Julie Tudor is not a Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich

 Though the subject matter is not, this debut psychological thriller was a hoot because of the way the author uses dark humor to make the main character "almost" endearing.

Julie Tudor has had quite the life, constantly having to fight for her love interest du jour. Eliminating romantic rivals is a lot of work. She works in the financial world and is a whiz with spreadsheets, but her job isn't her main focus. Her colleague, 25-year-old, Sean, is the man of her dreams. Even though he's half her age, Julie is convinced her feelings are reciprocated despite the fact that Sean keeps hooking up with other women. What to do? She's tired of waiting for him. 

Told from Julie's delusional perspective, the book is definitely black comedy as she continues to spiral. She must be on the spectrum because she totally lacks any sort of ability to read a room or honestly analyze her situations. She gets a little fast and loose with those eliminations and her coworkers become increasingly aware that a real psycho is amongst them. 

I loved the tone and the writing in this novel. I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Clare Corbett, strikes just the right notes of self righteousness and defensiveness as she voices Julie. She does a good job with the rest of the characters as well. The production definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book. 

This is a debut standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre - dark humor, serial killer, thriller 

The Lake Escape by Jamie Day

 Overly complicated mystery thriller centered on three lifelong friends who have a tradition of spending summer vacation at their generational family lakeside homes in Vermont. 

When the 3 friends, their significant others, and their kids converge on the lake this time, old conflicts and dark secrets are exposed. All are having some issues in their personal lives — between marital problems, alcoholism, debt, and many lies. David has brought along a new girlfriend, Fiona, as well as a young nanny to care for his 5-year old twins. It seems the nanny has a hidden agenda. Julia and Christian are facing some serious money problems along with a betrayal that might undo them. Erika and Rick have harbored deceit for many years. It all comes to a head when Fiona goes missing. And this isn’t the first time a young woman has disappeared from Lake Timmeny.

I really got into this at first, intrigued by all the possibilities. The further along I read, however, the more the book became a bit over the top. There was way too much that stretched my credulity and the plot became so complex with a ton of characters and relationships that it got to the point of ridiculous. I especially didn’t like the revelations or the conclusions. Bummer. I also never cared for any of the characters with all the coincidences and unlikely behavior they exhibited. So, although a quick read, I ended up unsatisfied and disappointed.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators, Lisa Larsen and Phoebe Strole, did a great job of voicing the characters and did their best to provide dramatic flair to a story that just couldn’t match their talents despite their excellent performances. 

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre - mystery, suspense, murder, missing women, lifelong friends, family drama

Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft

 Solid mystery thriller debut with a strong element of true crime and psychological suspense. 

A late night radio host in Portland, Oregon, Nola Strate, experienced a terrifying event as a child. Her babysitter was murdered in front of her by a notorious serial killer dubbed "the Hiding Man." He was never caught. Even though 20 years has passed, it all comes back when a woman calling in to Nola's show is actually killed while on air with her show. Is the killer active again after all these years? And most concerning to Nola -- has he returned to get her?

This was fast paced and I read it this evening in one sitting. The characters were an interesting mix and the plot was fairly predictable with some red herrings and additional threats. The detective and the investigation seemed rather inept as was the focus on a particular suspect (who was a loser but not a killer). I think the most disappointing part was the revelation of the identity of the killer -- what a stretch and a let down. I definitely would have enjoyed more elements that featured Nola working on her actual radio show and other callers. This really wasn't particularly scary and it was never really fully explained how the perpetrator managed to elude law enforcement all those years.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book was when the author talks about herself, her own true crime podcast, and her Aunt Carol. This was not included in the e-book ARC but only on the audio as an introduction. She also discusses ethics and the societal impact of crime and those who investigate it while also expressing true concern for the victims and their families. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators are the talented duo of Helen Laser and Will Collyer. They both brought great dramatic flair to the production and definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series. I'd definitely be interested in a sequel.

Genre - psychological suspense, mystery thriller, true crime, murder, serial killer, radio talk show host 

We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin

 Entertaining and suspenseful.

If you're surrounded by conspiracy nuts or just kooks with crazy ideas, then this psychological thriller will hit in a different way. Sometimes people in this day and age get a little derailed by a seemingly normal event or person and that's what happens in this book. Misinformation and conspiracists attract these truthers who, unfortunately, carry things way too far when they decide to act.

The plot centers around a family who are targeted and pursued by violent online conspiracy theorists. The Russos -- Justin, Meg, and their daughter, Lily --  are threatened by some obsessed cult who latched onto the family because of their deluded notion that music lyrics (written by rock musician Nathan who is Meg's father) and a book (written by Meg as a teenager) contain proof of Satanism, a curse, and predictions of the end of the world which the group believes is coming in just a few days time. The true believers' behavior is escalating as the "end" approaches and everyone in the Russo family is in extreme danger. 

This was fast paced and a bit out there, and I liked it. Certainly some suspension of disbelief required, but the concept was well developed and the characters interesting. I always wonder, though, how people can get so drawn into an idea that is kind of bonkers. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also reading along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers for review. The narrator, Jennifer Pickens, did a great job of voicing all the characters and bringing dramatic flair to the story. Her performance definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the twisty and somewhat chilling novel.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre - suspense, thriller, conspiracy theorists, end of world scenario, family drama, psychological 

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten

 This was a suspenseful psychological thriller.

