Book Review: Deceased and Desist (Tallie Graver Mystery) by Misty Simon

Deceased and Desist is the third book in the Tallie Graver Mystery series by Misty Simon. I have not read the previous books, and I found that I could still follow and enjoy the story. However, I will admit that there were moments that I wished I had more context for character and relationship dynamics. 

Most housecleaners don’t do windows, but Tallie Graver loves leaving a pane of glass streak-free and sparkling. After a dirty divorce from a filthy-rich jerk, she's started her own cleaning business to make ends meet. On her latest job, prepping a renovated bed and breakfast for a grand re-opening, she's standing outside on a ladder, wiping off a grimy pane, when she spies a man on a bed through the glass. But the B&B isn't open for business yet—and the man's not sleeping. Her family owns the Graver Funeral Home, so Tallie knows a corpse when she sees one. The victim is a shady building inspector with a reputation for handing out passing grades for a greased palm. With the local police resistant, Tallie launches her own investigation, before she gets a rep as a town crank. But it's going to take more than a squirt bottle and a squeegee to clean up this mess. With the help of her gal pal Gina, Tallie searches for a killer's motive. But she'd better be careful, or it'll be curtains for this window cleaner.

Deceased and Desist is a well paced mystery with plenty of twists and turn. I liked Tallie's character and her willingness to admit her mistakes but still standing up for herself and working toward her own happiness. I thought the investigation that Tallie and Gina undergo was well done and I liked the family and community connections that they used, even if I was not always aware of all the players.  There was so many important facts and shady dealings that I admit to being surprised to some of the revelations- and liked that there were several layers of mystery and character development going on. I enjoyed that fact that Tallie and her family seem to be evolving in realistic ways, and that while the mystery was fully solved and all the loose threads tied up, there were enough relationship and character questions pending that I felt like the story was resolved, but I want to keep on reading about their lives. It is a good balance that does not always happen in small town based series.

Deceased and Desist is a solid mystery with a good plot and quirky characters. I am going to try to find the time to read the previous books, and then keep going with this series.

Book Review: Corner to Corner Crochet: 15 Contemporary C2C Projects by Jess Coppom

Corner to Corner Crochet: 15 Contemporary C2C Projects by Jess Coppom is a good introduction to 

corner to corner crochet--also known as C2C crochet. This style can be a good way to create colorful, graphic designs without having to learn complex colorwork techniques. Using basic crochet stitches you can create stunning, contemporary designs for home decor items and accessories. This is a collection of 15 modern projects all made using the C2C technique. Choose from patterns for six different afghans or blankets including a monochrome chunky throw and a beautiful Mexican style blanket. Other projects include pillows, a bathroom rug and some stunning items to wear such as a poncho, shawl and cowl.

Corner to Corner Crochet: 15 Contemporary C2C Projects was the perfect reading choice for me this weekend. I have been looking to start a new afghan, and frogged the last couple I started just because I did not really like the look or feel of them after I got a few inches in. I have always been in awe of those that take the time for serious color work in their crochet, but have never been willing to take that leap. I think with this book I am about to make that jump, because complex color work and color grams make so much more sense and seem much more accessible with the c2c technique than in more traditional stitches. The tips and tricks to help organize the colors and keep things untangled and working smoothly were wonderful and well worded. I think newer crocheters will be able to follow the instructions fairly well, and more experienced crafters will still find new and useful bits of information and inspiration to keep their minds and hooks moving along.

Book Review: Thread Herrings (Mainely Needlepoint Mystery) by Lea Wait

Thread Herrings is the seventh book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series by Lea Wait. While I have enjoyed reading previous books in the series, and think it gives readers a better understanding of the characters and their relationships, I do think new comers will be able to enjoy the read as well.

