A Southern B & B Mystery, Book Three

Five of five stars given

When Quinn Bellandini is forced to tell the police that it was Parker who actually found the dead body, she knows she has to investigate to prove that he’s innocent of the murder.   The police are simply too happy to build their case against him to  bother looking for other suspects.   So as she’s done before, she joins forces with her sister Delilah to get to the bottom of things.  With help from their deceased Uncle Frank, the sisters set out to prove their friend innocent.

Fardig writes a clever tale with puzzling twists; a fast paced adventure that I finished in one sitting!   Her characters are interesting and quirky, making this B&B mystery a really great read.   Unexpected answers to shrewdly asked questions and diligent investigation lead the sister duo to the solution . . . but it wasn’t the solution I was expecting!   That’s the most enjoyable part of reading mysteries for me, the race to find the answers before the sleuths do.   And it’s that much more fun when the guilty party is not who I thought it was!

Southern Double Cross is the third entry in Fardig’s Southern B&B series, and while it can definitely stand alone, you’ll want to catch up on Quinn and Delilah’s previous escapades too.

[Many thanks to NetGalley 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.]

A Brooke and Abby Cozy Mystery, Book One

Five of five stars given

Brooke does research.  Mostly for the library, but also for the local detectives.   Henry, is a professor Emeritus who fell on hard times, till Brooke found him and helped him.  He does research now too.   And he’s Brooke’s roommate and the “grandfather she could truly love”.

Not so social Brooke, is pushed into learning more about her “hippy dippy” neighbour Abby, when Junebug makes a break for it through a badly latched door.  What are the odds that they end up having so much in common?   That is, until Abby starts talking about her “gifts”.

Mallery has built a quirky world with amiable characters.  Cross a “strictly the facts” researcher with a time traveling hippie and there’s bound to be sparks flying.  But will those sparks lead to answers?  Mallery’s story grabs you and draws you right in.   You’ll soon be cheering on the sidelines for Brooke and Abby like they were your best friends.

A great read, fast paced, it weaves seamlessly in and out between 18th century and present day America.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next books in this new-to-me series.  You will too!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book, in conjunction with the Winter Games Reader Challenge.   The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]

Poppy McAllister Mysteries, Book Two

Five of five stars given

Klein does it again with spirited story.   Book Two of the Poppy McAllister series has our amateur sleuth juggling a deadline for getting her B&B open while unearthing proof of Aunt Ginny’s innocence in the death of a local humanitarian.   But Poppy isn’t giving up, even as the local police are determined they have their perp and are ready to lock her away.  Well written and a fun read, this is definitely a page-turner you won’t be able to put down!  I’m looking forward to picking up book three!

Five of five stars given to the series

Even Odds, Book Three

Delta Force wives are being threatened in an attempt to force their spouses not to re-up.  That these deep secret identities and contract information are somehow getting out there is what the alphabet soup people are out to figure out and end.

Raine Meyers is ex Delta Force, coming back after a long absence, it’s her assignment to put a stopper to the leak.  Because she owes them for saving her life. And because that’s what she does. That it puts her undercover as the now retired wife of a Delta Force operative – that she was engaged to years ago, in another life – will change life as she knows it in ways she doesn’t even envision . . . yet.

Another no holds barred adventure for the joint mission.

Each of these three volumes is great as a stand alone, but they interweave seamlessly with Quinn’s whole thriller list.  I first found Fiona Quinn with Open Secret, the first in this trilogy.  Locked down ownership of the other two without even blinking an eye.   Sadly – no, not really – I’m going back to catch up her whole back list, I don’t want to miss any of them, you won’t either.   Promise!

*****

Cold Red, Book Two

Undercover operatives, moles, double agents.  When a disgraced undercover operative meets up with a double agent, the sparks are flying.  But there’s danger on the horizon too. When the smoke clears and the bodies are counted, who will be left standing?

This fast paced spy thriller has all the bells and whistles.  Add in romance and you have a book you just cannot put down.

Quinn is a skillful weaver when it comes to equal threads of danger and romance, this is definitively her genre.  The characters come alive and grab you with no intention of letting go till they’re done.

