Laura Griffin has interwoven a police procedural and crime novel with plenty of suspense and some romance in Liar’s Point. Solid investigation tacLaura Griffin has interwoven a police procedural and crime novel with plenty of suspense and some romance in Liar’s Point. Solid investigation tackles the many lies the police are told. It’s filled with evasiveness and a growing sense of urgency. This is the fifth book in the Texas Murder Files series and is set in the fictional town of Lost Beach, Texas.
Detective Nicole Lawson gets a call from the chief of police while on her first date in months. A body has been discovered near the lighthouse. As the medical examiner does his job, he finds several clues pointing to homicide. The police chief assigns Emmet Davis as the lead on the case when Nicole feels she should have been given the lead. When a second person is found dead, no one seems to believe Nicole’s theory that they’re related.
Nicole lacks time for a personal life and is frustrated by this. She’s competitive, self-confident, observant, and has good instincts about people. However, she feels pressure to constantly prove herself and tends to “go it alone” at times. Work is also her comfort zone. Emmet has a good memory and is tenacious and competitive, but gets uncomfortable around people going through a crisis. Both show growth as the novel progresses. Their chemistry was undeniable. The other characters had varying degrees of depth.
I was quickly drawn into the story and the main characters were likeable and relatable. However, there are a lot of characters and reading the prior books would be beneficial. Readers of the series will reconnect with and get updates on some of the characters from the previous novels. The author is a wonderful storyteller who kept me turning the pages with a great plot, gripping scenes, and formidable characters. The plot is twisty with a mystery that unfolds and culminates in a suspenseful and tense conclusion. The pacing is fast and I found myself continuously wondering which lies would be uncovered and the truths revealed.
Overall, this is an excellent mystery thriller and police procedural with a side of romance interspersed. The characters were engaging and the second half of the novel was filled with tension, suspense, and intense action. It has just the right balance between mystery, investigation, and romance. While I read this as a standalone novel, I believe this series is best read in order. I am looking forward to reading the others. Enthusiasts of mysteries and police procedurals with some romantic suspense will likely enjoy this novel and the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laura Griffin 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 21, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. -------------------------------------- My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Troubled Waters by Carly Fall is the first book in the paranormal military romantic suspense series Supernatural Renegades. It was formerly titledTroubled Waters by Carly Fall is the first book in the paranormal military romantic suspense series Supernatural Renegades. It was formerly titled, By Sea. It stars Brody Teller, a retired Marine with a supernatural ability and Rayna Lopez, a CIA agent with a secret past. Will on a reconnaissance mission in Guatemala, Brody and his team survived an accident that left him with a supernatural power. Once he was released from the hospital, he was discharged from the military and set up in an apartment in Corpus Christi, Texas. Several months later, Joe Smith approaches him with a job offer he can’t refuse. Rayna tries to get into field work, but is stuck behind a desk. When her father asks for her help protecting her famous half-sister, she finally agrees. It turns out Brody and his new team are their bodyguards.
Brody is full of anger and sadness at his situation and wants a life worth living. Rayna is quiet, reserved, intelligent, and wants more adventure. The other characters have a variety of depth, but it was adequate for their roles.
This was an interesting premise, but it let me down in the suspense area. The pacing seemed somewhat slow and the story doesn’t explore the supernatural power or the build up that would have kept this reader excited and on edge wondering what would happen next. There are a couple of action scenes late in the book and a couple of spicy scenes.
Overall, this was an entertaining romance with an incredible setting in the Caribbean and characterization that was well done, but failed to provide the suspense I expected.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was October 14, 2014. ------------------------------------- My 3.19 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
If you enjoy romantic suspense secret operations stories, then this novel was written for you. Nicolello brings action, murder, investigations, and moIf you enjoy romantic suspense secret operations stories, then this novel was written for you. Nicolello brings action, murder, investigations, and more to this suspenseful novel. Lily Andrews was once an undercover operation at Unit 67, an agency buried within the U.S. Intelligence Community. But when her partner at work and in life turns rogue, she walks away from the covert live she loved and swore to bring Jackson to justice. Derek Moretti needs her help on an operation when someone is illegally selling advanced weaponry. She is finally convinced to join him on the mission.
