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
Buried in a Book, Lucy Arlington’s first book in the Novel Idea cozy mystery series, is a fun and new-to-me series by a new-to-me author. After loBuried in a Book, Lucy Arlington’s first book in the Novel Idea cozy mystery series, is a fun and new-to-me series by a new-to-me author. After losing her journalist job, Lila Wilkins accepts an internship at A Novel Idea, a literary agency in North Carolina. She will be paid to read query letters, which seems perfect to her. However, when an aspiring author dies in the agency’s waiting room, Lila is determined to learn who has killed him.
Filled with literary references and quirky characters, I enjoyed this mystery. It has more depth to it than I expected and several of the characters were extremely well developed. While a few things were hard to believe and too much of a coincidence, I still appreciated it and found it charming.
Overall, this book has an enjoyable plot, good characterization, and a writing style that flows well. Readers of cozy mysteries will likely enjoy it.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was January 1, 2012.
------------------------------------------- My 3.79 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Death at the Auction by E. C. Bateman is the first book in the Stamford cozy mystery series. This one takes place in Lincolnshire, England in the Death at the Auction by E. C. Bateman is the first book in the Stamford cozy mystery series. This one takes place in Lincolnshire, England in the historic town of Stamford and features Felicia Grant, ex-auctioneer who currently manages a gallery in London. Cassie, her best friend from her hometown calls and tells her she needs to fill in as auctioneer. Felicia’s father fell down some steps and broke his leg. As the final lot comes up for bid, her ex-husband Dexter shows up and a body falls out of a cupboard. The many suspects include Felicia and Dexter as well as a myriad of locals.
The character development is fantastic in this one. The relationships felt real and varied. Felicia gave up her dream job of auctioneering when she and her father couldn’t decide how to run the business together. She’s intent on clearing the family name. Dexter is affable and outgoing, but unreliable as his priorities have been towards fame and adulation. Their son, Algernon, is quiet and tends to observe situations. The other characters run the gamut from her supportive Cassie to patronizing and judgmental DCI Heavenly to Felicia’s curmudgeonly father.
The world-building transported me to Stamford. I could easily envision the town’s homes and stores as well as the churches and park. The dialogue felt natural and the plot was twisty with several subplots, a few exciting scenes, some unpredictable moments, and several suspects. The story captivated me with its riveting mystery. The ending was satisfactory and has several threads for future books in the series.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining novel with some humor to go with the mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Readers who enjoy amateur sleuths, a wide array of characters, and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this novel.
HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and E. C. Bateman 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 18, 2022. ------------------------------------ My 3.98 rounded to 4 star review is coming soon....more
Jacqueline Bublitz’s debut novel, Before You Knew My Name, is heartbreaking and thought-provoking. At 36, Ruby Jones decides to move to NYC for siJacqueline Bublitz’s debut novel, Before You Knew My Name, is heartbreaking and thought-provoking. At 36, Ruby Jones decides to move to NYC for six months from Australia. She needs to be shaken out of her current state of aloneness and get a fresh start on life. Alice Lee turns eighteen on the day she arrived in New York City (NYC) with $600, a few clothes, and a stolen camera. One month later, Alice is dead, but her story continues. When Ruby finds a woman’s body by the Hudson River, she and Alice are connected. While Ruby wants to forget what she saw, she can’t. Can she solve Alice’s death and give her closure?
The complex characterization is first-rate for Alice and Ruby as well as many of the secondary characters. Their hope, sadness, and loneliness are palpable. Both characters change and grow as they respond to events. I cared about them and they were easy to like.
This novel is unique with it’s narration by Alice after her death. For the majority of the book, others know her only as Jane Doe or Riverside Jane. The story goes beyond who murdered “Jane” to who was “Jane”. Readers learn from Alice about her life before her death, including her month in NYC. They also gain insight into Ruby’s desire for a change in her life.
