#Jane Ladling mysteries

[chrissmou]

My October- November Reads

Hi! I know that some of these books should have come to you Last month but I also read only 4 books so I thought that I would show my 11 books for this month. These books as you see are mostly three series of books, All Souls Trilogy, The Selection, and the Jane Ladling Mysteries. There are other books from facts to romance and mysteries but those are the most of them. I would have the name of the month I read them at the Top of its books and I will also provide you with their Good Reads Links so you can go check them out:

October

Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2) (Deborah Harkness): A book with historical and fantastic elements that made me want to think about this trilogy which I loved in a very different way. Even if I loved the book the part in Woodstock in the beginning was boring to me but all the others had a very good pace and plots in them. It is a book written by a historian who knows how to make you travel in the past.

Art that Changed the World (DK Publications): A book with facts about paintings mostly from the Western world especially after the Renaissance it is very well written but, in my opinion, we would have to see more global exhibits and more in other forms like sculpture or architecture. I liked it as my first read in the art world and am excited to read more about it.

The World of All Souls (Deborah Harkness): Before I started reading the last book of the Trilogy, I decided to read this one. It is about the trilogy with character descriptions and descriptions of Lifestyle and art in the books and how the author came up with the main ideas of science and magic.

The Books of Life (All Souls Trilogy #3) (Deborah Harkness): This book is very different from the first two books in the trilogy it is not romance like the first or historical like the second. It is more of a drama, thriller, and suspense with plot twists that make it very thrilling and exciting to read. I like the character development of the two protagonists and how we learn more about them in the process too.

November

Romancing the Gravestone (Jane Ladling Mysteries #1) (Gena Showalter): This is a very fun read and the mystery is very intriguing but not the most difficult to solve. I loved the main character, Jane Ladling, and her method of solving crime and her quirky output of life and fashion too. She tends to wear hats.

No Gravestone Left Unturned (Jane Ladling Mysteries #2) (Gena Showalter): The Second book is good in how the protagonist solves another murder but also has the quirky elements of the first. I liked the development between the protagonists.

Game of Gravestones (Jane Ladling Mysteries #3) (Gena Showalter): I loved this book as it has both the first date and the first kiss of the protagonists but also a really fun murder game in the beginning and a good plot twist in the end.

Twelve Graves of Christmas (Jane Ladling Mysteries #3.5) (Gena Showalter): This is the only book in the series that doesn’t have a murder but it is mostly filled with a romantic holiday atmosphere yes in the graveyard and all the good plots of a close-proximity romance. It has a mystery though about cults and revenge.

Conrad: Falling for the Gravekeeper (Jane Ladling Mysteries #4) (Gena Showalter): This is the first book from a different perspective than Conrad’s, Jane’s boyfriend in the other books. It is the same mystery but Conrad’s first perception of Jane is hilarious, he reminds him of a human cupcake and how in all of the mystery can’t stop thinking about her.

Crooked House (Agatha Cristie): I loved this small Cristie despite not having Poirot or Miss Marple. It has all the amazing attributes of a Christie novel, complex characters, and plots but also the romance in it and the mystery of it. Of course, it is also a big house divided into parts but it also has a close circle of suspects something that I love in a Christie mystery.

Grave Wars (Jane Ladling Mysteries #5) (Gena Showalter): This is the last of the written books in the series and the most intriguing as it is the first that Conrad and Jane work with the real police as Conrad tries to become the new sheriff of the town of Aurelian Hills but there is a new murder that needs solving. There will be another book in 2024.

Can I tell you Something? (Holly June Smith): This spicy and romantic set in an Alpine resort and Cabin with descriptive Christmas traditions makes you want to jump into it and in the place of the female protagonist. She is witty and sweet and the sister of the best friend of the protagonist. But she also knows the second part of his second job as an erotica audio actor.

The Selection (Selection #1) (Kiera Cass): I liked the first installment of this series. I don’t read many dystopian novels but I liked that one. The style of writing was good and the main characters were complex. I would love to know about some side characters and that is why we have the novellas to complete series.

