Serpentine by Jonathan Kellerman brings murder and disappearances to the 36th book in the Alex Delaware series. It’s a combination of mystery and Serpentine by Jonathan Kellerman brings murder and disappearances to the 36th book in the Alex Delaware series. It’s a combination of mystery and suspense in a police procedural. The books are also very cerebral in nature.
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up again when Milo is given a 36-year old unsolved cold case, for which the original file is missing. Dorothy Swoboda was found in a burned out car and the coroner’s report showed she had also been shot. Ellie Barker, who made a fortune in exercise wear, is her daughter and was raised by her stepfather after Dorothy died. When attending a society function, she mentioned she wants to find out who killed her mother and soon a deputy chief of police is assigning it to Milo. But after 36 years, who is even still alive to be investigated? Where is the missing murder book? With no physical evidence, how can they solve the case?
Milo and Alex have been friends for years and while they often approach cases from different standpoints, their investigative and cognitive techniques gel as well as their dispositions, and they keep the cases fresh, entertaining and moving along. The way they bounce ideas off of each other feels natural. At this stage of the series, the main characters are well known to this reader and have depth. Some new secondary characters show up as well as some that have been in previous books to keep things interesting.
The writing style flowed well and I knew I was back with old friends. Kellerman’s writing is polished and appealing, doing a good job of transporting me to the Los Angeles area. Whether they are talking about or experiencing the traffic or food or the people, I was living the events with Milo and Alex. The story had several twists and there were a couple of surprises at the end. It was definitely not predictable to me. Will you be shocked by the culprit’s identity?
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Milo and Alex’s world and their latest case. It was an engaging read with a solid mystery to unravel.
I recommend it to those that enjoy the series and cerebral procedurals. I don’t recommend jumping into this series at number 36, though. Start earlier in the series to have the best reading experience. I have read over 20 books in the series and plan to read them all. They’re never disappointing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 2, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch brings murder, disappearances and some humor to a new cozy mystery series set in the Cornish town of Penstowan.Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch brings murder, disappearances and some humor to a new cozy mystery series set in the Cornish town of Penstowan. Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker has moved back to her home town after leaving the London police force. Her 12 year-old daughter Daisy wanted her to do something less dangerous so Jodie retrained as a caterer and is going to start Banquets and Bakes, her own catering company. What Jodie didn’t expect is that her first job would be catering the wedding of childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, Tony Penhaligon. When the bride-to-be disappeared the night before the wedding after a fight with Tony’s ex-wife, Jodie is drawn into the investigation.
Jodie’s sense of humor and warmth was a delight. She was a likeable and friendly character that I connected with quickly. Her interactions with DCI Withers varied from witty to serious and a little bit of everything in between. Is there a romance in Jodie’s future? The secondary characters were well developed for a first novel. Instead of quaint characters, there were realistic characters that added to the realism of the story. How much have your high school friends and neighbors changed?
The writing style was imaginative and flowed well. The author did a good job of transporting me to the Cornish countryside and its small towns. She did a great job of ‘showing’ versus ‘telling’ which made the novel more enjoyable. The story had several twists and there were a couple of surprises at the end. It was definitely not predictable. Additionally, having a sleuth that was not an amateur brought a depth to the novel that is often lacking in cozy mysteries.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Jodie’s world. It was a fun, appealing and entertaining read with a solid mystery to unravel and a fresh take on the protagonist. All of the major plot points were resolved satisfactorily, the atmosphere was just right, and there are some threads to be explored in future books.
This is the first book in the Nosey Parker cozy mystery series, and I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie. It even includes a recipe at the end of the book. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 15, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
What do you get when you mix a legal thriller with a medical thriller and add a bit of romance and subtle Christian overtones? You get a fantastic novWhat do you get when you mix a legal thriller with a medical thriller and add a bit of romance and subtle Christian overtones? You get a fantastic novel, LETHAL INTENT, by Cara C. Putman that is set in northern Virginia.
Caroline Bragg feels her life is moving forward as she and Brandon Lancaster transition from friendship to courtship. She has also just landed a new job as legal counsel for Praecursoria, a research lab that is on the cutting edge with genetic therapies for leukemia treatments for young children. Brandon operates a group foster home for sibling family groups waiting for adoption. One of those children has leukemia and is a candidate for an experimental trial with Praecursoria. Unfortunately, the laws governing group foster homes have recently changed and he may lose the group home he has worked so hard to build.
The characters came to life for me in this book. They were compelling, had great depth, and faced real-world situations that tugged at the heart strings. Caroline and Brandon’s backstories made them feel real and made their actions and dynamics believable. The stakes were high for so many in this novel that it was definitely a page turner. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster with the characters, experiencing highs and lows just as they did as events hurtled at them.
