The Secrets of Bones by Levi Fuller is the second novella in the Isle of Bute mystery series set in Scotland. Detective Claire Juno has returned hThe Secrets of Bones by Levi Fuller is the second novella in the Isle of Bute mystery series set in Scotland. Detective Claire Juno has returned home from Miami for two weeks to try to reconcile with her father. They haven’t talked in ten years as he has refused her calls and ignored her emails. This story picks up where the first novella ended. The situation doesn’t improve for her when Matt, a junior police officer shows up.
Claire is a character that grows on the reader as you learn her background. She shows some character growth in this one as she handles a variety of situations, but she still has plenty of flaws. Insights into her thoughts, behavior, and actions towards others provide additional depth. Readers also learn more about Detective Ben Courtney’s past as the story unfolds. Themes include murder, family relationships, how people handle grief and anger, and friendship.
Once again, the opening was strong and memorable and immediately drew me into the story. The narrative is suspenseful. However, it didn’t feel like it was set in Scotland. As I expected, this one ended on another cliffhanger. However, I have the next book in the series and plan to read it soon.
Overall, I enjoyed the suspenseful tale and want to know how it ends.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
Christmas Witch by Willow Monroe is billed as a paranormal cozy mystery short story in the Jagged Grove series. Trinket Banks and Angelo are marriChristmas Witch by Willow Monroe is billed as a paranormal cozy mystery short story in the Jagged Grove series. Trinket Banks and Angelo are married due to a binding spell by an evil warlock. This is Trinket’s first Christmas in Jagged Grove, a place where supernaturals don’t have to hide their abilities from humans. With thoughts of snow, holiday shopping ,and handing out Christmas cookies, what could possibly go wrong?
The friendly and inviting writing style pulls readers into the story. However, the names seem contrived and the mystery wasn’t much of a mystery. I enjoyed the tale, but that was it. It’s too short to get the needed character development so reading the previous books in the series would likely be best.
Overall, this was an interesting story line, but I found it lacking in depth and mystery.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
Fangs & Fairy Dust by Melissa Monroe and Kyla Colby is a paranormal cozy mystery novella and the first book in the Priscilla Pratt Mystery series.Fangs & Fairy Dust by Melissa Monroe and Kyla Colby is a paranormal cozy mystery novella and the first book in the Priscilla Pratt Mystery series. Priscilla and Anna are talking as they wait on a savory bread to finish baking. Anna asks how Priscilla met her fairy godmother Avalon and the story goes back to Salem, Massachusetts in the 1600’s.
While a lot of vampire fiction leans towards the horror genre, this one is a cozy mystery with a vampire working to do what is right against injustices. There isn’t much time for character development in the story, but there are glimmers of depth.
The friendly and inviting writing style pulls readers into the story. I enjoyed the tale, laughed a couple of times, and smiled a lot. It’s too short to get the character or plot development that I would have liked.
Overall, this was an entertaining tale that sets the stage for future books in the series.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
The Scent of Bones by Levi Fuller is the first novella in the Isle of Bute mystery series set in Scotland. Detective Claire Juno has returned homeThe Scent of Bones by Levi Fuller is the first novella in the Isle of Bute mystery series set in Scotland. Detective Claire Juno has returned home from Miami for two weeks to try to reconcile with her father. They haven’t talked in ten years as he has refused her calls and ignored her emails. But soon after arriving, she finds a bin bag with some bones in it. It seems a murder has occurred in the town.
Claire is a character that grows on the reader as you learn her background and see how she handles situations now. Insights into her thoughts, behavior, and actions towards others provide additional depth.
The opening was strong and memorable and immediately drew me into the story. The narrative is suspenseful. However, it didn’t feel like it was set in Scotland. It could have been anywhere with a port. My biggest quibble is that it ends with a major cliffhanger which I prefer to avoid. However, I have the next book in the series and plan to read it soon.
