Movie Review: Enola Holmes 3 (2026)

Title: Enola Holmes 3

Length: 1h 45m

Released: 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Action/Adventure, Romance
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Detective Enola Holmes heads to Malta, where her aspirations merge in her most complex and dangerous case yet.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Number 3 babbbyyyy!

We are back with Enola and crew. This time they are in Malta, and Enola is about to wed. Gasp. But a kidnapping, murder, and many a mystery land on her shoulders to solve, so the wedding is postponed. 

Like the others, this was fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should the viewer. There is humor and a LOT of fourth wall breaking. 

My biggest issue with the film was the lack of mystery. Yes, it is "there," sure, but the first like 5 mins for sure ruins the mystery. Sure, our fearless detective doesn't know, but we know. I did not like that one bit. Like, come on. 

It was fun to uncover the what and why. Enola was on a clock and 10 steps behind for so long. Plus...fixing what she broke was nice to see. I think he was being a little.....dramatic. But it is what it is. 

Oh! I did like the serious tones near the end. It was nice to keep this from being too campy. 

In the end, I had fun with this. The local was fun, the mission was okay, and there were some nice serious tones attached that helped deepen the story. Yes, yes, I laughed a few times at the funny moments.

3 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: How It Ends by Rachel Howzell Hall

Author: Rachel Howzell Hall

Narrator: Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Title: How It Ends

Genre: Mystery/Thriler, Contemporary, Novella

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 25, 2021

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Marti Greenwood has just moved into a brand-new home after a bitter divorce from her husband Emery, and while she’s still not quite done with him—of course, some of her most cherished possessions are nowhere to be found once she unpacks her things—a fresh start in a beautiful LA neighborhood is exactly what she needs.

But days after her arrival, Marti is attacked in her home. She's found shaken and beaten, and her neighbors immediately call the police. She never saw the face of her attacker, so there is little to go on as detectives open an investigation—but Marti will do whatever it takes to find her assailant.

Review:

Randomly found this little one, so why not? I needed something short and something thriller-y. 

Here, we follow Marti, who has just moved into a new home after a bitter divorce from her husband, Emery. She wants to be done with him, but he took some of her most cherished possessions. Days after she moved in, Marti is attacked and left shaken and beaten. She never saw the face of her attacker, and her ex has a strong alibi. There is little to go on, and the detectives have pretty much given up. Marti will do whatever it takes to find her assailant so she can finally have peace. 

This was a quick listen, and I was thankful. I needed something quick. 

Poor Marti.. I just want her to be happy and safe. 

Her ex is an ass. 

The one neighbor is a creep. 

Her one friend pissed me off. 

The mystery/thriller was intense but slightly predictable. HOWEVER, the resolution was great. It was good. I literally smiled. *clap*

Narration was good. She did a fine job overall. A lot of the women's voices sounded a bit familiar, so you have to pay attention.

All-in-all, this was good and intense. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #29

 

Audiobook Review: An Ordinary Sort of Evil by Kelley Armstrong

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Narrator: Kate Handford

Title: An Ordinary Sort of Evil

Series: A Rip Through Time #5

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: May 19, 2026

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Mitchell has grown accustomed to life in Victorian Scotland after travelling 150 years into the past into the body of a housemaid. She’s built a new life for herself. Even though she works as an assistant to forensic-science pioneer Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie, she considers them true friends. And with Gray in particular, perhaps, someday, something more.

Late one night, Gray and Mallory are summoned urgently to the home of Lady Adler, a patron of Gray’s undertaking business, and they assume there's been a death in the household. But instead, they arrive in the midst of a seance with a ghost demanding Gray's presence. The ghost is Lady Adler's former maid, who had gone missing but now requests that Gray investigate her murder. Although Gray and Mallory are skeptical, they agree to look into the matter, whether she's dead or alive. But unsure if there's been a murder or not, unable to call out the medium as a fraud, and concerned for the fate of the young maid, Gray and Mallory are once again drawn into a mystery much more puzzling--and more dangerous--than it first seems

Review:

Been itching to listen to this, but I had a couple of other audios I had planned first. I am loving this series so much. 

