A Brenna Battle Mystery, Book Five

Five of five stars given

When the girls find the dead body of a well known local wedding cake baker, they easily become embroiled in the investigation.  First  because the detective in charge treats them like suspects.   But it isn’t long before they start digging into things because it’s clear the detective isn’t asking the right questions.  When they become the target of someone with bad intentions, the girls know its time they take matters into their own hands.

Book five in this entertaining series is a great read as a stand alone.  It’s my first meeting with sisters Blythe and Brenna.  Filled with characters that you get to know and love; the fast pace and surprising twists keep you turning pages.   I’ll be reading the back list in this series to get all caught up with the sisters’ adventure. 

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

A Killer Jack Mystery, Book Two

Five of five stars given

After her mother died, her father turned to the bottle for solace. It’s fallen to Jenny to keep his business alive.  Often relying on the ruse of her father being “out of town”, she manages – with the help of  Attorney Fletcher’s typing needs –  to keep things afloat.  Sort of.

When Jenny gets a call that uncle Hugh wants JD to go see him, on his death bed . . . in Huntsville . . . in jail; she weaves the usual story of dad being “away” and goes in his place.  And that’s where things get interesting!   A couple of phone calls, a little bit of finesse, and JD Pierson has him . . . herself a case.

Sessums’ work here is engaging.  The story line riddled with feel good moments as well as moments of foreboding.  Not all is as it seems and the pages just keep turning until you’ve found out all there is to know.   This is a first rate series and I am looking forward to the next adventure! 

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

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The Errant Heirs Caper, Book One

Four of five stars given

Caveat:  I love cozies!   While I read mysteries of any genre almost – just not too bloody, please – cozies are my go to.  Cozies are the books that give me that laid back, just-going-to-lose-myself-in-a-fun-story feeling that can have me ripping through from cover to cover in one sitting.   If it’s a cozy set in the 20s, 30s, or 40s, all the better.

So you know I was predisposed to like the J. D. Pierson stories – conveniently set in the 30s – from the get go!   I was NOT disappointed!

“I wanted to spill the words, tell him what had happened and plead for help.  But that couldn’t happen.  Dad’s pride would be destroyed, and I just couldn’t bear that.”

And so Jenny Dee keeps her father’s secret and sets her course.  And that’s how her course leads JD and Jenny Dee to Lake Keegan.  And that’s how they find themselves dealing with a murder.  And how the find themselves being shot at.

In a tale of subterfuge and greed, Sessums puts her characters through their paces.  A good quick read, Heirs is an enjoyable harbinger of what we can expect from this new series.

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

Dotty Discovers Diamonds, Book Four
Four of five stars given

The girls are off for a week’s holiday at Aunt Jean’s; in part to help cousin Gillian celebrate her 40th.  Things seem just a bit off though, with Rachael thinking she recognises someone, and odd bits of arguments overheard.   It’s shaping up to be an interesting week!  Gillian’s diamonds are stolen.  Her bedroom chandelier falls, narrowly missing Gillian herself.  It’s looking dangerously like Rachel will be blamed for both incidents.

Dotty and Kylie get busy with the investigation, encountering several twists and some turns before discovering who really did it.

Ezzard has penned another fast moving tale, dotted with great characters.   Though I did have an inkling of the direction it would all go, it was entertaining to follow it to the end.  Fourth in the series, Diamonds does well as a standalone and is an enjoyable read.

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Dotty Dishes the Dirt, Novella
Three of five stars given

It doesn’t look good for Rachel’s Nana Mavis when the girls discover bones in the garden.  The intention to give Dotty a start as a gardener by cleaning up Grandad George’s garden, goes awry quickly when they dig up bones.  The police are called of course; but the girls are going to do some investigating of their own as well.

By the time the investigating is done, they’ve unearthed more bones and a very sad tale with its roots going back to the days when Nana Mavis was a young woman.   A good read, and the prequel to a new series; Dotty and her friends are well on their way to many more adventures.

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

Bound and Deceased, Book Two

Five of five stars given

Besides having taken over her mother’s quilt shop and YouTube quilting channel, Quinn is responsible for her grandfather who is inexorably falling into the ravages of dementia.  She really doesn’t need the extra responsibility of an “investigation”.

But . . . Taylor had investigated and solved her mother’s murder and nearly been killed in the process.   Nine months later, she finds herself pulled into another murder investigation because Taylor has trouble saying no.  “She had never really had a choice.  They knew she would help them.”

As she looks into the events surrounding this latest murder, she is pummeled by her own demons, including an ex that doesn’t want to stay that way.   Honestly, there are times when you just want to take her and shake her.  But Rothery has crafted a quickly moving story and has populated this small town with people who truly are endearing.  You can’t help but have sympathy for them; and you’ll keep turning the pages to see how it all plays out. 

