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
Pumpkins in Paradise is the first book in the TJ Jensen cozy mystery series and is set in Serenity, Nevada on Paradise Lake. TJ is the high schoolPumpkins in Paradise is the first book in the TJ Jensen cozy mystery series and is set in Serenity, Nevada on Paradise Lake. TJ is the high school women’s coach for downhill skiing, soccer, and track. For the last 14 years, she’s been friends with recluse Zachary Collins. When she finds him dead, she observes an anomaly or two and doesn’t accept the police closing the case. At the same time, she’s made multiple commitments to support the town’s annual pumpkin festival and is now the guardian of her two half-sisters.
TJ is athletic, loves puzzles, and overcommits to help the community. She’s a likeable protagonist. Many characters make this read one where you need to pay attention to the names and the subtleties to decipher the secrets. Fewer characters would have made the story tighter. However, I believe several characters will be reoccurring in future books.
While the pacing was a little slow and several of the mysteries were a little too easily solved, I still enjoyed this novel. Additionally, the new deputy, Dylan Caine, seemed a little too accepting of TJ’s involvement in the investigation. The ending tidily wraps up the main mysteries. Themes include gossip, death, grief, secrets, a community working together, and much more.
Overall, this is an entertaining and light cozy mystery that kept me engaged throughout. An amateur sleuth, a small town with many traditions, likeable characters, and the potential for romance made this an enjoyable read.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was September 25, 2013. ---------------------------------------- My 3.84 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
What might have happened if Edward VIII had not abdicated the throne in 1936? In this alternative history a locked-room type mystery occurs when King What might have happened if Edward VIII had not abdicated the throne in 1936? In this alternative history a locked-room type mystery occurs when King Eric reigns in the United Kingdom. The royal family has gathered at Balmoral Castle in Scotland for a traditional Christmas. However, King Eric has given nearly all of the staff Christmas Day off. The only ones remaining are head chef Jonathan “Jon” Alleyne and the head of security, Tony Speck.
A blizzard isolates the castle as Jon works tirelessly to provide a delicious meal for the family. During the preparations, King Eric meets individually with each member of the royal family. As he prepares to make a toast and an announcement after dinner, he dies. Jon believes he was poisoned and is placed in the role of an amateur sleuth. He feels out of his depth, but wants to do what is right by his friend of 33 years. Why would one of the king’s own family members kill him?
There is a helpful character list at the beginning of the novel followed by a short chapter from the unknown killer’s point of view. Much of the story is from Jon’s point of view and starts 10 hours earlier when Jon takes the king’s breakfast to him on Christmas morning. The characters had depth and Jonathan’s character went through a transformation as he responded to events. While floundering, overwhelmed by the task, and unsure of himself, he steps up and experiences growth during his investigation.
The descriptive narrative transported me to Scotland where intrigue and secrets abound in this storyline. There are suspenseful moments as well as moments that seemed to drag. The pacing is uneven; especially in the first two-thirds of the novel. Despite this, the plot is twisty and kept me interested and there are multiple mysteries to be solved as the story unfolds. However, it is never explained how King Eric is descended from King Edward VIII and I kept thinking about this question throughout the book. The conclusion hints at what might happen to the characters, but is very open-ended. I wanted a more definitive conclusion to the book. One of the most interesting aspects was the information around lines of succession as imagined in this alternative history timeline. It was certainly thought-provoking.
Overall, this was an entertaining novel. Other themes explored in the novel were relationships with and between servants, trust, honesty, deception, power, greed, love, family, lies, secrets, and suspicion.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 25, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. -------------------------------------- My 3.03 rounded to 3 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
Hunting Time by Jeffery Deaver brings plenty of suspense and action to the fourth book in the Colter Shaw crime thriller series. Allison Parker isHunting Time by Jeffery Deaver brings plenty of suspense and action to the fourth book in the Colter Shaw crime thriller series. Allison Parker is on the run with her teenage daughter, Hannah. Shaw has been hired by Allison’s boss, Marty Harmon, to find and protect her. Allison is being pursued by her ex-husband, Jon Merritt, who recently was released from prison. However, he’s not the only one pursuing Allison and Hannah. There are also two thugs who are hitmen and experienced at making bodies disappear forever on her trail. Colter’s efforts are helped by Sonja Nilsson, Harmon’s head of security. The setting starts in the fictional town of Ferrington, somewhere in the Midwest south of Chicago.
