Manuscript for Murder

:My random thoughts:

 

How would you react if each time you wrote a murder, it was recreated in real life?

I was pulled in immediately by Mrs. Havig's newest novel. First off, because of the main character, Alexa Hartfield. As soon as we 'met' on the electronic pages on my kindle reader, I knew, as Anne Shirley would put it, I had found a kindred soul. Or a member of the race of Joseph.  And second, the simply chilling storyline that follows like a charming little sister to the famed Agatha Christie.  Of course, Joe made for a darling addition, and the fact that Mrs. Havig's writing can't help but be sweet and hilarious also helped.

:Publisher's Description:

Alexa Hartfield. Author, local celebrity, fashion connoisseur. She chose Fairbury for its close proximity to Rockland, its small town atmosphere, and its low crime rate.

Then someone made her life a literary cliché. A mysterious accident with a light bulb sparked an interesting idea for her latest novel—and for Fairbury’s new serial killer. The first replication infuriated her. The second left an even worse taste in her mouth. The third blasted more than her self-confidence, and the fourth beat her down so far she’s considering giving up writing completely.

Who is killing Fairbury’s citizens, and furthermore, why and how are they using her novels to do it?

:info to know:

Author: Chautona Havig

My recommended age: 13+

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Create Space

Number of Pages: 288

Characters:
As said, I hit it right off with Alexa the moment she mentioned wearing a retro outfit. I'm a huge fan of vinatage and retro garb, and to find a lady that boldly wears what she likes without a regard of whether it is in fashion or not, and her inspiring life motto to not wait around for your favorite Era's fashion to come back into style before you wear it.  The moment I read Alexa declare that, my heart did jumping jack's and cried happy tears while whispering, "Oh yes!". 

And Joe. I fell right in love with him, hook and line, and, oh yeah, sinker too. In fact, I think I might've ditched for my Prince on a white Steed, can I have a cute small town Police Offer with darling curls and a winning personality? ?

 

Plot:

So many words to describe it, so few space. I'll just say, it had me quite caught up, and I simply couldn't put it down.  I have been humming old songs, and right now, I'll listening to Ella Fitzgerald's 'I Love Paris' because it just fits the book, and the reviewing of it. A whimsical murder, if that's even possible. It kept you thinking, and in the end, in true Agatha Christie fashion, you had to laugh at yourself because you never saw that coming. 

Writing Style:

As said it once, twice, and I say it thrice, I love Chautona Havig's writing style. I love everything about it, how she slips meaningful tidbits down, and douses you with humor.  But, there was a slight difference in 'Manuscript For Murder'. I don't even know how to say it without sounding vile or unprincipled, but it was much more, charming. Albeit a murder mystery, I was lured by the delightful charm of everything except the deaths. It was whimsical, and beautiful, while still holding that feel every mystery book should have.

And, to note, I did notice a few typos and repeated sentences, but I think Mrs. Havig noticed those as well due to a post she made on her Facebook.

 

Ending: 

Please tell me there will be more to the Hartfield Mysteries. I could not bear should this be the end of our company with the Lady of Written Murder (Alexa) and The Knight in Police Man armor (Joe).  So many loose strings were left untied. Like...ya know...a big knot that Alexa and Joe need to tie....

 

World Building: 

Fairbury to Rockwell, Chautona Havig has made a home for us in her novels. Each time I pick up her novels, I feel like dropping my luggage, signing into a sweet inn, perhaps Aunt Charity's boarding house, having a cup of tea or coffee with whoever will have me, and just staying for awhile.

  Language: 

It's mentioned that Joe curses from time to time, but its never said what he says, so its clean and clear.

 

Drugs and Drink:  

Does an account of poisoning count? That was badly phrased....

 

Romance and sexual content:  

There was a sweet love triangle between Joe and Alexa, to Alexa and Darrin.  (I'm a stout Joe/Alexa shipper...Don't you dare make any more moves, Darrin).  And then, gah, I don't want to give anything away...there was an event in Alexa's past life (AKA: Teenage years) that didn't end up how she planned, and it resulted in...another life. 

 

Violence: 

......It's a murder mystery. If you have problems with that (Ya know...if you are like SOME people who are in this novel...) it's best to just stay away.

