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Notebook Mysteries #2
Decisions and Possibilities
A determined teen sleuth solves crimes and mysteries in thrilling new escapades! Chicago, 1883:18-year-old Emma Evans graduates from business school and, building on her investigating success becomes embroiled in several perplexing inquiries. New specialists skilled in photography and disguises join her team and Emma gains professional recognition for her abilities as she struggles to define her feelings for the two men in her life. But things are not as they seem... in her business life, nor in her puzzling Pinkerton case. Assaulted, threatened, and confused, can Emma hold her new business intact? Can she help an old family friend survive?
You will love a series critics call a " brilliant cozy mystery " and " delightful romp " in an " endearing style. " Don't miss book 2 of this engaging series!
You will love a series critics call a " brilliant cozy mystery " and " delightful romp " in an " endearing style. " Don't miss book 2 of this engaging series!
276 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Mullins
19 books49 followersKimberly Mullins is the author of a series of books called “Notebook Mysteries”. She also writes Adult historical fiction under the name K. R. Mullins. She holds a BS in biology and a Masters in business. Her favorite classes were in history. She lives in Texas with her husband and son. When she is not writing she works as a Process Safety Engineer at a large chemical company. You can connect with her on her website at kimberlymullinsauthor.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 10, 2021
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the author. This second installment in the Notebook Mysteries series picks up two years after the first book (Emma) ended. Our heroine Emma is now 18, and more intent upon solving crimes than ever before. Her investigations have become more sophisticated and at times, more dangerous. I admired the author's imagination in coming up with the many plot twists! The cooperative group of family and friends around Emma add to the appeal of the story. This book had all the charm, heart, and intrigue of the first, with new recipes conveniently located in the back of the book for those enticed into trying them out! Notebook Mysteries-Decisions and Possibilities, is an excellent continuation of the series that will delight readers!
September 4, 2021
Different than most of my book choices for sure. It was a short read for me, easy to do in an evening. I wasn’t entirely disappointed, but it took me a bit to get settled. I really enjoyed Emma’s character though!
October 6, 2021
It is the year 1883 and Emma Evans is getting ready for work while she reminisces about some of the cases she has worked in the last year as an amateur sleuth, as she checks that she has everything and looking at her split skirt, specifically designed so she can cycle around Chicago with ease, she thinks about the events which started her on this path in life. From the happy occasion of her sister getting married to the opposite of when she was attacked, she looks through the old notebooks she has written her case notes in and how they changed her life forever, as well as those around her.
This included finding out that her Mama was involved in a couple of the cases she was looking at, thefts and smuggling operations mainly and that someone she worked with was also the head of a criminal organisation with fingers in many pies in the city and she stopped some of them in their tracks, this made her a target, but they weren’t the only ones, she also witnessed an attack, which when she tried to stop it, was when she was attacked herself, but later on the culprit returned to try again, however, only succeeded up getting caught and sent down for their crimes. This did lead to Emma helping a local charitable organisation and making a friend for life in the process, while helping them to remain anonymous at the same time.
In the present day, Emma has a job agency after finishing her degree in Business School and is helping other to gain the same qualifications and jobs, as well as being a courier and typist during the day, as well as investigating multiple cases and bringing more specialists onto the team. These include a photographer and a master of disguise whom all extend her original team and help to bring her the professional recognition she deserves, however, her personal life is not as easy, she is struggling to define her feelings for two men she is close to and trying to work out if her past and present are going to collide and rip the team apart at the seams. This is a cozy mystery with clean romantic elements within where tangled threads are smoothed out, secrets revealed and crimes solved with a dash of humour and self discovery thrown in for good measure which will keep you hooked throughout.
This included finding out that her Mama was involved in a couple of the cases she was looking at, thefts and smuggling operations mainly and that someone she worked with was also the head of a criminal organisation with fingers in many pies in the city and she stopped some of them in their tracks, this made her a target, but they weren’t the only ones, she also witnessed an attack, which when she tried to stop it, was when she was attacked herself, but later on the culprit returned to try again, however, only succeeded up getting caught and sent down for their crimes. This did lead to Emma helping a local charitable organisation and making a friend for life in the process, while helping them to remain anonymous at the same time.
In the present day, Emma has a job agency after finishing her degree in Business School and is helping other to gain the same qualifications and jobs, as well as being a courier and typist during the day, as well as investigating multiple cases and bringing more specialists onto the team. These include a photographer and a master of disguise whom all extend her original team and help to bring her the professional recognition she deserves, however, her personal life is not as easy, she is struggling to define her feelings for two men she is close to and trying to work out if her past and present are going to collide and rip the team apart at the seams. This is a cozy mystery with clean romantic elements within where tangled threads are smoothed out, secrets revealed and crimes solved with a dash of humour and self discovery thrown in for good measure which will keep you hooked throughout.
September 8, 2021
Emma is a young, upstanding girl in the 1880s but she’s also determined. Determined to help women be equal. Determined to solve crimes. And determined to do what she can to make a difference. Notebook Mysteries Decisions and Possibilities follows Emma as she sleuths her way through a variety of unusual activities.
