Hand of Evil by J. A. Jance is the third book in the Ali Reynolds series. Ali had been a successful television newscaster, but no longer has that Hand of Evil by J. A. Jance is the third book in the Ali Reynolds series. Ali had been a successful television newscaster, but no longer has that job. When a wealthy acquaintance asks for a meeting with her, she agrees. Then she receives a call from her friend Detective Dave Holman whose daughter has disappeared. On top of this, Kip Hogan, a friend of the family, has disappeared with her father’s vehicle.
Jance does a great job of characterization as always. However, Ali came across as arrogant and unlikeable at times. Several mysteries need to be solved and become entangled at times. Family relationships are explored and impact the mysteries. The pacing is somewhat slow in this novel. The motivations were well-drawn and there are a few plot twists and some action scenes, but I wanted more suspense. Additionally, sending someone back into a situation they ran from without understanding why they ran felt wrong.
Overall, this is an entertaining mystery and family drama that filled in a gap in the series for me. This story does have several trigger warnings that should be noted for it.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 18, 2007. ---------------------------------------- My 3.41 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
In Blueberry Blunder, author Amanda Flower weaves threads of candy making, Amish life, the filming of a reality show, a bit of romance, and a murdIn Blueberry Blunder, author Amanda Flower weaves threads of candy making, Amish life, the filming of a reality show, a bit of romance, and a murder into a well-written story with some laugh-out-loud moments interspersed with humor, somber moments, and sleuthing. Bailey King, the star of a television baking show, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. Amid construction delays, Bailey and her cousin Charlotte find the body of a building contractor with many enemies. Additionally, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for an upcoming reality show and her boyfriend Aiden is heading back to Harvest to start his own private investigator firm. All of this is happening while Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash is underway. The sheriff is fast to accuse and quick to make an arrest. But does he have the right person?
Bailey has a natural curiosity which ties in with her desire to sleuth. She also has trouble saying no, which is somewhat surprising considering the number of years she worked in New York. The other main characters are well-defined and have depth and come to life.
The writing style immediately drew me into the story. This author does a great job of blending non-Amish and Amish life as well as helping readers understand the differences that can occur in rules abided by different Amish districts. The mystery is well-done with several suspects that will keep readers guessing. Additionally, humor and pets show up throughout the novel. Besides what’s already been mentioned, themes of family, friendship, deception, and more add depth to the story.
Overall, this engaging, heartwarming, funny, and interesting mystery kept me entertained. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it is best read in order. As usual, there is a tasty recipe at the end of the novel. Readers of cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this book and the entire series.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 23, 2023. -------------------------------------------------- My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Cleopatra’s Vendetta by Avanti Centrae is the first book in the Stryker thriller series. What more could I ask for than intrigue, history, scienceCleopatra’s Vendetta by Avanti Centrae is the first book in the Stryker thriller series. What more could I ask for than intrigue, history, science, and mystery in an action thriller? Timothy Stryker, his wife Angie, their daughter Harper, and Angie’s sister Sam are in Italy for a wedding. Tim is hoping to use the holiday time to reconcile with his wife. They have been arguing lately after the death of their infant son.
While Stryker is sent on a mission to Saudi Arabia, Angie and Harper are kidnapped along with a couple of Angie’s friends. Tim is a think tank special operations leader and Angie is the chief executive officer of firm. Stryker is desperate to rescue Angie and Harper. As he works to location the kidnappers, he discovers the same people are behind the recent assassinations in multiple countries and that another one will be occurring in seven days. Meanwhile Angie realizes her kidnappers are hiding an ancient secret and use modern propaganda techniques. Why were she, Harper, and the other women kidnapped? Can she somehow escape?
As Stryker and the other think tank operations team members race from country to country, they have to foil to upcoming assassination attempts, avoid hitmen, and solve a mystery going back to the time of Cleopatra.
Stryker and Angie are strong protagonists with a lot of depth. Their resilience and courage shine throughout the novel, as well as their love for one another. They have weaknesses that challenge them, but also strengths emerge when least expected. Each one experiences growth over the course of the story. Sam’s love of her sister’s family and her love of history provided additional insights into the investigation and the family dynamics.
