You Will Remember Me by Hannah Mary McKinnon

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture.)

The premise of this book is based on Jack waking up on a beach not remembering who he is but having an extremely strong desire to make his way to Maine for reasons he cannot understand. He makes it to Maine and ends up with Maya who, as it turns out, is his younger stepsister but because of his amnesia he does not remember her. Lily, who “Jack” was with in Maryland, sets out on a quest to find him because she knows he isn’t dead, or is he?

This book published back in May 2021, and I am terribly late to be getting around to reading this one; it has been on my list for quite a while. It is quite a twisted read – just what I like! The characters Jack/Ash, Maya, and Lily … what relationships they have and their backstories. They each have deeply hidden secrets and they keep them for their own reasons. And, really, who wouldn’t want to read a book with a quote like this one: “… as if we were in the middle of a vomit-inducing romantic comedy.” Ms. McKinnon’s descriptions alone, especially those recalling how Ash and Maya met, make the reader feel like they were there experiencing their encounters themselves.

 

The Secrets of Cedar Farm by Carissa Ann Lynch

 

I was fortunate enough to receive a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture.)

I went into this read with absolutely no expectations, as I hadn’t even read the blurb … I mean, it was written by Ms. Lynch, so it has to be good right? To say this is an excellent read is an understatement. If I could give this one more than five stars, I would … yes, I thought it was that good. I was pulled in from the very first sentence. If I didn’t have to sleep, I would’ve finished this one in a day … it will definitely keep you up past your bedtime!

There is so much going on throughout this tale of addiction, love, forgiveness, creepiness involving Aunt Sara and Uncle Francis and Cedar Farm itself. That house … the way it is portrayed, it definitely reminds me of a museum we have here in California, the Winchester House where there are doors and stairwells leading to absolutely nowhere, the only difference being at Cedar Farm’s house the secret door leads somewhere. Norah, the main character, ended up in rehab and the only reason she ended up staying with Aunt Sara and Uncle Francis was because she had no alternative; as well, that is where her daughter, Gemma, was … again, having no alternative. This book definitely has a creep factor that you will not want to miss.

If you don’t have this one on your radar or in your to-be-read pile – add it! Expected to be published January 2022 – an excellent read to start the near year with!

My Wife is Missing by D.J. Palmer Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. Publishing May 2022. (Not my picture.)

I could have easily devoured this book in one sitting if I had the time. That ending was truly unexpected. As this story unfolds, we are led down the path of Natalie’s ‘escape’ from Michael, Michael having some long-buried secrets. This story also throws in what happens when a person suffers from chronic insomnia, anywhere from hallucinations to paranoia, not knowing who to trust including oneself. Not to mention the detective who decides to join Michael on his quest to bring Natalie and their children home.

The characters in this book help shape this story. Tina who is Natalie’s boss and friend. Audrey who is new to Dynamic Media (the company where both Natalie and Tina work). Bryce and Addie (Natalie and Michael’s children). Natalie and Michael themselves. Detective Kennett from New York, who has a vested interest in what happened so long ago to Brianna. Michael’s mother. Sarah Fielding. Natalie’s parents. Kate, long-time friend of Natalie. While some of the roles are minor and others major, each of these characters play an important part in the telling of this tale. This will definitely go on my shelf for a second read!

Unmissing by Minka Kent Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture.) 

This story is told in the voices of Merritt and Lydia (Merritt being Luca’s now wife, Lydia being his “missing” wife). This tale is bound to keep the reader intrigued. It is such a different story line … one that won’t disappoint. Lydia has been missing, presumed dead, for the past nine years. Imagine Merritt’s surprise when she opens the door one evening and comes face-to-face with her “late” husband’s first wife, Lydia. At first, she didn’t believe it was Lydia. I mean, really, how could it be? Merritt closes the door in Lydia’s face, thinking she was a random stranger and feeling the need to protect her children, Luca being out of town. Lydia finds herself befriending Delphine, the owner of one of Bent Creek’s shops. As the story progresses, some deep-seated secrets come to light. But who really has the most to hide? Is it Luca, or is it Lydia? There is much going on within the pages of this tale.

There are a couple of twists contained within the pages of this story that happen unexpectedly and are sure to keep the reader turning pages. I found Merritt, Lydia, and Luca to be very well-developed characters that played well off of each other, exposing the others for who they truly are. Delphine is also an important character and not one to be discounted. What a tangled web of truths and untruths that unravel by the end of this tale. Get ready for this one to hit the shelves February 2022!

Children of Hope by Michael C. Fine Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Cover photo provided by publisher.)

What started out as a fun night out for sisters Hope and Angel turned into something far worse. Because of the overturning of Roe v Wade and the sisters being in a state where a “trigger law” was in effect, Angel was forced to have the baby that she did not want or ask for. Angel made Hope promise her to do something in the future that would ensure no other young teen, such as herself, would have to go through what she went through. Hope went on to medical school and was able to position herself in a research lab to further her quest. While in today’s world, we are not quite “there” yet, the technology posed in this tale is not really all that farfetched. Enter the government and some men wanting to change some laws, one being that they were able to overturn Roe v Wade and then went on to propose a Sanctity of Life bill, which Hope was desperately fighting against. Enter a group of three men who met went about secretly helping alleviate the troubles of good people. This is certainly a tale of good versus evil, but who is the final victor?

When this book hits many reading radars, it is going to lend itself to asking many, many questions. This book takes a look at what could potentially happen if Roe v Wade is ever overturned (personally I hope it is not). It is going to beg the question of “what if” in a lot of cases. I commend Mr. Fine for taking a chance and writing such a book, especially since there is so much controversy surrounding this particular topic. Perhaps it will change some minds, open some hearts, provide a better understanding. Maybe the technology that is portrayed in this tale will come to fruition one day.

The Fiancee by Kate White Book Review

 

It is the time of year when the senior Keatons open their incredible home to their families for a week-long vacation. They do this every year and everyone, well almost everyone, enjoys their time spent there. This year, the excitement was no different but the events certainly were. There is one extra surprise guest this year, that of Nick’s love interest of the moment, Hannah Kane (a wannabe actress). Summer, Gabe’s wife, who is in the acting industry, recognizes her but can’t remember her last name. Hannah lies to her about the plays they were in together a couple years ago. Summer can’t figure out why Hannah has lied, so she makes it her quest to get to the bottom of things. Gabe thinks she is overreacting and has become obsessed with Hannah owing to Hannah’s success that Summer hasn’t quite attained. Death happens during this year’s summer vacation leading to stress and grief and strange things happening. Another death happens … perhaps a case of mistaken identity which leads to more stress and anxiety. All culminating in a whodunnit with the whodunnit turning out to be someone you least expect.

I found this to be a carefully crafted tale leading up to whodunnit. I was beginning to think it was this person, then I switched my thinking to maybe it’s this other person (which would have been just as fitting and unexpected), and yet I was wrong on both counts. If you’re a fan of Ms. White’s writing, I am quite certain you will find yourself spending a day with these characters, each of them bringing what is needed to this family vacation.