The writing style quickly pulled me into the novel and I connected with Caroline and Brandon as well as several other characters. The plot was suspenseful, but also heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and insightful at times. As the two story lines became entangled, it also showed the ethical dilemmas many face in the course of their lives. My only quibbles are that the antagonist was a little too easy to determine and I wish that there had been an epilogue that wrapped up a couple of items more cleanly.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading her Hidden Justice Series as well as her standalone novels. The author’s legal experience and her significant medical research into cutting edge scientific trials and FDA approval processes gave this book an authenticity and depth that many lack. It was also filled with lots of hope, warmth, love, friendship and romance against a backdrop of treachery, crimes, ethical dilemmas, arrogance, secrets and more. If you enjoy suspenseful legal and medical thrillers with a bit of romance, then I recommend that you check out this novel and see if you enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Cara C. Putman via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 12, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
BAIT AND WITCH by Angela M. Sanders brings corruption and magic to a new paranormal cozy mystery series set in Wilford, Oregon. A Victorian house BAIT AND WITCH by Angela M. Sanders brings corruption and magic to a new paranormal cozy mystery series set in Wilford, Oregon. A Victorian house that is the small town’s library is just the place for Josie Way to hide, or so she thinks.
Our protagonist, 25 year old Josie, arrives in town to be the new librarian. While working at the Library of Congress, she and a colleague overheard a conversation that deals with corruption. After they go to the FBI, her colleague disappears and Josie decides to get out of town until the trial. However, her hiding place isn’t as calm as she expected. The library is set to be torn down so that a retreat can be built. On top of that, Josie finds out she is descended from a long line of witches and her powers have suddenly been activated. The library books are actually talking to her. Finding a dead body the first night she arrives only adds to her terror. Will the crooks find her? What will happen to the library? Is Josie able to control her magic? How long will she spend in Wilfred? Who was killed on the library grounds and why?
The writing style felt warm and friendly. I was able to vividly see the picturesque library, the town, and the people of Wilford. I quickly related to Josie and wanted her to be safe and successful. Of course, things don’t always go smoothly, but I was rooting for her to win. The secondary characters were a mixed lot of the unusual as well as ever-day folks that you could meet in any small town. While their depth varied, it felt adequate for a first book in a series. Of the secondary characters, Rodney the cat stole the show.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Josie’s world. It was filled with the challenges of starting over against a backdrop of murder, corruption, secrets and more. This was a fun and entertaining read that I did not want to put down. I also enjoyed the way the historical aspects of the town and a possible romance were woven seamlessly into the story.
This is the first book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries series, and I highly recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. If you love share Josie’s and my love of books and libraries, this may be the next book for you. It was a fun, relaxing, and entertaining read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Josie.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books and Angela M. Sanders via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 29, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
A Question of Navigation by Kevin Hearne brings murder, kidnappings and suspense to a science fiction novella briefly set in Colorado and quickly moviA Question of Navigation by Kevin Hearne brings murder, kidnappings and suspense to a science fiction novella briefly set in Colorado and quickly moving to an alien spaceship.
Our protagonist, Clint Beecham and his friend Derek are hiking in a national park when they encounter two girls that appear to be less than ten years old and unaccompanied by adults. As they talk to Emily and Janelle, Clint tells them he is a physicist and Derek has an English graduate degree. The next thing Clint knows, he is paralyzed and Derek has been eaten by Janelle. Clint’s day only gets worse when he is taken to a shuttle and a needle renders him unconscious until he wakes up on a spaceship. The only upside is that he has been given clothing that says DO NOT EAT in the aliens’ language along with five other scientists who have also been ‘reserved’. Unfortunately there are 50,000 other humans are scheduled to be butchered and frozen as a food supply for the aliens on their voyage to their home world. Why have the scientists been reserved? What will they do? Are the 50,000 humans doomed? Are those on earth safe?
Clint and the other scientists are compelling characters and he and Ayesha, a biologist become the leaders of the reservists. Their goals were clear and even though this was a novella, Clint showed significant character growth. This story took action and anxiety to new heights alongside a large amount of fighting and gore. But it also showed how resilience, courage, personal sacrifice, hope and love can bring out abilities one never thought they had. While the novella is told in a first person point of view, it is vividly descriptive and thought provoking. This made it feel like I was experiencing the events along with Clint.
Overall, the darkness and intensity of this novel made it a true page-turner. The voice was unique and fresh and the story delivered on its premise. The ending was impactful and fitting to the storyline but left a couple of threads open so there could be a follow-up novel. Will there be? I hope so. It was certainly thought-provoking.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Subterranean Press and Kevin Hearne via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 31, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
HOPE, FAITH, AND A CORPSE by Laura Jensen Walker brings murder to a new cozy mystery series set in Apple Springs, California. This is a story that briHOPE, FAITH, AND A CORPSE by Laura Jensen Walker brings murder to a new cozy mystery series set in Apple Springs, California. This is a story that brings warmth and humor while tackling serious situations, examining prejudicial attitudes and focusing on a unique amateur sleuth. It was one of the most enjoyable cozy mysteries that I have ever read.