Overall, I enjoyed the suspenseful tale and want to know how it ends.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
Undenied by Sara Humphreys is a paranormal romance short story or short novelette in the Amoveo Legend series. Lillian Cordero is a nomadic psychiUndenied by Sara Humphreys is a paranormal romance short story or short novelette in the Amoveo Legend series. Lillian Cordero is a nomadic psychic palm reader who dreams of tigers and has just arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana. Boris Zankoff is a shapeshifter from the Tiger Clan, a bar owner, and one who doesn’t want to participate in the strife that is threatening to break apart the clans.
The story has a lot of potential. However, it’s too short to get the needed character development. Additionally, the relationship developed entirely too fast to be credible (hours) despite each feeling a connection when they first meet. There are peeks at humor and action that may be in the full length novels, but weren’t enough to make this short story stand out.
Overall, this was an interesting story line, but I found it lacking in depth and the instant love didn’t work for me.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
True Wolf by Paige Tyler is riveting, suspenseful, and heart-pounding. It combines supernatural suspense, paranormal romance, and action-adventureTrue Wolf by Paige Tyler is riveting, suspenseful, and heart-pounding. It combines supernatural suspense, paranormal romance, and action-adventure in a thrilling novel that is the third book in the STAT: Special Threat Assessment Team series. It takes the reader on an international journey from Turkey to Croatia to Russia to Ukraine and then for a showdown in New York City. The reader is immediately plunged into the action and drawn into the story.
In this series, supernatural beings are known to a few, but not all humans. As with humans, some supernatural beings are criminals and the United States has put together a team of supernatural beings and humans to deal with these criminals domestically as well as internationally. Caleb Lynch is a werewolf and a member of STAT. His team is sent to Turkey where they’re led to vaults that have been broken into and terrorists have stolen dangerous weapons. Brielle Fontaine has a possible lead on the weapons and her missing brother and joins the STAT team as they travel the globe in search of both.
Both main characters have their flaws that made them seem more real. As an omega werewolf, Caleb can lose control and has to be slapped back to reality, but he can certainly fight. (Omegas are the result of going into a traumatic event with bad intentions and the werewolf gene gets tripped.) Brielle has always taken care of her younger brother and sacrificed other relationships for getting him out of continuous trouble. Add to that both are afraid of not being accepted by others as well as not accepting themselves for what they are. I felt like the characters were emotionally rich with an undercurrent of self-growth amidst the action, suspense, and developing romance.
Tyler does a great job of world-building. I was able to easily visualize the settings, especially the tunnels. There are several twists to the story as it deals with important themes of terrorism, trust, wanting a better world and what you’re willing to do to make it so. Family, concern for others, social awkwardness, friends, and romance also play into the tale. The opening is strong and intriguing and the connection between Caleb and Brielle is deftly handled. There are a couple of steamy scenes later in the book.
This story was a mix of investigation, planning, romance, and action that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was kept fully invested in the mission becoming a success. My one quibble is that I did not believe the head criminal would do what he did in the final showdown.
Overall, this book was fast-paced, action-oriented, and entertaining. If you enjoy action thrillers with some romance that have both strong male and female characters set in a world where supernatural beings exist, then this may be the series for you. Since there are several recurring characters in the book, it helps to read the series in order. That way, a reader is not learning all of the secondary characters at once, but gradually over time. I can’t wait to find out what is next for the STAT team.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Paige Tyler provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 22, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------ My 4 star review will be posted in late January per publisher guidelines....more
Calling of Ancestors: Finding Forgotten Secrets in My DNA by Kennerly Clay seems to be part memoir and part genealogy. This short story covers morCalling of Ancestors: Finding Forgotten Secrets in My DNA by Kennerly Clay seems to be part memoir and part genealogy. This short story covers more than one might expect in 26 pages. The author explores what she discovered about her family history using DNA testing and genealogy research. However she goes a step further and looks at epigenetic research and how lifestyle, trauma, and more can affect future generations.
