A Hard Day's Knight

Title: A Hard Day's Knight

Author: Simon R. Green

Series: Nightside, Bk 11

Publisher: Penguin

ISBN: 9781101475232

Length: 304 pages

Obtained: Library OverDrive ebook copy

Comments:

The Nightside and Arthur, Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table - or in this case, the London Knights.

The series is coming to a close and you can feel it in this book.  Threads that have been lingering are being tied up, and the Nightside is in a strange place between staying the same and changing, complete with the beginning stages of a major war.  Of course, that isn't unusual for the Nightside.  John has already been through two other wars recently.

I only read one book prior to this one recently to remind me of what is going on, so you probably could just jump in.  However, I would definitely recommend starting from the beginning of the series so you can both watch John's growth and get a good feel for the Nightside and all its characters.  I'm both excited and dreading the next, and final, book of this series - The Bride Wore Black Leather.

The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny

Title: The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny

Author: Simon R. Green

Series: Nightside, Bk 10

ISBN: 9781101171455

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Comments:

I decided it is about time I finish this series.  Unfortunately, I forgot that I had already read this one.  All worked out, though, because while scenes were vaguely familiar as I read them, I remembered nothing in advance.  I do have a post from the first time I read this, but I will not be reading it until after I've written this one so I can provide fresh impressions.

I felt like I had already been through the bulk of the story, and then saw that I had just finished chapter 2.  The majority of this book was like that.  Loosely linked together with some connected threads, but told in what seemed more like short stories or episodes.  I do still enjoy this series, but I can tell I've forgotten a lot.  In that sense, the way this is written allowed me to be reintroduced to a number of characters that I recognize from throughout the series, but didn't distinctly remember.

And now I am ready to read book 11, A Hard Day's Knight.

I've gone back and re-read my first post, and I thinking I may need to re-read the other books in this series as well.  Apparently, I last read this in 2010.  What was I thinking to let such time pass by!

Illusion Town

Title: Illusion Town

Author: Author: Jayne Castle aka Jayne Ann Krentz [Website][Facebook] aka Amanda Quick

Publisher: Jove Novel

Series: Harmony, Bk 13

ISBN: 9780515155754

Length: 340 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Fan of this series/author.

Comments:

Illusion Town is the "Las Vegas" of Harmony, which had me trying to layer the real Vegas (what I've seen of it) with the description.

I liked Hannah and Elias, although I think there was more action and less characterization in this one.  Hannah is adopted and while she knows who her mother was, is very interested in her ancestry and genealogy.  It was very interesting to me to see that subject applied to a futuristic fantasy world.

As usual there was a doctor doing unethical studies with shady motives.  This is common in this world as well as JC's St. Helen's short-lived world.

And last but not least - Virgil the dust bunny was as adorable as all dust bunnies are.  I look forward to more books set in this world and further exploration of Harmony and it's alien past.

Savage plus bonus "Bounties: The Candy Heiress"

Title: Savage

Author: R.A. Jones [WizardWorld]; Illustrated by Ted Slampyak [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: Caliber Comics

Series: Savage, Issues # 1-5

Length: 122 pages

Obtained: Online digital holding

Why this book?:

I enjoyed the Jazz Age Chronicles by Ted Slampyak and this sounded intriguing.

Comments:

Before slaying her, Christian Savage agrees to tell a modern female vampire about his past in the Wild West including his scar, his parentage, and his vampire slaying mission.

I'm not a comic connoisseur, so I can't give much critique to this.  But I found it interesting in a strange way.

Bonus:

Bounties: The Candy Heiress by David Watkins; Illustrated by Ted Slampyak [Website][Facebook] featuring Saddlebag Jones

Um. Okay.  I didn't expect a completely unrelated story, and so it threw me off.

It was kind of silly, actually, in the premise. Rich girl runs off to try her luck in the Wild West, and Saddlebag Jones is sent to fetch her.  In the meantime the heiress pitches a fit when not everyone is on board with her experiencing the west and all it stereotypically entails (drink, gambling, etc.)... I won't tell you more, lest I spoil too much, but yes, I think silly is an accurate description.

