Category Five is the first book in the Donovan Nash thriller series. This heart-pounding and suspenseful thriller starts in Bermuda with Dr. LaureCategory Five is the first book in the Donovan Nash thriller series. This heart-pounding and suspenseful thriller starts in Bermuda with Dr. Lauren McKenna and a colleague being driven through a storm to get the last plane out before Hurricane Helena hits. Donovan and other members of the scientific research organization Eco-Watch are called to fly in and extract key government people who have been studying the hurricane. It turns out Lauren is a woman from Donovan’s past and her exit from Bermuda isn’t smooth. Later, as the hurricane grows in significant strength, a final flight is made to gather more scientific information when the jet suffers engine failure. Who will survive and why did the failure occur?
Donovan’s personality slowly takes shape during the novel. He’s generous, an excellent pilot, and terrified of being in water after a childhood incident. Lauren is graceful, intelligent, and poised. She’s the manager for the Bermuda project and oversees the monitoring and tracking of weather patterns on a global basis. The other characters have varying degrees of depth as one would expect in the initial book in a series.
Non-stop action and intense scenes make up much of this thriller. Mixing politics, a monster hurricane, a mystery, and a romance, Donlay keeps the suspense high with crisp writing that is atmospheric. While a some of the events are unrealistic or over-the-top, I went with the flow and enjoyed the ride.
Overall, this is a pulse-pounding and suspenseful thriller with good characterization and excellent atmosphere. It immediately captured my interest with a compelling plot and intense action.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was September 15, 2004. --------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
A Spring Kill is the second book in The Killing Seasons FBI Crime Mystery Series. Carolyn Ryder is now retired from the FBI, but she has some unfiA Spring Kill is the second book in The Killing Seasons FBI Crime Mystery Series. Carolyn Ryder is now retired from the FBI, but she has some unfinished work to do. Sam Pritchard, the Highway Killer from Utah, tried, but failed to kill her. She wants to find him and isn’t interested in capturing him. She wants vengeance exacted for the women he’s killed as well as for her attempted murder.
Carolyn can be vindictive and vengeful. She’s willing to trash friendships to get Pritchard. She’s fiercely independent, strong-willed, determined, and has a relentless focus on her goal. Readers also get some incite in other characters, including Pritchard.
This fast-paced and traumatic story kept me engaged, but I had trouble understanding her lack of weapons. Additionally, there are some graphic and violent scenes that are disturbing with vivid descriptions. Despite this, I was hooked on the story and kept turning the pages.
Overall, this is an intense and suspenseful crime thriller with good characterization and excellent atmosphere. It immediately captured my interest with a compelling plot and intense action. Will you see the end coming? It was a surprise for me.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was July 14, 2013. -------------------------------------- My 3.92 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Malice in Maggody by Joan Hess is a mystery set in Maggody, Arkansas and featuring Chief of Police Arly Hanks. After her divorce, Arly moves back Malice in Maggody by Joan Hess is a mystery set in Maggody, Arkansas and featuring Chief of Police Arly Hanks. After her divorce, Arly moves back to her home town and becomes the chief of police. Nothing has been happening to keep herself and Officer Paulie Buchanon busy other than writing speeding tickets. However, that soon changes when the husband of a local server escapes from state prison and an Environmental Protection Agency official disappears. On top of this, the townspeople seem to be avoiding Arly and shutting her out of the local activities.
While there is plenty of humor in this novel, it didn’t always resonate with me. Additionally, the characters were very stereotyped and sometimes, superficial. The mysteries were interesting, but the portrayal of the townspeople let the story down. Many have classified this as a cozy mystery, but with the language and some of the content, I would just classify it as a mystery.