 The Queen (Selection #0.4) (Kiera Cass): I liked this one about the Selection before and the parents of the current prince. I liked how sweet and innocent the queen was but the character of the king was a little bit aggressive and egoistical in my opinion.

The Prince (Selection #0.5) (Kiera Cass): I liked this one about Prince Maxon in the days before the start of the Selection to the second with America. I liked how he thought about how to win her over from the beginning. I liked their hilarious from his point of view too.

[ladyerinmason]

Romancing the Gravestone by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe

An amazing atmospheric read perfect for the Halloween season! A sweet romantic mystery following the case of a body found dumped in an old grave at the local cemetery run by Jane Ladling. As the mystery of who was murdered and why becomes uncovered Jane and Special Agent Conrad Ryan are in a rush against time as attacks and vandalism occur all across town.Just the right hint of creepy, steam, and…

[lemonsandstrawberries]

The Magical Night

fandom: Stony (Steve x Tony), mentions of Bruclintasha (Bruce x Clint x Natasha) and Thor x Jane

universe: unspecified high school AU

summary: Tony and Steve had dated all the way through high school and the rest of their classmates have certain expectations towards them. 

length: 1 741

warnings: just teenagers at the prom + spiked punch + mentions of first-time sex but not explicit

a/n: inspired by this prompt! I found it suitable for a prom night!AU. hope you like it! comments, likes, reblogs are needed and appreciated!

——————–

The Magical Night

"So, tonight is the magical night?"

Steve's hand froze in mid air, holding a glass ladle, with some pink, alcohol-free punch in it. He looked Natasha, all pretty and unusually dolled up, in a tight black dress going down to her ankles and a red boa around her, matching her ruby red lips and red locks. She was sending Steve an intense look framed in a perfect cat eye.

"Can I offer you any punch?" he danced around the topic, getting a clean glass and pouring it for the girl.

"Don't change the topic, Cap," Natasha chided, using the nickname that stuck to Steve through whole high school. Ah, the curse of being a captain in the football team. "Are you and your little nerd planning anything special today?"

Seeing that Natasha rejected his offer, he took a sip of the punch, tasting something fruity and sweet, and of course, a little bit of alcohol, someone had to pour in when no one from the teachers was looking. His bet was on Loki.

"I don't think Tony would appreciate you calling him like that," Steve smiled, thinking about his 'little nerd'. Tony was witty and smart and sarcastic, and did sometimes geek out about things Steve had no clue, like that old movie in space with the little green dude, that got a remake or a new part or something, Steve didn't know, but went to see it anyway with him, because his boyfriend had been really excited. Tony was on the top of his class, easily passing each subject with highest scores, but was also athletic, not Steve kind of athletic that is, and was funny and sweet and thoughtful. He was a whole package.

"Stop it, you're freaking me out," Natasha hissed, cringing at the dreamy look Steve's eye got whenever he thought about his boyfriend.

"Sorry," Steve quickly apologized with a laugh, not meaning it. Was it a crime to be in love?

Natasha shook her head dramatically. "No wonder you both got signed as 'the first couple to get married' in the yearbook."

Steve laughed again, remembering his and Tony's photo, altered in a graphics program, where Steve had a giant top hat and bow tie, while Tony was holding a bouquet of wildflowers and had a veil in his hair. Both had a good laugh because of it, well, maybe Steve a bit more than Tony.

"Stop laughing," Natasha crossed her arms and sent the blond a critical look. "You know that what is written in a yearbook, most likely will come true. It is like a prophecy."

"Oh, really?" Steve smiled, teasing his friend. "I don't see Thor becoming a president, or Clint joining the circus."

Natasha raised her eyebrow. That wasn't exactly true. Thor's caption was 'the next world leader' while Clint's said 'class clown'. With a calm face, she pointed into the crowd of student, where Clint was twirling between people, tie off and around his head like a bandana, and to the middle of the dance floor, where Thor and Jane were swaying with each other, crowns on their head, easily winning the title of the Queen and King of the ball.

"I rest my case," Natasha concluded, all those things close enough to year book's prophecy in her opinion.