Shaw found the law profession stimulating, but a poor fit for his restlessness. Instead, he now runs a rewards business, where he usually only accepts payment if he delivers what is requested such as finding a missing person. However, he does occasionally take a for-hire job. Allison is self-reliant, tough, blunt, perceptive, and smart. Allison is a brilliant engineer, creative, systematic, efficient, and goal-oriented. Hannah came across as a typical teenager, somewhat moody and argumentative, but lacked adequate communication from Allison to fully understand the dire situation they were in.
The plot has plenty of twists and turns, but is unbelievable at times. However, they kept my interest despite Shaw making some mistakes that I would not have expected him to make. Although the book never specifies which state the story is set in, the novel has great world-building, whether it is the old industrial town of Ferrington or the lake and woods countryside north of it. The tension, stakes, and action build up to an exciting ending that is over-the-top and a shock, but somewhat satisfying. His ability to combine strong characters and complex plots with excellent pacing kept me fully engaged. Themes include domestic violence, family, work family, water pollution, lack of funding for police, corruption, murder, friendship, attempted murder, a possible romance, and much more. This novel also does a nice job of setting up the next book in the series.
Overall, this was well-written, captivating, engaging, and thought-provoking. I enjoyed unraveling the mysteries. I was hooked immediately in the first chapter and the pages kept turning. I recommend this book to those that enjoy crime thrillers. This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author, but the first in this series. I’m looking forward to reading the next one as well as the previous books in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was November 22, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. -------------------------------------- My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Black Echoby Michael Connelly introduces readers to Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective Harry Bosch. When he’s called to the scene oThe Black Echoby Michael Connelly introduces readers to Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective Harry Bosch. When he’s called to the scene of an apparent overdose in a drainpipe near the reservoir, he realizes the body is that of someone he knows from Vietnam. Additionally, he is experiencing post traumatic stress disorder and encountering departmental and interagency politics.
Harry is methodical, superstitious, rumpled, and doesn’t believe in coincidences. He likes order, is a loner, and accepts violence as a part of his day-to-day life. The other characters have a variety of depths appropriate to their roles and most are memorable.
This didn’t feel like it should be the first book in the series. It refers to previous cases that has Harry in the role that he is in now. Despite this, it is a well-paced novel with plenty of action and a man facing a choice between justice and vengeance as he faces memories of actions taken twenty years ago. Harry experiences anger, sadness, war memories, rage, and a feeling of emptiness. It was interesting to go back to a time when people still used pagers, pay telephones, typewriters, and shared computers. One quibble that I had was that the book had multiple long parts instead of chapters.
Overall, this is a book that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. It was intriguing and gripped me from beginning to end. This was a good start to the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date January 21, 1992.-------------------------------------- My 4.25 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
If you are you looking for a unique police procedural and crime thriller with some horror, then Final Price by J. Gregory Smith may be the answer If you are you looking for a unique police procedural and crime thriller with some horror, then Final Price by J. Gregory Smith may be the answer to your search. Set in and around Wilmington, Delaware, it features state police homicide detective Paul Chang, his friend Nelson Rogers, and car salesman Shamus Ryan. I believe it is better to go into this book without reading the synopsis.
Chang is logical and tenacious, but he also has emotional turmoil and anger issues. I had trouble connecting with him. Rogers is somewhat unstable, but he has great powers of observation and can read subtle clues on others’ faces and through their body language. He is the most interesting character in the book. Shamus has anger issues as well and blames everyone but himself when things don’t go as he would like.
