Murder in White by Patrick Kelly is the third book in the Wintergreen Mystery series and the third one that I have read by this author. The authorMurder in White by Patrick Kelly is the third book in the Wintergreen Mystery series and the third one that I have read by this author. The author brings humor, deaths, mysteries, and police investigations to a Wintergreen, Virginia, a four-season mountaintop resort community on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Nelson County.
Bill O’Shea is a retired police officer from Columbia, South Carolina. He purchased a condo and moved to Wintergreen six months ago. He’s looking forward to looking at the vistas, hiking, and learning about Virginia’s birds. However, he continues to get drawn into investigations by the short-staffed local police department.
Cassandra Key, president of the Old Virginia Gun Club, decides to hold a board meeting in town. Despite weather warnings, she decides to go for a hike and disappears during the storm. After she’s reported missing, a search mission is organized with many volunteers, including Bill. The search effort fails until the next morning when a ski patroller finds Cassandra buried in snow and shot twice. Once again, Bill is asked to help the local police department with their investigation.
Bill is someone a reader can root for and had depth. He is intelligent, friendly, slow to anger, and has a sense of humor. He’s good at getting people to relax and talk. Many characters in the community as well as visitors play a role in the investigation or interact with some of the top tier characters. It was great to see some familiar characters show up again.
The story is compulsively readable, with good characterization, a solid mystery, and descriptions of the winter scenes and conditions that make readers feel like they’re experiencing the environment with the characters without adversely affecting the pacing. There were plenty of suspects, but I did guess the ultimate culprit before the reveal.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include murder, relationships, secrets, romance, revenge, jealousy, and much more. 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.
The author provided a complimentary digital copy of this novel via Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was November 5, 2022. ------------------------------------------ My 4.18 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
For most of the novel, Paper Targets: Art Can Be Murder by Steve S. Saroff feels more like literary fiction. However, the last part of the book taFor most of the novel, Paper Targets: Art Can Be Murder by Steve S. Saroff feels more like literary fiction. However, the last part of the book takes off and readers will know they are reading a thriller. This first-person story features Enzi and is largely set in Missoula, Montana.
This is a story of secrets, but it’s also a story of a lonely, dyslexic, and bullied boy who became a successful man. Other themes include relationships, greed, loneliness, lost chances, and death. The book started slowly and was more telling than showing. However, that gave insight into Enzi’s thoughts, observations, and feelings. Additionally, there are occasional timeline shifts without any preamble which interrupted the flow of the story. Despite this, the overall premise and ending were good. The character building was well-done.
Overall, this was an interesting character study.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this novel and the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. ...more
The Draka & The Giant by Liane Zane is the third and final book in the Elioud Legacy series and the third one that I have read by this author. TheThe Draka & The Giant by Liane Zane is the third and final book in the Elioud Legacy series and the third one that I have read by this author. The author brings action, attraction, and suspense to a new paranormal romantic suspense urban fantasy thriller. The novel is largely set in the Czech Republic and Albania with some side trips to France, Poland, and Belarus.
Three years ago, Alzbeta (Beta) Cerna, an officer in the Czech military intelligence learned she is one of a hybrid race tasked to protect humanity. After Andras Nagy saves her life during a failed mission, she leaves and something dark is after her. In her intelligence job, she is sent on a three-year-deep-cover assignment. Andras is heartbroken at Beta’s disappearance. When he is tracking a group of dark individuals, he picks up Beta’s scent. Beta and Andras are dynamic characters that transform during the course of the storyline. Several characters from the previous books play key roles in this story.
This trilogy needs to be read in order. Readers that start with this novel will lack much needed context and background. The opening is strong and intriguing and pulls the reader into the story. The prose was 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. However, there were a couple of instances when the scenes switched focus on characters that affected the pacing. The ending is dramatic, with lots of tension and suspense.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include supernatural abilities, betrayal, jealousy, friendship, trust, secrets, romance, and much more inside a story line of good versus evil. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Liane Zane provided a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
------------------------------- My 3.98 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon. ...more
An Inheritance to Die For by Judy Moore is the fourth book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series and the fifth book that I have read by this autAn Inheritance to Die For by Judy Moore is the fourth book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series and the fifth book that I have read by this author. While the earlier books are set in the small Florida town of Manatee Beach, this one is mainly set in Miami.
