The Vanished by Cara Putman New Release and Book Review

 

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

Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back--until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother's historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather's sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey to unearth his secrets. When her new job at a local law firm doesn't live up to expectations, she wonders if coming home was the right decision. Carter Montgomery starts his art preservation career with the only job he can get--director at the Elliott Museum of Art. At least Kedgewick is a nice enough town to provide him and his nephew with a safe place to grieve the loss of Carter's sister. But Carter's calm days disappear when an elderly woman claims two paintings in the museum's collection were stolen from her family during World War II. Carter enlists Janae's help to unravel the legal labyrinth of art ownership, and the peaceful facade of Kedgewick morphs into a hot bed of secrets. When an attorney turns up dead and Janae uncovers another painting, what began as a simple legal issue spirals into a race against time. As the web of intrigue tightens, the duo must confront a looming question: What dark truths lie beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed?

MY REVIEW:

Genre: Romantic suspense.

Series: Secrets to Keep, book one.

I received a gifted copy.

This was my first introduction to this author. I really enjoyed her writing style as well as the storyline.

This tale would appeal to those readers who enjoy learning something new … this something new involves the world of museums, works of art, and determining provenance. It was intriguing to me just how much work goes into determining the provenance of a piece of art. I guess I’ve always been a bit curious … it’s one of those behind-the-scenes things. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but there seemed to be a ring of truth in that determination through these pages.

I enjoyed the storyline between the main characters Janae, an attorney who has a story of her own, and Carter who also has his own story. I liked the back-and-forth between the two of them, their attraction but not really sure if they should act on it. Janae from the standpoint of Carter being her first big client in her new law firm, and Carter simply because he was afraid to take a chance with his heart. There is also a backstory involving Charlotte, Carter’s sister, along with her son, Andrew.

And, we can’t forget the Ashby and Ashley Law Firm, along with Janae’s parents … not to be ousted by the story of Janae’s grandparents. And the Elliott Museum itself and all that happened there.

Two Heads are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell Blog Tour and Book Review

I received this book as a gift.

This is book two in the Eddie Shoes series and it is hilarious! In parts, near the end, it did get serious with a couple of topics, but Eddie maintained her sense of humor throughout.

Eddie’s given name is Edwina Schulz, but she goes by Eddie Shoes, which, I think, fits her personality better. Plus, she’s a PI who does a lot of on-the-ground work, so to speak, so it makes sense she’d call herself Shoes. Eddie and Chance are still dancing around each other.

Chava – Eddie’s mother. Chava is a constant in Eddie’s life, one she did not really appreciate until later in life.

Dakota – what a character in Dakota. She’s the messed-up, long-ago friend.

Lisa – Chance’s police detective partner.

Franklin – Eddie’s dog.

Even though I was chuckling throughout the turning of these pages, there were some serious issues brought up. These may be spoilers, but there is Mark and his schizophrenia. Dakota and her consistent lying, not to mention the bigger crime she perpetrated. There is even a bit of a ghost story in Richard Vost. There is the heartbreak between Eddie and Chance. And, the estranged relationship between Eddie and her father, Eduardo.

I appreciated the characters coming to life through these pages. If you like colorful characters intermixed with some serious subjects, I highly recommend this series. I wonder what Eddie will find herself mixed up in next.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heads-Deader-Eddie-Shoes-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CGMR3RXW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VGFE1PIKR7RW&keywords=two+heads+are+deader+than+one&qid=1705849315&sprefix=two+heads+are+deader+than+one%2Caps%2C304&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/two-heads-are-deader-than-one-elena-hartwell/1125149810?ean=9781504089371

 

Find Ms. Hartwell:

Website: https://www.elenahartwell.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elena-hartwell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3975429.Elena_Hartwell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Elena_TaylorAut

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

 

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Buy One, Give One - Reading is A Right - Book Program Sponsored by Joe Clifford

 

Scrolling through Facebook one day, I came across a post by Joe Clifford. It was a picture of a pile of books describing how he sends books to currently/previously incarcerated individuals. I was quite intrigued by this as I’d never seen anyone else do something like this.

This past year, I decided to start a newsletter showcasing an individual author each month. April 2024 was Joe’s month and I wanted to know more about this program. Fortunately, before scheduling my newsletter to go, on another random Facebook scroll, I found that Joe has revamped his book program.

