That Others May Live by Jen J. Danna writing as Sara Driscoll is the fascinating, suspenseful, and heartbreaking eighth book in the FBI K-9 crime That Others May Live by Jen J. Danna writing as Sara Driscoll is the fascinating, suspenseful, and heartbreaking eighth book in the FBI K-9 crime thriller series. The book features Meg Jennings and her Labrador K-9 partner Hawk. They’re civilian employees of the FBI’s Human Scent Response Team.
Meg is preparing for another work day when she gets word of a calamitous scene in downtown Washington, D.C. near the White House. Part of a twelve-story high-end condominium building has collapsed, and the rest of the structure could soon follow. Her betrothed, Todd, is already at work. He’s a firefighter and paramedic and is likely already on site. If anyone is still alive within the rubble, she and Hawk along with the other K-9 teams must find them. Minutes count. But is this a random tragedy or is there a bigger threat?
Meg is compassionate, friendly, wants to help others, and has a keen sense of justice. She also has a fear of heights that she must overcome on some sites. Todd is smart, strong, capable, and pragmatic. While he may feel fear at times, he does the job despite it, and even uses it to keep himself sharp. There’s an array of characters from prior books that help with continuity and a sense of visiting friends. Key among these are her fellow K-9 team members and McCord, an investigative reporter who is Meg’s sister’s boyfriend.
Dynamic characters, unparalleled devastation, and great descriptions drew me in to this heartbreaking and intense story. It has a deeply involved and multi-layered plot and an incredible setting and takes place over the course of the week before Christmas. I was transported to the dangerous scene and felt as if I was living the events alongside the characters. This is an intense novel and reminds readers of the situations these teams and first responders encounter frequently. Their emotional toil is also highlighted as well as how several of them work through it.
The author’s writing style continues to hook me quickly. The prose is well-written and engaging. There are twists and turns and surprises along the way in an intricate plot that kept me anxious. The atmosphere is tense and serious throughout most of the novel and it has more technical details than usual given the nature of this disaster. The author brings strong characters, great plots, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the series. I thought it was an interesting that the author gave a definition of an aspect of high-rise construction at the beginning of each chapter.
Overall, this tense, engaging, and tragic thriller gripped me from the beginning. It was difficult to put down. I’m a fan of the series and looking forward to reading the next book.
Kensington Books and Sara Driscoll provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 28, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------- My 4.6 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
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 a powerful and evocative crime thriller and police procedural! Laws of Annihilation by Eriq La Salle highlights cultural differences, racial What a powerful and evocative crime thriller and police procedural! Laws of Annihilation by Eriq La Salle highlights cultural differences, racial conflicts, and personal challenges in this third book in the Martyr Maker series. New York City is sweltering in high temperatures and someone has decided it’s time for a racial war. FBI Agent Janel Maclin is in New York City to see a specialist. Afterwards, she visits with New York police detectives Quincy Cavanaugh and Phee Freeman. Suddenly, all three get calls to come to a crime scene. Soon, the body count and violence escalate.
Maclin is a meticulous observer, contemplative, proficient, dedicated to justice, and has always wanted to be the FBI’s first female director. However, she isn’t always patient and she has a darker side that many don’t see. Phee can be blunt and has a talent for pushing people’s buttons. Quincy is the voice of reason and assurance, but his character was not quite as well developed as the other two main characters. There are many other characters in the story, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping up with who was who.
The novel starts with heartbreaking news and quickly escalates into a devastating and somewhat graphic crime scene. I was immediately drawn into the story which seemed all too possible. Descriptive, without slowing the pace, this novel focuses on cultural differences, faith, racial conflicts, hatred, preconceived ideas of others, grief, secrets, friendship, ethics, connections, being a part of a collective versus being alone, and family.
I can’t begin to do this novel justice in a review. It’s gritty and graphic in its violence and descriptions, as well as heartbreaking and tough to read at times. However, it also highlights real world tensions that the world faces today. It has a deeply involved plot, extraordinary characters, unpredictable and suspenseful moments, and a realism that is memorable as I was transported into the horrifying world of the victims and the investigators. The Epilogue sets up what should be another fantastic book.
Overall, this book was suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, and thought-provoking. If you enjoy well-written crime thrillers and police procedurals with a strong lead character, then this may be the series for you. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as reading the earlier two books.
Poisoned Pen Press and Eriq La Salle provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 24, 2023. ---------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 star review is coming soon....more
What a delightful read! With good characterization and great atmosphere, multiple mysteries, two wonderful canines, and a cat, Paula Munier has sold mWhat a delightful read! With good characterization and great atmosphere, multiple mysteries, two wonderful canines, and a cat, Paula Munier has sold me on this series. Home at Night is the fifth book in the Mercy & Elvis Mysteries series.