We are back with Mallory and the gang! They are called to a seance after a ghost demanded that Gray solve her murder. Problem? Is the former maid ACTUALLY dead or even missing? Even though they are skeptical, they agree to look into the matter. Even if there is no murder, they can call out a medium as a fraud.

EEEEEEE. Big steps are made in the Mallory-Gray love story. I was squealing like a schoolgirl. I won't say anything more, but big leaps have been made. In all the other books and novellas, there have been baby steps and crawls. Maybe a step back here and there, but things are really pushing! 

I NEED MORE!!!! When is the next book??? EEEEE!

All the EEEEEEs with this book. 

This might be one of my favorites of the series so far. The mystery was sooo good. I had zero idea what was going to happen. Who did what and why and when and so forth. All lovely. 

Lots of character growth and fun dialogue. 

And a surprise guest! I will say no more there. 

The narrator is amazing. I hope she continues the series. Her voice is the only voice I hear. 

5 stars 100%. Read the series. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #26

 

Audiobook Review: Murder at Raven's Edge by Louise Marley

Author: Louise Marley

Narrator: Christopher Bonwell
Title: Murder at Raven's Edge

Series: An English Village Mystery #1

Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller, Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  May 7, 2024
Where I Got It: Audible 

Summary: 

When Milla Graham returns to her childhood home of Raven's Edge after eighteen long years away, she finds the perfect English village looks much the same – all rose-covered cottages, nosy neighbours, and chintzy teashops full of scones and gossip.

But her nostalgic visit takes a dark turn when the body of a local woman is discovered in an abandoned manor house on the edge of the forest. The murder scene is chillingly close to that of Milla’s own mother, whose death was never solved. As she begins to investigate the connection, Milla realizes this adorable village is guarding some dark secrets.

Handsome, grumpy local policeman Ben Taylor doesn't believe in coincidences, and he doesn’t think mysterious newcomer Milla Graham is as innocent as she seems. Why is she really here in Raven’s Edge, and how come she keeps turning up at his crime scenes, causing trouble? Can he solve this murder case without losing himself – or his heart – to the rather distracting Miss Graham?

When another body is found, everyone becomes a suspect – from the barmaid at the local pub to Milla Graham herself. It seems that in Raven's Edge, not everybody is as friendly, or as innocent, as they first seem...

Review:

This was my pick for book club!

Here we follow Milla and Ben. Ben is a grouchy policeman who doesn't believe in coincidences, and he doesn't trust newcomer Milla Graham. Why is she really here in Raven's Edge? How come she keeps turning up at his crime scenes? There is a murder, and she is connected somehow. Milla returns home to Raven's Edge after 18 years. She is here to figure out who really killed her mother and why. When a body shows up that is eerily similar to her mother's...she knows that her life could be in danger. Can she trust Ben? Can she trust herself? 

It took me a minute to get fully into the story. I didn't like Milla. I didn't trust her. Every other word is a lie. I guess I'm a grumpy man like Ben hahahaha. But once we really got past her web of lies to others and to herself, I grew to like her. I wanted the truth to come out. 

Honestly... my biggest takeaway from this book is that if people told the truth, none of this would have happened! Yes, some lies were meant to protect, but in the end...it made things worse. I wanted to shake everyone. THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREEEEEEE!

I enjoyed the mystery and uncovering it. There were times I was super confused, but then by the end it ALL made sense. The ending made me happy. 

The narrator did an okay job. His voices for characters weren't that different, so you really had to pay attention. 

Overall, I did end up liking this story. The beginning and the one main character were a slow start for me, but it was worth it. Nice mystery and interesting charatcers. I know there was a murder there...but can I move to the town? It sounds like an adorable small town. 

