What a wonderful new-to-me series! Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is a mystery with plenty of suspense, investigation, and family dramaWhat a wonderful new-to-me series! Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is a mystery with plenty of suspense, investigation, and family drama. Dr. Emily Hartford is a successful surgeon in Chicago, Illinois along with her boyfriend Brandon. However, she grew up in Freeport, Michigan where she was the daughter of the local coroner and helped him out when she was younger.
When Emily gets a call from her friend Jo Blakely that Jo’s son Jeremiah is missing, Emily leaves for Freeport. Arriving there, she immediately goes to the police station to talk with Detective Aditson. Jeremiah turns up a few days later, alive and seemingly unharmed. However, his account of what happened doesn’t sound right. On top of this, Jo and her husband are having marriage problems. However, the situation rapidly gets worse.
Emily is an excellent surgeon, but she’s also a great medical examiner. She has a sense of curiosity and is a bit of a risk taker, except when it comes to relationships. She has a sense of curiosity and doesn’t easily let go of her small-town connections. Brandon loves the city and doesn’t understand why Freeport appeals to Emily or why she rushes there to be with her friend. Many of the other characters are also well-defined and have depth.
The story quickly hooked me with a gripping prologue. A feeling of deep anxiety became prevalent as the story progressed, even though readers learn the identity of the antagonist halfway through the novel. The antagonist’s mental illness has a terrifying realism that is memorable and chilling. This riveting mystery kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. What an ending! It was foreshadowed and I guessed what was coming, but I was happy to see I was right despite a bit of a cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the story next. Threads include marriage, missing individuals, friendship, romance, family drama, and much more.
Overall, this was an intense, suspenseful, and engaging mystery. Exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts kept me rapidly turning the pages. The story exceeded my expectations. While this is the fourth book in the Coroner’s Daughter series, it can be read as a standalone. However, it does have some spoilers that might affect the enjoyment if you plan to read the earlier novels. Despite this, I want to read the others. They should add depth to Emily’s background and relationships with those in Freeport. This new-to-me author has me hooked on the characters, solid mysteries, and her excellent writing. Readers who enjoy mysteries with great characterization and excellent writing will likely enjoy this series.
Blackstone Publishing and Jennifer Graeser Dornbush provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 29, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Andrew Davis and Jeff Biggers have written a startling and action-packed political thriller, Disturbing the Bones. Chicago detective Randall JenkiAndrew Davis and Jeff Biggers have written a startling and action-packed political thriller, Disturbing the Bones. Chicago detective Randall Jenkins hasn’t been to his hometown of Cairo, Illinois since the death of his journalist mother. However, that changes when archaeologist Dr. Molly Moore uncovers a set of bones that don’t fit with the 12,000-year-old site at a highway construction site. With her sponsor, retired military general and contractor William Alexander trying to hurry the dig, Molly and Randall find themselves in the middle of controversy. On top of this, there’s a global peace summit in Chicago after a nuclear weapons incident. How do these events intertwine? Can Randall and Molly put the pieces together?
The characters are well-drawn. Randall has an unflappable presence and Molly is ambitious. Both are intelligent, but their family histories have an effect on their thoughts and perceptions. The secondary characters also have depth.
This pulse-pounding thriller is full of suspense and action. The plot is multi-layered with a cold case disappearance, a significant and important archaeology dig using innovative technology, military technology, a political election, and a peace summit. The interpersonal dynamics added another layer of intensity and realism to the story. Political divisiveness, racism, civil rights, protests, to disarm or not, global politics, patriotism, conspiracies, domestic political intrigue, and trust are threads that are expertly woven into the storyline.
Quickly hooking me, the storyline gripped me and kept me rapidly turning the pages throughout the novel. The plot is thought-provoking and the characters are compelling. The exciting narrative gave excellent insight into the challenges the police, politicians, military officers and archaeologists faced. It’s insightful, thought-provoking, and riveting throughout. Additionally, it’s full of suspenseful moments that caused me to rapidly advance through the book. It incorporates real-world issues and looks at them from multiple perspectives. It’s chilling to consider the possibility of these events unfolding. My biggest quibble is the ending. It didn’t sufficiently wrap everything up satisfactorily. Does that mean there will be a sequel?
Overall, this was an intense and engaging thriller that looks at peace and patriotism from different perspectives. Exceptional characters, suspenseful events, and multiple conflicts kept me engrossed and wondering what was going to happen next. The story exceeded my expectations. If you enjoy political and crime thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out what these authors collaborate on next.