Jazz Age Chronicles

Title: Jazz Age Chronicles, Vol. 1: "The Case of the Beguiling Baroness" Plus "Vote Early & Often"

Author: Ted Slampyak [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: Caliber Comics

Series: Jazz Age Chronicles, Volume 1, Issues #1-5

Length: 137 pages

Title: Jazz Age Chronicles, Vol. 2: "The Flowers of San Pedro" Plus "A Stranger in Bryn Mawr"

Author: Ted Slampyak [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: Caliber Comics

Series: Jazz Age Chronicles, Volume 2, Issues #6-9

Length: 109 pages





 Why These Books?:

I'd been eyeing them for awhile now, but I needed a comic/graphic novel for the Summer Reading Bingo, and then the second volume (luckily) worked for Historical Fiction...

Note:

My apologies in advance for the lack of complete sentences.

Comments:

Interesting.  Dramatic.  Fun to read the Jazz Age language.  Also secret societies, a down-and-out detective, a fantastical and popular adventurer/professor. 

It took some time for me to follow since it switched between the characters before I knew who they were and seemed at first like different story lines.  I adjusted once I realized how they connected.  Quite a bit of mysticism and such involved - something I hadn't expected at first but actually turned out to be a major part of the plot.

I wouldn't mind reading more of Slampyak's work.  In fact, I've already begun reading Savage (a vampire hunter in the Wild West).  I'm especially interested in more of the Jazz Age Chronicles.  Unfortunately, it seems I've missed them, and I can't find them in a published version.

Dark Carousel

Title: Dark Carousel

Author: Christine Feehan [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

Series: Dark or Carpathian, Bk 30

ISBN: 9780698197763

Obtained: Library ebook copy
Why this book?:

When I was clearing out recently, I decided I no longer need to hold onto all my Christine Feehan books in this series.  I kept the few I thought I might re-read or that I thought I might miss.  I re-read some in the process of deciding (though I failed to keep track because there was generally immense chunks I skipped over - then I never feel it really counts as reading the book).  I also made some effort to catch up with the series.  So I've read library copies (in print and/or ebook) of all the books between the last one I blogged about (Dark Slayer) to this one, with the exception of Dark Crime, which I still need to get to.  I skip the sex scenes (even when they are pages long), so I can't comment on that aspect.  But as for the rest...

Comments:

I liked Tariq.  Sometimes I feel like Feehan's heroes are way too domineering and for me to enjoy the story or really believe they care about the heroine.  Since these all fall within the Romance genre, that's a big deal.  Tariq was one that I was good with.  And I loved the children in this book, though of course their background was tragic and abominable.  I kind of zipped though this, and not just because I was skipping parts.  I was eager to see everything resolved and this couple relatively settled.

I did feel like I was missing some story, and I guess that is because Dark Crime (the one book in this series I haven't read) is intricately linked to this one.  I also need publication of the next book, because while there was something of an ending to the story, the overall story arc for several of the side characters - including both good and bad guys - is not complete.

My Apologies and The Curse of Jacob Tracy

Well I've been a poor blogger again.  I have some posts that have been sitting at various stages of completion and a stack of books waiting to be added before they can be put back on my shelves.  I just don't know when that will actually happen.

I suppose my blogging days may  be at an end; that would be a shame.  My blog served a purpose, but it can't fulfill that purpose if I forget what the books I read are even about in the time it takes me to post about them.  And some of my more recent reads get lost in the long line of books to be posted on.

So I'll try to post as I read, and not worry about the backlog.  Maybe I can do better.

And that being said, I am currently reading The Curse of Jacob Tracy by Holly Messinger (published by Thomas Dunne books).  I'm enjoying it.  Set in parts that feel like a serial (suiting its historical nature), it makes a historical/western/paranormal fantasy/mystery blend.

I like the primary characters, Trace (Jacob Tracy), Boz (John Bosley), and Miss Sabine Fairweather, though I do not always agree with their actions.  Trace tends to shy away where I feel he should step up.  Boz doesn't fully support the way I'd like him to, letting occasional bitterness (perhaps valid considering he's black American in the 1880) get in the way.  And Miss Fairweather (as Trace points out) is too secretive and holds back too much (though Boz has the same issue with Trace).

Because of the serial aspect, Trace (and fellows) face multiple evils connected by an overall evil master.  This along with the action and scenes had me thinking this would make for an excellent graphic novel.  Seems to me, the images presented, the dialogue, the flow of the story... even the good versus evil with some occasional blurring gray areas would all do well in that format.