4 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #24

Book Review: Kirkyards and Kindness by Kelley Armstrong

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Title: Kirkyards & Kindness

Series: A Rip Through Time #4.5

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 304

Published:  December 2, 2025

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A year ago, twenty-first-century detective Mallory found herself in 1869 Edinburgh, in the body of Catriona Mitchell, a housemade working for Dr. Duncan Gray, pioneer in forensic science. Shortly after she arrived, she made the unfortunate acquaintence of Catriona’s former criminal mentor, Davina, an entanglement that nearly got Mallory killed. Now she’s about to meet Davina again.

Greyfriars Bobby has disappeared. The little terrier is already a legend, and Davina has made a tidy living showing him off on graveyard tours…while picking the pockets of her guests. When the elderly dog vanishes, Davina calls in a favor from her old student. Mallory agrees to help find Bobby in return for the one thing she’s been unable to get from Davina—the mysterious Catriona’s life story.

Review:

Yayyy. I love this series. This wasn't at my library, so I had to buy it. Not complaining! I couldn't wait for my library to get it. Too impatient ya know? Long-term plan is to buy the whole series anyway.

Greyfriars Bobby has vanished. The little terrier is famous. Davina, someone from Mallory's body's past has been making a profit from guided tours. When the dog vanishes, Davina calls on Mallory to help find him. Mallory and Grey agree to take on the case... for information about Catriona's life story. 

Why did this take me so long to finish? I kept getting distracted by my other reads. And then I would have to start this all over because I would forget what was happening. Whoopsies. 

This was still nice overall, but I felt like....I didn't really care about learning about Catriona. Yes, sad story when we learn, but she was a bad guy at the end of it all still. She did bad things to people, so I guess I don't care. I'm glad Mallory took over her body to do some good. 

I did like our mystery. Bobby!!!!

But yes, this wasn't my favorite, but I still liked it overall. 

3 stars from me. 

Movie Review: The Sheep Detectives (2026)

Title: The Sheep Detectives

Length: 1h 49m

Released: 2026

Genre: Comedy, Family, Mystery
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Drive-In Theater

SUMMARY:

Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I've been wanting to watch this movie since I saw the very first trailer. How freakin' adorable and funny! AND THERE ARE SHEEEP!!!!

Every night, George, the shepherd, reads aloud a murder mystery to his flock. He likes to pretend that the sheep can understand him, but he knows they are just sheep. Little does he know that they have been listening and understand him. When he is found dead one day, the sheep realize they are the only ones who can solve the crime, so they vow to help the local cop. 

This had everything. Cuteness, humor, sadness, mystery, and thought-provoking moments. I really adored it. 

The mystery was nicely done. I totally called it ;) I wasn't sure HOW it was possible, so I didn't get the how. I'll take it as a win. 

OMG THE WINTERLAMB! GIMME!!!!!! I want to snuggle the heck out of that baby. 

The cast was great. 

The ending had me in happy tears. 

I can't wait to watch this again. 

5 stars. 

Audiobook Review: An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten

Author: Helene Tursten

Narrator: Suzanne Toren
Title: An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good

Series: Äldre dam #1

Genre: Mystery, Humor, Novella
Format: Audiobook
Published:  January 1, 2013
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Maud is an irascible 88-year-old Swedish woman with no family, no friends, and…no qualms about a little murder.

Ever since her darling father’s untimely death when she was only eighteen, Maud has lived in the family’s spacious apartment in downtown Gothenburg rent-free, thanks to a minor clause in a hastily negotiated contract. That was how Maud learned that good things can come from tragedy. Now in her late eighties, Maud contents herself with traveling the world and surfing the net from the comfort of her father’s ancient armchair. It’s a solitary existence, but she likes it that way.

Over the course of her adventures—or misadventures—this little bold lady will handle a crisis with a local celebrity who has her eyes on Maud’s apartment, foil the engagement of her long-ago lover, and dispose of some pesky neighbors. But when the local authorities are called to investigate a murder in her apartment complex, will Maud be able to avoid suspicion, or will Detective Inspector Irene Huss see through her charade?

Review:

Randomly came across this while digging through some audios on my Libby app. The cover...the title....the summary....come ON! I had to check it out. 

