Best Friends Forever by Shannon Hollinger Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

I don’t know why this author has not been on my auto buy list; she will be now. This is one of the BEST books I have read in 2023. It has everything I want in a book of this genre, and the caliber of the writing? Excellent.

Emma and Kate were best friends growing up. Lily is Kate’s little sister. Their high school group consisted of Mel, Becca, Jeff, Jimmy, Emma, and Kate. Kate also befriended one of the homeless men of their town, Brad, which is something folks didn’t understand. There is Mrs. Daley, Emma’s mom. And, of course, Kate’s own mom. There is also Ms. Lynn, the neighbor, who came by to keep Kate’s mom company most days, but even Ms. Lynn had a secret. Kate left home ten years ago because of something that happened and didn’t think she’d return, but a phone call brought her back home. The longer Kate stayed, the more she began to uncover the truth of what happened all those years ago, and the truth?

This tale is pretty twisted - entwining and uncovering everyone’s backstories. I sort of figured out the whodunnit but not entirely and I wasn’t sure of the reasoning. The characters, while imperfect, have a depth to them; their personalities jump off the pages. All the underlying smaller stories just add more to this tale. I would not hesitate to read more of this author’s work, and she is definitely on my auto buy list now. Give this one a read; I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Face of Greed by James L'Etoile Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Who is looking for a new police procedural and new characters? Here it is! Welcome to the new character of Emily Hunter and her partner, Javier Medina.

Emily is the sort of detective who is like a dog with a bone, even if following the scent leads her down the wrong path a time or two and finds her overstepping that path, sort of like breaking the rules. This makes Javier cringe at times.

The thing about Emily is that she is relatable. Emily’s mom has dementia and lives with Emily. The way her mom’s dementia is portrayed is so spot on. This is one of those diseases that is hard to explain, hard to understand, but the author has nailed his description.

I enjoyed this tale because of Emily’s character as well as Javier. And Emily’s mom. Javier’s mom, Lucinda, is also an important character in this tale; she helped Emily understand her mom’s decision just a bit more. There is also “Officer Booty Bandit,” gotta love that nickname!

It is going to be interesting to follow Emily through her career. I suspect she and Javier will continue to follow the paths less traveled to get to the answers. This is the kind of police procedural I enjoy reading because of the underlying backstories and the relatability of the characters and how they all tie together in the end. A bit of a love interest peppered in doesn’t hurt, either.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Greed-Detective-Emily-Hunter-Mystery/dp/1608095878/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JYYAVYELCAXZ&keywords=face+of+greed+by+james+l%27etoile&qid=1695653701&sprefix=face+of+gree%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/face-of-greed-james-letoile/1142808027?ean=9781608095872

 

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/

 

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Chloe Cates is Missing by Mandy McHugh Book Review

 

Here is yet another good book of 2023. I really enjoyed this one. It is pretty twisted. My kind of read.

In this tale we are introduced to Jennifer who has turned her daughter, Abigail (Abby), into Chloe. Jennifer is a bored homemaker who wanted something to do so she decided to start a blog which evolved into CC and Me. It took off more than ever anticipated, making Chloe a star in her own right.

I enjoyed the way this story unfolded in the voices of Jennifer, Emilina, Abby through her journal writing, Jackson (the dad who seems pretty clueless).

If you’re looking for a read that will make you go a-ha in the end, pick this one up. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Calico by Lee Goldberg Book Review

 

This was certainly a different take on a mystery, especially when Beth McCade found herself investigating a strange death that tied into the 1800s. Just exactly how she wasn’t sure but she was determined to find out even if she was ousted to the tiny town of Barstow. I’m sure there’s a bigger story there. You have to love the name of the bar in this town – Pour Decisions.

Enter Owen Slader. Imagine his surprise when he found himself ‘stuck’ in the 1800s and didn’t know how he got there other than a ‘rip in time’ that he was either fortunate enough or unfortunate enough to slip through.

The description of Owen living back in the 1800s, but being careful not to do anything that would hurt his future, was quite intriguing. How it all tied together in the end was even more interesting as Owen and his wife back in the 1800s wrote out explicit details for future generations. Definitely a different twist on things and one that you’re sure to enjoy if you are into time-travel and an old-time western tales.