Overall, this was an easy read with some humor. It had potential, but failed to deliver what I thought was going to be a delightful cozy mystery.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 1, 1987. ----------------------------------------- My 3.07 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
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
Troubled Waters by Carly Fall is the first book in the paranormal military romantic suspense series Supernatural Renegades. It was formerly titledTroubled Waters by Carly Fall is the first book in the paranormal military romantic suspense series Supernatural Renegades. It was formerly titled, By Sea. It stars Brody Teller, a retired Marine with a supernatural ability and Rayna Lopez, a CIA agent with a secret past. Will on a reconnaissance mission in Guatemala, Brody and his team survived an accident that left him with a supernatural power. Once he was released from the hospital, he was discharged from the military and set up in an apartment in Corpus Christi, Texas. Several months later, Joe Smith approaches him with a job offer he can’t refuse. Rayna tries to get into field work, but is stuck behind a desk. When her father asks for her help protecting her famous half-sister, she finally agrees. It turns out Brody and his new team are their bodyguards.
Brody is full of anger and sadness at his situation and wants a life worth living. Rayna is quiet, reserved, intelligent, and wants more adventure. The other characters have a variety of depth, but it was adequate for their roles.
This was an interesting premise, but it let me down in the suspense area. The pacing seemed somewhat slow and the story doesn’t explore the supernatural power or the build up that would have kept this reader excited and on edge wondering what would happen next. There are a couple of action scenes late in the book and a couple of spicy scenes.
Overall, this was an entertaining romance with an incredible setting in the Caribbean and characterization that was well done, but failed to provide the suspense I expected.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was October 14, 2014. ------------------------------------- My 3.19 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Once again Emily Shiner brings readers a suspenseful tale with great characterization in One Liar Left, the second book in the Detective Freya SinOnce again Emily Shiner brings readers a suspenseful tale with great characterization in One Liar Left, the second book in the Detective Freya Sinclair series. This book takes place at least one month after book one and continues to be set in Freya’s hometown of Fawn Lake, North Carolina. A hunter discovers the bodies of two young women at their campsite in the mountains of Clear Creek Forest. The method of death for one of them is like that of a cold case from several years ago. Is the same killer back? As the body count increases, the killer is sending messages to Freya and others around her. Why? The killer seems to be one step ahead of her. Can she and her team prevent more deaths?
Freya is loyal, dedicated, driven, and honest. However, she sometimes has trouble listening to others when she becomes too focused on what she believes. She’s a strong protagonist with a fierce sense of justice and determination that made it easy to support her. Her team consists of Candy Ellinger and Brad Williams. Candy is intuitive and calls people out on their lies. Rookie Brad is happy to be working with the detectives. Chief Callahan knows Freya’s background and rehired her, but he doesn’t fully trust her judgment yet. He also has anger issues.
This novel starts with another chilling prologue that grabs the reader and pulls them into the story. This is a crime thriller and a police procedural and it seems that the police procedural part of it improved over book one. However, there were still instances of focusing on social media even before checking criminal backgrounds. One quibble that I had in this one was Freya’s inconsistency in listening to others. At times, the communication was great. At other times, it felt lacking. The pacing was more consistent in this novel and once again the twisty plot had me fully engaged.
The storyline is nail-biting at times, especially during the prologue and at the end of the book. A few short chapters let readers get insight into the killer’s mind. The sub-plot of the cold case was a little too obvious for me, but the overall mystery was still full of enough twists and turns to keep me rapidly turning the pages.
Overall, this is an exciting, intense, and gripping novel with great characterization. This book demanded my attention and was a fast read. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy crime thrillers may enjoy this series.
Bookouture and Emily Shiner provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 22, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 3.98 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Emily Shiner brings suspense and great characterization to Three Drowned Girls, the first book in the Detective Freya Sinclair series. Freya returEmily Shiner brings suspense and great characterization to Three Drowned Girls, the first book in the Detective Freya Sinclair series. Freya returns to her hometown of Fawn Lake, North Carolina after leaving five years ago. Her roots are a sub-plot in this story. The body of a young girl is found in the river on her first day back as captain of the detectives in the small police department. Soon another girl is reported missing by her father, and a third girl is found drowned. What is going on in this small town?