Melville House Publishing, Andrew Davis, and Jeff Biggers provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 15, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Two Good Men by S.E. Redfearn is a suspenseful thriller featuring two men seeking justice from opposite sides of the law. Doctor Richard Raynes geTwo Good Men by S.E. Redfearn is a suspenseful thriller featuring two men seeking justice from opposite sides of the law. Doctor Richard Raynes gets a call from his sister Denise. A man she testified against has been released from prison. He’s threatened her son, Jesse, and lives in their neighborhood. Raynes will do whatever it takes to protect them. However, he quickly learns that Otis Parsons is just the beginning. Many child abusers will repeat their offenses within five years. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Steve Patterson investigates crimes against these same offenders.
The characters are well-defined and have depth. Both men have a strong sense of right and wrong that will be tested as the story unfolds. Raynes is a chemist who has panic attacks and is good at methodical research and analytical thinking. His life is a mess. Patterson comes across as low-key and unassuming. However, there is an inner strength that shows during conflicts. He’s also a great investigator. Both men have strengths and vulnerabilities and are determined that justice prevail.
Quickly hooking me, the storyline gripped me and kept me engaged throughout the novel. The deeply involved plot is absorbing, thought-provoking, and heartrending. The characters felt real and emotionally rich making it easy to connect with both main characters. Readers get excellent insight into their thoughts and behaviors. Both want to make the world a safer place, but with different paths. This story makes you commiserate with the characters as their actions unfold and their struggles are revealed.
This novel shines a light on the law enforcement and shows times when the justice system fails to protect innocents. It also highlights the pitfalls of rogue justice. The gripping narrative gave excellent insight into the challenges the police and secondary characters faced. It’s heartbreaking at times, and riveting throughout. Additionally, it’s full of suspenseful moments that caused me to rapidly advance through the book. It incorporates a real-world issue and looks at it from two different perspectives. The relationship aspects of the story balance the shocking and disturbing aspects. I wasn’t expecting the tension-filled ending scenario.
Overall, this was an intense and engaging thriller that looks at justice from two different perspectives. Exceptional characters, intense and emotional events, and multiple conflicts kept me rapidly turning the pages. The story exceeded my expectations. If you enjoy crime thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out this author writes next.
Blackstone Publishing and S, E. Redfearn provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 08, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
What a unique premise and world! K. R. Blair’s latest noel, The Hushed, is a moving and atmospheric paranormal thriller combined with a forbidden What a unique premise and world! K. R. Blair’s latest noel, The Hushed, is a moving and atmospheric paranormal thriller combined with a forbidden romance. Eerie Ashwood attends the local community college and works part-time at a diner in Rearden Falls, North Carolina. However, she’s not a typical college student. She’s a Hushed, a living secret created by the death of a human who had something to hide. While they look human, they are compelled to tell their secret to the one that it would hurt the most. However, if the do, the Hushed will die immediately afterwards.
However, Eerie and her brother Fabian aren’t like most Hushed. They can’t remember their secrets. They just know they’re connected to a local prison fire. Everything starts changing when Eerie meets Logan Winspeare, the son of one of the inmate fire victims. But as Eerie starts remembering things, the history of the Hushed starts to play a role in the plot.
The main characters have depth and experience growth over the course of the tale making them more dynamic and relatable. Readers get to see Eerie’s near-photographic memory in action as well as feel how frightened she is. Logan is strong and believes his mother was innocent and wrongly convicted of murder. There’s a vulnerability about him that makes him feel realistic and elicits empathy. However, I wanted more character depth for the secondary characters.
The plot is multi-layered and complex with some original world-building concepts. The premise is intriguing. Additionally, the first sentence grabs your attention and the story line keeps you engaged. The narrative gives insight into how people who are different are often bullied, segregated, and treated badly, even if there are laws protecting them. Being afraid of someone different leads to different actions from the tertiary characters.
The story is somewhat strange, twisty and atmospheric, as well as filled with suspense, danger, and action. It’s heartbreaking at times, and riveting throughout. However, the pacing felt off at times and the ending was a little too abrupt. Threads of fear, power, panic, hatred, trust, love, friendship, complex relationships, and found family run throughout the novel.
Overall, this was an intense, engaging, and emotional paranormal thriller with a science fiction vibe that was filled with surprises and twists. If you enjoy original thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out this author writes next. Will there be a sequel?
Blackstone Publishing and K. R, Blair provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 01, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 3.61 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Tami Hoag’s latest novel in the Broussard and Fourcade series, Bad Liar, is a suspenseful crime thriller and police procedural that pulls on the hTami Hoag’s latest novel in the Broussard and Fourcade series, Bad Liar, is a suspenseful crime thriller and police procedural that pulls on the heart strings at times. Multiple cases are keeping the sheriff’s detectives in Partout Parish, Louisiana busy. A murder victim that will be hard to identify has been dumped on a country road. Lieutenant Nick Fourcade’s only lead becomes the missing hometown hero who came home to help the family business after the death of his father. Meanwhile Nick’s wife and detective Annie Broussard, takes on the case of a missing son who has been in and out of jail and rehab facilities for the last ten years.
