Gift and Ideas for Storage Lovers: Hidden Jewelry Cases
Hiding Jewelry in Plain Sight When you look around your house, do you see spots where storage would be so useful? Under the stairs is a common one. Thankfully builders and remodelers are using that space more often now, for a little storage room, a pantry, or bookcases. Or how about the space between walls? I love the tall storage shelves that slide out from that way—what an excellent way to hide a wealth of storage space? We’ve...
An Interview with Author Michele May
Michele May is the successful author of the Circle City mysteries. She took time out from writing her fifth novel in the series to chat with me today. The first book in her series, Perfidy, was the first I had read by Ms. May, but I am looking forward to more. Thank you, Michele, for allowing us to get into your mind as a writer. It’s always fascinating… The Interview Readers are always curious/interested in how an author...
Gifts and Ideas for Storage: Kid’s Artwork Frames
Honoring Our Children’s Artwork Looking for a gift idea that will please the entire family year round? Our children create masterpieces at all ages. Whether at home or at school, with crayons, markers, fingers or brushes, there are many treasures that they bring to us to share. I remember the days when our fridge was covered with a variety of designs in as many mediums. It was always hard to put them away. Should we keep them...
New Mystery Suspense Novels for October
October is a month of wonderful mystery suspense thrillers for your reading pleasure. There are many of our popular favorites releasing new books this month. It is always exciting to learn a book is coming some, and even more so as that release date arrives. John Sandford, Elizabeth George, John Grisham, Robin Cook, Tess Gerritsen…Does that whet your appetite? You will find many more on the list here at Mystery Suspense Reviews. As...
Book Review: Perfidy, by M. E. May
Perfidy is the first book in the Circle City Mystery series that includes four books to date, all centered around the city of Indianapolis and its police force. Different members of the force are featured in each book in the series. That is always a treat, since we so often want to learn more about the different characters we’ve met. The Story Perfidy drew me in right from its mysterious beginning. When Mandy Stevenson’s mother...
Gifts and Ideas for Storage Lovers: Hidden Storage
Hidden Storage: Baskets Simplifying sometimes means serious downsizing too. For most of us that is a work in progress. The continuing goal is to get rid of excess stuff, but there is a ways to go. One of the disadvantages to a smaller space—though it might really be a good thing—is less storage. I love storage. I’m drawn to anything with drawers, compartments or shelves. Still when you get down to a one or two bedroom home,...
Book Review: The Ark, by Boyd Morrison
A Terrific Race to Save The Planet Boyd Morrison in another author, living in the Pacific Northwest, in Seattle, Washington. I am so pleased to add him to our list. I’ve enjoyed two of his novels so far, with more to come. His suspense thrillers are fast paced, exciting adventures that are pure fun.The Ark was a terrific beginning to the Tyler Locke series. The book introduces Tyler Locke, a former combat engineer, along with...
Kill and Run, by Lauren Carr: A Review
We are pleased to be a part of Lauren Carr’s virtual book tour for Kill and Run, sponsored by iRead Book Tours. The tour began August 31st and runs through October 6th. That means Ms. Carr has been keeping a very busy schedule. Here’s our review of her latest soon-to-be-bestseller! Kill and Run, by Lauren Carr If you are a fan of mystery suspense thrillers, you won’t want to miss the latest book from Lauren Carr....
Gifts for Seniors: Clocks, Phones, and Remotes
Make Life Easier with Large Numbers It can be very difficult to buy gifts for an aging friend or relative. Lifestyle changes narrow the buying field considerably. Few need any fun new kitchen supplies or tools to putter in the workshop. Even clothes are far less important to most. There is no doubt our needs are different when we grow older. In general, most aging seniors have thinned what they own, some planning ahead, some...
The Asylum, by Jeannette de Beauvoir, A Book Review
A Tragic History, A Dramatic Story, an Intriguing Present Day Mystery Asylum is a dark story that is sure to capture your attention. Mystery surrounds us even as this book begins. A mother surrenders her child to Sisters at a Montreal orphanage in the 1950’s. Why? In present day Montreal, Quebec, four women who appear to have nothing in common are murdered. The police assume a serial killer is on the loose. In a well written style,...