Beck O’Rourke co-owns Beach Reads bookstore and coffee shop with her grandmother (Grammy or Miss Alice). They live in the apartment above their store with Beck’s younger sister, Lizzie. By now, I feel that Beck, Lizzie, Grammy, and Beck’s love interest, police detective Devon Mathis, are old friends that I get to visit occasionally.
This novel starts with a call from Beck’s freshman college roommate, Jacqueline Greene. They haven’t seen each other in ten years, but she’s seen that Beck has been involved with some high profile murder cases and wants her to come to Miami. Jacqueline believes her father has been murdered. Benjamin Greene had died to night before he was meeting with his lawyer to change his will. Is this a coincidence or something more diabolical? Was it murder, an accident, or something else? Beck has just gotten her private investigator’s license so she decides to take this as her first paid case.
The main characters continue to grow and get more depth with each new book. It was easy to visualize the characters, whether it was Beck’s enthusiasm and perceptiveness or Jacqueline’s bossiness and confrontational attitude. The other characters were also well developed. They enhanced the story, as well as provided some humor.
The prose is well-written, and the plot has a few twists and turns as it builds momentum and comes to an impactful conclusion. The author does a great job of capturing the lifestyles of the characters and making them feel realistic. The world building was well-done and transported me to Florida.
Overall, this engaging and enjoyable novel kept me entertained. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then I recommend that you check out this series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was August 16, 2022.
-------------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon....more
The Overlook Murder by Patrick Kelly is the second book in the Wintergreen Mystery series and the second one that I have read by this author. The The Overlook Murder by Patrick Kelly is the second book in the Wintergreen Mystery series and the second one that I have read by this author. The author brings humor, death, greed, and mystery to a Virginia mountaintop resort community that is near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail.
Bill O’Shea is a retired police officer from Columbia, South Carolina. He recently bought a condo and moved to Wintergreen. He’s looking forward to looking at the vistas, hiking, and learning about Virginia’s birds. However, Alex Sharp, acting chief of the local police department, asks for his help again when they are short-staffed.
Damian Susskind, Chief Executive Officer of a high-end chain of sporting goods stores, recently survived a severe heart attack and surgery. He decides to gather his close family and colleagues for their annual report cards early. At the same time, he plans to share his updated plans for his will. When Damian ends up dead, Bill works with the local police to investigate. He is convinced the death isn’t an accident, but can it be proved?
Bill is someone a reader can root for and had depth. He is intelligent, friendly, slow to anger, and has a sense of humor. There is a wide variety of characters in the community that play a role in the investigation or interact with some of the top tier characters. It was great to see some familiar characters show up again. Who would have thought such a community could have so many secrets? The story is compulsively readable, with a multi-faceted plot, an incredible setting, and wonderful characters. The pace was steady and character-driven. There were plenty of suspects, but I did guess the ultimate culprit before the reveal.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include murder, family dramas, secrets, romance, drugs, greed, and much more. 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 via Bookfunnel 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 June 4, 2022. ...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
The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood (2nd ed.) by A. E. Chandler is the tale of Robert, second son of the Earl of Huntington, who becomes RobiThe Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood (2nd ed.) by A. E. Chandler is the tale of Robert, second son of the Earl of Huntington, who becomes Robin o’ the Hood or Robin Hood. The author blends history, myth, legends, and her own stories in a fascinating tale of Robin Hood’s adventures, misadventures, struggles, and successes. On his way to an archery contest, Robert takes a shortcut through Sherwood Forest that would change his life and those of his friends.
Robin Hood is generally a likeable character with depth, but he has character flaws that does not allow for others taunting him and causing him to prove himself even as a young lad. He also is one that believes those that can should help those in need versus keeping all of their wealth for themselves. As one would expect, there is a love interest in Marian Fitzwalter, and a nemeses in the Sheriff of Nottingham. Wide varieties of characters play roles in the ensuing story and provide the necessary support or conflict.
An intriguing opening pulls the reader in. The prose was unique, and, once this reader got used to the cadence and language, it became compulsively readable. 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. The ending is dramatic, with lots of tension.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include corruption, jealousy, love, friendship, trust, helping those in need, and much more. The historical note at the end of the book is highly enlightening. 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 July 24, 2020. ...more
7 Spirits, 4 Friends by David MacNamera is the third book that I have read by this author. I would classify it as supernatural suspense. It’s set 7 Spirits, 4 Friends by David MacNamera is the third book that I have read by this author. I would classify it as supernatural suspense. It’s set in contemporary times and involves a quest taken on by four individuals who are interested in different aspects of spiritualism.
