Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Synopsis:

Mikael Blomkvist, a once-respected financial journalist, watches his professional life rapidly crumble around him. Prospects appear bleak until an unexpected (and unsettling) offer to resurrect his name is extended by an old-school titan of Swedish industry. The catch—and there’s always a catch—is that Blomkvist must first spend a year researching a mysterious disappearance that has remained unsolved for nearly four decades. With few other options, he accepts and enlists the help of investigator Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius with a cache of authority issues. Little is as it seems in Larsson’s novel, but there is at least one constant: you really don’t want to mess with the girl with the dragon tattoo.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson is a fast-paced thrilling read. Mystery, murder, and corruption. The great depths the pages went into was fascinating. I was enticed from the start. Hooked. Most entertaining novel, I’ve come across so far. Stieg Larsson’s writing is out of this world. His words keep you entertained. Leaving me to keep turning the pages. Spellbound. I was excited. The charcaters are three-dimensional. Believable. I couldn’t help but to keep reading this book. I couldn’t put it down, once I started. A team of two work together trying to bring in the bad guys. Complicated, risky, and dangerous. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is phenomenal, and I highly recommend it to readers worldwide. 

Review: Asking for Truffle

Synopsis:

When Charity Penn receives a letter saying she won a trip to Camellia Beach, South Carolina complete with free cooking lessons at the town’s seaside chocolate shop, The Chocolate Box, she’s immediately skeptical. She never entered any contest. Her former prep school friend offers to look into the phony prize–only to end up drowned in a vat of chocolate. Struck with guilt, Penn heads to the southern beach town to investigate why he was killed. But as wary as she is of the locals, she finds herself lured into their eccentric vibe, letting her defenses melt away and even learning the art of crafting delicious chocolates. That is, until delight turns bittersweet as she steps straight into the midst of a deadly plot to destroy the seaside town. Now, only Penn’s quick thinking and a mysterious cask of rare chocolate can save the town she’s learning to love. Rich and decadent, Asking for Truffle, the first in a new cozy series by Dorothy St. James, is sure to be a delectable read for fans of JoAnna Carl and Joanne Fluke.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Asking for Truffle by Dorothy St. James is an exciting cozy mystery. Dorothy St. James brings readers murder, mystery, and romance. I love chocolate. The main protagonist is a fan of chocolate herself. Easy to connect with and likable. Charity Penn has always felt like something was missing in her life. Her mother was gone and her father moves quickly from woman to woman. All she had was an elderly woman took her in like a mother would. However, Penn soon finds trouble. She receives a letter which causes so much suspicion that she sends her best friend on the case. Only, he ends up dead. He found something. Told her to come there quick. And after that his body was found. The whole town thinks he was into drugs and that’s what caused his death. But Penn knew better. Her guess work soon leads into an investigation of crazy events. Money, chocolate, and greed. Penn and her new friend, a fury snapping dog head out to find answers. Asking for Truffle is indeed the perfect title. Suits well for this book. I loved it. Engaging from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more mysteries by Dorothy St. James. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to all. 

Review: Shadow of Death

Synopsis:

1940 Louisiana. The body of Sister Mary Gretchen is discovered hanging from the balcony in a deserted mansion next to the leper colony on the banks of the Mississippi River.
In New Orleans, her sister, Catherine Lyle, doesn’t want to retrieve the nun’s body. It’s not because she doesn’t love her older sister, but because she’s afraid to go outside her house. For almost twenty years Catherine has lived with a terrible secret, carried deep inside her subconscious, suppressed behind the safety of her portraits and her restoration of damaged works of art. But while the journey terrifies her, Catherine knows she has no other choice but to go.
As Catherine tries to put her fears aside, she finds compelling reasons to reject her sister’s death was suicide. From the hemp noose around her sister’s neck to the brutal murder of a leper patient, strange, unrelated clues are compiled: clues of Nazi infiltration of the colony and death threats to others. As Catherine gets closer to discovering the murderer, she finds herself marked for death. In the midst of the lush, exotic setting of a lonely leper colony on the banks of the Mississippi River, readers will find themselves transported to a time and a place that is no more. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Shadow of Death by Jean Sorrell is an entertaining mystery. From the beginning, Jean Sorrell sucked me into her book. The main character, Catherine Lye, is interesting. Went from talking about her dolls associated to anger and loss to solving a murder case. Her sister died and it doesn’t look like suicide…Catherine is starting to piece the clues together. As she does so, she also marks herself as the next victim. Danger, risks, murder and even a bit of a romance can be found. It was exciting. Shadow of Death is a combination of a historical and a cozy mystery. The combination suits this novel well. Overall, I recommend this read to all. 

Review: A Life Removed

Synopsis:

Detectives Bruce Marklin and Jocelyn Beaudette have put plenty of criminals behind bars. But a new terror is stalking their city. The killer’s violent crimes are ritualistic but seemingly indiscriminate. As the death toll rises, the detectives must track a murderer without motive. The next kill could be anyone… maybe even one of their own.
Officer Aaron Pimental sees no hope for himself or humanity. His girlfriend is pulling away, and his best friend has found religion. When Aaron is thrust into the heart of the investigation, he must choose who he will become, the hero or the villain.
If Aaron doesn’t decide soon, the choice will be made for him. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

A Life Removed by Jason Parent is a thrilling criminal tale. Inside, readers will follow an investigation. Murder happening more than once. A former officer once good turns into a monster. With two of the best detectives following the evidence, it’s only time until Aaron Pimental’s life stops. The chase is exciting. The detectives, Bruce Marklin and Jocelyn Beaudette, are interesting to follow. A killer is loose and it will take time before they stop him. Death, danger, and intrigue are covered on every page. I enjoyed reading this novel. I look forward to reading more books by this talented writer. Overall, A Life Removed is one thriller I recommend to all. 

Review: Dark Deception

Synopsis:
New Edge-of-Your-Seat Read from an Established Romantic Suspense Author 

Kate O’Brien has been leading a quiet life in small-town Shelter Cove, Arkansas, for the past four years when her past suddenly comes roaring back to life. Four years ago, she and her twin sister were attacked by an elusive serial killer. Only Kate survived, and it was her drawing of the attacker–along with some last-minute evidence–that convicted the suspect. 

She’s been in witness protection ever since, but new evidence suggests the convicted man isn’t the murderer and she’s been subpoenaed to testify in the new trial. Nervous about the risk, she’ll only agree if the same marshal who protected her during the original trial escorts her to St. Louis. 

Deputy U.S. Marshal Tony DeLuca accepts the assignment to bring Kate to the trial, remembering how her strength impressed him. While in Shelter Cove, however, he gets a call from his chief, advising them to stay in Shelter Cove until a new development in the case can be straightened out. But when Kate’s safety is threatened, Tony must race against the clock to keep her alive and put this ugly case to rest before anyone else gets killed. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl is an interesting romantic suspense. I enjoyed following a woman whose life turns upside down once again. Her past is colliding with the present.  A murderer is on the loose and she’s a witness. Yet, as she is being called to testify once more, danger lingers in the air. 

Every page is full of suspense. Intriguing story. One man mistaken as the killer. An innocent’s life is in jeopardy and it’s up to one man to save her. Tony is attracted to Kate. He takes his job of protecting her full blast when danger strikes. Deadly, stunning, and cleverly written. Dark Deception fits this book well. It covers the novel perfectly. I was hooked. Some romance, tons of action, and heart racing moments. The pages flew by fast. The plot is well-developed. Nancy Mehl has lured me into her fiction once again. Overall, I recommend this to readers everywhere. 

Review: Beneath Copper Falls

Synopsis:

USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble returns to her beloved Rock Harbor—but both danger and romance hide in this idyllic small town.
Dana Newell has just moved to Rock Harbor to take a job as a sheriff’s dispatcher and is settling in next door to Bree and Kade Matthews. The abusive relationship she left behind seems a distant memory in this perfect place.
Her first day on the job, Dana receives a call from her friend Allyson who screams “He’s going to kill me too” before the phone goes dead. Dana immediately dispatches a deputy, but it’s too late. Allyson’s death is ruled an accident, but Dana just doesn’t believe it. She knows Allyson—an investigative reporter—was researching a new story. Did someone want to keep her quiet?
Dana continues to look into the accident with the help of Bree and also Allyson’s cousin Boone. Romance quickly blooms between Dana and Boone but the game is much more complex than either of them imagined. When Dana’s ex-fiance locates her, she’s caught in the middle. It’s a game of cat and mouse as she and Boone fight to catch one killer while evading another.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Beneath Copper Falls by Colleen Coble is another stunning book! This author is another one of my all-time favorites. Her writing has a way of pulling me deeper into the plot. Heart pounding, thrilling, and dangerous. Beneath Copper Falls has it all. Mystery of a friend’s death. As that investigation continues it sends, one woman right in the harm’s way. Her abusive ex is after her again. Plus, there’s a killer that she and Boone are following. Two people wanting to move forward are thrust together. Heat transpires and the romance begins. But there are plenty of risks that comes with it. Then, there’s is the constant danger both have to dig themselves out of…once more, Colleen Coble has created a suspenseful story. Addictive once I got started. Most intriguing novel yet. Overall, I highly recommend this romantic suspense title to all. 

Review: A Talent for Murder

Synopsis: 

Discover the real-life mystery centered on the queen of crime herself: Agatha Christie. In this tantalizing new novel, Christie’s mysterious ten-day disappearance serves as the starting point for a gripping novel, in which Christie herself is pulled into a case of blackmail and murder.

“I wouldn’t scream if I were you. Unless you want the whole world to learn about your husband and his mistress.”

Agatha Christie, in London to visit her literary agent, is boarding a train, preoccupied with the devastating knowledge that her husband is having an affair. She feels a light touch on her back, causing her to lose her balance, then a sense of someone pulling her to safety from the rush of the incoming train. So begins a terrifying sequence of events—for her rescuer is no guardian angel, rather he is a blackmailer of the most insidious, manipulative kind.

“You, Mrs. Christie, are going to commit a murder. But, before then, you are going to disappear.”