Centrae does a great job of world-building and makes the locations in the book come alive. She also adds cultural and historical aspects to the places and people making the reading experience an immersive one. This takes talent when the book covers multiple countries. The plot is full of history, intrigue, lies, treachery, mystery, and twists and turns. Themes include views on women, power, propaganda, political power, and personal power. The author’s note includes research done on Cleopatra and the history of propaganda.
Overall, this novel was entertaining, informative, thought-provoking, and fast-paced. This is a new-to-me author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
----------------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon....more
White Cloud by Joy Slaughter is a magical realism novel combined with medical fiction. Ella is a horrible Emergency Medical Technician. She’s clumWhite Cloud by Joy Slaughter is a magical realism novel combined with medical fiction. Ella is a horrible Emergency Medical Technician. She’s clumsy and her co-worker John is constantly yelling at her and insulting her. However, the patients love her. Somehow, she’s a “white cloud”, a medic for whom everything turns out well.
However, one day she notices her cold fingers, touches a dead man, and resurrects him. She seeks out help from the pathologist, Dr. Judah Azriel, who questions her desire to save the world and her understanding of death.
While Ella is a reasonably well-developed character, we only get to know John and Dr. Azriel as they relate to Ella. Ella gets lost in thought frequently and wants to help others.
Overall, this novella is short, somewhat peculiar, and gripping. It is satirical at times, sad at other times, and occasionally uplifting. However, the writing style felt choppy to me, and I did not like the ending. Despite this, I’m glad I read it. It’s unusual and thought-provoking.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
--------------------------------------- My 2.91 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
In Bernice Runs Away by Talya Tate Boerner, readers meet Bernice Bryd Hart, an 81-year-old widow living on her own in Savage Crossing, Arkansas. SIn Bernice Runs Away by Talya Tate Boerner, readers meet Bernice Bryd Hart, an 81-year-old widow living on her own in Savage Crossing, Arkansas. She’s been a widow for 20 years and lost a son when he was 18 in a car accident. Her daughter, Sarah and her husband Stewart live in Atlanta. They want Bernice to move into a carriage house they’re building on their property for her.
However, Bernice isn’t willing to lose her independence yet. However, she is using the decluttering book that Sarah gave her. With help from a friend, Marlene, Bernice makes good progress on organizing, donating, and trashing things that have accumulated. Bernice finds a picture of her first love, John Robert Marvel. They met at Lake Norfork in Mountain Home, Arkansas one summer. This is also the vacation spot she, Max, and their children visited for many years.
Bernice decides to run away and rents a cottage at the lake. She packs up her car, Miss Fiona, with things that bring her joy, including her cat, Dolly. What follows is a heartwarming and delightful story of Bernice as she thinks about and experiences love, family, friendship, second chances, forgiveness, change, and much more. Readers experience Bernice’s adventure with her. With some humor, unsteadiness, and determination, Bernice works through what she wants to do with her life and how she wants to live it. Will it be what you expected?
Overall, this engaging and heart-felt novel kept me entertained.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 1, 2022.
----------------------------------------- My 3.81 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Dark Memories by sisters Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson is a romantic suspense novel with plenty of danger, suspense, and romance woven into the Dark Memories by sisters Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson is a romantic suspense novel with plenty of danger, suspense, and romance woven into the story. It’s the seventh book in the series, but works well as a standalone novel. Rafael (Rafe) Aguilar never expected to return to his home town of Angel Falls, New Mexico. However, he’s wounded, running for his life, and has fragmented memories and shows up at his brother’s horse farm. Andras and his wife hide Rafe in a hunting cabin and treat his wounds. Rafe encounters a woman in the only other cabin nearby. Sydney Santana is beautiful, but she has secrets. Did they meet accidently or is she part of his earlier problems he can’t remember?
Rafe and Sydney are well-rounded characters with strengths and flaws whose traits develop and change as the story progresses. The remaining characters have a variety of depths, but readers of this series will be glad to see some characters from previous books show up in this one providing continuity and a sense of community.
