The Therens: Secrets Beneath Scar by Cyndi Brec New Release

Help me congratulate Cyndi on her new release! Here's the blurb and an excerpt:

HOPE CARRIES A CRUEL PRICE AND DEMANDS PAYMENT.

Sixteen-year-old Callie Tresham is haunted by her parents’ brutal murder—an assassination she foresaw. As she struggles to conceal the curse of her supernatural powers, she faces a new trial, surviving public school.

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS AN ACCIDENT.

When a menacing photo ignites a quest for truth, the origin of Callie’s powers exposes the threat of a sinister conspiracy. She’ll have to use every skill in her arsenal to outsmart a relentless adversary who wants her dead.

SHE MAKES A DANGEROUS BARGAIN.

Yet, the deal grows deadlier. The threats increase, the romance grows cold, and the death toll rises. Everyone has a price or secret to exploit. Worse, she finds legends are codes revealing history’s dangerous truths.

She has two choices: conquer or die.

 

EXCERPT:

I’ve always thought memories shaped my future, which is not so much different than how music can affect my mood, especially when I moved my fingers across the guitar’s neck, strumming a softer note. The minor chords set a deep tone and sometimes cut through the pain, but lately, the melody echoed as strongly as the danger of my faulty visions.

Death didn’t always announce itself, but I should’ve felt or seen it coming. Yet, deciphering images of danger were as deceptive as piecing together sections of my broken past. Clarity was a skill polished by someone with experienced judgment, not a freaky seer with vision malfunctions.

If I’ve learned anything, the discrepancies between the past, present, and future are a never-ending circle. I’m stuck between who I am, who I want to be, and who I should be.

 

Her First Mistake by Kaira Lockwood Book Review

 

Where are my series readers? Where are my readers who like small towns with big city problems? You’ll find those in The Harpring Saga series, this being book one.

That’s where Gwen finds herself after she gets a promotion at work – Harpring, the town where she grew up and was all too eager to leave. Never did she think she’d go back. The problem – her husband, Max.

So far, what I like about this series:

Gwen – finding her backbone to stand up to Max.

Sherry – Gwen’s coworker and best friend. Sometimes Gwen’s voice of reason.

Max – the ex-husband. I like his ‘bad’ attitude and am interested to see what he gets up to next.

Kal – Gwen’s long-time ago sweetheart. There is a bit of sizzle when Gwen returns.

Hattie – the investigative reporter.

Jocelyn – the owner of the company Gwen, Sherry, and Hattie work for. I think there’s more to Jocelyn than what has been revealed.

The fact that Harpring is a small town with big problems appeals to me. I am looking forward to seeing what these folks get up to next.

Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker New Release

 

Help me congratulate Chad on his newest release! Here’s the blurb:

Propelled on a cross-country chase, devoted parents become desperate fugitives in a heart-racing novel of suspense by the author of Family Money and All He Has Left.

Thirteen years ago, Cole and Lisa Shipley were fostering an infant with hopes of adopting her. Overnight everything was turned upside down, when the child’s mother bled to death on their front doorstep. Her last words: He’s coming here…for her! Save her. Afraid, bewildered, and with a baby in their arms, they fled. The longer they hid, the guiltier they looked.

Now in a small Colorado town under assumed identities, they’ve been seemingly safe. But when a tip exposes them and Cole is framed for another murder, they take it on the run again, barreling across the western US―this time with a confused and resistant teenage girl awakening to a terrifying new reality. In the rearview is the relentless FBI agent who has never given up the hunt. And he’s not the only one.

Every frightening mile brings a family closer to the truth about that fateful night thirteen years ago. And to a killer who’s determined to finish what he started.

 

No Child of Mine by Nichelle Giraldes Book Review

 

Where are my ghostly readers, those who like a good ghost story that has been handed down from generation to generation? This one is for you!

Essie (present day) and her husband Sanjay have moved into a house, though they had no idea what this house had in store for them.

Ana and Isabel (from the past) are quite interesting ladies. Back in their day, their relationship was forbidden; thus, their families married them off to men as, I believe, they figured their relationship would slowly dwindle. And, through each of their marriages, Ana and Isabel each had an inner strength that came through loud and clear.

Not to mention the family curse that had been handed down through the generations because of a deal that was made a very long time ago. Essie, while she believed in the curse, while scared to face her fears of the slinky darkness, refused to let Sanjay be taken.

This read definitely has a dark vibe and pulls the past into the present. The way the author described the darkness and the smell Essie smelled made me feel like I could almost smell the same thing, almost feel the darkness closing in. I liked the dark vibe of this one, the way Essie faced her fears in many ways, the way she found the truth that wrapped around her own parents and this inherited, if you will, family curse. I’d be interested in reading more by this author just for the visualizations she portrays through the use of words. If anyone is a holiday-themed reader, this would be good around Halloween.

