Tuesday, August 31, 2021

BOOK REVIEW: Murder at the Old Abbey by Pippa McCathie


Murder at the Old Abbey by Pippa McCathie was a suspenseful page turner of a murder mystery set in Wales. The patriarch of an old Welsh aristocratic family connects with a granddaughter he didn’t know he had and then gets murdered. Soon everybody looks like a suspect. I loved the Welsh police procedural part. Great characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! 


  







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Sunday, August 29, 2021

SCHEDULE: August 30 - September 3, 2021


 

Mon., August 30 - ART:
The Dreamy Ethereal Art
of Evgeny Lushpin
Tues., August 31 - BOOK REVIEW:
Murder at the Old Abbey
by Pippa McCathie
Wed., September 1 -LILY'S 
HOT PICK OF THE WEEK: Color Street 
Thurs.,  September 2 - NOTE FROM CAROL:
Have You Heard of Vella?
Fri., September 3 - BOOK:
Blue Lake, Time After Time Book 1
by Carol Ann Kauffman












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Friday, August 27, 2021

BOOK: A Dilemma for Daisy by Carol Ann Kauffman

 

 


Daisy Mazlo faces a dilemma. She’s met the man of her dreams in Cooper MacNeill, a gentleman in every sense of the word: tall, dark, handsome, wealthy, kind, witty, lovable, and very interested in her. 

But Daisy can’t accept his love, so she runs away, moving back to Oakville where she grew up to sort out her feelings. Will the small loving community of her past help her find herself? Will Cooper come after her? Will a letter be pivotal in resolving Daisy’s dilemma? 

Will love win out?

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XZCK820



A Dilemma for Daisy is part of the Monday Mystery Society series, published by Books To Go Now.


The Monday Mystery Society attracts ten diverse individuals, all attractive in their unique ways—and all of them single. Five stories of love in a small town.

A Mystery for Marissa - Alison Jean Ash

When young bookstore owner Rob starts a new reading group, The Monday Mystery Society attracts ten diverse individuals, all attractive in their unique ways—and all of them single. How many of them will still be single by the group’s closing party? Rob has found the woman of his dreams, but Marissa stiffens up at the hint that he might ask her out. Thinking fast, the young bookstore owner invents a mystery reading group, just for the chance to spend some time with the gorgeous nurse. The big mystery on his mind is how far he’ll have to go to get her attention: does he need to show up wounded in her ER? Welcome to Oakville, where people still know their neighbors, friendships last a lifetime—and gossip is a force of nature.

The Right Kiss - Giuletta M. Spudich
Janie is a confident, professional editor in her thirties … when she’s not around men. The opposite sex sends her into frazzled and tongue-tied states of being. She prefers the company of her best friend Sharon Hall, or no company at all, and is largely alone. 
When she joins the Monday Mystery Society book club, she hopes to make connections with other Oakville residents through literature, especially Victorian mysteries. Little does she know that at the book club, there is a tendency to find love in unexpected places … 
Will she let go of her cool personality and let love in? Or will she run from the sudden affection of two different men and disappear into her favorite stories, alone and lonely? 

A Singular Romance - JW Stacks
A neo-Victorian romance of fine mysteries, upset stomachs, and torrential downpours. 
Julia can't handle people. Lara can't handle Julia. Neither of the two know how to deal with the 
feelings they bring out in each other. When a shared love of Victorian mysteries bring these two 
mismatched girls together, can the matchmaking track record of the Monday Mystery Society 
remain unbroken in the face of overwhelming odds? 

A Dilemma for Daisy - Carol Ann Kauffman
Daisy Mazlo faces a dilemma. She’s met the man of her dreams in Cooper MacNeill, a gentleman in every sense of the word, tall, handsome, wealthy, witty, and very interested in her. But Daisy can’t accept his love, so she runs away, moving back to Oakville where she grew up to sort out her feelings. Will the small loving community of her past help her find herself? Will Cooper come after her? Will a letter be pivotal in resolving Daisy’s dilemma? 
Will love win out?

Protest of Love - Samna Ghani
Mary Gardner is a successful career-oriented woman with a passion for work and books. She is part of The Monday Mystery Society at Acorns, the local bookstore in Oakville. Her life is perfect, in her opinion, till she meets Stefan. Things start going downhill as he infiltrates her work, her life and her heart. 

