The Novelist from Berlin by V.S. Alexander is a fascinating historical fiction novel largely set in Berlin. It covers a period between the 1920s aThe Novelist from Berlin by V.S. Alexander is a fascinating historical fiction novel largely set in Berlin. It covers a period between the 1920s and 1960s so it encompasses the build-up to the war, the war, and the aftermath. Niki Rittenhaus marries Rickard Langer, a movie producer. It seems convenient for them both, but circumstances change as politics change. Niki writes a novel under a pseudonym and has great success until political power shifts in Germany and her book is banned. This is Niki’s story.
Themes of war, political change, betrayal, and how people respond to adversity are woven throughout the novel. There are instances throughout the book that are intense. However, there are long segments where the story meanders and feels very slow. When I read historical fiction, I expect to learn something new, but that wasn’t the case with this novel.
Overall, this was a slow-paced novel and I had a hard time engaging with it. My review is an outlier, so please read other reviews. The novel is a loosely based on the life of German novelist Irmgard Keun and seems to be well-researched.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was September 26, 2023. ---------------------------------------- My 3.28 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Such Good Friends – A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill by Stephen Greco is a fascinating historical fiction novel largely set in New York CiSuch Good Friends – A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill by Stephen Greco is a fascinating historical fiction novel largely set in New York City. It starts with Marlene arriving at Lee Radziwill’s apartment to interview for the position of housekeeper and cook. As she becomes a trusted part of the household, she observes the famous individuals that are part of Lee’s close circle, especially author Truman Capote. Lee and Truman bond during the sixties and seventies as extraordinary events occur.
The author has done extensive research including reading items written by both individuals as well as books written about them and much more. Wealth, friendship, betrayal, fame, heartbreak, their social scene, and much more are key elements of this novel.
The characters came to life in this novel, but so did the settings. While this is historical fiction, it provides a look at the lives of these individuals and other notable personalities including Lee’s sister Jackie Kennedy. However, the pacing felt extremely slow to me making it a longer read for me. Overall, this story is entertaining and the author delivers a vivid story of life, friendship, and drama.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was May 23, 2023. ----------------------------------------------------------- My 3.30 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan is a somewhat old-fashioned mystery complete with an ending where everyone is gathered in a single room for the biThe Busy Body by Kemper Donovan is a somewhat old-fashioned mystery complete with an ending where everyone is gathered in a single room for the big reveal. However, there is a contemporary side to the story as well. An unnamed ghostwriter gets a dream assignment to collaborate on a memoir with former Senator Dorothy Gibson. Gibson ran and lost as an independent for U.S. President and is being blamed for the shocking result. As they collaborate on the memoir, a neighbor dies and Dorothy is determined to solve the case.
The story is told from the ghostwriter’s point of view. As she and Dorothy play sleuth in rural Maine, both ask lots of questions of those involved to the dismay of the local police. The characters are well-defined and there’s a bit of glamour of the rich and famous weaved into the story. Additionally, readers never learn the name of the ghostwriter narrator or her backstory. Maybe, that is being saved for the next book in the series. While I found the story somewhat slow, there are a few surprises along the way that kept me interested.
Overall, this story is a light and entertaining read. This is the first book in the Ghostwriter series.
Kensington Books, A John Scognamiglio Book provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is scheduled for January 23, 2024.
--------------------------------------- My 2.89 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Lauren E. Rico has crafted a fascinating novel that combines family drama, a cold case, and a genetic mystery. Gabriella (Gabby) DiMarco works as a faLauren E. Rico has crafted a fascinating novel that combines family drama, a cold case, and a genetic mystery. Gabriella (Gabby) DiMarco works as a fact-checker for a magazine in New York. As a group the staff do DNA tests. When Gabby gets her results, she believes the laboratory made a mistake. Then she gets a message from someone on the genealogy site claiming to be her sister. This is an emotional and heartwarming story of Gabby and the woman who claims to be her sister Isabella trying to solve the mystery. While the story is told mainly from the points of view of Gabby and Isabella, there are chapters featuring several other characters. Will Gabby and Isabella get the full story and solve the mystery?
Set in Puerto Rice, this is a compelling narrative that has wonderful, but flawed main characters. The author weaves a complex web of emotions, secrets, and conflicts that will keep readers turning the pages. The worldbuilding is fantastic and the writing style is engaging.