Written in dual timelines, the novel kept me glued to the pages as I tried to keep up with all the characters and figure out what had gone on years ago and what was going to happen in the present. Tessa Nilsson is attending a bachelorette party along with her sister, Lena, for one of their oldest friends on a remote, basically deserted island known as Isle Blind. Coincidentally (or not) the place happens to be where four friends disappeared 1o years ago. It so happens that Tessa is a true crime podcaster (now disgraced and canceled) who is set on trying to revive her career by finding out what really happened to those women known as the Nacka Four. Shortly, Tessa finds herself in a very precarious position that might just end her and her friends. 

Without spoilers, the book deals with sisterhood, friendship, and the girl code as well as what happens when you don’t do the right thing by others. Although it didn’t end as I’d hoped, it kept me in suspense and guessing throughout the story. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC —both formats provided by the publishers. The narrator, Laura Jennings, did a great job of voicing all the characters and bringing great dramatic flair that made for an excellent production. At one point, toward the end, I just had to speed up ahead of the audio as things got really tense and exciting. The audio definitely enhanced my enjoyment.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre - mystery, psychological, thriller, revenge 

The Housemaid's Secret (Housemaid #2) by Freida McFadden

 Fast-paced fun!

This is the second book the Housemaid series and I realize I'm slow to the party with all the hype and reader awards this garnered. I enjoyed the first so thought I'd give this a try. Started it late in the evening and didn't put it down until 2 am as I had to finish before I could sleep.

This features the same character, Millie Calloway, who is lucky enough to get a position with the Garricks after getting fired by her previous employer whose baby kept calling Millie "mama". Mr. and Mrs. Garrick have a fantastic penthouse apartment and all Millie has to do is a bit of light cleaning, laundry, and cook. The money is good and Millie is excited. There is one thing though -- she has been warned by Douglass Garrick that she is not to bother his wife, Wendy, who is ill and stays mostly shut in her bedroom up on the second floor. Hmmm. Of course Millie is curious. After awhile she hears and sees things that make her suspicious that Wendy is actually hiding because she's being abused. Now this is Millie's area of expertise. Helping. What could go wrong?

Of course knowing this author's previous books well has the added benefit (?) of anticipating the crazy twists and turns that are hallmarks of her work. Some are crazy over the top, but I was fully prepared for whatever was coming. Even though predictable, I still enjoyed seeing it all play out. McFadden's books are hit and miss with me and I've even sworn a time or two that I wouldn't read any more, but sometimes you just can't avoid picking up. I'll be reading the third one too.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio book while also following along in the e-book. The narrator, Lauren Allman, does a fantastic job of voicing Millie with her accent and inflection. She fully brings the character to life and it really enhanced my enjoyment of the story. 

This is the second book in a series that should be read in order.

Genre - domestic drama, mystery, suspense, thriller 

Nightshade (#1 Detective Stilwell) by Michael Connelly

 The first in a new crime thriller series by this bestselling author!

Set on beautiful Catalina Island, this novel introduces a new character, Detective Sergeant Stilwell, who has been assigned to the sheriff’s substation there because of problems he had as a homicide cop in LA County, California. One of his cases is the investigation of the death of a young woman who was found wrapped in a sail bag and weighted with an anchor in the harbor. Assisted by his girlfriend, Tash Dano, assistant harbor master, and the other police officers also exiled there, he attempts to solve the murder as well as expose corruption and other crimes on this beautiful island.

I liked the action and the excellent writing that kept this moving a fast pace that I could easily devour in a single setting. The characters need to be a bit more fleshed out, including perhaps getting the first name of our main character Stilwell, but I am looking forward to a follow up installment. The details about the setting are interesting and the locale will doubtless prove that bad things happen even in idyllic places. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Will Damron, who always does a great job voicing strong male characters. His performance enhanced my enjoyment of the novel.

This is the first in a new series that I plan to follow.

Genre - police procedural, crime thriller, Catalina Island

Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams

 Entertaining psychological thriller and missing person mystery.

Rose Gibson is in the middle of finalizing a contentious divorce when her friend, Eve Castillo, a proximate cause of said marriage breakdown, goes missing. Rose and Eve haven’t spoken for months, but Eve’s sister is desperate to find her. Eve, a travel vlogger, apparently rented a lake cabin in North Carolina but is not now responding to her sister or any of her boyfriends. Despite Rose’s issues with Eve, she decides to go to Sage Hill to see if she can find out what happened. 

I enjoyed reading the NetGalley ARC e-book along with listening to the audio book provided by the publishers. The setting was interesting and the action fast paced. The mystery of the disappearance solved by an amateur sleuth facing off with bad small town cops and residents was fairly predictable. Eve’s journal entries provided the details while Rose floundered around questioning people. Rose is helped by fellow journalists and computer hackers who can get her information. In peril at the climax, the conclusion follows quickly. 

The narrators, Dominque Franceschi and Jasmin Walker, did a good job of voicing the characters and adding the dramatic flair that enhanced my appreciation of the book.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre - friendship, psychological thriller, mystery, missing person

2 Sisters Murder Investigations (#2 in series) by James Patterson and Candice Fox

 The Bird sisters are back in this second installment of their detective agency series.

