Christine Feehan returns with another thrilling book in the paranormal romantic suspense Torpedo Ink series. The eighth book in the series features KiChristine Feehan returns with another thrilling book in the paranormal romantic suspense Torpedo Ink series. The eighth book in the series features Kir Vasiliev, a man that doesn’t care whether he survives missions or not. Whatever the Torpedo Ink club needs, Kir is willing to do. He’s sure no one will miss him or care if he doesn’t make it back. Meanwhile financial planner and investment banker Ambrielle (Ambrie) Moore is strong, independent, and not willing to settle for just any man. When a gangster and his guards try to force her into marriage and signing over her family’s money, she refuses. They turn to murder. A grieving and angry Ambrie is ready to fight the marriage to the death when Kir and his club show up anticipating a helpless woman. However, Ambrie is nothing like they expected.
As always, Feehan does an incredible job of bringing the main characters to life. Ambrie is intelligent, a great investor and money manager, and unwilling to compromise on a man. Kir is lethal, fades into the background, plays music, writes songs, and feels like he is expendable and isn’t worthy in the eyes of his club mates. The way both of them were raised (very different) has shaped their lives. Each goes through a transformation as the story progresses. It was also great to reconnect with characters from previous books. This gave the series continuity and I enjoyed visited with old friends.
The story grabbed my attention immediately and didn’t let up as I rapidly turned the pages. There are two story lines in this multi-layered plot. Each is filled with suspense and danger. The author balances the violent aspects of the novel with the intrigue, romance, relationships, and some occasional humor. This action-packed novel features greed, cruelty, child abuse, human trafficking, coercion, alcoholism, death, friendship, romance, communication, and much more. Several spicy and steamy scenes are also included.
Overall, this heart-wrenching book has great characterization, several sizzling scenes, and plenty of action. Those who enjoy steamy and action-packed paranormal romantic suspense novels with compelling characters will likely enjoy this book. I have read more than seventy books by this author across multiple series. This one has the right mix of romance, tension, action, and thrilling storyline. I’m looking forward to reading my next book by this author.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 24, 2023.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Per publisher guidelines, my 4.58 rounded to 5 stars review will be posted around Jan 17, 2023....more
Christine Feehan returns with another thrilling book in the paranormal romance Leopard series. Meiling knows Gedeon is a leopard shifter as soon as shChristine Feehan returns with another thrilling book in the paranormal romance Leopard series. Meiling knows Gedeon is a leopard shifter as soon as she sees him. She knows she can’t trust a male shifter, but she still rescues him. Gedeon is used to women coming to him, but not carrying him to safety. As they get to know one another, they establish a working relationship, but there’s evil around them. Will they survive?
As always, Feehan does an incredible job of bringing the main characters to life. Meiling is intelligent, kind, witty, strong, confident, independent, loyal, fearless, and charming. Gedeon is fast, strong, dangerous, confident, loves the hunt, and he’s feared by many. There words, actions, reactions, thoughts, and mannerisms help readers gain even more clues about their personalities. Both had tragic and frightening childhoods and action-oriented careers. Each goes through a transformation as the story progresses. It was also great to reconnect with characters from previous books. This gave the series continuity and I enjoyed visited with old friends.
This novel takes readers on a journey. Scenes from the jungle in Venezuela, New Orleans, San Antonio, and Russia are well done. The world-building was great with the jungle as well as Gedeon’s house and the nearby swamp being especially vivid.
The story grabbed my attention immediately and didn’t let up as I rapidly turned the pages. The deeply involved and multi-layered plot has some unpredictable moments that add suspense and danger. The author balances the violent aspects of the novel with the intrigue, romance, work relationships, and the jobs they accept. This action-packed novel features cruelty, power, death, greed, jealousy, betrayal, friendship, romance, working relationships, and much more. Several spicy and steamy scenes are also included.
Overall, this action-packed romantic suspense has great characterization, several spicy and sizzling scenes, and plenty of action. Those who enjoy steamy and action-packed paranormal romantic suspense novels with compelling characters will likely enjoy this book. I have read more than seventy books by this author across multiple series. This one has the right mix of romance, tension, action, and thrilling storyline. I’m looking forward to reading my next book by this author.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 29, 2022.
----------------------------------------- My 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Still Waters by Sara Driscoll is the fascinating, suspenseful, and captivating seventh book in the FBI K-9 crime thriller and police procedural seStill Waters by Sara Driscoll is the fascinating, suspenseful, and captivating seventh book in the FBI K-9 crime thriller and police procedural series. Sara Driscoll is the pseudonym for authors Jen J. Danna and Ann Vanderlaan. The book features Meg Jennings and her Labrador, Hawk as well as her co-worker Brian Foster and his German shepherd, Lacey. They’re civilian employees of the FBI’s Human Scent Response Team.
