Off the Shelf -- A Deadly Affair

Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow and Custom House for the chance to read and review this title. This is a collection of stories from the Queen of Mystery with the theme of love and murder.
The 14 tales cover the range of Christie characters -- Poirot, Marple, Tommy & Tuppence, and Parker Phyne. I found something to like in each of them. My favorites were Death on the Nile (Parker Phyne) and The King of Clubs (Tommy & Tuppence). Each of the stories was an enjoyable ride. I love Christie's reveals! Check this one out!

This review is freely given, and the opinions are entirely mine.

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Off the Shelf -- Murder on the Menu

 Thanks to Netgalley & Harper 360/One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this title. This is the debut in the Nosey Parker series. Jodie "Nosey" Parker returns to her hometown village in Cornwall with her daughter to be a caterer.

Jodie, a former police officer, gets the opportunity to cater her childhood friend, Tony's wedding.  All is going well until Tony's ex-wife crashes the cocktail hour the night before the wedding and is found dead the next morning.  Jodie finds herself compelled to investigate after her friend us named a suspect.

I really liked the pacing of the story.  The village and its residents are well crafted.  The connections between characters has a real quality to it.  The mystery unfolds gradually and is well done.  I will definitely be checking out more of this series.

The opinions in this review are solely mine and are freely given.

Off the Shelf -- A Fatal Booking

 

Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this title. This is the 3rd book in the Booklover's B&B Mystery series and the first in this series that I have read. Charlotte own Chapters, a literary themed B&B in Beaufort, NC. A friend from her former career as a teacher books the B&B for a weekend Book Club getaway, and things go away when one of the guests is murdered on the property.

I found the characters likeable and am intrigued by their history. Ellen, Charlotte's neighbor is most intriguing. I like the feel of the setting, a small southern beach town. I love the idea of the B&B.

I worked out the identity of the murderer pretty quickly, but the ride was still enjoyable. I will likely check out the rest of this series.

The opinions expressed and mine alone and are given freely.

Beyond The Eats: Alton Brown Live

 Last night, we went to see Alton Brown at the Koger Center in Columbia, SC.  We splurged on VIP tickets, and the experience was worth every penny.  I had a lot of anxiety, as this was my first outing in pandemic times.  The Koger Center staff checked face masks and shared that AB was a stickler for COVID protocols, including requiring all staff be tested.  I felt safe and enjoyed the show.

VIP ticket holders got to attend a pre-show Q&A with Alton & Elizabeth.  It was intimate and hysterical.  I shared Batley's love of Scabigail, and Alton said she has expensive tastes and likes yachts.  He asked Batley's name, and Elizabeth asked for a picture.  I asked Elizabeth how Alton talked her into QQ.  He just sat down and hid while she told the story.  Turns out she suggested he do something during the pandemic on YouTube, went to make dinner, and he went live when she walked onto the patio.  And yes, Worst Cooks was as terrible an experience as it looked to be.

The first act was a song followed by Alton storytelling some of his food regrets.  He is so engaging and a master of comedic timing. The smores story alone is worth the price of admission. There was an audience participation quiz show.  Contestants were selected based on scores on his online quiz. I was on the list but not selected.  It was creative, and I would watch the hell out of it on TV.

The second act was a cooking demo, and I won't spoil it for you but it is amazing and innovative and so very Alton.  Alton and Elizabeth wrapped up with a song about one of Alton's challenging foods.  Enjoy a few pics from last night.

Off the Shelf -- London Bridge is Falling

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the chance to read and review this book.  While I have not read the entire Bryant & May series, I have read a few and am familiar with the characters.

The Peculiar Crimes Unit is about to be shut down, and Bryant is not ready to ve done.  An investigation into the death of elderly woman from neglect to forestall the closure turns out to be more than meets the eye.  The cast of characters and all of their quirks is delightful.  The plot feels meandering at times, but it is purposeful and a fun ride.  The mystery is engrossing.  All in all, a great read.

This review is given freely and openly. Opinions are mine.