review: Die Easy by Zoe Sharp

Die Easy by Zoë Sharp is the 10th book in the “Charlie Fox” thriller series. Publisher: Pegasus, January 2013

Professionally, she’s at the top of her game, but her personal life is in ruins. Her lover, bodyguard Sean Meyer, has woken from a gunshot-induced coma with his memory in tatters. It seems that piercing back together the relationship they shared is proving harder for him than relearning the intricacies of the bodyguard business. Working with Sean again was never going to be easy for Charlie, but a celebrity fundraising event in aid of still-ravaged areas of New Orleans should have been the ideal opportunity for them both to take things nice and slow. Until, that is, they find themselves thrust into the middle of a war zone.  When an ambitious robbery explodes into a deadly hostage situation, the motive may be far more complex than simple greed. Somebody has a major score to settle, and Sean is part of the reason. Only trouble is, he doesn’t remember why. And when Charlie finds herself facing a nightmare from her own past, she realizes she can’t rely on Sean to watch her back. This time, she’s got to fight it out on her own.  One thing is for certain, though—no matter how overwhelming the odds stacked against her, or however hopeless the situation may appear—Charlie is never going to die easy.

This is an awesome read! This fast-paced action starts immediately as Charlie and Sean are in for the fight of their lives as they take on adversaries who want their client dead and with someone from Charlie’s past in the mix, the stakes are higher. This gripping drama was so intense that I could not put this book down as I wondered what was going to happen next. Zoe has created a complex, yet lovable character whose strength is shown in her thoughts and action as she handles what’s thrown at her with great aplomb. The author takes us on a thrilling ride from beginning to end and I can’t wait to see what directions this amazing series takes as we follow the exploits of Charlie and her friends.

 

 

   Dru

dru’s book musing

 

 

Weather Alert

Weather Alert:

 

Of course we are in the 70's yesterday which in Kansas in January is unheard of....we broke records. Overnight brought storms now we are back to storms after a brief morning break. The worst is i think mother nature thinks it's spring as we have our first 2013 tornado watch. At least it all adds mystery to my day.

My question today is does weather play a large part in setting the mood when you read mysteries? A day like this just makes me want to do nothing but read (and of course get the laundry done) as we could easily lose electric. The other thing about today is that it will be in the 30's by later today. Temps are to drop dramaticly this afternoon.

I have no idea where this day is going but we just lost our satellite.....better charge the kindle.

 

Hugs,

Pamela

Review: Alice in Wonderland - The Ballet

National Ballet of Canada performs Alice in Wonderland

Some stories just seem natural to be a ballet and others seem unusual until you think about it.  This one definitely WORKS!  You expect Alice In Wonderland to be very visual and this production is very tuned in to that.  The colors are stunning, amazingly colorful costumes and sets, worked with projections to make the fantastical seem real.  Doors that shrink or expand, cards that shuffle and re-arrange to the music, and a very unexpected hatchet fall to close Act II were all adding to the show without being too much.  Reminded me of how pioneers such as The Joffrey who first did such things really were on to something -- it makes the show BIGGER. 

The cast was really large and they had three groups of primary dancers in the leads for different performances.  the ones I saw were Jillian Vanstone and Naoya Ebe and I really loved their interpretations.

Some highlights were the tap dancing Mad-Hatter and the red-John Lennon spectacled White Rabbit.  The Cheshire cat was in multiple pieces that were combined and recombined and juggled around to convey its adaptability.  The Queen of Hearts was in Bright Red and in her movements she had to convey clutsiness etc...  To dance badly intentionally for the sake of humor and character has to be even more challenging to a dancer than to be great at dancing in general, but kudos to her.  Her guards reminded me of bright red storm-troopers with axes.  And I have to mention the adorable children as hedgehogs tumbling around through the human arches (cant remember what those croquet hoops are called). 

All in all, this was a fabulous night at the Ballet!

