Audio Book Review: Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon: A Minnesota Mystery by Larry Millett

This Sherlock investigation, set in America, is very engaging.
Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon:
A Minnesota Mystery: Sherlock Holmes & Shadwell, Book 1
Written by: Larry Millett
Narrated by: Steve Hendrickson

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
Series: The Minnesota Mysteries, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-13-16
Publisher: Listen2aBook.com
Genre: Mystery, Historical
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 (Performance 5.0)

Publisher's Summary
In the summer of 1994, a workman at the historic mansion of railroad baron James J. Hill in St. Paul, Minnesota, stumbles on a long-hidden wall safe. When experts arrive to open the safe and examine its contents, they make an astonishing discovery. There, inside, is a handwritten manuscript bearing the signature of John H. Watson, MD. The manuscript contains the story of how Sherlock Holmes and Watson traveled to Minnesota to track a murderous arsonist - known only as the Red Demon - who is threatening both Hill and his Great Northern Railway.
Set against the backdrop of the real, devastating Hinckley forest fire of 1894, Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon is the tense and atmospheric first novel in Larry Millett's classic series of adventures that brought Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to Minnesota.
©1996 Lawrence Millett (P)2016 Audio-Visceral Productions

Review:
This story begins with an introduction that authenticates the event as a Sherlock Holmes investigation and the journalling as Watson’s account. I was fully drawn in and convinced.

Holmes is approached by the executive to James J. Hill, an American railroad baron. The baron seeks to engage the greatest detective, Sherlock. Holmes of course, to find an arsonist who is threatening to burn a major train line in Minnesota. Holmes and Watson travel to America to begin the investigation. Watson chronicles the trip as well as the investigation once they reach the rustic town of Hinckley.

The initial investigator has gone missing so Holmes traces his steps. He interviews the town marshal who appears to be in someone’s pocket; a woman who owns a bordello just on the edge of town and who is suspect of penning the threatening letters; an obstructive newsman; and an infamous logger who is reminiscent of a pirate. Holmes and Watson face assassin attempts and are rescued by a surprising, backhills character.

The suspects multiply although they are eliminated one by one by Holmes until he uncovers the true demon. He has to race from one town to another, serving as the locomotive coalman/stoker, as he tries to stop the villain. There is good intensity in the race to the end confrontation.

The story is set around a true fire disaster with a description that is horrifyingly tragic. The historic details of the travel, economy, communities and trains is well done and added to the engaging mystery. At times the characters seemed a bit outlandish but they added a bit of humor.
I am not a Sherlockian expert and haven’t read the original series in many years. The story includes many details of observation and deduction attributable to Holmes, and leaves out some of his more notable flaws. It does capture the exasperation that Watson sometimes experiences with Holmes’ volatile and arrogant character.

I enjoyed the mystery and the audible rendition. This would be appropriate for young adult readers/listeners as well as adults. I recommend this to Sherlock and mystery fans.

Audio Notes: I thought Steve Hendrickson did a great job with the narration. He especially captured Holmes’ superior nature and Watson’s frustrations. He provided distinct voices consistent to the other characters too. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.

Book Review: Jeopardy in July: A Jamie Quinn Mystery by Barbara Venkataraman

I really enjoyed this fun, quick mystery.

Jeopardy in July: A Jamie Quinn Mystery

(Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 5)

by Barbara Venkataraman

File Size: 1150 KB

Print Length: 220 pages

Publication Date: March 26, 2017

ASIN: B06XWJK9TP
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Old people were dying at an alarming rate at La Vida Boca, a posh assisted living facility in Boca Raton, Florida. With its sterling reputation, dedicated staff, and top-notch medical care, none of the deaths are considered suspicious, but when members of the poker club start to die under strange circumstances, attorney Jamie Quinn finds herself once again embroiled in a mystery. With help from her new friend, Jessie Sandler, and her favorite P.I., Duke Broussard, Jamie uncovers a crime that took place forty years earlier. Can she stop the killer in time? Or is she in danger of becoming the next victim?

Review:
Jamie is missing her almost fiancé Kip and wondering if she needs a change from being a divorce lawyer. After all, even a divorce attorney who has seen it all might be a bit depressed about being called to assist a client in an assisted living facility who is seeking divorce. Jamie went to La Vida Boca but she never got to meet the client who had just recently died. She meets a friend and some of the elderly characters instead. When she is offered the chance to do some estate planning and probate work she thinks that is a switch in law niches that maybe she could make.

One of Jamie’s prior clients raises a concern about an inherited art work that turns out to be a copy. She calls in her favorite PI, Duke, to try to search the history of the piece. In her usual Jamie style, she stumbles onto clues and into trouble. Soon Jamie is teaming up with her nemesis, the local District Attorney, and her friend at the FBI as the paths to the art forgery cross with a long time FBI man-hunt for an art swindler. Jamie is the new FBI secret weapon.

