The Math Inspectors #1: The Case of the Claymore Diamond
by Daniel Kenney & Emily Boever
Okay, this was a Kindle freebie, and the editing showed that it was. I didn't get notice there was an updated version of the book until after I had read it, so I do not know if the errors I picked out were corrected.
Bad part out of the way, let's move on to the fun bits, because this was a fun book to read. The premise is a group of children from a detective agency, but use math to figure out the mysteries. And the reader cam play along with the kids. The word problems are there and all the reader has to do is figure them out.
I really enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the math aspect and the mystery was clever, though I figured it out well before the kids or adults in the book. On the whole it seems to be the beginning of a fun series. I will have to check out the rest of the series, even if they are not free!
Just in case you're worried about the math, there were no daunting word problems and the characters walk the readers through working them out, so you will not be stumped for long.
One Bear's Opinion: Four Mondo Milkshakes and a giant chocolate cupcake
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Monday, January 28, 2019
One Bear's Opinion on: All Fudged Up
All Fudged Up
by Nancy Coco
This was the second mystery in a row I've read that was set around a candy shop. It was hard not to compare the two as I was reading them. This one was set on Mackinac Island, Michigan, which I have heard of, but never visited. And I certainly didn't know it was known for fudge, but I guess it must be in some way, as "Mackinac Island Fudge" was the 6th suggestion when I started typing "Mackinac Island" into the Google Search Window. You learn something new everyday.
Anyway to the mystery. The opening idea for the series is that the main character has inherited a combination hotel/fudge shop and is trying to figure out how she can keep the family business open, which, as it turns out is very similar to the overarching plot of the candy shop mystery I read before this one. It's not a unique overarching plot.
I started out disliking the main character, but I think the author intended readers to start out disliking her. At one point, I was actually rooting for the townspeople to get to her and send her back to Chicago with her tail between her legs. As the book went on, I grew to like Allie a bit more, but the only really endearing character in the book to me was her pet dog, Mal (Marshmallow), and that was only because she was a dog. It's very hard to not like a puppy.
Even though the murder was introduced on the first page of the book, the real investigation did not start until well over two-thirds into the book. It was a long slog to get to the mystery part of the book, and setting up a romantic triangle, haggling with the insular townspeople and historical committee, and crate training a dog were not enough to carry the majority of the mystery for me.
I was even a bit disappointed in the fudge recipes provided in the book. I would have though that a graduate of the Culinary Institute would be able to make real fudge, not just the "foolproof" condensed milk fudge. And I would hope that the Fudge Shop the main character hopes to keep open sells something better than the cheater's fudge anyone can make in their kitchen. Though on further reflection, the easier fudge recipe might be so anyone can make them, but still, I expected better.
I know this is not really a nice review of the book, and I don't want to leave you with the impression the that book was terrible. It was not. there were some good parts of the book. The motive for the murder was rather ingenious. And the author dropped enough hints in the book that I had the murderer pegged relatively early, so it was nice to read to the end and have the satisfaction of figuring it out, even if the motive was not revealed until the end. Overall, I didn't dislike the book, I just didn't really like it either. It's a perfect book to read on vacation and leave at the hotel's paperback exchange.
One Bear's Opinion: Three cups of espresso and a plate of non-alcoholic condensed milk fudge
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
by Nancy Coco
This was the second mystery in a row I've read that was set around a candy shop. It was hard not to compare the two as I was reading them. This one was set on Mackinac Island, Michigan, which I have heard of, but never visited. And I certainly didn't know it was known for fudge, but I guess it must be in some way, as "Mackinac Island Fudge" was the 6th suggestion when I started typing "Mackinac Island" into the Google Search Window. You learn something new everyday.
Anyway to the mystery. The opening idea for the series is that the main character has inherited a combination hotel/fudge shop and is trying to figure out how she can keep the family business open, which, as it turns out is very similar to the overarching plot of the candy shop mystery I read before this one. It's not a unique overarching plot.
I started out disliking the main character, but I think the author intended readers to start out disliking her. At one point, I was actually rooting for the townspeople to get to her and send her back to Chicago with her tail between her legs. As the book went on, I grew to like Allie a bit more, but the only really endearing character in the book to me was her pet dog, Mal (Marshmallow), and that was only because she was a dog. It's very hard to not like a puppy.
Even though the murder was introduced on the first page of the book, the real investigation did not start until well over two-thirds into the book. It was a long slog to get to the mystery part of the book, and setting up a romantic triangle, haggling with the insular townspeople and historical committee, and crate training a dog were not enough to carry the majority of the mystery for me.
I was even a bit disappointed in the fudge recipes provided in the book. I would have though that a graduate of the Culinary Institute would be able to make real fudge, not just the "foolproof" condensed milk fudge. And I would hope that the Fudge Shop the main character hopes to keep open sells something better than the cheater's fudge anyone can make in their kitchen. Though on further reflection, the easier fudge recipe might be so anyone can make them, but still, I expected better.