Freya is loyal, dedicated, driven, and honest. However, she’s not great at letting new people into her life and she doesn’t let those in power intimidate her. She’s a strong protagonist with a strong sense of justice and determination that made it easy to support her. Candy Ellinger is her only detective for now. She and Freya communicate well. She’s also not afraid to tell Freya what she thinks. Brad Williams is a patrol officer who wants to be a detective. He’s the one she can call on for extra help when cases require it. Chief Callahan knows Freya’s background and rehired her, but he doesn’t fully trust her judgment yet.
A chilling prologue is the start to this dark and disturbing series. Freya’s background is sprinkled throughout the novel so readers gradually understand why the town may not be welcoming her back with open arms. While this is a crime thriller and a police procedural, the police procedural part had a few misses for me. The lack of evidence bags and gloves when searching for clues was one glaring error. Additionally, the pacing was a little uneven in places. Despite this, the twisty plot had me fully engaged in finding the killer and determining what was going to happen next.
The storyline is gripping, grabbing readers attention immediately and transporting them to the world of the victims and the investigators. There are several sub-plots that keep the investigators and readers wondering how or if they are interrelated. The tension was high as the detectives try to understand the events and race to solve the case.
Overall, this exciting, intense, and disturbing novel is a powerful page-turner with great characterization and tension that feels alive. This book demanded my attention and was a fast read. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy dark crime thrillers may enjoy this series.
Bookouture and Emily Shiner provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 22, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 3.88 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Chanel Cleeton’s historical fiction novel, The House on Biscayne Bay, has multiple mysteries with two timelines. The first timeline is 1918 featurChanel Cleeton’s historical fiction novel, The House on Biscayne Bay, has multiple mysteries with two timelines. The first timeline is 1918 featuring Anna Barnes and the second is set in 1941 and features Carmen Acosta. Both are set at Marbrisa, an estate on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida
In the first timeline, Robert and Anna Barnes build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate. Robert wants the house to be his legacy. This is a time when wealthy industrialists like Robert are streaming into Florida where land and labor is cheaper than in New England. The house is Robert’s surprise birthday gift to Anna, who hates its garishness. The only thing she takes an interest in is the garden area.
In the second timeline, Carmen travels to Marbrisa to Marbrisa, the home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. The sisters’ parents died in an accident, and Asher is to manage Carmen’s inheritance until she is 21. The house has gained notoriety and many people won’t work on the estate.
The author has a descriptive way of writing that brought Marbrisa to life. I could easily envision the estate and its glamour. The story goes back and forth between Anna’s and Carmen’s points of view. While there are plenty of mysteries and secrets, the pacing was slow. Despite a couple of surprises at the end and compelling characters, the novel has a slow-burn plot throughout most of the story. Themes include death, family, legacies, fear, respect, trust, jealousy, secrets, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with great world-building highlighting the glamor of the times.
Berkley Publishing Group and Chanel Cleeton provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 2, 2024. ---------------------------------------------------------- My 3.35 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
John Sandford brings action, investigation, surveillance, and suspense to the first book in the Lucas Davenport Prey series, Rules of Prey. I’ve nJohn Sandford brings action, investigation, surveillance, and suspense to the first book in the Lucas Davenport Prey series, Rules of Prey. I’ve now read 20 out of the 34 books in this series and I’m hoping to fill in more gaps in my reading of it this year.
There’s a killer in Minneapolis who leaves notes with every woman he kills. These notes are his rules of murder. Lucas Davenport is a detective lieutenant with the Minneapolis police department who is determined to stop him.
Lucas is somewhat of a rebel and doesn’t always play by the rules of law. He’s controversial, smart, an inventor of games, has several commendations, and has killed five men in the line of duty. The killer is intelligent, careful, driven, controlled, and loves games.
The story switches points of view between Lucas and the killer. While readers eventually learn who the killer is, the police are still trying to identify him. Their investigation isn’t always by the book and the author talks about this in his introduction at the beginning of the novel.