Maude seems like your A-typical old lady, but there is so much more. She has no family or friends. She loves to travel. She also likes a splash of murder. Murder only happens when it needs to....pesky neighbors, foil the engagement of her good-for-nothing ex, and so forth. Will she be able to avoid suspicion, or will the nosy Detective Irene Huss see through her charade?

I had a lot of fun with this. It had humor and murder. What more can a gal ask for?

The narrator was lovely. She did an excellent job with the different ages. She was perfect for the role. 

There is more, and I want to check it out one day! Maude is good at what she does. I'm curious to see who her next victims are and if Huss will be able to uncover her and expose her. Nice little cat-and-mouse coming up, methinks. 

Short, fun, and perfect for a listen. 5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #20

- Library Love #12

Audiobook Review: Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong

Author: Kelley Amstrong

Narrator: Kate Handford
Title: Death at a Highland Wedding

Series: A Rip Through Time #4

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Published:  May 20, 2025
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

After slipping 150 years into the past, modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson has embraced her new life in Victorian Scotland as housemaid Catriona Mitchel. Although it isn’t what she expected, she's developed real, meaningful relationships with the people around her and has come to love her role as assistant to undertaker Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie.

Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie are on their way to the Scottish Highlands for McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. The McCreadies and the groom’s family, the Cranstons, have a complicated history which has made the weekend quite uncomfortable. But the Cranston estate is beautiful so Gray and Mallory decide to escape the stifling company and set off to explore the castle and surrounding wilderness. They discover that the groom, Archie Cranston, a slightly pompous and prickly man, has set up deadly traps in the woods for the endangered Scottish wildcats, and they soon come across a cat who's been caught and severely injured. Oddly, Mallory notices the cat's injuries don't match up with the intricacies of the trap. These strange irregularities, combined with the secretive and erratic behavior of the groom, put Mallory and Duncan on edge. And then when one of the guests is murdered, they must work fast to uncover the murderer before another life is lost.

Review:

This series is great. I am loving it soooo much. 

We are back with Mallory and the crew. This time, they are heading up to the Highlands for a wedding. McCreadie's sister is marrying the eldest Cranston. This is slightly awkward and uncomfortable due to a...complicated history. After a series of events, a guest is found murdered, and they must work fast to uncover the truth before the wrong person is charged or another body appears. 

We got a LOT of backstory in this one with McCreadie and the crew. Mallory, being from a different time, didn't know the full story, and soon, we find out there are secrets that everyone is keeping. I loved every second of it!

Between finding the murderer and uncovering secrets....it was addicting. I didn't want to stop listening!

At the same time, Mallory is realizing she has feelings for Dr. Grey. I think he has feelings, but Mallory doesn't see it. Victorian men can def keep it close to the chest. 

I am nearly caught up. I have a novella (which I'll be getting to that soon), and then the new one will be released later this month. I may end up buying it because I know my library won't have it :/ Should I just buy the whole series? I can see myself revisiting it! We shall see. 

I hope the narrator continues forth! She is soooo good. She is perfect. 

All-in-all, I adore this series. I adored this book. I want more. Need more...is the right thing to say. 

5 stars. 

 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #17

- Library Love #11

Book Review: Sight Unseen by Alexis Marie

Author: Alexis Marie

Title: Sight Unseen

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 393

Published: March 1, 2026

Where I got It: My shelf (Goodreads giveaway)

Summary: 

Veda Thorne is living on borrowed time. After exhausting every magical cure for the fatal curse trapped inside her, she’s accepted her fate. But Veda’s self-imposed isolation begins to crack when she’s asked to tutor Antaris, a child whose pain calls to her own.

Hiram Ellis left his wealthy, prejudiced family years ago. Now unexpectedly thrust into single fatherhood, he returns to his hometown, determined to build a life far from the cold privilege that stifled his own childhood. The last thing he expects is to be drawn to the fiercely protective, sharp-tongued woman helping his son.