A plot that moved quickly combined with a story that captivated me kept me turning the pages. The point of view shifts occasionally, but it is done smoothly. The author weaved a tale involving family, friends, lies, amnesia, secrets, domestic violence, romance, death, and action that pulls you in and keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
Overall, this novel had exciting scenes, compelling, but flawed characters, and some suspenseful moments. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
Moving Target by Maggie Clare is a romantic suspense novel with danger, suspense, and romance woven into the story. It’s the fourth book in the TaMoving Target by Maggie Clare is a romantic suspense novel with danger, suspense, and romance woven into the story. It’s the fourth book in the Tactical Solutions International series, but works well as a standalone novel. Teagan (Teag) Tate is a successful drummer and popular with women. However, he’s lonely and hook-ups aren’t what he wants anymore. He’s interested in one woman, but she ignores him. Maria Ruiz is head of security for his band on this tour. She’s not willing to risk her professional reputation or her heart. However, when Teag is the surviving witness to a murder, they are forced to go into hiding together. Will the killer find them? Who will survive? Why did the murder occur? Who was the real target?
Both Teag and Maria are well-developed characters. Readers get a good sense of their personalities as well as what drives them during the course of the book. Additionally, there are changes in their outlook as they respond to events in the story. Characters from previous books in the series play secondary and tertiary roles in this one, providing a sense of continuity. However, this novel works fine as a stand-alone.
A fantastic first chapter that grabs readers fades as the story moves to three months earlier. We become acquainted with the characters and security firm hierarchy, but the pace is very slow until the seventh chapter. It picks up then and later, it accelerates even more for the last 40 percent of the book. There is one steamy scene late in the book. The author weaved a tale involving family, friends, trust, loneliness, guilt, fear, regret, community ties, loyalty, greed, romance, death, and action that pulls you into the story.
Overall, this novel had some exciting scenes and suspense with flawed, but relatable characters.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
---------------------------------------- My 3.41 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
The authors bring two story lines together in a novel of suspense and psychic gifts. Elizabeth Gaines Ellis is a wife, mother, and realtor. However, sThe authors bring two story lines together in a novel of suspense and psychic gifts. Elizabeth Gaines Ellis is a wife, mother, and realtor. However, she is worried that she is somehow the cause of several deaths. She’s been angry with them and now they’re dead. Did she wish them dead? The other story line is involves her cousin Ravinia sent to find Elizabeth and warn her that her life could be in danger. A private investigator, Rex Kinston, becomes the link between the two story lines.
Either Elizabeth is a character that people will like and root for or she will be one that readers fail to connect with initially. I thought her feelings of guilt were natural, but her sharing of that guilt to the Mom’s Group of friends was not something most people would do. However, she becomes a stronger individual and eventually experiences some character growth. Ravinia came across as strong and determined. Rex eases into the situation through the pushes that Ravinia gave him and his own curiosity.
The lack of dialogue and the slower pacing make this a novel that is harder to connect with the characters and the story lines. While the premise was interesting, it didn’t quite deliver up to my expectations. A lot of time is spent in Elizabeth’s head rehashing the same thoughts. Despite this, I enjoyed the novel. The ending left some open threads for another novel, but this was published in 2013 and there hasn’t been a fifth book in the series.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
Master of Shadows by Joss Walker and R. L. Perez is the second book in the Jayne Thorne, CIA Librarian urban fantasy series. Jayne is sent to PariMaster of Shadows by Joss Walker and R. L. Perez is the second book in the Jayne Thorne, CIA Librarian urban fantasy series. Jayne is sent to Paris to find her mentor and trainer when he goes missing. She ends up fighting an organization that is intent on achieving power. It has somehow acquired a mysterious poison that renders their enemies’ magical powers inert. Jayne has to fight to overcome this weakness, resolve family issues with her sister Sofia, overcome difficulties with her shifter boyfriend Cillian, and find a hidden book of powerful magic spells and invocations.
