Book Nook: Mystic Notch #1

As many of you may have noticed I love reading. One of my favorite genres is Mystery. Over the past couple of years I've stumbled across a sub-genre of the genre that my mother and I became hooked upon (okay, she'll pilfer the book first, I'll read it after and tell her my suspicions as to the suspect and we both enjoy using the recipes in the back. You should try some of those cookies recipes! Delicious!)

Cozy Mysteries.

Basically a woman begins a new life after some life alternating event, often they return to their home town, or start up a new business.

Today's book finds the main character returning home after getting shot.

Title: Ghostly Paws
Author: Leighann Dobbs
Series: Mystic Notch
Number: One


Wilhelmina Chance has returned to her roots in the White Mountains of New Hampshire after a nasty divorce and an accident from her job as a crime reporter which leaves her with a rather interesting side affect: she can see, and hear ghosts.

Returning to town to get life back in order (as well it can be with the undead talking to you), she opens a bookstore that used to be run by her grandmother. Now the proprietor she and her new housecat investigate the murder of the local librarian.

This is a fun read, as it takes you on the side of the Supernatural and mystic side. It was a quick read, but well thought out and planned. It's a great weekend book to read, if you need something for the weekend, or a road trip.

Check it out at your local library, or bookstore.


What have you recently read?

Leave a comment below and let's talk literature!

Stranger than Normal

I hope you enjoyed the double Phantom posts - I honestly had fun watching the show again. Twice in one weekend was a highlight for me, and getting to share my thoughts was fun! I promise, despite it's flaws (which are many) I still love watching the tour as it passes by. I mean, they can't muck up the music, can they?
(I hope I didn't just jinx it!)

In today's post I thought of discussing, or listing some odd ball shows that I enjoy watching. These are mostly on Netflix, Hulu, or some other such streaming device. There is no particular order to this list, only that they are shows that I genuinely enjoy.

1. Stranger Things

With season two well into filming and the date set for Halloween, it's time for a re-watch. Or a re-watch in case you've already seen it. The show centers on four middle school friends. When one of them goes missing, it's up to the other three to find out what really happened. As they start on their quest the local sheriff begins his investigation into the local hospital, our third group centers on the older siblings. With equal parts fantasy, government conspiracy, and horror; this series has a genre for everyone.

2. Once Upon A Time

This is will probably always be on my list of things to watch. It's taken from the Walt Disney classic fairy tales. They take the movies we've grown up with and twist them into an intricate story. It centers around Snow White and Prince Charming, and their daughter Emma. With many twists and turns, characters from your favorite stories will pop in and out, often staying. With the show in the middle of season six, there are five whole seasons to watch on Netflix.

3. Supernatural

Whoo boy. This series has spawned a large following to rival that of Disney World! No one thought they'd make it past season six, but they are heading strong past 12 seasons! While I prefer the first three seasons, which focus mostly on the monster hunting and brotherly bonding. The recent seasons will give you plenty to think about. I would also recommend the Con panels on YouTube. The two main actors are a riot who work well and play excellently off each other.

4. Merlin

I have yet to finish this series, although it ended a while ago. Let's go back to a time when magic was rampant in the world - and outlawed by King Uther. Merlin, a young boy who is barely coming into his powers goes to the court for work. There he runs into a young Arthur and becomes his personal page. While living in the court, Merlin is forced to hide his magic or suffer death.

5. Murdoch Mysteries

How did we get modern forensics? Take a trip back in time and discover how one Canadian detective started to bridge the gap. William Murdoch is a man who's only out to do what's right. With his cunning, and eye for details he makes one heck of a copper.

6. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

Taken from a novel that rivals the width of Les Miserables, this is a new series to keep an eye on. When men around England form clubs based on magic, no one actually believes that it still exists. However, Mr. Norrell manages a feat no one thought possible, in front of a large group of witnesses. Mr. Strange comes into the talent by sheer boredom. The only only problem? One of them is destined to kill the other. Who will be the one to go?

7. Helix

I am still in the beginnings of this series. If you enjoy a good spooky series, or a horror movie, this is the one for you! In the first episode alone you see infected men liquefy into nothing. With the mystery growing, and an entire Artic base at risk, it's up to the stalwart members of the CDC to figure this out before it spreads past those icy shores.

8. Criminal Minds

I love a good cop show. I love a good mystery. This show has both. Follow the adventures of a team of FBI agents as they track down the worst serial killers in the county. What first drew me to the show was the concept, then the fact that Mandy Patinkin was in one of the leading roles. Of course he gets replaced later on, but the series is still worth it. I highly recommend it.

