Tuesday 8 October 2024

Butterball’s Positively Purrfect Review of Huge by Brent Butt #90s #Noir #Thriller


Gather 'round, my dear humans, for I, Butterball the Magnificent, should like to inform you of a book I recently read that impressed me enormously. 

"Huge" by Brent Butt is a noir thriller: a genre I, being of a refined nature, do not typically gravitate toward. I prefer the sophisticated coziness of a good literary mystery, perhaps with a hot cup of cream on the side. But my curiosity got the better of me. How could I possibly resist a thriller penned by the master of comedy himself, Brent Butt, whom many of you may know from the sitcom Corner Gas?

As I say, noir thrillers aren’t often my cup of tea, but I wondered how Brent Butt's comedic genius would translate to the shadowy world of a 90s-set thriller.

I listened to the audiobook—read by Butt himself, no less. And I must say, if you haven’t yet indulged in this form of storytelling, you are missing out on a delectable treat. Brent Butt’s narration is nothing short of mesmerizing. His voice carries you through the story with such grit that I was positively enraptured. 

Let’s talk about the book itself. Huge is a brilliant blend of chilling tension and biting humour. You’d think these two tones might clash, but I assure you, they do not. Butt manages to weave in moments of humour without undermining the seriousness of the plot—an extraordinary feat, to be sure. One moment you’re amused by a sharp one-liner, and the next, you’re gripping your seat as the suspense builds. It’s truly the best of both worlds. I found myself chuckling softly, only to freeze in suspense moments later. The balance of light and dark is nothing short of masterful.

And, oh, the 90s setting. What a time! A grungy, shadowy world full of pager codes, fax machines, and landlines that clang like a bell. Butt captures the essence of the era flawlessly, transporting us back to a time before smartphones ruined the art of a proper mystery.

I won’t spoil the plot for you, but let me tell you—there are gruesome moments, indeed. Dark, sinister, and raw. Yet they never feel gratuitous. And the humour? Well, it doesn't diminish the grimness, but rather, it enhances the story’s depth, making the characters feel alive and real.

Brent Butt, my dear readers, proves himself not only a master of comedy but also a formidable force in the thriller genre. If you’ve any sense at all, you’ll give Huge a listen or a read—whichever suits your fancy. But do consider the audiobook; it’s a performance you won’t soon forget.

In summary, Huge is nothing short of extraordinary. Gripping, hilarious, and chilling all at once. A noir thriller that even a British cat with highbrow tastes can thoroughly enjoy. Brent Butt, you’ve outdone yourself, and I would tip my hat (if I wore one) to you.

Get HUGE at Amazon    






Saturday 31 August 2024

Murder on Wheels, Serenity Bay #Mysteries #Series 7 #SmallTown #CozyMystery

Murder on Wheels
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 7
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 34,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798227631930


When the sleepy town of Serenity Bay is rocked by a deadly fire at a local ebike rental shop, amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin finds herself pedaling straight into her most perplexing case yet. The blaze, initially dismissed as a tragic accident, soon reveals itself to be something far more sinister. Evidence suggests it was no mere mishap, but a carefully orchestrated murder.

With her trusty uncle Frank at her side and a cast of quirky townsfolk, Lucy dives into the mystery, navigating a tangled web of secrets. But as she uncovers hidden truths, Lucy must confront the possibility that the killer may be closer than she ever imagined.

As tensions mount and the danger escalates, Lucy must race against time to unmask the culprit before this crafty killer strikes again. Will she solve the case and restore peace to her beloved Serenity Bay, or will the murderer slip through her fingers?

Murder on Wheels delivers a perfect blend of small-town charm, suspense, and a dash of humor that will keep readers guessing until the bitter end.

Buy Now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDTV6ML8?tag=dorishay-20
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=M2sbEQAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-on-wheels-jj-brass/1146196194
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/murder-on-wheels-10
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/murder-on-wheels/id6646345355

Read with your Everand subscription: https://www.everand.com/book/760509187/Murder-on-Wheels-Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-7

AI-Narrated Audiobook available from: https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details?id=AQAAAEAyOwB7IM
and https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-on-wheels-jj-brass/1146196194?ean=2940191091419

Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-on-wheels-jj-brass/1146196194?ean=9798224252527

Find more retailers with the Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/MurderOnWheels








Sunday 18 August 2024

KitKat Reviews The Retreat by Sherri Smith #Thriller #ChildStar #CanLit #MustRead #BookReview

Hey, mystery and thriller fans! KitKat here, your purr-fect guide to all things suspenseful and spine-tingling. Today, I’m sinking my claws into a book that took me on one wild ride: The Retreat by Sherri Smith.

