Through a Glass, Deadly by Sarah Atwell

"Through a Glass, Deadly" by Sarah Atwell takes place in Tucson, Arizona. Emmeline is a glassblower. She owns a shop where she shapes glass and makes time to give classes. In her shop wanders the strangest people whether dead or alive. For awhile there isn't time to give glass blowing classes. Emmeline finds herself being interviewed time and time again by the police and the FBI. It's very uncomfortable being asked questions by Matt, the police chief. He used to be the man who kept her heartbeat going flutter, flutter with passion until an unforeseen circumstance entered the picture in heels.

I enjoyed the characters in the book. I had a laugh or two over Cam, Emmeline's brother, falling head over heels in love with Emmeline's stranded just met friend, Allison. He truly reminded me of the too real feelings of puppy love. I also like Emmeline. She's one of those people who believe the best in a person before believing the worse. Plus, she has nerves of steel. It's not easy finding body after body.....

I also loved all the new glassblowing vocabulary at the beginning of every chapter. I felt as though Sarah Atwell really wanted me to appreciate the intricacies of glassblowing. I feel as though I've taken a class in Glassblowing 101. I can't wait to read book number two. If I had to choose one plot change, I would have to say Sarah Atwell might try making her setting come more alive. The part about cacti is wonderful. Tell me more about Arizona. I want to learn as much about Arizona as I have learned about blowing glass. The book is great fun.

Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton

I can't wait to get the next book in this series. I had so much fun with Kelly and all of her friends. The author must love yarn. She describes the yarn like she's describing flavers of sherbert. I just couldn't figure out the solution to the crime. Boy, did I feel shocked to learn the ending. Kelly is from Washington D.C. She goes to Denver to straighten out business matters for her Aunt Helen. Along the way, she learns the most unlikely people have a past. It's fun to go sleuthing with Kelly. Along the way I learned about Alpacas, spinning, etc. It's also spine tingling to go sleuthing with Kelly. She's a very brave woman. Carl, her Rottweiler, might seem like the reason she's so brave. That's not the reason because Carl isn't always with her. It's also fun to read about Kelly learning how to knit. Finally, she learns the stockinette stitch. Hot dog!

One of my favorite character is Lizzie. She's sweet and made me laugh a lot. I especially laughed about the Scotsman. Read the book. You'll see just what I'm talking about.

Death at Wentwater Court by Carola Dunn

Death At Wentwater Court by Carola Dunn

For a long time I have wanted to start the Carola Dunn series. Finally, I have finished the first book in the series, "Death At Wentwater Court." The first book is very good. I have already put the second book of the series on hold at the library.

My one misgiving was that at the beginning there were so many characters being thrown at me. I worried whether it would be necessary to write the characters names down on paper with their relationship to Lord Wentwater and Annabel, his wife. Fortunately, it wasn't long before I knew who was whom walking in and around Wentwater Court.

All I had to do was stay close to the main character, Daisy Dalrymple. Daisy Dalrymple has chosen to be a reporter. At this time she is writing the History of different English estates. Wentwater Court being one of these beautiful mansions. Daisy is also doing the photography for the article since no photographer is available to go along with her to Wentwater Court.

From the very beginning I liked Daisy Dalrymple. The name alone made me want to like this woman with spiffy clothes. It's not long before she is totally involved in a murder which happens at Wentwater Court. She is smart, observant, compassionate and curious. I loved how most of the suspects asked for Daisy to come in and at least be a support while they were questioned. Daisy also finds an attractive man in the crowd.

Anyway, troubles begin at Wentwater Court during the 1920's. Boy, does Carola Dunn know how to make a setting real. I felt as though I had time walked back to the twenties: There is Mussolini in Italy, the Foxtrot and the Tango are becoming the old dances while the Camel-walk, the Chicago and the Toboggan are the new dances. Carola Dunn mentions people listening to the wireless and the gramaphone. Oh, I mustn't forget the language of the twenties is just too cute. All of the characters, the murder, the burglary of diamonds and emeralds at another estate make this novel "topping." Love the 1920's language.

Death on Demand by Carolyn Hart

"Death on Demand" by Carolyn Hart is the first book in this series. It's a great beginning because Annie Laurance plays a very big role in the murders taking place on Broward's Rock in South Carolina. I don't want to write too much about the mystery for fear of spoilers.

The mystery has a wonderful setting. Broward's Rock is like a private heaven on earth. The Death on Demand bookstore just adds to the magic of the island. The bookstore is packed with mystery books written by vintage authors and contemporary authors. Annie drinks out of a mug with the title of a book written across it. The title is "The Yellow Room" by Mary Roberts Rinehart. On the walls of the bookstore are paintings of scenes from mystery books. The mystery authors, neighbors and visitors are welcome to come in the store and guess the title of the mystery book by looking at the paintings. I think Agatha, Annie's black cat, loves the Death on Demand bookstore and wouldn't want to browse any other bookstore. Of course, she is totally loved by the customers, Annie and Max, a rich attorney who has his eye on Annie, and Annie has her eye on him.

There is a lot in this first book about the neighbors who live on the island. I'll just say there are some eccentric people who have led sizzling, scintillating and ear searing pasts. Of course, you have to not mind picking up a bit of gossip here and there on Broward's Rock.

Anyway, I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. I can't wait to read "Southern Ghost," the second in the series.