Anyway, I haven't reached the end (I'm on page 272 of 308), but so far I'm very glad I requested it after reading a review in a professional journal (can't remember which one).  And I'm very glad I didn't wait to pick it up and start reading.   Which I should be getting back to now.  The tension is building...

Siren's Call

Title: Siren's Call

Author: Jayne Castle aka Jayne Ann Krentz [Website][Facebook] aka Amanda Quick

Publisher: JOVE

Series: Harmony, Bk 12 ; Rainshadow, Bk 4 or 5 (depending on how you look at it)

ISBN: 9780515155747

Length: 323 pages

Obtained: Personal copy, purchased new

Why this book?:

I really enjoy this series and author.  When I saw it on the shelves I decided I needed to buy it (thankfully it is a paperback and therefore more affordable).  And then when it came out of the bag about a week later (my bad), I had to read it right away (nevermind that I was exhausted and had work the next morning).

Comments:

I liked Ella, Rafe, and, of course, Lorelei the dust bunny.  In fact, I love the Harmony and Rainshadow books overall.  They have managed to maintain their quick read status when I am becoming increasingly distracted and restless with my reading.

I thought the siren bit was cool, and the secret genetically passed down psychic ability is a theme I'm happy to revisit that makes the heroine "unmatchable" (but not really) brought me fond memories of the St. Helen's books (which I'll admit, I miss) as well as other Harmony books.

The alien dinosaur bit was interesting.  I thought the timing amusing considering Jurassic World coming out the same year.

Anyway, I look forward to future Harmony/Rainshadow books, as always.

Spider's Trap

Title: Spider's Trap

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fanatsy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 13

ISBN: 9781501105173

Length: 372 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Love this series!

Comments:

Gin has another enemy after her, but this time she doesn't know who.  Living constantly on alert and worrying about friends/family seems to be wearing on her as time goes on.  I continue to love this series, enjoyed this book, and look forward to book 13, Bitter Bite.

Catch-up, Pt 4

Title: Horse of a Different Killer
Author: Laura Morrigan [Website][Facebook][Twitter]
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
ISBN: 9780425257210
Obtained: Library copy

I enjoy this series, though once again I found myself scraping my brain to remember what happened in the first two stories leading up to it.  This time around Grace's sister is suspected of murder, Grace's usual sources are unavailable to her for one reason or another, and she must scramble to find the truth... and a missing possibly mistreated horse along the way.

I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

Title: Texts From Mittens: A Cat Who Has an Unlimited Data Plan and Isn't Afraid to Use It
Author: Angie Bailey [Website][Website/Book Facebook][Website/Book Twitter]
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 9780373893225
Obtained: Library copy

Very cute.  Parts were funny and needed to be shared.  Parts were silently amusing.  And parts were okay, moving on...

Title: Through the Woods
Author: Emily Carroll [Website (scroll down for "About" section)][Publisher Page][Twitter]
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 9781442465954
Obtained: Library copy 

This is a series of stories all featuring a "through the woods" element.

The thing about this book is that you need to pay attention to the recommended ages.  Because my 7yo nephew came to look at it with me, and I was reading aloud (just because I enjoy it).  He didn't understand the first story (and I didn't explain), and the second story creeped him out so bad he had nightmares.  When he saw the cover nearly a month later he called it the "bad book".  So FYI, it is intended for "Ages 14 and up".

But back to reading aloud, it works wonderfully with a low slow tone.  I loved the atmosphere and flow of the stories.  The one story I didn't care for was "The Nesting Place".  Ugh.  But otherwise the stories shared a kind of cool and creepy feel, with corresponding images.

Title: Day Shift
Author: Charlaine Harris [Website][Facebook][IMDb]
Publisher: ACE Books
Series: Midnight, Texas, Bk 2
ISBN: 9780425263198
Length: 307 Pages
Obtained: Library copy

I enjoyed this book, and Midnight Texas.  This is a multi-perspective story, but it works.

Once again, though I am left knowing I really need to read and/or re-read some of Charlaine Harris's other series.  I especially need a refresher on the Sookie Stackhouse series, because a couple more came out in this story and some of the story line actually reflected things that had happened in the Sookie series.  But I also need to read the Aurora Teagarden books (which I never did) and finish the Lily Bard books.