They need to keep their search-and-rescue skills sharp and that requires training. This time, they got approval for a water-search training weekend in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. This training is combined with a three-part search and rescue timed competition. When Hawk alerts to a scent in the water and a competitor’s body is found, the suspects are law enforcement officers and those that are supporting them: pilots, divers, trainers, judges, observers, and the coordinators of the training session.
Dynamic characters and great descriptions of the area drew me in to this story. It has a deeply involved and multi-layered plot and an incredible setting. I was transported to this pristine area and felt as if I was living the events alongside the characters. With multiple viable suspects, will Meg determine who the criminal is? There is one disturbing scene in this book, but it is not described in detail.
Overall, this tense, engaging, action-packed, and exciting crime thriller gripped me from the beginning. I’m a fan of the series and looking forward to reading the next book.
Kensington Books and Sara Driscoll provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 29, 2022.
-------------------------------------- My 4.6 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Cleopatra’s Vendetta by Avanti Centrae is the first book in the Stryker thriller series. What more could I ask for than intrigue, history, scienceCleopatra’s Vendetta by Avanti Centrae is the first book in the Stryker thriller series. What more could I ask for than intrigue, history, science, and mystery in an action thriller? Timothy Stryker, his wife Angie, their daughter Harper, and Angie’s sister Sam are in Italy for a wedding. Tim is hoping to use the holiday time to reconcile with his wife. They have been arguing lately after the death of their infant son.
While Stryker is sent on a mission to Saudi Arabia, Angie and Harper are kidnapped along with a couple of Angie’s friends. Tim is a think tank special operations leader and Angie is the chief executive officer of firm. Stryker is desperate to rescue Angie and Harper. As he works to location the kidnappers, he discovers the same people are behind the recent assassinations in multiple countries and that another one will be occurring in seven days. Meanwhile Angie realizes her kidnappers are hiding an ancient secret and use modern propaganda techniques. Why were she, Harper, and the other women kidnapped? Can she somehow escape?
As Stryker and the other think tank operations team members race from country to country, they have to foil to upcoming assassination attempts, avoid hitmen, and solve a mystery going back to the time of Cleopatra.
Stryker and Angie are strong protagonists with a lot of depth. Their resilience and courage shine throughout the novel, as well as their love for one another. They have weaknesses that challenge them, but also strengths emerge when least expected. Each one experiences growth over the course of the story. Sam’s love of her sister’s family and her love of history provided additional insights into the investigation and the family dynamics.
Centrae does a great job of world-building and makes the locations in the book come alive. She also adds cultural and historical aspects to the places and people making the reading experience an immersive one. This takes talent when the book covers multiple countries. The plot is full of history, intrigue, lies, treachery, mystery, and twists and turns. Themes include views on women, power, propaganda, political power, and personal power. The author’s note includes research done on Cleopatra and the history of propaganda.
Overall, this novel was entertaining, informative, thought-provoking, and fast-paced. This is a new-to-me author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
----------------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon....more
The Forever Witness: How DNA and Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder by Edward Humes is a suspenseful, riveting true crime book that combinThe Forever Witness: How DNA and Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder by Edward Humes is a suspenseful, riveting true crime book that combines great storytelling, cold case investigations, technological advances, and genetic genealogy in a captivating crime read. In November 1987, Tanya Van Cuylenborg and her boyfriend Jay Cook leave on an overnight trip to Seattle. They vanish until a week later when their bodies are found in rural Washington. The brutal crime leaves few clues and an international manhunt turns up empty. The case and evidence eventually goes into long-term storage until thirty plus years later when Detective Jim Scharf looks at the case files hoping to find new clues that were missed in the original investigation.
The prologue gets one’s heart racing and immediately pulls readers into what is happening. Then readers get a look at the case from the beginning including the pieces of the puzzle that Detective Scharf and his team pull together of the trip taken by the young couple, the struggle the families had to get the police involved initially, and the original investigation, as well as the next steps Scharf takes.
Humes provides the latest information on their case at the time of writing the book. This includes using DNA advances to help identify suspects as well as re-interviewing people, looking for missed opportunities in the original investigation, looking at other ways to identify a suspect, and much more. Detective Scharf contacts various genealogists for help including CeCe Moore. Meanwhile there is a discussion of technological advances in police investigations, including those involving DNA, ranging from DNA fingerprints to a national DNA database known as the Combined DNA Index System.
However, more is also occurring in the realm of DNA, with DNA matching originating from amateur genealogists searching for their roots. This includes CeCe Moore, who has had a fascination with genetic genealogy and how it can be used, not just for family tree hobbyists and adoptees hoping to find their birth parents, but also for solving cold cases.
Additionally, Parabon, a firm in Virginia, says it has the capability of creating genetic mugshots. The book covers the use of genetic mugshots and genetic genealogy in Jay and Tanya’s case and how CeCe Moore and Parabon work together to identify a suspect. There’s a fascinating discussion of the proponents and opponents to using genetic genealogy as a crime-fighting technique among genealogists, police organizations, keepers of genetic databases, and privacy advocates.