Stefan Larsson, a dashing European attorney fighting for the rights of the weak and downtrodden. He threatens everything Mary has worked so hard to achieve. He is smart but aggressive; passionate but dominating. He’s out to get Mary but the question is: will he remain unscathed?


This Books To Go Now project was so much fun to write! Head writer on this project was the wonderful Alison Jean Ash. The concept was simple. People join a book club. Relationships begin.

This anthology followed a timetable. Each mystery book club selection  was given a date. We followed each other's stories in a specific sequence. Alison went first with A Mystery for Marisa. The characters in all five books are the same. However, each book dwells on a specific relationship forming between two characters. Most of the characters are introduced in the first book and play a small role throughout the series, so we had to work together to keep each character's personality and actions consistent throughout the five-book series.

We hope you enjoy The Monday Mystery Society books.


Amazon Link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YOGMA2M








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Thursday, August 26, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT: Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School





Oh, this little gem was just wonderful! I am a Richard Carlyle fan, so I was immediately drawn to Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School.  Give it a shot. 









 I claim nothing here as my own. References include wikipedia, IMBD, and Amazon Prime Video.











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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT: Venom (FX)


 



I really didn't think I was going to like this. Although I generally like Marvel movies, something about this one seemed off. 

But I am a long-time fan of the wonderful, beautiful Michelle Williams from my fan days of Dawson's Creek, so I stayed with it. 

And I'm glad I did. Although I thought Tom hardy was a poor choice for the lead, he did a good job. 



 






I claim nothing here as mine. References are Wikipedia,  IMBD, and online reviews.









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Tuesday, August 24, 2021

BOOK REVIEW: Clouds in My Coffee by Julie Mulhern



I loved Clouds in my Coffee by Julie Mulhern.  It is a Country Club Murder novel that will keep you glued to the pages. Someone is trying to kill Ellison, but they keep missing. Gunshots, arson, wobbly statues crashing down. This murder mystery will keep you guessing and turning pages. I love Mulhern’s style of writing. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read!







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Monday, August 23, 2021

ART: Visit the The Met, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art









 Visit the Met!


References:
https://www.nycgo.com/museums-galleries/the-met-fifth-avenue/

NYC, The Official Site











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Sunday, August 22, 2021

SCHEDULE: August 23 - 27, 2021


Mon., August 23 - ART:
The Met
The New York Metropolitan
Museum of Art
Tues., August 24 - BOOK REVIEW: 
Clouds in My Coffee,
A Country Club Murder
by Julie Mulhern
Wed., August 25 - ENTERTAINMENT:
Venom
(FX)
Thurs., August 26 - ENTERTAINMENT:
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom. Dancing
and Charm School
(Netflix)
Fri., August 27 - BOOK:
A Dilemma for Daisy
by Carol Ann Kauffman

 

Friday, August 20, 2021

BOOK: August Red Dawn by Carol Ann Kauffman



In August Red Dawn, the eighth book in the Cat Collier Mystery Short Story series, girl sleuth-turned-private investigator Mary Catherine Collier Paxton, known as Cat, reflects on her life as the roles of wife and mother are added to her life. 


A new case involving a bowling trophy have her examining old family feelings and experiencing some terrifying new ones. 


As her family responsibilities grow, satisfaction with the constant travel and big city excitement dwindles. Cat hungers for her old small town Ohio life once more.


Can she go back? Can she get her husband to leave New York City for Heaton Valley, Ohio?





Amazon Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094GKQT8G









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Thursday, August 19, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT: The Stone of Destiny (Amazon Prime Video)


 








I claim nothing here as my own.  I thought this was a delightful, little, overlooked gem, and wanted to give it a boost.

References include:
Wikipedia
Amazon Prime Video









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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

BOOK REVIEW: Bed & Breakfast Bedlam by Abby L. Vandiver



Bed & Breakfast Bedlam was the first book I’ve read by Abby Vandiver, but it won’t be the last. This cozy mystery has it all: relatable, lovable characters, interesting locations, and one great plot that will keep you guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I want more Logan, Bay, Miss Vivee, and Mac. I highly recommend.








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Tuesday, August 17, 2021

BOOK REVIEW: The Deep End by Julie Mulhern


 
Another fabulous read from Julie Mulhern!  Ellison collided with a dead body on her morning swim. 

