Archive for category Humor
Review: DYING FOR A DANCE by Cindy Sample
Posted by Marlene in Cozy mystery, Humor, Murder Mystery, Romance on November 16th, 2011
Dying For A Dance
Cindy Sample
Published by L & L Dreamspell
ISBN 978-1-60318-427-4
263 pages
Cover price $16.95
Reviewed by Marlene Pyle
You’ve got to love Laurel McKay, the main character in Cindy Sample’s novel, “Dying For a Dance.” Laurel is a divorced mom in her late thirties who works in banking by day. In the evenings she’s taking ballroom dance lessons to prepare for her best friend’s wedding. But there’s more than just the foxtrot going on in the dance studio.
When two of the dance instructors are murdered, Laurel is quickly drawn into the hunt for a killer. Her boss is one of the prime suspects, so she needs to clear his name, and it doesn’t hurt that she has the hots for the hunky lead detective either.
Laurel is funny and sarcastic. With a blade being held to her throat, her first thought is that “nobody better move, especially me.” Her second concern is that her captor had just called her fat.
Backed up by Laurel’s loving but highly critical mother, her gay work assistant, Stan, and Tom, the cute cop, the cast of characters is packed with humor. “Dying” is a light-hearted romantic comedy sure to please female mystery fans.
Copyright 2011 Marlene Pyle
Disclosure of material connection : I have a material connection because I received a review copy that i can keep in consideration for preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Review: The House in Windward Leaves by Katherine L. Holmes
Posted by Agnes in Fantasy, Humor, Young adult, adventure on November 16th, 2011
The House in Windward Leaves
Katherine L. Holmes
Couchgrass Books
ISBN13: 9780615507170
153 pages
$9.95
Reviewed by Agnes Dee
In The House in Windward Leaves , the children are intrigued by a mystery man who has come to the small town. Hired to paint a house owned by the town’s spinster, the painter works to finish the colorful murals in time for a Halloween party that turns into a true fantasy for seven children. Though the storyline is a bit confusing, and the plot slight, it’s a very pleasant read. Each child assumes a character, establishes a new life on the ‘far away star’, and finds that by the end of the book they have developed a new talent, interest, or have discovered something about their life. Marketed for youth, this story is best suited for younger readers. Though set during Halloween, there are only positive characters.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Review: THE HERRING IN THE LIBRARY by L. C. Tyler
Posted by Amanda in Cozy mystery, Humor, Murder Mystery on August 2nd, 2011
The Herring in the Library
L. C. Tyler
Felony and Mayhem Press
ISBN: 978-1-934609-76-7
$14.95
240 pages
Reviewed by Amanda Capper
All you need to do is read page one. If you do not recognize Elsie as someone you know, or know of, or have laughed at in a sitcom, you obviously have no interest in Britons at all. In that case, go no further and put the book away. I highly doubt you will.
Because, from page one, the book is funny. Elsie’s conviction that she is always right, even in the face of irrefutable evidence, explains the determination of a people who keep their island afloat by pure obstinacy. And, since every relative I have is British, I feel most qualified to comment on this observation. But sheer stubbornness, even when combined with intelligence, does not solve murders; unless that stubbornness is tempered with patience and logic and named Ethelred.
During a small dinner party at his old college chum’s estate, Ethelred breaks into the locked library and finds his host, Shagger, dead and surrounded by a bunch of herrings dressed as guests. Taking turns to tell their side of the story, Elsie and Ethelred interview and investigate wherever the herrings lead them until the ultimate conclusions—most of which neither of them agree on—are reached. There is also a third voice, Thomas, a fictional character in Ethelred’s latest mystery being written midst the investigation, but not to worry. The author maintains an easy flow to the story and each character is very recognizable when it is their turn to tell their tale.
The Herring in the Library is the third novel in a series from L. C. Tyler and rest assured I will be ordering the other two. Listed in the front of this book are other titles from the Felony and Mayhem “British” category, so no doubt I will be broke by Christmas. But, then again, since all those relatives I mentioned are probably reading this review…
Copyright © 2011 Amanda Capper
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION
I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Review: DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF by Don Bruns
Posted by Amanda in Humor, Modern Detective on December 5th, 2010
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Don Bruns
Oceanview Publishing
ISBN-13:978-1-933515-79-3
$25.95 US
283 pages
Reviewed by Amanda Capper
If you enjoy Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau and Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin, you’ll love James Lessor and Skip Moore. These two bumbling young men make up More or Less Investigations and the name suits them well. Through deception and a rather lacklustre Department of Agriculture in Florida, they manage to obtain their private investigation licenses and then sit back and wait for the money to roll in. The thought of actually working as P.I.’s is daunting, so it’s fortunate that events throw them into the path of sinister-type characters.
