September 11th's Friday Post

Welcome to this week's Friday Post.  I'll be linking up this week to:

First Line Friday
Friday Book Snippets
Book Blogger Hop

Friday Book Snippets is the combination of Book Beginnings and Friday 56.  We need to share two snippets, the first from the beginning and the second from somewhere in the book, not necessarily from page 56 or 56% into the book.  It's co-hosted by Head Full of Books and Bemused and Bookish.  Thanks for keeping this going, ladies!

We will see if I stick to page 56/56% for my second snippet.  I always liked that it focused me as I looked for that second teaser.  Of course, sometimes, there wasn't much to choose from.  I suspect I'll probably start with those pages, but expand out if needed.  My approach may change as I get used to the new rules.

So, let's get to it.  My teasers for the first two are coming from Home Sweet Homicide by Rosalie Spielman.

This is book five in the Hometown Mysteries.  It's been a while since I read one of these books, so I was happy to dive back in.

Here's how the book begins:

The café was suddenly even colder than usual for a January.

That sounds like bad news, doesn't it?

I read this book a couple of weeks ago, before the change for snippets was announced.  So here's from 56% into the ebook:

Troy ambled up to me. "Tessa. I am shocked, just shocked, to see you here."

"Your sarcastic wit is not appreciated, Mr. Barnes." I shook my head but couldn't keep a small smile away.

A little bit of fun there.

I enjoyed this book.  My review will be up on Tuesday, so I hope you'll come back to read it.

Meanwhile, let's switch over to this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

How much do online reviews shape what you pick up next?

I'm always a bit embarrassed when I admit they don't influence me that much.  Even with how much time I spend reviewing.  It doesn't help that I don't have a lot of time to spend looking at other book blogs.  I wish I did.  But if I am seeing a book pop up quite a bit, I might give it a more serious look.  It doesn't help that I have a huge to be read pile.  I'm so busy trying to keep up with all of those books I don't have a lot of room for new discoveries.

Have a great weekend!

September 4th's Friday Post

We are easing into a long weekend, at least here in the states.  Let's kick things off with a Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

Before we get on with the rest of the post, I do want to thank Gilion at Rose City Readers who has hosted Book Beginnings for years.  She is stepping down, but I appreciate you keeping this running for so long.  I always enjoy it when I participate.  I know I wasn't an every week participant, but I did participate quite a bit since I found it.

The good news is we have a new host.  Olivia at Bemused and Bookish is going to pick up the mantel.  Thanks for keeping it going!

Okay, with that out of the way, shall we get to this week's post?  My teasers for the first three will be coming from Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert.

This is the second in the Exotic Pet-Sitter Mysteries.

And here's how it begins:

Rainy weather was an introvert’s best friend.

It's hard to argue with that.  Staying inside while it is raining is so super cozy.  I don't want to get out and do much, but I'll watch it rain for hours out my window.  While this may not be an action opening sentence, I obviously did like it.

Meanwhile, over at 56% into my ebook, we find this:

I’d only been in the chicken coop for two minutes when it became clear that some days, the chickens could be an even bigger handful than a pack of wolves.

Now, what's going on with the chickens?

I'll be reviewing the book on Tuesday, so I hope you'll come back to see what I thought.

Let's move on to this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

What book do you think deserves more love but flies under the radar?

I'm going to cheat and go with series and list two of them.

Up first is Cathy Wiley's Fatal Food Festivals, starting with Claws of Death.  The main character is a former celebrity chef now working the food festival circuit as a guest judge.  Naturally, she keeps getting involved in murders.  The books have food, laughs, and a great group of recurring characters.  What's not to love?

The other series is the Bucket List Mysteries from Ryan Rivers.  The first official book is Aerobics Can Be Deadly, but the first story is the novella Arbor Day Can Be Deadly.  This series features unlikely friends solving mysteries in a small town in Texas.  I laugh so hard while reading them, but the characters are so strong.

Have a great weekend!

