Audible Book Review: Death at the Gazebo by Minnie Crockwell

I liked this easy listen, cozy mystery.
Death at the Gazebo
Mirror Pond Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
By: Minnie Crockwell
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 5 hrs
Release date: 12-22-20
Publisher: Minnie Crockwell
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
First in a new cozy mystery series from Minnie Crockwell.
Settling into her new condominium on Mirror Pond, novelist Sallie Chilcoat feels lost in Ashburn, Virginia, after moving to the state for love of a man. But with the end of that relationship, she finds herself at loose ends. She stares out the window at the pond and contemplates learning to kayak...or taking up painting...or climbing Mount Everest.
Movement in the overwater gazebo catches her eye, and she grabs up her people-watching binoculars to see a man sitting inside the gazebo playing an accordion. Curious about the musician who plays such a rare instrument, Sallie trots down to the pier to investigate.
The term “investigate” takes on a whole new meaning when Sallie reaches the gazebo to discover not a happy musician, but a dead body and a missing accordion. Forget Mount Everest! Sallie finds herself immersed in the mystery of the death at the gazebo.
©2019 Minnie Crockwell (P)2020 Minnie Crockwell

Review:
Sallie is a romance novelist although romance didn’t work out so well for her after she moved to Virginia to be with the man she loved. Soon thereafter he ended their relationship. Now she is sort of stuck in her condominium taking breaks from writing by jogging around the condominium ponds and gazebo. One morning she spots a man playing an accordion in the gazebo. When she comes back around, she finds him dead!

Before the police arrive, a local couple appear at the crime scene and Sallie notes that the wife is struggling with grief while the husband is struggling with anger. Soon, the local gossip chain, including Sallie’s across the hall neighbor, gets busy sharing information and Sallie learns the deceased was seen with multiple women, some married, who could be suspects. The suspects expand to jealous husbands too.

The police detective shares some information with Sallie as she shares the local gossip information and the efforts of her own unauthorized sleuthing. Meanwhile, Sallie is coordinating information with the condominium handyman, Bill, a man she has some interest in. But she is cautious since other single women surely find bachelor Bill interesting too. And it seems that Bill is very reluctant to discuss his own past.  Sallie and Bill both have some emotional history that leads to misinterpretation of signals.

The characters are likeable, and the plot has several suspects to keep things moving along. Some of the writing seemed simplistic but that was okay.  I enjoyed the easy flow of the mystery, the light humor and the hint of possible romance. I like this as a first of a new cozy mystery series and would be interested to read more. I recommend this to fans of the genre looking for a quick read/listen.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a nice job with the narrations. She is able to give enough voice to the characters to keep them distinct while she also provides fitting emotion and energy. I enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: 1/8/2021 Author Audible Code. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021Author review goals.

Audible Book Review: Galaxy's Edge by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole

I enjoyed the military action in these books.

Galaxy's Edge
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 02-20-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Galaxy's Edge contains Legionnaire through to the end of Galactic Outlaws.
On the edge of the galaxy, a diplomatic mission to an alien planet takes a turn when the Legionnaires, an elite special fighting force, find themselves ambushed and stranded behind enemy lines. They struggle to survive under siege, waiting on a rescue that might never come.
In the seedy starport of Ackabar, a young girl searches the crime-ridden gutters to avenge her father's murder; not far away, a double-dealing legionniare-turned-smuggler hunts an epic payday; and somewhere along the outer galaxy, a mysterious bounty hunter lies in wait.
Galaxy's Edge combines sleek starfighters, exotic aliens, loyal bots, blasters, scoundrels, heroes, and powerful enemies in a thrilling adventure that will take you back to that magic place from a long time ago.
©2017 Nick Cole; 2018 Podium Publishing; 2017 Jason Anspach (P)2018 Podium Publishing.