Overall, this story is startling, horrifying, thought provoking, and emotional. The author has a notes section at the end that explains who was interviewed and the sources of information used to construct this true crime story. Additionally, the author does a great job of explaining the science and the controversies in terms that can be easily understood. Those that enjoy well-written and suspenseful true crime and books involving genealogy or DNA will likely find this an amazing story.
PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and Edward Humes provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 29, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------------------------------------- My 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon....more
In The Wolf is Mine, Paige Tyler brings murder, kidnapping, magic, romance, action, and suspense to the thirteenth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf In The Wolf is Mine, Paige Tyler brings murder, kidnapping, magic, romance, action, and suspense to the thirteenth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Dallas, Texas, this novel features SWAT werewolf Connor Malone and Kat Davenport.
Connor Malone and some of his SWAT team are in San Antonio looking for their teammate. However, things go wrong at an abandoned site outside of the city. They’re fighting against a creature that may be more powerful than they are.
Back in Dallas, a powerful woman, Kat Davenport, claims she’s a friend of Connor’s and she needs the SWAT team’s help to defeat the magic wielder who has made her a feline for most of the last four years. When she and Connor meet again, their chemistry is blazing hot. How do they know each other?
Connor and Kat are fantastic characters. While Connor is an alpha and protective, Kat is a strong and powerful female protagonist. They balance each other well. Despite being attracted to each other, they keep their feelings to themselves for a while letting the attraction build instead of an instant romance. Characters from previous books in the series make appearances, but the focus is on Connor and Kat.
The plot was complex with lots of twists and turns and the stakes were high. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. The author uses a unique take on werewolves and does a good job of explaining this.
It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their efforts to combat the powerful creature and the magic wielder progressed and became ever more dangerous and unusual. It held my attention fully and contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. This book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, and love. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of disappearances, evil, and family relationships. The addition of magic added another dimension to this novel, making it an exceptional read. While most conflicts and issues are resolved, there a thread that may end up in a future book.
Overall, it was suspenseful, full of danger, and action-packed. This engaging combination delivered on the promise of its premise and opening scenes. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong, and the ending was explosive. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Paige Tyler provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 10, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon....more
The Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck is moving, suspenseful, and heart-wrenching. It’s also full of hope, danger, and courage. This historical fictiThe Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck is moving, suspenseful, and heart-wrenching. It’s also full of hope, danger, and courage. This historical fiction novel is largely set in southern France between August 1942 and November 1943. Parents often sent children fleeing Germans away to Belgium. Three years ago, that happened to Ella Rosenthal and her young sister, Hanni. Now they are sheltering with one hundred other young refugees in a derelict castle overseen by the Swiss Red Cross. There are other such “colonies” across southern France. Rosli Naf and Anne-Marie Piguet are two of the Swiss volunteers who want to protect the children. Rosli directs the colony where Ella and Hanni are sheltering. As the oldest children get closer to eighteen and Germany invades southern France, Rosli and Anne-Marie realize they have to smuggle the older teens out of France. Will they be successful? Who will survive?
Ella is often afraid, but she is protective of her sister and will do anything to help her survive, and that takes courage she didn’t know she had. She’s also quiet, gentle, and thinks while others talk. Rosli doesn’t consider herself good with feelings, but is great with rules. However, she is protective of the children in her care, strong, and courageous. Anne-Marie is younger, a caretaker in a different colony, and just as protective and courageous.
Told from the points of view of Ella, Rosli, and Anne-Marie, this novel is based on true events and real people. The courage of these three and many others is extraordinary in the face of so much adversity, hatred, and bullying. The story is heart-breaking at times and the tension and terror felt by the children is palpable. However, there is also bravery, standing up for what is right, kindness, moments of happiness, and a willingness to help others by some that lightens the story at times.
This story is well-written and well-researched. The prose immediately draws readers into the story and the world-building and atmosphere are so tangible one can feel the terror and the cold. This moving book has unforgettable characters and is a story that will stay with me. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster. While there was sadness, fear, and cruelty, there was also hope, love, kindness, and courage. The author’s note is well worth the read and explains which characters were real people that did astonishing things during this terrible time in world history and which were fictional, but inspired by others.
Overall, this was an engaging and emotional story of hope, fear, and bravery in the face in adversity. Those that enjoy historical fiction are encouraged to consider this book as their next read.
Berkley Publishing Group and Kristin Beck provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 13, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.51 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon....more
Kelley Armstrong brings plenty of suspense and atmosphere, as well as a unique setting, to the first book in the Haven’s Rock series, Murder at HavKelley Armstrong brings plenty of suspense and atmosphere, as well as a unique setting, to the first book in the Haven’s Rock series, Murder at Haven’s Rock. This is a spin-off continuation series after the Rockton series ended with book 7, The Deepest of Secrets. Haven’s Rock is a hidden town being built somewhere in the Yukon wilderness of Canada. It’s a place for people to disappear and a sanctuary for those that need a refuge.
Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton met in the original town of Rockton. However, greed and deception destroyed Rockton and Casey and Eric, with some help, finance a new refuge for those seeking safety. This time they get to approve applicants for residency. One rule for the construction crew is to stay out of the forest. However, when two of them break the rule and end up missing, Casey and Eric are called in ahead of schedule to find them. When they find a dead woman and it looks like murder, they need to investigate it while still searching for those still missing.
Casey and Eric are well-developed characters with plenty of depth and are relatable. Casey has a tendency to share credit, but accept blame when things go wrong. She’s a good listener, empathetic, and understanding. However, she stumbles when she doesn’t feel competent. Eric is a fantastic tracker, and asserts himself when needed. However, he recognizes Casey’s skills as a detective and her crime scene skills and supports her rather than taking over an investigation. He also gets short-tempered with annoying or bothersome people at times. Neither is the people-pleasing type. The secondary and tertiary characters run the gamut from helpful and likeable to obnoxious liars and worse.
Overall, this is well-written and entertaining with a solid mystery and complex characters set in an off-the-grid town that is under construction. An intriguing start quickly accelerates as the plot develops and Casey’s investigation takes off. While this can be read as a stand-alone, readers will gain a better understanding of the key characters and their backgrounds if they read the Rockton series first. Isolation, murder, trust, secrets, greed, work-life balance, lies, concealment, and respect are all threads that are explored during the novel. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Fans of Kelley Armstrong and the Rockton series will likely thoroughly enjoy this novel.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 21, 2023.
------------------ My 4.52 rounded to 5 stares review is coming soon....more
Kat Martin returns with the third book in the Blood Ties: The Logans romantic suspense series. This tense high stakes and perilous thriller features fKat Martin returns with the third book in the Blood Ties: The Logans romantic suspense series. This tense high stakes and perilous thriller features former Green Beret Edge Logan and ex-military Skye Delaney. Both work for the same security firm in Denver, Colorado as private investigators. Edge was forced to resign from the military and has a new life mainly providing security for high profile clients. Skye left the military after an improvised explosive device hit her vehicle and she was badly injured. While attracted to each other, neither has been willing to act on it. They don’t want to risk their friendship.
When Edge overhears Skye talking with her stepmother, he offers to provide back-up. Skye’s half-sister Callie hasn’t been heard from in a couple of months. She had joined a commune-like organization that is remote, fenced, and has guards. How can they access the compound and talk with Callie? Is she there willingly or is there something sinister happening? How will this affect Edge, Skye, and their personal and professional relationships?
While Edge and Skye are both strong, brave, and independent, they both have backstories that affect their relationships. They’re relatable, but flawed. Edge’s anger at his resignation from the military and Skye’s insecurities around her disfigurement affect each of them differently. Can they overcome them? They’re bold and intense protagonists who transform during the course of the storyline.
The story captivated me from the first page to the last. The deeply involved and multi-layered plot has some unpredictable moments that add suspense and danger. The world-building is excellent even as the locations change from Colorado to other states. The writing is fluid and flows well in this unsettling thriller that occasionally makes your blood run cold. It kept delivering exciting outcomes through the characters as I frantically turned the pages. This action-packed novel features deception, deaths, jealousy, greed, romance, family, friends, trust, corruption, and power over others. It also depicts the devastating actions certain organizations take and the effects they can have on the victims.
Overall, this action-packed romantic suspense has great characterization, a little spice, and plenty of action. Those who enjoy romantic suspense novels will likely enjoy this book. This is the eleventh book I have read by this author across multiple series. This one has the right mix of romance, tension and a thrilling storyline.
Kensington Books and Kat Martin provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 29, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon....more
Mike Omer knows how to build suspense, develop characters, add action and atmosphere, and keep readers on the edge of their seats. The third and finalMike Omer knows how to build suspense, develop characters, add action and atmosphere, and keep readers on the edge of their seats. The third and final book in this series, A Burning Obsession, continues to feature Abby Mullen. She’s a lieutenant with the New York City hostage negotiation team, a mother of two children, divorced, and she experienced childhood trauma when she was seven. When a series of suspicious fires leaves victims dead in isolated homes, she believes an adult escaped the fires of her childhood and is once again a threat after 30 years. After a lot of research, she contacts the FBI and connects with criminal profiler Zoe Bentley and Agent Tatum Gray. Is Moses Wilcox back in action or are these unrelated fires? What could be their connection?
Abby’s character is well developed. Readers get insight into both her personal and professional lives as well as her strengths and vulnerabilities. They also get great insight into Zoe. Both are strong, successful, and determined women. However, Abby’s childhood has had an impact on her. Can she face her past? Zoe tends to clash with others in authority. She says what she thinks rather than what could be said to get cooperation. Other characters vary in depth, but provide support, conflict, or interest. The author combines concise, clear physical descriptions that are supplemented with demonstrations of their weaknesses.
