My favorite time of year: Blog

I love Halloween. It's my favorite time of the year. My October has been filled with unexpected situations that I will not bore you with and I have to say if it wasn't for movies, mystery books and acorn along with Netflix I would have had that nervous breakdown that I planned to have since May of this year.
I also have good friends like Terri, Bonnie, Sandy Henry and all of my facebook and blog friends to help me thru this one.
My dog Rylee has been an inspiration. You can learn a lot from a dog's life.
Anyway, do you have a favorite fall set of dishes or a favorite fall or Halloween centerpiece? Maybe a fall candle you like?
Is there a favorite fall mystery or movie you enjoy?
I love Hocus Pocus and Arsenic and Old Lace?
Love,
Pam

Blog: Shows and Movies

I've been watching many great shows this week.

Tonight I watched the movie of Doc Martin. This movie shows how it all came about and why he left London. I rate this an A.

I also watched the mini-series "Decline and Fall".
This has David Suchet in it and is on acorn. I wanted something with humor and it has humor in spades. It's another A movie.

I watched a Monk Marathon which of course is not only entertaining but I can cross stitch while I listen to and watch this series A rating and with this series I find it helps me while I do a lot of stitching.

I enjoyed Criminal Minds Season Finale and I give it a B this time around.
I loved Criminal Minds "Beyond Borders" and it receives an A as does "Call The Midwife and Elementry."

I have plenty more to share with you but we are having storms so tonight I will close with if you binge watch shows I hope the characters stay with you long after the credits roll.

Happy Viewing,
Pamela

Review: Better Late Than Never

Better Late Than Never: By Jenn McKinlay
Series Mystery Hardcover
Library Lover's Mystery

Briar Creek Public Library is holding it's first overdue amnesty day they didn't expect such a crowd and so many returns.

The crafternoon ladies pitch in and help sort the books. They also check books in but when one book is twenty years overdue and the person who checked the book out was a teacher. Candance Whitely checked the book out the day she was murdered.

Candance's killer was never caught and Lindsay wonders if the book might provide a clue as to who killed Candance.

The glitch is that no one knew who brought the book back. Lindsay carefully with a little help from her friends and staff tries to right this cold case.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER by Jenn McKinlay is as carefully plotted as a rare book.
Each character lends to the plot with each turn of the page the wheels of justice are set in motion to a riveting conclusion.
I give this mystery 8 out of 10 stars.
Pamela James

Review: Assault And Beret: By Jenn McKinlay

Vivian Tremont and her cousin Scarlett Parker own their London Hat Shop but when Viv is invited to Paris to teach a class on hat-making she seizes the opportunity to go because she wants to get an annulment from a husband nobody knew had a husband.

Vivian takes Scarlett with her because she needs Scarlett to find her missing husband. Scarlett finds William Graham that is she finds William after she recovers from the shock that Vivian had a husband.

William is an insurance investigator of art and recently a small Renoir has been found in a junk shop. This leads to a merry chase when William is kidnapped right in front of Scarlett and Vivian.

Things go from bad to worse and soon Harrison Wentworth (Harry) to Scarlett arrives from London to help find Viv's husband and to see the love of his life Scarlett. She needs his help and Viv definitely needs Harry's connections.
Together Harry and Scarlett begin following the clues and some rather unique and unsavory characters.
What they find at the end of their search is not only unpredictable but could get them all killed.

Assault And Beret by Jenn McKinlay is penned with a Paris flavor and if you have an admiration for Paris Fashion you won't want to miss reading this mystery.
This mystery has a flair for fashion, art and the foodie in all of us.
I enjoy this series and while I love visiting their London hat shop I have to say it was nice to see them away from the shop in one of the most romantic and mysterious locations in the world.
I give this book in the series a 9 out of 10.
Pamela James

Movie Blog: Dandelion Dead

Acorn has another movie that I think will be a huge hit.
DANDELION DEAD stars Michael Kitchen (Foyle's War), he is a widower and soon strange things begin to happen to certain family members. His oldest daughter thinks the world of him but it soon becomes apparent that he is not always a truthful fellow.

Later we find out that he most certainly can't be trusted. This is a movie filled with speculation and stays true to the time frame.

