Title: Now You See Him
Author: Stella Cameron
Year Published: 2004
Why did you buy this book?
Running with Quills is a blog I visit every so often, I don’t know why but one day I was browsing on the B&N site and came across this title and the blurb caught my interest so I picked up the book.
Do you like the cover?
It’s kind of different.
Did you enjoy the book?
Ellie Byron witnessed a brutal murder two years ago and now the man convicted of that murder has escaped from jail and another woman is dead. Even though she wasn’t able to identify him, Ellie is afraid he might be coming after her. She turns to Joe Gable her best friend for help.
The twists and turns in this story will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t figure it out until the end…it had me hooked until the end and gasping for breath on more than one occasion.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
I read ‘Key West’ years ago and I don’t know why I haven’t picked up other books since…but I’ve already remedied that little problem (I have picked up a couple of others in this series already).
Title: Just One Sip
Author: Jennifer Ashley – Katie MacAlister – Minda Webber
Year Published: 2006
Why did you buy this book?
I love both Katie MacAlister’s Vamp books and Minda Webber’s historical paranormal books.
Do you like the cover?
Yes it would have gotten my attention if I went already looking for this book.
Did you enjoy the book?
I enjoyed all three stories in this anthology. In the past I have bought anthologies for one (or two) author(s) in the book but found I don’t always read all the stories for one reason or another but that wasn’t the case in with this book. I really enjoyed each of the stories and didn’t want to see them end. Each story was fun and sexy romp through the paranormal world and I hope to see more stories from each of these authors.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
I have books by both Ms. MacAlister and Ms. Webber and enjoyed them very much. Ms. Ashley is new to me but I will be looking for more of her books because I really enjoyed her story.
Title: Witchling
Author: Yasmine Galenorn
Year Published: 2006
Why did you buy this book?
I found her through a blog she posts on (Witchy Chicks) and got this book as well as “Ghost of a Chance” (the first of her Chintz & China mystery series).
Do you like the cover?
Oh yes, this is a really hot cover, if I wasn’t looking for this book I would have had to pick it up to read more about it cause of the cover.
Did you enjoy the book?
Camille (a wicked good witch) and her sisters Delilah (a shape-shifting tabby) and Menolly (a newly transformed vamp) are operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. After the murder of a fellow operative they are on the trail of Shadow Wing the leader of the Subterranean Realm and his minions. They must keep him from making his way to Earth and munching on souls of humans and beasties alike.
One of the problems the D’Artigo sisters face is the short-circuiting of their individual talents. They don’t let that flaw stop them though and with the help of some of their unique friends they go up against some of the scariest villains on earth and Otherworld. And if that’s not enough to keep Camille busy, she also has two sexy suitors…Trillian a dark fae and Morio a fox demon.
This was a wickedly fun read. Ms. Galenorn has done a fabulous job of bringing life to this fantasy world and filled it great characters that have you pulling for them even when the odds aren’t on their side.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
This was the first book I’ve ready by this author but I’m eagerly looking forward to “Changeling” coming out in July 2007…and I have the first of her Chintz & China mystery series in my TBR pile.
Title: A Bite to Remember
Author: Lynsay Sands
Year Published: 2006
Why did you buy this book?
I’ve been following the Argeneau Vampire series since the beginning and loved it. This was an auto-buy book for me (as all the future books in this series will be).
Do you like the cover?
Yes I like the cover.
Did you enjoy the book?
Jackie has dealt with vampires before both in her PI business and in her personal life. She has agreed to fly out to California and find the culprit sabotaging Vincent’s theaters and production companies. Jackie doesn’t trust Vincent because of her first love experience with a vampire but she sure doesn’t mind kissing this sexy vampire.
Vincent isn’t thrilled when his cousin sends a mortal female to help with his business problems. After spending time with Jackie, he finds himself falling in love. As the threat escalates to include murder Jackie must find the culprit before Vincent finds himself staked.
