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Sam Applewhite #3
Sandraker
The aristocracy abide by a different set of rules...
...or so it seems to Sam Applewhite when her job brings her to Candlebroke Hall, the stately home. The burglary definitely wasn't what it appeared to be, and the subsequent accidents suggest that it's a dangerous place to spend time.
Sam is caught up in events as she tries to protect the interests of young Hilde Odinson, part of the local viking family. The Odinsons insist on doing things their own way though, with scant regard for the law. In the meantime, Sam starts to understand that while many people would kill to live at Candlebroke Hall, maybe there are others who would kill to get away from it.
...or so it seems to Sam Applewhite when her job brings her to Candlebroke Hall, the stately home. The burglary definitely wasn't what it appeared to be, and the subsequent accidents suggest that it's a dangerous place to spend time.
Sam is caught up in events as she tries to protect the interests of young Hilde Odinson, part of the local viking family. The Odinsons insist on doing things their own way though, with scant regard for the law. In the meantime, Sam starts to understand that while many people would kill to live at Candlebroke Hall, maybe there are others who would kill to get away from it.
540 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2021
21 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 15, 2021
Sam is back and getting her fingers in all sorts of pies again! From being an appropriate adult for one of the Odinson’s, security at Candlebroke Hall, taking inventory of all the items in the mansion to dodging angry old tigers (and amorous old men!), she definitely doesn’t get bored! She knows there is more to the burglary than first appears; and not just because she has a soft spot for Hilde Odinson. As she starts to investigate, as usual, she starts getting herself into a dangerous situation. But will she solve the mystery? Will Hilde end up in prison? And is everyone who they seem?
Yet again, I was thoroughly engrossed in this and had so many shocking, laugh out loud moments along the way. This is a big book – just over 500 pages and I loved every minute of it. In this we get to know the Odinson’s even better than we have in the previous books and I loved it. The wannabe Viking clan are trying to become more ‘accepted’ and they had me in stitches. But despite the fact they live for a good ‘raid’ you can’t help but love them!
Sam is brilliant as always. Determined to solve the mystery, she gets herself into some thoroughly sticky situations. Just wait for her ‘date’ with Antoine! I absolutely loved the fact that Marvin, Sam’s dad is back again – he’s such a brilliant character and never fails to make me laugh. Antoine and Kiki are new and bonkers characters – I’ll let you make up your own mind about them.
Candlebroke Hall sounds brilliant. As a history enthusiast I would definitely be one of the ‘annoying’ visitors! It sounds like it has some brilliant artefacts and the way it’s described, I felt like I was there on a visit. And I’d absolutely love to see Sandraker in real life!
So without me going on anymore…..if you’re looking for a hilarious crime mystery with a cosy feel to it, with a brilliant amateur sleuth and a fantastic cast of characters, then this is for you. Again, Sandraker can be read as a standalone but you’ll be missing so much if you don’t read the other two – so if you’re considering reading this, get them all!!! Highly recommended by me. I hope Book 4 doesn’t take too long to come out…….
Here are my reviews of Book 1: Sealfinger and Book 2: Doggerland.
Yet again, I was thoroughly engrossed in this and had so many shocking, laugh out loud moments along the way. This is a big book – just over 500 pages and I loved every minute of it. In this we get to know the Odinson’s even better than we have in the previous books and I loved it. The wannabe Viking clan are trying to become more ‘accepted’ and they had me in stitches. But despite the fact they live for a good ‘raid’ you can’t help but love them!
Sam is brilliant as always. Determined to solve the mystery, she gets herself into some thoroughly sticky situations. Just wait for her ‘date’ with Antoine! I absolutely loved the fact that Marvin, Sam’s dad is back again – he’s such a brilliant character and never fails to make me laugh. Antoine and Kiki are new and bonkers characters – I’ll let you make up your own mind about them.
