dig out your colored pencils or markers or a long forgotten box of crayons. There's fun to be had here. There's something relaxing about simply sitting down in a comfy chair and coloring a picture. We knew it as children but somehow forgot this simple pleasure as we aged. 

While this collection targets introverts, it should be a fun, relaxing activity for all, even if you tend to color outside the lines. I could go into great detail about the benefits but, well, fun tops the list for me. I've always enjoyed coloring and have several adult coloring books scattered about at any given time. The drawings just begging to be colored here are humorous and offer the chance for lots of color choices. My only qualm was that although there is a dog in one of the pictures, this one was probably largely designed with cat people in mind. No matter. Still fun.

The drawings are cute and funny. See the cover. There are 58 pages with fun sayings. Each drawing occupies a full page with the facing side blank, meaning you can easily remove said artwork without having to choose one side over the other. I had the ebook version, so can't address the quality of the paper but given the design, lean toward it probably being quite appropriate for most coloring tools, maybe even paints. No author/illustrator credited, so probably done in house by the publishers. 

Kudos to the creators who managed one of my favorite sayings since covid appeared, "It's too peopley outside." Another, although I'd have to change the "cat" to "dog", was "I'd love to but my cat and I already have plans." "Enjoy the silence" was another appropriate one for those of us who crave the peace of silence and nothing but a furry pet to distract us from out books, ie "Not today. I'm already booked". Bottom line, lots of fun. Thanks #NetGalley and #HRWallacePublishing for the creative inspiration.

A Flicker of a Doubt (A Fairy Garden Mystery #4), by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

Publication March 28, 2023

I've grown to love this series. I mean, who wouldn't want to be friends with the fairies? Top it off with interesting characters that ring true, whimiscal fairy gardens, a community of artsy folks, friendship, and, yes, romance, and Gerber has crafted a winner with this series. This one was an intriguing mix of whimsy with a dose of not just reality but murder. 

Who killed the unlikable artist Nicholas, main character Courtney's friend Meaghan's ex-flame? He certainly wasn't very likable, not to mention he seems to have left a string of admirers behind him as he moved about. That does not include his brother, however. He turned up with the warning that Nicholas needs to pay him what is owed "or else". Uh, oh, could he have killed his own brother? What sort of family ties could create that scenario? Maybe it was the other artist that Nicholas slugged in the face? Or the art teacher who shows up exhibiting a bit too much interest in Nicholas, all while singing his praises? Or maybe that talented singer/guitar maker who also seems inticed by Nicholas? Seems like any number of people might have had a reason for thinking Nicholas was better off dead. 

I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out whodunit. It was also fun to see the growth in Courtney's fairy Fiona. Did you know there are four basic classifications of fairies? Fiona is a guardian fairy to Courtney but also of the nurturer classification.The basic fairy types are air, water, and woodland, Fiona being one of the latter. There. There's your fairy class for the day. Don't despair if you can't see fairies. I can't but, heck, neither can Courtney's boyfriend Brady. We keep trying, though.

Bottom line, a whimsical story that mixes reality and the enchanted world. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks- #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to drop into Courtney's world again. With that teaser about Fiona, I'm definitely looking forward to my next visit.

Bait and Switch, by Reagan Davis

What would you do if you were suddenly cut off from the outside world with no way to leave or even phone or internet access? 

 

That is the situation Megan and friends find themselves caught up in in "Bait & Stitch". This time, they are out of their usual element without the usual backup that includes Megan's husband Mike, who is with the police. In other words, they are forced to rely on their own wits, common sense, and some new faces. 

 

I won't detail the plot as others will but will give you a hint that even Megan seems to be considered suspect at one point. As always, even out of its usual setting, this latest entry in the Knitorious murder mystery series is a winner. Heck, you may find yourself doing the same thing I did when I first discovered it and going back to read the entire series. It's that good. Give it a read.

 

 

Death by Arts and Crafts (Abby McCree Mystery #6), by Alexis Morgan

 

Publication Dec. 27, 2022

Likable characters, fast paced, with lots and lots of twists and turns and red herrings. Despite her best efforts to stay out of the investigation into the murder of an iron work artist, Abby McCree does seem to have the bad luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a body is discovered. And, to think, it all started with a fun combo work and girl's weekend out with friends Bridey Booker, who is about six months pregnant, and ceramic artist and long time friend Dayna Fisk. It somehow ends with Dayna being a suspect.

I'm not going to detail the plot, it's readily available elsewhere. It was one of those books I found myself reluctant to put down and spent some down time pondering who did it when doing other things. That's when I know a book has hooked me, when it makes me think.

