The Lost Coast by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman is the fifth book in the Clay Edison mystery series. With an intriguing and multilayered The Lost Coast by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman is the fifth book in the Clay Edison mystery series. With an intriguing and multilayered plot, the authors give readers a story that is suspenseful, full of fascinating characters, and largely set in a picturesque but secluded area of the California coast.
Clay Edison is now working as a private investigator when a client brings him a potential fraud case. Chris Villareal has been named the executor of his grandmother’s estate and has found a reoccurring charge that doesn’t make sense. Investigating what seems to be a scheme targeting those who are easily preyed upon leads Clay to the remote community of Swann’s Flat, California. The small coastal community doesn’t like Clay asking questions, especially when he also starts investigating a second case in the area.
The story has a deeply involved plot, fantastic worldbuilding, and a remarkable set of characters. The characters are well-defined and Clay’s character was especially dynamic as he responded to events and experienced changes in his outlook. His relationship with his wife and children added another layer of depth to his character. It seemed most of the individuals in the story had agendas. But who is prey and who is a predator?
The setting is incredible. This area is mostly natural and undeveloped with geotechnical challenges that only allows for a very rough, curvy, and steep road in and out of the community. The authors made the spectacular setting come to life, making this reader feel transported to the remote coastal community.
The story lived up to its potential with plenty of deceptions, secrets, and an action-packed ending. Additionally, the book did a great job of revealing the past events. An ever-present threat looming piqued my curiosity and kept me engaged. The evolving quest for answers and the suspenseful twists are sure to delight readers. My biggest quibble is that the pacing was slow in a couple of places in the middle.
Overall, this tense, exciting, and gripping book takes readers through unpredictable moments as the authors provide suspenseful twists in the intricate plot. It’s engaging with an unusual and strange set of characters and a complex plot in a great setting. If you enjoy mysteries, then this is a series to consider. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Clay. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it contains spoilers if you plan to read the earlier novels.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Ballantine Books, Jonathan Kellerman, and Jesse Kellerman 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 August 06, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 3.71 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Bruce Borgos continues to excite and engage readers with Shades of Mercy, his suspenseful and action-packed second book in the Porter Beck crime tBruce Borgos continues to excite and engage readers with Shades of Mercy, his suspenseful and action-packed second book in the Porter Beck crime thriller and police procedural series. Beck is the sheriff of Lincoln County, Nevada, a dry and sparsely populated county in the high desert. He has a twelve-person department covering territory nearly the size of the state of Maryland. If you think that not much is happening in the county, think again. A childhood friend of Beck’s has succumbed to a strong drug and another one, a successful rancher, has been targeted by a hacked military drone. However, that is just the beginning.
Borgos is adept at creating strong male and female characters. Beck is fluent in several languages due to his previous military career and has an incredible ability to think critically and analyze data quickly. He has initiative, is patient, and has a degenerative disease of the retina that significantly affects his eyesight at night and in poor lighting. It was interesting to see how he deals with the condition as he does his job. This added another layer to his character. The secondary characters also have depth. I loved Beck’s newest partner, a young English Lab named Frank Columbo or Bo for short.
The world-building is terrific with fluid and descriptive writing that helps readers envision the scenes without adversely affecting the pacing. There was a strong sense of place causing me to feel as though I was experiencing the events alongside the characters. The dynamic plot has a tremendous amount of conflict and action that kept me engaged throughout. It is twisty and has exciting scenes, multiple antagonists, and an incredible setting.
Borgos is an excellent storyteller who brings an intensity and action throughout the novel, but also intersperses some humor and some thought-provoking events. The author surprised this reader with the epilogue that makes me anxious to find out what happens in the next book in the series. Interspersed into the story are themes of family, death, friendships that run out of juice, lies, found family, dementia, grief, lost opportunities, and much more.
Overall, this was intriguing, gritty, suspenseful, and action-packed with compelling characters and great world-building that kept me rapidly turning the pages as I sat on the edge of my seat. With exciting scenes and fascinating story lines that converge, this fantastic crime thriller was intense and dramatic. It kept me on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the novel. I’m thrilled I’ve found this series and can’t wait to read the next book. If you’re a fan of contemporary crime thrillers and police procedurals set in a rural western U.S. locale, then this is a series to read.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Bruce Borgos 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 July 16, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.61 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
A dark and chilling winter scene immediately draws readers into the storyline in The Burning by Linda Castillo. This crime thriller and police proA dark and chilling winter scene immediately draws readers into the storyline in The Burning by Linda Castillo. This crime thriller and police procedural features Kate Burkholder, the chief of police in the small town of Painters Mill in Ohio. Set in the middle of Amish country, this sixteenth book in the series is somewhat darker than usual. Kate and Tomasetti have only been married for a couple of months, but doesn’t stop the midnight call to her from dispatch when a suspicious fire and scream are seen and heard in the woods. A charred body is found that had been wired to a stake. Since the Amish prefer to handle their problems without interference from the outside world, gathering information about the deceased is difficult. When Kate’s brother is implicated, she finds herself clashing with both the Amish community and her counterparts in law enforcement.