Candlebroke Hall sounds brilliant. As a history enthusiast I would definitely be one of the ‘annoying’ visitors! It sounds like it has some brilliant artefacts and the way it’s described, I felt like I was there on a visit. And I’d absolutely love to see Sandraker in real life!
So without me going on anymore…..if you’re looking for a hilarious crime mystery with a cosy feel to it, with a brilliant amateur sleuth and a fantastic cast of characters, then this is for you. Again, Sandraker can be read as a standalone but you’ll be missing so much if you don’t read the other two – so if you’re considering reading this, get them all!!! Highly recommended by me. I hope Book 4 doesn’t take too long to come out…….
Here are my reviews of Book 1: Sealfinger and Book 2: Doggerland.
November 5, 2021
Another hilarious romp from this pair of authors. Third in the Sam Applewhite series and it doesn't disappoint. This time the goings on take place in a stately home and Sam has a variety of jobs to complete for her strange employer. And could romance be in the air? All the usual characters are back, including the vikings, plus a few more. I listened to the audio book which was great apart from Kiki's very annoying accent. Not sure if this was down to the authors or the narrator. Give it a listen and see if you agree.
July 13, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the authors and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Yet another cracking read from this writing pair, who have jumped right to the top of my favourite authors list!
Sandraker is the third book in the Sam Applewhite series and works fine as a standalone adventure, provided that you are okay with missing out on the loads of character development, hilarity, excitement and chaos that make up the backstory. Look, just read them all, okay? You won’t regret it!
Sam is back on her usual Defcon4 duties – acting as an appropriate adult for a perfectly capable adult Viking; taking inventory of a stately home; investigating missing treasure and a burglary accusation; dodging tigers and crossbow bolts – you know, all the usual, day-to-day duties.
Alongside that, she has temporarily switched meddling in her father’s finances with meddling in his love life, attempting to set him up with aging starlet Lady Lettuces, while trying to maintain her status as ‘friendly and acceptable Saxon’ with the Odinson clan. An Applewhite’s life is never a quiet one!
This series is nominally crime thriller, with a cosy mystery type set-up, but the reader always knows who the wrongdoer is from quite early on, and the mystery bit is how Sam will catch them out and how many people will die in which bizarre ways. Add to that the chaos of the kind of sit-coms that get called ‘wacky’ or ‘zany’ and you have the perfect recipe for a gripping, entertaining, not-to-be-taken-too-seriously, joy of a read.
My only criticism is that the next book isn’t out yet and I want to read it NOW. Guess I’ll have to content myself with one of their many other series for now!
'Hilde spoke before Sam could. “I didn’t do it.”
“Right,” said Camara slowly. “The evidence suggests otherwise.”
“And you says I’m a thief, but I weren’t.”
“Is that so?”
Hilde looked to Sam as though she would back her up on this. “I didn’t know the telecoms fellers were using them poles or the wire,” she said. “They was just lying there. You shouldn’t leave things lying around if tha doesn’t want people to take them.”
Sam nodded. “To be honest, the telegraph poles were just lying around.”
“Finders keepers, ain’t it?” said Hilde.
Camara held up the bejewelled horn. “And where did you find this?”
“And they had a tiger for a guard dog. That ain’t right.”'
– Heide Goody & Iain Grant, Sandraker
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Yet another cracking read from this writing pair, who have jumped right to the top of my favourite authors list!
Sandraker is the third book in the Sam Applewhite series and works fine as a standalone adventure, provided that you are okay with missing out on the loads of character development, hilarity, excitement and chaos that make up the backstory. Look, just read them all, okay? You won’t regret it!
Sam is back on her usual Defcon4 duties – acting as an appropriate adult for a perfectly capable adult Viking; taking inventory of a stately home; investigating missing treasure and a burglary accusation; dodging tigers and crossbow bolts – you know, all the usual, day-to-day duties.