August 28th's Friday Post

Welcome to Friday!  It's time for a Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

This week, my teasers for the first three will be coming from Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink.

This is the first in a new historical mystery series.  It's official release day is Tuesday, the 1st.  But I got an ARC, so I've already read it.

And here's how it begins:

Saul Niffler leaped out of the path of the Oldsmobile Runabout. The driver offered an apologetic honk on the bulb horn. From under the leather buggy top, his passenger, bonnet ribbons flying like sparrows, giggled as they sped by.

It might have helped that I already knew it was set in 1905, but somehow, that opening really put me in that time period.

Meanwhile, at 56% into the book, we find this quote:

She waved a piece of paper at them. “This is a breakthrough,” she said giddily. “It’s going to propel our case to its conclusion. I just know it.”

What is the clue?  Is it really important to the case?  Or is it a red herring?  I'll let you find out for yourself.

I completely enjoyed the book.  I hope you'll come back on Tuesday to see my full review.

Meanwhile, let's check in with this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question of the week is:

What grabs you and keeps you hooked in a book?

For me, it's a combination of things.  The first is great characters.  Characters I enjoy spending time with will make me look forward to returning to the pages of a book.  And will make me pick up the next in the series.  But I also want a story that is moving forward.  It's a tricky balance, but if you've got characters I love with a well constructed plot, I will escape into the book for hours on end.

Have a great weekend!

August 21st's Friday Post

It's Friday!  Time for this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

My teasers for the first three will be coming from Harrowed Heir by Sarah E. Burr.

This is book 10 in her Court of Mystery series.  It's set in a fictional continent and politics is ramping up, adding to the mystery in each book.

Here's how this book begins:

A knock on the door interrupted Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier’s trance, forcing her to look up from the stack of papers she’d been attempting to sort before her departure.

Meanwhile, we find ourselves in a bit of a fight at 56% into the ebook:

“Don’t think you can use my own words against me, husband.” Jax kept her voice even, but her gaze lanced Perry to his seat. “It is unbecoming to use my ideals to justify what you have done.“

I enjoyed this book.  My review will be up on Tuesday, so I hope you'll come back then to read it.

Meanwhile, let's move over to this week's Book Blogger Hop.  Here's this week's question:

Do you follow book trends and bestsellers, or do you prefer hunting down lesser-known titles?

The answer is yes.  I do read some best sellers; I'm reading two right now.  I don't follow trends to follow trends, but if something sounds fun, I'll pick it up.  But, like the book I'm highlighting this week, I also like to read the lesser known authors and put a spotlight on them.  Again, if the author or book catches my interest, I'll read it.

Have a great weekend!

August 14th's Friday Post

It's Friday!  Time to celebrate with this week's Friday Post.  I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

My teasers for the first three will be coming from City of Promises by Victoria Thompson with Ellen Thompson.

This is officially book eight in the Counterfeit Lady series, but...well...let's just get to that first line.

Attorney Gideon Bates was looking forward to meeting his new client this morning. He knew Frank Malloy by reputation, but their paths had never crossed before.

Any fan of Victoria Thompson's series know what makes this special immediately.  Gideon Bates is from this series, but Frank Malloy is from the author's Gaslight Mysteries.  Yep, the book is a crossover, and I couldn't wait to dive into it.

Meanwhile, over on page 56, we find this:

"Sebastian sounds like he's perfect for you, thought," Elizabeth said. It wasn't entirely a lie. If he was an imposter, the person he was pretending to be did sound perfect for Catherine. But he couldn't keep up the charade forever.

Do we have an imposter?  I will leave it for you to find out.

My full review will be up next Thursday, but here's the teaser.  I enjoyed it.

Moving on to this week's Book Blogger Hop, here's the question:

Is there a book you keep coming back to, reading it more than once?

Not as much as I'd like; I have so many unread books calling my name.  But I do occasionally pick up a Trixie Belden book to revisit the characters.  And I enjoyed rereading Elizabeth George Speare's books last December.  And revisiting Mrs. Pollifax last spring was a treat.

