Book Review: The Mystery of the Antique Doll by Kathryn Kenny (Trixie Belden #36)

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: Mostly good characters, good overall mystery

Cons: A few character missteps, plot drives story too much

The Bottom Line:

Mysterious shop

And an errand in Paris

Average Trixie

 Plot Drives Book More than Logic

We are getting further into the reaches of the final five Trixie Belden books.  Most fans of the series hate them.  I’m not sure I hate them, but I can certainly see their weaknesses.  Take The Mystery of the Antique Doll.  It’s not the worst of the series, but it certainly isn’t the best of the series.

Dr. Ferris has asked Trixie Belden and her best friend Honey Wheeler to help out a neighbor who broke her arm.  Always willing to help others, they quickly agree.  Mrs. De Keyser. happens to live next door a new business in town, an antique store.  After their first afternoon helping Mrs. De Keyser, Trixie and Honey stop by and start admiring the antique toys only to have the owner, Carl, snap at them and ask them to leave.

Naturally, this sets off Trixie’s radar that something is suspicious.  However, she is soon distracted by a long weekend trip to Paris with Honey and her parents.  When Carl overhears the friends talking about their trip, he asks them to do him a favor and pick up a fragile antique doll and bring it back to Sleepyside with them.  Only when they do, they find themselves being followed by a stranger.  What is going on?

This is one of those books that sounds great in concept but needs some help in execution.  The clues that Trixie gathers rely more on coincidence that any actual sleuthing on her part.  In fact, one turn late in the book relies on something completely silly happening.  This didn’t bother me at all when I read it originally as a kid, but it is obvious as an adult.  Things do come together for a logical and exciting climax, however.

Then there are the characters.  Trixie and Honey have a group of friends called the Bob-Whites, and there are seven members of this club overall.  Jim, Di, and Dan hardly get anything to do in this book.  Heck, Dan only shows up for the climax, while Jim and Di do get to be part of a couple of group scenes.  Trixie’s brothers Mart and Brian definitely fair better.  They aren’t a huge part of the action, but they are around.  Still, the characters are mostly in character…until the final chapter.  As we learn about the Christmas presents that the Bob-Whites are making for friends and family, we learn that Trixie is knitting scarves.  Really?  Sorry, but it is well established that Trixie wants nothing to do with anything remotely like sewing.  Then there’s the Inspector Clouseau inspired character we meet along the way.  He’s supposed to be funny, but I found him annoying even reading this as a kid.  Having seen (and not liked) the original Pink Panther movies since then, I haven’t changed my mind on the character.

Honey’s parents are very rich, and they are always jetting away for work or pleasure.  They’ve included the Bob-Whites in the past, and that’s formed the basis of some of the earlier books in the series.  This is the first time they’ve included them for just a quick trip that lasts for a couple chapters.  Some fans have an issue with this, but I don’t mind as much.  Yes, it is just driven by the plot, but it’s a fun plot point.

When I originally read the books, I read them in random order.  I was still a kid, and I lapped up any adventure with the Bob-Whites in it.  If you look at it that way, this book is still good.  Looking at it as an adult, it is easier to see that the characters are a little flat and the plot has some holes.  Many of the fans who dislike this book read it for the first time as an adult.  I can see their point, but there are still things I enjoy about it, like getting to spend time with Trixie.

So if you are new to the series, don’t start with The Mystery of the Antique Doll.  This will never be one of the best of the series, but it isn’t the worst either.

Looking for Trixie's earlier adventures?  Here are the Trixie Belden Mysteries in order.

July 9th's Weekly TV Thoughts

Thanks to the Monday holiday, this was a light week for summer TV.  But here's what we do have.

Dead of Summer – I’m definitely getting more on board with this show.  The creep factor was there, mainly at the commercial breaks, but still, I felt it.  I’m not a fan of the flashbacks, however.  They should be cut in favor of developing the entire cast in the present.

Scream – Audrey was the person in the car?  And how did she know that Emma being there meant they were in danger?  That part didn’t make sense to me, maybe I missed something.  However, the creep factor was definitely there.  There is just so much going on each week.  And the killer is definitely twisted this time.  Hard to watch what he did to Branson there at the end.