The CoWorker by Freida McFadden Book Review

 

I have heard a lot about this author and had never had the opportunity to read anything by her until now. I was reading this book thinking ho-hum these coworkers … then boom! The twist came in and now I understand why folks enjoy her writing so much. She will soon become one of my go-to authors for the twists she throws in when you least expect them.

In this tale of coworkers, we are introduced to Dawn Schiff. Dawn is one of those sorts of people who flies under the radar. There is more to her than meets the eye. There is Natalie Farrell … the pretty one, the one who has the friends, the one who has it all, the one who is the most successful at the company. Dawn just wants to be Nat’s friend.

How it all ties together … you’ll have to read the book to find out, but this is one twisted tale of coworkers. Will they keep their secrets? I don’t know if they will, but I did sort of figure out part of the whodunit, just not the reasons behind the why.

Girl on Trial by Kathleen Fine Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is my first introduction to this author … she has taken on some very heavy topics. She has written about these topics in such a way as to not place blame on anyone, which I appreciate.

This book is about Emily Keller, a 16-year-old teen, who is what you would call poor, or at least not well off. All Emily wants to do is fit in at school. She meets Hannah. Hannah is portrayed as a well-off girl, but there is so much more to Hannah than you might think. I cannot imagine being a teen in today’s world or a parent to a teen.

Mr. Thomas. I don’t even know what to say about Mr. Thomas. He was not a nice man, but an important character to this tale. His family includes his wife and two young daughters.

Miss Jelly. You have to like Miss Jelly. She’s the grandmother every kid wants.

Debbie, Emily’s mom. Debbie has her own set of issues. Nate is Emily’s twin brother who provides Emily with a strong sense of support; he quietly knows what’s going on without saying anything. Steph, a true friend to Emily. Topper and Chuck. Valerie. Charlie. Mindy. Judge Wilson. All of these characters help make this a colorful tale.

This book is about choices, about growing up, about the things that can happen when you make the wrong choices, but, again, it is written in such a way as to not place blame on anyone.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Trial-Kathleen-Fine/dp/0744306833/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25P8Y7QTYG7MB&keywords=girl+on+trial+kathleen+fine&qid=1694387680&s=books&sprefix=girl+on+trial%2Cstripbooks%2C235&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/girl-on-trial-kathleen-fine/1143087238?ean=9780744306835

 

Find Ms. Fine:

Website: https://www.kathleenfineauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fine.kathleen

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/4056666470

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22857193.Kathleen_Fine

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathleenfine

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

 

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Like A Sister by Kellye Garrett Book Review

 

I have wanted to get my hands on this book for quite a while. I finally did and I was not disappointed. While the subject matter of this tale is rather serious, I found myself chuckling along the way. I found a lot of personality shining through on these pages.

The basis of this story is Lena (Melina) trying to figure out what happened to her sister, Desiree, while also dealing with her guilt over the past two years. Along the way she meets Erin, Desiree’s best friend. Detective Green. Stuart, the reporter who wants to tell Desiree’s story. And let’s not forget Mel Pierce, Desiree and Lena’s father, along with his wife, Veronika. There is also Aunt E – we all need an Aunt E!

I enjoyed the telling of this tale, not only because of the story line but because of the writing style, which I found very straightforward in a way that is relatable. The characters are far from perfect, which makes them all the more real. Lena’s inner thoughts are spot on. I thought I had figured out the whodunnit, but I was wrong.

Side note: I actually had the opportunity to meet Kellye at Bouchercon 2023 in San Diego. Her writing style matches her personality which is something I appreciate.

Where The Dead Sleep by Joshua Moehling Book Review

 

After reading the first book in this series, I wanted to get to book two post haste. Who could resist a book with this as the starting sentence – “The dog was inconsolable.” I’m sure you’ll enjoy Frank, the dog.

Ben Packard is finally showing his personality. He’s finally coming to terms with who he is. I like this about Ben. If you have read And There He Kept Her, you were introduced to Ben and the reasons why he returned back home. You also know about Stan Shaw, the man who put Ben in the position of acting sheriff. In this tale, Ben is dealing with the death of Mr. Sandersen while also trying to figure out the sisters, Sherry and Carrie. The story of the sisters is kind of twisted in itself. You’ll have to read the book to find out why.