Four people from four different countries decide to attend an international spiritualism conference in Amsterdam. Each has a way of contacting spirits. They meet at the conference and decide to hunt for the elusive Centuries Prize. Very little is known about it including exactly what it is. So Gus, Flora, Consuela, and Niiro become fast friends and both good and evil spirits keep popping up as they search for it.
Once again, David MacNamera did a great job with world-building in this novel as well as portraying major characters that have very different skills and personalities but that work well as a team. The characters are compelling and you definitely want them to succeed. Readers get insight into their professional and private lives to varying degrees.
The story started a little slowly as the four friends were introduced, but once they arrive in Amsterdam, the pace picks up. However, there was a tendency to tell versus show which is why this failed to earn another star from me. Despite this, the story line was interesting and kept me engaged. Secrets, misunderstandings, records that are hundreds of years old, and ghosts play pivotal roles in this story.
Overall, this was an entertaining adventure with likeable characters Will they succeed in their quest? Does it even exist? Who are the 7 spirits? I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
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. ...more
Untainted by Sarah Robinson is the third book in the Photographer Trilogy romantic suspense series and the fourth one that I have read by this autUntainted by Sarah Robinson is the third book in the Photographer Trilogy romantic suspense series and the fourth one that I have read by this author. The author brings the expected romance and suspense. However, there is much more to the novel once you get into it. This was a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy.
The Photographer isn’t at home, but he has taken a prisoner. The police, Kate, Annie, and Derrick have been closing in on him. Who is dead? Who is missing? Are they alive?
Kate, Annie and Derrick are relatable characters with both strengths and flaws. Kate is a fighter and refuses to let her attacker define her life. The additional secondary characters including Detective Mike McCraig, Detective Liz Snow, and others provide support or conflict, but without the same amount of depth.
The prose was well-written and engaging. The story contains some hard to read themes including child molestation and assault. The author tackles these difficult subject matters and handles them well. Secrets come to light. Love is tested and heartbreak abounds. This trilogy needs to be read consecutively rather than individually unless you enjoy cliffhangers.
In addition to the usual intense connections, the book tackles other important issues (besides those mentioned above) including family, friendship, trust, love, bravery, purpose, commitment, forgiveness, fear, and the different ways victims and law enforcement respond to such assaults
Overall, this was an emotional read that tackles some serious issues with sensitivity. It is moving, devastating at times, and uplifting at other times. At the end of the book is a note from the author that discusses why this book was written and shows why this book is so powerful.
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 November 10, 2014. ...more
Tainted Pictures by Sarah Robinson is the second book in the Photographer Trilogy romantic suspense series and the third one that I have read by tTainted Pictures by Sarah Robinson is the second book in the Photographer Trilogy romantic suspense series and the third one that I have read by this author. The author brings the expected romance and suspense. However, there is much more to the novel once you get into it.
Kate Jackson works in retail sales for an office furniture store. While she has a psychology degree, she hasn’t been able to find a job that uses it and pays as well as her current one. Her one strong relationship is with her sister, Annie. She is devastated by her boyfriend Derrick’s reaction at the hospital and their trust is in shreds. The Photographer is back and her life is falling apart.
Kate, Annie and Derrick are relatable characters with both strengths and flaws. Kate is a fighter and refuses to let her attacker define her life. The additional secondary characters including Detective Mike McCraig, Detective Liz Snow, Craig McDermott, Uncle Lenny, and others provide support or conflict, but without the same amount of depth.
The prose was well-written and engaging. The story contains some hard to read themes including child abuse, stalking, and assault. The author tackles these difficult subject matters and handles them well. While both Kate and Derrick make mistakes, they both realize that their past experiences are affecting them. Will their relationship survive or collapse? Is Kate safe now?
My biggest quibble with this book is that it ends on a cliffhanger and isn’t self-contained. I have the other books in the trilogy and hope that all the threads are tied up by the end of the trilogy, but I wanted more closure at the end of this one. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
In addition to the usual intense connection and steamy scenes, the book tackles other important issues (besides those mentioned above) including family, friendship, trust, commitment, revenge, infidelity, fear, murder, self-image, and the different ways victims are treated when something bad happens, as well as the various responses to such events by the victims and others.