Nick is intense, somewhat overprotective at times, and has mentored others in the department. Annie feels she needs to be useful to mankind, is good at reading people, loves her job, but occasionally experiences situational anxiety. She also tends to speak her mind and does what she thinks is right.
The author has written a novel that quickly pulls readers into the story once they get past the first chapter which seemed disjointed as it moved rapidly from scene to scene. The gripping narrative gave excellent insight into the challenges the police and secondary characters faced. Hoag balances the unflinching reality of small-town challenges, addiction, domestic abuse, and murder with family, obligations, loyalty, and the desire to help others. The story is twisty, atmospheric, and is sprinkled with local dialect. It’s heartbreaking at times, and riveting throughout. Hoag brings to life compelling characters who are emotionally rich, and she does the same for the steamy Louisiana bayous. The world-building is well-done and added to the unsettling atmosphere. The pacing picks up substantially during the last third of the novel.
Hoag does an excellent job of showing how family and friendship dramas and loyalty can have far-reaching effects on others. She also does a good job of making readers consider the terms retribution and justice. A dialect glossary has been provided at the end of the novel.
Overall, this was an intense, engaging, and emotional thriller filled with surprises around each corner. If you enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. While this can be read as a standalone novel, reading the earlier books will provide more background and show how the characters have grown over time. I am looking forward to finding out this author writes next.
PENGUIN GROUP Dutton - Dutton and Tami Hoag provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 24, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------- My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Combining horror and science fiction in a psychological thriller, Mason Coile’s latest book, William, is a quick and surprising read. Henry is an Combining horror and science fiction in a psychological thriller, Mason Coile’s latest book, William, is a quick and surprising read. Henry is an intelligent robotics engineer with agoraphobia. Therefore, he has set up the attic as his home laboratory. His latest breakthrough is the creation of an artificially intelligent consciousness called William. Henry has kept William in the attic so not even his pregnant wife Lily knows about him. However, that is about to change. Two of Lily’s co-workers arrive for brunch to meet Henry and to see their new smart home. Henry decides to introduce them to William. What follows is a unique story with a fantastic ending.
Henry is well-defined as a character. He’s socially awkward, lonely, a terrible liar, and suffers from devastating anxiety. Lily is a computer engineer who sold her start-up company for millions. She’s ambitious and loves a challenge. While Henry and Lily are somewhat likeable, greater examination of their relationship would have added another layer of interest. These two characters were reasonably well-developed, but their guests, Paige and Davis, lacked depth.
The storyline immediately draws readers into the novel. It’s descriptive and the home environment world-building is fantastic. I enjoyed learning about the smart features Henry and Lily had incorporated into their home. The author did a great job of building suspense and adding drama as the story progressed. This kept me rapidly turning the pages to see what catastrophe would occur on the next page. However, the novel’s pacing is somewhat uneven. Despite this, the book is intriguing and kept my interest. The author managed to elicit a feeling of creepiness throughout the novel. The introduction to William is dark and sets off a set of events that I didn’t see coming. The ending is fantastic and made this story one that shouldn’t be missed. The novel is thought-provoking and sent shivers down my spine at times.
Overall, this was an intense, chilling, unique, and frightening thriller filled with surprises around each corner. With short chapters and set on Halloween, it’s the perfect holiday read and would make a good horror film. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with artificial intelligence and horror, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out this author writes next. Will it be as disturbing as this one?
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Mason Coile provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 10, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 3.45 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Richard Osman introduces fans to a new detective duo in We Solve Murders, the first book in a new mystery series. Amy Wheeler works in private secRichard Osman introduces fans to a new detective duo in We Solve Murders, the first book in a new mystery series. Amy Wheeler works in private security. She’s currently on a private island off the coast of South Carolina guarding bestselling author Rosie D’Antonio. In the nearby waters, a dead body and a bag of money are found on a yacht. Amy calls her father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, for help.
All of the primary and main secondary characters are well-drawn. Amy loves adrenaline and hates relaxing. She’s loyal, good at fighting, strong, and fast, but lacks experience with murder investigations. She’s married to Steve’s son, Adam. They love each other, but spend most of their time apart as they both travel extensively for their jobs. It seems to work for them at this point in their lives. Steve is a retired police officer who is enjoying his familiar routines including the weekly pub quiz, sitting on his favorite bench, and spending time with his cat, Trouble. His relationship with Adam is somewhat strained, but he talks almost daily with Amy. He handles the occasional local investigation. He helps people when he can and is steadfast and resilient. Rosie is an extremely successful author who loves adventure and is brash and funny.
What a whirlwind of a book! Readers are taken on a trip around the world as Amy and Steve, with help from Rosie, work to solve various murders. From South Carolina to England to St. Lucia to Ireland and Dubai, this duo is joined by Rosie and others as they try to unravel the mystery.