It’s nearly Halloween in Northshire, Vermont and five humans, two dogs, and a cat are crowded into Mercy Carr’s small cabin. She and husband Troy Warner had a deal on a new house when it fell through after Troy sold his place. When Grackle Tree Farm comes on the market, they know they want to make an offer. It’s thirty acres of woods and wetlands and a Victorian manor that needs some work. However, there’s something going on at the manor house. With murder and attacks, someone is up to no good.
Mercy is ex-military, proud, stubborn, a nature lover, likes to read, researches diligently, and loves to snoop. She takes the occasional investigative job with Daniel Feinberg. Troy is a game warden, honest, not afraid of hard work, and is a great proponent of protecting plants and animals. He’s not as good at social skills. The remaining characters were a mix that had depth appropriate for their roles. Elvis is a retired bomb-sniffing dog, Muse is Mercy’s cat, and Susie Bear is Troy’s search and rescue partner. Living with them are teenage mother Amy, and her baby, Helena. Amy’s boyfriend Brodie is a frequent visitor.
The narrative is descriptive without slowing the pace and very atmospheric. A haunted manor house, a coded letter, murder, attacks, intruders, and more kept me turning the pages for more. Along the way, readers, as well as Mercy and Troy, learn the history of the farm and its prior owners. Add to this, the Halloween celebrations in the town including a costumed canine parade and this a cast of likeable characters. I didn’t want the story to end.
Overall, this was an engaging storyline with wonderful characters and multiple mysteries to solve. I was easily transported to Vermont in the fall. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I also enjoyed the literary quotes and references throughout the novel. The book struck the right chord for me.
St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Paula Munier provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be October 17, 2023. ---------------------------------------- My 4.51 rounded to 5 stars is coming soon....more
Death, suspense, action, and drama immediately pull readers into Random in Death by J. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts). This well-written futDeath, suspense, action, and drama immediately pull readers into Random in Death by J. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts). This well-written futuristic police procedural is set in New York City (NYC) in the summer of 2061 and features Lieutenant Eve Dallas with the NYC homicide police department. Sixteen-year-old Jenna Harbough has finally gotten parental approval to watch her favorite band play live at a club. Her idol Jake Kincaid catches her eye while she’s on the dance floor. It’s the best night of her life. Minutes later she stumbles outside and dies. Eve is called to the scene. Was Jenna targeted specifically or was she a random victim?
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Delia Peabody (Eve’s partner), and Eve’s colleagues is always entertaining. The main characters are compelling and three-dimensional. Eve is honorable, honest, has strong moral principles, and has a strong sense of duty to victims and their families. Her need to serve and protect comes through in every book, but the underlying impetus for this is best understood by reading this series in order. As always, the interactions between Eve and Roarke are enjoyable and bring a different facet of Eve’s personality to light. It’s fascinating to see how Eve’s mind works getting a better and better picture of the killer. I enjoyed seeing Peabody continue to take on more responsibility in this story line as well as Detective Jenkinson. Readers get to see a bit of the private lives of Peabody and her significant other, McNab. Additionally, Nadine Furst and Jake Kincade share more of the limelight in this novel.
It is amazing that after fifty-eight books this author can still use prose to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. The novel has a deeply involved plot that is thought-provoking and tragic. Robb weaves humor into her novels, providing levity to offset some of the more serious and grim aspects of the story. She brings strong characters, great plots, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the series. Woven through the novel are threads of caring for others, standing for victims, friendship, relationships, ego, justice, leadership, love, respect, and trust. Additionally, there are themes of murder, shock, denial, grief, power, rage, dominance, punishment, arrogance, and much more.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with suspenseful scenes, lots of solid police investigation, and some action. The writing is fluid and the ever-present threat that was looming kept me rapidly turning the pages. Besides the investigation, Dallas’s solid investigative techniques and her relationships with her friends and colleagues drive the narrative. It has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists.
Overall, this novel was a twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story. If you enjoy engaging near-future police procedurals, then I recommend this series. This is the fifty-eighth book in the In Death Eve Dallas series and I have read all of them up to this point. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 23, 2024. ------------------------------------------ My 4.55 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Intrigue, romance, danger, suspense, arranged marriages, and much more contribute to an exciting novel in the fifth book in the Gunnie (Lizbeth) Rose Intrigue, romance, danger, suspense, arranged marriages, and much more contribute to an exciting novel in the fifth book in the Gunnie (Lizbeth) Rose series. All the Dead Shall Weep is a mix of fantasy, western, and alternate history and is mainly set in Segundo Mexia in Texoma which used to include Texas and Oklahoma.
