The Blackfriar Murders, A Cosy Mystery Series: Book One: At the Bottom of the Stairs by M’Lissa Moorecroft

The Blackfriar Murders, A Cosy Mystery Series: Book One: At the Bottom of the Stairs
By: M'Lissa Moorecroft

Published: January 2016

Published by: Kindle Edition

Format Read: Kindle for PC

Genre: Mystery, Short Story 

Rating: 2.5/5

I was sent a copy of At the Bottom of the Stairs by M’Lissa Moorecroft from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Outside the small coastal town of Black Rock, California sits an old converted mansion, which is now home to a cast of colorful characters from a variety of different backgrounds. Each tenant has their own secrets and know very little about each other. That is except for the building gossip, who just happens to die after a fall down the stairs.

I was intrigued by the synopsis of At the Bottom of the Stairs, due in part to the mysterious mention of the Blackfriar tenants wanting to escape their past lives. At less than 60 pages, this short story was chalk full of the character descriptions and their backstories.

The introduction gave a list that almost read like a play. In fact the idea for At the Bottom of the Stairs could easily be turned into, just that; a play.

The setting and the mystery kept my attention, but I felt the need for some editing and refinement kept me from enjoying it even more. Also due in part to the immense amount of character development, I felt the story could have been much longer. However this is only the beginning of M’Lissa Moorecroft’s series about the Blackfriar tenants. 

M’Lissa Moorecroft’s Blackfriar Mystery Series include:

Book One: At the Bottom of the Stairs

Book Two: White Roses in the Window

Book Three: KNOCK, KNOCK, BANG BANG… YOU’RE DEAD!

Book Four: Don’t Push Me Down the Stairs! 

Full House by Maeve Binchy

Title: Full House
Author: Maeve Binchy
Published: 2012
Published By: Orion
Format Read: Paperback
Genre: Contemporary, Short Story
Date Read: January 4, 2016
Rating: 3/5

Dee is a hardworking mother of three and wife of 24 years. She wakes each day before the sun rises to work as a house cleaner, then she returns home to cook and clean for her family. Money is tight during this time of recession, but between her pay and that of her husband Liam’s, they make do. Then Liam gets some bad news; his long time employer was bankrupt, leaving him without a job. Dee knows that some major changes must be made and it starts with her three grown children. Rosie, Helen and Andrew are all living at home on a free ticket. They don’t pay any rent, help with housework or cook their own meals. In Maeve Binchy’s short story Full House, readers follow Dee as she attempt to open the eyes of her spoiled children. 

Full House is part of Galaxy’s Quick Reads collection that promotes reading and literacy in the U.K.

Quick reading:

As I was searching through my local library for shorter books to add to my pile for a read-a-thon, I came across these Galaxy Quick Read books. Their length (just over 100 pages) and the size of the font, made for a great choice for anyone looking for a quick, but entertaining story. This collection is a wonderful way to get people to read without having to commit a lot of time to the task.

The story:

Dee loved her family and worked very hard to make sure they had the best life she could give them. She came from a different generation that was taught respect and discipline, unlike that of her children. While Dee was an admirable character, her three children definitely were not. To be honest I found Rosie, Helen and Anthony to be spoiled and ungrateful. Thankfully there was a lesson to be learned and keeping that thought in my head kept me reading. Despite these characters the story was entertaining and kept my attention.  

Recommendations:

I would recommend Full House to fans of Maeve Binchy. Also to those looking for a light and quick short story. 

If you are interested in learning more about Galaxy Quick Reads, click to the link below:

http://www.quickreads.org.uk

The Mitford Snowmen by Jan Karon

Title: The Mitford Snowmen
Author: Jan Karon
Published: October 2002
Published By: Viking
Format Read: Hardcover
Genre: Short Story, Christmas, Christian Fiction
Date Read: January 4 2015
Rating: 4/5

With a heavy snowfall blanketing the town of Mitford, its residents decide to have an impromptu snowman building contest. Following the characters from Karon’s popular series, The Mitford Snowmen is a cute short story. This small hardcover book features colourful artwork as well.

I came across this little book while searching through the shelves at my local library. I was looking for shorter books to read during a read-a-thon and The Mitford Snowmen was a perfect addition to my pile. It also fit in with the current winter season.

Jan Karon’s Mitford series has been on my TBR list for some time now and this was a wonderful introduction to the characters and the setting. It also gave me an idea of the authors writing style.

Although its characters are from an adult series, this story would be appropriate for adults and children alike. Associated with Hallmark, there are even Mitford themed décor which along with this book would make a wonderful gift. 

Mitford Snowmen Jubilee Set (Hallmark)  found on
Ornament Mall