The author finds a concealed or forgotten link to African bloodlines and works to identify this part of her family. As she explores her family history, she reflects on events that have occurred since she was a child, including racism within her family and her own biases as well as the constraints on lives due to the color of one’s skin and the accompanying injustices that occur.
Overall, this was an interesting short story, but I was expecting more on the actual genealogy research. Additionally, it felt somewhat disorganized and the writing style did not pull me into the story as I had hoped.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
The Best of Both Wolves by Terry Spear is the second book in the Red Wolf series. This one is a paranormal romantic suspense novel featuring femalThe Best of Both Wolves by Terry Spear is the second book in the Red Wolf series. This one is a paranormal romantic suspense novel featuring female protagonist Sierra Redding, a red wolf shifter. She is a retired army finance officer who has moved to Portland, Oregon as a part-time art teacher for the red wolf pack children. She also has her retirement pay. When her hotel room is broken into and she sketches the intruder for Detective Adam Holmes, she gets a part-time job with the police department as a sketch artist. When the thief is caught, he has friends that make her life challenging.
Sierra and Adam are likeable main characters. Both are charismatic, loyal, playful, and well-liked by others. Their connection is handled deftly and it isn’t an instant love scenario. Seven months go by between chapters one and two to give credence to their developing friendship. The secondary characters are a blend of characters from the first book in the series plus some new additions which gives continuity but keeps things fresh.
Spear does an excellent job of blending romance, suspense, and action in this latest novel. I also enjoyed learning more about the job of a sketch artist in a police department as well as the various cases Adam was investigating. There was a lot of focus on friendship and family during the down-time from their jobs. My biggest quibble was that many of the criminals were a little too inept to make the cases much of a mystery.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining novel with some humor to go with the suspense and romance. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Terry Spear provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
------------------------------ My 4 star review will be posted around 12/25/2021. (1 month prior to publication)....more
The Appeal by Janice Hallett is her debut novel and its epistolary format may tempt amateur sleuths to work alongside the two junior lawyers taskeThe Appeal by Janice Hallett is her debut novel and its epistolary format may tempt amateur sleuths to work alongside the two junior lawyers tasked with sorting through emails, texts, newspaper clippings, social media activity, messages, letters, and police reports which make up the narrative of the book to answer the senior partner’s questions which change over time. As Olufemi (Femi) Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd read, took notes, and sorted through the various information, so did I. They are kept in the dark initially as to the true nature of the case and it is best that readers go in without all of the details as well.
A local theatre group, The Fairway Players, are getting ready for Arthur Miller’s play, All My Sons, when tragedy strikes the family of Martin Hayward, the director, and his wife, Helen, the play’s star. Their granddaughter has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. An experimental treatment costing a large amount of money may be the only thing to save her life. Their friends and colleagues support them by babysitting, dog-sitting, and fundraising. However, accusations, fights, and a dead body bring a mystery to life.
This book had a very large cast of characters that required notes as I attempted to uncover the truth and answer the senior partner’s questions. It’s the second book that I have read with an epistolary format in 2021 and it worked for me. Some of the correspondence is just gossip and others provide key information if one reads them carefully while others seem enigmatic or irrelevant. But are they? To my surprise, given the format of the narrative, suspense was built as details were revealed.
The plot is clever and somewhat convoluted, requiring more notes to keep things straight. The epistolary dialogue is well-crafted. Even the main characters become fully drawn and unforgettable. The last minute evidence added after an initial report back to the senior partner clarified some things. Did I get all of the questions answered correctly? No. However, I did arrive at several of the answers. How will you fare? Will you be able to pick out details and make the connections? Several themes were woven into the novel including social hierarchy, social exclusion, friendship, family, community, stress, obsession, jealousy, and much more. The others would be spoilers.
Overall, this was suspenseful with compelling characters that engaged my inner sleuth and kept me turning the pages. The occasional humor helped as well. It’s an impressive start for a debut novel. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. If you are looking for a mystery with twists, plenty of suspects, and lots of motives, then this is one you may want to check out.