From Material to Minimal: Could You Do It?
Funny, that in a world that has spent the last decades accumulating and building larger homes to hold everything, some of the most popular sites on Pinterest and elsewhere are tiny homes and minimalism or simple living. Could it mean a turnaround? Is it common sense or driven by the economy? As the routine jobs have grown harder to find, people are learning to need less. That is one influence. It is a natural adjustment to having...
Gifts for Seniors: Audible and an iPod
The Gift of Reading If you have a senior in your family who has always loved to read, Audible would be a wonderful gift. With aging it often becomes harder to see and harder to concentrate. Yet still the love of a good story inspires, cheers, and holds their attention. Often in assisted living or memory care homes, volunteers come to read for an hour a couple of times a week. The residents love it, and will talk about it for...
Three Days to Forever, by Lauren Carr, A Book Review
Will Murder Stop The Wedding? The Mac Faraday Mystery series, written by Lauren Carr, has been a pleasure to read. When I first learned of Ms. Carr’s books, I went back to the beginning to follow the series in order. As a result, I’ve grown fond of each character in the series, along with characters that appear in her Lovers in Crime series. Up until now, the books have often been called cozy mysteries. In some ways I understand...
Book Review: Supreme Justice, by Phillip Margolin
From Oregon, Phillip Margolin Phillip Margolin is another of our Pacific Northwest Authors, one well recognized. An attorney himself, he has not only worked in the Oregon courts, but has handled all sorts of criminal cases, including over thirty homicides. With a background like that, you can see why he is so able to provide the vivid detail of what goes on behind the scenes. It is always a pleasure to begin a book by an...
Book Review: Damage Control, by J A Jance
An Author of the Pacific Northwest. J A Jance is another long time resident of the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband now divide their time between Seattle, WA, and Arizona. Ms. Jance has written so many books, it was hard to pick a first to read. Damage Control turned out to be a terrific selection. Book number 13 in the Joanna Brady series, it features Sheriff Joanna Brady, along with her husband Butch, her mother and...
The Line between Research and Literary License, by Lauren Carr
Today we are pleased to present an article from bestselling author, Lauren Carr. We are currently participating in her virtual book tour for her new book, Kill and Run. The first in her new Thorny Rose Mystery series was released September 4, 2015. The tour, courtesy of iRead Book Tours, will run from August 31 to October 9th, 2015. If you would like to see the full schedule of events, you can find it here at iRead Book Tours. The...
Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms
Served on a Bed of Zucchini & Squash Noodles A light sauce made with sherry and broth adds a lovely flavor to these chicken fillets. Mushroom slices, green onion and cheese perfect it. What a delightful dish! Especially served over spinach and squash noodles. You can never have too many ways to cook chicken breasts. When you eat them often it is so nice to have a variety. This particular recipe has just been added to our...
Gift Ideas: Emergency Dynamo Charger/Radio
Emergency Dynamo Solar Self Powered Radio, Flashlight, & Charger for Cell Phones: iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Android, Smartphone, USB device We’ve reviewed solar chargers, small back up chargers for cell phones, and most recently a charger that works on a bicycle as you pedal. Since emergency power is sometimes needed, I am in favor of a variety of chargers. Which is why the solar, self powered charger here is an essential to...
Zucchini Noodles Alfredo
Zucchini is a wonderful substitute for fettuccine in this Alfredo recipe. Make it with a light version of sauce, and you have a dish you may be eating much more often. Fettuccine Alfredo is a long time favorite. It’s also a dish that we wouldn’t prepare often because it can be so rich and high in calories. Tasty firm noodles, with the flavorful creamy and cheesy sauce—it’s hard to resist. Which made it a natural to try with...
Gifts for Dog Lovers: The iFetch
Hours of Fetching Fun. Just take a couple of minutes to watch the video below and you will be sold on this delightful product! What a fun toy for your dog! You may even find a modicum of relief once you train your pet to play with the iFetch by him/herself. Drop a ball into the large section, then the dog anticipates the ball being shot out. He (she) runs for it then returns. We all know how long our pets are willing to continue...