I found the idea to be intriguing, following a girl through journeys of crime isn’t new, but the idea of following through her journal entries is. While this book started out in this sense, sort of falling back into written accounts that Emma made, it didn’t stay like this. The reader starts out with Emma reminiscing about a previous case after stumbling onto the notebook where she writes about the case.
As we move forward we are introduced to other characters including her partners in business and others. One thing I found interesting about this book was the use of the Narrator as a character, a character with its own thoughts and comments, mostly directed to another known as Dear-One. We don’t get many inserts from these two characters, but I feel if there were more I think the story could gain a lot of details.
Throughout the course of the story, we hear about three different cases and a separate account that is related. For me, as a reader, I felt that three cases in a short book was too much and that it would have been more beneficial to the story and characters to spend time on one case and perhaps introduce a second one to entice readers for the next installment.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and felt that Kimberly Mullins had a strong grip on an amazing idea. I’m excited to see more from her as she continues to write and become stronger in her style.
I found the idea to be intriguing, following a girl through journeys of crime isn’t new, but the idea of following through her journal entries is. While this book started out in this sense, sort of falling back into written accounts that Emma made, it didn’t stay like this. The reader starts out with Emma reminiscing about a previous case after stumbling onto the notebook where she writes about the case.
As we move forward we are introduced to other characters including her partners in business and others. One thing I found interesting about this book was the use of the Narrator as a character, a character with its own thoughts and comments, mostly directed to another known as Dear-One. We don’t get many inserts from these two characters, but I feel if there were more I think the story could gain a lot of details.
Throughout the course of the story, we hear about three different cases and a separate account that is related. For me, as a reader, I felt that three cases in a short book was too much and that it would have been more beneficial to the story and characters to spend time on one case and perhaps introduce a second one to entice readers for the next installment.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and felt that Kimberly Mullins had a strong grip on an amazing idea. I’m excited to see more from her as she continues to write and become stronger in her style.
October 4, 2021
Emma Evans is an eighteen-year-old who lives in Chicago in 1883. She gets into business school which is almost impossible for a woman at that time.
Emma and her brother-in-law work with the administrator at the business school to allow more women into the school. Emma also loves mysteries and always has her notebook with her to keep all of her notes.
She not only does she work with her business but she also works with Pinkerton Detective agency. with the help of an acquaintance. After graduation along with her brother-in-law’s help, Emma talks to the head of the business school to allow more women into the business school as men make more money in other jobs and new companies still need the administrative help. Along with her business mind, Emma likes solving mysteries. She is involved with the Pinkerton Detective agency, but she doesn’t work there full-time.
When a detective colleague investigates an old case Emma she becomes friends with a lady that she saved from a brutal beating a few years ago. With this lady’s connections, Emma and her family can take women away from the Chicago area where they have had abusive relationships and put them back in touch with family to begin their new chapters.
It really is a great read and I loved every moment.
Emma and her brother-in-law work with the administrator at the business school to allow more women into the school. Emma also loves mysteries and always has her notebook with her to keep all of her notes.
She not only does she work with her business but she also works with Pinkerton Detective agency. with the help of an acquaintance. After graduation along with her brother-in-law’s help, Emma talks to the head of the business school to allow more women into the business school as men make more money in other jobs and new companies still need the administrative help. Along with her business mind, Emma likes solving mysteries. She is involved with the Pinkerton Detective agency, but she doesn’t work there full-time.
When a detective colleague investigates an old case Emma she becomes friends with a lady that she saved from a brutal beating a few years ago. With this lady’s connections, Emma and her family can take women away from the Chicago area where they have had abusive relationships and put them back in touch with family to begin their new chapters.
It really is a great read and I loved every moment.
August 31, 2021
Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities brings us the Vibrant Emma. She is just 18 years old but in my opinion a young lady so far ahead of her time. Her passion for seeing women succeed becomes obvious very early in the book and one of the first characteristics that helped to draw me in to the story and the life of Emma.
She truly is an amazing young woman solving crimes, developing a business (I loved her determination to attend business school at a time when they were only for men) , helping protect abused women and helping them start over all while maintaining her family connections.
I've started this series second book in which is something I will have to fix as soon as I can. It is a wonderfully written, engaging YA series not to be missed.
She truly is an amazing young woman solving crimes, developing a business (I loved her determination to attend business school at a time when they were only for men) , helping protect abused women and helping them start over all while maintaining her family connections.
I've started this series second book in which is something I will have to fix as soon as I can. It is a wonderfully written, engaging YA series not to be missed.
August 31, 2021
Notebook Mysteries - Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins is an interesting and unique YA story that definitely draws you in. This is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a stand-alone - I did - I think personally I would prefer to read it in order. Although I got to know the characters and understood what was happening I felt I had missed a bit of the character development.
I loved the fact that the story is set in the 1800’s. It adds a whole new level to the story and so many obstacles that you don’t get in modern day fiction. For me it is that element that really made the book.
This is a new author to me and I like the way she has gone about the whole story. The first thing I will be doing now is going back to read book one!
I loved the fact that the story is set in the 1800’s. It adds a whole new level to the story and so many obstacles that you don’t get in modern day fiction. For me it is that element that really made the book.
This is a new author to me and I like the way she has gone about the whole story. The first thing I will be doing now is going back to read book one!