The characters are well-rounded, with strengths and weaknesses, and includes solid friendships with police friends Gage and Ben. Ben is the more intense of the two while Gage is more protective of Abby, although neither is as invested as Tripp, who Abby isn't quite sure to describe as just a good friend or boyfriend. He, like Zeke the part mastiff dog that owns Abby (dog owners know why I use that phrase), has her back.

So, who managed to brutally kill an artist at an arts and crafts fair without being seen or heard? Why is Dayna a suspect? Why did the artist's assistant go missing? How the heck is medium Madame G involved? A seance? Well, that went off the rails quickly. And, oh, where is Dayna's missing business partner? Why....oh, never mind. This one stands on it's own so well that more teasers aren't needed. You'll quickly fall in love with Abby, the quite reluctant sleuth, who even when she isn't trying has the knack of falling into things at the wrong/right time. A fun series. Give it a read.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to Snowberry Creek's first-ever arts and crafts show. I'm looking forward to seeing where the ending takes us with Tripp and Abby.

A Hint of Mischief (A Fairy Garden Mystery #3), by Daryl Wood Gerber

Leave your adult skepticism behind and read this with the mind-set of the child who clapped furiously for Tinker Bell's recovery. There are fairies and magic within and that's okay. Courtney Kelly can see and talk to the fairies and is usually accompanied by Fiona the fairy. Fiona is a fledgling fairy, so to speak, still earning her adult wings, but she's smart, attentive, and caring. She also quotes Shakespeare. You know, the sort of fairy we'd all love to know have our back. A fairy may not be able to make things happen but they can calm and suggest, I guess you could say, and that proves helpful as Courtney tries to solve the mystery of actress Farrah Lawson.

The whimsy of Courtney's fairy inhabited world is shattered with Farrah's murder. Who did it? Why? Was it a jealous boyfriend? The husband of one of her friend's that she once had an affair with? And, what's with the fairy doors that keep appearing in the neighborhood. They're darling and imaginative, but who is creating them? It definitely isn't the fairies. Then there are the thefts? Is their any particular significance to the items that are taken? Are they connected to the murder? What is Courtney's former fiance's role? Will Courtney and Brad ever get serious? What's up with Courtney's father? Will Courtney's tendency to be, well, snoopy get her in trouble? Of course, it will. This is a cozy mystery, after all, even if Fiona is hovering about.

Despite the slow, to me, start and that Courtney was able to rely on her fairy's magic too frequently for my liking, I found this a fun, whimsical read. Leave your adult cares behind and open a fairy garden door and see how this tale of fairies, fairy rules and stipulations, human greed and betrayal, and human weaknesses all come into play.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the invite into the fairy garden and mystery. Now I want to see a fairy garden.

Knit or Dye Trying (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery #2), by Allie Pleiter

Protest sheep? How can you not love a mystery that starts out with a parade of protest sheep. Yes, sheep. Although Libby Beckett knew animal-friendly Julie Wilson courted controversy while pushing plant-based knitting fibers and dyes, she never expected inviting noted yarn dyer Julie to do a presentation during Collinstown's festival would lead to a parade of sheep and their shepherds. Nor did she expect a murder.

Shepherd crooks were found at the scene of the murder. Libby's shop is vandalized. Her mother decides she is moving in with Libby, never mind Libby keeps saying no. There's a fire in the restaurant where the murder victim's sister Monica is showcasing a meal. What was going on between the sisters? What did Julie tell Monica prior to the murder? Where did Julie's complicated dying recipes/directions disappear? Is Yale really as obnoxious as he seems? It's nice to see the respect she gets from the town's police but will Libby press on questioning one too many people? What is up with her relationship with Gavin, who is town mayor? what surprise awaits Caroline when she accompanies Libby to question someone who may have supplied the crafted crooks? will "King George" or Libby be victorious in the campaign for Chamber President? Are chamber meetings dangerous? How does all this tie together? Not telling. You'll have to read the book.

If you like intriguing mysteries with likeable characters, small town gossip , and a hint of romance, you'll enjoy this book. I have to admit, too, that I had no clue whodunit until the big reveal. You don't even have to knit. I don't but enjoyed learning a bit about the process of how they get the different colors used in the yarns, not to mention how dangerous the whole process can be if done incorrectly. Finally, it was fun to see all the various interpretations of Libby's shop's name, Y.A.R.N.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BerkleyPublishingGroup - #Berkley for inviting me to Colinstown's festival to meet Libby and her friends. The sheep protest was a hoot. 

Muddled Through (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #10), by Barbara Ross

 

 

This one had my full attention from the very first page. The characters were likeable, rather like people we might know or want to know, and the setting in a small, waterfront town was nicely described for us. Since I live in Alaska where many of our small but scenic towns, think Inland Passage, have dealt with the same issues of whether to cling to the past or move forward and try to cultivate more and more changes to bring in more cruise ships, tourists, and higher end businesses, I could definitely relate to the conflict Julia Snowden and the residents of Busman's Harbor, Maine, felt. Change can be scary.