Rather than the first book in a series, this felt like it was several books into it. While there are references to some of what happened when Chang and Rogers were detective partners are New York, there seemed to be a lot that was missing. I would have liked to have read about those events first.
The story is told from the points of view of Chang and Shamus. It’s very descriptive so there are some graphic and disturbing scenes as well as plenty of suspense. The dark humor that occurs occasionally isn’t enough to offset these but provides some relief. The plot is full of action, over-the-top scenes, and descriptive settings combined with unsettling and distressing images that kept me turning the pages. The ending sets up a twist to the series. Themes include murder, racism, politics, competitiveness, and much more.
Overall, this is a fast-paced and perturbing thriller with some dark humor to break the suspense occasionally. It grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the story.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2009.
---------------------------------------- My 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Cold Curses by Chloe Neill is the fifth and final book in the Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. Combining supernatural suspense and a bitCold Curses by Chloe Neill is the fifth and final book in the Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. Combining supernatural suspense and a bit of romance with plenty of action made this a great read. Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire ever born. She’s engaged to shifter Connor Keene, the son of the local pack leader. Everyone is working to repair Chicago’s wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and wreaking havoc on the city.
Elisa is an associate ombudsman, one of the city’s human-supernatural liaisons. She’s goal-oriented, dedicated, and puts others first. She also tends to use sarcasm against fear. Connor is dedicated and hard-working. He is facing several challenges to his ascension to Apex when his dad retires.
The author does a great job on characterization as well as world-building. The novel is well written with a unique situation that results in multiple action scenes. There’s plenty of angst as Elisa and her allies try to make sense of the changing circumstances. With exciting scenes, a larger-than-life protagonist, and strong and evil antagonists, the story captivated me from beginning to end. Themes woven into the novel include power, romance, family, friendship, love, bias, violence, evil, anger, jealousy, and much more.
Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization, plenty of action, and lots of drama. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.
Berkley Publishing Group and Chloe Neill provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 14, 2023. ------------------------------------ My 4.2 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton is a relationship intense urban fantasy blended with paranormal romance and supernatural suspense. It’s the thirtieth Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton is a relationship intense urban fantasy blended with paranormal romance and supernatural suspense. It’s the thirtieth book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude. Humans think she is siding with the monsters and the vampires fear he has fallen under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in several millennia. It’s time for her family to meet Jean-Claude. Frederick, her father, thinks Jean-Claude is evil, but unbeknownst to Anita, prejudiced and far more vitriolic Grandma who abused Anita when she was young comes too. On top of this family drama, there is another powerful and evil force intent on destroying Jean-Claude.
This book focuses on relationships for a large part of the book, but there is also more suspense and action that there was in the last novel. Whether it is Anita’s relationships with the many men and women in her life or with the various members of her family, there is a lot of domestic drama. The author does a great job on characterization. The story is well written with a unique situation that resulted in a showdown set-up with a powerful evil creature. There are some mildly steamy scenes as well, but not like many previous novels. Themes woven into the novel include romance, relationships of all types, bias, violence, evil, power, anger, grief, jealousy, and much more.
Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization, plenty of action, and lots of family drama. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laurell K. Hamilton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 7, 2023. ------------------------------------------ My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Once again Lee Goldberg has written another riveting novel in the Eve Ronin police procedural and crime thriller series. This fifth book, Dream TowOnce again Lee Goldberg has written another riveting novel in the Eve Ronin police procedural and crime thriller series. This fifth book, Dream Town, is largely set in Hidden Hills in Los Angeles County. It’s a city and a gated community with wealthy residents, white picket fences, and plenty of horse trails. When reality show star Kitty Winslow is killed in her home there and bones are found in the state park that is adjacent to the community, homicide detective Eve Ronin and her partner Duncan Pavone get both cases. At the same time, the television show about Eve is filming in the area and creates additional havoc on Eve’s life.