This book has a solid premise and a mystery, but it’s much more than that. There’s a focus on the victim and the one who found her more than the murder itself. It’s about the ability for all to walk safely on streets. Taking control of your life and the effects of trauma on those who encounter it are explored, including flashbacks, paranoia, and hypervigilance. It’s about finding a murder victim and having a young life full of opportunity cut short. News coverage bias and remembering the victims is explored. Other themes include starting over, safety, freedom, hope, grief, surviving, friendship, trust issues, assault, murder, and deaths. My biggest quibble is the pacing felt slow at times. The story switches between characters frequently.
Overall, this story is gripping, thought-provoking, and emotional, with wonderful characterization and many scenes of heartache and hope. While this is fictional, violence and murder against women is an occurrence that is all too frequent in today’s world. This was a new author for me and I can’t wait to dive into another one of her stories. This incredible novel will be remembered for a long time.
Atria Books, Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Jacqueline Bublitz 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 1, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------------- My 3.7 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon....more
A cold case, multiple disappearances, a sheriff’s deputy, a search-and-rescue dog, and a former corporate lawyer are combined into a great romantic suA cold case, multiple disappearances, a sheriff’s deputy, a search-and-rescue dog, and a former corporate lawyer are combined into a great romantic suspense novel. Laura Griffin’s Vanishing Hour has just the right mix of romance, suspense, police investigation, mystery, and action to capture and hold a reader’s interests. Ava Burch has given up her corporate law position to go into business with her friend Jenna. Theirs is the only law firm in Cuervo, Texas. She also volunteers for search and rescue operations with her dog, Huck. Grant Wycoff is a sheriff’s deputy who doesn’t think Ava has any business being on a team with outdoorsmen, rangers, and police officers in a serious search and rescue mission. However, Ava and Huck find more than expected and they need to work with Grant when another person disappears.
Both Ava and Grant have strong work ethics and integrity. However, Ava’s father was a game warden who was frequently away from home and ultimately he and her mother divorced. This plus his death and the resulting grief and unresolved issues affect how Ava perceives law enforcement officers. Grant cares deeply about people, but is subject to frequent call-outs that can disrupt plans. However, he seemed very quick to judge Ava based on her choice of clothing and vehicle rather than on facts. This seemed more aggravating to me than to Ava, which felt out of character for her. Their chemistry grew slowly as they became better acquainted. The other characters had a variety of depths based on their roles. Ava’s friend Jenna’s struggles with her father’s Alzheimer’s will resonate with many readers. I felt Sheriff Donovan’s attitude needed an adjustment that never materialized.
This book has a solid mystery with some twists and turns that will keep readers guessing. Friendship, lies, deception, disappearances, romance, family, grief, and much more are at the heart of this story. The world-building is excellent. Readers will feel the heat, see the downtown stores, connect with the well-developed and relatable main characters, and feel like they are joining Ava and Huck and search and rescue missions. My only quibble is that there was some telling versus showing.
Overall, this engaging and entertaining romantic suspense has wonderful characterization, a little spice, and some great action. Those who enjoy romantic suspense novels will likely enjoy this book. This was a new author for me and I can’t wait to dive into another one of her stories. This one has the right mix of mystery, suspense, action, and romance.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laura Griffin 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 October 25, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------------- My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon....more
Christmas Wolf Surprise by Terry Spear is the third book in the Red Wolf paranormal romance series. This one features Gina Hutton and red wolf shiChristmas Wolf Surprise by Terry Spear is the third book in the Red Wolf paranormal romance series. This one features Gina Hutton and red wolf shifter Maverick Wilding. Gina, her brother, and two of his friends are hiking, camping, and looking for Bigfoot and werewolves in an Oregon state park when an accident brings danger, adventure, and more. Maverick and his brother are managing the holiday activities for their reindeer ranch when he hears something that means danger, and tries to warn Gina while in wolf form.
Gina and Maverick are likeable main characters. Gina is tenacious, fun, friendly, and a zoologist. However, how will she handle changes to her life? Maverick is patient, responsible, playful, but has secrets. The secondary characters are a blend of characters from the first book in the series plus some new additions, which gives continuity but keeps things fresh. Their connection is handled deftly, but happened a little too quickly.