Tagging along to an estate sale with her fellow Needlepointer, antiques shop owner Sarah Byrne, Angie Curtis impulsively bids on a tattered embroidery of a coat of arms. When she gets her prize back home to Haven Harbor, she discovers a document from 1757 behind the framed needlework—a claim for a child from a foundling hospital. Intrigued, Angie is determined to find the common thread between the child and the coat of arms. Accepting her reporter friend Clem Walker's invitation to talk about her find on the local TV news, Angie makes an appeal to anyone who might have information. Instead, both women receive death threats. When Clem is found shot to death in a parking lot, Angie fears her own life may be in jeopardy. She has to unravel this historical mystery—or she may be the next one.

Thread Herrings is a good mystery. I like the characters and the way they interact and offer up little details about themselves in the course of the story. I like how Angie is always looking to do the right thing, and while she does not always put her personal safety first she is starting to take note of how her risks effect those around her. I liked the lay out of clues and how Angie manages to discover so much while trying to lay low and stay safe. The mystery was good, but I have to say that I was expecting one more big twist. I kept waiting for everything to be turned on its head and someone or something to be not what it seemed. I felt like the mystery was solved in Angie's head a little too soon, with very little room for other possibilities to keep the reader guessing.

Thread Herrings is an engaging and entertaining read. I think that those following the series will definitely want to pick this up to continue to series, but this is not the book to capture new readers. It was good, but I wanted something more by the time I reached the end.

Early Book Review: Untitled by Timothy Young

Untitled by Timothy Young is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 28 2019. A coatimundi and a capybara (or is it a porcupine?) take the lead in this silly story with a twist ending. Tim Young lets his characters tell the story with scenes readers will likely recognize and brainstorming ideas for Tim's next book. Will we see these characters again? 

Untitled is a cute and unique book that focuses on two characters talking about the story they are in, and why nothing is happening. The discuss things that might make a good story, and things they would like to do. There are illustrations and bits that relate to well known books, and mention of a possible sequel. I thought it was cute and fun, and I liked the illustration style. I enjoyed the read, but was not really  wowed by it. It is worth a read, and I think many young readers will be charmed by it. 

Book Review: Minibeasts: True Rulers of Our World and the Key to our Survival by Alan Henderson

Minibeasts: True Rulers of Our World and the Key to our Survival by Alan Henderson offers readers insight into the micro world of the minibeasts reveals the critical roles these true rulers of our world play in our future survival. Simply put, without the invertebrates (insects) and other tiny critters, humans would not survive. While outlining the importance of the minibeast world, this book is also a visual feast of detail and color, capturing form and behavior that the naked eye isn’t normally able to see when encountering these small creatures. The result is a book that captivates the reader while at the same time inspiring a new appreciation for these magnificent animals. Lavishly illustrated with breathtaking macro-photography, each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of minibeasts and includes introductory text followed by images and informative captions. Among the topics covered are the jobs minibeasts perform that enable life on earth to exist, as well as the ways in which they have evolved to suit their environments and how we borrow ideas from them in the fields of biotechnology, engineering and design. As we will come to realize, from new medical drugs to hi-tech robotics, minibeasts provide a wealth of material for humans to draw on to help solve our 21-century problems.

Minibeasts is a fascinating book for the photography alone. The close up images of the insects are simply amazing ad well worth looking at all on their own. Add in the details about their adaptation and tricks to survive and this book is one that will stand up to multiple explorations. So many people think of the little creatures of the world as nothing more than pests or problems, but this book shows us the complexity, beauty, and ingenuity of these creatures as well as the role the play in the world.  The text is solid, in depth enough that I learned a great deal and was highly engaged, but not so technical that I ever felt left behind or talked down to. There is even some humor in the chapter headings and information, so there is really nothing I can find to say against reading this book- unless of course the very idea of anything creepy crawly makes you shudder.  I think that young adults and interested middle graders would get just as much from this book as any interested adult. 

Minibeasts is a visually stunning book and a very informative read. I think that this should be in libraries and personal collections for anyone that is even vaguely interested in photography, biology, and the natural world.