The characterization is excellent, making each person come to life for me. Readers of the series will be familiar with many of them. One thing that struck me as slightly odd was the number of nicknames for officers on Kate’s investigation team. She has learned to delegate, likes to finish what she starts, is focused, hates the politics and media side of the job, and is respected by her officers. She’s loyal, driven, intelligent, has good instincts, and is courageous. Kate comes alive and it’s easy to connect with her and want her to succeed in finding the killer.
This novel is graphic in places and the murder descriptions are brutal and hard to read at times. The descriptive narrative transported me to Kate and her team’s suspenseful investigation. The plot twists worked well and the ending was action-packed. Ms. Castillo is an excellent storyteller who kept me engaged with gripping scenes and a creative plot that built suspense. The story captivated me from beginning to end. The book did a great job bringing together historical events and current events within the storyline. Ms. Costillo is clearly a master at building tension and delivering exciting results that keep readers engaged. Themes include trust, transparency, conflict of interest, respect, secrets, murder, and complicated family and community relationships.
Overall, this book was briskly paced, suspenseful, and gripping. This novel should delight those readers that enjoy police procedurals, crime thrillers, and mysteries that have a strong female lead character. However, be aware that it is also unsettling at times. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Linda Castillo 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 July 09, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
If you enjoy crime thrillers with suspense, action, and memorable characters, then look no further than Steven Konkoly’s newest novel, A Clean KillIf you enjoy crime thrillers with suspense, action, and memorable characters, then look no further than Steven Konkoly’s newest novel, A Clean Kill. It’s the first book in the Garrett Mann series and is very different from your typical FBI thriller. Garret is the head of a specialized FBI task force containing misfits FBI agents who are hunting a killer. He kills along rural roads from near the border with Mexico to the upper Midwest. This time the bodies are found in rural Steele County, Minnesota near Owatonna. But this is no ordinary serial killer, he has powerful help making the stakes even higher.
Garrett doesn’t always share information with others and he has a judgment-impairing grudge that he fights to control. However, he works well with other police officers to gain cooperation and has a somewhat dry and sarcastic sense of humor that is occasionally shown. His flaws make him seem more realistic and relatable. I particularly enjoyed his independent thinking and willingness to listen to recommendations from others. The secondary and tertiary characters have varying levels of depth, but it was appropriate for their roles and the first book in the series. The team is far from perfect and facing overwhelming odds, but it was easy to want them to succeed. Readers also occasionally get the perspective of the killer and one of those in power helping him.
Steven Konkoly is skilled in making readers feel the rise in tension at critical moments in the story. This exciting page-turner has a riveting plot and compelling and strong characters, and it’s infused with action. The author also does a great job of world-building, making it a mesmerizing reading experience. The storyline is gripping and will grab and keep your attention from beginning to end. It kept me on such an emotional rollercoaster that I was rapidly turning the pages to see what would happen next. My one quibble is that there were some threads that were left open. I’m sure this is the start for the next book in the series, but I wanted a little more closure.
Overall, this is a riveting, intense, and violent story that is disquieting and unsettling at times. The action scenes combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for thriller readers. This was an excellent start to a new series. If you consider yourself a fan of action-filled crime thrillers, then I recommend this well-crafted novel. I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
Thomas & Mercer and Steven Konkoly 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 July 01, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Fiona Leitch’s latest cozy mystery in The Nosey Parker Mysteries series is The Cornish Campsite Murder. The author mixes a murder mystery with a pFiona Leitch’s latest cozy mystery in The Nosey Parker Mysteries series is The Cornish Campsite Murder. The author mixes a murder mystery with a police investigation in a twisty plot. This seventh book in the series is infused with excellent world-building, compelling characters, and a well-written story that kept me turning the pages.
Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker has moved back to her home town of Penstowan in Cornwall after leaving the London metropolitan police force. She has retrained as a caterer. However, this weekend she and Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Withers are running a food truck at a music and surfing festival for a friend. Josie witnesses a heated discussion between members of a band and later that night, she, Nathan, and friend Debbie, find a body on the beach.
There are some books where it feels like readers are catching up with old friends. This is one of those series. Jodie’s sense of humor and warmth continues to shine in this story. She is a likeable and friendly character with a need to investigate that I continued to connect with. While she loves music and going to concerts, she doesn’t like some of the accommodations at festivals. The secondary characters continue to develop. In this case, we saw more growth in Nathan, mom Shirley, and daughter Daisy. The chemistry between Nathan and Jodie creates a fun dynamic. Their Pomeranian Germaine continues to add cuteness and stress relief at various times. Instead of only quaint characters, this cozy has several realistic characters that add to the depth of the story.
This well-plotted story draws readers in and doesn’t let go until the final word in the book. The small-town atmosphere of the series was expanded in this one with the festival being held near the town and bringing in several new characters. The story had several twists, a few red herrings, and a surprise near the end. However, the murderer was too predictable. As always, having a sleuth that isn’t an amateur continues to bring depth to the novel that can be lacking in some cozy mysteries
Overall, this is an entertaining story that quickly drew me into Jodie’s world. It was a fun, appealing, and delightful read with a solid mystery to unravel and humor sprinkled throughout. Themes include friendship, family relationships, family, murder, greed, trust, addiction, and much more. Relationships continue to play a major role in this series. A recipe is included at the end of the book.
I recommend the novel to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie and her family and friends. For more enjoyment, the books are best read in order, but this can be read as a standalone.
HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch 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 June 28, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Mark Greaney is skilled in bringing together diverse characters, a contemporary topic, and plenty of pulse-pounding exhilarating action. Sentinel,Mark Greaney is skilled in bringing together diverse characters, a contemporary topic, and plenty of pulse-pounding exhilarating action. Sentinel, the second book in the Armored series, features Josh and Nicole Duff. Both work for the U.S. State Department. Josh is a special agent in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security while Nicole is a junior political officer. Nicole gets her first overseas assignment and they’re both sent to Ghana, a country with a stable democracy. Their children also go with them. However, a foreign nation’s plan to embarrass the United States and gain control of resources in the country makes this assignment anything but easy.
Josh is former military and a former close protection agent. He suffers from nightmares and panic attacks. He has a competent nature, and is affable, but misses the exhilaration of high-threat protection. Nicole is highly disciplined, intelligent, and diligent. There are many other characters, but there is a character list at the beginning of the book as well as an abbreviations list. Greaney is an excellent storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat with gripping scenes, volatile action scenes, a superb plot, and fantastic writing. In preparation for his Gray Man series, he not only traveled to multiple countries but trained extensively in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close-range combative tactics. That experience has been translated into the events in this series as well.
The suspense, with its constant sense of urgency and uneasiness, kept me fully engrossed in the story. The world-building was excellent; especially for the scenes in and around the reservoir. The pace is lightning fast and the premise feels like it could easily happen. While some of the action scenes are a little excessive for one person to handle with such resilience, the story worked for me. Themes include family, power, protecting others, politics, greed, and much more. While here is some technical information on weapons, there isn’t an inordinate amount of detail. My one quibble was the beginning of the book had a few chapters that were in a different time-line and this wasn’t obvious until later.
Overall, this is a riveting, intense, and violent story that is disquieting and unsettling at times, but also has some tender moments. I recommend this series to those who like political, action, espionage, and military thrillers. The action scenes combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for thriller readers. While this series is best read in order, this one worked as a standalone novel for me. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Josh and Nicole.
Berkley Publishing Group and Mark Greaney 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 25, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------- My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Carolyn Arnold continues to bring suspense, solid police investigation, action, and intense moments in her latest book The Wildfire Girl. It’s theCarolyn Arnold continues to bring suspense, solid police investigation, action, and intense moments in her latest book The Wildfire Girl. It’s the eleventh book in the police procedural and crime thriller featuring Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Detective Trent Stenson. The setting takes place in and around Woodbridge in Prince William County, Virginia.
Human remains have been discovered behind a dumpster in an alley. Amanda and Trent are called to the scene. Upon arrival, they smell gasoline and a burned victim. Trent recognizes the surviving gold wedding band. It belongs to his Aunt Gertrude’s husband, Don. While he’s convinced she isn’t involved, her troubled relationship with Don and her lies make Amanda question Gertrude’s innocence and Trent’s ability to stay impartial.
Amanda doesn’t get much down time and has zero hobbies. She hates being idle and feels guilt and regret while trying to balance her family and work lives. She’s resilient and has an internal compulsion to find answers and obtain closure for the victims’ loved ones. She is strong-willed, independent, and the drive for justice fuels her. Amanda’s flaws and struggles make her seem realistic. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back. He’s also resilient and has a strong ethical code. However, in this case, he struggles between his commitment to the victim and his personal connection to a suspect. Once again, a dark and chilling prologue that grabs readers’ attention is followed by the arrival of police at a seemingly unrelated crime scene. How does the prologue fit into the story? As the case progresses, the novel builds suspense that takes readers to an action-filled conclusion. At the same time, Amanda’s struggle to balance work and family is highlighted as well as Trent’s conflicted emotions regarding his aunt.
The descriptive narrative is written in a style that draws you in and rapidly keeps you turning the pages. With several suspects, a twist or two, some action scenes, and well-developed characters, readers of police procedurals and crime thrillers will likely embrace this series. My biggest quibble about this book is that the relationship triangle that has been evident for a long time is not yet fully resolved. I thought this book would provide the definitive answer. While the answers are closer, it’s not yet been fully resolved.
Overall, this novel is engaging, entertaining, and a solid police procedural. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. This series is best read in order to fully understand the backstories of the 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 set for June 20, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
What a fantastic addition to this series! Combining a police procedural with family drama and a little romance, On Her Watch by Melinda Leigh, is the What a fantastic addition to this series! Combining a police procedural with family drama and a little romance, On Her Watch by Melinda Leigh, is the eighth book in the Bree Taggert series. Bree has been sheriff in her home county in upstate New York for over a year and the book is set in fictional Grey’s Hollow in Randolph County. A pair of hikers find a tarp-wrapped body in the woods. When a search of the surrounding area yields two more bodies, Bree knows they’ve found a serial killer’s dumping ground. With the help of her team and civilian criminal investigator and Bree’s boyfriend, Matt Flynn, the case is worked. However, the killer is escalating and threatening Bree’s family.
Bree is smart, skilled, confident, honorable, and determined. She joined law enforcement to help people and that is what she intends to do. She has a commanding presence and utilizes common sense. She can also be stubborn and is unwilling to fully utilize media outreach to help her politically. However, she is learning to navigate the politics, media, and paperwork associated with being a sheriff in a county with a limited budget. Matt is a former sheriff’s deputy injured in the line of duty. He was going to start a K-9 training program, but his sister Cady is using the kennels for rescued dogs. Matt is a great investigator and is a master at interviewing suspects. He loves dogs, including his retired K-9, Brody. He’s also developing a mentor-type relationship with Bree’s sister’s children. Chief Deputy Tod Harvey gets some additional responsibility late in the story to continue his confidence-building.
