The Vampire Huntress by Ashlee Sinn is a paranormal romance featuring Sopia Glen and Viktor Kaska and set in New York City. Sophia was born a vampThe Vampire Huntress by Ashlee Sinn is a paranormal romance featuring Sopia Glen and Viktor Kaska and set in New York City. Sophia was born a vampire hunter and spends her nights hunting rogue vampires. She’s and Silas, another hunter are partners in more than one way. However, when a serious threat faces the city, Sophia is forced to work with an ancient vampire: Viktor.
Sophia is stubborn, determined, and fierce. While she has earned the respect of others, she doesn’t have many close friends, isn’t always a team player, is impatient, and feels underappreciated. Viktor is powerful, charismatic, and captivating. The other characters have very little depth. This includes the antagonist and Silas.
There is a plot in this short novel, but it is interspersed with some extremely steamy scenes and some slow pacing interrupted with bouts of action. It was also somewhat predictable. However, there are some unique and intriguing views of vampires and their capabilities and weaknesses in this story. There are also some cross-over of characters from the Callaghan Clan series. Overall, this was an entertaining novel that didn’t quite work for me.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was March 15, 2016. ---------------------------------------- My 2.37 rounded to 2 stars review is coming soon....more
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine is a debut paranormal romantic comedy. Cassie Greenberg has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Applied Arts My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine is a debut paranormal romantic comedy. Cassie Greenberg has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Applied Arts and Design and loves being an artist. Unfortunately, she can’t earn a living that way so she works part-time at a coffee shop and part-time in the children’s section of her local library in Chicago, Illinois.
Unfortunately, she’s being evicted from her apartment and needs to find a new place to live. She finally decides to answer an ad in a great part of town. The only concern: the price is too low for the area. With few alternatives, Cassie becomes roommates with Frederick J. Fitzwilliam. He sleeps all day and is out at night on business. They leave notes for each other and rarely talk until Cassie finds bags of blood in the refrigerator and runs out of the apartment.
Cassie is kind, generous, and can get brusque when she’s stressed. Frederick is thoughtful, compassionate, formal, and has a straightforward manner. The other characters are a mixture of friends, family, and antagonists with varying degrees of depth.
Filled with awkward and the occasional laugh-out-loud moments, this was an entertaining and light read. There are no spicy scenes until about three-quarters of the way through the novel. There’s also not a lot if conflict until the second half of the book.
Overall, this was fun and charming, but the ending was too quick and easily resolved in this slow burn romance for me. While there wasn’t enough depth to the plot for my tastes, I still enjoyed it. Those who like light and funny paranormal romances will likely find this one entertaining.
Berkley Publishing Group and Jenna Levine provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 29, 2023. ------------------------------------- My 3.16 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Nine eerie and chilling horror short stories plus a poem keep readers turning the pages in Jonathan Maberry’s Long Past Midnight. The stories takeNine eerie and chilling horror short stories plus a poem keep readers turning the pages in Jonathan Maberry’s Long Past Midnight. The stories take place in or near Pine Deep, Pennsylvania. While most take place after the author’s Pine Deep horror trilogy, the first story takes place before the Trouble. All are descriptive without slowing down the story line and have great characterization.
In Property Condemned, nine-year-old Malcolm Crow and his friends Vall Guthrie, Terry Wolfe, and Gerry Stickler decide to explore the abandoned Croft house which is known to be haunted. Malcolm wants proof of the existence of ghosts. The house feels like a fifth character in this story. Whether it is due to the nervousness of the four children or the evil sensations from the house, readers may fell chills as they read this story.
Readers familiar with Maberry’s series will be happy to find Captain Joseph Edwin Ledger and two members of Echo team are featured in Material Witness. The story starts with post-mission statements and analyses and the discrepancies between Echo team’s after-action reports and interviews and verifiable facts. After this, it reverts to the mission itself. All of this takes place after the events in the Pine Deep trilogy. Those who love action thrillers with a supernatural twist will enjoy this story.
Long Way Home surprised me. It features Donny Castleberry and takes place ten years after the Trouble. I didn’t see this ending coming!
Three Guys Walk Into a Bar features private investigator Sam Hunter. I loved this character and would love to read a series featuring Sam. He’s an ex-cop, tough, and scary. However, he sleeps with a light on at night. He also has a surprising aspect to his character. In his latest case, he goes to Pine Deep. By now, Malcolm Crow is the Chief of Police and his adopted son, Mike Sweeney is a deputy. Joe Ledger is back for this story as well. This is another supernatural action thriller with plenty of suspense and danger. It’s also the longest of the stories. On Lonely Roads is the only poem is this book. It’s the only one that features Monk Addison, but was my least favorite.
Mister Pockets features the only homeless person in Pine Deep and a young boy, Lefty Harrigan. This one was a little predictable, but still had great characterization.
Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard amped up the atmosphere with much of it taking place in the cemetery in Pine Deep. It features Francesco Sponelli who maintains the cemetery and digs the graves.