The authors do a great job of characterization for the three main characters. Physical descriptions are supplemented with strengths, weaknesses, and personality differences. Jayne, Sofia, and Cillian have depth and are dynamic, changing, and growing as the story unfolds. However, we only get peaks at the antagonists’ personalities.
This story has a multi-layered plot with several mysteries and some twists and turns as well as a few surprises along the way. The ending was impactful. Themes include family, romance, power, lies, betrayal, and much more. While the main threads of the story conclude, there are many items to be explored in future books in the series.
Overall, this engaging and action-filled novel kept me entertained. If you enjoy light urban fantasy, then I recommend that you check out this series. The series should be read in order.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was July 31, 2022.
----------------------------------------- My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
In Murder at Greysbridge, Andrea Carter brings a gripping and atmospheric mystery with solid characters to a remote locale in Ireland. It’s the foIn Murder at Greysbridge, Andrea Carter brings a gripping and atmospheric mystery with solid characters to a remote locale in Ireland. It’s the fourth book in the Inishowen Mysteries series featuring Solicitor Benedicta “Ben” O’Keefe.
Ben is preparing to leave with her friend Maeve to a wedding in a recently renovated hotel near the coast. Her assistant Leah is getting married there. Besides the wedding, Ben is struggling with several issues in her personal life and balancing her legal obligations at the same time. But when a young visitor staying at the hotel drowns in front of several wedding guests and another death occurs later that evening, Ben can’t help but put on her sleuthing hat.
Ben is a likeable character and one that is curious and good at getting people to talk to her. However, also has insecurities and she tends to keep information to herself at times when she should communicate it to others. While this flaw made her seem more realistic, it could also be slightly irritating at times. There are numerous characters in this story that add conflict and support. While some are wonderfully nuanced and complicated, others fill lesser roles and have less depth. However, they are introduced gradually, making it easy to keep them straight.
The author did a great job of world-building. There was a strong sense of place that transported this reader to Ireland. I was captivated by the setting. Carter’s experience as a solicitor and a barrister gives additional credence to the legal activities in the book. Themes include family history, romance, grief, complicated feelings, teenage rebellion against controlling parents, secrets, genealogy, guilt, and much more. The novel is well-plotted and readers should pay attention to small details as some play a role in the solving of the cases. There are several twists and turns to the plot. I enjoyed piecing all of the puzzle pieces together. It’s more complicated than one might originally think. While the mysteries are solved satisfactorily, Ben’s personal life is still up in the air with several loose threads to be woven into the next book in the series.
Overall, this was a well-written and entertaining mystery that kept me fully engaged. The story was compelling. Although the series is best read in order, this worked as a standalone novel for me. If you enjoy cozy mysteries set in Ireland, then this is a series to consider as your next read.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher and author in a Goodreads Giveaway This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date is currently scheduled for November 2, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
She Has a Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be by J. D. Barker has been classified as horror, thriller, mystery and fantasy. To me, it was more She Has a Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be by J. D. Barker has been classified as horror, thriller, mystery and fantasy. To me, it was more of a supernatural romantic suspense than a horror suspense story.
Jack Thatch was orphaned as a child and was raised by his Auntie Jo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Every year they visit the cemetery where his parents are buried on August 8. At eight years old, he sees Stella on a bench in the cemetery. They talk briefly and he doesn’t see her again for another year. He thinks about her constantly and she is always accompanied by a woman in white who stands guard.
On August 9, a man’s body is found in an alley. Every inch of the flesh is burned, but the clothing is untouched. This isn’t the first time such a body has been found and Detective Faustino Brier is determined to find the killer.
A small boy listed as Subject “D” is locked in a lab and speaks only to his deaf doctor who reads lips. His power is immense and terrifying. What is it and how did it happen. What will become of the little boy?
The three story lines are intertwined, but how and why? The characters have depth. Their choices aren’t always what we would want them to make, but under the circumstances, made sense to them. Jack’s fascination and instant obsession with Stella seemed a little over-the-top to me as it continued to last over the years.