Our protagonist, 42 year old Hope Taylor, arrives in Apple Springs to start as the first female pastor of Faith Chapel Episcopal Church. While searching for the rector and her new boss, Father Christopher, she enters the columbarium and nearly trips over church elder Stanley King. When kneeling to check on him, she happens to pick up an urn that has blood on it. When Father Christopher and two of the women of the church enter, one of them accuses Hope of murder. What a dreadful first day on the job! To clear her name, she focuses on her inner Trixie Belden while taking on her new duties at Faith Chapel. But will the community give her a chance? Many are not open to changes and focus on long-held prejudices against women in church leadership.
The descriptive writing made the cottages, bungalows, shops and people of Apple Springs come to life. I felt like I was visiting the town and trying to help Hope. Her quirky sense of humor is not always obvious to others and this actually makes her more relatable. The secondary characters were a mixed bag with varying levels and depth that worked great for a first novel in a series. There were enough challenges and adventures with secondary characters to keep the situation lively while Hope moved forward with solving the murder. Sister-in-law Virginia’s visit and phone calls added snarkiness in addition to some much needed support for Hope. Bogie, Hope’s Labrador, provided moments of humor as well as adding another dimension to Hope’s life. The story had plenty of suspects and twists along with a fast-paced plot.
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Hope’s world. It was filled with lots of humor, but also kindness, friendship, hope and the challenges of starting over against a backdrop of murder, arrogance, lies, secrets and more. This was a fun and entertaining read that I did not want to put down.
This is the first book in the Faith Chapel Mystery series, and I highly recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. Additionally, if you love share Hope’s love of classic movies, this may be the next book for you. It was a fun, relaxing, and entertaining read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Hope, Father Christopher and the other residents of Apple Springs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Laura Jensen Walker via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 12, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS by Elly Griffiths combines death and authors within a novel that is a police procedural and almost a cozy mystery hybrid seTHE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS by Elly Griffiths combines death and authors within a novel that is a police procedural and almost a cozy mystery hybrid set in England and Scotland. The death of ninety-year-old Peggy Smith seems to be one of natural causes, but is it? One of her caretakers, Natalka Kolisnyk, thinks it is murder. While helping to clear out Peggy’s apartment, she notices the large number of murder mysteries; many of which have mentioned Peggy in their acknowledgement section. Detective Sergeant (DS) Harbinder Kaur doesn’t see anything out of the ordinary initially, but is willing to listen to Natalka. When a gunman breaks into Peggy’s apartment and steals a book, the situation rapidly changes and escalates.
Natalka and friends Benedict Cole and Edwin Fitzgerald decide they have to help Harbinder solve the case and take on the roles of amateur sleuths. DS Kaur seems to interact with the amateurs a little too freely, but it made for an enjoyable read. The characters of Harbinder and Natalka are well developed and showed growth. The supporting characters of Cole and Fitzgerald were not quite as well developed, but were adequate for their role. I felt that Harbinder’s partner, DS Neil Winston took too much of a backseat to be realistic.
The book changes point of view frequently, but the chapters are labeled with the character’s name and it is never confusing. The author did a great job of world-building. A strong sense of place made me feel like I was transported to Shoreham-by-Sea and Aberdeen. The plot is somewhat intricate with several subplots. There are lots of twists and turns and a few surprises along the way. The author’s sense of humor came through in the dialogue. Several themes are woven into the novel including death, murder, loneliness, elder care, religion, cultural differences, racism, and much more. Additionally, it also deals with books, authors, agents and publishers.
Overall, it was an entertaining book that approached an investigation with a serious, hardworking, and kind investigator that was willing to listen to some quirky amateur detectives. This is the second book in the Harbinder Kaur mystery series, and I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun read and I am looking forward to the next book featuring Harbinder as well as other series by this author. This is the first book that I have read by Elly Griffiths, but it won’t be the last.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March 2, 2021....more
I have seen QUIET IN HER BONES by Nalini Singh referred to as a crime thriller, a domestic thriller and a psychological thriller. I believe it is I have seen QUIET IN HER BONES by Nalini Singh referred to as a crime thriller, a domestic thriller and a psychological thriller. I believe it is all of these. Add in a fantastic first two sentences in the novel and a setting in New Zealand and I was immediately hooked. Aarav Rai’s mother Nina disappeared 10 years ago when he was 16. Most thought she was just another wife tired of her wealthy husband. But not Aarav. Now her bones and car have turned up in a nearby forest. Was it an accident or murder or something else entirely?