Atria Books and Janice Hallett provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 25, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------- My 4 star review will be posted 3-4 days after it appears in Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
The Wrong Woman by Leanne Kale Sparks is an intense, suspenseful, and engaging debut novel featuring FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck and Denver polThe Wrong Woman by Leanne Kale Sparks is an intense, suspenseful, and engaging debut novel featuring FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck and Denver police detective Adam Taylor. This police procedural, romantic suspense, and crime thriller is mainly set in late February and March with a waning winter in Colorado. The book starts with a chilling prologue from a killer’s point of view and then proceeds to engage the reader with multiple cases. Kendall is investigating the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams and Adam is investigating a case where a young woman was found dead at the edge of a golf course. When Kendall’s roommate, Gwen Tavich, goes missing, Kendall and Adam meet.
Kendall is a strong female protagonist and has plenty of character depth for a first novel. Her friends are the biggest part of her life besides her job. She’s compassionate and relentless in her pursuit of justice, but she also has flaws such as a temper that can get her in trouble. Readers gradually learn about her past and how that influences her actions and thoughts today. Adam seems more laid back than Kendall, but just as devoted to his work. While readers also get insight into his relationship with a past girlfriend, his character isn’t as fully fleshed out as Kendall’s is.
The opening is strong, chilling, and memorable. The plot and sense of urgency move the story forward. Both story lines have twists that keep readers guessing. The writing was well-done and transported this reader into the dark and gritty world of victims and investigators. While the ending was a little over-the-top, it wrapped things up nicely, but left an opening for a thread to be followed in future books. The emotional toll on victims, families, and investigators was shown throughout the novel.
This novel shows how hard it can be to get an investigation going when an adult goes missing. Themes include abduction, murder, assault, child abuse, torture, friendship, family, grief, severe trauma, and much more. Readers should be aware that there are descriptions of torture as well as descriptions of crimes against a child.
Overall, this was an intense and gripping thriller with complex and compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It’s an impressive start for a debut novel. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and hopefully about Kendall and Adam. Readers of police procedurals and crime thrillers may want to check this one out.
Crooked Lane Books and Leanne Kale Sparks provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 08, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------ My 4 star review of this police procedural and crime thriller will be posted 3-4 days after it is published at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
Who Do, Voodoo? by Rochelle Staab is a cozy mystery set in California and featuring clinical psychologist Liz Cooper as the protagonist. Her best Who Do, Voodoo? by Rochelle Staab is a cozy mystery set in California and featuring clinical psychologist Liz Cooper as the protagonist. Her best friend Robin finds tarot cards on her front door and is then accused of murder. So Liz teams up with her brother’s best friend, Nick, a professor and an expert in the occult, to find the real killer.
Liz and Nick were likeable characters. Readers get to see Liz’s relationship with Robin as well as her relationship with her brother and mother. Nick doesn’t have as much depth as a character. For some reason, the book did not grab my attention like I thought it would. The most memorable character is Liz’s mom and that is mainly due to the situations she puts Liz in. The story was somewhat interesting and the conclusion pulled together all of the threads. The killer was a little too easy to determine although there is a twist or two that might take readers down another path.
Overall, this was a light and entertaining story. It was a reasonably quick read between other books, but it was somewhat predictable. Additionally, the beginning was a little slow.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
Michael Ledwidge brings intrigue and action to his latest crime novel, Beach Wedding, set mainly in Southampton, New York. Terry Rourke and his wiMichael Ledwidge brings intrigue and action to his latest crime novel, Beach Wedding, set mainly in Southampton, New York. Terry Rourke and his wife and daughter are spending a month at a luxurious home in Southampton on the beach. His oldest and wealthy brother is getting married and has invited the whole family to stay at the house prior to the wedding. The Rourkes grew up in a nearby middle-class neighborhood where his father, Sean, was an Assistant District Attorney 20 years ago. Sean’s last case was a murder trial that changed their lives forever when he lost the case and subsequently drowned. Terry, a Philadelphia cop, can’t resist looking at the old case while he’s in the town. But messing with the rich and powerful can be dangerous.
