Tag: Mystery

Books, Reading

Special Feature: When A Stranger Comes to Town by Michael Koryta

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: When A Stranger Comes to Town by Michael Koryta

Where are my murderionos at? Are you obsessed with mysteries? I know I sure am! I love a classic whodunnit and while I love full length novels, there is something enticing about an anthology of short stories. Anthologies or short stories always seen to have one or two really good stories and then a few that just aren’t as great which always makes me a little wary when it comes to reading them, however, I really liked the idea of shorter mysteries for one reason—they reminded me of a tv show set up.

When I was pregnant with my son, I had terrible nausea all day. I spent 6 weeks in bed watching ID Discovery Chanel and some of my favorite shows were ones that featured multiple different mysteries in the episode. That’s what short stories remind me of—-short tv shows versus a longer feature fill (like a novel) so I was instantly attracted to this book and I loved the ‘stranger danger’ troupe!

I love that it takes the ‘stranger danger’ component and really brings that to the forefront of the mystery anthology! There are some serious powerhouse writers featured in this anthology (Joe Hill!) and I cannot wait to check it out. If you love mysteries and are looking for a different approach to mysteries then this might be a great anthology to start with! Be sure to check it out, it’s coming out tomorrow!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Vanishing Museum on the Rue Mistral (Verlaque and Bonnet #9) by M.L. Longworth

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Vanishing Museum on the Rue Mistral (Verlaque and Bonnet #9) by M.L. Longworth

I read a few of the earlier Verlaque and Bonnet mysteries and one of the things that stands out about the series as a whole is how sophisticated they feel. Both of the characters feel mature and smart with a distinct air of sophistication that I think other cozy style mysteries don’t always have. I don’t know if it’s because the mysteries are set in the South of France, but something about this series always says ‘classy’ to me!

This is one series that I really need to go back and read from the beginning. I have jumped around in the series but never really felt lost within the larger narrative and characters but I will say that I think I might appreciate the nuances of Verlaque and Bonnet’s relationship had I started the series from the beginning. So this is a series that I am planning on going back and reading from the beginning but I think readers will feel right at home without having to go back and start from the beginning.

Today I am so excited to share a bit about this book and series with you all, the 9th book is out now. This book promises all the same charm, smarts, and mystery long time fans will expect from this series. Plus if you are looking for a little escape (ie; a trip to the South of France!) then look no further than this fun series right here!

Continue reading “Special Feature: The Vanishing Museum on the Rue Mistral (Verlaque and Bonnet #9) by M.L. Longworth” →
Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: A Wicked Conceit (Lady Darby Mysteries #9) by Anna Lee Huber

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: A Wicked Conceit (Lady Darby Mysteries #9) by Anna Lee Huber

I have been a long time fan of all Anna Lee Huber’s books, but the Lady Darby series stands out as a favorite of all her books. I will gladly clear my calendar for any upcoming Anna Lee Huber book because they are just that good! This book is the ninth in the series and I will say that I encourage readers to start this series from the beginning.

Some of the books could be read out of order but there are relationships and back stories that spread across multiple books, thus making it difficult for readers to fully appreciate the nuances of the characters and the mysteries. This book in particular harkens back to earlier books in the series and previous relationships that readers will want to be aware of.

As a side note, I loved that this book was so timely. In the book, there is a cholera pandemic and the author has commented on the fact that when she was writing this book she had no idea that we would be in an actual pandemic. It’s a fun aspect of the book and also rather ironic and timely.

Continue reading “Review: A Wicked Conceit (Lady Darby Mysteries #9) by Anna Lee Huber” →
Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: What the Devil Knows (Sebastian St. Cyr #16) by C. S. Harris

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: What the Devil Knows (Sebastian St. Cyr #16) by C. S. Harris

I absolutely love Sebastian St Cyr. I read the entire series last year in one long binge read. I adore the books and even if some of them have fallen into a bit of a formula, I still enjoy the characters so much. This one was high up on my TBR pile. I always set aside time in the early spring to read a new Sebastian mystery and I am never sorry about that.

The mysteries are intelligent, a little on the gritty side, and full of questionable characters all with their own motives. Going into this one, I was fully ready for just that and I wasn’t disappointed! But now that we are into book sixteen in the series, I am sure readers can’t help but wonder at what point will this series end? For me, I hope the answer is never but I also know that at some point all good things come to an end.

But until that day comes I am going to keep devouring the Sebastian mysteries and keep returning to my favorite characters. Some books in this series are able to be read as standalones and I think this one here could easily be read as a standalone if you want to check out the series but also don’t want to go back and read all the books to enjoy it!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: Indelible (Sean McPherson #1) by Laurie Buchanan

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: Indelible (Sean McPherson #1) by Laurie Buchanan

I love books set in the Pacific Northwest. Having grown up here in Oregon, I always love reading books that set in this general region for a number of reasons. For one, I love when I recognize a town name or place I have been to before and I also love seeing my home region described by others.

When I saw this new mystery series from author Laurie Buchanan was set in the Pacific Northwest, I was eager to check it out. Buchanan hails from Idaho, a neighbor to my home state, and I cannot wait to check this novel out! Besides the setting of the book though, I was pleased to see that the summary sounded just as intriguing.

Early reviews have high praise for the fast paced action and riveting suspense. I am very interested in the character dynamics in this one for sure! After his partner is killed, our protagonist retreats to become a handyman of sorts in a remote area in the Pacific Northwest only to have a brief respite before being drawn back into the criminal world. I cannot wait to check this one out!

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