When a trail of enchanted spider lilies leads Hiram and Veda to discover their deadly tie to a prolific serial killer, they’re forced to set aside their differences to unearth long-buried secrets. But the truth is as deadly as Veda’s curse, and both come at a devastating cost. As victims mount and motives emerge, their greatest challenge is choosing to trust and love each other.

Review:

Yayy. Another random giveaway book that I won! Weeee! 

Note - even though I was given this in a giveaway, my review will be honest and unbiased. 

In this one, we follow Veda and Hiram. Veda is living on borrowed time because of the curse that was placed on her. She wants to just live and be left alone. However, her isolation cracks when she is asked to tutor a boy whose recent loss resonates with her. Hiram left his wealthy, but prejudiced, family years ago. He wants nothing to do with them or to be like him. Fatherhood is dropped on his lap. He had no idea his ex had a baby, and now that she is passed, he will do his best to give his son the life and upbringing he never had. He hires Veda to help get his son on track, but he didn't expect to fall for her. On top of all this, there is a trail of spider lilies that is pointing to a serial killer. The two will have to put aside their differences and figure out what is going on. 

This book was a roller coaster for me. One moment, I was glued to the pages and couldn't stop reading. The next moment.....I was clock-watching and bored. And then I was itching for more and wanted more. Def all over the board with this one. 

I went back and forth on how I felt about Veda. I liked Hiram. The kid was sweet. Poor angel.

Peter was nice. I would've liked more of him. 

Some of the side characters seemed cool, but we needed more time with them. Some felt a little....2D?

The mystery was interesting enough. It didn't get really good until a tipping point.

The ending was lovely. Nice bow there. 

Honestly, I would've loved more romance. Yes, yes, I did enjoy the enemies-to-lovers aspect, but it took SOOOO long. A hair too long for my liking. Maybe a few more kisses would've been nice. Oh! Maybe a scene or two of them being close to kissing after fighting. 

Overall, this had a lot of potential, and it would make for a nice series, methinks. I would love to explore more of the world and the system. Maybe some side characters can have their moment in the sun. I wanted more out of this, but I did enjoy lots of it. Thus why it was an emotional roller coaster for me. The parts I liked...I LOVED. The parts I didn't like? Meh.

3 stars. 

Reading Challenges:

- Reading Romance Challenge #14 (Published 2026)

Book Review: How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson

Author: Rebecca Philipson

Title: How to Get Away with Murder

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Format: Paperback

Pages: 368

Published: February 24, 2026

Where I got It: My shelf (Goodreads giveaway)

Summary: 

This fresh debut thriller finds a Scotland Yard detective trying to find the author of a self-help book that promises quite literally to teach readers how to get away with murder, which seems to have inspired London's newest murderer.

Detective Inspector Samantha Hansen has been on leave for six months, recovering from a breakdown she suffered at work, but when a fourteen-year-old girl is murdered in a local park, Sam jumps at the chance to return to the job and prove that she's still got what it takes to be the Yard's most successful homicide detective. One of the cases only leads is a copy of a self-help book found in the victim's backpack called How To Get Away With Murder by a man named Denver Brady.

Brady claims to be the most successful serial killer of our time, which is why no one's ever heard of him. Chapter by chapter, he details his methodology and his past victims, and as Sam's investigation progresses and the details of the book go viral, Sam begins to suspect that there’s more to the author than what he’s revealed. But in order to find a killer and get justice for young Charlotte, Sam must learn to trust her instincts once again, before Denver Brady--or someone else--really does get away with murder.

Review:

I was a lucky duck and won this book in a giveaway! I never, ever win, so I was excited! I think for all the ones I have entered...my number of books I've won is at 2% hahaha. But yes, happy to see this pop up in the mail. 

Note - even though I was given this in a giveaway, my review will be honest and unbiased. 

Here we follow Sam Hansen, who has been on leave for a while recovering from a breakdown she suffered at work. When a 14-year-old girl is found murdered in the local park, Sam knows she has to go back. This case leads this team down a dark road when a copy of a self-help book called 'How to Get Away with Murder' is found on the victim's body. The author claims to be the most successful serial killer of our time, which is why no one's heard of him. Sam is put in charge of finding this author and finding out if there is a connection.