Overall, this story is emotional, entertaining, and thought-provoking. The author delivers a vivid story of life and drama. I’m looking forward to reading more novels by this author.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was December 26, 2023. --------------------------------------------- My 4.31 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon....more
Nice Guys Finish Dead by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is a fascinating western set mainly in rural Texas. However, there are also sceneNice Guys Finish Dead by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is a fascinating western set mainly in rural Texas. However, there are also scenes in Waco, Fort Worth, and in Dodge City, Kansas.
Casey Tubbs and Eli Doolin are the owners of the D&T Cattle Company, a ranch they used to work on as hired hands. However, the beef market has seen better days and they need money and begin robbing banks and trains in disguise. Before long, the two are wanted men with the U.S. Marshal service even assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Colton Gray to the case full time. But Casey and Eli aren’t your normal robbers.
The characters came to life in this novel, but so did the settings. From the dusty trails to the banks and saloons, it was easy to envision the action. With an unusual plot and wonderful humor and inventiveness, Casey and Eli have an aptitude for righting wrongs.
Overall, this story is entertaining and the character development is well done. I’m looking forward to reading more novels by these authors.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was October 24, 2023.
---------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
If you are in the mood for a feel-good, heartwarming, and cute story featuring a lost dog, then Tatum Comes Home by Tatum Talks and Mica Stone shoIf you are in the mood for a feel-good, heartwarming, and cute story featuring a lost dog, then Tatum Comes Home by Tatum Talks and Mica Stone should be on your books to consider list. It’s late May in Maine when Tatum, a rescue dog, goes to the hardware store with his dad. A thunderstorm hits the area and he gets frightened. Tatum ends up hiding in a nearby truck. He wakes up hungry, confused, and hours from home. This is the story of Tatum trying to get home and the people and animals he encounters along the way.
While the story is fictional, it features a real dog with an active social media following. Each chapter starts with Tatum’s travel diary told in his “voice” and with deliberate misspellings. Thankfully, these are short sections. While the story is somewhat simplistic and repetitive, it was still a fun book to read. Themes include friendship, families, love, animals, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining and charming story that lightened my day.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was October 24, 2023. ------------------------------------------------------------------ My 3.82 rounded to 4 stars review....more
The Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien is a historical fiction novel with a murder mystery set in 1943 in Seattle, Washington. The story spans about oThe Enemy at Home by Kevin O’Brien is a historical fiction novel with a murder mystery set in 1943 in Seattle, Washington. The story spans about one month. Before the war, Nora Kinney was comfortable in her role as housewife, mother, and wife to her husband, Pete. Her doctor husband is now stationed in North Africa and Nora wants to do more than help with scrap metal drives and tending a garden. She starts working at the Boeing plant and learns to use a riveting gun.
Nora encounters chauvinism, racism, and people who aren’t accepting of others’ way of life. On top of this, she is concerned she’s neglecting her daughter and son. When one of Nora’s new coworkers is strangled in her apartment, it is only the beginning of a terrifying time for women supporting the war efforts. Nora becomes an amateur sleuth trying to solve the murders.
The plot is twisty and changing throughout with several potential killers. It gradually builds momentum and the period details felt authentic. However, I didn’t feel that I learned anything new from the novel and the killer was somewhat easy to discern. Despite this, the world-building was well-done, and story gave excellent insight into the main and secondary characters’ behaviors and actions towards others.
Overall, this story is thought-provoking and suspenseful.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was August 22, 2023. ------------------------------- My 3.88 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
An American Beauty by Shana Abe is a fascinating historical fiction novel largely set in New York City. It covers a period between 1867 and 1913 sAn American Beauty by Shana Abe is a fascinating historical fiction novel largely set in New York City. It covers a period between 1867 and 1913 so it encompasses the gilded age, a time of rapid economic growth, rapid expansion of railroads, and it was a time of wealth disparity. This book is inspired by the true story of Arabella Huntington who became the wealthiest self-made woman in America. However, her beginnings were humble. In Richmond, Virginia in 1867, Arabella was 17 and worked at Worsham’s gambling parlor. She is determined to escape her poverty and bring her family with her.