I highly recommend this second entry in the Task Force series; in fact, while you set about catching up, I’m heading deep into Book Three.

*****

Open Secret, Book One

“A new brand of terror. A terror that started with a spark in an American citizen, that fire was fanned with the fear and anger of like-minded Americans in their artificial communities, and then blown into an inferno by our enemies abroad.”

“A conflagration that could wipe out the united part of the United States of America.”

Open Secret isn’t Quinn’s first rodeo in the spy thriller genre.  In fact there are whole series’ of adventures that feature Iniquus, as well as other security and government organizations.  Open Secret is the first of three entries in the FBI Joint Task Force set.

Surprising and action-packed, this no-punches-pulled narrative grabs the reader in the first chapter, and doesn’t let go till the last chapter closes.

“Things are much more serious: we meddle with your brains, we change your conscience – and you have no clue what to do about it.” ~ Surkov.

Rowan Kennedy is FBI.  His latest assignment has him investigating foreign governments using video games as vehicles to foment unrest.  Avery Goodyear is an editor of romance novels who’s been thrown for a loop when she finds that her new author assignment is “a science fiction author with video game adaptation”.

““First,” Lisa ticked off on her fingers, “they help solidify and entrench gamers in their personal ideology and belief systems. Second, they train the player to be angry and afraid. Third, it teaches the player that they will be rewarded for violent action. And fourth, it helps those of like minds communicate completely anonymously.””

Quinn’s storyline has more twists and turns than a Grand Prix race track; but the way she weaves it all together is masterful!  She has created a great cast of characters that keep you involved in their lives, right to the end.   This is a thoroughly enjoyable, suspenseful read, go get it!   And while you’re doing that, I’ll be looking up the rest of her bibliography!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book, in conjunction with the Winter Games Reader Challenge.   The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]

Levelled in London, Book Two

Five of five stars given

This time the Arnys are in London.  With two golden doodles – Mr Darcy & Elizabeth Bennett, Darcy & Lizzie for short – and a thrift shop to look after for twenty four days; with the part time help of another couple.   What could possibly go wrong?

Join Alen and Joan as they find themselves entangled in a murder and a robbery as suspects at first.   While Alen insists he’s not solving any more crimes, Joan on the other hand is enjoying the thought of pursuing clues.  With the help of her new best friend Grace, everything moves quickly as the women blend sight seeing and Alen’s cooking lessons with their investigations.  Another engaging crew of characters, a few red herrings tossed in along the way; and finally the solution is right there at Joan’s finger tips.

At the end of it all, the Arnys have some new best friends and have received one of their host country’s highest honours.   A great entertaining read I thoroughly enjoyed!

As an aside, I must say, I know just how Joan felt about the need to visit Harrod’s as I felt the same when we were in London this past August.   Too rich for my blood to shop in, lunch in the Food Hall was a must though.   And thanks to the far more reasonably priced “gift shop” a couple of souvenirs did manage to find their way home with me!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.   The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]

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Exposed in Edinburgh, Book One

Four of five stars given

In the prequel to the series, we met Joan and Alen Arny, a 911 dispatcher and a sheriff respectively.   In the course of that mystery, Alen discovers that two of his best friends, who are city officials – are corrupt.  Because he felt he should have known something was off about them, he starts to question his suitability to his job.  After some soul searching and much discussion with Joan, they both decide to leave their jobs, sell all their belongings, and embark on a new life.

Enter house sitting.  In this installment the Arnys have embarked on their first official sit.  The beautiful home in Edinburgh comes complete with an adorable border collie named – quite appropriately – Sherlock; and some interesting neighbours.  

Neighbours with a problem.

A problem they’d like the retired American law-enforcement couple to resolve.

As Joan and Alen  fill their days with tours and sightseeing, enjoying cooking classes and indulging in the local fare; the couple also manages to make some discrete inquiries.

A well written story line with a few unexpected twists, Exposed is chock full of fun, truly likeable characters.  I can happily recommend this cozy, even if you haven’t read Corrupt in Corpus Christi.  It’s a great read, and I’m looking forward to the next destination for our intrepid investigators!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.   The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]

Emma Lord Retutns, Book Two

Four of five stars given.