The storyline is engaging, suspenseful, and includes some very tense scenes. The first chapter pulled me into the tale quickly and kept me rapidly turning the pages all the way to its shocking conclusion. This engrossing crime novel keeps you on the edge of your seat as the race is on to find the killer. As always, the world-building is great. The March mud season was vivid and easily immersed me in the atmosphere. I also enjoyed the few moments of humor as well as some tender moments when they occurred. Besides the investigation, readers get insight into Bree’s family dynamics and how that is changing, as well as how flu epidemics can affect small police departments. The author has weaved another installment involving family, relationships, balancing work and family, trauma, a slow-burn romance, murder, lies, domestic violence, missing persons, and much more.
Overall, this book has twists, tension, violence, and relatable main and secondary characters. If you are expecting a solid series that will have mysteries, suspense, crime, action, and a little romance, then this is a series that I recommend. Besides this one, I’ve read the seven other books and the prequel in the series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date May 14, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------- My 4.61 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Suspense, murder, and danger are expected from Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series, and Pitch Dark, the fifteenth book in the series, brings the acSuspense, murder, and danger are expected from Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch series, and Pitch Dark, the fifteenth book in the series, brings the action and intensity to new levels. Bush pilot Josie Jonson is ecstatic when she finds a skilled builder for the log cabin she wants built near Prentiss Pond. All Mark Redmond asks for in return is to be left alone to build and to homeschool his daughter, Cady.
Maine Game Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch is concerned about the intensity of Redmond’s secretiveness; especially after a man looking for the Redmonds has gone missing. Josie eventually agrees to fly Mike and his father-in-law Charley Stevens to the pond so they can protect Mark and Cady. But hours later, they witness a murder and are taken captive.
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. He’s a good listener and mentor, but can be baited somewhat easily and isn’t always likeable. He listens to his intuition and is relentless in his pursuit of his investigations. I appreciated his independent thinking and his observation skills. Mike’s wife, Stacey, plays a much smaller, but important role in this novel.
This riveting crime thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat from near the beginning to the exhilarating finish. The world-building of rural northern Maine was fantastic. I was easily transported there and felt like I was running a gauntlet of adversity with Mike and immersed in the atmosphere of the north woods.
The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. Mike’s perseverance, resourcefulness, and determination were highlights in this novel. The plot is suspenseful and full of action. Moving at breakneck speed, it has several twists and turns and is darker than others I’ve read by this author. While a couple of plot points were a little predictable, my main quibble is that while the main mystery was solved, there are a few too many loose ends. However, I’m sure the next book will resolve them.
Overall, this fast-paced novel was engaging, gripping, pulse-pounding, 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, Stacey, and Charley. I recommend this to those who like crime thrillers with strong main characters and those who enjoy action-packed wilderness adventure novels.
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 25, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Marc Cameron creates another action-packed, suspenseful, and shocking crime thriller in Bad River, the sixth book in the Arliss Cutter series. WhaMarc Cameron creates another action-packed, suspenseful, and shocking crime thriller in Bad River, the sixth book in the Arliss Cutter series. What could possibly connect a frozen body in the permafrost wall of a family’s ice cellar and Cutter’s search for answers surrounding his brother’s death two years ago? Before there’s any answers, a person of interest dies and Cutter’s brother’s family is the target of a home invasion. At the same time, the Alaska Fugitive Task Force is trying to track down a man wanted for crimes against children. While most of the book is set in Anchorage, there are forays into various villages on the North Slope as well as a trip to South Dakota.
Supervisory Deputy US Marshall Arliss Cutter and his partner Deputy Lola Teariki are very different characters. Cutter is experienced, uncomfortable with compliments, a fantastic tracker, no-nonsense, and somewhat surly. However, he can also be overprotective and have a way of connecting with innocent victims. He also believes keeping a secret is synonymous with telling a lie. Lola works out a lot, has a bubbly personality, and wants assignments that are new and interesting. She also wants to glean all possible knowledge from Cutter. They have flaws and virtues just like everyone else. Readers get a better sense of his sister-in-law, Mim, and her children, as well as Detective Jan Hough who is stationed on the North Slope. Their characters grew and had more depth. I also liked that readers got to see some new developments in Cutter’s and Lola’s personal lives.
The author does a great job of making the reader feel transported to early fall in Alaska. I felt as though I was living the events alongside the characters. From mud, fog, and snow to polar bears and criminals, the atmosphere was fantastic. He brings to life the dangers, challenges, and adrenaline-charged events that are faced by the U.S. Marshals as well as the police in Anchorage and the North Slope. I am also happy to see some closure regarding some ongoing open questions from previous books in the series.
This powerful page-turner kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot moves at a blistering pace with plenty of action and a couple of brutal and violent fights. Just when a reader thinks the situation can’t get any worse, it does. Readers are transported into the dark and terrifying world of the victims, the criminals, and the investigators. Themes include respect, friendship, mentorship, family, greed, murder, and much more. The author has included a couple of recipes at the end of the novel as well as some book club discussion questions.