Eve is an energetic, ambitious, and compelling main character and someone you can root for. She works tirelessly and has clear goals and good instincts that influence the plot. Her motivations seem believable, with well-drawn and appropriate emotions. She continues to be a flawed protagonist who has shown some growth. Many of her co-workers feel she didn’t earn the promotion to detective. Additionally, the way she challenges things sets others on edge and affects them and her. Reading the first four novels in the series provides the reasons for this added drama. Duncan’s character continues to gain depth. While the case is not straightforward, Eve and Duncan move forward with seeking the truth and justice for victims. Several secondary characters from previous novels show up in various supporting or antagonistic capacities, along with several new ones to lend a freshness to the story.
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. While I did figure out most of the mysteries, there were a couple of surprises along the way. Readers easily become mentally and emotionally involved with the characters as well as the story. The plot is absorbing and intriguing with a storyline that packs a punch. Themes include justice, lifestyles, values, sense of community, family, corruption, murder, integrity, and egos coupled with forensics, good instincts, and solid, basic police work.
Overall, this is a tense, gritty, and engaging novel with wit, suspense, action, and some great twists as well as some violence. It is fast-paced and action-packed. If you enjoy excellent crime thrillers and police procedurals, then I recommend that you check out this one. This series should be read in order since Eve’s background and prior cases are important. I am looking forward to finding out what happens on Eve’s next case.
Thomas & Mercer and Lee Goldberg 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 16, 2024.
---------------------------------------- My 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Diane Kelly brings plenty of mystery, atmosphere, and conflict to the third book in her Mountain Lodge cozy mystery series, Snow Place for Murder.Diane Kelly brings plenty of mystery, atmosphere, and conflict to the third book in her Mountain Lodge cozy mystery series, Snow Place for Murder. It features 50-year-old Misty Murphy who has recently signed her divorce papers and purchased a mountain lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwestern North Carolina. International resort developer Nigel Goodwin has reserved her lodge for several days. He plans to pitch a new resort to several wealthy investors. The resort will be built on land he has purchased locally. Rocky Crowder is the lodge’s handyman and he does freelance work as well.
However, several locals are against the proposed resort and several of the investors have secrets. Then a blizzard hits the area. Misty’s sons, JJ and Mitch, are home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. When the boys find a funny looking rock while sledding at the lodge, chaos ensues.
The story is mainly told from Misty’s point of view, but there are a few chapters interspersed with thoughts from her cat, Baroness Blizzard, also known as Yeti. While Yeti’s chapters aren’t necessary, they provide some humor and I enjoyed them. Misty is independent, hardworking, resourceful, organized, listens to what is going on around her, inquisitive, and good with people. She is also supportive of others and has a natural curiosity. Rocky is reliable, hardworking, and fun. Nigel is charming, manipulative, clever, and cunning. The investor guests and other secondary characters are a mixed group of personalities with secrets to lend a sense of realism.
The setting was perfect for this novel and Ms. Kelly does a great job of transporting readers to the mountains of North Carolina. The winding roads, the fall color, the early blizzard, and even the southern foods were authentic. There are several plot twists along the way along with plenty of suspects. The dialogue and pacing were on target. The characters and humor enhance it with relatable characters like Misty and Rocky, some obnoxious ones, and a bit of everything else in between. I also liked the fact that Misty worked with the police rather than hiding her sleuthing activities. However, it seemed like the deputy shared more information with her than he should.
I was immediately drawn into Misty’s life and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of friendships. The story captivated me from the beginning with a good plot, great world-building details, and characters that are emotionally rich. The author weaves another story involving family, friends, grief, murder, greed, wildlife protection, and holiday celebrations that keeps you entertained throughout the book. Relationships drive the narrative and keep it compelling.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out what happens during the next book in the series. I recommend this to those that like cozy mysteries with a more mature main character.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Paperbacks and Diane Kelly 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. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------ My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert is the first book in a new fantasy romance series: Crimson Sails. Evelyn is a witch who steals from her vampirHunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert is the first book in a new fantasy romance series: Crimson Sails. Evelyn is a witch who steals from her vampire ex and goes through a portal into another realm: Threshold. She’s rescued from the ocean by pirates and their telekinetic captain and is given a choice: join them or die. Captain Bowen and his crew are bound by a vow to patrol the magical sea in between realms, keeping the portals to other worlds safe. As tension rises between Bowen and Evelyn, danger arises too.
