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/

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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/

 

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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.