A quick read with what was ultimately a surprising – but fitting – conclusion.  I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.

[Many thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]

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Assault and Battery, Book One

Five of five stars given

I got into this series a little backwards by reading Book Two first.   It was a good read.  A great premise; truly likeable, engaging characters with a complex dynamic that added layers to the story.   There were times I wanted to shake Taylor, and even Belle; but ultimately, you care about them and want to follow their stories. 

In Book One,  we go back to where the girls’ mother has just died and the aftermath of that upheaval is having adverse effects on both of them.  Belle is having a hard time accepting her mom’s death as an accident.  Her therapist – who is also Taylor’s friend,  Maddie – suggests that playing detective to find out what happened is exactly the therapy she needs.   Though Taylor isn’t convinced, she agrees to go along with it.

Through the investigation that they embark on together, the sisters start to find some unexpected answers, in the complex relationship between their mother and her friends.

Rothery weaves the story well – suffice to say I read it in one afternoon.   There are twists, false leads, and sudden discoveries; all ultimately leading to a resolution this reader didn’t expect.  An excellent read, I’m looking forward to the next installment.

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. ]

The Forgotten Sister of Fred Astaire – a bio-fiction

Four of five stars given

This was an interesting endeavour for me.   Cassidy has written a fictional biography of a real celebrity.   Adele is the fictionalized life of Adele Astaire.  Based loosely on interviews that Astaire herself recorded for a memoir that didn’t materialize, Cassidy used those memories to fashion a story.

And what a compelling read!   Hard to put down.  Even more difficult to keep in mind that it wasn’t all reality.  I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into a truly iconic, extremely talented celebrity duo.

Thank you Nicola Cassidy for this book!

[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

A Knit & Nibble Mystery, Book Five
Five of five stars given

““I’m sorry he’s dead, of course, but the timing couldn’t be better for this week’s issue of the Advocate. Clayborn is squeezing me in for a meeting tomorrow morning.” Clayborn was Arborville’s lone police detective and Bettina was the chief reporter for the town’s weekly newspaper.”

“For such a pleasant little town, Arborville had had a startling number of murders. They weren’t the sorts of murders that arise from rampant crime or social ills. They were murders carried out by people who one would never imagine might do such a thing . . . but then they did. And Pamela had been surprised to discover that she— with the aid of Bettina— often made connections and saw patterns the police unaccountably overlooked. How she and Bettina could be smarter than the police, Pamela had no idea. Yet she and Bettina had solved a number of murders over the years.”

Book Five in this enchanting series is easily a stand-alone.  Enough background is given that the reader feels a connection, while at the same time not burdening a loyal reader – which I know we’ll all become – with too much repetition.

Meet Bettina and Pamela.  Best friends, neighbours, and by happenstance partners in sleuthing.  When Mayor Diefenbach is murdered and their friend Roland arrested, the ladies know they can’t leave it up to Detective Clayborn.  While Roland may be the easy suspect, they believe he’s not the right one.  They have a hunch, but a hunch won’t be enough to get Clayborn off Roland’s case!

Ehrhart has crafted an excellent tale, that moves quickly along, grabbing your interest with truly likeable characters, and firmly keeps it till the very last page.   This is my first meeting of the Knit & Nibble club, I’ll definitely be joining them again.

[Many thanks to NetGalley / Kensington, and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]

Finding Annie, Book One

Four of five stars given

While Finding Annie isn’t always an easy book to read, its characters and their stories will keep you engrossed as Turner  metes out in small doses the entangled pieces of their lives.

Painful memories, long buried, fight to break the surface.  But will allowing them into the light of day finally vanquish them, or just further muddy the waters?   This is a story of homecoming and healing.  Of resolution and forgiveness.   I found it difficult to put down even as I found some passages painful to read.  Turner has done excellent work.

[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

The Connection Series, Book Fourteen
Five of five stars given

“Oh, honey.” Francine fluttered her eyelashes.  “If René is the degenerate I think he is, you won’t find him in the legal places. ”  She gave Luka a saccharine smile, lacking any sincerity.  “Don’t you worry your brave little heart about this.  I’ll find the big bad criminal.”

Francine’s playful character is in sharp contrast to the way the Croatian team works.  They’re baffled, but also intrigued by her place on this French team that’s turned up in their world.

Something has landed on the Croatian’s doorstep though, and they know they must all work together to beat it.

Stolen artwork.
Nikki kidnapped.
Missing treasure.
A treasure map.
Revenge.
And a race against time.