Terry is a likeable and determined character, but sometimes gets so wrapped up in his investigation that he can lose sight of other things. The author did a great job in bringing the Rourke family to life as well as the non-family characters. The characters were quite believable, and injected with a blend of attributes both good and bad.
The plot is well-developed and clever and the narrative is descriptive, bringing the locations to life. There’s also a bit of humor which relieves some of the tension from time to time. The pacing was just right and the writing style was smooth; even with relatively short chapters it draws the reader into the story. While it takes a while to get to the mystery as readers learn about the lives of the members of the Rourke family, the intrigue grows as the investigation falls into place.
Don’t expect much action until near the end of the novel. This is more about the investigation and the people involved in it and those affected by it as well as uncovering the mystery. I appreciated how the author showed the impact on many characters, not just the Rourke family. The action at the end is nerve-wracking and somewhat harrowing, and it includes a shocking surprise or two that I didn’t see coming. Themes include family, friendship, corruption, murder, money, and power.
Overall, this was suspenseful with a great mystery and compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It is well worth the read and provides entertainment, thoughtful moments, and thrills. This is the third solo book that I’ve read by Ledwidge and I’m looking forward to reading more books by him.
Harlequin Trade Publishing – Hanover Square Press and Michael Ledwidge provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 15, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. -------------------------------
My 4 star review will be posted in the second half of January (per publisher guidelines)....more
The Flower & The Blackbird by Liane Zane is the second book in the Elioud Legacy series and the second one that I have read by this author. The auThe Flower & The Blackbird by Liane Zane is the second book in the Elioud Legacy series and the second one that I have read by this author. The author brings action, attraction, and suspense to a new paranormal romantic suspense urban fantasy espionage thriller. The novel is largely set in France, Italy, and Albania with some side trips to Croatia and North Macedonia.
Until six months ago, Anastasia “Stasia” Fiore led a double life. She’s an intelligence officer in Italy’s foreign security service plus she was running off-the-books missions with friends Olivia and Beta to take down predators. During a mission, she learned that she has angel blood, making her an Elioud. When she’s asked to help the Art Squad track down a stolen Rembrandt painting, the assignment becomes complicated when she encounters Miro Kos, a Croatian Elioud she met six months ago.
Stasia and Miro are characters a reader can root for and have depth. Stasia is intelligent, excellent at hand-to-hand combat, and finds trusting others to be difficult. Miro is a great fighter, intelligent, and doesn’t think he can handle being betrayed again. He also has a dark past. There is a wide variety of characters that play roles in the ensuing action and provide the necessary support or conflict including several characters from book one of the series. Some are charismatic and others enigmatic which make Stasia’s decisions even harder.
The opening is strong and intriguing that pulls the reader in. The prose was compulsively readable, well-written, and engrossing. Despite being fast-paced with plenty of action interspersed with some time to get to know the main characters, it is also vividly descriptive without slowing down the pace. I didn’t want to put the book down. The ending is dramatic, with lots of tension and suspense. While there isn’t a large cliffhanger, there are threads that have set up the next novel in the series.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include art theft, con men, supernatural abilities, betrayal, jealousy, friendship, trust, designer drugs, secrets, romance, and much more inside a story line of good versus evil. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. If the above sounds like something you would enjoy, then I recommend that you check it out.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this novel and the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date was August 31, 2021....more
Cry Wolf by Hans Rosenfeldt is shocking, suspenseful, violent, and heartbreaking and set in and around Haparanda, Sweden. It has aspects of both aCry Wolf by Hans Rosenfeldt is shocking, suspenseful, violent, and heartbreaking and set in and around Haparanda, Sweden. It has aspects of both a crime thriller and a police procedural. Policewoman Hannah Wester starts investigating the death of a wolf and her pup. When human remains are found in their stomachs, the search is on for a body. When a link is made to a drug deal gone wrong across the border in Finland, a task force is assembled and events rapidly escalate.
