Discovering Princeton: A Photographic Guide with Five Walking Tours by by Wiebke Martens & Jennifer Jang

This photographic guide features five fully illustrated walking tours of the charming New Jersey town with seventeenth-century roots and the renowned university at its core. Explore the heart of Princeton University as well as its more modern sections; downtown Princeton, including some of its oldest neighbourhoods; and the campuses of Princeton Theological Seminary and the Institute for Advanced Study. Each walk highlights the town’s rich history, varied architecture, and a multitude of local attractions, ranging from museums and theatres to parks and playgrounds. For those who want to roam a bit farther, a host of ideas for short outings and longer excursions in the greater Princeton area are included. With compelling full-page images and informative captions, this unique guidebook will appeal to both locals and guests and makes an ideal gift or keepsake.

For someone who probably, will never do much more international travelling anymore.

I found this a delight and informative.

With beautiful photographs and 5 descriptive walking excursions, including the history of the university town of Princeton.

This would be suitable to grace anyone’s coffee table.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Schiffer Publishing and downloaded via NetGalley.

4 Stars****

The Curious Case of the Werewolf that Wasn’t (Parasol Protectorate #0.5) by Gail Carriger

To Say Nothing of the Mummy That Was, and the Cat in the Jar.

This is a prequel short story to the Parasol Protectorate series. In which we are introduced to Alessandro Tarabotti, father of Alexia (the main character in the Parasol Protectorate series).

A short tale of mummies, werewolves, and well preserved felines set in the world of the Parasol Protectorate.

Alessandro Tarabotti and his valet, Floote, are on a mission in Egypt when they encounter visiting tourists and things go all pie shaped. What is his real mission and will his Aunt Archangelica approve of his treatment of her cat?

In this short story, New York Times Bestselling Author Gail Carriger uses her comedic voice to delve into the history of one of her most beloved characters. If you have ever wondered about Alexia’s father, this will give you a glimpse into his adventures and character.

This story was first published in The Book of the Dead, a Jurassic London anthology.

This was a short fun read. A nice introduction to Alexia’s father. And finding out that Floote (the butler in Soulless) has been with the Tarabotti family since before Alexia was born.

5 Stars *****

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Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger

Soulless is the first book in the Parasol Protectorate series.

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations.

First, she has no soul. Second, she’s a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire–and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London’s high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

This was a fun book to read. Plenty of action and laughs, with a wonderful set of characters and at the centre of all the mess and mayhem, is Miss Alexia Tarabotti!

Not forgetting the treacle tart and the incident of the hedgehog!

Page turner all the way.

5 Stars *****

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A Pelican at Blandings (A Blandings Castle story #11) by P. G. Wodehouse

Book 11 of the Blanding Castle stories by P. G. Wodehouse.

Narrated by the wonderful Nigel Lambert

I listened to this edition from my Audible UK collection.

I just love listening to the goings on at Blandings Castle. Wonderfully light and fun reading/listening.

Wodehouse is a classic and amusing story teller, that you can be returned to time and time again.

Clarence, ninth Earl of Emsworth, sank back in his chair looking like the good old man in a Victorian melodrama whose mortgage the villain had just foreclosed. He felt the absence of that gentle glow which customarily accompanied the departure of one of his sisters. Lord Emsworth needed Galahad….There are tricky corners to be rounded, and assorted godsons, impostors, and pretty girls to be paired off. Fortunately, many years’ membership of the Pelican Club means the Hon. Galahad Threepwood is able to keep cool, stiffen his upper lip, and always think a shade quicker then the next man.

5 Stars *****

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/A-Pelican-at-Blandings-Audiobook/B004EVRLCQ?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Death by Demo (A Home Renovation Mystery #01) by Callie Carpenter

First book in a new home renovation mystery series by Callie Carpenter.

Jaime and Henry were the perfect couple with the perfect life; together, they ran one of the most successful construction and interior design companies in all of Charlotte, North Carolina. But when Jaime catches her charismatic husband in an affair, she realizes her husband is not the man she thought she married. The divorce is equally gutting—due to an ironclad prenuptial agreement, Jaime receives only one thing: a historical house in disrepair. Knowing that any renovation she attempts will be tedious and costly, Jaime starts to believe that things can’t get much worse—until she finds a dead body in the house.

The body is found behind a recently renovated wall—and this leaves Jaime with more questions than answers. Who killed this person and why? Could it have been the previous owners, someone who snuck in while nobody was looking, or could it have been Henry? Furious that the house is now a crime scene, which further delays all renovations, Jaime decides to investigate the murder herself, DIY-style. Together with the new resident cat she calls Demo, and the handsome and friendly hardware store owner who happens to be her neighbor, Jaime is ready to use all the tools in her toolbox to catch the killer.

Jaime needs to renovate this house if she wants to move forward with her life, but will this murder investigation leave her in ruins—or worse?

Not a new concept in the female home renovator/builder mysteries, and probably not the last! But enjoyable all the same.

The setting/situation and the ensuing mystery was well planned out, with a good set of well fleshed out characters.

