Séances are for Suckers, by Tamara Berry

Séances are for Suckers by Tamara Berry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it!

First in the series.

I thought this was a fun new twist on the usual paranormal cozy mystery. The main character, Eleanor, is not a physic at all, but pretends to be one to make a living and support her sister. Despite the fact that at heart, Ellie is a con artist, she's still incredibly likable and funny. And she does play "ghostbuster", getting rid of the rats in the attic or making sure that the plumbing is fixed.

Ellie is smart and observant, and the mystery unusual enough to keep me up late reading until the very end. And this time, Ellie's client knows she's fake and just wants her to get rid of the ghost that he's sure is fake as well, but that the rest of the family is positive exists.

I had several laugh out loud moments while reading, and I look forward to more of Madame Eleanor Wilde.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley*

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Murder by the Book, by Lauren Elliot

Murder by the Book by Lauren Elliott

My rating: 2 of 5 stars. it was okay.

Book one in a new series.

This book is very much focused on introduction and building relationships among the main characters.

There was A LOT going on in this book, and a lot more that I suspect will be followed up in additional books. The mystery the book centers on is a bit convoluted and complex and I felt as though all the relationship building was a bit distracting. It comes off more as a romance with mystery elements thrown in.

My biggest complaint though, is that there was too much unrealistic behavior going on for me to be able to completely suspend my disbelief and sink into the story. For instance, a brand new business owner who leaves her business almost entirely in the hands of her newly met and hired shopkeeper while she runs around solving a mystery. Most small businesses fail in the first year, as a result, most small business owners are pretty much shackled to their business, trying to keep expenses down. Even if the money came from an inheritance, it still seems far-fetched. Add in the chief of police having to arrest his own sister and not being ethically required to turn the investigation, at least officially, over to someone else and I just couldn't help but shake my head.

Hopefully now that a lot of the relationship framework is established, book 2 can concentrate on the mystery.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Nipped in the Bud, by Sheila Connolly

Nipped in the Bud by Sheila Connolly

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 12 in the series.

I am sincerely happy that this series got picked up by a new publisher, but this book is not my favorite in the series. In fact, since Seth and Meg got married, something has been a bit off for me. Part of it is that Meg and Seth are still in the slow season and still bored, just like they were in the previous book and Meg comes off as very whiney.

I will continue to read the series, but I sure hope things get a bit more lively in Granford soon and Meg and Seth are less bored.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.*

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The Knitter's Dictionary, by Kate Atherley

The Knitter's Dictionary: Knitting Know-How from A to Z by Kate Atherley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, A fantastic little resource.

Know how to knit? Want to go beyond knit and purl? Then you need to learn how to read those patterns! From k2tog to PSSO, this is the perfect little book to demystify knitting patterns. It's a sweet little reference book to have on hand when you're stumped by an abbreviation. It also has some handy techniques for things such as joining a new ball of yarn.

This is not the book for you if you're trying to learn how to knit, but if you're ready to tackle something harder than a hat or scarf, this book is for you. Intermediate and experienced knitters should still find this handy as well.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book received from the publisher, via NetGalley*

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The Trail of Terror, by Richard Estep

Trail of Terror: The Black Monk of Pontefract, Cripple Creek Jail, Firehouse Phantom, and Other True Hauntings by Richard Estep

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

I'm fascinated with ghosts and things that go bump in the night. I know myself well enough to know that ghost hunting isn't for me, (The closest I've come is multiple visits to the Stanley Hotel, but never actually looking for ghosts.). Knowing that, I live a little vicariously through books and tv shows on the subject instead.

Richard Estep has a gift for story telling that almost makes the reader feel like they are on the investigation with him and his team, which frankly, is rare these days. Most recent books on the subject are either poorly written or dry as dust.

In this book, Estep tackles multiple locations in the U.S. and Great Britain. He doesn't skimp on details, each location gets its own chapter. I love the fact that he details his team's investigation in each spot, including the fact that a lot of the time, nothing happens. Each location was interesting, and I always love getting a bit of the history along with the ghost hunt.

I am looking forward to Richard's next book, whatever it may be.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Haunted Castles of England, by J.G. Montgomery

Haunted Castles of England by J.G. Montgomery
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

I love reading about ghosts and haunted places, and I love history, so this was a good read. As an American, I did have to ask my English husband what the different property designations meant, though. Each castle had a bit of its history and where possible a link to the castle's website. I actually did find myself tapping on a link, just to learn more. It was the perfect read right before Halloween.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.

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Haunted World War II, by Matthew Swayne

Haunted World War II: Soldier Spirits, Ghost Planes & Strange Synchronicities by Matthew L. Swayne

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, this book was ok.

If you're a history buff, this is a book for you, as it's history with a few ghosts thrown in. But I found it a bit dry and repetitive.

It had some decent bits, and I learned more about WWII, so it gets 2 stars.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, provided by the publisher via NetGalley.*

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