A Long Time Gone by Joshua Moehling New Release and Book Review

 

Help me congratulate Josh on his newest release! Here’s the blurb:

It's time to put the past to rest…

Ben Packard was just a boy when his older brother disappeared. Ben watched him walk out the back door of their grandparents' house and into the cold night.

His brother was never seen again.

Decades later, Deputy Packard finds himself with too much time on his hands. A shooting has him on leave and under investigation, and all he can do is dwell on the past. For the first time in years, new information about his brother has surfaced that may lead them to the location of a body.

The midwinter ground is frozen solid. Worse, Packard is cut off from department resources. As he strikes out to finally uncover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, he stumbles on a separate, suspicious death. A tenuous connection exists between the two cases, and as Packard starts to dig, he meets fierce resistance from friends and foes alike who want him to stand down.

The winter is long and cold. By the end of it, Packard will risk everything to catch a killer and reveal the shocking truth about his brother.

 

My Review:

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early copy of this one which is book 3 in this author’s series which includes the main character, Ben Packard. Book one, And There He Kept Her, and book two, Where the Dead Sleep. I practically devoured A Long Time Gone in a couple of days, but another book got in the way.

Book two found Ben on admin leave and here in book three he is back on duty, just not at his regular job, which really irked Ben, especially since … well, you have to read book two to know that part. In book three, Ben finds himself involved in a situation at the courthouse that leads him down a road he wasn’t expecting to follow, but it woke up the detective part of his personality so down the road he went. This road led him down some meandering paths, which led him back to the main road.

The thing about Ben is he asks questions, and he keeps asking questions until he gets the answers he knows exist. Some of his questions irk other folks, even those who are purportedly his superiors. They just don’t like him looking too hard at things.

Ben still maintains his friendship with Thielen … they have such a dry banter sort of relationship as partners. It’s quite entertaining to read them bantering back and forth.

While I still think book one is the best in this series, book three is a close runner-up. I found myself chuckling at some of the scenes, some of the dialog the author used throughout this one. I am enjoying the fact that the author is starting to show his personality, his humor, his voice in this series. Oh, and Ben’s mom? You need to ‘meet’ her! She’s one of those moms who doesn’t hold back and tells Ben like it is, even when it comes to relationships. In this one, Ben also finds himself discovering some truths, some that he was not expecting. I can only imagine what Ben will get involved with next. Be sure to watch for books four, five, six, and seven!

Darke Deeds by Lisa Sell New Release

 

Help me congratulate Lisa on her newest release. Here’s the blurb:

Careful what you wish for. You might get it and regret it.

True-crime podcasters and relatives, Angie and Violet Darke, are bored. Instead of covering small crimes, they want a huge case to solve.

It lands, literally, on their doorstep.

During renovation, a grave is discovered in Angie’s pub garden. When the identity of the body is revealed it means only one thing: murder.

As the investigation unfolds, loved ones can no longer be trusted. Devastating truths are uncovered. The Darke Deeds duo’s lives are at risk.

The present is bleak. The future seems uncertain. The past is never dead and buried.

With tension and twists throughout, this first book in the Darke Deeds series is a must-read for mystery thriller lovers.

 

Early Termination by Cindy Goyette Blog Tour and Book Review

 

Casey, a probation officer.

Betz, her ex-husband.

Marcus, an ex-probation officer.

These three characters are the main ones in this tale of early termination, an appropriate title for this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale. I enjoyed the emotional roller coaster Casey found herself on when dealing with her feelings for both Betz and Marcus, Betz because he was comfortable, and Marcus because he was so good-looking. Not to mention the tension between these two men when they came face to face.

I also enjoyed reading about the proverbial pickles Casey found herself mixed up in. The author’s sense of humor shines throughout these pages, which is something I appreciated.

There is a whole cast of other characters that bring this tale to life, some on the good side, some on the bad side. I liked the short chapters and the quick pace of the story that kept me turning the pages.

I was really rooting for Casey to make a decision between these two men; the choice she made in the end was not one I was expecting, but one I can relate to, one that was extremely important. I also like the fact that there was a dog involved and the choice she had to make when it came to said dog.

I found this to be a highly entertaining read, and I am curious to find out what Casey gets herself mixed up with next. I’m sure it’ll be a hilarious adventure, dog included.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Early-Termination-Probation-Files-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DRZ6DQWS?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/early-termination-cindy-goyette/1146798822?ean=9781685128548

 

Find Ms. Goyette:

Website: https://ccgoyette.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cindy-Goyette-Author/100077005287995/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cindy-goyette

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47341778.Cindy_Goyette

Twitter: https://x.com/cindy_ccgoyette

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindy.goyette/

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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

 

Her Hiding Place by Shannon Hollinger New Release

 

Help me congratulate Shannon on her newest release! Here’s the blurb:

“Okay sweetheart,” I whisper, giving my little girl Alice a final kiss. “Now remember, after I’ve locked the door, be quiet like a mouse. I’ll come back later, I promise.” Her little face crumples as I turn to leave and my heart breaks. But I have no choice. I have to work, and I have to keep her hidden.