Joe says: “I've revamped my website with some new deals, 2 for 1 kind of stuff, signed copies, bundles, etc. But the big one is "Buy One, Give One," which is part of my "Reading Is a Right" program that allows me to send free books to currently/previously incarcerated individuals. If you know someone in prison, family member, friend, casual acquaintance, just give me their inmate number and mailing address and I'll ship out a free, signed book. I'll send as many as they want to read. I could've ended up in San Quentin if not for the many, many (many) second chances I was given. Being incarcerated shouldn't take away opportunities to read.”

I am hoping by helping Joe spread the word about his amazing program, it will make a difference in someone’s life. I think it’s a good thing Joe is doing, a positive thing. If you’d like to help Joe with his program, contact him for details (joe@joeclifford.com).

In the meanwhile:

Link to Joe’s latest newsletter - https://preview.mailerlite.com/o4a8q3j7e8/2454853359992051600/s4v7/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1t2MW7SA_Y

 

 

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright New Release and Book Review

 

Help me congratulate Jaime on her new release! Here's the blurb: 

As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women--generations apart--discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.

In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer's retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie's quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn't imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.

A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt's bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister's dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house's claim to fame--the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle's murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death.

 

MY REVIEW:

I received a gifted copy.

Things happen at 322 Predicament Avenue. Things that make you wonder if something really does go bump in the night.

Norah found herself inheriting 322 Predicament Avenue when her Aunt Eleanor passed on. It was never Norah’s goal in life to be a bed-and-breakfast owner, it was her sister Naomi’s dream. Naomi, sadly, wasn’t around to make that goal happen.

Jump back to 1910 when the residents of 322 Predicament Avenue were members of the James family, specifically Effie (Euphemia) and her sister Polly, two sisters who got up to all kinds of mischief at Polly’s insistence, much to the dismay of their parents and inappropriately so for the time period.

Back to present day, when we meet Sebastian who is a podcaster staying at 322 Predicament Avenue to uncover what happened to Isabelle Addington back in 1910.

Back to 1910 when Isabelle found herself in Shepherd, Iowa, where this story takes place, and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. Also, back in 1910, the ousted family of Shepherd, Iowa, the Oppermans. They’re the family that the town avoided. Mabel Opperman held onto 322 Predicament Avenue because she couldn’t stand the thought of someone else in the town owning the property, so it became a shelter to passersby, transients, random strangers, and the like.

Staying true to her style, this author writes in a dual timeline, that being 1910 and present day, and has a building involved, that being 322 Predicament Avenue. What I enjoy the most is the overlapping of characters and their different yet similar personalities. In this tale, we have Norah and Naomi, sisters, and back in 1910 another set of sisters, Effie and Polly. Each sister pairing suffers a tragedy. We also have Sebastian, the podcaster of today, and Mr. Anderson of 1910, both seeking answers as to what happened to Isabelle Addington. Between these four characters, we also have a hint of love interests, which is also an entertaining offshoot to this tale.

There are a whole host of other characters that make up this tale of Shepherd, Iowa. We have Otto and Ralph, a pair of brothers who Norah grew up around, who her Aunt Eleanor cared about, but there is a deeper story to these two brothers. Their counterpart back in 1910 would be Mabel Opperman and her son Floyd, and the cloud of suspicion surrounding the Oppermans.

There is a lot going on in this tale of 322 Predicament Avenue. I was especially intrigued by the ‘ghostiness’ of this story. You could liken the house at 322 Predicament Avenue to a modern-day haunted house that you might traverse through, or maybe even an old, abandoned house in a town that refuses to tear it down so there it stands in all its ominousness just waiting for folks to pass through. With a graveyard out back for good measure. There are a couple of twists to this haunting tale that I sure wasn’t expecting and came out of the blue, but I think that was the intent.

If you like a good, haunted house/ghost story tying the past to the present with characters that can be quite colorful, with a few twists thrown in, don’t miss this one. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Murder Leads to Marriage by Shannon Peeples Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

Let me introduce you to the characters.

Jack – The dad to Lilly, Rosie, Daisy, and Amy.

Lilly – Married to Kevin. A nurse.

Rosie – Haunted by her past with Steve. An aspiring author.

Daisy – Having a difficult time getting her life back together after losing Tommy. She becomes a clerk at the hospital Lilly works at.

Amy – The youngest of the sisters. Decided to go to law school.