Lizbeth Rose Savarova meets her half-sister Felicia Dominguez Karkarova and her husband’s brother Peter Savarova at the train station. This visit is to get Felicia away from San Diego where her magical powers had grown to the point that multiple kidnapping and assassination attempts had occurred. However, Segundo Mexia doesn’t prove to be much safer for Felicia or Lizbeth as Eli (Lizbeth’s husband) and Peter almost immediately leave without an explanation.
Lizbeth is capable, loyal, brave, even-tempered, and a great shot, but is still suffering from a significant loss. Felicia has a gift for languages, has started to show her true age, and has gained confidence in herself and her abilities. Other characters play secondary roles with varying degrees of depth.
Charlaine Harris is one of my favorite authors and she did not let me down with this addition to the series. The characters are compelling, led by strong and capable protagonists. I enjoyed having Lizbeth and Felicia alternate points of view.
There was always something new happening in this story. Danger, action, and heart-wrenching moments are interspersed throughout it. This well-crafted story hooked me in the beginning and kept me turning the pages as I went on a rollercoaster ride through twists, drama, grief, and intrigue.
Overall, this novel brings thrills, action, family drama, political intrigue, magic, loyalty, romance, communication issues, power and much more making it an engaging and entertaining read. It’s also one that causes the reader to think about life, love, duty, community, trust, and family. The book has a shocking ending that I did not expect. Exceptional characters, intense fight scenes, and family drama made this an entertaining read.
If you like alternate history, action adventure, thrillers and fantasy, then this series is for you. I recommend reading the books in order. The first novel explains the alternative history aspect that is not fully explained in the succeeding novels.
Gallery Books, Gallery / Saga Press and Charlaine Harris 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 September 05, 2023.
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Suspense, danger, action, intense moments, and romance are combined to provide readers with a fabulous read in Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose. Suspense, danger, action, intense moments, and romance are combined to provide readers with a fabulous read in Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose. This is the second book in the New Orleans romantic suspense series that is also partly a police procedural and a private investigator crime novel. If you like contemporary romances with lots of suspense and danger, then this book is one to check out. Except for the epilogue, the book takes place over the course of five days.
Assistant District Attorney Kaj Cardozo has only lived in New Orleans for six months, but he is known in both New York and in his new home city for his fight against corruption. He’s also working a high-profile celebrity assault case that is getting publicity across the country. When his son Elijah becomes the target of a kidnapping attempt, Kaj hires Broussard Investigations to protect Elijah. Val Sorensen is the person assigned to be his bodyguard and the firm is hired to investigate the incident. The investigation reveals more than they bargained for, as drugs, corruption, and murder are discovered.
Kaj, Val, and Elijah are likeable characters. Kaj is kind, understanding, and determined to help his boss root out corruption in the area. However, he also fears for his son’s safety. Val is a Marine veteran, tenderhearted, capable, and thoughtful. However, she is also estranged from her sister Sylvie. Elijah is ten years old, smart for his age, and kindhearted. Kaj and Val seem to balance each other, but their attraction came on a little too fast. However, these strong protagonists with strong senses of determination were easy to get behind and hope that they succeed in their endeavors. Several characters from book one make an appearance in this one as well so readers can catch up on their lives as well. Some of the antagonists are known immediately while others are slowly revealed.
The prologue immediately grabbed my attention and the story continues with action, investigation by both the police and the private investigation firm, and plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged. The thrilling storyline, balanced with the emotional aspects of the work, made this a winner for me. The book was descriptive without slowing the pace, which is fast. Readers will get an excellent sense of the bayou, but I wanted a little more sense of New Orleans itself.
This riveting crime thriller, police procedural, and romantic suspense novel keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. The plot is full of chasing down leads and interviewing people as well as plenty of danger for those involved. I enjoyed how the author provided unpredictable moments and a little humor, which offset some gruesome spots in this tale. Themes include murder, abduction, relationships, families, drugs, friendship, secrets, trust, assault, torture, corruption, and much more.
Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and atmospheric with great characterization. I can’t wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. I recommend this to those that like romantic suspense novels with relatable and likeable main characters.
Berkley Publishing Group and Karen Rose 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 August 15, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------ My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Steven Konkoly brings together diverse characters and an alarming scenario like few authors can. His third book in the Devin Gray series, Wide AwakSteven Konkoly brings together diverse characters and an alarming scenario like few authors can. His third book in the Devin Gray series, Wide Awake, kept me reading late into the night. Devin Gray and Marnie Young are trying to return to a normal life after taking out a sleeper network. However, violence and a potential for another sleeper network has them back at work. A plan to start a civil war in the United States is underway. Threats and violence escalate. Who is behind it and can it be stopped?
