The Clinic by Cate Quinn is a psychological thriller that tackles tough issues along with a mystery. Meg works for a Los Angeles casino catching cThe Clinic by Cate Quinn is a psychological thriller that tackles tough issues along with a mystery. Meg works for a Los Angeles casino catching cheaters. However, after an injured shoulder during a frightening event last year, she is now hooked on pain pills and drinking too much alcohol. Her sister Haley enters a remote rehab clinic on the coast of Oregon and reports say she has died there. Meg decides to go undercover and checks herself into the facility so she can investigate what really happened. With her own addictions, learning the truth isn’t straightforward.
Meg believes emotions cloud your judgment. She doesn’t have a frame of reference for normal so she looks to others for clues on how to act normal. Childhood trauma and nightmares have affected her as well. She often uses humor to divert attention and is impulsive and guarded. She isn’t tactful and gets angry easily, but she’s a fantastic poker player. Cara is the administrative manager at the clinic. She’s organized, uptight, rule-oriented, and doesn’t trust others. Max is the psychologist for the clients. He has a calming and reassuring effect on others. He seems stern and somewhat aloof, but committed to his patients. Dr. Lutz owns the clinic, is unorthodox, is the clinical manager, and he has a derogatory attitude toward the local police.
This story switches points of view between Meg and Cara. There are only a few clients so the character list is manageable and readers get a feel for each. The author does a great job of bringing the main and secondary characters to life. Relationships, childhood trauma, betrayal, lies, power, money, addiction, mental health, paranoia, and the manipulation of others play varying roles in the story. The world-building was fantastic giving readers the ability to easily visualize the people and places in the novel, with the clinic almost being another character itself.
The story grabbed my attention immediately and didn’t let up as I rapidly turned the pages. The plot is twisty and riveting and there is a feeling of deep anxiety. I felt concerned for Meg as she tries to make sense of what has happened and what is happening to her. There are some exciting and frightening scenes that have a terrifying realism to them. Both the inner and outer conflicts faced by Meg move the story forward and through some unexpected turns.
Overall, this engrossing and unsettling thriller has great characterization and world-building and pulls on the heart strings. I’m looking forward to reading my next book by this author.
SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and Cate Quinn provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------- My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Christine Feehan returns with another thrilling book in the paranormal romance and supernatural suspense Leopard series. Gorya Amurov is known as his Christine Feehan returns with another thrilling book in the paranormal romance and supernatural suspense Leopard series. Gorya Amurov is known as his family’s peacekeeper, but he and his leopard are barely under control. His harsh life has molded him into a savage fighter with a calm exterior which is what others see. He believes he would be better off dead. Maya Averina had a cruel childhood and has been years hunting and killing the criminals who destroyed her life. She keeps to herself and has never lost focus until now. An ambush takes her by surprise and now she’s a prisoner about to be sold to the highest bidder. She’s ready to fight her way out until a man arrives to set her free. They’re also both Amur leopard shifters.
As always, Feehan does an incredible job of bringing the main and secondary characters to life. Both Gorya and Maya are elite shifters with abilities beyond that of most others. They’re faster, stronger, move more stealthily, and have other unique abilities. Gorya’s leopard, Slayer, is a killer and difficult to control. Maya’s leopard is Wraith. She has protected Maya since Maya was a toddler. Gorya seems gentle and considerate when compared to his cousins. He sooths explosive situations and then fades into the background. Many consider him weak. He has recently taken over the lair in the Atchafalaya River Basin in Louisiana and many challenges are expected. 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; especially Gedeon and Meiling. What a job interview they had!
While most of the novel takes place in Louisiana, there are also scenes in San Antonio and Houston, Texas as well as Russia and Panama. The world-building but good but not quite as great as the last book in the series where it was 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 including a surprise near the ending. The author balances the violent aspects of the novel with the intrigue, romance, suspense, work relationships, and the mending of two broken individuals. This novel features cruelty, power, death, greed, human trafficking, ill treatment of women and children, trust, friendship, acceptance, relationships, and much more. There is one long spicy and steamy scene.
Overall, this action-packed paranormal romantic suspense story has great characterization and pulls on the heart strings. It looks at a variety of types of relationships. Those who enjoy steamy and action-packed paranormal romantic suspense novels with compelling characters will likely enjoy this series. I have read more than seventy books by this author across multiple series. This one has the right mix of romance, tension, action, and a 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 opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 20, 2023. ----------------------------------------- My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Deceiving Look by Victor Methos is well-plotted, twisty, and filled with characters that felt real and emotionally rich. This crime and legal The Deceiving Look by Victor Methos is well-plotted, twisty, and filled with characters that felt real and emotionally rich. This crime and legal thriller is the third novel in the Shepard and Gray series and features Solomon Shepard and Billie Gray. In this novel, Billie asks Solomon for help investigating the death of a local criminal defense attorney who is the former mayor of Tooele, Utah. The death looks like murder to Billie, but is it?
