Jolene Garcia is a local TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, who splits her time between covering general interest assignments and working on special proJolene Garcia is a local TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, who splits her time between covering general interest assignments and working on special projects. Her most recent interview was with Larry Lemmon, “America’s true conservative voice”- and a controversial radio talk show host who was best known for his stance on pushing for a border wall, even before Trump did.
When word gets out about a death at Lemmon’s radio station, KFRK, Jolene and Nate Thompson, her photographer, rush to the scene-hoping to be able to report the facts first.
This could be a career-making story.
When the body is identified as Larry Lemmon, Jolene hopes that because she conducted his final interview, it would give her and her station an advantage. But as she chases the story, she finds herself always one step behind her nemesis, JJ, who reports for a rival station.
Colleagues and those with different political views, were just a few of the people who might want Lemmon dead. But who actually followed through with his murder?
Emmy Award winning reporter Cristina Estes is a Tony Hillerman Prize winner for this debut in the “Best First Mystery set in the Southwest” category-but I had a few problems with it.
It is chock full of facts past and present about my home State- Arizona, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly. (Mostly the last two, but I guess that is what reporters see more of)
It is also so loaded with facts about how reporting has changed over the years from just reporting a story and competing for ratings, to competing for clicks on Social Media, and racing to be the first to “tweet” a breaking story.
So much so, that the story often reads more like an expose on the “cut throat day in the life of a journalist”- than as fiction-and the over abundance of facts took me out of the story, and slowed down the pace. Maybe those interested in this career might enjoy this more?
Also, a negative for me-that POLITICS played a big role in the narrative.
One thing I can say- when I found out what Lemmon did to get himself killed-I agreed with the PERP who declared that Lemmon got what was coming to him. ...more
If books had a voice-this one would be soft spoken.
It’s the story of Will and Rosie, which quietly unfolds as a “bad” boy meets a good girl3.5 stars
If books had a voice-this one would be soft spoken.
It’s the story of Will and Rosie, which quietly unfolds as a “bad” boy meets a good girl, opposites in every way.
He is her twin brother Josh’s friend and tutor- A guy who is physically available to MANY girls, but NOT emotionally available to ANY.
Until Rosie.
They fall for each other as teenagers at a bonfire and start meeting at a nearby lighthouse to talk late into night.
But just as they start to acknowledge their feelings, something will happen on Will’s birthday which will be the thing that both tears them apart, and bonds them forever.
It will split their lives into before and after, what should have been and what happens instead.
I sometimes felt like the writing kept me at arm’s length-the same way that Rosie kept Will at arm’s length while she tried to do what the felt was right…
Her choices, while noble were frustrating to me.
The writing style often TOLD the story as opposed to SHOWING it-and I NEVER felt emotionally invested although it’s such a MELANCHOLY story.
The book also seemed to me like it was a story that was taking place much EARLIER than in the nineties-it DIDN'T have a very contemporary feel, though perhaps it was authentic for the UK in the nineties?
Still, there is some lovely writing and even though I didn’t love it-there WAS a lot to like in the author’s DEBUT novel!
When criminal psychiatrist, Dr. Madeline Pine, receives a call from Private Investigator Matthew Reyes, asking for her help on a case-she isn’t sure iWhen criminal psychiatrist, Dr. Madeline Pine, receives a call from Private Investigator Matthew Reyes, asking for her help on a case-she isn’t sure if she is in the right “MENTAL SPACE” to be of help, as the “Strum case” from a year ago had nearly destroyed her.
But, he hand selected her because she specializes in women, having written a book called “Dark Side: A Psychological Portrait of the Female Criminal Mind” and because the “Strum Case” also had a victim who was around the same age as the one he is investigating.
There has been a mysterious death at a Shadow Hunt Hall-an exclusive boarding school for troubled girls, and it is being ruled an accident by police. Charlotte “Charley” Ridley was found shoeless and in pajamas at the bottom of an icy ravine, and her mother has her doubts.
Her feet were too clean.
Playing on the Doctor’s sympathy, he asks “If it were your daughter, who died, wouldn’t you want to know why?” She is unable to say “no”.
She travels to he secluded campus in upstate New York, and finds an ancient school made of stone, with iron gates and turrets, which looks like a fairy tale castle. Given a room, by the skeleton staff, she will be given access to the four students who didn’t go home for Winter break-Kiara, Hannah, Violet and Alice.
She will be tasked with interviewing the girls, hoping to gain their trust-and in turn, the TRUTH.
Intertwined with the narrative is a transcript of an anonymous interview from a year ago, with all names redacted.
I thought I had these conversations, all figured out.
I didn’t.
Early reviews for this book, spoke of disappointment that the death at the boarding school seemed to take a back seat to the TROUBLES of the good Doctor, but I had a different experience-preferring HER story to THEIRS.