Overall, this tense, exciting, gripping, and high-octane book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. If you enjoy action thrillers that have both strong male and female characters, then this may be the series for you. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Cutter and Lola. Readers that enjoy action crime thrillers will likely enjoy Cameron’s writing. This is an outstanding series.
Kensington Books and Marc Cameron 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 July 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. -------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Once again Emily Shiner brings readers a suspenseful tale with great characterization in One Liar Left, the second book in the Detective Freya SinOnce again Emily Shiner brings readers a suspenseful tale with great characterization in One Liar Left, the second book in the Detective Freya Sinclair series. This book takes place at least one month after book one and continues to be set in Freya’s hometown of Fawn Lake, North Carolina. A hunter discovers the bodies of two young women at their campsite in the mountains of Clear Creek Forest. The method of death for one of them is like that of a cold case from several years ago. Is the same killer back? As the body count increases, the killer is sending messages to Freya and others around her. Why? The killer seems to be one step ahead of her. Can she and her team prevent more deaths?
Freya is loyal, dedicated, driven, and honest. However, she sometimes has trouble listening to others when she becomes too focused on what she believes. She’s a strong protagonist with a fierce sense of justice and determination that made it easy to support her. Her team consists of Candy Ellinger and Brad Williams. Candy is intuitive and calls people out on their lies. Rookie Brad is happy to be working with the detectives. Chief Callahan knows Freya’s background and rehired her, but he doesn’t fully trust her judgment yet. He also has anger issues.
This novel starts with another chilling prologue that grabs the reader and pulls them into the story. This is a crime thriller and a police procedural and it seems that the police procedural part of it improved over book one. However, there were still instances of focusing on social media even before checking criminal backgrounds. One quibble that I had in this one was Freya’s inconsistency in listening to others. At times, the communication was great. At other times, it felt lacking. The pacing was more consistent in this novel and once again the twisty plot had me fully engaged.
The storyline is nail-biting at times, especially during the prologue and at the end of the book. A few short chapters let readers get insight into the killer’s mind. The sub-plot of the cold case was a little too obvious for me, but the overall mystery was still full of enough twists and turns to keep me rapidly turning the pages.
Overall, this is an exciting, intense, and gripping novel with great characterization. This book demanded my attention and was a fast read. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy crime thrillers may enjoy this series.
Bookouture and Emily Shiner provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 22, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 3.98 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Emily Shiner brings suspense and great characterization to Three Drowned Girls, the first book in the Detective Freya Sinclair series. Freya returEmily Shiner brings suspense and great characterization to Three Drowned Girls, the first book in the Detective Freya Sinclair series. Freya returns to her hometown of Fawn Lake, North Carolina after leaving five years ago. Her roots are a sub-plot in this story. The body of a young girl is found in the river on her first day back as captain of the detectives in the small police department. Soon another girl is reported missing by her father, and a third girl is found drowned. What is going on in this small town?
Freya is loyal, dedicated, driven, and honest. However, she’s not great at letting new people into her life and she doesn’t let those in power intimidate her. She’s a strong protagonist with a strong sense of justice and determination that made it easy to support her. Candy Ellinger is her only detective for now. She and Freya communicate well. She’s also not afraid to tell Freya what she thinks. Brad Williams is a patrol officer who wants to be a detective. He’s the one she can call on for extra help when cases require it. Chief Callahan knows Freya’s background and rehired her, but he doesn’t fully trust her judgment yet.
A chilling prologue is the start to this dark and disturbing series. Freya’s background is sprinkled throughout the novel so readers gradually understand why the town may not be welcoming her back with open arms. While this is a crime thriller and a police procedural, the police procedural part had a few misses for me. The lack of evidence bags and gloves when searching for clues was one glaring error. Additionally, the pacing was a little uneven in places. Despite this, the twisty plot had me fully engaged in finding the killer and determining what was going to happen next.
The storyline is gripping, grabbing readers attention immediately and transporting them to the world of the victims and the investigators. There are several sub-plots that keep the investigators and readers wondering how or if they are interrelated. The tension was high as the detectives try to understand the events and race to solve the case.
Overall, this exciting, intense, and disturbing novel is a powerful page-turner with great characterization and tension that feels alive. This book demanded my attention and was a fast read. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy dark crime thrillers may enjoy this series.
Bookouture and Emily Shiner provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 22, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 3.88 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Lorenzo Carcaterra returns with the third book in this cozy mystery series. The author’s endeavor to cast Maria, the main character, as a friend, mothLorenzo Carcaterra returns with the third book in this cozy mystery series. The author’s endeavor to cast Maria, the main character, as a friend, mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-grandmother to many continues to work for me. While others say she is a sleuth, she says she doesn’t solve crimes, but helps friends and family when they’re in trouble.
Once again, two cases are intertwined in the plot. Rita, the granddaughter of an old friend comes to Nonna Maria seeking help. Her grandfather left her a map to treasure hidden in one of Ischia’s caverns. The caverns are full of pits, traps, and other hazards. However, he died before he could give her more specifics. The other case involves Captain Paolo Murino, the lead federal law enforcement officer assigned to the island of Ischia, Italy. Paolo created a powerful enemy years ago in Naples. An assassin has come to the island seeking revenge.