September 5, 2021
Notebook Mysteries - Decisions and Possibilities is a brilliant YA story with a twist of the Sherlock Homes and Murdoch Mysteries vibe story with a brilliant main character and a tapestry of mysteries along the way makes this an exciting read.
Emma is a brilliant scholar and business woman with her inventions getting her recognition but with her its her hobby as a amateur sleuth which is getting more momentum and with her next adventure can she solve the crime and bring the suspect to justice.
This is the first book I have read by this author and realised this is the second book regarding this character and loved each word. I am a big crime fan and it was nice to have a easy read but full of twists and turns which has you guessing as you read and working with Emma to find the suspects. I love that this is set in the 1800's a the backdrop adds another element to the story, Emma is spunky and full of action I love the way she is such a strong character and works hard to be the best she can in whatever she wants.
This is a great easy read story with brilliant twists and turns I love the character of Emma and love to read more in the future.
Emma is a brilliant scholar and business woman with her inventions getting her recognition but with her its her hobby as a amateur sleuth which is getting more momentum and with her next adventure can she solve the crime and bring the suspect to justice.
This is the first book I have read by this author and realised this is the second book regarding this character and loved each word. I am a big crime fan and it was nice to have a easy read but full of twists and turns which has you guessing as you read and working with Emma to find the suspects. I love that this is set in the 1800's a the backdrop adds another element to the story, Emma is spunky and full of action I love the way she is such a strong character and works hard to be the best she can in whatever she wants.
This is a great easy read story with brilliant twists and turns I love the character of Emma and love to read more in the future.
September 1, 2021
Notebook Mysteries, Decisions and Possibilities is the second installment the Notebook Mysteries series. This is a YA Historical Mystery set in the 19th century where Emma has turned 18, graduated business school and has established her own career.
I aboslutley loved this book. Not only is it filled with action and mystery but Emma is an amazing lead character. She is so different from the regular women of the 1800's. She is fierce, intelligent, independent and strong. She loves solving mysteries, her family and friends.
This book kept me intrigued from beginning to end and I could not put it down. I also loved that at the end there are recipes from the book. I cannot wait to try some of them and for book 3 Notebook Mysteries, Changes and Challenges to be released.
I aboslutley loved this book. Not only is it filled with action and mystery but Emma is an amazing lead character. She is so different from the regular women of the 1800's. She is fierce, intelligent, independent and strong. She loves solving mysteries, her family and friends.
This book kept me intrigued from beginning to end and I could not put it down. I also loved that at the end there are recipes from the book. I cannot wait to try some of them and for book 3 Notebook Mysteries, Changes and Challenges to be released.
September 1, 2021
3.5 stars
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins is the second book in the series. This YA tale is full of fun and adventure where a strong-minded young woman is an amateur super sleuth who loves nothing better than solving crimes and getting behind the mystery. The story is set in an era where women were not as equal as their counterparts, so our heroine is strongly involved with women’s rights to be seen and heard and not chained to the kitchen. It reminds me a bit of Nancy Drew. This tale will draw you in and will delight those who are a bit of an amateur sleuth themselves. As an added bonus Kimberly has provided a few recipes that will delight the palate.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins is the second book in the series. This YA tale is full of fun and adventure where a strong-minded young woman is an amateur super sleuth who loves nothing better than solving crimes and getting behind the mystery. The story is set in an era where women were not as equal as their counterparts, so our heroine is strongly involved with women’s rights to be seen and heard and not chained to the kitchen. It reminds me a bit of Nancy Drew. This tale will draw you in and will delight those who are a bit of an amateur sleuth themselves. As an added bonus Kimberly has provided a few recipes that will delight the palate.
September 16, 2021
This book has a great heroine in Emma Evans. She is strong, intelligent, and driven. She also cares about supporting the women in her town to gain independence, education, and a profession. She advocates for them tirelessly, even when universities and companies balk at the idea of an educated woman in the 1800s.
I have not read the first book, but there was sufficient backstory elements added that I wasn't confused about what was happening. That said, I think it would have been even more engaging had I read the first book. As new ones are coming out soon, I may just catch up on what I missed!
I have not read the first book, but there was sufficient backstory elements added that I wasn't confused about what was happening. That said, I think it would have been even more engaging had I read the first book. As new ones are coming out soon, I may just catch up on what I missed!
September 28, 2021
I've got to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm not a massive fan of YA books, but this one really is a cut above the rest, having a sophistication and style that really just makes it. A testament to the writing skill of Mullins, I feel, who writes awesomely, pulling you into a vibrant and interesting world that you never want to leave.
Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read easily as a stand-alone, nothing at all is lost by not reading the first one, but I would recommend reading it anyways just to soak up more awesomeness. Emma Evans has just graduated from business school, muddling through Chicago in 1883 where being a strong independent woman isn't the easiest, but Emma manages it with style. Soon she becomes embroiled in mystery and intrigue, along with some confusing feelings towards two men that have turned up in her life.
I'm not giving any more away though, it's such a fun and exciting read. Mullins really brings her the world to life and takes the reader on an adventure that sticks with you even after you've stopped reading.
Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read easily as a stand-alone, nothing at all is lost by not reading the first one, but I would recommend reading it anyways just to soak up more awesomeness. Emma Evans has just graduated from business school, muddling through Chicago in 1883 where being a strong independent woman isn't the easiest, but Emma manages it with style. Soon she becomes embroiled in mystery and intrigue, along with some confusing feelings towards two men that have turned up in her life.
I'm not giving any more away though, it's such a fun and exciting read. Mullins really brings her the world to life and takes the reader on an adventure that sticks with you even after you've stopped reading.
September 1, 2021
History and mystery
This was an absolute delight to read. Fell instantly in love with Emma and her creative, industrious mind. The author is spot on with the characterisation and world building, I felt instantly transported into the 1800s and into Emma’s life. The book consists of several cases, which kept the story moving along and me turning the pages. I can’t wait to continue this series. I highly recommend this book for teens and up.
This was an absolute delight to read. Fell instantly in love with Emma and her creative, industrious mind. The author is spot on with the characterisation and world building, I felt instantly transported into the 1800s and into Emma’s life. The book consists of several cases, which kept the story moving along and me turning the pages. I can’t wait to continue this series. I highly recommend this book for teens and up.
Read
September 1, 2021This book was a unique one, for sure. I grew up with Nancy Drew and the hardy boys, and this author has delivered the new generation. I was as enthralled with this novel as I was the books that came before, and I will be getting this series for my daughter. Bravo, author. I can't wait to read more
July 7, 2021
Kimberly Mullins’ second in series takes us on more of Emma’s adventures as she rescues abused women, exposes fraudulent office managers and sets the world to rights. Older and wiser, Emma also has matters of the heart to deal with, which she does in her usual open and honest way. I was about to be disappointed about the lack of recipes until I found them in the back. A fun read for young teens with an energetic and intelligent protagonist.
September 25, 2021
What a great story! Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities is my first book by Kimberly Mullins -- I had no idea this was a series! Once I realized it was a sequel, I decided to just continue reading and fill in the gaps along the way! I quickly caught onto Emma’s backstory as well as her friends and associates. Emma is a teen sleuth who solves crimes, juggles romance, and fights for women’s rights! As a history nerd and woman, I absolutely LOVED that this was written from a female perspective; as well as being placed in a time when women did not have rights or even a true say in their lives. This is a great YA novel for anyone interested in mystery, crime, and young love.
March 25, 2022
This book is a historic mystery set in 1883, Chicago. The dynamic heroine Emma is only 18 but much ahead of her age. She develops a keen interest towards solving crime mysteries . In the men driven world of those times, she establishes a successful business of her own, and also helps other women who are in distress. Along comes a mystery where she is threatened and assaulted, but she has to help a family connection. Can Emma solve the mystery? This book takes us on a adventure filled ride along with Emma. I like women centric novels which are set in historic times, the courage and the resolve women had in those days to succeed was far more than what we have now, considering the opposition they had to face from the society. A very nice YA novel, I enjoyed it !
September 1, 2021
3.5 Stars
Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities is the second instalment in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. I was drawn to this book by the intriguing cover and the fact that it was a mystery with historical detailing. I had never read one of Ms. Mullins books before, but my curiosity was piqued enough for me to snap up a copy to explore.
The story/series follows Emma Evans on her ‘investigations. I really wish that I had read the first book before jumping into this one, as even though this story can be read as a standalone, I think the other book would have provided more character details and pertinent background information that would have enhanced my reading experience of this book.
Whilst I enjoyed the somewhat quirky mystery and Emma’s adventures/investigations- it did take me a while to ‘settle’ into the story and get my mind around the author’s writing style. I do think that that the ‘interruptions’ throughout the story from the ‘narrator’ really disrupted the flow of the story and kept pulling me out of the story. I think that the story would have been much more enjoyable without the ‘narrator’, and the information provided by the narrator could have been added to the story without the ‘disruptions. (see below for example)
“Emma pulled herself into the present and opened her desk drawer to find her current case book. She still kept her observations in the black notebooks she always carried with her. As she tried to pull the drawer open, it got stuck and she had to pull forcibly on the handle. When it finally gave way and allowed her access, she knelt to discover what had kept the drawer from opening. It was another notebook, wedged in the back; she reached in and pulled it out.
She sat back on her knees, looking at it for a long moment, and realized which one it was. It must be a day for memories, she thought, shaking her head. That notebook, the black cover faded with age, was from another day long ago when she was ten years old and involved her “incident”.
[The Narrator said, “The incident was when Emma was attacked at the age of ten by a career criminal named Zeke Jones, and it was not the last time he would go after her. He had a personal vendetta against her; he felt she was always taking something from him that he believed was his.”
Dear-one commented wryly, “To be fair, she did keep uncovering cases where he was also involved. The Stubing store theft, the smuggling operations involving store owners, and then when he had volunteered to “take care” of Emma for the notorious gangster John Harden.”
The Narrator added, “When he did go after her that last time, Emma was ready for him.”
Dear-one asked, “What happened to Zeke?”
The Narrator said, “Well, we will get to that later.”
Dear one said, “You know you say that a lot.”
“I know, but I always plan to go back,” commented the Narrator, as she continued to write.]
Emma opened the notebook and remembered how it had finally returned to her.”
