Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great mystery story. I liked following Emma’s story as she figured out her mystery. The historical parts of the book were interesting. Emma is quite feisty and ambitious for her time. I will have to go back and read the first book. This one did pretty good at filling readers in on what had happened before though.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Due 10/5 Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
This is the first book I’ve read by Mullins. It certainly won’t be my last. I’ll be looking forward to reading the next one. Mullins knows how to keep her readers entertained.
Emma is always on the go and always finds cases. Tony is her best friend but she doesn’t want to go any further than that. She gets one case that involves someone she knows and it turns out that it isn’t good. The quote I chose for Emma is: “Yes, we’re sure. You’re the most qualified person for the position.”
Highly recommended for YA Historical lovers.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a strong protagonist that can hold her own at a time where women are still looked at as less than men, then look no further! This story is just the book I needed to read with everything going on in the world right now. I love the way this story is told like an actual story. There is a narrator and someone listening and its like you are getting read a book while reading the book and I love that. I haven’t read anything with that format before this story. Emma is just such a strong character. She deals with multiple mystery cases at once, while also learning new skills to help her team with their cases and also holding a part time job and is getting everything done. I don’t know how Kimberly Mullins created such a character or such a team that I became so invested in. As I was reading I wanted to know every thing about them I couldn’t learn too much about them. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kimberly Mullins brought to life an intriguing story. Emma is a strong female lead, and the plot is absolutely intriguing. The supporting characters are just as well-developed. The research regarding the time period was fantastic, and I could truly imagine myself within the pages. While cozy mystery isn’t quite my normal genre, I really enjoyed reading this book. My only struggle was with the interesting writing styles, but it didn’t detract from the story itself.
Review by @finleykjames
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Second book in the series. This book was a very fast paced Historical Mystery book. The story was great of an 18 year old who is finding herself. Emma carries her notebook and loves to jot down any and all of her observations in it. Emma works part time at a detective agency and is a woman before her time. She helps abuse victims make new lives for themselves review by Autum Talamante
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first read by Kimberly Mullins and I liked this book! This was the first historical mystery I’ve ever read, as I like to read more modern mystery, but I was not disappointed. Emma defies the odds during her time period as a woman business owner who also solves mysteries. The only thing is I wish I read book 1 before reading this book. I was also a little confused about the narrator parts in the book. Overall, I was surprised to like it so much because historical novels aren’t my usual go to.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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!
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book definitely gave me some Sherlock Holmes vibes but then I also remembered there’s a movie Enola Holmes and that is even a better description of how amazing this book is.
Once I started reading the book I realized that this is the second book, so I went and read the first one before continuing. I highly recommend that you read Emma first.
Kimberly Mullins has a great talent with world building and her attention to detail is out of this world. The way she molds the characters and story together is done masterfully.
I highly recommend this book for young adults and mystery lovers
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved the sweetness of this story. Emma was a woman determined to do things her way but in a demure way. I loved this woman, who in a time women were to be seen and not heard, was so out of the ordinary. Emma was about women being empowered. She went to business school, helped victims, solves crimes, and built a business.
I haven’t been reading much in the historical category lately, but this book would draw me back in. Loved living in this world for a short time.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m new to the series and didn’t realize it was the second novel, but you aren’t lost about anything if you pick it up! I love Emma’s personality and her determination to get justice for anyone who deserves it! The boarding house scenes and the interactions between the family to help Emma’s dream business work are my favorite part! The historical atmosphere is a little loose in the interpretation for me but was not a deterring factor when reading. I would recommend this book for you or your younger reader who is getting into reading!
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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!
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities
By: Kimberly Mullins
Genre: Young Adult & Historical
Pages: 242
Well…I don’t know exactly what to say about this story.
It felt very diary like. It was much of a cliff hanger but I will say I is very engaging.
It is a mystery and I would say family drama.
Like a soap. Have you ever watched All my Children?
Yes it is very ABC….It has an amazing pot that had me wanting to just keep gong however it was also like an okay lets get to it….your going to keep reading to find out the what, who, where,, when.
Very well put together.
Except for the ending, but what?
Okay Emma I get it. Four stars it is a great read.
100% worth it I am just more psychological thriller then adventure and mystery.
You ask me this is a story that results from a teen hitting the peak of puberty and wanting to see the world.
You go Emma!
“You’re saying he has pictures of bodies and such?” That gave Tony a moment of pause.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The storyline was a little hard to follow at first but once I got into it I couldn’t stop reading. The story has so much going on, Emma cracking case after case; it’s almost like reading an action novel. The story captivates you, and you almost forget that you’re reading. With a new case starting almost every few chapters you are kept wanting more until the end. Each case was solved by the end of the book so there were no cliffhangers. Very good read!
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Light-hearted mystery featuring a young, spunky female investigator who isn’t afraid to stick her neck out. She can bake bread and decorate cakes then throw knives with accuracy. I found the storyline a good one and the network of characters a good solid group. It reminded me a lot of Miss Fischer’s Mysteries, but is appropriate for younger readers. I struggled a little bit with the writing style as there were disruptions of a “narrator,” that I didn’t quite understand. I have not yet read the first book in the series so it may be explained better there (I will have to read and find out!).
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this second installment of the Notebook Mysteries from Kimberly Mullins. I normally don’t overly love young adult books but these ones really weave enough of the historical aspects that keep me really interested and hooked on it and enthralled in the story. Emma is back with a new mystery to solve and more romance to keep you on your toes. I would think if you haven’t read book one that you would be okay to start here but I would recommend book one as well. These books are full of wit and charm as much as mystery and intrigue. These have something for everyone and all ages. Definitely must reads! I can’t wait to see what will come next!