Maria is charming, patient, a friend to many, and has a web of connections. She has intuitive instincts and is nurturing and caring for those she knows and loves. Her character has significant depth. Captain Murino has grown over the series. He relies not only on himself and his skill, but on Maria and her circle of contacts. The other characters have a variety of depths and many of them are memorable. Which ones will show up in future books?
I was immediately drawn into the story and the main characters were likeable and relatable. This is a book to be savored. It is not a fast-paced book, but it brilliantly portrays the island, the local people, the sites, and the customs on the island, bringing them to life. The writing flows well and is very descriptive, but the mysteries were a little predictable. The atmosphere and world-building are excellent. The author managed to provide fantastic insight into the characters’ thoughts, behaviors, and actions toward others. There are also interesting insights into local food, how news is spread on the island, and how children learn life lessons from their elders. Weaving love, survival, family, friendship, family dynamics, found family, revenge, death, marriage, and much more into the story, the author keeps me reader turning the pages.
Overall, this is a moving, charming and enjoyable cozy mystery with great characterization as well as some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. It is also a celebration of friendship and community. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author’s writing style is easy to connect with and draws me into his stories. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Bantam and Lorenzo Carcaterra provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be May 07, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 4.04 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Infiltrator by T. R. Hendricks has an action-packed start that immediately engages readers. This is the second book in the military action thrThe Infiltrator by T. R. Hendricks has an action-packed start that immediately engages readers. This is the second book in the military action thriller series featuring Derek Harrington and takes place one year after the events in the first book. Derek is working as a contractor for the FBI to bring down a group called Autumn’s Tithe for good. They are intent on destroying the government.
Intelligence points to another camp in a remote area of Kentucky in Daniel Boone National Forest and Derek must locate it before they attack. At the same time, ex-FBI Special Agent Hannah Kittle, known as Sarah, devises a plan to get revenge on Derek and her ex-colleagues. However, Autumn’s Tithe’s benefactor’s faith in Sarah is waning and has set other plans in action as well.
Derek is a retired Marine Warrant Officer and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape instructor who is a wilderness survival expert with significant field acumen as well as technical and tactical expertise. He’s tenacious and perseveres in the face of adversity. He also loves his ex-wife Kim and their son Michael. Derek suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and nature is his sanctuary. Despite his flaws, he and his extraction team are likeable. They’re characters you can easily root for and hope they succeed in all of their endeavors. The addition of Special Agent in Charge Samuel Liu added additional conflict and politics to the story line. Sarah feels somewhat one-dimensional with her sole focus on revenge. Many of the other characters interacting with Sarah and Derek came to life as well.
The author does a fantastic job with atmosphere and world-building. I felt like I was with Derek and his team throughout the novel. There are significant descriptions of weapons and tactics, too. While most of the story is from Derek’s point of view, there are occasional insights from other characters, including Sarah. Hendricks balances the shocking and upsetting aspects of the novel against the investigation into Autumn’s Tithe, Derek and his team’s training, as well as his interactions with his family. The action sequences are superb. While I wasn’t quite 100 per cent satisfied with the ending, it left the door open for another book, which is something to look forward to. Themes include death, anger, security, revenge, family, friendship, fear, trust, lies, politics, and much more.
Overall, this exciting and suspenseful novel is a powerful page-turner with great world-building details and tension that feels alive. The author’s military background made this novel feel authentic. I hope there is a third book in the series.
Tor Publishing Group – Forge Books and T. R. Hendricks provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Matt Brolly brings a thought-provoking and unique premise to The Alliance. There are four killers in four different cities resulting in four murdeMatt Brolly brings a thought-provoking and unique premise to The Alliance. There are four killers in four different cities resulting in four murders at the same time and in the same way. FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace is facing an unusual threat where a group of killers are working in unison. A survivor witnesses each murder. How will they decide to share their stories? Their stories create a media storm, but The Alliance is just getting started. As Shannon sets up teams in the four cities, she and Special Agent Jacob Trevone head up the team in San Antonio. Is there a connection between the survivors or those murdered?
Shannon has an exemplary record in the field with the FBI and has only recently moved to headquarters to join the Behavioral Analysis Unit. She seems to live for work and is animated by a challenge. Her devotion to work has affected her private life and doesn’t always make her relatable. The characterization was well-done and readers see changes in Shannon, the investigators, and some of the survivors. Additionally, as readers get insights into the various characters’ journeys, it is easier to understand each character’s motives.
This crime thriller was an interesting look at psychopathy, society, and manipulation. However, the story switches points of view somewhat frequently between Shannon, the lead San Antonio detective Lieutenant Michael Boyd, and one of the survivors. This leads to some pacing issues. Despite this, I was pulled into the story line and couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
The plot has a few twists and turns and is dark. Readers can test their investigative skills as the police search for answers, including motives, relationships, and who is behind this. While the ending was action-packed, it wasn’t fully what I desired or expected. Additionally, there is a thread that could point to this being the first book in a series. Several themes are woven into the story-line including murder, social media impacts, orchestration of events, power, friendship, aloneness, secrets, trust, lack of empathy, and notoriety.
Overall, this is a dark and gripping psychological thriller with a unique plot that kept me hooked. Matt Brolly is one of my favorite authors and though this one book isn’t my first choice, it is well-done and full of suspense, action, and investigations by the police and FBI. I recommend it to fans of police procedurals and psychological thrillers.