It’s just ten days until the new hotel opens. As I push my cleaning cart into the chandeliered honeymoon suite, I wonder how it would feel to stay here as a guest. To watch the sun rise over the ocean, to fall asleep with no fear. I’ll never know, of course. Instead, I work twelve-hour days as a maid, constantly frightened of discovery.

Alice is just three, and she’s already seen more than any child should. Hiding on this isolated island resort, where she can only come out at night, is so hard for her. But the other staff can’t know she’s here, let alone the guests when they arrive. And no one can know my secret—or what we’re really running from.

But when a massive storm cuts the island off from the mainland, my darkest fears become real. A body is found and in the shocking aftermath, someone finds out about Alice… With no means of escape, I know we are stuck on the island with a killer.

Someone has been hiding in plain sight, waiting for an opportunity to make their move. Then my worst nightmare comes true and Alice disappears. I know I can trust no one. How far will I have to go to find her? And what will happen when they find out who Alice really is…?

Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, John Marrs and Daniel Hurst, Her Hiding Place is a totally gripping thriller that will have you hooked from the very first page until the final jaw-dropping, heart-racing twist.

River of Lies by James L'Etoile Blog Tour and Book Review

 

The first book in this series is Face of Greed where we are introduced to Emily Hunter and Javier Medina, her partner. I am really enjoying this series.

In this book, River of Lies, Emily and Javier have more banter which is something I enjoy. Brian is also still around. Emily and Brian’s relationship has progressed. I like this aspect of this series as well. Keeping it light but serious.

Connie – Emily’s mom. If you read Face of Greed, you know that Connie has Alzheimer’s. The author describes Connie’s actions so spot on. This disease really hits home for me. In Connie’s lucid moments, she says some things to Emily that shock her because she is, again, so spot on. Those lucid moments also give Emily hope and then Connie is lost again.

Lucinda – Javier’s mom. She is a bundle of laughs, especially when she gets under Javier’s skin about his dating … or lack thereof. She is a matchmaker for her son at heart.

Book two maintains the police procedural genre but also pulls in some politics as well, good versus bad, one man having a change of heart, or so it appears. This book also takes on a rather serious subject here in California – that of the unhoused population. I cannot even begin to imagine what that lifestyle is like, but in this tale bad things continually happen at the camps and the folks continually have to move until someone decides to stand up for them, to find out what the bad guys were doing and why.

That ending though … there are a couple of shockers I was not expecting.

I am enjoying reading about these characters and how their relationships evolve, what they find themselves involved in, and all the backstories that go with them. I look forward to more of this series.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/River-Detective-Emily-Hunter-Mystery/dp/1608095894/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FERKV7MSFGFS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fNG6C8gsybrfhkrs4ycXlJSm2kEkHonFhDow5yoALEc.yOFwXOv6f-gD7N6pnHYw4XTDZ3_rAXxyMuU5mNe0-C8&dib_tag=se&keywords=river+of+lies+by+james+l%27etoile&qid=1735138048&sprefix=river+of+lies%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/river-of-lies-james-letoile/1145295871?ean=9781608095896

 

 

Find James L’Etoile:

Website: https://jamesletoile.com/#deaddrop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamesLetoile/#deaddrop

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/james-l-etoile#deaddrop

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7076886.James_L_Etoile#deaddrop

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesLEtoile#deaaddrop

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

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

 

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

Lethal Wilderness Trap by Susan Furlong New Release and Book Review

 

Help me congratulate Susan on her newest release! Here’s the blurb:

Trust means everything…

when danger hits too close to home.

Hunting a never-caught killer, Special Agent Nolan Shea learns of a new victim. But the body on Ava Burke’s land puts her and her young daughter, Rose, in someone’s lethal sights. With a trail of shocking clues pointing to her family’s involvement, Ava starts to question everything she holds dear and is soon desperate to uncover the truth with Nolan. Step after step, they confront their fears. But will finally cornering a murderer out in the wilderness become a trap they can’t escape?

 

My Review:

I was fortunate enough to read an early copy of this book.

We are introduced to Ava and her daughter, Rose. What I like about Ava is her inner strength. She was dealing with losing her husband, raising her daughter on her own, and moving into her father-in-law Mac’s home. Rose was having her own difficulties with these changes as well, so much so that she was almost mute. Ava just wanted the best for Rose and wasn’t quite sure how to help her.

Mac – He’s one of those characters that is the strong, fairly silent types, yet with a fierceness inside to protect his family. Through all of their difficulties, both Ava and Mac held fast to their faith.

Enter Special Agent Nolan Shea, and his dog Creed, to investigate something that happened on Mac’s farm. To say the attraction between Nolan and Ava was instantaneous is an understatement. I like the fact that this attraction existed, yet both of them were uncertain what to do about it. I like romance written like this … knowing it exists but it stays subtle.