Gift Ideas for Bicycle Lovers: The Siva Atom, USB Charger & Battery Pack
The Green Way: Charge Your Electronics While You Cycle A long bike ride on the weekend is a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air while getting some exercise. You can cover so much more ground besides! In our area, along the Oregon Coast, we see many couples and families all packed up with sleeping bags and gear, cycling their way down the coast. For some reason, they do always seem to be going south. One time a family made the...
Gifts Ideas: Hill Tribe Hand Tooled Silver
Helping Tribal Artisans Continue Their Tradition One of the most beautiful examples of craftsmanship we see today is the hand tooled, handwoven works of specialized artists. Because each is hand made, the intricate designs, the unique jewelry and fabrics are one of a kind. Yet today it is often difficult for the small tribes and artists to continuing their traditions. The young people are led away with school, and the opportunity to...
Gift For Baby: “Kissy Kissy” Soft and Stylish
With a name like Kissy Kissy, who could resist these adorable baby clothes? When I first saw the name, I had to look without even having a baby that needed clothes. It was a delight when the need for a baby gift arose! Besides picking out one for a gift, one or two are now on my wish list for the next shower or baby present needed. What a lovely product the cotton footies are. I got a ‘convertible’ footie/gown which...
Gifts Ideas: Smart Phone Storage Case by EYN
You’ll Only Need Your Phone This is my next smart phone case. Super handy, isn’t it? It is just what many smartphone users need today. The EYN (Everything You Need) Company has definitely come through with this case. Like the woman in the video below, so often these days all I want to carry is my phone and a litlle cash or a credit card. The purse will get locked in the trunk or even left home. I just don’t need to...
Gift Ideas: The Electrolight Backpack from Lewis N Clark
Biking, Hiking, Traveling Lightweight is remaining a trend, and it is easy to see why. We haul around so much. Not just books for school or work, but water, extra layers, cameras, laptops or tablets, and…and…and… So why add to the weight of all that with a heavy backpack? Of course if you are backpacking for more than a day hike, you would want something with more support, but for most other times, an Electrolight Backpack...
Wasabi Roasted Cauliflower
Roast cauliflower is the vegetable appearing in the test kitchen this week. We see so many different versions of it, that it seemed appropriate to experiment. Cauliflower roasts beautiful, retaining its firmness and texture, yet adapting to the flavor of its seasonings so well. We see the in Cauliflower Fried Rice and Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes. A favorite method here is to roast it with lime and cilantro. Since the Mexican flare...
Supporting Our Local Businesses
Supporting your local businesses is a popular topic today. Perhaps it always has been. Having moved from busy San Diego county to a small town in Oregon has made clear the effects of a big box store on a small town. It may happen just as often in a larger city, but it’s not as obvious. There are stores everywhere in a city, as well as shoppers. But when there are less than ten thousand people living in an area, the struggle to...
Gift Ideas: Wheel Chair Accessories
Best Ideas for Wheelchairs All too often aging brings weakened limbs which may eventually leads to a wheelchair. Hopefully the person will keep walking as much and as long as they can to postpone the need. Of course there are many reasons people of all ages are confined to a wheelchair. Whether temporary or permanent, there is a wonderful variety of accessories to trick out their ride. Once the need is there, you will find you can...
Roast Cauliflower with Turmeric
Experimenting with cauliflower has been a recent project of mine. Since roasted cauliflower is so popular, I thought I would try it with some different flavors. Turmeric came quickly to mind since it is a spice recommended for brain health. Some studies have shown it may actually slow or stop the deterioration that leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Anything we can do to improve our brain’s health is a good move. Healthy olive oil, or...
The Shawshank Redemption The Best Movie from the 90’s
One of the Best Movies I’ve Seen There aren’t very many movies that stand the test of time as much as The Shawshank Redemption. It remains one of my top ten all time favorite movies. The surprising part is that I didn’t want to see it when I first heard of it. Who wants to see a movie about prison? That has never been a topic of particular interest. Was I ever wrong. It was such a wonderful movie I even recommended...