The Perfect Roommate by Minka Kent Book Review

 

Meadow is the kind of college student you don’t notice; she is just that average. Really not memorable at all. And she likes it that way. She finds herself in need of a new place to live and stumbles across an ad for a room to rent. She goes and meets Lauren and hopes she hides her social anxiety well enough to be likable, to be a perfect roommate. For whatever reason, Lauren decides she lives Meadow and lets her move in immediately, like right now immediately. Meadow cannot believe her luck! Through Lauren, Meadow meets Tessa. She meets Thayer (Lauren’s boyfriend). She meets Eli (Tessa’s love interest). She starts to discover that she could possibly have friends … this is, of course, due to Lauren’s involvement in giving her some of her “toss-away” clothes, a new hairstyle, makeup, introducing her to people she wouldn’t normally meet or associate with on her own. Meadow thinks her life is turning around for the better, until she discovers something that Lauren is doing that really sets her on edge. Enter Meadow’s job as a cleaning company which puts her smack dab in the middle of cleaning one of her professor’s homes and becoming a friend to his wife, Elisabeth. Little does she know how things will transpire after she finds out Lauren’s dirty little secret, the tragic accident that happens while she is trying to figure out how to stop Lauren, and who the guilty party really is.

Ms. Kent is fast becoming one of my go-to authors to read. For me, her stories pretty much “hit the mark” in what I look for in a “thriller.” Messed-up relationships, love gone wrong, a guilty party you don’t expect, forgiveness in a family. She combines them all. I highly recommend you give her books a try if you haven’t. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I am definitely looking forward to Ms. Kent’s next book. I hope you are, too!

The Patient's Secret by Loreth Anne White

 

I received an advanced gifted copy and am providing a review.  Publishing March 2022. Not my picture.

This was an intense read created around a true crime that happened in Canada. This story captures quite a few underlying stories in relation to the main story … that of a brutally horrid crime that occurred in Glenn Dennig.

Lily, Tom, Phoebe, Matthew Bradley. Seemingly the perfect family living in an eggplant-colored house with green trim.

Arwen, Joe Harper. The new neighbors who moved in down the street from the Bradleys and right across the lane from the Cody family.

Hannah, Simon, Fiona, Jacob Cody. The house where the annual neighborhood barbecue takes place. This year, though, there was an argument of extreme proportions.

Rue, Eb Duval. The detective on the case and her son, Eb.

The intertwining of lives and lies are found within the pages of this tale. Lily and Tom have the biggest secret past lives of all of these characters. Phoebe, their daughter, is a bit of a rebellious teen and falls for Joe, the new neighbor. Phoebe is 12 and Joe is 16. This brings all sorts of memories up for Lily, Phoebe’s mom. Matthew, the Bradleys’ son, is a future photographer, stealthily sneaking up and taking photos … sometimes in places he shouldn’t be, capturing images he shouldn’t capture. Matthew is an integral part of this tale.

Arwen and Joe, a mother and son, always moving. Arwen is the one who was working on a “secret” project to give her and Joe their “big break.” She is the one who ties this story together as it is told in a “then” and “now” voice, amidst the newspaper reports of the crime that happened many, many years ago.

Hannah and Simon … Hannah has her suspicions about Simon having affairs. Simon has a man shed that Hannah has been in, but Simon doesn’t know that. Fiona and Jacob are their children and have minimal parts in this tale.

Rue and Eb have their own story intermixed in this tale, Rue has a troubled marriage, and she suspects her son did something he shouldn’t have.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. White. I found this to be quite an intense read, the brutality of what happened back in 2006 is indescribable and I suspect has been somewhat toned down for this story. It is not for the faint of heart. The question still remains to this day – what really happened in that room? Only two people know and neither one of them are talking.

No One Can Hear You Scream by A.B. Whelan Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. Not my picture.

Jennifer Parker, successful lifestyle Instagrammer, is the main character throughout this tale. Tyler is her boyfriend, after having divorced her husband, Connor. Tyler also has an extremely close relationship with his mother, some may think too close. The kids, Jayden, Emily, and Noah. Tyler had the brilliant idea to take “his” family on a vacation … in a yurt of all things! While Jennifer was not overly keen on the idea, she decided to go, if only to prove to Tyler that he was important, that he was the man in her life, not Connor. Little did the family know what was in store for them. This is not a tale for the weak-in-the-stomach sort of reader.

This book certainly has some “creep” factor. While I knew this was a book that was based around an Instagram influencer, I really did not know what to expect. It also may serve as a warning to be careful how much personal information you post on social media. The significance of the animal sanctuary and what happens there is personal to Ms. Whelan and I thank her for including such realism in her story.

Trigger warnings: Animal cruelty; stalking.

A Slow Ruin by Pamela Crane Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. Publishing November 2021. Not my picture.

April 16, one hundred eleven years ago, Alvera Fields goes missing. No one really knows what happened to her. April 16 present day, Vera Portman goes missing; no one knows what happened to her. Is this simply history repeating itself? Or something more sinister? The question is – did Vera find out some dark family secrets that made her run or is she dead?

The family members: Oliver Portman husband to Felicity Portman, father to Vera, Eliot, and Sydney. Sydney, the three-year-old, is sick and only Vera can help her. Is this why Vera ran? Cody, Oliver’s brother, and his wife, Marin. Who has more secrets they need to keep hidden? Debra and Joe, Oliver (Ollie) and Cody’s parents.

Other characters who play an integral part in this story: Austin, Vera’s “secret” boyfriend. Blythe, Vera’s “secret” friend. Barrett Hunter, Marin’s stepdad.

This story is told in the voices of Felicity and Marin in the present and in the past. While I was reading along, I kept waiting for what happens next. Then, boom! At the end this tale ties together and the waiting is over, the secrets are unveiled, and it left me thinking … wait, what? Did I miss something? I will definitely have to read this one again to pick up on all the nuances.

There is one line that I want to share with you that really resonates; Ms. Crane has a subtle way of incorporating hidden messages into her writing. This is a scene where Felicity has found Vera’s journal and has come across a person known as “BS.” Upon figuring out who this mysterious “BS” is, Felicity decides to confront her, maybe get some answers. At first glance, all Felicity sees is a “Goth Girl,” and how could Vera possibly be her friend? Upon talking to her, Felicity finds out there is a person hiding behind the “Goth Girl” look. This is the line I want to share: “Wow. A true athlete. And college-bound. I couldn’t believe how wrong I had been about her. I had been so quick to judge her outside I hadn’t even bothered to see who she was.” There is a lesson here. There is also a lesson at the very, very end of this story, forgiveness and love. 

One of the many things I admire about Ms. Crane is the fact that she incorporates her family into her writing. Such is the case with A Slow Ruin. This story is loosely based on her own family’s history, and her niece wrote the diary entries contained with these pages. Ms. Crane is going to have some steep competition between her niece and her own daughter, both of whom are blossoming writers.