The story did remind me a little of the Enola Holmes television movie, and I do think that with a little tweaking that this book/series would also make a great television series. I will go back to read book one to see what happened there, while I await book #3.
Thank you, Kimberly Mullins!
Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities is the second instalment in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. I was drawn to this book by the intriguing cover and the fact that it was a mystery with historical detailing. I had never read one of Ms. Mullins books before, but my curiosity was piqued enough for me to snap up a copy to explore.
The story/series follows Emma Evans on her ‘investigations. I really wish that I had read the first book before jumping into this one, as even though this story can be read as a standalone, I think the other book would have provided more character details and pertinent background information that would have enhanced my reading experience of this book.
Whilst I enjoyed the somewhat quirky mystery and Emma’s adventures/investigations- it did take me a while to ‘settle’ into the story and get my mind around the author’s writing style. I do think that that the ‘interruptions’ throughout the story from the ‘narrator’ really disrupted the flow of the story and kept pulling me out of the story. I think that the story would have been much more enjoyable without the ‘narrator’, and the information provided by the narrator could have been added to the story without the ‘disruptions. (see below for example)
“Emma pulled herself into the present and opened her desk drawer to find her current case book. She still kept her observations in the black notebooks she always carried with her. As she tried to pull the drawer open, it got stuck and she had to pull forcibly on the handle. When it finally gave way and allowed her access, she knelt to discover what had kept the drawer from opening. It was another notebook, wedged in the back; she reached in and pulled it out.
She sat back on her knees, looking at it for a long moment, and realized which one it was. It must be a day for memories, she thought, shaking her head. That notebook, the black cover faded with age, was from another day long ago when she was ten years old and involved her “incident”.
[The Narrator said, “The incident was when Emma was attacked at the age of ten by a career criminal named Zeke Jones, and it was not the last time he would go after her. He had a personal vendetta against her; he felt she was always taking something from him that he believed was his.”
Dear-one commented wryly, “To be fair, she did keep uncovering cases where he was also involved. The Stubing store theft, the smuggling operations involving store owners, and then when he had volunteered to “take care” of Emma for the notorious gangster John Harden.”
The Narrator added, “When he did go after her that last time, Emma was ready for him.”
Dear-one asked, “What happened to Zeke?”
The Narrator said, “Well, we will get to that later.”
Dear one said, “You know you say that a lot.”
“I know, but I always plan to go back,” commented the Narrator, as she continued to write.]
Emma opened the notebook and remembered how it had finally returned to her.”
The story did remind me a little of the Enola Holmes television movie, and I do think that with a little tweaking that this book/series would also make a great television series. I will go back to read book one to see what happened there, while I await book #3.
Thank you, Kimberly Mullins!
August 31, 2021
This was such a fun and engaging book to read! I had so much fun with this one, and I honestly am very much eager to get my magnifying glass out and await more in this series. I always was a die hard fan of Sherlock Holmes, and the story revolved around Chicago, where I actually grew up. I knew right away this was a book I had to get my hands on, and solve the mysteries that it would entail!
For starters, I am going to go read the previous book as I was not aware of its existence till I got to read this one! That said, this one was very easy to follow, and I found the backstory was pretty much filled in for me! Emma was such an amazing character. She was the lead mystery solver yes, but she had so much more than just skill, but a strong intuitive mind as well. I loved that about her. She was different than most girls in her town, not only did she always enforce her wants, but as well as that, she was very good at solving crime. I found through out the book mystery was a like a good baked bread for her, she was just drawn it it, as well as that, a good mystery knew how to lure out! The book was lovely in many ways!
The book gave me clues to solve along with our leader, Emma, and it left me wondering at times of how does this piece together? I will admit, I was outsmarted at times myself. but the book defiantly kept me interested and wanting to know how it would tie to next. I would say this is a book that can be enjoyed by all and for the young as well as the young at heat!
Again, a must read for sure. The setting and the words flowing made this book so whole some and fun to read! Not to mention, a fun love triangle, which you will have to read yourself to endure in completely. I assure you this is a treat you will not want to miss! If you ever loved Scooby-Doo or even Sherlock Holmes as I did, this is a series to put your nose into. There's a lot of intriguing moments as well as fun times. I really loved it, and I can not wait to read more by this author. Its truly a fun and wonderful read!
For starters, I am going to go read the previous book as I was not aware of its existence till I got to read this one! That said, this one was very easy to follow, and I found the backstory was pretty much filled in for me! Emma was such an amazing character. She was the lead mystery solver yes, but she had so much more than just skill, but a strong intuitive mind as well. I loved that about her. She was different than most girls in her town, not only did she always enforce her wants, but as well as that, she was very good at solving crime. I found through out the book mystery was a like a good baked bread for her, she was just drawn it it, as well as that, a good mystery knew how to lure out! The book was lovely in many ways!
The book gave me clues to solve along with our leader, Emma, and it left me wondering at times of how does this piece together? I will admit, I was outsmarted at times myself. but the book defiantly kept me interested and wanting to know how it would tie to next. I would say this is a book that can be enjoyed by all and for the young as well as the young at heat!