From there, her beautiful, well-ordered life spirals out of control, with dead bodies popping up all around her. 

Terrific characters and a tight, heart-thumping plot make this book a five star recommendation.







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Sunday, August 15, 2021

SCHEDULE: August 16-20, 2021


 Mon., August 16 - ART:
Botanical Artist 
Dyana Hesson
Tues., August 17 - BOOK REVIEW:
The Deep End, A Country Club Murder
By Julie Mulhern
Wed., August 18 - BOOK REVIEW:
Bed and Breakfast Bedlam
by Abby Vandiver
Thurs., August 19 - ENTERTAINMENT:
The Stone of Destiny
(Amazon Prime Video)
Fri., August 20 - BOOK:
August Red Dawn
Carol Ann Kauffman






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Friday, August 13, 2021

BOOK: Sea Witch by Carol Ann Kauffman

 

Sea Witch

by Carol Ann Kauffman


Dr. Laura Martin, Chief Extraterrestrial Life Scientist at The Touchstone Institute of Oceanographic Research, noticed troubling but subtle changes in the Atlantic Ocean. Before she could make sense of it all, her longtime assistant abruptly walked out. Laura hired young, handsome Scott Conner to be her personal assistant. Mayhem ensued, mainly because of Zara, the mermaid/siren/monster in the basement of the Touchstone Institute, who eyed on Scott as her possible mate in a plot for total domination of planet Earth.


“The Touchstone Institute of Oceanographic Research is the most fantastic, exhilarating place on the planet to work. It is high energy, exciting, sometimes maddening, often frightening, heart pounding work. It’s not a job. It’s a lifetime commitment. It gets in your blood. It grabs you by the throat and possesses you, body and soul. And it is work. If you’re not prepared to work your ass off day in and day out, weekends, holidays, your birthday, and your mamma’s birthday, leave now.”


Available in paperback and kindle formats

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK6DUNA






But, wait! Read an excerpt first:


“If there is magic on this planet,

it is contained in the water.”

-Loren Eiseley


Chapter Three

 

Thank You for Your Interest in the Touchstone Institute, but…

 

 

Scott walked into work a little early, only to find Mary Lou Hughes and Ann Dennison sitting down with Dr. Sylvia Washington, filling out new employee papers.

“Scott, did you get any mail yesterday? Didn’t you get, uh, a letter?”

“A letter? A ‘thank you for your interest in the Touchstone Institute, but’ letter? No. NO!”

“Yes, Scott. I’m sorry. Dr. Martin hired Mary Lou and Ann this morning. I’m sorry.”

“She hired them both? And not me?”

“Yes. Ann will be the new general receptionist at the front desk.”

“That’s Jaime’s job,” said Scott.

“Jaime quit. And Mary Lou, uh, will be Dr. Martin’s personal assistant.

“Is Dr. Martin here? I’d like a word with her,” he said, taking his BIK card off the wall and heading down the stairs.

“She’s very busy,” called Sylvia. 

Scott ignored her and walked down the stairs to Laura’s office.

 

“Dr. Martin,” Sylvia buzzed Laura’s office, “Dr. Conner is on his way down. Do you want me to call Security?”

“No, of course not. I should have done this in person in the first place. He deserves to hear it from me instead of…” Laura turned to find Scott staring at her, eyes big and wet. She moved closer to him.

“Scott,” she said softly, “go home.”

“What?”

“I said… go home. Your services are no longer needed.”

“What? Why? Will you just tell me why? Please!”

“You’re extremely over-qualified. You have a doctorate. These two positions don’t even require a bachelor’s degree. A high school diploma is all that was needed. You deserve… something better than this. It was a fantastic unpaid internship, Scott. I’ll write you the most glowing letter of recommendation you’ve ever seen.”

“I don’t want something better. I don’t want a letter of commendation. I want this! Was the quality of my work ever deficient in any way?”

“No. No, everything you did was… perfect.”

“Then, was the quantity of my work deficient?”

“No, you churned out excellent work day and night, and took work home with you.”

