The Salt House by Mike Donohue Publication Day/Blurb

 

A secret is a promise. It can also be a prison.

Max Strong finds himself in Texas working for the richest rancher in town. Alex Blackburn wants Max to find his wife. She vanished five years ago leaving behind only a pool of blood. Everyone in town, including the police, believes that Blackburn killed her. So why is he trying so hard now to find her?

As Max starts asking questions, two things become very clear. Someone is lying and someone is hiding a terrible secret.

As unpleasant secrets leak out, and the body count rises, one thing is for sure. Max might just be the right guy in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Not everyone wants to be found.

The Salt House is the latest riveting thriller in the Max Strong series filled with taut suspense and shocking twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Read the latest addictive thriller in the Max Strong series today. Perfect for fans of David Baldacci, Lee Child, Gregg Hurwitz, John Sandford and Ace Atkins.

A Bad Bout of The Yips by Ken Harris Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

As usual Jawnie and Rockfish have found themselves in yet another pickle. Pilar and Kara have purchased a piece of property with plans to develop it into something better. The stickler is the bad guys don’t want this to happen because it interferes with their own plans.

All the characters you expect from a Rockfish tale are found in this one, along with some extra not so upstanding characters.

What I like about Jawnie and Rockfish, other than Rockfish reminding me of James Rockford from “The Rockford Files,” is the banter between themselves. They never seem to take anything too seriously, but they really are. They seem to be the kind of folks who take on cases that no one else will, fighting for the underdog so to speak. Plus, I like the fact that the characters’ voices remain consistent book to book, no matter what they’ve been through previously.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Bout-Yips-Files-Rockfish/dp/1685131530/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1677079998&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bad-bout-of-the-yips-ken-harris/1142986307?ean=9781685131531

 

Find Ken Harris:

Website: https://kenharrisfiction.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kah623

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ken-harris-54a24282-553a-45ca-8f49-bf6adb71224e#Tuesday

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21772175.Ken_Harris#tuesday

Twitter: https://twitter.com/08025writes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KenHarrisFiction/

 

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Liar's Dice by Gabriel Valjan Blog Tour/Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Shane Cleary is an interesting fellow. He is a former police officer turned PI, and from what it sounds like, this was not a voluntary change. In the tale of Liar’s Dice, Shane is pulled into at least four different scenarios that are all connected, if even in some small way, in the end.

Here is what I find interesting … on the back cover the author is described as writing historical fiction. Say what? Some of the items found in this tale I remember as a kid … these don’t make me feel dated or old, rather bring up memories of my childhood … the things I grew up with. Rotary and push button phones, payphones on street corners, and TVs without remotes. I also enjoyed this author’s writing style in that his descriptions are drenched in metaphors, but some of them provide a good chuckle and seemingly come out of nowhere. Not to mention Delilah, Shane’s cat.

I would presume that the other books in the Shane Cleary series are written in the same fashion with characters that are just as colorful. If you’re looking for a “historical” read that is not from the 1960s or earlier, try this one. I’m sure you’ll be entertained!

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Liars-Dice-Shane-Cleary-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BHTZN2Z1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=N3S534FRGWU5&keywords=liar%27s+dice+gabriel+valjan&qid=1674574436&sprefix=liars+dice+gab%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liars-dice-gabriel-valjan/1143151325?ean=9781685122065

 

Find Mr. Valjan:

Website: https://gabrielvaljan.com/#liar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011325634871

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabriel-valjan

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5774664.Gabriel_Valjan#liar

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GValjan#liar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielvaljan/

 

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Partners in Crime: https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/

Need a proofreader? I’ve got you covered - https://www.melissaproofs.com/

 

Leaving Phoenix by Jafe Danbury Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This book has been on my radar for awhile and has been on my shelf for a longer while. I finally got around to reading it. The first chapter got my attention and I thought what am I going to be reading, it’s pretty gruesome. As it turns out, this is the story of Phoebe, who was originally born Phoenix. The first part of this tale is about how Phoenix’s mom, Rose, was finally brave enough to escape a really bad relationship.