Writing about murder is a far cry from committing a crime, and Agatha must use every ounce of her cleverness and resourcefulness to thwart an adversary determined to exploit her expertise and knowledge about the act of murder to kill on his behalf.
In A Talent for Murder, Andrew Wilson ingeniously explores Agatha Christie’s odd ten-day disappearance in 1926 and weaves an utterly compelling and convincing story around this still unsolved mystery involving the world’s bestselling novelist. 

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

A Talent for Murder by Andrew Wilson is a captivating tale. Famous writer, Agatha Christie, becomes a victim in this fictional story. I was intrigued. The plot line hooked me in fast. Murder mysteries are one of my favorite genres then add in one of my favorite bestselling writers into the mix and I was excited. It was very creative. 

Inside of A Talent for Murder, I followed as Agatha Christie is being held hostage by a powerful figure. The stranger knows everything about her. Every way to hurt her is at his leisure. Agatha Christie is being forced to committ a crime. Murder. My mind kept racing with possible ways it would lead. Engaging read. Enjoyable to follow as the pages unfolded more suspenseful moments. Overall, this is definitely one mystery novel that I recommend to all. 

Review: The Last Confession of Morten Flygare

Synopsis:

The Last Confession of Morten Flygare is an unnerving suspense thriller narrated by Morten Flygare – multi-lingual translator and multiple murderer. The blood-stained document that comprises the narrative of the novel is his claustrophobic, unreliable account of the murder of Valentina, and the incarceration and death of his drug-addicted sister, Sonia. This is no ordinary confession, however. In a unique and distinctive style, Morten gradually reveals his secret: this story has only one reader, the police inspector he holds responsible for his beloved sister’s death, and that while he writes in the flickering candlelight, he has one last grotesque secret to share that is his ultimate revenge. The Last Confession of Morten Flygare is a ‘whydunnit’ with a twist.

Rating: 3.5-stars

Review:

For those who love super dark reads, this one is for you. Dark, chilly, and full of strangeness. The Last Confession of Morten Flygare is frightening. It sort of reminded me a bit of the Chucky movies and a little of Jack the Ripper. Death, murder, loss are just a few of the themes mentioned inside…Morten Flygare’s writing takes on a darker shade with each passing page. The further I went the more nightmarish it got. The ending surprised me. Different from other thrillers. 

Review: Thomas Haftmann, Private Eye

Synopsis:

Ex-cop Thomas Haftmann, formerly of Cleveland Homicide, works as a private investigator in the resort town of Jefferson-on-the-Lake. You will follow his cases in these 15 short neo-noirs. Among them are “The Kneeling Woman,” “No Escape, No Turning Back,” “The Riding Boy,” “The Slave Master’s Dungeon,” “Archangel’s Daughter,” “A Woman With Tea-Colored Eyes,” and “The Dog Returneth to His Vomit.” These have been collected from a variety of outstanding publications and blog sites, ranging from Powder Burn Flash through A Twist of Noir to Sex and Murder Magazine. Be warned: Thomas Haftmann’s dark world of murder and madness is not for the reader of cozy mysteries. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Thomas Haftmann, Private Eye by Robb White is a great collection of detective stories. Each one featuring the famous, Thomas Haftmann. He is a private investigator that goes on a variety of cases. Every case is different and entertained me from the start to end. Love detectives and murder mysteries, than this is highly recommend to be added as a to-be-read book. Great pieces of fiction. Thrilling characters and intriguing plot lines. Robb White’s writing is enjoyable to follow. 

Review: Making It Right

Synopsis:

In the final book in bestselling author Catherine Bybee’s Most Likely To trilogy, River Bend’s rebel follows in her father’s footsteps to become sheriff. But it might be time to forge her own path…
Some kids inherit a family business; Jo Ward inherited a badge. Once voted Most Likely to End Up in Jail, the town wild child has become sheriff—hell-bent on uncovering the truth about her father’s mysterious death. Life is quiet in rustic River Bend, but Jo longs for something beyond her small hometown and the painful memories it holds. All that keeps her sane is the support of her best friends, Melanie and Zoe.
But when Jo signs up for an expert law enforcement training seminar, she meets Gill Clausen, whose haunting eyes and dangerously sexy vibe just may challenge her single-minded focus. Commitment-phobic Jo can’t deny her attraction to the arrogant federal agent, and when odd things start happening around River Bend and danger surrounds her, she realizes she’ll need his help to discover who’s out to remove her from River Bend…permanently.
As Jo and Gill work together, it’s clear they make a great team. But can Jo loosen her grip on the past enough to let love in and reach for the future?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Making It Right by Catherine Bybee is a romantic suspense novel. Engaging from the first page. The characters are believable. I liked how the heroine was strong, confident and able to handle her career. A law enforcement officer…Jo ends up meeting another officer like herself. The attraction is instant. Chemistry is building. Together they will have to work to solving a case. Her father’s mysterious death and her now being targeted. I was hooked. Mystery, romance, and murder all wrapped into one great read. I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere. 

Review: The Girls in the Water

Synopsis:

‘The first one had been an accident. He had never intended to kill her. But as he looked down at her body, he knew there would be a next one…’ 

When the body of Lola Evans is found in a local park on a cold winter’s morning, Detective Alex King and her new recruit Chloe Lane are called in to lead the hunt for the killer. 
Days later, a second girl goes missing. It seems the two shared a troubled history, and were members of the same support group. Who is the monster preying on these vulnerable girls? 
As the detectives start to piece together the clues, Chloe realises that she too is in danger – as she uncovers secrets about her own brother’s death which someone will kill to keep hidden. 
Alex and Chloe are determined to find the killer before more lives are lost… 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Girls in the Water by Victoria Jenkins is a dark thriller. A game of catch me, if you can. A killer is loose. It’s up to two detectives to find him before another body is found. Danger hangs around the corner. Excitement on every page. I felt the chills run down my arms. The prickling sensation of fear. Two women chasing after a killer is an intriguing tale. Usually, there’s at least one male partner in stories like this. However, Victoria Jenkins shook it up in this book. Different, engaging, and intense. The killer is a cold hearted. The backstory into his making felt realistic. It was like reading a true event from a newspaper but with the enticing edge of a fictional piece. Yes, this is fiction but the reality of the characters both dead and alive were so believable. I enjoyed following the duo as they went about solving the case. Overall, I highly recommend The Girls in the Water to readers worldwide. 

Review: Hearing Voices

Synopsis:

“The cool character jackpot” – Readers’ Favourite “You’re a dead man,” he yelled.

“That’s great. Now answer the question.” – Issac Blaze

                                            
Isaac Blaze.
A quick wit, zero allegiances, and every major government agency after him. He’s also got two voices in his head. Neither of which is particularly helpful. Or care to be.
But at least he’s never been caught.
Hell, he’s barely even come close.
So when finally a SWAT team does actually manage to take him in – and with such ease at that – they probably should’ve been asking themselves: why?
Too bad they didn’t.
A lot of people got killed.

(Only for fans of Deadpool, Jack Reacher, Derrick Storm, Jason Bourne, Ben Hope, Harry Bosch, Gabe Quin, Lee Child, The Punisher, Elmore Leonard, Wolverine, and Richard Castle.) 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Hearing Voices by Axel Cruise is an engaging thriller. I’m a huge of both Lee Child and Jason Bourne. This novel was like those. It was exciting. Thrilling adventure at every turn. Never a dull moment. The plot was fast-paced. This was also the first time I’ve read a book written by Axel Criuse. His writing is stunning. Cleverly woven into a suspenseful read. I was intrigued. Hooked. I love novels that are full of action. Hearing Voices had plenty of that. Plus, heart-racing moments and edge of your seat scenes. Overall, I recommend this entertaining thriller to readers worldwide. 

Review: Serial K

Synopsis:

It was the perfect spot for his first kill.
So begins Craig Breedlove’s descent into darkness.
The diabolical sociopath undertakes a journey to become the most famous serial killer of all-time. Most young boys idolize sports superstars, but Breedlove’s heroes are Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac. He begins emulating the deeds of Gacy, Dahmer and Gein, first ballot inductees into his imaginary serial killer hall of fame, and quickly vaults to the top of the FBI’s Most Wanted List.
FBI Special Agent Ryan O’Callahan leads the investigation, and teams with his ex-wife, FBI Profiler Lea Pucci. Unbridled passion defines their relationship, both positive and negative.
As the search continues, the body count rises and the lunatic shifts his target to the FBI. Fear grips the public. Many will die, but who survives?
Brian Gallagher, author of award winning Vatican Protocol, delves into the mind of a serial killer with the release of Serial K. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review: 

Serial K by Brian Gallagher is the latest novel by this talented writer. His new book took me by surprise. This is completely different from his first novel and a whole lot more complex. The tale reveals a serial killer set on copying his “heroes” who just happened to be the worst and most famous serial killers of their time. The plot moves quickly as the numbers of dead bodies pile up…and the FBI feels the pressure. Imagine a serial killer being smart enough to create doubt in the collective FBI mind…that kind of power sent chills down my spine. The murders occur in a bone chilling realistic way. I felt like I was dragged into the darkest CSI crime episode of all time. The killer is a sociopath who feels nothing yet responds when he’s ridiculed. His anger and childhood traumas define how he came to be what he is…and while the FBI thinks they’ve solved the crime, they’re wrong…because this serial killer isn’t done. Especially, after a reporter with the Arizona Republic mocks him. 

 

Brian Gallagher brought out the darkest yet most haunting tale to readers everywhere. I learned facts and details that actually describe serial killers, their motives and why they do what they do. Being inside a serial killer’s mind is frightening. Yet, here I was deeply engrossed in the plot. Fast, well-written, and engaging. I was constantly held in suspense. The beginning caught my attention and from there I was pulled into this novel. The scenes were deadly and gruesome, but believable yet entertaining. Brian Gallagher has once again lured me into his brilliant world of fiction. His work never ceases to amaze me. I loved reading this new title, and I can’t wait to see his next book. I highly recommend reading the Serial K to readers worldwide. Gritty, edgy, and the most thrilling chase readers will read. 