Royal Pains – So there weren’t that many surprises to the episode.  However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t love every second of it.  I’m actually surprised I didn’t start crying.  I have been suspecting that they were going to bring Jill back ever since she showed up for the 100^th episode.  And all the talk about family and what the characters have meant to each other.  If you have paid any attention to my comments at all over the years, you know that’s one reason I loved this show and kept tuning in.  I can’t think of a more perfect send off for this show.

Spartan – I was rooting for Team Jules, and was so happy about their comeback in the first heat.  I was okay with the Comeback Kids winning the second heat since I really liked them, too.  And it’s nice to see a team take a lead and keep it.  Less drama, but still nice to see upon occasion.

Girl Meets World – You call that an end of the triangle?  They’re going to take more time to figure it out?  Oh well, at least Shawn proposed.  I hope this means he’ll be around more because he’d add a nice element to the show, and I’m not just saying that because I am a Boy Meets World fan (which I am).  And yes, I might have had some tears in my eyes along with the laughs for this episode.

Ornament Review: Inside Story #1 - Fawn and Rabbit - 2016 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Cute scene in a clever display

Cons: More winter than Christmas

The Bottom Line:

This cute winter scene

Gets a limited series

Off to a great start

Here’s the Inside Story on This Limited Series

For the next three years, Hallmark is going to be offering two series exclusively for the members of their Keepsake Ornament Club.  This new series is called Inside Story, and it debuts in 2016.  Why it is limited to three years I don’t know, but I do know I love this first one.

This is another of Hallmark’s many series running right now with a diorama inside a shaped frame.  This series will feature traditionally shaped finial ornaments with a wintery scene inside.  Up first, we have a large round, red ornament with smaller bobbles on the top and bottom.  The scene inside depicts a deer and a bunny in front of snow covered trees, one of which has red ornaments on it.

Frankly, I am loving the idea of a scene within something else, so I was already interested in the ornament.  And the scene inside?  It’s so incredibly cute.  So, the only tie in to Christmas might be the fact that it is in an ornament, but the winter scene is so very charming.  As an added bonus, the upper portions of the various parts of the ornament is flocked in white glitter, which helps add a festive touch to the ornament.  There’s more glitter on the snow of the ornament itself

Since this ornament goes to a point on the bottom, hanging it is the only way to display it.  That’s not an issue since the ornament hangs straight.

You’ll find the 1 in a Christmas tree on the back of the ornament.  As I mentioned earlier, Hallmark has said this series will run for only 3 years.  This isn’t the only series they’ve announced an end date for that is debuting this year, and I’m not sure why they’ve started doing that.  Maybe they are hoping that people will be more willing to start a series if they know they won’t still be collecting it 10 or 15 years down the road.  I just know that this series could have many wonderful ideas in it.  Of course, we did get an unofficial series ornament last year, so really we will have four when the series is over.  Maybe they will give us more unofficial pieces when the series officially ends.  Who knows?

All I know for now is that I love this ornament, and I’m excited to see what the other pieces will look like.  Inside Story is off to a fantastic start.

If you like this ornament as well, check out the rest of the Inside Story ornament series.

Original Price: $20 as part of a KOC membership

July 8th's Book Beginnings and Friday 56

This was a short week?  Hardly felt like it, probably because I was so busy at work.  But we've made it to Friday, so it's time for this week's Book Beginnings and Friday 56.

This week, I'm featuring Kernel of Truth by Kristi Abbott.

                                                                 

This is the first book in the Popcorn Shop Mysteries.  I finished it this week, and I really enjoyed it.  I need to get a review written, but the plan is to review it next week.

But we are here for some teasers, right?  So here's the opening line:

The caramel sauce was almost three hundred and fifty degrees when the screaming started.

Yeah, that beginning definitely made me want to read more.

Jumping ahead of page 56, we find this exchange between Rebecca, the main character, and Dan, the sheriff:

I thought for a second.  "Could he be telling the truth?"
Dan ran his hands back through his hair.  "If he was telling the truth, I'm not sure why he felt compelled to smack Huerta in the back of the head with a frying pan and make a run for it."