Title: Garden of Lies

Author: Amanda Quick aka Jayne Ann Krentz [Website][Facebook] aka Jayne Castle

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399165153

Length: 359 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?: I read everything new by AQ/JAK/JC

Comments:

The heroine's name is Ursula.  That is what first struck me about the book.  When I hear Ursula, I don't think historical English woman (though I suppose that suits).  I think Disney villain - one that creeps me out more than most other Disney villains.  Once I pushed past that I was able to continue with and enjoy the story.  It has many of the same characteristics that make AQ/JAK/JC books comfort reads, so it was a feel good story.  Nothing else especially stood out as being something I should mention though.

Catch-up, Pt 2

I continue to attempt catching up with the many books read but not posted in months.

Title: Loot: How To Steal a Fortune

Author: Jude Watson [Website] aka Judy Blundell [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Scholastic Press

ISBN: 9780545468022

Length: 266 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book:

It features thieves, and I love books about thieves.

Comments:

It was okay, but not as good as I had hoped when I read the blurb and requested the library purchase it.

Christine Feehan [Website][Facebook][Twitter]'s GhostWalker Series

A friend asked me to be in her wedding.  While we were discussing old times, she asked if I still read Christine Feehan (an author I introduced her to)'s books.  I said I hadn't in a while.

But afterwards I suddenly felt like catching up on this particular series. So I read all that have been published to date.  I'll indicate if it was a re-read or new to me next to the title.

1. Shadow Game (re-read)
2. Mind Game (re-read)
3. Night Game (re-read)
4. Conspiracy Game (re-read)
5. Deadly Game (re-read)
6. Predatory Game (re-read)
7. Murder Game (re-read)
8. Street Game (re-read ... I think)
9. Ruthless Game (new-to-me)
10. Samurai Game (new-to-me)
11. Viper Game (new-to-me)

Comments:

These seem to be focusing more and more on sex.  I guess I should expect that, but it was annoying because I was skipping chunks of pages looking for the story toward the end of the series.  But I am still interested in reading more, so we'll see how it goes with future books.

Title: An Early Wake

Author: Sheila Connolly [Website][Facebook] aka Sarah Atwell [Berkley Prime Crime]

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: County Cork Mystery, Bk 3

ISBN: 9780425252536

Length: 291 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've been enjoying this series and author.

Comments:

Offered an interesting look into Irish musical history.  I enjoyed the overall story, but there were some inconsistencies that frustrated me beyond belief.  I had to keep setting the book down and distracting myself from whatever inconsistency before I moved on.

Nora Roberts [Website][Website 2][Facebook] re-reading and catch-up and all new...

Title: Brazen Virtue (re-read)

Follows Sacred Sins.  I've re-read this before and know and like the story.  But this time I saw it with fresh eyes.  Oh, technology.  How it does date books so.  I was 4 yo when this book was published.

The Sign of Seven Trilogy (new-to me ; catch-up)

Blood Brothers
The Hollow
The Pagan Stone

I had some trouble with picking these up when they came out years ago (even though I do own all of them).  Once I actually started I found myself caught up.  The books were interesting, and I liked the characters.

The Circle Trilogy (new-to-me ; catch-up)

Morrigan's Cross
Dance of the Gods
Valley of Silence

If I was going to catch-up on some unread trilogies, I may as well go all the way.  I was apparently in the right frame of mind for vampires now (that is, initially, why I never read this series).  I breezed through the series; I especially looked forward to the vampire's story in the 3rd book of the trilogy.

Title: The Liar (new)

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399170867

Length: 501 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the newest Nora Roberts.

Comments:

It was pretty interesting: 1) the look at verbal abuse and its spiraling effect, 2) how one falls into the web of a master con-man, 3) how someone can pick themselves back up.

Shelby did seem to go from being shamed (courtesy of lies of an abuser) to proud (she had to do all the financial pick-up herself... no bankruptcy etc. for her).  But I still liked her.  And Griffin was pretty good too.  I did figure certain key aspects out way before any of the characters in the book.  Maybe because I've seen it in other books/movies before.  And I'll say no more lest I give something away.

