Declan’s Cross and Death of a Policeman

I have two delightful audio books to share with you today.

DECLAN’S CROSS by Carla Neggers

If you’re looking for an escape from the recent crazy weather, author Carla Neggers’ DECLAN’S CROSS will transport you to beautiful Ireland.

Narrator Carol Monda does a terrific job bringing the characters to life. She gives each character their own unique voice with her mannerisms.

FBI Agents Colin Donovan and Emma Sharpe are enjoying some down time in Ireland. Meanwhile, marine biologist Julianne Maroney has come to Declan’s Cross to heal her broken heart after a split with Colin’s brother, Andy. She didn’t know Colin and Emma were in the Irish seaside village. She was to stay with a friend, Lindsey, but it seemed upon arriving that Lindsey was missing.

Things change drastically for the trio when Lindsey is found dead. At first it looks like an accident, but then it appears Lindsey was pushed from a cliff to her death.
A new layer is added when Lindsey’s father arrives in the village. He could possibly have a connection to a decade old art theft that Emma’s grandfather, a renowned art detective, investigated. The stolen art nor the thief have never been found.

What follows is an intriguing story with a number of subplots all combining for a suspenseful tale. The story moves at a steady pace with twists and turns.
The characters are realistic and well-developed. They have flaws and concerns readers can relate to. The interaction among family members adds depth to the characters.

The author’s rich descriptions and eye for detail makes the reader/listener feel transported to Ireland. Her vivid accounts of the area bring it to life.

DECLAN’S CROSS is the third installment in the Sharpe and Donovan series, but can be read/listened to on its own. There are references to past issues, but new readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark.

This is a tantalizing tale of murder, art thefts, and mayhem with moments of subtle romance woven throughout. Set in a fascinating Celtic seaside village, this suspenseful tale will hold you spellbound until the end.

Declan’s Cross by Carla Neggers, A Sharpe and Donovan Novel Book #3, Performed by Carol Monda, Recorded Books, @2013 ISBN: 978-1464018220, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Running Time: 9 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

DEATH OF A POLICEMAN by M.C. Beaton

Sergeant Hamish Macbeth is unlike most policemen you will encounter in murder mysteries. Hamish is more of a laid-back, low-tech officer, but still very dedicated to protecting the residents of Lachdubh in the Scottish Highlands.

The narration by Graeme Malcolm brings the story to life. Malcolm’s cadence and mannerisms adds depth to the story and gives individual voices to the characters.

With the threat of local police stations being closed, Detective Chief Inspector Blair sees an opportunity to possibly get rid of Hamish. He sends Cyril Sessions, a young policeman, to spy on Hamish and document his laziness.

Hamish discovers Sessions is spying on him and begins a plan to spoil Blair’s plot. However, Sessions is murdered and it’s up to Hamish to prove his own innocence, find the real killer and expose Blair’s dirty dealings.

As the investigation gets underway, a woman is found dead in Hamish’s garden. He realizes the body is a warning that he’s digging into something much bigger than he first expected.

The plot is filled with twists and turns. It also includes a number of zany characters such as the spinster librarian, Hetty, who was briefly involved with Sessions and has serious problems of her own. In addition, Hamish is forced to take actions to save his police station that he doesn’t like but doesn’t have a choice.

The author draws you in with the vivid details and descriptions of the area and its residents. The characters are likable and colorful. The story flows at a steady pace and holds your attention.

DEATH OF A POLICEMAN is the 29th installment in the Hamish Macbeth series. While this book can be read/listened to on its own, there are references new readers/listeners won’t completely understand. However, those references don’t impede the reading/listening of this book.

This is a murder mystery that is rich in characters and suspense.

Death of A Policeman by M.C. Beaton, A Hamish Macbeth Novel Book #29, Performed by Graeme Malcolm, Hachette Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1478982180, Unabridged, Digital Download

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Thanks so much for visiting today. Hope you’re having a relaxing Sunday. Have you read or listened to either of these series.

Death of a Kingfisher by M.C. Beaton

When the setting becomes a character in the story, then you know the author has done her job placing the reader smack dab in the middle of the plot.

Author M.C. Beaton has a way of doing this in her Hamish Macbeth Mystery series. Her latest release, DEATH OF A KINGFISHER, is no exception.

Braikie, a picturesque village in the Scottish Highlands, plays a key role in this mystery. It is a small acreage called Buchan’s Wood in the quaint town that attracts the suspense, mystery and murder. The small plot of land has been bequeathed to the town.

With the recession hitting the town, savory tourist director Mary Leinster renames the area ‘The Fairy Glen.’  She then begins promoting it as a great site for tourists. It, in fact, has a kingfisher that visit’s the pond and quickly becomes a pull for the tourists.