Emma Lord owns the town’s weekly newspaper.   She’s also married to Milo Dodge, the county Sheriff.  The combination is a natural for some amateur sleuthing under the guise of “investigative journalism”.   Much to the Sheriff’s chagrin. 

Daheim has a great story premise and some very intriguing, likeable characters.  I did find the background bits of the story somewhat difficult to follow however, and that made it fuzzy in places.   Overall, I’d still recommend this as a good read.  And I’d definitely be interested in further installments from this  husband and wife set of sleuths!

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

Five of five stars given

Aggie May has reluctantly retired.   As if that retirement was the trigger, her mind starts playing tricks on her.   Snippets from other moments in history, times long past, suddenly seem all too real.   But she wasn’t there, how could they be real?

Add to that, a representative of a very different AARP drops in, and things start to become clearer . . . or maybe they’re now a bit more muddled?

Better Angels is a remarkable story.  This is a tale of travelers, but travelers of a very different sort.  Bono weaves a whole new world for her characters, all of whom will draw you in to their adventures.

““There was never any more inception than there is now. Nor any more youth or age than there is now; and will never be any more perfection than there is now.” “What’s that from?” Aggie asked suspiciously. “Walt Whitman. Song of Myself. Notice the repetition of the word now?””

Aggie soon finds herself enmeshed in a whole new world, the discoveries she makes as she acclimates to her new reality are guaranteed to change her.  Make sure to pick up this well written, intriguing look at another dimension.   I know you’ll thoroughly enjoy it!

The Incident, a two volume set
Five of five stars given

Book One – Inferno Rising

Samantha Jameson runs a counterintelligence department.   Air Force Colonel Brock James is a top fighter pilot and Sam’s lover.

“Quinn” is known as a “wetman”.  That means he literally spends his day killing fellow humans.  He’s an assassin, among other things.  For hire.  There are a few of these in this story.

Emmerich builds a labyrinthine plot in this action-packed novel that starts the excitement from the first chapter and keeps it up through to the very last page.  

I’m not sure how I feel yet about the cliff hanger ending.  The novel was offered at no charge – as an intro to the continuing series – by the author himself.   Book One ends with an offer of the next book – also free and readily available.   I’ll hold off on a judgement till I’ve read that one as well.

If you’re considering picking this up – it really is a well written story with some great characters, even the ones you don’t like – I’d suggest grabbing them both so that your run through is uninterrupted.

Book Two – Reckoning

‘”I love this spy shit, ” Brock said.  “Where do we get our ninja stars and exploding pens? “
‘”Sorry, ” Sam said.   “We spend all our money hiring people to write emails to each other. “‘

So, Book Two.  While I was at first put off by the cliff hanger ending in the first book, all is forgiven.   And, as I mentioned above, you can easily grab them both.   Treat it as one extra long book.   Worth it.

Not for the faint of heart, The Incident is about the brutality of today’s corporate run world.   There were myriad places where I stopped and told myself “It’s only fiction!”  But in the climate today, it rings all too real!

I love that Sam is a tough broad, takes no nonsense, is at the top of her game, and when she knows what’s right, she goes no holds barred.   She doesn’t need a man to “rescue her”, she’ll rescue herself – and her man – thank you very much!

This is a convoluted tale of treachery, double dealing, revenge, and avarice . . . rapacious avarice.  Masterfully written, the sordid tale plays out well.  The characters are larger than life, but captivating none the less.  I would advise reading it when you have plenty of time.   Each time I had to put this down, I raced back to continue. 

Emmerich offers this two volume intro to the series at no charge, directly from him.   The rest of the series is also available – at a discounted price – through his website.   Even if this isn’t a genre you usually read, I highly recommend you check it out!   I’m looking forward to losing myself in the rest of Sam’s adventures!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read these books.  The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]

Charms & Firearms, Book Five

Five of five stars given

Mitzy is back!   With Ghost-ma, and Silas, and Odell, of course as well as the “delicious specimen known as Sheriff Erick Harper”.   There’s trouble afoot in almost-Canada, aka Pin Cherry Harbor.  One of Grams’ ancient “occult manuscripts” is missing, and Mitzy’s just agreed to a weekend away with the “divine” Mr Bombay.  Her reason?  “A fact-finding mission to infiltrate the enemy.”  What she finds instead is a hapless photographer’s dead body.