Terri

Review: Book, Line & SInker by Jenn McKinlay

Book, Line and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay is the third book in the “Library Lover’s” mystery series. Publisher: December 2012

Lindsey is enjoying her second year in Briar Creek as the library director, meeting with the crafternoon club, and happily dating tour boat captain Mike Sullivan. But when a salvage company arrives in town to dig up treasure buried on Pirate Island over three hundred years ago, the locals are torn between protecting the island and welcoming the publicity.   In spite of the squabbling, Charlie Peyton, Lindsey’s downstairs neighbor, takes a job with the salvage company. But when Trudi Hargrave, the local tourism director who hired the company, is found murdered at the excavation site, Charlie becomes the chief suspect. To help him, Lindsey must do some digging of her own before the real killer buries the truth for good…

Oh man, what a great book and that ending, wow. Treasure hunting is the theme in this lighthearted tale filled with suspense, intrigue and murder. Once Lindsay gets involved in trying to find the person responsible, this fast-moving and action filled drama is one I could not put down until the last sentence was read. The author pulled me in many directions as this murder mystery played out with clues to the killer’s identity and yet surprised me with the outcome. A great read that I wish could have gone on forever and now I look forward to the next book in this delightfully charming series.

 

 

   Dru

dru’s book musing

 

 

Review: The Callahan Chronicles by Spider Robinson

Theis collects three of Spider Robinson's books about Callahan's Place.  Callahan's is an unusual Long Island bar where patrons share the joy and the pain of the people that cross it's threshold.  Each tale spins very interesting charachters (MOST of whom are human) and their lives, loves, and adventures.Spun with lots of humor, some irreverance and often a kick in the pants about the human condition, one never knows what to expect from one tale to the next, but one can be insured that they will be entertained.  From his stories, Callahan's Place has taken on mythical properties on the web, inspiring fan fiction and the creation of wanna be Callahan's.  It is beyond a place you go where everyone knows your name, it is a family where everyone loves you.

Listened to this on audio - a thoroughly great production, kudos to the narrator!

Terri

Fashion

This Week:

Do you pay attention to fashion? Do you read fashionable mysteries? Such as maybe Ellen Berryman? What about our First Lady's Gown last night? Of course I love to wear the color red so any red dress I pay close attention to and I loved her gown.

Since I was five I have loved red shoes and slippers. Proof of this is Dorothy's shoes in The Wizard Of Oz and I will say I never missed that movie. My grandmother and I would watch it every year together.

Anyway I like the classic look but I also love big and bold jewerly and clothes. Red and black are my favorite color combinations. I also adore yellow and black (as long as it's bold) and for me light blue is my pastel color. I adore pinks in all shades but the bolder the better also with black or white.

Now I admit that handbags are my most fun thing to shop for because I just love them and think that often they make the outfit.

Tell us your color combinations and thoughts. What about jewerly and hats? Of course I love both but don't own many hats.... Scarves I would love to add more of them as I own two...LOLOL

Hugs,

Pam

Review: Murder for the halibut - Liz Lipperman

Murder For The Halibut by Liz Lipperman is the third book in the “Clueless Cook” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2012

Tempted by the offer of a free Caribbean cruise, Jordan accepts a spot as a judge in a week-long big-time cooking competition aboard the Carnation Queen. She just better hope no one finds out that her famous palate is far from refined.  But there are bigger fish to fry when arrogant chef Stefano Mancini falls face first into his signature halibut dish during the first event. While evidence suggests that the handsome Italian chef’s death was an accident, Jordan thinks otherwise. But she’ll have to keep her wits about her—and the sea sickness pills handy—if she’s going to solve this one.

This book is awesome. Jordan is on a cruise judging a competition when one of the contestant suddenly dies. Was it an accident? or murder? Jordan has other ideas when she overhears a conversation that points to something sinister and as such, puts her and her friends on the hunt for a murderer. The author did a good job in delivering a delightfully entertaining whodunit that I could not put down and did not want to see end. The dialogue was engagingly witty and the scene with “sweetbread”; Priceless. This is the best book in this fabulous series and I can’t wait for the next exciting adventures with Jordan and her friends.

 

 

   Dru

dru’s book musing

 

 

Review: Chainsaw Cop Corpse by Wol-vriey

File Size: 726 KB

Print Length: 210 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615731287

Publisher: Bizarro Press (November 12, 2012)

When reviewing bizarro fiction, it is often hard to find a place to start.
Simon Rush is a DC cop. Who, along with his partner, Alice Dread, is investigating a series of 'locked room' murders that have mysterious peanut butter smears at each scene.  In addition, he seems to be excreting human body parts...
Then, the world(s) really get crazy, with assassins, Peppermint Nazis, airsheep, Con crabs, fascinating characters and yes - chainsaws!
And just when you think his life can't get worse, well... a new surprise.
I like riding along the madness without knowing where I will end up and this is THAT kind of book!