I'll admit...I struggled with the first couple of chapters. However, I grew to love our main, and things were a huge tangle. Who, what, why...so many mysteries afoot but somehow all tied together. I loved watching Sam and her team untangle everything. 

The ending was phenomenal. I really was on the edge of my seat. I purposely woke up early to finish the last half of the book. I HAD TO KNOW. 

This would make a great book club book. I JUST WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE ENDING SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did want to scream with all the times someone was interrupted right when a vital piece of information was about to be shared or thought. Once...okay....twice...errr...more than twice? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? *shakes fist*

But yes, the mystery was good, and I didn't trust anyone except our Sam and her dog, which she saved. THAT ENDING?! I NEED TO TELL SOMEONE!!

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: Schemes and Scandals by Kelley Armstrong

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Title: Schemes and Scandals

Series: A Rip Through Time #3.5

Genre: Mystery, SciFi, Historical Fiction, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 159

Published: December 3, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

It’s Mallory Atkinson’s first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland, that is. Also, as the twenty-first-century detective learns, Christmas really isn’t a thing in Victorian Scotland. It’s all about Hogmanay. But her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the a Charles Dickens reading. There, they bump into Lady Inglis—the lovely widow who has sent Gray sexy letters trying to entice him back to her bed.

Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens—the meeting of a lifetime—but in return she wants their help. She’s being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.

Mallory isn’t sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray’s help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.

Review:

I am simply LOVING this series. I can't get enough of it! The next book is already downloaded and ready to go ;)

We are back in time with Mallory. This is her first Christmas season in Victorian Scotland. Scotland still doesn't really celebrate Christmas, but instead Hogmanay. Dr Gray, her boss and friend, gets tickets to a Charles Dickens show. Mallory LOVES his works and is excited....until a mystery lands in her lap. Lady Inglis is being blackmailed. The letters she wrote to her lover have been stolen, and now she is being threatened with having them published. Inglis was Dr Gray's former lover, but Mallory won't allow this blackmail to go unpunished. She has until Hogmanay to figure it out. 

Sadly, my library didn't have the audio of this, but the ebook was JUST as good. At this point, this narrator's voice is the voice and only voice I hear when I read this story. The ebook did fine enough. EEEE. I should just buy all the audios at this point. I see myself revisiting this series in the future. 

But yes, there is a nasty blackmailer out and about. It's up to Mallory and Dr Gray. We didn't get to see much of the other cast during this. Just a little bit of the one sister and Jack. We did get to meet Charles Dickens and it made my heart happy...but then sad because we know his time is limited before he passes. *cries*

The mystery was easily solvable...maybe a bit too easy. But it is a novella, and we didn't want it too long and stretched out, I suppose. 

I can't wait to get started on the next book. 

100% recommend. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #10

Book Review: The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

Author: Lauren Willig

Title: The Deception of the Emerald Ring

Series: Pink Carnation #3

Genre: Historical Romance, Chick Lit, Mystery

Format: Paperback

Pages: 400

Published: November 16, 2006

Where I got It: My shelf (Walmart...Meijer? I can't recall)

Summary: 

The year is 1803 and England and France remain at odds. Hoping to break the English once and for all, Napoleon backs a ring of Irish rebels in uprisings against England and sends the Black Tulip, France's most deadly spy, to the Emerald Isle to help. What they don't know is that also in Ireland is England's top spy, the Pink Carnation, who is working to shut the rebels down. Meanwhile, back in England, Letty Alsworthy intercepts a note indicating that her sister, Mary, is about to make the very grave mistake of eloping with Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe (second in command of the League of the Purple Gentian). In an attempt to save the family name, Letty tries to stop the elopement, but instead finds herself swept away in the midnight carriage meant for her sister and is accidentally compromised. Geoff and Letty, to each other's horror, find themselves forced into matrimony. Then, Geoff receives word that he is to travel to Ireland to help the Pink Carnation and disappears immediately after their wedding ceremony. Letty learns of Geoff's disappearance and, not to be outdone by her husband, steals away on a ship bound for Ireland, armed and ready to fight for her husband…and to learn a thing or two about spying for England.