There are a whole host of other characters that make this tale what it is, as well as some smaller stories intermixed that make me more than interested to see what Ben finds himself mixed up in next.

Second Term by J.M. Adams Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Cora Walker is the main character in this tale that takes place in 2012 and then jumps to 2028 and 2029. In 2012, Cora was in Benghazi teamed up with some folks she thought she could trust. Fast forward to 2028 when she finds herself back home, has a daughter, and is working for the Speaker of the House, Sarah Vasquez. Cora’s one mission in this new position is to keep Ms. Vasquez safe at all costs. And, there’s Gertie, who is like a mother to Cora and a grandmother to Abby, Cora’s daughter.

There are also some other intriguing characters throughout these pages that help meld this story. It’s full of politics, full of intrigue, full of bad versus good which Cora finds herself in the middle of, much to her surprise.

Cora finds herself in positions that are unthinkable to most of us. There is just something about the political world that Cora can’t quite seem to pull herself away from, even if she wants to.

While I don’t usually read political thrillers, I really liked the character of Cora. I liked the portrayal of a strong female political character. I also liked the fact that Cora has doubts about herself, making her even more relatable.

This would be a good book for those who enjoy political reads, especially one with a strong female character, which, in my experience, is quite rare. There are also a lot of correlations with some of our own political history, which I also found quite intriguing, some mentioned by name, others described very similarly.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Term-Novel-J-M-Adams/dp/1608095916/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1694387535&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-term-jm-adams/1142791188?ean=9781608095919

 

Find Mr. Adams:

Website: https://jmadams.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JM-Adams/100089601925119/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-m-adams

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7086661.J_M_Adams

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JM_AdamsAuthor

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

 

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After Dark by Minka Kent New Book Release

 

Help me congratulate Minka Kent on her new book!

Here’s the blurb:

She’s a pariah with a killer past. Her bid to escape it is nothing short of terrifying in a heart-pounding novel of suspense by Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent.

Afton Teachout has been an outcast in her small town for twenty years—ever since she was accused of murdering her mother’s lover in a blackout fit of rage. That is, if one believes the malicious lies.

Living with her grandmother, working a hotel night shift, and relying on pills to get a day’s sleep, Afton is due a little luck. It comes in the form of an unexpected financial windfall. With her newfound wealth, Afton sets a secret plan in motion to help her only friend, Sydney, flee a toxic husband. But the best intentions soon spin out of control.

Afton is getting unsettling calls from a restricted number, and someone has been lingering outside her home. As Sydney’s troubled marriage comes into focus, so does Afton’s past. Her second chance—for herself and for Sydney—isn’t what she dreamed of at all. In fact, it’s becoming a nightmare.

Killing Johnny Miracle by J.K Franko Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Who could resist a book that starts out with this sentence: ‘Mary Miracle would always recall with clarity the moment she decided to kill her husband.’

I knew from that sentence that I would not be able to put this book down. I’ve always heard that the first sentence has to grab a reader’s attention. This one did. Now, you know the premise of this book. Mary was not happy with Johnny Miracle … at all.

This is quite a twisted tale. It tells so much more than just Mary and Johnny’s story. We get to meet Grandma Nellie … she has a very dark secret. Pedro is the farm’s handyman. ‘Sick Eddie,’ at least that’s what he’s called. Johnny should not have messed with ‘Sick Eddie.’ Of course, you have a handful of lawyers … because, why not? Not to mention the detective who was working a cold case.

These pages are full of deceit between Mary and Johnny, which I found to be quite entertaining. Johnny is dumb enough to think that ‘Sick Eddie’ would just forget about him as he thought he was small potatoes and daggum … he should’ve bought that calculator. Mary found out some truths which made her all the more ambitious, if you will, to get rid of the problem.

Oh! And let’s not forget the Monet – the painting Mary inherited from Grandma Nellie. And the vineyard. It’s too bad Johnny didn’t think Mary was as smart as she turned out to be.

I would not hesitate to read more of this author’s work. He has a way of weaving a tale that will capture the reader’s attention. If I had more time, I would’ve probably finished this book a lot sooner than I did.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Johnny-Miracle-JK-Franko/dp/B0CH2CXSL8/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1694387161&sr=1-1-ef9bfdb7-b507-43a0-b887-27e2a8414df0

 

Find Mr. Franko:

Website: https://jkfranko.com/#kjm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jkfranko.author#kjm

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18789144.J_K_Franko#kjm

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jk_franko#KJM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkfranko.author/

 

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Keep Your Friends Close by Lucinda Berry New Release

 

Help me congratulate Lucinda Berry on her new release!