An intriguing and memorable opening scene will immediately pull most readers into the story. That scene is vivid and painful to imagine. The suspense is built gradually as characters are introduced and readers begin to get a sense of what is to come. When the action started, this reader eagerly turned the pages with nervous anticipation. Who will survive? How will the situation be resolved? What an ending! Will you guess what happens?
This novel is a creative, complex, and well-paced tale with layers and twists that will keep a reader guessing. High stakes and an all-too-real situation kept me engaged throughout the story. There are some shocking and disturbing scenes as it unfolds. The people in the story came to life, and I was cheering on the police as they worked desperately toward a resolution. Themes include work relationships, family relationships, death, abuse, and much more.
Overall, this amazing thriller with intense moments and action kept me turning the pages. There was enough background in the novel that it worked well as a standalone. However, reading the previous books adds background and more insight into Abby’s character. Those who enjoy crime thrillers may want to check out this series. I’m looking forward to reading what Mike Omer writes next.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Mike Omer for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 8, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Desperation in Death by J. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts) brings murder, suspense, and anguish to a well-written futuristic police proceduraDesperation in Death by J. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts) brings murder, suspense, and anguish to a well-written futuristic police procedural set in New York City during the spring of 2061. What happens when children are abducted and exploited?
This story starts when Mina Cabot and Dorian Gregg, abducted teenagers, attempt to escape the Pleasure Academy where they have been imprisoned for months and trained for a life of service and exploitation. Unfortunately, the plan isn’t the success they desired.
Our protagonist, Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the NYC police department, stands over a crime scene at the edge of Battery Park. Joined by her partner, Detective Delia Peabody, they find and identify the body of a teenager. While set up to look like a mugging, the details tell another story. Blood helps them identify a second teenager. When the clues lead to child trafficking, Eve won’t rest until everyone involved is identified and arrested.
Time spent with Eve, Roarke, and Eve’s colleagues is always entertaining. Eve is definitely a compelling and three-dimensional character. Her need to serve and protect comes through in every book, but the underlying impetus for this is best understood by reading this series in order. The way Eve was abused as a child makes this a case that enrages her. Keeping her head clear and her emotions under control are needed for her to succeed. As always, the interactions between Eve and Roarke are enjoyable and bring a different facet of Eve’s personality to light. Several of the reoccurring police characters play significant roles in this book. However, readers also get to see a bit of their private lives. The addition of Detective Willowby from the Special Victims Unit provided needed insight and help.
The prose is well-written and engaging. This time Eve’s passion for justice and those that need help pushes the story beyond finding a single murderer, to taking down those that prey on children. The plot is thought-provoking and tragic. While this book has some action, it is mostly a police procedural. The action is concentrated at the beginning and the ending. It is appalling in places and uplifting in others.
Robb usually manages to embed humor in her novels, providing some much needed levity to offset some of the more serious and grim aspects of the story. There was very little of that in this serious case. She brings strong characters, great plots, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the series. Woven through the novel are threads of caring for others, friendship, partnership relationships, freedom, distrust of authority, alliances, leadership, and trust. Themes include murder, justice, family dynamics, child abuse, child trafficking, and power as well as standing up for the innocent and the dead.
If you enjoy engaging near-future police procedurals, then I recommend this series. This is the fifty-fifth book in the In Death Eve Dallas series and I have read all of them up to this point. Overall, this novel was heartwrenching as well as darker and grittier than usual. I was desperate for Eve and her team to capture the evil perpetrators. This was a disturbing book, but one that is well worth reading. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date was September 6, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan is a historical fiction novel with some romance in it. However, it is much more than that. It’s tThe Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan is a historical fiction novel with some romance in it. However, it is much more than that. It’s the story of three women, the changes they go through and their impact on others during World War II. Most of the novel is set in the village of Aldhurst in England.
Cressida Westcott is a well-known fashion designer who loses both her business and her home in the bombing of London. With only the clothes she’s wearing, she has to return to the family home in the country, which she fled when she was 20. She has a passion for her work, is opinionated, and her only friends are casual ones in the fashion industry.
Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to Aldhurst. However, she has just received her conscription letter. Violet is spoiled and very class conscious. Her initial training is a shock to her.
Grace Carlisle is the local vicar’s daughter. She is selfless and has taken on much of her father’s visitations and other duties, in addition to working at the village shop. Her father suffers from PTSD from World War I and the loss of his wife. Grace is repairing her mother’s wedding gown at the Sewing Circle meeting and asks for help. Cressida not only helps with that, but also motivates them to do more for brides across the country. The author shows significant character growth in all three women as the story line progresses.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. The characters were likeable, and the focus was on women, the roles others wanted for them, what the women wanted for themselves, and the challenges they faced in achieving them. Other themes included friendship, family, life choices, wartime danger, shortages, and romance.