I know this is not really a nice review of the book, and I don't want to leave you with the impression the that book was terrible. It was not. there were some good parts of the book. The motive for the murder was rather ingenious. And the author dropped enough hints in the book that I had the murderer pegged relatively early, so it was nice to read to the end and have the satisfaction of figuring it out, even if the motive was not revealed until the end. Overall, I didn't dislike the book, I just didn't really like it either. It's a perfect book to read on vacation and leave at the hotel's paperback exchange.
One Bear's Opinion: Three cups of espresso and a plate of non-alcoholic condensed milk fudge
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
One Bear's Opinion on: Assaulted Caramel
Assaulted Caramel
by Amanda Flower
Assaulted Caramel was recommended by a group of cozy mystery readers. The history of the group's recommendations has been pretty good, so there was no reason not to give this one a try.
It took a while to get into the book, and a bit longer to come to like the main character. Bailey King is not initially a likable character. But as the book goes on, she becomes more and more likeable, which is good, because books where the main character is unlikable are hard for me to read. Nobody wants to spend their leisure reading time dragging themselves through a book where the main character aggravates the readers.
Once Bailey becomes a friend, the book takes off. But there are a few issues with the book, namely that the solution comes from no-where and Bailey figures it out with clues that were not presented to the reader. That is a problem with mystery novels, if only because it's unfair to the reader. It also makes the solution seem to make no sense with the characters as the author has presented and crafted them.
Overall it was an easy read, with some fun parts - the polka dot pig was very fun - but it has some issues as well. I've put the rest of the series on my to-check-out list, but I will probably wait until they go on sale, either at remainder shops or on Kindle.
One Bear's Opinion: Three Cups of Regular Coffee, with a packet of generic shortbread cookies
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
by Amanda Flower
Assaulted Caramel was recommended by a group of cozy mystery readers. The history of the group's recommendations has been pretty good, so there was no reason not to give this one a try.
It took a while to get into the book, and a bit longer to come to like the main character. Bailey King is not initially a likable character. But as the book goes on, she becomes more and more likeable, which is good, because books where the main character is unlikable are hard for me to read. Nobody wants to spend their leisure reading time dragging themselves through a book where the main character aggravates the readers.
Once Bailey becomes a friend, the book takes off. But there are a few issues with the book, namely that the solution comes from no-where and Bailey figures it out with clues that were not presented to the reader. That is a problem with mystery novels, if only because it's unfair to the reader. It also makes the solution seem to make no sense with the characters as the author has presented and crafted them.
Overall it was an easy read, with some fun parts - the polka dot pig was very fun - but it has some issues as well. I've put the rest of the series on my to-check-out list, but I will probably wait until they go on sale, either at remainder shops or on Kindle.
One Bear's Opinion: Three Cups of Regular Coffee, with a packet of generic shortbread cookies
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
Sunday, January 20, 2019
One Bear's Opinion on: Probable Claws
Probable Claws
by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown
Reading books in the Mrs. Murphy series is always fun. They really are a great visit with good friends. I could definitely host Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tee Tucker (and their people) any time. I am sure it would be a rollicking good time!
This installment in the series was a new, contemporary mystery, but a continuation of the historical story that began in Tail Gait. I enjoyed the new contemporary mystery, but I find myself wishing there were more of the historical story, as I am more intrigued by it and where the author is taking that story, and how it will reconnect with the contemporary characters and setting.
The mystery was not too complicated, I had it mostly figured out well before Harry, but it was still fun to read along as Harry arrived at the solution. The animals doing their part, is, as always, the draw of the Mrs. Murphy series.
If you are familiar with Mrs. Murphy and her friends you will already have this on your To-Be-Read pile. If you are new to Mrs. Murphy mysteries, I suggest you either start with the first in the series, Wish You Were Here, and read through to catch up; or if you want to get to the end quicker, start with Tail Gait. Beginning before Tail Gait could leave you confused as to the historical story, and will spoil some parts of that story. I hope you enjoy, or will come to, visits with Mrs. Murphy as much as I do.
One Bear's Opinion: Five steaming mugs of premium hot cocoa with rich whipped cream and a plate of marshmallows
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown
Reading books in the Mrs. Murphy series is always fun. They really are a great visit with good friends. I could definitely host Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tee Tucker (and their people) any time. I am sure it would be a rollicking good time!
This installment in the series was a new, contemporary mystery, but a continuation of the historical story that began in Tail Gait. I enjoyed the new contemporary mystery, but I find myself wishing there were more of the historical story, as I am more intrigued by it and where the author is taking that story, and how it will reconnect with the contemporary characters and setting.