 

Review: The Marelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id

Synopsis:

Fitz Faraday, his best friend Hollis, who comes from the wrong-side-of-the-tracks, and his hoped-to-be-girlfriend Josey, the new girl in town, are taken through harrowing events and thrilling misadventures, as they learn about life, love, death, the inner workings of the psyche, and the flimsiness of reality. After witnessing the murder of Professor Oliver Crowley, who has invented a way of bringing thoughts into physical reality, Fitz and his friends must exonerate the town bully, who is being framed for the murder. Using Professor Crowley’s inventions, Fitz soon learns he can bend the field of Id, a sea of golden dreams and wishes. Fitz finds himself drawn inside a new world he never knew existed. He hopes he will be able to use that world to help his friends and even his enemies. To do so, he must master Crowley’s technique of “Thought becomes light and light becomes physical.”

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Marelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shpaers of the Id by Aaron J. Lawler is a fascinating tale. Engaging, entertaining, and well-written. This coming of age novel is one that clearly keeps a reader’s interest and hooks them further into the plot. A group of teens trying to solve a murder peeked my curiosity. Not only is this book full of mystery, mayhem, and murder but also of a fantasy. Wonderfully woven…the characters are well-developed. I definitely recommend this read to readers worldwide. I’m an adult, and I loved it. 

Review: Romantic Times (Vegas)

Synopsis:

The Excelsior Hotel and Casino. Built in Las Vegas in 1960 by mobster Louis “The Lip” LaFica. For decades the towering hotel has been the subject of incredible stories and rumors that have kept it in the public eye the world around. Why have so many lovers been mysteriously, magically, magnetically drawn to this magnificent edifice? And why now have so many bestselling authors at last come together to reveal the adventures of these lovers who have stayed at the glorious Excelsior? 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Romantic Times: Vegas by nine talented writers is amazing. I felt my adrenaline rushing through me as I raced through the pages. Fast-paced, thrilling, and full of action. This collection of romantic suspense tales was addictive. Danger, risks, and killers. The whole anthology was magaical. I loved reading each one of the short stories. Entertaining, dark, and susepsenful. Highly engaging from beginning to end. Some left me on the edge of my seat, others left me holding my breath, and other had my heart racing as the dangers escalated. Every page was well-written. All the characters were brilliant. Both the bad and good guys were realistic. Try not to have nightmares…overall, I recommend this stunning collection of fiction to readers worldwide. 

Review: Hot Target

Synopsis: 

Delta Fierce! 

On loan for a local assignment, Max “Caveman” Decker already feels at home in the backcountry of Wyoming. Protecting one womaneven petite spitfire Grace Saundersis a vacation to the Delta Force warrior. But Grace thinks something darker is at work than the murder she witnessed. It wasn’t a case of the wrong place at the wrong timeit was her “curse.” Every man she gets close to dies. Now she’s saddled with Decker, her sworn protector, who won’t leave her side. Any hope for a simple assignment will change once they’re living under the same roof, where Grace’s curse will be just as inescapable as the crosshairs of a killer.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Hot Target by Elle James is a hot romance. Right from the beginning she sweeps me into her book. I was addicted. The hot hero and amazing heroine make a fabulous pair. But both are a little damaged. Especially, the woman. Every man in her life ended up dead. Now, she and her new lover, are in danger. A killer on the lose with mad shooting skills. Luckily, her lover, was also a sniper and knows how to stay safe. But can he really protect the woman he’s fallen for? Intrigue, suspense, and tons of action. I loved this new romance by Harlequin. Elle James has just been added to my list of favorite writers. Her words are just that good. Overall, I recommend this romantic suspense novel to all. 

Review: Shortbread and Sorrow

Synopsis:

When Julia’s gran, Dot, wins an all-inclusive spa trip to Scotland, Julia finds it difficult to refuse the offer of a relaxing week away from her café. Along with her sister, Sue, they pack up her tiny vintage car and drive all the way from Peridale to Seirbigh Castle, ready to be pampered. The last thing Julia expected was to be caught up in another murder investigation, but when the cruel owner of the family-run spa, Henry McLaughlin, is shot dead, she can’t resist ditching the facemasks and massages in favour of cracking the case.
Julia quickly befriends the young cook and talented-baker, Blair, and acquires a job in the kitchen so she can observe the strange family in the wake of the murder. Henry’s wife and children are acting suspicious, and with an incompetent young Detective Inspector on the case, Julia makes it her mission to discover the secrets held within the ancient walls before Seirbigh Castle claims another victim.

Rating: 5-stars

Review: 

Shortbread and Sorrow by Agatha Forst is another masterpiece. I can’t get enough of this series. Addictive, sweet, and hilarious. There’s always a murder mystery to solve…and baker, Julia, is the sleuth detective that gets the job done. Her romance with the Detective Inspector is wonderful. This time, Julia is supposed to be relaxing but as usual…a murder has occurred. And now, the lady sleuth can’t stop until it’s solved. Also, I got to follow, Julia spending time with her sister Sue. Fun, exciting, and adventurous. Shortbread and Sorrow is a must read for all who love a good mystery and fun times. I highly recommend this latest book by Agatha Forst. 

Review: The Child

Synopsis:

As an old house is demolished in a gentrifying section of London, a workman discovers a tiny skeleton, buried for years. For journalist Kate Waters, it’s a story that deserves attention. She cobbles together a piece for her newspaper, but at a loss for answers, she can only pose a question: Who is the Building Site Baby?
As Kate investigates, she unearths connections to a crime that rocked the city decades earlier: A newborn baby was stolen from the maternity ward in a local hospital and was never found. Her heartbroken parents were left devastated by the loss.
But there is more to the story, and Kate is drawn—house by house—into the pasts of the people who once lived in this neighborhood that has given up its greatest mystery. And she soon finds herself the keeper of unexpected secrets that erupt in the lives of three women—and torn between what she can and cannot tell…

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Child by Fiona Barton is a deep chilling read. After reading The Widow, I found this one to be more exciting. As with the previous novel, the pacing starts out slow and then slightly builds with a fierce intensity. The plot hooked me. I was fascinated to find out who the baby was and how it got there, as well as why. Fiona Barton has a way with adding suspense to every page. The further I read, the more intrigued I was. The story was believable. Entertaining, well-written, and complicated. The main character, Kate will find out more than she planned to…overall, I enjoyed reading this latest novel. I recommend The Child to readers everywhere. 

Review: Drama Luau (A Nicky and Noah Mystery)

Synopsis:

Theatre professors and spouses, Nicky Abbondanza and Noah Oliver, are on their honeymoon at a Hawaiian resort, where musclemen in grass skirts are keeling over like waterfalls. Things erupt faster than a volcano when Nicky and Noah, along with their best friends Martin and Ruben, try to stage a luau show. Nicky and Noah will need to use their drama skills to figure out who is bringing the grass curtain down on male hula dancers—before things go coconuts for the handsome couple. You will be applauding and shouting Bravo for Joe Cosentino’s fast-paced, side-splittingly funny, edge-of-your-seat entertaining fourth novel in this delightful series. Curtain up and aloha! 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Drama Luau: A Nicky and Noah Mystery by Joe Cosentino’s is another grand adventure with this stunning pair. Nicky and Noah are two professors who end up solving cases. Wherever these two go, there’s always a murder investigation around the corner. This time, Nicky and Noah are heading on their honeymoon. Both choose Hawaii as their destination. Not only does murder follow them where they go, but there’s always an opportunity for them to perform a show. 

Joe Cosentino’s has once again, brought all of his usual talents with him. Drama Luau is his newest piece to the Nicky and Noah mysteries. A novel that speaks out for the LGBT community. I love reading Joe Cosentino’s work. He always incorporates major themes into his tales. Each theme brings out a real life issue that readers everywhere can relate to immediately. As with his previous novels, this one was just as exciting. Humor filled the pages. Readers will have found adventure, mystery, and romance with every page. Nicky and Noah are my favorite gay couple. Something about them just lures me further into their story. Funny, clever, and sweet. One teaches fitness the other teaches drama. Their roles as detectives isn’t lost on their friends nor family. I can’t find anything not to love about this series. Especially, Drama Luau. This read had me laughing and falling in love…I was hooked instantly. Overall, I highly recommend Drama Luau to all. 

Review: Grizzly Season

Synopsis:

The highly anticipated follow-up to SW Lauden’s Bad Citizen Corporation, former Los Angeles police officer Greg Salem and his sidekick Marco escape to a remote cabin in the backend of the Angeles National Forest, only to have their peaceful retreat upturned after stumbling across the marijuana farm operation called Grizzly Flats. When the drug lord Magnus Ursus’ latest marijuana crop leaves Greg’s hometown and closest friends in disarray—setting off a series of explosive scenes including high-speed motorcycle chases, violent porn shoots, high-altitude gun fights, Mexican drug smuggling and murder—Greg is forced out of retirement to avenge his home and save the lives of those closest him.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Grizzly Season by S W Lauden is an exciting adventure. This book has trouble all over it. Inside, I found a retired police officer forced out of retirement because of a lot of mayhem happening within his hometown. A drug lord operating a marijuana farm leaves around a lot of violence. From shootings to car chases, the main charcater, Greg Salem, will have his hands full. Murder investigation and criminal activity makes this a heart racing read. Panic, fear, and deadly situations on every page. I’ve found Grizzly Season to entertaining. Suspenseful and well-developed. Overall, I recommend this hard-billed thriller by S W Lauden to all. 

Review: The Darkness

Synopsis:

A young man is found murdered, his bones crushed nearly to dust before his body was dumped into New York’s East River
In New York there are hundreds of murders a year, but this one is different. Somebody is sending a message. And shockingly, the victim has ties to my brother, Stephen Gaines, recently murdered by an elusive drug lord known only as the Fury.
For years this kingpin has been shrouded in darkness. Stephen was executed just as he was about to shed some light. Working alongside my mentor, Jack O’Donnell, I’m going to find the truth behind this blood-soaked curtain. But the more we reveal, the more we realize just how dark the Fury’s plans are. And that no matter how brutal the violence has been, we haven’t seen anything yet….