Review:
This audiobook included two full books in the Galaxy’s Edge series: Legionnaire and Galactic Outlaws. In the first book the reader/listener meets a troop of the most elite forces – The Legionnaires. These are the best prepared group with training and resources, including defensive uniforms with connective tech. They are supported by the regular troops of the Republic who usually look up to the elites, except for the rivalry that is sometimes fed by the superior officers. The story is told by Sergeant Chuun, a weary, veteran protagonist who has seen more than his share of conflict. When the troops fall under an ambush attack, Chuun, quickly accesses the situation and wants to take his team straight into the enemy to remove the danger. But his more politician than soldier commander says “No”. Then the commander’s transport is hit and believed to be down. Chuun and his direct superior Lieutenant Ford, known as Wraith, take to the ground to proceed with his suggestion.

Once they defeat the threat and secure the area, they learn that the commander is alive. Tension is clear and intensifies after a wounded general promotes Wraith and Chuun. The commander isn’t willing to give up control and claims that he was put in charge, but there was not witness to this and more personal conflict erupts. Finally, a division of command is agreed upon, but the troops face another ambush and betrayal before the end of the story.

The story addresses the issues with the politically appointed leadership within the Legion, and difficulties this produces in operations on the ground. I enjoyed the unique characters and hoped to meet them again in further stories. I also liked the intense action that kept me awake extra hours. I wasn’t positive I wanted to go right on for another 8 or 9 hours of the same. I was pleased that the second book shifted from primary military to bounty hunter type action.

Galactic Outlaws takes place seven years later and features two bounty hunters and young girl intent on revenging the death of her father. Aeson Keel is closely associated with the rebel outlaw Wraith who is one of the top outlaws of the Republic. The number one outlaw is an old warrior, Tyrus Rex whose goal is to remove criminals from the Galaxy’s Edge while he waits for something he can’t quite remember.

Prisma Maydoon is a young girl who watched a force of black glad soldiers, who look a lot like Legionnaires, kill the people in her community including her father. Apparently, her father had stolen some crucial government tech and wasn’t the best of men…but he was her “daddy”. Prisma is accompanied by an old warbot that has been reprogrammed to be her personal bodyguard.

The characters work their way along missions that eventually intersect. Along the way Aeson and his holographic sidekick pick up a brilliant computer whiz who can hack and reprogram almost any tech. He plays an important role in helping to keep them all safe. Tyrus and his nearly sentient spaceship pick up an alien pilot who is very reminiscent of Chewbacca, including unintelligible speech.

The enemy they head out to capture turns out to be a real twisted megalomaniac. His initial goals may once have been to prevent evil in the Republic but now he has become the primary evil.

This story took a little bit more concentration as the three-character lines emerged and met. I liked the complexity and enjoyed the interaction of the characters, including the AIs and warbot. There was good deep in the heart of the rough bounty hunter and warrior even though money and revenge were big motivators too. There was sadness at the end, but I am wondering if, and hoping, some of these characters will reappear in other volumes. I will be listening to more and recommend this to fans of Star Wars and similar trope.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does a wonderful job with the narration. It is always a pleasure to listen to him bring the characters alive.

Source: 3/8/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post January 24, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 25, 2021

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading?, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I am busy at the office and glad everyone is back at work. I have reporting due in two weeks for an organization I belong to and that will be taking up hours of time over the weekends and end of my work days this week.

This was my breakfast one morning last week. One of my favorites: chipped dried beef (aka sos) with eggs and homemade hash browns.

We are scheduled to have warmer days this week: 36 to 76 with two days of rain.

I enjoyed the three audiobooks I finished last week while I continue reading an ebook and print. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Wendy describes herself as "a fabulavore" who "has required a steady supply of books to provide her sustenance."

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 17, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 18, 2021.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Salvage Crew by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Narrated by Nathan Fillion; Genre: Humorous Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Break Shot: My First 21 Years, An Audio Memoir, by James Taylor; Genre: Arts & Entertainment, Memoir, Music; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 22, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/28/2021.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Pugly Duckling by Carla Siravo; Genre: Animals, Children; My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0.