Solomon is on indefinite leave from the county attorney’s office after being attacked in a courtroom. He has isolated himself from others and suffers from anxiety, but he can’t say no to Billie. Billie is the local sheriff. She’s efficient, charismatic, confident, and gets things done. However, not all deputies and detectives view her as a strong leader.
The backstories of the two main characters as well as a couple of others give readers additional insight into their behaviors and actions. Even though it is the first book in the series that I have read, there was enough background for it to work as a fantastic standalone read. However, I believe I would have enjoyed it even more if I had already read the first two books.
This novel is impeccably written with engaging characters and a deeply involved plot. While the story is very character driven, the author does a great job of building momentum and suspense until it culminates in a disconcerting conclusion. This unsettling thriller has some graphic scenes and some twists that keep you hooked. Trying to understand the fallout from events kept me turning the pages rapidly. Relationships with colleagues, friends, family, and others help drive the narrative.
The author did a great job of balancing the shocking scenes in the novel against the suspense and mystery aspects. Gripping scenes and a well-crafted and riveting plot hooked me from the very beginning. The dynamic plot came alive with the well-defined characters and the significant amount of conflict. Hints and clues are dropped, but it took me a long while to guess who the antagonist was. What a shock! There are also a few sub-plots that add layers to the story. Themes include relationships, mental health, power, death, and much more.
Overall, this tense, suspenseful, and tragic novel gripped me from the beginning. The author brings strong characters, a great plot, and fascinating relationships to the novel. I can’t wait to read what the author writes next.
Thomas & Mercer and Victor Methos provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 9, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 4.02 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Northwoods by Amy Pease combines a crime thriller with a police procedural and a story of the personal struggles of the main character Eli North. Northwoods by Amy Pease combines a crime thriller with a police procedural and a story of the personal struggles of the main character Eli North. This gripping and suspenseful novel pulls at the heart strings as it takes readers to the events occurring in Shaky Lake, Wisconsin. Eli is working as a deputy, but the only reason he has the job is that his mother is the sheriff. He is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after a deployment to Afghanistan. Now his drinking is out of control and his marriage and career are on the line. When Eli finds the body of a teenage boy and then a teenage girl is reported missing, Eli and rest of the small sheriff’s department along with FBI Agent Alyssa Mason must unravel the multiple mysteries.
Eli uses alcohol to cope with memories resulting in broken promises and lateness. However, he also has the need to discover the truth, is kind, and loves his son and wife. His relationships with them, his mother, and others in the town made Eli more relatable. Most of the characters have significant depth that is shown through their actions and dialogue.
This novel has a complex and multi-layered plot that is intriguing and pulls readers into the story quickly. Most of the action is at the end of novel, but it didn’t feel slow. This may be because I was emotionally engaged in the various character struggles that are revealed, which felt authentic and held my interest.
Gripping scenes and an emotional story intermix with contemporary issues. Themes include relationships, family, friendship, substance abuse, mental health, power, greed, ethics, and much more. The realistic issues made this story somewhat disturbing, but a feeling of hopefulness and the encouragement and support of some of the characters helped to offset this.
Overall, this tense, suspenseful, and tragic novel gripped me from the beginning. It’s more character-driven than action-driven, but kept me ensnared in the events making it hard to put the book down. The ending wraps up the main mysteries, but there are threads that could be used for a sequel. I would love to see more books featuring Eli.
The author brings strong characters, a great plot, fascinating relationships, and excellent pacing to the novel. Written for those who love crime novels and police procedurals, Northwoods is a thought-provoking debut book. I can’t wait to read what the author writes next.
Atria Books, Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Amy Pease provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 9, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------- My 3.95 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Iris Yamashita blends unique settings with diverse and memorable characters in this atmospheric mystery novel. Village in the Dark is thought-provIris Yamashita blends unique settings with diverse and memorable characters in this atmospheric mystery novel. Village in the Dark is thought-provoking, clever, and full of secrets. Cara Kennedy, a detective from Anchorage who is on disability, watches as the caskets of her husband and son are raised from the ground. Cara believes foul play may have been involved and intends to send them to a private lab for testing. Mia Upash grew up in the isolated village of Unity, but left it and is working at a diner. However, she’s haunted by past events. Cara is aided in her investigation by police officer Joe Barkowski and other residents of Point Mettier. This town can only be reached for part of the year via a tunnel, snowmobile, or helicopter. During the tourist season, a ferry is operated.