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Darkness by Jason Pinter is a dark thriller. The plot instantly swept me into its web of murder, drugs, and violence. This novel was full of twists and turns. Intrigued, engaged, and full of suspense. Every page pulled me further into the chase. A deadly game of good versus evil. Blackmail, threats, and death. The fear factor is raised to new heights. Inside The Darkness, a man is found murdered right before he was about to shed some evidence. A message well received. A drug lord has some sinister plans as the duo team continued their search for the truth…the evilness only expanded. I haven’t read any of Jason Pinter’s previous novels but this one was good. It caughtmy attention. Perked my curiosity. It led me on a journey. 

Review: Threads of Supsicion

Synopsis:

Dee Henderson Pens Another Compelling Cold Case Mystery
Evie Blackwell’s reputation as a top investigator for the Illinois State Police has landed her an appointment to the governor’s new Missing Persons Task Force. This elite investigative team is launched with plenty of public fanfare. The governor has made this initiative a high priority, so they will have to produce results–and quickly.
Evie and her new partner, David Marshal, are assigned to a pair of unrelated cases in suburban Chicago, and while both involve persons now missing for several years, the cases couldn’t be more different. While Evie opens old wounds in a close-knit neighborhood to find a missing college student, David searches for a private investigator working for a high-powered client.
With a deep conviction that “justice for all” truly matters, Evie and David are unrelenting in their search for the truth. But Evie must also find answers to the questions that lie just beneath the surface in her personal life.

Rating: 4-stars

Review: 

Threads of Suspicion by Dee Henderson is a deep Chase after the truth. Missing persons cases are being investigated and the blur between work and personal lives will blur. The pressure to solve them is high. As the cold cases connect with one another and with other cold cases, the duo team has their hands full. Murders…old wounds…and an engaging plot. Mystery, intrigue, and some romance. I enjoyed following Evie and her partner David as they went about getting answers. I haven’t read any previous novels by this talented writer, but I am happy that I read this book. After reading Threads of Suspicion, I look forward to reading more by the bestselling writer, Dee Henderson. 

Review: Doughnuts and Deception

Synopsis:

The 3rd book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! 
Julia never expected to be caught up in another murder investigation, but when she discovers that homeless people are dying suspiciously and the police aren’t investigating, she can’t sit back and do nothing. After promising her young lodger, Jessie, that she will do everything she can to help, Julia finds herself diving headfirst into the case, aided by her new Detective Inspector boyfriend, Barker. Sure there is a serial killer preying on the vulnerable residents of an old burnout warehouse, Julia must act quickly to get to the bottom of the mystery, but can she crack the case before more bodies turn up? 
Book 3 in the Peridale Cafe Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe owning female amateur sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes! 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Doughnuts and Deception by Agatha Frost is another brilliant masterpiece. Julia is a baker but also one of the best ameature sleuths ever. She practically does the entire police force’s work for them. And not a single officer believes her when she’s informing them about a new case and why they should investigate it. However, there’s one investigator on her side…Barker. He’s completely fallen in love with the stubborn, brace, and smart Julia. Julia also likes Barker just as much. Julia’s gran is crazy but hilarious as well. She ‘spies’ on Julia and Barker as they do things and speaks her mind like no one else I know. Caring, sweet, but crazy older lady. Then, there’s the adoptive teenager, Jessie. Jessie was homeless until Julia took her under her own roof. Both Jessie and Julia are good bakers. 

In this latest piece, the main characters are taken into a string of murders deemed as ‘not murdered’ and the police won’t take interest. These murders involve mostly homeless men. Men that Jessie knew when she was homeless. Jessie takes the murders to heart….and Julia can’t help but to dig into the mystery. Then, there’s Barker who will have to stick with Julia if he wants her to be safe…but his career and everything else might be jeopardized…overall, Doughnuts and Deception is another highly engaging and well-told story. Agatha Frost has once more caught my full attention and my heart with her new book. I highly recommend this read to all. 

Review: Daddy’s Gone A Hunting

Synopsis:

In her latest novel Mary Higgins Clark, the beloved, bestselling “Queen of Suspense,” exposes a dark secret from a family’s past that threatens the lives of two sisters, Kate and Hannah Connelly, when the family-owned furniture firm in Long Island City, founded by their grandfather and famous for its fine reproductions of antiques, explodes into flames in the middle of the night, leveling the buildings to the ground, including the museum where priceless antiques have been on permanent display for years.
The ashes reveal a startling and grisly discovery, and provoke a host of suspicions and questions. Was the explosion deliberately set? What was Kate—tall, gorgeous, blond, a CPA for one of the biggest accounting firms in the country, and sister of a rising fashion designer—doing in the museum when it burst into flames? Why was Gus, a retired and disgruntled craftsman, with her at that time of night? What if someone isn’t who he claims to be?
Now Gus is dead, and Kate lies in the hospital badly injured and in a coma, so neither can tell what drew them there, or what the tragedy may have to do with the hunt for a young woman missing for many years, nor can they warn that somebody may be covering his tracks, willing to kill to save himself . . .
Step by step, in a novel of dazzling suspense and excitement, Mary Higgins Clark once again demonstrates the mastery of her craft that has made her books international bestsellers for years. She presents the reader with a perplexing mystery, a puzzling question of identity, and a fascinating cast of characters—one of whom may just be a ruthless killer . . . 
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

In Mary Higgins Clark’s novel, Daddy’s Gone A Hunting, I was terrified. A young woman realizes the man that is playing as her father really isn’t her father after all. Then, there’s someone stealing from her real father’s company. Murder is just around the corner…and soon, the young woman will find herself in a deadly situation. The mystery was great. I was guessing all along. The suspense and intrigue was there like always. Once more, I was impressed with Mary Higgins Clark’s writing. Her novels never disappoint me. Overall, I highly recommend Daddy’s Gone A Hunting to all. 

Review: The Streets have No King

Synopsis:

A street thriller of kidnapping, murder, trickery, and love that will have you at the edge of your seat.
After 7 years of prison, multi-millionaire drug mogul Kane Garrett is back on the streets. But instead of diving back into the drug game, he’s teaching a college class, infusing business principles with his signature ruthless edge he developed in the streets. When a student–and heavy heroin dealer–named Basil catches Kane’s eye, Kane takes him on as a protege and together, they build the biggest, smartest drug trafficking business the state has ever seen.
But when Basil meets Moriah, Kane’s only daughter, lines get crossed and their dominant business union becomes a deadly rivalry. Welcome to a world where the kings meet their end and no one stays at the top for long. The crown always lies heavy on he who commands the streets–and Kane and Basil will fight to claim their rule, before power is toppled again, in The Streets Have No King by New York Times bestselling author JaQuavis Coleman. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Streets have No King by JaQuavis Coleman is a thrilling read. Dark, gritty, and intense. The plot caught my attention instantly. Here, I met a main charcater who doesn’t go back to his old lifestyle. I would have thought he would, but he didn’t. At least, not right away. Then, he meets a young man who he sees something in and together they go to the main character’s bad way of life. To them, it wasn’t bad…until stakes were involved. Like the previous street king’s daughter. Then, from there…things quickly escalated and heated. Danger, suspense, and intrigue has tied itself around me. Taking me hostage within the book. JaQuavis Coleman’s writing has a way of planting me deep inside a different world. A world where there are no friends and only risks to take. A non ending game of life, death, and chances of the high life. But as with the real world criminal activity always had a way of pulling one down under…and destroying what was once good. Overall, I enjoyed exploring this urban street fiction. I would recommend this novel to adults only due to the high volume of drugs and violence. Interesting read…that contains real life scenarios. I got this copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Review: More than a Slave

Synopsis:

Alexander Anderson has a reputation that would strike fear into the heart of the devil himself. And now, Aria Starbird is his property.

Aria has spent only a few months as a lowly slave, but already her happy childhood memories were starting to fade under the weight of her brutal existence.

When she is sold to Lord Anderson at an auction, she cannot help but be afraid. Lord Anderson is known for his cruelty. He is fiendish and handsome and as wicked as he is wealthy.

However, as she gets to know her new master, she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye. Over time, she is able to penetrate his tough exterior, and begins to understand the struggle of a man who believes love is a weakness, but whose heart is now yearning for something unknown.

As the two let down their walls and discover each other’s truths, will Aria be able to tame Alexander’s inner-beast?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

More than a Slave by Anaelle Gadeyne is the darkest yet most intensifying read ever. The Hunger Games has nothing compared to this book. This was dark, horrifying, and emotional. So many issues brought up in a clever way. I was intrigued and chilled at the same time. Aria is a young woman who sacrificed herself as a slave to help her parents. They were barely living and no food, no money, and their home would be lost forever. But the moment Aria is a slave her life changes forever. Aria won’t experience happiness for a long time. Seven months of torture by a cruel man. Then she suffers cruel punishment from in public. But her bravery and strength surprises a lord watching it all. Alexander has been know to be feared by all. He kills without mercy. However, seeing Aria…he admires and likes what he sees in her. Fiery, bold, and strong. Not to mention beautiful. Aria sees Alexander Anderson and likes him too. But knowing he’s a monster has her slightly off…soon, fate will bring them both together and each one will change the other’s life around completely. More than a Slave brings up the cruelty shown to human beings. How those who are rich treat those who are below them as well as how and what slaves endured. I was amazed by the emotional force that hit me while reading this novel. I felt sad, angry, and happy. Eventually good does win…Anaelle Gadeyne has a talent for showing readers the ugliness of what occurs in life as well as the beauty of it. Overall, I highly recommend More than a Slave to readers worldwide. 

Review: Dark Ties

Synopsis:

Two years after being attacked by a psychotic fan, Ken Simmons has finally released a new novel. It’s the biggest commercial success of his career and Ken should be ecstatic. But happiness is hard to come by with the killer he created haunting his dreams.

Meanwhile, a thousand miles away, Sheriff Allen James is investigating a series of murders. 

Murders seemingly detailed by Ken’s book.

When Allen seeks Ken’s help, they discover that Ken’s book may be more than just a simple crime novel, and Ken’s connection to the killer more than just fantasy.

Ken knows better than anyone how dangerous this killer is and is not eager to get involved. However, the burden of knowledge means Ken can’t quite commit himself to the sidelines, and he finds himself reluctantly agreeing to help Allen bring him to justice.