A House in Need of Children features Sam Hunter again. This is another great story featuring a haunted house and is one of the sadder stories in the book.
The Trouble takes place after the Pine Deep Trilogy and features Malcolm and Mike as well as Val who is now married to Malcolm. This one is another action thriller story.
The final story, Ghost Creepin’ Blues, features 16-year-old Jinnifer who suffers from depression, panic attacks, and hallucinations. This one feels like the set-up for a novel.
Overall, this was a great collection of stories and one that kept me feeling the characters’ anxiety. While some are full of exciting scenes and plenty of action, others are more thought provoking. The world-building and characterization are terrific.
Kensington Books and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Breathtaking and electrifying are two of the words that come to mind as I think about Harm’s Way by John Gilstrap. This political thriller is the Breathtaking and electrifying are two of the words that come to mind as I think about Harm’s Way by John Gilstrap. This political thriller is the fifteenth book in the Jonathan Grave covert series. Twelve missionaries were abducted in a remote area of Venezuela and are being held for ransom. In a secret meeting, FBI Director Irene Rivers pleas with Jonathan Grave to mount a rescue mission with his team. While Jonathan, Boxers, and Gunslinger plan to infiltrate the enemy camp and rescue the hostages, Venice will be working from their company office as support. However, the mission changes as a world threat is revealed.
Grave loves his country. He’s great at making connections, planning, and adjusting as situations change. Political intrigue excites him. Readers can easily connect with him and root for the success of him and his team. Boxers, Gunslinger, and Venice do not show as much depth in this novel. However, I loved how the team connected to each other and their dialogue. Their chemistry added to my enjoyment of the novel. They have a strong sense of justice and a determination to succeed against overwhelming odds.
Gilstrap has a way of writing thrillers that immediately grab your attention. He’s an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with gripping scenes and plenty of action and suspense. The writing is fluid and has a few twists and turns. As danger became imminent, the suspense intensified. The unnerving and over-the-top conclusion will get readers’ hearts racing as they find out who survives. The final chapter wraps up some loose ends and hints that more adventures will be coming.
This high-octane novel was also very atmospheric. The author did a great job of painting the scenes and giving readers the ability to easily picture the scenes without slowing the pace. From the first chapter to the last, events come with a hectic and wild pace. There was a strong sense of urgency throughout the novel. While the novel switches points of view occasionally, it is mainly from that of Grave. Themes include abduction for ransom, corruption, influence peddling, betrayal, political maneuvering and intrigue, and more.
Overall, this briskly paced and explosive novel was tense, fast-paced, action-oriented, and scary to think about. While there are references to past missions, this novel can be read as a standalone. However, readers will be missing out on some background and character growth and changes over time. I recommend this to those who enjoy fantastic action novels.
Kensington Books, Pinnacle and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Intrigue, romance, danger, suspense, arranged marriages, and much more contribute to an exciting novel in the fifth book in the Gunnie (Lizbeth) Rose Intrigue, romance, danger, suspense, arranged marriages, and much more contribute to an exciting novel in the fifth book in the Gunnie (Lizbeth) Rose series. All the Dead Shall Weep is a mix of fantasy, western, and alternate history and is mainly set in Segundo Mexia in Texoma which used to include Texas and Oklahoma.
Lizbeth Rose Savarova meets her half-sister Felicia Dominguez Karkarova and her husband’s brother Peter Savarova at the train station. This visit is to get Felicia away from San Diego where her magical powers had grown to the point that multiple kidnapping and assassination attempts had occurred. However, Segundo Mexia doesn’t prove to be much safer for Felicia or Lizbeth as Eli (Lizbeth’s husband) and Peter almost immediately leave without an explanation.
Lizbeth is capable, loyal, brave, even-tempered, and a great shot, but is still suffering from a significant loss. Felicia has a gift for languages, has started to show her true age, and has gained confidence in herself and her abilities. Other characters play secondary roles with varying degrees of depth.
Charlaine Harris is one of my favorite authors and she did not let me down with this addition to the series. The characters are compelling, led by strong and capable protagonists. I enjoyed having Lizbeth and Felicia alternate points of view.
There was always something new happening in this story. Danger, action, and heart-wrenching moments are interspersed throughout it. This well-crafted story hooked me in the beginning and kept me turning the pages as I went on a rollercoaster ride through twists, drama, grief, and intrigue.
Overall, this novel brings thrills, action, family drama, political intrigue, magic, loyalty, romance, communication issues, power and much more making it an engaging and entertaining read. It’s also one that causes the reader to think about life, love, duty, community, trust, and family. The book has a shocking ending that I did not expect. Exceptional characters, intense fight scenes, and family drama made this an entertaining read.
If you like alternate history, action adventure, thrillers and fantasy, then this series is for you. I recommend reading the books in order. The first novel explains the alternative history aspect that is not fully explained in the succeeding novels.
