New Domain!

Sorry I haven't been on here in awhile. You can now find me over at my new place -

http://neverfarfromarat.com/books

:o)

Listal

I've been using librarything for a few days, but Barb told me about listal and it's much quicker to add books, and you can add reviews easily too. So I reckon it'd make sense for me to post my reviews on there once I get sorted out. With work kicking my arse so much lately it's best for me to just have one place where I can do everything :o)

View my profile at Listal

Agatha Raisin & The Haunted House

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House
M C Beaton
Book 14 in the series

Just back from an extended stay in London, Agatha Raisin finds herself greeted by torrential rains and an old, familiar feeling of boredom. When her handsome new neighbor, Paul Chatterton, shows up on her doorstep, she tries her best to ignore his obvious charms, but his sparkling black eyes and the promise of adventure soon lure her into another investigation.

Paul has heard rumors about Agatha's reputation as the Cotswold village sleuth and wastes no time offering their services to the crotchety owner of a haunted house. Whispers, footsteps, and a cold white mist are plaguing Mrs. Witherspoon, but the police have failed to come up with any leads, supernatural or otherwise. The neighbors think it's all a desperate ploy for attention, but Paul and Agatha are sure something more devious is going on. Someone's playing tricks on Mrs. Witherspoon, and when she turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, Agatha finds herself caught up in another baffling murder mystery.

Like I've said before, I can't go wrong with these books. They're pure comfort reading through & through. I'm still waiting on an Amazon delivery so I'm using these to pass the time. If I have one criticism of the series it's the fact that I've lost count of the times I've read the lines "good legs" and "bearlike eyes" in description of Agatha! other than that though, no complaints ;) I've been reading the series slightly out of order, but as long as you read the first book first it doesn't really matter...you can put the pieces together.

Think Miss Marple meets James Qwilleran....

Well written easy reads, and this was probably my favourite to date, if only for the - "ahhhh, finally!!" moment that you get with the last sentence ;)

Long may the series continue, and will someone PLEASE think about a TV series? it'd be ace.

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Lifeguard - James Patterson

Lifeguard
James Patterson & Andrew Gross

Everything is going right for lifeguard Ned Kelley. He is involved with Tess, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and what's more, a million dollars is within touching distance; his share of the score for the robbery of some world-class art. All he has to do is trigger alarms to throw the cops off the scent. But when Tess is brutally murdered and the others involved in the robbery are massacred, Ned is the prime suspect. He has been set up...


Another quick & easy read. Seems to be all I can handle at the moment as my thoughts are all over the place for a few reasons. I do have some 'meatier' books on the way though, courtesy of a bit of an Amazon maxout. Anyway, seems like you can't really go wrong with James Patterson. I've been a fan ever since I read When The Wind Blows years ago. This'd be perfect holiday reading - on the plane or on the beach etc. It's the usual fast paced crime novel with a mild love interest, multiple murders and a twist in the tale. It'll only take you a few hours to read it, I flew through it yesterday evening. A trashy page turner, fun to read. Not much to get your teeth into though. Mind you, I suppose in my case that's a strong point right now!


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Agatha Raisin & The Day The Floods Came

Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came
M.C. Beaton
Book 12 in the series ISBN 1 84529 378 9

Two drowned brides distract Agatha Raisin from her marriage...Abandoned by her husband, Agatha hops on a plane to the South Pacific. There she meets a honeymooning couple but tragically, the new bride accidentally drowns. Returning home to Carsely, Agatha finds herself involved in a strangely similar situation - a woman, dressed in a wedding gown, is found floating in a river. The police say suicide, but Agatha sets out to prove them wrong.


I've yet to read an Agatha Raisin I didn't enjoy. Yep, they're 'fluff', but the best kind of fluff and a lot of fun. Well written, twisting turning plots, and interesting characters. Works for me! I also think I enjoy these so much as they're all set in an area very close by to where I grew up. I keep meaning to try some of Beaton's other books, the Hamish McBeth ones...will add them to my ever increasing list...

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Dark Horse - Tami Hoag

Elena Estes's stubborn risk taking has cost her dearly: her job, her confidence, her career in the Miami PD and, most importantly, the life of a fellow cop. Now in retreat in Florida with only the soothing presence of horses for company, Elena begins to find some peace. But then a visitor comes calling. Twelve year old Molly Seabright believes something terrible has happened to her older stepsister. Erin, eighteen and trouble, is a groom at the Wellington show grounds but hasn't been seen for several days. Elena isn't interested in the case but Molly convinces her to make one trip to the show grounds. What's the harm in asking a few questions? Elena finds herself in a world populated by the ultra rich and the ultra ruthless. She must find out what's happened to Erin before it's too late to save the girl and herself.

Very much enjoyed this. Elena is an interesting character...seemingly not too likeable at first...but the further you delve into the book the more depth she gains...and the more I could identify with her. Straight talking lass, takes shit from no one, trusts no one. Fascinating romp through the unpleasant world of dressage/showjumping. Don't be put off by the horsey factor, it's a great story.

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The Chocolate Cat Caper - JoAnna Carl

Looking for a fresh start, divorcée Lee McKinney moves back to Michigan to work for her aunt's chocolate business-and finds that her new job offers plenty of murderous treats to chew on.When a high-profile defense lawyer dies after eating a cat-shaped chocolate laced with cyanide, it's up to Lee to find out who tampered with the recipe-before she and her aunt end up behind not-so-chocolate bars.

A lovely, quick, light read with a twist in the tale. I'll definitely pick up the others in the series at some point. If you like the Agatha Raisin mysteries or The Cat Who books, or if you enjoyed Joanne Harris's 'Chocolat', give The Chocolate Cat Caper a go :)

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