Here’s the blurb:

When Kiersten McCann, president of the West Hollywood Moms’ Club, turns up dead in her own pool, it quickly becomes clear this wasn’t an accident. And the party guests―all members of the exclusive club―are now key suspects in her murder.

Accusations fly, and three mothers find themselves at the center of the investigation. Whitney, Brooke, and Jade all have heavy secrets to bear…and possible motives for their friend’s murder. But as the police look closer, more secrets, betrayals, and sinister plots are revealed than the women could ever imagine.

With everything at stake, deceit threatens to shatter their illusions of the perfect life. West Hollywood will never be the same.

Deadly Pines by Mary Keliikoa Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is book two in the Misty Pines Mystery series. I highly recommend you read book one, Hidden Pieces, to get a ‘feel’ for the characters you will find throughout these pages.

Misty Pines is a small town in Oregon where big-city crimes happen. This time is no different and involves the next town over, West Shore. We also get to ‘meet’ some new characters.

If you’ve read Hidden Pieces, then you know the relationship between Jax and Abby - that hasn’t changed. Trudy is still the receptionist at the sheriff’s office but plays a bigger role in Deadly Tides.

We get to meet Rachel and her dog, Koa. Rachel is the daughter of Jax’s long-time friend, Jameson. Rachel has her own reasons for moving to Misty Pines.

We also get to meet Margot Coleman. She’s a newcomer to Misty Pines.

We also are introduced to Olek, who is Abby’s new partner.

And there is also Dora, Abby’s mother. We learn quite a lot about her. She is also an essential character in the telling of this tale.

There are a whole host of other ‘smaller’ characters intermixed that help make this story complete.

There is an overlap in the two cases involved in the telling of this tale which, of course, creates some tension between Abby and Jax, but even they can’t deny that there is one piece that connects their cases. The question is - how will they handle it and will they let their own egos get in the way, or will they work together?

If you like a series that takes place in a small town with all the small-town nooks and crannies and a small town that hosts big-city crimes, I recommend you read this series. Hidden Pieces, I am quite certain, will have you hooked. The characters are consistent throughout the writing, they are flawed, they are relatable. I can only imagine what will happen in Misty Pines next.

Deadly Tides is such a fitting title for this tale involving the ocean and feet. My favorite line in this book - “Even a rat deserved better.”

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Tides-Misty-Pines-Mystery/dp/1685122795/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=vpPhd&content-id=amzn1.sym.579192ca-1482-4409-abe7-9e14f17ac827&pf_rd_p=579192ca-1482-4409-abe7-9e14f17ac827&pf_rd_r=131-3104865-4758931&pd_rd_wg=odvFu&pd_rd_r=51f8892d-2a7e-43aa-803d-7c0292cfc8dd&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-tides-mary-keliikoa/1143335431?ean=9781685122799

 

Find Ms. Keliikoa:

Website: https://marykeliikoa.com/#hp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mary.Keliikoa.Author

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-keliikoa#hp

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20038534.Mary_Keliikoa#hp

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mary_keliikoa#HP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.keliikoa.author/

 

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The Water Tower by Amy Young Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

The premise of this book surrounds a drug problem happening in the local high school. Hollywood actress Josie Ashbury has moved back home to get out of the limelight of Hollywood, and she has landed herself a job at the high school in the small town of Lakeview, and being such a small town there really are no secrets.

This tragic tale starts out immediately with the crime and with Josie finding herself immersed in trying to solve the real reason behind what happened. This leads her to cross paths with Sean who is now a member of the Lakeview police department. Yes! You guessed it, there’s history between the two. Josie also has a new love interest, Jake, which is something that came as quite a surprise to her.