Collis Huntington was a railroad baron and multimillionaire. He is drawn to Arabella. However, he is married and 30 years older. Their flirtation becomes an affair. With his help, Arabella moves to New York, uses money loaned from Collis to make shrewd investments and starts to accumulate wealth. Their relationship is an open secret and she is not welcomed in the homes of the elite. This is a fictionalized account of Arabella since she worked hard to cloud her origins.
The characters came to life in this novel, but so did the settings. From the ostentatious homes designed to attract attention and impress others to the trains, readers feel they are there with the characters.
Overall, this story is entertaining and thought-provoking. The author delivers a vivid story of life and drama during the gilded age. I’m looking forward to reading more novels by this author.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was April 25, 2023.
--------------------------------------- My 3.70 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Rogue by Elle Kennedy is the second book in the new adult Prep series. It is mainly set in New Hampshire at the elite prep school Sandover, and feRogue by Elle Kennedy is the second book in the new adult Prep series. It is mainly set in New Hampshire at the elite prep school Sandover, and features a group of juniors and seniors. Since her car accident last year on prom night, Casey Tresscott has been pampered by her sister and father and endured whispers and more by those at school. She and her sister Sloane even changed schools. But the rumors followed her. Her friendship with Sandover Prep’s Fenn Bishop has been the bright spot. But Fenn has a secret about prom night, and he thought lying about with the right thing to do. Casey is tired of being submissive and starts to push back with her bullies, seeks out a rebel, and defies her father’s curfews. Fenn enlists his stepbrother’s help to uncover the full story of the car accident.
Told from multiple points of view, I had no trouble transitioning from one to another. The characters were well-developed. Both Fenn and Casey go through dramatic transformations during the storyline. Additionally, there are many characters from book one in this novel giving readers an opportunity to catch up with their lives as well.
The author brilliantly portrayed the attitudes and changes that occurred. The story is well-plotted with a few unpredictable moments. Despite the multiple points of view, the story flowed okay. There are plenty of secrets, unlawful activities, bullying, and more woven into the story focused around the romance of Casey and Fenn. Will the mystery concerning Casey’s accident be fully resolved? There are two major situations at the end of the book that need to be resolved. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Overall, this story is enjoyable with plenty of angst and drama. The author delivers a heartfelt romance that tackles some deeper themes of friendship, family relationships, bullying, teen romances, illegal activities, and much more.
SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was March 7, 2023.
---------------------------------------- My 3.73 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Misfit by Elle Kennedy is the first book in the new adult Prep series. It is mainly set in New Hampshire at the elite prep school Sandover, and feMisfit by Elle Kennedy is the first book in the new adult Prep series. It is mainly set in New Hampshire at the elite prep school Sandover, and features a group of seniors. Remington John (RJ) Shaw has just found out that his mom is marrying a wealthy man he has never met and RJ is being sent to Sandover Prep, a boarding school for rich male delinquents for his senior year along with his new stepbrother, Fennelly (Fenn) Bishop. RJ is a loner and doesn’t see the point of trying to get along with anyone. That changes when he somehow starts making friends. Then he meets Sloane Trescott, the headmaster’s daughter who is off-limits to the students. However, RJ doesn’t believe in rules and decides to win her. Sloane is determined not to get involved after breaking up with ex-boyfriend.
Told from multiple points of view, I had no trouble transitioning from one to another. The characters were well-developed. Both RJ and Sloane go through dramatic transformations during the storyline.
The author brilliantly portrayed the attitudes and changes that occurred. The story is well-plotted with a few unpredictable moments at the end of the book. There are plenty of secrets, unlawful activities, bullying, and more woven into the story focused around the romance of RJ and Sloane. There is also a mystery concerning Sloane’s sister Casey’s accident that occurred the prior year. Hopefully, book two in the series will fully resolve this mystery.
Overall, this story is enjoyable with plenty of angst and drama. The author delivers a heartfelt romance that tackles some deeper themes if one reads it in its entirety.
SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was November 27, 2022. ------------------------------------------ My 3.66 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America by Christopher C. Gorham is the well-researched story oThe Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America by Christopher C. Gorham is the well-researched story of an amazing woman who I had never heard discussed in any history class. Anna Marie Lederer Rosenberg was an immigrant with only a high school education. Despite this, she was one of the most influential and important women in American history.