The book is more than 700 pages long, but it felt like it was half that. The pace, except for the last part, wasn’t fast, but it kept me fully engaged. An overall theme that came through to me was that of family, community, friends, and neighbors. But it was also about secret medical labs and the repercussions of uncontrolled experiments and the obsessions with unsolved police cases.
Overall, the novel was engrossing, emotional, compelling, fascinating, and very original. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I would like to read another by him.
I received a digital copy of this book from Hampton Creek Press and the author in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was March 31, 2020. ...more
A Drink before the War by Dennis Lehane was re-released by William Morrow on April 6, 2021 and was first published in 1994. It was also the debut A Drink before the War by Dennis Lehane was re-released by William Morrow on April 6, 2021 and was first published in 1994. It was also the debut novel by this author and the first book in the Kenzie and Gennaro series.
Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro are private detective partners as well as childhood friends. They’re hired by some powerful Boston politicians who are willing to pay a lot of money for them to find a missing cleaning woman who is accused of stealing some documents. What seems a simple job becomes something much bigger than finding a missing person.
The characters of Patrick and Angela have amazing depth for a debut album; especially for Patrick. There is also a host of supporting characters that will hopefully show up in future books in the series ranging from a reporter to police detectives to a friend that seems to have an affinity for weapons of all types.
The plot is well-written with excellent pace and well-developed ideas. There is plenty of action to go with some intermittent reflection. The world-building is good and it felt like I was on the Boston streets with the characters. Themes include racism, murder, domestic violence, child abuse, child molestation, gangs, poverty, corruption, and much more. However, it also about relationships between fathers and sons, husbands and wives, friends, and sisters.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, disturbing, and thought-provoking start to a new series. My reason for rating this 3 out of 5 stars instead of 4.5 stars is due to the repeated use of a racial slur.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
P.L. Doss brings mystery, suspense, and realism to the third book in the Joplin/Halloran mystery series. Hollis Joplin is a death investigator for theP.L. Doss brings mystery, suspense, and realism to the third book in the Joplin/Halloran mystery series. Hollis Joplin is a death investigator for the Milton County medical examiner’s office in Atlanta, Georgia. He and Carrie Salinger are looking forward to the holidays and their spring wedding. However, when Hollis receives photographs of what appears to be a crime scene and the victim turns out to be someone he knows, the situation becomes intense.
Meanwhile, Tom Halloran, a lawyer and friend of Hollis, becomes involved with an appeal of a television star’s conviction for murdering his wife. The case is somewhat similar to the one Hollis is working. Reluctantly (on Hollis’s part), they start to share information.
Readers get a good sense of Hollis, Carrie, Tom, and Tom’s wife, Maggie. They’re relatable and tend to have flaws that make them feel more realistic. However, I believe readers would get an even greater sense of their characters if they read the series in order. Those that have read previous books will enjoy seeing Detective Ike Simmons and Hollis’s manager, Sarah Petersen play pivotal roles in this story.
The author’s graduate internship at the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office contributed to the realistic feel to the investigative division where Hollis works. The plot is twisty as the two cases are worked. It gives readers insight into the undercurrents between the characters. The pacing was a little uneven at times, but the story line kept me engaged and the ending was explosive. Themes include death, secrets, racism, family dynamics, friendship, and jealousy.
Overall, this novel was entertaining, informative, suspenseful, and thought provoking. This is a new-to-me author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. ---------------------------------------- My 3.84 rounded to 4 star review is coming soon. ...more
The Lightning Knight by Sean P. Valiente is a fantasy novel that transported this reader to another time and world. To me, this was a coming-of-agThe Lightning Knight by Sean P. Valiente is a fantasy novel that transported this reader to another time and world. To me, this was a coming-of-age epic fantasy. The author hooked me with the first sentence and the pace didn’t let up until I finished the book. It includes many typical fantasy elements with knights, quests, dragons, elves, tournaments.
Our protagonist, Oliver Quartermaine, is sixteen years old and after the summer tournaments he and his friends Yokel and Roc will be attending their final year of instruction and education at the Institute. After these five years, attendees are expected to do something with the knowledge they attained and the connections they’ve made. However, Oliver has yet to decide what to do with his life. While Oliver shows some growth over the course of the book, he definitely has flaws and some growing up that is needed. As a reader, we see different aspects of his personality during downtime and stressful times and everything in between.