I liked Josie’s character as she is portrayed as someone with a past that she is trying to come to terms with. She has trust issues, which I think is something we can all relate to. In this tale, there are also teenage issues which are so relevant in today’s world, again making this a believable tale. While I figured out the whodunnit in this tale, I did enjoy this story. I even liked the fact that Josie has two cats, Monroe and Presley, who provide her a great deal of comfort after some trying days and times. I like the fact that Josie opened herself up to trusting again. There are also some close-knit teenage friendships that are very relatable as well. Secrets, lies, dysfunction … to name just a few of the underlying themes. This book ends on a note to lead the reader to believe that there will be more of Josie in the future. It will be interesting to see if Josie stays in Lakeview, goes back to Hollywood, or moves on to another town … I’m sure she’ll be sleuthing around wherever she ends up.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Water-Tower-Amy-Young/dp/1685122779/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YF3ULQYWPA94&keywords=the+water+tower+amy+young&qid=1689259450&sprefix=the+water+tower+am%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-water-tower-amy-young/1143319851?ean=9781685122775

 

Find Ms. Young:

Website: https://authoramyyoung.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-young

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/36651982.Amy_Young

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoramyyoung

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

 

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The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Since I started reading this author’s work, I have been trying to read every book she has ever written. She never disappoints and this one is no different. There are so many intertwining stories, it seems the reader won’t be able to keep up with who is who and who is related to who and how it all ties together, but in the end it does.

In these pages, we meet Greta and her brothers, Oscar and Eleanor Boyd, the Farrington family. We learn about the Barlowe Theater and the story behind it. We also get to fast-forward to the present day where we meet Kit and her friend, Madison. We also meet Heather and Evan who are filming a show about the Barlowe Theater and its history.

Each one of the above characters has a backstory that is interlaced with each other. Greta and her brothers were in the lower class of Kipper’s Grove back in 1915. The way Greta’s life is described makes it easy to understand what it was like to be poor back then, coupled with learning what folks thought of a poor woman having friendships with those who were of a higher class. Greta also holds onto hope, hope for a better future.

Kit and Madison. This is a story of friendship that directly correlates, at least I thought so anyway, to Greta and Eleanor. The added layer here is Kit’s story, how she struggles with her own thoughts and feelings, her own insecurities. Throw in Evan and he’s a curveball Kit was not expecting.

This is a story the reader could easily get absorbed in and read the day away, learning about all the intricacies that surround the Barlowe Theater. Is it really haunted? Are there really missing boys? Is this all a myth and nothing really happened? What secrets are really hidden between the walls of the theater? Just wait until you find out what really happened all those many years ago at the Barlowe Theater. My favorite part of this tale of Barlowe Theater – the twists that were thrown in.

I cannot say enough about this tale of Barlowe Theater. It’s the best one yet second to The Vanishing at Castle Moreau.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Boys-Barlowe-Theater-Fast-Paced/dp/0764241443/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y952MSD8CD7A&keywords=the+lost+boys+of+barlowe+theater&qid=1691243177&sprefix=the+lost+boys+of+barlo%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lost-boys-of-barlowe-theater-jaime-jo-wright/1143079432?ean=9780764241444

 

Find Ms. Wright:

Website: https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/

Podcast: https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/podcast-1

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jaime-jo-wright

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaimejowright

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

 

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Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman Book Review and Blog Tour

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This was my first introduction to Lily Adler. This tale is set back in 1816 when women had a certain expectation attached to their behavior. In Lily Adler’s case, she had been in mourning for the appropriate amount of time and has finally relinquished her mourning attire. She finds herself trapped at Mrs. Grantham’s estate in the midst of a snowstorm. Those guests who lived close by were allowed to travel home, the others remained ‘stuck’ for a few days. Needless to say, there is a crime, there is suspicion placed on each guest, and lo and behold - there is yet another crime!

I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Lily. While she puts forth a pretense of being proper, or at least trying to be, she is also what you might call an amateur sleuth.

I normally do not like historical reads, but I really enjoyed this one. I liked the pacing and the intermingling of the language that was appropriate to the time, the properness of using Mr. and Mrs., madam, ma’am, sir, and the like.  I liked the underlying currents of what would be seen as inappropriate for the time period, but the events happened anyway, purportedly in secret but everyone knew; they were just too polite to say anything. The mix of characters found throughout these pages kept me pleasantly entertained. It will be interesting to see what Lily gets up to next.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Midnight-LILLY-ADLER-MYSTERY/dp/1639104321/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TJ096W3SGXIB&keywords=murder+at+midnight+katharine+schellman&qid=1691243540&sprefix=murder+at+midnight%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-at-midnight-katharine-schellman/1142862754?ean=9781639104321

 

Find Ms. Schellman:

Website: https://www.katharineschellman.com/#mm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katharineschellman#mm

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katharine-schellman#mm

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19456102.Katharine_Schellman#mm

 

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The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright - New Release

 

Help me congratulate Jaime Jo Wright on her new book release!