A very enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I was given this free review copy from Crooked Lane Books via Netgalley at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

5 *****

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Something Sweet (The Neighborhood #1) by Megan Derr

I really enjoyed this candy-coated short story romance from Megan Derr.

Although this is only a short story, the author has fleshed out the 2 main characters of Sherlock and Basil so well, that you just fall in love with them both.

It’s just another day at the candy shop for Sherlock: a quiet afternoon spent more on reading his latest fantasy novel than on selling candy. The kind of day he loves, even if the looming New Year’s Eve leaves him feeling nostalgic and a little lonely.

Then the last person he ever expected to see walks through the door of his shop, and Sherlock realizes that some things don’t fade with time, but only grow stronger.

Would I read this story again? Yes, definitely…in fact, I have read it twice!

5 *****

Ghost of a Chance (Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery #2.5) by Angie Fox

‘Tis the Season…for Ghosts.

Verity Long has come to terms with the fact that she can see spirits, and talk to them, and…she’s actually making cookies for one of them.

But she’s drawing the line at any more ghost hunting or mystery solving.

Until a dear friend needs help locating a missing antique at the party of the year.

Not one to leave a friend in need, Verity straps on her sparkly heels and sneaks in to see what she can find—only to uncover a startling secret that will change everything.

An enjoyable Christmas novella, where Verity is again thrust into the roll of Ghost hunter.

With a great set of characters, in a well plotted and written mystery.

This was the audiobook edition from Audible UK’s ‘Plus Catalogue’ and wonderfully narrated by Tavia Gilbert.

This is a fun series to read or listen to.

Y’all need a bit of good old Southern Spirits and charm from time to time, so y’all just come on over and sit a while.

5 Stars *****

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Ghost-of-a-Chance-Audiobook/B01MXW409A?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare

A Ghostly Gift (Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery #1.5) by Angie Fox

This novella comes between Verity Long’s first adventures as a Southern Ghost Hunter in – Southern Spirits and the second book The Skeleton in the Closet.

These books are always well plotted and written, with a great set of characters.

This is a really lovely short story that I enjoyed listening to from Audible UK’s ‘Plus Catalogue’, and wonderfully narrated by Tavia Gilbert.

Verity Long doesn’t want to see ghosts, and she’d rather not let anyone know her little secret, either. But when a restless spirit stirs up trouble in her friend’s resale shop, Verity and her very new, very dead gangster friend team up to learn what is really happening.

They discover an age-old secret, and must learn the truth behind a mysterious disappearance…before it’s too late.

Listening Length: 1 hour and 3 minutes

5 Stars *****

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/A-Ghostly-Gift-Audiobook/B017JEO5J6?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare

Top Me Maybe? by Jay Northcote

A short story that I borrowed via KU.

Well plotted and written story, with likable characters.

Duncan has a secret fantasy, but is Tyler the right man for the job?
Tyler’s new policeman boyfriend, Duncan, is gorgeous. Tall, broad, and über-masculine, he’s the epitome of the dominant top—in appearance at least.
When they discuss their sexual fantasies, Duncan confesses to a secret desire that surprises Tyler. Luckily for Duncan, Tyler’s happy to oblige and is determined to give Duncan a night to remember.

I really loved and enjoy reading this book.

Well worth reading if you like mm love stories with sex scenes in it.

4 Stars****

The Cop and the Nosey Neighbor by Cat Blaine.

I had been eyeing up this book for ages on my Wish List, so when it came up on KU, I grabbed it!

And I wasn’t disappointed! A great love story, well plotted and written, with a good set of main characters.

Cops. Nerds. Romance.

Matt MacGregor is pissed at the world. All he ever wanted was to be a cop. But when he’s shot on the job, his confidence is rattled to the core. Sulky and drunk most of the time, the last thing he wants is to be bothered by anyone.
Berlin Rhodes just moved into the same apartment complex as Matt. He’s the complete opposite of Matt; he loves people and has a positive outlook on life.
When Berlin needs to use Matt’s phone because his power didn’t get turned on, an unlikely friendship begins between these two polar opposites. Berlin wants to do whatever he can to coax Matt back into the land of the living, but is Matt too bitter and broken to make the leap?

Well worth reading!

4 Stars****

Corned Beef and Casualties (A Tourist Trap Mystery #6.25) by Lynn Cahoon.

South Cove’s St Patrick’s parade brings tourist in…but also death!

Another well plotted and written story from Lynn Cahoon. With a great set of characters that you just wish were your friends.

South Cove, California, is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—and there’s going to be a parade of suspects . . .

Jill Gardner’s store, Coffee, Books, and More, is raking in the green as her little coastal town holds a big festival for St. Patrick’s Day. But the locals aren’t exactly feeling the luck of the Irish, thanks to the rowdy behavior of some of the tourists who are pouring in. 
 
Then a woman who just visited Jill’s shop is found dead near the shore. The fireworks display on the beach may have already happened, but the real fireworks have just begun . . .

I just love Jill and her friends in South Cove! Well worth reading!

I was given this free review copy from Lyrical Press via Netgalley at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

5 Stars*****