Gallery Books, Gallery / Saga Press and Charlaine Harris provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 05, 2023.
---------------------------------------- My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
If you love books and cozy mysteries, then Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams may be the book and series that will delight you. Jane If you love books and cozy mysteries, then Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams may be the book and series that will delight you. Jane Steward is ready for a vacation with her betrothed Edwin Ascott. Jane manages the family resort, Storyton Hall, and Edwin owns a restaurant. While living in the western part of Virginia, they are vacationing in Oyster Bay, Nort Carolina. While their vacation cottage has floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a view of the ocean, their stay isn’t the relaxing vacation they needed. Edwin has a medical emergency and Jane finds a dead body. Naturally, they feel they need to investigate the death.
The characterization in this book is excellent. Jane loves books and organizing. She takes a pragmatic approach to the investigation. Despite some setbacks, she remained sanguine about their ultimate success in solving the mystery. Edwin balances Jane, works hard, and enjoys books as well. Add in the staff at Storyton Hall, multiple authors, book club members, vacation resort staff, and police in two locations and readers will enjoy a wide range of characters with different backgrounds and dynamics.
The plot is twisty, the story is well-written, the settings were easy to visualize, and the characters were memorable. I was easily pulled into the inner world of the characters. I also enjoyed the occasional humor that was sprinkled throughout the book. The ending wraps everything up well. This novel shines a light on friendship, family, romance, found family, books, death, and much more.
Overall, this entertaining story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. This series is best read in order. I hope there will be more novels in this series. Those who enjoy amateur sleuths and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this novel.
Kensington Books – Kensington Cozies and Ellery Adams provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 25 2023. --------------------------------------- My 4.36 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Merged review:
If you love books and cozy mysteries, then Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams may be the book and series that will delight you. Jane Steward is ready for a vacation with her betrothed Edwin Ascott. Jane manages the family resort, Storyton Hall, and Edwin owns a restaurant. While living in the western part of Virginia, they are vacationing in Oyster Bay, Nort Carolina. While their vacation cottage has floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a view of the ocean, their stay isn’t the relaxing vacation they needed. Edwin has a medical emergency and Jane finds a dead body. Naturally, they feel they need to investigate the death.
The characterization in this book is excellent. Jane loves books and organizing. She takes a pragmatic approach to the investigation. Despite some setbacks, she remained sanguine about their ultimate success in solving the mystery. Edwin balances Jane, works hard, and enjoys books as well. Add in the staff at Storyton Hall, multiple authors, book club members, vacation resort staff, and police in two locations and readers will enjoy a wide range of characters with different backgrounds and dynamics.
The plot is twisty, the story is well-written, the settings were easy to visualize, and the characters were memorable. I was easily pulled into the inner world of the characters. I also enjoyed the occasional humor that was sprinkled throughout the book. The ending wraps everything up well. This novel shines a light on friendship, family, romance, found family, books, death, and much more.
Overall, this entertaining story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. This series is best read in order. I hope there will be more novels in this series. Those who enjoy amateur sleuths and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this novel.
Kensington Books – Kensington Cozies and Ellery Adams provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 25 2023. --------------------------------------- My 4.36 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Dark and chilling are two of the words that immediately strike me when I think about What Still Burns by Elle Graw. This psychological thriller feDark and chilling are two of the words that immediately strike me when I think about What Still Burns by Elle Graw. This psychological thriller features Alexis “Lex or Lexi” Blake who returns to Sola, California to settle her family’s estate. Lex lost her parents, two sisters, and a brother in a fire on their dairy farm when she was ten. Lex was the only survivor and she has few memories of the event. However, when her Aunt Beth dies and leaves a substantial debt, Lex needs to sell the farm. They have lived in San Francisco since Lex was sixteen.
The small town is tight-knit, nosy, very religious, and filled with secrets. Lex does reconnect with her childhood friend and neighbor Kael McPheron. However, things get uncomfortable and scary when mysterious phone calls and a cassette tape cause buried memories to surface. When a body turns up, Lex’s trepidation increases as she tries to determine whether the death is related to her family’s tragedy.
The world-building was great in this novel. I could easily visualize the burned house, the motel where Lex stays, and Kael’s farm as well as the people in the town. However, I wanted a little more character depth and a more detailed ending. Despite this, the suspense, danger, action, intense moments, and character interactions provided a plausible and compelling reading experience.
Overall, this psychological thriller was engaging and atmospheric with action, suspense, and a bit of a romance.
Thomas and Mercer and Elle Grawl provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 15, 2023.
---------------------------------------- My 3.81 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro is part legal thriller and part crime thriller. After a late-night car chase, San Francisco polic4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro is part legal thriller and part crime thriller. After a late-night car chase, San Francisco police lieutenant Linsday Boxer fires her weapon leading to a family in turmoil and Lindsay facing a civil trial with her fate in the hands of twelve jurors. Before and during a trial break, she goes to her sister’s home in nearby Half Moon Bay, California to get away from the press. Unfortunately, the town is experiencing a string of murders that seem linked to an unsolved case from her rookie years.