Again, a must read for sure. The setting and the words flowing made this book so whole some and fun to read! Not to mention, a fun love triangle, which you will have to read yourself to endure in completely. I assure you this is a treat you will not want to miss! If you ever loved Scooby-Doo or even Sherlock Holmes as I did, this is a series to put your nose into. There's a lot of intriguing moments as well as fun times. I really loved it, and I can not wait to read more by this author. Its truly a fun and wonderful read!
September 17, 2021
I can honestly say that I am likely one of the only avid readers out there that haven’t read any Sherlock Holmes novels, nor have I really paid much attention to any tv/movies of this genre. This novel has altered my interest for sure! I found myself immersed in Emma’s sleuthing skills, and the different skills of her family members and team. After reading numerous romance novels, I was itching for a change of pace and Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities hit the spot. From the first few chapters, I was pulled into the 1880’s, Chicago is a place of development, and growth, and I found it very easy to picture Emma, and Dora, in their boarding house. Women were ultimately seen for their homemaking skills, and this team fought hard to encourage women and local businesses to take them on to prove their worth outside the home. It’s very empowering!
I did find that a lot happened all at once, especially during the first half of the novel. Once I hit the halfway mark, and we really start to dig deep into one specific Pinkerton case, I couldn’t put the book down and found myself trying to figure out what the outcome would be by deciphering the information given so far. It is by no means an ‘easy read’ but that’s part of what makes Kimberly Mullins writing style so incredible. I loved that it pulls you in, introducing new characters, and bringing a romantic story to light as well. The fact that Kimberly Mullins includes some historical information as you’re sightseeing in New York City with Emma and Jeremy was fascinating. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, and will certainly be looking forward to reading more Notebook Mysteries in the future. Thank you, Ms. Mullins, it was a riveting read, highly recommend!
I did find that a lot happened all at once, especially during the first half of the novel. Once I hit the halfway mark, and we really start to dig deep into one specific Pinkerton case, I couldn’t put the book down and found myself trying to figure out what the outcome would be by deciphering the information given so far. It is by no means an ‘easy read’ but that’s part of what makes Kimberly Mullins writing style so incredible. I loved that it pulls you in, introducing new characters, and bringing a romantic story to light as well. The fact that Kimberly Mullins includes some historical information as you’re sightseeing in New York City with Emma and Jeremy was fascinating. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, and will certainly be looking forward to reading more Notebook Mysteries in the future. Thank you, Ms. Mullins, it was a riveting read, highly recommend!
June 14, 2021
Great summer read and recipes too! Teen sleuth solves crimes, juggles romance and fights for women’s rights!
‘Notebook Mysteries: Decisions and Possibilities’ follows the continuing adventures of our heroine Emma as she finds a way to attend business school in a time when women were to be “seen, but not heard,” builds a successful investigation/employment services business, and joins forces with the Pinkerton Agency, all while uncovering despicable cheats and solving crimes that threaten new friends and family. Decisions change the course of her life, especially when it comes to boys….
This is a great YA novel and continues a solid series set in a by-gone age. The feisty main character speaks to modern sensibilities and the author doesn’t shy away from challenging topics such as women in the workplace and spousal abuse… and Emma has mastered knife throwing and doesn’t shy from using her skills! Mullins has done a masterful job a writing a compelling tale that introduces new characters, threats, and mysteries. The wonderful new, true-to-life characters like Jake the photographer and Millie the socialite newlywed leap from the pages. The book is filled with excitement and intrigue, and all the recipes from Cousin’s bakery are included in the back, a great little cookbook bonus.
This book is packed with fun and adventure! If you like strong, smart young women who face their trials with intelligence, focus, dedication and effort, who always fight for themselves, their family and friends, and who stretch for all of life’s possibilities in the late 19th Century, this is the novel for you.
‘Notebook Mysteries: Decisions and Possibilities’ follows the continuing adventures of our heroine Emma as she finds a way to attend business school in a time when women were to be “seen, but not heard,” builds a successful investigation/employment services business, and joins forces with the Pinkerton Agency, all while uncovering despicable cheats and solving crimes that threaten new friends and family. Decisions change the course of her life, especially when it comes to boys….
This is a great YA novel and continues a solid series set in a by-gone age. The feisty main character speaks to modern sensibilities and the author doesn’t shy away from challenging topics such as women in the workplace and spousal abuse… and Emma has mastered knife throwing and doesn’t shy from using her skills! Mullins has done a masterful job a writing a compelling tale that introduces new characters, threats, and mysteries. The wonderful new, true-to-life characters like Jake the photographer and Millie the socialite newlywed leap from the pages. The book is filled with excitement and intrigue, and all the recipes from Cousin’s bakery are included in the back, a great little cookbook bonus.
This book is packed with fun and adventure! If you like strong, smart young women who face their trials with intelligence, focus, dedication and effort, who always fight for themselves, their family and friends, and who stretch for all of life’s possibilities in the late 19th Century, this is the novel for you.
August 31, 2021
Decisions and Possibilities is the second book in Kimberly Mullins' Notebook Mysteries series. It's a fast-paced historical mystery, set in 1880s Chicago, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats!
I'm new to this series but definitely want to go back and read book one, Emma, to properly get to know the characters. There's a wonderful found family of characters at the centre of the book, investigating mysteries and looking out for each other.