Ms. Sands did it again, written a wonderfully witty vampire story. I really enjoyed the story of love, laughter and the strong bond of family (and friends). This one had a bit of a twist and it threw me about halfway through the story…I wasn’t sure how it would be able to find the happy ending but I was thoroughly satisfied with the ending and hated to put it down knowing I would have to wait for the next book in the series.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series…this is an auto-buy series/author.
Title: A Quick Bite
Author: Lynsay Sands
Year Published: 2005
Why did you buy this book?
I have read the other books in the Argeneau Vampire series and have love all of them.
Do you like the cover?
Yes, I think it’s sexy and eye catching…and definitely fits the storyline.
Did you enjoy the book?
Lissianna Argeneau has a problem, she faints at the sight of blood and that’s a big problem when you’re a vampire. Of course when she comes home to find her birthday present tied to her bed the last thing she thinks about is her fainting flaw.
Dr. Gregory Hewitt realizes there are worse things than being ravished by the sexy woman who’s bed he’s been tied in. But is he really dinner or the forever (literally) kind of guy Lissianna has been looking for?
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Sands has delivered another great twist on the Vampire genre with a witty tale of two soul-mates falling in love and a wacky family thrown to add to the laughter. It’s a great read and I can’t believe I had it sitting on my TBR mountain for so long.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
As I mentioned I’ve read all the books so far in this series and look forward to many more.
Title: Shakespeare’s Landlord
Author: Charlaine Harris
Year Published: Dell 1997 then reprinted Berkley 2005
Why did you buy this book?
I love Ms. Harris’ Southern Vampire series so when Sherry mentioned reading this book and enjoying it I figured I would give it a try.
Do you like the cover?
This cover isn’t really eye catching to me but after reading the story it seems to fit.
Did you enjoy the book?
After a horrific incident in her life, Lily Bard not only changes her looks but her life completely. She moves to the little town of Shakespeare, Arkansas and starts her one woman cleaning business hoping to escape her past.
Lily finds the body of her nosey neighbor and the landlord for the apartment building next door. The police chief starts his investigation by looking into the anonymous tip about the landlord’s body. When he questions Lily about the landlord and her past, she realizes the life she has created may fall apart. Lily uses her job as cleaning lady (to most of the possible suspects of the murder) to find the killer.
The story is full of deep emotions and will have you turning the pages as fast as you can read to see what’s happening next. I really enjoyed the book and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. This is a heart pounding book that will not only surprise you by the end but will leave you wanting to read more about Lily’s life.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
This author wasn’t new to me but this series is and I look forward to the next book. A fair warning though, this book is a reissue and the next book in the series (which looks pivotal in the storyline) isn’t due for reissue until December ’06…so you’ll have to wait a bit. There are a couple of other books after that you can pick up now but as I said the next book looks like it will be pivotal in Lily’s storyline. I’ll see you in line for the next book…cause you’ll be as hooked as I am after reading this book…*G*
Thanks, Sherry…*G*
Title: The Trouble with Witches
Author: Shirley Damsgaard
Year Published: 2006
Why did you buy this book?
It’s part of the Ophelia and Abby mystery series and I’ve loved all the other books in the series so far.
Do you like the cover?
I liked it but to me it didn’t really represent the storyline too much.
Did you enjoy the book?
A phone call from her reporter friend Rick and Ophelia and her grandmother Abby are off to Minnesota to find a missing teenager with the help of Ophelia’s psychic abilities. After arriving in a small town on the lake, Ophelia and Abbey find themselves involved a murder mystery as well as a possible kidnapping. With a Native American shaman, a husband and wife owners of a new age researcher facility (with a troubled teenage niece) strange things are happen all around. At every turn you don’t know who to trust or who’s involved in the bizarre happenings around the lake. The most bizarre and possibly evil happenings involve an old cabin in the woods that could possible hold the key to everything.