Alongside that, she has temporarily switched meddling in her father’s finances with meddling in his love life, attempting to set him up with aging starlet Lady Lettuces, while trying to maintain her status as ‘friendly and acceptable Saxon’ with the Odinson clan. An Applewhite’s life is never a quiet one!
This series is nominally crime thriller, with a cosy mystery type set-up, but the reader always knows who the wrongdoer is from quite early on, and the mystery bit is how Sam will catch them out and how many people will die in which bizarre ways. Add to that the chaos of the kind of sit-coms that get called ‘wacky’ or ‘zany’ and you have the perfect recipe for a gripping, entertaining, not-to-be-taken-too-seriously, joy of a read.
My only criticism is that the next book isn’t out yet and I want to read it NOW. Guess I’ll have to content myself with one of their many other series for now!
'Hilde spoke before Sam could. “I didn’t do it.”
“Right,” said Camara slowly. “The evidence suggests otherwise.”
“And you says I’m a thief, but I weren’t.”
“Is that so?”
Hilde looked to Sam as though she would back her up on this. “I didn’t know the telecoms fellers were using them poles or the wire,” she said. “They was just lying there. You shouldn’t leave things lying around if tha doesn’t want people to take them.”
Sam nodded. “To be honest, the telegraph poles were just lying around.”
“Finders keepers, ain’t it?” said Hilde.
Camara held up the bejewelled horn. “And where did you find this?”
“And they had a tiger for a guard dog. That ain’t right.”'
– Heide Goody & Iain Grant, Sandraker
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
July 17, 2021
Sam of Skegness is back with her preposterous job with DefCon4 in this third volume of her adventures. This time it features a local big house, Candlebroke Hall and its memorable inhabitants, Lady Kiki Lettuces, Antoine and the somewhat threadbare Hugo. As can be guessed from the title, it also features the infamous Odinson clan, self styled modern day Vikings and their brilliantly constructed longship, Sandraker.
While this book picks up themes, characters and settings from the previous two books, it can be read as a standalone as each character is introduced with their defining qualities, which is quite an achievement as it includes a creatively minded junk shop owner, a retired magician and an extremely tall policeman. It also focuses on Hilde Odinson, the brilliant engineer and granddaughter of the founding father of the Viking clan, who Sam is particularly interested in, as are the local police who seem to have caught her at the scene of a burglary red handed. There are the usual occasions of physical challenges, dangerous stunts and complex situations for Sam to cope with, as it soon emerges that life in a stately home is not really stately and never quiet. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this funny and enjoyable book.
Sam’s latest unusual job is to act as an appropriate adult for Hilde, while she is being questioned in relation to her arrest in the grounds of Candlebroke Hall in possession of a valuable antique drinking horn. Her grandfather Ragar thoughtfully attempts to supply her with an escape kit, realising that as she has a criminal record, she is in deep trouble. Sam is also given the task of inspecting the alarms at the Hall, and she therefore meets Kiki, aging actress and widow of the owner of the house, which is now run by “National Heritage” in the person of Phoebe. It emerges that Kiki is now relegated to living in a small damp and inconvenient apartment and the top of the Hall, where she lives in relative discomfort with her memories of past near glories. Sam has cause to investigate the supposed burglary, and finds that there seems to be more going on than anyone else supposes, as well as many missing items. Antoine, “confidante and personal psychic” has a murky past and an even murkier present, convinced as he is of his personal charms. Sam meanwhile has the unenviable task of arranging the transportation of the huge Sandraker back to its origin in a way, and recruits a surprising workforce. She decides to construct an inventory of the objects in the hall, and has to enlist the bingo playing help of Della and her father, fuelled as always by a unique cocktail or two. This causes some desperate acts to take place, and as is often the case with the Applewhite novels, danger and casualties are only to be expected.