But when the killer discovers Ken and his new bestseller, all bets are off. Ken must decide whether to run…or face a monster he once thought only existed in his mind. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Imagine being a writer who writes bone chilling thrillers with a crazy murder. A murderer that is hard to catch, if caught at all. That’s where this story takes readers. Ken Simmons writes a book.  A killer who haunts him all the time. The local authorities are having trouble with the crimes and ask Ken to help. Ken knows that the killer is one he doesn’t want to play with…yet, he knows more than the police and can help them. As the plot explodes the scenes get more intense. People are dying…and Ken feels awful. He thinks giving up writing would be best for all…or would that only give the killer a satisfaction of winning?

Dark Ties is a superb thriller. Dark, engaging, and fast-paced. I loved it. Mark Dane did a brilliant job in create the perfect read. I was both horrified yet entertained. I felt chills going down my spine yet I couldn’t stop reading…murder and fiction combo was perfect. It leaves readers with a spooky feeling of what if something like that actually happens. This book has the effect to leave many with a nightmare. Some will die…but catching the murderer is key. Overall, I would highly recommend this novel to all. Mark Dane is a talented writer, and I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next.

Review: One Foot in the Grove

Synopsis:

First in a delicious new mystery series about Eva Knox and her family’s Georgia olive plantation.

 

In the sweet Southern town of Abundance, Georgia, home of the Knox family’s olive farm, gossip isn’t the only thing that can kill you…

 

After leaving a man at the altar for the second time in her life, Eva Knox decides to head home to her family’s plantation to regroup and soak in some Southern charm. But hiding from her woes is a slipperier proposition than Eva imagined. For one thing, most people in town still haven’t forgiven her for leaving local boy Buck Tanner at the altar and hightailing it up north eighteen years ago. For another, a death on her family’s farm soon makes her the lead suspect in a murder case—and the sheriff investigating is none other than Eva’s old flame Buck.

 

With the police putting the squeeze on her, it’s up to Eva and her sisters, Pep and Daphne, to figure out who could have possibly left a dead body in their olive grove. And they’ll have to catch the greasy killer quickly—because it looks like Eva has been picked as the murderer’s next victim… 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

One Foot in the Grove by Kelly Lane is a hilarious yet dark murder mystery. I love the main charcaters. Eva a woman returning home only to dig into a murder case, meet her former lover, and be labeled as a prime suspect when she’s really the next victim. I found Kelly Lane’s absolutely thrilling. Eva maked me laugh along as the clues fell into place. Suspense, intrigue, and sparks…all found inside One Foot in the Grove. This book was easy to read. Both the sheriff and leading female sleuth made fall in love with this engaging tale. I found it perfectly entertaining to read. Overall, I recommend it to readers everywhere. 

Review: Sherlock Holmes and the Nine-Dragon Sigil

Synopsis:

It’s the year 1906. Rumours abound that a deadly plot is hatching – not in the fog-ridden back-alleys of London’s Limehouse district or the sinister Devon moors of the Hound of the Baskervilles but in faraway Peking. Holmes’s task – discover whether such a plot exists and if so, foil it. But are the assassins targeting the young and progressive Ch’ing Emperor or his imperious aunt, the fearsome Empress Dowager Cixi? The murder of either could spark a civil war. The fate of China and the interests of Britain’s vast Empire in the Orient could be at stake. Holmes and Watson take up the mission with their customary confidence – until they find they are no longer in the familiar landscapes of Edwardian England. Instead, they tumble into the Alice In Wonderland world of the Forbidden City.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Sherlock Holmes and the Nine-Dragon Sigil by Tim Symonds is fascinating. It was like watching versus reading about my favorite detective and his friend. Tim Symonds has the talent of creating stories of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, that it felt as if he were the original creator of them. His words are visual, entertaining, and kept me turning the pages. I was intrigued. There’s adventure, mystery, and plenty of action that lured me deeper into the tale. Holmes and Dr. Watson have another great puzzle to solve and this one is ripe with suspense… overall, I highly recommend this book to readers worldwide. 

Review: Murder Is No Accident

Synopsis:

Young Maggie Greene may be trespassing in the old, empty Victorian mansion on a quiet street in Hidden Springs, but all she wants is some private time in the magnificent tower room to write her stories. Certain she’ll be in trouble if caught, she hides when a realtor shows up. But someone else is in the house too, someone even more worried about getting caught. When Maggie finds the realtor’s body at the bottom of a flight of stairs and the other person gone, Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is called in. He assumes the realtor’s death is a tragic accident–until a second person is found dead in the house. When Maggie is threatened, Michael must catch the murderer before anyone else dies.

Cozy mystery fans will love this third installment in The Hidden Springs Mysteries series from an author who knows how to make small-town America sweet, sentimental–and a little sinister.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Murder is No Accident by A. H. Gabhart is a cozy mystery readers everywhere don’t want to miss reading. A small-town that is slowly growing is hiding some secrets. Secrets that involve one or more murders. Between a young girl being inside the mansion when a murder is occurring to an elderly lady whose memory is neither here or there…the sheriff has a lot to figure out…one of the deaths looked accidental but after further digging the investigation leads to murder. The question of who done it and why are hanging in the air as the pages fly by…I loved the suspense and the variety of characters. There are some characters that based on their personalities one would think did it. But then, A. H. Gabhart leaves a surprise just when readers think they have it figured out…

Murder is No Accident is an exciting read. Mystery, mayhem, and murder all in one stunning tale.  I haven’t read the previous books in this series, but I plan on doing so after having read this one. The writing was well-done as well as the character development. I felt like I was there watching the scenes unfold. The ending was just as good as the beginning. Overall, I recommend reading A. H. Gabhart’s latest book. 

Review: Lemonade and Lies

Synopsis:

Book 2 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series! 

When the entire village is invited to a garden party for a mysterious ‘special announcement’, nobody expected that party to end with a man being thrown to his death from a window. The murder is committed at Julia South’s estranged father’s manor, so all eyes in Peridale turn to her to solve the case. In a race against the clock, Julia must juggle her blossoming romance with Detective Inspector Brown, and her young lodger, Jessie’s, sudden strange behaviour, to uncover the truth behind the man’s untimely death. With members of her own family in the frame, will Julia like what she discovers? 

Book 2 in the Peridale Cafe Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone, but enjoyed better as part of a series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe owning female amateur sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes! 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Lemonade and Lies by Agatha Frost is a superb mystery. This cozy mystery novel has humor, romance, and murder. The charcaters made me laugh so hard and their dilemmas were fun to watch unfold. A family whose issues seemed big at the time seemed to have dwindled and hope appears at the end. Agatha Forst’s writing baited, lured, and hooked me immediately. Her words bring everything to life. The tale was believable. It felt like watching a real family go about their their daily lives. Except little did they know a murder was about to happen…

This is where the main characters, Julia the baker and sleuth works on solving Detective Barker’s case. Barker likes Julia a lot. Julia is recently divorcing her husband. Drama, danger, and love come their way. I really liked how Julia is a talented baker, clever sleuth, and strong enough to handle what comes her way. She makes it hard for readers to not love her. As for Detective Barker, he’s a unique man. Not many wouldn’t mind what Julia does…he accepts her the way she is. Makes my heart melt. 

Lemonade and Lies is book two in this series. I haven’t read the previous novel,but I was able to follow along easily and enjoy the story. Sweet as icing on a cake and just as addictive. Overall, I highly recommend it Agatha Frost’s book to readers everywhere. 

Review: Still Life

Synopsis:

Romantic Suspense’s Rising Star Continues to Win Fans

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright–and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart. 

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead–and the photographer insists he didn’t take the shot. Worse, her friend can’t be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Still Life by Dani Pettrey was incredible. It has everything I expected, plus more. Murder, investigation, a crime chase, and romance. That and it was written in a way that combined Christian and suspense together. The blend was perfect. The main characters brought the story to life. Every page was intense. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Dani Pettrey captured a realistic couple dealing with life threatening issues. One was a photographer and the other a crime scene analyst. With their skills, a murderer will be caught. Then, there’s the romance building between them…made this book an explosive read. Enticing, highly engaging, and entertaining. Still Life is indeed just that…it describes the murder exactly. The way the corpse was posed to lure out those close to the victim…it was pure genius. Overall,I highly recommend this writer’s work to readers everywhere. First novel, I have read by her and already I am looking forward to reading more. 

Review: Blood and Circuses

Synopsis:

Phryne Fisher is bored. Life appears to be too easy, too perfect. Her household is ordered, her love life is pleasant, the weather is fine. And then a man from her past arrives at the door. It is Alan Lee from the carnival. Alan and his friends want her to investigate strange happenings at Farrells Circus, where animals have been poisoned and ropes sabotaged. 

Mr. Christopher has been found with his throat cut in Mrs. Witherspoon’s irreproachable boarding house and Miss Parkes, an ex-performer, is charged with his murder. Phryne must go undercover deeper than ever to solve the circus malaise. She must abandon her name, her title, her protection, her comfort, and even her clothes. She must fall off a horse twice a day until she can stay on. She must sleep in a girls tent and dine on mutton stew. And she must find some allies. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, the young and fresh-faced policeman Tommy Harris has to solve his own mysteries with the help of the foul-spoken harridan Lizard Elsie, or Miss Parkes will certainly hang. Can Phryne uncover the truth without losing her life?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Blood and Circuses by Kerry Greenwood presents yet another fabulous Phryne Fisher adventure. This book holds a darker and rawer version of my favorite detective. Sure plenty of gruesome stuff happens where Miss Fisher is bound to be found. I think trouble finds her everywhere. In this particular case, Miss Fisher goes alone to help another friend of hers. With her personality and intellect, I can see how the woman detective can indeed have so many friends. A friend in a Circus calls for her help in solving a murder. But to do so, Miss Fisher will go undercover, leaving behind her luxurious life. The fact that our main character has not always lived a perfect life, helps her when put in this crazy circus lifestyle. Kerry Greenwood took everyone’s favorite sleuth and put her in a sitatuion that tests every skill she has. Entertaining as always… Phyrne Fisher remains my favorite heroine.

Blood and Circuses is bold, dramatic, and worldly. Vulgarity and the ugly side of life shows up…but Miss Fisher is tough enough to handle it all…overall, I highly recommend this fast-paced thrilling journey to readers everywhere. 

