Book Review: Mildred Aces and Eights by Toni Kief

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Mildred Aces and Eights

Subtitle: (Mildred Unchained #5)

Author: Toni Kief

Genre: Crime/Women’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 5

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59631091-mildred-aces-and-eights

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Mildred returns to her job at the casino after a 2-week cruise, only to find it closed after being hacked. Boredom awaits her. Or does it? Knowing Mildred, something will turn up to keep her occupied.

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Mildred makes friends with people.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the fifth book in the series. I couldn’t stop myself and had to get this one soon after it was published.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’ve not read any books like this before other than the first two in the series. Very enjoyable.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like mysteries with humour, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

In the two weeks Mildred was away, her world came to a halt. Sent home while the Ivory Winds Casino works to reopen. Mildred Petrie discovers she can’t sit and wait.

Luckily, she finds the Little Free Library, soon followed by Opal Best and her little dog, Jimmy Olsen. They develop an immediate friendship as they walk the hidden path to the cemetery. No telling what Jimmy will dig up and all the questions of a possible murder.

About the Author:

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

Book Review: Mildred Doubles Down by Toni Kief

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Mildred Doubles Down: On The Edge of a Storm

Subtitle: (Mildred Unchained #4)

Author: Toni Kief

Genre: Crime/Women’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 4

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53510192-mildred-doubles-down

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This time, Mildred gets a new assignment. One that doubles up as a goodbye to one of her dear friends at sea. Mildred and a few friends have a free cruise while she checks out the casino and the cruise ship. When a troupe of girl scouts runs into trouble, Mildred steps up to help out. Will she succeed?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The many disguises Mildred comes up with.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the fourth book in the series. I couldn’t stop myself and had to read the entire series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’ve not read any books like this before other than the first two in the series. Very enjoyable.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like mysteries with humour, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Some bonds aren't supposed to end. Mildred has been friends with Janice, Susan, and Beatrice since grade school. Janice was the glue that held them together, and now she is gone. Mildred scores a luxury suite on a Caribbean cruise and the surviving threesome gathers to scatter the ashes and celebrate their lifelong friendships with over two thousand strangers and a Girl Scout Troop.

About the Author:

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

Book Review: Mildred Raising the Ante by Toni Kief

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Mildred Raising the Ante

Subtitle: (Mildred Unchained #3)

Author: Toni Kief

Genre: Crime/Women’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 3

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45317159-mildred-raising-the-ante

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Mildred started with her security job at the casino 2 years ago. The septuagenarian still has it. More so, she is promoted to head of her own division and another retired officer joins her team. Will she be able to find out more about the secrets hidden in her past?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The many disguises Mildred comes up with.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book in the series. I couldn’t stop myself and had to read the entire series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’ve not read any books like this before other than the first two in the series. Very enjoyable.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like mysteries with humour, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

G-MA ON THE FLOOR. It has been nearly two years since Mildred Petrie’s life made a change. It was a job of desperation which she needed to survive on her own since her husband’s death. She continues to fight crime on behalf of the Ivory Wind’s Casino. With her small team of unexpected misfits, she has rebuilt her biography with Arnie and the rest of her new family. They all pull together to maintain safety and support to the Casino guests. Mildred’s personal mystery combines with the ongoing challenges. Free flowing money, alcohol, music and conferences – What could go wrong?

About the Author:

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

Book Review: Mildred Romancing the Odds by Toni Kief

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Mildred Romancing the Odds

Subtitle: (Mildred Unchained #2)

Author: Toni Kief

Genre: Crime/Women’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40037474-mildred-romancing-the-odds

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

We join Mildred in her second year as security guard in a casino. A security guard with a difference. She is in her seventies and loves disguises. This time, she also becomes a love interest. What can go wrong?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The many disguises Mildred comes up with.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in the series. I couldn’t stop myself and had to read the entire series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’ve not read any books like this before other than the first in the series. Very enjoyable.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like mysteries with humour, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

In the year since she was hired by the Ivory Winds Casino, Mildred Petrie’s life has transformed. She may be over seventy, but Mildred isn’t lying down any time soon. Her nights are filled with challenge and adventure, but there are even more changes to come..

About the Author:

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

Book Review: Mildred in Disguise With Diamonds by Toni Kief

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Mildred in Disguise with Diamonds

Subtitle: (Mildred Unchained #1)

Author: Toni Kief

Genre: Crime/Women’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34731108-mildred-in-disguise-with-diamonds

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Meet Mildred, retired meter girl. When her husband dies of suspected suicide and leaves her with a gambling debt, Mildred starts a new career at the age of 71. This is a tongue-in-cheek and action-filled book with a good dose of humour.

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The many disguises Mildred comes up with.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in the series. I couldn’t stop myself and had to read the entire series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’ve not read any books like this before. Very enjoyable.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like mysteries with humour, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Toni Kief, author of Old Baggage, is excited to introduce a new work of fiction – and another feisty older woman, Mildred Petrie.

 

Mildred Petrie expected a comfortable retirement. Except her husband died and his secrets changed everything.

 

Desperate, she takes the only job available at the local gambling palace - undercover security. Drug deals, armed robbery and a mole catapult her into excitement, danger, and disguise.

 

Only Mildred can find the truth!

 

A breathless, page-turner, in sensible shoes.

About the Author:

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

Book Review: Old Baggage by Toni Kief

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Old Baggage

Subtitle:

Author: Toni Kief

Genre: Adult Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29440173-old-baggage

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is a very believable book and the author appears to have done her research.

Meet Libby (Elizabeth), a sixty-five year old woman, who finally takes control of her own life. She has lived with her abusive and alcoholic husband her entire adult life and has planned her escape for most of that time. All through her adult life she has saved her money and stacked the evidence in a trusty old pink suitcase.

When she finally makes her escape she goes through all the insecurities, scares and tries to build a new life for herself. Will she be successful or will her husband find her and drag her back?

What I liked about the book:

The book was very believable and I believe many women who have a history of domestic abuse will be able to relate to Libby on many levels.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Libby continues to fight her insecurities.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I believe she has written lots of other books too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book tackles the important issue of domestic abuse and offers hope for a way out. It’s never too late to try. I have not read any book like this before.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like stories about emotive issues that feel like they are based in reality, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

It took most of her life, but Elizabeth Donovan has finally had enough. Years of a difficult marriage, she has finally fought back. She had no choice but to leave the life behind and face the secret from her youth. The old life doesn’t want to let go, as she stumbles into the mystery that involves her deeper than she ever could imagine. Old Baggage is the overdue coming of age for a woman learning to stand on her own.

About the Author:

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.