This is a lively, funny and wildly inventive book lovingly created by Goody and Grant. Those fortunate enough to read the other two books will welcome back old favourites, as well as witness the excesses of new ones, including the increasingly deluded Kiki. Sam’s approach to the tasks imposed by her anonymous employers is as funny as always, including a disciplinary session with her new colleague, Doug Junior. This is a lovely if sometimes wince-inducing read in a unique style, and I recommend it to established fans and those yet to discover Sam Applewhite and her unusual job with DefCon4.
While this book picks up themes, characters and settings from the previous two books, it can be read as a standalone as each character is introduced with their defining qualities, which is quite an achievement as it includes a creatively minded junk shop owner, a retired magician and an extremely tall policeman. It also focuses on Hilde Odinson, the brilliant engineer and granddaughter of the founding father of the Viking clan, who Sam is particularly interested in, as are the local police who seem to have caught her at the scene of a burglary red handed. There are the usual occasions of physical challenges, dangerous stunts and complex situations for Sam to cope with, as it soon emerges that life in a stately home is not really stately and never quiet. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this funny and enjoyable book.
Sam’s latest unusual job is to act as an appropriate adult for Hilde, while she is being questioned in relation to her arrest in the grounds of Candlebroke Hall in possession of a valuable antique drinking horn. Her grandfather Ragar thoughtfully attempts to supply her with an escape kit, realising that as she has a criminal record, she is in deep trouble. Sam is also given the task of inspecting the alarms at the Hall, and she therefore meets Kiki, aging actress and widow of the owner of the house, which is now run by “National Heritage” in the person of Phoebe. It emerges that Kiki is now relegated to living in a small damp and inconvenient apartment and the top of the Hall, where she lives in relative discomfort with her memories of past near glories. Sam has cause to investigate the supposed burglary, and finds that there seems to be more going on than anyone else supposes, as well as many missing items. Antoine, “confidante and personal psychic” has a murky past and an even murkier present, convinced as he is of his personal charms. Sam meanwhile has the unenviable task of arranging the transportation of the huge Sandraker back to its origin in a way, and recruits a surprising workforce. She decides to construct an inventory of the objects in the hall, and has to enlist the bingo playing help of Della and her father, fuelled as always by a unique cocktail or two. This causes some desperate acts to take place, and as is often the case with the Applewhite novels, danger and casualties are only to be expected.
This is a lively, funny and wildly inventive book lovingly created by Goody and Grant. Those fortunate enough to read the other two books will welcome back old favourites, as well as witness the excesses of new ones, including the increasingly deluded Kiki. Sam’s approach to the tasks imposed by her anonymous employers is as funny as always, including a disciplinary session with her new colleague, Doug Junior. This is a lovely if sometimes wince-inducing read in a unique style, and I recommend it to established fans and those yet to discover Sam Applewhite and her unusual job with DefCon4.
November 22, 2021
Note: While this is book 3 in the series, it works mostly fine as a stand alone but the previous books would give you some fun background on the Odinsons.
I do have a soft spot in my heart for Viking ships and so it was great to see the Odinsons’s ship Sandraker featured in this book. The Odinsons are such a fun bundle of contradictions, wanting to embrace the ‘old ways’ but still have modern comforts. I especially like Hilde as she got all the brains. Also Rune Splitter did his best to clue the clan into their legal rights and issues surrounding Sandraker.
Meanwhile, there’s a new romantic interest (Kiki Lettuces) in Marvin’s life. Sam (Marvin’s adult daughter) isn’t too sure what to think of this Kiki and her funny accent. But both have plenty of stage stories to share and still love the art of acting and entertaining the masses. Plus there’s a movie shoot being attempted in the area that Kiki is part of.
Take all that and couple it with several missing antiques and someone targeting the local DefCon4 Security office here Sam works, you get a twisty, turny, humorous mystery. Haha! Doug the DefCon4 Security cactus! I laughed out loud when Sam got in trouble from the home office because someone reported that Sam and Doug were seen in public drunk.
