Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke

 

First book of the New Year and a book on the Mystery puzzle list:

I'm going to keep plugging along on reading all of the books that were represented in this puzzle. This is number 11 out of something like 37. I'm not sure. Anyway, some of these books that are presented as the best all time mysteries just aren't doing it for me. Bluebird, Bluebird was one of those books. It was more of an investigation than a mystery. I guess there was a mystery as to who done it. If you are interested in reading books that have racial violence and justice as a theme then this would be a good book for you to read. I hate acts of violence against anyone and so at times it was a bit hard to read. The main character, Darren, was admirable in his desire to find out how a black man died in a small little town in Texas. The desire of the local law enforcement to sweep the crime under the carpet or to arrest an easy target was frustrating and irritating to me. There were times I wanted to put the book down, but I continued on to the end. The ending wasn't very satisfying and I did see that there are two other books in the series with Darren as the main character. I probably won't read them, but they are out there if you find this book to be to your liking. 

The Light by Cindy Vincent

 

In the midst of her husband dying of cancer Libby finds an outlet to help her get through the tough time. Her artistic ability helps her to focus outside of the pain that she is going through. Caleb has made the mistake of a lifetime with his choice of women. Now it is affecting the family business. Will these two be able to find light in the midst of all of their troubles? 

At first I thought this would be a romance, but even though there is a bit of that in the story it doesn't come until almost the end. I enjoyed how the story focused on Libby and Caleb separately. How the reader was able to get to know both characters and their lives and struggles. I do think that the romance was lacking a tad and would have liked to have seen that develop a bit more, but it was a sweet story aside from that and the characters were all very likable. I like how the light theme was carried out throughout the story for Libby and also how Caleb's character developed and matured. Mr. Ritchie was a great character that helped dole out great advice and was invaluable in helping both Libby and Caleb get back on their feet and pointed in the right direction. Even though the subject of Libby's husband dying was heavy I found that this story was "light" and didn't bring the reader into a depth of darkness or sadness that would make the story too depressing to read. I also enjoyed that I read it as Christmas was closing in. Even though I don't believe the theme is a Christmas one I thought it was perfect for this time of year! If you find yourself focusing on the dark this would be a good book to read to remind us that there is still light out there. 

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

 

I absolutely loved this book! If you love fairytales and books that are similar then you must definitely pick this one up. It is the 3rd(and I believe final) book in the Texas Ever After series. This had so many fairytale nods to it! Scarlett Radcliffe is sent away from home when her uncle tries to have her killed because she is heir to her father's estate. Fast forward 15 years and Letty is now days away from being able to claim her inheritance and once and for all put her uncle away. But first she needs to make it home to her mother safely. That is where Philip Carmichael comes in. He is hired to find Scarlett and get her safely home to her mother. As they get to know each other on the trip Philip can't help but wonder if the sweet girl he knows as Letty(with the red cloak and her wolf Rusty as her companion) will change once she dons her rightful place as Scarlett Radcliffe, heiress to the Radcliffe empire. 

Such a sweet story! And so many references to beloved fairytales! I loved Letty's kind and loving and natural personality. I loved her dog Rusty! He almost felt human! The suspense in a couple parts had me closing the book quickly but then opening it again because I couldn't stand not knowing what happened! Author Karen Witemeyer never disappoints and Cloaked in Beauty was I believe my favorite of the 3 books! 

A Troublesome Heart by Holly Schindler

 

Y'all! I've been looking forward to a Ruby's Place installment for several Christmases now and I have to say, they never disappoint and they always get me in the Christmas spirit. There's just something special about Ruby's Place that reminds the reader of the magic and specialness of Christmas. 

This year's installment takes us back to a few years after the speakeasy that became Ruby's Place was busted. Charlie has regrets about that time that he cannot seem to overcome. Walter is a young boy who is a "tenderheart" much to his mother's dismay. And the town crank is about to secretly remind everyone about the magic of Christmas. 

All of author Holly Schindlers books have captivated me, but the Ruby's Place books are special and truly magical. If you are looking for some books to get you in the Christmas spirit this year I highly recommend you check these books out!

All The Days Of My Life by Debbie Viguie

 

Fans of The Psalm 23 Mysteries have waited a hot minute for this one! It did not disappoint! As exciting as all of the others in the series and just as fast-paced!

When Cindy's church decides to set the example and return to camp Green Pastures for a team-building retreat none of the staff is overly thrilled about going back there. Jeremiah is not happy that Cindy is going. Memories of his last trip there still haunt him and many others. Just as predicted things do not go well. Will they all survive or is someone of their friends destined to not make it back? 

Seriously, you will not be able to put this book down. Of course you need to start at the beginning of the series to understand all of the characters. We are nearing the end and I find myself biting nails, holding my breath and praying for characters that I have come to be invested in! Eeep! What will happen next? I'm staying tuned!

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

 

This is book 10 that I have read in the Mystery Puzzle of famous mysteries.

Honestly I can't figure out why this is even considered a mystery. To me it isn't even a psychological thriller. A bunch of college kids drinking and doing drugs. They do something horrible and then have problems dealing with the outcome. I'm wanting to read all of these books so I kept plodding through it but it was long with no redeeming of characters by the end. And speaking of the end...I felt let down and disappointed. But hey, another book down! Go me!

Shadow of Fear by Susan Sleeman

 

As always author Susan Sleeman starts out one of her books with an exciting scene that grabs the reader and doesn't let them go until the very end! Kinsley is being shot at and Devan Graham comes to the rescue of all people! Kinsley is best friends with Dev's sister Jada and years ago Jada made her promise to never date her brother. Even though Kinsley has had a crush on Dev for years she would never break her promise to Jada. Now they are all adults and Kinsley's life is in danger. Can Dev continue to keep his feelings for her secret? Especially since she is now under his protection. As a killer stalks closer and closer to Kinsley, Dev must do everything in his power to keep her safe. 

This is the last of the Shadow Lake Survival series. We are introduced to characters that will be in the next series Lost Lake Locators. I enjoyed the suspense of this one. Having so many suspects kept me guessing as to who was behind the attempts on Kinsley's life and why. The romance between Kinsley and Dev is sweet and I found myself routing for them. A great ending to this series and I'm very much looking forward to the Lost Lake Locators series.