The school, its headmistress, the staff and the students just didn’t seem authentic to me. All a bit too weird-they seemed like “characters” in a book rather than people I might meet. I was glad when that part of the story wrapped up.
And, at 400 pages, I wish it had done so a bit quicker.
Coming to the end of the interview in the transcript and learning the surprising TRUTH there-was actually the more interesting reveal to me. But….PLOT HOLE!
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Mira for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
Almost any wife who hears that too many times, is going to become suspicious. Right?
I know the title drew me in, hook, line HE SAID HE WOULD BE LATE.
Almost any wife who hears that too many times, is going to become suspicious. Right?
I know the title drew me in, hook, line and sinker!
When Liz Bennet sees a text message on her husband Arno’s phone, that ends with a “kissing-face emoji”, she becomes obsessed with the idea that he is cheating on her, and she runs with it!!
After all, he rarely makes it home by midnight, let alone for dinner.
Isn’t that a tell-tale sign?!
When the book first started, I WASN’T sure if I could spend 256 pages, inside of Liz’s head. She is an author with a fairly successful first novel, but she has developed writer’s block and some resentment at being left at home with a new baby by a husband who is rarely in it, and she didn’t always come across as rational in her thoughts or actions…
Was she suffering from Postpartum Depression? Or would this story be a slow descent into alcohol or madness-a trope that has been done many times before?
They say to trust your instincts- intuition doesn’t lie.
She began to stalk Viv-the beautiful co-worker who had sent the text, and all of a sudden, I just HAD to know if my suspicions were correct.
Ultimately, they were-on all accounts-as the ending confirmed for me…but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment at all.
In fact, I felt quite smug that I had actually gotten it right! ...more
There is a “lot to like” about this debut from Terri Parlato!
Snow is falling outside, but inside it’s all warmth as a half dozen of Jay Bradley’s cloThere is a “lot to like” about this debut from Terri Parlato!
Snow is falling outside, but inside it’s all warmth as a half dozen of Jay Bradley’s closest friends gather to celebrate his 40th birthday party. The candles are lit, the wine is flowing and everyone seems to be having a wonderful time.
In attendance are his partner, Dr. Elise Westmore and her husband Scott, his hockey buddy Cal and his wife, Laken, and Molly’s best friend since second grade-Kim and her husband Josh.
His wife Molly retires to bed first, but Jay decides to get some work done on his new book before joining her upstairs. He is a psychologist and is writing about abnormal psychology, exploring some gruesome crimes.
But when she wakes up, his side of the bed is still cold, and she doesn’t smell the coffee that would normally be brewing by now. She finds him dead on the floor of his office, his throat slashed.
Could someone from his small circle of friends be guilty? Why was he preoccupied the week before his death? Could this have to do with his book? And, why was Molly crying just before the first guests arrived?!
Enter seasoned Detective Rita Myers from the Boston P.D. and her new partner, Chase Fuller, tasked with solving this crime.
Rita has 30 years of experience, and she likes to keep written notes in a notebook along with sketches of the suspects that she draws as she interviews them. Sometimes it puts them on edge, and makes them speak, and sometimes it helps her to make sense of things. Chase, is of a new generation-taking notes on his Smart phone.
But they work well together and work without egos getting in the way, inviting help from Lauren Broderick, who may be the smartest cop in the precinct, and collaborating with Sheriff Skinner from a nearby town, and with FBI Agents Joe Thorne and Allison Metz when the case suddenly becomes linked with a couple of crimes in the past.
This CHARACTER DRIVEN police procedural unfolds in short chapters which alternate between the POV’s of Rita, our main detective and Molly, the Victim’s wife, making it an easy “just one more chapter” before I turn out the lights, kind of book!
Descriptive writing brings this to life, making the characters and the suburb of Graybridge where they reside feel real.
Oh, and if that isn’t enough-there is a rescue dog named Sadie too!
I am not a regular reader of police procedural series-but this is one that I would DEFINITELY continue following if the author chooses to let us solve another case with Detective Myers.
But, I will be watching for whatever Terri Parlato writes next!
If you like to solve crimes and appreciate smart, capable female detectives-get acquainted with this book!
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Kensington Publishing for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
This sounded too much like it was a cross between Roz Nay’s “Our Little Secret” (the accused’s story unfolding in the interrogatiDNF at 50% -No rating
This sounded too much like it was a cross between Roz Nay’s “Our Little Secret” (the accused’s story unfolding in the interrogation room of a Police station) and Bella Mackie’s “How To Kill Your Family” (without the snark) so, I was hesitant to request it.
But after reading some rave reviews, I wanted to give it a try!
Unfortunately, it was not for me!!
Often, serial killers are portrayed in books as getting their taste for killing by starting with small animals. Authors use this in books to demonstrate that a character is a Sociopath, who lacks remorse or empathy.