Several characters play major roles in the story and the points of view alternate between Cara, Mia, and Ellie. Cara is haunted by her past. She suffers from PTSD and her grief can overwhelm her at times, but she is normally a great detective. Mia is full of secrets and still learning how to survive away from Unity. Ellie lives in Point Mettier and operates an inn there. Joe is still recovering from recent injuries, but is anxious to get back to work.
The characterization is well-done. Readers get insight into the characters and their secrets as the story progresses. Their actions, reactions, feelings, and thoughts provide clues to their personality traits that helped me understand their larger roles in the story.
The premise for this novel is excellent and the mystery is riveting. The settings and atmosphere are terrific. The plot is complex and multi-layers with twists and surprises. The ending is action-packed and intense.
Overall, this story is gripping, thought-provoking, and emotional, with great world-building. It’s the second book in the series which should be read in order. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and seeing where she takes the characters next.
Berkley Publishing Group and Iris Yamashita provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 13, 2024. ---------------------------------------- My 3.86 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
What a fascinating introduction to Peri Sanguis in chapter one! Wild Magic by Alexandra Ivy is an urban fantasy, a mystery, and a paranormal romanWhat a fascinating introduction to Peri Sanguis in chapter one! Wild Magic by Alexandra Ivy is an urban fantasy, a mystery, and a paranormal romance combined in one entrancing novel. In a world of mages, witches, vampires, and more, Peri is a strong mage. At sixteen she was forced to flee her home to save her own life. Eventually she found a family with Maya and Skye who tutor her and together they run the Witch’s Brew bookstore and café. When her mother and her coven in slaughtered, she must travel back to Wyoming to solve their deaths. A member of the Vampire Cabal, Valen, goes as well and they work together to solve the mystery.
Both Peri and Valen are well-defined characters with depth. Peri is independent, intelligent, stubborn, opinionated, impulsive and uses mockery as a weapon. Valen is protective, wealthy, powerful, independent, arrogant, and bossy. However, he is also generous and has a hidden sense of humor.
Death, suspense, action, and drama immediately pull readers into the story, which is well-written. The plot is twisty and flows well. There is the right amount of mystery, romance and creative twists to the paranormal to keep readers engrossed and wondering what was going to happen next. My biggest quibble is that I wanted to know more about the Gyre. I felt the worldbuilding concerning it was insufficient.
Overall, this novel was a fast-paced and entertaining tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story. This is the first book in the Magic for Hire series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Kensington Boks, Lyrical Press and Alexandra Ivy provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 02, 2024.
-------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Hard Exit by J.B. Turner starts with an intriguing prologue that gets this political thriller revved-up and in high gear. A Swiss intelligence ageHard Exit by J.B. Turner starts with an intriguing prologue that gets this political thriller revved-up and in high gear. A Swiss intelligence agent goes missing and takes classified documents with him that have the potential to expose covert agents and information. It includes information on American, British, and other agents including one that is supposed to be dead. Since the “who” is a spoiler for the earlier books in the series, I recommend not reading the book synopsis and going into this novel cold.
Jon Reznick is former military and a former covert operative who still does occasional work for one of the American alphabet agencies. He’s an excellent shot, highly intelligent, fearless, and tough. However, he also has a temper and can experience mood swings.
This story has great pacing, a twisty and absorbing plot, and plenty of exciting scenes. My main quibble is that I didn’t quite feel like I was in Switzerland. I needed a little more world-building for that. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. It is well-plotted with some unpredictable moments and plenty of conflict. Themes include murder, mystery, family, friendship, trust, duplicity, espionage, and much more.
Overall, this high-octane thriller was entertaining, thought-provoking, and a powerful page-turner from start to finish. This is the eleventh book in the Jon Reznick thriller series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thomas & Mercer and J. B. Turner provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for December 14, 2023.
------------------------------------------ My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott is a paranormal cozy mystery, but it is so much more. From family dynamics, small town relationships, friendshipMurder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott is a paranormal cozy mystery, but it is so much more. From family dynamics, small town relationships, friendship, murder, and sisterhood to cultural heritage, this story has it all. Shay Myers owns an eclectic tea shop and is descended from an Irish witch. She’s been living in Bray Harbor, California for about a year. She is learning how to operate her business while dealing with her visions and her ability to sense other people’s energy. When a customer had a group tea reading dies and an employee is suspected of the murder, Shay is determined to prove her innocence.