Review: Mother’s Day, Muffins, and Murder

Synopsis:

With summer approaching, Ellie Avery’s schedule is ruled by attending end-of-the-year events at her kids’ school—and avoiding run-ins with her arch competitor. When a murder disrupts the core curriculum, can the two women form an alliance to teach the killer a lesson in justice?

As a regular volunteer at North Dawkins Elementary, Ellie would never miss the annual Mother’s Day breakfast—even if she has to tolerate the likes of Gabrielle Matheson. The rivals aren’t exactly sworn enemies, although Ellie still thinks there’s only room for one professional organizer in their small Georgia town.

But when Ellie sees Gabrielle in the hallway, she’s a mess. It looks like Gabrielle’s seen a ghost—or, as she explains, a dead body inside the supply closet. Before Ellie can get help the body vanishes . . . only to mysteriously reappear later at the school.

Little is known about the victim, a secretive snoop with a nosy nature and a penchant for keeping quiet about her own past. Ellie will leave no desk unturned to protect her kids and expose the cunning criminal’s identity. Because if she doesn’t, the killer may chalk up another textbook case of murder . . .

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Mother’s Day,  Muffins, and Murder by Sara Rosett is an interesting read. The book instantly takes readers into a world with two rivals. Little do they know, that they will soon work together to solve a murder mystery inside their school. A dead body is seen only to have disappeared….making the witness sound crazy. Until, it was found later on school campus. A dead janitor. Spooky read. I was intrigued as to how and why…a mother on the case helping a detective solve it was fun. Ellie is a character that re I do me of my favorite women sleuths. Determined, intrigued, and clever…I loved this cozy mystery. The title perfectly suited this novel. It definitely captured the story. Overall, I recommend Mother’s Day, Muffins, and Murder to all. 

Review: Murder in the Dark

Synopsis:

It’s Christmas, and Phryne has an invitation to the Last Best party of 1928, a four-day extravaganza being held at Werribee Manor house and grounds by the Golden Twins, Isabella and Gerald Templar. She knew them in Paris, where they caused a sensation. Phryne is in two minds about going. But when threats begin arriving in the mail, she promptly decides to accept the invitation. No one tells Phryne Fisher what to do. At the Manor House, she is accommodated in the Iris room, and at the party dallies with two polo-playing women, a Goat lady (and goat), a large number of glamorous young men, and a very rude child called Tarquin. The acolytes of the golden twins are smoking hashish and dreaming. The jazz is as hot as the drinks are cold. Heaven. It all seems like good clean fun until three people are kidnapped, one of them the abominable child, and Phryne must puzzle her way through the cryptic clues of the scavenger hunt to retrieve the hostages and save the party from further disaster.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Murder in the Dark by Kerry Greenwood is another fabulous murder mystery. Inside, I found myself following Miss Phryne Fisher as entangles another crime. Her detective skills are amazing. Miss Fisher is a modern living woman who defies that of her own time period. She’s bold, clever, and charming. Kerry Greenwood has once more kept me hanging onto every one of her words. Action, adventure, and clues to chase. 

Murder in the Dark is highly engaging to read. I never knew what to expect next from the woman detective. Danger is always around with Phyrne Fisher. That and nothing is done in simple terms either. The high, rich, and dramatic lifestyle is featured every time. Miss Fisher may have many faults but her skills make up for them. A daring personality is needed when threats are made and people are missing. Time is racing and Miss Fisher is chasing after the evidence…

Richly detailed, exciting,and thrilling…Kerry Greenwood has done it again. Creating a vivid bright world of fiction that readers can loose themselves within and feel the rush of adrenaline as the plot unfolds…overall, I highly recommend this book to readers everywhere. 

Review: Dream State

Synopsis:

August Chase is an ordinary man plagued by extraordinary precognitive dreams. When he foresees the brutal murder of a young woman, he tracks her down to warn her. His warnings go unheeded, and the dreamed murder becomes a reality. The victim’s sister, frustrated by slow police work, enlists August’s help, and he is launched into his first case as a private investigator. Delving deep into the victim’s life, he soon discovers a common thread in the shadowy world that may have claimed her. This is book One of the August Chase Mystery Series.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Dream State by Charles R. Hinckley is an interesting read. This new title is the start to The Sleeping Detective Series. Inside, readers will find a detective who has visions. These visions are new to him and he has to learn how to use them. What is even more intriguing is that the main character is an man who has yet to learn how to be a great detective. He has a skill that would come in handy…but first he has to master it. Once he does, there are more than just his visions he needs to learn…solving mysteries isn’t easy. Like all detectives, August has help. A cop who also has hacking skills was a twist to the tale. I enjoyed the combination of skills set forth. August has a lot to handle and he has the determination to get through each obstacle. I loved following him as the story unfolded. He makes for an entertaining character. The plot was suspenseful. Charles R. Hinckley has captured my attention with his writing. I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series. I have to know what August deals with next and how he does. Overall, I highly recommend this thriller mystery to all. 

Review: Believing the Lie

Synopsis:

After writing sixteen Inspector Lynley novels, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth George has millions of fans waiting for the next one. As USA Today put it, “It’s tough to resist George’s storytelling, once hooked.” With Believing the Lie, she’s poised to hook countless more.Inspector Thomas Lynley is mystified when he’s sent undercover to investigate the death of Ian Cresswell at the request of the man’s uncle, the wealthy and influential Bernard Fairclough. The death has been ruled an accidental drowning, and nothing on the surface indicates otherwise. But when Lynley enlists the help of his friends Simon and Deborah St. James, the trio’s digging soon reveals that the Fairclough clan is awash in secrets, lies, and motives.
Deborah’s investigation of the prime suspect-Bernard’s prodigal son Nicholas, a recovering drug addict-leads her to Nicholas’s wife, a woman with whom she feels a kinship, a woman as fiercely protective as she is beautiful. Lynley and Simon delve for information from the rest of the family, including the victim’s bitter ex-wife and the man he left her for, and Bernard himself. As the investigation escalates, the Fairclough family’s veneer cracks, with deception and self-delusion threatening to destroy everyone from the Fairclough patriarch to Tim, the troubled son Ian left behind. 

Rating: 3-stars

Review:

Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George is indeed my first read to this writer’s series. I was instantly hooked from the beginning. Elizabeth George sucked me into her novel. Suspenseful, deep, and intriguing. However, the ending wasn’t what good. The book was like a chocolate cake dressed up to make my mouth water but then when it got to the actual bite, it lacked…that’s how the ending was for me. I wanted Inspector Thomas Lynley to investigate a death … a real death. But instead it turned out to be several other things. Believing the Lie will have readers like me thinking was it just an accident or was there a murder. The ending ruins all that. When it comes to crime fiction, I liked how Elizabeth George created a smoking gun…to lure and and make the bad guys sweat some. Overall, it was good..not the best. 

Review: The Children Under the Ice

Synopsis:

Twelve year old Mikey hates hockey, but loves newspaper reporting, he’s quirky that way. One night, Mikey discovers the newspaper story of a lifetime when he falls through the ice of the Sherman Oaks Pond and sees the ghosts of children with a secret. And that’s when everything falls apart. No one believes Mikey’s story, not even his dad, the town Sheriff. 

With the help of his quirky friends, Mikey decodes the ghost’s clues and discovers the killer is closer than he thought. Mikey has always found it hard to trust anyone. This time he will have to trust a ghost. Can you trust a ghost to solve a crime? Mikey has to convince the town his story is true before the killer strikes again. Will he do it? Or will the killer get to him first? 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Children Under the Ice by R. A. Douthitt is the most intriguing start to a new mystery series. The story is beyond suspenseful. Dark, thrilling, and frightening. They story  starts out with one murder that soon turns into multiple murders. Never ever go into the woods. No telling what evil resides within it. A murder is on the loose. He’s gotten away with murdering people…but now, one person may be able to put a stop to it. A young boy, Mickey ends up meeting the ghosts of those who were murdered. They use Mickey to get the killer caught. Only time will tell, if the murder gets put away before someone else gets hurt again. Dangerous, clever, and never a boring moment. Writer, R. A. Douthitt, has done a magnificent job in weaving a tale that sends goosebumps on one’s arms and chills down their spines. I found this first novel of the series to be creepier than the Goosebumps novels. Loved reading it. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. 

Review: Sister, Sister

Synopsis:
Alice: Beautiful, kind, manipulative, liar.
Claire: Intelligent, loyal, paranoid, jealous.
Claire thinks Alice is a manipulative liar who is trying to steal her life.

Alice thinks Claire is jealous of her long-lost return and place in their family.
One of them is telling the truth. The other is a maniac.

Two sisters. One truth.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Sister, Sister by Sue Fortin is phenomenal. Keeps readers guessing until the end. Secrets, past lives, and a new danger come whirling into Claire’s life. She lost her sister Alice as a kid. Now, married with kids of her own…a letter appears from her sister Alice. Saying she thinks she finally found Claire and her mother. But Claire’s smart and will soon find answers to what’s really happening. Deadly, suspenseful, and engaging. Sue Fortin has masterfully woven a tale about two sisters. One dies the other just barely makes it out alive. A man from Claire’s past will do everything to make sure her life is a complete mess. Like sowing doubt about her daughter’s real father. Pictures with dates…emails sent it seems even after death. Claire and her family will have a new fight on their hands. The sister so greatly wanted will finally be found. Life will go on…

Sister, Sister is both haunting and frightening. The emotional stress that Claire goes through is crazy.  The story is fast-paced and well-written. Once I entered the story, I couldn’t stop reading it. Powerful storytelling and believable characters. The fear will send shivers down anyone’s spine. Overall, I highly recommend this thriller to all. 