And let’s not forget the secrets that were long-buried in the attic.

There are some other characters throughout – Jane, Yvette, Kevin (Ava’s late husband), Hannah, Lindsey, Cam, Penn, Moore. All these characters’ lives tie together in one way or another and I liked reading about their backstories. I liked the fact that the author was able to lead me down one path only to veer off in another direction. I thought I had this one figured out; I did not. I was quite surprised at who the whodunit turned out to be.

 

The Ghostwriter by Kaira Lockwood Book Review

I’ve read a couple of books by this author and felt that she was one to watch for future reads, so when I had the opportunity to snag this book, I took it. This is book one in the Vinson Family Saga and can definitely be read as a standalone, but you’ll want more.

I found this to be written the way a novella should be – short chapters and a quick read. I find myself wanting to know more about the Vinson family. This one left me wondering what exactly happened to Zetta and why she made the choices she did – I just want more of her backstory.

In brief, Isabel, a journalist, was hired to research and write Zetta’s story. This meant she had to move into Zetta’s home, was invited to totally immerse herself in Zetta’s world – to include her clothes, her makeup, her perfume, her hometown. What an experience for Isabel to have … this could potentially skyrocket her career. She also met Weston.

And …

Then …

Boom!

The biggest surprise of all happened.

Yes, I definitely want more of this story. I want the details … the backstories of all these characters, especially Zetta.

If you’re looking for a quick read – you’ve found it. If you’re looking for a story that leaves you wanting more (at least it did for me) – you’ve found it.

Between Two Strangers by Kate White Book Review

 

As with all books I’ve read by this author, this one grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn’t let go. I could’ve probably read it in one sitting, but you know … life stuff.

Skyler is going about her business getting ready for an art gallery showing of her collages, which came as a surprise to this struggling artist. She never imagined she’d have a showing. Then boom! Her life is about to change but she doesn’t know why.

There is also the backstory of Chloe, one of Skyler’s sisters.

Unfortunately, Skyler’s parents (mom and stepdad) don’t always seem very supportive of Skyler’s art as they still blame her. Nicky, Skyler’s sister, seems to be the go-between.

Tuna – the cat. Who can resist a cat named Tuna?

I enjoyed reading about Skyler and her adventures in finding out the why behind the potential windfall she was about to receive. I liked the animosity that was played out between Skyler and Chris Whaley’s family – it made for a good read, at least to me. I was also engaged in how Chloe’s story from the past came full circle forward to explain the why behind Skyler’s inheritance, so to speak. I liked how this tale is written in “Now” and “Then,” which ultimately brings the reader full circle. I thought I had figured out the whodunit, at least I had my suspicions, and I was so off with that guess. I also liked the fact that even though this inheritance could potentially change Skyler’s life, in all the ways, she didn’t seem to change much in the end. She just wanted to find out why and bring some resolution, some healing to herself and her family in finally finding out the truth about what happened to Chloe. Skyler also finally found herself standing up for herself against all the naysayers.

The Unexpected Hostage by Allison McKenzie Book Review

 

I do not generally read blurbs and this one is no exception. I’ve had it sitting in my Kindle library for quite a while and picked it out to read. I was not expecting this story … at all. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was not disappointed.

I enjoyed reading Tess’s story. She is suffering from the loss of Kyle a year ago, is having trouble at her company (Kingsley Tech), comes face to face with some really bad guys, and is fighting the attraction she feels to Mark, a man she met at a function they both attended. Tess is tough, she’s strong, she’s committed to finding answers no matter the cost.

Mark is facing his own losses in life and wasn’t expecting to meet Tess, which is one thing they could agree on. He also wasn’t expecting to be put in the situations he found himself in.

There are a whole host of other characters – Declan, David, Kavita, The Raven, the bad guys, the police who were involved.

I enjoyed reading about all that Tess and Mark were facing, how they were both dealing with their own inner turmoil, trying to find some healing, some justice in what they went through. I like how the author portrayed this relationship as up and down as these two were going through their emotional baggage, not to mention some other trauma-filled events through these pages.

For a debut novel, this one is extremely well written, I thought, and played out the events well. It has just the right amount of action, the right amount of intrigue, the right amount of attraction between Tess and Mark. If you like reading about cybercrimes, I highly recommend you pick this one up. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

The Day He Never Came Home by Andrew DeYoung Book Review

 

I have had this eBook hanging out on my Kindle for a while now. I read this one in one sitting, I found it that attention-grabbing. I just kept turning pages as I was engrossed in Regan (Ree-gan) and John’s story.

Secrets abound!

Regan did not have the most perfect childhood nor did John, but John’s upbringing was much worse than Regan’s if you were to compare the two. John also held fast to some long-buried, best-forgotten secrets. Both John and Regan did all they could to better themselves, to escape their childhoods, and ended up meeting along the way. In the beginning, they had what I would call a fairytale relationship – John being what I would consider the weaker one in their relationship.