Scotland Yard sends someone to investigate what is going on and I have to say this proves to be a top notch movie. 

In some ways the movie is predictable and in other ways, it's a very sporting game of cat and mouse. 

If you love Micheal Kitchen as much as I do then you will want to see this movie.
I give it an 8 out of 10. 

Pamela

Review: Christmas Caramel Murder By Joanne Fluke

Hannah Swensen loves the Christmas Season in Lake Eden, Minnesota but this year nothing is as cozy as it should be murder is anything but cozy.
Phyllis Bates is back in town and she is Herb Beeseman's ex-girlfriend and now she is playing Mrs. Claus to his Mr. Claus all isn't going too badly until Lisa Herb's wife comes to the rehearsal of "A Christmas Carol" and sees with her own eyes that Herb has not received a stage kiss from Phyllis but a real kiss. Lisa storms out with Hannah on her heels.
Lisa and Hannah go to the Cookie Jar Bakery to figure out how many caramels they will need for the gift bags since they are making all the treats for the play performances.
While there they are hungry and decide to meet in an hour at The Corner Tavern to eat and make plans for the recipes.

However, after they have their supper and get ready to leave Hannah notices in the corner parking lot that there seems to be something on the steep bank in the snow. She's right soon she finds the body of Phyllis, what is worse she also finds something that incriminates Herb and even worse is the fact that they soon find that Phyllis was murdered.

Christmas Caramel Murder by Joanne Fluke is a real old-fashioned page-turner. 
As always this mystery in the cozy series is chalk full of recipes to die for and it's the best  Christmas Mystery I have read this year.

Pamela

Happy New Year Blog

Happy New Year,
This year I did manage to stay up and see the ball drop and was fine but my real New Year's started when the new season of Sherlock began and when the chiefs won their game. Now this starts a Happy New Year at least for me.
To top this good news the Hallmark Mysteries & Movies has started showing the mysteries.
I binge watched the movies yesterday. Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, Hannah Swenson Mysteries are the movies I binge watched yesterday. 
Overall I had a nice New Year's in 2017 and I even remembered to eat my blackeyed peas.

I hope you had a good start to your new year.
Pam 

Blog: Merry New Year

I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas and as we head into the New Year of 2017 I wanted to share a few of my 2016 highlights.

In 2016 I discovered new books and authors that will stay with me as long as the author is writing the series.

I discovered that short stories still capture my sense of adventure.

I discovered that binge watching movies is not a waste of time if it brings down your blood pressure.

On a different front of 2016: I became a great grandmother.
Reconnected with my daughter and her family. 
I also reconnected with my childhood friend and her family.

By way of youtube, I taught myself how to crochet. 

I learned how much my cyber friends mean to me.

On a sad note, we lost so many great authors, writers, actors, directors, singers, artist, sonwriters, musicians, comedians and people in our circle of family and friends.

The world dims a little at the thought of losing so many and a few I will miss is Zee I never met her but she was a friend in a group or two and I will always think of her as a special and a wonderful friend.

One actress stands out and that is Patty Duke. I also say there are a ton of character actors that I will miss.
Anyway enough on this topic tonight.
Now for my library moment, I was thrilled when some of the ladies from our library agreed to be interviewed. This way I could let our bloggers know that Parsons Kansas has interesting people, places,, and events. 
Stay tuned there will be more library adventures and interviews. I will space them out and I also want to interview more quilters, artists, and writers.

Until next time let love touch your heart, open your mind and a good book, then tell your own story and let the adventures begin.
Pamela