Black Widow

Title: Black Widow

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 12

ISBN: 9781476774541

Length: 357 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'm a big fan of this series.

Comments:

Once again I was tense through much of this book.  It was pretty consistently high danger.  The exception being some of the description, which I tend to skim over (I'm not a very visual reader - I "hear" more than "see" when I read.)  There are flashbacks, which I'm not a fan of, but as long as they remain about events that I haven't already read are acceptable.  And they were relevant to the story.  Which is...

Gin's world is constantly changing as she faces each new bad dude, and her conflict with MM Monroe will bring even more change.  The late big bad Mab's daughter has finally chosen to strike out at Gin.  She isn't so direct as her mother, and her maneuvering seems to hit all the harder because of it.  But Gin isn't one to just back down.

I can't wait to read the next book, Spider's Trap, due out July 2015.

Poison Promise

Title: Poison Promise

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 11

ISBN: 9781476771502

Length: 389 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I love this series. I was about to read the most recent book when I realized I hadn't read this one.

Comments:

As usual with the Elemental Assassin books, I enjoyed Poison Promise.  Though I don't know that "enjoy" is the right word as I'm caught up with tension waiting to see how Gin will work things out for most of the story.  There are so many factors that I do enjoy however. 

1) It is an assassin story, and I have a thing for thief and assassin stories. 

2) The characters are great. 
    a) Gin, who is conflicted, but I can't help but like.  Her loyalty to her friends and family is fabulous.  Her resilience is something to behold. 
    b) Owen, who is like a rock for her now.  I think I may be half in love with him myself. 
    c) Finn who is so funny and another constant for Gin. 
    d) Etc. (and there are several others)

3) Despite the tension, there is always humor in these books.  As I read I'll find myself grinning at some line or other.  Unfortunately, when I repeat it aloud the line usually doesn't sound as funny, so the humor obviously has a lot to do with context.

4) The hook.  I don't know that this is a good thing when I have to wait for the next book, but for books like this one, where I have the next one ready to go, it is very good.  I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, per se.  But the individual story has been resolved.  You have that satisfaction.  It's the overall arc that keeps things moving from one book to the next.

Needless to say I am eager to begin book 12 in the series, Black Widow.

The Killing Time

Title: The Killing Time

Author: Tim Waggoner [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Titan Books

Series: Grimm, Bk 3

ISBN: 9781781166581

Length: 262 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's Grimm!

Comments:

I was so excited about this book, so I don't know why it took me so long to start it after I checked it out early October.  Of course once I started it, I zipped through it.

I'm getting ahead of myself though.  I was pleased that the characters felt pretty spot on in this one.  The only character that seemed different was Nick, but those differences were internal (so not necessarily something I'd get from the TV show) and necessary for the story.

This story falls after the voodoo-priest/Cracher-Mortel story arc and before the more recent loss of powers bit.  A shapeshifter type of Wesen called Wechselbalg has come to Portland.  Nick's had an in person encounter with unpredictable and not pleasant results.  It's reeking havoc; the last such occurrence (Wechselbalg taking on Grimm form) led to such horror that it is called the Killing Time.  Is it possible for Nick and friends to avoid a repeat of this, or are they doomed to repeat history?

Anyway, I'm so happy novels are being written for this show and really hope the series continues on both TV and book levels.  The first three books came pretty quickly one after the other, but I'm pretty concerned that I haven't seen anything about a fourth title yet.  Maybe they are slowing down as they're approaching being caught up with the show?

Ghost Layer

Title: Ghost Layer

Author: Robin D. Owens [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Berkley Sensational Paranormal Romance

Series: Ghost Seer, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780425268919

Length: 291 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I requested the library purchase it as soon as I saw it was coming.  I enjoyed the first book in the series.  And Robin D. Owens is one of my favorite authors.

Comments:

I had forgotten quite a bit about the romance aspect of the first book, but I remembered Clare and her ghost dog Enzo, and the major ghost of Ghost Seer, Jack Slade.  It's kind of unfortunate that his ancestor had made more of a lasting impact than the hero, Zach Slade, did.  But I quickly remembered him as I read.  And I do like him (as well as Clare and Enzo).