Blended with humor, the twisty plot has several puzzles to be resolved before the criminal mastermind can be unveiled. My biggest quibble is that the story switches points of view frequently which adversely affected the pacing of the story for me. These transitions weren’t as smooth as I expected. Despite this, the dialogue, relationships, great characterization, and humor, as well as the mystery, kept me fully engaged in the story. Readers get insight into the lives of several of the criminals in this novel which adds another layer of context and interest. Threads of family, friendship, connections, loss of a loved one, communication, social media influencers, corruption, justice, and criminal organizations add depth to the novel.
Overall, this was an entertaining, fun, and delightful novel with some tense moments that kept me engaged throughout. It’s a good start to a new series. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this dynamic trio on their next adventure.
PENGUIN GROUP Viking – Pamela Dorman Books and Richard Osman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 17, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
P.J. Tracy (pseudonym of Traci Lambrecht) returns with the fourth police procedural crime novel featuring Los Angeles Homicide Detective Margaret “MagP.J. Tracy (pseudonym of Traci Lambrecht) returns with the fourth police procedural crime novel featuring Los Angeles Homicide Detective Margaret “Maggie” Nolen. The complex and multi-layered plot has several threads that must be connected to solve the case. Can Maggie and her partner, Detective Al Crawford, put the pieces together?
Maggie is competitive, hates to lose, likes to be in control, loves her job, and has a temper. While she’s dedicated to her work, she and Detective Remy Beaudreau are also trying to determine where they want their relationship to go. Connecting with Maggie was effortless. She’s relatable and the secondary characters were very well developed. However, due to the number of them, it might be easier to assimilate if one has read the first three books in the series as some are reoccurring characters.
The book starts with three seemingly unrelated chapters. How the author weaves them into the story and builds the connections kept me engaged throughout. She balances the crime portion of the novel with a look at the developments in the personal lives of some of the main and secondary characters. This added another dimension to the story as well as helping readers relate more to the characters.
Filled with suspense, action, and various investigations, this novel has something for everyone who enjoys crime novels and police procedurals. The tension level stayed high throughout the story as I tried to put the pieces together along with Maggie and Al. Several of the last few chapters had surprises in them along with the action. This added depth to the story as well as helped to connect more of the facets of the investigation. The intriguing plot unfolded at a moderately fast pace and the world-building transported me to Los Angeles. There was always something new going on that kept me engaged. While the investigation threads were resolved, there were a couple of open items on the personal side for which I wanted more closure. Themes include murder, abductions, gangs, greed, friendship, family, and much more.
Overall, this compelling and gripping novel was a page turner with great characterization and a complex plot. While this series is best read in order, enough background is provided to allow this to be a standalone novel as well. Those who enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers with a strong female lead will likely enjoy the series. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the next book in the series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and P.J. Tracy provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 20 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 3.88 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Action, suspense, and a suspicious death combine with fantastic characters in this contemporary western crime thriller. This is book two in the TuckerAction, suspense, and a suspicious death combine with fantastic characters in this contemporary western crime thriller. This is book two in the Tucker Snow series and the story is set soon after book one. Tucker and his daughter Chloe are living on a ranch near Ganther Bluff in Red River County, Texas. They relocated here after Tucker’s wife and youngest daughter were killed in a car wreck.
After leaving his job as an uncover narcotics agent for the Texas Department of Public Safety, Tucker has taken a job as a special ranger for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest livestock alliance in Texas. While a lot of what he deals with is cattle rustling, he also deals with ranch equipment thefts and other items. In this case, he’s chasing some rustlers, but when a visit to a local rancher is followed by attempted bribes and threats, Tucker believes there’s more going on than rustling. His brother Harley once again joins him in his investigation.
Great characterization is something you can count on from this author. Tucker is still grieving the loss of his wife and daughter while trying to support Chloe as she grieves and goes through normal teenage angst. He is detail oriented, a planner, and pursues justice. He has a strong moral code but doesn’t always play by the official rules when it comes to protecting his family and friends.
The book is disquieting and unsettling at times with plenty of exciting scenes, drama, and action. Once again readers know many of the antagonists early in the book. However, it didn’t detract from the journey of following Tucker’s investigation. The world-building is fantastic and takes readers to rural eastern Texas. The action-packed chase scene in the early chapters is just the beginning of the action. A few twists and turns in the plot added to my curiosity and engrossment in the story. The novel highlights greed, grief, family, friendship, various types of crimes, dangerous coverups, the rural grapevine, contrasts between those living in the city versus those living in the country, and much more.
Overall, this was a tense, riveting novel with a story arc that kept me engaged throughout. While this series is best read in order, enough background is provided to allow this to be a standalone novel as well. Those who enjoy contemporary western crime thrillers will likely enjoy the series. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the next book in the series.