Have a great weekend!

August 7th's Friday Post

We've made it to Friday!  Time for this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

This week, I will be pulling quotes for the first three from A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron.

Yes, I've got two books from Ellen Byron pretty close together.  But they are from two different series and two different publishers and they wound up coming out back to back, so here we are.

Anyway, this is book five in her Vintage Cookbook Mysteries.  And here's how it begins:

For Ricki James-Diaz, one of the best aspects of her job as proprietor of Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop was seeing the emotional reaction when a customer came upon an item that had special meaning for them.

Nothing to mysterious or suspenseful about that opening, but it does bring a smile to my face.

Meanwhile, at 56% into the ARC, we've got this quote:

Cookie yawned. “I’m done.” She crossed her arms and placed them on the counter, then closed her eyes and rested her head on her arms.
“Hint taken.”

It wasn't the easiest scene to find a quote from since there are some spoilers, but I found this exchange fun.

The book is already out, but I'll be reviewing it on Tuesday as part of a blog tour, so I hope you'll come back to see what I thought.

Let's move on to this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

Do you see yourself more as an editor, a writer, or just a reader?

I'm just a reader.  And I've had discussions with writers when I say that.  They like to point out that readers are important since they buy the books authors are writing.  I don't mean it in a negative way.  Writers are readers AND writers.  Editors are editors AND readers.  So, when I say I'm just a reader, I'm saying that I don't have another title in the literary world.

And on that note, I'm out.  Have a wonderful weekend.

July 31st's Friday Post

It's been a couple of weeks, so it's time to jump into another Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

My teasers for the first three will be coming from Hell Hath No Fury by Annette Dashofy.

This is book five in her Detective Honeywell Mysteries.  And here's how the book begins:

Matthias Honeywell wanted a romantic getaway with his girlfriend. Driving three hours in a steady downpour to rescue Emma’s drug-addicted sister wasn’t at all what he had in mind.

Meanwhile, at 56% into the book, we find this quote:

“Why isn’t he calling back?” Eric demanded.

The book will be out on Thursday, but I've already read it thanks to an ARC.  I need to write my review, but I should be posting it on Thursday next week.

Meanwhile, let's check in with this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

If you had to stick to one genre forever, which would you choose and why?

I'm sure it will be no surprise to anyone that I would pick mysteries.  That is pretty much all I read as it is, so of course that would be the genre I would stick with if I had to pick just one.

Have a great weekend!

July 17th's Friday Post

Welcome to Friday!  It's time for a Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

My teasers for the first three will be coming from All Aboard for Murder by Ellen Byron.

This is book three in her Golden Motel Mysteries.  It's a fun series set in the California Gold Country.

I'll admit, the first sentence had my scratching my head.  And the next paragraph didn't necessarily help.

“Happy Angus Sprockles Birthday!”
Sam Stern issued the cheery greeting to his daughter, Dee, who was cleaning up the breakfast detritus left by guests in the Golden Motel’s midcentury, redwood-paneled lobby.

It doesn't take too long before we get the context - Angus Sprockles is someone important in the local area, and they still celebrate his birthday.  Maybe I was just being dense when I first read that sentence.

Anyway, on page 56 of my ARC, we find this:

Raul ended the call. He pocketed his notebook. "We have a pillar of the community who appears to be the victim of a homicide. A valuable antique someone could've stolen is un-stolen. What exactly is going on here?"

That's an excellent question isn't it?  Of course, it is answered by the end of the book.  The book comes out on July 28th, but I'm part of a blog tour for it, and my review will be up on Monday.

Meanwhile, let's move on to this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

Do you read one book at a time, or juggle a few at once?

I stick to one book.  Otherwise, I start to get plot points confused, or one book gets forgotten for a few days.  The exception is when I am listening to an audiobook.  I'll have a book I'm reading with my eyes as well.