I had been looking forward to this book and was thoroughly pleased with how it all unfolded. I really enjoyed the ride through the paranormal mystery and of course didn’t know which way was up until the end…and it was a fun twist filled with edge of your seat fun.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
I’ve read the two previous books by this author and I’m looking forward to many more. I’ll snap them up as soon as they hit the shelf.
Title: I’m the Vampire That’s Why
Author: Michele Bardsley
Year Published: 2006
Why did you buy this book?
I got a bookmark with a blurb on it at RT in Daytona…really made me want to read this book.
Do you like the cover?
Love the cover…if I hadn’t already wanted it I would have had to pick it up to see what it was about.
Did you enjoy the book?
Jessica Matthews was a single mom of two trying to make ends meet. Not only has she found a new man, Patrick O’Halloran (that she just happen to wake up sucking his thigh after becoming a vampire) but she’s now on the hunt for the demonic vampire that just about killed her and caused her to be turned into a vampire.
Jessica’s days have become nights and she is trying to adjust to being a mom and a vampire. On top of all the other things going happening in her life, she has to decide whether she wants to get physical with the sexy vamp in her life…which if she does, she will be committed to him for the next hundred years.
I loved this book. Ms. Bardsley has created a wonderful world filled with sexy vampires and werewolves who’ve all come to find a place in Broken Heart, OK. I couldn't put it down and I'm looking forward to her next book in this series.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Yes this author was new to me but I’m looking forward to the next book in this series “Don’t Talk Back to Your Vampire” and will be picking up a few of her other books as well.
In My Mother’s Kitchen by Robin A Edgar
I was looking for something to do this afternoon-evening because hubby and son went to the race. While browsing the Borders site yesterday checked out the events they had going on this weekend. Robin Edgar was listed for this afternoon so I checked out the book she was going to talk about.
After reading the blurb I bought “In My Mother’s Kitchen” this morning and read it one sitting. It was an amazing read because it brought back lots of memories of my grandmother. I would like to write some of the stories of my grandmother for my son. Gramma had a large influence in my life and has shaped the person I am today. Unfortunately my son was only two and a half when she died so he has no memories of her. I also have very fond memories of my father-in-law. He was very special to me and I would like to pass along those memories as well. He died years before my son was born.
I’m an only child and so I don’t have siblings to help pass along stories of my family. I never realized how important those memories were until I had a child and then lost my Gramma. Right now my son isn’t that interested but when he has kids he might enjoy some of the tidbits of wisdom I picked up from my Gramma through her stories, outlook, habits and eccentric ways. And it might even help him understand some of my eccentric ways as well.
So after reading the book I was very excited about attending the discussion and book signing today. When I got there I realized there was an error on the website, she was going to discussion her new book “Personal Legacies: Surviving the Great Depression”. I felt bad because I’m sure she would have had a good turn out if the website (and other advanced advertising) would have listed her current book. This weekend was Teacher’s Weekend where the offered special discounts, drawings and other freebies, I’m sure some of the teachers would have enjoyed her historical discussion.
As it turned out I was the only person that attended. It was a shame because it was really interesting and enjoyable. We discussed the book I had read and she read passages from her new book and told how she met and interviewed all the people (over 100 and picked 20 stories) for her book. It was really interesting and enjoyable.
I would strongly recommend this book for anyone that is interested in recording memories of loved ones whether they are still with you or not. If you have lost a loved one this is a great book to help you work through your grief by using your memories and rituals to help keep their memory alive in your heart as well as passing those memories on.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, meeting the author and talking to her about both her books and her memories. This was a well spent day reading, remembering and sharing.
Title: What Goes with Blood Red, Anyway?
Author: Stevi Mittman
Year Published: 2006
Why did you buy this book?
After reading Charlotte Douglas’ ‘Maggie Skarrett Mysteries’ from the Harlequin Next series I decided I would try some more from this line. This book caught my attention with the cover, title and blurb.
Do you like the cover?
Yes, it’s what made me pick up the book.
Did you enjoy the book?