Poisoned Pen Press and Reavis Wortham provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 20 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Lost Coast by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman is the fifth book in the Clay Edison mystery series. With an intriguing and multilayered The Lost Coast by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman is the fifth book in the Clay Edison mystery series. With an intriguing and multilayered plot, the authors give readers a story that is suspenseful, full of fascinating characters, and largely set in a picturesque but secluded area of the California coast.
Clay Edison is now working as a private investigator when a client brings him a potential fraud case. Chris Villareal has been named the executor of his grandmother’s estate and has found a reoccurring charge that doesn’t make sense. Investigating what seems to be a scheme targeting those who are easily preyed upon leads Clay to the remote community of Swann’s Flat, California. The small coastal community doesn’t like Clay asking questions, especially when he also starts investigating a second case in the area.
The story has a deeply involved plot, fantastic worldbuilding, and a remarkable set of characters. The characters are well-defined and Clay’s character was especially dynamic as he responded to events and experienced changes in his outlook. His relationship with his wife and children added another layer of depth to his character. It seemed most of the individuals in the story had agendas. But who is prey and who is a predator?
The setting is incredible. This area is mostly natural and undeveloped with geotechnical challenges that only allows for a very rough, curvy, and steep road in and out of the community. The authors made the spectacular setting come to life, making this reader feel transported to the remote coastal community.
The story lived up to its potential with plenty of deceptions, secrets, and an action-packed ending. Additionally, the book did a great job of revealing the past events. An ever-present threat looming piqued my curiosity and kept me engaged. The evolving quest for answers and the suspenseful twists are sure to delight readers. My biggest quibble is that the pacing was slow in a couple of places in the middle.
Overall, this tense, exciting, and gripping book takes readers through unpredictable moments as the authors provide suspenseful twists in the intricate plot. It’s engaging with an unusual and strange set of characters and a complex plot in a great setting. If you enjoy mysteries, then this is a series to consider. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Clay. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it contains spoilers if you plan to read the earlier novels.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Ballantine Books, Jonathan Kellerman, and Jesse Kellerman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 06, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 3.71 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Bruce Borgos continues to excite and engage readers with Shades of Mercy, his suspenseful and action-packed second book in the Porter Beck crime tBruce Borgos continues to excite and engage readers with Shades of Mercy, his suspenseful and action-packed second book in the Porter Beck crime thriller and police procedural series. Beck is the sheriff of Lincoln County, Nevada, a dry and sparsely populated county in the high desert. He has a twelve-person department covering territory nearly the size of the state of Maryland. If you think that not much is happening in the county, think again. A childhood friend of Beck’s has succumbed to a strong drug and another one, a successful rancher, has been targeted by a hacked military drone. However, that is just the beginning.
Borgos is adept at creating strong male and female characters. Beck is fluent in several languages due to his previous military career and has an incredible ability to think critically and analyze data quickly. He has initiative, is patient, and has a degenerative disease of the retina that significantly affects his eyesight at night and in poor lighting. It was interesting to see how he deals with the condition as he does his job. This added another layer to his character. The secondary characters also have depth. I loved Beck’s newest partner, a young English Lab named Frank Columbo or Bo for short.
The world-building is terrific with fluid and descriptive writing that helps readers envision the scenes without adversely affecting the pacing. There was a strong sense of place causing me to feel as though I was experiencing the events alongside the characters. The dynamic plot has a tremendous amount of conflict and action that kept me engaged throughout. It is twisty and has exciting scenes, multiple antagonists, and an incredible setting.
Borgos is an excellent storyteller who brings an intensity and action throughout the novel, but also intersperses some humor and some thought-provoking events. The author surprised this reader with the epilogue that makes me anxious to find out what happens in the next book in the series. Interspersed into the story are themes of family, death, friendships that run out of juice, lies, found family, dementia, grief, lost opportunities, and much more.
Overall, this was intriguing, gritty, suspenseful, and action-packed with compelling characters and great world-building that kept me rapidly turning the pages as I sat on the edge of my seat. With exciting scenes and fascinating story lines that converge, this fantastic crime thriller was intense and dramatic. It kept me on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the novel. I’m thrilled I’ve found this series and can’t wait to read the next book. If you’re a fan of contemporary crime thrillers and police procedurals set in a rural western U.S. locale, then this is a series to read.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Bruce Borgos provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 16, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.61 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
A dark and chilling winter scene immediately draws readers into the storyline in The Burning by Linda Castillo. This crime thriller and police proA dark and chilling winter scene immediately draws readers into the storyline in The Burning by Linda Castillo. This crime thriller and police procedural features Kate Burkholder, the chief of police in the small town of Painters Mill in Ohio. Set in the middle of Amish country, this sixteenth book in the series is somewhat darker than usual. Kate and Tomasetti have only been married for a couple of months, but doesn’t stop the midnight call to her from dispatch when a suspicious fire and scream are seen and heard in the woods. A charred body is found that had been wired to a stake. Since the Amish prefer to handle their problems without interference from the outside world, gathering information about the deceased is difficult. When Kate’s brother is implicated, she finds herself clashing with both the Amish community and her counterparts in law enforcement.