The characters are well-defined and it was great to mix in new ones and bring in the two key characters from the debut book by this author. Lily and Derek are both strong characters that readers can easily want to succeed. There is a solid plot with plenty of action and some heat. It also has a devastating twist that I did not see coming while other parts were a little predictable. Woven into the story line are revenge, family, friendship, romance, anger, loyalty, power, and greed.
Overall, this novel was compelling, heart-breaking, and drew on my emotions. The ending action scene is intense and memorable. This was a page-turner for me.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2015.
------------------------------------------ My 4.47 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
If you enjoy romantic suspense police procedurals, then this novel was written for you. Nicolello brings action, murder, police investigations, and moIf you enjoy romantic suspense police procedurals, then this novel was written for you. Nicolello brings action, murder, police investigations, and more to this suspenseful debut novel. Detective Evelyn Davis is the best psychological profiler in the Seattle police department. Fifteen years after a devastating family tragedy, tracking down killers if the only thing that brings her peace. When two local families are wiped out, Evelyn believes a serial killer is at work. Brought in as a consultant by the mayor, FBI Special Agent Marcus Moretti agrees.
Evelyn is courageous, strong, and has a keen sense of seeking justice. She also has the highest closure rate of any detective in the department. Marcus is charming, supportive, and protective. The other characters have a variety of depths.
I’m on the high end of ratings for this one, but it resonated with me emotionally. The story is disturbing at times and depicts the effects murder can have on family and friends. The plot had a devastating twist that I did not see coming.
Overall, this novel was compelling, heart-breaking, and drew on my emotions. The ending action scene is intense and memorable. This was a powerful page-turner for me.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2014.
--------------------------------------- My 4.58 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
In Deadly Fall, my first book by Elle James, the author brings readers a suspenseful story of atmosphere, romance, family, and danger. BillionaireIn Deadly Fall, my first book by Elle James, the author brings readers a suspenseful story of atmosphere, romance, family, and danger. Billionaire Andrew Stratford and his daughter Leigha live in a Gothic mansion on the coast of Oregon outside the town of Cape Churn. When someone is obviously attempting to harm them, Andrew hires a bodyguard. Stealth Operations Specialists assigns new employee Dixie Reeves.
Dixie is a former squad leader in the Army’s Airborne Rangers and a former mixed martial arts fighter. She’s stubborn, tough, fast, independent, and strong. However, she is also compassionate and can’t stand to be confined. Andrew is new to being a dad, broody, doesn’t mince words, and silence disconcerts him. Leigha is abnormally solemn, has a sense of imagination, and is an explorer. All three suffer from nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder.
This story has the right balance of suspense and romance. It’s heartwarming at times and filled with several tense and exciting scenes interspersed with some humor. While it was a little predictable, it was atmospheric and a fun read. However, I still had a couple of unanswered questions that the ending didn’t fully resolve. Themes include greed, family, secrets, friendship, healing, love, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining, tense, and atmospheric story with an incredible setting and characterization that was well done. While this is the sixth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone novel. However, if you have read the previous books, some of those main characters have cameo roles in this one. I’m looking forward to reading them.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 1, 2017. -------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
In Wolf Hunger, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and suspense to the seventh book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspIn Wolf Hunger, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and suspense to the seventh book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Dallas, Texas, this novel features SWAT werewolf Max Lowry and Lana Mason.
While attending a police awards ceremony, Max and Lana meet and are instantly attracted to each other. Max realizes that Lana is also a werewolf, but does she know it? Additionally, hunters arrive in Dallas and seem to be pursuing Lana. Can Max and Lana achieve reach their happily ever after? Max and Lana seem to be well-matched. However, Max’s character has a lot more depth than Lana’s. He is charming, funny, patient, thoughtful, and protective of others. Lana was a quippy sense of humor, is willing to stand up for herself, and is intelligent.