A particular stand out feature of this story is that rather than focusing on one main mystery Emma and her friends investigate a bunch of different things that come up as the story progresses. Sometimes one thing leads to another, or something pops up unexpectedly. Always observant, Emma is good at telling when things aren't right!
This book leaves readers with plenty of homework to do, including several recipes to try the food that the characters are seen eating (I can't wait to try a few of them!) and some classic adventure books which Emma recommends to a young pick pocket she encounters on a trip to New York. Great ways to engage readers further with the time period!
Mullins paints a great picture of the historical setting, with plenty of detail in all areas! In this book we meet photographer Jake, and learn lots about the cameras and technology available at the time.
This book gets five stars from me! I'd definitely recommend it to teenage fans of historical fiction and mysteries. If you like Enola Holmes, this is a great series for you!
I'm new to this series but definitely want to go back and read book one, Emma, to properly get to know the characters. There's a wonderful found family of characters at the centre of the book, investigating mysteries and looking out for each other.
A particular stand out feature of this story is that rather than focusing on one main mystery Emma and her friends investigate a bunch of different things that come up as the story progresses. Sometimes one thing leads to another, or something pops up unexpectedly. Always observant, Emma is good at telling when things aren't right!
This book leaves readers with plenty of homework to do, including several recipes to try the food that the characters are seen eating (I can't wait to try a few of them!) and some classic adventure books which Emma recommends to a young pick pocket she encounters on a trip to New York. Great ways to engage readers further with the time period!
Mullins paints a great picture of the historical setting, with plenty of detail in all areas! In this book we meet photographer Jake, and learn lots about the cameras and technology available at the time.
This book gets five stars from me! I'd definitely recommend it to teenage fans of historical fiction and mysteries. If you like Enola Holmes, this is a great series for you!
September 11, 2021
In this historical fiction/mystery, "Decisions and Possibilities," Emma Evans is a business-school graduate in 1880's Chicago. This is impressive in itself, but the fact that she runs a temp agency employing women w/ her sister and brother-in-law is pretty cool. Emma uses her temp agency as a front for her side hustle: investigations. Emma becomes involved in a number of investigations w/ her father-and-son friends who are Pinkerton agents, as well as her boyfriend - or is he? - Tony, and a new friend that they meet who works as a forensic photographer for the police department.
Emma's cases are interesting, running the gamut from seeking who wants to harm a battered-women's shelter to trying to help an old childhood acquaintance, and I got pretty absorbed in Emma's undercover work on these cases. All the side plots worked into the main plot line also, which isn't always the case in a mystery.
I found a couple of things jarring: First, occasionally, the author broke the fourth wall and addressed us readers directly as "Narrator" or "Dear Reader." That device did provide exposition, though. Second is w/ how the book ended: it just ended at the outcome of a case. There was no real denouement. The final case was pretty intense and ended sadly. And then this was followed by recipes for some of the baked goods mentioned throughout the book - just so opposite from the sad outcome of the last case! So this drops my rating to a 3; it would have been higher w/ a bit of a wrap-up.
Emma's cases are interesting, running the gamut from seeking who wants to harm a battered-women's shelter to trying to help an old childhood acquaintance, and I got pretty absorbed in Emma's undercover work on these cases. All the side plots worked into the main plot line also, which isn't always the case in a mystery.
I found a couple of things jarring: First, occasionally, the author broke the fourth wall and addressed us readers directly as "Narrator" or "Dear Reader." That device did provide exposition, though. Second is w/ how the book ended: it just ended at the outcome of a case. There was no real denouement. The final case was pretty intense and ended sadly. And then this was followed by recipes for some of the baked goods mentioned throughout the book - just so opposite from the sad outcome of the last case! So this drops my rating to a 3; it would have been higher w/ a bit of a wrap-up.
September 22, 2021
Notebook Mysteries by Kimberly Mullins is a fantastic book. Emma, our main character, is bright, witty, and such a strong female lead! I found myself walking in her shoes to solve each mystery and to fall a bit in love with Jeremy and rooting for their romance. The book is set in 1880’s Chicago and is such a wonderful tale of family, business, and mystery. The relationship between Emma and her sister Dora is so strong and supportive of all the characters I find myself envious of that relationship as I do not have a sister. Emma is such a strong well written character, and the supporting cast is quirky, balanced and exciting. I never thought I would pick up this book to read on my own but look forward to many more by Mullins. Mystery, intrigue, and family all rolled into one great book. As a woman who comes from an abusive relationship many years ago, it was refreshing to read about how these abused women are helped and nurtured to create lives for themselves with the help of Emma and her family. Absolutely a heart-warming book that really touched my soul! I totally give this book 5 stars in hope that others will read Notebook Mysteries and fall in love with such a warm and caring family who only lives to help others. This is exactly what I like to read in books and is so needed currently.