While investigating the mystery, Jamie is a little distracted by twin disappointments. First, Kip announces he may be away for another month to research another strange critter. Then Jamie is told there is no news on her father’s visa application which means his a delay in her meeting him in the states.

Danger threatens as another resident at La Vida Boca is found dead and Jamie begins to think the deaths are not just old age. Can Jamie uncover the murderer before someone else – maybe her-- dies?

Once again, I completely enjoyed this engaging mystery. I like the legal aspects which are familiar to me and the plot is enhanced with some quirky elderly residents in addition to Jamie’s usual friends. There are references to songs, books and TV shows from the boomer generation that make this fun for readers of a more mature age (like me).

The writing flows well and this reads quickly. It offers laughs and snorts. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy fun, cozy mysteries.

I picked this up while on promo at the invitation of the author.

Sunday Post August 6, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 7, 2017.

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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.

Another busy week. We were in Orlando Thursday and Friday nights. We enjoyed the event and seminar and the girls got to do some outlet shopping for their kids who start school this week.

Reading was good. I finished three books: two audios books and one ebook. I posted three reviews along with all of my usual memes and an extra July wrap-up post.

I visited 27 blogs last week.
Shout out this week is to Lori's Reading Corner, with lots of Giveaways and a special What is the Title Wednesday.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 30, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 31, 2017.

• MBS July 2017 Reading List Wrap-Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer; Christian, Classic, Religion, Theology; my rating 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 4, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/10/2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Jackaby by William Ritter; Mystery, Paranormal,Teen; my rating 4.25.

• eNG- Book Review: Book Review: AFTERLIFE by Marcus Sakey; Ghost, Thriller; My rating 3.75.

• Sharing Beyond Books #314 Comment Giveaway August 5, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/12/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 6, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (free /for Author)

Jeopardy in July: A Jamie Quinn Mystery (Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 5)
by Barbara Venkataraman
I really enjoyed this fun, quick mystery.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (ABJ)

Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon:
A Minnesota Mystery: Sherlock Holmes & Shadwell, Book 1
Written by: Larry Millett
Narrated by: Steve Hendrickson
Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
If you like Sherlock Holmes you will enjoy this. I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Love Takes Two
by Patrice Moore
I enjoyed this.
I received this from NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

The Borrowed World: A Novel of Post-Apocalyptic Collapse, Volume 1
Written by: Franklin Horton
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
This is a realistic post-apocalyptic story from my Audible TBR.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart
by Candice Patterson
This sounds like it will be enjoyable.
I received this from NetGalley.
Weddings are the last thing beekeeper Huck Anderson wants to be associated with, considering his past. So when he inherits a building occupied by a bridal boutique, he aims to evict the failing business and open a sporting goods store. That is until his tenant ends up being Arianne Winters, a woman he's indebted to from a mistake made years ago. When a life-threatening injury derails Huck entirely, Arianne offers a compromise to keep her boutique and her life out of bankruptcy—she'll aid in his lengthy recovery if he'll allow her to remain in his building. But nursing her adversary proves challenging when her adolescent crush resurfaces. Amidst a battle-of-wills, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, providing opportunity to overcome their pasts and start anew. Will this confirmed bachelor consider holy-matrimony, or will Huck's choices sting them a second time?

3. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Red Rising
Written by: Pierce Brown
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins
This is another from my Audible shelf; to be "R" in my Alphabet Challenge.
Publisher's Summary
Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children. But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet.
Darrow - and Reds like him - are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class. Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity's overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society's ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies...even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
©2013 Pierce Brown (P)2014 Recorded Books

4. Print (LBC)

A Matter of Character,
Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Series #3
by Robin Lee Hatcher
This should be fun.
I had to add this which I am reading
for Ladies Book Club which meets 8/12.
“The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series delivers exactly what readers have been waiting for—smart, confident women who are not afraid to defy convention, live their own dreams, and share their lives if the right man comes along. In A Matter of Character, book three in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series, it's 1918, and Daphne McKinley, heiress to a small fortune, has found contentment in the town of Bethlehem Springs. But Daphne has a secret. A series of dime novels loosely based on local lore and featuring a nefarious villain known as Rawhide Rick has enjoyed modest popularity among readers. Nobody in Bethlehem Springs knows the man behind the stories … except Daphne. When newspaperman Joshua Crawford comes to town searching for the man who sullied the good name of his grandfather, Daphne finds herself at a crossroads, reassessing the power of her words, re-thinking how best to honor her gifts, and reconsidering what she wants out of life.”

July 30, 2017 - I am up to date in the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

Some of my reading time is going to a Wednesday night study we are doing called Freedom Course.

