Dying to Call You by Elaine Viets

4 Stars

On the run from her ex-husband and once lush life, Helen has found herself working as a telemarketer. Selling septic tank cleaner may not be a fancy life, but it pays her bills...in cash, which is what Helen needs.
One night Helen hears what she thinks is a murder on the phone. The police dismiss her claims and she sets out on her own to uncover the truth. Helen soon gets in over her head. Will she discover who was murdered and why?

This is the 3rd in the Dead-End Job cozy mystery series. It was a fun read.

2017 New to Me Challenge

http://theherdpresents.blogspot.com/2016/12/2017-New-To-Me-Sign-Up.html

1 - Spilled Milk by KL Randis - new author
2 - Here Today, Gone Tamale by Rebecca Adler - New Author/New Series
3 - What She Left Behind by Ellen Wiseman - New Author
4 - We Were Liars by E. Lockhart - New Author
5 - When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead - New Author
6- Clammed Up by Barbara Ross - New Author / New Series
7-Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon  New Author
8 - With Malice by Eileen Cook - New Author
9 - Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven - New Author
10
11
12

The Botox Diaries by Kaplan/Schnurnberger - 3 Stars

Jess and Lucy are best friends facing their 40's and midlife crises. Much to Jess's disappointment, Lucy announces that she's got a lover and Jess is worried Lucy's husband, Dan, will find out. But Jess soon finds herself in the middle of her own love predicament when her sexy, French ex-husband shows back up in her life.

The cover describes the book as an "entertaining look at two women's midlife adventures". While there were adventures, I didn't find the book that entertaining and was skimming over the ending just to finish. I found that Lucy's character was self-centered and flat. Jess was slightly better, but over all the book fell flat for me.

2017 Craving for Cozies Challenge

Craving for Cozies

Peckish, 1-10 Cozy mysteries

1 - Here Today, Gone Tamale by Rebecca Adler

2 - Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke 

3 - Clammed Up by Barbara Ross

4 - Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke 

5

2017 Alphabet Soup Challenge

2017 Alphabet Soup Challenge


A - All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
B - Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
C - Clammed Up by Barbara Ross
D
E
F - Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
G
H - Here Today, Gone Tamale by Rebecca Adler
I - I Was Here by Gayle Forman
J
K
L - Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich
M
N
O - The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight
P - Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke
Q
R - Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
S - Spilled Milk by KL Randis
T
U
V
W - What She Left Behind by Ellen Wiseman
X
Y
Z

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber - 5 Stars

Anne Marie is a 38 year old childless widow who is looking to find happiness again. She owns a bookstore on Blossom Street, but feels this isn't enough. On Valentine's Day, her and her other widowed friends get together and decide to make a list of 20 wishes. One of Anne Marie's wishes was to do something good for someone else, so she volunteers to be a Lunch Buddy for an 8 year old girl named Ellen. What she doesn't know is that Ellen will change her life in ways she hadn't even imagined.

The story also follows her friends Barbie and Lillie and their wishes.

Another warm fuzzy by Macomber. This was the 5th in the Blossom Street series , but could also be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed this one and it made me smile at the end.  :)

The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer - 3 Stars

Beth's one worry is that her daughter will go missing. One day, her worst nightmare comes true. Her daughter Carmel has gone missing while the 2 of them were out at a fair. The story alternates between the 2 points of view, Beth & Carmel's. Carmel is only 8 years old and doesn't realize she's missing, while Beth is constantly searching for her.

The book has good ratings, but I didn't care for it. I had to force my way through it.

Highly Illogical Behavior - 5 Stars

Solomon is a 16 year old agoraphobic who hasn't left the house in 3 years. Lisa is a high school junior who desperately wants to get in to one of the top psychology colleges in the country. Lisa thinks Solomon is the answer to getting in to this school. Lisa sets out to "fix" Solomon. Bringing her boyfriend Clark in to the mix, the 3 soon become close friends.

This was a cute "coming of age" story of unlikely friends. It is a YA book, so I had to keep that in mind, but it was still a great read overall.

Orphan Train by Christina Kline - 5 Stars

Molly is a 17 year old girl who has spent her life in foster care. Vivian is an elderly woman who grew up an orphan. From the outside the two are as different as night and day, but when Molly has to perform community service and offers to help clean out Vivian's attic, the two quickly discover they have more in common than they think. 