Yes I enjoyed the book. Teddi has issues not only with her family and ex-husband but with a customer too. She has a new interior design business and she just found her first paying customer dead…before she paid for all the work Teddi has done for her. To make matters worse the sexy detective in charge thinks her best friend Bobbi is the killer.
This story was a fun read and anyone that loves a good mystery with a chick-lit voice should pick it up.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
The author was new to me. This is the second book starring Teddi so I’ll be on the look out for another one hopefully starring Teddi. I have looked for the first one but haven’t been able to find a copy.
Title: Hangman’s Root
Author: Susan Wittig Albert
Year Published: August 1995
Why did you buy this book?
It’s the third book in the ‘China Bayles Mystery’ series and I’m hooked on the series.
Do you like the cover?
It’s simple but interesting, I liked it.
Did you enjoy the book?
China Bayles is not only in the middle of a murder involving her friend Dottie (the ‘Cat Lady’) but the daughter Ruby gave up for adoption has shown up and is playing a prominent role as a suspect.
To add more twists to the plot China and McQuaid have started house hunting (which scares China). She loves him but not sure if she can live with him and his son.
We meet Sheila the campus security who’s very sharp in her job and dresses in the most feminine outfits matter the situation. At first China is unsure of whether she likes Sheila (even though McQuaid admires her). Soon they form a friendship and with her help China is able to make headway with her investigation.
With help from Sheila and a former college rival China is able to unravel all the information their investigation uncovers. Again Ms. Albert keeps you guessing until the end but its well worth it when you’re done. I really loved this book.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Like I mentioned, it’s the third in a series that has really kept my interest with each new book. I’ve already got the next book in the series and looking forward to reading it.
Are you keeping this book or passing it on?
I’m keeping this book. I really enjoy the series and want to collect all the books in the series.
Title: Witches’ Bane
Author: Susan Wittig Albert
Year Published: 1994
Why did you buy this book?
I read the first book in this series and I was hooked.
Do you like the cover?
Yes, again this is a simple but interesting cover.
Did you enjoy the book?
China Bayles is once again thrown into the middle of a murder that involves a friend. This time it involves Sybil one of China’s customers (with a fondness for poisonous plants) and her best friend (and shop tenant) Ruby. Ruby has everyone in an uproar because of her how-to classes on tarot cards. When Ruby’s tarot card and ceremony knife are found with Sybil’s body, not only is Ruby a suspect but several people in town are convinced Ruby is an evil witch. It doesn’t help there have been a few other crimes that look like the results of a cult.
I really enjoyed this story. Again China looks at the crime scene in her logical way and works her way through the evidence looking for answers before her friend is convicted of a crime based on local fears and small mindedness.
We also get a more in-depth look at China’s growing relationship with McQuaid a former cop now a teacher at the local university, working on his PhD and a single parent. I think their relationship adds more depth to China’s character as well as more layers on the story as a whole.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
No I’ve read the first book in the ‘China Bayles Mystery’ series and I’m hooked. She has become a favorite author and I already have the next book in the series.
Are you keeping this book or passing it on?
I’m keeping it because I love to reread favor books…and I plan on collecting the whole series (I have along way to go…*G*)
Title: Thyme of Death
Author: Susan Wittig Albert
Year Published: 1992
Why did you buy this book?
In my search for cozy mysteries, I came across this author. The herb shop theme really had my attention because I’ve always had an interest in herbs.
Do you like the cover?
It’s a simple cover but nice.
Did you enjoy the book?
China Bayles was a high power top paid defense attorney in Houston until she decided to save her sanity and pull out of the rat race. She resigned, sold her yuppie condo, moved to Pecan Springs and bought the Thyme and Seasons Herb Company. She really enjoys her shop and has gotten use to the slower pace in a small town. She still pays her bar association dues just in case but she’s quite happy now.