And for those who have no idea what bizarro fiction is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizarro_fiction

Terri

Review: Fonduing Fathers by Julie Hyzy

Fonduing Fathers by Julie Hyzy is the sixth book in the “White House Chef” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2012

 

Olivia has always believed that her father was an honorable man—until a trip to visit her mother reveals that he was dishonorably discharged from the army. Olivia is even more shocked to learn that he was brutally murdered because someone at his company suspected him of selling corporate secrets. Refusing to believe that her father was a scoundrel, Olivia won’t rest until she proves his innocence. Enlisting the help of her boyfriend, Gav, Olivia must reach out to her father’s colleagues to discover the truth behind his murder. What she’s about to discover may not only put her at risk, but threaten national security as well.

 

This is an awesome read. I don’t know how she does it, but Julie had done it again by delivering a story that I could not put down. The suspenseful nature of this hard-hitting story kept me in tuned to the fast and furious pace of this riveting drama as Ollie searches for answers about her father’s death. With each page turned, the tension escalated as this exceptionally written mystery moved towards its momentous conclusion. With a great backdrop of DC, terrific dialogue and a great cast of characters, this is the best book thus far in this delightfully entertaining series that include bonus recipes.

 

 

 

   Dru

dru’s book musing

True Crime TV

True Crime:

Do you watch true crime shows? If you do which ones are your favorites? I love Mainstreet Mysteries, The Neighbor Next Door, Who The Bleep Did I Marry?, City Confidental, Mysteries On ID, Hardcover Mysteries, Power Privledge and Murder and there are a few more. I find these shows informative and interesting.

Since I write mysteries I am always interested of the motives and personalites of murderers. I also find it good research into character and plot.

Why do you watch this type of programming?

have no fear I still watch other show such has Murder She Wrote reruns, Perry Mason reruns and I still love Criminal Minds, Castle, Vegas etc.....

Of course Downton Abby is probably the reason why Sundays have become my favorite day of the week.

Currently on netflix I am trying to work my way through the whole series of Rosemary & Thyme. British mysteries are soooo great and I love the humor so many of them have.

 

Okay your turn.....

 

Pam

 

Review: Last Diner Standing by Terri Austin

Last Diner Standing by Terri L Austin is the second book in the “Rose Strickland” mystery series. Publisher: Henery Press, December 2012

 

Rose Strickland is having a blue Christmas. Her friend is arrested for attempted murder, her sexy bad guy crush is marked by a hit man, and her boss is locked in an epic smackdown with a rival diner. Determined to save those she loves, Rose embarks on an investigation more tangled than a box of last year’s tree lights. With her eclectic gang at the ready, Rose stumbles across dead bodies, ex-cons, chop shops, jealous girlfriends, jilted lovers, and a gaggle of strippers in a battle for freedom she might not survive.

 

There’s no sophomore slump here in the second book starring spitfire Rose Strickland. When her friend is jailed, Rose knowing she is innocent sets out on a course using any means necessary to free her friend including breaking and entering and allying herself with a person of nefarious distinction. This fast-paced and action-filled story kept me plowing through the pages as fast as I could because I had to know what happens next in this thrilling and riveting drama. When the chips are down, Rose is there and I was rooting for her as she took on everything thrown at her to help her friend. This is a great read and I’m looking forward to the next book with Rose and her friends in this terrific series.

 

 

 

 

   Dru

dru’s book musing

My Trip to the Range

Saturday I went with a friend who is also an intructor to the range to have my first experience with shooting guns.  I really wasn't sure how I would actually feel when I did it.  I grew up around guns (my dad was an expert marksman and hunted).  But though I watched him cleaning them and whatnot, I wasnt much itnerested.  We did shoot BB guns and when I was about 12 or 13 my parents took my brother and I to Fort Belvoir's range to take a rifle class.  I was the only girl there and at that age was WAY too self conscious about THAT, that I refused to go back.  But Bob did - and I assume he did pretty well but he never took to it enough to continue.

I have mixed feelings on the gun control debates.  Mainly because I see the two worst problems as enforcement of existing laws and really watching for the menatlly ill (which has become even more difficult with HIPPA laws).  Those problems will require money and resolve.  And I am not sure either would happen.  But this is not about those debates.  This is about my experience.

So I went to the range wanting to know about how to fire a gun (safely), different guns, and about how I felt. 