Aarav is a successful author that never believed his mother would leave him behind if she was truly leaving her husband. He is also a very unreliable narrator who has been in a recent car accident. He’s having memory problems and is seeing a therapist, or is he? He’s definitely a memorable character that I will not soon forget. Since the book is from his point of view, what can the reader believe? What is real? Can he determine what really happened to his mother the night she disappeared? His father certainly doesn’t seem eager to find answers.
As we meet the secondary characters, nearly everyone seems to have a secret and most have a motive to kill Nina. Can Aarav trust anyone other than his half-sister? Their relationship feels like it is the only healthy one in the book. In this book nearly everyone has flaws and very few have virtues that are shown.
The writing gave me a strong sense of the neighborhood where Aarav grew up; which is where he is recovering from his accident. What is really going on in the neighborhood? There are a lot of secrets. While I guessed some of them, others were a surprise. This elite neighborhood is not as ideal and faultless as the residents would have you believe.
As the story line develops, several themes are apparent, including secrets, memory loss, infidelity, love, childhood traumas, unhealthy relationships, alcohol problems, and much more. The introduction of some Hindi words and cultural aspects added to the realism in the book. Overall, this novel was unsettling and a bit creepy, but also gripping, entertaining and a bit over-the-top. However, it kept me fully engaged. What a dramatic conclusion! The epilogue wrapped up the loose ends and subplots nicely. While this is the first book that I have read by this author, it won’t be the last.
Berkley Publishing Group and Nalini Singh 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 February 23, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
BREATHE YOUR LAST by Lisa Regan brings mystery and suspense to a well-written and dramatic police procedural and crime thriller set in Denton, PennsylBREATHE YOUR LAST by Lisa Regan brings mystery and suspense to a well-written and dramatic police procedural and crime thriller set in Denton, Pennsylvania. This is the tenth book in the Detective Josie Quinn series and the second book that I have read by this author.
Josie doesn’t expect to be doing CPR on a star athlete when she meets her brother before his first class. How does a champion swimmer drown accidentally? Once again, Josie and her boyfriend, Lieutenant Noah Fraley, and many others from the Denton police force face a case with few clues. As additional odd events occur, the team is working long hours and getting little sleep. While trying to make sense of what is happening, they wonder if there is a pattern or link that they are missing. Josie and Noah are compelling characters you can root for. They felt real and three-dimensional and definitely had both flaws and virtues. Like many people they often struggle with work-life balance, jealousy and communication issues. Their motivations were believable and the secondary characters were well-rounded and contributed to the story rather than detracting from it. Having characters from Josie’s private life woven into the story made her feel more realistic and believable. This story managed to showcase the emotional landscape of several characters, bringing them to life to this reader.
The plot was suspenseful, fresh, complex and entertaining. The conflicts were both internal and external, arising from characterization and circumstance. There were plenty of plot twists and turns with several surprises. There was a fast pace from scene to scene and the subplots tied together well. The tension, stakes and action built up to an exciting and pulse-quickening dramatic ending. While the romantic relationship between Josie and Noah was interspersed into the plot, it did not detract from the story line.
Once again, this author has brought mystery, family dynamics, mental illness and much more to life in a page turner that kept me engaged throughout. Her ability to bring fresh approaches to an established genre and series are fantastic.
Overall, this was a dramatic crime thriller that hooked me with the first sentence and didn’t let go until it was finished. It’s the second book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend it to those that enjoy crime thrillers or police procedurals. While not absolutely necessary, I would recommend reading the series in order to gain more insight into the characters and their backgrounds.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture and Lisa Regan via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 9, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
PRICELESS by Catherine Stein brings independent and somewhat unusual characters as well as humor to a steampunk environment and tackles some serious iPRICELESS by Catherine Stein brings independent and somewhat unusual characters as well as humor to a steampunk environment and tackles some serious issues at the same time. It is the second book in the Sass and Steam series and is largely set in Paris, France. So this is both a steampunk mystery as well as a romance. However, it is much more than what it appears to be on the surface.
Our protagonists, Evan Tagget and Violet Dayton, appear to be very different characters and totally unsuited to each other. Evan was raised in a factory in New York City, but had a knack for inventions. He is now a multi-millionaire, lives in Paris, and runs a global business empire with an emphasis on telecommunication devices, mechanical dragons and clockwork gadgets. Violet makes a living painting forgeries as well as her own paintings and saving her commissions to host a Paris art exhibition. She wants to display her works as well as those of her friends. When a corrupt police inspector coerces Violet into tracking down a master art thief in Europe, she teams up with Evan to help her.
Evan and Violet are both far from perfect, but as a reader, I definitely rooted for their success. I got to know their fears, hopes and obsessions and got a good understanding of why they both have trust issues. The secondary characters are well-rounded and enhance the story with believable relationships that are not contrived.