This series has been a lot of fun. Book 1 was awesome and book 2 was pretty good and now here with book 3, we are back to awesome. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Matthew Lloyd Davies is still doing a great job with this series. He does all these regional accents that really add to the story and I love how he handled Kiki’s ridiculous accent. I also enjoy his burly Viking voices for the Odinsons clan. He has a good range of voices with the ladies sounding like ladies and the guys sounding like guys. The pacing was perfect & there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.
I do have a soft spot in my heart for Viking ships and so it was great to see the Odinsons’s ship Sandraker featured in this book. The Odinsons are such a fun bundle of contradictions, wanting to embrace the ‘old ways’ but still have modern comforts. I especially like Hilde as she got all the brains. Also Rune Splitter did his best to clue the clan into their legal rights and issues surrounding Sandraker.
Meanwhile, there’s a new romantic interest (Kiki Lettuces) in Marvin’s life. Sam (Marvin’s adult daughter) isn’t too sure what to think of this Kiki and her funny accent. But both have plenty of stage stories to share and still love the art of acting and entertaining the masses. Plus there’s a movie shoot being attempted in the area that Kiki is part of.
Take all that and couple it with several missing antiques and someone targeting the local DefCon4 Security office here Sam works, you get a twisty, turny, humorous mystery. Haha! Doug the DefCon4 Security cactus! I laughed out loud when Sam got in trouble from the home office because someone reported that Sam and Doug were seen in public drunk.
This series has been a lot of fun. Book 1 was awesome and book 2 was pretty good and now here with book 3, we are back to awesome. 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Matthew Lloyd Davies is still doing a great job with this series. He does all these regional accents that really add to the story and I love how he handled Kiki’s ridiculous accent. I also enjoy his burly Viking voices for the Odinsons clan. He has a good range of voices with the ladies sounding like ladies and the guys sounding like guys. The pacing was perfect & there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.
July 10, 2021
The third installment in the “Sam Applewhite” series, this madly manic romp has Sam, - once again inadvertently enmeshed in a labyrinth of criminal activity - fighting for her life, scouting out stolen antiques and staring down Hugh, a rangy elderly tiger. All of this mayhem takes place at or around Candlebroke Hall, the country estate of the aging actress Lady Kiki Lettuces, who has fallen on hard times, along with her paramour, Antoine, a somewhat sleazy former celebrity-psychic.
All our regular heros are back, including Sam’s wonderful Dad, Marvin, - a retired magician, (who may or may not have a lingering crush on the lovely lady Kiki).
We also see the return of Sandraker, the Viking longship constructed lovingly by the Odinsons, a returning clan of Icelandic-wannabes, erstwhile raiders and villains, who function with the brains and hearts of a group of overgrown and somehow charmingly delinquent teenagers.
Fans of comedic crime capers, similar in some ways to a British version of the novels of Janet Evanovitch or Carl Hiassen, will love this book, along with its chuckle-worthy predecessors in the series. I found myself laughing out loud in so many places that I lost count - and in particular, absolutely loved the scene of Sam having dinner with an amorous Antoine the psychic. You will have to read this book to find out why!
A great big thank you to authors, and the publishers for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
All our regular heros are back, including Sam’s wonderful Dad, Marvin, - a retired magician, (who may or may not have a lingering crush on the lovely lady Kiki).
We also see the return of Sandraker, the Viking longship constructed lovingly by the Odinsons, a returning clan of Icelandic-wannabes, erstwhile raiders and villains, who function with the brains and hearts of a group of overgrown and somehow charmingly delinquent teenagers.
Fans of comedic crime capers, similar in some ways to a British version of the novels of Janet Evanovitch or Carl Hiassen, will love this book, along with its chuckle-worthy predecessors in the series. I found myself laughing out loud in so many places that I lost count - and in particular, absolutely loved the scene of Sam having dinner with an amorous Antoine the psychic. You will have to read this book to find out why!