Have a great weekend!

July 10th's Friday Post

Welcome to Friday and this week's Friday Post.  I'll be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

My teasers for the first three will be coming from Strong Medicine by Steve Hockensmith.

This is book eight in his Holmes on the Range series, featuring two cowboy brothers who have turned detectives, inspired by Sherlock Holmes.

Here's how the fun begins:

When you’re a cowboy, you learn to be both a heavy sleeper and a light one.

Meanwhile, at 56% into the book, we find the main characters trying to get some information from a cabby.  That leads to this exchange:

“My rate,” he went on, “is a dollar a question.”

“What?” Old Red said.

“Is that question number one?” the cabby asked.

“It wasn’t a question,” I clarified. “It was an expression of disbelief.”

The book will be out on Tuesday, and my review will be up then.

Meanwhile, let's turn our attention to the Book Blogger Hop for the week, shall we?  This week's question is:

What’s your biggest pet peeve about the book community?

That's a hard question.  I do have some pet peeves, but I'm not sure what the biggest is.  And what I really do like is that you can find just about every opinion represented.  So, I try to avoid those who harp on things I don't like.

I guess the one thing that stands out the most are the people who think you can only do things one way, and then tell others they must enjoy books that way or it doesn't count.  As I like to say, we aren't in school.  This is a hobby.  We can enjoy books however we want.  Physical, ebook, audio.  Multiple a week or just a couple a month.  Best sellers or indie authors.  It's all good as long as you are enjoying it.

Have a great weekend!

July 3rd's Friday Post

Welcome to Friday!  And a holiday Friday here in the US.  I'm going to kick off my long weekend with a Friday Post, where I will link up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

My teasers for the first three will be coming from The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood.

This is book five in n the Marlow Murder Club series.  It officially comes out on Tuesday, but my preorder arrived early.  So I read it, and I'll be reviewing it on Tuesday.

Here's how the book begins:

Mrs. Judith Potts looked at the woman standing outside her front door and didn't say a word. She didn't dare say a word. Her heart was racing. Her thoughts were in free fall.

Yes, this is a bit of a cheat.  It's from the prologue and is the same scene that ended book four.  Not that I remember if we had these exact words there.  But it is how this book starts.

Moving on to page 56, we find this:

"I've just received a complaint from a colleague of Gary Wise's at Wycombe Wanderers Football Club," he said to the women.
"Hello, Brendan," Judith said, refusing to be intimidated.

This book is full of humor, and that exchange captures that well for me.  Might not translate out of context, however.

My review will be up on Tuesday, so I hope you come back to get my full thoughts.

Let's move on to the Book Blogger Hop, shall we?  This week's question is:

What book would make a killer soundtrack, and what would that soundtrack sound like?

I'm not quite sure what to do with this one.  I don't think of books as soundtracks.  And I'm the guy who hardly notices the music in a movie or TV show, but definitely notices when it is taken out.  I know, I'm weird.

Have a great weekend!

June 26th's Friday Post

Welcome to Friday!  Time for this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

The teasers for the first three will be coming from Murder at Ochre Court, the sixth Gilded Newport Mystery from Alyssa Maxwell.

Here's how the book begins:

"Take my advice, Miss Cross, and marry a rich man. Then you may do whatever you like?"

Considering the romantic storyline in the series, that really got my attention.

Meanwhile, on page 56, we find this:

"Where and when Dale Hanson is moved is entirely up to his doctor," I said while Hannah gaped at him. I couldn't blame her.
"And to the police," Griggson corrected me.

I've enjoyed this one, and I'll be reviewing it next Thursday.

Meanwhile, let's look at this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

Do you prefer writing long, detailed reviews or quick, punchy ones? 

Depends on who you ask if my reviews are long or short.  (And yes, I know I have a long one this week.)  I prefer to think of them are quick and punchy but detailed.  Hopefully, that also makes them helpful.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Juneteenth's Friday Post

It's Friday! Time for this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

The teasers for the first three will be coming from The Quirky Quiz Show Caper by Sally Carpenter.