The story is part investigation and part action thriller. The opening is strong, intriguing, and impactful. This disturbing event hooked me and immediately drew me into the novel. Humor is also sprinkled throughout the novel despite the dark theme of a serial killer. The book has great characterization and is suspenseful and full of action. While Lucas isn’t as likeable as many main characters, this novel does a great job of introducing him to readers.
Overall, this was unsettling, action-packed, and filled with exciting scenes with compelling characters.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was July 24, 1989. ------------------------------------------ My 4.24 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
In Deadly Fall, my first book by Elle James, the author brings readers a suspenseful story of atmosphere, romance, family, and danger. BillionaireIn Deadly Fall, my first book by Elle James, the author brings readers a suspenseful story of atmosphere, romance, family, and danger. Billionaire Andrew Stratford and his daughter Leigha live in a Gothic mansion on the coast of Oregon outside the town of Cape Churn. When someone is obviously attempting to harm them, Andrew hires a bodyguard. Stealth Operations Specialists assigns new employee Dixie Reeves.
Dixie is a former squad leader in the Army’s Airborne Rangers and a former mixed martial arts fighter. She’s stubborn, tough, fast, independent, and strong. However, she is also compassionate and can’t stand to be confined. Andrew is new to being a dad, broody, doesn’t mince words, and silence disconcerts him. Leigha is abnormally solemn, has a sense of imagination, and is an explorer. All three suffer from nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder.
This story has the right balance of suspense and romance. It’s heartwarming at times and filled with several tense and exciting scenes interspersed with some humor. While it was a little predictable, it was atmospheric and a fun read. However, I still had a couple of unanswered questions that the ending didn’t fully resolve. Themes include greed, family, secrets, friendship, healing, love, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining, tense, and atmospheric story with an incredible setting and characterization that was well done. While this is the sixth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel. However, if you have read the previous books, some of those main characters have cameo roles in this one. I’m looking forward to reading them.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 1, 2017. -------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy is a contemporary new adult romance. Nineteen-year-old Abbey Bly applies for and gets the opportunity to study abroad Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy is a contemporary new adult romance. Nineteen-year-old Abbey Bly applies for and gets the opportunity to study abroad for a year at Pembridge University in London. She loves her retired rockstar father, but he is overprotective. She’s ready to be free to achieve some of her own experiences versus hearing of her father’s exploits. She’s looking forward to meeting the girls she will be rooming with and making new friends. However, arriving late at night, she finds it's three boys, not girls, that will be her roommates. There’s only one house rule. No fraternizing between housemates.
Abbey doesn’t tell her father that her roommates aren’t girls. Abbey has been sheltered due to her father’s guilt and regret regarding his early life. Then, she falls for two different guys and one of them is a roommate. Additionally, she has a significant research paper for a class that leads her to a scandalous nobility family. She’s curious, inquisitive, adores libraries, and is funny and unpretentious, and is majoring in European history. A lot of the book is focused on romance and which guy Abbey will choose. To me, this part was cute, but too predictable. However, the sections that I enjoyed the most were the ones regarding her research paper. At an estate sale, she finds a painting of a young woman who is unnamed and centers her research around this woman. This not only requires significant time at the library, but provides her with adventures and exposure to several different types of individuals. Themes include trust, lies, fear of obscurity, communication, being candid with others, friendship, independence, protectiveness, betrayal, romance, and much more.