We started out with a 2 inch 38.  A small light gun.  It had quite a kick - not in movement up/down but back into the flesh of my hand.  Tried a regular .38, 9mm Beretta, a .40 and a .45 (which thoroughly intimidated me).  The first time I fired was weird.  From the flash, to the kick to seeing the hole in the target.  It made me very respectful of what I was doing.  it made me nervous of the guy a couple lanes down who seemed to NOT take it as seriously.  ben was great, explaing things, adjusting my grip, letting me take my time.  I will tell you after this experience, seeing tv shows where people are firing bam bam bam fast and with accuracy seems a lot less believeable to me now.  Not that it seemed super believeable in the first place, but....

An interseting thing is I felt a connection to dad, like he would be smiling down at me. That I was learning to defend myself if I needed to or just to test myself.

SO I came out with gook in my throat from the powder and a powder burn (which I never felt) on my hand, having mangled some paper plates pretty accurately if I do say so myself.  Now my respect for the power of guns is cemented more deeply and I just hope that anyone who chooses to try it, respects what they hold in their hands.

Terri

Review: A Haunting Dream by Joyce and Jim Lavene

A Haunting Dream by Joyce and Jim Lavene is the fourth book in the “Missing Pieces” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2012

 

When her boyfriend Kevin’s ex-fiancée Ann arrives in Duck looking for a second chance, Dae suddenly finds herself facing certain heartache. And while her romantic life is in shambles, she’s even more concerned by the sudden change in her gift. After touching a medallion owned by a local named Chuck Sparks, Dae is shocked when her vision reveals his murder—and a cry for help.  Dae doesn’t know what to make of the dead man’s plea to “Help her,” until she has another vision about a kidnapped girl—Chuck’s daughter, Betsy. With a child missing, the FBI steps in to take over the case. But Dae can’t ignore her visions of Betsy, or the fact that Kevin’s psychic ex-fiancée might be the only person who can help find her.

 

This was a very good read from beginning to that inquisitive conclusion and I can’t wait to see where that takes Dae and her friends. In the latest happenings in Duck, NC, Dae’s touch of a medallion leads to the discovery of a dead body, a missing child and the arrival of Kevin’s ex-fiancée that results in an captivating whodunit that was hard to put down. This fast-pace drama had plenty of twists that had me changing directions as to who was doing what to whom and when it was all said and done, this was an enjoyable story with great dialogue lead by a strong and remarkable heroine whose only goal is to do the best for her town. This is the best one yet in this charmingly pleasant series.

 

 

 

 

   Dru

dru’s book musing

kindle

KINDLE:

 

My friend Glenda gave me a gift card to amazon for Christmas this year. I had never ordered all by myself from amazon. The first time I used some of the gift card I ended up buying a book for 12.99 (LOL) but by the second go round I learned to check the prices. I know this isn't hard but the first time I was soooo thrilled to be able to learn all of this by myself. Anyway my question today is...

"Do you read more books on your ereaders than in paper?" I know I read faster by kindle than by paperback or even hardback (even though I usually read large print books) but for the kindle is a godsend for my eyes.

"How many books does your kindle hold and do you knowv how to delete books that you want to delete?"

 

Anyway I want to talk about ebooks today. Authors do you write ebooks and is there a difference in how long it takes you to publish an ebook?

I find this is a  whole new world to me that I am excited about exploring.

 

Hugs,

Pamela

Review: Beeline to Trouble by Hannah Reed

Beeline to Trouble by Hannah Reed is the fourth book in the “Queen Bee” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2012

 

It’s a real buzz-kill when beekeeper Story Fischer gets a visit from her frantic sister. Now she has to help host a combative trio of professional food flavorists. Good thing the well-stocked shelves of Story’s grocery store, the Wild Clover, can provide the morning meal.  During a pre-lunch tour of Story’s hives, however, one of the guests is found dead. Just what Story needs only days after hunky boyfriend, Hunter Wallace, finally decided to move in. As if a dead body isn’t enough to put a damper on romance, Story becomes a prime suspect when the carrot juice she brought with the breakfast fixings is found to contain poison. Now it’s up to Story to comb through the evidence and find the real perpetrator before she ends up getting stung herself.