Early Book Review: Mummies Exposed! (Creepy and True) by Kerrie Logan Hollihan

Mummies Exposed! is the first book in the Creepy and True series by Kerrie Logan Hollihan. It is currently scheduled for release on May 7 2019. Just when you think that you know everything there is to know about mummies, new ones are discovered! Packed with facts but light in tone, this book introduces young readers to the most compelling examples of mummies from all over the world. There are many books about Egyptian mummies, but Mummies Exposed! goes beyond what you expect and uncovers both old favorites and recent discoveries; among them a Moche princess in Peru, the bog people of England and Ireland, and a Buddhist monk discovered within a sculpture! Featuring the most contemporary research, a touch of humor, and full-color illustrations, this exciting read is perfect for curious young minds. The book includes endnotes, bibliography, and index. 

Mummies Exposed! is a well written and researched book for the middle grade level reader. I have read a good deal about mummies, and watched some very good documentaries, and I think this book has a good balance of staple information on the subject and things readers might not know. There was some humor included, which I find tends to keep readers that might otherwise get distracted engaged, and I thought the images chosen were fascinating.  I thought the endpages were more extensive that I really expected and I appreciated the about of work that went into the bibliography and indexing to help young readers find what they are most interested in and explore the subject matter further. 

Mummies Exposed! is a book that does a good job of capturing the interest and imagination of the reader. I think this will be of get interest to a number of readers, and just might inspire more to study the subject in depth.

Book Review: Megabat and Fancy Cat (Megabat) by Anna Humphrey, Kass Reich

Megabat and Fancy Cat is the second Megabat book written by Anna Humphrey and illustrated by Kass Reich. While those that have read the first book will have a better grasp on the characters andknow how they came to be friends, I think all readers should be able to pick things up pretty quickly. All they need to know is that Megabat is a talking fruitbat that lives with his human best friend. 

Megabat was looking forward to Christmas morning: presents, playing toys, smooshfruit and watching Star Wars. But then Daniel opened his last, most special present. Daniel thinks this might be the best Christmas present yet: a beautiful cat named Priscilla! He's always wanted a pet. Megabat is not sure he likes this cat. She tastes most hairy. Daniel loves his new cat! She's fun to play with, and she's so soft and fluffy. Megabat is not soft OR fluffy. He's not purebred and he doesn't have a big, beautiful swishy tail. What if Daniel loves Priscilla more than Megabat? This is truly a disturbance in the Force. Megabat and Birdgirl must find a way to get rid of this trubble cat once and for all! Calamity ensues as Megabat and Birdgirl try to come up with ways to get rid of Priscilla. But is there more than meets the eye with this furry menace? 

Megabat and Fancy Cat is a fun story about friendship and compromise in the guise of an adorable bat feeling pushed aside by his best friend. When Priscilla joins the family only Megabat and Dad seem to be less than pleased, but soon only Megabat and Birdgirl are unhappy. Megabat feels left out and unloved, so comes up with a slew of crazy schemes to get the cat out of the house. Of course things backfire, and a good conversation solves the majority of the problems, as is true with many book for children and adults. I found Megabat's speech patterns and typing to be cute and fun, although it could be a mixed bag with young readers. Some might be glad to see a character that struggles with something they struggle with, or it might further the issue if they are really struggling with spelling. I think the story is a fun read that many kids will relate to, weather it is because of a new shifts in family or friendships- the explanation of love growing and always having enough is one that everyone sometimes needs to hear.

Megabat and Fancy Cat is a sweet and entertain read with plenty of fun and solid lessons to adsorb. Great choice of transitional and  emerging readers- as well as animal lovers. A fun read for anyone that picks it up. 