Evelyn has terrible taste in girlfriends and boyfriends. She tends to steal, likes danger, and can be reckless and manipulatives. However, she can also be sentimental and curious. Bowen is honorable, fair, and serious. However, he can also be blunt and is viewed as rigid and unbending.
The world-building and characterization are wonderful. Who doesn’t like to explore fantasy worlds with witches, vampires, pirates, dragons, mermaids, and more? However, the pacing was somewhat uneven and the romance was too quick. There was an instant physical attraction despite the gravity of the decisions that needed to be made. Despite this there are only a couple of spicy scenes in the last half of the book. It was easy to get caught up in the adventure story and I am interested to see where the story goes in the next book.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel with great world-building.
Berkley Publishing Group and Katee Robert 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 3.42 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
What a powerful start for a debut novel! Perfect Shot by Steve Urszenyi is the first book in the Special Agent Alexandra (Alex) Martel series and What a powerful start for a debut novel! Perfect Shot by Steve Urszenyi is the first book in the Special Agent Alexandra (Alex) Martel series and is a combination of a political thriller and an espionage thriller. Alex, a decorated Army sniper is now an FBI special agent on loan to Interpol. From dangerous criminal groups in the Netherlands to the death of an old friend, Alex begins to put together clues left behind pointing to a conspiracy that becomes dire when a nuclear warhead is stolen. She reluctantly joins forces with CIA agent Caleb Copeland. This thriller takes Alex to London, Turkey, and Paris as she unravels the clues.
Alex loves action, is a problem solver, trustworthy, intelligent, and courageous. She’s a strong warrior protagonist who believes in justice, duty, and honor, and she feels satisfied when she halts a threat. Caleb has a calm and casual façade, but he is confident, effective, and lethal. I enjoyed their banter and want to know where it will go in the future.
With exciting action scenes and a couple of surprises, the story kept me captivated from beginning to end. The riveting plot moves at a sizzling pace and the tension level was high throughout. Nearly everyone had agendas and the novel features deception, betrayal, espionage, power, and more. This book felt like it could happen all too easily. Real-world issues were incorporated into the story that added an extra layer of suspense. Do we have an Alex ready to save the world?
Overall, this tense and exciting thriller keeps the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, quickly turning pages with the hope that the world will be safe. This was an excellent start to what I hope will be a long high-octane and dynamic series. I can’t wait to read the next book featuring Alex.
St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Steve Urszenyi 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 4.6 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
An Unforgiving Place by Claire Kells brings nature, adventure, and suspense to a well-written and dramatic crime thriller largely set in Gates of An Unforgiving Place by Claire Kells brings nature, adventure, and suspense to a well-written and dramatic crime thriller largely set in Gates of the Artic National Park near Bettles, Alaska. Felicity Harland is a former FBI agent who left the agency after a personal tragedy and a major injury. She is now a special agent for the Investigative Services Bureau, the investigative arm of the National Park Service. Her partner, Ferinand “Hux” Huxley, is still in training.
Harland gets a call while on vacation that she and Hux are needed at the park. The local chief ranger, Brinegar, has asked for their help. Two bodies have been found. While there, they also hear about a group or cult that is in the park. Are the two related or not?
Harland likes the thrill of the chase and the allure of the unknown. She enjoys her nomadic lifestyle and specializes in wilderness crimes. Hux is an ex-Navy SEAL. He’s good natured, has good instincts, and is a master tracker. Both main characters are likeable, love the outdoors, and are intent on solving crimes. Her dog, Ollie, adds another dimension to the story.