Ren – The local vet. Meets up with Rosie.

Jon – Wait until you hear his nickname! Meets up with Daisy.

Danny – The local cop. Friend of the Hurley family.

Looking for a book that contains second-chance romance(s)? Check!

Looking for a book that has a close-knit family who sticks together through all the ups and downs, thick and thin? Check!

Looking for a book who has a character who can’t seem to escape her past? Check!

I enjoyed meeting all four of the sisters. They each bring something to this tale with their different personalities. The underlying thing that holds them together? Family. I’ve never read about a more close-knit family.

When Martha enters the picture, there is a definite eeriness that takes over the family. To put it mildly, Martha was a very troubled individual. I was shocked at what happened to her in the end. I did like the creepiness she brought to this family’s tale.

I was also intrigued by the dogs in this story – Big Shirley, Walter, Marilyn (the three main ones), Leo, and Evie. How clever are those names!?!

One Dead, Two to Go by Elena Hartwell Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This is book one in the Eddie Shoes series. And who can resist a book with the opening line of: Call me Eddie Shoes.

Eddie Shoes is a private investigator in Bellingham, Washington, with her own practice. This is an entertaining tale of a case that involves Kendra Hallings and all the drama that goes with her. You will meet colorful characters like Chava, Eddie’s mom, who is a firecracker and basically inserts herself into Eddie’s life … and home, much to Eddie’s surprise.

You will meet Mr. Hallings, Chance Parker and his partner Kate (there’s a history between Chance and Eddie). You’ll also meet the not so upstanding Karl Turner. And we meet Eduardo, Eddie’s estranged father. I have never read/met such colorful characters. All of them together are quite entertaining.

The thing that I like about Eddie is her random thoughts in even the most serious of situations. She can be facing, literally, an extremely serious situation and make light of it with her humor. I found myself chuckling quite a bit while turning these pages. Eddie seems to be the sort of PI who takes on seemingly ‘simple’ cases, but they turn out to be much more than she anticipated. If you like a good chuckle, a well-paced read full of humor, with some romantic tension thrown in, pick this one up.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/One-Dead-Eddie-Shoes-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CGMRQF99/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=wYfau&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=131-3104865-4758931&pd_rd_wg=Ce3tt&pd_rd_r=0e90287a-bda0-4710-9a37-84d00d484616&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-dead-two-to-go-elena-hartwell/1122755079?ean=9781504089364

 

Find Ms. Hartwell:

Website: https://www.elenahartwell.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elena-hartwell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3975429.Elena_Hartwell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Elena_TaylorAut

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

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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Struck Dead by Andrea Kane Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

Forensic Instincts is an organization that delves into criminal investigations – like a PI company, sometimes skirting the law and definitely making the detectives in this story a bit irked at their antics, especially when it comes to not sharing information. This story centers around what happened to Mr. Hillington and why and is coupled with the underlying story of what really happened to Mr. Vicario. And, to keep things interesting, who is going after Casey.

The characters we meet are Casey and Hutch (Casey is the owner of FI, and Hutch is FBI). Ryan, Patrick, Claire (she is an intriguing character), Marc, Emma, and Yoda. The two police detectives, Lorraine and Burt, who have opposite personalities so they complement each other. Angela Case, Mr. Hillington’s lawyer. The rest of the Hillington family, the Vicario family, and the secret family.

Having never “met” these characters, I was still able to pick up on their different personality quirks. Each of these folks have different talents that they use throughout their investigations. I was intrigued with Claire as she is a claircognizant, meaning she gets visions. She adds an intriguing element/perspective to this tale. I was especially taken with Yoda. Yoda is basically a Siri, an Alexa, the internet with a voice request. Yoda has also apparently taken on a human aspect, or so it seems. I also enjoyed reading about all the backstories, even the minor ones, that make the characters all the more relatable.

This is book 10 in this series and I suspect there will be more. If you like police procedurals that run in a series, pick this one up. Short chapters, quick read, well-developed characters. I don’t think you have to read them in order to get a sense of the characters. I suspect FI will be taking on another investigation soon … irritating the two detectives even more on their next adventure, especially since they’re going to be adding a new team member. You’ll have to read the book to find out who that is.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Struck-Dead-Andrea-Kane-ebook/dp/B0CJ7JDTBP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=C7BGFLPFW3RY&keywords=struck+dead+andrea+kane&qid=1705848832&sprefix=struck+dead%2Caps%2C292&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/struck-dead-andrea-kane/1143781976?ean=9781682320631

 

Find Ms. Kane:

Website: https://www.andreakane.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/andrea-kane

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/62844

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrea_kane

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

 

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/

 

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray New Release and Book Review

 

Happy Release Day - March 12, 2024!