Steve blew a raspberry with his mouth. "That doesn't prove anything."

"Maybe not, but that reservation you made in the Asgard Royal does."

Steve spluttered punch everywhere. He ignored Natasha's angry look as she has to step back to avoid drops of the pink falling on her. "How do you know that?" he asked, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. He didn't tell anyone. Except Tony.

Natasha smiled mysteriously. "I have my sources."

Steve sighed. Tony and his big mouth… Of course, he had to brag to Natasha.

"Your lady is coming."

"My what--" Steve didn't finish, as Natasha turned around and walked away gracefully, her black dress sweeping gently behind her, while a hand slid under his arm and rested on the shoulder.

"Hi, handsome. What is taking you so long with the punch?" someone asked, pressing close to his back.

Steve smiled, noticing the corsage with white roses and blue ribbons, matching his tie, he had bought for Tony and Tony had absolutely no problems with wearing it, because he was adorably quirky like that.

"Sorry. Got in a talk with Nat," Steve explained, turning his face to place a delicate kiss on the top of the hand resting on his shoulder.

"And she kept her boys waiting?" Tony asked, looking into the crowd, where Natasha was dancing together with Tony's lab partner, Bruce, and Clint. In contrary to the rest, Natasha was wearing two corsages, indicating her special bond with both men.

"You're gonna pour me that punch or not?" Tony reminded in a whisper. After all, it was a reason, Steve had left him earlier.

"Ah," Steve gasped softly, "maybe not. Better drink some water, someone spiked the punch."

Tony grinned, slipping away from Steve. "Gimme," he demanded greedily, pouring himself a cup and drinking it whole, even without blinking.

Steve took his cup away, "no more, Tony," he asked. He needed Tony sober for what they had planned later today.

"Then keep me busy, handsome," he whispered, eyes sparkling teasingly.

Steve pressed Tony close to himself, looking him deep in the eyes. He had a perfect way to keep him busy. They both walked back to the dance floor and enjoyed their last moments as high school teenagers.

The prom was ending, and Steve could swear that he kept a close eye on Tony and strayed him off the spiked punch. Yet, when the prom was coming to an end, he still ended with a tipsy, giggling brunet hung on his shoulder.

"You are irritatingly annoying," Steve commented, walking with Tony out of the taxi, that had parked just in front of their hotel. The whole ride, Tony was blabbing and giggling and trying to smooch Steve's neck. "I told you to stay sober."

"Don't be a wet blanket," Tony continued to giggle, letting Steve guide him to the room. One elevator ride up, he and Tony walked into their shared room. Tony straight away walked to the small table where a bottle of sparkling water and two glasses was left for them and poured himself a glass and gulped it down, ignoring the bowl with fresh fruits, ripe and perfect. Steve looked around the room. White furniture, gold drapes, a carpet so soft and fluffy he could sleep on it. So this is how luxury looked. Steve opted for the Wakanda Palace, a hotel equally luxurious but without the splendor, full of dark, warm, sturdy wood and leather couches and woven chairs. Just seemed that their current location matched his boyfriend more.

"Ah, so tired," Tony yawned, falling back first on the bed and spreading himself on the, of course, silk sheets. He smiled dreamily and caressed the cool material with his palms. "Come here," he said, beckoning Steve over. With a twitchy smile, Steve came closer and straddled his boyfriend, moving his hips invitingly during the slow movement. Tony was looking back at him, single strands of hair escaping from the meticulously combed to the back hairstyle. Flushed lips, eyes wide open and sparkling, seeing only Steve. Needing only Steve.

A kiss, tasting fruity and sweet, just like the spiked punch. Steve couldn't get enough of those soft lips.

"You know, everyone is expecting that we will do it tonight," Steve said, leaning more on his boyfriend and pressing kisses to the jawline.

"Oh? They don't want us to wait for our wedding?" Tony giggled, remembering their photo in the yearbook.

Steve shrugged, kissing and nipping at Tony's neck, making him giggle and twitch. "Think they would be disappointed with knowing that we already did it?" Steve asked. They started dating during freshman year and kept steady during whole high school, quickly being announced as high school sweethearts. They loved each other and both were ready, and prom wasn't as magical as everyone thought, so why wait until then?