Overall, this is a cute, bur predictable romance with some humor. However, it is more than that. Abbey’s research efforts and the mystery to be solved, as well as the people she meets and the friends she makes along the way, are the most interesting parts of the novel. This could have been the focal point with a romance as a subplot, instead of the other way around.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was February 13, 2024. --------------------------------------- My 3.3 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
In Lost Birds, Anne Hillerman continues the series created by her father Tony Hillerman featuring Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. However, she adds a tIn Lost Birds, Anne Hillerman continues the series created by her father Tony Hillerman featuring Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. However, she adds a third main character, Bernadette Manuelito. While Joe is now retired from the Navajo Tribal Police, he continues to hone his detective skills as a private investigator. He’s hired by Stella Brown to help her find her birth parents. She was adopted as a baby by non-native parents and only has a few clues that she may have Navajo origins. Meanwhile, he takes on a second case when Cecil Bowleg calls. His wife has been missing almost three weeks and isn’t answering her phone or responding to texts. During Cecil’s call, Joe hears an explosion and the call is dropped. The explosion investigation is handled by the FBI, New Mexico state police, as well as tribal police Officer Bernadette. Bernadette and her husband Jim Chee are also with family issues, as well as Joe’s friend and housemate Louisa Bourbonette.
The novel has several subplots and moves points of view several times, but the flow seemed to work relatively well. There are several twists and a couple of surprises. The characterization is well-done in this crime novel and mystery. Additionally, the world-building is excellent. My biggest quibble is that some of the subplots were wrapped up rather quickly. I wanted a little more depth to the resolutions and one subplot wasn’t resolved at all.
As usual, there are several topics woven throughout the novel that give readers an appreciation of Navajo life and culture. Some are wonderful and others aren’t. Weaving, elder care, family, education, poverty, feral dogs, adoption law, and much more are topics of interest.
Overall, this complex and intriguing mystery kept me entertained and engaged. There’s a glossary of Navajo terms at the back of the book that is good to have handy. Additionally, the acknowledgements section has some excellent information related to a couple of the subplots.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was April 23, 2024. ----------------------------------------- My 4.27 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Melissa Holtz combines a paranormal cozy mystery with some romance in her debut novel An Enchanting Case of Spirits. Alyssa Mann’s fortieth birthdMelissa Holtz combines a paranormal cozy mystery with some romance in her debut novel An Enchanting Case of Spirits. Alyssa Mann’s fortieth birthday has arrived and her friends Nina and Lanie aren’t about to let her sit home alone. After dragging her out for drinks, they surprise her with a visit to a psychic, Madame Corinne. The next morning, Alyssa wakes up with a hangover and a man perched on the edge of her bed.
In a panic, Alyssa runs next door to her detective neighbor’s house. Nick West searches and doesn’t find an intruder and Alyssa finally accepts that she saw a ghost. As other ghosts appear, she and her friends work to learn how to control her power and investigate the deaths of the ghosts.
The characterization is great in this novel. Alyssa isn’t adventurous, but she is organized, clumsy, and witty. She’s also a widow with a teenage daughter. Nick is skeptical, courteous, hates hypocrisy, and lives for the chance to help others. Alyssa’s daughter Ava is studious, empathetic, protective, and funny. Lanie is smart, charismatic, and loyal. Nina is practical, analytical, and has a secret she won’t share with her friends.
Romance and humor mix with amateur sleuthing and police investigations into several deaths providing a lighthearted and entertaining read. However, there was one secret that wasn’t revealed. Why refer to it multiple times and not have it play a role in the plot? Will there be a second book with these characters that resolves it. The pacing was a little slow in the beginning of the novel. While the connections made were a little obvious, I still enjoyed the story and the characters, but wished the ending wasn’t quite as rushed as it was.
Overall, this was a funny and light read that entertained me. If this becomes a series, I would read the next book. Themes include friendship, family, grief, romance, death, romance, helping others, and much more.
Berkley Publishing Group and Melissa Holtz provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 9, 2024. ---------------------------------------- My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Lorenzo Carcaterra returns with the third book in this cozy mystery series. The author’s endeavor to cast Maria, the main character, as a friend, mothLorenzo Carcaterra returns with the third book in this cozy mystery series. The author’s endeavor to cast Maria, the main character, as a friend, mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-grandmother to many continues to work for me. While others say she is a sleuth, she says she doesn’t solve crimes, but helps friends and family when they’re in trouble.