As always, this author brings characters to life, especially Devin and Marnie. They’re intelligent, patriotic, self-confident, strong, and bold. However, they also have some shortcomings that readers find as the story progresses and their natures and backstories become known to readers. It was also great to visit with old friends from the Black Flagged series.
The initial chapters introduce the various characters and situations from a border patrol incident to the protagonists to various antagonists and supporting characters. However, it took a while to determine how everyone fits into the story, which takes readers from Washington DC to multiple US states to a foreign country. This novel kept me captivated from the first page to its astonishing conclusion.
Konkoly is an outstanding storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat with gripping scenes, action, a superb plot, and fantastic writing. His military background brings an authenticity to his thrillers. He does a great job of balancing the shocking action scenes against the intrigue of the conspiracy plot and the planning of countermeasures. The dynamic plot came alive and felt all too possible with real-world issues incorporated into the story highlighting the societal and political differences between individuals and countries.
Plenty of suspense, a constant sense of urgency, a state of disquietude, and lots of action combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for those who enjoy thrillers. Themes include conspiracy, violence, differing political and social ideologies, duty, leadership, organization, and coordination.
Overall, this was a gripping, gritty, and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept this reader turning the pages. It’s also my favorite of the series. I would recommend it to those who enjoy political and military thrillers. This book works well as a standalone novel. However, the background and relationship dynamics are best fully understood by reading earlier novels in the series.
Thomas and Mercer and Steven Konkoly 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 August 15, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
A killer, a missing teenager, and a prom may be common elements of many stories. However, the way Carolyn Arnold weaves them into the Taken GirlsA killer, a missing teenager, and a prom may be common elements of many stories. However, the way Carolyn Arnold weaves them into the Taken Girls is not routine. This gripping police procedural and crime thriller is the eighth book in the series and it packs a punch. The setting largely takes place in Prince William County in northern Virginia and features Detective Amanda Steele. Amanda, a seasoned detective, is partnered with Detective Trent Stenson.
Even though Amanda and Trent are homicide detectives, they start looking for a missing teen, Reese Thompson, the older sister of a friend of Amanda’s niece, Ava Rollins. Reese left home three nights ago after an argument with her mother. She was voted prom queen so everyone is still expecting her to show up for the prom. She does show up, but not as expected. Meanwhile Amanda and Trent are chasing down leads, but nothing is straightforward and everyone seems to be hiding something.
Amanda continues to balance work and family. Amanda’s flaws and struggles made her seem realistic. She shows growth and depth as the story progresses, but seems a little too quick to disregard some of Trent’s suggestions. It was great to have Sergeant Malone, their boss, back on the job. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back. Readers learn more about Amanda’s relationship with her sister Kristen and niece Ava in this story.
The author brings suspense, action, and intense moments to the novel. The story builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. As usual, Arnold starts with an outstanding prologue that is chilling and grabs readers’ attention. The plot is intriguing, full of chasing down leads and interviewing suspects and witnesses in anticipation of identifying the killer. However, there are also threads of her personal life, scenes with the killer, and scenes with Ava that keep readers turning the pages.
This fast-paced novel is full of angst and a sense of urgency as well as some action scenes. The antagonist’s thought processes have a terrifying realism. The plot twists and surprises will keep readers on their toes. The author weaves murder, relationships, family dynamics, grief, bullying, embarrassment, friendship, and more into a finely crafted tale.
Overall, this novel was riveting, thought-provoking, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. I recommend this series to those that like police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable and likeable main characters.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 20, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.63 rounded to 5 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
Plenty of suspense, a constant sense of urgency, and a state of disquietude combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a mPlenty of suspense, a constant sense of urgency, and a state of disquietude combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for those who enjoy police procedurals. Matt Brolly’s The Bridge is the sixth book in the Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell series set in and near the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare in England. While the tale occasionally switches points of view to the killer and one other person, it is primarily from that of Louise.
A body of a young woman is discovered in a shipping container in Bristol. The police initially believe she was an illegal immigrant whose death was an accident. However, that belief changes to murder when they find the shipping container was due to be shipped out and a video camera with a live feed was filming her. Someone watched her die. Louise Blackwell gets the case. Are there others trapped? Are any of them alive?
Louise is a hard-working, diligent, resilient, and fascinating individual who has finally learned to delegate. She is respected by many, and her fighting for what is right inspires loyalty in her co-workers. Her struggle for work/life balance makes her feel more realistic. The other characters are a mix of new and familiar faces and are well-drawn. I especially enjoyed the growth that Detective Sergeant Greg Farrell achieved in this novel. Overall, the characterization is excellent. Even some of the secondary characters grow immensely.