The Art of Obsession by Lori Lacefield Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Frankie Johnson has the opportunity to be the lead in her own case, a dream of hers. She can’t afford to mess this one up, especially not in front of her mentor, Ben, and ASAC Vicks. If she does, she may not get the opportunity again. During the course of her investigation, she meets two very interesting characters. Those of Dr. Lawrence Banks and Dr. Kenneth Whitman. She is determined to get to the bottom of things, to “get her man.” She also finds herself attracted to one of these men which cannot happen, not in the course of an investigation. Ben wasn’t lead on this case as he was solving a different one, but as it happens that case is solved in the background and he feels the need to reign Frankie in, feeling she is too close to her own case because of this attraction. This rankles Frankie, but it also makes her think. Was she too focused on who she thought was the guilty party? Was she getting too emotionally involved? The twist of this tale … totally unexpected.

This is the kind of book I like to read. A lot of imagery that makes you “see” the author’s intent in your mind. A detective who gets more personally involved in the case she is investigating than she should. A bit of romance. A lot of mystery surrounding the bad guy. The bringing forth of a subject that is generally not talked about. The planting in the story of some hints that take you down one path only to veer off on another. A book to spend your evening with because you want to find out who the guilty party is. There were even a couple of spots that made me chuckle. 

To say I enjoyed this read is an understatement. If you haven’t read Ms. Lacefield’s work before, give this one a shot!

The Winter Sister by Megan Collins Book Review

 

If you are looking for a book to spend a day with, try this one!

Sylvie left home as soon as she possibly could, always carrying the guilt she had over her sister’s death and never having any real closure. After Persephone (her sister) died, their mom (Annie) pretty much shut down due to her own grief. Sylvie’s Aunt Jill stepped in and took Sylvie to her home, raising her as her own with her own daughter, Missy. Fast forward … Aunt Jill calls Sylvie home to care for her mom who is sick with cancer. Sylvie didn’t want to, but she did at Aunt Jill’s insistence. To say that Sylvie and Annie’s relationship by this point was filled with turbulence would be an understatement. These women both had their own deep-seated secrets and grief they carried for many, many years.

I found this book started with a bang and really didn’t let up with a couple of “red herrings” thrown in for good measure. This book contains numerous stories between its pages. The relationship of Persephone and Sylvie. The relationship between Annie and her own sister, Jill. The relationship between Persephone and her boyfriend, Ben. Tommy Dent plays a part. The officers involved in the beginning are a part of this tale, one later becoming a detective, the other leaving the police force. The relationship between Persephone and Annie. The relationship between Sylvie and Annie. Missy (the cousin) plays a small part in the telling of this tale. Ben Emory plays a significant role in the telling of this tale. Secrets, lies, deceit, forgiveness, sickness, love, new life … all can be found within the pages of this story.

The Neighbors by Hannah Mary McKinnon Book Review

 

I have enjoyed Ms. McKinnon’s writing style ever since I read “Sister Dear,” and “The Neighbors” is no exception.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your ex moved in next door? Such is the case of Abby and Nate. Abby thought she had done a good job of burying her past and all the secrets that went along with it. Can you imagine having to act like you have just met your neighbor for the first time? Yet, there are some “tells” that are so subtle they start to add up and your spouse starts to become suspicious but thinks he or she must be imagining things.

Two marriages on the brink of collapse. Teen love. A wife wanting the affection she wasn’t getting from her husband. Lies, deceit, affairs, guilt, tragic accidents, a mother and daughter reconciling, troubled relationships between mothers and daughters, animosity between neighbors, the truth finally coming out, a daughter learning how to bury her own truth. I have to admit, I did figure out a couple of things while reading this one, but I found it to be a good read that kept my attention.

The Secrets of Us by Lucinda Berry Book Review

 

Lately, I find myself reading books twice and this one is no exception. This is the tale of Nichole and Krystal, two young girls who were put into the foster care system, landing at Mrs. Wheeler’s farm. Mrs. Wheeler also had a daughter, Veronica. Veronica was not a nice girl, though her mother refused to see how mean she could be. Whenever something bad happened to Veronica at school, she would plot her revenge and take it out on Nichole and Krystal, seemingly harmless pranks when you’re a kid. Mrs. Wheeler was always pushing Veronica to make friends at school, which Veronica fought. Enter a fateful night when Mrs. Wheeler decided to invite Alice over for a sleepover. All four girls ended up in the hayloft playing “truth or dare.” Pretty major incident happened that affected Nichole more than anyone. Krystal and Nichole waited out their time at Mrs. Wheeler’s until they finally ran away, never to return. Twenty years they held fast to their secrets and over which time they rebuilt their lives. Twenty years saw Krystal become a lawyer, and Nichole become a wife to Aiden. Aiden had secrets of his own. Aiden found out the truth Nichole and Krystal tried so hard to hide. Krystal found out about Aiden’s secret he tried so hard to hide. All Krystal wants to do is protect Nichole at all costs.

If you like messed-up relationships whether it be between sisters by fate or a seemingly perfect marriage with intertwining stories, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one. If you like stories told in dual timelines and stories with deep-seated secrets, this would be one to read. This story is told in the voice of Krystal (now) and Nichole (then). I am constantly surprised at the twists Ms. Berry throws into her books, sometimes you’re taken down one path and then find yourself veering off into another direction altogether. Ms. Berry is one of my go-to, don’t-read-the blurb authors. Looking forward to her next book!

The Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale Book Review

 

I was fortunate enough to have won this book from Cindy over on Instagram (lovemybooks2020). I left this book sitting on my shelf and decided to give it a read. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Drysdale and I was not disappointed.

Taylor is madly in love with Angus, and she believes he is madly in love with her until she finds out he cheated on her. After having lived with Angus, Taylor moves back to her tiny apartment that she can barely afford, having moved there to be close to Angus. She then devises a plan to get back at Angus for breaking her heart. She does some small things that would cause him some irritation, never thinking he would figure it out was her. There came a knock on her door. It was Angus toting flowers and an apology. She knew it was wrong, but she let him in. They got back together. Charlotte, Taylor’s friend, and Taylor’s mom kept warning her to stay away. Taylor followed her heart. Enter David, a business client. Then, some odd things started happening in Taylor’s personal life (she knew Angus had a temper and a cocaine problem) and then some odder things started happening in her work life. Taylor then decided to exact her revenge, but Angus proved to be a formidable opponent … or was he?

If you like books that involve twisted relationships, you are sure to enjoy this one. The entire cast of characters make this a complete story. The relationship between Taylor and Angus. The friendship between Taylor and Charlotte, including Charlotte’s fiancé Ben (Ben does not have a major role in this tale). The relationship between Taylor and her mum (important, I think, because who do we usually turn to in times of trouble? Mum!) The business relationship between Taylor and David. The relationship between Taylor and Val (her work supervisor). All these combined together make for an enjoyable day of reading. (I actually read this twice and was more taken in the second time around.)