Once again, two cases are intertwined in the plot. Rita, the granddaughter of an old friend comes to Nonna Maria seeking help. Her grandfather left her a map to treasure hidden in one of Ischia’s caverns. The caverns are full of pits, traps, and other hazards. However, he died before he could give her more specifics. The other case involves Captain Paolo Murino, the lead federal law enforcement officer assigned to the island of Ischia, Italy. Paolo created a powerful enemy years ago in Naples. An assassin has come to the island seeking revenge.
Maria is charming, patient, a friend to many, and has a web of connections. She has intuitive instincts and is nurturing and caring for those she knows and loves. Her character has significant depth. Captain Murino has grown over the series. He relies not only on himself and his skill, but on Maria and her circle of contacts. The other characters have a variety of depths and many of them are memorable. Which ones will show up in future books?
I was immediately drawn into the story and the main characters were likeable and relatable. This is a book to be savored. It is not a fast-paced book, but it brilliantly portrays the island, the local people, the sites, and the customs on the island, bringing them to life. The writing flows well and is very descriptive, but the mysteries were a little predictable. The atmosphere and world-building are excellent. The author managed to provide fantastic insight into the characters’ thoughts, behaviors, and actions toward others. There are also interesting insights into local food, how news is spread on the island, and how children learn life lessons from their elders. Weaving love, survival, family, friendship, family dynamics, found family, revenge, death, marriage, and much more into the story, the author keeps me reader turning the pages.
Overall, this is a moving, charming and enjoyable cozy mystery with great characterization as well as some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. It is also a celebration of friendship and community. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author’s writing style is easy to connect with and draws me into his stories. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Bantam and Lorenzo Carcaterra provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be May 07, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 4.04 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Infiltrator by T. R. Hendricks has an action-packed start that immediately engages readers. This is the second book in the military action thrThe Infiltrator by T. R. Hendricks has an action-packed start that immediately engages readers. This is the second book in the military action thriller series featuring Derek Harrington and takes place one year after the events in the first book. Derek is working as a contractor for the FBI to bring down a group called Autumn’s Tithe for good. They are intent on destroying the government.
Intelligence points to another camp in a remote area of Kentucky in Daniel Boone National Forest and Derek must locate it before they attack. At the same time, ex-FBI Special Agent Hannah Kittle, known as Sarah, devises a plan to get revenge on Derek and her ex-colleagues. However, Autumn’s Tithe’s benefactor’s faith in Sarah is waning and has set other plans in action as well.
Derek is a retired Marine Warrant Officer and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape instructor who is a wilderness survival expert with significant field acumen as well as technical and tactical expertise. He’s tenacious and perseveres in the face of adversity. He also loves his ex-wife Kim and their son Michael. Derek suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and nature is his sanctuary. Despite his flaws, he and his extraction team are likeable. They’re characters you can easily root for and hope they succeed in all of their endeavors. The addition of Special Agent in Charge Samuel Liu added additional conflict and politics to the story line. Sarah feels somewhat one-dimensional with her sole focus on revenge. Many of the other characters interacting with Sarah and Derek came to life as well.
The author does a fantastic job with atmosphere and world-building. I felt like I was with Derek and his team throughout the novel. There are significant descriptions of weapons and tactics, too. While most of the story is from Derek’s point of view, there are occasional insights from other characters, including Sarah. Hendricks balances the shocking and upsetting aspects of the novel against the investigation into Autumn’s Tithe, Derek and his team’s training, as well as his interactions with his family. The action sequences are superb. While I wasn’t quite 100 per cent satisfied with the ending, it left the door open for another book, which is something to look forward to. Themes include death, anger, security, revenge, family, friendship, fear, trust, lies, politics, and much more.
Overall, this exciting and suspenseful novel is a powerful page-turner with great world-building details and tension that feels alive. The author’s military background made this novel feel authentic. I hope there is a third book in the series.
