Charms, Explosives, and Thorns, Oh, My!

Pleating for Mercy (Magical Dressmaking Mystery, Bk 1) by Melissa Bourbon aka Misa Ramirez aka Melissa Ramirez (personal copy - through PaperBackSwap) -

I had already gotten this through PBS when I read review at Mysteries and My Musings prompting me to move it up on my list.  I enjoyed the story.  I thought the paranormal aspect was more prominent then I had expected from the aforementioned review, but I enjoy the paranormal aspect.  Just not so much of it as is currently flooding the market.  Anyway, some of the characters surprised me, which I guess is a good thing.  I did like Harlow.  I look forward to reading book 2, A Fitting End.

Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) by Janet Evanovich (library copy) -

I pretty much always enjoy the Stephanie Plum books; they always have plenty of humor and are quick reads.  This one was no different, but it did have a couple little things that weren't as great.  Not knowing what happened in Hawaii forever and a day drove me nuts, and then when it was finally explained it didn't seem as big a deal as it had been made out to be.  For a Plum book with Explosive in the title I would have expected more explosions than just the one.  I think there were more explosions in her earlier books.  And I saw less of the characters I love in this book.  Nevertheless, I still found it fun and look forward to the next.

Serpent in the Thorns (Crispin Guest Medieval Noir, Bk 2) by Jeri Westerson (library HB copy) -

Crispin Guest is a character with a lot of honor.  This may seem contradictory with his past treason, but it's all a matter of perspective.  I appreciate his holding his honor close.  I also like the way he supports and/or cares for his friends.  (Speaking of which, he's obviously passing on this loyalty to Jack, because Jack rocked in this book.)  As for the story... I guessed who the bad guy was early on.  I didn't have any idea as far as motive goes, but one line made me ultra suspicious.  I do not, however, blame Crispin for not suspecting.  He had a lot of emotional turmoil and whatnot going on in this book to distract him.  Anyway, I have the third book, The Demon's Parchment, already checked out so I should be reading that soon.