The mystery was not too complicated, I had it mostly figured out well before Harry, but it was still fun to read along as Harry arrived at the solution. The animals doing their part, is, as always, the draw of the Mrs. Murphy series.
If you are familiar with Mrs. Murphy and her friends you will already have this on your To-Be-Read pile. If you are new to Mrs. Murphy mysteries, I suggest you either start with the first in the series, Wish You Were Here, and read through to catch up; or if you want to get to the end quicker, start with Tail Gait. Beginning before Tail Gait could leave you confused as to the historical story, and will spoil some parts of that story. I hope you enjoy, or will come to, visits with Mrs. Murphy as much as I do.
One Bear's Opinion: Five steaming mugs of premium hot cocoa with rich whipped cream and a plate of marshmallows
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
One Bear's Opinion on: Withering-by-Sea
Withering-by-Sea
by Judith Rossell
This book jumped off the shelves at us while we were waiting for a take-away order. The cover was quick to draw prospective readers in, and the title Withering-by-Sea is full of potential.
I am pleased to report the book lives up to the potential. It was a fun read, full of suspense and intrigue, a bit of danger, and a satisfying resolution to the main mystery.
Stella is a likeable and relatable character, and one with whom I hope to have more visits. There is a bit of the classics in the story, with Stella being a orphan left to the care of less-than-caring Aunts, but even though the story draws form the classics, it is refreshingly original.
As the book is written for a younger audience, I found it an easy read and the illustrations were a pleasant addition. I like illustrations, even in books written for adults, they do add another element to the story.
On the whole, it was a great book, and one I came recommend wholeheartedly. I am anxious to find the next-in-series Stella Montgomery Intrigue.
One Bear's Opinion: Five glasses of lemonade drunk on the boardwalk, with a bag of salt water taffy for later.
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
by Judith Rossell
This book jumped off the shelves at us while we were waiting for a take-away order. The cover was quick to draw prospective readers in, and the title Withering-by-Sea is full of potential.
I am pleased to report the book lives up to the potential. It was a fun read, full of suspense and intrigue, a bit of danger, and a satisfying resolution to the main mystery.
Stella is a likeable and relatable character, and one with whom I hope to have more visits. There is a bit of the classics in the story, with Stella being a orphan left to the care of less-than-caring Aunts, but even though the story draws form the classics, it is refreshingly original.
As the book is written for a younger audience, I found it an easy read and the illustrations were a pleasant addition. I like illustrations, even in books written for adults, they do add another element to the story.
On the whole, it was a great book, and one I came recommend wholeheartedly. I am anxious to find the next-in-series Stella Montgomery Intrigue.
One Bear's Opinion: Five glasses of lemonade drunk on the boardwalk, with a bag of salt water taffy for later.
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
Saturday, January 12, 2019
One Bear's Opinion on: Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart
Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt: The Story of a Daughter and a Mother in the Gilded Age
by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart
This book came into my library years ago, mostly on the basis of the cover and a visit to Newport which sparked a desire to know more about the people of the Gilded Age.
It finally came to the top of the To-Be-Read pile because of a mystery set in Newport just before Consuelo's arranged (some say forced) marriage to the Duke of Marlborough. It was important to have a real life account of the event that was fictionalized in the book. As it turns out, the fictionalized account in the murder mystery was fairly accurate. Sometimes, the truth is better than anything an author could ever begin to imagine. The mystery did take some liberties with timing, and introduced an element for the mystery, but the basic story was actually what happened.
In the end, it was good to have read this book. The author presents a mostly objective view of both Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt, who did far more things than just arrange a marriage that symbolized the ambitions of the mothers of Gilded Age society daughters. On the whole it was a very interesting and intriguing view of both women and the characters who populated their lives. Well worth the read, even if you never read anything about either woman again.
One Bear's Opinion: Four cups of tea, served with watercress sandwiches in the gazebo at Marble House
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart
This book came into my library years ago, mostly on the basis of the cover and a visit to Newport which sparked a desire to know more about the people of the Gilded Age.
It finally came to the top of the To-Be-Read pile because of a mystery set in Newport just before Consuelo's arranged (some say forced) marriage to the Duke of Marlborough. It was important to have a real life account of the event that was fictionalized in the book. As it turns out, the fictionalized account in the murder mystery was fairly accurate. Sometimes, the truth is better than anything an author could ever begin to imagine. The mystery did take some liberties with timing, and introduced an element for the mystery, but the basic story was actually what happened.
In the end, it was good to have read this book. The author presents a mostly objective view of both Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt, who did far more things than just arrange a marriage that symbolized the ambitions of the mothers of Gilded Age society daughters. On the whole it was a very interesting and intriguing view of both women and the characters who populated their lives. Well worth the read, even if you never read anything about either woman again.
One Bear's Opinion: Four cups of tea, served with watercress sandwiches in the gazebo at Marble House
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
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