The author did a great job of creating a strong sense of time and place. I felt like I was living the events alongside the characters. There were a couple of twists in the book that caught me by surprise. The writing was entertaining, witty and poignant at times. I was emotionally involved with the characters as well as the story.
Overall, this an engrossing, fascinating and engaging novel that pulled me in immediately. In addition to the mystery and romance, this novel tackles some tough issues. These include trust, love, friendship, family relationships, support of charities, social standing, fighting ignorance and hatred and much more.
If you enjoy steampunk romantic suspense, then this may be the next series for you. It worked well as a standalone novel, but I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series.
Thanks to BookBuzz.net and Catherine Stein for a 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 20, 2020....more
Absence of Alice by Sherry Harris brings murder, mystery and suspense to a cozy mystery set in Ellington, Massachusetts. This is the ninth book in theAbsence of Alice by Sherry Harris brings murder, mystery and suspense to a cozy mystery set in Ellington, Massachusetts. This is the ninth book in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series.
Our protagonist, Sarah started a business two years ago organizing on site and online garage sales. Her latest client, Alice Krandle, is sure she can make a lot of money from the antiques and art work that she owns. Meanwhile, Sarah’s landlady and friend, Stella is kidnapped. Unfortunately, the kidnapper has decided to make life difficult for Sarah as well. He contacts Sarah with a list of rules including “Don’t call the police” as well as having her run all other town doing tasks. Sarah can’t get questions out of her mind. Who has kidnapped Stella? Why are they contacting Sarah? Should she abide by the rules? Will Stella be rescued? Is Sarah’s life also in danger? While she jumps to meet the kidnapper’s demands, Sarah is having to continue to work with clients on their garage sales as well as her own upcoming anniversary garage sale on the town common.
This novel continues to feature many of the reoccurring characters that are Sarah’s friends that I have come to know and enjoy spending time with as well as a few new characters to bring variety and twists to the story. Sarah’s growth over the course of the series is clearly demonstrated as well as how she interacts with and feels about the other characters.
This story brought more suspense and anxiety to the table than previous novels and is therefore somewhat darker. However, it is still a cozy mystery without the gory details being explicitly shown. Sarah’s emotional state and her ability to “think on her feet” play a large role in this novel. So does her resilience, courage, hope and love. There was a fast pace from scene to scene and the subplots tied together well. The tension, stakes and action built up to an exciting ending. Themes include murder, kidnapping, friendship, relationships and trust.
Overall, this was an intense cozy mystery that quickly drew me into Sarah’s world. I felt like I was trying to help her find Stella and identify the kidnapper. It’s the seventh book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. This can be read as a standalone novel, but I would recommend reading the series in order to gain more insight into the characters and their backgrounds.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books and Sherry Harris via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 29, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
COURAGE UNDER FIRE by Lindsay McKenna is the second book in the Silver Creek contemporary romantic suspense series. The protagonists are Carissa (COURAGE UNDER FIRE by Lindsay McKenna is the second book in the Silver Creek contemporary romantic suspense series. The protagonists are Carissa (Cari) Taylor and Chase Bishop. Cari has her own beekeeping consulting business in California and loves it. However, when she gets a call from the county sheriff, her life is about to change. Her stepbrother, who has vowed to kill her, has escaped from prison. Luckily, Cari lands a job on a large range in Silver Creek, Wyoming. Ex-Marine Corp sniper, Chase Bishop runs the 80,000 acre family ranch. He is trying to add organic honey production to the ranch’s diverse operations. When his initial beekeeper suddenly leaves, he hires Cari.
Both Cari and Chase are likeable characters with a lot of chemistry. They have similar values but have approached life very differently. Cari is strong, intelligent and believes in herself. She is used to working in a field that is dominated by men. Chase shows respect for others and treats women as equals. He is diversifying the ranch by including honeybees for honey, a raptor rehabilitation center, organic vegetables and much more. The secondary characters played a background role and weren’t as well developed. However, they may show up in future books in the series.
The writing and discussions gave me a strong sense of the Three Bars Ranch and the people of Silver Creek. While the dialogue felt natural, there was some repetitiveness in some areas; especially around Chase’s attitudes and treatment of women. While it was important to the story to acknowledge this, it seemed to be repeated a little too often.
This book has a lot of details in it on topics as diverse as beekeeping, raptor rehabilitation and military sniping. I felt this added depth and made the book more realistic. Additionally, I learned a lot while reading the novel. While it may have been a little over the top in some respects, it left me feeling good that people are finding innovative ways to save family ranches.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was an entertaining book that was emotionally intense at times. The author did a good job of meshing the romance and the suspense without either suffering. If you are a fan of contemporary romantic suspense without instant love, then you may want to check out this series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Kensington Books – Zebra and Lindsay McKenna 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 February 23, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
CROSS WAVES by Amanda Uhl is the second book in the Mind Hackers paranormal romantic suspense series. Geneva Erickson and Rolf Jorgensen are strong anCROSS WAVES by Amanda Uhl is the second book in the Mind Hackers paranormal romantic suspense series. Geneva Erickson and Rolf Jorgensen are strong and capable protagonists in this series set mostly in Cleveland, Ohio with forays into Chicago, Illinois and various locations in Arizona. Geneva has a psychic talent that is off the charts and capable of killing others. Rolfe is a psychic hacker with a deadly secret. Can these co-workers learn to work together when Rolf’s sister Julia goes missing? Can they even trust each other? Who is the kidnapper and how did he or she know that Julia was in Arizona?