Anna began her career in public and labor relations in 1920s Manhattan. She mediated many labor disputes and helped many politicians. She became friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, who recommended Anna to Franklin Roosevelt when he was running for governor of New York. Anna became his unofficial adviser and problem fixer. In 1936 she became a regional director for the National Industrial Recovery Act. She was also Roosevelt’s special envoy to Europe in World War II and worked on many of the New Deal programs.
During Truman’s presidency, she became Assistant Secretary of Defense. She coordinated staffing for the entire Department of Defense, worked to implement the National Security Act, increase women in the military, and advance racial integration of the services. She was also an advisor and friend to Presidents Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson. She was also influential in policies regarding cancer research, civil rights, and social security.
This narrative is detailed and well-researched. While the initial pacing was somewhat slow, there were so many interesting details that drew me into Anna’s life. Once she meets the Roosevelts, I was fully engaged. At the back of the book are notes, a selected bibliography, and an index.
Overall, this biography is intriguing and thought-provoking. The author has delivered a fascinating book about an important and amazing person history has overlooked. This is the author’s first book and I hope he continues to provide readers with more insights into forgotten people in history.
Kensington Books - Citadel provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was February 21, 2023. ----------------------------------------------------------- My 4.28 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon. ...more
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn is a captivating and witty contemporary romance set in Darentville, Virginia and featuring Georgie Mulcahy, a Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn is a captivating and witty contemporary romance set in Darentville, Virginia and featuring Georgie Mulcahy, a long-time personal assistant to a screenwriter and director, Nadia. When Nadia decides to retire, Georgie needs to make some decisions on what she wants to do.
Georgie’s best friend, Bel Reston-Yoon and her husband Harry have recently moved back to Bel and Georgie’s hometown. At a loss, Georgie decides to pack up and move, at least temporarily, to Virginia. She can help Bel get organized from her move and stay at her parents’ home while they’re traveling. While unpacking boxes at Bel’s house, Georgie finds an old journal that she and Bel had written in when they were thirteen. It was filled with ideas and things they had wanted to do. She hopes it will help her decide what to do with her life.
However, it turns out her parents had forgotten to tell Georgie that they were letting Levi Fanning stay at the house for two weeks. He was the town troublemaker when he was young and the older brother of Georgie’s high school crush.
The character development in this novel is excellent. Georgie is impulsive, flighty, flexible, funny, a great organizer of others’ time and things, and she’s confused about her future. Small towns tend to have long memories. Levi is still remembered as a young troublemaker. However, he has a successful business now, is somewhat antisocial, and is tenderhearted with his dog, Hank. Both of these main characters go through dramatic transformations during the course of the storyline. The author brilliantly portrayed the small town attitudes and changes. The story is well-plotted with a few unpredictable moments and some humor. Despite a somewhat slow pace, the focus on friendship, love, career, and much more, makes this an entertaining read.
Overall, this story is captivating and enjoyable. The author delivers a heartfelt romance with occasional spicy scenes that tackles some deeper themes if one reads it in its entirety.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 24, 2023.
---------------------------- My 4 star review is coming soon....more
The Book Spy by Alan Hlad is a captivating and fascinating historical thriller. President Roosevelt sends librarians and microfilm specialists to The Book Spy by Alan Hlad is a captivating and fascinating historical thriller. President Roosevelt sends librarians and microfilm specialists to neutral cities in Europe. Their task is to acquire and microfilm newspapers, books, technical manuals, and periodicals. The microfilmed information will be analyzed for troop locations, weaponry, and military plans. Maria Alves is dispatched to Lisbon and begins working with Tiago Soares, a Portuguese bookstore owner with his own mission. However, as Maria and Tiago grow closer, Maria is asked to take on an additional role that is more dangerous.
Readers get a great feeling for Maria and Tiago. Their outlooks and attitudes change over the course of the story. However, they seemed to have very few flaws.
The book takes place between December 1941 and September 1944. There’s a feeling of deep anxiety as Maria tries to make sense of her circumstances. The story is well written, with a stunning plot that was twisty and absorbing as well as heartrending at times. The author does a great job of weaving action and romance into a wonderful story.