A chilling and riveting opening scene will immediately pull most readers into the story. The narrative is suspenseful with a creative, absorbing, complex, and well-paced plot with some twists that will keep a reader guessing. The plot is multi-layered which keeps readers fully engaged. Brolly brings the layers together in this dynamic thriller. The high stakes kept me engaged throughout the story. The people in the story came to life, and I was cheering on the police as they searched desperately for those responsible for those responsible for the confinement and death of the victim. The author successfully weaves work relationships, personal relationships, family dynamics, the drive to succeed, murder, and much more in this installment of the series.
Overall, this was a gripping, gritty, and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept this reader turning the pages. It’s also my favorite of the series. I would recommend it to those who enjoy police procedurals and British crime dramas. This book works well as a standalone novel. However, Louise’s background and relationship dynamics are best fully understood by reading earlier novels in the series.
Amazon Publishing UK – Thomas and Mercer and Matt Brolly 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 August 08, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
What a fabulous start to a new series! Cincy Dees, a new-to-me author, has created an exciting action-packed and suspenseful thriller with a more matuWhat a fabulous start to a new series! Cincy Dees, a new-to-me author, has created an exciting action-packed and suspenseful thriller with a more mature main character. Helen Warwick is fifty-five and recently retired as a deadly sniper for the Central Intelligence Agency with many sanctioned executions. Her cover was as a foreign trade specialist for the State Department. After spending their childhood traveling overseas on assignments, Helen is hoping to reconnect and repair her relationship with her three children, Mitchell, Peter, and Jayne. She also wants to reconnect with her husband who is currently in the Amazon jungle.
Helen is dog-sitting for Peter and his boyfriend Liang when hired killers enter the house. Why is she being targeted and by whom? Did they follow her to Peter’s house? Besides an unknown foe, she is pulled into an investigation into four murders where those convicted claim they are innocent. Can Helen discover what is going on and stop the killing before she or one of her loved ones is killed?
Helen is mentally tough, an excellent sniper, and able to compartmentalize her emotions, but she hasn’t been working out lately. Her flaws make her more relatable. Mitchell and Peter have complex traits along with Yosef, Helen’s handler before she retired. Readers also get insights into several of the secondary and tertiary characters. How many of them will show up in future books? I look forward to their development from this point forward.
This book demanded my attention during its entirety. The twisty plot with plenty of angst, action, and suspense kept me engaged and rapidly turning the pages. There was a terrifying realism to some of the scenes that left me breathless. The story is gripping and grabs your attention in the first chapter and doesn’t let up until its astonishing conclusion. It features death, attempted murder, spies, politics, family relationships, friendship, and much more. Helen’s dynamics with Peter and Yosef were one of the more compelling aspects of the story. What a surprising ending! It’s a great set-up for the next book in the series.
Overall, this fantastic novel is shocking, emotionally-charged, and pulse-pounding. Be aware that there is plenty of danger, death, intrigue, and violence in this story. While this is the first book I have read by this author, I want to remedy that by reading some of her other novels. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. It’s first chapter is shared at the end of this novel. Readers who enjoy action thrillers and espionage thrillers will likely enjoy this book.
Kensington Books and Cindy Dees provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 23, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------ My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Death, suspense, action, and drama immediately pull readers into Payback in Death by J. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts). This well-written fuDeath, suspense, action, and drama immediately pull readers into Payback in Death by J. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts). This well-written futuristic police procedural is set in New York City (NYC) in the summer of 2061 and features Lieutenant Eve Dallas with the NYC homicide police department. After three weeks of vacation, Dallas and her husband Roarke have returned home. Before they get unpacked, a retired internal affairs police captain is found dead and Dallas is called to the scene to investigate. Is it foul play or not?
Time spent with Dallas, Roarke, Delia Peabody (Eve’s partner), and Eve’s colleagues is always entertaining. The main characters are compelling and three-dimensional. She’s honorable, honest, has strong moral principles, and has a sense of duty to victims and their families. Eve’s need to serve and protect comes through in every book, but the underlying impetus for this is best understood by reading this series in order. As always, the interactions between Eve and Roarke are enjoyable and bring a different facet of Eve’s personality to light. Roarke is complicated, fascinating, and generous, but he can also be irritating. I also enjoyed seeing Delia continue to take on more responsibility in this story line. Additionally, Detective Jenkinson plays a more significant role in this book. Readers get to see a bit of the private lives of Peabody and her significant other, McNab.
The prose is well-written and engaging. The plot is twisty, thought-provoking and tragic. While Robb usually manages to weave humor into her novels, providing levity to offset some of the more serious and grim aspects of the story, this one had less of it than usual. The author brings strong characters, great plots, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the series. Woven through the novel are threads of caring for others, standing for victims, friendship, relationships, ego, careers, leadership, love, respect, and trust.
Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with suspenseful scenes and some action. The writing is fluid and there are many suspects to investigate. Besides the investigation, Dallas’s relationships with her friends and colleagues drive the narrative. It has the right balance of mystery, police investigation, romance, and creative twists. There is one steamy scene late in the novel.
Overall, this novel was a twisty tale with great characterization that kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy engaging near-future police procedurals, then I recommend this series. This is the fifty-seventh book in the In Death Eve Dallas series and I have read all of them up to this point. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb 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 September 05, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------- My 4.7 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Once again, Paige Tyler brings readers another wonderfully executed story. In Loving the Wolf, romance, action, and suspense fill the fourteenth bOnce again, Paige Tyler brings readers another wonderfully executed story. In Loving the Wolf, romance, action, and suspense fill the fourteenth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Los Angeles County in California, this novel features SWAT werewolf Trevor McCall and Jenna Malone. Jenna is the younger sister of Trevor’s friend and fellow SWAT werewolf Connor Malone.
Jenna and Trevor met during the last book in the series and they connected, spending time talking and getting to know each other. When Jenna invites him to California for a visit, he accepts, but doesn’t tell Connor. Trevor suspects Jenna is his fated mate. However, there’s something hiding in California that is dangerous, and Jenna is in the middle of it.
Art has been Jenna’s coping mechanism since she experienced a traumatic event when she was a teen. She works in the movie industry doing a little glamour makeup, but mainly creating monsters for shows. She also draws and sculpts the things in her head. Abandoned by her family, she has made a life for herself with friends she works with and those she encounters during her days. She is also helping the unhoused by providing meals and trying to get them jobs. Trevor is warm, welcoming, a great listener, and protective. They are strongly attracted to each other, but is she Trevor’s fated mate? Characters from previous books in the series make appearances, but the focus is on Jenna and Trevor.
It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their efforts to resolve the hidden danger increases. I’m being deliberately vague here to avoid spoilers. It held my attention fully and contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. It delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, and love. At the same time, it also tackles the serious issues of kidnappings, family dynamics, guilt, friendship, and the unhoused. There is one steamy scene just after the halfway point in the book.
Overall, this book is emotionally-charged, full of danger, and intense; with a terrific romance and nonstop action. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 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.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Paige Tyler provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 09, 2023. -------------------------------------- My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Don Bentley has created another action-packed and suspenseful novel, Forgotten War. This fourth book in the Matt Drake thriller series has an inteDon Bentley has created another action-packed and suspenseful novel, Forgotten War. This fourth book in the Matt Drake thriller series has an intensity that few writers can achieve. This book, which can be categorized as a political thriller, technothriller, and a military thriller has aspects of all three and is mainly set in Afghanistan and Texas. Matt Drake, Frodo Cates, and Frodo’s girlfriend Katherine are waiting on Matt’s wife Laila to arrive at a restaurant when Frodo is arrested by two members of the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division for a murder that took place 10 years ago in Afghanistan in 2011. Matt is determined to prove his friend innocent, but Frodo isn’t talking. At the same time, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan is occurring.
Matt is full of wit and sarcasm, and has an aptitude for languages. He wants to make the world safer and often sacrifices his own well-being to achieve this. He shows character growth despite the large amount of action in this novel, which I’ve come to expect from this author. The other characters have a variety of depths in their supporting or opposing roles. Some are new to the series and others provide the reader continuity with the prior books in the series.
Fluid writing, great characterization, and fantastic world building, as well as an excellent, fast-paced plot will keep readers engaged. It takes a little while for readers to understand how the strong prologue fits in with the rest of the story. However, pay close attention to it. There is also some shifting in time between 2021 and 2011. Despite this, the action and drama are compelling . While there are descriptions of weapons and gear, it is only enough to engage the reader. I believe this approach makes Bentley’s novels appeal to a wider audience.
Overall, this fantastic novel is shocking, emotionally-charged, and riveting. Be aware that there is plenty of danger, death, intrigue, and violence in this story. Additionally, with the current situation and the actual 2021 events in Afghanistan, this one seemed very realistic. There are a few threads that were left open for the next book in the series, but the main plot line is fully resolved. Themes include political maneuvering, teamwork, friendship, bravery, patriotism, war, honor, differences in operational philosophies, murder, and much more.
This is the second book that I have read by this author but I am looking forward to the next book in the series as well as going back and reading the first two. I believe those readers who enjoy action thrillers and military thrillers will want to read this book. The author’s note at the end of the novel provided some additional insight on the fall of Afghanistan and where the book diverges from actual events.