James charms himself into the graces of Agent Hot Pants and ultimately into the employ of Moe Bradley. Moe and his two sisters own Moe Show Inc., a carnival complete with death-defying rides, evil-smelling carnies and lots of unhealthy food. Moe’s problem seems to be sabotage; people are dying on his rides. So he hires Moore and Lessor to infiltrate his show and discover who wants to ruin him. And they do. Kind of.
Fortunately for these college jester types, they have a couple of friends that aren’t quite as thirsty or naïve. One is Skip’s long suffering girlfriend, Emily, and the other, a legitimate private investigator, Jody. Between the four of them, they discover the bad guy and there is a happy ending.
Not being a big fan of Peter Sellers, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff did not have me in stitches. In fact, half way through the book I wanted to smack the both of them for being so dense, but by the end of the book I decided that was the exact reaction Mr. Bruns wanted to achieve. In that case, the book was a huge success.
Copyright @ 2010 Amanda Capper
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION
I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Magic, Mensa & Mayhem by Karina L. Fabian
Posted by Agnes in Christian Fiction, Fantasy, Humor, Paranormal, Speculative Fiction, adventure on April 2nd, 2010
Magic, Mensa & Mayhem
Karina L. Fabian
Swimming Kangaroo Books, March 2009
Paperback, 232 pages
$13.99
Reviewed by Agnes Dee
Vern is a dragon, subdued by St. George. He is now around half his former size, and though no longer possesor of “The Knowledge of the Ages”, Vern has learned to put his trust in the Lord. His partner is Sister Grace; a nun gifted as a mage who works God’s magic with a beautiful singing voice. That’s the way it is in their Faerie principality, an alternative of our own, and that’s the way it would stay, if a rift hadn’t opened between their world and ours.
On this side of the rift, Vern has found a calling as a private eye, and that is what he is in most of Karina’s stories. This time, however, he and his partner get to watch over a group of Fairie folk at a Mensa convention - without even getting paid.
There’s no telling how the customs and idiocyncracies of the Faerie world, and of our world, clash. Vern and Sister Grace do a good job of keeping everything runing smoothly - if you don’t count the Elvish war declared against Florida, or the enviornmental uproar over Vern’s late-night snacks.
Karina manages to weave in some wonderful ideas about the nature of quantum physics, the nature of time, and the dangers of artificial sweeteners: That, and many funny situations. Throughout the book, her ideas remain faithful to christian thought, Catholicism in particular. This book is a funny read all the way through, engaging in the smaller as well as the larger parts of the story.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION
I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Review: SWAN FOR THE MONEY by Donna Andrews
Posted by Agnes in Cozy mystery, Crime, Humor on December 12th, 2009
Swan for the Money
Donna Andrews
Minotaur Press
ISBN - 13:978-0-312-37717-5
Hardcover, 306 pages
Reviewed by Agnes Dee
Maybe you know how it is when your parents immerse themselves completely in a hobby. Strange words seep into everyday conversations, even stranger tools, and of course, you’re expected to lend a hand. So it is with Meg Langslow, who finds herself organizer of the Caerpilly Garden Club’s annual rose show, and the peculiarities of rose growers.
The event is to be held on the grounds of Mrs. Wilkerson’s estate - a Cruella DeVille sort who is obsessed with black and white everything, including roses. The fact that Mrs. Wilkerson’s dog has been kidnapped, and a threatening note left, aren’t helping Meg’s attempt to get the show over and done with. The estate is crawling with law enforcement, Meg is short-handed, and the rich lady wants to see the show done her way.
That an attempted murder could happen with all those people around is a poser but then, this is a murder mystery: Someone is deadly serious about roses. Or is it the money? The wealthy Mrs. Wilkerson also owns prize animals. What happens to the animals who don’t measure up to her black-and-white standards? Does someone think they‘re worth enough money to kill for?
This book contains minor swearing, and extensive details on preparing your prize-winning rose for show. Who would have known it was that much work?