Geneva and Rolfe are compelling characters and definitely individuals that you can root for. They felt three-dimensional and did distinct flaws that made them feel relatable. Their motivations seemed believable and were well-drawn. Despite their lack of depth, the secondary characters enhanced the story. The dynamic personalities meshed well within the context of the story line. The book’s premise brought a fresh perspective to the paranormal elements. The world-building was clear. The plot has lots of twists and turns, the stakes were high, and the action was fast-paced making this a page-turner. Themes included childhood tragedies, relationships, friendships, kidnapping, murder, family dynamics, love, secrets, lies and much more.
Overall, this was suspenseful and entertaining read with great characters, lots of action, and a powerful ending. If you enjoy well-written paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend checking out the series. This was the first book that I have read by this author, but I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thanks to Backlit PR and Amanda Uhl provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was October 19, 2020....more
BIG KIBBLE by Shawn Buckley and Dr. Oscar Chavez is a non-fiction book that explores the pet food industry and offers their recommendations for improvBIG KIBBLE by Shawn Buckley and Dr. Oscar Chavez is a non-fiction book that explores the pet food industry and offers their recommendations for improvements that should be made. Do you know what is in your pet’s food? How is it made? What does “premium” really mean?
This was a thought-provoking book that talks about the history of the pet food industry, the process used for making that food, what goes in that food, the lack of proper regulations, and seems to posit that much of the commercial pet food on the market is not adequate for a healthy pet.
The book is focused on dogs and recommends food for them that is made from human grade ingredients like they sell through their company JustFoodForDogs. There are also a few other niche suppliers that use these ingredients. They even provide some recipes at the end of the book to make your own dog food. One thing that was an important distinction in pet food that the authors emphasized is that pet food is regulated as “feed” not “food”. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) shapes feed laws and regulations. While states set their own rules, they need consistency since this trade crosses state boundaries. Dog feed has been classified as feed versus food since its origins. The FDA has a memorandum of understanding with the AAFCO which is not a governmental agency.
I found that the book was somewhat repetitive with some of the early text repeated near the end. However, there were also stories that were heart-wrenching, heart-warming and gave this reader insights into many of the medical challenges dogs can face. The authors also give recommendations for improvements within the pet food industry. The book is easy to read for a lay person and doesn’t require one to be a veterinarian to understand it.
Overall, it was a book that I am glad I read. It seemed one-sided to me, but perhaps for a good reason. If you are a dog parent, this will be a thought-provoking and potentially shocking read.
St. Martin’s Press and the authors 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 December 1, 2020. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Review to be posted around November 1, 2020...more
WOLF UNTAMED by Paige Tyler is the eleventh book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series and is set in contemporary tWOLF UNTAMED by Paige Tyler is the eleventh book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series and is set in contemporary times in Dallas, Texas.
Officer Diego Martinez and his fellow SWAT team members are at another crime scene. When he meets newly turned werewolf Brandon Harlow and the teenager’s mother, Bree, life gets interesting. As the SWAT team’s big case converges with Bree’s case as an insurance investigator, the danger and action ramps up quickly. Diego and Bree are fantastic characters. While Diego is an alpha and protective, Bree is a strong female protagonist. They balance each other well. There is an immediate attraction, but the first steamy scene isn’t until about 60 percent of the way through the book. Not only does this allow Diego and Bree to get to know each other, but the reader also gets insights into their strengths and flaws. Besides Diego and Bree being compelling characters that felt three-dimensional, Brandon shows significant growth during the course of the book. The secondary characters were well-rounded and the antagonist was well-drawn. The prologue gives some background on Diego. I wish this had somehow been incorporated into the main part of the book rather than being a flashback in time.
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.
This is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their cases progressed and became ever more dangerous. It held my attention fully and contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. This is definitely a book that delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance and love while also tackling serious issues including anger, stressful situations, crime sprees, suicide and changes in life, family relationships, drugs and selfless sacrifice for others.