Spear does an excellent job of blending romance and high stakes. Set around Christmas, this novel has a quick pace and lots of steam. My biggest quibble is that I wanted more suspense. The ending was wrapped up well, but it seemed too unrealistic. Nevertheless, the book captured the holiday spirit perfectly and was definitely enjoyable.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining novel with some humor to go with the danger, holiday events, and romance. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Terry Spear 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 October 11, 2022.
--------------------------------------- My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Amanda Flower brings great characterization and world-building to Because I Could Not Stop for Death, the first book in the Emily Dickinson historAmanda Flower brings great characterization and world-building to Because I Could Not Stop for Death, the first book in the Emily Dickinson historical mystery series. The novel begins in January 1855 with Willa Noble applying for a job at the Dickinson home in Amherst, Massachusetts. Despite being late, drenched, and covered in mud, Willa gets the job as a housemaid with Emily’s help. Tragedy strikes when Willa’s brother Henry is killed in an accident at the town’s stables. Willa tells Emily about it as well as her belief that it wasn’t an accident, but murder. Emily offers to help her investigate.
Mixing real-life individuals like the Dickinson family with fictional characters such as Willa and Henry made this an engaging historical fiction story. Both Willa and Emily are well-developed characters. Willa has a tendency to sacrifice herself for family and duty and is compassionate, hard working, and loyal, but lacks self-confidence. Emily is curious, aloof, writes furiously, and is willing to use her family’s wealth and prestige to get what she wants. While Emily didn’t change much during the course of the novel, Willa was more dynamic and grew more confident as the story unfolded.
This historical mystery brings to life the conflicting sentiments that existed in America at the time. This included how people in different social classes were treated and viewed, the attitudes toward and expectations of women, and the need for some to carry papers everywhere they went to prove they were free. The novel seems to be well-researched including the travel to and experiences in Washington D.C. that felt right for the times.
There are a few plot twists, but I was able to discern the antagonist relatively early with the clues provided. Despite this, I enjoyed the story and felt transported to the mid 1800’s. Based on my limited knowledge of the poet Emily Dickinson, she seemed to be well portrayed in this fictional portrayal of an early period in her life. The story is moving and suspenseful at times, but the pace felt somewhat slow. Additional themes woven into the story include grief, protecting others, bullying, politics, greed, and family relationships.
Overall, this story is engaging, well-written, and well-researched. This book is somewhat darker than most of the cozy mysteries I have read by this author. Those that enjoy historical mysteries, amateur sleuths, or are interested in Emily Dickinson will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Amanda Flower 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 20, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------- My 3.55 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore is a reimagining of the witch Baba Yaga from Russian folk tales. Rather than a wicked witch whoThe Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore is a reimagining of the witch Baba Yaga from Russian folk tales. Rather than a wicked witch who stole children, readers meet a powerful healer and witch with vulnerabilities called Yaga. This retelling has a feminist slant to it. Other spirits and creatures from mythology and folk tales also play roles in this story set in Russia between 1560 and 1582. Yaga is a half-goddess possessing magic and living in a hut with chicken legs (Little Hen). With the hut and animals for company, she is lonely. Dyen, a wolf, and Noch, an owl, help her and communicate with her. Mortals seek her out only when they need healing.
Her old friend Anastasia, now married to Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich, visits Yaga, suffering from an unknown illness. Yaga realizes the fate of Russia is tied to Anastasia’s health and travels to Moscow to be with her. A volatile situation, an unknown antagonist, and the tsar being manipulated by one or more individuals are only the beginning of the problems.
The characterization was a mixed bag. Yaga didn’t seem to have the power, knowledge, and decision-making capability she should have had after living for centuries. Tsar Ivan the Terrible was well-done and brought chills to this reader.
The author weaves a story of light versus darkness that highlights Russian history, mythology, and folktales. The country seemed to come to life in this descriptive tale that has excellent world-building. However, the pacing was slow at times. Interspersed throughout the story are themes of power and ambition, expectations and rules for women, charity, hope, manipulation, mental health, blame, hatred, violence, murder, love, friendship, and family by choice as well as family by blood.