While Hannah is the main character, the story is told from multiple points of view (POV). Hannah is around 50 years old, sometimes too quick to draw conclusions, but relentless in her investigations, and is experiencing several personal issues. Readers get insights into many of the characters’ personal, professional, and criminal lives without detracting from the investigation. There was an amazing amount of depth to several characters without ruining the flow of the story. I don’t remember ever seeing this much depth in so many characters in a book before. One POV that stood out to me was that of the city itself. This lent a unique perspective to the story and how events can affect a city. I enjoyed the historical information as well.
The opening scene grabs readers’ attention and quickly pulls them into the investigation. The novel is interspersed with police investigations into the crimes, violence, and the personal troubles of various characters in the novel. While the transitions were somewhat abrupt, it seemed to work for me. One thing that was a little different is that readers occasionally got insight into a character’s future life situation. While this was interesting, it could sometimes be distracting to the flow.
The plot is well developed, the pace fast, and the story line is action-packed. The episodic writing style takes a little while to get used to but works for this novel. Descriptive writing gave a great sense of place while twists and turns take readers on the journey. This book is dark, clever, and gripping with great characters as well as a tense and spellbinding story line. Readers should be aware that there are some gruesome details and some chilling and emotional scenes. The ending wasn’t quite what I was expecting. However, the culmination was impactful and raised some questions and threads that could appear in a future book. Themes include murder, double-crosses, drugs, greed, social media effects on police investigations, infidelity, family relationships, and much more.
Overall, this book was suspenseful, intense, riveting, and thought-provoking. If you enjoy international crime thrillers and police procedurals that have strong characters, then this may be the novel for you. While this is the first book I have read by this author, I am looking forward to reading others by him.
Harlequin Trade Publishing – Hanover Square Press and Hans Rosenfeldt provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 28, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------ My 4 star review of this international crime thriller and police procedural will be posted 3-4 days after it appears in Mystery and Suspense Magazine and about one month prior to the publication date....more
City of the Dead by Jonathan Kellerman brings more than just murder and suspense to the 37th book in the Alex Delaware series. It combines a policCity of the Dead by Jonathan Kellerman brings more than just murder and suspense to the 37th book in the Alex Delaware series. It combines a police procedural with psychology to bring additional insights into the story and people. The books are also tend to be cerebral in nature. Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware team up again when Milo is called to the scene of young naked man hit by a van. But a blood trail leads to a nearby home where a woman has been murdered and any thoughts of accidental death disappear.
Milo and Alex have been friends for years and while they often approach cases from different standpoints, their investigative and cognitive techniques gel as well as their dispositions, and they keep the cases fresh, entertaining and moving along. The way they bounce ideas off of each other feels natural. At this stage of the series, the main characters are well known to this reader and have depth. Some secondary characters from previous books in the series show up to keep things interesting and provide additional awareness of how Milo and his team work together.
The writing style flowed well and I knew I was back with old friends. Kellerman’s writing is polished and appealing, doing a good job of transporting me to the Los Angeles area. Whether they are talking about or experiencing the traffic or food or the people, I was living the events with Milo and Alex. They both want to achieve justice and hold bad people accountable for their actions. The story had several twists and there were a couple of surprises at the end. It was definitely not predictable to me. Will you be shocked by the culprit’s identity?
Overall, this was a story that quickly drew me into Milo and Alex’s world and their latest case. It was an engaging read with a solid mystery to unravel. I also liked the insights into Alex’s work with child custody cases including his approach and his thoughts going into a new case.
Readers that like the series and police procedurals should enjoy this latest novel. I don’t recommend jumping into this series at number 37, though. Start earlier in the series to have the best reading experience. I have read over 20 books in the series and plan to read them all. They’re never disappointing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Jonathan Kellerman via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 8, 2022.