Overall, it was suspenseful, full of danger, and heartwarming. This combination kept me fully engaged and 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 WOLF UNTAMED can be read as a standalone. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
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 November 24, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
THE GARDEN OF PROMISES AND LIES by Paula Brackston is a well-written and entertaining mix of historical fiction, fantasy, time travel and suspense. ItTHE GARDEN OF PROMISES AND LIES by Paula Brackston is a well-written and entertaining mix of historical fiction, fantasy, time travel and suspense. It is the third book in the Found Things series and readers will benefit from reading the series in order as there are references to events in previous books. The novel is set in and around Marlborough, a market town in the English county of Wiltshire in a mix of contemporary times and 1815.
Our protagonist, Xanthe, and her mother Flora live in Marlborough above their antique store, The Little Shop of Found Things. Xanthe has found that she can time travel to address injustices, an ability known to a few as Spinning. Also, objects sing and whisper to her. When Benedict Fairfax shows up in contemporary times coerces Xanthe’s assistance and an antique wedding dress calls to her at an auction, she knows that the two are somehow connected and she will once again be time traveling. But how will she determine what the dress needs her to do? Will the Spinner notebook she discovered provide the necessary information and will she be able to interpret it accurately? Who can she trust in the past?
Xanthe has gained some confidence in herself and her ability to understand what the found objects need her to do. However, she is still learning what it means to be able to travel to other times and places. Fairfax is well-portrayed as her nemesis and his motivations are personal to his history and upbringing. Secondary characters provide the emotional support that Xanthe needs at this juncture of her understanding of Spinning. They also bring realism to life through their quirkiness, hobbies and personalities.
Paula Brackston does a great job in giving the reader a sense of both time and place, and her descriptions help the reader to travel with Xanthe. The story has history, mystery, suspense, danger, deceit, uncertainty, secrets, a villain, hope, friendship, duty to family and much more.
Despite a somewhat slow start, overall, this is a steadily paced novel that brings history to life with an entertaining story that is both suspenseful, dramatic and emotional. Be prepared for the imagery to engage your visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory senses. While the climax was not a total surprise, the cliffhanger ending left me wanting more.
Readers that enjoy time travel mixed with suspense and history should enjoy this novel. I look forward to reading more books by Paula Brackston.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Paula Brackston for a 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 15, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
The Keepers by Jeffrey B. Burton is the second book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. Sometimes second books in a series can be a let-down, but thaThe Keepers by Jeffrey B. Burton is the second book in the Mace Reid K-9 Mystery series. Sometimes second books in a series can be a let-down, but that is not the case here. Burton has increased the potency in this novel and managed to seamlessly combine an amateur sleuth mystery with a police procedural that also highlights relationships between dogs and people.
Mason (Mace) Reid lives outside of Chicago and trains dogs with various end goals such as obedience and missing persons tracking, as well as searching for drugs and explosives. However, his specialty is training dogs in human remains detection (HRD or cadaver dogs). He is often called in to help the Chicago Police Department and local sheriff’s departments. Little did he know that when he and his golden retriever, Vira, are called in to search Washington Park that their lives are about to change. Vira seems to have an uncanny ability that borders on the paranormal in her ability to locate not just the dead bodies, but also their murderers.
Mace is a compelling and well-developed character with flaws that have led to a divorce and a job change. It was great to see some of the secondary characters show up again in this book and gain some depth. Additionally, the canines have been well-developed and their personalities came through as the story progress. They aren’t just an afterthought, but play important roles in the series. It was also great to see the relationship between Mace and Kippy develop.
The writing style is engaging, but also has an intensity to it that kept me turning the pages. At the same time, there were moments of humor that elevated the book and made Mace and his dogs come to life for me. This story is complicated and has multiple subplots, but it’s never confusing. The overall plot was clever and kept me engrossed in the tale. Its twists and turns led to a dramatic conclusion. Like in book one, the bonds between Mace and his five dogs are the highlights of the book. Themes include murder, corruption, trust, and relationships between dogs and people as well as between people.
Overall, this was an entertaining novel and a great addition to the series. I look forward to the next book and I want to read this author’s FBI Special Agent Drew Cady mystery series starting with The Chessman. If you enjoy books where special animals play a role in a mixed genre novel, then this may be the next series for you.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Jeffrey B. Burton for an 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 June 29, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
ALL THE COLORS OF NIGHT by Jayne Ann Krentz is the second book in the Fogg Lake paranormal romantic suspense series and is set in contemporary times iALL THE COLORS OF NIGHT by Jayne Ann Krentz is the second book in the Fogg Lake paranormal romantic suspense series and is set in contemporary times in Washington state and Las Vegas, Nevada. What a fantastic read! I was hooked with the first sentence. Sierra Raines was falsely accused of a con when working for a big auction house. Now she functions as a go-between by finding and transporting objects with a psychic provenance. North Chastain has a paranormal ability to track down dangerous psychic criminals. When North’s father ends up in a coma, North hires Sierra to help him track down an artifact that might save his father. What caused the coma? Does an artifact exist that can save him? Will North and Sierra be able to work together? What will they find when they investigate the dark side of the paranormal world?