She took on titans, battled generals, and changed the world as we know it…

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic new novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins.

Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference.

When she’s not working with children in the crowded tenements in Hell’s Kitchen, Frances throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village, befriending an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists, including the millionaire socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, the flirtatious budding author Sinclair Lewis, and the brilliant but troubled reformer Paul Wilson, with whom she falls deeply in love.

But when Frances meets a young lawyer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a tea dance, sparks fly in all the wrong directions. She thinks he’s a rich, arrogant dilettante who gets by on a handsome face and a famous name. He thinks she’s a priggish bluestocking and insufferable do-gooder. Neither knows it yet, but over the next twenty years, they will form a historic partnership that will carry them both to the White House.

Frances is destined to rise in a political world dominated by men, facing down the Great Depression as FDR’s most trusted lieutenant—even as she struggles to balance the demands of a public career with marriage and motherhood. And when vicious political attacks mount and personal tragedies threaten to derail her ambitions, she must decide what she’s willing to do—and what she’s willing to sacrifice—to save a nation.

My Review:

I am not a history buff by any means. And, I usually do not like reading in the historical genre. To me, a historical read needs to be interesting to hold my attention. I don’t like books that are filled with so many facts and figures that my mind spins.

I found myself to be quite invested in the tale of Miss Frances Perkins whom I have never heard of until now. This book documents her personal life as well as her life in the political world, which was quite unheard of back in the early 1900s. This book really sets a tone for the time period and brings to life Miss Perkins and her struggles.

To say I really enjoyed the reading of this tale would be an understatement. I was able to get a ‘real feel’ of Miss Perkins and her personality, her struggles with the political world and her home life. I liked the fact that her husband’s illness was handled delicately and with discretion as was appropriate to the time. I even enjoyed reading about her reactions when she would be offered a job because, again, it was unheard of for a woman to be in the political realm in the time period.

We have Miss Perkins to thank for a lot of things that women are entitled to in this day and age. Read it … you won’t be disappointed.

Kaleidoscope of Secrets by Sandy Clements Book Review

 

Do you like stories with strong women characters? This one has two very strong women in Mia and Nikki.

Do you like stories that discover a long-lost buried family secret? This one has that covered!

What about a backstory of a childhood friendship that lasted over the years? Covered.

And … what about just a bit of back-and-forth romance? That’s here too.

How about a couple of bad guys? Check that one off as well.

I didn’t realize how much I appreciated a strong female main character or two. This is something that appealed to me as I was turning the pages. I like Mia’s character as she comes across as meek and mild, maybe even a bit standoffish, until she comes face-to-face with Nikki.

Nikki, the other main female character, is on the opposite end of the spectrum to Mia. I think this provides an excellent contrast in these two characters.

There are a whole host of characters that make this a colorful read. Their personalities really pop off the pages. Join Mia as she goes through a kaleidoscope of emotions as she uncovers a couple of long-lost, deeply buried secrets that she was not expecting. And the twist? That was totally unexpected.

One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This was my first introduction to this author. The basis of this story is twofold. There is the story of Christian and Andi trying to figure out who was behind two heists that this tale centers around. And, there is also the intertwining story of Hunter (who happens to be Andi’s best friend) and Deckard (who happens to be Christian’s brother) who are trying to unravel what really happened leading up to Andi’s banishment from the FBI.

The other entertaining characters in this tale include Riley who is Christian and Deckard’s sister. Greyson, who used to own the PI business that Deckard bought from him. I enjoyed reading the banter that happens between Riley and Greyson, made me think that there was something more to their relationship. They are quite an entertaining pair.