Tor Publishing Group – Forge Books and T. R. Hendricks provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
In Wolf Rising, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and memorable characters to the eighth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal roIn Wolf Rising, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and memorable characters to the eighth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Dallas, Texas, this novel features SWAT werewolf Jayden Brooks and high school teacher Selena Rosa.
When Jayden rescues Selena from a hostage situation, he realizes he’s likely met his soul mate. Selena finds him irresistible as well and even bites him. Selena doesn’t understand her loss of control and aggression. Can Jayden win her heart help her regain control of her actions and emotions?
Once again Jayden and Selena seem to be well-matched. Jayden is strong, humble, pragmatic, practical, and funny. Selena loves to cook, is sincere, and does everything she can to keep her students in school and out of the local gangs.
As usual, the story starts with a prologue that shows the trigger for Jayden’s change into a werewolf. After that, the book picks up three weeks after the previous one in the series. The plot had some twists and turns with high stakes and some surprises. There are some unpredictable moments in the story and the various conflicts and action moved the story forward rapidly. The world-building is excellent with a unique take on how werewolves originate. There’s also some new information about the types of werewolves in this one. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on in their efforts for survival and justice.
This book delivers on escapism through instant attraction, friendship, family, found family, romance, trust, as well as protecting and helping others. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of murder, drugs, gangs, secrets, and much more. There are a couple of steamy scenes.
Overall, this is a briskly paced and suspenseful novel that’s full of danger, action, and a sense of urgency. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order. I always enjoy catching up with old friends from previous novels.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 30, 2018. ----------------------------------------- My 4.39 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
In Wolf Hunger, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and suspense to the seventh book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspIn Wolf Hunger, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and suspense to the seventh book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Dallas, Texas, this novel features SWAT werewolf Max Lowry and Lana Mason.
While attending a police awards ceremony, Max and Lana meet and are instantly attracted to each other. Max realizes that Lana is also a werewolf, but does she know it? Additionally, hunters arrive in Dallas and seem to be pursuing Lana. Can Max and Lana achieve reach their happily ever after? Max and Lana seem to be well-matched. However, Max’s character has a lot more depth than Lana’s. He is charming, funny, patient, thoughtful, and protective of others. Lana was a quippy sense of humor, is willing to stand up for herself, and is intelligent.
The plot had some twists and turns and the stakes were high. The significant amount of danger and action kept me full engaged. The author uses a unique take on werewolves and did a great job of painting the picture for readers without slowing down the pacing. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their efforts.
This book delivers on escapism through instant attraction, friendship, family, found family, romance, trust, protecting and helping others, and love. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of domestic violence, murder, secrets, and much more. While most conflicts and issues are resolved, I was left with a few open questions. There is one steamy scene at about the halfway point.
Overall, this was a suspenseful novel, full of danger, and action-packed. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 5. 2017. ---------------------------------------- My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
In Disturbing the Dead, Kelley Armstrong combines a murder mystery and a time travel aspect in a historical setting in this third book in the Rip In Disturbing the Dead, Kelley Armstrong combines a murder mystery and a time travel aspect in a historical setting in this third book in the Rip Through Time series. Modern day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is becoming more comfortable living in Victorian Scotland. She’s inhabiting the body of a housemaid who was attacked in the same Edinburgh alley as Mallory, but 150 years ago. Mallory is enjoying her job as assistant to undertaker and medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray and assisting him and Detective Hugh McCreadie in a variety of cases.
Mallory and her friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. When their host is missing, Gray and Mallary are asked to step in and do the unwrapping. All doesn’t go well.
Mallory is a character with plenty of depth. She’s hardworking, kind, relatable, loves puzzles, and is an idealist. She’s good at seeing clues and connections in people’s speech, mannerisms, and expressions. While she makes for a strong female protagonist that readers can cheer on, she flouts convention and is sarcastic as well as being an independent thinker unafraid to speak her mind, which isn’t normal for women in Victorian times. Gray is passionate about his work, enthusiastic, confident, occasionally relaxed and teasing. He’s a pioneer in the field of forensics, has an eye for detail, and has a scientific curiosity. Isla, one of Gray’s sisters, is a chemist who is brilliant, strong-willed, and kindhearted. McCreadie is clever, good-natured, and a bit of an adventure hound. The remaining supporting cast of characters are well-developed and provide insight into individuals in various roles in a Victorian household as well as those they interact with.