This is book four in her Sandy Fairfax Teen Idol Mysteries.  And here's how the book begins:

Strange that the music I'd made popular in the 1970s sounded unbearably cheesy when played on a four-manual Wurlitzer theater organ.

Definitely a bit of fun to start the book.  But on page 56, the mystery has definitely kicked in:

"Where is the knife, Dr. Farmington?" The detective said this more like a command than a question.

It had been a while since I picked up a book in this series, and I enjoyed getting to revisit the characters.  Look for my review to come on Thursday.

Meanwhile, shall we get to this week's Book Blogger Hop?  The question is:

If you could pick any fictional character to live with, who would it be, and how would they change your daily life? 

Considering I used to day dream of living with Trixie Belden and the rest of the Bob Whites, that's my  answer.  For those who don't know her, Trixie is a teen detective kind of like the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew.  The Bob Whites are her brothers and their group of friends.  And yes, they solved lots of mysteries.  Obviously, getting involved in real life mysteries would significantly change my life.

Have a great weekend!

June 5th's Friday Post

It's Friday!  Time for another Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

The teasers for the first three will be coming from Crown of Chaos by Sarah E. Burr.

This is book nine in a series that takes place on a fictional continent.  The main character is a ruler of one of the countries.  Yes, there are murders (this is me), but there's also political intrigue, especially as the series progresses.

With all that said, let's take a look at how this book begins.

The snap echoed all around, reverberating off the trunks of frost-covered trees. Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier tightened her grip on the leather reins, her anxious gaze darting to the Captain of the Ducal Guard. “What was that?” Her voice was a harsh whisper.

That certainly draws you in right away, doesn't it?

Meanwhile, at 56% into the ebook, we find this quote:

Jax chewed on her lower lip, hesitant to share another theory she had been forming. But if anyone would support her, it would be Perry.

Was it a good theory?  I'll leave it for you to find out.  I really enjoyed this book in the series.  Assuming I get my review written, I'll be reviewing it this coming week.  The exact date is yet to be determined.

So, let's move over to the Book Blogger Hop.  This week's question is:

What’s the quirkiest or most unexpected place you’ve ever read a book, and why?

As I've shared on here I've read in line in amusements parks.  What else am I supposed to do while waiting in line by myself?  It helps pass the time and is productive.  I've also been known to read on my lunch hour in my car.  The passenger seat, of course.  I don't want to fight the pedals in the driver's seat.  I can't think of any other unusual places I've read.

That's it for me.  Have a great weekend!

May 29th's Friday Post

It's Friday!  Time for this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

This week, I will be sharing teasers from One Final Turn, the last Electra McDonnell Novel by Ashley Weaver.

This series features a safe cracker who finds herself working for British Intelligence during World War II.

And here's how the book begins:

No one could ever say I'd lived a dull life. I was, in fact, a biographer's dream.

That makes for a fun and honest beginning, doesn't it?

Meanwhile, over on page 56, we find this:

"And you didn't notice anyone following you back form the cafe?" he asked instead.
"No. Archie was very careful about making sure no one followed us back."

I'll be sharing my thoughts on this book on Tuesday.  I hope you'll come back to see what I thought then.

Meanwhile, let's look at this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

Does the headline “Must-Read Books” grab your attention?

No, it usually doesn't.  Ironic, since I used that phrase to promote the short story I reviewed on Thursday.  But it is such an overused phrase that I don't pay any attention when someone says that.

Have a great weekend!

May 22nd's Friday Post

Welcome to this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

My teasers for the first three this week will be coming from My Nightmare is Yours by Diane Vallere.

This is lucky number thirteen in a series from one of my favorite authors.  And Diane has lots of series she juggles, so her name is familiar if you spend any time around here.  This book is from her Madison Night series.  Madison is a decorator specializing in Mid-Century Modern decor.  And she is a huge Doris Day fan.