Swan For The Money is eleventh in the Meg Langslow mystery series, written by Donna Andrews, who currently lives and works in Reston, Virginia.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION
I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Copyright 2009 Agnes Dee
Review: ANDROGYNOUS MURDER HOUSE PARTY by Steven Rigolosi
Posted by Gray in Cozy mystery, Crime, Humor on July 6th, 2009
Androgynous Murder House Party
Steven Rigolosi
Ransom Note Press
ISBN: 978-0977378760
Paperback, 288 pages
$14.95
Reviewed by L. Gray Bridges
Androgynous Murder House Party by Steven Rigolosi is a hilarious blend of gay-drama and who-done-it that takes place in and around New York City. But when everyone is named something like Lee, Chris and Alex, it’s impossible to tell who’s male and who’s female—which is exactly part of the point and the fun.
The main character, Robin, is an intelligent and well-meaning though incredibly high-maintenance elitist who is blissfully unaware of his/her shortcomings and even more unaware that someone (well, it actually appears that everyone) is trying to kill him. Her. Ack—whichever! Between filling prescriptions for a cadre of anxiety pills and a shopping list as long as the Hudson River, Lee goes about staging a weekend-long house and dinner party for friends who have more up their sleeves than games of croquet and bed-hopping. When murder plans go awry, the party moves to Plan B, bumping-off Robin’s best friend and ex-lover. As egocentric as Robin may be, such a dastardly deed will not go unsolved, and Robin is soon on an adventure to uncover the murderer—an adventure that balances suspense with comedy in a literary feat that takes a skilled hand to maneuver.
Androgynous Murder House Party is an Agatha Christie-meets-Jack from Will and Grace-tale full of humor that will keep you laughing and full of twists, turns and surprises that will keep you turning the page.
Copyright ©2009 L. Gray Bridges
Review: CROSSING THE CENTERLINE by Allan E. Ansorge
Posted by Agnes in Cozy mystery, Humor on July 5th, 2009
Crossing The Centerline
Allan E. Ansorge
Echelon Press
ISBN: 978-1-59080-635-7
Paperback, 272 pages
$13.99 ($15.99, Canada)
Reviewed by Agnes Dee
Detective Mike McCaffery is living on the boat owned by his ex-partner, and long time friend, Carl Fletcher, while Carl earns his Captain’s license in Florida. When a dead man with multiple identities turns up next to Carl’s boat, Mike investigates. He quickly finds a tie to the accident that, “demolished (Carl’s) car, his right leg, and the lady he planned to marry.” Mike quickly comes to the conclusion that someone is trying to kill Carl.
Soon Carl returns, and joins with Mike in solving the mystery: who is trying to kill Carl Fletcher, and why? Back in town, Carl is forced by circumstance to stay with his mother, Maggie. She’s a formidable woman, proficient on the computer, and happy to lend a very strong hand in the investigation, by what turns out to be a group of volunteer sleuths.
The trail leads to a trial during which Carl saw something he wasn’t supposed to see, and didn’t realize was important. However, someone dangerous thought it was crucial evidence. Crucial enough, to make an attempt on Carl’s life, and the friends who help him.
The setting, a marina and small Wisconsin town located on the shores of Lake Michigan, makes for a friendly, tight-knit cast of unique characters. I particularly enjoyed the women in this story. I suspect Allan liked them as well, because they get the best lines.
The story proceeds logically, with some surprising elements of history, and builds right up to the last few pages. There are a few stumbling romances, as well as a few crimes to be solved.
Copyright ©2009 Agnes Dee
Review: A NIGHT AT THE OPERATION by Jeffrey Cohen
Posted by Sydney in Cozy mystery, Crime, Humor on June 11th, 2009
Softcover, 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN-10: 0425228150
ISBN-13: 978-0425228159
U.S.: $7.99
Jeffrey Cohen’s book, A Night at the Operation, is wonderful story that will appeal to both fans of the mystery genre and to comedy fans, since some of the humor is pulled from comedy movies. Cohen’s style is laid back and light and is still a great read for those not-in-the-know about comedy
It’s just the beginning of Eliot Freed’s misadventures when his ex-wife, Sharon, goes missing. Even more suspicious is that she may be responsible for the death of one of her patients. Elliot reacts differently than most ex-husbands would when an ex-wife goes missing and is a murder suspect: he searches for Sharon and tries to clear her name, all the while trying to keep his all-comedy theatre from shutting down and figuring out how to keep his best employee.
All of A Night at the Operation’s humor is brilliant and witty, and a touch of suspense and romance makes this book an absolute joy to read.
Copyright © 2009 Sydney Thomas
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