Gift Ideas for The Environmentally Friendly
Help Eliminate the Plastic, Seriously We are all becoming more and more interested in protecting the environment. When we see a seagull with plastic caught around its neck, when we read that the plastic water bottles we buy and discard would stretch around the world if lined up, it hopefully inspires us to do what we can to help. The rwo very simple ideas included here would be so helpful to our environment it seems that everyone...
14 Steps to Get More Done
We are all way too busy these days. How do we let that happen? Even while trying to simplify, the hours are filled with so many things to do. So instead of tackling the cupboards and closets to keep it simple, today I decided to take on the schedule that fills up our day. While many of these ideas apply to our time online, they adapt just as well to physical tasks as well, whether around the house or at work. A lot of it has to do...
Lauren Carr’s New Virtual Book Tour Begins Monday
Get ready to take an online tour with bestselling author, Lauren Carr! August 31, 2015 will begin a six week virtual book tour featuring her new release, Kill and Run. We are pleased to be a part of this tour, both here at Jaquo and at Mystery Suspense Reviews. The first in the The Thorny Rose Mysteries will take a big step into the suspense thriller genre. I’m about halfway through the advanced reader copy I received for the tour...
A Wrongful Death, by Kate Wilhelm, A Book Review
Pacific Northwest Authors Series Author Kate Wilhelm is part in the Pacific Northwest Author series. Her series takes place in Eugene, Oregon. This story spends time along the beautiful Oregon Coast as well as in the city. The novel, A Wrongful Death, is the ninth in the popular Barbara Holloway series. It was the first for me from this author, but won’t be the last. I enjoyed it very much. The characters are likable, the path...
The Black Echo, by Michael Connelly, A Review
Going Back to the Beginning Michael Connelly writes a fine story. That was true from his very first novel. It was a pleasure spending time in The Black Echo. The first novel published by Mr. Connelly was also our introduction to Harry Bosch, L.A. Police Detective. The book earned him an Edgar Award for best first novel from the Mystery Writers of America, only the beginning of many awards, well over twenty bestselling novels. I...
Educational Gift Ideas: Play School
Play Time Fun Do your children still play make believe? Do they play they are a super hero or a fireman, running through the house trying to rescue people? Or what about the quieter game of library or school? Games where we pretended to be someone else, and had a whole play area set up for it. There was an article online today that asked if kids still play outside. Do yours? This may start to feel like a grandfather story of how...
Book Review; Contract to Kill, by Andrew Peterson
Already a #1 Bestseller Nathan McBride, accompanied by Harvey Fontana, return in the latest novel from Andrew Peterson. The fifth in the series doesn’t disappoint. I enjoyed the story of this one immensely. In less than ten days, it has already become the number one bestseller in crime action fiction! The entire series is so entertaining. For me, it is a sure thing, and an automatic order. Nathan and Harv are an experienced team,...
Book Review: The Affair, by Lee Child
It is always a treat to read another of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. In audio they are even better, narrated by Dick Hill. He is just the right voice, and attitude, for Jack’s laconic character. The entire series is so enjoyable, one I highly recommend. Reacher isn’t your usual hero. He has the skills. He is very good at seeing clues and solving crimes. He is well trained, which is a good thing since he is often taking on...
Gifts for Fashion Lovers: Handwoven Handbags
International Artisans The small town of Assam located in the Northeast of India is well known for the craft of weaving. The art has been passed from mother to child for generations. While embroidery is uncommon there, the beautiful patterns they design are often referred to as embroidery on loom. Manjuri Hazarika is one of the artists who hand weaves the cotton fabrics then creates lovely handbags. After graduating from a design...
New Suspense Thrillers for September
Coming Soon! New Mystery Releases This month is another exciting month for mystery suspense readers. Long popular series, a revival of a series most of us thought had ended, and a new series for a popular author are just a few among the list. It seems every month this summer has offered so many favorites. At least for me. You too? That is certainly one of the benefits of a series. Knowing that each year (or almost) another book...