The quotes this week are short and sweet.  For example, here's how the book begins:

The photo was unfortunate on many levels.

That definitely caught my attention.  Meanwhile, at 56% into the book, we find this:

“What about Kingston?” I asked.
“For a blind date, he was very attentive.”

The book will be out on Tuesday, and I'll have a review then, so I hope you'll come back.

Meanwhile, let's hop on over to this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

What do you think about rising prices for hardcovers, paperbacks, and eBooks?

EBook prices are outrageous, especially since it is a license for the book and not actually purchasing it.  

Having said that, I do also respect that authors should be paid for their hard work.  And editors and publishers do need money as well.  I don't feel like the other book formats are rising significant above general inflation.  Still, it does hurt to see how expensive books are.  It makes me more selective at what I buy, unless I can find it on sale.

That's it for me.  Have a great weekend!

May 15th's Friday Post

We've made it through another week!  Time for this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

This week, my teasers for the first three will be coming from Reckoning at the Riviera Royale by P.J. Fitzsimmons.

This is the fifth book in a series set in 1929.  And the first time we are leaving England behind for the French Riviera.  Yes, it's a mystery series, but it is highly comedic as well.  And I think these quotes really capture the tone of the book.

Here's how it begins:

It had been a little over a year since I’d seen my mother and, I assumed at the time, slightly longer since she’d last committed murder.

That's a beginning that will capture your attention, right?

Meanwhile, at 56% into the ebook, we find this quote:

“It’s not stealing, Mister Boisjoly…” claimed Mimpley.

“...it’s only cheating,” completed Biddicomb.

“You do yourselves a disservice, ladies,” I countered. “It’s both.”

I always enjoy this series, and this book was no exception.  I'll have my full review up on Tuesday, so I hope you'll come back to read it.

For now, let's move on to this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

Are you team dog-eared pages or strictly no creases? 

I bet if you looked at most of my books, you couldn't tell which ones I'd read and which ones I hadn't.  I don't bend spines back.  I don't dog-ear pages.  I don't mind buying a used book that is clearly used, but anything I buy new, I try to keep in as good as shape as I can for as long as I can.

Have a great weekend!

May 8th's Friday Post

It's Friday again, which means it is time for another Friday Post.  I'll be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

My teasers for the first three will be coming from Murder Most Trivial, the new Murder, She Wrote novel from Barbara Early.

Obviously, this book is going to have a very specific fan base, but considering this is the 63rd book in the series of novels tied into the TV show, I'd say it is a large fan base.

Anyway, here's how the book begins:

Seth Hazlitt opened the door of Riley’s for me, and I’ll admit I hesitated to look around the room. The promise of a “genuine” Irish pub experience here in Cabot Cove, Maine, was one I found intriguing yet, I feared, was doomed to disappoint (not for lack of advertising).

Okay, so that first sentence might not be suspenseful, but it does a good job of setting up the first scene.

Meanwhile, at 56% into the ARC, we find this quote:

“Are we going to play the game?” Maureen asked.
“What game?” Mort said.

The book is coming out on Tuesday, but I was able to read an ARC, so I'll be reviewing it on Tuesday.

Let's switch over to this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question of the week is:

If you designed a cover for a beloved book, how would it look, and how would it reflect the story? 

I'm am so not a visual arts person.  You should see what I cam up with when I had to do something liek that in school.  But I can appreciate a well done cover.  I'm not sure how I would improve on those.  So I think I will leave it to the visual artists and just enjoy their work.

(Yes, I know I am just dodging the question.)

Have a great weekend!

May 1st's Friday Post

Happy May Day!  Let's celebrate with a Friday Post, where I will link up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

This week, my teasers from the first three will be coming from Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place by Linda Reilly.

This is book seven in her Grilled Cheese Mysteries.  It came out a couple of weeks ago, but with the short turn around (this publisher always announces stuff last minute), I wasn't able to work the ARC into my reading schedule before now.

