Review: One Feta in the Grave

One Feta in the Grave by Tina Kashian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the series but my first. I was able to keep up with the mystery. I did wish that I had read the others books, though, for the relationships.
I was drawn to the book by the fun cover. Reading a book set on the boardwalk was as fun as I imagined. It was cold and a bit snowy where I lived so the summertime reminder was especially sweet. I live in a tourist town so relating was easy. I liked Lucy and Katie, as well as the other characters. Madame Vega was a super interesting character to me. Who doesn’t enjoy getting their fortune told? I enjoyed the way the author weaved the characters together. I knew I was behind on some relationships and characters but I was able to quickly catch on. I liked that part. I thought the author did well writing characters that were clear as well as some who were questionable. There is a romance in the works with the current possible interest not in law enforcement.
I don’t want to go into the mystery because I hate spoilers and even innocent things have the potential to ruin the fun for some. I was kept guessing until the reveal. There were plenty of suspects; some I liked and some I was hoping it was them instead of one I liked.
There are recipes at the end of the story. I usually try to make a couple before writing up a review but I was sick while reading this. For a few days it was up to the guy who thinks a meal is complete if it has meat and bread. He knows, though, that I want soups when I’m sick so he attempted to make Azad’s Lentil Soup. It was a success so you know that one of the recipes is easy peasey and delicious.
My illness did include an eye infection which forced me to put aside the book about halfway through. This almost killed me. I was enjoying it so much that I kept trying to push it.
I really enjoyed reading One Feta In The Grave. I won an advanced reader copy so it is possible there may be minor changes when the book is released. I would definitely suggest, if you like cozies, put this one on your TBR. I believe it is scheduled for a February release. Perfect time to enjoy some book sunshine.

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Review: An Anonymous Girl

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s hard to write a review for this book that doesn’t give things away. I started the book early in the morning intending to listen for a few hours while doing things around the house. It is now almost 10:00 pm and the things I planned to do are on tomorrow’s agenda. This was a rare time when I was so caught up in the story that nothing was really done. It was like I was sitting with coffee listening to a friend recount a horrifying time in her life. You listen transfixed. You think about what you are being told. You wonder how you would have answered the questions. You wonder about choices. You wonder about trust. You wonder about confidentiality. You go back to wondering about trust. This was the most mesmerizing book I have listened to in a while. I would say be careful reading reviews. This is a book best going into knowing as little as possible, in my opinion.

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Review: The Witches of New York: A Novel

The Witches of New York: A Novel by Ami McKay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolute delight to listen to! The story was so interesting. One of my favorite tales of the craft. A testament of women as much as a tale of witches. A work of fiction that holds much truth. Set in 1880 it is a reminder of how far women have come, how much it cost some, how much we still have to go. Witchcraft was handled wonderfully. Be certain to read the author’s note after the story. The narrator, Julia Whelan, was amazing to listen to. She brought the story to life with her performance. I don’t often buy a book I have in multiple forms, especially after I have read it. This one I did. Yes, I do recommend it.

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Review: The Second Captive

The Second Captive by Maggie James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was glued to this book. It had an interesting subject, a good twist and it educated me. It was a bit difficult for me at times. I have my own experience with domestic violence and being held against my will. It was different from Beth’s experience but certain scenes did bring that punched in the stomach feeling to me. I did not know very much of Stockholm Syndrome. That was very interesting to read about. I learned quite a bit.
I don’t know that I liked Beth that much. Maybe it was that I didn’t always understand her. Maybe I was comparing us too much. Maybe it was that I wasn’t as brave as she was. I shattered like glass..something I still feel guilty about. At times her bravery terrified me because I knew what could happen. I thought a lot about family dynamics and how things connected.
The book is told from Beth, Dominic and Ursula’s points of view. I’m not overly fond of multiple points of view but, in this case, it worked very well. Being able to follow each person’s thoughts brought the story to life. It added a necessary understanding.
The story was gripping, sad at times, intense and terrifying. I thought the ending was done right for the story. I don’t want to go into it for fear of spoiling it. It worked for me. I’m happy I selected this book.


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Review: The Mistake

The Mistake by K.L. Slater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this all evening. It deals with a creepy subject matter. It has a lot of turns to it, especially in the last part of the book. I didn’t really like the characters though.

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Review: Murder on the Vine

Murder on the Vine by Jenna St. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun book this was to read! I love the characters and the setting so much! The mystery kept me in suspense of who was the murderer. I’m not the best at figuring out who done it because I get caught up in characters who are a hoot and just go along for the fun times! I’m looking forward to spending more time with the Sullivan Sisters, Gramps, (I just love him), and everyone else. Bring a treat for Duke, saddle up and let’s have a drink or three while we find out what’s next!

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Review: Fresh Alaska Cookbook

Fresh Alaska Cookbook by Robert Kineen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I live in Alaska. I enjoyed this cookbook. The author tells a bit about the culture of Natives making this more than just a cookbook. The recipes have a range on cooking skill. Some I found very easy, a few a bit more difficult. The ingredients were easy for me to find. Outside of Alaska, I’m not certain you can easily locate them. In some recipes he mentions a substitute, such as using game sausage or chorizo in place of reindeer. While I’m sure Santa is happy, if it is possible, use the reindeer because that is just delicious. B

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