Sierra and North are fantastic, but flawed protagonists. Both are smart and have past histories that haunt them. Krentz does a great job of making them multidimensional showing change and growth as the novel progresses. This is a case where the protagonists balance each other well. The secondary characters play a definite backseat role in this book, but they enhanced the story without overwhelming it.
The world-building was clear and intricate; smoothly adding paranormal aspects to contemporary times. The plot was complex with lots of twists and turns and the stakes were high. The tension and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me.
This is a riveting story with protagonists that I could relate to, like, and cheer on as their escapades became ever more dangerous. Surprises along the way kept me guessing what would be uncovered in their journey together. Several themes run through the tale including family relationships and history, ethics, romance, murder, trust, mental health and much more.
Overall, it was an exciting, suspenseful, fast-paced and unique story that I did not want to put down. The combination of action, suspense, danger, intrigue, chemistry, romance and more kept me fully engaged. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong, intelligent and loyal, and the action had my heart racing. It does leave one subplot point unresolved which could be a thread in book three of the series. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I highly recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that ALL THE COLORS OF NIGHT can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in order. I’m looking forward to book three.
Berkley Publishing Group provided a complimentary 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 January 5, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
THE VANISHING AT LOXBY MANOR by Abigail Wilson brings Regency romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense to life in her newest historical romantic suspenTHE VANISHING AT LOXBY MANOR by Abigail Wilson brings Regency romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense to life in her newest historical romantic suspense novel, set in 1816 in Kent England in the village of East Whitloe.
After five years, our protagonist, Charity Halliwell, returns to Loxby Manor, the home of friends and her only love, Piers Cavanagh. When her friend, Seline, disappears the night Charity arrives, Charity is determined to find her. Can she rebuild her friendship with Piers and rely on Piers, who has been branded a coward and been living as an outcast for the last five years? Every person Charity meets seems to have a secret, but they’re not the only ones. She also has a secret that has fundamentally changed how she approaches life. Questions abound in this story. Where is Seline? What are the secrets of the Cavanaghs and their neighbors? What is Charity’s secret? Why did Piers become an outcast and live in a cottage in Liverpool?
Once again, this author drew me into the book quickly. The characters were compelling, led by strong and capable Charity. Despite her secrets, she came across as intelligent and resilient, but with some trust issues. The secondary characters had a variety of attributes, qualities and flaws that were realistic. This story managed to showcase the emotional landscape of several characters, bringing them to life to this reader. The plot was suspenseful, fresh, complex and entertaining. The conflicts were both internal and external, arising from characterization and circumstance. There were plenty of plot twists and turns with a couple of them being a complete surprise. The tension, stakes and action in the last third of the book also turned this into a page-turner after a somewhat slow start. What an exciting and dramatic ending!
Once again, this author has brought mystery, romance, disappearances, family dynamics, secrets and much more come to life in a delightful novel. Her attention to detail made me feel like I was actually living in 1816 with Charity and Piers. At various times, it was poignant, heartbreaking and uplifting. The accurate and specific cultural aspects created an authenticity that one does not always find in novels.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and fabulous read. This is the second book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend it to those that enjoy historical romantic suspense and historical mystery novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Abigail Wilson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 26, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
THE ESCAPE by Lisa Harris is the first book in the US Marshall series. It is a Christian action adventure suspense novel that moves quickly between thTHE ESCAPE by Lisa Harris is the first book in the US Marshall series. It is a Christian action adventure suspense novel that moves quickly between the states of Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Texas. Two US Marshalls are assigned to a prisoner transport from Seattle to Denver when their plane crashes. What follows is a week of non-stop suspense, stress, and action. Madison James and Jonas Quinn are the protagonists in this novel. Both are US Marshalls and the point of view switches seamlessly back and forth between them. They are easy to like and root for, and were credible and relatable. The author does a good job of giving them depth including flaws and virtues. While Madison was a strong protagonist in a lot of ways, there were occasions when I felt she should have been portrayed more strongly and less in need of help. The secondary characters are not as well-developed in this first novel, but they enhanced the story. Hopefully, some of them will get more depth in the next book in the series. The world-building was great and ranged from rugged and remote backcountry to busy airports. The internal and external conflicts were well defined and were organic and believable; arising out of characterization and circumstance rather than feeling forced or contrived.
I also learned about the US Marshall Service and their fugitive investigations and how they work with other law enforcement agencies. The author weaved this into the story line without detracting from the flow and action.
Overall, this was an action-packed and entertaining novel with the hint of a future romance that kept me fully engaged. The story was compelling and a great start to a new series. I highly recommend this to those that enjoy action-packed suspense stories. The expected publication date is November 3, 2020. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Revell and Lisa Harris 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....more
Loading...
