tartan_teapotsandbooks_croft's reviews
264 reviews

Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This wasn't one of my favourite Poirot books. It was good but not great. Poirot doesn't have his usual flair and panache. No mention of his little grey cells which made me a bit sad. The story was written well. The story itself is alright. Completely different from A Haunting in Venice. You wouldn't know the movie was based on this book. Only similarities are some character names. The book is written in third person from mostly Poirot's POV but a few others are included. It works just fine in the grand scheme of the book. If you like Poirot or Agatha Christie I would recommend it. Just don't go in with high hopes like I did. Movie better than the book I feel. 

Pumpkin Spice and Poltergeist by Ali K. Mulford, K. Elle Morrison

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book was actually pretty cute. I enjoyed reading it. Maple Hollow sounds like such a great town to live in. It's a paranormal town with very few humans! The story centres around Jordyn and Harlow. It was a brilliant story. Plenty of laughs and shocks. I loved the ending. It was so sweet. The story was very well written and the plot was strong. It's written in dual POV in first person - Jordyn and Harlow's perspectives. It worked so well as we got to know both characters well and see everything behind their eyes. It was a great read and I recommend this! 

A Heart Full of Headstones by Ian Rankin

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The truth will break your heart. Aye you can say that again! I have never cried at Rebus book until now. This blew my mind. I feel very overwhelmed. Sir Ian is the Laird of the police thriller. I can give him no higher praise. I adore John Rebus even if he did do questionable things during his long career in CID. Now he's retired and still not afraid to get answers. I absolutely loved this book. The story was so well written and thought out. With twist and turns aplenty, a Rebus novel never fails to deliver. The characters are all brilliant. Sir Ian knows how to bring them all together and slog it out! The book is written third person with multiple points of view. It just works so well in the grand scheme of things. I simply cannot recommend this book enough. If you never read a Rebus please consider it. You won't regret it. 

Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Okay I was that keen on this book. It has some good parts. It was written and descriptive. I loved Cheesecake the Cat. I also found Leon kinda hot! The plot was decent and it certainly didn't lose out to sex scenes. Some of those were a bit ick for me. I've never been so keen on BDSM and domination. So that let it down a bit. The book was written in first person and had dual POV - Leon and Rae. If you like the tropes in this book, you will probably like it. It just wasn't for me. I'm sorry everyone! 

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was really well written and clever. I loved the story and the concept of the Cards. The way magic was written about was well done. You can only wield magic with the Cards and not without them. They way magic users were persecuted kinda reminded me of the witch burnings during medieval times. Isn't it crazy how magic can be feared? The characters were great in this book. Elspeth was really interesting. Ravyn was book boyfriend material. All the characters worked well together.  Even though Hauth was VILE!!! The book is written in first person. The story is told from Elspeth's POV. This worked well . It's definitely a fantasy book that I've loved this half of 2024. I recommend this highly!!

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was charming. Iris and Roman's story was one that made me happy and broke my heart! The concept of the letters and how the magic worked was genius. I won't share the connection in case anyone thinks it's a spoiler. The war between Enva and Dacre is just awful. War just breaks my heart whether it's in the real world or in the pages of a novel. The writing is so descriptive without being gorey. The book was written in the third person. It was dual POV of Iris and Roman. I think this worked really well. We got got a better understanding of both our MCs. I would highly recommend this to you all! You won't regret reading this! 

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Oh I thoroughly enjoyed this! This copy also included a short story 'Pages to Fill'. This was also excellent as it explains exactly how Viv got her idea for her own coffee shop! The world that Travis has created is absolutely brilliant and such beautiful fantasy. There are so many magical beings in this. It's so imaginative. I loved the plot. A retired Orc opening a coffee shop. Travis that was genius. I have genuine love for this story. The book is in the third person form and it's from Viv's perspective as is the short story. The cast of characters were excellent and they all gelled together so well. I can't wait to read Bookshops and Bonedust later this month! I highly recommend this to you all. Even if you don't like fantasy, you will enjoy this fun story. 

Not a Thing by Susan Henshaw

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I liked this book. It was a heart wrenching story. Christy and Holden's relationship was so complicated. Christy is Holden's brother Silas's ex. Silas was surprisingly okay with them. He's happily married to Lemon. Christy and Holden came up against a giant obstacle in the form of Amber Taylor. She's an extremely toxic person. I detested her. The Dupree family are here again and they're awesome. Such a kind and welcoming family. The book is well written and beautifully engaging. It's written in first person from Christy and Holden's perspectives. The book was very enjoyable. I really recommend this!

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was beautiful. I loved it so much! Once our Ice Queen Kira North thawed out. Well I lie. I loved it even when she was all Ice Queen! Her love interest is Bennett Ellis. His sister is current Dream Harbor resident Jeanie. We met her in Pumpkin Spice Café. Bennett is the sweetest man and he's so kind to everyone. I love his dogs Elizabeth, Pudgie and Odie (Garfield's Christmas is my favourite Christmas movie too Laurie). I loved all their names. Especially Odie's. The story between Kira and Ben was so beautifully written. They were both great characters. I also love the dogs. The other minor characters are great too. The book is written in third person from the perspectives of Kira and Ben. I love this town so much and it's such a pity that it's not a real place. Ah we can dare to dream. I really recommend this book and of course it's predecessors. I do suggest you read them in order. To avoid spoilers. I am so excited for The Strawberry Patch Pancake House and The Gingerbread Bakery (was a wee rumour). 

The Wife Upstairs by Freida McFadden

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Freida is without a doubt the queen of the psychological thriller! This one had me hooked from the start. I love a thriller that gets my brain working and this one did. I love formulating my own idea and theories about what goes on. This one did not disappoint in giving me so much to think about. The plot was addictive and just the right pace. The book is predominantly from Sylvia's POV. We also have snippets of Victoria's journal. All written in first person. The characters were all excellent and played their roles perfectly. Freida's writing is so good and descriptive. I loved the ending of this. I was doubting myself and then the ending. Wow! Whether you are a thriller fan or not, I really recommend this!