Rhonda and Barbara (Baby) Bird are half sisters who have taken over their deceased father's LA detective agency. There's a huge age gap between them as Baby is only 16. This time they seem to be at odds and each sister is sort of running an independent operation. Rhonda used to be an attorney so has a lot more experience and a methodical approach to her work. She is trying to help a man accused of harming his missing wife and just might also be a serial killer.  Baby is a teenager who never behaved in any believable way and using the name Baby for her was like nails on a chalkboard. Baby has decided to help an old man who's being forced out of his lifelong home by a big bad development corporation.

I'm typically a fan of this author and whomever he writes with, but this book just wasn't for me. I didn't like the characters, the plot was lame, and the actions of both women were often totally preposterous. Lots of times the sisters are in peril. Amazing escapes from attacks and terrible people. Convenient rescues. And then the ending rushed up from out of nowhere. 

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-book ARC of this but I won't be continuing the series. I obtained the audio book from the library to listen while I read and wasn't impressed with the narrator so that didn't help me to enjoy the book more either.

This is the second book in a series featuring the sisters who run a detective agency. I did not read the first. It didn't make any difference. I didn't like this one enough to go back and catch up.

Genre - female detectives, crime, murder 

Death at a Paris Hotel (Lady Swift #22) by Verity Bright

 

Blog Tour for Bookouture

Follow Lady Swift and her new husband, Detective Hugh Seldon, as they enjoy a honeymoon in Paris. 

The newlyweds are living it up in the city of love and have taken Clifford and Gladstone along to ensure the best time. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, their dinner toast is interrupted by the body of a man falling through the glass roof onto their table. Though Eleanor tries her best, the poor guy can’t be saved and he dies pressing a brooch into her hands. Now instead of sight seeing and other delights, Eleanor, Hugh, and Clifford become involved in the investigation into what seems to be theft from a museum and murder.

Now everyone knows that in the cozy mystery genre there’s a dead person in every story. So Eleanor has been quite busy for 22 installments in her story. But that’s the thing about a cozy. Everyone knows that the mystery will be solved and the good guys will come out on top and all the grisly details that many of us enjoy at times are absent. And that’s why we read them — it gives us a break and provides a sense of rightness and comfort. Eleanor and her cohort are just overly wonderful people so you totally know what’s coming but there is a sense of solace that all can be made right in the world.

I enjoy the golden age details with regard to the clothes, food, social customs, and the upper class lifestyle during that period in history. I do wish Eleanor and Hugh would have more to attend to at Henley Hall and I sense a shift in the series as perhaps they will form some sort of detective agency with Clifford. Who knows, but I look forward to whatever comes next for the happy couple and their entourage. 

Thank you to Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. It’s a great series that should be read from the beginning for best experience.

This is part of a long series and I have read them all.

Genre- historical cozy mystery, 1920s, English Lady

Note: the wife in this husband and wife team unexpectedly died recently. Hopefully the series will continue. Of course it won’t be the same, but I hope to see more of Lady Swift. 

Hidden Daughters (DI Lottie Parker #15) by Patricia Gibney

 

Blog Tour Stop for Bookouture

Another exciting installment in this crime thriller series.

Detective Lottie Parker is off to a wedding in Connemara but soon becomes involved in a series of horrific murders there. She and Detective Sergeant Boyd are meant to attend his sister’s wedding, but it seems that Grace’s fiancé, Bryan, has a secret that might derail the nuptials. 

This episode details the horrors of the Magdalene laundries in one of the most disgusting and terrible periods in the Catholic Church in Ireland. Many young women and children were sent to convents. Some abandoned by families who couldn’t care for them or didn’t want them. Others were unwed and pregnant and sent there for their sins. Too many did not make it out alive. They were abused in every way possible and those nuns and priests were never held accountable for these crimes. It was evil and unimaginable — the stories told by the survivors are difficult to hear.  Imelda Conroy is in Connemara to product a radio documentary about those women who were basically locked away in a convent there in the 1970s and 80s. 

But someone doesn’t want Imelda to reveal those details. Women connected to the convent are being murdered, scalded and burned in fact. Even though Lottie is out of her home area, she immediately gets herself involved in the investigation along with local policeman, Detective Sergeant Matt Mooney. Lottie irritates everyone involved in this case. She enrages Grace and gets herself kicked out of their house, and Boyd is over it so their relationship hits the rocks. But, she continues her singleminded focus despite all.

I have to say that Lottie is definitely a person with whom it would be tough to be in a relationship with. I think Boyd’s words to her ring true and I hope she pulls herself together or gets some therapy so that she doesn’t ruin a good thing with him. If family is so important to her, she really needs to spend more time with her people.

I love the series and looks forward to the next installment. The plots are always complex and interesting. The author doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC to read, review, and recommend.

This is the fifteenth book in a series that should be read from the beginning, in order.

Genre - crime thriller, murder, Magdalene laundries, Ireland

Making a Killing (DI Adam Fawley #7) by Cara Hunter

 Entertaining crime thriller and police procedural. 

The first thing I should say is that this is the first of the series featuring DI Adam Fawley that I have read. So, coming in completely cold to the backstory and the characters. I didn't realize this was a followup to the first book. Regardless, I found it easy to follow even though the story twisted and turned.

The plot centers on the discovery that a child who had been considered dead, Daisy Mason, was possibly still alive and everything that the police had done prior was a mistake, including the conviction of Daisy's mother who had been in prison already for 8 hours. 