Shay stands up for those she knows are innocent, but she doesn’t believe in or is afraid of her psychic abilities. This lack of confidence bothered me at times. She’s also stressed over the changes in her life. Her friend Liam helps her with her investigations and her dog Spirit protects her and others. My favorite character was Liam’s grandmother. Gran has recently moved the town from Ireland and is helping Shay learn about her heritage.
The novel moves at a decent clip and has a good mix of rounded and dynamic characters. The conflict advances the story line through a few twists and turns. There are several sub-threads that expand the story. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go in future books. Themes include jealousy, greed, family, resentment, a sense of losing control, and much more.
Overall, this cozy mystery keeps the reader guessing. Excellent characterization and a solid mystery made this one an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Kensington Books - Kensington Cozies and Lauren Elliott provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 28, 2023. ------------------------------------ My 3.86 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
That Others May Live by Jen J. Danna writing as Sara Driscoll is the fascinating, suspenseful, and heartbreaking eighth book in the FBI K-9 crime That Others May Live by Jen J. Danna writing as Sara Driscoll is the fascinating, suspenseful, and heartbreaking eighth book in the FBI K-9 crime thriller series. The book features Meg Jennings and her Labrador K-9 partner Hawk. They’re civilian employees of the FBI’s Human Scent Response Team.
Meg is preparing for another work day when she gets word of a calamitous scene in downtown Washington, D.C. near the White House. Part of a twelve-story high-end condominium building has collapsed, and the rest of the structure could soon follow. Her betrothed, Todd, is already at work. He’s a firefighter and paramedic and is likely already on site. If anyone is still alive within the rubble, she and Hawk along with the other K-9 teams must find them. Minutes count. But is this a random tragedy or is there a bigger threat?
Meg is compassionate, friendly, wants to help others, and has a keen sense of justice. She also has a fear of heights that she must overcome on some sites. Todd is smart, strong, capable, and pragmatic. While he may feel fear at times, he does the job despite it, and even uses it to keep himself sharp. There’s an array of characters from prior books that help with continuity and a sense of visiting friends. Key among these are her fellow K-9 team members and McCord, an investigative reporter who is Meg’s sister’s boyfriend.
Dynamic characters, unparalleled devastation, and great descriptions drew me in to this heartbreaking and intense story. It has a deeply involved and multi-layered plot and an incredible setting and takes place over the course of the week before Christmas. I was transported to the dangerous scene and felt as if I was living the events alongside the characters. This is an intense novel and reminds readers of the situations these teams and first responders encounter frequently. Their emotional toil is also highlighted as well as how several of them work through it.
The author’s writing style continues to hook me quickly. The prose is well-written and engaging. There are twists and turns and surprises along the way in an intricate plot that kept me anxious. The atmosphere is tense and serious throughout most of the novel and it has more technical details than usual given the nature of this disaster. The author brings strong characters, great plots, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the series. I thought it was an interesting that the author gave a definition of an aspect of high-rise construction at the beginning of each chapter.
Overall, this tense, engaging, and tragic thriller gripped me from the beginning. It was difficult to put down. 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. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 28, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------- My 4.6 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Paige Shelton brings atmosphere, mystery, and danger to Lost Hours, the fifth book in the Alaska Wild series set in fictional Benedict, Alaska. ThPaige Shelton brings atmosphere, mystery, and danger to Lost Hours, the fifth 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 recovering in Alaska following her abduction a year ago. Until recently, only a few locals knew Beth’s story including police chief Gril Samuels and his deputy Donner. She now feels at home in Alaska, even as tourists return to the area for the summer. When she and Tex, Beth’s boyfriend and local search and rescue expert, decide to take a tour boat to view the glaciers, the boat is diverted to an island to rescue a woman covered in blood and waving for help. She claims she was kidnapped from her home in Juneau and that a bear killed her captor.
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 traumatic past, but she still finds it hard to trust people. However, readers will see a dynamic character change in attitude and outlook as she responds to events. She is curious, somewhat nosy, and has become an amateur sleuth. Several of the secondary characters gained depth in this book as secrets are revealed. This is especially true of Tex as well as Viola, the owner of the house where Beth rents a room. There are numerous characters in this story, but many of them were introduced in the earlier books so it felt like I was catching up with old friends.
The author’s writing style continues to hook me quickly, and the story builds momentum that leads 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. The atmosphere is tense and serious throughout the novel. From the quirky and eccentric residents to the descriptions of Alaska to the various mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The author does a great job of portraying the lack of amenities as well as the friendships, pace of life, the wonders, and the dangers of living in and around Benedict. I could easily visualize the setting and felt transported to Alaska. I also enjoy the way she works with the local police. My biggest quibble is that the ending was more telling than showing. While the mysteries in this story were nicely wrapped up, the set-up for the next book also occurs leaving this reader anxiously awaiting book six in the series. Several themes run through the tale including death, trust, found family as well as biological family, disappearances, secrets, lies, family dynamics, vengeance, and much more.