Overall, this was a read that tackles some serious issues with sensitivity and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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 April 18, 2014....more
Tainted Bodies by Sarah Robinson is the first book in the Photographer Trilogy romantic suspense series and the second one that I have read by thiTainted Bodies by Sarah Robinson is the first book in the Photographer Trilogy romantic suspense series and the second one that I have read by this author. The author brings the expected romance and suspense. However, there is much more to the novel once you get into it.
Kate Jackson works in retail sales for an office furniture store. While she has a psychology degree, she hasn’t been able to find a job that uses it and pays as well as her current one. Her one strong relationship is with her sister, Annie. Then Kate meets Derrick Kane at a coffee shop and they connected. When he asks her out on a date, she accepts and thus the romance begins. After a traumatic childhood, she starts feeling alive again as the romance develops. But then the Photographer enters her life, turning it upside down and inside out.
Kate and Derrick are relatable characters with both strengths and flaws. The secondary characters provide support or conflict, but without the same amount of depth.
The prose was well-written and engaging. The story contains some hard to read themes including child abuse and assault. The author tackles these difficult subject matters and handles them well. While both Kate and Derrick make mistakes, they both realize that their past experiences are affecting them. Will their relationship survive or collapse? Is Kate safe now? Will she find a job that she enjoys instead of one that pays the bills?
My biggest quibble with this book is that it ends on a cliffhanger and isn’t self-contained. I have the other books in the trilogy and hope that all the threads are tied up by the end of the trilogy, but I wanted more closure at the end of this one. 3.5 stars rounded to 3.
In addition to the usual intense connection and steamy scenes, the book tackles other important issues (besides those mentioned above) including family, friendship, trust, commitment, self-image, and the different ways victims are treated when something bad happens, as well as the various responses to such events.
Overall, this was a read that tackles some serious issues with sensitivity and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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 January 1, 2014. ...more
Nudes by Sarah Robinson is the first book in the Exposed Trilogy Hollywood Romance series and the first one that I have read by this author. The aNudes by Sarah Robinson is the first book in the Exposed Trilogy Hollywood Romance series and the first one that I have read by this author. The author brings the expected romance and misunderstandings. However, there is much more to the novel once you get into it.
Ben Lawson is the new CEO of a movie production company and Aria Rose/Aria Reynolds is the female lead in the latest movie that is being filmed. Despite their better judgement, they have chemistry and start a secret affair. When intimate photos surface of Aria, it seems that both of their dreams are destroyed. Both characters had strengths and flaws that made them more relatable and there is a nice variety of secondary characters that provide conflict and support.
Going into this novel, I thought it might be a 3 star read, but the latter part of the book upped that a star. But in addition to the usual intense connections and steamy scenes, the book tackles some important issues including family, friendship, trust, image, the importance of reading a document before you sign it, and the different ways women and men are treated when something private is leaked, as well as the various responses to such an event. Therefore, there are also themes of gender equality, women’s rights, and exploitation.
The prose was well-written and engaging, but I could have done without some of the language. Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read that tackles some serious issues.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this novel through a giveaway 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 May 22, 2017. ...more
If Shadows Could Tell by Granthana Sinha is a mystery set in a small town in Montana featuring web designer Aurora Steller. Aurora’s life isn’t goIf Shadows Could Tell by Granthana Sinha is a mystery set in a small town in Montana featuring web designer Aurora Steller. Aurora’s life isn’t going well. Her car is having trouble again, she quits her job, and she crashes a funeral. But that is only the beginning. When authorities dismiss Janet Clay’s death as a drug-overdose, Aurora attends the memorial service and suspects things aren’t as simple as the authorities claim.
Aurora is a likeable character, but the guilt she felt that drove her amateur sleuthing felt somewhat contrived to me. Nevertheless, she had courage, hope, and a drive to find the truth. There are several supporting characters that provide interest and/or conflict.
The first 60 percent of the book was somewhat slow and the interludes with an unknown girl and an unknown woman broke up the flow for me. Despite this, I understand the value they provided. However, the pace picked up in the last part of the book. Several plot twists added interest and complexity. The ending was remarkable and surprising. Will you be surprised?
Overall, the book was suspenseful despite my guessing who the killer was before the reveal. Will this remain a standalone novel or become a series? Time will tell. This isn’t your standard murder mystery. 3.5 stars rounded to 3 stars.