Here's how the book begins:

Carly Hale Mitchell’s gaze flitted all around the elegantly appointed parlor. She could easily imagine she’d been dropped into an episode of Downton Abbey.

So, the question on my mind was where is our main character?  Of course, we find out exactly where Carly was within the next few sentences.

Meanwhile, at 56% into the eARC, we find this:

Emotion clogging her throat, she hurried out and closed the door.

Just what has upset her?  I'll leave it for you to find out.

I've finished this one, and I enjoyed it.  I'll be reviewing it on Tuesday, so I hope you'll come back then to read my full review.

Meanwhile, let's take a look at this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

Is there a book you've been meaning to read forever but haven’t gotten to yet?

So many books!  I did read one of them back in January, The Big Boat to Bye-Bye by Ellis Weiner.  I'm sure if I spent much time looking at my shelves (or my Kindle collection), I'd find many that fit the bill.  But one that sprang immediately to mind is Baby Crimes by Randall Hicks.  I read the first in the series and bought the trade paperback of this book when it came out almost 20 years ago.  But I still haven't read it.  I really should fix that, should I?

Have a great weekend!

April 24th's Friday Post

We've made it to Friday!  Time for this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginning
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

This week, my teasers for the first three will come from In the Spirit of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge.

This is book four in the American in Paris Mysteries.  It features Tabatha Knight and her neighbor...Julia Child.

Here's how this book begins:

"It was an absolute disaster!" Julie cried, gripping my arm in desperation.

That grabbed my attention.  I needed to know what the disaster was.  Meanwhile, on page 56, we find this:

"You, too, have the energy around you. But it is different.  It is quieter, but not weaker. You have...It is death, I see."

What could that mean?  I'll leave it for you to find out.

The book comes out on Tuesday, and I'll have a release day review.  So I hope you'll stop by to find out what I thought.

Meanwhile, let's close things out with this week's Book Blogger Hop.  The question is:

Imagine creating a book-themed board game. What kind of gameplay would it have? 

I think I'd do something about trying to read your to be read pile.  Maybe you are on a quest to lower your list by 20 books.  But your opponents can sabotage you by adding to your to be read pile.  I'm not completely sure how exactly it would work, but this basic idea sounds fun.  Lots of kinks to work out and rules to create, right?

Have a great weekend!

April 10th's Friday Post

We did it!  We've reached another Friday.  Let's celebrate with this week's Friday Post, where I will be linking up to:

Book Beginnings
First Line Friday
Friday 56
Book Blogger Hop

This week, my teasers will be coming from The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian.

This is the fifth novel in her Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mysteries.  I finished it up last week, and I enjoyed it.

Here's how the book begins:

I'm better at finding lost treasures than a phone buried in the bottom of my bag. Handwritten notecards for my lecture. A granola bar squished nearly as thin as a hand-pressed sheet of parchment. A magnifying glass. But no phone.

If she's that desperate to find her phone, I'm sure the phone call she needs to make is important.  Right?

Meanwhile, on page 56, we find this:

"What's the deal with his accident. Was it sabotage as well?"
"I don't think so," Sanjay said.
I waited for him to elaborate, but he didn't.
"What happened" I prompted.
"You don't want to know."

My review of this book will be up on Thursday, so I hope you'll come back and see what I thought.

For now, let's jump over to the Book Blogger Hop.  This week's question is:

 If you could revisit one of your past reviews, what would you change, and why?

Well, I actually did that just about 5 weeks ago.  I've been wanting to go back and update my review of Scream VI, so I did that after watching Scream 7.

As far as book reviews go, a lot of my older reviews are shorter now and don't reflect my current reviewing style.  But I think I'd have to reread the book to really be able to do justice to a new review, or even an updated review, of the book.  And, with so many new books calling my name, I just don't have time for that.  For the most part, I'm okay with them, although I don't go back through them very often.

Have a great weekend!