With the usual short chapters, this story progressed quickly with other members of the Women’s Murder Club putting in cameo appearances. It was fast-paced and filled with action. Additionally, it has a shocking twist that completely caught me by surprise.
Overall, this was entertaining, thought-provoking, and a page-turner. This is the eighth book in the series that I have read.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 2, 2005. ------------------------------------------ My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Danger, suspense, tension, romance, and action provide readers with an entertaining and compelling reading experience in Shadow Dance by ChristineDanger, suspense, tension, romance, and action provide readers with an entertaining and compelling reading experience in Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan. The eighth book in the Shadow Riders series switches from the Chicago Ferraro family to their cousins in New York City. Geno Ferraro became the head of his family and his family’s territory at the age of thirteen after an event that left this father severely injured. Eighteen years later, his parents are killed in the latest string of murders. He sets a trap and thinks he has the assassin caught. Amaranthe “Amara” Aubert is a classical ballerina and a shadow rider. She had nothing to do with the murders, but when Geno connects to her in the shadows, she can’t hide her true reason for being in New York.
Shadow riders are a fascinating concept where they slip from one shadow to the next to travel unseen. Tasked with the job of bringing justice to those who can’t get it achieved via regular law enforcement, it is a dangerous job requiring training from an early age. Geno and Amara are compelling characters. Geno took on business and family responsibility at a young age. He puts family first, has learned to compartmentalize, thinks quickly, is trained in self-defense and fighting techniques, has a strict moral code, and is very good at observation. He’s also viewed as ruthless and cold by many. Amara is a talented ballerina, determined, captivating, fast, confident, deadly, and can process info at an extremely rapid rate. While there are several new characters, including Geno’s brothers, Salvatore and Lucca, readers also get to spend time with some of the Chicago members of the family as well.
A chilling scene to start the novel immediately pulls readers into the story. Who is committing the murders and why? Who will be the next target? As knowledge is pooled and research delves into events, possibilities become known. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous and unusual. It contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. The book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, action, and love while also tackling serious issues including secrets, trust, abuse, stressful situations, honor, having the courage to do what’s right, duty, loyalty, battling evil, and selfless sacrifice for others. There are a couple of steamy scenes in the second half of the novel.
Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and had great characterization. I can’t wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. I recommend this to those that like paranormal romantic suspense novels and urban fantasies with relatable and likeable main characters.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------- My 4.24 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Suspense, danger, action, intense moments, and romance are combined to provide readers with a fabulous read in Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose. Suspense, danger, action, intense moments, and romance are combined to provide readers with a fabulous read in Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose. This is the second book in the New Orleans romantic suspense series that is also partly a police procedural and a private investigator crime novel. If you like contemporary romances with lots of suspense and danger, then this book is one to check out. Except for the epilogue, the book takes place over the course of five days.
Assistant District Attorney Kaj Cardozo has only lived in New Orleans for six months, but he is known in both New York and in his new home city for his fight against corruption. He’s also working a high-profile celebrity assault case that is getting publicity across the country. When his son Elijah becomes the target of a kidnapping attempt, Kaj hires Broussard Investigations to protect Elijah. Val Sorensen is the person assigned to be his bodyguard and the firm is hired to investigate the incident. The investigation reveals more than they bargained for, as drugs, corruption, and murder are discovered.
Kaj, Val, and Elijah are likeable characters. Kaj is kind, understanding, and determined to help his boss root out corruption in the area. However, he also fears for his son’s safety. Val is a Marine veteran, tenderhearted, capable, and thoughtful. However, she is also estranged from her sister Sylvie. Elijah is ten years old, smart for his age, and kindhearted. Kaj and Val seem to balance each other, but their attraction came on a little too fast. However, these strong protagonists with strong senses of determination were easy to get behind and hope that they succeed in their endeavors. Several characters from book one make an appearance in this one as well so readers can catch up on their lives as well. Some of the antagonists are known immediately while others are slowly revealed.
The prologue immediately grabbed my attention and the story continues with action, investigation by both the police and the private investigation firm, and plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged. The thrilling storyline, balanced with the emotional aspects of the work, made this a winner for me. The book was descriptive without slowing the pace, which is fast. Readers will get an excellent sense of the bayou, but I wanted a little more sense of New Orleans itself.
This riveting crime thriller, police procedural, and romantic suspense novel keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. The plot is full of chasing down leads and interviewing people as well as plenty of danger for those involved. I enjoyed how the author provided unpredictable moments and a little humor, which offset some gruesome spots in this tale. Themes include murder, abduction, relationships, families, drugs, friendship, secrets, trust, assault, torture, corruption, and much more.
Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and atmospheric with great characterization. I can’t wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. I recommend this to those that like romantic suspense novels with relatable and likeable main characters.
