Ornament Review: Itsy Bitsy Cupcake - 2014 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Looks like a cute but creepy professionally decorated cupcake

Cons: The legs are too flexible

The Bottom Line:

Cute cupcake spider

A great series compliment

Crawls into your heart

The Itsy Bitsy Cupcake Crawled Onto the Dessert Plate

I am in serious trouble.  Since I started collecting Hallmark ornaments, I have avoided their Halloween ornaments.  I don’t decorate for Halloween.  I will not start decorating for Halloween.  But this year, I bought two of them, and I think with Itsy Bitsy Cupcake, I might be committed.

This ornament is a compliment to the Christmas Cupcake series, which features festively decorated cupcakes.  This cupcake is decorated to look like a creepy spider.  The little bit of the cupcake we can see above the purple cupcake foil makes it obvious it is chocolate.  The “frosting” is also black, but it’s poufy in a way you can only get with a professional (or a decoration like this).  The end result is a large spider body that is a bit cute even for those who don’t like spiders.  Two eyes and a red nose have been glued into the fabric used as frosting, and the way they peer out at you is actually a little cute.  It has eight red pipe cleaners (or something similar) coming out of it for the legs.

The result is actually pretty good.  It does look like a cupcake, however, it looks like one that has been dressed up for Halloween.  I can picture walking into a store and finding real cupcakes like this for sale.  That’s how nice it looks.  And it’s got the right balance to look spooky and cute at the same time.  This is important, and the balance is right.  Everyone knows it is for Halloween, yet it’s not going to scare someone who is afraid of spiders.

My only issue with this ornament is the legs.  Despite how they look in the pictures, they are actually easily bent.  When I unwrapped him from the box, they were bent around and looked bad.  I was able to straight all but one fairly easily, but that one still sticks off at a weird angle.  And because of how they look, you really have to find a place to hang this ornament.  For those of us with no Halloween tree, that creates a problem.

On the other hand, it does hang straight and level when you use the thread that comes up as a hook.

I already know I will be buying a Halloween ornament next year – a series compliment to the Cookie Cutter series.  But for this year, I will keep enjoying Itsy Bitsy Cupcake and try to figure out if this is the start of a new collection for me.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Christmas Cupcakes series.

Price: $12.95

TV Recap: Castle 7-3 - Clear and Present Danger

While I’ve pointed out how “off” the first two episodes of the season have seemed, I have also been confident they could get the classic Castle feel back.  Last night proved me right.  To me, it felt like it could have been in last season (expect for the sub-plot).  Plus it was one of the funny episodes the show is known for.

Translation: I enjoyed it.

The murder victim is a pool shark.  He is found inside his locked apartment.  The apartment has been vandalized, and a pool cue shoved through his chest.  It’s a classic locked room mystery, and Castle is in his element throwing out wild theories on what might be behind it.  His first one is set off by the place where the victim normally plays pool.  The owner says that the victim said he got his skills by making a pact with the Devil, and mentioning a week ago that he had to pay up.

TV Recap: Once Upon a Time 4-3 - Rocky Road

I still must admit I am of two minds about this season of Once Upon a Time.  At times, it feels like fan fiction, especially when it comes to the characters from Frozen.  On the other hand, with the way they ended the episode, I need to know what happens next and I need to know now.  That’s how I’ve always felt when this show was really firing on all cylinders in the past.

I think that means I’m getting hooked.  (Not Hook, but hooked.)

Even the flashback got better before it was all done, although that first scene had some bad CGI.  The actors looked like they were animated, but it was just the background and how poorly the CGI interfaced with the actors.  Anyway, our flashback this week focused on Elsa and Kristoff in the wake of Anna’s leaving for her quest.  They are debating whether Elsa should go after her or not when word reaches the castle that Hans is back.  This time he’s leading an army of his brothers to take over the kingdom by force.  Against Elsa’s orders, Kristoff sneaks off to investigate and learns that Hans is planning to find an urn that will trap anyone with Elsa’s powers.

Book Review: Space Case by Stuart Gibbs (Moon Base Alpha #1)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Unique setting brought to life with great characters and story

Cons: None in this universe

The Bottom Line:

Blast off for the moon

With intriguing mystery

In a fun setting

Dashiell finds Murder Spices Up Life on the Moon

I was fortunate to discover Stuart Gibbs with his first middle grade novel, and he’s one of several reasons I started delving back into that sub-genre – I remembered just how fun the books could be when done well.  Space Case represents the start of Stuart’s fourth series (one completed and three currently active), and I can already guarantee I will be along for every book in this series, too.