Thomas & Mercer and Matt Brolly provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 3.35 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
In Disturbing the Dead, Kelley Armstrong combines a murder mystery and a time travel aspect in a historical setting in this third book in the Rip In Disturbing the Dead, Kelley Armstrong combines a murder mystery and a time travel aspect in a historical setting in this third book in the Rip Through Time series. Modern day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is becoming more comfortable living in Victorian Scotland. She’s inhabiting the body of a housemaid who was attacked in the same Edinburgh alley as Mallory, but 150 years ago. Mallory is enjoying her job as assistant to undertaker and medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray and assisting him and Detective Hugh McCreadie in a variety of cases.
Mallory and her friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. When their host is missing, Gray and Mallary are asked to step in and do the unwrapping. All doesn’t go well.
Mallory is a character with plenty of depth. She’s hardworking, kind, relatable, loves puzzles, and is an idealist. She’s good at seeing clues and connections in people’s speech, mannerisms, and expressions. While she makes for a strong female protagonist that readers can cheer on, she flouts convention and is sarcastic as well as being an independent thinker unafraid to speak her mind, which isn’t normal for women in Victorian times. Gray is passionate about his work, enthusiastic, confident, occasionally relaxed and teasing. He’s a pioneer in the field of forensics, has an eye for detail, and has a scientific curiosity. Isla, one of Gray’s sisters, is a chemist who is brilliant, strong-willed, and kindhearted. McCreadie is clever, good-natured, and a bit of an adventure hound. The remaining supporting cast of characters are well-developed and provide insight into individuals in various roles in a Victorian household as well as those they interact with.
Kelley Armstrong has a fluid writing style that quickly brings readers into the well-paced story. They also get insight into the state of police forensics during this early era and a few insights into how investigations and searches occur in 1869 in Scotland. Other themes include family, relationships, friendship, racism, gender identity, poverty, helping others, how servants were treated, and attitudes toward, expectations of, and limitations on women.
The addition of two subplots adds another dimension to the story. There are some twists in the storyline with a large surprise about two-thirds of the way through. The ending has plenty of action and wraps things up nicely. There is a hint at a couple of potential romances, but nothing more. The world-building is wonderful and feels accurate for the times. Humor is sprinkled throughout the tale.
Overall, this is a moving, well-written, suspenseful, and entertaining novel with great characterization as well as some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. Understanding how Mallory gets to this time in history is explained in depth in book one so I recommend starting with it. The author’s writing style is engaging and draws readers into the story quickly. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be May 07, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------- My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
C. J. Box continues to excite readers with unique crime thrillers that are full of suspense and action. The twenty-fourth book in the series featuringC. J. Box continues to excite readers with unique crime thrillers that are full of suspense and action. The twenty-fourth book in the series featuring Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett is mostly set in October in Saddlestring, Wyoming. A rogue grizzly bear is on a rampage in an area where there aren’t supposed to be any. Additionally, Dallas Cates is released from prison and wants revenge on the people who sent him there and who he blames for killing his family. Meanwhile, Joe’s oldest daughter, Sheridan Pickett, takes on her first solo assignment as a master falconer.
The characters are well defined. Readers get a good feel for Joe, his wife Marybeth, and Sheridan. Their characters have depth, and by this time in the series, they feel like well-known friends. Joe is conscientious as always. Marybeth is inciteful and looks at situations very differently than Joe. Sheridan loves her job and is better with people than her boss Nate Romanowski. I loved seeing how Sheridan grew as the story unfolded. The author does a great job of capturing the various characters and the cultural lifestyles and differences.
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 and action that kept me engaged throughout. It is twisty and heartrending with exciting scenes, a murderous antagonist, and an incredible setting.
Box is an excellent storyteller who continues to bring suspense throughout this novel. Those who follow the series will enjoy learning more about Joe’s family. What an ending! I didn’t expect some of that to happen. The author surprised this reader with two unexpected twists and set the stage for the next book. This is an unforgettable novel with the devastating events that occurred. Coming to terms with them and understanding the fallout from the events will undoubtedly be threads readers will see soon.
Overall, this was intriguing, gritty, chilly, suspenseful, and action-packed 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 crime thriller was intense and dramatic. It kept me on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the novel. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons 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 February 27, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Carolyn Arnold continues to bring suspense, solid investigation, action, and intense moments in her latest book Missing Before Daylight. It’s the Carolyn Arnold continues to bring suspense, solid investigation, action, and intense moments in her latest book Missing Before Daylight. It’s the tenth book in the police procedural and crime thriller featuring Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Detective Trent Stenson. The setting takes place in and around Woodbridge in Prince William County, Virginia.
Amanda and Trent are called to the murder scene of a gas station clerk. While they initially assume it was a robbery gone wrong, they discover nothing was stolen. A review of the security video shows the murder but also the abduction of a customer very familiar to them.
Amanda doesn’t get much down time and has zero hobbies. She hates being idle and feels guilt and regret while trying to balance her family and work lives. She’s resilient and feels she has a duty to find justice for the victims and closure for their loved ones. Amanda’s flaws and struggles make her seem realistic. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back.