Book Review: The Labours of Mrs Stella Ryman: Further Fairmount Manor Mysteries by Mel Anastasiou

The Labours of Mrs Stella Ryman: Further Fairmount Manor Mysteries by Mel Anastasiou is the first book I have read featuring Stella.  Replete with packet chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese, Stella Ryman paused just outside Fairmount Manor’s dining room, where she used the sleeve of her fleece warm-up suit to wipe condensation from the streaked and fog-edged windows along the corridor. There was so much springtime glory outside Fairmount — although she was not allowed out on her own to see it — and there was so much gloom inside, that she didn’t want to add to it. But she couldn’t deny that trouble had resurfaced at Fairmount Manor. When the machineries of institution fail to protect Fairmount Manor, octogenarian amateur sleuth Mrs Stella Ryman rolls up her fleece jacket sleeves to protect Fairmount from a thief, investigate a gun-toting resident, set right a mishandled investigation of a man’s death, pursue spectres and footpads walking at midnight, and discover Thelma Hu’s long-lost fortune. No good deed goes unpunished, though, and Stella will face struggles, mysteries, and sacrifices that hit her where she lives. Mrs Stella Ryman is a fish out of water, a stranger in a strange land — an amateur sleuth, trapped in a down-at-heel care home. You’d be cranky, too.

The Labours of Mrs Stella Ryman: Further Fairmount Manor Mysteries is a collection of short mysteries that are entertaining but still heart wrenching at times because the reader can see certain things happening that Stella is not aware of. I thought that the setting, characters, and mysteries were all very well built and believable. I could see these people and their problems arise in almost any similar setting. Stella might be a little directionally challenged and forgetful, but she sees to the heart of the matter and cares more for the people than the things or consequences involved. I enjoyed getting lost in Stella's world and slowing down enough to notice some subtle clues about Stella and her world along the way.

The Labours of Mrs Stella Ryman: Further Fairmount Manor Mysteries is a fun and engaging read that made me care about the characters. I plan on taking the time to read more by this author.

Early Book Review: The Windy Day by Tony Sandoval

The Windy Day by Tony Sandoval is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 14 2019.  A young girl sets out on her own to fly her kite and encounters a pirate cloud full of goblins looking to cause trouble. She is rescued by a big black wolf who scare the goblins away and stays to help her fly her kite as high as possible. Their friendship teaches her courage (which is what she names the wolf).

The Windy Day has lovely artwork, which was what originally caught my eye with this book. It has a sweet watercolor feel, while showing the things the young girl sees and fears in equal importance. I love the story of a girl with a big imagination finding a way to entertain herself when her brother will not play with her.That she built her own kite, faces her fears enough to brave chickens and the woods to go fly the kite alone shows that she already has courage and intelligence, she just needs a little support.  I love that she uses the same imagination that scares her to save herself and bolster her courage. 

The Windy Day is a book that is fun to read text wise- but also lovely to look at. I think there are some imaginative and creative souls that will greatly enjoy this read.

Book Review: Catnapped (Sugar Shack) by Susan Golden

Catnapped is the first book in the Sugar Shack series by Susan Golden. Jennifer's discovery that a cat in her care has been snatched and is being held for a curious, but outwardly benign, ransom, sets the pair on a path of overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles and absurd situations to meet the odd demand. But everything may not be as it seems and the stakes may be much higher than freedom for one kitty. 

Catnapped is quirky in a way that reminded me of Lindsay Sands and Kate MacAlister's early books. The writing was very conversational, and the characters often went off on their own tangent, which made the read very fun but occasionally the non sequiturs got hard to follow. I liked Jennifer's character, how honest she is about herself and her quirks- and her self-doubt was realistic but felt a little overdone in certain moments. I like that while the mystery and romance bits were separate but found a way to be woven together. I really enjoyedt he conversations and odd characters that seem to invite themselves into Jen's life. I did find some of the time line jumping off putting- and there were important things that felt a little glossed over because of that. However, I am glad I picked this one up and enjoyed the read. I will be taking a look at future books from the author to see if the writing style grows into the potential I see in it. 

Catnapped is a fun and delightfully wacky book. It entertained me and I enjoyed the read.