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. ...more
Dreidel To The Grave by Yoel Bereket is an alternative history novel that is set nine years after the end of World War II in Vatican City, Israel,Dreidel To The Grave by Yoel Bereket is an alternative history novel that is set nine years after the end of World War II in Vatican City, Israel, and Argentina, with most of the story taking place in Argentina. Israeli agent, David Gal, has devoted his life to tracking down those German officers and leaders who have escaped justice for the atrocities they committed. He was been successful, but the biggest one that has eluded him is the one that didn’t die in the bunker.
There are some heart-breaking flashback scenes to Gal’s childhood that helps the reader understand why he is so driven, but he shows no character development or growth. Additionally, he doesn’t seem to care about causing international incidents or injuries or deaths to innocent bystanders. While I felt Gal’s pain and fury for the atrocities committed by these criminals, he wasn’t very relatable. However, he was definitely impactful and will not be soon forgotten.
The novel is action-packed and kept this reader turning the pages. However, overall, the book is more about revenge and action than character development. The author did a great job of writing the violent action scenes and the world-building was good, but there were no real surprises along the way.
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....more
The Mountain View Murder by Patrick Kelly is the first book in the Wintergreen Mystery series and the first one that I have read by this author. TThe Mountain View Murder by Patrick Kelly is the first book in the Wintergreen Mystery series and the first one that I have read by this author. The author brings humor, infidelity, and mystery to a Virginia mountaintop resort community that is near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail.
Bill O’Shea is a retired policeman from Columbia, South Carolina. He recently bought a condo and moved to Wintergreen. He’s looking forward to looking at the vistas, hiking, and learning about Virginia’s birds. However, Alex Sharp, acting chief of the local police department, asks for his help. A local resident, Lou Thorpe, is dead via a hit and run accident. The deputy chief is on maternity leave and the departmental investigator is on a flight to South Africa. The acting chief is a real estate broker and out of his depth. Besides the mystery, the author focuses on the character interactions with some surprising results.
Bill is someone a reader can root for and had depth. He is intelligent, friendly, slow to anger, and has a sense of humor. There is a wide variety of characters in the community that play a role in the investigation or interact with some of the top tier characters. Who would have thought such a community could have so many secrets?
The prose was compulsively readable, well-written, and engrossing. The pace was steady and character-driven. There were plenty of suspects and the ending was unexpected with a nice twist. Will you guess the hit and run driver’s identity?
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include murder, family dramas, secrets, romance, and much more. 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 May 11, 2021 ...more
A Tennis Pro To Die For by Judy Moore is the third book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series and the fourth one that I have read by this authorA Tennis Pro To Die For by Judy Moore is the third book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series and the fourth one that I have read by this author. All four novels are set in the same small Florida town of Manatee Beach. While one of them was not in the same series, there are some secondary characters who show up across all of them.
Beck O’Rourke co-owns Beach Reads bookstore and coffee shop with her grandmother. They live in the apartment above their store with Beck’s younger sister, Lizzie. By now, I feel that Beck, Lizzie, and Grammy are old friends that I get to occasionally visit.
This novel starts with a prologue where a body is found. Then it drops back three days. While this is a good set-up to pull the reader in, it seemed to take a long time (1/3 of the book) for the three days to pass, and that is the reason for 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars).
Lizzie has convinced Beck to take beginning tennis lessons, but she hates it. Everything from the heat to the haughty attitudes of a couple of classmates to her own lack of interest convinces her that tennis is not for her. When one of the club’s pros is killed, Beck uses her knowledge of the people and tennis club to do more amateur sleuthing.
Beck was definitely someone you wanted to succeed. This book showed some character growth for both her and Detective Devon Mathis. The other secondary characters were well developed and enhanced the story as well as providing some humor.
The prose was compulsively readable, well-written, and engrossing. The pace picked up significantly after the first third of the novel. There were plenty of suspects and a few twists. The ending was a little unexpected with a nice twist. Will you guess the correct murderer? The author’s familiarity with tennis lent provided depth to this novel.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, entertaining, and suspenseful read. Themes include murder, family dramas, secrets, homelessness, parental favoritism, physical and verbal abuse, romance, and much more. 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. The books are best read in order.