A great big thank you to authors, and the publishers for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
July 14, 2021
After reading the first 2 books in the series and absolutely loving them I was a little apprehensive about this one as a lot of the time I end up not liking the last book.....however I was wrong I loved this one too ! Apart from the fact it means the end of the series !
Ahh back in the lovely world of Sam Applewhite, Candlebroke Hall is the setting of this book , a grand stately House, when reading the book you can definitely picture the type of house in your mind! All is not as it seems when she goes to investigate a burglary, and figures while many people would kill to live in a place like that....many would kill to get out of there !
Absolutely fantastically written , the pace of the book is fast , you don't feel like it is trudging along dragging its heels . It sticks too the storyline and transports the reader to the setting , you can imagine your self there, watching and seeing everything trying to figure it all out ! .
I will admit I am sad that it is the last book of the series.....hopefully they might be more? But I am glad I found this series and definitely recommend it !
Ahh back in the lovely world of Sam Applewhite, Candlebroke Hall is the setting of this book , a grand stately House, when reading the book you can definitely picture the type of house in your mind! All is not as it seems when she goes to investigate a burglary, and figures while many people would kill to live in a place like that....many would kill to get out of there !
Absolutely fantastically written , the pace of the book is fast , you don't feel like it is trudging along dragging its heels . It sticks too the storyline and transports the reader to the setting , you can imagine your self there, watching and seeing everything trying to figure it all out ! .
I will admit I am sad that it is the last book of the series.....hopefully they might be more? But I am glad I found this series and definitely recommend it !
September 27, 2024
This was... rather odd. I'm starting to suspect these are being written with AI assistance.
An aging starlet and her.... ummmm... I don't even know what he is, partner? An aging con artist psychic are living together in a big fancy house. Only to pay the bills the house was turned over to the historical society so really they live in a rat hole inside the house and aren't allowed to touch anything.
The main plot is very straight forward. Theft is discovered and the pair are acting shifty about it, geeee I wonder why. The Odensons are forced into the plot with a crowbar, understandable since they're always the most fun part of the plot but it was really forced with a lot of time wasting tactics to fill up the pages.
Over all a decent entry, with the odd dynamics the characters had and personality shifts I'm growing suspicious of this series so won't be continuing.
An aging starlet and her.... ummmm... I don't even know what he is, partner? An aging con artist psychic are living together in a big fancy house. Only to pay the bills the house was turned over to the historical society so really they live in a rat hole inside the house and aren't allowed to touch anything.
The main plot is very straight forward. Theft is discovered and the pair are acting shifty about it, geeee I wonder why. The Odensons are forced into the plot with a crowbar, understandable since they're always the most fun part of the plot but it was really forced with a lot of time wasting tactics to fill up the pages.
Over all a decent entry, with the odd dynamics the characters had and personality shifts I'm growing suspicious of this series so won't be continuing.
August 17, 2021
If you like the Goody Grant combo then this is for you.
Another really, really good instalment.in the series.
Although I didn't originally like the Odinsons in earlier books, they have grown on me over the series and are key characters in this book.
The combination of their eccentricity and others being just plain creepy in this book, means this was always going to be explosive.
The maze of the storyline always confounds me as I expect the tale to go one way. And it never does ..
Another really, really good instalment.in the series.
Although I didn't originally like the Odinsons in earlier books, they have grown on me over the series and are key characters in this book.
The combination of their eccentricity and others being just plain creepy in this book, means this was always going to be explosive.
The maze of the storyline always confounds me as I expect the tale to go one way. And it never does ..
June 25, 2021
This was my favourite of the series.
I loved Kiki and how delusional she is about her status and wealth.
I also love the Odinsons. What a clan. I would love to be part of the family if I were in this book.
Made me laugh in parts with the escapades the characters got themselves into. But I was sad that Doug got hurt again!
I loved Kiki and how delusional she is about her status and wealth.