Fast forward a few years and Rose is raising Phoenix to the best of her ability. They didn’t have much and Rose didn’t know what she was doing as a first-time mom, but she was making it work. Fast forward a few more years and Phoenix is five years old. Tragedy strikes.

Fast forward and Phoenix, now Phoebe, is with her Pop Pop, her adoptive father. Her adoptive mom took a hike. It is now around 1998 to 2000 … remember Y2K? The author has absolutely nailed the era. The songs he mentions, the “old” items he mentions, just everything I remember as a kid (well, maybe not some of the music) are absolutely spot on! Even Tab, the soft drink. There’s a character who loves his Tab.

Enter a letter that shows up one day that Pop Pop was expecting, he just didn’t know when. It was time to tell Phoebe some more truths about what happened to her mom. Off Phoebe, now Phoenix again, to California to find the answers she didn’t know she wanted. California provided a great many adventures and answers for Phoenix. Be sure to check out the picture of the tattoo that is in the book!

The tone of this book is spot on as well … never once did the “voice” change and that is something I truly appreciate about a writer. Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the imagery, the metaphors, some even making me chuckle just a bit.

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Shadow Gap, Alaska, with a population large enough to keep you company but remote enough to let you hide, or so Grier thought. He also didn’t expect to meet Chief of Police Autumn Long. He also didn’t expect he would get attached to the dog, Cap, who came with the cabin he rented. Nor did he think Otis and Sandford would get under his skin and become his friends, but they did. And, don’t forget Hank who also lives like a hermit but seems to have his pulse on the community.

This book starts out with Kenny going on an adventure to meet up with his Uncle Hank in Shadow Gap when he stumbles upon something no one wanted him to see. Then, we get into Grier and all his trouble that he was running from. Autumn’s father was the police chief before her so, of course, she has to deal with the men on her staff (all two of them) and how they felt about her being police chief. Plus, she is also dealing with things that happened a very long time ago concerning her mom, and then she finds out what really happened which sets her back a minute. Grier is thinking perhaps he needs to move on when some folks have some unfortunate accidents. And, Grier, always wanting to do the right thing, falls to Autumn’s request to help her solve what is going on the not-so-quiet town of Shadow Gap, where nothing bad happens.

This tale involves bad guys, good guys, some truths that no one expects, faith, and an undeniable attraction which makes for an interesting story. I suspect Autumn and Grier have some more adventures ahead of them.

If you like Paige Shelton and Susan Furlong with their Alaska adventures, then you are sure to like Ms. Goddard and hers! This will be an interesting series to read as it progresses. (This is Missing In Alaska, book one.)

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Light-Day-Missing-Alaska/dp/0800742044/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1673035096&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cold-light-of-day-elizabeth-goddard/1141499603?ean=9780800742041

 

Find Ms. Goddard:

Website: https://elizabethgoddard.com/#cold

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethGoddardAuthor#cold

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elizabeth-goddard#cold

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1295402.Elizabeth_Goddard#cold

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethgoddard#cold

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethgoddardauthor/

 

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The Family Bones by Elle Marr Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift. (Picture used with permission.)

You don’t want to mess with the Eriksens. They are one messed up family. But, guess what? They’ve decided to have a family retreat at the lodge that Uncle Zane purchased, Horsefly Falls. This tale is told in two voices, that of Olivia, a family member who has no desire to see her father’s side, and Birdie, a podcaster. Olivia is working on her dissertation which is about psychopathy, and who better to study than her own family? She also has a fiancé, Howard, who is nothing but supportive.

Enter Birdie, the podcaster. She’s made it her mission to seek justice for those folks who can’t speak for themselves anymore. Enter her research into what happened to Li Ming Na. Her research takes her to many forums on the internet, one of which led her to a retired police officer, who shared information with her, redacted though it was, because he, too, believed in justice and this case always felt off to him, which also led her to Horsefly Falls.

A very twisted tale indeed with the whoddunnit cleverly disguised. I thought I had figured out whodunnit, but I was wrong. If you like a bit dark, twisted tale of bizarre family dynamics, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this newest one by Ms. Marr.

Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture, publishing July 11, 2023.)