His & Hers by Alice Feeney Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture.)

This tale is told in three different voices, one of “His,” one of “Hers,” and the third voice being that of …

Anna and Jack, a divorced couple, found themselves running into each other through circumstance of a murder case. Anna, who had been covering for the news anchor (Cat Jones) who was away on maternity leave, found herself as a field correspondent again upon Cat’s return. This led her to a story to cover in Blackburn, a place she had vowed never to return. Other women were turning up murdered. Strange things began happening that made Anna think perhaps she was drinking too much or maybe she just didn’t remember doing certain things, like tidying up after herself. Strange things also began happening to Jack as if someone was trying to set him up to take the blame for these murders.

I found myself thinking Person A was the guilty party, but no maybe it was Person B, yet again I went back to Person A. There are some other stories intermixed in the main telling of this tale. It all went back to the day of high school when a group of five girls were seemingly good friends … Rachel, Helen, Anna, Zoe, Catherine. This is definitely a story of past secrets coming to the surface for revenge to be exacted.

No Consent by L.J. Sellers and Teresa Burrell Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am writing a review.

This is the first in a new series and was such a fun read, with many underlying stories intermixed. Nate Conner is just released from jail and finds himself attracting unwanted attention because he is in the wrong place at the wrong time, when all he really wants to do is get his life straightened out. While he is attempting to do just that, he finds himself being questioned by the police for crimes he didn’t commit, and seemingly no one believes him until he meets Ms. Hitchens who works in the district attorney’s office, and she introduces him to Mr. Leahy who becomes his lawyer. Ms. Hitchens herself (Hitch) has uncovered some not so upstanding goings on in the DA’s office and decides to letter Conner help her figure out what’s going on. There is also the underlying story of Kaylee, Nate and Nicole’s baby sister, who suddenly goes missing and they do all in their power to help find her and bring her back home. In the end, Nate finds himself developing deeper, stronger relationships with both of his sisters.

This is going to be an interesting series to be a part of. The characters are what I would consider ‘fun,’ in that they each have their own quirky personalities but that just makes the story mesh even more. As well, Ms. Sellers and Ms. Burrell, although writing together, are able to maintain the same voice so the reader doesn’t realize that this book is written by two people. That, in and of itself, is a difficult task at best.

Phantom Limb by Lucinda Berry Book Review

 

Emily and Elizabeth (identical twins) did not have the best upbringing. To say their mother was cruel would be putting it mildly. One day, Social Services finally stepped in and took the girls from the mother, placing them with the Rooths. A couple who solely wanted to love the girls and see them flourish. With the girls’ background, it is no wonder they had all the difficulties they did. The Rooths, though, stuck by them, taught them what they needed to know, raised them into adulthood. Emily was the more loving of the twins, Elizabeth was the standoffish one and who could blame her, really? Then something happens and Elizabeth finds herself waking up in a hospital, having to face her demons. The twist though … the twist is what we keep reading for, keep waiting for.

Ms. Berry, as a clinical psychologist, I am certain has run into such cases and brings that touch of realism to her writing. I cannot even begin to imagine some of the horrors some folks are faced with in real life. This one has a twist that I sure didn’t see coming … and it hits you so subtly.

Friends Like These by Kimberly McCreight Book Review

 

I was fortunate enough to receive a gifted copy and am providing a review.

A bachelor party that is more than a bachelor party. There is an intriguing group of characters found within the pages of this story. They all met at Vassar and have carried a shared secret for the past ten years or so along with more secrets and deceits they have racked up singularly throughout those same years.

Jonathan – the friend who always wants to help everyone, unconditionally. His Peter fiancé who has a huge secret of his own.

Keith – the gallery owner as well as drug-addicted friend everyone wants to help.

Stephanie – the lawyer friend, because every story needs a lawyer.

Maeve – the shy friend.

Derrick – the friend with a bad temper that he keeps hidden away from everyone. He also has a secret crush on someone.

Finch – Keith’s successful artist client. No one wants to include him in their close-knit group, though he keeps superficially trying.

Crystal – she’s another drug addict, not remotely in the group, but an integral part of the story.

Alice – the friend who has been dead for many, many years but no one seems to be able to shake her memory because of their own guilt.

Detective Julia Scutt – the officer assigned to the case. There is also the underlying story of Jane (Detective Scutt’s sister) and Bethany (Jane’s best friend).

I actually read this book twice … and will probably read it again at some point in the future, even though I know what happens. The way these stories are intertwined will keep one guessing and the ending is quite a surprise. On my second reading, though I know what happened, I wasn’t sure exactly how the events transpired to get there. If you like a story told from multiple perspectives, with a couple of different story lines intertwined, a story full of lies and deceit, I am certainly you will enjoy this one. There may even be just the tiniest hint of romance thrown in for good measure.

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby Book Review

 

This is the first book I have read by Mr. Cosby and it will not be my last.

This story takes you on the journey of Beauregard, a man who is trying to do right by his family. He was headed down the wrong path in life when he righted himself. Opened an autobody repair shop. Like, the “common” working man, he found himself in a heap of financial trouble. He found himself making the wrong decisions for the right reasons.

This is a book that we all can relate to, finding ourselves strapped with finances that are seemingly unmanageable. Some of us, like Beauregard, make the wrong decisions for the right reasons. There is a lot of truth in this book. Just reading it, you can tell it comes from a place of knowledge, a place of heart. This is definitely going back on my shelf to read again.

Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry Book Review

 

I had no idea what to expect from this book as I didn’t read the blurb. It’s a Lucinda Berry book so it has to be good, right? This is a deeply intense, kinda dark one.

This is the story of Noah, a smart kid, a good kid from the outside looking in. He did something that he felt guilty about and withdrew into himself until he couldn’t take it anymore and confessed to his mom. That started a sequence of events that seemed to take off like a freight train. He ended up in a juvenile psychiatric institution to get him the help he needed. There is also the fact that his family became so disjointed his mom moved out of the family home to an apartment where Noah could stay when he was released. His dad, Lucas, wanted nothing more to do with Noah after his confession. Lucas happened to harbor a deep-seated secret of his own. Katie, the seven-year-old sister in this story, just wanted her big brother home and her family together. 

I have to say that this is the second book I’ve read that has led me to shed a few tears. This book explores what it is like to have a family torn apart by a son’s actions that he could not control. This book explores the deep-seated honest emotions of what “real” people would probably feel in the same situation. This book explores a mother’s unconditional love for her son, but on such a level that she did the one thing, the one thing he wanted, to help him through his emotional suffering.

Trigger warnings: Pedophilia, suicide.

Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson Book Review

 

Picture from Ms. Jackson’s web site.

I have had a copy of this sitting in my NetGalley account for a while now and why I waited so long to read it, I have no idea. I read “Never Have I Ever” by Ms. Jackson and thought it was good, but hands down “Mother May I” is so much better. Kind of dark, kind of twisted … the kind of thing I like to read. 