Berkley Publishing Group and Karen Rose provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 15, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------ My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Steven Konkoly brings together diverse characters and an alarming scenario like few authors can. His third book in the Devin Gray series, Wide AwakSteven Konkoly brings together diverse characters and an alarming scenario like few authors can. His third book in the Devin Gray series, Wide Awake, kept me reading late into the night. Devin Gray and Marnie Young are trying to return to a normal life after taking out a sleeper network. However, violence and a potential for another sleeper network has them back at work. A plan to start a civil war in the United States is underway. Threats and violence escalate. Who is behind it and can it be stopped?
As always, this author brings characters to life, especially Devin and Marnie. They’re intelligent, patriotic, self-confident, strong, and bold. However, they also have some shortcomings that readers find as the story progresses and their natures and backstories become known to readers. It was also great to visit with old friends from the Black Flagged series.
The initial chapters introduce the various characters and situations from a border patrol incident to the protagonists to various antagonists and supporting characters. However, it took a while to determine how everyone fits into the story, which takes readers from Washington DC to multiple US states to a foreign country. This novel kept me captivated from the first page to its astonishing conclusion.
Konkoly is an outstanding storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat with gripping scenes, action, a superb plot, and fantastic writing. His military background brings an authenticity to his thrillers. He does a great job of balancing the shocking action scenes against the intrigue of the conspiracy plot and the planning of countermeasures. The dynamic plot came alive and felt all too possible with real-world issues incorporated into the story highlighting the societal and political differences between individuals and countries.
Plenty of suspense, a constant sense of urgency, a state of disquietude, and lots of action combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for those who enjoy thrillers. Themes include conspiracy, violence, differing political and social ideologies, duty, leadership, organization, and coordination.
Overall, this was a gripping, gritty, and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept this reader turning the pages. It’s also my favorite of the series. I would recommend it to those who enjoy political and military thrillers. This book works well as a standalone novel. However, the background and relationship dynamics are best fully understood by reading earlier novels in the series.
Thomas and Mercer and Steven Konkoly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 15, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
A Trouble of Fools by Linda Barnes is the first book in the Carlotta Carlyle private investigator series. Carlotta is an ex-Boston police officer,A Trouble of Fools by Linda Barnes is the first book in the Carlotta Carlyle private investigator series. Carlotta is an ex-Boston police officer, ex-part-time cab driver, and a newly minted private detective. Miss Margaret Devens hires her to find her missing brother Eugene. Carlotta slightly knew Eugene slightly from when they were both working at Green and White Cab. She thinks she will solve the case quickly until thugs invade Margaret’s home and she ends up in the hospital. What where they looking for? Was Eugene involved in something more dangerous than driving a cab?
Carlotta is tough, stubborn, divorced, untidy, plays volleyball, and is a Big Sister to Paolina. The other characters have varying degrees of depth. They’re a mixed bag of characters including TC the cat and Red Emma the parakeet as well as an old love interest and a former colleague wanting a relationship, an artist tenant and her boyfriend, her former boss at the cab company, and many others.
There’s a decent mystery in this story, but the start is slow-paced, meandering, and uneven. However, it picks up in the last third of the novel. There is a lot of description detail that doesn’t seem to advance the story. However, as the investigation continued, the puzzle pieces came together and the ending is what I expected.
Overall, this sets the stage for an interesting series with some eccentric characters and new investigations to pursue.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 1987. ------------------------------------------ My 2.98 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Plenty of action and suspense along with fantastic characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for those who love thrillers. TuckerPlenty of action and suspense along with fantastic characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for those who love thrillers. Tucker Snow and his daughter Chloe have recently relocated to Ganther Bluff, Texas from the Dallas area. Tucker’s wife Sara Beth and their four-year-old daughter Peyton died in a car wreck caused by someone on drugs.
Tucker and his brother Harley worked as uncover narcotics agents for the Texas Department of Public Safety for decades. However, Tucker had taken his dream job as a special ranger with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association before the accident. He’s now on leave. However, Tucker and Chloe’s peace is shattered; first by arguing heard nearby, then by gunshots from two different guns. Tucker goes to the nearby trailer to make sure everyone is okay. This puts him on the radar of Jess Atchley who doesn’t like any type of law enforcement officer. On top of this, there are cars in and out of the trailer’s driveway day and night. As events escalate, Tucker goes back on active duty and calls Harley for help.
The characterization is well-done in this novel. Tucker is experiencing grief and loss. He is somewhat cautious, at least compared to Harley. Chloe is feeling lost and uprooted. However, she is trying to be understanding of her father’s feelings. The characters brimmed with personality. I am looking forward to the returning characters’ continued development in the next book in the series. Many of the antagonists are known early in the book. However, it is the action-packed journey filled with suspense that kept me turning the pages. It was a wild ride with sudden moments of danger. The author also brings a strong sense of place to the events in the book. The writing is descriptive without slowing down the vivid and action-filled plot. I could easily visualize the town, the people, and the countryside. Themes include grief, murder, assault, drugs, family, friendship, corruption, and much more. At the end of the book is an author’s note that should be read. It includes his comment that he stretched legal boundaries in this book to make the story more interesting. There is also a reading group guide and a conversation with the author section.