When China’s friend Jo is found dead of apparent suicide, she doesn’t believe it. China is familiar with the police investigation and knows that questioning the police chief will antagonize him but she just can’t believe her friend killed herself. China with the help of Ruby her free spirited friend (who rents the space next door for her new age shop) looks into Jo’s death. They uncover more questions about their friend than they do answers.
I really enjoyed this story. Being an attorney (even though she doesn’t practice now) China knows how a crime scene is worked and what’s needed to prosecute the killer. She is also very logical when she looks at the evidence (or lack there of) unlike her friend Ruby who jumps to accusations with no foundation.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Yes, this author was one of the first that I picked up in my search for cozy romances. I’ve already picked up the next book in the ‘China Bayles Mystery’
Are you keeping this book or passing it on?
It’s a keeper. As you know by now I love rereading favorite books and of course this is part of a long series so that alone makes it a keeper for me too.
Title: On What Grounds
Author: Cleo Coyle
Year Published: 2003
Why did you buy this book?
While looking for cozy mysteries I read a blurb about this book and found it interesting not only because of the blurb but also for the setting. I love coffee shops.
Do you like the cover?
Yes, it looks like a place you would like to come in find out why the coffee beans are spilled.
Did you enjoy the book?
I enjoyed the book. Clare’s daughter is in college and so she finally takes her old boss-mentor-ex-mother-in-law up on her offer of coming back to work in the historic Village Blend. The shop is in trouble because of the previous manager so it needs all Clare’s help and attention. Not only will this opportunity get Clare out of the suburbs and back in the city (because of the wonderfully spacious apartment above the shop) but she will be back doing what she loves.
Everything seems to be going perfect in Clare’s life until she comes to open the shop early one morning to find her manager unconscious at the bottom of the stairs and trash scattered around. The police think it’s an accident but Clare has her doubts. To add to her stress, her ex-husband turns up in her shower. The spark is still there but she’s through with his carefree ways. He informs her that his mother also promised the apartment to him as well. Between getting the shop back on track, fighting her attraction to her husband (and the good looking detective) as well as figured out what happened to her manager Clare has her hands full.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Yes, the author was new to me and I plan to check out more in the ‘Coffeehouse Mystery’ series but not right away. Having started a new genre (cozy mysteries) I’m flooded with books to read as well as many of my old favorites in the romance genre.
Are you keeping this book or passing it on?
Yes, I’m keeping it. I like to reread-skim books that are part of a series if I don’t read the books back to back so I can get back into the storyline (or refresh my memory on the characters)
Title: Love You Madly
Author: Linda Palmer
Year Published: May 2006
Why did you buy this book?
I read the second book in the ‘Daytime Mystery’ series (thinking it was the first) so I had to have the other two books. I snapped this one up as soon as I found it (it’s the third in the series).
Do you like the cover?
Yes I think the cover is eye catching.
Did you enjoy the book?
Morgan Tyler the daytime drama writer and co-producer is back and once again protecting one of her actors. This time Link is having problem with an over enthusiastic fan (Lena) and he tries to convince her that Morgan is his love interest. Of course that soon backfires and to make matters worse shortly after Morgan visits Lena’s last love interest/stalking victim he turns up dead. Morgan is not only a potential suspect but possible the next victim along with Link.
To stir the plot pot, Morgan’s personal life gets more interesting when Chet comes home to spend time with her, Matt has decided they need to cool things off (but still calls to yell at her about jumping into a dangerous situation) and she gets another present from Nico who is never too far from her thoughts as well.
Like the last book…when you think you have it figured out…you don’t. I love this story with it’s plot twists and all the fun secondary characters that have reappeared in this marvelous tale. This series is a definite must read.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
No, I read the second book in the series and she became one of my favorite authors and an auto-buy.
Are you keeping this book or passing it on?
I’m definitely keeping it for a reread (or several).
Title: The Ghost and Mrs. McClure
Author: Alice Kimberly
Year Published: 2004
Why did you buy this book?
This book caught my interest for both the cozy mystery as well as the paranormal twist.
