Reviews: First Degree Mudder, and The House of Silk

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book, or my review itself.

Title: First Degree Mudder
Author: Kate Dyer-Seeley
Publication Date: November 29, 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended If You Like: cozy mysteries, extreme sports, settings that are essentially another character

The Book:

Meg, a journalist in Portland, is excited to have her pitch for her next story accepted. She will be training for, and then completing, a mud marathon.

But when she finds her trainer murdered, suddenly Meg has even more to contend with then painful runs and aching muscles.

What I Liked:

My brother and I love watching the more out there sports, and I loved reading a cozy mystery set within the world of an extreme sport.

The setting of Portland is described so well, it makes me want to go visit there--and eat from the food carts!

This is a clever mystery, with a lot of unique characters, and some good twists. I didn't see the ending coming, which made for an exciting, gripping read. There is also an overarching mystery that appears to be planned to run through more entries in the series, which is really intriguing.

Anything I Didn't Like?

While the solution to the mystery is a good, surprising one, it does feel a little rushed. I would have liked a few more pages devoted to it.

So...?

This is a cozy mystery series I would definitely like to read more of!

Title: The House of Silk

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Publication Date: October 2, 2012

Genre: Mystery

Recommended If You Like: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, twisty mysteries, London as its own character

The Book:

Hidden away by Dr. Watson until the salacious details were safe to print, The House of Silk tells the tale of a Holmes' case that started with a seemingly innocuous robbery, and progressed to murder and far-reaching conspiracy.

What I Liked:

It's easy to see why Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's estate approved this book. It reads in Watson's voice so beautifully, and the characters ring so true to Doyle's originals.

The mystery is expertly built, layers upon layers that become a twisted tale much bigger than it originally appears. 

I also really like the nods to Watson and Holmes' friendship, my favorite friendship in fiction.

Anything I Didn't Like?

Honestly, no. This was such a good take on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

So...?

If you are a Sherlock Holmes' fan, I definitely recommend this book.

Read for the Semi-Charmed Winter Book Challenge 2016