The narrative unfolds with transcripts of phone calls, interviews, emails, newspaper articles and other bits that make the procedural part of the investigation seem so much more real. There were a lot of characters that were hard to keep straight, but a helpful guide provided by the author was included at the start of the book. I thoroughly enjoy this mystery but am completely stymied by the lack of closure with that ending. If someone could help me, I'd appreciate it! yes, I like it all spelled out in a tidy conclusion. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. I liked the multi-cast performance, but often times the narrator did not change their tone or voice, or use various accents, etc. to match the character. Some were fairly monotone actually. It is particularly hard when the male voice was reading through phone transcripts as both voices sounded exactly alike. Regardless, I do enjoy the listening while reading experience.

This is the 7th book in a series. I had not read any previous books.

Tags - police procedural, mystery,  

Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen

 Typical Hiaasen farce featuring satire, stereotypical wacko characters, and the absurd, exaggerated situations that make up his novels.

In this story, Twilly Spree, along with his love interest du jour, Viva Morales, take on right wing radicals who are dumber than rocks but bent on becoming famous since they missed out on previous insurrections. The two undermine sleazy politicians, inhibit corrupt developers, impede philanthropic billionaires who bankroll ludicrous projects to propel their true objectives behind the scenes, and protect those they perceive to be innocent. 

Except Twilly really isn't a nice guy, per se, and gets his hands really dirty while interfering in as much mayhem as he can. There are some funny moments, but sometimes the message got lost because of the many outlandish and over the top scenarios. It was predictable in the sense that the bad guys all got what Twilly thought they deserved but the people he liked made out OK. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Will Damron, did a good job of voicing the characters and using appropriate tone and inflection to provide the right note of comedy. The production enhanced my enjoyment of the book. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags - satire, right wing radicals, sleazy politicians, politics,  

Jill is Not Happy by Kaira Rouda

 Dark domestic drama — like a train wreck.

Jack and Jill, oh my. I challenge you to find two more despicable unlikable characters. These two were definitely made for each other. Jill knows that, but Jack must be having some sort of life crisis cause he’s gone off the rails. A new woman in his life? Jill thinks not. After all, Jill knows that this is a marriage made in heaven, well maybe not there, but she sure isn’t going to let anything break them apart.

There is so much in this novel where you just shake your head at the thought of people behaving like this. I couldn’t stand either Jack or Jill as each had bad intentions. Thank heavens Jill had her special notebook to ensure Jack follows the rules. Her rules. I am guessing that many felt bad for Jack and thought Jill the worst of the pair. I disagree. He’s one of those that garners sympathy and such because people feel bad for him. The daughter, Maggie, well I do not like when any parent commandeers a child and involves them in their adult relationship no matter how old they are. Bad on Jack. For awhile I was worried (yeah I know I’m always on the bad side) that they were both going to end up in jail or kill each other. But they truly do deserve one another.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Marnye Young. She was OK, but honestly, it was a huge disappointment as her male and female voice for Jack and Jill were interchangeable. She never sounded like a man. This is one of those that definitely would have benefited from having a male narrator. Usually the audio enhances my enjoyment of a book but this production was not as good as I’d hoped for.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre tags - marriage, drama, murderous couple, secrets and lies, manipulation, emotional blackmail

Brain Damage by Freida McFadden

 This was a great listen while I was sick. It was funny in places and fast paced, and then heartwarming with the romance, and it just hit the spot. I liked Charlotte McKenna even when she was acting more stupidly than her brain damage should have allowed. In fact, she was pretty lame before she got shot! But, the bullet to her head was definitely the best thing that happened to her after all.

From acute injury to months in rehab, Charly finds that her memory and her disability are not easy to recover and overcome. 

I noted this was published in 2016 so the author hasn't gotten to the completely outlandish over the top thriller stage. 

This audio book was narrated by Megan Tusing who did a fantastic job of voicing all the characters and giving a sensational bit of dramatic flair to the production. 

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Tags - brain injury due to gun shot, rehab, romance 

Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson

 More domestic drama than murder mystery, this novel explores the history of a marriage.

Thom and Wendy have been married for over 25 years. He's a professor of English Literature and they have a grown son. Money is not an issue, they've plenty of that, and to casual observes, they seem like a close, loving couple. Except Wendy is done. She wants Thom gone. And the only way to make this happen is for her to murder him. 

The narrative is told in reverse, taking the reader backward though their lives and the different stages of their relationship. Everything hinged on something they did together back when they were in their early twenties and that secret has bound them together.  

So why does Wendy want to kill him now? 

I've long been a huge fan of this author and his twisty mystery thrillers so I expected a lot. For some reason this just didn't seem like the same writer as this story wasn't really very exciting or thrilling. I didn't care for either Thom or Wendy and honestly their lives seemed so boring as it seemed all Thom did was get drunk and act stupid. Neither had any direction or drive. Definitely both extremely self centered. I tried to get more invested, but ultimately I really didn't like it. Was there a bit of a surprise at the ending? Why, yes, there was, but it wasn't enough.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Steven Weber, is one of my favorites and he did an awesome job of finding just the right tone and voice for the characters. His dramatic flair made the characters some alive and definitely the production enhanced my enjoyment of the book. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags - genre - domestic drama, mystery, murder 

The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

 A political and legal thriller that you won’t put down until the very last page!