I also love the Odinsons. What a clan. I would love to be part of the family if I were in this book.
Made me laugh in parts with the escapades the characters got themselves into. But I was sad that Doug got hurt again!
September 6, 2021
Yet another great story. I started reading this while in Skegness last weekend and could imagine myself in Sams shoes when she goes to the office I’m there with her. Driving home past Candlebury hall and visualising Ragnors longship on the island made me smile. Throughly enjoyable and I hope to see more in this series
September 4, 2021
This is book three in the series so I’m not going to go to deep into it so I don’t spoil anything but… the third installment is just as good as the first two. Sam is still fun and going on adventures, and this series is still hilarious and enjoyable. This series is a MUST READ.
March 3, 2023
Outrageous Storyline but Skegness Vikings are on their 2nd Raid to right a wrong
This is the best adventure yet for Sam & Marvellous MARVIN. Can't wait to start the next. Unbelievable storylines but Sam makes sense of it. Might even visit Skeggy myself lol
This is the best adventure yet for Sam & Marvellous MARVIN. Can't wait to start the next. Unbelievable storylines but Sam makes sense of it. Might even visit Skeggy myself lol
January 24, 2022
Un-put-downable!
The third and so far the most enjoyable of the Sam Applewhite books. Just can’t wait for number 4! Roll on April.
The third and so far the most enjoyable of the Sam Applewhite books. Just can’t wait for number 4! Roll on April.
May 5, 2022
Brilliant, as always from this duo of authors.
September 10, 2022
Love these characters. Love the stories. Love this series. These are always entertaining, funny and a pleasure to read, keep them coming!
July 27, 2021
Well! What I can safely say are, are, what? ...
Humorous reads?
Nah! humorous doesn't really cut it.
Bonkers?
Yes, what I can safely say are bonkers reads {especially Sealfinger, the first book in the series; Oh my goodness! That felon's encounter with the cactus, not something I'll forget in a hurry 🤣} that are full of sublimely ridiculous events and conversations.
And oh my giddy aunt, the characters ...
Sam Applewhite, job description not totally known {no, not even by herself} though the books see her, amongst other things, delivering meals on wheels {Sealfinger}, overseeing a community payback team weeding ... in late November {book 2, Doggerland} and acting as an 'Appropriate Adult' {book 3, Sandraker} when Hilde, granddaughter of the Viking Ragnar Odinson gets arrested.
A sleuth the likes of which I've never come across before, Sam is just one in a cast of many, many memorable, quirky characters {some of them recurring, others, including the delightfully deluded Kiki, particular to that book}, the afore mentioned Odinsons {along with Delia, an outlandish shop owner who upcycles anything and everything she can get her hands on ... how I'd love a spin-off featuring her} being my favourites.
Perfectly readable as standalone novels but I'd suggest probably better if read in order.
Told from the perspective of multiple characters, these aren't murder mysteries of the who-dun-it variety as the reader knows WHO-dun-it, HOW and WHY from the beginning. The fun in the books is more in the waiting to see if Sam can piece it altogether before she, in typical Sam fashion, gets distracted by any of the quite frankly bizarre events that seem to happen when she's around.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in this Blog Tour, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
Humorous reads?
Nah! humorous doesn't really cut it.
Bonkers?
Yes, what I can safely say are bonkers reads {especially Sealfinger, the first book in the series; Oh my goodness! That felon's encounter with the cactus, not something I'll forget in a hurry 🤣} that are full of sublimely ridiculous events and conversations.
And oh my giddy aunt, the characters ...
Sam Applewhite, job description not totally known {no, not even by herself} though the books see her, amongst other things, delivering meals on wheels {Sealfinger}, overseeing a community payback team weeding ... in late November {book 2, Doggerland} and acting as an 'Appropriate Adult' {book 3, Sandraker} when Hilde, granddaughter of the Viking Ragnar Odinson gets arrested.