Berkley Publishing Group and Don Bentley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for April 25, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------------- My 4.66 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
The Complete Gardener by Monty Don is the one of the most comprehensive gardening books that I have ever read. The introduction includes informatiThe Complete Gardener by Monty Don is the one of the most comprehensive gardening books that I have ever read. The introduction includes information on the evolution of the garden as well as on wildlife and weather. It then tackles structure including such items as design planning, water features and paths. A section on gardening basics will be extremely useful to novice gardeners and great refresher for more experienced gardeners.
After these chapters, the author concentrates on the gardens he’s developed at Longmeadow in Herefordshire, England near Leominster. The chapters give a history of how each garden has evolved over the years as well as the types of plants in them. Next up are chapters on the various types of plants with specific varieties used at Longmeadow. This is followed by chapters on growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
While the soil, weather, and temperatures are very different where I live, there is still a lot of information that is applicable. While items such as when to sow certain seeds or plant something needs to be adjusted for my climate, the task itself is the same. Monty also shares insights into life and how gardening is a positive influence on him.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and educational read. I will be using this as a reference book regularly. I’m looking forward to reading more of his books on gardens and gardening.
I purchased a physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
Suspense, murder, and danger are expected from Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series. However, Dead Man’s Wake, the fourteenth book in the series, brSuspense, murder, and danger are expected from Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series. However, Dead Man’s Wake, the fourteenth book in the series, brings an extra intensity to the story mainly set in Belgrade, Maine and the surrounding lake area. During their engagement party, Maine Game Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch and Emergency Medical Technician Stacey Stevens hear and witness what seems to be a hit-an-run speedboat crash. Arriving at the sight via his stepfather’s boat, a severed arm is revealed in their spotlight. When two bodies are found, not one, Mike suspects there’s more going on than an accident. In Maine, game wardens have the same arrest powers as sheriffs, and he works the investigation along with the state police.
Mike and Stacey are likeable characters and work well together. Stacey has been a bush pilot, wildlife biologist, photographer, and a kayaking guide. She can intimidate others because she is so talented. Mike is a great tracker and wants to believe the best of others, but he can be fiery and bold. He also has a somewhat perverse sense of humor that isn’t always appreciated by others. I enjoyed getting to know their families better in this novel. Mike’s stepfather Neil is kind and enthusiastic. Neil’s wife Jubilee is perceptive and funny. Stacey’s parents are Charley and Ora. Charley is a good friend of Mike’s and a retired game warden. Ora was the only one of the group who wasn’t as well-developed.
This riveting crime thriller and police investigation keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. The plot is suspenseful, full of chasing down leads and interviewing suspects and witnesses as well as plenty of danger for those involved.
I enjoyed how the author provided unpredictable moments in the story. The conflict moves the story forward at a rapid pace. Why are some of individuals obviously lying? Themes include death, relationships, family dynamics, secrets, health, friendship, police cooperation across jurisdictions, and much more. The one thing that I missed in this story was the nature references that were much more prevalent in the previous book. There are short discussions around common loons and bears as well as a few other references, but I didn’t feel immersed in it. However, weather and the lake both play important roles in the story and they were immersive.
Overall, this fast-paced novel was engaging, gripping, and atmospheric with good characterization and great world-building details. Even though this is part of a series, it is a great stand-alone read too. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Mike and Stacey. I recommend this to those that like crime thrillers and police procedurals with relatable and likeable main characters.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Paul Doiron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 27, 2032. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 4.54 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
C. J. Box continues to excite readers with unique crime thrillers that are full of suspense and action. The twenty-third book in the series featuring C. J. Box continues to excite readers with unique crime thrillers that are full of suspense and action. The twenty-third book in the series featuring Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is set in late March and early April when snow storms are still bringing two or three feet of snow at a time to the town of Saddlestring and its surrounding countryside.
While Joe is hunting a wounded elk, he finds a vehicle on a remote mountainside on a large ranch. Then he finds a missing professor’s frozen and mutilated body. With a snowstorm hitting the area, Joe has to leave the body in place and notifies the local sheriff. Federal agents, local extremists, and Governor Colter Allen attempt to thwart Joe’s investigation.
Meanwhile, Joe’s friend Nate and Liv Romanowski are rebuilding their falconry company. Geronimo Jones has come to them with a business plan for expansion. Additionally, a local group of extremists approaches Nate. They want him to join them.
The characters are well defined. Readers get a good feel for Joe, his wife Marybeth, and Nate. Their characters have depth, and by this time in the series, they feel like well-known friends. Joe and Marybeth’s daughter Sheridan plays a much bigger role in this novel. The other supporting characters provide humor and conflict to enrich the reading experience. I enjoyed seeing how the characters responded to events and experienced changes in outlook.