President Madeline Parson Wright is about to reveal a legacy plan to overhaul the economic disaster facing the United States. As she’s scrambling to put last votes in line, her husband, the First Gentleman, is arrested and accused of committing a murder. Cole Wright, ex tight end for the Patriots, now avid supporter of his wife, is on trial for the crime committed against a former cheerleader, Suzanne Bonanno, almost 20 years ago when they were both connected to the team and they were dating, against team and NFL rules. 

Of course there are many who don’t believe Cole did it, but there are two people are determined to prove him guilty and who intend to write an expose nonfiction book covering the story. Brea Cooke and Garrett Wilson go behind the scenes, contact family and other people involved to create a narrative that will bring Cole Wright to justice. The trial promises to be epic.

There was so much going on in this book and so many different characters — some you’ll like and others who turn your stomach or rub you the wrong way. You may think you know where this is going, only to find a new twist or revelation popping up that sheds a new light on things. I loved the way the book was written and the style used by authors Patterson and Clinton to keep me hooked so that I read the book in a single sitting. Totally hooked and fully invested in the outcome. The trial scenes were great and I’m a sucker for the legal stuff so I couldn’t get enough. I’ve not read any other books by this duo but I plan to rectify that.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publishers. The four different narrators did a masterful job of bringing the story to life and the production was extremely well done. The tone, the dramatic flair, the accents, and the sound effects really enhanced my enjoyment of the novel. My favorite voices were those of the men and the voice of Brea got on my nerves at times, but overall I definitely recommend.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags and genre - legal and political thriller, murder, rape, courtroom, investigative reporting

Badlands (Nora Kelly #5) by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

 Excellent writing and fast pace make this 5th book in the series another must read.

FBI Agent Corrie Swanson and archeologist Nora Kelly are working together again. This time, they are investigating the unusual, separate, deaths of two women found in the desert. The deaths seem almost like suicide as the women had apparently taken themselves to remote areas in the New Mexico badlands. Corrie and Nora know the deaths are related when the evidence team finds lightning stones clutched in their hands. These stones, used by the ancient Chaco people, make Corrie and Nora believe that they are on the trail of some sort of cult that is involved in long extinct, and most probably evil, rituals. 

I love the writing style of the Preston and Child team and read almost everything they write together and separately. I like the two main characters, Corrie and Nora, as well as their friends, lovers, and colleagues. Nora’s brother, Skip, always a bit impulsive and immature, plays a larger role in this particular book. The narrative is straight forward and the fascinating historical details are evidence of a great deal of research. I really like when I can learn a lot from reading a work of fiction. I always look forward to a new installment in this series and highly recommend it to any fans of suspenseful thrillers.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Cynthia Farrell, did a great job of voicing all the characters and giving the story an appropriate amount of dramatic flair. I do wish the production had a male narrator as well as there are many male characters, but this was a fine production that enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is the 5th book in the Nora Kelly series and I’ve read them all in order from the beginning, but actually this would also work OK as a standalone although not ideal.

Tags and genre - mystery thriller, suspense, historical Native American, rituals, evil, FBI, archeology 

Gray After Dark by Noelle W. Ihli

 This was a tough read — the abduction, the violence, and the relentless descriptions of the days in captivity were hard to take. It was almost too much detail. I am glad to be done and take a deep, cleansing breath. I’m giving it 3.5 stars and rounding up. But be forewarned, it’s harrowing.

This is another book by the author that draws on a true story but is mostly fiction. In 1984, a 24-year old athlete, Kari Swenson, was abducted by two men in Montana. The story in this book is not that story.

Miley Petrowski is a biathlete who suffered injuries that kept her off the Olympic podium but she hasn’t given up. Even though she’s taken a summer job as a kitchen worker at the Hidden Springs Resort in the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho, she still manages to find time to run and train for her comeback. Her best friend and fellow team member, Brent, stayed behind but will be getting in shape as well for their next attempt. Fortunately Miley has found a great trail for her workouts. Unfortunately, she’s abducted from an icy alpine lake where she swam. A father and son living off the grid in their mountain cabin have taken her captive as part of their plan for when SHTF. They need to tame her so she doesn’t escape. She thinks she’s found an unlikely ally, but no one can be trusted when these two brutal maniacs are in control. 

I know I would have lasted about 10 minutes tops in that cabin with those men. The level of trauma Miley experienced was tremendous and it was hard to keep reading about what she was subjected to in her prison. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book. The two narrators, Megan Tusing and Will Dameon, did a fantastic job of voicing the characters and making the book come alive even more so than plain text alone. Their dramatic flair definitely enhanced the story as it was an excellent production.

PS at the end of the book, there is the opportunity to download a very short chapter that tells more about Rayna. It’s called After the Dark. It’s free.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre tags - abduction, violence against women, athletes, captivity, prepper types

Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli

 Suspenseful mystery thriller.

Based on a true story, the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping, this fictional novel describes a similar event. Two creepy guys devise what they think will be a fool proof crime that will net them a big payoff. They stage a road construction barrier to stop the bus taking 10 kids to a local daycare center after school. They then abduct the kids and the bus driver and bury them 20 feet underground in a shipping container they’ve sunk in a quarry where they’re both employed. Against all odds and some very bad decisions, can the children and the bus driver survive these desperate circumstances?