Here’s the blurb:

It promises beauty but steals life instead. Will the ghosts of Barlowe Theater entomb them all?

Barlowe Theater stole the life of Greta Mercy's eldest brother during its construction. Now in 1915, the completed theater appears every bit as deadly. When Greta's younger brother goes missing after breaking into the building, Greta engages the assistance of a local police officer to help her unveil the already ghostly secrets of the theater. But when help comes from an unlikely source, Greta decides that to save her family she must uncover the evil that haunts the theater and put its threat to rest.

Decades later, Kit Boyd's best friend vanishes during a ghost walk at the Barlowe Theater, and old stories of mysterious disappearances and ghoulish happenings are revived. Then television ghost-hunting host and skeptic Evan Fisher joins Kit in the quest to identify the truth behind the theater's history. Kit reluctantly agrees to work with him in hopes of finding her missing friend. As the theater's curse unravels Kit's life, she is determined to put an end to the evil that has marked the theater and their hometown for the last century.

Dead West by Linda L. Richards Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

The Endings Series book 3 brings us to Dead West. I have to say this was a very different read in that it is written in the first person POV. And, there is also definitely more than meets the eye to this one. This story is also different in that it is told from the whodunit’s perspective who is using the name Katherine Eveline Ragsdill. The story of how she came to have that name is also quite intriguing.

The premise of this tale is that Katherine receives phone calls from an anonymous source, and she then has to hunt down the person involved and decide their fate. This is how she is introduced to Cameron. However, this time the situation turned out differently and in a way that she wasn’t quite expecting.

Enter Jaxon. Jaxon is the character in this tale who really makes Katherine take a harder look at herself. Certainly, one of the many twists in this tale.

The character we know as Katherine also has quite a sense of humor. She can be serious and funny all in the same breath. I found myself relating to her inner thoughts, which I found to be spot on.

This was a quick and fun read that I’m sure you’ll enjoy, especially if you like horses, the politics surrounding use of prairies and letting the horses have free range, a really good guy, a bad guy and his cronies, and a whodunit who is able to take a good look at herself and change her way of thinking entirely.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-West-Novel-3-Endings/dp/1608095126/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6M8MJBRTTFA1&keywords=dead+west+linda+l.+richards&qid=1689259849&sprefix=dead+west+linda+rich%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-west-linda-l-richards/1142734505?ean=9781608095124

 

Find Ms. Richards:

Website: https://lindalrichards.com/wp/#dw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindalrichardsauthor#dw

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-l-richards#dw

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4747651.Linda_L_Richards#dw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindalrichards#dw

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

 

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Facing the Enemy by DiAnn Mills Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is one of those types of books that once you start reading it you want to keep turning pages. This book has features that I really enjoyed - the story line, the relatability of the characters. These pages are full of some twists and turns the reader may not see coming. The path that Risa Jacobs and Gage Patterson went down through the course of their investigation had them going off in different directions. When they thought they had one thing figured out, something else would pop up and they would go down a different road.

I also liked the fact that there was a romantic interest between Risa and Gage, one that they tried to ignore. As well, there is a believability interlaced with Risa struggling to come to terms with her own faith, which is something I think we can all relate to, most especially in troubling times.

I like the fact that there are many intertwining topics throughout these pages - a couple of crimes, a romantic interest, family reconciliation, FBI involvement, the question of one’s own faith and how to reconcile that, and a few others I’m sure I’ve overlooked. I would read another of this author’s work in a heartbeat.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Facing-Enemy-DiAnn-Mills/dp/1496451953/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EODJ5DH8MDOV&keywords=facing+the+enemy+diann+mills&qid=1689259594&sprefix=facing+the+enemy+%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/facing-the-enemy-diann-mills/1143131318?ean=9781496451958

 

Find Ms. Mills:

Website: https://diannmills.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills#concrete

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81639.DiAnn_Mills#concrete

Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills#concrete

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

 

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/