Ryan has done what she does best in this fourteenth entry to her Connection series.  The action starts the minute you open the book and is relentless until the very last sentence.  There is corruption, intrigue, the worst of the sinister underside of the world.  And more than a little veracity in her descriptions of the transactions that abound on the darkweb.  Fiction that comes so close to reality that it will have you looking at everything with a more skeptical, discerning eye.

A great series, each book can be read as a stand alone easily.  With such engaging characters, vivid descriptions of beautiful places; and more than a few lessons from the world art masterpieces, Ryan’s Connection Series is a series you’ll want to delve into. You will become more and more invested with Genevieve, Colin, Vinny and the rest of this colourful crew.

My name is Roxx, and I am an addict!  I confess to devouring Ryan’s books the minute they are live on my Kobo.  And then, much like today, when it sadly ends, I wait impatiently for Estelle to announce that the next installment is ready for pre-order.   I have no doubt you too will become an addict.

Happy Realease Day Estelle, Genvieve,and gang! I look forward to many more of these days!

A Lexi Carmichael Mystery, Book Twelve

Five of five stars given

“Lexi Carmichael: saving scientists one snake at a time.”

“I’m a former employee of the National Security Agency, but now work for a private, cutting-edge cyber-intelligence firm called X-Corp in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. I double -majored in mathematics and computer science at Georgetown University with a specialty in cybersecurity . I’m a hacker, gamer, coder, book nerd and fangirl. I’m in love with a man who’s a seriously good-looking Italian-American, a hacking wizard, and all-around good guy despite his misguided belief that Thomas Jefferson is the geekiest president. It’s something I’m willing to overlook because other than that, he’s been a great boyfriend, and his Italian grandmother, Nonna, is the best cook I’ve ever met.”

“I used to be an ordinary geek girl who worked at the NSA, liked crossword puzzles, chocolate eclairs, Doctor Who, and living my life online. But a series of events and people over the past year had changed all that. I made friends, found a new life outside my virtual one, got a boyfriend and then got engaged, saved the world a couple of times, and became tight with a little black cloud of trouble that wouldn’t seem to leave me alone.”

While this is book twelve in the series, it’s the first one I’ve read.  So let’s get that out of the way right off the top.   Moffett does a good job of giving readers just enough background.  This is a great stand alone!  But it’s intriguing enough that I’m sure most, like myself, will want to read the backlist too.

Lexi’s “little black cloud” predictably follows her on her current assignment.  The resulting chaos, while it’s nothing Lexi can’t handle, makes her grateful that her fiancé was available to join her. 

Follow Lexi and Slash deep into the rainforest of Brazil as they come up against not only snakes and huge spiders, but corporate intrigue and corrupt government officials.

There’s a lot to uncover as they fight for the good guys, and a couple of personal revelations in the mix as well.  Great characters and an intricate story line that keeps the pages turning.   Everything you want in a thriller with a soupçon of romance.

[Many thanks to NetGalley / Harlequin and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.  This is my honest review; the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

Peril at the Pellicano, Book Four

Five of five stars given

A writers retreat.   A “wicked” writer who had been barred from the group, but shows up anyway.  And someone among them, with murder on their mind.  While Maratea is experiencing violent stormy weather instead of sunshine, there are too many things to watch for.  Gió once again finds herself in the thick of it. 

Add to the mix a bored housewife looking for adventure, and you have an intriguing recipe.

Gió and her Brigadiere take a circuitous route to get to the bottom of this mystery.  There are perhaps too many perfectly reasonable suspects.  Yet  we know that only one can actually be the murderer.  Or do we?

Licio has done it again in this new installment of Gió’s adventures.  Engaging characters, the beautiful backdrop of the Mediterranean, and a murder with many red herrings and twists.  Another great read that leaves me impatient for the next one!

It is somewhat frustrating to watch as Gió consistently tries to bury her attractions.  To be disagreeable instead of pursuing an interest.   Her insistence on keeping her defences always on high alert is perhaps understandable given her history, but seeing how often she behaves like a spoilt child is a bit frustrating to watch!  Still, love the character, indeed, I love all the characters in these books!

I must say, I wish a perfumery like Agnese’s shop existed near me.  I’d love one of her sessions!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

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A Mystery Before Christmas, Book Three, a novella

Four of five stars given

Anna and Betta are delayed on their journey to Naples by a dead car battery.   Which leaves them stranded in Maratea.  But it could ultimately be a stroke of luck for the mother and daughter who are in search of a fresh start.

There’s been a spate of thefts in the homes of the wealthier residents of Maratea.  Books have been mysteriously disappearing from the shelves of the local library, then reappearing weeks later.