Murder is scary, too. As the book opens, Julia is rushing to her sister's side after the pottery shop where Livvie works is badly vandalized. No one is injured but shop owner Zoey is devastated. This round of destruction is soon overshadowed by the discovery of the neighboring business owner, with whom Zoey has a difficult relationship, who is found dead in their shared basement space. There's no sign of forced entry either time and Zoey becomes the prime suspect. Is it significant that Zoey was far away, digging clay, when the vandalism occurred? Livvie doesn't believe for a moment that Zoey would kill anyone and asks her sister Julia to look into it.

Fast paced and boosting several side stories, including Julia's romantic life, or maybe lack of. Why do so many so loudly oppose the idea of a pedestrian mall during summer season? Zoey's soon dead neighbor was one of them while Zoey pushed for it. Where does Alice Rumsford, a well-respected resident, stand on the issue? Could she or her nephew Ben be involved? Why doesn't she tell Julia who took the incredible photos displayed at her home? Why didn't the man walking his dog see anything when he passed the store the morning of the vandalism? Why is Julia's ex seen talking to Ben after Julia has lunch with Ben one day? How about the man so determined to develop Busman's Harbor? Why is he buying up properties? Could he have wanted Phinney's business site enough to kill for it? What connection is there between those involved? Does the past impact the present?

All these questions and so many others will be answered as you read. It's a quick read and will keep you guessing. I liked Julia and those about her. Also, living in Alaska, I could relate to author Ross' analogy early on of Maine being like Lucy taunting Charlie Brown to kick the football as a comparison to how spring comes in and taunts us early on, only for the weather to fool us and turn miserable the next day. Alaska does the same thing. This is the 10th book in this series but worked well as a standalone.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KinsingtonBooks for the invite to visit Julia in Busman's Harbor. I'll be back. Her Snowden Family Clambake sounds like a lovely excuse to visit.

Only in America Activity Book, by Alan Berry Rhys (Illustrations)

As a former teacher, I looked at this for not just how well it might serve children of the target age, 6-10, but what other ideas it might spark in the adults about them. I'd say it should be relatively easy to not just come up with other ideas but adapt the activities given to other age brackets. That is a real plus. Since I didn't have any 6-10 year olds handy this snowy day in Alaska, I made a point of looking closely at the activities. The author and illustrator made that easy with bright colorful, even whimsical drawings. I will also note that as one who grew up with maps showing my now home state of Alaska plopped down near Mexico or even in the Gulf of Mexico, it was nice to see a map rendered showing both Alaska and Hawaii in a more more accurate location.

What sort of activities will you find in this book? As the blurb says, you'll find "crosswords, word searches, mazes, quizzes, coloring, and so much more." I liked how most involved thinking things through, too, so to speak. For instance, the Fruity Sudoku and "Yard Sale" activities involved not just seeing relationships but how they worked together. I've seen countless more complicated similar activities aimed at adults, so these were good introductions to using one's mind to order things and see relationships. Since these activities are aimed at relatively young children, they rely as much on the drawings as numbers, I noted. Crosswords also utilized that tactic, using illustrations as well as scrambled words for word searches and such. In other words, some problem solving involving the brain. The imagination is also engaged with some activities asking users to draw a picture of their own or write their own thoughts. In other words, there is a bit of everything and just enough variety to keep children, at least those not accustomed to the blinking lights of video or cell phones, engaged.  

Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup for helping entertain me on a snowy afternoon in Alaska. And, as noted, thanks to the author and illustrator to showing my home state in a far more accurate location.

Little Homesteader: A Spring Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom, by Angela Ferraro-Fanning, Anneliesdraws (Illustrations)

I try not to overuse the word adorable when reviewing children's books but, well, this one is just plain ol' adorable. In addition, I spent my earliest years on a family farm and it brought back some memories. True, I don't recall ever giving a bath to a duckling but, hey, I bottle fed a lamb. See, I have credentials.

All kidding aside, this book is packed with ideas and projects for children and, who knows. children in grownup bodies, too. True, all the ideas won't work for everyone, such as I doubt many city dwellers have access to ducklings, but the ideas can spark other ideas and perhaps get the children and adults working together. The.  suggestions include both inside and outside activities, too, I might note, as well as focusing on healthy habits and possibilities. For instance, it tells how to blend the perfect green smoothie and brew Sweet Violet Syrup. It makes a point of listing what is needed before you start, too. All these and many, many more ideas are, well, adorably illustrated and showcase different races of children working together. While true, the book doesn't get into the harder aspects of homesteading, nor does it seem to explain the difference between homesteading and simply being a farm kid, but it's a wonderful reminder of the joy and creativity of living and using nature. I should note here, too, perhaps, that the book is printed on recycled paper or, as is noted early on, "We print out books on TRASH." That concept alone is another idea worth talking about with children, perhaps as they are trying to press flowers as instructed.

Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup for allowing me to briefly time travel back to my own childhood and be reminded of the joys of not just country life but how marvelous it is to be a child discovering new things and ideas.

Death of a Knit Wit (A Knit & Nibble Mystery Book 8), by Peggy Ehrhart

 

We are largely in the mind of main character Pamela Paterson when the story opens, seeing things as they happen through her eyes. Pamela is an editor of a fiber crafts magazine and has helped organize a knitting bee as a part of a conference on fiber crafts and arts at the local college. When an invited but not particularly well-liked speaker attends the bee and after drinking the same coffee everyone else was drinking suddenly takes ill and dies, Pamela finds herself feeling it is somehow her fault. She is fearful of losing her job. It turns out her concerns are baseless but her initial sense of being overwhelmed slowly evaporate. She slowly returns to normal and helped along by her best friend and neighbor, who just happens to be a reporter, begins to investigate and gather clues. Unlike most cozy mysteries where there is a constant law enforcement presence, the detective in charge is largely kept to the shadows in this episode, I might note. 

There are a number of suspects as the victim was not only not particularly well liked but a womanizer. Toss in more than a few red herrings and twists in relationships between possible suspects. Pamela is likeable and given her shock at the death, a very sympathetic amateur sleuth. I honestly believe I've read some early books in this series but simply didn't pursue it further given that I have so little interest in knitting. Knitting is definitely a part of this plot but mostly in the sense that it brings together both the victims and Pamela's circle of friends. I did get a chuckle out of the curiosity of the Knit and Nibble group as they tried to decide what one member was knitting during their gatherings. He wasn't telling and it was a cute reveal near the end. Cats and dogs are also very much a part of this story and, in fact, oh...... never mind. I'm not telling. You're just going to have to read the book to find out what role some beloved furry friends play in the story.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC. Love the cover!

Murder, It Seams, by Reagan Davis

 I've followed this series from day one and just like the previous books, I loved this one. I found it not just an intriguing mystery, well thought out and with lots of twists and turns, but one that showcased the characters well. Ironically, given that main character Megan has never much liked Karla, it's Karla who adds an interesting summation of Megan at one point, saying "you've taken a community of small-town busybodies and whipped up a network of supportive family and friends who take care of each other." Given that network's diligence when it came time to keep Megan safe from the killer, that was telling.

I also wound up liking Karla. She's smart and had an edge that makes her come off to many as snarky and even mean. Megan has always resented her ability to lob compliments that aren't compliments, for instance, and do it with apparent glee. Yet, when forced to work with Karla to solve a murder, one where Karla is a suspect, Megan discovers another side to Karla. She learns how caring about others Karla is and is quick to follow her instincts that Karla could not be a killer. Oh, the snark is still there but they come to respect and, yes, maybe even like each other by the time all is said and done. Karla even finds a major clue that points the finger at the guilty party at the end. Nope, not telling. Getting to that point was half the fun as Megan and Karla traded zingers and heart-felt feelings with the other characters blending in and out of the action. All while solving a crime with a little help from those "busybodies" Karla referenced.

I was kept guessing and switched main suspects several times but, as luck would have it, was interrupted and had to put aside the book for a couple days. Upon my return to it I was right at the point the clues began to make me suspect the eventual culprit but that was sheer luck and an "It's too easy" gut instinct at my then main suspect. Kudos to Reagan Davis for weaving together such an intriguing, timely case while letting us get to know the characters better as real people. They are people I wish I knew and I'm looking forward to Megan's next adventure.

Life Crafter Death, A Knitorous Murder Mystery, Book 9, by Reagan Davis

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The humor in it, mostly the result of busy body neighbors, was cute and connected, too. Poor, Eric. In any case, as with the rest of the series, this addition is complex and full of twists and turns, not to mention multiple suspects. Main character Megan is quite likeable and I admire the friendly relationship she and her former husband, Adam, have forged for the benefit of their daughter Hannah. Adam's a lawyer, too, which comes in handy in this story.

I won't detail the plot aside from that one comment as I'm sure others will do a better summation than I could. Instead, I'll simply say that the story, while perhaps confusing to first time readers given the comings and going of characters and their back stories, moves right along. Megan has come to respect boyfriend Eric's need for evidence, not hunches, frustrating as it might be, not to mention the conflict he's facing being pulled in two different direction as he investigates a case that is essentially connected to a family member. Okay, almost family member.

So, mystery that keeps you guessing, abundant characters that we do learn quite a bit about, even the seemingly peripheral ones, some humor, and family ties. Give it a read. You won't regret it.

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.

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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