This was a story of unlikely friendship. I really enjoyed how the story was woven together through the past and the present. It gave me warm fuzzies at the end. LOL! 

China Dolls by Lisa See - 4 Stars

Ruby, Helen and Grace all meet in San Francisco in 1938. All come from very different backgrounds but with the town booming and war brewing, the 3 strike up an unlikely friendship. The story follows the girls as they become dancers in a local night club and then throughout the next 10 years. But can this friendship last? As quoted from Amazon, "But after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, paranoia and suspicion threaten to destroy their lives, and a shocking act of betrayal changes everything."

I really enjoyed the story of the girl's friendship and all that they went through. This was the first book of Lisa See's that I've read, but I may give some others of hers a try.

Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke - 4 Stars

In this installment of the Hannah Swenson series, it's Christmastime and everyone is gathered for the community's annual Christmas buffet. When recently divorced Martin shows up with his new wife, a glittery glamorous Vegas show girl, heads surely turn. But when Hannah's mom's antique knife disappears and is found sticking out of Martin's new wife, Hannah has to once again put her sleuthing skills to work. Who killed Martin's new wife and why? With the whole town in attendance, it could be anyone.

This was a quick read, but I didn't like it as much as I liked the previous ones. I do like the recipes that are put in the back of the book, though.

Twelve Sharp by Janet Ivanovich - 5 Stars

In the 12th installment of the Stephanie Plum series, Stephanie is helping to hunt a missing child. Full of antics, as usual, Stephanie gets herself in to a mess and is once again torn between Joe and Ranger.

I really liked this installment. Looking forward to #13.

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica - 4 Stars

Heidi sees the girl on the platform at the train station, standing there in her worn out clothes, holding a baby close to her, and she can't get her out of her mind. So when Heidi brings this strange teenage girl and her baby home, Chris, Heidi's husband, feels that something is off. Heidi helps the girl get back on her feet, but soon the story takes a turn that is really twisted.

This was a good psychological thriller. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. I only gave it 4 stars because I feel that while the build up was really good, the ending fell a bit flat for me. I do want to try more by this author, though.

Shit My Dad Says By Justin Halpern 4 Stars

Justin tells several short stories as well as little clips of "wisdom" from his father. His father is full of foul language and doesn't hold back. 
The book was fairly funny for the most part, but not quite as much as I was hoping. Hard to really write a review because there's not a set plot in the book. 

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher - 2 Stars

Based off of her stand up show, Carrie talks about her childhood as the childhood of 2 Hollywood stars and her rise to fame in Star Wars. She also discusses the fact that she is bi-polar and an alcoholic.

This book, which was described as hilarious, had me wondering where the humor was. It was all over the place and was really hard for me to push through and finish.

People I Want to Punch in the Throat by Jen Mann - 3 Stars

This was a (mostly) humorous collection of essays. Jen talks about moving to the suburbs and dealing with issues we all deal with, although, she writes exactly what she's thinking. She talks about momzillas and other such topics. I thought it was fairly funny, but there were bits that were a bit dull. She does have a blog that I may check out, though.

Bewitched, Bothered, And Biscotti by Bailey Cates - 4 Stars

While out on a picnic, Katie, who has only recently discovered she's a witch, finds a dead body. The body has a tattoo and Katie soon learns this means he's part of a secret magical society. Katie soon finds herself at the center of the murder investigation and a target of the killer as well.

This is the 2nd book in the series and I actually liked the first one better. This one was a little slow in the middle, but overall, not a bad read.

Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson - 5 Stars

Katie, an executive assistant for Merlin, at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, is used to magic being used around her. As an immune, she helps spot trouble for her employer. But when Katie's immunity to magic disappears and it soon seems there is a spy in the mix at work, her world gets turned upside down. Katie sets out to find out who is up to no good in the company, all while keeping her own secret...that magic now affects her.

Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich - 5 Stars

Lizzy and Diesel are back on the hunt for another stone. "Peg Leg" Dazzle left a treasure behind nearly a century ago when he was murdered. Among the treasure was the Stone of Avarice, which Lizzy and Diesel are searching for. But they aren't the only ones searching for the stone and these people will do what ever it takes to obtain the stone.
Full of hijinks and monkey business (literally, since Diesel has a pet monkey), the story is full of laughs. I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to the next one to come out.