This moved quickly with short chapters and alternating points of view. The four main voices are of the characters Sheena (mother to Sage and Bonnie), Sage (12 years old), Jessa (the bus driver) and Ted (one of the kidnappers). I will say that I was really turned off by so much of this novel being told from the points of view of the child. I do not like to hear the voice of children in an adult novel, but that’s a pet peeve so I’m interested to see if that bothers anyone else as it did me. I would have rated the book a full star higher had so much of the narrative not been in the voice of Sage. 

Often repeated, the following mantra expresses the feelings of Jessa (a convicted felon) while buried and trying to keep it together for the children: “I accept my past, understand my present, and look forward to my future.” The kids below ground are scared, hungry, thirsty, dirty, and running out of air. Can she keep them calm? I know some didn’t like this character, but I felt for her. She was grossly misunderstood and overcame her deficits to help the kids. The ending really didn’t say what happened to the kidnappers in any great detail. I was just disappointed that the focus seemed to be on the kids which, as I’ve said, I’m not into when reading this type of suspense thriller.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book. There were 4 different narrators, some of whose voices I liked more than others. The person who did the child voice got on my last nerves as they so often do. I do not appreciate it and I don’t know which performer of those 3 females did the voice of Sage. I do feel that having the larger cast production does add more enjoyment of the book in most cases. 

Story was 4 stars but too much of the book told from the child’s point of view knocked it down to 3 for me. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags - kidnapping of children, Alzheimer’s, suspense, mystery thriller

Save Her Life (Sandra Vos #1) by Carolyn Arnold

 First installment in a new mystery thriller series.

Special Agent Sandra Vos is a hostage negotiator for the FBI. She’s divorced and has a teenaged daughter, Olivia, and an ex who works for the Hostage Rescue team against counterterrorism. The beginning of the week finds Sandra trying to talk down a man who has holed up with a bunch of customers in a pharmacy. Then she has to attend a parole hearing for a man who killed her twin brother 30 years ago. The week gets worse when 16-year-old Olivia is kidnapped. 

I had a hard time with this book. I feel like there’s no way Sandra would have been so involved in a case involving her own daughter. There were many parts of the book where I felt like I was reading a primer on negotiation and many parts of the story got bogged down by dialogue that didn’t advance the plot. I never got attached to any of the characters who were all very one dimensional. The action proceeded as expected and the ending was predictable. I don’t think I will read any further installments in this new series. 

I listened to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Kathryn Akin, did an OK job but most of the voices sounded way too much alike. This could have benefited with a larger cast or at least a male voice as there were many male characters.

This is the first in a new series. I doubt I will go on.

Genre - FBI hostage negotiator, kidnapping, murder

Witness 8 (Eddie Flynn #8) by Steve Cavanagh

 Fast paced thriller that works as a standalone.

Eddie Flynn and his colleagues are defending a doctor accused of murder while dodging a hit man or two. Eddie has an enemy in the mob boss who controls a corrupt police gang. This brings some nasty people into the mix while Eddie is trying to help acquit his client and figure out who made the anonymous call that got Dr. John Jackson arrested and charged. 

Lots of action and murders and hired killers running amok in this one. And then there’s the most evil of them all, Ruby Johnson. I despised her. And I was so unsettled by the conclusion and the inexplicable outcome of her crimes that it actually ruined the rest of the book for me. There were other situations within the narrative that required suspension of disbelief but that was the worst. No spoilers. This was definitely not one of my favorites in the Eddie Flynn series. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Adam Sims, did a great job voicing the characters.

This is the 8th book in the series. I’ve jumped and skipped around without any issues.

Genre - legal thriller, hired killers, murder, mystery

What the Wife Knew by Darby Kane

 A twisty domestic drama and thriller that kept me entertained.

This book brings dysfunctional family stories to a whole new level. The battle of the Doughertys has a cast of characters you will love and hate. Told from different points of view and in a shifting timeline, Addison Dougherty, the new wife, reflects on her short marriage to the recently deceased Dr. Richmond Dougherty. Ex Kathryn is livid at the loss of a substantial amount of money and she uses hers and Richard’s two children as pawns. There’s a great deal of expert manipulation and gaslighting going on and as the secrets and lies slowly leak out, the climax reveals a master of deception and a revenge plot that is heinous in every way. 

I can’t say too much about the characters as not to spoil the story but what a collection the author has assembled. There’s a lot more going on with several plot lines as I kept trying to guess who did what to whom and why. It was fun in a nasty sort of way with a couple of these ladies really going beyond he pale to show us who they really are. You know the quote about unhappy families being unique in the causes of their situation. Anyway, it was all good fun and I read it in a matter of hours.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrators, Helen Laser and Andrew Eiden, did a fabulous job of voicing the characters and giving that great dramatic flair to the production. It really enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags - domestic drama, thriller, murder, revenge

A Most Parisian Murder (Opal Laplume #1) by Millicent Binks

 Historical cozy set in 1930s Paris.

The Honourable Opal Laplume and her mother operate a millinery shop in Marylebone, London. Opal loves designs and her mother sends her off to Paris to do costume headdresses alterations on the showgirls for a new production that actually will star and feature her cousin, Clementina Lalonde, at the fabulous Casino de Paris. Unfortunately, tragedy struck before her arrival when one of the dancers,  Valentine Beaumanoir, ended up dead on the street below her hotel balcony. No one knows how it happened and if it was suicide, accident, or murder. Amidst all the drama, Opal makes friends with the assorted characters involved with the show as she tries to parse the clues after yet another person dies. 

