ARannie

Most Excellant

Reviewed: 03-03-25

As an active LDS, I appreciated this well researched and very readable book. The audience is not intended for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints necessarily; it is a more scholarly work. A wee history based on research and not just tales handed down by unbelievers. There is a lot of controversy surrounding Brigham Young, both in the Church and outside of it. I too began to doubt his leadership as a prophet of God; however, I have spent time reading books like this (aka not non-Mormon propaganda) and I have come to truly appreciate the man and his leadership. He not only led thousands of the Saints across the plains, but also started cities like Las Vegas and San Bernardino. He was human and I appreciate seeing that. His mistakes were not minor. My own ancestors were victims of The Muddy River debacle and then settled Orderville where they lived the United Order for many years. This is not a spiritually upbeat book— it is a book of historical facts. And some of those facts paint a picture of how human we all are. But many more facts give us an idea of how very stalwart and Christ centered these people were. Worth the read if you want to know more of the truth than just biased stories from people who hate.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Love this Author!

Reviewed: 10-28-24

This is my second book I’ve read by him and he is quickly becoming one of my top 10 favorites! I suppose what I’m enjoying the most right now is that I am never able to guess who the culprit is until he/she is unveiled. What fun. I love cozies no matter what—but that is a first. The characters are delightful! Love Marius! Wish I had named one of my sons Marius—the teasing would never cease—but what a great name. The book has no teasing, gratuitous sex, no swearing—just delightful story line. I hope as I read all of his books the delight will continue.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

LOVE this book

Reviewed: 07-29-24

This was a history. And that I was alive for half of McKay’s presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints made it mean so much more. This is not a Spiritual journey so much as the scaffolding of a man’s life. It is not filled with warm fuzzy stories. I believe it was meant to be that way. It explains so much about how the Church operates today. McKay truly ushered in a New Era and began a world wide Church. McKay was the only death of a prophet that I mourned and I was only 10. He was a miracle worker of “the one”. We all knew that he loved us. One of the greatest take aways for me is that the leaders of the Church are just men after all. Men with good intentions—but still men. And knowing that God worked with an uneducated 14 year old boy to begin the restoration of his church still gives me the assurance that he can use these fallible men to guide His church today.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Best one yet!

Reviewed: 04-14-24

I’ve read every one of this series in order. They are fun, light, and also a decent mystery. The reader is one of the very best on Audible. Without question. Her accents are spot on. I wish Brandon Sanderson would have hired her! Oh well. This book however is the best so far! Excellent storyline. Don’t miss this one!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Just can’t do it

Reviewed: 04-05-24

I got thru the first book. It was okay, but other people said it gets better. I love a good story. I do not like hearing,reading or even talking about sex. Just not my thing. This book went from an entertaining story to titillating sex so fast my head was spinning.
I’m going back to reading Brandon Sanderson. GREATEST STORY TELLER OF HIS GENERATION and actually talks of love without describing someone’s sex life. Call me a prude I don’t care. If you are looking for sex you will love these books!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

I will always love this series

Reviewed: 12-01-23

This one does not disappoint ! I loved that she brought in Agatha Christy. It was a delight from beginning to end. Best cozy series out there!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good Cozy Mystery

Reviewed: 11-11-23

Liked the characters. She has a tough life but comes out on top. The reader was stellar! I usually listen to British Cozy’s—but I liked this reader so much I may give more American Cozy’s another chance. As long as Susan is reading them.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

I love these books!!!

Reviewed: 11-08-23

I love a clean, cozy mystery. This writer is more clever than most. I’m really enjoying the series. If you hate the sex, violence and cursing of other mystery writers you will enjoy these. I highly recommend them!! The characters are great too!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

I really loved this one—spoiler

Reviewed: 06-10-23

I’m so glad that we didn’t have to wait to heal Matt to the very last book!! What a relief. I also thought this was one of the better stories in the series. After the last one I wasn’t sure I would make it thru to the end—but this buoyed me up.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Too dark for me

Reviewed: 02-10-23

Others loved this. But for me the story, until the last few minutes, was way too dark. Some days I just couldn’t listen to it because of that. I don’t know why Cinder has lighter moments and this did not. But nothing ever compares to that story—including the other books in the series. This one is very politically correct for the day and age we live in. These two books are for later teens and adults. Marissa is still a master story teller. And the very best fairy tale writer of them all!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!