This time Clare has been hired to take care of a ghost prospector who is leaving less than desirable presents in the bed of a multimillionaire's lady guests.  The multimillionaire in question is a jerk, but Clare needs to help her ghosts - for their sake and hers.  So she pushes on, despite not only the negative attitudes, but also the danger as someone obviously doesn't want her poking into history.  But what could anyone have against solving the murder of a ghost 100+ years dead?

I read this quickly (considering my distastefully slow reading schedule these days), and I look forward to seeing more of Clare, Zach, and Enzo in the 3rd book, Ghost Killer, due out in February.

Nightshifted

Title: Nightshifted

Author: Cassie Alexander [Website][Twitter][Facebook] aka Erin Cashier [Website][Author Page]

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Series: Edie Spence, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780312553395

Length: 331 pages

Obtained: Library ILL copy (apparently my local library's copy is boxed up somewhere)

Why this book?:

The author was listed on fantasticfiction.co.uk's "Visitors to this page also looked at these authors" list for ... someone.  I can't remember who but someone in the Fantasy/Paranormal realm of things.

Comments:

For the most part I enjoyed this book.  Not so much the sex stuff, but the rest was fine.  I love the concept.  There was a bit much going on, but I was rooting for Edie anyway.

Edie's a nurse.  But she's not just any nurse.  She's a nurse on the secret floor for those in the paranormal world needing medical attention.  Vampires, werewolves, zombies, oh my!  She accidentally causes the death of a "daytimer" (blood donor for a vampire(s)).  Before that he asks her to help him with his quest.  So off she goes to do what he could not, only to get herself into a load of trouble.  How can she get out of it and make things right?

I plan on continuing with the series.  I want to see where it goes (although I'm angry at myself for reading a blurb of a future book and spoiling things for myself already!).

The Hot Zone

Title: The Hot Zone

Author: Jayne Castle aka Jayne Ann Krentz [Website][Facebook] aka Amanda Quick

Publisher: Jove Novel

Series: Rainshadow Island, Bk 3 (Though technically the 3rd book in the Looking Glass Trilogy is the 1st Rainshadow book, making this book 4) ;  Harmony, Bk 11

ISBN: 9780515154726

Length: 338 pages 

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'm a fan of the author, series, and world.  I was immediately drawn to it.

Comments:

I picked this up and finished it in one day.  That doesn't happen often with me anymore.  I was immediately engrossed and didn't want to put it down.  

Some of the connection between the heroine and hero may have been rushed, but I didn't care.  I can't wait for more.  Sedona was great in particular.  She's been through a lot, but she's making life work.  As can often be found in JAK/AQ/JC books, family also plays a role.  Despite the fact that it obviously has a place in the story, the family aspect was a bit rushed as well.

Actually, as a whole the book kind of felt like a novella, in that I could have had more all the way around.  But it still didn't disappoint.  Maybe it just felt that way because the pace was so fast?  After the initial introduction into what happened to Sedona, the scene jumps to her life on Rainshadow.  From then on time seems to fly, and everything takes place in a short time span.

Anyway, as always the dust bunnies were awesome.  Lyle's always there when Sedona needs him, and he's also there for the community in Rainshadow - both the human community (namely the children) and the dust bunny one.

The Halloween aspect seemed a bit early (I was surprised the book wasn't released a little later), but that was okay.  It's already out in the stores as well.  And it was interesting to see Halloween portrayed in the world of Harmony.

I am looking forward to the next JAK/AQ/JC book (Trust No One by JAK, due out Jan. 2015) and especially the next Rainshadow/Harmony book.

A Skeleton in the Family

Title: A Skeleton in the Family

Author: Leigh Perry [Website][Facebook] aka Toni L. P. Kelner [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Family Skeleton Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780425255841

Length: 291 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I was at work, going to lunch, and I didn't have the forethought to bring a book to read with me to work.  So I checked one out that I had checked out previously but hadn't gotten around to.

Comments:

I don't know if I read the blurb for this at some point, but if I had it had completely escaped my memory.  So I was very surprised to find there is a walking talking skeleton in this book!  Forget ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and zombies.  A skeleton!  Like Skull Boy on Ruby Gloom! Or like you might see on Halloween.  Perhaps you can tell I was a bit excited by this new paranormal twist.

Anyway... 