I like strong female characters and this is what Regan represented to me, but in a different light than what I would have predicted throughout these pages.

There are so many things going on throughout these pages – Regan wanting a home and a family and a career, John wanting to be the provider but getting into something he wasn’t expecting, their children (Etta and Philip), Arnold Scovel (his name just sounds like a bad guy), Tamara, the FBI, financial crimes, Regan’s parents, Randy (John’s brother), even John’s mom for a minute.

Part one is told from Regan’s point of view, part two is John’s revealing of his past, and part three is the culmination of parts one and two. I really enjoyed this read which kept me guessing as to how it would all come together in the end, who would be the winner, so to speak. Apparently, this is this author’s debut novel and I am hopeful that he will write more because I’d be interested in giving them a read.

Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight Book Review

 

I have had this book sitting in my Kindle for a while now. I finally decided to give it a read.

We are introduced to Katrina (Kat; the mom), Cleo (the daughter), Aidan (the father), the McHugh family. Talk about a messed-up family. Kat and Cleo are at odds with each other for various reasons, and Aidan seems lost with his own problems and not wanting to deal with theirs.

We also have Janine and Annie (a mother and daughter who live across the street from the McHughs). There’s some history between Cleo and Annie and how their friendship went up in smoke.

There’s Kyle, the boyfriend.

There’s Kat’s past that she chooses to keep buried and hopes no one looks too closely.

And Kat’s job? She’s a patent lawyer, but not your typical patent lawyer. There is the underlying story of Kat and her new relationship with Doug, and a lawsuit that involves Darden Pharmaceuticals. I was wondering how all this tied together and then it did. Kat’s boss seemed oblivious to the intricacies of this whole case.

There’s also Will, Cleo’s newest love interest.

I kept turning pages because I wanted to know how all of these intertwining stories related to each other, and as I was reading along, I was starting to develop a theory of the whodunit. I actually figured out the whodunit, just not the why. It was a convoluted trail to get there, with all the intertwining smaller stories. It’s a good twisty read.

The Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb Book Review

 

This author is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors, especially after reading the last book I read by her, The Haunting of Brynn Wilder. That led me to pick up this book, The Tale of Halcyon Crane, from my shelf.

I was especially intrigued with Hallie’s story. She ended up going to a small island out in the Great Lakes. She was summoned by a mysterious letter. What intrigued me about this town was the fact that there were no cars. Folks got around by horse and buggy (literally), walking, or bicycling. And, the author threw in a ghostliness to this tale. Of course, Hallie was met with stares and folks not quite believing her story and why she was in town.

There is also a bit of a love interest involved along with an inheritance. Ghosts of the past telling their story. Oh and Iris, how could I forget Iris? Iris definitely gives off a different sort of vibe, but is so necessary to this tale as she holds the history of the Crane family.

If you like a good ghost story with an adventuresome spirit in Hallie, give this one a go. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this author’s work.

A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch Book Review

 

I am not a big historical fiction reader, but in trying to expand that genre to my reading list, I gave this one a try and I have to say – I was not disappointed. I think what got my attention was the cover. It matches perfectly, to me, the main character in this tale – Phillipa Cashel. This is a rags-to-riches type story.

Phillipa, Pippa to some, is a character who has escaped her previous life to do something good. She has such an inner strength about her that I appreciated. No matter how folks she encountered treated her, knowing her past, she kept on going to fulfill her dream … that of creating an organization to help women who were trapped in the same sort of life she had. She was also offered an opportunity that she wasn’t sure she would pursue. I also liked her attraction to one Sir Bertrand Thorndike, or Bertie to his friends. Bertie has a story of his own.

What I really found intriguing was the writing style and how true it stayed to the time period. I could just imagine some of these characters in my mind’s eye. It was also interesting to me how the ‘classes’ in one of the homes were described – from scullery maids, to first-floor maids, to second-floor maids. I’ve never read a historical fiction book with the classes defined like that.

According to the list of books in the front matter, this is going to be a part of a series, and the ending of book one is a perfect setup for book two. I’ll be sure to watch for it. The series is Of Cloaks & Daggers.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson Book Review

 

I had no idea what this book was about so I went in blind, as I kept seeing folks on social media say how good it was. To be honest, in the beginning I wasn’t sure this one would be for me. I diverted my attention to an eBook but kept reading this one. The more I read it, the more intrigued I became, so much so that I abandoned my eBook temporarily to finish this one. I had no idea, until the end, that this book was based on a historical time in Kentucky including none other than “book women.”

I was introduced to Cussy Mary or Bluet or “Book Woman” as her patrons took to calling her. They called her “Book Woman” as she was one of the Kentucky book women who went around and delivered reading materials to those folks who lived way back in the hills of Kentucky, those so out-of-reach places no one even knew of their existence. Bluet was also, to put it mildly, a ‘blue’ person. Not blue as in sad, but rather the color of her skin was blue. Again, I had no idea this condition even existed, and because she was blue, she was basically an outcast in the white world.