Overall, I learned a lot about these women who had a vision and pursued it relentlessly. The excellent characterization made this book special. The author also did significant research on clothing coupons, rationing, and the sharing of wedding dresses during this time in history.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Books and Jennifer Ryan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 31, 2022. ...more
Sangu Mandanna brings warmth, diversity, and humor to a magical realism novel with romance, danger, and suspense. The Very Secret Society of IrreguSangu Mandanna brings warmth, diversity, and humor to a magical realism novel with romance, danger, and suspense. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is one of my favorite books of 2022. Witch Mika Moon has been taught that she needs to hide her magic and stay away from other witches to avoid drawing attention to their magic. As an orphan raised by a stranger, she’s used to being alone and following most of the rules. However, she is a bit of a rebel. She posts videos online pretending to be a witch and assuming no one will believe it.
However, someone does. They message her, asking her to come to Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. Breaking the rules she’s grown up with, Mika accepts and gets involved with the odd assortment at the house. There’s the absent archaeologist, the retired actor, the librarian, the housekeeper, the gardener, and three witches ranging in age from seven to ten. Mika learns that there are secrets, and soon, danger and suspense come into play.
Mika has a great personality. She is likeable and relatable. Her loneliness and lack of connection to others is palpable. I loved her sense of humor. The other main characters have great depth as well. The author does a great job of showing readers each character’s feelings as well as their unspoken thoughts. Terracotta, the middle child, was fantastic, but all three children had distinctive personalities. It was fascinating to watch them discover new aspects of themselves. These unique characters made the book much more enthralling to read.
This is a wonderfully executed story with extraordinary and diverse characters and a setting that came alive. The writing and dialogue flow well. The chemistry between Mika and Jamie creates an added layer to the storyline. There are unpredictable moments in the story that provide some unexpected twists at the end of the novel. I did not want this book to end. My only quibble is that I wanted more suspense in the novel. Themes include loneliness, lack of belonging, friendship, connections, love, community, trust, and family.
Overall, this is a warm, uplifting and feel-good novel that brought me a lot of reading joy. It captivated me from beginning to end. If you like charming and heartwarming stories with humor, romance, secrets, and some danger, then this is definitely a book to check out. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
Berkley Publishing Group and Sangu Mandanna provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 23, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------- My 4.72 star review rounded up to 5 stars will be coming soon....more
Who Can Hold the Sea – The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945-1960 by James D. Hornfischer is the first book that I have read by this author. The titlWho Can Hold the Sea – The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945-1960 by James D. Hornfischer is the first book that I have read by this author. The title describes what this non-fiction history book covers in the broad sense. However, it also gives insight into the people, politics, and policies of the times.
This history narrative has the added bonus of action above and below the sea. As World War II ends, sailors go home and warships are decommissioned. However, aggressive moves by Stalin in Europe and the Far East make this a short time of calm. George Kennan, the number two man for the United States in Moscow, sends a telegram describing the Soviet Union’s ambitions, pathology, and more. It helps to shape the Truman administration’s actions in light of this new geopolitical threat.
This book is not the dry text of typical histories. It is filled with facts, people, politics, policies, action, interactions, technological advances, and challenges. The author shows the many challenges faced by the United States and the U.S. Navy. The post war politics between the Army and the Navy was especially interesting. It’s something you don’t read about in traditional history books. The many challenges faced by the Navy were political, technical, and strategic. Additionally, if you think partisan activism and anger at the press is a recent phenomenon, you will know differently after you read this book.
Overall, this is a very readable, enlightening, and educational history of the U.S. Navy during the early days of the Cold War. At the end are several images of important political and military personnel during this period as well as an extensive bibliography, image credits, and index. I highly recommend this book to those interested in history, naval history, the early years of the Cold War, and geopolitics.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 03, 2022....more
The Champions of Camouflage by Jean-Philippe Noel with photos from Biosphoto is a book that combines text and photos to explore camouflage in the The Champions of Camouflage by Jean-Philippe Noel with photos from Biosphoto is a book that combines text and photos to explore camouflage in the animal kingdom. Readers will learn there are many different ways that species use to go unnoticed by potential predators. Whether it’s changing color to replicate its environment, changing shapes, or creating an illusion, some species have become masters of camouflage.
The book was well organized with clear text and fantastic photos. Will you be able to find the hidden animal in the photographs? Some are more easily discerned than others are. Readers will gain a new appreciation for the amazing art of camouflage. While the photos are great, take the time to read the text as well and fully immerse yourself in the hidden species that are nearby. The next time you’re on a nature trail or in a yard, you may want to take a closer look at what is nearby. It may not just be a leaf or an ant.