--------------------------------------- Per publisher guidelines, my 4 star review will be posted approximately 2 weeks prior to publication....more
Her Rocky Mountain Hero by Jennifer D. Bokal is part of the Rocky Mountain Justice romantic suspense series. It focuses on security expert Cody SaHer Rocky Mountain Hero by Jennifer D. Bokal is part of the Rocky Mountain Justice romantic suspense series. It focuses on security expert Cody Samuels and fugitive Viktoria Mateev. Cody has finally found Viktoria and arrives to take her to the police only to rescue her from assassins who kidnap her son.
Both characters are likeable, and readers get to know some of their strengths and flaws. They are engaging characters with chemistry, but there isn’t a lot of time for depth. The story takes place over two action-filled days. Yet the romance seems to be at a level of several months. There are plenty of suspenseful moments, but the instant love didn’t work well for me. Themes include kidnapping, attempted murder, family, forgiveness, justice, protection of others, corruption, and much more.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was November 7, 2017. ...more
The Texas Job by Wortham gives readers a view of East Texas in 1931 when a huge oil field has been found and towns are exploding with people, oil The Texas Job by Wortham gives readers a view of East Texas in 1931 when a huge oil field has been found and towns are exploding with people, oil wells, and the good and bad that came with it. Texas Ranger Tom Bell is tracking a fugitive murderer. He is examining a dead body before going into town when someone shoots at him. That is the start of an exciting time in this area of Texas. From a sheriff of the boomtown PineTop to the roughnecks working for the oil companies, no one offers him help. In fact, he obviously ruffles some feathers, and multiple attempts on his life occur. As he tries to find the murderer, Tom uncovers more crimes are happening in and around the town. Will he live to solve the cases?
Tom is a young Ranger in this novel and his sense of duty and desire for justice comes through in his character which has more depth than I expected. Interspersed in the narrative are insights into his young history of serving in World War I and dealing with the loss of his wife. This delivered realism and empathy that made him more relatable. Several of the supporting characters had distinct personalities that made the story even more interesting.
The author did extensive research on this period of Texas history during the Great Depression and the oil boom, but also in Oklahoma when oil was discovered under land owned by the Osage Nation, and it shows. While this is not a traditional 1800’s western, it does have similarities with a lone lawman going up against criminals in a good versus evil story and set in a historical period. The writing is descriptive without slowing down the vivid and action-filled plot. This feature created atmosphere that elevated the story line. Readers will rapidly turn the pages and learn about daily life and conditions in boomtowns during the beginning of oil drilling in that part of Texas. Themes include murder, attempted murder, corruption, racism, power, and more.
The action starts out strong, moves at a fast pace, and the suspense continues to build throughout. The author brought a strong sense of place and time to the events in the book. The action somehow managed to seem plausible for the times even though it was definitely extreme. I could easily visualize the towns, the people, the unsanitary conditions in the temporary camps and tent cities, the landscape, and the inability of infrastructure to keep up with the booming population. One thing that stood out for me was the concerns over water and air pollution that showed up even in 1931.
Overall, this book was an engaging and action-filled crime thriller in a historical setting that kept me turning the pages. This is the first book that I have read by this author but it won’t be the last. I highly recommend this novel to those that like his crime thrillers.
Poisoned Pen Press and Reavis Z. Wortham provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 15, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------- My 4 star review of this historical mystery will be posted 3-4 days after it appears in Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
Devil’s Triangle: The Complete Graphic Novel by Brian C. Hailes and Blake Casselman is the only graphic novel that I have read in 2021. Gist MilleDevil’s Triangle: The Complete Graphic Novel by Brian C. Hailes and Blake Casselman is the only graphic novel that I have read in 2021. Gist Miller is a junior crewmember on a salvage trawler searching for sunken treasure off the Florida Keys. As the ship moves further into the triangle, the crew experiences lots of strange spectacles and apparitions.