My library trip :Blog

On Tuesday, November 29th stopped in at the library to return library books. 
I happily discovered that there were a plethora of titles to choose from and here is the book I brought home to read.
1. The NIGHT AWAKENS (A MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA ANTHOLOGY) EDITED AND WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY MARK HIGGINS CLARK. Paperback ISBN: 0-671-51918-6, 302 pages.
2. THIRTEEN GUESTS by J. JEFFERSON FARJEON (Historical Mystery Series) Price 12.95 A British Crime Classic. ISBN: 9 781464 204890 Poisoned Pen Press 286 pages.
3. Pushing Up Daisies by M.C. Beaton (An Agatha Raisin Mystery) Village Mystery Series. Hardcover Library Edition. ISBN: 978-1-250-05744-0 Price 25.99
4. ROCK - A-BYE BONES by CAROLYN HAINES (A SARAH BOOTH DELANEY) COZY SERIES MYSTERY. Large Print ISBN: 978-1-68324-178-2 Price 35.95
5. THE RACKETEER by JOHN GRISHAM (LEGAL THRILLER) HARDCOVER LEGAL THRILLER ISBN: 978-0-385-53514-4 Price 28.95
6. THE MISTLETOE MURDER by P. D. JAMES (HISTORICAL MYSTERY ANTOLOGy) With a forward by Val McDermid (LARGE Print) RANDOM HOUSE ISBN: 978-1-5247-0892-4
I am thrilled with these picks of books to read in December. My kindle is also loaded with some good short stories and mysteries.

Are there some books you think we should read this month?

Pam

Blog: My library trip and more by Pamela James

My library trip on Thursday evening was as always a fun trip.
First here are the books I came home with to read.
BOOKS OF A FEATHER by Kate Carlisle
PRAYERS the DEVIL ANSWERS by Sharyn McCrumb
The DEAD And The BEAUTIFUL by Cheryl Crane

Still waiting on my large type copy of The Maltese Falcon by Dashell Hammett
I am loving watching the Olympics.

We cooked and baked again today for the neighbors. one of them had a birthday.
I haven't felt very well for a few days.

What books have your attention this weekend/new week?
We opted out of family events that were going on over the weekend.
We did go out to eat Chinese Food on Saturday night since one of our daughters had given us gift cards to one our local Chinese places.
our dog isn't doing well so I have to make an appointment to take her in and see if they can run some tests this week as we really need to know what the problem/s might be.

Movies: I had rented more New Tricks Seasons from the library on Thursday night. in honor of Hitchcock's Birthday I watched "Rear Window" and for acorn and netflix this week. I watched episode two of Agatha Raisin Mystery Series, we also watched DNA the first season. Of course I had already watched the first season. Frank hadn't so he enjoyed that one.

I didn't stitch but wanted to but I did read. on my kindle I am enjoying "Death Goes to the Dogs" by Teresa Massey Watson.

I will post reviews this week. I have one book I did finish reading in the past week and one I have almost finished,

My to-do list is a little longer for the next few days then it winds down.

This week the temps are more fall like so I am enjoying the fresh air.
Although still humid it's nice to only be in the 80's and to have a breeze.

Have a Magical Monday.
Pamela

Review: The Tuesday Club Murders by Agatha Christie

The Tuesday Club Murders by Agatha Christie.

In this charming collection of mysteries Miss Jane Marple is at home in St. Mary Mead and is hostess of a dinner party.
The guests are Miss Marple's nephew Raymond West and his friend Joyce, Sir Henry Clithering whose last assignment was Scotland Yard, Dr. Pender, an elderly clergyman and Mr. Petherick who is a solicitor or on this side of things would be known as a lawyer.

The after dinner conversation leads to mysteries. The unsolved mysteries of course and before the night is over the group has formed "The Tuesday Night Club," this means that one member each week must present a puzzle or mystery to the others. This is to enhance and test their deductive reasoning skills.

We soon learn of many stories and of course Miss Marple doesn't have to leave the village or her home to know who the murderer or cheater might be because in St. Mary Mead there is no shortage of suspects and red herrings.

Read The Tuesday Club Murder and come follow the clues with us. See if you can figure out who-dunit and why. Is some lying about motive, is there a bit of misdirection?
This is one of the best collection of stories I have read in a long time. I think if you are a fan of relaxing with a good book while challenging your skills you can miss reading "The Tuesday Club Murders."

I give this collection 9 out of 10 because I didn't guess one of the stories right. See if you can get all of them right.
 Best in reading,
Pamela James

Blog:Happy 4th Of July

Happy red, white and blue day.
It is still raining here but will clear off as the day goes on and at least I could walk Pepper around the block without her freaking out as this will never be her favorite holiday.
It is not my favorite holiday either.
I want to thank everyone for the "Happy Birthday Wishes" I received on July 2nd.