Review by @lizaileen
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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you like cozy mysteries set in the past this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical fiction cozy mystery. Emma was a well-fleshed-out character with tons of spunk. While reading I felt like I have dropped into 1883 Chicago. The mystery portion of the story was so good. It was a complete nail-biter till the very end. As an avid reader of mysteries, I didn’t see any of the twists coming. Some of the twists were even a bit shocking my jaw dropped.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author and I am hooked! This is a fun, YA book, with a female Sherlock Holmes-like main character. Decisions and Possibilities is the second book, and I am going to be reading the first one. The storyline kept me interested through to the end. Emma is a strong character that makes you instantly want to be her. She has been brought up learning many skills, from cooking and sewing, to defending herself. I will definitely be sharing these with my young granddaughter.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is a historic young adult story. It is about Emma who just graduated from business school. Emma has started investigating some of her team members. There is one, in particular, that is a little shady. Her life is not exactly what it seems in her world. That is where the mystery begins. In life, there are twists and turns and this book proves this idea. It was refreshing reading about historical Chicago. The details are accurate and that is what makes the story believable. The characters are realistic and easy to relate to. I highly recommend this story especially if you like historical books.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities was ah-mazing! I was instantly draw in from the cover art alone, I didn’t really even read the synopsis. This book is the second in the series, and I did not read the first one, but I really want to. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone, and I hope there is another book after this, because I must know what happens next for Emma and Jeremy! Emma is such a great character, ahead of her time. She is a young woman in 1880s Chicago, in a time when women have low expectations. She is brilliant and has the drive to go to college, and work alongside men. Her family is fascinating and I would like to know more about them. The book is action packed, moving from one case to the next. They weren’t really related, except to show us how awesome Emma is, and display her networking. But it wasn’t unorganized or chaotic, the story worked. It ended too abruptly for me, but I really enjoyed it. Unlike any other book I have read.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins is the second book following Emma Evans and her adventures around Chicago in the 1880s. Emma, now 18, is a graduate of business school and sets out as an adult gathering a team to help her with investigations. This quick, historical mystery can be read as a standalone, but, as second books generally are, would probably be even better having begun with the first. This author has a unique way of storytelling that brings history to life and puts you right in the middle of 1883 Chicago. With a background in business herself, it is no wonder she can make business-graduate Emma come to life so well. This book is 242 pages, but it will seem like less in the end because it will grab your attention from the beginning and never let it go. I recommend reading this book, and I’ll be reading the first to go with it.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Considering that I am a fan of history, mystery, and young adult book genres, this was a perfect book for me. Not to mention it is the second book in the series so I was excited to see what would happen next. I was not disappointed. I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of this novel as the author truly kept me in suspense. Did I say I wasn’t disappointed? I LOVED IT! The main character is phenomenal. To me, she is the female Sherlock Holmes. And the story took me back to the days of reading Nancy Drew. I absolutely enjoyed the trip back to Chicago in the 1800’s that this book carried me on. I am already waiting to see where the next mystery will take me in this book series.
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins was such a fun read. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read. I was very excited to find one combined with mystery. I haven’t read book 1, I plan to go back and read it. Decisions and Possibilities can be read by itself or as the 2nd book in the series. The attention to detail is great. I could picture myself there. I felt like I learned a lot about the era and how things worked, especially about the technology used at the time. And my favorite part! The recipes that are included. I haven’t been able to try any yet, but I am excited too!
Reviewed by @mombiex3
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries is the second book in the Decisions and Possibilities series. It centers around 18 year old Emma Evans. It is technically in the Young Adults genre of reading, but anyone would enjoy this book. While this book does stand alone, it references what happened in the first book several times, so it would be best to read the books in order. I really enjoy historical fiction, and I enjoyed the mystery in this book as well. Emma is observant and sweet while still being direct. It’s the perfect read if you like mysteries and/or historical fiction!
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really loved Emma! She is strong, tenacious, and a defender of the weak. She is also a lady ahead of her time, and love the example she sets for younger women in this novel. I didn’t know there was another book before this one. I felt like I missed a lot. I would def encourage anyone to start with book one. I found the cases and the action really great – loved the plot. My only complaint was the narrator breaking into the story.
Reviewed by @vegatina20
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay, so I am seriously about to try the german cheesecake from the wonderful recipes in the back! I absolutely loved this story. This is this first book I’ve read from this series and I am definitely going back to read the first book. Emma , a strong willed 18 year old, has a knack for finding and solving mysteries. This story will find you right alongside Emma putting clues together. She has such a heart for helping people that you just continuously root for her to figure It all out! Every single character adds just enough of their own unique style to just make the book work. This story will keep you guessing till every clue finally finds its place. If you love historical mysteries this is the series for you!!
What a delightful mystery! The characters are fantastic and each is original. I love how easy the story is to follow The narrator part is just to easy to follow. There is just the right amount of action to help keep the boys or girls enthralled. An abuse shelter for women also keeps the story realistic and down to earth. Truly a wonderful good. Highly recommend it
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I didn’t realise before I started this that this is a sequel so I would probably recommend reading the first book beforehand. In any case, I caught on to Emma, the main character and the wide cast of characters. I liked this YA tale of an 18-year-old solving mysteries in 1880s Chicago, at a time when women were meant to be seen, not heard. I also really enjoyed all the historical details that were weaved into the story. Because there are several cases that Emma solves, there were a few time jumps and new characters introduced rapidly, but it kept the story moving. Cosy mystery!