Overall, it was the artwork that kept me engaged. It was detailed and well done to someone that isn’t an avid graphic novel reader. Despite the action scenes, the story itself seemed somewhat lackluster and character depth was missing. I did enjoy the character drawings and backgrounds shared at the end of the novel. The illustrations raised this to a 3 star read for me.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher and author in a Goodreads Giveaway This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date was August 3, 2015....more
Dark Zone by Stephen Coonts and Jim DeFelice is the third book in the Deep Black series. This can be classified as a technothriller or an espionagDark Zone by Stephen Coonts and Jim DeFelice is the third book in the Deep Black series. This can be classified as a technothriller or an espionage thriller. Within in the National Security Agency, there is a small group of special agents forming Deep Black. Their mission is to bring a technological edge to covert operations and stop cyber threats. This novel features Charlie Dean, Tommy Karr and Lia DeFrancesca. A multi-phased terrorist plot is underway and Deep Black gets hints of something big and terrible is going to happen. Will Charlie, Tommy, and Lia be able to stop it?
The main characters are actually quite interesting, including their boss William Rubens who actually has the most depth of any of the characters even though he plays a supporting role. I have read six other novels by Coonts and all of them were rated 4 stars. I never thought I would rate one less than that. However, this novel felt very disjointed. While many novels go back and forth between points of view and locations smoothly, this one did not work well for me. Despite this and a slow middle section, there is still plenty of action and an interesting plot line that kept me progressing through the book. The ending definitely requires suspension of belief.
With plenty of action and suspense, it provided entertainment. The series is best read in order.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was November 30, 2004. ...more
The Last Protector by Simon Gervais has a powerful and shocking start, but it doesn’t stop there. Action, suspense, treachery, and intrigue keep tThe Last Protector by Simon Gervais has a powerful and shocking start, but it doesn’t stop there. Action, suspense, treachery, and intrigue keep this novel moving at a terrific pace. When powerful men and women do shocking things, is there anyone that can stop them? The novel has aspects of espionage, political, business, and military thrillers as well as settings that include Afghanistan, Iraq, South Africa, North Carolina, Texas, California, Virginia, and Washington D.C. It is exactly what you would expect from a well-written action thriller with lots of concern over how to protect one’s loved ones as well as some information on weapons and gear.
Clayton White is a former air force combat rescue officer that is now working for the Secret Service and leading the protection detail for the Veronica Hammond, the daughter of the vice-president-elect of the United States. She is also his secret girlfriend. When she becomes the target of a group of mercenaries, Clayton encounters lies, secrets, and unexpected foes. Who can he trust besides Veronica?
Clayton and Veronica are both likeable characters, but Clayton has more depth, which is natural for the main character of a series. His courage, valor, and loyalty, as well as his fair treatment of others gains him respect from his team and superiors. His flaws seem to be few except for accepting some things as fact without double-checking them. I hope that both of them gain depth as the series progresses. Readers do not get a sense of their lives when they are relaxing. Many of the other characters are well-drawn for their roles and some are unforgettable.
Part One is set six years ago and is short, but important. This opening is strong and has memorable scenes that immediately pulled this reader into the story. A narrative that is suspenseful and action-filled through-out moves at a blistering pace. The author’s military and federal experiences are reflected in the well-crafted action situations that felt genuine.
Short chapters are full of action, difficult choices, and betrayals. The story line is somewhat straightforward with a clear sense of good versus evil. My biggest quibble is that the ending felt rushed; especially near the ending in South Africa. Additionally, in one of the scenes, one of the “bad guys” made a mistake that did not seem in character for him. However, it was so full of action and excitement that it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I was kept fully invested in the mission becoming a success.
Overall, this book was suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, and entertaining. If you enjoy espionage or military thrillers with a strong lead character, then this may be the series for you. The combination of an entertaining story line and lots of action makes this an intoxicating novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication was November 1, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------- My 4 star review of this espionage and military thriller will be posted 3-4 days after it appears in Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
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