Overall, this was a fascinating read. This book will likely appeal to readers that love nature.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Da Broad Squad by Chris LeGrow is the second book in the Adventures of the Old Blues mystery and crime series. A group of wealthy business people Da Broad Squad by Chris LeGrow is the second book in the Adventures of the Old Blues mystery and crime series. A group of wealthy business people is funding a retirement home for retired cops in Omaha, Nebraska. However, this is not just any retirement home. The Old Blues are being equipped to not only work with the community, as everyone believes, but to also help fight street crime. Adding several new characters to the precinct changes the dynamics in the precinct, but not the outcome. An international human trafficking ring has set up shop in Omaha and the Old Blues are determined to take it down. I won't go into more details due to spoilers.
The characters are well developed. Everyone from the Sarge to Lead Officer Agnes Crantz to Boss Nurse Betsy and many others have distinctive personalities that make you root for the retired officers’ success in fighting crime. Having an insider who is the public information officer for the Omaha Chief of Police certainly helps.
They have walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and some gross (and otherwise) surprises for the criminals they encounter. Themes include human trafficking, cartels, gangs, murder, feeling useful, and even a bit of romance. This book was entertaining with some laugh-out-loud moments as well as the more serious aspects of a crime thriller.
This well written book shows the importance of finding something to make us feel productive and useful when we retire. It is imaginative and well executed, if over-the-top at times. The writing is fluid and flows well. The prose is suspenseful and engrossing. I don’t like the title despite understanding why it was used. There are some very humorous and uplifting moments in this book, but there are also some very tense, sad, and disturbing scenes as well. I also believe it helped the book that the author is a retired detective with the Omaha Police Department's Special Victims Unit.
Overall, this was entertaining and funny with well-crafted characters that tackles a dark subject. Chris has embedded humor in his novels, providing some much needed levity to offset some of the more serious and grim aspects of the story. I highly recommend this fast-paced book and I sincerely hope that there are other books coming in this series.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date was August 3, 2021. ...more
Alice Henderson has become my favorite author that emphasizes facets of nature in a crime thriller. A Blizzard of Polar Bears is the second book iAlice Henderson has become my favorite author that emphasizes facets of nature in a crime thriller. A Blizzard of Polar Bears is the second book in the Alex Carter mystery series. After the opening scenes in northwestern Montana, the rest of the book takes place in and around Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Dr. Alex Carter is a wildlife biologist who is wrapping up a study on wolverines when a friend calls and asks if she would like to do a polar bear study in Manitoba. With two weeks left on her current assignment, she jumps at the opportunity. Her assigned research assistant, Neil Trevors, has lined up a helicopter pilot for them. Tracking the polar bears by air, Alex then tranquilizes, examines, and measures them. Taking samples for study in the lab in Churchill is part of the job along with updating or adding GPS trackers. However, things start to go quickly wrong. Their pilot suddenly quits and an intruder breaks into the lab, steals her samples, and deletes her files. After finding a replacement pilot, their helicopter catches fire and armed assailants come after them. One might think this would be enough to deter Alex from her study, but it isn’t, and this is only the beginning. Who wants to stop the study and why? Will Alex and Neil survive?
Alex is a likeable character who is three-dimensional and had depth. She is a skilled wildlife biologist, adept at Jeet Kune Do style of martial arts, and an expert shooter. She enjoys solitude, but has a few very good friends. She’s supported by an array of secondary characters that enhanced the story, but were not as fully developed. However, the relationships seemed believable and not contrived and provided the needed support or conflict.
The writing was so descriptive that I felt like I was with Alex as she carried out her research. The plot had some twists and turns and several surprises. It was engrossing, heartfelt, well-researched, and action-packed. I’ve seen comparisons to Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series and I can see the similarities. The story was compelling, shocking at times, intense, and a great sophomore novel for the series. A gripping and dramatic ending was a little over-the-top, but it also tied up loose ends nicely. I enjoyed reading the Afterward that included information on the artic. The author also included a list of books and articles about polar bears as well as other reference information.
Overall, this combined mystery, nature, the environment, action adventure, and survival into one fantastic crime novel. Not only was this a fascinating mystery that kept me fully engaged, but I learned a lot about the polar bears, artic ice, and atmospheric conditions that Alex encountered. If you enjoy action-packed crime thrillers with an environmental and threatened wildlife theme, then this is a series to consider reading. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
William Morrow and Custom House and Alice Henderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was November 9, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Don Bentley infuses Hostile Intent, the third book in the Matt Drake thriller series, with action, travel, suspense, and an intensity like few othDon Bentley infuses Hostile Intent, the third book in the Matt Drake thriller series, with action, travel, suspense, and an intensity like few others can achieve. This book, which can be categorized as an espionage thriller, a political thriller, and a military thriller as it has aspects of all three, is set largely in Ukraine and Austria, but there are key scenes in Washington D.C. and Russia as well. Matthew Drake and his wife Laila are at a shooting range when his boss calls. Matt is a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) case officer who runs and recruits assets all over the world. A walk-in to the US embassy in Vienna, Austria claims he has critical information about a Russian intelligence operation. He asks for Matt by name, not by one of his aliases. Before he can debrief Nolan Burke, a Russian team kidnaps Nolan.