Okay topic change:
I am reading "The Tuesday Club Murders" by Agatha Christie and I love it.
Terri will be posting about her vacation in a few days. In case you didn't already know her and her mother are having a great time.

I am cross stitching on a few things. One is Parisian Cats which is great and I want to have it finished my January. I am also still stitching on "Scarecrows" then there is a surprise I am stitching for someone in my cross stitch group. I also ma working on "The Spell Store" which is so much fun to stitch I don't want to stop.

Coloring well for my birthday Terri sent me a "Day Of The Dead" coloring book that has skulls and skeletons. I have completed one picture in it. She also sent me a "Steam Punk" coloring book and I have almost completed the first picture in that one.

I made myself a Jello/Dream cake for my birthday. It's main flavor is lime.

Last night I made chili cheese tots for supper.

Binge watching Marcella, Columbo, Miss Fisher Mysteries, Murder She Wrote, Death In Paradise, Jesse Stone Mysteries, Flower Shop Mysteries, Murder She Baked Mysteries, Garage Sale Mysteries, The Librarian Mysteries (I want to own this series) just love them.
I also watch Poirot Mysteries and rewatched two Agatha Christie Movies "Evil Under The Sun and Murder On The Orient Express."

Other than this I have been dealing with rain, storms, a stressed dog, when I can I have been tending to flowers indoors and outdoors, visiting with the neighbors, dealing with bugs, mice and laundry.

I kept thinking that I wanted to declutter and pick up the pace on the housework which basically all I did was run in circles.

Oh well I will try for the little at a time method.

I hope you have great picnics, hiking, meals whether it be fish fry, fried chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs, steaks or just chocolate.

Okay you know the drill by now. which is if you want a book reviewed, an interview or you want to post your own blog of choice then by all means contact me or Terri so we can set something up for you.
If it wasn't for you we wouldn't have this blog.

Enjoy your holiday and I am off to read more in the "Tuesday Club Murders" oh and if you haven't read any new author or new series I want to leave you with a few you might like to read.
Elaine Viets has a new series and book out so be sure to look her up, Laura Levine has a new book out, Lynn Cahoon has a new book out, Victoria Hamilton has a new book out, Lorraine Barrett has a new book out, Jenn McKinlay, Janet Bolin, Mary Hart, Victoria Abbott (I think this one will be out in October)? Jennie Bentley, Cheryl Hollon, Murder She Wrote, Leanne Sweeney, Stephen King, Eva Gates and I will stop here but I could go on and on and please members feel free to brung to my attention any authors i did not list and no list would be complete without mentioning Jeff Cohen's Series. They are great series and he is quite a remarkable author.
Lee Perry is another one I must add she likes skeletons as much as me especially one special one. Ellery Adams is another one that has my heart as I love all of her series.
Okay I must move along today but feel free to bring more to my attnetion.

May your day sparkle with love and good books.
Pamela

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRI

Terri,
Have a wonderful and beautiful birthday. This place couldn't run smoothly without you.
There aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe you. One word might be "Magical" as that is what you do supply the magic with hints of mayhem.
Take a big bite out of your birthday and enjoy it.
Hugs,
Pamela

Catching up after a holiday by Pamela James

Today's blog is about catching up after a holiday weekend. I find it very difficult to catch up after a long holiday weekend.
We didn't do anything productive on our three day weekend. I mean yes a few things were accomplished but not the things that should have been done.
I did finish reading a book. Yep just one book over three days.
I did cross stitch and i texted with friends.
Frank made some wonderful meals.
Today however is quite different. I actually do have to dye my hair, it's going to rain all day and overnight. It feels like Monday instead of Tuesday which is bound to throw me off all day.