Overall, this enjoyable mystery was engaging, suspenseful, atmospheric, and full of adventure. Darker than many cozy mysteries, the well-developed ideas with good pacing from scene to scene kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy well-written amateur sleuth mysteries, then I recommend you check out this series. The books are best read in order. I’m looking forward to book six.
St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Paige Shelton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for December 05, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Crime, art, unique characters, humor, and action combine to bring readers a great read in the fifth book in Tim Maleeny’s Cape Weathers Mysteries seriCrime, art, unique characters, humor, and action combine to bring readers a great read in the fifth book in Tim Maleeny’s Cape Weathers Mysteries series. A simple theft of four of the museum’s paintings was supposed to be an easy job. The thieves have flawless forgeries to leave in their place. However, a helicopter crashed turns it into a heartbreaking event as eleven-year-old Grace sees her uncle killed. Two men and a ghost had exited the helicopter. Grace flees and is found by Sally Mei who trains her in basic survival skills as her partner Cape Weathers, a private detective, searches for the crew behind the robbery.
Grace is precocious, but she can be impulsive and changes tactics when she meets resistance. Sally looks out for others in her community and is skilled in martial arts. Cape is forward, assertive, and often has his cars blown up during his cases.
The exciting scenes and extraordinary characters drew me into the story. The writing flows well and the various conflicts move the story forward with some unexpected twists. It is unsettling at times, heartbreaking at other times, but always keeping me on the edge of my seat. The brisk pacing, diverse characterization, and superb plot made this a fast read.
Overall, the book was suspenseful, action-packed, and filled with great characters. This is my first novel by this author, but I am looking forward to reading others.
Poisoned Pen Press and Tim Maleeny provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 14, 2023. ---------------------------------------- My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
If you enjoy some horror with your mystery and thrills, then Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry may be the next book you will want to read. TIf you enjoy some horror with your mystery and thrills, then Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry may be the next book you will want to read. Three women awaken to circumstances that don’t seem right. Celia wakes up in a house with a husband and child that don’t feel like hers. She can’t remember her “real” life, but the house isn’t decorated to her tastes and there are no books in the home. She knows she reads every day. Allie and her friends Cam and Madison planned a beach getaway for Allie’s twenty-first birthday. However, when they come to pick her up, their boyfriends Brad and Steve are with them. Brad takes them to a remote cabin in the woods. Allie is sure something isn’t right, but what is wrong? Maggie wants to be home with her daughter, but she wakes up in a dangerous situation that she must get out of to ensure her daughter is safe.
The story follows each woman through a significant part of their ordeal. Part four brings the story to its conclusion. I found the least character depth to be that of Celia. However, that is likely due to her confused memories. Everything she thinks she remembers about herself doesn’t fit with the life she’s living. Allie is smart, funny, and reliable. However, she tends to go along with others’ plans since she is scared to make herself vulnerable. She shows the most character growth as her story unfolds. Maggie is determined to save her daughter so she comes across as strong and a leader, from the beginning despite her fears. In part four, readers find out how each character understands the others as well as their connections. This added depth to the characters.
The online chats at the beginning of each chapter piqued my interest and the first chapter pulled me into the story. The world-building was fantastic in all four parts of the story. With a combination of mystery and horror, the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Who will survive and what is happening in each scenario? There are also some unpredictable moments and plot twists in this gripping storyline. My one quibble is that I wanted more closure on Celia’s story.
Overall, I am glad I read this novel, which was suspenseful, gritty, heartbreaking, and atmospheric with plenty of chills. This is my first novel by this author, but I am looking forward to reading others.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christina Henry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 14, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 3.63 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Beautiful and Wild by Peggy Townsend shows that despite the natural dangers in rural Alaska, sometimes it’s humans that are the most dangerousThe Beautiful and Wild by Peggy Townsend shows that despite the natural dangers in rural Alaska, sometimes it’s humans that are the most dangerous. Readers know immediately that Liv Russo is being held prisoner in a shipping container that is now a storage shed. She can see thick forest, mountains, and a dilapidated cabin from her prison. With secrets of her own, her focus is on protecting her young son Xander who is living in the cabin with its residents. She realizes she must do whatever it takes and lie so she can get out of her prison. While most of the book is set in rural Alaska, 50 miles from the nearest town of Cohut, part of the story is set in California.