As in her previous tales, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation and The Masque Of the Black tulip, our modern-day heroine and hero, Eloise Kelly and Colin Selwick, continue their budding romance in this captivating third novel in the series.

Review:

I'm loving re-visiting this series! It has been one of my favorite series for years. This one is one of my fave books of the series. Awww Letty. 

Here we are with Eloise continuing her research and trying to ignore her feelings for Colin. She turns her research to Letty and Geoff. Letty intercepts a message meant for her sister. It sounds like Mary is planning to elope with Geoff, and what Mary wants...Mary gets. Letty figures that Geoff will be the more level-headed of the two, so she sneaks out to meet him and talk some sense into the man. However, they are discovered...alone...and in a compromising position. Enter the wedding bells, and Geoff hates her because 1) He loved Mary, and 2) Obviously, this was a trap. Lucky for him, duty calls, and he slips to Ireland to join his fellow spies for a mission to save England. Letty finds out and decides to join him and try to talk sense, and maybe find some common ground. Color her shocked when she finds out the man she married is a spy, and she will have to help save England. 

OMG, I forgot how chaotic this book is. In a good way, of course, but sOooooOOOoo much miscommunication and misunderstanding. I forgot about all the hoops and loops. It's all so entertaining LOL.

I wish I could be mad at Geoff, but I totally get his side and his perspective. BUT just hear Letty out, man. GAH. He does eventually become the man Letty deserves, and they DO find common ground, and it's amazing. Love them. 

Mary....meh. 

Vaughn....I love him. 

Jane....awwww.

And honestly, I'm having more fun with Eloise's story. I enjoy it in the past, but I felt like it wasn't as entertaining as the main story. Maybe because I'm older and wiser? 

It was so nice going back because I had forgotten so much, and it kinda felt like when I read it the first time. Awwwww!

5 stars for sure. I can't wait to read the others. 

Reading Challenges

- Reading Romance Challenge #11 (re-read)

Audiobook Review: Disturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Narrator: Kate Handford
Title: Disturbing the Dead

Series: A Rip Through Time #3

Genre: Mystery, SciFi, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Published: May 7, 2024
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Victorian Scotland is becoming less strange to modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson. Though inhabiting someone else’s body will always be unsettling, even if her employers know that she’s not actually housemaid Catriona Mitchell, ever since the night both of them were attacked in the same dark alley 150 years apart. Mallory likes her job as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray, and is developing true friends―and feelings―in this century.

So, understanding the Victorian fascination with death, Mallory isn't that surprised when she and her friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. When their host is missing when it comes time to unwrap the mummy, Gray and Mallory are asked to step in. And upon closer inspection, it’s not a mummy they’ve unwrapped, but a much more modern body.

Review:

Yayyy book 3!

We are back at it with Mallory and crew. Mallory has been in this body and this time period for a while now, and she is finally finding her footing. She is loving being the assistant to Dr. Gray and is friends with him and the others. The Victorians have a fascination with death, so Mallory isn't surprised when they are all invited to a mummy unwrapping at Sir Alastair's house. However, things go awry when the host is missing, and something isn't right with the mummy. Mallory and crew are asked to step in. 

You for sure need to have read the last two books for this one. You can skip the shorts, but there are some references and things you will need to understand. 

Ooooooh Mallory. I love her so. I love the whole crew. I'm even warming up to Gray's other sister and Mrs Wallace.

I'll admit something. I was enjoying myself, but it was feeling....stale at first. I wasn't necessarily bored, but it felt like the other two. The mysteries didn't shock me. It's kind of hard to explain. BUT that all changed after a BIG moment. A nice TWIST. I will not say but that was a nice reminder that there is a fantasy/SciFi element to the story. Eeee. I can't wait for the next book. 

