ARC Review: The Last Party

 

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.

After a massive and elaborate New Year's Eve party, the host is found floating dead in the water. There were already tensions between the new vacation homes housing the wealthy, and the neighboring village, tensions the party was supposed to ease. But now that unease and resentment are growing. Ffion, born of the village, but sworn to discover the truth and impart justice, must navigate her way between the two worlds while hiding some of her own secrets. 

This was a really good read. Everyone is a viable suspect, and Mackintosh dishes out secrets like party favors. There are clever flashbacks full of surprises, and current scenes where technology or a quick tongue spill out the truth. Ffion is a great character full of complexity, and when paired with her new partner, they both really come alive. 

And that ending! Such a shocker, and so well done.

ARC Review: The Ghost and the Stolen Tears

 

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

Pen is a bookseller with a ghost companion, a dead detective with a real knack still for solving cases. So when a friend is accused of stealing the famed Tears of Valentino, Pen calls on both her modern day compatriots and a deceased PI (who has a history with the jewels) to help her friend and solve the crime. 

I've always enjoyed this series-the characters are unique, as is the set up, which makes for an enjoyable read. However, in this entry I found the sheer amount of characters confusing, especially in the part of the story set in the past. 

Also a note-there is a brief mention of an attempted sexual assault, with the perpetrator later being described as "sweet" by the person he attempted to assault. This rubbed me the wrong way, for lack of better terminology, and threw me off of the story somewhat.