 

 

Ratings

I cannot rate it anything less then a five star while still having a guilt free conscience.

It was charming, mystericle (I just made that word up. It's copyrighted now. yup yup), and it possessed the same charm that graces past eras. Alexa added a delightful touch, and I think any other character would have greatly changed the way the novel felt.  

I extend a great sound of thanks to Mrs. Havig for letting me review her supercalfragilisticexpialidocious novel. 

Everard (Book 2 of The Not So Fairy Tales)

 

:My random thoughts:

When a book starts off with, "Once upon a long long time ago, in a land impossibly far away". It's hard to read that, and not cozy down, knowing you are in for an incredible read.

Everard is one of the strangest, Wittiest, Most unique (Unique doesn't have it's own -est?), and whimsical fantasy novels I've ever read. From Sassy's sweetly sour sarcasm, to the Author's quirky narrating, I was kept in stitches. While reading, it wasn't uncommon for me to snort with laughter, or to huff with Sassy when Everard really was being SUCH a man (if I was a fire breathing reptile, I'd blast smoke through my nostrils too. But I'm not, so I can't).

When my siblings would come up, and ask what I was reading, the best explanation my preoccupied brain could think to say, was, "An awkward prince". Which isn't very bright, but when your mind is in a land impossibly far away, you can say such things like that.

Everard is, indeed, an awkward Prince. He might not be tripping all over his feet, and he might not be spilling mugs each time he turns around, he bumbles all the same. However, while he might be a plain out awkward goose in the beginning, at the end, he is more, adorably awkward. Oh, yeah, without a doubt, Everard turns out simply adorable. 

 

:Publisher's Description:

A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…

Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy.
The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame.
Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters.
Will he succeed? Will he overcome his personal demons that threaten all he is working for?
Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.

:info to know:

Author: Chautona Havig

My recommended age: Any age

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Create Space

Number of Pages: 284

Characters:
Everard was interesting. Rarely in the literary world do you meet a bloke like him. I admired him for his strong sense of duty, it was refreshing, but overwhelming too. At some points, I'll admit, I just wondered why he even tried, but, in the end, everything had turned out for the best. He had learned lessons, and faced his fears. Proved himself, if you will.
Roana I think is a wonderful example for girls and woman of all ages. The way she calmly faced the future, how she tried her best to please everyone, and dealt sweetly with her Father. Yet, wasn't too timid to stand against him when he did wrongs, and was willing to not accept the Prince's offer. That takes some amazing bravery people, to say "No" to a Prince's offer of marriage.
 

Plot:

The plot was...quick, but also slow at times. There were instances when I just wanted Everard's tasks to end, it seemed a bit monotonous while he was searching for the 'Giant'. But after Bernar's plot was uncovered, it picked back up again.

Writing Style:

  I adore Mrs. Havig's writing style, but this book's in particular, is one of my favorites. It was quirky, and hilarious. Each time the Narrator would break off to explain things, I had to smile at the witty way those normal (or not so normal) things were explained.

Ending: 

The ending summed things up nicely. It finished well. From Everard becoming 100% adorable and loosing some of that stifling shyness of his, Roana living pretty much happily ever after (her father was convicted of treason, we can't say her life was always happy. Plus, that's a sugary Disney lie. I'm sure even Cinderella had to deal with her Step Mother and sisters again) and even a happy ending for Gilander.

 

World Building: 

The world building demands a "Bravo Brava". World building is certainly a fine point for Mrs. Havig.

  Language: None.

 

Drugs and Drink:  Ale and mead was drunk, but it's the Middle Ages. Everyone drank the stuff. There was no drunks, however. So, you can rest easy on that.

 

Romance and sexual content:  

The fact that the hero and heroine of 'Everard' didn't meet, fall head over heels in love, and decide to marry on the spot is a wonderful sight. I'm sure you can understand when I say that the Disney style romance can get annoying. It was a fantasy romance, without any romance. It wasn't about the head over heels love, but the slow and steady love that endures.