The writing is fluid and descriptive which helps readers envision the scenes without disrupting or slowing the flow. There was a strong sense of place causing me to feel as though I was living the events alongside the characters. The dynamic plot has a tremendous amount of conflict that kept me engaged throughout. The suspense intensified as the story progressed. The final action scenes are somewhat over-the-top, but consistent with other books in the series. Themes include violence, extremism, murder, deception, assault, and much more. The author also incorporated some contemporary issues into the story line that added depth to the novel.
Overall, this was intriguing, entertaining, suspenseful, and had an action packed ending with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages as I sat on the edge of my seat. With exciting scenes and fascinating story lines that converge, this fantastic thriller felt authentic and timely. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Will one of the Pickett daughters get their own series?
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and C. J. Box 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 February 28, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------- My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
J. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts) infuses murder, suspense, and drama in Encore in Death, a well-written futuristic police procedural set inJ. D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts) infuses murder, suspense, and drama in Encore in Death, a well-written futuristic police procedural set in New York City featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas with the NYC police department and set around 2061.
Celebrity couple Eliza Lane and Brant Fitzhugh throw a party on the night before Brant is scheduled to leave for New Zealand. He is producing and starring in a movie being filmed there while Eliza is set for the role of a lifetime on Broadway. Eve Dallas arrives after Brant toasted Eliza, fell to the floor, and died. The drink that killed him was originally intended for Eliza. Which of them was the target? With over 200 guests, staff, and servers, it’s not going to be easy to identify the killer.
Time spent with Eve, Delia (Eve’s partner), Roarke (Eve’s husband), and Eve’s colleagues is always entertaining. The main characters are compelling and three-dimensional. Eve’s need to serve and protect comes through in every book, but the underlying impetus for this is best understood by reading this series in order. As always, the interactions between Eve and Roarke are enjoyable and bring a different facet of Eve’s personality to light. Several of the recurring police characters play significant roles in this book, and readers get to see a bit of their private lives. I also enjoyed seeing Delia take on more responsibility in this story line.
The prose is well-written and engaging. The plot is thought-provoking and tragic. While this book has some action, it is mostly a police procedural. Robb usually manages to weave humor in her novels, providing some much needed levity to offset some of the more serious and grim aspects of the story. The humor manages to bring out Eve’s personality. Everything from phrases she doesn’t understand, to her reactions to the loud clothing worn by her colleagues and to a candy thief make her more relatable. The author brings strong characters, great plots, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the series. Woven through the novel are threads of caring for others, friendship, relationships, ego, glamour, careers, leadership, and trust.
Overall, this novel was a twisty tale with great characterization that kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy engaging near-future police procedurals, then I recommend this series. This is the fifty-sixth book in the In Death Eve Dallas series and I have read all of them up to this point. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
St. Martin’s Press and J.D. Robb provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date was February 7, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 4.88 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Carolyn Arnold brings suspense, action, and intense moments to Her Final Breath, a gripping police procedural and crime thriller that is the sevenCarolyn Arnold brings suspense, action, and intense moments to Her Final Breath, a gripping police procedural and crime thriller that is the seventh book in a series. The setting largely takes place in Prince William County in northern Virginia and features Detective Amanda Steele. Amanda, a seasoned detective, is partnered with Detective Trent Stenson.
Amanda is the first detective on the scene when a dog walker finds the bodies of a mother and daughter in a local park. After identifying them, Amanda and Trent soon learn they were reported missing last week. However, something seems off when they interview the husband. Did a domestic argument escalate or is something else happening in this community?
Amanda continues to balance work and family. Last year, she adopted a young girl from a previous case, Zoe Parker. Her support system is great and very much needed with her time-demanding job. Amanda’s flaws and struggles made her seem realistic. She shows growth and depth as the story progresses, and readers continue to get more insight into Trent in this story as well as Sergeant Graves. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back. Readers learn more about Graves’ background and her actions become supportive of the team in this story.
The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. As usual, Arnold starts with an outstanding prologue that grabs readers’ attention and a first chapter that adds to the drama. The plot is intriguing, full of chasing down leads and interviewing suspects and witnesses in anticipation of identifying the killer.
The angst and sense of urgency felt by Amanda and Trent as they tried to make sense of the circumstances kept me turning the pages. The descriptive narrative transported me into the terrifying world of the victims and the investigators. I enjoyed how the author twisted the plot points and provided unpredictable moments in the story. These twists and surprises keep readers on their toes. The author weaves murder, relationships, families, respect, domestic violence, and more into a finely crafted tale.
Overall, this novel was thought-provoking and engrossing with tension that almost felt alive. This is the tenth book that I have read by this author. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. I recommend this to those that like police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable and likeable main characters.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be February 17, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------- My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
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