Where are all the Megan Collins fans? You have got to read this one … I think it’s her best yet. And I’ve read them all. This one is very fast-paced and will keep you turning the pages until the very end to find out the secrets that Julia, Sienna, and Jason are all hiding. Not to mention the true crux of Aiden’s anxiety issues and how much he really sees happening between his parents.

There is an interesting mix of characters intertwined in this tale. Julia and Sienna met when Julia was dating Jason, then they got married, but Julia (Jules) and Sienna’s relationship was much stronger than the one between Jules and Jason. They became so close they even started a business together, held hands to let the other know they weren’t alone, finished each other’s sentences. Until … they clashed in their belief of Jason, Sienna wanting to hold onto her childhood beliefs, Julia doubting her husband. Aiden trapped in his teenage years, not knowing what to do with his feelings.

Then, there’s Sienna’s memories of Clive Clayton and what he did when they were younger. Then, there’s the money trail. And Maeve.

If you are looking for another go-to author, I highly recommend you add Megan to your never-ending list. I am positive she is only going to get better throughout her career. Give Thicker Than Water a read when you have a chance.

A Body Washed Ashore by Bradley Pay Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This is book three in the Spectrum series. This book introduces us to a whole host of colorful characters and, so far, has been my favorite of the series. I think that’s because the book is more focused on the characters and not so much the places they go on the cruises. In this book, the first cruise starts out with a blind dinner, where six total strangers are introduced to one another and have dinner together. That would seem kind of awkward, but in this instance many bonds are created. These six include Tracey and Charlotte; Fong and Lee; Remy and her cousin, Frannie. This book encompasses a two-year period from 2012 to 2014, in which time these six characters get together quite often, bonds are formed and broken, some surprises pop up along the way especially involving Charlotte, and a big mistake happens.

This is definitely a series you’ll want to read in order to get a better understanding of the characters involved. The bonfire and scraps of paper I found interesting; we all have something we want to let go of. 

Blind Trust by Debra Parmley Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This is the third book in the Brotherhood Protectors series. In the first two books, we were introduced to a couple of the Marines who were involved in the Brotherhood Protectors. In book two, we were introduced to the Triple C’s Ranch, a shelter to house and help women get out of dangerous situations. It is located in a remote location which was supposed to be safe. We were also introduced to Cecelia, a former resident of a sister location and the receptionist to Triple C’s. Cecelia happens to be blind.

In Blind Trust, we learn more about Cecelia and we are introduced to Brian, a new recruit to the Brotherhood Protectors. Brian was immediately taken in by Cecelia, thinking she was a gorgeous lady and he couldn’t keep his mind from wandering to thoughts of her. Cecelia has her own story, her own reasons for not trusting easily, for not wanting to leave the ranch. She felt safe there. And, being blind, she knew her way around. She had no cause to leave and no cause to trust Brian … until she did.

If you like quick reads where there is an immediate attraction, a bit of action with a hero involved, and a female character who is flawed but stronger than she thinks, give this one a shot.

Off The Deep End by Lucinda Berry Book Review

 

I started this in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday and kept reading past my bedtime. Ms. Berry is one of my go-to authors and she does not disappoint. This tale starts off with a terrible car accident that involves Jules, her son Gabe, and another young man, Isaac. Jules is able to pull Isaac out of the water, but when she realizes it’s Isaac and not Gabe, she goes back down to try and find Gabe. Isaac waited for a minute before he went in after Jules. For whatever reason, this car accident and the incidents surrounding it, at least in Jules’s mind, bonded her and Isaac in a way she was having a difficult time explaining. And, let’s not forget the games Jules was challenging the forensic psychologist with (Dr. Stephens), having been a therapist herself. This is definitely one twisted tale!

In true Berry fashion, this tales takes on some very sensitive subjects - mental illness, in many forms; attempted suicide for various reasons; a troubled teen who creates a world in a video game; a father who is trying to reach his son through that video game; a mother not knowing what to do to help her son; a mother who is grieving for the loss of her son; a lot of survivor’s guilt; a school shooting; a little sister who adored her big brother and then didn’t. This is a very intense read that is not for the faint of heart.