Violence: 

Violence? Everard goes to slay a dragon, a giant, gets attacked twice (the first time only resulting in a minor head injury, and the second leaving Everard more then half dead) and then Everard had to duel an untrustworthy, to say the least, Knight. Which resulted in having to kill him.  But it was never gory. And, I liked how Everard was sensitive enough to One) Make sure Roana didn't see Martel be killed, and Two) he mourned Martel's death.  How rare is that? Very rare. But, I've over used the word in this post, refreshing.

 

 

Ratings

 I loved this read. It was refreshing, fun, and just all around clean.   It was simple enough that even a 5 year old would like to hear it read out loud, but entertaining enough to keep this 16 year old engrossed.  Also, so few fantasies include Christ. From 'Great Spirits' to Aslan, there is normally a look alike, but never the true thing. 'Everard' did. And I loved it. I never realized how more a Fantasy can be when you include God. 

 

Without a shadow of a doubt, or a shadow of decision, or a shadow of remorse, or a shadow of anything, I give this book a whole, hearty, and applauded  

 

I want to thank Mrs. Chautona Havig for letting me review 'Everard'.  I also wish to thank her for writing such a worthwhile book...or, should I be congratulating? Either way, thank you, Mrs. Havig, and bravo, brava!

 

Cloaked in Secrets

:My random thoughts:As said in the last review of Mrs. Havig's novel, 'Thirty Days Hath', I kinda made the point that I absolutely love her and her works.  The first book of The Annals of Wynnwood Series was the first novel I read by that wonderful lady, and it has taken me this long to get my hands on book 2, and I'm still groping for book 3. But, to my point, 'Cloaked in Secrets' was worth the wait. By far. It is, again, a master piece.  Dove continues her endear herself to me, and the developments that were hinted upon in the first book were expanded, but not finished, in CIS.  The unicorns were indeed interesting, and I love how Phillip and Dove's relationship was tested, I feel as if it is surely groundwork for the reveal of who Dove is in book 3.

:Publisher's Description:

Searching for the elusive unicorns of Wynnewood’s forests sends Philip and Dove on an adventure that threatens more than the freedom of the beautiful creatures.  What lurks within the depths of the Sceadu?  Will their quest to satisfy Lord Morgan’s desire to own a unicorn cost Dove everything— even her life?

:info to know:

Author: Chautona Havig

My recommended age: 10+

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Create Space

Number of Pages: 300

Characters: Dove drives me crazy in a good way. I keep grasping at any hint of who/what she is, and battering it back and forth with my siblings. (We went from Albino to Klingon in a matter of minutes. yeah. Klingon, lol).  Phillip is such a sweet boy, so many times, I just want to ruffle his hair, and hug him.  And then Bertha. How do I put Bertha? She annoys me, then amuses me. She makes me angry, then happy. That woman is a tricky puzzle.
 

Plot:

It was very good.  I liked the new additions, and the old following ups.  The Unicorns were exceptional interesting, at first, I was sure they'd get one, and then I wasn't so sure, and then I was. I know, that sounds complicated, but its the truth.

Writing Style:
I'm just going to quote what I said in my review of Thirty Days Hath:

"Perfect.  She writes with detail, while still leaving a lot for the reader to imagine.  Her humor seems to fit my idea of humor, and the characters are just so individual and lovely"

Cover:

I simply adore whoever did the Annals' cover art. Bravo, brava to them.

Ending: It satisfied me, while still making me hungry for more. I do indeed need the third book. and fast.

World Building: It was good to visit Wynnwood, Sceadu, the caves, Bertha's hut, Lord Morgan's castle, and the town again. When you read it, you become endeared to this fictional place in Britain. It becomes like a recluse where things are simpler, yet not perfect.

  Language: None.

Drugs and Drink:  I think there was a scene where Dove meets certain...people (Can't give away spoilers) and there is a dance where I think it was that the drink had run freely, and everyone was very happy. It resulted in a mishap for Dove, as she got to carefree in how she danced, and her hood fell back. And that sobered everybody pretty quickly...

Romance and sexual content: none.

Violence: There is a battle between those certain people mentioned above. But that's it, and its not graphic.

Ratings

I honestly don't think it is in me to give this book any more then a:

For more about Chautona, go to her website, 'Just the Write escape".

She has a page up for 'The Annals of Wynnwood' and you can look around at her other published works, and works in progress. 

(And there is a book trailer...I'm a sucker for book trailers. ^.^)