Review: Real Actors, Not People

Real Actors, Not People by Karen Musser Nortman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the eighth book in the series. I have not read any of the others in the series. It is my first time reading this author. I first heard of this book at a Facebook party. I was excited about it because I love camping. I also found it intriguing that the mysteries will most likely move around. I found this to be interesting as locations, victims, suspects and witnesses will be different. I was wondering how that might affect the series and if I should start with the first book. Then I was notified I won a copy of this book.

I was able to enjoy the mystery with no problem at all. Yes there were hints of prior mysteries but nothing that made me feel as if I was left out of the loop. I loved the idea of family and friends going on camping adventures together. I felt right at home with Frannie and the gang. There was no awkwardness of being the outsider wondering about all I missed. It was the welcoming, friendly feeling you really do get from most campers. The reality show aspect was fun. Just imagining some actors out in the “wilds” building fires and living without luxuries was hilarious. I think the author did well with blending what we imagine they are like with what may be realistically more accurate. I don’t want to go into the mystery. I am always afraid of ruining the story. I enjoyed it. I thought it was fairly easy to solve but a fun book to read. I do want to go back and read prior books though it isn’t necessary. I just think the people were fun and the author did a wonderful job bringing the camping experience to me. I found the book to be appropriate for those who enjoy “clean” books.

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Review: Mischief in Italy

Mischief in Italy by Beate Boeker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I won this book during a Facebook party.

This was such a fun book to read! It is definitely a summer fun book. This does not mean that you can only read it during the summer. What it means is if you are wanting to take a book-cation and enjoy the summer time feeling, this book is perfect. It is set in Italy with a small part in Germany.

The book is told in first person chapters, told by four main people. Yes. That is right. Four narrators. I can imagine your thoughts right now. I myself would have been thinking, ‘well, that is three too many.’ Do not make that mistake! It works out divinely. I actually cannot wait for this to come out on audio though I am scared to death for it to come out on audio. I want it done with two narrators: one male, one female. I want the narrators to be able to do two voices each: one old, one young. I know that is asking a lot but it would be so amazing. It is the only pairing that would do justice to the perfection of this book. So knowing the almost impossibility of this, I fear what I wish for. It is just that the author wrote these characters so well you truly come to know them. I remember having the thought that they were written in such a way that the author brought them to life with what she didn’t say as much as she did with what she did say. It is an amazing feat! Even the lesser characters, who have their turn narrating, were wonderfully written.

The story is delightful. It had me laughing, gasping in disbelief, worried and holding my breath in anticipation. I don’t want to go into any of it though. I want you to experience the deliciousness of it yourself. It is a clean read so can be enjoyed by everyone, though some may want more heat. For me, it is a treasure as it is.

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