“If Paolo were to hear of our plans, he would be mad at me, but I’m not going to get involved in his investigation into the jewellery thefts. That’s for the carabinieri to solve, but I won’t leave Laura to visit the Roma by herself.”  Famous last words?

As usual, Gió cannot resist a mystery and before long is deep into solving all the things that don’t seen to make sense this Christmas season.

A short, entertaining read, Mystery Before Christmas has no dead bodies, but is nonetheless intriguing with its robberies and unexplained events.   Join Gió and Paolo as they resolve everything just in time for the happiest of Christmases!  And there’s a very happy reader here knowing that Book Four is coming soon!

A Fair Time for Death, Book Two
Five of five stars given

In a nearby village, whilst out foraging for the chestnuts that the Fair she organizes is famous for, Vanda finds a dead body.  And then all goes black for her.

When she comes to, she finds herself in hospital, having suffered from a “falling tree limb”.  When she tries to tell them, no one believes Vanda actually saw a body – that somehow mysteriously disappeared – Gió is her only ally.  And Gió is determined to prove that her friend was not hallucinating.

Follow Gió, Vanda, and Agnese – with help from Granny – as they tirelessly sift through the clues, trace history and push memories, till they come to the surprising conclusion.  

Licio has crafted another intriguing tale and given her characters so much to work with.  I literally zoomed through this one to the end.  And am looking forward to Book Three, hoping there will be many more from this author.  

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Murder on the Road, Book One
Five of five stars given

“We’d had another argument about my travel arrangements, so I decided to come home a few days early. I didn’t call him; it was meant to be a surprise, so I arrived unexpectedly very early in the morning. And I found a blonde sleeping with him. In my own bed! I screamed and screamed; I’d never thought I would have to deal with anything like this. – – – Dorian came over and told me it wasn’t what it looked like. He kept saying that the forthcoming wedding had put so much pressure on him and the commitment was taking its toll, and I should try to understand it from a man’s point of view. The blonde meant nothing to him, and she even backed him up.”

After things ended with her fiancé, thankfully before the wedding day, Gió  went to Maratea.  To nurse her hurting heart, and perhaps to really “come home”?

I am beyond happy that Gió found out that the red flags I’d seen in the prequel meant business.  Sad that she’s hurt and disappointed; but I don’t think she’s all that heart broken really.  Deep down I think she – like all her family – knew that Dorian was not THE one.

But it brings her back to Maratea.  To the things and people she loves most.  And another murder.  The maresciallo is determined to close the case as an accident so as not to interfere with his planned vacation.   But circumstances, and Gió, have a way of muddying the waters.  Will she and the young brigadiere find the true murderer?  I see a little bit of romance in their future too . . . I could be wrong!   Jumping into Book Two!

A great series so far, I highly recommend it!   The setting is beautiful too!

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And Then There Were Bones, A Prequel
Four of five stars given

They’ve been invited to Isola di Pino – an island off the coast of Calabria – for a murder mystery weekend.  Ten people, all with some link – however tenuous – to each other.  The seven guests have been invited here for a test run of the Guest House’s Murder Weekend entertainment, loosely built on the framework of Agatha Christie’s book And Then There Were None.  Or is something more sinister at play?

Journalists, a social media influencer, a writer/adventurer, an actress, a man attending with his new young fiancée, his not-quite-ex-wife also a guest.

“You’ve been invited to this island by Mrs Bianca Belardi, but even she is unaware of the real reason behind this reunion.  She’s also unaware that I know her secrets.  Yes, dear Mrs Belardi here has killed more than one person in her café Le Torte di Bea by putting arsenic in their desserts.”

Someone is brutally murdered.  The only links to the outside world – cell phones, computers, modems – have mysteriously disappeared without trace.  Can they find the murderer among them before the murderer is the only one left?

“You don’t mean it’s like the book?” Marinella cried, real terror seizing her this time.  “The killer wants to kill all of us, as in Agatha Christie’s story?”

And Then There Were Bones is the prequel to what is currently three further volumes in the Italian Village Mysteries.  Licio’s main character Gió is a bit frustrating for me.  While she seems a capable enough woman, her upcoming marriage to a man who flies several red flags  – even having only appeared in this prequel via phone conversation – makes me want to shake her!  But then, it makes me want to read the next book, to ensure she sees the light before it’s too late!

Quite apart from that aspect, And Then There Were Bones, is a good quick read.   Fashioned as it is on the Christie classic, it deviates from Dame Agatha’s plot enough to keep you intrigued.   Good read,  definitely see for yourself!   Book One in the series is up next on my Kindle.

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.   This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. ]