Review: Death of a Prankster

Death of a Prankster

MC Beaton

Andrew Trent has invited his family to his Scottish Estate for an important announcement. Most if not all the members of the family can't stand Andrew Trent. Mr. Trent is the type of joker who most people would detest, with petty tricks designed to make the victim feel foolish or annoyed. Nevertheless, the family turns up because he's told them he's at death's door. Of course, they all want to know if they will inherit some or all of his vast fortune. If not for the hint of money there would be no reason for any of them to attend this dreaded gathering.

Upon arrival it becomes clear the Trent may not be on death's door, after all, it was just one of his pranks, used to entice them to Arrat House. But, the joke may be on Trent this time, when his body is discovered in a wardrobe in a guest bedroom. The twisted turn of events means Hamish Macbeth will have to search high and low to find out who wanted Mr. Trent dead.

As usual, M.C. Beaton has created a fun and entertaining drama. Hamish Macbeth, the officer responsible for the village of Lochdubh, with the help of his friend Priscilla will do all he can to find the answer to this puzzle before the police from Strathbane can take all the credit.

Review: Key Lime Pie Murder

Key Lime Pie Murder

Joanne Fluke

Hannah Swensen owner of The Cookie Jar in Lake Eden Minnesota has been asked to stand in as a judge at a baked goods competition at the county fair. She is enjoying her task sampling and judging cakes and pies until she finds a body at the fairgrounds late one night. Unfortunately, that body belongs to another judge in the baking competition. Willa Sunquist, a teacher's assistant hasn't been back in town long, but Hannah has a feeling that Willa was spooked by something or someone she noticed at the fairgrounds while they were sampling baked goods. Hannah is determined to find out who at the fairgrounds is responsible for Willa's death. She will have the help of her family and friends and also from her two male suitors, Mike and Norman.

Key Lime Pie Murder is another installment in the Hannah Swensen series, where Hannah is not only determined to catch a killer but also determined to find the winner of Lake Edens best-baked goodies. And just so the reader doesn't leave this book feeling hungry, the author has included many of the recipes of the winning entries. For those who enjoy a lighthearted cozy mystery, this is one for you.

Review: The Other Woman

The Other Woman

Sandie Jones

Emily thinks she found her Mr. Right. Adam is the man she never expected to meet much less fall in love with. Frankly, she couldn't be happier, until she meets his mother, Pammie. Emily can do nothing right in Pammie's eyes. Emily can't stand the way Pammie is kind to her in front of others but cruel and manipulative when alone. Eventually, the toxic relationship between the two starts to take a toll on Emily. Nevertheless, she decides to soldier on as she plans for her perfect wedding. Of course, if Pammie has anything to do with it, the marriage isn't going to happen.

When Emily thinks she's had enough of the insufferable family dynamics, she finds she hasn't begun to understand what lies behind the complex relations of her fiance's family. She may have misjudged things right from the start.

This fascinating story about tangled relations was one I couldn't put down. Every page made me wonder about Emily. What did she want, how she was going to get it and, was worth it? As the cover of this book promised, the ending was one I hadn't seen coming. Jones has managed to craft an intricate story that is not only well written and suspenseful but full of ups and downs. Which makes The Other Woman a book I would highly recommend if you like an unexpected end.

Thanks to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Adventure at Simba Hill

Adventure at Simba Hill

Susan Runholt

Lucas and Kari are two 14-year-old friends and amateur sleuths from Minnesota, who get the chance to travel to Kenya with Kari's uncle. Uncle Geoff is an archaeologist studying ancient artifacts at a place known as Simba Hill. While he is working the girls will have the opportunity to go on safari and at some point visit the archaeological site and see more of Uncle Geoff's work.

Once they arrive, they learn from a colleague of Uncle Geoff that there has been trouble at the excavation site. When the driver at the game park and lodge where Lucas and Kari are staying is accused of the crime, the girls decide to investigate further, hoping to uncover the real culprit.

Adventure at Simba Hill is an excellent book for the young reader. It's full of fun and adventure, with good descriptions of Kenya, its people, culture, and environment. Kari and Lucas make this a memorable tale and one that young readers with interest in travel and adventure are sure to enjoy.