I also enjoyed reading the small yet significant underlying backstories which included the siblings’ stories of their less-than-desirable upbringing and how they got to where they are as adults. There is Andi’s story with the FBI and her failed relationships. And Hunter … we all need a best friend like Hunter, one who stands by our side no matter what. I liked and appreciated the fact that Christian and Deckard were able to show their vulnerability which is rare for male characters. I think it added just a little more realism to this tale. As well, each of these characters call upon their faith to get them through the worst of times and the best of times. There are also some romantic notions thrown in just to keep things interesting. I would not hesitate to read this author’s work again. I enjoyed her writing style and how she dropped tidbits of information throughout these pages. And, we can’t forget the bad guy and how he ties into all these backstories.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/One-Wrong-Move-Investigator-Thriller/dp/0764238485/ref=sr_1_1?crid=P2UVDLKF2CHE&keywords=one+wrong+move+dani+pettrey&qid=1705848543&sprefix=one+wrong+move%2Caps%2C334&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-wrong-move-dani-pettrey/1143717375?ean=9780764238482

 

Find Ms. Pettrey:

Website: https://www.danipettrey.com/#owm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaniPettrey#owm

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dani-pettrey#owm

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5275947.Dani_Pettrey#owm

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

 

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Voices in Blood by G.B. Reese Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

A rundown of the characters:

John – the dad. He’s not a nice man and what he did to his children, or at least tried to do, while it made for some interesting reading, it’s not for the faint of heart.

JP – the mild-mannered oldest son. JP is full of conflict between his dad’s beliefs and his own.

Jack – the middle child. He’s the quiet one. The one who gets overlooked.

Julien – the third child, the one who was molded.

Sophia – the mom. Sophia has her own story to tell.

The Panel – the voices.

Cap – the neighbor. We all need someone like Cap in our life. Cap is what I would call a beacon, of sorts, for JP.

This book is dark, probably one of the darkest I’ve ever read, and yet the bizarre family dynamics kept me turning the pages. I have to put trigger warnings on this one – there is a lot of abuse, mental illness, and quite a gruesome scene. If you are squeamish be prepared. In the end, I am left wondering what the final chapter of this family’s story will be.

The Day I Died by Lori Rader-Day Book Review

 

The premise of this tale is Aiden Ransey gone missing. It turned out to be quite a bit more than I was expecting. This is also the tale of Anna Winger running from her past. There were hints that were continually scattered through the first part of this book which left me wondering what happened in Anna’s past to make her run. I kept wanting to know the answer.

Anna also has a son, Joshua. I was intrigued with Anna and Joshua’s story in that Anna didn’t seem to know how to reach Josh, after all he was just beginning his teenage years. Enter a homework assignment about a family tree. Enter Anna not knowing how to answer his questions.

Also intriguing to me was the fact that Anna didn’t want anyone looking too closely at her for fear of them finding out about her past which would make her want to run again.

This is also a story of hope and forgiveness, a story of family, a story of finally being able to feel safe. After a couple of false starts, I’m glad I was finally able to sit down and give this one a read.

8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse New Release and Book Review

 

Help me congratulate Kimberley Woodhouse on her new release! Here’s the blurb -

8 more lives at stake.

Investigator Carrie Kintz is new blood with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage. But with a serial killer on the loose, there's no easing into the job. It's sink or swim. The only clues to help law enforcement stop this madman are the taunts he drops into crossword puzzles across the country--always in the same 8 DOWN position.

Carrie is desperate to prove her worth to the force and the community by catching the killer. But when she discovers signs that these deaths are just the tip of the iceberg in a frighteningly elaborate cyberattack, it's time to admit she needs help.

Calling in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise seems like the right move--until Carrie realizes that he may be a dangerous distraction for her heart. With her faith fading in the face of horror and uncertainty and her career in danger of ending, this is no time for flirtation.

But with a killer who is determined to prove that he's smarter than everyone else, it may be impossible to fight both the madman and their feelings for each other . . .

 

I received this book as a gift.

Alaskan Cyber Hunters book two. If you are into books about cybercrimes intermixed with a tiny bit of politics, the ABI not wanting to relinquish their case to the FBI, a wee bit of romance intermixed with some faith, this series is for you! I would recommend this series be read in order to get a feel for the characters, as well as to understand mentions of 26 Below throughout these pages and its aftereffects.

Carrie finds herself navigating her way through being the lead investigator on her first big case – something she thought she wasn’t ready for, but she had an incredible team on her side. She had to deal with her feelings of inadequacy of doing the job and doing it well enough to catch the bad guy; she had to deal with a tragedy none of them were expecting; she also found herself dealing with her feelings for Scott. There are a whole host of characters intermixed with this particular case that help round out this story.