The plot is well done with lots of unknowns and some twists. One of the fascinating things about this book was the interactions of the characters as the stakes got higher. Will you be surprised by some of the events? The ending was somewhat less than satisfactory, leaving many threads for the next book in the series. There are some violent battle scenes and themes include depression, racism, honor, friendship, greed, family, grief, guilt, power, sadness, anger, hope, romance, sharing, death, secrets, and much more.
Overall, this book is engaging, entertaining, and suspenseful. This is the first novel in The Knights of Nine series and the first book that I have read by this author. I definitely want to read the next book in the series. If you like suspenseful epic fantasies, then you may enjoy this one as much as I did.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
Thief of Souls by Bring Klingborg is a police procedural set in contemporary times in a rural township in Northern China. 3.5 stars rounded to 3 sThief of Souls by Bring Klingborg is a police procedural set in contemporary times in a rural township in Northern China. 3.5 stars rounded to 3 stars. The book opens with a call to Inspector Lu Fei (deputy chief) on his day off. The local Public Security Bureau station lets him know that there has been a murder.
Despite graduating from China’s top police college, Lu has been assigned to this rural community where calls are normally for the theft of a chicken or help with someone’s internet. What went wrong with his career? Lu’s character has depth and shows growth over the course of the book. He also has some character flaws that make him seem more realistic. How does he handle facing an old enemy?
Due to the nature of the death, Lu contacts the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Beijing. Superintendent Song, deputy director of the CIB and his team arrive to help. How well do different branches of police work together in China?
The author does a great job of giving the reader a sense of time and place as well as people. He is quite descriptive, but sometimes ‘tells’ rather than shows. However, I easily pictured the small patrol car coming to pick up Lu with Sergeant Bing and four constables already in it. He also provided a look at some of the legal and cultural differences in China versus the United States. Interspersed throughout the book, the reader gets to hear the killer’s thoughts and actions. The author does a good job of not telling the reader who this is, but I did determine the killer by the halfway point. Themes include corruption, theft, murder, lies, stigmas attached to certain professions, and much more. Will you guess the unique reason for the murder?
The plot is well done with lots of unknowns and some twists. One of the fascinating things about this book was the interactions of the characters as the stakes got higher. Will you be surprised by some of the events? The ending was dramatic.
Overall, this book is entertaining and suspenseful. This is the first novel in the Inspector Lu Fei Mystery series and the first book that I have read by this author. I definitely want to read the next book in the series. If you like mysteries or police procedurals set in other countries, then you may enjoy this one as much as I did.
I received a digital copy of this book from the St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Brian Klingborg in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is scheduled for May 4, 2021....more
Not Her by Noah Fitz is a police procedural and crime thriller set in and around Berlin, Germany. It features Chief Inspector Marc Wulf and his neNot Her by Noah Fitz is a police procedural and crime thriller set in and around Berlin, Germany. It features Chief Inspector Marc Wulf and his new partner Tine Stolz. They get assigned a case when a teenager falls off a bridge while posing for a picture. This is followed by other teens trying to fulfill multiple dangerous internet challenges. Who is the game-master and why are the teens willing to risk their lives to complete the challenges?
The reader gets a good feel for Marc including both his private life and his interactions with his colleagues and the public. He is somewhat gruff, but has a good heart and loves his son and his mother. He is also a good mentor to Tine. Tine comes across as a young inspector, but highly intelligent. I enjoyed getting to know both of them. Both were relatable in their own ways, but Marc was a more fully developed character. The interplay between the new partners provided an interesting dynamic that added to the enjoyment of the story. The book does switch between characters so that the reader gets some insight into the game-master, but not his or her identity. Will you guess who it is?