A sleuth the likes of which I've never come across before, Sam is just one in a cast of many, many memorable, quirky characters {some of them recurring, others, including the delightfully deluded Kiki, particular to that book}, the afore mentioned Odinsons {along with Delia, an outlandish shop owner who upcycles anything and everything she can get her hands on ... how I'd love a spin-off featuring her} being my favourites.
Perfectly readable as standalone novels but I'd suggest probably better if read in order.
Told from the perspective of multiple characters, these aren't murder mysteries of the who-dun-it variety as the reader knows WHO-dun-it, HOW and WHY from the beginning. The fun in the books is more in the waiting to see if Sam can piece it altogether before she, in typical Sam fashion, gets distracted by any of the quite frankly bizarre events that seem to happen when she's around.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in this Blog Tour, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
July 20, 2021
Authors Heide Goody & Iain Grant are talented authors. I feel they’ve created some of the most memorable characters I’ve read to date. They are hilarious and there are quite a few, ‘laugh out loud’ moments.
I do think you’ll be missing out on character development if you read these as standalone novels. It feels like meeting old friends, every time I read another book, and if you’re going to read, I’d suggest reading in order.
I very much enjoyed this series. I think Sandraker is my favorite of the three, but that’s hard to commit to. Funny and intriguing, check this out.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
I do think you’ll be missing out on character development if you read these as standalone novels. It feels like meeting old friends, every time I read another book, and if you’re going to read, I’d suggest reading in order.
I very much enjoyed this series. I think Sandraker is my favorite of the three, but that’s hard to commit to. Funny and intriguing, check this out.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
December 26, 2021
This is billed as the last book in the trilogy, but I really hope it isn't. I've enjoyed the series so far and getting to know the cast of characters. It's been fun.
Unlike the other two novels, we're not opening with a murder, this time it's only burglary. Sam gets pulled in when Hilde is caught when the burglar alarm goes off at Candlebroke Hall. It looks like an open and shut case, as she has a stolen drinking horn in her hand when caught, but as Sam is brought in to be her responsible person, you know it's not going to be that easy.
Although the Hall is a National Heritage house, the old owner, Lady Kiki Lettuces, an old film star, and her beaux, the medium Antoine De Winter still live there, along with their pet Tiger Hugh.
From there the book takes off. The Vikings get pulled in, naturally, as the Sandraker of the title having a major part to play. That is a nice call back to book2. Alongside that we have Marvin looking like he's going to get a new girlfriend, at the same time as Sam is trying to wave off someone elses attentions. Della is back as her usual self, and even Doug (Junior) makes an appearance. Everyone needs a Doug in their life.
I'm not normally a fan of the cozy crime style books, but the humour in this, from the dates, to the Vikings, and from the labyrinth that is Defcon4 to the wonderful finale, that just makes this a joy. I do hope this is not the end
Unlike the other two novels, we're not opening with a murder, this time it's only burglary. Sam gets pulled in when Hilde is caught when the burglar alarm goes off at Candlebroke Hall. It looks like an open and shut case, as she has a stolen drinking horn in her hand when caught, but as Sam is brought in to be her responsible person, you know it's not going to be that easy.
Although the Hall is a National Heritage house, the old owner, Lady Kiki Lettuces, an old film star, and her beaux, the medium Antoine De Winter still live there, along with their pet Tiger Hugh.
From there the book takes off. The Vikings get pulled in, naturally, as the Sandraker of the title having a major part to play. That is a nice call back to book2. Alongside that we have Marvin looking like he's going to get a new girlfriend, at the same time as Sam is trying to wave off someone elses attentions. Della is back as her usual self, and even Doug (Junior) makes an appearance. Everyone needs a Doug in their life.
I'm not normally a fan of the cozy crime style books, but the humour in this, from the dates, to the Vikings, and from the labyrinth that is Defcon4 to the wonderful finale, that just makes this a joy. I do hope this is not the end
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