9. Turn

I love period shows. When I learned they were doing on based on the Culper Ring I was thrilled. These were the first American Spies. Washington's own. Set around the one cabbage farmer that was simply too nosey for his own good, it gives insight through the historic papers we have. With many 'historical' appearances this is prime for anyone who loves history, spying, and war games.

10. Sleepy Hollow

Yup, I have to add this one. Another 'historical' favorite of mine, based off the short play by Washington Irving about a headless horseman, this is perfect for any horror lover. When Ichabod Crane was living, he was a spy for George Washington. After an encounter with a German Hessian, he wakes up nearly three hundred years later in modern day Sleepy Hollow. Teaming up with a local cop he realizes he wasn't the only one who's been brought back to life. Now they have to fight the Headless Horseman, who's out for heads. However, that's no where is stops - what if the Headless Horseman was one of the four horseman from the apocalypse? Take a peek and find out.


What are some of your favorite shows to watch? Or what was the last show you binge-watched? Leave a comment and let me know.

Also - I am not paid for any name dropping. I am not endorsed by anyone either. I am not paid for this blog.

December Flicks

While I could write about something to do with Christmas, I've decided to go the simple route - NETFLIX!

Binge watching shows on Netflix is something that has become much of a fad. Because it’s often difficult to find the time to sit down and watch a show live, and even though DVR is something we can use – not every person has it.

While it may take some time for your favorite show to appear – or the next season to crop up – Netflix is a fast way to catch up. You can easily catch up on a season – pause it where you leave off and easily pick up where you left off with it. It tracks where you are with it, and there’s no judging. (Though I have heard that Netflix will often ask if you are still alive if you watch for too long – it hasn’t happened to me yet. Fingers Crossed.)

It’s a way to sit down and relax after a day of work, school, both of them – and give you a reprieve from the world at large.

Some of the shows currently on (and on my To Watch and Re-Watch list) that you may enjoy too are (in no specific order or favorite ranking):

Once Upon A Time

This is a fantastic ABC show that takes everyone from the Disney verse and sets them all together in Storybrooke, Maine. It follows Emma Swan, daughter of Snow white and Prince Charming, whose son Henry is currently being parented by the Evil Queen. Currently on its Sixth season (with the possibility of more) you have five seasons to watch. Gold! (No pun intended.)

Supergirl

DC is having a fierce time with hit shows on the CW. I’m only two episodes in, but it is definitely something to keep tabs on. This show will also be tying in with The Flash and Arrow. So stay tuned!

Merlin

This show has been around for a few years (coughsince2005ish). There are only five seasons it’ll be a quick get through if you binge with earnest intent! And Author and Merlin – what more could a history buff want?

Stranger Things

Granted there’s only one season so far (season two has been promised and will coming soon!), but each episode is completely worth it. It’s a unique take on the 1980’s genre, coupled with Dungeons & Dragons, a mystery, and spooky thriller. Take a peek on it – it’s worth the watch!

Penny Dreadful

This one took me by surprise. I first watched it on a plane to Alaska (got through five and a half episodes before reaching Seattle for the transfer, but that’s still a record). It takes the old Penny Dreadful stories (no pun intended), adds a bit of Mary Shelly, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker (so far). This isn’t a series for the faint of heart though, as battling any sort of monster fight comes with its fair share of blood and gore. So be warned of anyone under 18.

The Pinkerton's

I have yet to delve into this one, but just hear me out. The Pinkerton's are to America what Scotland Yard is to England. This will be a fantastic show to watch through – so keep it booked.

Fuller House

Hear me out – this is based off of Full House, only the girls are grown up and living in their old house. The shenanigans involved with the three single woman is a fun comedy to watch through.

Supernatural

I would be a terrible person if I didn’t include this on the list. While I am not up to date with the current season (I’m still on Season five, sue me). There’s a reason why this show has lasted this long. Currently on season eleven, it’s full of everything you could want in a show. Take a look at it – there’s quite a few seasons to catch up on – all of them worth it.

Galavant

While it’s sad this only lasted two seasons – each episode it only twenty minutes. The trick: they’re all musicals. The singers are spectacular, and we fans would love to see the return of this. Netflix said it might just happen if enough people watch it on Netflix – so GO WATCH IT!

(EDIT: Didn't mean for this particular picture to be so big - but it's worth it!) 

What are some of your favorite shows to watch?

Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to these pictures. I do not get named for name dropping either.