Overall, this riveting story arc immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. This is book one in the Tucker Snow thrillers series. I can’t wait to read the next book. Those who like action-packed crime thrillers will likely enjoy this novel. I’ve only read one other book by this author and it was a historical fiction crime thriller that was also excellent: The Texas Job.
Poisoned Pen Press and Reavis Z. Wortham provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 02, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Witch Hitch by Elizabeth Bass is the second book in the A Cupcake Coven Romance series. It features Bailey Tomlin who is weeks away from marryThe Witch Hitch by Elizabeth Bass is the second book in the A Cupcake Coven Romance series. It features Bailey Tomlin who is weeks away from marrying wealthy Wes Haverman. However, things are not going smoothly. Not only can’t she find the perfect wedding dress, but she has the sudden ability to communicate with her pet parrot, Django, and finds out she’s a witch. That is just the beginning of the adventure leading up to the wedding day.
Bailey loves music, is kind, deflects conflict, and likes security. However, I felt she let others take advantage of her and wouldn’t stand up for herself. Wes is responsible, steady, has expensive tastes, and doesn’t like conflict. However, he doesn’t really listen to Bailey and will support his family and friends before he will support her. The other characters are a mix of family, friends, and others who are well rounded with varying degrees of depth. Some of the supporting characters were in book one as well.
The story was straight-forward, but enjoyable. The conflict moved the story forward with a few twists. However, there was nothing in the world-building that let me feel like I was in and around Rochester, New York. The novel does shine a light on themes of family, friendship, secrets, romance, love, connections, doubts, relationships, and the questioning of the assumptions of your life.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining novel that I advanced through effortlessly. If you need a delightful, light, and fun paranormal romantic comedy book to relax with, then this may be the book for you.
Kensington Books and Elizabeth Bass provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 25 2023. ------------------------------------ My 3.77 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon. ...more
If you love books, libraries, cats, and cozy mysteries, then A Troubling Tail by Laurie Cass may be the book and series that will delight you. TheIf you love books, libraries, cats, and cozy mysteries, then A Troubling Tail by Laurie Cass may be the book and series that will delight you. The owner of a local candy story in Chilson, Michigan, is murdered. When the police investigation focus turns to someone she doesn’t believe is a killer, Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie decide to get involved. Minnie is the local library’s assistant director and one of its bookmobile drivers.
The characterization has depth in this novel which made it easy to connect with the characters. Minnie is creative, a terrible liar, smart, capable, empathic, and funny. She also doesn’t like confrontation. Her betrothed, Rafe Niswander is a middle school principal and has been restoring a 100-year-old home for years. The other characters had varying degrees of depth and layers appropriate for their roles in the story. One thing that stood out to me was the sheer number of characters in the novel. This would likely be mitigated by reading the first ten books in the series as some of them are reoccurring characters.
The plot is twisty, the story is well-written, the settings were easy to visualize, and the characters were memorable. I was easily pulled into the inner world of the characters. I also enjoyed the occasional humor that was sprinkled throughout the book. I enjoyed the interactions with Eddie, the rescue cat and how Minnie talked things through with him to come up with her next steps in the investigation.
I thought including Minnie’s excitement about being involved with the library’s strategic plan added another layer of depth to the story. The ending wraps everything up well. This novel shines a light on friendship, family, romance, books, libraries, death, and much more.
Overall, this entertaining story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. It’s filled with warmth and humor which balances the darker events that occur in the novel. The authentic characters with believable relationships and motivations made it even more enjoyable. This series is best read in order. Those who enjoy amateur sleuths and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to reading more of the books in this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laurie Cass provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 1, 2023.
-------------------------------------- My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
What’s unusual in What Harms You by Lisa Black is the setting for the novel. Then, the author adds in great characterization, an atmosphere of susWhat’s unusual in What Harms You by Lisa Black is the setting for the novel. Then, the author adds in great characterization, an atmosphere of suspense, and multiple mysteries to entice readers to keep turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.
This is the second book in the Locard Institute thriller series and is largely set at the institute, which is a state-of-the-art forensic research center located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Experts work to solve challenging and perplexing crimes for professional and private clients. Additionally, they provide classes on various aspects of forensics to professionals in law enforcement or forensics departments.
Dr. Ellie Carr arrives for her first day at work at the Locard. Within hours a colleague is dead and it appears to be an accident. However, Ellie and her new supervisor, Dr. Rachael Davies aren’t sure that’s the case. This is soon followed by the disappearance of a student. Is there a link between the two or is it a coincidence? There are several plausible possibilities, but what is the ultimate answer? Ellie is a complex character. She recently left her job with the FBI’s Evidence Response Team after divorcing a co-worker. She’s friendly, outgoing, and analytical, but also purchased a house that needs some work with only a brief look at it. Rachael is welcoming to Ellie, but worried about the future of the Locard after the incidents. The students, law enforcement officers, and other staff at the Locard have varying degrees of complexity, but it felt adequate for their roles. They brimmed with personality. I am looking forward to the returning characters’ continued development in the next book in the series.
