Past Due for Murder, by Victoria Gilbert

Past Due for Murder by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 3 in the series.

Oops. I didn't realize this was the third book when I requested it. I think I would have liked it more had I read the previous two.

I have to admit, that my main reason for rating this book only two stars was the main character, Amy. She seemed really impulsive and well, not real smart.

The mystery within the mystery, based on local folklore and past events, was more interesting to me than the modern day mystery.

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

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Death by Committee, by Alexis Morgan

Death by Committee by Alexis Morgan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 1 in the series.

I like the main character, Abbey, she's resilient, smart and empathetic. And I adore Zeke, the mastiff she inherits along with a house. Not sure how I feel about her love interest, Tripp. He comes off as a bit bossy, which annoyed me. And something I am seeing lately, the mystery takes a back seat to their budding romance and all the other things/people in the story. That said, I try to give first books a bit of a break, since the author is trying to introduce us to everyone. This was enjoyable enough, and a nice, light, quick read.

I look forward to more of Abbey and Zeke in book 2.

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

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Coffeehouse Knits, by Kerry Bogert

Coffeehouse Knits: Knitting Patterns and Essays with Robust Flavor by Kerry Bogert

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars, simply because most of the patterns aren't what I like to knit.

This book has lots of lovely sweater, cowl, and scarf patterns. I was a little disappointed though, because the intro claimed that these were patterns to sip and knit at your local coffeehouse, with or without a knit group. For me, that means portable patterns. And sweaters don't fit that description for me. The most portable project is socks, and there are only two patterns in the book. Both are okay, but nothing super special.

It still gets 4.5 stars because the patterns look well written, with clear directions and charts and really, the items are gorgeous. They just don't fit my personal preference. It's still absolutely worth a look.

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

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A Literal Mess, by J.C. Kenney

A Literal Mess by J.C. Kenney

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book one in a new series.

This was a nice, quick read. Readers are introduced to Allie Cobb and her family, along with her best friend, Sloan, as Allie goes home for her father's funeral and to clear up loose ends in his literary agency.

The book, like most first in a series books, spends a lot of time building relationships and characterization and not so much on the murder mystery. The mystery was fairly easy to figure out. The writing was solid though, and I really like Allie and her family.

I am looking forward to book two.

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

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