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Book Review: Murder on a Silver Platter by Shawn Reilly Simmons (Red Carpet Catering Mysteries #1)

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Strong, relatable characters; good mystery

Cons: Pacing issues a few times

The Bottom Line:

Big catering job

As film’s star becomes target

Movie set debut

Big Breaks Can Be Murder

I love movies (just in case you haven’t noticed), so when I heard about the Red Carpet Catering Mysteries, I was immediately interested.  After all, this is a chance to spend some fictional time behind the scenes on movie sets.  The series kicks off with Murder on a Silver Platter, which is as much fun as I hoped it would be.

Penelope Sutherland is living her dream.  She’s managed to get her company, Red Carpet Catering, up and running while still living with up and coming actress Arlena Madison.  While Penelope serves as Arlena’s personal chef, the two have also become friends.  Arlena has just landed the lead role in a movie that could very easily launch her acting career from the B films she’s been doing to becoming a major movie actress, and Penelope has been hired to provide the catering for the project.

The movie is being filmed near their New Jersey home.  After a major snow storm comes through the area, the duo find a dead body near their mansion.  And then the accidents start.  It appears that someone is targeting Arlena.  With each new accident, Penelope is more determined to find out what is happening.  But can she do it while still serving great food?

With a book set in the world of filming, an author can go one of two directions with the characters.  Either they will stay realistic or they will become over the top, demanding people.  Here, author Shawn Reilly Simmons kept them realistic.  Oh, there are a couple that are larger than life, but every single character has a human side.  While I certainly would have enjoyed the humor of seeing divas in action, I found the more realistic characters wonderful, and it helped keep the tone more serious.

Because things are certainly serious when it looks like someone is out to kill a friend.  That’s what Penelope faces here.  While the plot does seem to stall a couple of times, it isn’t long before something happens that makes Penelope suspicious again.  I also liked the fact that she keeps going to the police for help as the situation develops.  Okay, so it might help that Penelope is seriously crushing on the detective assigned to the case, a man who turns out to be an old friend.  Things build to a logical and suspenseful climax that kept me turning pages.

While this is definitely a culinary cozy, it breaks from tradition for the sub-genre by not offering any recipes.  Personally, this is just something to note in passing since it’s been a decade since I tried a recipe from any of the books I’ve read.  This isn’t the only culinary mystery series I’ve read that didn’t have recipes, either.

This book does include a smattering of foul language, something that is normally missing from the cozies I read.  This seems to be a feature of Henery Press books, the publisher here.  While I prefer my books without it, again, it is worth noting only in passing.

There is lots of promise of more wonderful adventures to come in Murder on a Silver Platter.  I will definitely be visiting Penelope again to see what other danger she can find while catering to the stars.

Movie Review: Flower Shop Mystery - Dearly Depotted

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Fun mystery and characters

Cons: Usual Hallmark production values

The Bottom Line:

Wedding crasher dies

Abby must sniff out killer

Latest fun movie

Crashing this Wedding is Murder

Hallmark is a movie making machine.  In the first half of 2016, they released three movies in their Flower Shop Mysteries franchise.  Dearly Depotted is the latest one, and it’s plenty of fun.

It’s promising to be a busy weekend for flower shop owner Abby Knight (Brooke Shields).  Her cousin Jillian (Dani Kind) is getting married, and not only is Abby the matron of honor, but she’s also providing the flowers for the event.  She’s even had to wrangle neighboring bar owner Marco Salvare (Brennon Elliot) to escort her down the aisle since one of the groomsmen dropped out.

However, the one person no one expected to show up is Jack Sutcliff (Mark Gibson).  He is currently separated from another one of Abby’s cousins, and he is definitely crashing the wedding.  Still, it’s a shock when Abby and Marco find Jack dead on the floor in a room off the main reception hall.  Naturally, Abby begins to investigate, if only to clear her family and friends of the crime.  Can she figure out who killed Jack?