Readers interested in all aspects of forensics ranging from fingerprinting to genealogical tracing and much more will find something of interest in this book. I found it fascinating, but a little too detailed at times. The world-building was great, whether it is the Locard or Ellie’s house, I felt like I was walking through the halls and rooms with Ellie. The tension level is high throughout the story with multiple mysteries and a thrilling storyline. The scientific analysis of the incidents is woven with the classroom instruction.
Overall, this riveting story arc immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. While I haven’t yet read book one, I did not have any problems connecting with Ellie. I can’t wait to read it as well as the next book in the series. Those who enjoy the analytical and scientific side of mysteries will likely enjoy this novel.
Kensington Books and Lisa Black provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 25 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 3.98 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Tee O’Fallon has combined great characterization, action, suspense, attraction, arson, and danger in the second book in the K-9 Special Ops series: Tee O’Fallon has combined great characterization, action, suspense, attraction, arson, and danger in the second book in the K-9 Special Ops series: Burning Justice. This romantic suspense novel features Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent Brett Tanner and National Insurance Crime Bureau Investigator Gemma Scott. Brett narrowly survived a childhood fire that killed two of his friends. That trauma as well as another one that occurred a year ago motivates him to work with his K-9 partner Blaze to track down arsonists. The latest warehouse fire looks suspicious and a body has been found. After a coworker took credit for Genna’s work during her first year as an investigator, she works alone. The setting is largely in and around Colorado Springs, Colorado.
However, they’re in a race against an arsonist and neither wants another body found at a suspicious fire. They decide to work as a team. Her investigation has reached the point of needing law enforcement resources she doesn’t have and he needs information her firm’s database has. In addition to their investigations, the attraction between Brett and Gemma and a separate mystery keep the story advancing rapidly.
The characterization of Brett and Gemma has depth. Brett is competent, smart, and chivalrous. He’s kind and compassionate and volunteers at the hospital with Blaze as a therapy dog. However, he has night terrors and a tendency to ruin relationships. Gemma is fiercely independent, intelligent, perceptive, and has great investigative, organizational, and interviewing skills. However, she also has trouble trusting others. They are both determined to solve the arson cases. I loved their chemistry and enjoyed the slow burn romance.
The author weaves suspense, danger, action, and intense moments throughout the plot. Additionally, the approaches to an investigation by the main characters as well as their thought processes kept me engaged and rapidly turning the pages. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. The plot is full of chasing down leads and interviewing people as well as plenty of danger for those involved. There are several twists and turns and a surprise near the end of the novel.
Real-world issues are incorporated into the story that add depth to the narrative. This includes mental health issues, greed, murder, guilt, and a woman working in an industry that is comprised of 90 percent men. A little humor is interspersed throughout the book to lighten the darkness. There are a couple of steamy scenes in the second half of the novel.
Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and atmospheric with great characterization. I can’t wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. I recommend this to those that like romantic suspense novels with relatable and likeable main characters. This can be read as a standalone novel.
Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Amara and Tee O’Fallon provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------- My 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Men are dying near churches with valentine candy hearts shoved in their mouths and multiple stab wounds. This crime thriller with a bit of romance feaMen are dying near churches with valentine candy hearts shoved in their mouths and multiple stab wounds. This crime thriller with a bit of romance features FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow in the third book in the series. The victims appear to be family men with community ties. Is there a link between them or are they randomly picked? Laurel’s brilliant half-sister, Dr. Abigail Caine, continues to play a large role in this story. She plays mind games with others in the story, including Laurel. Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers and his team assist Laurel and her team. This seems to be a case of opposites attract.
The characterization is excellent. As the protagonist, Laurel is reasonably strong, honest, and brilliant, but she also has some vulnerabilities. She has an eidetic memory and started college when she was 11. With multiple degrees, she has been successful in her career, but sometimes misses underlying signals from others in social situations. She has dedicated herself to taking criminals off the street. Captain Huck Rivers is something of a loner, is charming and nice, but has trust issues. He likes rules and routines and likes to be in control of situations. Their attraction to each other is only a small part of the story. Abigail is intelligent and a manipulator. The other characters had depth; especially the members of Laurel’s team and Ena, a fish and wildlife officer.
Most of the story is from Laurel’s point of view and is set in and around Genesis Valley, Washington. From her unusual background, to her atypical reflections as she tries to figure out what game the killer is playing with them, to her relentless pursuit of justice for the victims, readers will root for her success.