Small Spaces: Gardening Small for Big Results
Missing Your Vegetable Garden? This summer it was a pleasure to read of all the successful gardens. The beautiful flowers, the abundance of fresh vegetables, the herbs, all sounded delightful. It made me a little wistful since I no longer have a home with a yard. For the most part that is a good thing, but it sounded lovely to go outside to pick fresh basil when I needed it. It even sounded fun to have too much zucchini to know...
The Healthy Brain Salad
A Salad Using Top Foods for Brain Health. The best thing about salad is that anything goes. I can’t believe how many different recipes there are–all that look delicious–with ingredients I never would have considered. It is also a pleasure to pull out everything in the crisper drawers in the refrigerator and start chopping. There is no wrong ingredient! The salad I prepared here was designed with a specific goal, even...
The Lightning Stones, by Jack DuBrul, A Book Review
Pure Adventure… …You won’t want to stop reading! If you are in the mood for a good adventure that includes plenty of exciting action, I suggest you try a book from Jack DuBrul. If the Lightning Stones is any indication, you will be quite satisfied. The non stop action that our hero faces is totally entertaining! Philip Mercer, the recurring character in a series of novels from Mr. DuBrul, is a geologist and mining...
Small Spaces: Making Room for an Office
Positive Effects of Downsizing If you’ve ever downsized, you know it takes some adjustment to ‘fit’ into your new, smaller space. When I moved from southern California to Oregon I was actually looking forward to it. Even though a smaller home was the goal in an effort to simplify my life, it did pose a need for some serious creativity. I’ve been an official anti-desk person for years now. After owning several...
The 2003 Northeast Power Blackout
Those who were there that hot, humid Friday still remember clearly what they were doing when the power failed on August 14th, 2003. Especially those in the big cities. Big cities such as New York City. Affecting over 45 million people in the Northeast United States and over 10 million in areas of Canada, it was the second worst power outage in history. While some back up generators worked effectively, nearly all of New York City...
What The Fly Saw, by Frankie Y. Bailey, A Book Review
Great New Police Procedural The year is 2020. It’s a cold, snowy January in Albany, New York. That is where the new Detective Hannah McCabe series is set. Slightly in the future, Hannah McCabe and her partner, Mike Baxter, are back for book two, in What The Fly Saw. It was my first book by Frankie Bailey. I enjoyed it very much, and will look forward to future books. Ms. Bailey has written a very entertaining police procedural....
Back Up Your Computer With a Portable Hard Drive
What Happens If Your Computer Crashes? With this handy back-up drive, it won’t be your worry! This should be a required purchase for every computer owner. Don’t forget your high school and college students either. Each computer should have one, whether or not you travel with it. Have you ever run a simple software update only to find you’ve lost months of photos? Have you had a problem in your computer that required...
Dressing Your Dachshund
The Long, Drawn Out Dog If you are a dachshund owner, you are already aware of their special needs when it comes to clothing. There are tons of cute outfits out there, but many simply won’t comfortably fit a dachshund’s body. This snug but stretchy fleece sweater is the perfect solution. I am the very proud grandmother of an adorable mini dachshund, and ‘mini’ she is. Weighing in around eight pounds, give or...
Educational Gift Ideas: The Personal Library Kit
Playing Library When I was young, if we couldn’t be outside, my sister and I could often be found playing “Library.” We were/are a family of readers. From a very young age we were at the library regularly, browsing the children’s section carefully, coming home with stacks of books. We also had a lot of books around the house, many old ones that belonged to our parents that included old school books on math and science. Since a...
Australian Shepherd, Possum Hunter
Little Orphan Aussie, Our Personal Possum Hunter Our first Australian shepherd Australian shepherds take their work very seriously. At least ours all did. None so much as this little guy though. He didn’t stay little for long either. He looks pretty innocent in this shot, doesn’t he? His registered name, courtesy of my husband, was Little Orphan Aussie, but we mostly called him Orphie. Unless we were mad. Then he was...