The plot had some twists and turns and the stakes were high. The significant amount of danger and action kept me full engaged. The author uses a unique take on werewolves and did a great job of painting the picture for readers without slowing down the pacing. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their efforts.
This book delivers on escapism through instant attraction, friendship, family, found family, romance, trust, protecting and helping others, and love. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of domestic violence, murder, secrets, and much more. While most conflicts and issues are resolved, I was left with a few open questions. There is one steamy scene at about the halfway point.
Overall, this was a suspenseful novel, full of danger, and action-packed. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 5. 2017. ---------------------------------------- My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Blue Smoke and Murder by Elizabeth Lowell combines romance, action, suspense, and the search for the truth regarding a death and some art work. JiBlue Smoke and Murder by Elizabeth Lowell combines romance, action, suspense, and the search for the truth regarding a death and some art work. Jill Breck is a river guide who saves the life of the son of two operators with a security and protection firm. When Jill’s great aunt dies and there is an uproar in the Western art world regarding several Breck family paintings, Jill calls in a favor. Zach Balfour is the nearest security consultant and he’s assigned to protect Jill.
Jill and Zach are both likeable characters. Since the book mainly takes place during a couple of months with most it occurring during less than one week, the romance is a little too fast to be believable. Additionally, it was too easy for readers to identify the ultimate antagonist. Despite this, I enjoyed the novel. The plot has a few twists to it and the suspense was extremely high at times. The narrative flows well with a thought-provoking story line, fast pacing, and good characterization.
Overall, this was a suspenseful novel with good characterization and plenty of action. It’s the fourth book in a series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 27, 2008. ---------------------------------------- My 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Karen Rose knows how to hook readers with a prologue and keep them engaged throughout a novel. Cheater, the second book in her San Diego Case FileKaren Rose knows how to hook readers with a prologue and keep them engaged throughout a novel. Cheater, the second book in her San Diego Case Files series, is no different. It combines a police procedural with a hint of romantic suspense. Featuring homicide detective Kit McKittrick and criminal psychologist and profiler Dr. Sam Reeves, the story is a great crime thriller that keeps readers on an emotional rollercoaster.
Kit and Connor are called to the Shady Oaks Retirement Village where a resident’s body was found stabbed and his apartment ransacked. It turns out that Sam volunteers there by playing the piano and taking song requests. Kit and Sam met in book one in the series, but Kit has been avoiding him. Now, with his rapport within the retirement community, they find themselves working together once again.
Kit and Sam are both likeable and relatable characters. Kit is focused, dedicated, hardworking, and is a rising star in the homicide department with her high closure rate. She loves the water and lives on a boat she’s renting from an older brother along with her poodle, Snickerdoodle. While she occasionally helps one of her foster sisters with her charter fishing business on weekends, she’s mainly solving crimes with the San Diego Police Department along with her new partner Detective Connor Robinson. She’s fearful of a romantic relationship, feels things deeply, and often puts up a wall between herself and others.
Sam has a private practice, but also works part-time with the police as a profiler. He’s kind, calming, compassionate, patient, observant, trustworthy, and has a soothing way about him. He’s also good at getting people to talk. While both go through transformations during the story, there’s still room for these dynamic characters to continue to grow in future books. The supporting characters have varying depths, but provide support or conflict to enrich the reading experience. It was great to see Harlan, Betsy, and Rita again and catch up with them.
The writing is fluid and descriptive which helps readers envision the scenes without disrupting or slowing the flow. It’s well-plotted with a few twists, and the storyline is gripping at times and heartwarming at other times. Add to that plenty of conflict and a strong but vulnerable protagonist who has a keen sense of justice, and readers will be on the edge of their seats. The ending brings several surprises and plenty of action. Themes include foster care, elder care, adoption, trust, found family, greed, murder, secrets, grief, curiosity, friendship, volunteerism, and much more.
Overall, this was intriguing, entertaining, suspenseful, and had an action-packed ending with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. With exciting scenes and a fascinating story line, this fantastic thriller kept me fully engaged. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. As a police procedural and murder mystery, this was great. Will the romance finally take off in book three?
Berkley Publishing Group and Karen Rose provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be March 26, 2024. --------------------------------------- My 4.36 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Spy and I by Tiana Smith seems to be marketed as a romantic comedy. I feel it is more of a romantic suspense and action novel with it being heThe Spy and I by Tiana Smith seems to be marketed as a romantic comedy. I feel it is more of a romantic suspense and action novel with it being heavier on the suspense and action. There is attraction and an eventual romance mixed with a little humor. While the story starts and ends in and around Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia, most of the book takes place in Prague, Czech Republic.
Dove Barkley is a cyber security analyst who is mistaken for her sister Madison, who happens to be an undercover CIA operative. Dove gets pulled into a government mission by Mendez who claims to be Madison’s partner.
Dove is confident and feels powerful when coding, but not when she’s back in reality. She’s socially awkward, competent, lonely, talented, and generally optimistic. Mendez is smart, capable, charming, and can easily switch his outward personality traits.
The narrative flows well with a twisty and absorbing plot and a story that captivated me from the first chapter to its conclusion. My main quibble is that I wish the world-building for Prague was more in-depth. It seemed like the book could have taken place in any city. Themes include secrets, mistaken identity, trust, subterfuge, relationships, power, murder, rejection, fear, and much more.
Overall, this entertaining and fast-paced novel has great characterization with likeable characters as well as solid action and thrills. Readers who appreciate romantic spy novels will likely enjoy this novel.
Berkley Publishing Group and Tiana Smith 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 13, 2024. ------------------------------------------ My 3.98 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Combining a former CIA spy, a confident salon owner, and a killer out for revenge, Sharon C. Cooper hooks readers with a startling prologue and keeps Combining a former CIA spy, a confident salon owner, and a killer out for revenge, Sharon C. Cooper hooks readers with a startling prologue and keeps them engaged with a witty and enthralling tale in Hunted, the fifth book in the Atlanta’s Finest romantic suspense series. Set mainly in Atlanta, Georgia, it features formed CIA spy and current security specialist Myles Carrington and salon owner Geneva Ramsey.
Myles prefers listening over talking, tends to be closed off and reserved, and has trust issues. Geneva is determined, social, bold, impatient, combative, and self-absorbed at times. Neither is looking for a long-term relationship.
Action, humor, and suspense combine with characters that have great chemistry despite having very different personalities to make an entertaining story. Although there is some repetition regarding their issues with long-term relationships, the pacing was good, there were a few twists and a big surprise along with a few spicy scenes. The antagonist becomes known to readers by their first name only early in the story. While the reason for revenge was clear, his skills weren’t as believable. More background was needed to better understand those. Despite this, I enjoyed the story as the conflicts moved the story forward and the storyline gripped me.
Overall, this was an entertaining and enjoyable book. While some characters from previous stories in the series show up in this one, it can be read as a standalone novel.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 14, 2021. --------------------------------------- My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Stolen by Allison Brennan brings plenty of intensity to the sixth book in the Lucy Kincaid romantic suspense series. Private investigator Sean RogStolen by Allison Brennan brings plenty of intensity to the sixth book in the Lucy Kincaid romantic suspense series. Private investigator Sean Rogan’s past has caught up with him. To clear his name and avoid going to prison, he must help the FBI take down a rogue agent. He must do this without telling his girlfriend FBI trainee Lucy Kincaid or his family what he doing. His only backup is FBI Agent Noah Armstrong.
I normally enjoy all of Allison Brennan’s books, but this one didn’t live up to my expectations. The story’s pacing was somewhat uneven and didn’t keep me rapidly turning the pages. However, the last half was better.
The plot has plenty of twists and turns, but is unbelievable at times. However, the author’s ability to combine strong characters and complex plots kept me reading and the ending was satisfying.
Overall, this was a slight disappointment for me. It’s the sixth book I’ve read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was June 04, 2013....more
Paige Tyler features new supernatural villains in the fifteenth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series: WildPaige Tyler features new supernatural villains in the fifteenth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series: Wild As a Wolf. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Dallas, Texas, it features alpha SWAT werewolf, Hale Delaney and Karissa Bonifay, a sword-wielding warrior who does personal protection and works for her family’s security business.
Hale and his packmates are facing a gang of supernaturals who are wreaking havoc in the city. Meanwhile, his high school girlfriend who broke his heart shows up to protect the Chief Executive Officer of a company opening a new auto assembly plant. Neither Hale nor Karissa are the same people as when they last saw each other. They end up hunting dangerous adversaries together and learn the truth about what really happened when they were teenagers.
Hale often feels at a disadvantage since his nose was broken when he was 17. He can’t smell anything so he relies on his other senses and his martial arts training as well as claws and fangs. He’s strong, fast, and cares about others. He and his teammates eat a lot and talking through issues occurs during meals and snacks. Karissa tends to talk to herself to work thru difficult problems, has an overwhelming need to protect others, is good at reading people, and has instincts that alert her when something bad is about to happen. Even after 10 years apart, they are strongly attracted to each other, but can they get over their past hurts? Characters from previous books in the series make appearances, but the focus is on Hale and Karissa.
The plot is twisty and the first sentence had me rapidly reading the story. Exciting scenes, great protagonists, and epic antagonists are combined with romance, a friend having trouble, and family issues. The narrative was descriptive without slowing the pace. Additionally, there are a couple of surprises along on the way. I hope readers get packmate Carter’s story soon. It would also be great to see Karissa’s brother Deven again at some point in the future. There is a steamy scene in chapter 17.
Overall, this book is emotionally-charged, full of danger, and intense; with a terrific romance and nonstop action. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Paige Tyler provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 05, 2023.
------------------------------------------- My 4.43 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
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
Romance, suspense, ghosts, death, and more are combined in Kat Martin’s romantic suspense novel, The Ghost Illusion. Add in some horror, criminalsRomance, suspense, ghosts, death, and more are combined in Kat Martin’s romantic suspense novel, The Ghost Illusion. Add in some horror, criminals, and a Victorian mansion with hidden secrets and readers will find themselves quickly turning the pages. Eve St. Clair has recently inherited a house in Sunderland, England from her uncle. She’s a psychologist and decided to move there from Boston, Massachusetts. However, when she starts hearing voices and footsteps in the house, she decides to contact Paranormal Investigations, Inc., a group who researches problems like hers. Since his wife and daughter died, Seattle billionaire Ransom King has added researching parapsychology and debunking frauds to his more standard businesses. He agrees to send his team to England to investigate Eve’s claims.
Eve is sincere, intelligent, open-minded, compassionate, and determined to find answers. However, she came across as a little more vulnerable than I expected in a couple of scenes. Ransom is self-sufficient, efficient, and protective. However, he is also filled with guilt since he was driving during the storm that led to an accident and the death of his family. Both main characters go through transformations during the story. The secondary and tertiary characters are also well developed.
The plot is multi-layered and gets increasingly dangerous as the unsettling disturbances escalate and secrets are revealed. It’s twisty, thought-provoking, and tragic, as well as full of suspenseful moments. While the book takes three or so chapters to start moving, readers get a sense for Eve and the mansion, as well as an introduction to Ransom’s team. By the end of the fourth chapter, I was eager to see what was going to happen next. The writing is fluid and flows well in this unsettling story that occasionally makes your blood run cold. The incredible setting was easy to visualize. While the romance is predictable, how they approached it added another layer of interest to the story. I also enjoyed the approach to research taken by the team members to help resolve the problem.
Overall, this novel was entertaining and had great characterization. If you enjoy engaging characters and a well-plotted ghost story mixed with romance, suspense, action, and danger, then I recommend you check out this novel. Kat Martin is a great storyteller and I always look forward to reading her books. I recommend reading the author’s note after reading the novel. She talks about a building and an event that are part of the story in it.
Kensington Books and Kat Martin 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 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 4.24 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Excitement, evil antagonists, action, and romance are a few of the items that stand out in Break of Day by Colleen Coble. This is the third and fiExcitement, evil antagonists, action, and romance are a few of the items that stand out in Break of Day by Colleen Coble. This is the third and final book in the Annie Pederson romantic suspense series with a Christian fiction tone set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in and around the village of Rock Harbor.
Annie is a law enforcement officer with the park service who works closely with the local sheriff’s office. Her relationship is going well with Jon Dunston, the love of her life and the biological father of her daughter, Kylie. Her relationship with her sister Sarah is still shaky. However, when a man escapes custody and Sarah’s safety is up in the air, Annie’s professional and personal lives collide. This happens while her investigation into missing hikers is not going well.
The author does a great job of characterization. Annie is likeable with grit, persistence, compassion, and determination. However, she hates to ask for help from others. Jon is an orthopedic surgeon who is strong and kind. However, he deeply hurt Annie when they were younger. Kylie played a much smaller role in this novel. Many of the other characters have depth and either put readers on guard or drew them deeper into their lives. The characters feel authentic and have believable relationships despite some of them being quite disturbing. There are a lot of characters in the story, so it helps to have read the previous books. That way, the number of new characters is significantly less.
As usual there are multiple professional and personal threads woven seamlessly throughout the story. This gritty and intriguing story is filled with action, suspense, and violence as well as some sweet romantic moments. It has several layers, and is dark at times. It’s is a terrific ending to the trilogy. The world-building is excellent. From the woods to the small town to Lake Superior, readers are enveloped in the atmosphere of the Upper Peninsula. The pacing is fast throughout the book and the plot is twisty. Themes include romance, murder, fear, faith, disappearances, actions having consequences, forgiveness, family drama, trust, and much more.
Overall, I loved the tension and the intensity of the story. It was engaging, atmospheric, and suspenseful with some chilling scenes. It did a great job of keeping me hooked and having compassion for the characters through their struggles. Those who enjoy gritty romantic suspense novels will likely enjoy this trilogy. I recommend reading them in order. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Colleen Coble 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 04, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Dollmaker by Mary Burton combines a police procedural, crime thriller, and romantic suspense into a fascinating, shocking, and chilling tale. The Dollmaker by Mary Burton combines a police procedural, crime thriller, and romantic suspense into a fascinating, shocking, and chilling tale. Dr. Tessa McGowan is a forensic pathologist. She’s married, but separated from Virginia State Police Agent Dakota Sharp. Someone is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble dolls. Twelve years ago, a tragedy occurred in Sharp’s world that has caused him to devote himself to capturing killers. His one regret is that it cost him Tessa.
Tessa is reasonable, calm, straightforward, and can easily shrug off anxiety. She has changed in the last eight months and wants to make their marriage work. Sharp has a desire to protect and seek justice. He’s a workaholic who doesn’t project emotions making him seem distant to others. His ability to compartmentalize and detach enables him to do his job well. I felt like Sharp was better defined and had more depth than Tessa in this one, but both were well done. It was also great to catch up with characters from book one including Riley Tatum and Clay Bowman. The character that stands out though, is the unknown antagonist that is being sought in the story.
Mary Burton knows how to write a police procedural with plenty of suspense and thrills that allow readers to experience shocking action scenes from the comfort and safety of their homes. From a heartbreaking prologue to a shocking and chilling second chapter, I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. This is a story of multiple murder cases, one of which is a cold case. The author does a great job of bringing together the past and the present with case files, interviews, and photos.
The author is a great storyteller with gripping scenes and a disturbing story intermixed with a couple trying to decide if they can reconcile and be happy together. The plot moves at a fast pace with twists and turns. The antagonist’s identity was a complete surprise to me. The chemistry between Tessa and Sharp was there, but took a backseat to the crime thriller and police procedural parts of the book. There was a steamy scene or two.
Overall, this tense, suspenseful, and tragic thriller gripped me from the beginning. It was difficult to put down. The author brings strong characters, a great plot, wonderful relationships, and excellent pacing to the novel. Written for those who love crime thrillers and detective stories with a little romance, The Dollmaker is thought-provoking and has an antagonist that is dark and sinister. I’m a fan of the series and looking forward to reading the next book.
Kensington Books, Zebra and Mary Burton 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 December 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 4.44 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Mary Burton knows how to write a police procedural with plenty of suspense and thrills that allow readers to experience shocking action scenes from thMary Burton knows how to write a police procedural with plenty of suspense and thrills that allow readers to experience shocking action scenes from the comfort and safety of their homes. The Shark is the first book in The Forgotten Files series and features Virginia State Trooper Riley Tatum and former FBI agent turned private security specialist Clay Bowman.
Riley’s past comes back to haunt her when she is called to the murder scene of a runaway teen. Riley had been a runaway twelve years ago and had been kidnapped, drugged, and left unconscious on a bus that ended up in Virgina. She doesn’t remember seven days of her life. Clay has just started work for Shield Security. He and Riley had met when he was training police officers at Quantico five years ago. This case reminds Clay and his boss Joshua Shield of an unsolved case from New Orleans when a serial killer nicknamed the Shark murdered girls as part of a poker game.
Riley’s characterization is well done. She’s smart, physically fit, loyal, doesn’t like the limelight, and is driven to stop human trafficking of young girls. Clay’s character was not quite as well developed. He’s had trouble moving on after his wife died five and a half years ago and hasn’t settled into making a house a home. However, he is now renovating an old house he purchased. The remaining characters don’t have as much depth.
The book did a great job of bringing together Riley’s past and the present through flashbacks interspersed in the current story line. She is a strong but vulnerable protagonist who feels she can’t show any weakness to her colleagues on the various police forces.
The author is a great storyteller with gripping scenes and a disturbing story that depicts the devastating risks to runaways and the effects of human trafficking on them. The plot moves at a fast pace with some twists and turns. However, the antagonist was a little too predictable. The chemistry between Riley and Clay was there, but took a backseat to the crime thriller and police procedural parts of the book. There was a steamy scene or two. One quibble that I had was that the police let a civilian participate in so many of the activities.
Written for those who love crime thrillers and detective stories with a little romance, The Shark has plenty of action and is thought-provoking and an antagonist that is dark and sinister. The book has an intensity that hooked me easily. The author also does a great job of incorporating real-world issues into the story that add depth. Besides those already mentioned, they include grief, work-life balance, friendships, found family, murder, gambling, and much more.
Overall, this was an intense mystery with some chilling scenes. It’s an amazing story filled with drama, suspense, and action. I look forward to seeing what is next in this series. This appears to be a re-release of the book. Readers of gritty mysteries, crime thrillers, and police procedurals will likely enjoy this novel.
Kensington Books - Zebra and Mary Burton 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 June 27, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 4.31 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert is the first book in a new fantasy romance series: Crimson Sails. Evelyn is a witch who steals from her vampirHunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert is the first book in a new fantasy romance series: Crimson Sails. Evelyn is a witch who steals from her vampire ex and goes through a portal into another realm: Threshold. She’s rescued from the ocean by pirates and their telekinetic captain and is given a choice: join them or die. Captain Bowen and his crew are bound by a vow to patrol the magical sea in between realms, keeping the portals to other worlds safe. As tension rises between Bowen and Evelyn, danger arises too.
Evelyn has terrible taste in girlfriends and boyfriends. She tends to steal, likes danger, and can be reckless and manipulatives. However, she can also be sentimental and curious. Bowen is honorable, fair, and serious. However, he can also be blunt and is viewed as rigid and unbending.
The world-building and characterization are wonderful. Who doesn’t like to explore fantasy worlds with witches, vampires, pirates, dragons, mermaids, and more? However, the pacing was somewhat uneven and the romance was too quick. There was an instant physical attraction despite the gravity of the decisions that needed to be made. Despite this there are only a couple of spicy scenes in the last half of the book. It was easy to get caught up in the adventure story and I am interested to see where the story goes in the next book.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel with great world-building.
Berkley Publishing Group and Katee Robert provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 07, 2023.
--------------------------------------- My 3.42 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
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