While they skipped over the second book in the series, this is the third book and the third movie.  Additionally, this is as far as I’ve gotten in reading the series.  It’s been so long that I had forgotten all but the broadest of premises (murder at the wedding - I’d even forgotten who died until it happened), so I was able to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

And for cozy mystery fans, this is a fun ride.  There are the usual complications and dead ends before Abby figures out who done it and why.  I did put things together a little bit before she did because of a couple of obvious clues, but it wasn’t long enough before the climax to be an issue for me.  I don’t remember the identity of the killer in the book, so I can’t compare the plotting between the two.

Of course, the standard disclaimers apply to this movie for fans of the books.  They have made some major changes here, including making Abby older and a widow with a college age daughter.  I’m not a big enough fan of the books that this bothers me (but if I’d read more of the books I’m sure I would be), but if you are, you will definitely want to forget everything you know and just enjoy the ride presented here.

Because the movie is fun.  The characters are great, and the chemistry between all of them leaves a smile on my face.  This is especially true of Brooke Shields and Brennon Elliot.  It is a true pleasure to watch their characters flirt their way through the movie without actually flirting.  If you’ve watched the films, you’ll know what I mean.  Honestly, the entire cast is fun and charming.

Of course, I do still have to issue my standard cheese warning.  This is a Hallmark movie after all, and some of the speed they use to put together the film shows.  But just keep that in mind when you sit down to watch and you’ll be fine.

Because, ultimately, this is another fun mystery movie.  Flower Shop Mystery: Dearly Depotted isn’t anything serious, but it never tries to be.  If you are looking for something light, this will keep you entertained for an hour and a half.

Looking for the film on DVD?  It's part of the Flower Shop Mysteries 3 Film Collection.

And if you want to see my take on the book, here's my review.

Book Review: Toasting Up Trouble by Linda Wiken (Dinner Club Mysteries #1)

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Good mystery and fun characters

Cons: Gets off to a bit of a slow start

The Bottom Line:

Caterer is dead

And J.J. is prime suspect

In cozy debut

Toasting a New Series

As much as I talk about not needing any new series to follow, it is hard to resist getting in just as a series is starting, which is why I picked up Toasting Up Trouble.  The idea of a dinner club sounds like fun (at least one paper since I’m not much of a cook), and I just couldn’t resist that.

J.J. Tanner is an event planner by day and a burgeoning foodie by night.  She’s recently joined a local group of friends who take turns hosting dinners where everyone brings a dish from one particular cookbook.

But it’s her event planner job that brings her into contact with Antonio Marcotti, the hotshot chef of the local Italian restaurant.  Marcotti has agreed to a last minute catering gig for an Italian themed birthday party that J.J. is planning.  However, his less than scrupulous tactics lead to a fight between the two as the party is winding down.  When J.J. returns the next morning, the police are there because Marcotti is dead.  As the last person to see Marcotti alive, J.J. finds herself a suspect.  When the police begin to expand their list of suspects, they look at Evan, a good friend and fellow member of the Dinner Club.  Can J.J. find the killer before she or Evan wind up in jail?

I must admit, the book started a little slowly.  We are introduced to J.J. and her life as well as meeting the victim and a few of the potential suspects before the murder takes place.  Once it does, however, the book picks up as J.J. begins to focus on clearing herself and her friends.  There are several viable suspects, and I was certain I knew who it was only to turn out to be wrong.

The characters grew on me as well.  J.J. is a great lead character, and the friends in her life are all fun.  While I didn’t feel like we got to know all the member of the Dinner Club, we did get to know a couple of them reasonably well.  Besides, giving them all equal page time would have slowed things down, and we can get to know them better in future books, right?  Outside of the series regular characters, we have the suspects.  For a suspect to be viable in my book, they have to be well developed, and that was certainly the case here.

And, of course, we get three recipes.  With Italian being the unofficial theme of the book, it’s no surprise to see an antipasto appetizer.  We also get spaghetti with chicken, broccoli, and sweet red pepper, and for dessert, roasted pears.

The setting for the book is a small town in Vermont.  While I haven’t spent too much time in the state, the description of the location definitely makes me want to go back for a visit.  It sounds beautiful!