First things first: let’s talk about the setup. We’ve got a group of college friends—Katie Manning, an all-grown-up child star, and two of her pals—getting dragged to a weekend wellness retreat by Katie's soon-to-be sister-in-law. 

Sounds relaxing, right? Maybe even a bit of a snooze-fest? 

Well, I’ll admit, I almost thought this book had been mis-marketed as a thriller. For a good chunk of it, it reads like solid women’s fiction. You’ve got the personal dramas, the friendship dynamics, and Katie’s train wreck of a life, all wrapped up in a setting that screams “self-discovery” more than “danger.”

But let me tell you, when the thriller side of this book hits, it hits hard. I was lulled into a false sense of security, purring along as the story meandered through the lives of these women. And then—BAM!—out of nowhere, the claws come out, and the blood starts to spill. 

I’m not exaggerating when I say the gore caught me totally off guard.  I found myself wide-eyed and on the edge of my comfy perch.

Sherri Smith masterfully plays with tone in this book, using the gossipy vibe of the wellness retreat and the slow unraveling of secrets to set up the real thrill. It’s this contrast that makes the sudden plunge into darkness so much more jarring—and effective. You think you’re safe, and then you’re not. It’s the kind of book that makes your fur stand on end, in the best possible way.

The story’s told from the perspectives of the three college friends and Katie’s almost-sister-in-law, which keeps things interesting and lets you really get inside their heads. Katie, especially, is a fascinating character—a former child star with money but no direction. She’s a mess, but she’s a mess you can’t stop watching. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about confronting the demons that have been chasing her for years.

If you’re in the mood for a thriller that sneaks up on you and then doesn’t let go, The Retreat is your book. Just be ready for that shift when it comes. You’ll go from sipping milk to claws out in no time. 

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.

Find The Retreat at Amazon.   





Saturday 1 June 2024

Murder in a Pickle: Serenity Bay #Mysteries Book 6 #NewRelease #SmallTown #Pickleball #Quozy #Cozy #Mystery

Murder in a Pickle
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 6
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 47,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798224068296


Serenity Bay is known for its peaceful atmosphere, charming shops, and spirited pickleball games. When an injunction is issued against the pickleball club for exceeding legal noise levels, club members are irate. And when the man who initiated the injunction is found dead, the idyllic community is thrown into turmoil.

Lucy Larkin, a resourceful amateur sleuth, finds herself at the heart of the investigation as secrets begin to surface. With the help of her quirky Uncle Frank, a fife-playing florist, Lucy uncovers more than she bargained for. From a mysterious toxicology report to a stolen journal, clues lead them deep into the victim’s complicated life.

As the close-knit pickleball club rallies to clear their name, Lucy pieces together a puzzle that reveals a web of deception and hidden motives. Friendships are tested and new alliances formed.

Murder in a Pickle is a captivating cozy mystery filled with eccentric characters, heartwarming moments, and a twisty plot that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of small-town mysteries and amateur sleuths with a knack for solving crimes, this delightful tale will leave you craving more adventures in Serenity Bay.

Get it from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D57R7C48
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=PqoKEQAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-in-a-pickle-j-j-brass/1145655820?ean=2940180035257
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/murder-in-a-pickle
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/murder-in-a-pickle/id6503297487

Everand: https://www.everand.com/book/736981833/Murder-in-a-Pickle-Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-6
Fable: https://fable.co/book/x-9798224068296

Find links for the paperback, hardcover, audiobook, and other retailers with the Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/3RDKXx






Sunday 26 May 2024

Zorro Reviews Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay #Thriller #Novels

Hey, mystery buffs! 

Zorro here, back with a nail-biting review of "Elevator Pitch" by Linwood Barclay. Get ready for a thrill ride like no other!