Liv had an abusive childhood and craves attention. She likes bringing order to chaos and can be hard-headed. However, she is also insecure. Does she have what it takes to survive and protect Xander?
This book goes back and forth in time, which is not my favorite writing style. Additionally, there is some unneeded repetition. This is more of a survival story than a mystery or thriller. However, there are some action scenes towards the end of the novel. Difficult living conditions, fearful for her life and that of her son, and some unexpected resilience make for an interesting story, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations from the synopsis. However, it is gripping and compelling at times and I wanted to know how it would end. Grief, fear, anger, trust, betrayal, secrets, lies, survival, and much more are themes that run throughout the story line.
Overall, I am glad I read this novel, which kept me turning the pages despite the format and the lack of action throughout most of the book.
Berkley Publishing Group and Peggy Townsend provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 07, 2023. ---------------------------------- My 3.12 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Betrayal by Phillip Margolin is a well-written and suspenseful legal thriller. It’s the seventh book in the Robin Lockwood series. Robin is a wellBetrayal by Phillip Margolin is a well-written and suspenseful legal thriller. It’s the seventh book in the Robin Lockwood series. Robin is a well-known and distinguished defense attorney in Portland, Oregon. However, ten years ago she as a ranked mixed martial arts fighter until she was knocked out and concussed in a fight with Mandy Kerrigan. Now, Kerrigan is nearing the end of her career and is arrested for the quadruple murder of the Finch family. Her court appointed lawyer is Robin.
Robin has a sense of humor, but is lonely. Mandy doesn’t know what she will do when her fighting career is over. She has no family she can ask for help and begrudgingly accepts Robin’s help. However, Robin will be facing deputy district attorney Tom McKee, the man Robin had just started to date. That means their personal lives must be put on hold until after the trial.
The plot is solid with plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings. There’s plenty of drama both inside and outside the courtroom. However, one of the keys to the case was a little too easy to identify. Themes include murder, corruption, scams, grief, friendship, assault, and much more.
Overall, this was an engaging, fast-paced, and intense novel which kept me turning the pages. While this is the first book that I have read in the series, I had no trouble learning the characters and rapidly coming up to speed. I enjoyed it and can’t wait until the next book in the series is available.
St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Phillip Margolin provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 07, 2023. ------------------------------------------ My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie is a compelling and heartbreaking mystery featuring Syd Walker, a Cherokee archeologist for the Bureau of Indian ABlood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie is a compelling and heartbreaking mystery featuring Syd Walker, a Cherokee archeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. While this is a fictional story, it deals with a real-life issue. Across the United States and Canada there is an extremely high rate of missing or murdered indigenous women and girls.
Syd lives and works in Rhode Island, but when a skull is found near her home town of Picher, Oklahoma, she is assigned to help on the case. Then she learns that her sister Emma Lou, who still lives in Oklahoma, has disappeared. Their parents didn’t tell Syd until she showed up at their home. Syd and Emma Lou survived a frightening night of violence when they were young and it still haunts Syd, who stays in Oklahoma to find her sister. However, not everyone is happy that Syd is back in town as she digs for information and searches for Emma Lou.
Syd is dedicated to her job, but tends to go it alone rather than asking for help and taking back-up. She’s also facing a personal relationship crisis that has her upset and confused. She’s determined and tenacious, but sometimes lets preconceived ideas override what others tell her. Her purposefulness towards getting answers and solving the mysteries never wavered.
This well-written and well-researched novel transported me to Oklahoma in 2008. Descriptions allowed me to easily visualize the conditions without slowing the pace. I was immediately pulled into the story and stayed engaged throughout. It was fast-paced with a smooth flow. With plenty of action, this novel will appeal to many crime thriller fans too. The plot is twisty and multi-layered with several surprises along the way. My one quibble is that I wanted more closure on Syd’s relationship with her wife Mal. Themes include violence against women and girls, mineral wealth being stripped from the land and the resulting health effects, poverty, drug addiction, and much more.
Overall, I am glad I read this novel, which was suspenseful, gritty, touching, heartbreaking, and atmospheric. While fictional, it is based on real events that occurred in and near Picher. The author also weaves in information about American history and politics as it relates to Native Americans. This is my first novel by this author, but I am looking forward to reading her next book. My understanding is that this is the first book in a series. The author’s note at the end of the book was very informative.