The Cabbat family was seemingly happy until the darkest secret possible surfaced. Bree came from poor and humble beginnings in life. She finally met Trey, a rich guy, when she was in college harmlessly strolling through a museum for a theater assignment. They ended up married with three beautiful children. Little did Bree know that Trey was holding a long-lost secret until one day her world fell apart. The path she had to go down to right her world again was a dark one. She had no idea why one of the worst things a mother could endure happened to her, but she soon found out. Enter Marshall, her long-time friend, who also married her best friend, Betsy. (Betsy was a police officer shot in the line of duty.) Little did Bree know Marshall harbored feelings for her that he chose to suppress, but he helped her right her world again.

With all the twistiness, the darkness, the sadness, the happiness, mistakes from the past creeping into the present … this one is sure to keep you reading well past your bedtime.

Her Secret Son by Hannah Mary McKinnon Book Review

 

I found this to be a page turner and would have finished it sooner if I didn’t have a day job. This book starts out with a seemingly innocent fall on some icy steps, but that fall led to Grace’s death, leaving behind her partner, Josh, and her son, Logan. Josh met Logan when he was two years old and, by rights, became his dad. After Grace’s death, Josh began uncovering some secrets Grace had been harboring all throughout their relationship. All he needed was Logan’s birth certificate and he couldn’t find it, which was a surprise to him because Grace was a meticulous recordkeeper. This trail led Josh down a path in search of answers, but would he find what he was looking for? His quest led him to a small town of Faycrest where a couple of unsolved crimes had been committed. While he was welcome by most of the small-town folk, some strange events happened to make him believe he was being watched … leading him down yet another path to find answers, but again … would he find the answers he needed? 

Ms. McKinnon nailed this one! This book will take you on some unexpected twists and turns until the truth is revealed. I think you’ll find yourself rooting for Josh, as a newly single dad doing all he can to find the truth and do what’s right by Logan. Lisa (Josh’s sister) and Ivan (Josh’s long-time friend) are also integral characters in this tale.

Corruptacy by Don VanLandingham Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Jeffrey Allan is a forensic accountant who works for the EOUST, or the Executive Office of United States Trustees. In short, he is sent out to review the accounting systems of different individuals and/or businesses to be sure their recordkeeping is on the up-and-up, so to speak. In this quite entertaining story, you would never believe the trouble he finds himself in. Who knew forensic accounting could be so dangerous at times? He also finds himself reunited with one of his old friends, Eddie Cruise (lovingly known as “Fast Eddie”), who helps him solve a pretty big case, uncovering many of the bad guys and saving a situation that could have had deadly consequences. Jeffrey also relies heavily on his now wife, Rebecca, and his faith in God which is all tied together in the end.

While I in no way understand accounting on such a grand level, I did find this story to be quite entertaining. The one thing I really enjoyed is Mr. VanLandingham’s writing style. It is as if he is in the room telling you a story. The reader can certainly tell that this story came from his heart. If you are looking for a quick read and have often found yourself thinking how “boring” accounting is, give this book a shot. I think you’ll find that accounting isn’t that “boring” after all.

The Stranger in the Guest Room by V.K. Lockwood Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This was certainly a quick read! If you don’t have time for a long book or are taking a trip, pick this one up! It has what a psychological thriller should contain – Erika hiding out in a cabin in the Northwoods, to finish writing her book. Brooks, her ex, unexpectedly stops by to see her “one last time,” but the expected snowstorm moves in and is too deep for him to leave. He has mood swings which Erika does not understand. Easton, the neighbor. His periodic visits send Brooks into a tailspin. Erika understands nothing of what is going on with Brooks and he won’t tell her.

This short story contains quite a few underlying themes, leading the reader down one road only to find out it goes in a totally different direction. Love, loss, forgiveness. Again, it is going to be interesting watching/reading Ms. Lockwood as she progresses through her writing career.

The Shadows are Falling by V.K. Lockwood Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

One of the best things about being an avid reader is discovering new authors. Such is the case with Ms. Lockwood.

In “The Shadows are Falling” you will be entertained with a slightly twisted family involving Alaina, her sister Kassie, and their mother who enters near the end of their tale. You will have Corbin, Alaina’s husband, doing what he thinks is right by his wife. You will have someone in this tale who turns out to not be who everyone thought.

If you don’t have time for a 400-page book or are taking a trip and you are looking for a book to take with you in the psychological thriller genre, this one should do the trick. There are some twists that I suspect you won’t see coming, maybe even a little bit of darkness. One of the hardest things, I think, with writing a short story is tying it all together in the end. I think Ms. Lockwood accomplishes that feat. It is going to be interesting to watch/read Ms. Lockwood as she progresses in her writing career.

One Two Three by Laurie Frankel Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This story is told in the voices of Mab (known as One), Monday (known as Two), and Maribel (known as Three). These three girls are triplets living in the town of Bourne. Seventeen years ago, Belsum (a chemical company) opened for business in Bourne, promising jobs, prosperity, a better life for the townspeople. For a town as poor as Bourne, they jumped at the opportunity. The interesting thing about these three sisters is that they are all smart in their own ways. Mab is the smart one, the “normal” one. Monday is the extremely literal sister who has an affinity for all things yellow. Maribel is nonverbal and is in a wheelchair, with the use of only her right hand. After Belsum’s destruction of Bourne, Nora (the triplets’ mom) decides to take them on with the help of Russell, the only lawyer who was willing to help until he wasn’t. Belsum wants to come back to Bourne to right their wrongs so to speak, with the same promises. The triplets took it upon themselves to do what they could to ensure a better outcome. The bond these three sisters have is unbreakable, no matter what. They did make a sister pact after all.

I was highly entertained throughout the telling of this tale. In this tale, you will find humor along with the underlying theme of what a chemical company can do to a town. There is an underlying theme of what money can do to accomplish things that shouldn’t happen. There may even be a hint of newfound romance as well as young love mixed with heartache when some truths are revealed.

The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. 

I found this to be one of those sorts of reads you want to keep turning pages through because the author keeps dropping hints that something bad happened. It is told in the timeframes of “Then” and “Now,” using the voice of Ambrosia Wellington relating her experiences and her truths at Wesleyan. 

It all started when Ambrosia (Amb as she is called) received an invitation to a class reunion in the mail which she tried to hide, but her husband (Adrian) found and decided they should go. What a tangled web of lies and deceit Amb learned how to weave her way through after meeting Sloane “Sully” Sullivan at Wesleyan. This is a tale of how some college girls will do what it takes to fit in at the expense of others. Enter the parties, the drinking, the drugs, and most of all the college boys. 

While this is a work of fiction, I can’t help but think that perhaps this really does happen to some people. To that end, it is a tragic story and really shines a light on bullying and its consequence. It also shines on a light on lies that can haunt you well past their “expiration” date.

Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens Book Review

I was fortunate enough to have won this ARE via Goodreads. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Stevens.