 

What a wonderful time I had reading about Story and her family in Moraine, Wisconsin. Story is on the case when both she and her sister becomes the prime suspect in the death of her sister’s guest. With her knack of uncovering clues, Story finds herself in a situation and what a moment that was. This was a great read that I could not put down as I had to know what happens next. The author did a good job in keeping me in suspense with the plot twists throughout this engaging drama. I enjoyed how we got to learn more about Story’s history as well as my one of my favorite characters, Patti. That one surprised me. Boasting a great cast and engaging dialogue, I look forward to more exciting adventures in this pleasantly appealing series. Bonus recipes are included.

 

 

   Dru

dru’s book musing

 

 

Review: Extra Credit by Maggie Barbieri

Extra Credit by Maggie Barbieri is the seventh book in the “Murder 101″ mystery series. Publisher: Minotaur, December 2012

Alison Bergeron has her doubts about hosting a birthday party for her twin stepdaughters, seeing as it’ll include all of her new husband’s ex-in-laws. Still, she’s a good sport, and everyone has a great time, especially the girls, who receive $10,000 from their estranged uncle, Chick.  The girls’ father, NYPD Detective Bobby Crawford, and Christine, his ex, think the gift is too much. When Crawford swings by Chick’s apartment to return it, he finds Chick dead, with roughly $250,000 stuffed in his mattress. The death is ruled a suicide, but Christine isn’t convinced, and even Alison can’t help but admit that there must be a lot more to Chick’s death than meets the eye.

I really love this series and in particular this latest book in which Alison’s stepdaughter’s birthday party puts her in the middle of her husband’s ex-wife family drama when her long lost brother returns and later is found dead with oodles of money stashed under a mattress. A great book embroils you in the words on the page and that is what Maggie Barbieri does in this engaging romp as Alison becomes involved in yet another upside down world of amateur sleuthing. The action begins immediately and doesn’t let up until the end, in this fast-paced drama that kept me riveted to the pages, as I had to know what happens next and how our illustrious heroine gets out of the situations she seems to find herself caught up in. It’s always a great time well spent with this lovable cast of characters in this delightfully well-written series.

 

 

   Dru

dru’s book musing

 

Guest Blogger - Alice Duncan

The Mayhem and Magic of 2012

 

Truth to tell, 2012 was the most mayhem-filled year I’ve endured in my life, although there were a few bright spots.

 

It began with me half-blind from having surgery to correct a detached retina in December of 2011. Then I had to go around with a gas bubble in my eye. When that went away and the eye healed, a cataract developed, so I was still half-blind. Then I had to have the cataract removed. Then I had to have a back surgery that was supposed to last four or five hours, but turned into a ten-hour nightmare when the neurosurgeon discovered a bunch of lumbar discs had fused together, and she had to get out a hacksaw and jackhammer to bust ‘em apart so she could put spacers in. Recovery has been . . . painful. Then I FINALLY got new glasses two weeks after my back surgery, so I can see again! The year ended with the funeral of a friend’s brother. Besides all that, my two darling dogs, Daisy and Rosie died, Rosie from a brutal and mysterious accident (I had to have her put down).

 

I tell you 2013 HAS to be better than that!

 

On the magical side, I got to attend my younger daughter’s wedding to a wonderful man (even if he is a Republican) and see my grandson Riki and a whole bunch of old friends in Pasadena in June. That was mega-fun.

 

I published my very first book on Create Space, ANGELS OF MERCY. So far, this has NOT been a smashing success. Sigh. But two of my books were finalists in the New Mexico-Arizona Book of the Year Awards. GENTEEL SPIRITS didn’t win in the historical novel category, but FALLEN ANGELS tied for first place with AN AMERICAN CAFÉ, by Sara Sue Hoklotubbe. That was nice.

 

Um . . . I can’t think of anything else good that happened in 2012, actually.

 

However, here’s hoping 2013 is kind and gentle to all of us. On the book front, PECOS VALLEY RAINBOW will be published in March of 2013. I’m also giving away copies of ANCIENT SPIRITS in my January contest. If you’d like to enter, please send me your name and home address via email at alice@aliceduncan.net . Also, please visit my web site: www.aliceduncan.net and my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alice.duncan.925

 

Thanks! Happy New Year!

An Interview with Barbara J. Robinson

Pam: Barbara how many books have you written and what genre/s do you write ?

I have four novels published, three inspirational romantic suspense/women's fiction and one YA that both YA and adults enjoy.

Pam: Tell us about your writing schedule.

I'm a morning writer and do my best work then with coffee. For example, yesterday morning I wrote over 5,000 words and this morning I penned over 5,000 words on my WIP Calm Before the Storm. The coffee had me perking.