I found this tale of intrigue to be quite fast paced, as well as a bit intense at times with Carrie Kintz and her team’s efforts to track down the bad guy. There is no secret who the bad guy is in this tale. The trick to this read was trying to figure out who the bad guy’s minions were and the roles they played. I thought I had it figured out by the very subtle clues I thought I was picking up; I was incorrect in my presumptions.

One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan New Release

 

Help me congratulate Hank on her newest release!

Here’s the blurb:

A heart-racing new psychological thriller from USA Today bestselling and multiple award-winning author, Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Words have the power to change lives, and no one knows that better than crisis management expert Arden Ward. But she's in big trouble—she's accused of having an affair with a client. It's not true! She would never do such a thing! But she gets the blame—and now she's about to be fired.

Arden is granted two weeks to save her career and her reputation. And then she meets Cordelia Bannister.

Cordelia needs help for her husband Ned, a successful Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation has been ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters' lives, but the lives of their two young children.

Arden devotes her final days on the job to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations about what really happened the night of the accident begin to emerge. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.

This case is Arden’s last chance to protect her own future and clear her name—and the Bannister kids may be in danger! But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more one disturbing question haunts her—what if she’s protecting a killer?

Everyone believes that words can never hurt them, but Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill.

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are tangling with another case in Cold Threat, which is an absolutely perfect title for this tale that involves snowy weather. The premise of this tale is Tony and River going to help Tony’s dad solve a case that has been on his mind for the past twenty-four years … the one that he never solved, at least to his liking, the one that stayed with him.

There are several things I like about this series, not to mention the writing style. I really like the characters, their personalities really start to come through even in the first book, Cold Pursuit. In book two, they have remained consistent which is something I appreciate in a series. River is still struggling to come to terms with her mom’s illness and their relationship. She is also still trying to figure out what to do with her feelings for Tony, not to mention the struggle she has with her faith. Coupled with her relationship with her brother and trying to forgive her father.

Tony remains River’s partner in their PI business, but he also has to confront his feelings for River. Taking River with him to help his dad not only introduces River to his mom, dad, and sister, Aimee, but also, I think, makes him realize what River really does mean to him. Tony’s mom and sister also have to face the truth when it comes to River; it makes for a good inner story within the main story.

I enjoyed the fact that the author pulled in snippets from what happened in book one, which I feel is important in order to understand some of the thoughts that River and Tony have, and it enhances their relatability in that they just didn’t let their last case go, so to speak, it was too traumatic for both of them for different reasons.

If you like a good police procedural series, I highly recommend this one. I expect quite a few loose ends will be tied up in book three and I am hopeful to get my hands on a copy to see what River and Tony get up to next.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Threat-Profiler-Thriller-Romantic/dp/0764240463/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2ZYIQHQCJNQF2&keywords=nancy+mehl+books&qid=1705074663&sprefix=nancy+mehl%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-5

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cold-threat-nancy-mehl/1143717361?ean=9780764240461

 

Find Ms. Mehl:

Website: https://nancymehl.com/#CP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nancy-Mehl-Fan-Page/100063707132606/#cp

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nancy-mehl#cp

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/630286.Nancy_Mehl#cp

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancyMehl1#CP

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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The Traitors by C.A. Lynch New Release and Review

 

Help me congratulate Carissa on her newest release! Here's the blurb - 

The brand new locked-room thriller for fans of Ruth Ware and Freida McFadden.

You are cordially invited to the Beechwood Castle for a night you’ll never forget…

Six people find a thick cream envelope on their doorstep. Inside is an invitation to spend 24 hours in a crumbling manor house and be in with the chance to win a portion of one million dollars. The catch: Beechwood Castle was the site of one of the most horrific murders in modern history.

The smell of blood, decay and death still hangs heavy in the air.

Six people walk into the house. One of them is an imposter, all of them are traitors, which of them will survive the night?

 

I had an opportunity to read an early copy of this book and oh my goodness. I knew I was in ‘trouble’ when I started this one at lunch one day and decided to put it aside until I could devote more than 30 minutes to this read. And when I did, I devoured this one because I wanted to know what happened, who did it, and the why behind it all.

The premise of this tale is some folks from Rock Hill suddenly received mysterious invitations to spend the night at Beechwood Castle. The prize? One-sixth of a million dollars. Who could resist, right?

Staci – a true crime podcaster. Jan her co-host, incorporating makeup into said podcast.

Lolly – the only one who survived the past horror that happened so long ago at Beechwood Castle.