• Print- Book Review: A Stockingful of Joy by Mary Jo Putney, Jill Barnett, Justine Dare, Susan King; Genre: Anthology, Christmas, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #413 Comment Giveaway January 23, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/6/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 24, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Galaxy's Edge
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 02-20-18
I enjoyed the military action in these books.
Source: 3/8/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Death at the Gazebo
Mirror Pond Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
By: Minnie Crockwell
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 5 hrs
Release date: 12-22-20
I liked this easy listen, cozy mystery.
Source: 1/8/2020 Author Audible Code
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Junkyard Cats
By: Faith Hunter
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 01-02-20
I decided to slip in a quick listen to finish three this week. This is an intense sci fi listen.
Source: 1/11/2020 One of Two Free January Audible Originals
About This Audible Original
From the author of the best-selling Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series comes a tough new heroine who is far more than she seems.
After the Final War, after the appearance of the Bug aliens and their enforced peace, Shining Smith is still alive, still doing business from the old scrapyard bequeathed to her by her father. But Shining is now something more than human. And the scrapyard is no longer just a scrapyard, but a place full of secrets that she has guarded for years.
This life she has built, while empty, is predictable and safe. Until the only friend left from her previous life shows up, dead, in the back of a scrapped Tesla warplane. Clutched in her cold fingers is a note to Shining—warning her of a coming attack.
With dread, Shining realizes: someone knows who she is. Someone knows what she is guarding. Will she be able to protect the scrapyard? Will she even survive? Or will Shining have to destroy everything she loves to keep her secrets out of the wrong hands?
©2020 Faith Hunter (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Computer (NG2020)

Came A Horseman, A Hard Ride In A Fierce World
by Paul McHugh
I've gotten to a better point of interest as this turns into a murder investigation.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Paperback(PTBR)

Noah - Another Storm is Coming
by Ellen G. White
I pulled this from my TBR.
Source: My own bookshelf; gift from a church friend.
A worldwide, catastrophic flood. It reshaped the face of the planet. It killed millions of animals. It ended the lives of countless men, women, and children. Why would anyone believe a God of love would punish the world like that? You’re not alone. Questions like this one have mystified honest, searching people for thousands of years. Skeptics discredit the event as a mere myth, proof that God is nothing more than a cruel tyrant invented by men, while believers struggle to harmonize the love of Jesus and this frightening Old Testament story. There is an answer that actually makes sense that will help you understand the mind of God when it comes to evil, sin, suffering, pain, and punishment. Table of Contents Part 1—The Real Story: “As in the Days of Noah . . .” 1. The Building of the Ark: The Flood—Part I 2. Destruction by Water: The Flood—Part II 3. The Rainbow Sign: After the Flood 4. Skepticism

3. Audio/Smartphone (A2018)

Red Winter
Red Winter, Book 1
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 01-03-17
I figured this could count for a color and Winter season.
Source:  May 2018 Audible Daily Deal for $3.95.
Publisher's Summary
Emi is the kamigakari. In a few short months, her life as a mortal will end, and her new existence as the human host of a goddess will begin. Carefully hidden from those who would destroy her, she has prepared her mind, body, and soul to unite with the goddess - and not once has she doubted her chosen fate.
Shiro is a yokai, a spirit of the earth, an enemy of the goddess Emi will soon host. Mystery shrouds his every move, and his ruby eyes shine with cunning she can't match and dares not trust. But she saved his life, and until his debt is paid, he is hers to command - whether she wants him or not. On the day they meet, everything Emi believes comes undone, swept away like snow upon the winter wind. For the first time, she wants to change her fate - but how can she erase a destiny already wrought in stone? Against the power of the gods, Shiro is her only hope...and hope is all she has left. ©2016 Annette Marie (P)2017 Tantor

January 24, 2021 - I have been enjoying reading/listening to the Bible passages every morning.   I am reading/listening the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I hope to pick another short study this week.

I completed three books and posted four reviews to remain up to date.
NetGalley shelf is: 14.  (I didn't look this week so I wouldn't be tempted.)
Three author titles in queue as I accepted a new graphic title and am listening to the author audio.
(Plus a few that I received from newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
No new titles for review.
I used one credit at Audiobooks.com for the two for one credit Mystery deal. I still have the VIP to pick for January which I will decide on this week.
I picked up four free plus catalog Audible titles.
Two free Kindle titles this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

Two for One Credit Mystery Deal at Audiobooks.com:

The Girl Behind the Red Rope
By Rachelle and Ted Dekker
Narrated By: Sandy Rustin
Duration: 10 h 6 min

Scents and Sensibility
By Spencer Quinn
Narrated By: Jim Frangione
Duration: 9 h 30 min

Free

I added four more Plus Catalog Audibles to my library. Thanks to Book Date for the heads up that these were available!
I have been eyeing the Haunted Library series for several years so I am glad to get these!

Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery
By: Allison Brook
Narrated by: Mia Gaskin
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Read and Gone: A Haunted Library Mystery, Book 2
By: Allison Brook
Narrated by: Mia Gaskin
Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Buried in the Stacks: A Haunted Library Mystery, Book 3
By: Allison Brook
Narrated by: Mia Gaskin
Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery
By: Jacqueline Frost
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
(I read this one through NetGalley and am glad to get the audio.)

Two free Kindle title this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 24, 2021

Pastor continued his message this morning titled “Battle On”.
Pastor showed us videos of the progression of game controllers from single button in 1980s to two to four buttons, to four with a and b and x and finally multiple buttons and joysticks today.
Then he asked the question: Who do you give control to in your life? The Bible text is Romans 8:1-17.
The message is “you are not controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit of God…”

The Transaction: Verses 1- 4 tell of a transaction that takes place when we surrender to Jesus. We belong to God. When Satan comes to remind us of the law and our sin, God protects us because there is no longer condemnation. The Holy Spirit freed us from the power of sin.
God declared the end of sin’s control over us (through the blood of Jesus). v3.

Who is in Control? Verses 5 - 8. We have the choice of “letting” (allowing) our sinful nature OR the Spirit to control. The sinful nature is always hostile to God. v7. But the believer is controlled by the Spirit and Christ who lives within.

Prophetic: Verses 9 - 11.
Fact 1: If the Holy Spirit lives in you, you are not controlled by the sinful nature. You can Choose Differently.
Fact 2: If you are saved, the Holy Spirit lives in you.
Satan is the deceiver who will tell you lies:
Lie 1: If you are struggling with sin, you don’t have the Holy Spirit in you. NOT TRUE. It is a human struggle.
Lie 2: You cannot defeat sin. NO – God can help you overcome sin.

Lie Shattering Truth: The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you, therefore you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. Verses 11 - 13.

The Point: The same person – The Holy Spirit – raised Jesus from the dead and lives in and with you. Give Control of your life to Him.

God made us children of God. Verses 14-17 . We share in His glory but that means we also share in His sufferings.

What do we do? You have the authority, the choice. You may have taken back control and allowed your sinful nature to prevail. So you need to give it back to the Holy Spirit. Live in the Holy Spirit, not in sin.

I searched and listened to several songs. This is the one I chose for today:
Out of My Hands

Romans 8:16 -17 NIV
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Lord, help me to surrender control clearly to You and not try to make decisions without You.

Sharing Beyond Books #413 Comment Giveaway January 23, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Last Q#412 Ashfa asked: What topic would you like to see tackled more in diverse reads??
Four of us suggested more dystopian with two of us mentioning 'prepper' stories. Three suggested more diversity - different tropes, race and equality issues and different cultures. Three didn't know what to suggest and one added more pets. Although I might not agree with Fredaman's suggestion that included "more sexuality" (or I would chose not to read it), I totally agree with her comment: "More of it all. Don't ban it, read it." I agree - let it be the reader's choice to read or not.

The Winner from SBB #412 comments is #1 MIKI who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in. 11/28/20 I have added a box of new books for SBB and will list them in the next week or so. I have to try to cross off books that have already been awarded. ]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #413

(One Question.)

Natalija asks: Do you prefer alpha or beta heroes in your romantic fiction??

 I think I generally prefer alpha males but it may depend on how you define alpha male. He still has to be loyal and honest, not a womanizer or a cheat, and kind rather than bullying.

Image found at Whisper.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.
January Questions were shared by Ashfa and Natalija who both get $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. Natalija asks: Do you prefer alpha or beta heroes in your romantic fiction??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 5 PM central.