Reviews 
Whether it be a book, movie, or something else, here’s a critique.
The Big Over Easy
It’s not a hardboiled mystery. (I really, really couldn’t resist.) Detective Inspector Jack Spratt of the Nursey Crimes Division–understaffed, underfunded, and underwhelming (though not how you might think)–is called in to investigate the demise of Humperdinck Jehoshaphat Aloysius Stuyvesant van Dumpty, aka Humpty Dumpty. Businessman, philanthrophist, and large egg, Dumpty has seemingly committed suicide. It… Read More ›
Castle
Although imperfect, episode 4.14 “The Blue Butterfly” (original air date: February 6, 2012) will no doubt rank as a favorite episode of one of Castle, a series I’ve enjoyed immensely since its premiere in 2009. The TV Series, Castle, features the ongoing adventures of best-selling author Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) as he shadows one NYPD precinct’s detectives… Read More ›
Dragon Bones, Dragon Blood
To survive, Wardwick of Hurog plays the role of simpleton; to regain a kingdom, Ward must prove his mettle and his worth. “Hurog means dragon.” As we discover several times during the course of the two novels that–to date–tell the story of Ward, heir of the Shavig throne; his family, and the land of the… Read More ›
The First Mystery I Ever Read
He wears a deerstalker hat and trenchcoat. Equipped with a magnifying glass and his trusty detective manual, he searches for clues and solves cases. No, not Sherlock Holmes. It’s Detective Mole! I’ve long remembered that very first mystery story I ever read. Well, bits and pieces. I remembered it was a Detective Mole story. He was investigating… Read More ›
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
When we first meet Flavia de Luce, she has been tied up and left in a closet. Does she panic? Oh, no. She quite calmly extricates herself and inwardly chides her two tormentors—her older sisters, Ophleia and Daphne—for their ineptness while at the same time planning up a revenge scheme of her own. Need we point… Read More ›
Blackout
Imagine waking up, alone, and not remembering who you are. “I was a killer. I woke up knowing that before I knew anything else.” Cal Leandros hasn’t forgotten everything, just the important parts of his life. Who is he? Does he have family? Friends? And, more importantly, why is the beach where he came to… Read More ›
Hawkes Harbor
In an asylum, Dr. Phillip McDevitt “is intrigued by his newest patient, a troubled young man recently transferred from the state hospital for the criminally insane. Jamie Sommers suffers from depression, partial amnesia, and an unaccountable fear…” In 2004, S. E. Hinton released Hawkes Harbor, her first novel in 15 years. Best known for gritty… Read More ›
Gingerbread Cookie Murder III
On a more serious note, Leslie Meier’s “Gingerbread Cookies and Gunshots” rounds out the trilogy of novellas offered in Gingerbread Cookie Murder. “It was Christmas…again.” That’s how this Lucy Stone mystery begins. A much more somber tone than the two previous entries. The last in my “A Taste of Murder” discussion series, Gingerbread Cookie Murder features… Read More ›
Gingerbread Cookie Murder II
“Christmas with my parents is always a mixed bag.” Oh, dear. With an opening line like this, where are we headed? Moving to a retirement community doesn’t necessarily benefit one’s health, at least for one individual in Laura Levine’s novella, “The Dangers of Gingerbread Cookies.” Fans of Janet Evanovich might very well enjoy this taste of… Read More ›
Gingerbread Cookie Murder I
Ever had to put up with a neighbor’s noise pollution? That’s what Hannah Swensen is faced with early on in “Gingerbread Cookie Murder.” The last in my “A Taste of Murder” discussion series, Gingerbread Cookie Murder features the talents of three authors: Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine, and Leslie Meier each of whom contribute a novella-length mystery to… Read More ›
The Poisoned Martini 