Cornelius – an architect by trade, but also a failed marriage in his future.

Penelope – an author who folks are beginning to ignore. Her husband, Robert.

Bonnie – out of prison for a while now, trying to stay on a clean path.

Rad – one of the police officers who was called to the crime scene all those many years ago when he was a rookie.

The Hostess, Mary Beth Penner – she was just hired for the job and had no clue what was going on.

This book is one of the darkest and creepiest that this author has written. Beechwood Castle reminded me of another of her books, The Secrets of Cedar Farm, with its hidden passages. I

Each of these characters are tied together not only because of their invitations, but because of their flawed natures. The person who brought them together knew that they would go to great lengths to win the additional prize. Each of these folks also have some deeper secrets than the ones on the surface. If you are looking for a creepy, dark read, I would highly recommend you give this one a shot. And the whodunit? That was a shock and not one I was expecting. I kept thinking I had it figured out and I was wrong every time.

A Moth to Flame by Joe Clifford New Release

 

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

Spanning twenty-five years, A MOTH TO FLAME tells the story of two sisters, Lydia—and Jessica Barrett, who is found, dead, at the bottom of a ravine in 1991 after attending a protest in a support of a recently fired, popular teacher.

Twenty-five years later, Lydia, who suffers from nyctophobia (a fear of the night), is a coroner’s investigator on the graveyard shift in Los Angeles. A promotion awaits. Her mentor Maureen Gearon is grooming Lydia to take over as county medical examiner. If Lydia can conquer her fear of the dark.

Early one morning Lydia encounters a woman, whose neck has been broken like her sister’s. Checking a missed voicemail, Lydia hears a message from the dead woman who claims to have information about Jess.

While researching her sister’s accident, Lydia stumbles upon a true-crime YouTube channel, Night Shade, hosted by a former classmate, Shane Ellet, who maintains Jess’ death wasn’t an accident; it was murder. Caught in a web of lies and deception are Cam Rawls, Jess’ ex-boyfriend and current hometown sheriff; Brad Pearce, the handsome, young English teacher who was sexually involved with students; and a recovering addict, Mark Burns, employed by Richard Fontaine, Mom Gloria’s new boyfriend and general contractor. As Lydia grows closer to the truth, the Sand Wildfire breaks out, encroaching, and threatening to burn everything to the ground. Will Lydia learn the truth in time?

In the modern vein of authors such as Thomas Harris, Jeffrey Deaver, Paula Hawkins, and Tana French, A MOTH TO FLAME tells the story of a woman in a man’s world, set against the illusion of perfect suburban lives that are anything but, populated with the scariest monsters of all: the ones right in front of our faces that we cannot see through the dark.

Broadcast Blues by R.G. Belsky Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

‘It’s News To Me’ is the book that introduced me to the main character, Clare Carlson, so when the opportunity presented itself to read ‘Broadcast Blues’ I took it.

This is Wendy Kyle’s story and what happened to her. Of course, Clare gets a hold of this story and, because she has such dogged determination, she keeps pursuing it until she gets to the truth. This is one of the reasons I like Clare’s character. She is relentless in her pursuit of the truth. She will not stop until she gets to the answer, even to her own detriment.

I also like Clare because she has personal issues to deal with. Susan Endicott, Clare’s boss, is still around and they still don’t get along. Clare still calls upon her three ex-husbands from time to time. Lucy (Linda now), Clare’s daughter, and she are trying to build a relationship. Clare is a character who has a very dry sense of humor, but her response to situations is spot on, making her a very relatable and very consistent character.

This may be a series, but each one can be read as a standalone and the reader will have a good ‘feel’ for the characters. One of the hardest things to do, I think, in a series is maintaining character consistency through their voices. This is one series that has nailed that perfectly. I look forward to more of Clare’s adventures.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Broadcast-Blues-Clare-Carlson-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0C1P6CP9M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GAE36QY4YS23&keywords=broadcast+blues+r+g+belsky&qid=1705074849&sprefix=broadcast+blues%2Caps%2C304&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/broadcast-blues-r-g-belsky/1143315394?ean=9781608095322

 

Find Mr. Belsky:

Website: https://www.rgbelsky.com/#news

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RGBelsky#news

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-g-belsky#news

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7382095.R_G_Belsky#new

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DickBel#news

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

 

Interested in your own book tour?

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

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