Do you like the cover?
It definitely gives you a taste of what’s to come.
Did you enjoy the book?
I enjoyed the twist in this book. In 1949 PI Jack Shepard from the big city finds himself in Quindicott, RI on a case. He gets shot in the small town bookstore. His life ends but his spirit is trapped in the bookstore. Over the years he’s done his best to run everyone off from his side of the store and eventually half the store is closed off. Along comes Penelope Thornton-McClure and her son to redesign the whole book store including opening up the unused half. Aunt Sadie and the bookstore were all that Penelope had left so she put all her money into the store and it must work.
The biggest opportunity to have the bookstore put on the book signing map and things don’t go as planned. The famous author drops dead after making a major announcement. If that’s not enough Jack makes his appearance known to Penelope and the police thinks Penelope had something to do with the murder.
Not only does Jack give the story a paranormal twist but with his hard bitten attitude and 1940’s gangster slang he gives it a bit of old mystery flair. Together Jack and Penelope must solve the case to keep her out of jail and the bookstore solvent. I really enjoyed the storyline.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Yes and yes…the author is new to me and I already have the next book in the series.
Are you keeping this book or passing it on?
I can’t help myself, yes I’m keeping the book because I love to go back and reread books that I enjoy, especially ones that are part of a series.
Title: Spring Break
Author: Charlotte Douglas
Year Published: 2006
Why did you buy this book?
I’ve read the previous books in the Maggie Skirrett series and really enjoyed them so it was inevitable that I would get this book as well.
Do you like the cover?
Yes. I like the play on the plastic flamingo.
Did you enjoy the book?
I really enjoyed this book. Maggie and Bill have opened a private detective business and are getting along better every day. Maggie is busy with a case of a starlet’s stolen pooch when her former partner Dave calls. Maggie’s phone number is found in the pocket of a murdered girl and it opens up an unsolved serial killing case that has haunted Maggie for years. Maggie’s relationship with her mother is still tenuous but when her mother has a stroke everything changes. Her relationship with her sister has been one of the most amazing for Maggie.
Again Maggie scratches her way through another murder case while trying to find out why her mother treats her the way she does. I really enjoyed this series because just like real life, Maggie’s plate is full not only with her personal life but her professional one too. Maggie’s relationships make her feel vulnerable but it’s her strength gets her through life as it comes.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
I’ve enjoyed other books by this author and hope to see more from this series.
Are you keeping this book or passing it on?
I’m keeping this series for rereads.
Anything else?
This was the first series of books I’ve read in the Next line by Harlequin. I’ve really enjoyed them and look forward to reading more in the Next line.
Title: Holidays are Murder
Author: Charlotte Douglas
Year Published: 2005
Why did you buy this book?
After reading “Pelican Bay” (the first book in the Maggie Skerritt series) I had to order this book because I really enjoyed the last book.
Do you like the cover?
I like the title but it might have more of a fond memory thing for me…I remember the pink aluminum Christmas trees.
Did you enjoy the book?
I really enjoyed this book not only for the mystery involved but also for the relationship developments. Maggie doesn’t have the best of relationships with her mother & sister but her relationship. The holidays bring out their different views on life as well as Maggie’s career choice. As if the holidays and family weren’t difficult enough, throw in robberies, a murder and a politician still pushing to close the police department, Maggie has her hands full. Thank goodness Bill is there to help Maggie with her investigations as well as wading through all the holiday hoopla. Maggie isn’t so sure about her relationship with Bill, she loves him but she’s afraid. Bill is unwavering in his pursuit and shows Maggie he’s there to stay.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
I have read other books by this author, the latest book the first in this series “Pelican Bay”. I have ordered the third book in this series.
Are you keeping this book or passing it on?
I’m keeping this book…I love to reread books I’ve enjoyed and this one definitely fits that bill.
Anything else?
I’m hoping Ms. Douglas continues this series because I’ve really enjoyed it.
