CeeCee James

Georgie Tanner is at it again! In this third book of the Baker Street Cozy Mysteries, Georgie has volunteered to help at a benefit dinner where a sword that George Washington presented to the man who captured John Andre is displayed. When one of the diners turns up dead and the sword is stolen, Georgie (and her curiosity) are thrust right into the middle of the mystery.
This is a fun quick read. The mystery of the dead woman was good, but I wish there had been a little more added to the part show more with the missing sword. I always like the American history incorporated in this series, but that was minimal in this book partly due to it being a slow time for the B&B.
I like that Georgie and Frank's romance is heating up. And I'm waiting to learn more about the mystery that has overshadowed all of the books in the series: what happened to Georgie's ex-fiance? An important clue is given here (no spoilers).
Creme Brulee to Slay is another fun read, and I heartily recommend this series. show less

I was really looking forward to reading this cozy mystery as a series opener that seemed all the more welcoming by the attractive cover. As with many cozies this one has some very cute and creative names for local businesses with examples of Sweet Sandwiches Deli, Friendly Smiles Dentistry and Rats Out for the local pest control company.

I loved the orange tabby that decided to adopt Elise after the previous homeowners left Max behind when they moved. However, and it's more of an all caps show more however - yes, shouting however - I simply can't fathom taking off the lid of a can of cat food and putting the can on the floor as the "serving dish." I've opened many brands of cat food cans over the years and I'd never let a kitten or cat eat from the can as I'd be terrified of injury to the cat's tongue. Maybe that's just me but it upset me every time that Max received another meal.

I also cannot envision Elise being continually invited to accompany a police detective (even a friend from high school) on any aspect of a murder investigation. That simply is not plausible to me.

I lower my star rating by 1 star when there are multiple errors that could have easily been corrected by a copy editor(s) or assistance by a beta reader(s). Spell check does not fix missed words in a sentence or when the word ever in the sentence should read every. Sadly this novel has an abundance of this type of error and is very distracting to me as a reader and former copy editor. There are so many extraordinary cozy novels to read that I will not be continuing to read this series. show less

Ghost No More is a deeply moving, well-written story of abuse and healing.

Children are precious gifts and it seems unfathomable to me that any parent could abuse or neglect them. Since I’ve only know loving, supportive parents, reading Ghost No More enlightened me to the grim realities many abused or neglected children face. Cee Cee sheds light on not only the helplessness of a child but also on the overall dynamics of the cycle of abuse in families.

As a reader, I was left feeling in awe show more about the resilience and strength of this little girl who is forced to face such cruelty and neglect. Although it is sad, I felt driven to keep turning the pages by the author’s ability to draw me into her world through eloquent and honest prose. Her writing is descriptive and engaging and her child’s voice is authentic. I wanted to jump in and take this little girl to a safe and loving home. I could feel the pain of being rejected and discounted by those who are supposed to be our greatest advocates. I could see why she feels invisible , like a ghost.

As in any well-written memoir, I am invited into this little girl’s world and taken through to her adulthood where she finds healing and hope through her faith. I care about her and want her to find happiness. The redemptive ending leaves me satisfied as a reader. This is a deeply moving story about hope and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming incredible odds. Beyond being a satisfying read, this memoir could serve as a resource for anyone who has suffered abuse and is seeking hope and healing. It can also serve as a valuable resource to professionals who serve the abused population. show less

Chelsea Lawson moved back home to take care of her friend Tilly's daughter and home while Tilly was on a work assignment. But the day Tilly arrives back, she needs to go see her ex-boyfriend about another photography job. When she calls Chelsea to pick her up, she seems angry. And when the police show up at Tilly's farm, they have her as a suspect in the man's death, since she was the last one to see him alive. Now Chelsea's made a promise to find out the truth, and she intends to do so.

But show more Chelsea's also wondering about a strange man who showed up at her place of work. And wonders what her mother has been keeping from her. With two mysteries she needs to solve, she doesn't know which one is more important...

This is the second in a three-part series, and while I hate the fact that the author leaves us with another cliffhanger, I was going to read the book anyway, so there it is. What I hate is the fact that Chelsea would rather avoid people than confront them when they treat her badly; and also am still wondering why she can't cook when she's almost thirty. Sorry, but that's just lazy. Even the busiest person should be able to cook eggs.

We also get some answers, but there are more questions. I also thought the ending was done more as an afterthought, since there weren't any clues to the murderer throughout the book, just as the point toward the end where Chelsea was figuring it out -- and the police already had. So the mystery itself seemed more of a subplot and the main plot was about Chelsea figuring out her past. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read that can be read in an afternoon. show less