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....more
A Beach Wedding to Die For by Judy Moore is the second book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series and the third one that I have read by this autA Beach Wedding to Die For by Judy Moore is the second book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series and the third one that I have read by this author. All three novels are set in the same small Florida town of Manatee Beach. While one of them was not in the same series, there are some secondary characters who show up across all of them.
Beck O’Rourke co-owns Beach Reads bookstore and coffee shop with her grandmother. They live in the apartment above their store with Beck’s younger sister, Lizzie. Beck is a bridesmaid for the third time in a wedding for Amelia Warner. However, when both of her jilted-at-the-alter ex-grooms show up at her beach wedding to groom number three, there is bound to be lots of excitement. When someone dies, Beck is determined to track down the culprit. But she keeps going up against Manatee Beach Police Department Detective Devon Mathis.
Beck was definitely someone you wanted to succeed. This book showed some character growth. She also worked through an ethical dilemma. The secondary characters were well developed as well-rounded and enhanced the story as well as providing some humor.
The prose was compulsively readable, well-written, and engrossing. The plot was suspenseful, complex with plenty of suspects, and entertaining. The ending was a little unexpected with a nice twist. Will you guess the correct murderer?
Overall, this was an enjoyable, entertaining, and suspenseful read. Themes include murder, family dramas, secrets, parental favoritism, self-centeredness, romance, and much more. 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....more
TEAM ONE: ORION’S PEOPLE by David MacNamera is the second book in the Team One science fiction adventure series and the second book that I have read bTEAM ONE: ORION’S PEOPLE by David MacNamera is the second book in the Team One science fiction adventure series and the second book that I have read by this author. Team One consists of four individuals with diverse backgrounds and talents. Dr. Erian Kane is the team leader, Tanigan Mcland is a top notch mercenary, Casandra Willow has psychic powers and Starbase is an ancient piece of sentient alien technology. They must once again battle Orion, but this time he has help.
Once again, David MacNamera did a great job with world-building in this novel as well as portraying major characters that have very different skills and personalities but that work well as a team. Secret plots, fighter pilots, artificial intelligence, a peacekeeping force, Shezrians determined to settle land on a water-based species’ planet, space zombies, pirate guilds, and Orion and his allies determined to wipe out the human race.
The Team One characters are compelling and you definitely want them to succeed. While we get a lot of depth on their professional sides, we don’t get a lot of insight into their personal side. That is likely due to the high degree of action with very little down time for relaxation. Their goals were clear and their motivations seemed believable. The antagonists enhanced the story and the conflicts arose out of characterization and circumstance rather than feeling contrived or forced.
Overall, this was a fast paced, entertaining and action-packed science fiction adventure novel. Who will survive? Will peace be achieved? Additionally, there was a twist near the end that I did not see coming. Will you be as surprised as I was?
If you enjoy vivid descriptions that give a clear sense of place and blow by blow fight scenes set at a time in the future and on multiple worlds against a variety of opponents, then I believe you will enjoy this book as much as I did. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
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....more
LIFEBLOOD by Werner A. Lind is the first book that I have read by this author. It is a paranormal romantic suspense novel that largely takes place in LIFEBLOOD by Werner A. Lind is the first book that I have read by this author. It is a paranormal romantic suspense novel that largely takes place in and around Meriwether, Iowa in contemporary times. However, there are also flashbacks to bring in a historical fiction aspect to the book. What happens when Ana Vasilifata, born in 1640 in Transylvania, later converted to a vampire and then staked in 1665 is reanimated over 300 years later? Read this novel to find out.
Ana is a compelling and sympathetic character that you can definitely root for. She had a distinct voice with believable motivations and well-drawn emotions. Joshua is a hard-working mid-westerner that loves his family, is compassionate, and treats others well. The antagonist was a little stereotyped, but still fit in well in a short novel.
The book is well-written and the author’s prose brought the characters to life and the descriptions gave a clear sense of time and place. The characters’ voices were consistent and distinct from one another. There was a good balance between action, suspense and romance and the story flowed well.
While there are many aspects of traditional vampirism included in this novel, there are some non-typical details as well that make this book original and intriguing. Themes include prejudice, excessive drinking of alcohol, assaults, drugs, romance, family, values, religion, personality predisposition and much more.
Overall, this was a fresh, unique and engaging paranormal romantic suspense that kept me captivated throughout the book. I hope this author writes more books for readers’ enjoyment.
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....more
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