Bluet experienced a whole lot of sadness in her short life, saw some pretty sad sights on her book route, and also experienced some pretty horrific events of her own. Along comes Doc and his testing, with his own realization about Bluet, and Bluet’s realization that she was okay being a Blue. Bluet also experienced some happy moments in life. She was quite a strong-willed individual and became more important to her patrons than even she realized.

I can only imagine the research it took to develop these characters so deeply, to be able to describe what life was like during this time period, to make the reader feel like they were actually there seeing and experiencing what Bluet did. If you are big into history and like books that are accurate in their telling, this one might just be for you.

Newsletter Schedule for 2025

 

My final newsletter for 2024 will hit in-boxes December 31, 2024. Thank you to everyone who participated!

My January 2025 newsletter will hit in-boxes January 6, 2025.

To sign up -  

https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/429866/87468051644024810/share

or pop on over to my website - melissaproofs.com

Wishing you all a prosperous 2025.

Blood Lasts Forever by Jeff Gunhus Book Review

 

I have never heard of this author and one thing I enjoy as a reader is discovering new authors.

I enjoyed this story. It had the right amount of twistedness to keep me turning pages. I liked the way this story flowed and unfolded. I enjoyed reading about the Fab Five and their secret, the glue that made them stay quiet over the years. The Fab Five consisted of Mitch, Dan, Kelly-Ann, Lauren, and Rick. Each of the Fab Five grew up to lead relatively normal lives, but there was something that continually haunted all of them.

Wyatt and Sykes Bucks – brothers. Wyatt wanted to be like his older brother, Sykes, or so it seemed. Both were troublemakers.

There is also a bit of a ghost story involved in this tale of childhood gone wrong.

What I also enjoyed about this tale is how the chapters ended with a phrase that led right into the following chapter, the chapters of which flipped back and forth between the present time and memories of a long-past childhood that surrounded each character and what they each had to lose as adults if their secret was revealed. Who would benefit the most from the secret remaining buried? Who wanted to gather everyone in adulthood to make sure everyone stayed silent? A ghost from the past or one of the Fab Five?

 

Death in the Ozarks by Erik S. Meyers Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I really enjoyed ‘meeting’ Sally Witherspoon and being introduced to the many characters in this cozy mystery.

Sally is an amateur sleuth and the owner of Sally’s Smasher, who was co-owned by her friend Bill Arnold. There are a whole host of other characters you’ll get to meet – Jay and Magda, the mayor, Finnegan and Soder (the detectives), Margaret, Diane, the rest of the Arnold family, Zeke and Annette. All of these folks make for some pretty colorful characters that help bring this story to life. Some of the situations Sally finds herself in made me shake my head, and left Sally wondering how she got herself into the situation. The more questions she asked as an amateur sleuth, the more trouble she found herself creating.

There were a couple of folks in this tale that I suspected of being the whodunit. All of them viable for different reasons. I was wrong and the whodunit was totally unexpected, wasn’t even on my list of suspects. And the reasoning … that was even more unexpected.

On the whole, while I don’t usually read cozy mysteries, I did enjoy Sally’s tale and her sleuthing. I liked her persistence and her loyalty to her friends and wanting to see justice served. I liked the fact she was willing to take chances, even to her own detriment and much to Finnegan’s surprise sometimes. It will be interesting to read about her next adventure … see what small-town mysteries she unravels.

 

Find Mr. Meyers:

Website: https://www.erikmey.com/

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

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20487338

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Ozarks-Sally-Witherspoon-Mystery/dp/1685125204/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EYLOB4Q59GBH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lV8VPh81-sn-ENkbBIpyK5vRjCV_7Wk6Eks4BKdSPH5bCZH_WzO27pwu0Faf842WTbZ2wkECe7H9komeDpmzoNBcBGrtnJxs64dEhKp5BoWpZBikrBzqgpwJlqt-NVetxiw6Q5OVv904-SyZkvTn2l-r5Gggbv0i5UAsHrP-gEn0iY0kr-7dawA3P1Enw-B4fsVJmC7RV3ULlKrxqIofjrUng3g4Ibifhkr3GRFL_6s.FF6jdi3IO2wGAZTvsNZf3q6oIrO8EFzTafgye6MZ9P8&dib_tag=se&keywords=death+in+the+ozarks&qid=1727625453&sprefix=death+in+the+ozark%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-in-the-ozarks-erik-s-meyers/1144349296?ean=9781685125202

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

MURDER ON THE MISSISSIPPI by ERIK S. MEYERS

I received a gifted copy.

 

#bookreview #bookstagram #bookinfluencer #psychologicalthriller #thriller #mystery #readersofinstagram #booknerd #readers #reading #proofreader #betareader #author #bookreviewer #fiction #suspense #booksofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #amreading #editing 

 

Find Mr. Meyers:

Website: https://www.erikmey.com/

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

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20487338

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Burn This Night by Alex Kenna Blog Tour and Book Review

 

Be sure to get yourself a copy of this author’s latest release. It has all the elements I like.