I completed three books and posted three reviews. That keeps me to three current reviews and one for September release. I got caught up linking my reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
I am down to 4 NetGalley titles (but eyeing new ones) and still 8 author titles in my queue.

We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.

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 review books this week - I am still at 93% at NetGalley but I have a list of titles to request soon.
I purchased two $.99 Kindle title.
As usual, I picked up lots more free kindle titles as usual. (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

No new Audible books this week - another week resisted!
I picked up two Kindle titles for $.99:
I spotted this 5 starred Sci Fi Anthology:
End of Days: an Exclusive Dystopian Collection
Margo Bond Collins, Monica Corwin, Melanie Karsak, Ainsley Shay, Miranda Hardy, Audrey Grey, Kory M. Shrum, SJ Davis, Patricia Loofbourrow, Wendy Knight, Lena Hillbrand , Lena Mae Hill, Jen Crane, Jason Paul Rice, Ian Thompson, Tim Moon, Michelle Bryan, D.K. Cassidy

And this Boxed set of Mysteries:
 
Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Series: Box Set I (Books 1-3)
Hope Callaghan 

Free

I picked up Week Fifteen SYNC Audio titles:
BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys, Narrated by Emily Klein (Listening Library)
IN MY HANDS: MEMORIES OF A HOLOCAUST RESCUER by Irene Gut Opdyke with Jennifer Armstrong, Narrated by Hope Davis (Listening Library))

These are five of my Free Kindle Picks: (All but the first one may still be free):

Sensing Danger (A Sinclair and Raven Novel Book 1)
by Wendy Vella

Dean Murray, Nancy Straight, Charlotte Abel, Lisa Wiedmeier, Kellie McAllen, Rachel Medhurst, Allie Burton, Jess Haines, Kelly Oram, Shannon Dermott Fated Souls: 10 Clean Paranormal Romance Stories

 
Forever and For Always (The Inn at Sunset Harbor-Book 2)
Sophie Love
(I already have book 1 for this one.)

A Spirited Tail (Mystic Notch Cozy Mystery Series Book 2)
Leighann Dobbs
(I already have book 1 for this one too.)

Catch Me, Cowboy (The 78th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 1)
Jeannie Watt



I added 74 (ouch again!) free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 6, 2017

Our Sunday School teacher taught on “Taking Back What the Devil(?) Stole from Me”.
Our Pastor ‘s sermon series on Dangerous continued with our associate Pastor delivering today’s message. The next Dangerous prayer being: “Break Me.” First he noted that he is always excited about prayer and connecting with God, ever since he realized that God wants a personal relationship and connection with each of us. When we pray ‘Break Me’ we are fully surrendering.

The initial text reference is Mark 14:3-8 where a woman broke open an expensive bottle of perfume and anointed Jesus. Some objected to the waste but Jesus said, ‘She has done a good thing for me’. Sometimes we mistakenly value the physical more than spiritual. This woman wasn't wasting her investment, she was making a bigger investment.

We have been trained as a child to believe that a broken thing is useless. But where do you find your value? Our true value is found in Christ. We must recognize that everything we do is for a greater purpose.

If you're going to move forward, you have to be broken. Only when we are broken can we be poured out. This message is confirmed in Mark 14:22-24 as Jesus says his body is broken and blood poured out. Our surrender allows us to be used. This most powerful prayer is not about asking and receiving; it is about giving through surrender.

There is a Japanese art called Kintsugi where the artist repairs the breaks in pottery with gold, creating a more beautiful object. God sees opportunities in broken people. God doesn’t seek out the perfect because He uses the broken. God wants us to give Him everything.
Are we willing to pray “Break me, use me, pour me out”?

This song fits today.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 51:17 NLT
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

(See: Five Broken Things in the Bible)

Help me each day Lord to surrender, to allow you to break my will so that I may follow Your Will.

Sharing Beyond Books #314 Comment Giveaway August 5, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
7 commenters like animal covers, 5 like scenic/landscape covers, 3 like bright colors, 2 like vintage, 2 like cozy mystery covers, plus 1 like masters, 1 unique, and 1 whimsical. 3 of us don't like bodice rippers but 2 do!

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #313 comments is: #16 bn100 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.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #314

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: I am thrifty. I dilute my dish soap, shampoo and laundry detergent. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to save money??

I know we use diluted thieves oil for cleaning. We use fabric softener sheets to clean the shower. One of my favorite items is a little soap holder that I put the ends of soaps in and use for hand soap.

This is just one of several links to "ways to save" tips!
Image found at Saving and Simplicity.
Here is a Pinterest link too.

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 book choice or 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.

Your turn to share. Marjorie asks: I am thrifty. I dilute my dish soap, shampoo and laundry detergent. Does anyone have any suggestions of how to save money??

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 August 12, 2017 at 5 PM central.