Book Review: Death by Pumpkin Spice (Bookstore Cafe #3) by Alex Erickson

Death by Pumpkin Spice is the third book in the Bookstore Cafe series by Alex Erickson. I have not read the two previous books, but think I caught up to the important action pretty quickly. If I had read the other books I would have had a better understanding of the characters and their relationships. 

Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat, but a date with Will Foster just might be worth it.  A run-in with an old flame, a failed marriage proposal, and a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns are just the start of an eventful evening. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely.  With the estate on lock down and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them

Death by Pumpkin Spice is more than the typical cozy mystery. There are the quirky and fun characters that I expect (and loved) and more crimes and twists than I had hoped for. Since I have not read the previous books I did not have the previous knowledge of the relationship dynamics between Krissy and her co-workers, Paul, Will, the ex, and other characters. I really enjoyed the Agatha Christie style set up and the wacky nature of the house. I liked that Krissy is socially awkward and uncomfortable in the social circle she is thrown into here. I thought the mystery was well done, and had just enough red herrings and odd twists to keep me interested without being overwhelming. My only real issue with the read is Krissy's inner dialogue about the virtues of both Will and Paul. I could understand it to a point, it explained how they all ended up there and gave an extra dramatic element, but I think there was just too much of her mental waffling between the two when no one was actually pushing her to make a decision or make a move.

Death by Pumpkin Spice is a entertaining read that is full of twists and turns. There is more going on than I expect from a cozy mystery, and the characters and action kept me guessing throughout. My only issue was the almost- but not quite- love triangle. 

Book Review: Curse of the Were-Hyena by Bruce Hale

Curse of the Were-Hyena is the first book in the Monstertown Mystery series by Bruce Hale. Mr. Chu, the coolest teacher ever, has developed some very unusual habits, like laughing hysterically for no reason, sniffing people's homework, and chasing chickens. When best friends Carlos and Benny decide to find out what's happening to him, they get caught up in some moonlight madness. And it looks like just the beginning of the weirdness that has arrived in the town of Monterrosa.

Curse of the Were-Hyena is an entertaining read that will appeal to a wide audience. Carlos and Benny each get into a good amount of trouble as they do their best to save their teacher, unravel the mystery, and not become were-anything in the process. I like that they are fully aware of what they are doing and that the adults are not foolish. The adults might miss some things, but are not the clueless cutouts that are often found in children's books. Carlos' family is facing big changes, which gives the story an undercurrent of him trying to find his place in light of a younger sister with big things going on. Benny might be a little to reliable for the goofy option, but I still know people that think like his, so i still found his character to be realistic. The family dynamics play a role, and change as the story continues, which adds an extra dimension to the story. The mystery and supernatural elements kept me on my toes, and held a couple surprises for me. I was pleased to actually have some of the final twists to be unexpected, and in some cases completely so. While not a perfect story, it was well worth the read and I think  it will become a favorite series for many reluctant readers.

Curse of the Were-Hyena is a fast and fun story that will be a hit with middle grade readers. I think this is a series that might encourage more reluctant readers in that age range to follow the series and explore reading a little more.

Book Review: Dojo Surprise by Chris Tougas

Dojo Surprise is a picturebook written and illustrated by Chris Tougas. The six little ninjas of Dojo Daycare and Dojo Daytrip are back for a third adventure. Here they are planning a surprise birthday party for their master. Stealthy as ever, the ninja girls and  boys tiptoe around without a noise (or so they think) as they prepare for the celebration. Meanwhile, the master is spooked by the noises and shadows he senses around him. Is there a dragon over there? It’s a total dojo scare!

Dojo Surprise is another fun and boldly illustrated picturebook for every little ninja. The students are trying to be stealthy in their party prep, but keep startling their master, although he is still not aware to what exactly is going on. I am rarely a fan of the 'unaware adult" that seems so prevalent in children's books, I would like to hope that here it is because the little ninjas are so well trained, but I do not quite buy it. However, I do think that it will highly entertain in a storytime or any read aloud settling. The artwork and thoughtfulness of the ninja students does overtake some of my misgivings- it is still a fun read that will make many young readers smile.

Dojo Surprise is a fun rhyming book for a good laugh and quick read. 

