#111/120
The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew #2) – 4
Nancy’s friend Helen asks for Nancy’s help is discovering why her family’s mansion is suddenly haunted. Meanwhile, Nancy’s father Carson is working on a case that leaves him in danger. Can Nancy solve both cases?
I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and I enjoyed it just as much now. The plot is good with enough twists to keep me entertained, although the climax was a bit easy. Likewise, the characters are a tad flat, but not too bad. It’s easy to bit on the flaws, but this book shows why Nancy is still so popular today.
#112/120
Driving Heat by Richard Castle (Nikki Heat #7) – 4
Nikki’s first day as captain doesn’t go as planned when she gets a call about a murder before she even makes it into the office. The victim turns out to be Nikki’s therapist, but the bigger surprise is when video from his office finds Rook, Nikki’s fiancée, going in. What secret is the writer hiding?
Whether a fan of the TV show Castle or not, you’ll find this is another great mystery. The start is a little slow, but once it gets going, the mystery contains plenty of twists and surprises. Nikki and Rook are great characters, but the rest are a bit under served. Of course, the in jokes and references to the show, while certainly not overdone, are an added bonus for fans of the show, but nothing that would ruin the book if you don’t get them.
#113/120
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – 5
There is a legend of a monstrous hound that haunts and hunts the members of the Baskerville family. But when legend looks to be real, Holmes is brought in to find out how Charles Baskerville really died. And is the latest heir in danger?
My knowledge of the Holmes cannon is embarrassingly lacking, but I took a step toward fixing that with this book. I found Holmes a little hard to take due to his arrogance early on, but as the book progressed, I grew to like him better. The rest of the characters were great. The mystery is wonderful, and the atmosphere almost gothic. A wonderful read during October.
#114/120
Big Game by Stuart Gibbs (FunJungle #3) – 5
When someone takes a shot at Rhonda Rhino, security goes on high alert to try to capture the poacher. Teddy once again finds himself caught up in the mystery, but can he find the shooter with Large Marge once again on this tail for something he didn’t do?
It’s always wonderful to be back at this zoo, and the characters are as wonderful as always. The plot is perfectly constructed with everything set up well for a great climax. The issue of rhino poaching is giving a much needed spotlight without slowing things down at all. Middle grade audiences will love it, as will anyone who wants a wonderful mystery.
#115/120
A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry (Family Skeleton Mysteries #1) – 4
Georgia Thackery has had to move back home to take her new adjunct teach job, but the bright side is that means reconnecting with her best friend, Sid the skeleton. Yes, Sid is a walking, talking skeleton, and he just appeared in Georgia’s life 30 years ago. But when he suddenly recognizes a face from his living past, he begins to wonder who he was and what happened to him. Georgia and Sid quickly realize they are dealing with a 30 year old murder mystery. Can they solve this cold case?
I don’t normally read paranormal mysteries, but I’m glad I made an exception in this case. The story is a bit slower than I would have liked, but it did pick up as we grew closer to the climax, and I was satisfied at the end. The characters are wonderful, and yes, that includes the very life like Sid. Sid’s puns help lighten the mood. After all, there’s no such thing as a bad pun.
#116/120
Flipped for Murder by Maddie Day (Country Store Mysteries #1) – 5
Robbie Jordan has been working hard to open Pan ‘n Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana, and her hard work is paying off. On opening day, the place is packed, and her new customers seem to really like the food. Unfortunately, that afternoon, the disagreeable assistant at city hall is murdered with one of Robbie’s signature biscuits in her mouth. Worried that her status as a murder suspect will ruin her fledgling business, Robbie begins to investigate. But can she find the real killer?
This is a wonderful first book in a new series. The characters are already sharp and fun, and I can’t wait to visit them again in future books. The plot is solid with some good twists along the way to a logical and suspenseful ending. The descriptions are wonderful, and I felt like I was right there in Indiana with Robbie. I can’t wait to visit again.