The characterization is excellent, making each person come to life for me. Readers of the series will be familiar with many of them. One thing that struck me as slightly odd was the number of nicknames for officers on Kate’s investigation team. She has learned to delegate, likes to finish what she starts, is focused, hates the politics and media side of the job, and is respected by her officers. She’s loyal, driven, intelligent, has good instincts, and is courageous. Kate comes alive and it’s easy to connect with her and want her to succeed in finding the killer.
This novel is graphic in places and the murder descriptions are brutal and hard to read at times. The descriptive narrative transported me to Kate and her team’s suspenseful investigation. The plot twists worked well and the ending was action-packed. Ms. Castillo is an excellent storyteller who kept me engaged with gripping scenes and a creative plot that built suspense. The story captivated me from beginning to end. The book did a great job bringing together historical events and current events within the storyline. Ms. Costillo is clearly a master at building tension and delivering exciting results that keep readers engaged. Themes include trust, transparency, conflict of interest, respect, secrets, murder, and complicated family and community relationships.
Overall, this book was briskly paced, suspenseful, and gripping. This novel should delight those readers that enjoy police procedurals, crime thrillers, and mysteries that have a strong female lead character. However, be aware that it is also unsettling at times. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Linda Castillo provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be July 09, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Taylor Moore is one of my favorite crime thriller and action adventure authors. Action and suspense combine into an intensity that keeps readers engagTaylor Moore is one of my favorite crime thriller and action adventure authors. Action and suspense combine into an intensity that keeps readers engaged as readers find new depths in the reoccurring characters in this series. In Cold Trail, the fourth intense novel in the Garrett Kohl series, Garrett is on leave from the Drug Enforcement Administration. He’s working to ensure his family has a secure future. This includes his girlfriend Lacey Capshaw, his adopted son, and his father. An alliance has been made to form his new oil and gas exploration company, Savage Exploration. His estranged sister, Grace, shows up with a lucrative idea, but its success is at risk when there’s an explosion at a nearby ranch. Was it an accident or sabotage? Meanwhile a secondary plot line involves the CIA in Afghanistan.
Garrett is a DEA special agent, former Green Beret, ex-CIA intelligence officer and occasional consultant for the Department of Defense. He’s good at finding people who don’t want to be found and hates confrontations that involve feelings. He’s independent, proud, and self-reliant. He also loves his family and wants to ensure they have a safe and secure future. He is someone that you would want to back you up if you needed help. Several characters from previous novels show up in this novel as secondary and tertiary characters.
Diverse characterization and exciting scenes helped pull this reader into the conflicts in the novel. The world building was fantastic. Whether it was a blizzard in the Texas Panhandle or drama in rural Afghanistan, there was a strong sense of place and a feeling that I was transported and living the events alongside the characters.
Engrossing writing, as well as an excellent, dynamic plot will keep readers engaged. The story stays at a high level of intensity throughout most of the novel. It takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride that requires them to quickly turn the page to find out what happens next. I also liked how the author brought the two tense story-lines together. The author also incorporated real-world issues into the story arc that added depth to it. Danger, assaults, explosions, love, family, and friendship are woven into the story line.
Overall, this was a high-octane and intense novel with suspense and action that kept me engaged throughout. If you enjoy crime thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in this series. This series is best read in order as there are spoilers in the later books in the series.
William Morrow and Taylor Moore provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 17, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. -------------------------------------- My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
If you enjoy crime thrillers with suspense, action, and memorable characters, then look no further than Steven Konkoly’s newest novel, A Clean KillIf you enjoy crime thrillers with suspense, action, and memorable characters, then look no further than Steven Konkoly’s newest novel, A Clean Kill. It’s the first book in the Garrett Mann series and is very different from your typical FBI thriller. Garret is the head of a specialized FBI task force containing misfits FBI agents who are hunting a killer. He kills along rural roads from near the border with Mexico to the upper Midwest. This time the bodies are found in rural Steele County, Minnesota near Owatonna. But this is no ordinary serial killer, he has powerful help making the stakes even higher.
Garrett doesn’t always share information with others and he has a judgment-impairing grudge that he fights to control. However, he works well with other police officers to gain cooperation and has a somewhat dry and sarcastic sense of humor that is occasionally shown. His flaws make him seem more realistic and relatable. I particularly enjoyed his independent thinking and willingness to listen to recommendations from others. The secondary and tertiary characters have varying levels of depth, but it was appropriate for their roles and the first book in the series. The team is far from perfect and facing overwhelming odds, but it was easy to want them to succeed. Readers also occasionally get the perspective of the killer and one of those in power helping him.