This book starts with a pitch – and not the baseball kind. A screenplay with a sinister twist sets the stage for a spine-chilling tale. Elevators, yeah, those metal boxes we ride every day? Well, brace yourself 'cause they ain't so safe anymore. Terrorists are hacking 'em, causing chaos and fear in big cities. Makes my fur stand on end just thinking about it.

Barclay's got a knack for dialing up the tension. Every floor, every button press, is a heart-pounding moment. You'll be gripping the pages tighter than a mouse in a cat's claws, trust me.

The technological twist? Genius, if you ask me. Elevators turned into weapons? It's a cat-and-mouse game with high stakes and no room for error. You'll think twice before stepping into that metal box again, mark my words.

This ain't your run-of-the-mill thriller. Barclay's got a knack for keeping you on the edge of your seat, and "Elevator Pitch" is no exception. Highly recommended for adrenaline junkies who love a good scare. A novel idea for a novel? You betcha!

So, strap in, folks. You're in for one heckuva ride.

Find it at Amazon








Saturday 27 April 2024

Serenity Bay Mysteries 1-2-3 #CozyMystery #BoxSet

Serenity Bay Mysteries 1-2-3
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 90,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798224928781
Paperback ISBN: 9798224593286


Join amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin as she solves murders in Serenity Bay, the quaint little town she calls home. This charming box set includes the first three books in the beloved Serenity Bay Mysteries series.

In Murder Over the Rainbow, Lucy finds herself entangled in a murder investigation when local artist Marcus Briggs is found dead at the site of a proposed rainbow crosswalk. Teaming up with the surly yet endearing Detective Johnson, Lucy navigates a town filled with colorful characters, secrets, and suspects aplenty.

In Murder by the Books, Lucy and her uncle Frank stumble upon an unfinished manuscript that leads them to suspect a real-life murder. Join them as they unravel the mystery with the help of quirky characters, including new friends and an insightful librarian.

Finally, in Murder by Night, Lucy, now working as a local florist, finds her quiet life disrupted once again. Can she and Detective Johnson solve a series of muggings before deadly crimes are committed?

Filled with heaps of humor and heart, this collection is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, small-town comforts, and eccentric characters. Get ready for a relaxing journey through Serenity Bay, where secrets abound and mysteries await.

Get the Hardcover at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2L8WJ7L?tag=dorishay-20

Get the Ebook at Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=ZcEDEQAAQBAJ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2JMBMTK?tag=dorishay-20

DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/478542/Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-123

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/serenity-bay-mysteries-1-2-3-jj-brass/1145467295

Saturday 6 April 2024

Ginger Reviews "The Bullet That Missed" by Richard Osman #cozy #mystery #cozymysteries


Hello, fellow book lovers! 

Ginger here, your friendly neighborhood kitten, ready to share my thoughts on "The Bullet That Missed" by the delightful Richard Osman. Let's dive right into this cozy mystery, shall we?

I must confess that I made a rookie mistake. This book is part of a series, and while it stands well on its own, I couldn't help but feel a tad lost without the context of the first two books. Lesson learned: always start at the beginning! If only I had followed that advice, I might have been better acquainted with our cast of charming characters from the get-go.

Speaking of characters, let me tell you about the delightful bunch in "The Bullet That Missed." Picture this: a club full of elderly amateur sleuths, each with their quirks and secrets. There's a former spy among them, adding a dash of intrigue to the mix. Oh, the tales they must have to tell!

At their club, these intrepid investigators delve into cold cases, and the one at the center of this installment is a real humdinger. It involves a TV investigative journalist with connections to a prominent television personality who seems to have been quite smitten with the deceased. Cue the backstage drama and onscreen antics!


Osman's narrative effortlessly weaves together the world of TV personalities and backstage intrigue with the cozy charm of a classic mystery. It's like curling up by the fire with a bowl of warm milk and a whodunit unfolding before your very eyes. Romances and attractions simmer beneath the surface, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the mix.

While the mystery itself kept me guessing until the very end, it was the characters and their relationships that truly stole the show. From budding romances to unlikely friendships, there's a warmth and camaraderie among the club members that is utterly endearing.

"The Bullet That Missed" is a delightful romp through the world of TV personalities, backstage drama, and cold case investigations. Recommended for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a dash of romance and a sprinkle of onscreen magic. If you're smarter than me, you might even start at the beginning of the series for the full experience. 

Find "The Bullet That Missed" at Amazon