Matt is full of wit and sarcasm, but he has a serious side. He wants to make the world safer and often sacrifices his own well-being to achieve this. He shows character growth despite the large amount of action in this novel, which pleasantly surprised me. The other characters have a variety of depths in their supporting or opposing roles. Some are new to the series and others provide the reader continuity with the prior books in the series.
Fluid writing and fantastic world building, as well as an excellent, fast-paced plot will keep readers engaged. The first three chapters pique your interest while chapter four grabs readers and immerses them in the story. At this point, the action and drama are so compelling the pages nearly turn themselves. I was on a rollercoaster of action and emotion. While there are descriptions of weapons and gear, it is only enough to engage the reader. I believe this approach will make this novel appeal to a wider audience.
Overall, this novel is a shockingly dark, disturbing, suspenseful, and emotional ride. Be aware that there is plenty of danger, intrigue, and violence in this story. Additionally, with the current situation in Ukraine, this one seemed all too realistic. Themes include bureaucratic wars, teamwork, spies, political maneuvering, corruption, graft, differences in operational philosophies, friendship, loss of face, the impact of social media, and much more.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but I am looking forward to the next book in the series as well as going back and reading the first two. I believe those readers who enjoy action thrillers and military thrillers will want to read this book.
Berkley Publishing Group and Don Bentley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 3, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------- Review to be posted in the week prior to publication per publisher guidelines....more
Buried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry is the first book in the By the Book Mysteries series. I’ve seen this categorized as a cozy mystery and thatBuried in a Good Book by Tamara Berry is the first book in the By the Book Mysteries series. I’ve seen this categorized as a cozy mystery and that fits although it is slightly more gritty and gripping than many. It is also laugh-out-loud funny in places.
Tess Harrow is a bestselling thriller writer who has inherited her grandfather’s rustic cabin in the woods near Winthrop, Washington. Six months have passed since her divorce from Quentin and Tess has finally convinced her fourteen-year-old daughter Gertrude (Gertie) to spend the summer at the cabin. Hoping to bond, they’ve barely arrived at the cabin without electricity or running water when an explosion rocks the cabin. When they go outside, they find that it’s raining fish parts and what looks like a human arm.
Tess has a hard time separating her fictional detective’s methods, which aren’t always “by the book”, and local Sheriff’s Victor Boyd’s method of following procedure, which leads to some fascinating and funny interchanges between the two. Dealing with real law enforcement officers is harder than she expected. The normally calm and levelheaded sheriff doesn’t stay that way as he interacts with Tess. Additionally, Gertie seems to enjoy being part of a murder investigation a little too much for Tess’s comfort.
For book lovers, readers not only get a main character who is a thriller writer, but there is a bookmobile that makes the rounds of the local communities and a deputy that has been writing a science fiction novel in her spare time. Themes include a change of pace, recovery from a divorce, parent-child relationships, friendship, murder, and much more.
The writing is terrific. The characters, as well as the story, quickly engage readers. Visual and auditory imagery comes through vividly. The plot is absorbing and intriguing with a storyline that has a few red herrings, a couple of surprises, and lots of humor.
Overall, this engaging and funny novel immediately pulled me into the storyline and the lives of the characters. If you enjoy excellent cozy mysteries with a little extra grit, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book of the series.
Poisoned Ped Press and Tamara Berry provided a complimentary DRC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 24, 2022.
100 Plants to Feed the Birds: Turn Your Home Garden into a Healthy Bird Habitat by Laura Erickson is the second book that I have read by this auth100 Plants to Feed the Birds: Turn Your Home Garden into a Healthy Bird Habitat by Laura Erickson is the second book that I have read by this author. The title describes what this non-fiction book covers for the United States and Canada. While the novel has narrowed the list of plants, it looks at native plants that provide seeds, fruits, and nectar as well as those that host caterpillars and other insects needed for protein and those that provide nesting materials or nesting and roosting sites.
It starts with a good table of contents for easy reference followed by a short section on creating habitat for birds. This is then followed by the section for plants. The plants are divided into conifers, broadleaf trees, grasses, herbaceous perennial and annual plants, plants that grow on trees, shrubs, vines, and cactus and yuccas. Each of these is broken down more specifically. It includes some of the bird species that use them, how they are typically used, color, most useful seasons, native range maps, and some species within each category.
Not all of the species in the book should be planted in all areas of the USA or Canada. The author is very specific in urging readers to look for locally native species in the categories and provides an appendix that includes North American Native Plant Societies. Another excellent appendix is one that includes the favorite plants of common North American birds. It includes the species and their preferred food(s) and nesting choices. The bird photos are great as well, but I wish there had been photos with the plants in gardens designed to attract and feed the birds.
Overall, this is a well-organized and beneficial reference for those who want to garden to attract birds.
Storey Publishing, LLC and Laura Erickson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 06, 2022....more
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