Book Review: Betrayed by a Kiss (An Unlikely Hero) by Kris Rafferty

Betrayed by a Kiss is the first book in the An Unlikely Hero series by Kris Rafferty. Marnie Somerville is sure Dane MacLain is just another bad guy. Her job as resident investigator at Whitman Enterprises is to track down the owners of delinquent accounts, but something about Dane’s case is off, and Marnie can’t resist a good mystery. The secret files and cover-up she finds after hacking her boss’s computer are more than she expected, and now she’s fleeing her former employer, right into Dane’s arms. Former detective Dane MacLain has spent the last year gathering intel against Whitman Enterprises, the company he believes responsible for his wife’s death. When a beautiful and intense woman shows up with information, Dane is willing to accept all she has to offer, especially when the help comes in such a sexy package. Caught in a deadly cat and mouse chase, Dane must do everything he can to protect Marnie as they run for their lives.

Betrayed by a Kiss is fairly fast paced, with plenty of danger and action. Marnie had been trying to go straight, only to discover that the company she worked for was worse than anyone she had worked with while she was growing up. Dane is a former cop that just cannot let go of the wrongs he knows exists, and whats to prove that they exist. They have each been through betrayals and danger in the past, but when Marnie tries to save Dane's life they end up working together to bring down Whitman Enterprises. I liked that we get to see Dane's daughter and sister, and that there is plenty of action and danger to keep things moving alone. I also like that Marnie seems to be a very complex character. She has a serious past and some crazy connections, but sometimes I felt like there must have been a previous book of something to connect people that seemed important to the story and had backstory that was not included in this story. The tension between our main players was high, and the intentions and decisions believable. It all fit together well, but I just did not connect to the characters or story, and found myself skimming over bits of the high action just to get to the resolution faster. I am not sure why the disconnect, there was nothing I can point to. It is perfectly possible it was my mood weather than the fault of the material.

Betrayed by a Kiss is one of those books that had everything, and should have been fantastic, but I just never really got invested in. There was nothing really wrong with it, but I never connected with the characters for some reason. It could have been just not the book I was in the mood for when I read it. I still cannot put my finger on what did not click for me. 

Early Book Review: To Burp or Not to Burp by Dr Dave Willians, Loredana Cunti, Theodore Key

To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space by Dr Dave Willians and Loredana Cunti, with illustrations by Theodore Key is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 11 2016. Of all the questions astronauts are asked by kids, the most frequent one is “How do you go to the toilet in space?” This book answers that question, but many others about the effect of zero gravity on the human body like; How do you brush your hair in space? What happens when you sweat? What does food taste like? The best thing is that the answers are provided by Dr. Dave Williams, a NASA astronaut who speaks from first-hand experience. Written for kids ages 7 to 10, this book uses age-appropriate language to explain the different phenomena that astronauts encounter during a mission. The bright, colorful pages, short blocks of text accompanied by photos and humorous illustrations make this a very attractive choice for young readers. The opening message from Dr. Dave empowers kids to follow his example by believing in themselves and following their dreams.

To Burp or Not to Burp is a perfect book for readers that love space, and those that like to tell joke or learn about bodily functions- and most kinds fit into at least one of these categories. I am not surprised that the most common question asked of astronauts pertains to bodily functions, and am glad that I can answer these questions (or offer the book) when my kids or library patrons ask. There are cartoons and photographs to illustrate the information in the book, and the text is well organized and written in a conversational manner with humor and fun little tidbits I never thought about before. I think readers will enjoy the fact that the book was written with reference to first hand knowledge, rather than in a more textbook style. at no point does the text talk down to readers, in fact it encourages them to work hard and work toward achieving their dreams. The read was fun and highly informative. I think many reluctant readers might use this book as a jumping off point to explore more books about science and the astronauts mentioned in the book.

To Burp or Not to Burp is a book that balances the weird aspects of human biology and the wonders of space travel. well organized facts, humor, and a tone that entertains but does not talk down to readers will keep readers interested. Well down all around. 

Book Review: Baba Yaga by An Leysen

Baba Yaga is a picturebook that was written and illustrated by An Leysen. Once upon a time, in a land far away from here, lived a girl named Olga. Olga lived with her father in a beautiful house, and they were very happy together. Until Olga’s father one day fell in love again but his new wife was cruel and mean. And her sister Baba Yaga, who lived in a dark forest, was even meaner. Baba Yaga was a real witch! There was a rumor she was fond of children on her plate! One day Olga’s stepmother sent her to Baba Yaga. What was she supposed to do now?