I haven't been up but an hour and feel like I need a nap. What is on my to-do list is are these things.
1. Library trip (which won't happen because the library hours changed and they are not open after five on Tuesdays. Refer to above that I will think it's Monday all day) also with the rain and storms I won't be driving in it.
2. Clean up my closet (maybe)?
3. Post reviews (a better chance of this and post blog see current finger typing)
4. Put something in the crockpot for supper? (probably will happen) which means chilidogs or some such nonsense.
5. Walk dog (see above rain she won't go outside and well she is smarter than her owners) but eventually she will have to go...
6. Dishes are done at least to begin with so it will be not so hard to deal with the kitchen today.
7. Keep an eye on the weather (we live in tornado alley) and so this is a must do for all day.
8. A good day to start to organize my books (this is one I am looking forward to and is long overdue)
9. Talk to my daughter it's been days so that must happen.
10. I will write on my book today which this should have been number one but I need more coffee.
11. Read, read read...
12. Stitch stitch stitch
After all of this is anybody's guess....
First thing before my to-do list is coffee. Do you have a routine you follow in the mornings? Is it hard for you to catch up after a long weekend or holiday?
What books should I go to the library this week and put in a request for to read?
Happy Reading,
Pamela

Books and Movies Blog by Pamela James

Today's blog is about books I have read in the past month or two and how I rate them. These will be short as most have been returned to the library. 


The movies are the series I might binge watch or retro movies I have watched in the past month.


Also there are current reads that I am have been reading.


The HANGMAN'S ROW ENQUIRY by ANN PURSER. This is one of my current reads. So far I love this book. Retired is not for everyone. A group of the older generation start their own inquiry detective agency.
The group is so much fun. I am giving this one a 8 out of 10 because I haven't finished reading this fine mystery.


MRS. JEFFERIES WINS THE PRIZE by EMILY BRIGHTWELL I love this series. I admit some books might be better than other but you won't find a lemon in the bunch. So far this is one of the better books.
This is about a local garden club members. Some of the ladies meet to comparer orchids and in the conservatory there is found a dead body.
MRS. JEFFERIES  is her group of behind the scenes helpers are once again drawn to murder.
They would do anything for their employer. Inspector Witherspoon has no idea how much his household helps in the investigations. Just the way the help likes it and so this murder is challenging but the household and a couple of friends rise to the occasion. So far this is 10 out of 10. I am more than halfway thru and do not look for this top change.
******
TESSED TO KILL by LILA DARE. This is a southern mystery with heart and great characters you won't soon forget. Grace knows her way around hair, style, cuts and much more. So does her mother and lately they also know their way around murder.
That is solving murders. Lila Dare is a wonderful author who know how to cozy write a mystery. Don't miss why I kept turning the pages.
This one is 10 out 0f 10.
***
Movies I have watched this past month.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN this retro and stars Tom Hanks and Gina Davis. This one rates 10 out of 10.


MY GIRL I love this movie as it is one that my daughter and I watched for years and dubbed our movie right down to the song. It is also retro and is of course 10 out of 10.


HOCUS POCUS I watch this one a couple of times a year. Always a family favorite and I still laugh at this movie. Love Bette Midler and of course her song. I love it when the one witch rides the vacuum cleaner.
10 out of 10.


TOPPER RETURNS Again this is vintage but I can so relax by these movies.  10 out of 10 it's kind of screwball comedy but I love it. Cary Grant is a lo of fun.


***
Series I watched or binged on this past month.
NERO WOLFE: A&E SERIES that is retro. I binged on these this past week and my am happy that my library could get them for me interlibrary loan. Definitely 10 out of 10.


CRIMINAL MINDS BEYOND BORDERS: Now I take this series one at a time. They go up and down and I just don't feel this series but I want to like it. I give it a 6 out of 10.


CASTLE: I loved this series until found out all of the behind the scenes drama. What I mean is it's going to cable and they did not invite Stana back well that's it for me. I don't the whole idea and will not continue watching this series. They lost a viewer and switching days also did not help but its not the main reason. So what once was a 10 out of 10 is now a big fat zilch.


NEW TRICKS: I binged clear up to the last season but there will be no more NEW TRICKS I loved this series. 10 out of 10.


ELEMENTARY : I  LOVE Johnnie Lee Miller and the I always enjoy this series. However this season I am a little tired of the plot line. I give it an 8 out of 10.


For tonight I am going to stop here. Mostly because it's getting late. I will return tomorrow night with more movies, books, series, author and just plain fun.


Hugs,
Pamela

Anything goes blog by Pamela James

Good Evening,
Today anything goes on my blog.
Our library had author local author Julie London for a book signing. She wrote a true story world war two book about her neighbor and it was a birthday tribute to the woman who has live thru a lot. I don't know Julie and didn't go to the book signing. I found out after the fact.
When was the last time you went to a local book signing? Do you have some favorite author signings you like to attend?
I do I love Nancy Pickard and Max McCoy. They are Kansas authors...