Toasting Up Trouble gets this new series off to a fun start.  If you are looking for a new culinary cozy series, be sure to give it a try.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway!

Thanks to the publisher, I have one copy of this book to give away.  Because it is a physical book, the contest is limited to residence of the US.

Just leave me a comment with your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you if you win.  I will pick the winner next Tuesday, July 12th, so please leave your comment before 12:01AM Pacific Time on 7/12.  You will have until midnight on 7/14 to get back to me, or I will choose a new winner on 7/15.

Ornament Review: Lady and the Tramp - Art of Disney Animation Ornament #11 - 2016 Disney Store Ornament

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Beautiful piece of an iconic moment

Cons: Several earlier versions, weird seams in Lady’s head, slight tip forward

The Bottom Line:

Bella Notte scene

Captured in mostly great piece

Delight for film’s fans

Iconic Moment Captured as an Ornament.  Again.

There are some moments from Disney animation that are so memorable and iconic that they easily stand out above the rest.  One of those is the romantic Italian dinner shared by Lady and the Tramp.  This moment has been captured for ornaments before, but it is the subject of the eleventh entry in the Art of Disney Animation ornament series as well.

It’s really hard to go wrong with this scene, and the ornament captures it perfectly.  We’ve got Tramp and Lady, the two dogs who are the heart of this movie, looking into each other’s eyes lovingly.  In front of them in the round barrel used as a table covered with a table cloth.  It’s got a bowl of spaghetti, a candle, and some breadsticks on it.  We can even see and feel the cobble stones the couple ate this famous dinner on.

There are no real surprises when it comes to the way the ornament looks.  Since the bowl is full, this is obviously before the two start eating dinner.  I guess they could have had the one long strand of spaghetti, but that’s about the only real variation on this scene I could imagine.  And we don’t really need it since this is a fabulous looking ornament as it is.

Well, with one exception.  The top of Lady’s head has a weird seam in it, and it is very noticeable.  My guess is that it is to reinforce that particular section since it is the one that the hook for hanging the ornament comes out of, but either way, it looks a little weird when you look at it.  Fortunately, tree branches will help disguise it when you have it hanging from your tree.

When you go to hang it, you’ll also find that it tips forward a little.  I find it hard to completely fault the ornament since it’s hard to find a way to hang it that is perfectly balanced based on the design.  Again, tree branches will really help disguise this problem.

Of course, you can set it out and enjoy it year round, and it is very tempting since the detail in this piece is wonderful.  There is a flat base to this ornament just slightly wider than it needs to be, and that base will hold this ornament steady if you set it out on any flat surface.

As much as I love how this ornament looks, I do have to wonder just why it was included in a limited series like this.  Both Hallmark and The Disney Store have produced variations on this scene before, so I’m not sure it would be a huge draw for long-time serious collectors.  However, since I didn’t have any of the previous versions of this scene, I was anxious to get this ornament, and I’m happy with this result.

So if you are missing this iconic moment from your ornament collection, be sure to get this piece.  It is nice piece that you will enjoy for years to come.

And if you are a Disney fan, be sure to check out the rest of the Art of Disney Animation series.

Original Price: $19.95

Ornament Review: Christmas Window #14 - Dance Shop - 2016 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: Cute Dance Shop

Cons: Nothing Christmas related at all

The Bottom Line:

This cute dance shop scene

Forgot that it was Christmas

Makes it bah humbug

This Ornament Forgot Half of the Title

I’ve been a fan of the Christmas Window series for several years now.  Hallmark releases this series only to members of their Keepsake Ornament Club, and I actually started joining so I could get it each year.  The way Christmas decorations are woven into the theme of each store is always very cute, and I look forward to that creativity.  That’s why I am so disappointed with Dance Shop, 2016’s entry in the series.

This year’s shop is a Dance Shop.  Since this is Nina Aube’s year to sculpt the ornament, we get a little girl outside in a bluish green (more blue, however) coat and dress.  Her hand is up in the air as if she were about to twirl around.  She’s got a dog with her, and the dog is up on his back legs looking like he is her dance partner.  The display shows a couple of pink ballet dresses, one on a hanger and one on a rabbit display piece.  There are also pink ballet slippers and a silver tiara.  When you turn the ornament around, you can see more ballet slippers and a purse on the shelves under the window.