“I did everything I could to show you how much I wanted this job. I worked hard to streamline your schedule. I made sure you ate, took your vitamins, and drank enough water when I saw you were getting tired. I took as much pressure off of you as I could so that you could concentrate on the important issues at hand in here. I assisted you in every way I could. I anticipated your needs and prepared for them, like getting your car for you so you didn’t have to walk in the dark parking deck by yourself, dealing with deliveries and invoices, and the tank spills, anything, everything else I could. I don’t understand what I did wrong.”

“Nothing. You did nothing wrong. You were… amazing, wonderful.”

“Then… why?”

“I told you. You deserve more than a personal assistant position. I tried to get them to add another position for you, something more in line with your qualifications. I was sure I had talked Admiral Torres into it. But…”

“I don’t care.”

“I care. It’s unfair to you. I’m sorry.”

“I can’t understand this.” 

“I know. Scott, go home. Leave your key card at the front desk. And, thank you. You were… outstanding.” 

Laura turned and walked away from him. She didn’t want him to see how upset she was. She had every intention of releasing him when she allowed him to wiggle his way in. But, now, today, it was harder than she thought it would be to let him go.

“Dr. Martin? No!” She kept on walking. “Laura?” he whispered. She disappeared into the Operating Room corridor and closed the door, holding in the tears.

 

A broken-hearted Scott dragged himself to his apartment, dejected. He poured himself a double scotch and flopped on the couch.

There was a brisk, loud knock on the door. Scott ignored it. A few minutes later, another knock at the door, this time a softer, gentler knock.

“Go away.” Another knock on the door. “GO THE HELL AWAY!” Another knock. He got up from the couch, wanting to throttle whoever was at the door. He opened it to find his very sweet, elderly landlady.

“Oh, Mrs. Mahalick! What is it, dear?”

“Scott, I signed for this registered letter for you from a military man just a few minutes ago. He said it was extremely important. He said I had to hand it to you personally. It’s from the federal government. You aren’t in any trouble, are you? Is everything okay?”

“Yes, Mrs. Mahalick, everything is fine. No trouble. The letter is job-related. I’m just tired. Thank you.”

Scott went back to the couch and the scotch. He fingered the envelope. So, this was it, his ‘thank you for your interest in the Touchstone Institute, but…’ letter. He thought back on the last sixteen days, the best sixteen days of his life. And now, it was all over. He poured himself another double.

“Damn you, Laura Martin. Why did you have to be so fantastic? Why couldn’t you have been an absolute beast to work with? Why couldn’t you be some impossible, arrogant, full-of-herself, narcissistic, mean little bitch? Why did you have to be so caring, so sweet, and so, so lovable? Why did you tell me I was a kind and gentle soul with a good heart? And why, when you said my name did it feel like a caress, a genuine embrace? Why did you make me feel like I could accomplish anything if you were by my side? Why, when you finally, finally smiled at me, did it thrill me and make me feel like king of the world? Why?” He drained his glass and poured himself another. Hours passed, bottle drained, Scott conked out on the couch.

 

Laura was locked in her office in a foul mood when she heard the news.

“Dr. Martin, a call just came in from Admiral Torres’ office,” said Sylvia. “Your request for a project manager has been approved, as of today. The Admiral’s office sent Dr. Conner a letter by military courier. According to this, he should have received it by now.”

“That’s terrific news! That’s what I was hoping for,” she said. “Oh, how I wish it would have come in last night or early this morning. It could have saved both Scott and me some unnecessary anguish.”

“Then he should be here soon,” said Sylvia. 

One hour passed. Two hours. Three hours more. No Scott.

“Okay, where’s Scott?” Laura asked.

“He hasn’t come in yet,” said Sylvia.

“That’s strange. I would’ve thought he’d come bouncing back here within minutes of getting his new assignment,” said Laura.

“Yes, me, too, said Sylvia.”

 

“Vanna, I have to run an errand. I’ll be back in a half an hour. Tell anyone who asks I’m in a meeting.”

“Sure, Laura. Take your time. Is Scott coming in today?”

“Yes, he’ll be here any minute.”

 

Laura went outside and into Scott’s apartment building. She knocked on his door. No answer. An elderly woman walked toward her.

“Excuse me, I’m Scott Conner’s co-worker. He didn’t come in today and I’m worried about him. He didn’t call in. He doesn’t answer his phone. He doesn’t answer his door.”

“I’m his landlady, Ellie Mihalick. I saw him earlier today. He wasn’t himself. Do you think he’s ill? The flu is going around.”