Pam: It's 2013 what are your writing goals?

First, to complete Calm Before the Storm, then extend a short story into a novella. I have other novel ideas waiting in the wings, and I hope to write at least two to three more novels this year. Last year kicked off with Southern Superstitions in January, then Whispering Cypress, and finally, One Rainy Summer in October.

Pam: Pick one of your main characters and tell us what they might say about their creator?

June from Southern Superstitions would say her creator is hardworking just like her and doesn't like to put off until tomorrow what she can get done today. She writes more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at and June never knew what to expect next or where her fictional life would lead, but above all her creator has faith to see her through and does not worry about superstitions.

Pam: What writing advice do you have for novice writers?

Read as much as you can in the genre you wish to publish. Write the book you'd like to read. Write every day. Join a critique group. You'll learn more from working with one than from expensive classes. Don't give up. The more you write, the better you'll get, and the more you read, the better you'll get. Also read some writing books by authors such as Donald Mass and Les Edgerton.

Pam: Okay now for some fun questions. What is your favorite tv show, movie, books, meal and dessert?

My favorite TV show is "Touched by an Angel." My favorite movies are the Sherwood movies. Loved them all, especially Fireproof . My favorite book is the Bible, because I personally know the author. Another favorite book is Walden by Henry David Thoreau.

Pam: Where would you like to vacation?

A cabin in Tennessee or Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Pam: Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received and what was it?

Eva Marie Everson, my writing mentor with Christian Writers Guild. She told me I had what it took, and I believed her and kept writing.

Pam: In closing what would you like to say to your readers? Do you have a website or blog we can visit?

I'd love to thank my readers and fans because without you there'd be no reason for me to write. You inspire and encourage me with your love and support. I love hearing from you. Thanks to the many who've supported me and reviewed my novels. Visit me at http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.comand sign to follow to be eligible to win free books during giveaways. I'm also on Facebook. I'm thrilled to participate in this interview which has allowed me to connect with others, and I look forward to meeting new reader and writer friends. Thank you for your support.

I forgot to mention that Last Resort will release as a paperback in February and is in the January edition of Southern Writers Magazine. All my novels are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Sony, and Christianbooks.com as well.

B. J. Robinson
WHISPERING CYPRESS, COMING August 11, 2012
SOUTHERN SUPERSTITIONS, JANUARY 2012
LAST RESORT, July 2011
Inspirational Romantic Suspense by Multi-published, Award-Winning Author
Desert Breeze Publishing

Review: Due or Die - Jenn McKinlay

DUE OR DIE

Author: JENN McKINLAY

A Library Lover's Mystery Series

ISBN: 978-1-61173-400-3

 

Lindsey Norris  is the Library Director of the Briar Creek Public Library in Briar Creek, Connecticut. When Carrrie Rushton's husband is murdered Lindsey becomes her biggest champion. Carrie is the newly elected President of Friends of The library. Lindsey and her craftnoon Club members put down their fiction books to solve a murder that may end up the death of all of them.

Accidents can happen but first Lindsey is almost a hit and run victim. Then she and two of her friends are locked in a storage shed after a fire.

The biggest mystery of all might her wanna be beaux  Captiain Sully and another admirer Edmund who is the ex president's nephew. Both men have their attributes and when a dog comes into Lindsey's life she thinks maybe Heathcliff is the best man of all except at first it took a littler persuading to convince her Heathcliff was going to be a keeper. 

A snowstorm hits and after one mushap leading to another mishap each more deadly than the last Heathcliff has not only a place to live but a permanant place in Lindsey's heart. 

If only men and murderers could be read as easily as a good book.

DUE OR DIE by Jenn McKinlay is everything you want in a cozy mystery. I will continue with this series and I hope you will love the characters as much as I have loved them.

I give this book 9 out of 10 stars.

 

Pam 

Review: Scrapped by Mollie Cox Bryan

Scrapped by Mollie Cox Bryan is the second book in the “Cumberland Creek” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, December 2012

The ladies of the Cumberland Creek Scrapbook Crop are welcoming an eccentric newbie into their fold. A self-proclaimed witch, Cookie Crandall can whip up a sumptuous vegan meal and rhapsodize about runes and moon phases with equal aplomb. She becomes fast friends with her fellow scrapbookers, including freelance reporter Annie, with whom she shares shallow roots in a community of established family trees. So when Cookie becomes the prime suspect in a series of bizarre murders, the croppers get scrappy and set out to clear her name. Annie starts digging and discovers that the victims each had strange runic patterns carved on their bodies – a piece of evidence that points the police in Cookie’s direction. Even her friends begin to doubt her innocence when they find an ornate, spiritual scrapbook that an alleged beginner like Cookie could never have crafted. As Annie and the croppers search for answers, they’ll uncover a shockingly wicked side of their once quiet town – and a killer on the prowl for another victim.