This was mostly a satisfactory debut but something was missing or it was just that the character of Opal didn’t really feel realistic given the time period and setting. I didn’t warm to her. I’m still trying to figure out how big that tube of red lipstick was that someone could use it for drawing and writing so often. Also, and here we go, I’m tired of the new cliche where all of these amateur lady sleuths have a pet and far too much of the narrative is focused on it. The mystery was OK and some of the story drug a bit, but it was solved as you’d expect it to be while also having the inevitable peril for the main character. I may or may not try another installment featuring this character.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publisher. The narrator, Antonia Beamish, tried her best to do all the different accents from plummy English, to Cockney, to French with varying degrees of success. She also had to do all the male characters, which was hit and miss. As always, this audio book would have benefited from having a male narrator as well. I enjoy how a good production enhances my enjoyment of a book.

This is the first in a new series that should be read in order.

Genre - cozy, historical, showgirls, Paris, famous 1930s personalities, art, design, fashion

Whistle by Linwood Barclay

 It’s so hard to keep order and balance in the world…

I’ve long been a fan of this author, and when I saw he had tried something new with this book, a supernatural chiller, I thought I’d give it a go. Even though I’m more a modern thriller and suspense fan, I decided to check it out with high hopes. I ended up disappointed. 

The narrative jumps back and forth in time and point of view so it took quite a while before the dual timelines merged. I confess to enjoying one part of the story and its main characters much more than the other. Hint: events in the town of Lucknow, Vermont, the police chief there, and the townspeople were much more interesting and believable. The premise of trains and malevolent forces was enticing because I really like model trains for one, and I was curious as to how these special trains worked.  

I didn’t like Annie right off the bat and Charlie, her 7-year-old son, totally pushed the outer limits of my credulity about what a 7 year old can do and understand even with a supernatural force at play. I was so bummed by the conclusion. This little mean person inside of me wanted a far different end for Annie. OK, I won’t spoil it for you. But a completely different conclusion would have really enhanced my enjoyment of the book. 

Ultimately, I think Barclay should stick to the genre he’s best known for writing and I’ll continue to be a fan. It’s fine to try, but I’m not the audience for supernatural phenomena so this book might have just been a bad choice. It could have been a 4, however, had the right characters made it out alive. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Eva Kaminsky, did an OK job of voicing the characters but her most stellar contribution has to be when she makes the train sounds! It’s a shame that there wasn’t a male voice to do part of the narration as that would have boosted my listening pleasure.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags - supernatural chiller, train sets, death and chaos

The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs

 Totally enjoyable with many twists and laugh out loud moments.

I was definitely needing something different and am so happy I picked this up. I enjoyed the story — three middle aged women sick of and disappointed in their husbands and their lives — decide to hire a hit man to get rid of the men so that they can head off on exciting adventures like their newly widowed friend Marlene. Things don’t go quite as expected. There’s drama, intrigue, and twists in the plot as the women discover exactly what they’ve set in motion. 

I enjoyed the characters and the anticipation of what was coming next in the story. The author kept me guessing and the dialogue made me chuckle. Who says late middle age has to be dull and that your marriage is as bad as you think. It was just a fun read.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publisher. The narrators, Kiiri Sandy and John Pirhalla, did a fantastic job voicing all the characters and bringing them to life. Their accents and dramatic flair really added to my enjoyment of the book as the production was very well done. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre and tags - cozy, murder, hit man, theft, mystery, dark humor

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall

 Dystopian fiction that is extremely depressing.

I’m usually a big fan of post apocalyptic fiction and love to read about survivors and how they create a new world order from whatever disaster has fallen. The premise of this was interesting — oceans have melted due to climate change, bad weather has caused the water to rise and drown out all the coastal cities. The synopsis said that the survivors who stayed in New York City lived on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History, AMNH, that the residents called Amen. I thought the narrative would be about living in the museum and its artifacts and treasures, hunting in Central Park, carving out a living within a really cool building. But it wasn’t. Almost immediately the hypercane flooded them out and they had to leave. Then I had to endure a very long, repetitive, drawn out “on the run” scenario with one dreadful thing happening after another. The story is told from the point of view of a 13-year-old girl named Nonie. 

The book was very slow and I considered not finishing it but kept on going because I’m that person who has to know the ending. I’ll not ruin it for anyone who can’t predict what is likely. I guess the main problem with this book is that it was very depressing and not even the author’s attempt at creating sympathetic characters could make it better. So, basically this was typical end of the world as you know it stuff. And I’d definitely say that it had a lot of really boring filler. The author states that it took 11 years to write this book and it felt like about that long for me to finish it. 

I was able to listen to this audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Eunice Wong, did an OK job voicing the characters in the book, but it wasn’t compelling enough to change my opinion about the story itself.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre - dystopian, water rising flood, bad weather, survival

Murder at the English Manor (#20 Miss Underhay) by Helena Dixon

 

One of my favorite cozy historical mystery series!