A chilling and suspenseful prologue that grabs readers’ attention is followed by arrival at the crime scene by the police. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. While most of the story is from Amanda’s point of view, readers get insight into what is happening to the abducted customer. This adds another layer of drama, urgency, and suspense that will keep readers rapidly turning the pages.
The descriptive narrative transported me into the terrifying world of the victims and the investigators. The story instills in the reader a feeling of deep anxiety for the abductee. Will the police arrive in time? There are several surprises and twists along the way as the novel progresses. Throughout the investigation, Amanda is facing a personal crisis as well, making the story seem even more realistic. The author weaves murder, abduction, relationships, family dynamics, grief, and more into a finely crafted tale.
The book has solid police investigation and good character development. I was transported into the suspenseful situation and wanted to know who was behind the crimes. Themes include grief, family, relationships, empathy, revenge, work-life balance, and much more.
Overall, this novel is engaging, entertaining, and a solid police procedural. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. I recommend this series to those who like police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable and likeable main characters. This series is best read in order to fully understand the backstories of the main characters.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold 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 February 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
If you enjoy books with a main character who finds herself in the middle of a crisis and hoping to survive, then look no further than Joe Pitkin’s If you enjoy books with a main character who finds herself in the middle of a crisis and hoping to survive, then look no further than Joe Pitkin’s Exit Black. Imperium is an orbiting laboratory that still has working labs, but is now the first low orbit space hotel for the wealthy. Dr. Chloe Bonilla, the resident biophysicist wonders whether babysitting space glampers is worth the distraction from her research.
A private rocket delivers several billionaires plus a sponsored social media influencer. However, among the staff are members of a global group called the Reckoners intent on changing the economic inequality on Earth. This group takes control of the space hotel and demand $8 billion in ransom from their wealthy hostages. Additionally, they forced the other support staff in the room with the wealthy hostages. Their problem? Chloe woke up and left her room before they got to her. It’s up to her to save the hostages.
While most of the book is from Chloe’s point of view, readers get insight into a few of the other characters as well. Chloe has insomnia, can be stubborn when challenged, has a sense of detachment, and enjoys brainteasers. The other characters have varying degrees of depth, but felt rounded with complex traits. This includes a couple of the antagonists. What a beginning prologue! It pulled me into the story immediately. While the story is descriptive, it doesn’t slow the pacing, which is heart-poundingly fast. After the opening gala for the space tourists, the velocity of the tale increases significantly. I felt like I was fighting for survival along with Chloe.
The story instills in the reader a feeling of deep anxiety for Chloe and the safety of the hostages as Chloe tries to save them and herself. It was compelling to see how different people act and react under stress. The book has a wonderfully executed action thriller plot and good character development along with a low earth orbit setting that adds another dimension. The worldbuilding was excellent. I was transported into the terrifying situation Chloe and the hostages found themselves in. The epilogue contains some surprises that completely caught me off-guard. Themes include wealth inequality, social inequality, oppression, injustices, loneliness, relationships, lies, secrets, anger, moral and physical struggles, and much more.
Overall, this is an action-packed science fiction thriller that is also thought-provoking with complex characters and plenty of angst and suspense. It kept me guessing what would happen next throughout the novel. The author is a superb space action-thriller storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat rapidly turning the pages.
Blackstone Publishing and Joe Pitkin 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 February 20, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Once again Diane Kelly brings plenty of mystery, atmosphere, and conflict to a series. Besides the mystery, the author gives readers insights into theOnce again Diane Kelly brings plenty of mystery, atmosphere, and conflict to a series. Besides the mystery, the author gives readers insights into the personal lives and events affecting several of the characters. While I’ve read the first three books in her Mountain Lodge cozy mystery series, this is the first one that I’ve read in House-Flipper Mystery series. Four-Alarm Homicide is the sixth book in that series, but I had no problem reading it as a standalone novel.
Carpenter and designer Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are in the business of buying and flipping buildings. This time around they pursue a 1930s era fire station that has just come on the market in Nashville. During the interior demolition stage, Joanna Hartzell who lives in a nearby townhouse comes by and pleads with them to help her by buying the other half of her townhouse which is in disrepair. When Joanna later shows up at the fire station and collapses, Whitney suspects foul play.
Whitney is inquisitive, perceptive, believes in progress as well as preservation, and doesn’t like to be the center of attention. She is engaged to Collin Flynn, a police homicide detective. He is intelligent, has a strong work ethic, a strict moral code, and has recently taken up trail running. Buck has a great sense of humor and handles a lot of the heavier work. He also helps with the wedding planning. Like the Mountain Lodge series, this series has features cats with Whitney’s cat Sawdust’s thoughts being interspersed throughout the book in a few short chapters. While they aren’t necessary to the story line, they provide some humor and insights that made them enjoyable.
I was immediately drawn into the story and the main characters were likeable and relatable. The plot had a few twists and turns and the characters were emotionally rich. By setting this series in Nashville, the types of buildings available for flipping are varied and the descriptions of the firehouse and townhouse made them easy to visualize. However, I didn’t get a feeling for the city itself. While I guessed some of the items related to the mystery, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story as I sped through it effortlessly. Food is mentioned through the novel and several recipes are included at the end of the book.
Overall, this is a fun, light, and enjoyable cozy mystery with great characterization and some humor. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author’s writing style is easy to connect with and draws me into her stories. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Paperbacks and Diane Kelly provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 23, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------- My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
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