I love it when a book pulls me into the story and never lets me go until the last page has been turned and that is what Scrapped did. This was an evenly-paced drama that kept me in suspense and guessing as to what will happen next. The writing style is a bit different from what I’m used to, but it works in delivering a well-written mystery that captured my attention from start to finish. The time spent on character development is an added bonus as the mystery is interspersed with the daily happenings of this eclectic cast of characters which makes for a well-rounded story. Having read the excerpt, I’m looking forward to the next book in this charmingly pleasant series.

 

 

   L, Dru

dru’s book musing

 

 

Pam's Goals

GOALS:

 

I saved my finish writing projects for last because I really wanted to give it the serious consideration it deserves.

 

My goal (and this will be around my chronic illness) is to finish writing the cozy mystery "STITCH ME A MURDER"

My second goal is to write three short stories that are either detective or mystery.

My third goal is to finish writing and researching the book I started early last year that is a detective novel titled "GET OFF MY CASE".

MY fourth goal is to finish the novel I started writing three years ago titled "SUNFLOWERS" this story is about three sisters.

 

My writing schedule will be Monday thru Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 in the afternoon then breaking for lunch between one and two. Back at my writing until 4:30 every day. I no longer can sit at the computer  eight hours a day and my eye doctor says I need plenty of breaks from the computer. I also have been having back problems for the past six months so I figure this an acceptable schedule.

 

Weekends: Will be for my cross stitch projects and reading is every night at bedtime. I might cross stitch during the week in the evenings but it's nothing you can count on due to shopping, housework and my children call home on their way home from school or work.

I want to take Fridays as time to work on the office (it has become more storage than office) and the spare bedroom which is currently host to all my mother's things. So plenty of sorting, tossing, finding a good home for things. I wil also take Fridays for getting together with friends and making my own personal calls.

Early mornings will be for email, housework and laundry. My best ME time will be sitting with my pet Pepper as we watch THE PRICE IS RIGHT together (LOL) and I can just veg.

 

This is not a perfect schedule and I left it loose enough that I don't fill up every minute of the day.

Now today starts my schedule although I won't be firm about it until Monday...

Hugs,

Pamela

 

Pam's 2013 cross Stitching

Okay here is my 2013 Work-inprogress list and new project list.

 

1. WIP The Book Shelf by Little House Of Needlework

2. Fanciful Cat from 2000 June/july issue of Stitcher's World Magazine

3. Santa Cookie Plate by Faithworks

4. Christmas In The Kitchen by Sue Hillis

5. Jenny Bean Friendship Sampler by Shakespears Peddler

6. Irish Cream Sampler by Casey Buonaugurio

7. Skull Sampler

8. Garden Of Eden Sampler

9. Sleepy Hollow by Glendon Place

10. The Crypt Club by Prairie Moon

Now I do want to do some Halloween Ornaments and other small projects and I will probably add some new patterns to stitch as I buy them or run across them. I don't think I can complete the Garden Of Eden Sampler this year but I will at least try to month add stitches to it.  I have another Little House Of Needlework sampler which is coffee themed and I am sure I will continue with it but the bookshelf I want done soon. So we will see as I also with be writing books and short stories this year.

Hugs,

Pamela

Pam's Top Ten Books for 2012

Pam's Top Ten Books for 2012

 

1. When The Cookie Crumbles by Virginia Lowell

2. Mind Over Murder by Allison Kingsley

3. Finger Lickin Dead by Riley Adams

4. Antique Roadkill by Barbara Allen.

5. Iced Chiffon by Duffy Brown

6. Due Or Die by Jenn Mackinlay

7. Buried In A Book by Lucy Arlington

8. The Cat, The Quilt and The Corpse (I am way behind in this series)

9. Town In Wild Moose Chase by B.B. Harwood

10. Miss Julia Rocks The Cradle.

 

The books above are in no particular order. I could have added a dozen more books but I feel good about the above selections.

Pamela