“It could be. He might be really sick. And he might need help. What should we do?”

“Let me try to get him to answer the door.” She knocked.

“Scott? Scott? It’s Mrs. Mihalick. Answer the door, Scott.” No answer.

“Okay, now I’m definitely worried. Let’s open the door. You have a key, don’t you?” asked Laura. Mrs. Mihalick thought about it for a while.

“He didn’t look well when I talked to him earlier. Okay.” She opened the door. Laura’s heart stopped when she saw Scott’s body sprawled out half on the couch, half on the floor, in the most unnatural position.

“Scott!” Laura ran to him and cradled his head in her arms. She checked for a pulse. “Well, he’s alive.” 

“Do you think it’s the flu?” asked Mrs. Mihalick, hanging back at the door. 

Laura pushed the empty scotch bottle under the couch with her foot. “Yes, my guess is it’s the flu.”

“I don’t want to get too close. That flu can kill an old lady like me.”  

“I understand, Ellie. I’ll take it from here. Thank you.” 

Ellie backed out and closed the door.

 

Laura saw the letter unopened on the coffee table.

“So… you never opened the envelope. Damn. Now what do I do with you?”

She went into the bathroom and ran tepid water into the tub. “Okay, let’s get you out of your clothes and into the tub.” She took off his shirt. She unbuckled his belt and unzipped his trousers. She pulled them off, along with his socks and underwear.

“Okay, Big Guy, let’s get you into the bathtub. I don’t know if it’ll help you, but I’m much more comfortable with lifeforms in the water.” She put one of his legs in the tub, then shifted his weight to the other leg. He wobbled. She held on to him tightly and maneuvered him into the tub and sat him down.

“Laura,” he mumbled. 

It surprised her. She didn’t think he was aware of her presence. She pushed his head down under the water and then pulled him back up. 

“Laura?”

“Yes, Scott. I’m right here. Can you hear me?”

“Yes” he slurred. “Why?” 

“Why did I put you in the bathtub? I’m trying to sober you up. You came back to your apartment and polished off a fifth of scotch, I’m guessing by the smell of you and the empty bottle on the floor.” 

She pushed him under the water again and pulled him back up. He gasped and burped.

“Oh, you’re just a charmer.”

“Thank you. Laura?”

“Yes, Scott?”

“Where are we? Are we in a tank?”

“Yes,” she stifled a giggle. “We’re in a big tank with… with a giant alien squid-like creature… and we have to get a tissue sample… and he isn’t in a particularly giving mood.”

“Stand back,” he held his arm out, “I’ll take care of this for you. I’ll do it.”

“Scott! Here comes the giant squid.” She pushed his head under the water and pulled him up again.

“Laura!” he shouted, spitting out some water. “Watch out… he’s a killer.” He grabbed her. “He’s dangerous. But don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

She gently leaned him back against the wall and trickled water over his head from a washcloth. He grinned.

“What are you doing to me? You’re making me crazy.”

“Oh, no, I can’t take credit for that crazy part of you. You had it when I met you. I’m trying to… calm you down after our harrowing experience with the giant alien squid. You were wonderful, so brave.”

“Did I get the tissue sample for you?” He grinned an out of focus smile at her.

“Yes, you did. You were just marvelous.”

“Thank you. I try,” he blushed. She trickled more water over his head.

“Laura?”

“Yes, Scott.”

“I want my job back. You can let Mary Lou do all the paperwork if you want. But let me take care of you. You don’t even have to pay me.”

“Okay.”

“Really?” He sat up and blinked, looking momentarily sober. “Do you mean it?”

“Yes, I mean it. Let’s get out of this tank and maybe you could take a little nap.” She helped him out of the tub. He dried himself off somewhat, and she helped him into bed. She laid him on his stomach just in case he got sick. She put his wastebasket on that side of his bed and pulled a chair to his bedside. She dried his hair with a towel.

“Sleep a little, Scott. And when you wake up, you’ll feel much better. I’ll see you at work.”

“Okay, Laura.” 

She gently rubbed his back until he fell asleep smiling. She covered him up with a blanket she found on the floor. She took a pen from her handbag and wrote on the letter front, “Scott, open this immediately! Laura” and propped it up on the counter where he was sure to see it. She left and went back to work.








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Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.