Our Easter was a bit different but I certainly enjoyed our Easter Supper.
When I feel low I want to read Laura Levine Mysteries, Rhys Bowen, Leigh Perry, Lynn Cahoun, Victoria Abbott, Elaine Viets, Victorian Hamilton, Emily Brightwell, Eva Gates, Elizabeth Lyn Casey, Melissa Bourbon and Sherry Harris.
When I am in a serious mood I enjoy reading what I term the "yesteryear authors) Agatha Christie, Re Stout, Caroline Crane, Ngaio Marsh, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Mignon G. Eberhart
Kage Booton, W.J. Burley and Joan Fleming.
Now there are other authors for yesteryear group but these are the ones that come to mind.

Author whom I admire more than words can express. Patricia Sprinkle, Dorothy Cannell, Carolyn Hart, Leslie Meir, Stephen King, Jeff Cohen, Katherine Hall Page and Jenn McKinlay.

These author lend me to a magical world I never want to see end.
Okay who are you magical moment authors? Yesteryear authors and I already can tell you I forgot Mary Stewart. LOL See....now we have a lot more wonderful and beautiful with words authors on our coyarmchairgroup. I wouldn't trade Lorna Barretts books for the world. See it never ends....
I know I have left a great many authors out but keep watching our blog as I am sure I will mention you and your series soon. It's a late night for me and I pledge to mention more authors.
If you're an author and reading this tell us about the book you are currently writing, promoting an reading?
Readers tell us your favorite series? Your favorite stand alone authors? Another author I just thought of is Christopher Fowler who writes the Bryant & May Series.
Anyway tonight book and authors have been on my mind.
The passing of Patty Duke made me sad and longing for authors of yesteryear, actors and television shows.
We have lost so many great actors, artist, authors musicans, writers etc...lately that it's turned me into more of a hermit than usual. Lots of reflection with a year like this but we also need to live every day to the fullest.
What's on your mind?
Hugs,
Pamela

Review: Threads of Evidence by Lea Wait

Angie Curtis has moved back to her hometown and to her grandmother's home. This home will soon be Angie's as her grandmother is getting married. Normally this would keep Angie busy enough but then the famous actress Skye West buys the Gardener Estate.

The Gardener Estate comes with history. In 1970 Jasmine Gardener dies at the yearly Labor Day Party. The worst of it is that her death is shrouded in mystery and her mother never knew if Jasmine was murdered or if her death was an accident.
Jasmine's father returns to the New York scene but her mother stays in Haven Harbor searching for answers. She does her needlepoint and stitches nine panels of the local scene and Haven Harbor. Before he death she hardly ever left her home. Early in investigation she learned that the local police department were not going out of their way to find the truth behind Jasmine's  death.

Skye West has decided to have a sale of everything she doesn't want and she asks Angie Curtis and Sarah Byrne to handle the sale, this after they have helped inventory, evaluate the antiques and needlepoint pieces.

Patrick West is Skye's son who is an artist. He wants to turn the carriage house into his art studio. Skye wants her mansion and estate done in a hurry. She hires locals and people from New York to work many hours. Overtime Haven Harbor Maine residents can use.

Exhausting as all of this is it's when Skye falls victim to someone trying to murder that really makes Angie wonder if the death of Jasmine Gardener is related to the fact someone wants Skye West dead. There is a connection with Skye and the past and who can Angie trust to help her find the answers she needs?
Mainely Needlepointers, of course and she turns to members for help restoring those nine panels, help with the investigation and there is that pesky wedding show her grandmother wants which fills Angie with anxiety in more ways than one.

Threads of Evidence by Lea Wait has something for everyone. If you love cold cases you are in for a treat, if you love history you are in for a treat, if you want to know the history of needlepoint you will find this mystery more than interesting. It is a great addition the series.

This is one mystery you won't want to miss. The whole series is to die for and see if you can figure out who did what, when where and how before the all is revealed. There are many suspects and tracking down people who were at the party in 1970 is also a great host of clues, suspects and characters.

This is a hardback large print edition that I checked out from our local library.