Review: Flora Lively and the Murder at Maples

Synopsis:

Meet feisty new amateur sleuth Flora Lively in the first of her cozy mystery adventures …

When twenty-nine-year-old Flora Lively loses both of her parents and inherits the family business, she tries hard to make a success of her father’s dream – even at the expense of her own dreams. Burdened with Marshall, her father’s handpicked American manager, Flora finds solace in her friendship with Joy, an elderly client, she helped move into the Maples, the local retirement community. 
But when strange and dangerous things begin to happen at the Maples, Flora finds herself plunged headfirst into a web of betrayal, intrigue and deceit. Convinced a murderer is preying on helpless residents, Flora is forced to conduct a private murder investigation. But can she solve the puzzle in time, or will the murderer strike again?
Murder at the Maples is a cozy English village mystery, ideal for readers who love cozy reads with romance and humor, and British mysteries on Kindle.
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Flora Lively and the Murder at the Maples is amazing. Hilarious and offers an adventure readers will love. I fell in love with this story instantly. Joanne Phillips has created a laugh-out-loud mystery. Then, there’s a murder to solve before it’s too late. The main character, Flora Lively, is about my age. Just a year older. I can easily relate to herfear of heights. I remember going on rides with my baby sister because she had no one else to go with her. Unfortunately, she didn’t care if I was scared. Reminded me of the opening scenes with Flora Lively and the elderly woman she cares about…Joy. Joy is not one’s typical 80-year-old. She’s bold, daring, and strong. Her sense of humor and way living life to the fullest was entertaining. She tries to get Flora to live a little. Once again, I felt another connection with the sleuth.

 I love murder mysteries. This book, has it all. Danger, excitement, and intrigue. Death, investigation, and some romance. I was surprised how fast the reading went by…before I knew it, I was finished. Murder at the Maples is easy to read. Flora Lively is fun to follow along as the story unfolds. She’s intelligent and caring. Plus, going all the way out to solve a murder definitely puts her on my adventurous list. So, in a way, Flora can also be bold and daring like her friend, Joy. Joanne Phillips writes extremely well. Her characters are fully developed and peak my interest. I want to read more books featuring the sleuth, Flora Lively. Overall, I highly recommend this cozy mystery to readers everywhere.

Review: Law and Disorder

Synopsis:

Trust the enemy?

Desperate to escape her kidnappers, Kody Cameron can turn to only one man…and he’s holding a gun. Outnumbered and trapped in the deadly Everglades, she has little recourse, but something in this captor’s eyes makes her believe she can trust him. Does she dare to take the risk?

Undercover agent Nick Connolly has met Kody before and knows she might very well blow his cover. Though determined to maintain his facade, he can’t let Kody die. He won’t. And his decision to change his own rules of law and order are about to make all hell break loose.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Law and Disorder by Heather Graham is another remarkable read. This writer’s talent is obvious with every on of her books. The suspense of what is to come always lures me inside the tale. Intrigued, I keep on reading. Page after page, the action draws me further into its depth. Fear soon takes over as the fast-paced, heart wrenching, and deadly story take hold of me. I am left wondering who will die and when. A thrilling read that engages readers immediately. 

Law and Disorder isn’t just a thriller but a romantic suspense. Yes, despite the danger, love is brewing on the horizon. Yet, one or both may die. Playing the hero isn’t easy. Choices…are hard. An undercover FBI agent is soon led on what should have been an as assignment. After reading it, it was anything but easy. Nick could easily have killed the bad guy any moment, but he had to find answers. Answers only the killer knew. And to get them, he had to play along as a bad guy in the crazy ass scheme. Wearing a mask, Nick still feared the beautiful brunette would give away his cover. His familiarity made Kody curious but she didn’t realize it until later…friends, coworkers, and family lives are on the line. A killer is loose and only Nick can save the day. Or lose all that matters to him. Addictive, hot, and stunning. I loved every moment of this read. Well-told. Hooked me in from the beginning. I can’t wait to read the next adventure by Heather Graham. Overall, I highly recommend Law and Disorder to all. 

Review: River City Dead

Synopsis:

“The third book in a cute cozy series features an appealing heroine with a self-deprecating wit and a determination to never grow old.” – Library Journal (on Smart But Dead)

Advice columnist Aggie Mundeen and SAPD Detective Sam Vanderhoven plan their first rendezvous at a San Antonio River Walk hotel during Fiesta Week—sumptuous sights, sounds, and festivities in the middle of America’s Venice. A vacation from crime and a reset for their tumultuous relationship.

But murder descends on the Casa Prima Hotel. Disturbing revelations surface about the Fabulous Femmes, Aggie’s new friends, holding a convention. Evil emerges at parties in La Villita. Calamity plagues Aggie’s debut dance performance at the Arneson River Theater, the celebration skewed by carousing, crazies, and corpses. Even in idyllic River City, crime complicates relationships.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

River City Dead by Nancy G. West is another exciting mystery. I cannot get enough of Nancy G. West’s main character, Aggie Mundeen. She’s an older woman, clever, clumsy, and lovable. I find her funny. There is never a boring moment where Aggie is found. Readers will be laughing-out-loud and enjoying this new tale. Danger, murder, and complications once more follow the star, Aggie Mundeen. Just when she should be enjoying herself with Detective Sam Vanderhoven, things go haywire. Murder, mayhem, and disaster sons follows on every page. River City is beautiful and a whole lot of trouble. So much that it might just cause a rift between my two favorite characters. Love, trust, and teamwork are just a few themes that are woven into the story. Aggie will have to learn how to work on that trust and teamwork Issue if she and Sam will be an item. The characters are believable and the plot is fascinating. Fast-paced, intriguing, and like an Aggatha Christie novel…River City Dead is one adventure I highly recommend to all. Nancy G. West did it again, in creating a masterpiece that I will never forget. 

Review: A Merciful Death

Synopsis:

FBI special agent Mercy Kilpatrick has been waiting her whole life for disaster to strike. A prepper since childhood, Mercy grew up living off the land—and off the grid—in rural Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. Until a shocking tragedy tore her family apart and forced her to leave home. Now a predator known as the cave man is targeting the survivalists in her hometown, murdering them in their homes, stealing huge numbers of weapons, and creating federal suspicion of a possible domestic terrorism event. But the crime scene details are eerily familiar to an unsolved mystery from Mercy’s past.

Sent by the FBI to assist local law enforcement, Mercy returns to Eagle’s Nest to face the family who shunned her while maintaining the facade of a law-abiding citizen. There, she meets police chief Truman Daly, whose uncle was the cave man’s latest victim. He sees the survivalist side of her that she desperately tries to hide, but if she lets him get close enough to learn her secret, she might not survive the fallout…

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

A Merciful Death by Kendra Elliot is stunning, cleaver, and suspenseful. Every page lured me further into the book. The plot is fast-paced, thrilling, and deadly. I was intrigued. FBI specialist, Mercy Kilpatrick, had me wanting to know more about her backstory. Her past is now colliding with her present life. Sent to work a crime scene in her hometown brings back so many memories. Mercy is tough, smart, and believable. She has a way of making me sympathize with her. Her family history is about to open up…and there’s a murder investigation that needs solving. Someone is killing survivors one-by-one. Mery’s partner, Eddie is also another fascinating character. A city boy who is beyond observant and a people person. His working relationship with Mercy is enjoyable to follow. Then, there is the police chief. He soon makes Mercy’s life more complicated than ever. Kendra Elliot has once again, brought another masterpiece to life. Her characters are brilliant. I enjoyed meeting each one as the story progressed. A Merciful Death has intrigue, romance, and murder. It has enough spookiness, romance, and emotions to drag readers into its depth. Overall, I highly recommend it to all. 

Review: Drama Cruise

 

Synopsis:

Theater professors and couple, Nicky Abbondanza and Noah Oliver, are going overboard as usual, but this time on an Alaskan cruise, where dead college theater professors are popping up everywhere from the swimming pool to the captain’s table. Further complicating matters are Nicky’s and Noah’s parents as surprise cruise passengers, and Nicky’s assignment to direct a murder mystery dinner theater show onboard ship. Nicky and Noah will need to use their drama skills to figure out who is bringing the curtain down on vacationers before it is lights out for the handsome couple. You will be applauding and shouting Bravo for Joe Cosentino’s fast-paced, ribald, edge-of-your-seat entertaining third novel in this delightful series. Curtain up and ship ahoy!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review:

Drama Cruise by Joe Cosentino has delivered my favorite gay couple. Nicky and Noah are on a cruise while on vacation and things get pretty crazy fast. First surprise, was one they weren’t expecting. Family. Both their families came onto the cruise. They caused a groan from Noah and Nicky to smile. Soon their families are planning all their wedding details…but then, other surprises much darker start to happen. It will be up to Nicky and Noah to navigate through the suspects to solve who murdered the gay professors on board.

I was not expecting the murderer to be who it was…I was surprised. Nicky and Noah were funny as always, but this time…the story didn’t quite match the previous magic by this talented writer. The engaged couple’s antics were realistic, however, it appeared the Nicky didn’t mind his family fussing with the wedding plans but got super mad at Noah pretty fast…but then, Nicky was like whatever Noah wants that’s what he wants too. But it seemed like Nicky just gave in to easily to Noah in this tale. Other than that, Joe Cosentino’s writing was great. There’s always a murder case to be solved when Nicky and Noah are around doing theater. Acting, action, and death…follow these two amazing guys everywhere even to Alaska. I can’t wait to see what holds for Nicky and Noah in Hawaii. I love these characters and the plot is always intriguing. Drama Cruise is another stunning piece…once more this book was written strong isssues and heartfelt feelings. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.

 

 

Review: The Body on The Lido Deck

 

Synopsis:

Twin Falls pathologist Toni Day is on a Caribbean cruise with her husband and parents when she is jerked out of a peaceful slumber by a horrific scream. After several unsuccessful attempts to reclaim sleep, Toni heads to the ship’s deck to read. But shortly after the sun rises, everything changes when a mangled body plummets from the roof into the pool next to her.

