Location: United Kingdom
Member Since:
June 05, 2011
2 readers have added this author as a 'Favorite Author'.
Carol Wyer
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Smashwords book reviews by Carol Wyer
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I is for Illuminated Salt and Pepper Pots (and other everyday essentials)
on Nov. 12, 2011
Ever wondered what the French call 'Hogwarts'? Would you like to learn about the secret life that goes on in car parks over there? Or, maybe you'd just like to discover what on earth a coypu is. If you want to know the answer to these and many more fascinating questions and French peculiarities including the French fascination for illuminated salt and pepper pots, then Doreen Porter's book is an absolute must-read for you. It is a light-hearted look at life as an ex-Pat in France. Doreen Porter makes wry observations combining them with anecdotes that will make you chuckle. This is an essential read for anyone who intends moving to France or just fancies knowing a little about life there.
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The Shopkeeper
on Nov. 12, 2011
Stephen Natale's novel 'The Shopkeeper' grips from the outset, refusing to loosen its hold until the end of the final chapter. A superb blend of history, mystery and horror entwine with a strong morale message. Very slightly reminiscent of a marvel comic character 'baddies' are dispatched innovatively by an avenging angel as gradually those who do wrong, are justifiably and deliciously 'bumped off'. 'The Shopkeeper' is not just a thriller. Natale reveals himself to be a versatile author and the plot is punctuated with eloquent descriptions of Florida and its rich history. At times, holding my breath and at times I found myself racing through this pacey novel which ultimately is one of good versus bad and how friendship is the greatest gift of all. A super read.
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The Gay Mardi Gras Murders - A Mia Ferrari Mystery #2
on Dec. 18, 2013
I have been fortunate enough to read all of Sylvia Massara's books and enjoyed them all for different reasons. We first meet Mia Ferrari in Playing With the Bad Boys when she solves a murder which was made to look like a suicide. Mia Ferrari is one of those gutsy female characters that you wish, as a writer, you had invented, and as a reader, you had as a friend. She is strong, opinionated and unafraid of anything that life throws at her. This is one ballsy chick. In the Gay Mardi Gras Murders, Mia has her work cut out when a particularly gruesome murder is committed at the hotel while she is duty manager. She does what any wannabe detective does and sets out to uncover the murderer. Even though she is warned off the case, has to juggle her day to day work, look after a friend from the UK who has personal issues, and try not to murder the difficult Phil Smythe, the man she hates most in the world. The situation is further complicated when more horrific murders occur. Nothing fazes Mia, who is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery particularly, when she is befriended by a group of delightful and amusing "queens" and learns of the disappearance of a large jewel. What I particularly like about Sylvia's novels, her ability to write about emotions, not just love. Mia has had some major knockbacks in her life and is not some soppy girl. She hates her ex-husband but can deal with the mess he has left behind. She gets angry and isn't afraid to show it. She is a grown woman who likes men, particularly bad boys, even though she knows she shouldn't, and she enjoys sex. She isn't seeking a happy ever after solution. So what the reader gets, is a well-rounded, well balanced character, one who convinces us all that friendships are by far the greatest gift you can have, and that they can be even stronger than marital ties. Sylvia also paints a wonderful, vibrant picture of the Mardi Gras carnival and the gay community that she meets, with a sincerity and at times, a poignancy. Her characters are affectionate and wholesome, yet in contrast, the brutal murder of a transsexual is callous and serves to highlight the deplorable nature of some. Mia's friend from the UK, Amanda, is on a personal journey, taking time out to enjoy a holiday with her friend and to decide what to do with her future. Mia stands firmly behind her, even when she makes some poor judgements, not condemning her decisions or criticising her. Who wouldn't want a friend like that? Mia is made of stern stuff and with her on your side you will not go wrong. The novel is fast paced, realistic and gritty but also sensitive and well written. I grew to like Mia more and more, as the plot and her own character unfolded. Mia too learns much in this book. At the end, there is a hint of what is to come next for her. Without giving away any of the story, I can say that I shall be waiting with baited breath for the next in this series.