Mitzy never fails to entertain in her insistence on “helping” the yummy Sheriff and getting to the solution.  And each time she gets there before I do, with a surprising revelation.  But this time, THIS TIME, I was so not prepared for the villain! 

Silvertale’s Pin Cherry Harbor is an almost magical place, populated with great people and not a small dose of magic.  Each time I return to almost-Canada, I feel welcomed, among friends.   And it’s that feeling that keeps me coming back for the next installment.   You will too!

[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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Sparks & Landmarks, Book Four

Five out of five stars given

A Book Birthday is the day when a book is available to the public for purchase. For Trixie Silvertale’s Mitzy Moon series, that day is today! Book Four continues the tradition with another action-packed tale. Pin Cherry Harbor is home to some truly loveable characters – I particularly love Pyewacket – so if you haven’t picked up one of the previous books, make sure you don’t miss this one!

While Mitzy is settling in nicely in almost-Canada, there’s a storm brewing – in more ways than one – and it looks like Jacob is right smack in the eye of it.   All evidence is pointing otherwise, but Mitzy and Grams are determined to prove her father had nothing to do with it. 

As Mitzy sets about unearthing the proof she knows exists, she’s inevitably learning more and more about her special powers, and she’s discovering that Pyewacket has more than a few tricks up his own sleeve.

Don’t miss this latest adventure in Pin Cherry Harbor.  With all the usual residents giving advice and teasing in equal measure – and a few surprise baddies with evil hi-jinks in mind – you know this is going to be another great read that is over much too soon!   Each of the books in the Mitzy Moon series does well as a stand alone read, but you’ll want to make sure not to miss even one exciting adventure. While I’m always sad when I reach the end of a book I’ve loved, it makes me happy when I know that the next book in the series is in the works!

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

Circus of Mystic Springs – Book Six

Five of five stars given

Violet and Ellie are back!   And though Violet is a trifle reluctant, they’re in thick of another murder investigation too!  This time it’s Violet’s childhood beau.  But before the untimely truncation of his life, he had managed to astound Violet with quite a revelation.

I love these two ladies!   Violet so comfortable in her own skin, fully accepting of her powers.  Ellie just starting really to acknowledge to herself that she has powers and what those can mean.   And it would seem that she has – has always had in fact – a familiar!

Marple has done it again!   Mystic Springs is a vibrant community and in each of these books you’ll find some of the familiar characters we’ve come to love.    While I love that this thread of familiarity brings us up to date on our favourites, it’s wonderful too that each volume stands alone extremely well.   I highly recommend this latest visit to Mystic, don’t miss it!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.   The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]

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Witches of Mystic Springs – Book Five

Five out of five stars given

An unexpected invitation to a celebration at their old alma mater brings these three witches – and their preferably forgotten school mates – together again after many long years. In the middle of what is becoming a truly wicked storm.

“This storm brought no comfort.
“We weren’t retreating into the warmth. We weren’t turning the storm into a game and closing the weather out.
“We were isolated.
“Trapped.
“And in danger.”

And are catapulted into a murder investigation!

The witches of Mystic Springs aren’t the type of witches that I generally avoid reading about.   Mostly reluctant to use their powers, often not quite believing they have any great shakes of powers; they are an endearing lot.  Drawn with a sympathetic, humorous pen.

Marple has a way of drawing you in while weaving her tale.  This was another of those cases where I simply could not put the book down.  The surprise ending – they’re almost always a surprise to this amateurish amateur – with its touch of intrigue will still feel very fitting. 

The Mystic Springs series can easily be read as stand alone novels, but read them all, in any order. This is another truly good read, though over too soon; I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.  Even if the paranormal branch of the cozy genre isn’t the limb you usually hang from.