Dashiell Gibson has been living as one of the first humans to colonize the Moon for six months now, and he’s bored.  There aren’t that many kids his age, and there is even less to do.  In fact, he’s found he actually enjoys school since it gives him something to do.

All that changes one night when he overhears Dr. Holtz planning to reveal a big discovery the next morning.  Only when morning arrives, Dr. Holtz is found outside the base dead.  He’d gone out alone, breaking one of the biggest rules – one he always made sure others followed.  Dashiell is certain that foul play was involved, yet no one else believes him, even going so far as to suggest that Dr. Holtz was beginning to go crazy.  Is that why Dr. Holtz was outside?  Or did someone really kill him?

I must admit I was a bit surprised to see murder as the mystery in a middle grade novel.  Usually that’s not the crime under investigation.  And yet, it works here.  I think the fantasy elements help keep it from being as shocking for the age group as it might otherwise be, but the author also knows the age group and keeps the focus on the puzzle of who and why.  I know I had my suspects along the way, but I never saw the ending coming.

Stuart also does a great job of creating a realistic look at space travel, even in the near future of 2041.  I found this look at what life would real be like interesting and an added bonus to the story.  Plus it provided some great humor as Dashiell explains what life is really like or as the humans forget things like lesser gravity.  I laughed several times, and I’m sure the target age group will as well.

Of course, all this is pointless if we don’t like the characters.  That’s not something we have to worry about in the slightest.  At one point, I actually found myself hoping that none of them would turn out to be the killer – that’s how much I liked them.  The kids are the obvious stars, but even the adults were likeable.

So you can see why I will be returning to Mood Base Alpha as soon as the next book launches.  Space Case is a fun, captivating debut that will win Stuart Gibbs new fans and keep his loyal fans happy.

This review is an entry in this week's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.

October 11th's Weekly TV Thoughts

Well, my last two shows debuted this week.  (At least I think this is it for the year.  Can't think of anything else.)  And yet you'll notice I'm missing two regulars from the end.  That's because I've got family in town and didn't have time to watch any TV Friday night.  I'll catch up on those shows and include them in next week's post.

But for now here's my post for the week.  Please help spread the word by linking up to me from your own post if you include one on your blog.  Of course, comments are also very welcome.

Once Upon a Time – A better episode, probably because they worked the Frozen characters in with our characters more.  I might even get a glimpse of where they are going with everyone, but that’s still too early to tell.  It definitely felt like a character building episode, but so many of those scenes were so good.  And you need some of that to make the show better.  You can read my full recap (and learn how bad I am with birds) at this link.

Gotham – The case of the week was rather weak, but let’s face it, we are there for the soap opera with the main cast.  It’s certainly interesting and I am enjoying the ride, but it doesn’t seem to be quite as strong as everyone is making it out to be.

Dancing with the Stars – Not surprised at who went home; we are beginning to have the top dancers separated from the bottom dancers at this point.  I was surprised with how close America was in their judging to the actual judges.  I wonder why they did that?  I sure thought Len was supposed to be back this week.  Anyway, next time, I hope they figure out a way to let the rest of us score the dancing, although I don’t see how given that it is a live show on the East coast but not here.

Big Bang Theory – It’s interesting seeing Emily and Penny at odds with each other.  I wonder if they will play that out in future episodes and how it will be resolved.  I feel like the comic book store plot was a bit of a letdown.  I really thought they wind up buying the store at the end and it would be a set up for future story lines.

Castle – Like Once, this was a step forward, but the show still isn’t quite back on track.  Then again, the characters know it, too, so I’m sure it is on purpose.  It was nice to see a few clues about Castle’s missing two months, although I’m sure we won’t get much more on that for a while yet.  You can read more at my full recap here.

The Flash – This is the new show I’ve been most looking forward to this season, and it delivered.  Definitely lighter in tone than Arrow, but I do enjoy light.  Loved the brief appearance of Oliver Queen, but I think my favorite scene was the scene with his dad near the end.  Pilots can be hit or miss with the back story they need to cover, but this one really delivered.

Agents of SHIELD – After the teaser last week, I suspected that Simmons was really undercover.  How long will they keep that up?  The most interesting scene was Fitz with Ward, however.  There is certainly more to explore with both of them.

Survivor – Natalie, I was actually liking you on this show.  What as the point of trying to provoke the ball player?  I get he said some despicable stuff.  But seriously, why did you do that?  You didn’t look any better than he did.  And you got your way to boot since he is now gone.  I do hope his team starts winning.  This is too one sided at the moment.  At least they won a reward.