Georgia has moved into her parents' (who are currently on sabbatical) house with her teenage daughter.  She has a new adjunct position at the local university.  She takes her daughter to a nearby comic/anime convention and brings Sid, the household skeleton (dressed up) with.  While there he recognizes someone from his past.  From there the story moves through the past and present as they work to find out who Sid was, what happened to him, and figuring out who killed the professor Sid recognized in this modern day.  Throughout, the story of how Sid became part of the family unfolds.

I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the second book in the series, The Skeleton Takes a Bow (due to be released this September 2014).

Ghost Seer

Title: Ghost Seer

Author: Robin D. Owens [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Berkley Sensation Paranormal Romance

Series: Ghost Seer, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780425268902

Length: 296 pages + "Author's Note and Acknowledgements"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

As soon as I saw Robin D. Owens was putting another book out I requested the library purchase it.  This was just after I caught up with the Celta series.

Comments: 

 So this is a new series by Robin.  It is actually set in the western part of the U.S. (primarily Colorado) the entire time.  This is different than the two series I have read before - "Celta Heartmate" and "Llandra" (I haven't tried the "Enchanted" series yet).  The writing, the characters, the "voice" that all remains the same.  But I have to say I think the setting changed the feel some.  

And the setting is important.  Main character Clare has developed the ability to see ghosts from a certain period and area.  Namely ghosts from the Old West.  And she needs to live in the area where those ghosts are from.  In this case she is helping the ghost of gunslinger Jack Slade.  I hadn't heard of him before but in the Notes at the end Robin mentions a couple of books she used for her research.  This caught my interest enough that I actually check one of them - The Death of a Gunslinger: The Quest for Jack Slade, the West's Most Elusive Legend - out.  I haven't gotten very far - just the introduction - but we'll see if I can actually keep with it.

Anyway, because this is also a romance we also have a hero in the story.  Zach Slade has always been in police work.  But he was injured on the job, has some lasting wounds, and can no longer work in his chosen field.  The closest he can get is private investigator, as much as he sneers at even the words.  Zach is a very bitter character, but Clare seems to help "heal" his attitude and he improves with time.

And how can I forget Clare's new sidekick, Enzo.  He's a dog... and a ghost.  Which means he can talk.  And apparently he is occasionally something more as well.

Anyway, I still anxiously await another book in the Celta Heartmate series, but I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Ghost Layer, too.  And maybe I'll read the Enchanted series while I wait.

The Pretenders (Cemetery Girl)

Title: The Pretenders

Author: Charlaine Harris [Website][Facebook][IMDb] and Christopher Golden [Website][Facebook][Twitter]; Illustrated by Don Kramer [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: InkLit

Series: Cemetery Girl, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780425256664

Length: 120 + script excerpt of Bk 2: Inheritance

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

As soon as I saw Charlaine Harris had a couple new series coming out I requested the library purchase them.  This was after reading the Harper Connelly series and starting the Lily Bard series.

Comments:

Reading this went very fast.  I started on my lunch hour and was 3/4 through when I had to go back to work.  I finished it that evening.

The story is very graphic (in the violence, etc. not the graphic novel format, though it is that too) and I can definitely see Charlaine Harris's writing in it as that (the graphic nature) is something I noticed quite a bit of in her other series. 

While part of what made it such a fast read is its format, part was due to how engrossing the story was.  I was almost, though not quite, as interested to learn who Calexa was/is as she is.  I found her newly discovered (newly occurring?) abilities intriguing.  Another part of what makes the story move is the jumps in time.  Days, weeks, and months go by, all with just quick notations here or a flash over pictures there.

I was a bit thrown by the way Calexa narrates the stories.  I'll admit I don't read graphic novels often, so perhaps this is normal.  But I expected thought bubbles in present tense, not narrations to catch the reader up on the time jumps.  (I hope that made sense... I don't know how else to explain it.)

Anyway, the story exclusive to this book of the new series revolves around a group of teens that decide to get into some dark stuff in the cemetery where Calexa is living (mostly on whim, but with one serious participant) and get involved in murder.  Calexa is a witness, but can she do anything to seek justice for the victim?

I look forward to reading Inheritance and finding out more of Calexa's past, as well as seeing what other mysteries she will stumble upon while living in a cemetery.

Trailer: