After hearing so much about this book, I was a little worried that it wouldn't live up to all the hype. But, this was one of the most clever books I'vAfter hearing so much about this book, I was a little worried that it wouldn't live up to all the hype. But, this was one of the most clever books I've read. A scorching parody of our society and the media. Dark, twisty, and funny too. I could see this actually happening, and we have all watched the media use these cases to boost ratings and either flay a person alive or rally to their defense. ( Usually, the former). The whole thing was just perfect. While some may have found the ending a bit abrupt, I must say I found it quite chilling. This was the first book I've read by this author, so I am excited now to go back and find her earlier work. A+ all the way!...more
The Queen's Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle is a Harlequin MIRA publication. This book is scheduled for an August 2013 release. I received a copy of the The Queen's Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle is a Harlequin MIRA publication. This book is scheduled for an August 2013 release. I received a copy of the book from the publishers and Edelweiss.
This book is a fictional account of the life of Catherine Parr, the last of Henry the 8th's wives. This poor woman lived her life on the edge from start to finish. Her two marriages prior to becoming the Queen were not happy ones. However, Catherine was dignified and serene in all ways. But, shortly after her second husband died, Catherine began a torrid affair with Thomas Seymour. But, the king also was interested in her, and of course the king always got what he wanted. Catherine tried to forget Thomas, but carried him in her heart all the time she was married to the king. The politics and scheming that takes place here is focused on France and on the reform movement regarding the church and religion. Catherine's beliefs did not match up with the king's. She was soon under attack for those beliefs and although we know through history that Catherine managed to survive the marriage, she had a couple of close calls. This period of time is endlessly fascinating to me. I have read lots of novels set in this period, but there aren't many that give us insight into the life Catherine had while married to Henry. The parallel story of Dot, a servant of the queen is just as insightful. Dot witnesses everything and is the most loyal of all the people in the story. She has a few close calls herself. But, it is most fitting that her voice is the last one we hear in the novel. A very interesting take on the last years of Henry's life . Catherine was an interesting woman. She was a good person and very kind. She was also human. She did some things to set herself free and would do it again if fate had not intervened. One thing is for certain, I am glad I don't live that time period. The treatment of women and the abuses men got away with is disgusting. If you like historical fiction set in the Tudor period- I would recommend this book for you. Over all a B+...more
Sweet Laurel Falls is the third book in the Hope Crossing series. This book was published by Harlequin and released in September 2012.
Maura is trying Sweet Laurel Falls is the third book in the Hope Crossing series. This book was published by Harlequin and released in September 2012.
Maura is trying to live one day to the next the best she can after her youngest daughter is killed in an accident. The holiday season is here and Maura is trying to focus on her book store and not on the first Christmas without her daughter. She is surrounded by her family and friends who are trying to as supportive a possible. But, when her oldest daughter comes home for the holidays with a visitor, Maura's world does another flip.
Jack hated his hometown and his father. He left for college and never looked back. What he didn't know was that when he left his girlfriend had been pregnant with his child. Twenty years later he discovers he is a father and is furious that he lost twenty years with his daughter.
He comes back to his hometown with his daughter Sage and to confront the mother of his child.
Sage, delighted to have found her father, but going through some intense personal challenges has a shocking announcement that will require the help and support of both her parents.
This book is more on the Women's fiction side that contemporary romance but works in both categories. It is a sweet story about second chances and new beginnings and forgiveness.
I think all of us have made choices that we thought were right at the time, but later found that we should have done things differently. Maura finally realizes her mistakes and owns up them, while Jack must learn to forgive the wrongs done to him by Maura, the town and his father. The chemistry is still alive between Jack and Maura, though the timing is not the best. Will they be able to let go of past hurts and rebuild a solid relationship? I give this on a B+ Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC....more
This book was provided for me by Harlequin MIRA and Edelweiss. The book was published in March 2013. This book is a thriller/mystery with just a mild tThis book was provided for me by Harlequin MIRA and Edelweiss. The book was published in March 2013. This book is a thriller/mystery with just a mild touch of romance. Abby's daughter Lindsey and her husband Nick head off to Hill Country in Texas for a camping trip. Abby is looking forward to a little time to herself. But, when her daughter calls from a gas station sounding scared and crying, and then is disconnected, Abby panics. Heavy rains have fallen in Hill Country causing flooding and people died. All those were eventually accounted for except for Nick and Lindsey. Now Abby is having a terrible time coming to terms with the situation. She falls into a black depression, unable to even function. Her mother, mother-in-law , her son Jake, and her good friend Kate all try to be supportive, but they want Abby to give up hope of ever finding out what happened to Nick and Lindsey. Nick is an enigma. He is a principled lawyer, but is also under suspicion of embezzlement. He had been under a lot of pressure before he took off on the camping trip. The cops seem to be treating this disappearance a little differently even though Nick had been cleared of a all charges. Jake is Abby's college aged son. He and Nick were at odds with each other over Jake's career choices. Jake is so worried about his mother but he is also an enigma. Does he know more than he is telling his mom?
This storyline is always absorbing for me. When someone disappears without a trace and the family is left in a kind of limbo wondering if they should move on, but unable to without knowing what happened one way or the other. While Nick's law firm is ready to take measures to move on without Nick and Nick's mother also wishing to have some kind of memorial service for her son, Abby resist taking these measures because it would be admitting they were dead. It would be incredibly hard to give up on your husband and daughter even when the evidence is making it clear that something bad happened and they aren't coming back. Nick harbored many secrets and now everyone is Abby's life seems to hold a piece to the puzzle, but unable or unwilling to help her find closure, while pressuring her at the same time to move forward and start a new life for herself. The story peels back a layer at a time the relationship between Abbey and her husband and the friendship between herself and Kate and the situation with Nick's law firm. The story has an unsettling atmosphere. The weird way people treat Abby, her son's support, then his withdrawal. The secrets Nick had, the police investigation, the reporter stalking Abby, and Abby's flashbacks of her life with Nick and her past with Kate had me riveted. I rarely ever let a book keep me up late at night unable to let it go until the next day, but his one did. I just couldn't stop until I knew what had happened to Lindsey and Nick. The ending is shocking and I never saw it coming. I would recommend this book to lovers of mystery, suspense and psychological suspense. A+ ...more
Something Wicked by Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush is a Kensington/Zebra publication. This was a May, 2013 release. This is the third book, I believe, in Something Wicked by Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush is a Kensington/Zebra publication. This was a May, 2013 release. This is the third book, I believe, in the "Wicked" series.
In Oregon the small enclave of Deception Bay, we revisit the strange family of women that seem to have certain "gifts". The girls are now being cared for by their aunt Catherine. They all feel the imminent arrival of "the devil". He's coming and Catherine is very worried. Worried enough to confide in Savannah, a detective in the Sherriff's department. Savannah, is pregnant with her sister's baby. She gets the feeling that her sister and brother-in-law are getting cold feet about becoming parents. Her sister has been acting strange lately. Savannah is determined to work until the last possible moment on a murder case where two people were found dead. Then the unthinkable happens- Savannah's sister disappears and another double homicide takes place. Do these homicides have anything to do with Catherine and her nieces? What does Savannah's sister have to do with any of it and how does it all tie together? I really could not decide how to rate this book. It was multi-layered mystery, a good dose of suspense and just wee bit of romance. At times there was almost a Gothic feel to it when the book was focused on the "cult" of women. I got a real spooky feeling sometimes while I was reading this book. However, there were times when the story got too busy. The thoughts of the killer, the thoughts of Savannah's sister, the real estate development disaster, the relationships of Mary, the girls mother and the havoc she reeked on the lives of everyone in the community, the murder investigation, and Savannah's pregnancy made it hard to keep up with everything. There were some unbelievable aspects as well. Savannah is a better woman than me if she can give birth under dire circumstances and be back at work in two days, doing physical activities and able to fit back into her regular clothes right away. The very tiny amount of romance was also a bit unrealistic, in my opinion. If I had endured these monumental life changes, I just don't think romance would be in the fore front of my mind. I know there was a bit of paranormal nudging to the relationship's development, but under the circumstances, I don't know how appropriate it was to have the relationship start the way it did. After a period of time had passed, I could see it happening, but I thought it was just way too rushed. The book had good points and bad points. I do believe we will hear from the "girls" again sometime in the future. Overall this one gets a C+....more
I've had this book in my TBR list for awhile. I believe I picked this one up in the kindle store for free. The story of a woman that loses her husbandI've had this book in my TBR list for awhile. I believe I picked this one up in the kindle store for free. The story of a woman that loses her husband suddenly, then finds out he was leading a secret life is always compelling . This one was not like anything I would have expected though. This was one messed up family. It's all still a mess at the end of the book, but we see that each of the ladies the story centers around will get a new chance to make something of a really bad situation. I would rate this more of a 3.5. The writing is good and the story is absorbing, but very disturbing. Overall a B-...more
A Dove at Midnight by Rexanne Becnel was originally published in 1993. This is a DRC copy provided to me by Open Road Media and Netgalley for an honesA Dove at Midnight by Rexanne Becnel was originally published in 1993. This is a DRC copy provided to me by Open Road Media and Netgalley for an honest review. This book is now available in digital format. Lady Joanna witnessed something truly terrible as a child. As soon as she is able , she moves to a convent and waits for the day she can say her vows and become a nun. When Joanna' s father and his wife and son died, Joanna becomes the sole heir. In medieval England, this places Joanna in the middle of a political tug of war. Rylan decides that Joanna must be informed of her father's death and he must bring her back to be married to a man he will choose for her. This will prevent King John from gaining control of Joanna' s kingdom. When Rylan informs Joanna that she must return home and marry, she literally laughs in his face. She has no intention of leaving the convent. After his best attempts at persuasion, Rylan kidnaps Joanna. Rylan has his hands full with Joanna. She is far from the plain, biddable , demure nun wannabe he expected. Beautiful and fiery, Joanna fights him every step of the way. But, when they are waylaid by the king' s men, Joanna finds herself in an even worse situation in the king' s court. Joanna and her friend must marry men chosen for them based on political and monetary advantages. When Rylan arrives, things really get interesting. Rylan begins plotting to get Joanna away from the John's grasp. Due to circumstances beyond her control, Joanna finds herself having to face the horrible demons of her childhood. This was a great medieval romance. Joanna holds on to her need to stay unmarried and in control of her future with all her might. Rylan can't understand why Joanna is so opposed to marriage. He suspects something sinister,but Joanna will not confide in him. He is single minded about his task, believing Joanna will come around once she is wed. What he didn't count on was his attraction to her and her ability to out think him. Neither of them could imagine that one day they would work together for a common goal, and find true love in the bargain. This one gets an A....more
Speak No Evil by Tanya Anne Crosby is a Kensington publication. This was a March 2013 release. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital coSpeak No Evil by Tanya Anne Crosby is a Kensington publication. This was a March 2013 release. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital copy of this book.
Caroline returns home to South Carolina after her mother's death. She and her two sisters are stunned to discover their mother's will had a codicil that required them all to stay in S. Carolina for one year to receive their inheritance. Caroline will run the newspaper her mother owned. The newspaper is a "dying breed". There is stiff competition and Caroline will learn some hard lessons about ethics and journalism. Then there is Jack. Caroline and Jack almost got married ten years ago. Neither of them have really been able to move forward with other relationships. Now, that Caroline is having to see Jack face to face, old feelings have begun to surface. A young college student is found murdered and another child has been reported missing. Caroline thinks the two cases could be connected. Jack, a cop, isn't so sure. He and Caroline butt heads over how to report on the case, while at the same time they grapple with the feelings they have for each other. Caroline's two sisters also have issues they are dealing with. Their mother was a driven, career oriented woman, that had also suffered greatly when her only son disappeared. The girls had each other to cling to, but over the years they grew apart. Now each girl must learn how to deal with their mother's death, and the new lives they want to start for themselves. This was a really good romantic suspense novel. I love the idea of coming home after an absence and reconnecting with family and friends, and in this case the second chance at romance. Caroline's heart is in the right place, but like all of us, she makes some regrettable decisions. How she dealt with her mother's death was poignant. She had feelings of walking in her shadow, but also discovered her mother's sentimental feelings. I could also relate to Caroline's having to deal with a new job and trying to put her own personal stamp on things, while trying to appease long term employees. The romance was also done perfectly. Initially, Caroline remembers the hurt Jack caused her, but gradually she begins to put those feelings to rest. Things don't go smoothly for the couple though. I liked Jack and felt for him too. He had a job to do and did the best he could, using his experience. The only thing I didn't like was how hard Jack could be on himself. Hopefully, if we get to bump into Caroline and Jack in the future, Jack will have regained some of his confidence. There was a good plot, a nice balance between mystery, romance, and family issues. Overall a solid A....more
All the Way Home by Wendy Corsi Staub was originally published is 2007. It has recently been reissued in digital format.
When Rory was child her older All the Way Home by Wendy Corsi Staub was originally published is 2007. It has recently been reissued in digital format.
When Rory was child her older sister, Carleen, disappeared. In short order, her best friend also disappeared as well as several other girls in their town. Then Rory's father passed away, leaving her mentally ill mother behind. Rory couldn't handle it and left to become an artist. Her brother Kevin took care of her younger sister, Molly, and their mother for years. Now, Kevin and his girlfriend want to take a European vacation. So, Rory comes home for awhile. When she arrives she finds her mother's mental health is far worse than she imagined. On top of that her younger sister is resentful of Rory for staying away so long and is going through the early teen years. Molly does a great deal of babysitting for the young couple next door, Michelle and Lou and their two year old son, Ozzie. Michelle and Lou live in the house where Rory's best friend, Emily lived until she disappeared. Now Michelle, who is pregnant with her second child, and alone in the house much of the time, believes she hears noises coming from Ozzie's room and Rory thinks she can smell Carleen's signature perfume from time to time. When Molly's best friend, Rebecca, disappears on the anniversary of Carleen's disappearance, the town gets nervous and the media zooms in. This brings in a true crime author that may hold a secret to Carleen's activities right before she vanished.
This is one of those books that left me in the limbo between a three and a four star rating. So, really, I would have given it a 3.5 if I could have. The Gothic ambience is right up my alley. Large old houses that may be haunted, mysterious and strange characters that may or may not be sinister, and a decade old unsolved case, plus dark family secrets that are finally revealed. Some parts of the book didn't work as well for me. The ending was a little over the top. A sort of been there, done that kind of thing. I put this in the romantic suspense genre, but it's really more of a suspense novel without much romance. The last chapter hints at romance and that's about it as far at that goes. So, if you are looking hot romance, it's not in this book. But, if you want a fairly solid, pretty creepy at times, mystery, suspense novel, you will probably find this one enjoyable. Over all this one gets B/B-...more
His Majesty’s Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal is a 2013 Bantam publication.
This third installment in the Maggie Hope mysteries, finds Maggie more deeply iHis Majesty’s Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal is a 2013 Bantam publication.
This third installment in the Maggie Hope mysteries, finds Maggie more deeply involved with Hugh, but also being commissioned to aid the British affairs abroad, which has her jumping out of airplanes and takes her all the way to Berlin, where she makes several horrifying discoveries, and becomes better acquainted with her mother’s side of the family. !!! She has her hands full, and the suspense at times, is quite unbearable. However, for me, this one didn’t have the same atmosphere as the previous installments did, but then again, I think maybe the author may have intended to show the toll the war has taken on Maggie, which requires the reader to adjust to the horrors of war along with her.
Maybe she is right about having seen and done too much for her to go back to being that same delightful, and spirited girl we've come to love.
All the same, despite the sickening subject matter associated with this war, which was handled with care, by the way, I found myself struggling to stay focused and engaged. The mystery isn’t really all that much of a mystery, but, as I said before, the suspense was nerve racking a time or two as Maggie found herself in some very serious situations, in danger of having her cover blown.
Every series seems to have a book that sags just a little, so hopefully the next book will be back on the right track and return to the quick, smart, and snappy dialogue and intrigue that makes this series so special.
Coldwater: A Novel by Diana Gould is a Gilbraltar Road/ Rare Bird Books publication. This book was released in April 2013. Thanks to the publisher andColdwater: A Novel by Diana Gould is a Gilbraltar Road/ Rare Bird Books publication. This book was released in April 2013. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital copy of this book.
Brett's life is going along alright. She has a good job as a scriptwriter for a crime show, she is living with her boyfriend and his daughter. But, Brett likes doing drugs and in her determination to score some coke one night, she does something REALLY BAD. From that point on her life circles the drain. She loses her boyfriend, the relationship with his daughter, Julia, and her job. Brett is a full fledged alcoholic and drug addict. After years of this lifestyle, Brett makes up her mind to just end it. But, then she runs into Julia. Julia has gotten in over her head with some of her friends playing a "game" which is basically prostitution. Now one of Julia's friends is missing. This situation wakes Brett up. She contacts a private detective she once consulted for her TV show, and together they try to find out what happened to Julia's friend. Meanwhile, Brett enters AA and tries hard to pull herself together while desperately hoping to help Julia.
This book has a Noir feel to it. It deals with the underbelly of the entertainment business. There is also a sort of tongue in cheek attitude as well, as the author tends to make a little fun of the celebrities and the shallowness of people involved in movies and TV. Brett is a flawed character, but she isn't the only one. Everyone in this book has a secret and all of them fear exposure. For Brett, her search for forgiveness and peace and redemption will cost her a great deal. She does the right thing in the end. I hope that we revisit this character sometime in the future. Brett showed great promise as a detective.
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers- Blue Rider Press.
McAvoy, works in the North England city of Hull as a DetectI received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers- Blue Rider Press.
McAvoy, works in the North England city of Hull as a Detective Sergeant. While on an outing with his young son, McAvoy witnesses the brutal murder of a young black girl. As a witness and a detective, McAvoy wants to plunge right into the case. But, there are some issues. First of all he is called away to inquire about a man that disappeared on a voyage. This is mere political stuff since the man's sister's husband has some pull. The other issues are that McAvoy is just starting out in this new position. He was at the center of a corrupt police inquiry as the chief whistleblower. In the end, he got left flapping in the wind. So, all he wants at the moment is to put his head down and do whatever is asked of him. But, when his missing persons case, turns into what appears to be a suicide, he begins to see some connection between the murdered girl and this case, as well as other cases where each victim happened to be the sole survivor of a tragic incident.
McAvoy is a wonderful character. He is a large, barrel chested man, with the heart of a tech geek. He is happily married with a small son and another child on the way. He is honest and principled, even when he faces challenges that puts temptation in his face. The mystery is very unique, and you will NOT guess the ending. The secondary characters are also interesting and they all want to crack McAvoy and get him to reveal what happened to him in the past. Hopefully, we will see all these characters again in the near future. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, especially to those that like British mysteries and detectives. ...more
What Darkness Brings is the eighth installment in the Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris. This is a Penguin Publication and was released in MarchWhat Darkness Brings is the eighth installment in the Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris. This is a Penguin Publication and was released in March 2013. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital copy of this book.
Set during the Regency Period in England, this historical mystery starts off with a bang.
A particularly nasty, evil, diamond dealer is murdered. Russell Yates, Kat's husband is arrested for the his murder. The rumors are that the old man had the infamous "Hope Diamond" and that the diamond is now missing.
Before Sebastian is informed of this situation, he is saddened to learn that his old friend Major Rhys Wilkinson has passed. The death disturbs Sebastian because it appears the man may have committed suicide.
On a more personal note, Sebastian is settling into married life with Hero. She is pregnant, but this is still being kept a secret. Hero is the daughter of Jarvis, Sebastian's worst enemy. This makes for an even more uneasy situation between the newlyweds. Hero is supportive of Sebastian offering to help Russell Yates, even though it will put him in direct contact with Kat, the greatest love of his life.
As Sebastian begins looking into the death of the diamond dealer, he finds that the man was pure evil and no one is sad about his death. The man was into all sorts of occult rituals, and blackmail. So, any number of people are suspect. But, the rumor that the diamond may have been a part of the crown jewels, and that Napoleon will stop at nothing to retrieve it, takes the intrigue up a few notches.
This series is so multi layered. All the old familiar characters are back. Jarvis, "Prinny", Kat, Tom, Hendon, and Hero. Also, Knox, the man that bears a striking resemblance to Sebastian.
Sebastian's parentage is still unknown, the real relationship he has with Kat still feels unresolved. The new marriage to Hero and the many secrets that each still carries threatens the fragile relationship. However, Hero doesn't allow her insecurities to show and actually jumps into the investigation and helps Sebastian with some research, among other things.
These are darker toned British mysteries. Very atmospheric and utterly absorbing. If you have not read any of the previous books in this series, it would be beneficial to go back do a little catching up. The backstory of Kat and Sebastian is explained in this book to some extent, but to get the whole story and a better understanding of all Sebastian's relationships, it would be a good idea to get a little more background information. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I think it would make a lot more sense if you had some previous knowledge about some of the characters . This is an outstanding series and I would recommend it to anyone that loves mysteries. This series would especially appeal to those that enjoy British mysteries and historical mysteries. This one gets an A....more
I received this book from Open Road Media and Netgalley. This is a re-issue of the first McNally mystery by Lawrence Sanders in digital format. I have I received this book from Open Road Media and Netgalley. This is a re-issue of the first McNally mystery by Lawrence Sanders in digital format. I have read Lawrence Sanders before, but never the McNally series. Archy McNally, womanizer, detective in his father's law firm, and still living at home, lives the good life in Palm Beach, Florida. When his father assigns him the job of finding out who stole a set of collectable stamps from the infamous Lady Horiwitz, McNally uncovers a clever scheme. In the meantime, Archy has met a woman that has him thinking along the lines of a long term relationship. The dialogue is witty and funny, the insight into life in Palm Beach is hilarious, but the plot was a little thin. Too much time was spent following Archy around while he moons over his new girlfriend and not enough time spent on the mystery. There were some real shockers in the plot, but they came a bit too late in the story. I'm still on board for more in the McNally series. Hopefully, the characters develop a bit more as time goes on. Overall a C+...more
What the Duke Desires is a Pocket Books publication. This is a June 2013 release. Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC copy of this What the Duke Desires is a Pocket Books publication. This is a June 2013 release. Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC copy of this book.
Maximilian Cale, The Duke of Lyons, received a note from Tristan Bonnaud explaining that he may have evidence that the Duke's older brother, Peter, is still alive. When the Duke arrives to meet Tristan, Tristan never shows up. Infuriated, The Duke sets out to find Tristan. This leads him to Tristan's sister, Lisette. When the Duke makes demands on Lisette, insisting she reveal to him where her brother might be, she stands her ground. She agrees to help the Duke on the condition she be able to travel with him to France. So, they pretend to be husband and wife and set off for Paris.
On the way to France, the Duke and Lisette have many disagreements, but also find they can't keep from kissing each other every chance they get.
As they arrive in France and locate Tristan, they find he is working as an investigator and he does indeed have information about Peter. Intrigue sets in when they seek to discover if the man Tristan located is really Max's long lost brother. To make it even more interesting, Lisette and Tristan's evil half brother is hot on their trail, trying to have Tristan arrested for thievery.
The differences in classes would normally prevent Lisette and Max from being married. Lisette is the daughter of a Viscount, but her mother was a French actress and they never married. For Max though, he doesn't want to marry anyone he is really in love with due to a family trait he fears he may be afflicted with. The agency that Tristan works for and his boss, Eugene Vidocq, was a real detective agency and a real detective, and he was well ahead of his time when he actually did hire female agents.
I really enjoyed this novel. I always like to read historical romances that go off the beaten path of Regency Period rules and society strictures, seasons and so on. This one featured two adults that were willing to put the other first over their own wants and desires. Sure, they have misunderstandings and hurt each other before they are able to resolve the issues that might be keeping them from having the HEA they deserve, but they each have the sense to see past it and forgive each other. This one was a real pleasure to read. I was in a really good mood by the time I turned the last page. Overall a solid A....more
I picked this box set up in the kindle store for a very good price. There are three full length novels and one novella. First up is Party Crashers: JolI picked this box set up in the kindle store for a very good price. There are three full length novels and one novella. First up is Party Crashers: Jolie's boyfriend goes missing, she quits her job due to dishonest practices and has to take a job in the shoe department at Neiman Marcus. Detectives want to question Jolie about Gary's disappearance especially since he stole her car and his car was pulled out the water with a dead female body in it. Then Jolie meets Beck Underwood, a wealthy business man that is going out of his way to help Jolie with her problems. Her new friend Carlotta takes Jolie under her wing and Jolie finds herself rubbing elbows with the wealthy patrons at certain events she didn't really have an invitation to. Next up was Deep Voodoo: Penny's ex- husband left her for a younger woman and their divorce is now final. So, Penny's friends throw her a happy divorce party. A few drinks too many cause Penny's tongue to loosen up a bit and when her ex is found murdered, Penny is the only suspect the police are interested in. The third book is :Got Your number- Roxann works with a domestic violence organization that helps women that have run out of all other options. Now, an angry husband is after Roxann because his wife has left with their children, which violates his parental rights. So, Roxann is also being hounded by a detective. When Roxann attends her cousin's wedding and the poor girl is jilted at the alter the two go on a road trip. Along the way they encounter old friends, make new ones and solve a couple of murders. The last book is a novella- Bump in the night- Renni's ex- boyfriend shows up drunk at her apartment in the middle of the night. In order to keep the neighbors happy she lets Daniel in. The two hook up but when Renni wakes up the next morning- Daniel is dead. It seems he was stabbed to death. Renni is the obvious suspect. It's a good thing her ex-husband is a lawyer and comes to her rescue. If you are looking for a some great beach reads or light romantic mysteries, load your e-reader up with this box set. I really enjoyed these stories. Stephanie Bond will be a go to author from now on. Overall an A. ...more
The Gray Ghost Murders by Keith McCafferty is a Viking publication released in February 2013.
Sean Stanahan, a former detective in a law firm, now liviThe Gray Ghost Murders by Keith McCafferty is a Viking publication released in February 2013.
Sean Stanahan, a former detective in a law firm, now living in Montana, working as a guide and various other odd jobs, is helping the Sherriff, Martha Ettinger and her crew as they try to determine what caused the deaths of two men they found buried while on a routine missing persons search. Sean is also helping a group of fly fisherman that were robbed of some valuable flies. The story deals with controversial issues about life and death and the right to die with dignity. This issue is handled exactly the way an author should handle it. The focus is on the mystery and murders and not on social commentary. How does Sean's investigation into the stolen flies tie in with the murder investigation? A clever plot, quirky Montana characters, and the bittersweet complications that plague the personal relationships of the main characters made this a very thought provoking and tense mystery. I am not familiar with Montana, nor fly fishing, guns, or big game hunting. There are some in depth conversations regarding those topics that went a little over my head, but didn't take away from the heart of the story. Men will find those topics quite interesting, and women reading the book will enjoy the drama regarding the love lives of Sean and Martha and everyone will enjoy the complex mystery that will keep Thanks to Viking and Netgalley for the ARC digital copy of this book. This one gets an A.
Loading...