Baba Yaga is a retelling of the classic Slavonic myth. Olga is a sweet girl put in a bad situation, a common start to fairy tales world wide. I have heard different tales about Baba Yaga over the years, and I found this version to be simple enough to share with younger readers than most of the versions I have read. The illustrations are lovely and add a great deal to the atmosphere of the story, and included details that enrich the story. This would be a wonderful addition to a classroom unit of fairytales and legends, or just for sharing. It is a little text heavy, which is necessary to tell the story, so I would label this an older picturebook or one to share.

Baba Yaga is a wonderful version of this classic tale. I think the illustrations are what really sold it to me, with their soft ethereal feel. A delightful book for sharing a fairy tale that some might not be familiar with.

Early Book Review: Wolf’s Clothing (Legend Tripping) by E.J. Russell

Wolf’s Clothing by E.J. Russell is the second book in the Legend Tripping series. It is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2016. I was somehow unaware it was part of a series until I started reading it. It did take me a bit to catch up, and I think that readers that have already read Stumptown Spirits will have a head start. However, I did catch up and full enjoy the novel despite the lack.

For Trent Pielmeyer, the answer is run like hell. Run away from his hostile family, away from the disbelieving cops, and far, far, far away from anything that smacks of the supernatural. After seven years’ captivity in a whacked-out alternate dimension, he is so over legend tripping.When Christophe Clavret spots Trent in a Portland bar, he detects a kindred spirit—another man attempting to outrun the darkness of his own soul. But despite their sizzling chemistry, Trent’s hatred of the uncanny makes Christophe hesitant to confide the truth: he’s a werewolf, one of a dwindling line, the victim of a genetic curse extending back to feudal Europe. But dark forces are at work, threatening more than their growing love. If Christophe can’t win Trent’s trust, and if Trent can’t overcome his fear of the paranormal, the cost could be Trent’s freedom and Christophe’s humanity. Or it might be both their lives.

Wolf’s Clothing is an interesting book that initially took me by surprise. I wish I had read the previous book first, but I feel like the character development and story stood well on its own. Trent has survived seven years of horror, and come out the other side only to have to hide the reason he was missing and deal with the family issues he had been trying to avoid his entire life. In trying to ground himself he runs to the only people that know his story- only to discover that his plan is no longer a viable option. Christophe has his own problems, and when the pair meet they are instantly in lust. I like that the plot is complex, as are the characters. This could have been an easy love story with only the supernatural revelations standing in their way- but the plot against Christophe, the wedding, and Trent's facing of his demons make the story move quickly. I like that the story is a LBGTQ romance under all the other things going on, and is not used as a gimmick or attention grabber. It flows perfectly with the story and felt fully organic rather than because the author was trying to fit in a niche or be trendy. I love a read that defies exceptions in a multitude of way while feeling like it just happened rather than being planned. The rest of the story is so full of complications, betrayal, and coming to understand the bigger picture that it was simply wonderful.

Wolf’s Clothing made me eager to go back and read Stumptown Spirits, and explore the few other books by the author. I think readers that enjoy urban fantasy and complex characters and conflicts will enjoy the read. I would not recommend it to read that are upset by non traditional couples and LBGTQ stories.

Book Review: Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter

Blood of the Earth is the first book in the Soulwood series by Faith Hunter.Those that have read the Jane Yellowrock series will have a head start, but newcomers to Hunter's world will be able to catch up quickly.

When Nell Ingram met skinwalker Jane Yellowrock, she was almost alone in the world, exiled by both choice and fear from the cult she was raised in, defending herself with the magic she drew from her deep connection to the forest that surrounds her. Now, Jane has referred Nell to PsyLED, a Homeland Security agency policing paranormals, and agent Rick LaFleur has shown up at Nell’s doorstep. His appearance forces her out of her isolated life into an investigation that leads to the vampire Blood Master of Nashville. Nell has a team—and a mission. But to find the Master’s kidnapped vassal, Nell and the PsyLED team will be forced to go deep into the heart of the very cult Nell fears, infiltrating the cult and a humans-only terrorist group before time runs out.