This tale is told in two voices, one of Hailey and one of Beth. It starts out with Hailey’s story and having to move in with her aunt and uncle along with her small cousin through no fault of her own. Her aunt being Lana and her uncle being Vaughn, as the townspeople call him. Vaughn also happens to be a police officer. Hailey has her own story to tell. Jonny has been Hailey’s friend since grade school. With Hailey, Jonny is able to be himself and not the tough guy everyone makes him out to be. (If you’ve been watching Ms. Stevens’s posts, you’ll see she posted pictures of what she thinks Jonny looks like – he’s pretty cute!) Jonny is also Hailey’s self-appointed protector. Enter Amber. Exit Amber. Enter Beth who is Amber’s sister and comes to Cold Creek to find out what happened to Amber. Beth has her own story to tell. Through no fault of their own, Hailey and Beth cross paths leading to the truth of what happened to Amber. What really ties this story together is Wolf … he is one smart dog!

There is a certain depth to this story. I found this to be an entertaining read with the way Ms. Stevens was able to bring all of the underlying stories together. You have a bad cop and a good cop and some murders. A bit of romance. You won’t believe who the “bad guy” is. I am quite certain I’ll be reading more from Ms. Stevens in the future.

The Family Plot by Megan Collins Book Review

 

I was fortunate enough to have won this ARE via an Instagram giveaway hosted by Ms. Collins.

The Lighthouse family is not your typical family. The mom decided to homeschool her children, sheltering them from the folks on Blackburn Island, thinking that her truth would not come to the attention of her children. She lied to them for many, many years. The dad was a seemingly normal dad who taught his sons, Charlie and Andy, how to hunt, how to appreciate nature. The groundskeeper, Fritz as he was called, is an important character to his story who has a secret of his own that lends to the telling of this tale. Tate is the older sister who is an Instagrammer, obsessed with the telling of murders through dioramas, the reason behind her obsession becomes clear as you read this tale of family tragedy. There is Dahlia who is Andy’s twin who only wants to find out the truth and learns that she has a lot to learn and to forgive. There is Ruby who was Andy’s friend, unbeknownst to anyone. There is Greta who is Dahlia’s friend and who is portrayed as being a true friend in every sense of the word. And, there is Lyle Decker, who is Ruby’s grandfather. He plays a minor role in the telling of this tale, but an important one.

I absolutely love reading this kind of book and devoured this one in two days. It is twisty. It is dark. It is about a family who has some secrets that are revealed throughout. It is written in such a way that the reader will think the bad guy is one person only to find out it could possibly be one of the other characters. If you have not grabbed a copy of this book, or don’t have it on your list of must reads, I highly encourage you to grab a copy when it is published in August 2021.

The Shadow People by Joe Clifford Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy (via Net Galley) and am providing a review. Publishing July 13, 2021. (Not my picture.)

This certainly proved to be an interesting read, one that I may have to go back and read again to get the full impact. Mr. Clifford has written this in a different style, a lot of narrative, but that is the way Brandon Cossey has to tell his story, with a few twists and turns along the way. The ending was totally unexpected.

Jacob, Brandon’s long-time friend, seems to have gotten himself in a bit of trouble by writing a zine called “Illuminations.” Brandon figured it was just a bunch of crazy talk, but was it? Francis, Jacob’s grandfather who was banished from the family, decided to go on a quest to find out what happened to Jacob, make his peace. Brandon found himself tagging along. While on this venture, they ran into some pretty seedy characters, but in the end Brandon found the answers he was looking for.

After reading this book, here are a couple of questions to ponder: Are there really Shadow People, and does the color blue exist?

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

I have had my eye on this book ever since I started seeing that Mr. Michaelides had a new book coming out, so when I received a copy in the mail one day I squealed with delight – literally. I devoured this book in two days … yeah, I think it is that good. I thought “The Silent Patient” was good as well, but “The Maidens” is ohsomuch better. There is even a tie-in to “The Silent Patient,” which I find rather intriguing. This book has it all and so much more. 

Mariana is Zoe’s aunt. She goes to help Zoe through a crisis at the college she is attending. Mariana is also a group psychotherapist, which lends to an underlying story of Henry throughout. While trying to help Zoe through a difficult time, Mariana encounters an old school mate, Julian. She meets Fred. She meets Morris who is the college’s head porter. She meets Edward Fosca, one of the college’s professors, who has created a group of favorite female students, “the Maidens” as they are called. Mariana also meets Chief Inspector Singha who is none too happy to have her around. She meets Elsie who is one of the college’s bedders. Mariana is also still grieving the loss of her husband a year ago, Sebastian. She is also reunited with one of her mentors through college, Clarissa. And a lot of Greek mythology mixed in. 

I found this book so well crafted it was hard to determine who the bad guy was. And the twist … the secrets … the determination of Mariana to find answers who also finds an inner strength she didn’t know she had or needed to discover. Well done, Mr. Michaelides, well done!

Dirty Liar by Marissa Finch Book Review

If you are looking for a good book to help you escape the world for a day, I highly recommend you pick up this book … most especially if you like a twist or two you won’t see coming. This book has everything you expect in a psychological thriller.

Lily who did something in her past that she is trying to escape from. James, her fiancé, who is not a nice man, but she doesn’t know how to escape his clutches nor is she certain she wants to. Aurora and Lily are connected by a thread that is tightly woven throughout this story. Connor, a minor character, but an important one. Damian and Bao are also minor characters but are also integral to this story. And then there is King, a German shepherd. 

I devoured this book in two days and would have made it in one if I didn’t have to work and/or sleep. Yeah, I thought it was that good. A five-star read for me. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Finch as she progresses in her writing career.

Freedom Lessons by Eileen Harrison Sanchez Book Review

 

This is a book I “won” through a Facebook group, Prose and the Pandemic. Ms. Sanchez is one of the founding authors.

There is such an important story held within the pages of this book. This story takes place back in 1969 to 1970 (I was only two years old!) when desegregation in schools was beginning to happen. Frank is a young black man who wants to gain a scholarship to go on to college to further his football career. Evelyn is a black teacher at the school who is leery of white people. And Colleen is a newly graduated white teacher who takes her first teaching job at the black high school. These are the three people who tell this tale. Colleen wants to see changes implemented immediately. While that doesn’t happen overnight, she is able to make her mark. Evelyn is quite skeptical of Colleen and her intentions, but she learns that Colleen is the “real deal.” She is, sadly, afraid to be seen talking to Colleen. There is so much to this story.

While reading this story, I was mad and sad all at the same time. Mad because this happened and in some parts of the world still does, and sad because this happened and in some parts of the world still does. The inscription Ms. Sanchez included in her book has so much more meaning knowing what this book is about. That inscription says: Be the change you want to see.