The narrator did a lovely job. Great accents. Great voices for everyone. 

What more?

THIS SERIES IS SO GOOD!!! Read it or do the audio like me. 100% recommend. 

4 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #13

- Library Love #9

Audiobook Review: Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Hollie Jackson
Title: Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #15

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy mystery
Format: Audiobook
Published:  February 27, 2026
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

When Verity Long agrees to be her sister’s maid of honor, she expects wedding cake and champagne—not a dead hostess, a cursed honeymoon suite, and a ghostly bride reliving her tragic final moments. With a killer on the loose, a ballroom full of restless spirits, and Frankie stirring up trouble with a rogue ghost hunter, Verity must race to uncover the truth before Melody’s dream wedding becomes her worst nightmare.

Review:

Yayy book 15! Been waiting so long for this one (*cough* not that long *cough*)

Note......read the other books before this one. Lots of references, etc. 

The time has come for Verity's sister to get married! Verity hopes it will be a calm and beautiful wedding weekend filled with cake and champagne. But alas, that will not be the case.....the honeymoon suite is cursed, there is a ghostly bride reliving her tragic moments, a killer is on the loose, Frankie is causing trouble, and secrets everywhere. It will be up to Verity and team to find the truth and stop Melody's man from being the next victim. 

Always a blast. I simply love Verity and her crew. 

Loved the mysteries. So many red herrings and so many people (and ghosts) with motives. Who knows! I had zero idea until close to the end.

I'm still a little on the fence about our new narrator. This is her second one, and I am still feeling pouty about it. I loved our old voice, but this one is doing okay. Maybe the next book I'll finally settle in with her voice. Sighs. 

But yes, so much fun. Great characters. A fun local change. Wedding. Love. Ghosts. What more can you ask for?

Stamping this with 4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #8

Book Review: Cocktails and Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Title: Cocktails & Chloroform

Series: A Rip Through Time #2.5

Genre: Historical Fiction, SciFi, Mystery, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 138

Published: December 1, 2023

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

For modern-day detective Mallory Atkinson, being trapped in the body of a Victorian housemaid means overcoming endless obstacles. Her current challenge is winning over the suspicious young parlormaid, Alice. Mallory’s plan starts with teaching the girl to make Molotov cocktails, which is a perfectly valid science experiment and not at all a desperate ploy to gain Alice’s attention. Before the lesson can begin, though, Alice receives a letter that has her slipping off in the night. Concerned for her safety—and naturally curious—Mallory follows.

Mallory finds Alice at what seems like a simple dance hall, watching young men and women flirting and whirling in pretty dresses and dapper suit-coats. But nothing here is what is seems, and what starts as a simple surveillance exercise turns into a full-scale spy mission with Mallory’s boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, at her side. Before the evening is done, those Molotov cocktails are probably going to come in handy.

Review:

This series is really growing on me. I'm loving it. 

Here, we follow Mallory on another adventure and mystery. Being transported into this body of someone who wasn't the kindest, she has a lot of making up to do. She wants to win over Alice. Concerned over her safety, Mallory follows Alice to what seems like a simple dance hall. However, nothing there is as it seems. This will turn into a full-scale spy mission that may or may not involve Molotov cocktails. 

This was a fun side adventure for Mallory. It was nice learning more about Alice and seeing them team up. Even though this is just a side novella, I think you should read it, as it seems it will help the plot and character developments in the next book. 

Honestly, this could've been a full-length. I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue and loved seeing Alice join in on the adventure and mystery. Maybe she'll have a bigger role in the next books! One can hope!

I ended up doing the ebook version, which worked well still, but I did miss our narrator's voice. She does such a good job. BUT it is nice that this still worked really well as an ebook. If I can't get my hands on the audio version, it won't stop me from reading the next one. 

All-in-all, I was very entertained with this little novella. Honestly, this should've been a full-length. I would love to see more of the mystery and more of Alice being a sidekick. I can't wait to get my hands on book 3! I 100% recommend this series. 4 stars.