Kate is trying to put her life back together after a couple of bad accidents and some addictions. She finds herself in the private investigation business and this case takes her to Idlewood, to work on a recent case and a twenty-year-old case. Little did she know how they would tie together.

She also has a daughter Amelia and an ex-husband, John. Which only adds more depth to her story. And, her mom has been keeping a secret from her since childhood. Adding yet another layer to Kate’s story.

She meets Sam … there are fireworks between the two of them.

The case in Idlewood she was asked to look into was shrouded in half-truths as you’ll see when you read this tale that is told in the voices of Kate and Abby, one of the victims telling her tale in the past, only to collide with Kate’s tale told in the present.

You’ll meet the Coburns, Abby’s parents. You’ll meet Jacob, Abby’s messed-up brother. You’ll meet Richard, the lawyer tending to Jacob’s case. Richard has a tale of his own to tell. Myra … Myra is the one who tied everything together for Kate, and Myra has some serious issues of her own.

These characters are imperfectly perfect, showing their warts so to speak, which is the reason I enjoyed this tale so much. I really hope that there are more ventures for Kate in her private investigation work as I think she would turn out to be quite an interesting character. Maybe she and Harry can work together on a future case. I’d be interested to see how Kate’s relationship with Sam works out as well. I liked the attraction they felt for one another. I liked Sam, fiercely protective of those he cared about, and a man who could relate to Kate in a way she wasn’t expecting. If you like a good whodunit that will take you in circles trying to figure out the whodunit, give this one a go. I sure wasn’t disappointed.

 

Find Ms. Kenna:

Website: https://www.alexkenna.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085915802718

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-kenna

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22295347.Alex_Kenna

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexkenna9

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

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-this-Night-Alex-Kenna-ebook/dp/B0CPXSKXQ9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=O1LK1Y6DRZCC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.A78tJJXqkUF6adPmK4KvI3aFxpXbXz8qmFwkTivYlD0ypkeXNqOIL1cluxxSRRMlMYwPWEeOHi_WmtpQgTNvQgz97eiYInWo4r-LzwFZy7-0RV-QKfQFemV0jXX7jaNI0sEb77MXALrJFwh-UeG0E4ECg-xh9Ge2MakEhIlD9_kamcHhjq6kC04ySX2x4R5q7LOIvzxeUsTfdtvr1DneqeL_D_23ZcclVHbPfKcc2r4.0RmU9wjqCSLh6PtFUNhLWds4ku-l_H9IPfehMkJpbFE&dib_tag=se&keywords=burn+this+night&qid=1722715287&s=digital-text&sprefix=burn+this+night%2Cdigital-text%2C173&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burn-this-night-alex-kenna/1144507977?ean=9781639109388

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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

 

 

 

Hidden Sins by Mike Donohue New Book Release

 

Help me congratulate Mike Donohue on his newest release – Hidden Sins. Here’s the blurb:

Trust no one, suspect everyone.

In the charming town of Cedarwood, where everyone knows your name, PI Marti Wells is about to uncover a darkness that threatens to shatter its picturesque facade.

Hired by a grieving widow to investigate her husband’s puzzling behavior before his untimely death, Marti finds herself entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. As she digs deeper, she realizes the quaint community harbors a sinister underbelly – one that powerful forces will do anything to keep hidden.

With an uncanny intuition and a stubborn streak a mile wide, Marti has carved out a career piecing together the fragments others overlook. And in Cedarwood, those fragments are about to form a deadly puzzle.

With each clue, the danger mounts. A mysterious attacker. A missing notebook. A string of suspicious deaths. What connects them all?

As Marti races to unravel the truth, she becomes the target of a relentless killer who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried. Can she expose the town’s hidden sins before she becomes the next victim?

Read the second page-turning mystery in the Marti Wells series today. Perfect for fans of Laura Lippman, Sue Grafton, Michael Connelly, and John Sandford.

 

Bending the Arc by Nicholas Gretener Book Review

 

LawForce came into existence because a couple of folks needed a stronger legal force behind them to fight for the little guy, so to speak. Their first mission was to find a lawyer to help them out with LawForce which they found in Steve Shane. Their first case to take on was Green Action Coalition (GAC) versus Wildcat Gas and Oil.

Without getting into the specifics, this book is filled with all the ins and outs of this case, leading Shane and his team down roads they weren’t expecting. There were many factors in play in this case and many overlying roles between the characters, some good guys, some bad guys, because who can have a ‘legal thriller’ without those two characteristics? The interesting thing was the sabotage involved, at least to me; it seemed pretty mild but yet had so much bigger implications.