The plot is well done with several suspects and lots of unknowns. It is clever, intriguing, and definitely packed a punch. There are definitely high stakes that kept me on the edge of my seat along with a clear threat. Marc’s unusual approaches and actions at times lend an interesting dynamic to the novel. The one thing that I felt was missing was a feel for the location. I wasn’t quite able to picture the overall physical environment of the area. We did get a good feeling for certain rooms, etc., but not the overall picture of Berlin. This book explores several themes, both dark and light. They include coping with the sudden death of a family member, the view of the old by their children, and the need for teens to belong and have status as well as family and work dynamics.
Overall, this book was entertaining, twisty, and intriguing. I hope more of this author’s books are translated into English. If you enjoy well done, but somewhat dark police procedurals, then you may enjoy this one as much as I did.
I won a digital copy of this book from Velox Books and the author in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross is the ninth book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series and is partially set in the fictional small town of Busman’s Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross is the ninth book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series and is partially set in the fictional small town of Busman’s Harbor, Maine while the rest of it takes place in the real town of Damariscotta. This cozy mystery features amateur sleuth Julia Snowden who is also the proprietor of the Snowden Family Clambake Company. The author brings mystery, murder, and family drama to his well-written novel.
Julia runs the business side, and her brother-in-law, Sonny, runs the clambake during the tourist season. Chris Durand, Julia’s boyfriend, brings Andie Greatorex to see Julia when Andie is assaulted and robbed of two buckets of oyster seed worth $35,000. Is someone trying to put Andie out of business or is this just a theft? Who could it be? Why?
Julia’s character is well developed, but I did not connect with her. The other characters did not feel as fully developed. However, that could be because this is book nine in the series and the depth and growth occurred in prior books.
On the other hand, the author did a great job of transporting me to oyster capital of New England. I got a great feel for the build up to tourist season that many of the businesses go through in the area as well as the hard work of oyster farming. The reader also gains insight into how oyster farmers are perceived by others as well as the processes they use. The setting felt authentic.
The plot is well done with several suspects and red herrings, requiring the protagonist to sift through the lies and omissions to solve this mystery. This is a solid whodunit. Themes include murder, family relationships, gullibility, trust, and much more. The end of the book includes several recipes. I would have liked more resolution in one area of Julia’s life, but this is a thread that can be used in the next book.
Overall, this book was entertaining, fun, and well-paced. I don’t usually start a series with number nine and that may be why I did not fully connect with Julia. While this novel can be read as a standalone, I am sure that reading the earlier books would provide additional background and character development as well as add richness to the reading experience. I want to go back and read them. If you like cozy mysteries set in small towns and filled with lots of misdirection, then I recommend that you check out this series.
I won a digital copy of this book from Kensington Books and the author in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams brings a fresh setting and engaging characters to this southern cozy mystery. An independent book store, Miracle BInk and Shadows by Ellery Adams brings a fresh setting and engaging characters to this southern cozy mystery. An independent book store, Miracle Books, is owned by Nora Pennington. She’s known for her window displays and her ability to match customers with the perfect book. As Halloween approaches, she decides to showcase fictional heroines. A family values group disapproves of her choices and when she won’t remove the display, they target her business as well as a couple of other local businesses.
Nora and her friends in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society book club try to end the discord, but soon Nora finds a dead body. Was it an accident, murder or suicide? Does it relate to the protests or is something else happening in the small town of Miracle Springs, North Carolina? Of course, Nora and her friends investigate.
Nora, as well as several of the other characters, are well developed, flawed, and complex. There’s also a lot of chemistry between Nora and Jed and between Nora and Sheriff Grant McCabe. However, romance is a very minor part of the story. The secondary characters provide additional interest and conflict.
Secrets, misunderstandings, difficult pasts, greed, family, friendship, tragedy, romance, and humor keep the story moving at a good clip. This novel isn’t super twisty, but had a few surprises along the way. A lot of loose ends were tied up at the end, but the reader has no clues to a couple of them other than through the reveal. I would have preferred some clues along the way. I enjoyed all of the literary references. How many of the books mentioned have you read? Additionally, the novel contains a list of books mentioned in the novel.
Overall, the novel was engrossing and entertaining. Each chapter starts with a quote. Which will be your favorite? This is the fourth book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel series and I am looking forward to reading the next one. However, I also want to go back and read the first three novels in the series.