Anything For You by Marissa Finch Book Review

 

It all started with a phone call home. Nicolette’s daughter, Ella, finds herself in a bit of a situation so she calls the only person she can think of … her mom. Nicolette rushes to her daughter’s side in the middle of the night to help her figure out what to do. Thinking they have gotten away with it, Nicolette starts getting some bizarre texts. Texts she thinks are from the person who is behind what happened. She goes to great lengths to protect her daughter. The question is who is behind these mysterious texts and just how far will she go to protect Ella? The answers will surprise you. 

This is quite a long book at 401 pages, but worth the time. It is what I would call a slow burn to get to the end, but that is the way Nicolette has to tell her story so she doesn’t leave out any details. Ms. Finch is definitely going to be one to watch in the future. She is able to weave twists and turns into her stories that readers won’t see coming.

The Parting Glass by Lissa Marie Redmond Book Review

 

Publishing July 6, 2021.

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Cover image provided by Ms. Redmond.)

If you like a story about a policewoman turned private investigator, I suspect you will enjoy this story. Lauren finds herself on medical leave due to some injuries she sustained while working a case in Iceland, so she decides to put her private investigator license to good use. She gets a call from Mrs. Whitney who is seeking her services to locate a missing Picasso that she claims is hers by rights and not the property of her ex-husband, Mr. Whitney. This tale takes Lauren and her partner, Reese (she had convinced him to take some time off work to help her out), to Ireland in search of said painting. While there, they encounter the Garda who are and are not happy to have a couple PIs on their turf. As it turns out, Lauren and Reese get more than they bargained for and find out some truths. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed about the man hiding the painting. An innocent man, Robber Shea, ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another private investigator assigned to watch out for the painting for the past twenty years comes into play.

I believe that Ms. Redmond’s career as a detective gives her an inside look, so to speak, at how crimes are committed and how crimes are solved when lend to a bit of realism in her storytelling. Ms. Redmond also throws in a couple of twists that one would not expect. There is also animosity between Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Whitney, two shady characters for sure. There is even a hint of romance that gets blindsided by some unexpected news. As well, the seemingly minor characters help to make this story complete.

Recovering Rita by Teresa Burrell Book Review

 

As a member of Ms. Burrell’s beta reader team, I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. Cover image provided by Ms. Burrell.

Lana, Ron, and Tuper (and Dually, too!) are on the case of some missing Hutterite girls. They thought it was just Rita, but it turns out that at least one girl from several surrounding colonies also went missing. Their mission to find Rita leads them down one path, chasing clues, only to find them veering off to go in another direction that they weren’t expecting. Lana has some deep buried secrets of her own that she isn’t ready to reveal to anyone; Ron is curious, Tuper doesn’t ask, and Lana isn’t ready to tell. Maybe she will be in another book.

Ms. Burrell does a fascinating job of leading the reader down one path and then very cleverly tosses a pebble in the mix, turning the reader down another path. There is also just the faintest hint of a potential romance. Ms. Burrell also does a good job of intermixing her characters from her previous books into her current book.

Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay Book Review

 

I received a copy from NetGalley and am providing a review. Not my picture.

It all started with a party that went terribly wrong. Matt, a college student who is somewhat estranged from his family, especially his father, receives word that his family has suffered a fatal accident while on vacation in Mexico. He has to go to Mexico to claim their bodies and bring them home. After meeting some shady characters while in Mexico, he goes on a quest to find out what really happened to his family. His sister, Maggie, was on the trail of something or someone through tips she received via the social media accounts she had setup … to help their older brother, Danny. Agent Keller, with the FBI, is on Matt’s side and wants justice for his family.

This story has just about everything you could want. A close-knit family with some secrets intermixed. Some political undertones. FBI involvement. The guilty party turned out to be someone very unexpected. Matt’s close friends also play an integral part in this story, a misfit group for sure but they stick close together.

Certificate of Completion

 To say this makes me happy is an understatement.

Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy from Simon and Schuster and am providing a review.

Roan is a young lady who rides horses. Roan has a secret. Mama knows her secret and chooses not to do anything about it. Mama decides to leave Daddy, leaving Roan truly alone until she meets Will, a boy at school. Daddy (Monty, by name) holds everything over Roan’s head. If she goes in the opposite direction of what Daddy wants her to do, the consequences are far too great. Roan loves her horses. She wants to tell her secret but finds that when she has the opportunity, several times, she clams up. She could tell the social worker at the hospital after an accident, she doesn’t. She could tell Gertrude, the housekeeper who has been with the family for years, she doesn’t. Gertrude knows something isn’t right, she stays silent. People know something isn’t right with the relationship between Roan and Daddy, but they stay silent. That’s how much “power” Monty apparently has. 

I found the character Roan to be an extremely strong young lady. 

I have to commend the publisher for putting warnings on this book. I also have to commend Ms. Mihalic for taking a chance and writing this book. While it is “just a book,” I suspect that this sort of thing happens more than we ever hear about, to both men and women. 

I am putting trigger warnings on this book. It is very dark. If you are a victim of abuse, whether it be emotional, physical, or sexual, be careful if you choose to read this one. While the scenes depicted are not graphic, I suspect they can be quite triggering as there is just enough to let the reader know what is happening. There are some thoughts that Roan has that I suspect could be quite true of other people who have suffered the same things that she has in this book. Again, I commend Ms. Mihalic for writing this story.

The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry Book Review

 

You know how they say if a book doesn’t grab you on the first page or first chapter it probably won’t? No worries with this one! And I never should have started to read The Perfect Child on a workday an hour or so before my shift.

This is an extremely intense five-star read … and, admittedly, I am pretty “stingy” with five-star reads, but this one is so well deserved. There are so many things going on throughout the pages of this novel. There is six-year-old Janie who is an extremely troubled little girl who came into the hospital Christopher and Hannah worked out. Christopher being an orthopedic surgeon and Hannah being a nurse working at the same hospital. All Chris and Hannah wanted was a family of their own, enter Janie into their lives. On the outside, Janie seems to be a friendly, happy, outgoing child but behind closed doors at Chris and Hannah’s house is a different story entirely. Chris finds it hard to believe the stories that Hannah tells him about Janie’s behavior. He is blind to it he is so enamored with Janie. He’s a doctor, he can fix her. Until things go terribly, terribly wrong.

I truly believe that Ms. Berry’s profession as a trauma psychologist helped her craft this story into something that is so intense, dark, tragic, sad. This is a story of a very mixed-up little girl, you could say broken probably beyond repair, that leads to the unthinkable. It is also a story of a new mom suffering an extreme psychotic break, I suspect related to all the stress she was under at the time. There is also a hint of forgiveness between Chris and Hannah. Their story takes “for better or for worse” to a whole new level.

While this story is dark and twisted in so many ways, I think it is an important book as it brings to light conditions that happen in real life, we just don’t hear about them, darknesses that real people suffer from, darknesses that we need to be educated about. A disturbingly excellent read.

A Friend Like That by Marissa Finch Book Review

 

Publication day March 30, 2021. 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. Image provided by Ms. Finch. 

