Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My latest in this series is just as much fun as the first and all in-between. Royals, sassiness, murder, and just plain fun! If you've not read or listened to any of them, you REALLY don't know what you are missing! It's light and fun and you're gonna love the characters as much as the story!

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Great! A new series by Rhys Bowen

Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murphy's Law is a perfect title as anything that can go amiss for Molly Murphy, does to this listener's enjoyment as I awaited her escapes and new predicaments as she bewitches a young police captain (second generation Irish lad...of course) and solves the crime. As I like a feisty, bright, inquiring heroine involved in murder mysteries, this was a good fit.

Nicola Barber's narration also worked for me as she brought all the characters to life.

What's also grand is the fact that there are several books in the series being brought to Audible.com at the same time so I don't have to wait what always seems to be an "eternity" for the next in the series to come out! Now all I need to do is make sure I stuff some other good novels in-between so I don't quickly get to the end of the series only to be faced with the "eternity" problem!

If you've not enjoyed her Royal Spyness Mystery series, you could (and should) get stuck into this other series of hers! If you, like I, have, you will find find equal pleasure in the Molly Murphy series if this is any example!

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She got me again!

Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)
by Gail Carriger
Unabridged
Narrated by Moira Quirk

Now I am waiting anxiously for the next book in this new series to appear on Audible.com and the ones thereafter! This may be written for teenagers but this little old lady (DH, too) are real fans of Gail Carringer! There is lots of wit and fun in her writing with a narrator who only adds zest to her words. My only problem is I don't want to turn off the book to go to sleep!

In this new series a "proper" English mother is at her wits end dealing with her most unlady like 14 year old daughter who starts the story by falling out of the dumb waiter causing a dessert to plop over the rug and a lady visitor. It's the final straw! She jumps at the visitor's recommendation to send the child off to "finishing school"...IMMEDIATELY! Next thing, the head of the school appears to whisk her away. The trip to the school is eventful when they are attacked. But they make it to the school...which is floating above them. Even more startling is finding out the curriculum  includes spy training as well deportment and all the other things a proper young woman should now to become a proper English wife and mother.

I highly recommend you fix yourself a "cuppa", find a comfy chair, and settle in for a fun listen as knit or shell peas or whatever. You might want to close the door from others so you don't have to explain the silly facial smile or the emission of occasional giggles!

Our Red Hot Romance Is Leaving Me Blue by Dixie Cash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect Book for October!

A man is haunted by his dead wife...really? Maybe but for sure she is being aided by her wicked brother. Now if you have a haunting, you need a medium to help you connect or tell you you are being hoodwinked! Enter a real live medium from El Paso who has to prove she is "the real deal".

As always, there is love, laughter, and mystery with my favorite hair dressers/PI! If you've never read or listened to one of the Dixi Cash books, you really don't know what you've been missing with these 2 West Texas ladies! 'specially if you're from Texas and/or the Midland area! My library has all of them and is craving more!

PS I got this one from Audible.com...Holly Adams does a good West Texas impersonation!

PPS There were a couple of instances where I was glad I was not listening and drinking at the same time! But I did get some questioning eyes while listening as I waited in the doctor's office!

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Last to Die by Tess Gerritsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

They said:

For the second time in his short life, Teddy Clock has survived a massacre. Two years ago, he barely escaped when his entire family was slaughtered. Now, at 14, in a hideous echo of the past, Teddy is the lone survivor of his foster family’s mass murder. Orphaned once more, the traumatized teenager has nowhere to turn - until the Boston PD puts Detective Jane Rizzoli on the case. Determined to protect this young man, Jane discovers that what seemed like a coincidence is instead just one horrifying part of a relentless killer’s merciless mission.

Jane spirits Teddy to the exclusive Evensong boarding school, a sanctuary where young victims of violent crime learn the secrets and skills of survival in a dangerous world. But even behind locked gates, and surrounded by acres of sheltering Maine wilderness, Jane fears that Evensong’s mysterious benefactors aren’t the only ones watching. When strange blood-splattered dolls are found dangling from a tree, Jane knows that her instincts are dead on. And when she learns of Will Yablonski and Claire Ward, students whose tragic pasts bear a shocking resemblance to Teddy’s, it becomes chillingly clear that a circling predator has more than one victim in mind.