"Let's not tell them," Tony kept smiling, letting Steve unbutton his shirt and tug it away, leaving him bare-chested. "They can think that today is our first time."

"I am really grateful this isn't our first time," Steve chuckled. He was fond of that memory, but the way to get there was long and complicated. "Wherever I had touched you, you burst into laughter."

"Heeey," Tony whined slightly, not needing to be reminded of that. He giggled and slapped Steve's hand away, when blond's touch lingered on his waist, fingers wriggling on the skin above the belt.

"See? It was like this," Steve smiled at his boyfriend. Steve had fairly quickly discovered his boyfriend's ticklishness but didn't expect it to get in way of their intimate moments. From being irritated at first, Steve learned to enjoy his discovery, finding some pluses in it.

"Just this time," Steve said in a low voice, holding Tony's hands crossed on his chest, "I know to not stop no matter how much you scream and beg," he said, untying the delicate ribbon on Tony's wrist and taking off the corsage. He took the small bouquet in his free hand and touched Tony's nose with it, guiding the petals all the way down, touching the dark lips, down the neck, tracing the chest and stopping at the belly. He moved the flowers delicately, letting the petals brush his boyfriend's tummy, doing some small circles around the belly button and caressing the protruding outie Steve would later kiss until his and Tony's breath would be gone. Tony was already giggling and squirming, right away asking for a break, not really meaning it, knowing he won't be given a one. Steve already knew which spots to avoid on his boyfriend's body to not cause him to collapse into a ticklish heap. He also as quickly discovered which spots to touch and how to make Tony giggle and cause his head to spin in delight. This was their plan for the evening. Touching and kissing and laughing going hand in hand with love and arousal and teasing.

There was no rush, just a whole night ahead of them, then a shared college, and shared rest of their lives. Steve and Tony already had a good plan how they wanted to spend all of it.

[katsbookcornerreads]

The third book in the Jane Ladling Mystery series, Game of Gravestones, is now up for preorder on all digital retailers! We also have the blurb for you, cover reveal is coming soon... She suspects everyone of everything. Except her oldest friend. Who’s found next to a body. Holding the murder weapon. For the first time, things are just right for cemetery owner Jane Ladling. Her cat only kind of hates her sort of boyfriend, Special Agent Conrad Ryan, and she isn’t flat broke. When she’s asked to host a murder mystery fundraiser for the people of Aurelian Hills, Georgia, she’d totally on board. Champagne, intrigue, and community. Yes, please. Then game night happens and a fake murder turns into a real one, leaving her mentor and knitting buddy Fiona at the top of the suspect list, with heir best pal Beau a close second. Oops? Jane’s not about to leave the fate of her loves one to, well, fate. On the hunt for clues, she turns the small town upside down. As scandalous secrets surface, a single truth becomes clear: if she doesn’t solve the murder fast, Jane will be the next victim. Kindle: https://geni.us/GameOfGravestones Nook: https://bit.ly/3sI1aod Kobo: https://bit.ly/38B1fTI Apple Books: https://apple.co/3loQ17D Google: https://bit.ly/3sHE9By https://www.instagram.com/p/Cds8J90r5N1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[faithfulnews]

Saturday’s Christian eBooks

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[ladyerinmason]

An amazing atmospheric read perfect for the Halloween season! A sweet romantic mystery following the case of a body found dumped in an old grave at the local cemetery run by Jane Ladling. As the mystery of who was murdered and why becomes uncovered Jane and Special Agent Conrad Ryan are in a rush against time as attacks and vandalism occur all across town. Just the right hint of creepy, steam, and comedy I highly recommend this fun jaunt through the cemetery of a Garden of Memories for this lovely autumn season. The first instalment of a brand new series from one of the romance genres best selling authors. #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #bookdragon #bookwitch #booklr #book #romancingthegravestone #genashowalter #romancebooks #romancenovel https://www.instagram.com/p/CUdAk95r201/?utm_medium=tumblr