The narrative is rather straightforward and the plot didn’t have the twists and turns that I expected. However, the historical references to actual people and events added a significant layer of interest to the plot. The author’s note is especially helpful in getting insight into what the author wanted to accomplish as well as whether some events were real or fictional. There is also a glossary of key figures (historical, fairy tale, and mythological) as well as places that are key to the story. The historical content seemed well researched.
Overall, this was a violent and emotional story that kept me engaged. Those that enjoy reimagined folk tales and mythology may want to consider this book as their next read.
Berkley Publishing Group – Ace and Olesya Salnikova Gilmore 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 20, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------------------------------- My 3.21 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Paige Shelton brings atmosphere, mystery, and heart to Winter’s End, the fourth book in the Alaska Wild series set in fictional Benedict, Alaska. Paige Shelton brings atmosphere, mystery, and heart to Winter’s End, the fourth book in the Alaska Wild series set in fictional Benedict, Alaska. This well-written novel combines traditional police detective work and amateur sleuthing. Secrets, murder, and a horrific experience that continues to haunt and traumatize the main character make for a suspenseful and riveting read.
Beth Rivers, a successful thriller writer known as Elizabeth Fairchild is still hiding and recovering in Alaska while the Missouri police look for her stalker turned kidnapper. Only a few locals know Beth’s story including police chief Gril Samuels and his deputy Donner.
With winter ending and springtime approaching, it’s time for a local tradition, the annual Death Walk. All citizens gather at the community center and check their name off a list. If anyone is missing, groups are assigned to go to their homes and confirm whether they are still alive or have died during the winter. A couple, Warren, and Al are missing. Beth, her dog, Gus, and Orin, the librarian, drive and then hike to 94 year-old Al’s cabin. He is alive, but is in bad shape. Beth stays with him while Orin goes to get help. Gril and Donner arrive a few hours later, but Orin has disappeared. However, Al isn’t the only one to not show up at the community center. Are they alive or dead? Was it forgetfulness or something more sinister?
Beth’s character is well-developed. She continues to be a flawed protagonist who has shown some growth through making friends and learning to deal with her post traumatic stress disorder, but she still keeps secrets and finds it hard to trust people. However, readers will see this dynamic character change in attitude and outlook as she responds to events. Several of the secondary characters gained depth in this book as secrets are revealed. This is especially true of Orin and Viola, the owner of the house where Beth rents a room. There are a large number of characters in this story, but several of them were introduced in the earlier books so it felt like I was catching up with old friends.
The author does a great job of portraying the hardships and lack of amenities as well as the friendships, pace of life, the wonders, the loneliness, and the dangers of living in and around small town Alaska. I could easily visualize the town, the people, the road conditions, the weather, and the isolation.
This story hooked me immediately and built momentum leading to an action-filled conclusion. It’s suspenseful and there are twists and turns and surprises along the way in an intricate plot that kept me guessing. From the small town residents to the descriptions of Alaska to the various mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Several themes run through the tale including death, isolation, disappearances, secrets, dysfunctional families, feuds, and much more.
Overall, this enjoyable mystery was engaging, suspenseful, intriguing, and compulsively readable. The well-developed ideas with good pacing from scene to scene kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy well-written mysteries, then I recommend you check out this series. The books are best read in order, but there is enough background that this one could be read as a standalone. I’m looking forward to book five.
St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur Books and Paige Shelton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is set for December 6, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------- My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Lost Witch by Paige Crutcher combines paranormal romance and suspense with heartbreak, magic, and hope in an evocative good versus evil story The Lost Witch by Paige Crutcher combines paranormal romance and suspense with heartbreak, magic, and hope in an evocative good versus evil story line. While the first chapter takes place in 1922, the rest of the story occurs in 2022. Both timelines take place in Evermore on an island off the coast of Ireland.