No please do not misunderstand my complaint when it comes to this ornament.  While I’m not interested in ballet, I do think a Dance Shop is a great idea for the series.  And I absolutely find what is here cute.  The girl alone is adorable, and may people love this ornament for that reason.

However….

The name of this series is Christmas Window.  Go back and look at my description of the ornament.  Where’s the Christmas?  We’ve got pink and blue, not red and green.  There’s nothing in the display that could remotely be Christmas.  This display could be out at any point of the year.  Heck, with the bunny, I could easily see this as a spring window display.  About the only thing that gives away the season is the snow on the eves and sidewalk.

What really makes this disappointing is the missed opportunity.  One of the most famous ballets of all time is The Nutcracker.  That would have been a perfect tie in to this ornament.  Maybe instead of reds and greens and a Christmas tree made out of ballet slippers, have the window be themed to The Nutcracker.  If they’d done that, I would have loved this ornament.  As it is, I am highly disappointed with the lack of Christmas anything.

Since this is a scene featuring a building, it has a nice flat bottom, so you can add it to a village display with the rest of the series.  That’s what I like to do.  You’ll also find the 14 in a Christmas tree series marker on the bottom.

The loop for hanging the ornament is on the roof of the shop.  You’ll find the ornament tips forward a little, but it’s not enough to be a problem.

I kept hoping there was something related to Christmas in this ornament that I was missing from the early pictures, but when I got the ornament, I saw that wasn’t the case.  The Dance Shop is cute, and girls of all ages who adore ballet will love this ornament.  I just wish it had incorporated Christmas in some way into this Window.

Enjoy Christmas themed windows with the rest of the Christmas Windows series.

Original Price: $20 as part of KOC Membership

July 2nd's Weekly TV Thoughts

I was out of town for work most of the week.  I caught some of my shows in my hotel room, but I had to catch up on some others when I got home.  But I'm up to date now, so let's get to it!

America Ninja Warrior – Actually, I remember once when they had someone finish almost right out of the gate, and their first finisher usually comes around the 25 minute mark.  Not that the editing on that show is predictable or anything.  Still, it was an impressive run, and there were lots of impressive runs over the course of the night.  I was glad to see the usual suspects make it through after the results last week.  And honestly, it seems like being short is a huge handicap in this sport.  Between that and my fear of heights, there are two good reasons for me to not sign up.

Angie Tribecca – So that’s why they ended the last episode the way they did.  We’ve got an ongoing story here about the Mayor’s reelection.  As always, lots of great puns and jokes as we work through a great mystery.  I absolutely loved her “busy work” file and dragging the desk around everywhere.  And I loved seeing Mary McCormmick again.

Dead of Summer – So, we have a haunted summer camp.  I can’t say I’m completely impressed yet.  Part of that is just too many characters to keep them all straight and too many secrets.  But you know me, I’ll give it another couple episodes before I decide for sure.  I so was hoping to love it, and I just didn’t feel that in the pilot.

Scream – Tempers and suspicions were high.  So much tension!  I love it!!  Audrey is slipping, too, and Noah now knows her secret.  I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Royal Pains – Wow the ladies can sing.  The men?  They did okay (like I could do any better), but I was so impressed with the ladies.  I never watched Scrubs, but I think they used the same trick, so I was expecting it.  I’m sorry they are going to do the tried and true everyone goes their separate ways to end the show.  That’s my least favorite way to go since I like the idea of everyone living happily ever after together when a show ends.  On the other hand, so glad that Paige is pregnant.  So, so glad.

Spartan – I was rooting for the Ninja team, so I was glad they pulled it off in the end.  The married couple team wasn’t going to win since we’d hardly seen anything about them.  I do wish the editing would be a little less obvious on this show.  Still, it’s fun to watch the teams take on that crazy obstacles.  And it makes me glad I’m not taking them on.