When a series of mishaps begin happening in and around ‘The Fairy Glen,’ Police Constable Hamish Macbeth sets out to solve the problems. When dead bodies begin turning up, Macbeth knows it’s all connected. He must put the pieces together to save the village from financial ruin, while keeping everyone safe.

Throughout this fast-pace mystery, the author sprinkles bits of humor and vivid descriptions of the lovely village and its unique residents. For fans of the series, there are references to Macbeth’s love life but not so much that new readers are left in the dark.

DEATH OF A KINGFISHER has interesting twists and turns to keep you guessing. The end will leave you wanting more as you wait anxiously for the next installment.

Author M.C. Beaton’s website is www.mcbeaton.com

Death of a Kingfisher by M.C. Beaton, A Hamish Macbeth Mystery, Grand Central Publishing, @2012, ISBN: 978-0446547369, Hardcover, 256 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

Sunday Salon: A Scotsman And A Cat

Can you believe another week has past and it’s time to come together to share our thoughts on the wonderful books we’ve finished or just started.

The past week has been filled with tragedy and triumph, pain and hope, and the bonding of friends and strangers. It’s time to take a short break, reach for that cup of coffee (tea or other favorite beverage), get comfortable in your favorite chair, and lose yourself in some amazing books for a little while.

Today, I have two books to share but check around blogdom and you will find many others sharing their Sunday Salons featuring interesting books they’ve read. I’m sure you will find at least one or two books to peak your attention.

DEATH OF A CHIMNEY SWEEP by M.C. Beaton

Captain Henry Davenport and his wife, Milly, buy a Georgian mansion in the village of Drim. Davenport doesn’t want his wife associating with the villagers and comes off a bit of a bully.

Davenport instructs his wife to have the chimney cleaned while he goes for a walk. However, he tells her if anyone calls for him to say he has gone abroad. Milly hires the local chimney sweep, Pete Ray, to do the job.

Enjoying her freedom during the captain’s absence, Milly doesn’t worry when her husband’s walk last longer than expected. However, a noise in the chimney gets Milly’s attention and she discovers blood dripping inside the chimney.

Police Constable Hamish Macbeth is called in to investigate and finds Capt. Davenport’s body stuffed inside the chimney. The chimney sweep is the prime suspect. But a short time later, Pete Ray’s dead body is found in the moors the apparent result of a motorcycle wreck. Items from the Davenport home are found in Pete’s sidecar linking him to the murder - case closed.

But Hamish doesn’t believe Pete is capable of murder and begins to investigate deeper despite what his superiors think. The results are an intriguing read with plenty of twists and turns before the real killer is caught.

This is the 27th installment in the Hamish Macbeth Mystery series, but is a stand alone book. Along with a cozy mystery, readers will be captivated by the landscape and characters of Scotland.

Author M.C. Beaton’s website is http://www.agatharaisin.com/

Death of a Chimney Sweep by M.C. Beaton, A Hamish Macbeth Mystery, Grand Central Publishing, @2011, ISBN: 978-0446547390, Hardcover, 256 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

LESSONS FROM STANLEY THE CAT by Jennifer Freed

Being the caregiver of two wonderful cats, I’m always drawn to books about or by felines. That’s one of the reasons LESSONS FROM STANLEY THE CAT: NINE LIVES OF EVERYDAY WISDOM by Jennifer Freed caught my attention.

This charming book is told from Stanley’s view point, giving his astute perspective on how humans could improve themselves if they’d only give in to their feline side. These witty and insightful bits of advice are translated by Jennifer Freed, who was Stanley’s psychotherapist parent and companion for many years. The delightful illustrations that accompany each maxim are done by Tone Gellerstedt.

This loving tribute to Stanley is a quick and easy read, but filled with thought-provoking epigrams of wisdom and humor.

Here are just a few of the pieces of advice that should stay with us daily:
“Failure is simply another opportunity to create a different strategy.”

"Generosity of the heart is the most valuable asset you can have."

“Most people are trying to chase after their youth instead of cherishing the stages of life. Older beings need more care and often get less thoughtfulness from others.”

“A little bounce in your step as you walk around the house, got to work, or even just get up from bed can perk up your heartbeat and your attitude.”

LESSONS FROM STANLEY THE CAT will have you laughing and shaking your heard while thinking, “That is so true.”

Author Jennifer Freed’s website is www.jenniferfreed.com

Lessons from Stanley the Cat: Nine Lives of Everyday Wisdom by Jennifer Freed, Illustrated by Tone Gellerstedt, Perigee Trade, @2010, ISBN: 978-0-399-53615-1, Paperback, 144 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Did you have the opportunity to read this past week, if so what held your attention? Are you reading something now that you get so involved in that you lose track of time? Share, tell us about you’re reading.