Joining forces with her trusted partner, medical examiner Maura Isles, Jane is determined to keep these orphans safe from harm. But an unspeakable secret dooms the children’s fate - unless Jane and Maura can finally put an end to an obsessed killer’s twisted quest.

I thought:

I tried the book because I like the tv series. It's a really good mystery that I wished I had read before ever watching the series. The book does not have the closeness of these two women...the sparkle. I missed it.

If you are a follower of the books, this looks like series closure; a good one as the mystery keeps you one your toes all the way. It works well as standalone book as what backstory is needed is all there. At least for me is was but then I only get unabridged versions.

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Don't let the genre scare you off! It just adds great spice a good mystery that is already a saucy, fun read!

Equal of the Sun: A Novel by Anita Amirrezvani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1576 is the year. Historical fiction is the genre. We are not in England, we are in Iran! The terrain may be different but how different is the roll of royal women, of politics, of danger to life, and court intrigue? That was what I discovered while listening to the Audible.com version.

O, it's through the eyes of a eunuch. I knew nothing more than the obvious about eunuchs so this very enlighting.

I would recommend this book to those who love historical fiction; are familiar with the European timeline but not in another part of the world. It may be a bit harder a read or listen because it is so unfamiliar but at the end, well worth the time and effort.

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With such a title and summary, you hope for a fun, sassy ride. The joy is, you get it! Well, I sure did. I'm glad my friends who love this genre sucked me into it!

Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started listening to this series of books after watching the first few episodes on HBO. While I have continued to watch the show, I have more anxiously awaited each new book as I liked how the different characters came and went or developed into main characters. I have to say, I love the book version so much better than the tv series which deviated so far from the books.

I have had 2 listening marathons and with this, the last in the series, I see another one in my future. I'm glad everything was wrapped up and tied together; maybe not a "happily ever after" for everyone but then life's like that. I'll miss Sookie but she's alway there if I need another marathon of listening pleasure!

Autobiography of Mark Twain: The Complete and Authoritative Edition, Volume 1 by Mark Twain
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is kind of hard to review because I so enjoyed the Mark Twain words but not all the words it takes to get to them...those are repetitive and, well, boring which makes to much frustration.

This is one book that would probably be better gotten in ebook or book format as you can better skip the "in between" part easier. At roughly 25 hours, I would go for the electronic version due to the weight of paper copy.

This is book is for the those with patience and tenacious.

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I first listened to the sample because the plot sounded good. I bought it (from Audible.com) because the narrator was excellent! I was not disappointed.

What do you do if you are a ROYAL but penniless? Your royal father is dead but your mother, a beautiful often married non-royal. Your maternal grandfather is an ex-bobbie. Your half brother is a ROYAL married to penny pincher who has little love for you and would like to get you married off as soon as possible.

Why you go off to London to the "family" house. With no money, no servants can be hired to lay fires or turn on the boiler for heating the water for the bath. Thank God for the grandfather who can teach!

Ok, lodging in hand and house tidied (by your hand). Next item is MONEY. You can't hire yourself out as a maid...what would the queen say! Besides, you don't really know how to do that job. But having open the family town house, you could do that and none would be the wiser...hopefully.

When dressed as a maid, you enter empty homes, get things readied for the family's return and leave. If someone enters unexpected, no one notices you if you keep your head down, do your work and get out after all, you are dressed as a maid.

This is how it starts.

There is the QUEEN who wants our heroine to do her a favor and spy on Cousin Dave and "that woman".

There is a ROYAL the family thinks would be a "good match" (doubtful).

Brother comes to town.

Strange things start to happen. Is she just more clumsy than normal or is someone trying to kill her?

A dead body is found in the bathtub.

Brother leaves town.