This novel has an incredible setting, wonderful characters, and the narrative is well-plotted. The plot is suspenseful, fresh, complex, and entertaining. The tension, stakes, and action build up to an exciting ending that is not over-the-top. Another wonderful aspect was the world-building. The author did a fantastic job of making the reader feel as though they were in Gates of the Artic National Park with Harland and Hux. This strong sense of place was essential and elevated the reading experience for me. There were a couple of instances related to gear and supplies that weren’t consistent and had me asking questions about a couple of missing scenes. Despite this, the author kept me entertained throughout. Her ability to combine strong characters and complex plots with excellent pacing kept me fully engaged.
Overall, this was well-written, captivating, and thought-provoking. I enjoyed unraveling the mystery along with Harland and Hux. I was hooked immediately in the first chapter and the pages kept turning. I recommend this book to those that enjoy mysteries and investigations in the great outdoors with likeable characters. It’s the second book in the National Parks Mystery series. I recommend reading them in order.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was November 08, 2022. ------------------------------------------- My 4.31 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey is a steamy opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring Hallie Welch and Julian Vos. Hallie had a crush on Julian wSecretly Yours by Tessa Bailey is a steamy opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring Hallie Welch and Julian Vos. Hallie had a crush on Julian when she was fourteen and they almost kissed in his family’s vineyard. It’s fifteen years later and she still has forgotten him. He’s come home to St. Helena in the Napa Valley of California to write a historical fiction novel. As Hallie gardens outside his window, Julian gets distracted and Hallie gets drunk one night and leaves a secret admirer letter for him to find. Will they get their happily ever after together or is there another future for them?
Hallie is the proprietor of Becca’s Blooms and is a premier gardener in the local area. She’s still reeling from her grandmother’s death and has become somewhat untethered. She’s impulsive, late, flighty, clever, immature for her age, and disorganized. Julian keeps to a rigid schedule. He’s organized, exacting, and efficient. However, he is also protective of others and quick to find solutions.
This is a funny and light read with several steamy scenes and well-developed characters. Themes include romance, crushes, helping others, family, secrets, community, and much more. My main quibbles are that I wanted more tension and obstacles as well as some of the actions of Tessa were improper and unprofessional.
Overall, this is an entertaining and light book, but not very memorable.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was February 7, 2023. ---------------------------------------- My 3.12 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Badlands by C.J. Box brings combines a crime thriller with a police procedural. There’s plenty of suspense and action in the third book in The HigBadlands by C.J. Box brings combines a crime thriller with a police procedural. There’s plenty of suspense and action in the third book in The Highway Quartet series. Sheriff’s office Chief Investigator Cassie Dewell has a new job in Grimstad, North Dakota where an oil boom has jumped the size of the town from 12,000 to 65,000. With this increase has come an increase in crime. Twelve-year-old Kyle Westergaard wants a better life away from the town. One morning on his paper route, he witnesses a car accident and finds a bundle to money and white powder. Will this enable him and his mom to leave the town?
Cassie is hard working, straight-forward, does her research, and can be tenacious when she’s pursing an investigation. However, she also seems to make errors in judgment and easily jumps to conclusions. At times she seems to be reticent and at other times aggressive. The story has a continuation of a backstory as well as the new cases from Cassie’s North Dakota job. This adds suspense and some turmoil to the somewhat straightforward crime spree there. Readers quickly learn who the bad guys are so it’s a matter of solid investigative work for Cassie and her colleagues to catch up with us.
There is plenty of violence in this one. Additionally, there's a case of child endangerment that I felt was unrealistic. There are spoilers in this book for previous ones so the series is best read in order. Some scenes seemed unrealistic about riding a bicycle in extremely cold weather and snow. Despite these quibbles, I enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Themes include drugs, violence, murder, family, and much more.
Overall, this novel was engaging and thought-provoking. It was descriptive without slowing the pacing and readers can easily feel they’re experiencing winter in North Dakota.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was July 28, 2015.
------------------------------------------ My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
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