I received a physical copy of this book from Kensington Books and the author in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was January 26, 2021....more
Murder in an Irish Bookshop by Carlene O’Connor is the seventh book in the Irish Village Mystery series and a police procedural set in the fictionMurder in an Irish Bookshop by Carlene O’Connor is the seventh book in the Irish Village Mystery series and a police procedural set in the fictional small community of Kilbane, in County Cork, Ireland. While the vibe is cozy, the detective is actually a member of the Irish garda (state police force of the Irish Republic) and the violence occurs off stage.
Garda Siobhán O’Sullivan is engaged to Detective Sergeant Macdara Flannery. Between training new garda Aretta Dabiri, trying to set a wedding date, and taking care of her siblings, one would think she has enough to do. She is looking forward to buying a romance book to help relax once the new bookstore opens. However, the story isn’t that straight-forward. Most visitors to the bookstore are turned away on grand opening day. What is going on? When this is followed by a death of a visiting indie author, Siobhán has even more on her plate.
I enjoyed getting to know Siobhán. Her character is well-developed and relatable. I felt tense about her predicaments and wanted to help her solve the mystery. The family dynamics with her five siblings added realism to the small town feel of the story. However, the other characters had varying degrees of depth. Perhaps some are explored more in earlier books.
The plot is well done with lots of suspects and unknowns, requiring the protagonist to sift through the misdirection, lies, omissions, and much more to solve this mystery. While I was able to solve the mystery, it was fun working through the clues with Siobhán. The author did a good job of giving this reader a sense of the stores in town and the weather, but I wanted to get a better feel for the rural setting around the town. Perhaps this will be in another book.
Overall, this book was entertaining, non-graphic, twisty, intriguing, and even humorous at times. I don’t usually start a series with number seven. I initially felt a little lost since it seemed that the author assumed readers had read prior books, but as the story progressed information was disseminated and I became totally absorbed in trying to help Siobhan solve the mystery. I am sure that reading the earlier books would provide additional background and add richness to the reading experience, and I want to go back and read them. If you like cozy mysteries set in small towns and filled with lots of misdirection, then I recommend that you check out this series.
I won a digital copy of this book from Kensington Books and the author in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch is a historical mystery set in 1878 and 1879 and is set in London, New York, and Rhode Island. Queen VictoriAn Extravagant Death by Charles Finch is a historical mystery set in 1878 and 1879 and is set in London, New York, and Rhode Island. Queen Victoria is on the throne and Benjamin Disraeli is the Prime Minister. Despite this novel being the fourteenth book in the series, I had no problem connecting with the characters and the time.
The protagonist, Charles Lenox, is the leading and most distinguished detective in England. He had once been a Member of Parliament, but now has his own detective agency. He has just wrapped up a case that involved corruption within Scotland Yard. When called to the Prime Minister’s office, he is asked to undertake a diplomatic mission for the Queen. After some thought and persuasion, he accepts and arrives in New York. After meeting with both the police and members of society, he heads to Boston, but is stopped in route and asked to go to Newport, Rhode Island. A debutant is dead. Is it suicide, an accident, or murder?
Charles is an engaging character and definitely someone you want to succeed. His flaws only served to endear him to this reader. He also showed growth and some character change during the course of the story. The secondary characters had varying degrees of depth, but it was sufficient for their roles in the story line.
The author does a fantastic job of giving the reader a strong sense of time and place. The cultural elements seemed accurate and made the reading experience an immersive one. However, this is not a thriller. It takes a while to get to the debutant’s death, but I did not mind the slower pace. I was having too much fun enjoying the society of 1878 in London and New York. Themes included political maneuvering, social classes, treatment of others, old money versus new money, differences between England and America, death, grief, and much more.
Overall, this book is entertaining, humorous at times, and a well-done historical mystery. This is the first novel that I have read by this author. I definitely want to read more of this series. If you like historical mysteries, then you may enjoy this one as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book from the St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Charles Finch in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was February 16, 2021....more
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