The well-written story has a clever and deeply involved plot with enough twists and red herrings to keep a reader guessing. The pacing and dialogue are great. As they evolved, the plot facts were intriguing and occasionally unexpected. The suspense builds steadily throughout the story. The physical world-building was vivid and I could feel the cold, sleet, and snow pelting the characters. I wanted a little more closure of one of the threads weaved into the story. However, that may be resolved in the next book. Other themes in the story include friendship, family, romance, desire to learn, and much more.
Overall, this was a riveting story with intense scenes as well as compelling and complex characters that kept me fully engaged. It’s skillfully written and will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and police procedurals involving serial killers. The intricacy of the plot plus attention to detail in the world-building made this a definite winner for me. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Kensington Books - Zebra and Rebecca Zanetti provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 25 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------- My 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Action, danger, intrigue, history, tension, and suspense are combined in the latest military thriller by Jonathan Maberry: Cave 13. This third booAction, danger, intrigue, history, tension, and suspense are combined in the latest military thriller by Jonathan Maberry: Cave 13. This third book in the Rogue Team International (RTI) series continues to feature Joe Ledger and Havoc Team. RTI are independent troubleshooters who sometimes tackle antagonists on their own and sometimes are asked for help from various countries. Once again, this is a dark and violent thriller with some interludes that are lighter. While most of the novel takes place in Jerusalem, Israel, readers also travel to the Republic of Chad, Greece, and the United States.
While this novel focuses on Joe and his dog Ghost, Havoc Team as well as Top Sims and Bunny. However, other colleagues play important roles that give the reader character continuity. While readers get insight into various antagonists throughout the novel, their specific roles and how everything fits together takes a while to be revealed. Joe is well-developed, compelling, and damaged. While he’s largely apolitical, an idealist, cynical, and has a gift for languages, he is also damaged and hasn’t been in the field for a year. Additionally, others don’t always appreciate his sense of humor.
Once again Maberry hooked me with the fascinating prologue than pulled me immediately into the story. While the plot does jump back and forth in time and between various points of view, it is largely from Joe’s perspective. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster.
For an action / military thriller, I loved the style that Maberry used. While there are comprehensive descriptions of people, places and gear, it doesn’t go into minute detail. I believe this approach will make this novel appeal to a wider audience. There are several twists and a big surprise that I didn’t see coming. While a lot was resolved in this book, the ending left a lot of loose threads. I would have liked to have at least some of those wrapped up in this novel.
Overall, this novel is a shockingly dark, disturbing, and an emotional ride. Be aware that there is plenty of violence and emotional turmoil in this story. Themes include fitness for duty, terrorism, found family, friendship, and much more.
This is the seventh book I have read by this author who writes in a variety of genres. I can’t wait to read another one by him. Maberry’s books are well-written with characters that have depth and there is an interesting plot where the story line pulls the reader in immediately. I believe those readers who enjoy action thrillers and military thrillers that are dark will want to read this book.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 29, 2023. --------------------------------------- My 4.26 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Plenty of suspense, a constant sense of urgency, and a state of disquietude combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a mPlenty of suspense, a constant sense of urgency, and a state of disquietude combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for those who enjoy police procedurals. Matt Brolly’s The Bridge is the sixth book in the Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell series set in and near the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare in England. While the tale occasionally switches points of view to the killer and one other person, it is primarily from that of Louise.
A body of a young woman is discovered in a shipping container in Bristol. The police initially believe she was an illegal immigrant whose death was an accident. However, that belief changes to murder when they find the shipping container was due to be shipped out and a video camera with a live feed was filming her. Someone watched her die. Louise Blackwell gets the case. Are there others trapped? Are any of them alive?
Louise is a hard-working, diligent, resilient, and fascinating individual who has finally learned to delegate. She is respected by many, and her fighting for what is right inspires loyalty in her co-workers. Her struggle for work/life balance makes her feel more realistic. The other characters are a mix of new and familiar faces and are well-drawn. I especially enjoyed the growth that Detective Sergeant Greg Farrell achieved in this novel. Overall, the characterization is excellent. Even some of the secondary characters grow immensely.
A chilling and riveting opening scene will immediately pull most readers into the story. The narrative is suspenseful with a creative, absorbing, complex, and well-paced plot with some twists that will keep a reader guessing. The plot is multi-layered which keeps readers fully engaged. Brolly brings the layers together in this dynamic thriller. The high stakes kept me engaged throughout the story. The people in the story came to life, and I was cheering on the police as they searched desperately for those responsible for those responsible for the confinement and death of the victim. The author successfully weaves work relationships, personal relationships, family dynamics, the drive to succeed, murder, and much more in this installment of the series.
Overall, this was a gripping, gritty, and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept this reader turning the pages. It’s also my favorite of the series. I would recommend it to those who enjoy police procedurals and British crime dramas. This book works well as a standalone novel. However, Louise’s background and relationship dynamics are best fully understood by reading earlier novels in the series.
Amazon Publishing UK – Thomas and Mercer and Matt Brolly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 08, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
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