Kelley Armstrong has a fluid writing style that quickly brings readers into the well-paced story. They also get insight into the state of police forensics during this early era and a few insights into how investigations and searches occur in 1869 in Scotland. Other themes include family, relationships, friendship, racism, gender identity, poverty, helping others, how servants were treated, and attitudes toward, expectations of, and limitations on women.
The addition of two subplots adds another dimension to the story. There are some twists in the storyline with a large surprise about two-thirds of the way through. The ending has plenty of action and wraps things up nicely. There is a hint at a couple of potential romances, but nothing more. The world-building is wonderful and feels accurate for the times. Humor is sprinkled throughout the tale.
Overall, this is a moving, well-written, suspenseful, and entertaining novel with great characterization as well as some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. Understanding how Mallory gets to this time in history is explained in depth in book one so I recommend starting with it. The author’s writing style is engaging and draws readers into the story quickly. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be May 07, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------- My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Murder in the White House by Margaret Truman is the first book in the Capital Crimes series and is set in Washington D.C. Most of the book takes pMurder in the White House by Margaret Truman is the first book in the Capital Crimes series and is set in Washington D.C. Most of the book takes place in the White House and the Justice Department building. While political in-fighting is normal in Washington, the murder of Secretary of State Lansard Blaine in the sitting room off the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House is not normal. President Robert Webster assigns White House counsel Ron Fairbanks to investigate using an executive order. The Office of Special Investigator is established with those responsible for investigating reporting directly to Ron, including the FBI. As the investigation unfolds and Blaine’s secrets are revealed, any number of people could have wanted him dead. Which of those individuals had access late at night on the second floor of the White House?
Ron is bright, honest, organized, and a bit of a skeptic. However, I felt the investigation focused too much on those individuals who had no access instead of comprehensively interviewing and investigating those that were there on the fateful night. Despite this, there is some intrigue, one action scene, and a lot of investigation and speculation. This novel focused more on the various characters and less on the world-building and atmosphere. It had some fascinating characters plus several plot twists and turns, many possible suspects, a couple of surprises, and a somewhat predictable ending.
Overall, it was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
--------------------------------------- My 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Karen Rose knows how to hook readers with a chilling prologue and keep them engaged and in suspense throughout a novel. You Belong to Me is the fiKaren Rose knows how to hook readers with a chilling prologue and keep them engaged and in suspense throughout a novel. You Belong to Me is the first book in her Baltimore Romantic Suspense series which combines a police procedural with romantic suspense. Baltimore city Homicide Detective JD Fitzpatrick has been a lot violence in his career as a policeman as well as his deployment in Afghanistan. However, the bodies turning up throughout the city take violence and torture to a new level. JD is intrigued by Medical Examiner Dr. Lucy Trask, who has several secrets that make him believe she may be shielding evidence linked to the case.
JD is compassionate, kind, has a good ear for accents, confident, and kind. Lucy is contained, thorough, sensible, predictable, has an eye for detail, and doesn’t get close to many people. As the story progresses, both show growth and become more dynamic.
This riveting crime thriller, police procedural, and romantic suspense novel keeps you turning the pages. The writing is fluid and descriptive which helps readers envision the scenes without disrupting or slowing the flow. It’s well-plotted with a few twists, and the storyline is gripping at times and heartwarming at other times. Add to that plenty of conflict and a strong but vulnerable protagonist, and you have a winning combination. However, there are some disturbing torture scenes.
Overall, this was intriguing, suspenseful, and had an action-packed ending with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. With exciting scenes and a fascinating story line, this astonishing thriller kept me fully engaged. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 11, 2011. ------------------------------------------ My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
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