While I found this to be a long read at 474 pages, I did enjoy the writing style. Could some of the story been shortened? Probably, but without all the backstory and all the intricacies involved, I think something may have been lost in the telling. To me, there was one loose end that never was answered, but overall, I enjoyed this story. It leaves me wondering what LawForce will get involved with next. If you like a ‘legal thriller’ that is full of detail and not too much courtroom drama, give this one a try.

Six Degrees of Death by Marian Exall New Book Release

 

November 25, 2024

Help me congratulate Marian on her newest release! Here’s the blurb:

The suspicious death of a much-loved English professor in a small Northwest college town connects six strangers. Is one of them the killer? "It's always the husband," declares the jaded detective in charge, but a rookie cop assisting him isn't so sure. When the police investigation hits a wall, the former strangers come together to uncover unlikely links between the professor's death, Central American political corruption, and a secret document that names the criminals. Now they are all in danger, as an assassin seeks to eliminate any witnesses.

I Know She Was There by Jennifer Sadera Blog Tour and Book Review

 

Oh my goodness! Caroline, the main character, sure has some problems to work through. Part one, takes us through some of Caroline’s turmoil. I have to say I was a bit confused for a minute while I was reading Caroline’s story, as it is told mostly in narrative form … sort of like Caroline telling her side of events. Caroline, I found, to be an interesting lady. She has her problems, but by part two of her tale she was beginning to see things a bit more clearly and the answers she found … she sure wasn’t expecting them.

Mary, Caroline’s next-door neighbor. Bless her. She was seemingly looking out for Caroline, but her way of going about that, to Caroline, seemed a bit off. You’ll have to read the book to find out why. In the end, though, things came together and Caroline finally understood what Mary tried to do for her.

Tim, Caroline’s soon-to-be ex-husband. He’s one of those characters you want to like and empathize with, but you can’t because of who he turns out to be.

The big question for Caroline was – did she see what she thought she saw? And, if she did, who did it?

This is the author’s debut novel. While it was told mostly in the narrative form, I enjoyed it. I liked all the ups and downs Caroline had to go through while she was investigating an event that to her was very real, but to others seemed farfetched. Caroline suffers from some pretty serious mental health issues, which may be triggering for some, but she also had to accept some very hard truths that she was struggling with.

While she was playing amateur detective, she also found an inner strength that she didn’t know she had. This is something I appreciate in a female character. She may not have started out quite so strong in the beginning through her struggles, but she proved to herself, and to Tim, how strong she really was. Oh … and wait until you read about the plan Mary cooked up in the end.

 

Find Ms. Sadera:

Website: https://www.jennifersadera.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fjennifersadera

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.sadera

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43850822.Jennifer_Sadera

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0744310954/?bestFormat=true&k=i%20know%20she%20was%20there&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_20&crid=1PSEQC98Z6A3Y&sprefix=i%20know%20she%20was%20there

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-know-she-was-there-jennifer-sadera/1144411792?ean=9780744310955

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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

 

 

 

The Crushing by Kerry Peresta Blog Tour and Book Review

 

Book 1 in this series is The Deadening.

Book 2 in this series is The Rising.

Book 3 in this series is The Torching.

Book 4 in this series is The Crushing.

The attraction between Olivia and “her” detective, Hunter Faraday is still there, although on a bit of a hiatus. I like this about their relationship, their back and forth, should they, or shouldn’t they. It adds so much realism to their characters.

Sherry – As I suspected before, Sherry is more involved in Olivia’s cases, even taking on some new clients of her own.  

Hannah – Another friend in this all-women circle. Hannah is a very troubled individual. She pulls out some surprises of her own no one was expecting.

Beth – Oh my! What a receptionist for Watchdog Investigations she turned out to be.

Hunter – He’s torn between two women. He gets a surprise or two of his own this time around.

Riot (the cat) and Marlowe (the dog).

What I am really enjoying about this series, Olivia Callahan Suspense, is the consistency of the characters. I also really enjoy all the intertwining smaller stories thrown in, some expected, some not so expected. I also like that Monty, Olivia’s ex, is a perpetual thorn in her side, so to speak. You never know what Monty will try next, just to see if he can get under Olivia’s skin. I’m sure Olivia will have more adventures in the future. It’ll be interesting to see what this author comes up with next.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Olivia-Callahan-Suspense-ebook/dp/B0DGRCBM5X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UI5TEBJARESN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vTOHcFF331k78pR7jZVy9E24CKB7BRfDNZUUhvAj4vs6In9kyCJPE5AcVPbNdWOp.VIkCzgQDXju6vv-ylRciolj9ca6TdGKwy5ttFz392WU&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+crushing+kerry+peresta&qid=1726929130&sprefix=the+crushing+kerry+perest%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1

 

Find Ms. Peresta:

Website: https://kerryperesta.net/#torch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.peresta

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/klperesta

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kerry-peresta#torch

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7579490.Kerry_Peresta#torch

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kerryperesta#torch

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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kerry-Peresta/author/B007S3C69K

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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