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris - 5 Stars

In the 6th installment of the Sookie Steakhouse series, Sookie has inherited her cousin's estate and has to go claim it, but someone doesn't want her to do so. Whoever this is will do whatever they can to stop her. But who? Sookie has to uncover her cousin's secrets to find out who is after her.

As usual, this Sookie story didn't disappoint. The story flowed very well and was a quick read. Looking forward to #7.

A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding by Jackie Copleton - 4 Stars

Amaterasu Takahasi opens the door one day to find a badly scarred man claiming to be her grandson. She does not believe him, as her daughter and grandson perished during the bombing of Nagasaki. But the main has a box of memories and letters that contain secrets she had tried to forget.

The story goes back and forth between present time and Amaterasu reading the letters and the events of the past.

The book moved fairly smoothly and I enjoyed the story.

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon - 5 Stars

West Hall, Vermont is a small town with old legends. The most popular is that of Sara Harrison Shea who was found dead and skinned shortly after the death of her daughter, Gertie. Legend says that Sara roams the streets of the town.

Ruthie currently lives in West Hall, in the same house that Sara Shea lived in. She doesn't believe the legends until she finds a copy of Sara's diary hidden in the house. Ruthie's mother has gone missing and it is up to her and her little sister, Fawn, to find her. What Ruthie and Fawn discover is far more gruesome than what they expected.

The story alternates time periods between the present and Ruthie's story and the past and Sara's story. I found that it flowed really well, though, and McMahon kept me turning page after page. Definitely 2 thumbs up and my first 5 star read of the year.

Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella - 3 Stars

In the 7th installment of this series, Becky and her family have moved to Hollywood and Becky has stars in her eyes. Hoping to make it as a Hollywood stylist, Becky will do what ever she can. Becky can't wait to start her Hollywood lifestyle...yoga classes, fancy preschools for her daughter, and of course shopping.

Becky is up to her usual antics in this book, too, but I didn't find it as funny as the other ones. I was expecting more shopping antics, but it fell short.

Last Known Victim by Erica Spindler

Set in New Orleans, after Katrina, clean up crews find a gruesome discovery. A refrigerator with 6 severed hands. The hands belong to females but the victims are all unknown.

2 years later, Captain Patti O'Shay is still grieving from the loss of her husband when the killer suspected of the severed hands surfaces again. A body with a missing hand is found, but to her surprise, her husband's police badge is also found in the shallow grave. Patti sets out to find the truth about what they are calling The Handyman killer.

This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and was a little disappointed with the suspense portion of the book. I didn't find it as suspenseful as I hoped. I also figured out the twist shortly before it was revealed in the book.

Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle

Book # 2 in the coffeehouse Mysteries series

Clare is enjoying her business at the Village Blend when her female customers start to die. At first they appear to be suicides but Clare and her cop friend Lt. Quinn start to suspect foul play. Clare starts her own investigation when her current boyfriend becomes a suspect. And when she finds out the next target is her own daughter, the chase to find the killer becomes even more frantic.

This was a cute cozy mystery that left me guessing until the end. 

The German Suitcase by Greg Dinallo

3 Stars

An old suitcase is pulled from the trash by a young, female marketing agent. Wanting to use the suitcase to launch a new ad campaign, she sets out to find the owner. What she finds is that the owner and the luggage are Holocaust survivors. Giving permission to open the suitcase, the owner relives some of his harshest memories. With a shocking twist at the end, the story makes us question what it means to really be a war criminal and what one person would do to save another.

I thought the idea behind this story was really good. I enjoyed the storyline itself, however...the editing left much to be desired. There were many grammatical errors and punctuation errors that drove me bananas. If the writing and editing had been a little better, I may have given this 4 stars.

The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure

Set in Paris during World War 2, the story explores how far one human will go to save another human. Lucien is an architect who is offered a nice commission by the German's to design factories for them. At the same time, Lucien is approached by a well-to-do Frenchman requesting hiding places to be designed for Jews. This offer also comes with a lot of money. Lucien accepts both jobs and is now hiding his secret from the German officer that he is quickly becoming a friend. The story reveals unexpected plots and unlikely friendships and shows how far the human spirit will go to do the right thing.

I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was well written and the plot kept moving really well. It was a nice look at the war from a different country's view.

Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich

Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich

4 Stars 

Stephanie has finally had enough of the bounty hunter business and decides to quit her job. She takes up odd jobs at the local button factory, the dry cleaners and Cluck in a Bucket. But Stephanie just can't seem to get away from the hunt and finds herself searching for someone who is stalking her and blowing up everything around her. 

Another good one from Evanovich. She always knows how to mix humor with the right amount of suspense. Stephanie as always, was a hoot, and there was plenty of Lula and Grandma Mazur to help with the humor. 

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
4 Stars

Rachel is the girl on the train. Riding to and from every day, passing the same houses, making up stories about their owners. One house that  Rachel watches has her idea of the perfect couple. But one day she sees something that changes everything. Offering up her discovery to the police, Rachel soon finds herself in the middle of a mystery she never imagined. Told from various viewpoints, the author weaves together a story of love, betrayal, and obsession.

Once I figured out who the characters were I enjoyed finding out how they related to one another and how all of their lives intertwined. The ending was a bit disappointing and I was actually hoping for a big twist, which there wasn't. But overall it was still a good, engaging read.

Death By Chick Lit by Lynn Harris

Death by Chick Lit By Lynn Harris
3 Stars

A killer is on the loose and is targeting chick lit authors. Mimi is the first to go. Struggling author, Lola Sommerville, is at the center of it all, finding all of the bodies. But who is offing these writers? Is it the strange "reading guy" who turns up at all the readings? Or is it Quentin, Mimi's boyfriend? Lola spends her time sleuthing around, hoping that she's not next.

I was disappointed in this cozy mystery. It was a quick read, but the storyline was just blah for me.

The Murderer's Daughters

The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers
4 Stars

Right before Lulu's 10th birthday, her world is turned upside down. Her mother has recently thrown out their dad. Having been obsessed with their mother, their dad returns and begs to be let in. Lulu allows him and he proceeds to kill their mother and stab her sister, Merry. The children are shipped off to live with their grandmother, until she too, passes away. Being disgusted at the thought of having the children of a murderer live with them, their aunt turns them out and they end up in a home for girls.
Over the next 30 years the girls try to make sense of what happened. The story shows you how strong or weak the bonds of blood can be.

I thought this was a pretty good read. The story moved quickly and I wanted to read further each time I picked it up. I may have to see if she has any other books to check out.

Alphabet Challenge

Alphabet Soup Challenge

One book starting with each letter of the alphabet

A-

B-Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti by Bailey Cates

C-

D-Death by Chick Lit by Lynn Harris

E- Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich 

F-

G- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

H-Highly Illogical Behavior by John Whaley

I-

J-

K-

L- Last Known Victim by Erica Spindler 

M- The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers

N-

O- Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson

P-The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure

Q-

R-

S- Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella 

T-Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle

U-

V-

W-The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

X-

Y-

Z-

Women's Fiction Challenge

Women's Fiction Reading Challenge

Books classified as women's fiction

Level 1 - 5 Books

1. The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers

2. The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

3.A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding by Jackie Copleton

4.China Dolls by Lisa See 

5.Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber 

New to You Challenge

New To You Challenge

A new author, a new genre, a new series, a debut book, etc.

Level 1 - 6 Books

1. The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers - New Author

2. Death by Chick Lit by Lynn Harris - New Author

3. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - New Author

4. The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure - New Author

5. The German Suitcase by Greg Dinallo - New Author

6.A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding by Jackie Copleton - New Author

Pick Your Genre Challenge - Young Adult

Pick Your Genre Challenge

My genre: Young Adult

Level 1 - 6 books

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

2106 Challenges

Pick Your Genre Challenge

My genre: Young Adult 

Level 1 - 6 Books 

http://theherdpresents.blogspot.com/2015/10/2016-pick-your-genre-reading-challenge.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

New To You Challenge

A new author, a new genre, a new series, a debut book, etc.

Level 1 - 6 Books

http://theherdpresents.blogspot.com/2015/10/2016-new-to-you-reading-challenge-sign-up.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Women's Fiction Reading Challenge

Books classified as women's fiction

Level 1 - 5 Books

http://bookdate.blogspot.co.nz/2015/11/womens-fiction-reading-challenge-2016.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alphabet Soup Challenge

One book starting with each letter of the alphabet

http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/2015/11/27/2016-alphabet-soup-reading-challenge-sign-up-post/