Rather than flee in horror, Toni teams up with her stepfather, Nigel, and Scotland Yard to investigate the murder, despite resistance from the captain and the Royal Barbados Police. With just three days left in the cruise, Toni and Nigel must work fast, especially when two more bodies are discovered and a crew member is fatally injured. As Toni delves into the histories of crew members, she uncovers mysterious connections that lead back nearly three decades. Finally, with only one night remaining, Toni and Nigel must set a trap in a last ditch attempt to find the killer before one of them becomes the final victim.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Body on The Lido Deck is a dazzling mystery that lures readers to its depth. For fans of CSI this is definitely up your alley. There’s a lot of dead body language that some might not like but goes with the territory when dealing with dead bodies. The main character, Toni Day, is very blunt. Straight forward kind of person. Her habit it to say or question things…and it may come of as rude. However, in her line of work, she has to be that way. In this particular novel, Toni was traveling on vacation with her husband and parents. As usual she finds a murder case. Except this one almost lands directly into her lap. There are plenty of suspects and as they case builds it’s still hard to guess who done it. I loved the suspense and intrigue created perfectly by this writer. I have never before today, read a book by Jane Bennett Munro. After reading this tale, I have to say that I am super happy I did read it. It will keep readers questing and entertained. So many possibilities and few leads. Evidence goes missing and the main character gets into more dangerous situations as the book unfolds. Overall, I loved it. Highly recommend The Body on The Lido Deck to readers everywhere.

Review: My Lord Ghost

Synopsis:

She only wanted to save his soul. He needed to save her life.

Laia Grace wasn’t raised in society and besides meeting men was so much fun! But when the naive Regency miss introduces herself to the wrong person, her father decides that it’s time she grew up. If only he knew that the house he was sending her to had a ghost in residence. 

Marcus is haunting his own home, living in the secret passages and priest holes while he tries to deal with the horrific events that led to his brother’s death. But when an angel shows up and coaxes him into telling her his story, he discovers a reason to live. 

Will he be willing to risk both his own life and his heart to save her?

Rating: 5 stars

Review: 

My Lord Ghosts by Meredith Bond is a historical romance with a twist. I loved reading it. Meredith captured the time period perfectly. The characters were charming especially, Marcus. A ghost living in his own home. It’s not until a certain lady arrives that stirs everything out of balance. Marcus’s was attracted to her beauty upon first sight. His plan to get rid of her was in action, yet little did he know that she would be the toughest one to scare away…

Laia Grace is a flirt for a lady of her time. Childish almost in that manner. Yet somehow she grows up into a decent woman as the story unfolds. I was intrigued from the beginning. A young woman sent off by her father to a haunted place. But what occurs next kept me turning the pages. She turns into a completely different person and her curiosity gets the better of my attention. She seeks out the ghost unafraid. Wants to help. Maturity already rising gradually. Then the ghost’s way of haunting is hilarious. Marcus makes a mess of scaring people on purpose but despite that he’s a good ghost…

My Lord of Ghosts is well-written and highly engaging. I had to find out every detail and what happened next. My guessing built up from the suspense. The intrigue was great. Page turner. The personalities of both main characters melted together in a beautiful way. Each was destined for the other. A ghost so happens to help the young beautiful woman and she help him as well. Not planned but done. I couldn’t get enough of these characters. Realistic, believable, and enchanting. The ending was  perfect. Meredith Bond is another talented writer who books will be added to my reading pile in the future. I truly enjoyed reading this novel. Overall, I recommend to all. Sweet, romantic, and entertaining. 

Review: The Curse of The Bridal Chamber

 

Synopsis:

The indomitable senior sleuth Imogene and her outrageously endearing Alabama family find themselves in hot water while on a family vacation at a mermaid convention in sunny Florida. When Imogene and her brood, including Goose the bulldog, encounter a dead body floating in the freshwater springs beneath their glass-bottom boat, the local police immediately arrest one of the Alabama visitors for the crime.

Now the aging amateur crime solver must exonerate her own family, but unearthing a killer among the park’s past and present mermaids and employees promises to be no easy task, since so many of them are thrilled that the victim is sleeping with the fishes. And a decades-old curse that has deposited more than one dead body in the Bridal Chamber spring now seems focused on Imogene and her kin, who are wading into dangerous waters indeed. Witty and colorful, The Curse of the Bridal Chamber will keep you enthralled until the final surprising revelation.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Curse of the Bridal Chamber by Hunter Murphy is the second wonderful installment to a great series. This latest cozy mystery takes readers to Florida. I love following Hunter Murphy’s group of characters as they travel. No matter where they go there’s bound to be an adventure. Wherever the main character, Imogene, goes, there’s a dead body popping up somewhere. This time;however, Imogene’s relative will end up arrested for the murder. It will take everything Imogene has as an amateur sleuth to solve the puzzling murder case.

Hunter Murphy has once again lured me inside of his world of fiction. Hilarious, exciting, and full of action. The mystery is intriguing and as the danger builds up, so does the suspense. A killer is close and with the sleuthing going on…the risks get higher. Imogene is a character to love. Her quirky ways and personality have a way of winning me over…she always keeps me guessing as to what will happen next. The Curse of the Bridal Chamber is full of those who hated the dead victim and a curse. Can Imogene and her partner solve the case before it’s too late? Overall, I highly recommend this new read to readers everywhere. The cover is as colorful as the plot within…a brilliant cozy mystery that swept me off my feet and into the book.

Review: Imogene in New Orleans

 

Synopsis:

At the ripe age of 73, Imogene Deal McGregor has a penchant for following her own instincts, as well as more grit and spunk than her hypochondriac son, Billy McGregor, and Billy’s impulsive partner Jackson Miller can handle. The boys take Imogene to New Orleans with their devilishly handsome English bulldog Goose, hoping to visit friends and attend a second line parade, but moments after arriving in the French Quarter, they find their friend Glenway Gilbert murdered in his art gallery. Immediately, Imogene and the boys run into a temperamental and ethically-challenged lieutenant who appears hell-bent on neglecting the crime, compelling them to seek answers themselves. As they delve into Glenway Gilbert’s murder, Imogene and the boys realize the deceased artist was surrounded by suspicious friends and lovers. With Goose the bulldog by their side, Jackson and Billy seek answers among old friends and new enemies, while Imogene follows her own ideas on the case. But the sooner they solve the murder, the sooner they can get back to catching beads and eating pralines.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Imogene in New Orleans by Hunter Murphy is the second amazing novel in this mystery series. I love the main character, Imogene. A sleuth like no other. Her personality makes her a fun character to follow as a new investigation pops up…sadly this one involves the death of a friend. The lieutenant nearby should be working the case but isn’t doing a thing. Thus, Imogene and her two sons go about the investigation themselves.

Hunter Murphy knows how to create a world of fiction with just the right amounts of humor, suspense, and intrigue. A murder mystery that will definitely entertain fans every time. Visiting the dead’ art gallery for for clues will be interesting as well as long list of suspicious perpetrators. I also loved traveling to New Orleans through this novel. New Orleans has so many possibilities and with this set of characters is makes for a must read. Imogene reminds me of some of my best female detectives and sleuths. Like the lady from Murder She Wrote and Miss Fisher the lady detective. Imogene somehow has qualities of both of these ladies. Hunter Murphy has beautifully created a three-dimensional character that readers can’t help but to love. Imogene in New Orleans is a cozy mystery that I highly recommend to readers worldwide.

Review: Amelia’s Children

 

Synopsis:

In 1985 Amelia Davis is brutally murdered in the woods outside of Laurel Hill. Her killer is never caught. Thirty years later, David Jenson comes to town on what he calls “personal business”, though he won’t tell anyone what that business is. Could he have some connection to the town’s most infamous cold case?

Sarah Hathaway has just returned to her hometown in the wake of a failed acting career. When she meets David, she is immediately drawn to him. But it is the mystery of what exactly brought him to Laurel Hill that keeps her up at night. Determined to find the answer, she embarks on a journey into the unknown that will change her life forever. Along the way, she discovers truths about Amelia’s death that prove more sinister than anyone ever could have imagined.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Amelia’s Children by Greta Cribbs is a fascinating paranormal tale. I loved it from the beginning. Here, readers get involved in the investigation of a cold case murder. From there an unexpected stranger lures a woman into extreme curiosity. A murderer that was never caught…and things about the murder leave more questions than answers…

This novel was well-written. It was easy being sucked into its depth. The characters picked my curiosity as well as the murder mystery. Suspenseful, intense, and addictive to read. The journey was one that readers won’t be forgetting. It felt so real. The danger and paranormal activity were the perfect combinations for this book. Amelia’s Children is indeed an intriguing tale that has captivated me. I loved Greta Cribbs writing style. Her words carried me through her wonderful world of fiction. There isn’t anything better than when the past collides with the present. Overall, this book is highly recommended, to readers worldwide.

 

Review: Gilt Hollow

 

Synopsis:

Willow Lamott’s best friend is a convicted killer, and no one in the small town of Gilt Hollow will let her forget it. Over four long years, she’s tried to fade into the background—but none of that matters when Ashton Keller comes striding into school, fresh out of juvie and fueled by revenge. The moment their eyes meet, Willow no longer feels invisible. Drawn to the vulnerability behind Ashton’s mask of rage, she sinks deeper into his sinister world and begins to question whether he’s a villain, a savior, or both.

Ashton thought he wanted vengeance, until Willow Lamott stepped back into his life. Now he longs to clear his name and become the person she sees in him. But the closer they get to uncovering the truth, the darker the secrets become, and Ashton wonders if his return to Gilt Hollow will destroy everyone he loves.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon is by far a marvelous read. It is full of dark sinister things. Lorie Langdon’s novel is brilliantly woven in a way that captured my attention from the beginning to end. Fast-paced and exciting. Suspenseful, edgy, and intriguing.

Imagine being a young man and wrongly accused of a crime. A crime that was committed by another person. No one believed in you. Except for one person. That person shakes down the world and leaving a place for something unexpected. Love. Just when things are planned, Ashton’s world is tilted once again. Out to prove he was innocent all along…a girl leaves him feeling unbalanced. Something about her draws him nearer. But there is still a murder out there. The danger gets closer and the risks are high.

A young girl, Willow, is fixed upon a boy her age. One she is not sure is indeed innocent. But something drags her closer to him anyway. As things grow between them, the threats become real. Romance is great but is it worth losing those that one loves?

Gilt Hollow is an enchanting world of fiction. There’s plenty of action, romance, and mystery. Readers will be baited, lured, and hooked. Lorie Langdon’s writing is stunning. Well-developed characters that pulled me into their lives, risks, and future. A plot that snagged me inside and kept me prisoner. Realistic and haunting. I loved reading this masterfully woven tale. Overall, I highly recommend Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon to all.