This story is primarily told in the voice of Alice. Alice is a loner who lives with her mom, her mom suffering from debilitating anxiety since the death of her husband. Alice finds herself sitting at the El Diablo after losing her job at The Grant due to the thing that happened, something The Grant wants to keep quiet. This is where she meets Taylor. Alice, not having much of a life herself, finds herself drawn to Taylor’s wild ideas of how to have a good time, at least Alice is getting out of the house. Until things go terribly wrong.

The other two main characters in this book are Enid and Heath, sister and brother, who have lived next door to Alice and her mom for twenty-five years. Alice and Enid have been friends all through grade school and high school, when, as in real life, they went their separate ways with different interests, until they reconnect and find themselves spending time with each other again, though Taylor decidedly takes up much of Alice’s time. Much to Enid’s disappointment.

There is actually more than one story contained within the pages of this book which makes it a good read, I think. There is even a hint of romance along with some personal healing. I expect you will be just as surprised at the ending as I was. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Finch. 

If you are looking for a new “psychological thriller” author, give Ms. Finch a shot!

The Case of the Sad Sons by Felita Daniels Book Review

 Image provided by Ms. Daniels. 

I have said this before, but one of the great things about being a reader is discovering new authors. Facebook is a great place for this to happen! This is where I stumbled across Ms. Daniels who graciously gifted me a copy of her book, “The Case of the Sad Sons.” Had it not been for that chance encounter, I would not know of the existence of her book. 

This is a tale about Locke Industries who believes their company is being embezzled from, but they don’t know by whom or how or why. They decided to have this further investigated and hired Laura Anthony and her team from The Anthony Group to investigate. There are two crimes committed … the reasons and the people involved are quite surprising. There is one “secret” hidden in this book that came as quite a shock. 

Ms. Daniels has created a family in Charles (the dad), Martin (the oldest son), and Terrance (the younger son, a Marine who just came back home eight months ago). Each has their strengths and their flaws. Then, there are the folks who make up The Anthony Group. Laura Anthony, the owner, is a strong female role yet she has taken her share of hard knocks which is probably why she is tough yet compassionate. Tommy is her computer geek whom she has taken under her wing to give him skills to help him succeed if he decides to branch out on his own. Mark is the ex-cop who rents an office from Laura and works for her upon occasion. He’s like her big brother. Finally, there is Ginger who is a former attorney working for Laura, but she keeps them on the legal side of things, even if that side is gray at times. Not to mention the other secondary characters interspersed, each playing their own unique role in the telling of this tale.

Fatal Complications by John Benedict Book Review

 

Image provided by Dr. Benedict. 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is when we first meet Luke Daulton, the new anesthesiologist working through a service who provides anesthesia services to Swatara General. This is also the book in which Luke and Kim’s baby girl, Abigail, enters the picture. This is an important point which you will understand when you read Fatal Complications as there are complications that occur in the operating rooms. We also get to meet Rob Gentry and Gwen along with Dr. Katz and Dr. Seidle. There is also an underlying story of an election campaign involving Senator Pierce. Apparently, some really bad dudes didn’t want him to maintain his senate seat. Don’t forget the money. And to think the answer lies within a Sudoku puzzle unknowingly picked up by someone who didn’t know any better.

I found this book to have some underlying themes, mostly related to good versus evil and who will be the victor … another being Luke dealing with some pretty deep-seated issues regarding his dad and struggling with his faith (is there a God or isn’t there?). Kim wants Luke to believe, yet she knows him well enough to know that he has to “get there” in his own time. I think we all question our faith when bad things happen. 

Having read Fatal Complications, Adrenaline, and The Edge of Death, I find that Dr. Benedict keeps his characters consistent throughout making them more relatable.

Without A Trace by Carissa Ann Lynch Book Review

 

There is almost nothing better than spending a rainy Sunday reading a good book. Such is the case of Sunday, March 14, 2021 … for me anyway. Ms. Lynch has fast become one of my favorite authors to read and Without A Trace is no exception.

We find Lily a four-year-old little girl has gone missing and her mom, Nova, is a mess as you can imagine. We also discover that what started out as a fairy tale for Nova’s didn’t turn out that way … or is she lying? There is Martin, Nova’s real estate husband, who seemingly has his professional personality and his when you’re alone in the room with him personality. The police officer on the case, Ellie, was involved in an incident that she is still trying to come back from. There is Nova’s neighbor, Clara, with a secret of her own. And, there is Rachel, the midwife, who gives Nova a business card with a knitting group’s app site on it. As it turns out, it may not be “just” a knitting club.

There is also an underlying theme running through this book that makes me a put a trigger warning on it for domestic abuse … the underlying theme being there is help available even if it is hidden, sort of like an underground system. The thing is, victims of abuse sometimes have a hard time escaping and don’t know how. They are scared. It is not an easy decision to leave one’s abuser, most especially if you have been threatened in any way and if there are kids involved that makes it even harder in some cases. This is true for both men and women. I highly praise Ms. Lynch for putting this book out in the world, to let victims know that there is help available.

There is definitely more to this book than what I was expecting. And the ending … well, you’ll have to read that for yourself.

Burn The Night by Mike Donohue Book Review

 

Image provided by Mr. D. 

I had the opportunity to do an early read and proof for Mr. Donohue. Publishing March 16, 2021.

Max finds himself in Philly, working as a driver for Liam’s car service, PPCS. As a night driver, Max runs across all sorts of characters, from drunk college girls, the occasional uptight businessman, or brides in bloody wedding dresses. One such passenger dropped a box in the back of his Town Car. Max, as you may recall, is also running from some seriously bad dudes and is still trying to fly under the radar, make things right in his life. The box is the property of Adelita, Max finds out later, and Adelita is looking for her sister, Soledad. There is also the underlying story of a re-election campaign going on. Javon, a young gym rat Max has seen at Ronnie’s gym, is also kidnapped in this tale and, naturally, Max wants to help. 

Mr. Donohue just keeps throwing out the twists as this story unfolds. Mr. Donohue is also quite masterful in how he uses imagery to pull the reader in. I am quite certain that you will enjoy his work as much as I do.

This is book #5 in Mr. Donohue’s Max Strong series. The order of his books: Shaking the Tree, Bottom of the World, Hollow City, Trouble Will Find Me, Burn the Night. Prequels: Sleeping Dogs and The Devil’s Angel. Short story collection: October Days.

While each of these books can be read as standalones, I encourage you to read them in order to really get a sense of Max and his friends.

SIDE NOTE: I don’t really like to compare one author to another, but I feel it is justified in this case. Mr. Donohue’s character, Max, reminds me a lot of Mr. Child’s character, Reacher. Both of these men are wanderers, finding themselves in one town or another. Both characters do odd jobs for a few extra dollars, not really concerned with the money, rather the cover it provides. Both seem to end up in positions where they are left with the choice of helping someone they feel is in distress or walking away. Both choose to help. Max and Reacher both seem to have inner demons, good versus evil, erring on the side of good. All these traits make both of these characters quite relatable.