August 31, 2021
An enjoyable and exciting YA novel featuring teen sleuth Emma who solves crimes and mysteries. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone story. Emma Evans is now eighteen and having graduated from business school is now determined to build on her previous investigating success and so sets up her own business. Set in Chicago in 1883, the setting comes alive due to the authors descriptive narrative. The independent and skilled Emma is the heroine of the story and is a wonderful main character who really brings the story together, and is a great role model for young adults. As well as having to solve several perplexing cases Emma also has to get used to working with her new team and has matters of the heart to deal with. It was nice to see Emma receiving professional recognition for her abilities in this novel especially as she is assaulted and threatened in the course of her enquiries. This was an engaging novel with an exciting storyline and plenty of plot action that kept me happily turning the pages. A great read which I recommend to YA and adults alike.
September 1, 2021
Emma Evans is an eighteen-year-old who lives in Chicago in 1883. She likes to carry a notebook where she records her observations. She is a young woman before her time. She gets into business school which is almost impossible with the help of an acquaintance. After graduation along with her brother-in-law’s help, Emma talks to the head of the business school to allow more women into the business school as men make more money in other jobs and new companies still need the administrative help.
Along with her business mind, Emma likes solving mysteries. She is involved with the Pinkerton Detective agency, but she doesn’t work there full-time. When a detective colleague investigates an old case that Emma was involved in personally, she becomes friends with a lady that she saved from a brutal beating a few years ago. With this lady’s connections, Emma and her family are able to take women away from the Chicago area where they have had abusive relationships and put them back in touch with family.
Notebook Mysteries is a quaint story that will take to a time when Chicago was just beginning to grow. It’s a time in history when society believed that a woman’s place was inside the home. Fortunately for Emma and other women who did not have a husband the city is getting big enough to be a little more open-minded. Join Emma as her life is full of mysteries that she hopes to solve piece by piece.
Along with her business mind, Emma likes solving mysteries. She is involved with the Pinkerton Detective agency, but she doesn’t work there full-time. When a detective colleague investigates an old case that Emma was involved in personally, she becomes friends with a lady that she saved from a brutal beating a few years ago. With this lady’s connections, Emma and her family are able to take women away from the Chicago area where they have had abusive relationships and put them back in touch with family.
Notebook Mysteries is a quaint story that will take to a time when Chicago was just beginning to grow. It’s a time in history when society believed that a woman’s place was inside the home. Fortunately for Emma and other women who did not have a husband the city is getting big enough to be a little more open-minded. Join Emma as her life is full of mysteries that she hopes to solve piece by piece.
August 31, 2021
Decisions and Possibilities is the second book in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. I have not read the first book in the series, and which I had before reading this one.
Emma Evans is 18 years old, a recent graduate, and an entrepreneur. She is also struggling to figure out her love life-torn between 2 men.
Decisions and Possibilities was a good story. The characters were well developed and the story was interesting and kept my attention. However, I felt that the story jumped around way too much in time, and it was hard to keep things straight a lot of the time. I think reading the first book in the series would have made a huge difference in knowing the characters, their roles, and their history. I loved Emma’s character and am always rooting for a strong, independent woman lead who stands strong in her beliefs. Good story-read the series in order! 4/5 stars
Emma Evans is 18 years old, a recent graduate, and an entrepreneur. She is also struggling to figure out her love life-torn between 2 men.
Decisions and Possibilities was a good story. The characters were well developed and the story was interesting and kept my attention. However, I felt that the story jumped around way too much in time, and it was hard to keep things straight a lot of the time. I think reading the first book in the series would have made a huge difference in knowing the characters, their roles, and their history. I loved Emma’s character and am always rooting for a strong, independent woman lead who stands strong in her beliefs. Good story-read the series in order! 4/5 stars
September 16, 2021
What a wonderful YA series to add to any collection. Emma is easy to connect with as a character, she is fun, smart, and dedicated. What she can accomplish with such an upbeat positive attitude is wonderful. She also does it in a manner that says any one can do this, or why not? From starting her own business, attending business school where women were not normally accepted, creating inventions and helping women in need. The time period setting is wonderful, l and you get to work along with Emma to solve the crime.
I started this series in book 2 and will be quickly remedying this!
This book is very well written. Was hard to put down and was finding myself saying …. Just one more page. If you have anyone that enjoyed Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo Mysteries or Sherlock Holmes, they will enjoy this book.
I started this series in book 2 and will be quickly remedying this!
This book is very well written. Was hard to put down and was finding myself saying …. Just one more page. If you have anyone that enjoyed Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo Mysteries or Sherlock Holmes, they will enjoy this book.
October 4, 2021
Notebook Mysteries was added to my collection of Historical Mysteries! The detail in this book really added to the suspense of the cases, not to mention the way all the cases really feed into the plot of the book as well and don’t even get me started on the recipes! Oh, my goodness I am so excited about those. It really gave me a cool way to connect with the book in a way I had not imagined! Emma is easily one of my favorite characters, I love how she handles her cases, her personality, the way she is not afraid to challenge others when it comes to a “woman’s place”. This was the first one I have gotten the chance to read but I will be checking out her book before this one to see more on these characters I have already come to love. All in all I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes the Historical mysteries YA Genre!
August 31, 2021
This is a new author for me which I enjoyed from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. This is a historical young adult story that pulled me in from the beginning. Emma has graduated from business school and now she is focused on investigating some inquiries. What will happen when a new team member is a little shady? Things may not be as they seem in her life. This is where the story takes on a suspense that made me want to see what would happen next. Emma made such a great character. She made the story fun to read. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
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