Steven Konkoly is skilled in making readers feel the rise in tension at critical moments in the story. This exciting page-turner has a riveting plot and compelling and strong characters, and it’s infused with action. The author also does a great job of world-building, making it a mesmerizing reading experience. The storyline is gripping and will grab and keep your attention from beginning to end. It kept me on such an emotional rollercoaster that I was rapidly turning the pages to see what would happen next. My one quibble is that there were some threads that were left open. I’m sure this is the start for the next book in the series, but I wanted a little more closure.
Overall, this is a riveting, intense, and violent story that is disquieting and unsettling at times. The action scenes combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for thriller readers. This was an excellent start to a new series. If you consider yourself a fan of action-filled crime thrillers, then I recommend this well-crafted novel. I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
Thomas & Mercer and Steven Konkoly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be July 01, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------------- My 4.3 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
One of my favorite cozy mystery writers has a new book coming out in early September. French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Bryon is a charming andOne of my favorite cozy mystery writers has a new book coming out in early September. French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Bryon is a charming and engaging cozy mystery that highlights New Orleans’s culture, food, and history. It’s the third book in the Vintage Cookbook Cozy Mystery series featuring Ricki James-Diaz and a wonderful assortment of supporting characters.
Ricki is a California transplant who has moved back to her birth city. She’s turned her avocation of collecting vintage cookbooks into a job by establishing a gift shop in the late home turned museum of Genevieve (Vee) Charbonnet, who ran one of the city’s finest restaurants before she died. Ricki’s gift shop features vintage cookbooks and kitchenware.
With Halloween approaching, the staff of the museum are gearing up for their haunted house tours for their visitors. When movie star and Ricki’s former friend Blaine Taggart and his support staff move into the mansion next door, things start to go wrong. When a body is found in the museum yard’s prop tomb, everyone in both mansions becomes a suspect, along with a few other characters.
Ricki is a likeable person that makes friends easily, but she has trust issues due to her backstory. She is a softy at heart, organized, honest, and adept at telling when people are lying. There are many characters, but there is a character list at the front of the book for reference. For those who have read the prior books in the series, there are several repeat characters among the museum employees and the New Orleans detectives. This also makes it easy to keep track of the characters.
The author is a great storyteller. As always, the world-building and characterization are great. The story is well-plotted and contains a few twists and several red herrings. I enjoyed the humor that the author intersperses throughout the novel along with visits with the various animals. Thor and Princess are the canines Ricki co-parents with her neighbor and Gumbo and Jambalaya are the peacocks at the museum. The introduction of a kitten at the museum added additional humor and warmth to the story. Threads of found family, friendship, connections, communication, genealogy, and intimidation add depth to the novel. At the end of the book are some recipes from a variety of vintage cookbooks as well as some information about the cookbooks themselves.
Overall, this was an entertaining novel with some tense moments that kept me engaged throughout. This series is best read in order. The earlier books fill in Ricki’s background and readers can see her character grow over time. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries with an amateur sleuth will likely enjoy this series. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the next book in the series.
Severn House and Ellen Byron provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 3, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.32 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Fiona Leitch’s latest cozy mystery in The Nosey Parker Mysteries series is The Cornish Campsite Murder. The author mixes a murder mystery with a pFiona Leitch’s latest cozy mystery in The Nosey Parker Mysteries series is The Cornish Campsite Murder. The author mixes a murder mystery with a police investigation in a twisty plot. This seventh book in the series is infused with excellent world-building, compelling characters, and a well-written story that kept me turning the pages.
Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker has moved back to her home town of Penstowan in Cornwall after leaving the London metropolitan police force. She has retrained as a caterer. However, this weekend she and Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Withers are running a food truck at a music and surfing festival for a friend. Josie witnesses a heated discussion between members of a band and later that night, she, Nathan, and friend Debbie, find a body on the beach.
There are some books where it feels like readers are catching up with old friends. This is one of those series. Jodie’s sense of humor and warmth continues to shine in this story. She is a likeable and friendly character with a need to investigate that I continued to connect with. While she loves music and going to concerts, she doesn’t like some of the accommodations at festivals. The secondary characters continue to develop. In this case, we saw more growth in Nathan, mom Shirley, and daughter Daisy. The chemistry between Nathan and Jodie creates a fun dynamic. Their Pomeranian Germaine continues to add cuteness and stress relief at various times. Instead of only quaint characters, this cozy has several realistic characters that add to the depth of the story.
This well-plotted story draws readers in and doesn’t let go until the final word in the book. The small-town atmosphere of the series was expanded in this one with the festival being held near the town and bringing in several new characters. The story had several twists, a few red herrings, and a surprise near the end. However, the murderer was too predictable. As always, having a sleuth that isn’t an amateur continues to bring depth to the novel that can be lacking in some cozy mysteries
Overall, this is an entertaining story that quickly drew me into Jodie’s world. It was a fun, appealing, and delightful read with a solid mystery to unravel and humor sprinkled throughout. Themes include friendship, family relationships, family, murder, greed, trust, addiction, and much more. Relationships continue to play a major role in this series. A recipe is included at the end of the book.