Berkley Publishing Group and Vanessa Lillie provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 31, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Damyanti Biswas transports readers to Mumbai, India, during the middle of monsoon season in The Blue Monsoon, the second book in the Blue Mumbai pDamyanti Biswas transports readers to Mumbai, India, during the middle of monsoon season in The Blue Monsoon, the second book in the Blue Mumbai police procedural series featuring Senior Inspector Arnav Singh Rajput. A ritual murder has occurred at a temple and Arnav is called to the shocking crime scene. When video footage of the murder is uploaded onto the account of a social media influencer, additional twists to the murder occur. On top of this, Arnav’s wife Tara is seven months pregnant and in a wheel chair due to a spinal cord injury. Sub-inspector Sita Naik is back in this novel as well to help with the investigation, but things don’t go smoothly. Anonymous threats and storms both inside the investigation and weather related are relentless.
The story is mainly from Arnav’s point of view. However, there are also chapters featuring Tara, Sita, and an unknown antagonist. The characters are well-defined and readers can easily relate to them.
The book is very atmospheric and easily transports readers to Mumbai in July. The author did a great job of portraying the city, its people, and the cultural lifestyles. A deeply involved plot with twists and turns and an ending that was startling combined with a terrific narrative made this an unforgettable read. One thing that I wish I had realized before I started the book is that there is a glossary of terms at the end of the book. That would have been helpful as I read it. Themes include murder, corruption, trust, class implications, religious differences, wealth differences, social hierarchy systems and stratification, prejudices, and much more.
Overall, this book was suspenseful and thought-provoking with an incredible setting and diverse characters. If you enjoy well-written crime thrillers and police procedurals with a strong lead character, then this may be the series for you. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as reading the earlier novel.
Thomas & Mercer and Damyanti Biswas provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 24, 2023.
-------------------------------------- My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
What a powerful and evocative crime thriller and police procedural! Laws of Annihilation by Eriq La Salle highlights cultural differences, racial What a powerful and evocative crime thriller and police procedural! Laws of Annihilation by Eriq La Salle highlights cultural differences, racial conflicts, and personal challenges in this third book in the Martyr Maker series. New York City is sweltering in high temperatures and someone has decided it’s time for a racial war. FBI Agent Janel Maclin is in New York City to see a specialist. Afterwards, she visits with New York police detectives Quincy Cavanaugh and Phee Freeman. Suddenly, all three get calls to come to a crime scene. Soon, the body count and violence escalate.
Maclin is a meticulous observer, contemplative, proficient, dedicated to justice, and has always wanted to be the FBI’s first female director. However, she isn’t always patient and she has a darker side that many don’t see. Phee can be blunt and has a talent for pushing people’s buttons. Quincy is the voice of reason and assurance, but his character was not quite as well developed as the other two main characters. There are many other characters in the story, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping up with who was who.
The novel starts with heartbreaking news and quickly escalates into a devastating and somewhat graphic crime scene. I was immediately drawn into the story which seemed all too possible. Descriptive, without slowing the pace, this novel focuses on cultural differences, faith, racial conflicts, hatred, preconceived ideas of others, grief, secrets, friendship, ethics, connections, being a part of a collective versus being alone, and family.
I can’t begin to do this novel justice in a review. It’s gritty and graphic in its violence and descriptions, as well as heartbreaking and tough to read at times. However, it also highlights real world tensions that the world faces today. It has a deeply involved plot, extraordinary characters, unpredictable and suspenseful moments, and a realism that is memorable as I was transported into the horrifying world of the victims and the investigators. The Epilogue sets up what should be another fantastic book.
Overall, this book was suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, and thought-provoking. If you enjoy well-written crime thrillers and police procedurals with a strong lead character, then this may be the series for you. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as reading the earlier two books.
Poisoned Pen Press and Eriq La Salle provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 24, 2023. ---------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 star review is coming soon....more
What a delightful read! With good characterization and great atmosphere, multiple mysteries, two wonderful canines, and a cat, Paula Munier has sold mWhat a delightful read! With good characterization and great atmosphere, multiple mysteries, two wonderful canines, and a cat, Paula Munier has sold me on this series. Home at Night is the fifth book in the Mercy & Elvis Mysteries series.
It’s nearly Halloween in Northshire, Vermont and five humans, two dogs, and a cat are crowded into Mercy Carr’s small cabin. She and husband Troy Warner had a deal on a new house when it fell through after Troy sold his place. When Grackle Tree Farm comes on the market, they know they want to make an offer. It’s thirty acres of woods and wetlands and a Victorian manor that needs some work. However, there’s something going on at the manor house. With murder and attacks, someone is up to no good.