Arrow – I spent all of last season expecting what happened at the end of the episode.  I’ve read enough about the Green Arrow comics to know what is coming for one character, so it makes sense, but it was so hard to watch.  And I’m sure next week will be even worse.  Speaking of knowing the comics, I am wondering where they are going with Oliver and Felicity.  I mean, I know it’s not comic lore, but I really do love their characters and them together would work well….  Not sure where I stand on a relationship for Oliver any more.

Book Review: Speaking of Murder by Tace Baker (Lauren Rousseau #1)

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Confusing mystery and good characters

Cons: A little slow to get going

The Bottom Line:

Lauren finds danger

Mysteries in a safe town

Intriguing debut

Strictly Speaking, This was an Enjoyable Debut

After reading one of Edith Maxwell’s books earlier this year, I really did intend to get back and read another one sooner than this.  But here it is October, and I’m finally getting to Speaking of Murder, the first in her series about Lauren Rousseau written under the pen name Tace Baker (no relation to me).  I’m sorry it took so long because I enjoyed the book.

Lauren Rousseau is a linguistics professor at a college in Massachusetts.  While many of her students don’t seem to care, the exception is Jamal Carter.  He’s older than the traditional students that fill most of Lauren’s classes, and he’s very enthusiastic for the subject.

One night while going to her car after a night class, Lauren finds Jamal’s body at the edge of the parking lot.  From there her life start spiraling out of control as her best friend disappears and other strange things start happening around town.  How are they connected?  Can Lauren find the truth?

The first book in a series has to set up the characters and other things in a series as well as tell a good story.  I do get that.  But this one seemed to have more set up near the beginning of the book than I like.  Despite the fact that Jamal dies early on, I felt the book was moving a little slowly.

But by a quarter of the way through the book, I was completely hooked, however.  The story contained so many strange elements and plot threads I was quite intrigued to see how they would all tie together.  They did, and I was satisfied at how everything resolved at the end.  There were even a couple of tense scenes as Lauren put the final pieces into place.  Those definitely kept me turning the pages as quickly as I possibly could to find out what would happen next.

The characters were intriguing as well.  Lauren is far from a perfect character, but her flaws make her more appealing.  That’s true of all the characters in the book.  A few could have been better developed, but on the whole I felt like they were strong.  They definitely were interesting enough to keep me caring about the outcome of the story.

I’m definitely looking forward to spending more time with Lauren very soon.  Speaking of Murder is an intriguing debut that traditional mystery fans will enjoy.

October 10th's Book Beginnings and Friday 56

Yep, it's that time of the week again.  Time for Book Beginnings and Friday 56.

This week's book is Space Case, the latest Middle Grade mystery from Stuart Gibbs.  I'd love to say I'll have it finished for this week's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, but I've got too much going on in the next few days, so it will probably have to wait a week.  So far, I'm really enjoying it, that's for sure.

And really, how can you not love this cover?

See what I mean?

The book starts out like this:

Let's get something straight, right off the bat: Everything the movies have ever taught you about space travel is garbage.

And, from page 56, we find:

"You're gonna have to be way better to survive the next round," Roddy warned me.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to try to get a few pages in before bed time.

And check out my review.

Ornament Review: Thankful Donald - A Year of Disney Magic #4 - 2014 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Donald goes against type and looks good doing it.

Cons: Noticeable tip to the front and right

The Bottom Line:

Donald is thankful

That he’s great for November

Even with a tip

Donald is Thankful to be Making His Debut in this Magical Ornament Series

Thankful is not the first word I think of when I think of Donald Duck.  In fact, angry is usually how I would describe him, the exact opposite.  And yet he makes his first appearance in the Year of Disney Magic series in Thankful Donald.

As you might expect, Donald is dressed a pilgrim in a gray vest and hat.  He’s holding a cornucopia filled with fruits and vegetables.  While he’s not exactly smiling, he does look happy.  He’s standing on a brown ovalish circle that makes me think he’s standing outside.

Now I do have to wonder just what about this pose makes Donald thankful.  I think Pilgrim Donald might have been a better name for this ornament.  But I’m being nitpicky here.  He definitely looks good in his Pilgrim costume and the horn of plenty adds a nice touch for this Thanksgiving offering.  With those details, there’s no mistaking what month he represents either; the ornament just screams November.

Which is saying something considering I don’t consider Donald a generally thankful person.  True, in his shorts, he’s rarely out picking a fight, but he is the first to strike back if attacked.  That’s not the attitude I see displayed here, however.  I choose to see it as Donald turning over a new leaf, and one I fully support.