Before reading this book, I had never heard of what some librarians and microfilm specialists did during the war. The author has done an amazing amount of research. Hlad’s note at the end of the book has a wealth of information in it about actual events and historical figures who show up in the novel. He explains that Maria’s two roles were inspired by two people rather than just one. There’s also a list of discussion questions for book clubs.
Overall, this story is intriguing, thought-provoking, suspenseful, and exciting. The author delivers a heartfelt story of love, loss, sacrifice, and duty. I’m looking forward to reading more novels by this author.
Kensington Books, A John Scognamiglio Book provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 24, 2023.
---------------------------------------- My 4.46 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert is an exceptionally steamy reverse harem paranormal romance. Mina has desired freedom from her father’sCourt of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert is an exceptionally steamy reverse harem paranormal romance. Mina has desired freedom from her father’s control and mistreatment for years. She’s half human and half vampire and doesn’t fit into either world. At twenty-five, he gives her to Malachi Zion in a political move. Malachi has been starved for blood for years and their first meeting doesn’t go well. Fear, lust, and distrust start their relationship. However, Malachi’s two closest friends, Wolf and Rylan join them soon and she becomes the center of their world. Can they take down her father and get Mina the life and crown she deserves?
All four main characters are dynamic with flaws and strengths that are tested as the story unfolds. As a result, their outlooks and attitudes change and grow, which also affects the relationships between the four.
This is an extremely steamy novel with many detailed hot scenes. However, there is a plot that is woven into the story; especially in the last half of the book. While I would have liked it to be a greater part of the first half, there needed to be time for the three male vampires to get acquainted with and develop relationships with Mina and renew their friendships of old. This appears to have been originally written as three novellas that are combined into this novel. That results in some repetitive information at the beginning of Acts 2 and 3.
Katee Robert isn’t afraid to tackle controversial topics that include, but aren’t limited to, having multiple partners and considering whether or not having or keeping a child was suitable for the situation in which the four main characters found themselves involved. In addition to this, she weaves in themes of desire, attraction, facing one’s enemies, trust, love, choices, control, family relationships and complexities, power, freedom, fear, and much more.
Overall, this story is one of finding love that works for the individuals and fighting for freedom. There are moral questions, friendships, challenges, issues around relationships, and much more. The author delivers a steamy, explicit, and spicy narrative that tackles some deeper themes if one reads it in its entirety.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date is currently set for September 6, 2022....more
The Runaway by Nick Petrie is an action crime thriller that has suspense, intrigue, and many pulse-pounding moments. It is the seventh book in theThe Runaway by Nick Petrie is an action crime thriller that has suspense, intrigue, and many pulse-pounding moments. It is the seventh book in the Peter Ash series and is set in multiple states, but mainly Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Peter is headed east to join the family construction business and stops to help a woman whose car has broken down, but encounters more trouble for himself and for her than one would expect.
He is ex-military and still suffers from PTSD and also has a strong need to help others. But he also gets a thrill out of exciting (to him), but dangerous situations that most people would avoid. He has grit, energy and an inner strength. But will he survive the woman’s vicious husband and his friends or has he finally met his match? Helene is young, married only a few months, insecure, and immature. Will she find growth and depth as the story progresses? Both Peter and Helene are complex characters that are well-drawn. The point of view mainly switches between them with a few cameos from others. Several secondary characters play prominent roles and are well-developed. Who are the prey and who is the predator?
The plot is clever and tight which leads readers on an edge-of-your-seat adventure. Evolving plot facts are sometimes unexpected twists and turns that keep both Peter and readers on their toes. Tension, danger, and excitement was sustained throughout the book. With vivid world building that felt believable, this novel had a strong sense of place. Two time lines a few months apart are handled proficiently by the author. A smooth flowing narrative with perfect pacing keeps readers hanging on for dear life.
There is some discussion of weapons and gear, but not as much as most books in this genre. Themes include family, friendship, anger, jealousy, charisma, desire, greed, domestic abuse, courage, resilience, and murder.
Overall, this book was a well-crafted, swiftly paced, and gripping page-turner with fascinating characters. If you enjoy heart-pounding action crime thrillers with a strong lead character intent on helping those in trouble, then this may be the series for you. This was the first novel that I have read by this author, but it won’t be my last. It worked well as a standalone novel, but I want to read the earlier books. Additionally, I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for Peter in the next one.
The publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam - G.P. Putnam's Sons, provided a complimentary ARC of the book. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is scheduled for January 18, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------ My 4 star review will be posted 3-4 days after it is published in Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
What Waits for You by Joseph Schneider is a different take on a contemporary police procedural set in the Los Angeles, California area and is the What Waits for You by Joseph Schneider is a different take on a contemporary police procedural set in the Los Angeles, California area and is the second book in the series. Rookie Detective Tully Jarsdel and his partner, Detective Oscar Morales work murder cases as part of a new homicide squad. The first sentence of the prologue pulls you into the story immediately. Tully and Oscar catch a case where the mutilated bodies of an elderly couple and some unknown DNA are the only clues. But when this becomes the first of several murders, and the killer is known as the Eastside Creeper, panic sets in for the residents of LA.
The novel is much more than a police procedural. Tully brings a unique perspective to his job. He is an ex-college history professor that was working on his PhD when he decided to change careers. It’s about loneliness even when surrounded by others. It’s about not fitting in with your colleagues even though you went through the same training regimen. It’s about deciding to change careers and dealing with parents who feel you made a mistake.
Tully is a compelling character that you can root for, but definitely has flaws as well as virtues. His internal and external conflicts and struggles were well defined. Oscar plays a much smaller role in this book. While there were secondary characters that were vital to this story, I felt the lack of discussions and interactions between Tully and Oscar reduced one of the key elements that made book one of the series so enjoyable.
The plot in this story was more complex that one might initially think. It had a twist that added to that complexity. The author did a great job of world-building. Discussions of movies, physics, office politics, and crime prevention added additional elements to the book. However, the pacing felt too slow at times; especially after a prologue that was outstanding. The pace did pick back up in the last quarter of the book and rose to a dramatic conclusion. Readers should be aware that the crime scenes are gory and described in detail.
Overall, this was unique and fresh. I enjoyed this novel and recommend it to those that enjoy police procedurals with a twist and an unusual protagonist. To better understand Tully’s background, this series should be read in order. This is an excellent novel, and I look forward to reading Schneider’s next one.
I received a complimentary physical ARC from Shauneice Robinson and Poisoned Pen Press / Sourcebooks. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
WHITEOUT by Adriana Anders is the first book in the Survival Instincts romantic suspense and adventure series and is set mainly in Antarctica. TheWHITEOUT by Adriana Anders is the first book in the Survival Instincts romantic suspense and adventure series and is set mainly in Antarctica. The author brought this reader an intense and action-filled adventure story.
Angel Smith has spent the summer as a chef at a remote research station and is ready to leave before winter sets in when the station is attacked. She and glaciologist Ford (Coop) Cooper barely escape, but there are few places to go. They have no power, no way to contact the outside world, and a team of mercenaries chasing them. Can Angel and Coop get to safety? Can they take enough food and essentials to survive the trek? Who attacked the research station and what was the impetus for the attack? Was it successful? What follows is a suspenseful survival story with a romance weaved into the story line.
Angel is a character that you definitely can root for, but Coop is rather reserved and harder to get to know. However, the progression of their relationship made sense as a partnership for survival and some initial attraction was tested by the need to survive.
The author brought a strong sense of place to light in this novel. The subzero temperatures, harshness and inhospitableness of Antarctica was balanced with its beauty, isolation and peacefulness. However, the book was short on dialogue in places. Some of this was necessary due to the circumstances. Instead, there is a lot of introspection by both Angel and Coop which added depth to their characters. Additionally, there is some insight into the villains in this story and we get perspectives from a couple of them which enriches the tale. Running from the past, danger, action, steamy scenes and much more kept this reader entertained and wondering what could happen next.
Overall, this novel kept me engaged and made me grateful that I was not enduring the stark reality of wind, snow, and cold that Angel and Coop faced. I have read other books set in Antarctica, but this one is by far the best. I felt somewhat let down by several loose ends. I know the epilogue set up the next novel, but I would have preferred that the information was put at the beginning of the next book in the series. What a cliffhanger! Despite, this, I am looking forward to reading book two which is currently slated to be published August 31, 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was January 28, 2020. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
PRIVATEERS by Charlie Newton is an action adventure thriller that is dark and gritty with a few lighter moments. Bill Owens joins three strong and spiPRIVATEERS by Charlie Newton is an action adventure thriller that is dark and gritty with a few lighter moments. Bill Owens joins three strong and spirited women hunting for a treasure of $26 million in gold that vanished during WWI. All of them are hoping the treasure will free them from past perceived obligations. However, rebellions, modern-day piracy, and various governments place many obstacles in their way.
The main characters are compelling and I was eventually able to connect with them enough to root for them to succeed in their endeavors. Their goals were clear and their motivations were well-drawn. This book started slowly for me but the pace picks up significantly in the second half. It took me a long time to get into the book and feel anything for the main protagonist, Bill Owens. The story switches points of view occasionally and locations frequently. This book has several strong themes running through it including loan sharks, gambling, murder, assault, governments in turmoil and country rebellions, torture and much more. There are some disturbing (to me) scenes.
Overall, I am glad I read this novel and can recommend it to readers who like dark and gritty action adventure stories.
Thanks to Girl Friday Productions and Charlie Newton for a complimentary ARC of this novel and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
THE MEAT HUNTER by Megan Allen is a well-written novel that explores a darker side of the meat industry in a fictional context. Molly Bishop grew up oTHE MEAT HUNTER by Megan Allen is a well-written novel that explores a darker side of the meat industry in a fictional context. Molly Bishop grew up on a hog farm, and as an adult, she sells medicines and other supplies to animal farmers in the Midwest for McMillan Pharmaceuticals. Michael Lair is an FBI agent called in to help the local office after multiple deaths have occurred among those in the meat industry. During the course of the investigation, they meet and Michael learns about animal farming and processing from Molly.
This is not a comfortable read. It deals with strong and vivid descriptions of the meat industry, animal cruelty, vigilantism, sexual assault, murder and much more. I believe it is a provocative book that is deliberately written in such a way as to get a powerful reaction from the reader. It seems to be wanting the reader to reflect on society and things that we take for granted.
The main characters have depth and felt three-dimensional. The prose is well-written, compelling and descriptive. The plot is shocking, moving, powerful, thought-provoking, suspenseful, absorbing and gripping. The ending was dramatic, but did not give me total closure. This book is definitely one I am glad I read despite several disturbing and graphic scenes and discussions. Overall, this is a book that I will not soon forget and I look forward to reading more from this author. Will there be a sequel? I would also like to read Ms. Allen’s debut novel which is undoubtedly going to be just as controversial.
Thanks to Burn House Publishing for a complimentary copy of this novel and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
ONE DAY YOU’LL BURN by Joseph Schneider is a different take on a contemporary police procedural set in the Los Angeles, California area. Rookie DetectONE DAY YOU’LL BURN by Joseph Schneider is a different take on a contemporary police procedural set in the Los Angeles, California area. Rookie Detective Tully Jarsdel and his partner, Detective Oscar Morales work two murder cases as part of a new homicide squad. The first is that of a human body that was badly burned with the corpse left in a way that appears staged or ritualistic. The second case is one of a serial killer who couple’s dogs on their wedding day.
The novel is much more than a police procedural. Tully brings a unique perspective to his job. He is an ex-college history professor that was working on his PHD when he decided to change careers. It’s about loneliness even when surrounded by others. It’s about not fitting in with your colleagues even though you went through the same training regimen. It’s about depression. It’s about deciding to change careers and dealing with parents who feel you made a mistake. The story line also brings in a philosophical discussion on right and wrong.
Overall, this was unique and fresh. Tully and Morales are compelling characters that you can root for, but definitely have their own flaws and virtues. Their motivations seemed believable and well-drawn. Tully’s internal and external conflicts were well defined. The plot twists were believable, but unexpected with effective transitions. The author did a great job of world-building. For movie buffs, discussions of movies and movie props and posters come into the discussions in this story as well.
I enjoyed this well-written novel and recommend it to those that enjoy police procedurals with a twist. This is an excellent debut novel, and I look forward to reading Schneider’s next one.
Thanks to Shauneice Robinson with Poisoned Pen Press / Sourcebooks and Joseph Schneider for a physical ARC of this novel and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
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