This author uses Ruby’s empathy towards animals to prove that although she has killed before-three times to be exact-that she isn’t a Sociopath!
The problem is that for an animal lover like me-you still have to endure reading some upsetting animal scenes, so you can witness Ruby’s anguish and despair when she rescues them.
NO Thanks! NOT entertaining!
A hurt bird, an abused kitten, and then a heartbreaking scene with a dog at 50%, convinced me to set this book aside and not force myself to push through this story, which I wasn’t engaged with, regardless.
Others have enjoyed this one-so be sure to read a sample of reviews! ...more
I didn’t expect to CRY! And, if a book moves me to tears-it earns all the stars!
This will make my FAVORITES list this year-and it’s AVAILABLE NOWOW!
I didn’t expect to CRY! And, if a book moves me to tears-it earns all the stars!
This will make my FAVORITES list this year-and it’s AVAILABLE NOW!!
Overnight, the boxes arrived. For everyone 22 years and older.
EVERYWHERE. All over the World.
Just six inches wide, and three inches deep-each contained a string which revealed the MEASURE of your life. Your FATE disclosed by the length of your string.
Spiritual? Supernatural?
Where did the boxes come from and how did they all get delivered at once?
Initially FEAR united Society.
Eventually FEAR will tear people apart.
SHORT STRINGERS will be discriminated against, pitting them against LONG STRINGERS.
MANDATES will vary from Country to Country, imposing on your freedom of privacy and your freedom of choice.
Yes, you may see some parallels between the Covid World, we are living in, and the one imagined here, but ultimately THIS story is about the EIGHT main CHARACTERS and the UNEXPECTED ways that their lives will touch one another.
You may think this book would be depressing, but despite the loss of some SHORT STRINGERS, it’s actually quite uplifting and hopeful.
And, definitely UNFORGETTABLE.
I cannot believe it is a debut!
If you enjoy the Dystopian Worlds that John Marrs creates- you will enjoy reading about this one.
Thank You to Harper Collins UK for the gifted ARC. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
If you’ve never been stuck under the bed while your lover has sex with his wife, I suggest you skip it. It’s no trip to Disneyland.”
How’s that for anIf you’ve never been stuck under the bed while your lover has sex with his wife, I suggest you skip it. It’s no trip to Disneyland.”
How’s that for an opening line?
I had to backtrack a page to see if I had opened the correct book on my Kindle. This wasn’t what I was expecting!
What I did know when I requested this was that aspiring filmmaker June Masterson had high hopes for her first documentary about the disappearance of famed mystery author Greer Larkin, for the anniversary of this cold case.
What I didn’t realize was that June was an aspiring film student, so I wasn’t expecting that sub plot with her college advisor, or that it would read this young. But although this could be YA, we are NOT subjected to alcohol or drug fueled parties, and her youthful POV is actually quite WITTY and refreshing!
June learned about the vanishing when she was just fourteen years old, and still living on her family’s commune as Pear Blossom Jubilee Masterson. Greer Larkin was her generation’s Agatha Christie, and her award winning “Oberlin Hurst Mysteries” had helped Pear Blossom to escape the loneliness of that secluded lifestyle.
Though nobody would confuse her with a “MURDERINO”-Pear Blossom was a member of the online community “GreersGone” and had made it to top “sleuth” status since logging on every day to share theories was just about her only social life growing up.
As June begins filming her interviews with Greer’s mother, fiancé, book agent and best friend, she will hear theories from suicide to murder, and discover that being stuck under that squeaky bed, isn’t the only way that she is in over her head!
If you enjoy comical, amateur sleuth stories with a flawed but likable lead-you can pick up this DEBUT novel from Mindy Carlson NOW!!
BUT, don’t read the book synopsis! It spoils some of the fun!!
Thank You to Crooked Lane Books for the gifted ARC. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
Jennifer Scarborough missed her $1000 bonus by a mere 14 clicks. AGAIN
How far would Jennifer Cates (influencer name) go to make a post on her14 clicks
Jennifer Scarborough missed her $1000 bonus by a mere 14 clicks. AGAIN
How far would Jennifer Cates (influencer name) go to make a post on her blog, “CC and Me” go viral? She certainly has no qualms about exploiting her 13 year old daughter, Chloe Cates (real name-Abigail Scarborough) for money. She doesn’t care if the things that are captured on “live feed” embarrass her daughter. AT ALL !!
At what age, can a person decide that they no longer want to be a “social media celebrity”? How far would Chloe Cates go to escape the life her Mother won’t allow her to relinquish?
Is Chloe Cates missing? Or is this all a ruse for more clicks?
Detective Emilia Stone from the Children and Family Services Unit, in Albany, will have to piece together the evidence from Chloe’s journal entries and from what she knows about Jennifer from the past, when Jennifer was Jen Groff- her middle school best friend.