Thanks to the oval of dirt Donald is standing on, there’s a nice flat base.  You can use that to set this ornament on any surface to add to your Thanksgiving decorations in November.  You’ll also find the 4 in a Christmas tree series marker on the bottom of the stand.

Unfortunately, this is the first in the series that doesn’t hang straight.  When you slip a hook through the loop at the top of Donald’s hat, you’ll find that he tips forward and to the right.  It’s just enough to be truly noticeable, especially because of the flat base to the ornament.

That tip is the only thing that detracts from this ornament, however.  If you are a Disney fan, you’ll be thankful to add Thankful Donald to your collection.

What could be more magical than the entire Year of Disney Magic?

Original Price: $12.95

TV Recap: Castle 7-2 - Montreal

There was still a pall hanging over last night’s episode.  They were working on getting the old magic back, but it wasn’t quite there yet.  Fortunately, the characters knew it, too, so I think the writers were doing it on purpose.

Of course, since Castle was pursuing his own sub-plot in a lot of ways, that cut down a little on the quips and fun.  I’m not saying it was a bad episode, just that it wasn’t quite a normal episode.

We do have a murder mystery of the week – a body in the river.  This body turns out to be the CEO of a toy company.  His wife had reported him missing on Friday when he didn’t return home from the movies.  He’s been working late and under a lot of stress – at least according to his wife.  This stress started when their dog died.  The VP at the toy company and the victim’s assistant both say that he’s been leaving work early.  And on his time off, there is no trail at all.  No phone calls, no credit charges.  Nothing.

Book Review: Chesapeake Crimes: Homicidal Holidays Edited by Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman, and Marcia Talley

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Entertaining stories in a year of criminal holidays

Cons: I’m not a fan of the revenge stories

The Bottom Line:

These holidays are

Entertaining if a bit

Criminal.  Enjoy!

Celebrating Holidays All Year Long with Crime after Crime

I had just mentioned to someone that I rarely read short stories when I got an e-mail asking if I’d be interested in reviewing Chesapeake Crimes: Homicidal Holidays.  As I was reading about the book, I decided I just had to give it a try.

For their latest collection of short stories, the members of the Chesapeake chapter of Sisters in Crime have focused on holidays.  And the first few stories might just surprise you.  We get stories set on Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, St. Patrick Day, and even Talk Like a Pirate Day.  Of course, the majority of the book is set on the holidays you probably expected – Halloween and Christmas.

And quite a collection of tales there are, too.  We’ve got a plot to kidnap a rodent.  There’s a story of a spooky late night phone call that just might not be a dream after all.  A mother goes to her son’s in an attempt to reconcile.  A group of teens stumble upon clues to a decades old murder.  Working at a zoo on Christmas can be murder.  And you’d be surprised by what guilt can drive you to do.

With a short story collection, the stories can be hit or miss.  However, this time around, I found there were no truly weak entries in the book.  The characters were engaging and the plots were fun.  Being a short story, they were often a little easier to second guess than a book since there isn’t time for significant twists, but I didn’t really mind that at all.  They were still fun, and that’s all I cared about.

There were several stories that did bother me, however.  The common theme was someone, usually a woman, taking matters into their own hands to punish a person, usually a man, who they felt deserved it.  Now, I’m not arguing that these men weren’t scum balls who deserved to be punished.  I’m just uncomfortable with how these “heroes” went about doing it.  I guess I’m just too black and white for something like this.

However, there were more stories I really enjoyed.  Barb Goffman starts things out with the very funny Groundhog Day story.  I had to laugh at just how things played out, and the ending was perfect.  What actually sold me on this book was the inclusion of Talk Like a Pirate Day, and then it turned out the story was by my friend Cathy Wiley focusing on Detective James Whittaker, the boyfriend of her series sleuth Cassie Ellis.  It was just as much fun as I expected.  And you can’t go wrong with Donna Andrews, who closes things out with a different case for her series sleuth Meg Langslow.  (Although I do think she’s messed up her series timeline.)

Of special interest is a story of Art Taylor told in second person.  I’m not sure I’ve seen it employeed outside the Choose Your Own Adventure books I read as a kid.  This was a very short story, and it worked, but I don’t think I would have wanted to read anything much longer in this point of view.

With Halloween and Christmas coming up, now’s the perfect time to read Chesapeake Crimes: Homicidal Holidays.  Or maybe you’ll want to save the stories and read them on the appropriate holidays.  Either way, you’ll enjoy this book.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.