I recommend the novel to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun and relaxing read and I can’t wait for the next book featuring Jodie and her family and friends. For more enjoyment, the books are best read in order, but this can be read as a standalone.
HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Fiona Leitch provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 28, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Mark Greaney is skilled in bringing together diverse characters, a contemporary topic, and plenty of pulse-pounding exhilarating action. Sentinel,Mark Greaney is skilled in bringing together diverse characters, a contemporary topic, and plenty of pulse-pounding exhilarating action. Sentinel, the second book in the Armored series, features Josh and Nicole Duff. Both work for the U.S. State Department. Josh is a special agent in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security while Nicole is a junior political officer. Nicole gets her first overseas assignment and they’re both sent to Ghana, a country with a stable democracy. Their children also go with them. However, a foreign nation’s plan to embarrass the United States and gain control of resources in the country makes this assignment anything but easy.
Josh is former military and a former close protection agent. He suffers from nightmares and panic attacks. He has a competent nature, and is affable, but misses the exhilaration of high-threat protection. Nicole is highly disciplined, intelligent, and diligent. There are many other characters, but there is a character list at the beginning of the book as well as an abbreviations list. Greaney is an excellent storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat with gripping scenes, volatile action scenes, a superb plot, and fantastic writing. In preparation for his Gray Man series, he not only traveled to multiple countries but trained extensively in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close-range combative tactics. That experience has been translated into the events in this series as well.
The suspense, with its constant sense of urgency and uneasiness, kept me fully engrossed in the story. The world-building was excellent; especially for the scenes in and around the reservoir. The pace is lightning fast and the premise feels like it could easily happen. While some of the action scenes are a little excessive for one person to handle with such resilience, the story worked for me. Themes include family, power, protecting others, politics, greed, and much more. While here is some technical information on weapons, there isn’t an inordinate amount of detail. My one quibble was the beginning of the book had a few chapters that were in a different time-line and this wasn’t obvious until later.
Overall, this is a riveting, intense, and violent story that is disquieting and unsettling at times, but also has some tender moments. I recommend this series to those who like political, action, espionage, and military thrillers. The action scenes combined with great characters and a well-written plot make this novel a must read for thriller readers. While this series is best read in order, this one worked as a standalone novel for me. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Josh and Nicole.
Berkley Publishing Group and Mark Greaney provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 25, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. --------------------------------- My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Carolyn Arnold continues to bring suspense, solid police investigation, action, and intense moments in her latest book The Wildfire Girl. It’s theCarolyn Arnold continues to bring suspense, solid police investigation, action, and intense moments in her latest book The Wildfire Girl. It’s the eleventh book in the police procedural and crime thriller featuring Detective Amanda Steele and her partner Detective Trent Stenson. The setting takes place in and around Woodbridge in Prince William County, Virginia.
Human remains have been discovered behind a dumpster in an alley. Amanda and Trent are called to the scene. Upon arrival, they smell gasoline and a burned victim. Trent recognizes the surviving gold wedding band. It belongs to his Aunt Gertrude’s husband, Don. While he’s convinced she isn’t involved, her troubled relationship with Don and her lies make Amanda question Gertrude’s innocence and Trent’s ability to stay impartial.
Amanda doesn’t get much down time and has zero hobbies. She hates being idle and feels guilt and regret while trying to balance her family and work lives. She’s resilient and has an internal compulsion to find answers and obtain closure for the victims’ loved ones. She is strong-willed, independent, and the drive for justice fuels her. Amanda’s flaws and struggles make her seem realistic. Trent is loyal, funny, and always has Amanda’s back. He’s also resilient and has a strong ethical code. However, in this case, he struggles between his commitment to the victim and his personal connection to a suspect. Once again, a dark and chilling prologue that grabs readers’ attention is followed by the arrival of police at a seemingly unrelated crime scene. How does the prologue fit into the story? As the case progresses, the novel builds suspense that takes readers to an action-filled conclusion. At the same time, Amanda’s struggle to balance work and family is highlighted as well as Trent’s conflicted emotions regarding his aunt.
The descriptive narrative is written in a style that draws you in and rapidly keeps you turning the pages. With several suspects, a twist or two, some action scenes, and well-developed characters, readers of police procedurals and crime thrillers will likely embrace this series. My biggest quibble about this book is that the relationship triangle that has been evident for a long time is not yet fully resolved. I thought this book would provide the definitive answer. While the answers are closer, it’s not yet been fully resolved.
Overall, this novel is engaging, entertaining, and a solid police procedural. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Amanda and Trent. This series is best read in order to fully understand the backstories of the main characters.
Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 20, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
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