Brigid Heron is a powerful witch and healer in Evermore in 1922. She longs for a child and allows herself to be seduced by Luc Knightly, head of the Knightly coven. However, when her child becomes ill, she is willing to do anything to heal her. In 2022, Evermore is under siege from the witches of Knight who have been using their chaos magic to bring creatures to the island to prey on the villagers. Brigid awakens in this new world with memory gaps of what happened and where she’s been. She must work with her descendants, Ophelia and Finola, to stop the witches of Knight.
Brigid, Ophelia, Finola, and Luc are well-defined characters with depth. Their personalities shine throughout the book. While Ophelia was somewhat serious, Finola provided some lightness and humor. Brigid and Luc show significant growth over the course of the novel. As Brigid tries to understand the repercussions from what occurred in 1922 and attempts to recover her memories, it was enjoyable to watch her personality take on added dimensions. The antagonist witches known as East, West, North, and South, keep the tension high and provide some surprises.
The author did a great job of transporting me to this community in both timelines. The imagery was extraordinary. However, the pacing in the middle section of the book was slow. I believe this was partially due to Brigid’s memory gaps. The readers were struggling along with her to determine what had happened. My other quibble is that there were times when the writing was more telling than showing. This also affected the novel’s pacing.
The author weaves a story of light versus darkness that highlights mythology, folktales, monsters, family, love, heartbreak, power, kindness, and helping others. The plot has some unexpected twists and the antagonist’s psychosis was memorable.
Overall, this was an entertaining story that kept me engaged. The rich storyline with its layered plot, several interesting characters, and plenty of action made this a pleasurable read. Those that enjoy good versus evil stories with some romance and action may want to consider this book as their next read.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Paige Crutcher 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 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------- My 3.26 rounded to 3 stars review will be coming soon....more
Author Mia P. Manansala has infused her latest book, Blackmail and Bibingka, with diverse characters, a death, an amateur sleuth, and some suspensAuthor Mia P. Manansala has infused her latest book, Blackmail and Bibingka, with diverse characters, a death, an amateur sleuth, and some suspense. There’s a focus on food, family, and friends. This cozy mystery features Lila Macapagal, owner of the Brew-ha Café with her friends and business partners Adeena Awan and Elena Torres. The story is set in Shady Palms, Illinois and takes place near Christmastime. It’s the third book in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series.
As the Brew-ha Café and the family restaurant, Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, prepare for the town’s winter bash as well as their own holiday celebrations, Lila’s cousin and Tita Rosie’s son, Ronnie, returns to town after 15 years. He and his business partners have bought the old Shady Grove Winery and plan to operate it. However, Ronnie has always meant trouble. When a death occurs and Ronnie is one of the murder suspects, Lila goes into sleuth mode for her family’s sake and starts investigating.
This novel contains characters with a variety of ethic and cultural backgrounds as well as those of different faiths. They have their flaws just as we do. Lila’s family comes from the Philippines so there are lots of Filipino foods and terms. A handy glossary is included at the beginning of the book so be sure to bookmark it. The characterization is well done. Readers get well-developed main and reoccurring characters as well as secondary and tertiary characters. If you enjoy cute dogs that like to dress up, then Longganisa (Nisa) and Poe will steal your heart.
This book has a solid plot with some twists and turns. This novel is creative and it will keep readers guessing. Family, friendship, family dynamics, starting over, lies, secrets, jealousy, romances, helping others, and food are at the heart of this story. While it’s descriptive, it doesn’t slow down the pace. There are references to previous cases that Lila has been involved in, but there aren’t any details so there didn’t seem to be any spoilers if one reads this book first. However, I recommend reading the series in order. My one quibble was that the final chapter was somewhat rushed and was more telling than showing.
Overall, this engaging mystery has great characterization as well as some intense moments that kept me turning the pages. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries with diverse characters, great food, and a subplot of budding romances will likely enjoy this book. At the end of the book are several recipes for items mentioned in the book. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Mia P. Manansala 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 October 4, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------------- My 3.93 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
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