Mercy is ex-military, proud, stubborn, a nature lover, likes to read, researches diligently, and loves to snoop. She takes the occasional investigative job with Daniel Feinberg. Troy is a game warden, honest, not afraid of hard work, and is a great proponent of protecting plants and animals. He’s not as good at social skills. The remaining characters were a mix that had depth appropriate for their roles. Elvis is a retired bomb-sniffing dog, Muse is Mercy’s cat, and Susie Bear is Troy’s search and rescue partner. Living with them are teenage mother Amy, and her baby, Helena. Amy’s boyfriend Brodie is a frequent visitor.
The narrative is descriptive without slowing the pace and very atmospheric. A haunted manor house, a coded letter, murder, attacks, intruders, and more kept me turning the pages for more. Along the way, readers, as well as Mercy and Troy, learn the history of the farm and its prior owners. Add to this, the Halloween celebrations in the town including a costumed canine parade and this a cast of likeable characters. I didn’t want the story to end.
Overall, this was an engaging storyline with wonderful characters and multiple mysteries to solve. I was easily transported to Vermont in the fall. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I also enjoyed the literary quotes and references throughout the novel. The book struck the right chord for me.
St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Paula Munier 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 expected to be October 17, 2023. ---------------------------------------- My 4.51 rounded to 5 stars is coming soon....more
Fathers’ Day September 4, 2005 will be remembered by many in Australia as a tragic day. Robert Farquharson was returning his three sons to his estrangFathers’ Day September 4, 2005 will be remembered by many in Australia as a tragic day. Robert Farquharson was returning his three sons to his estranged wife Cindy Gambino when his car left the road and plunged into water. Robert escaped, but Jai, Tyler, and Bailey did not.
This book describes Robert’s arrest for murder and the subsequent trials. The author attended the trials and the narrative is written in first person. Unfortunately, the writing style did not appeal to me. Despite this, I wanted to know what the result of the court proceedings would be.
The author shares her opinions and observations of the people and evidence presented. There is a large amount of information related to various aspects of the accident reconstruction as well as from various medical experts. Other threads running through the narrative include devastation, loss, grief, anxiety, distress, effects of marriage breakups, and much more.
Overall, the story is emotional, heartbreaking, and informative. Those who enjoy reading true crime books will likely greatly appreciate this one.
Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor – Pantheon and Helen Garner provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 10, 2023.
My 2.88 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
James J. Butcher returns with the second novel in his urban fantasy series set in and around Boston, Massachusetts featuring Grimshaw Griswald GrimsbyJames J. Butcher returns with the second novel in his urban fantasy series set in and around Boston, Massachusetts featuring Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby. The world is divided into those without any magical or paranormal capabilities and those that have them and there is access to another dimension called Elsewhere. Grimsby is the newest Auditor in the magical Department. Auditors are the magical elite who are government-sanctioned witches with power and prestige. They enforce the laws about magic, but Grimsby learns not all such tasks are exciting. For six months, he’s handled mundane magical troubles. Fed up with being overlooked for a better case, he takes a case file intended for a friend, Auditor Rayne Bathory.
His partner, Huntsman Leslie Mayflower, has not been showing up for work for a month, but when he sees the appropriated case file, he recognizes the ritual in the case photos as being like one of his cases from 20 years ago. Working together, can they stop the ritual from being completed? Eighteen-inch tall Wudge has also been living with Grimsby for the last six months and is still searching for the mysterious door that had been promised to him in book one of the series.
The dynamic between Grimsby and Mayflower as well as between Grimsby and Wudge was fun to experience has they got to know one another better and worked together. Grimsby is bothered by hypocrisy, dislikes arguing, and he is lonely, loyal, hardworking, and kind. Mayflower has a temper and he’s grouchy, bitter, and dangerous. Wudge provides comic relief and takes conversations very literally. Rayne tends to be cold, calm, professional, stressed, lonely, and feels betrayed. These are just four of the individuals in this novel filled with diverse and well-developed characters.
The plot is layered and has plenty of twists and turns combined with suspense, tension, and action. It is more polished and the pacing is better than book one of the series. There’s a significant surprise in this story line. Once again, it was hard to put the book down because there was always something new happening that piqued my interest. What an ending! It was not what I expected, but it certainly sets the situation up for a fantastic book three. The fantasy part of the world-building was terrific. The story contains elements of fantasy and suspense with a mystery that kept me turning the pages. Additional themes include dealing with failure, not giving up, friendship, trust, betrayal, theft, power, and doing what’s right, as well as human struggles and growth.
Overall, this novel was engaging and entertaining with a vivid fantasy environment created to immerse readers in this new urban world. This series should be read in order. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group - Ace and James J. Butcher provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 10, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------- My 4.12 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
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