Who is the dead man? Why was he killed? Who did it? (Can't blame it on the butler, there is none.) Did Brother do it? Surely not!

There is still house party to go to to meet her "potential" husband, to watch Cousin David and Mrs. Simpson, while pondering who the murderer is (all suspects will be in attendance). All this will make it hard to enjoy the perks of being a royal when she is not only trying to ferret out a killer but avoid being the next victim!

Pillow Puppy

When your pet boy is away, his pillow is your pillow! So says Oscar Wild.

The Blight Way by Patrick F. McManus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sheriff Bo Tully gets a call from one of his citizens who he jailed and later did the same to his sons. He wants the sheriff to come out about a dead body draped over one of his fences. Having viewed the corpse through binoculars, he gives a description of said corpse; white, pinstriped suit, one shoe on, one off but covered with a black sock...not the style of the average citizens.

Thus the story begins. It's a ton of fun with some really good lines added to a good mystery.

Dead Center by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Andy Carpenter, the Paterson, N.J., lawyer whose wealth allows him to work as seldom as he chooses, is recovering from the loss of the love of his life, Laurie Collins, who has moved home to Findlay, Wis., to become the acting chief of police. When Laurie calls Andy for help after arresting 21-year-old Jeremy Davidson for murders that she thinks he didn't commit, Andy can't resist heading off to Findlay with his faithful dog, Tara."

Who should read or listen to this one? People who love a good mystery. People who enjoy humor. People who enjoy the romance between Andy and Laurie. People like ME!

Loyalty in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lt. Eve Dallas not only has to fight a mad bomber but solve a murder mystery ...wait, could the 2 be connected? If so, How and Why?

Read or listen and find out for yourself! It's very exciting!

Sex, Murder And A Double Latte by Kyra Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Remember, I've read other of Kyra Davis' books...not in order...love books you don't have to read in order to enjoy!

This series is witty and quick and great fun! Perfect for a cozy read or listen when the weather is icky or you just need a bit of a giggle. In this one we have art and murder and new men but who is the really bad boy? A Russian who is not who he "claims" to be, an artist who's work some people think a 5 year old could do, or a vampire want to be?

I'll never tell, so you better go get a copy of your own!

Chesty got a hair cut!

 I'm sitting! I'm sitting! Give me the cookie!!!

 I brought her the moonkee but she keeps playing with the outer! 

Ok, I know it's silly but you gotta get baby pictures in the first year!

Time to Laugh!

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:  

Men Are Just Happier People --

What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put.

The garage is all yours.

Wedding plans take care of themselves.

Chocolate is just another snack...

You can be President.

You can never be pregnant.

You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.

You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

Car mechanics tell you the truth.

The world is your urinal.

You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.

You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.

Same work, more pay.

Wrinkles add character.

Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.

People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.

New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.  

One mood all the  time.  

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.

You know stuff about tanks.

A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.

You can open all your own  jars.

You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

If someone forgets to invite you,

He or she can still be your friend.  

Your underwear is  $8.95 for a three-pack.

Three pairs of shoes are more than enough..

You almost never have strap problems in public.

You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes..

Everything on your face stays its original color.

The same hairstyle lasts for years, even decades.

You only have to shave your face and neck.  

You can play with toys all your life.

One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons.

You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife.

You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.  

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives

On December 24 in 25 minutes.

 

  ___________________________________

Men Are Just Happier People

  NICKNAMES

If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.  If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Bubba and Wildman.

 

EATING OUT

When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50.  None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.

 When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

 

MONEY

           A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.

            A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

 

BATHROOMS

A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel.

The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337.  A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

 

ARGUMENTS

            A woman has the last word in any argument.

            Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

 

FUTURE

            A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.

            A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

 

 

MARRIAGE

            A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.

            A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

 

DRESSING UP

A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.

            A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

 

NATURAL

         Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.

            Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

 

OFFSPRING

 Ah, children.  A woman knows all about her children.  She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.

 A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A married man should forget his mistakes.  There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!