Make Your Own Cocktail Sauce for your Fresh Shrimp Cocktail
You’ll Never Buy Cocktail Sauce Again. Cocktail Sauce Made Easy at Home Shrimp Cocktail is always a special treat. It used to be a required appetizer at any restaurant we visited near the ocean. The two go together so well. My husband first made this sauce for me. It became an instant favorite that I’ve used many times over the years. The easy ingredients mean I can have it ready in minutes anytime. Since it’s...
Book Review: Runner, by Thomas Perry
The Jane Whitefield Series Jane Whitefield helps desperate people disappear. Or at least she did. Now married several years, she has given up that life with a promise to her husband. But what should she do when a young pregnant woman comes to her for help? Especially since its immediately after an explosion rocks the building they are in. Especially when the girl says the explosion was about her. With six people after her,...
A Review of The Final Cut, by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison
A Brit in the FBI In the beginning of a new series, Catherine Coulter, co-writing with J. T. Ellison, introduces Nick Drummond of Scotland Yard, and FBI Agent, Michaela (Mike) Kane. If you are fans of Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, don’t fear. They are not only still featured in their own continuing series, they show up often in The Final Cut as well. The series is named, “A Brit in FBI.” It will be an interesting basis...
An Interview with Author, David Michael Slater
Author of The Forbidden Books Series Are you or your children a fan of Harry Potter and friends? If so, you will enjoy The Book of Nonsense, the start of a seven part series for middle school aged readers. It looked like an entertaining book to review and it was. The series will revolve around just-turned-teen twins, and their fight to save the world from an ancient man with vicarious purposes. Written by David Michael Slater, a...
Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna in Tomato Sauce
Lasagna was a regular meal in our household, along with most every Italian dish you can think of. When my husband cooked, it always seems like we did it all. Two huge pots of his homemade pasta sauce, meatballs, sausage, even ribs and chicken legs. Then as long as we were at it, may as well make eggplant parmesan and lasagna. The aroma of garlic lingered for days, much like an Italian deli. Back then we would use a meat sauce or...
Book Review: Breaking Creed, by Alex Kava
A Former Soldier and His Service Dogs I couldn’t resist this audiobook when I saw one of the main characters was a service dog. Grace, in this case, is a rescue dog with a growing reputation for finding and identifying people, drugs and more. Perhaps not your standard expectation in a service dog, she is a Jack Russell terrier. Small but wise. The Story She and her partner/handler, Ryder Creed are called out to a fishing boat in...
The Magnetic Wristband by MagnoGrip
Saves Time A magnetic wristband that will hold screws and nails as you work. This one of the best ideas I’ve seen for any do-it-yourself project. Talk about a time saver! How many times have you stood on a ladder, drill or hammer in hand, ready to nail or screw something to a wall, only to drop the screw? Back down the ladder–careful now–then back up. I would guess more than fifty percent in our household. It...
New Mystery Suspense Coming in August
August brings a good selection of new mysteries and suspense thriller, including a bunch of new additions to series and a variety of cozy mysteries. Peter Robinson with his Inspector Banks series, Allison Brennan with Lucy Kinkaid, number 21 in the Deborah Knott series by Margaret Maron, to list a few. Many of this month’s releases are well into the series collection. Both Jonathan Kellerman and Michael Koryta will introduce new...
Hooked on Audiobooks
‘Reading’ More Books with Audio I confess, I am addicted to audiobooks. There isn’t a program for us yet, but it may come to that as more and more people are learning the pleasure of listening to high quality narrators reading books of all genres. A looming fifteen hour drive from Oregon to Southern California first inspired me to listen to an audiobook. I remember the store had only a few to choose from when I...
The Book of Nonsense, by David Michael Slater, A Review
Entertaining New Teen Series! Looking for a new series to entertain your young reader? I think any child who reads well enough to manage a 150 page book will enjoy this one! Adults too if you enjoy the YA genre. Mystery, magic, adventure, incredible secrets, missing ancient books, all requiring two 13 year olds. Yes, require is the right word. It will be up to them. Imagine how you would feel if the fate of the world rested in...
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