I requested this one because I am always drawn to stories which are told through multiple formats such as diaries, journals, Pod Casts and the like. But these journal entries give much of the book a YA feel, and I have outgrown my enjoyment of that.
If you haven’t, and you enjoy reality series about families or wives who enjoy the spotlight or Moms who push their children to be in Dance, or Cheer or perhaps to be Beauty Pageant contestants, you may enjoy the DRAMA that this book offers! Unfortunately for me, those things don’t interest me so I wasn’t a great fit for this book.
Available January 18, 2022
Thank You to Scarlett Publishing for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
Twenty-Five year old Molly Gray is not like everyone else-she struggles with social sGood Golly, Miss Molly!
This was probably my favorite "COZY" ever!
Twenty-Five year old Molly Gray is not like everyone else-she struggles with social skills and misinterprets the intentions of others. Since her Gran died a few months ago, she no longer has anybody to help her navigate the challenges she faces, but she has learned her lessons well including those picked up while watching every episode of "Columbo" over and over again with Gran....more
After 29 year old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital following the crash of her car into a barricade she is forced to return home4.5 ⭐️
After 29 year old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital following the crash of her car into a barricade she is forced to return home to her family in NY. She needs them, but until she returns home, she doesn’t realize that they need her too, with the family’s Irish Pub ☘️ on the brink of Financial ruin.
But, going back won’t be easy.
She fled five years ago, quickly and without explanation, leaving behind not only them, but her fiancé, and high school sweetheart-Kale.
They all have questions-BUT-is she ready to give them answers?
The story unfolds through the eyes of almost every character involved: Sunday-her brothers Denny and Jackie-her father, Mickey, and even Kale....and his WIFE...Vivienne.
The transitions from character to character were creative and seamless. Each chapter ends with a conversation, and the conversation is picked up in the following chapter by a different POV.
Although, when I finally found out why Sunday left everyone behind, I thought it was an overreaction to the event that precipitated it, I was rooting for the family to pull together and save the Pub!
I savored this book.
It’s been awhile since I have spent time with characters that I will miss-but I will miss the Brennans!
This was a completely engaging DEBUT by author, Tracey Lange, and I am so happy that I received a gifted copy by mail from Celadon…It was truly my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Heart Thumping -Non-Stop Action-from START to FINISH!! ❤️
You CAN read this ADRENALINE thriller in the course of the five hours or so that it might takHeart Thumping -Non-Stop Action-from START to FINISH!! ❤️
You CAN read this ADRENALINE thriller in the course of the five hours or so that it might take you to fly from LAX (Los Angeles) to NY’s JFK airport....but I suggest you read it when your feet are planted firmly on the ground!!
Captain Bill Hoffman’s family has been kidnapped thirty minutes before his flight but he doesn’t know this yet.
His wife Carrie, and his two children are being held hostage, strapped to explosives ...more
Wholly original, IMMEDIATELY intriguing and captivating!
Chicago Kelly is a single Artist in Chicago-living her life-long dream of becoming an Artist.Wholly original, IMMEDIATELY intriguing and captivating!
Chicago Kelly is a single Artist in Chicago-living her life-long dream of becoming an Artist. She lives a Vegetarian lifestyle, has an arm full of tattoos, two roommates and a cat named Meeks....more
Usually I read a book every two days , but when my day started at 330 AM, I was able to read this breathtakingly FAST, SUSPENSEFUL noveUNPUTDOWNABLE!
Usually I read a book every two days , but when my day started at 330 AM, I was able to read this breathtakingly FAST, SUSPENSEFUL novel in just one day!
And, I am so glad that I just added it and requested it after reading a friend’s spoiler free review WITHOUT reading the book description because now that I have....I think the synopsis gives away a few too many surprises!!
Yes, the GIRL is GONE and framing her latest husband!
But, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have read this before!
Tessa’s many husbands all have TWO things in common...they like to physically abuse her, and they share a name-A**hole!!
But, THIS time, she wants to break the cycle and GET EVEN! And, she has finally found someone to help!
Told from two alternating perspectives-TESSA as she makes her escape, and JACE, her husband who “comes home” from entertaining clients to “find” that Tessa is missing, and there are clumps of hair and blood on the kitchen floor.
Jace maintains his innocence, of course, but, the evidence is damning...
Putting together pieces of the puzzle was fun, and MICHAEL DAVID and I picked up on SOME clues as we buddy read this one!
Which means, NO PLOT HOLES in THIS taut thriller!
But, that DOESN’T mean we WEREN’T surprised! One twist in particular had my mouth hanging open in shock!
DEBUT author Jaime Lynn Hendricks proves that you CAN write a thriller with some characters to root for, and you don’t need coincidences to wrap things up!
BEST of all- you CAN write one WITHOUT resorting to animal harm to make your point! ...more
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