Blood of the Earth is a happy surprise for me. I have always hear good things about Hunter, but just had not invested the time in reading her other books. I figured with the start of a new series I could jump on in, and I am so glad I did. Nell is a complex character, struggling to stay safe after leaving the religious cult she was raised in. She might have left the compound, but she still struggles with the conventions that creep into her daily life choices. Then there is her unique ability to work with the earth and her connection to the forest. When Rick comes and asks for help her life is disrupted even more and the characters and readers fall down the rabbit hole together. As Nell helps his team search for missing girls she comes to further understand herself, her gifts, and how much of what she knows is actually the truth. The investigation is complicated, as are the dynamics of the cult and Nell’s family. I really enjoyed some of the character interaction and growth, the PsyLED team is a group of characters that I want to know more about and whose interplay (among themselves and with Nell) is nearly perfect. There is plenty of groundwork laid down for more investigations and growth for Nell- and the entire team. I am very interested to see where this leads.

Blood of the Earth is a solid start to a new series, even for those of us that have not read the previous books by Hunter. The characters and story are complex, with plenty of twists and turns to keep those pages turning. The only reason I have not read the Jane Yellowrock series is because I discovered it after it was significantly underway and I did not have time to catch up- now it is has risen up my to be read pile and I will find the time. 

Early Book Review: Happy Mamas by Kathleen T. Pelley, Ruth E Harper

Happy Mamas is a picture book written by Kathleen T. Pelley and illustrated by Ruth E Harper. It is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2016. This book is intended as a read aloud that pays tribute to mothering in the animal and human kingdoms. It depicts activities that bring joy to a mama and her baby over the course of a day: feeding her little ones, teaching  playing peek-a- boo; watching her little ones fly from the nest; singing a serenade to the man in the moon; or crooning owly lullabies through the deep dark woods. But as the moon glows and the stars shine, what is it that makes all mamas - from desert to jungle, from forest to field, from land to sea, happiest by far? 

Happy Mamas is a sweet book, combining the things that make parents happy regardless of species. Feeding their children, playing with them, teaching them things they need to know, and snuggling at bedtime. I felt like some off the text felt a little forced, and while the story all worked it did not impress me.Some of the illustrations were beautiful and charming, and I like that the humans included were not all generic caucasians, I felt like some of the detail work was less than I expected. None of it was bad, it just did not wow me. I have seen so many picture books, good and bad, and while this might fit the bill for occasional bedtime reading I do not think it will be a requested read or one that parents will have to read over and over.  

Early Book Review: The Truest Heart (Fairy-Tale Matchmaker) by E.D. Baker

The Truest Heart is the third book in the Fairy-Tale Matchmaker series for middle grade readers by E.D. Baker. It is currently scheduled for release on October 11 2016.I highly recommend reading the series in order, I think picking up the story here will leave readers frustrated and confused. Start with Fairy Tale Matchmaker and then The Perfect Match before reading this installment. They are all quick, fun reads, so it is worth the effort.

Born to be a tooth fairy, Cory Feathering has been busy proving there's another life meant for her, one of matchmaking! She's already helped Marjorie Muffet and Goldilocks find true love, and now it's Mary Lambkin's turn. When Cory has a vision of Mary with one particular boy, Cory knows exactly what to do. But it's Cory's own personal life that needs help. The Fairy Guilds are constantly hounding her, furious that she's abandoned the guild she was born into in favor of choosing her own path. They won't stop until justice has been served. As Cory prepares to fight for what she believes in, she must decide once and for all if she's prepared to take on the responsibility of her biggest role yet, one that will change her destiny forever.

The Truest Heart is a quick, fun read that ties up many of the loose ends of the series, while still leaving me wondering where our characters might do next. The trial between Cory and the guilds is underway and their shady efforts to scare her are ramping up. Meanwhile Cory is just trying to live her life- playing in her band and matchmaking as needed. As the danger ramps up Blue and his friends help protect Cory, and we meet a wider variety of fairy tale creatures. I liked the combination of Cory struggling to do the right thing along the discovery that some of the creatures involved are no as they seem.

The Truest Heart is a fun and heart warming addition to the Matchmaker series. There is plenty of resolution for the larger story arcs that have moved the series along, but enough room for more to come. A perfect balance to make readers satisfied but still eager for more.

E. D. Baker is the author of the Tales of the Frog Princess series, The Wide-Awake Princess series, The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker series, and many other delightful books for young readers, including A Question of Magic, Fairy Wings, and Fairy Lies. The Frog Princess was the inspiration for Disney’s hit movie The Princess and the Frog. She lives with her family and their many animals in Churchville, Maryland.