I’m off to Markham Hall with Matt and Kitty! At the behest of her grandmother’s best friend, Mrs. Craven, they are looking into the disappearance of a maid. Agnes Jones worked for Lord and Lady Faversham near Dartmoor at Markham Hall but her sister, Dora who is Mrs. Craven’s maid and sister to Agnes, is concerned because she hasn’t heard from Agnes for almost a month. Where had the girl gone and why hadn’t she taken her things?  It’s almost inevitable that she’s come to no good end. Matt and Kitty need to find out the truth before one of the Faversham sons weds a wealthy American heiress to save the estate and Markham Hall. 

I really enjoy this series and love the main characters. Although I miss the original setting of the Dolphin Hotel now that Matt and Kitty have married and moved to manage their detective agency, they don’t spend a lot of time at home and so each book takes us to a new location and a new crime to solve, most often a murder or two. I love the period details and descriptions of 1930s South Devon. Looking forward to the next installment and the continuation of an unsolved mystery from Matt’s past. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publisher. The narrator, Karen Cass, did an excellent job of voicing all the characters and lending wonderful tone and appropriate dramatic flair to the novel. The production really enhanced my enjoyment of the book.  I highly recommend this entire series!

This is book #20 of the series. It’s best to read them from the beginning, in order.

Genre - historical, 1930s, South Devon, cozy mystery, murder, private investigator, amateur sleuth

Havoc by Christopher Bollen

 This is touted as a dark thriller reminiscent of books and movies about bad seeds and kids born evil. It was, however, a messy psycho drama that made me want to throw my kindle at the wall.

The premise, an 81 year old widow, Maggie Burkhardt, travels to Egypt during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. While staying at the Royal Karnak Palace Hotel in Luxor, Maggie can’t help herself. She likes to meddle in other peoples’ lives. Helping them, she thinks, to be free of their troublesome relationships and bad decisions. Unfortunately, a new guest at the hotel threatens what she has come to know as her home and family. She’s going to have to take care of him. The issue, however, is that Otto, her nemesis, is only 8 years old. 

As wild as that sounds, for a while I thought the author could pull this off. But that was before I figured Maggie out and knew I wasn’t going to be able to prevent the coming train wreck of a story. I’m very tired of unreliable narrators and unlikeable main characters.  If this had not been an ARC, I wouldn’t have finished it. I kept going and all my supposition proved right. The worst of it all, however, was the ending. Umm no. That was just terrible. I’ll not be recommending this one.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book. The narrator, Maggie Meg Reed, was OK but I really didn’t like the voice she used for the main character and especially it grated on my nerves to hear her do the voice of Otto.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags: mental illness, Covid, dark, thriller, murder, Egypt

25 Alive (Women's Murder Club #25) by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

 Fast pace and return of familiar characters makes this a read-in-one-sitting  crime thriller

They're back for the 25th book in the Women's Murder Club series. The women include Sergeant Lindsay Boxer of the SFPD (married to federal agent Joe Molinari), medical examiner Claire Washburn, ADA Yuki Castellano (married to Jackson Brady), and crime reporter Cindy Thomas (married to Rich Conklin who is Lindsay's partner). The setting is San Francisco.

The story starts off with a murder that is devastating and personal: Warren Jacobi. He was Lindsay's mentor and partner but had retired. The only clue at the scene is a matchbook that has the words "I said. You dead." The club vows to avenge his death and find his killer.

Meanwhile, Yuki is prosecuting Dario Garza, a drug cartel member, in a high profile case that's leaving those involved in extreme danger. Joe Molinari is also involved in efforts to bring down this cartel. There seems to be a link between Jacobi's death and this cartel.  Cindy, ever the investigative journalist, finds another connection between the two. Claire really doesn't have a lot going on in this book.

It's rather convoluted with all the threads but it finally comes together in the end in a rather rushed dramatic climax and conclusion. As always, the short chapters, action, and mystery keep the reader entertained.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC. The narrator, January LaVoy, did a good job voicing all the characters and giving each their distinct personality. The only jarring and annoying note was when the child, Julie (age 5 or 6) spoke. Please stop!! I'd be fine without any of that dialogue in any future books. Regardless, the performance usually enhances my enjoyment of the book.

This is the 25th in a long running series that is best if read from the beginning and in order.

Tags - murder, crime, female friendship, legal, forensic, police, drug cartel, FBI

The Note by Alafair Burke

 Contemporary fiction, a novel about friends, dumb decisions and murder.

The three women have been friends since they were children: May, Lauren, and Kelsey. It’s been awhile, but they’ve arranged a get together in the Hamptons to catch up. All have some things they harbor as resentments for stuff that happened in the past. Secrets told, embarrassment, and acting out. As they reconnect, they are out and about in the town when they make a very bad choice involving placing a note on a car. 

What happens after this was kind of crazy to be honest. It didn’t track for so long until I figured out what was going on. It was quite a convoluted plot and predicable once the narrative revealed some important details that were dangled forever. I was OK with most of it until the end which was a real reach but the reasons were only obvious at the last minute. I didn’t care for any of the characters so honestly didn’t care what the outcome of this was going to be. Overall, it was rather a disappointment after getting through all the layers of secrets and lies. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the ebook ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Catherine Ho, did an OK job of voicing the characters given the lines she had to work with. Since most of the main characters were women, she did an admirable job of making sure each had an individual sound.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Tags and genre - contemporary chick lit, lies and secrets, murder, female friendship

Isola by Allegra Goodman

 Absorbing historical fiction that is both inspiring and depressing.

A novel based upon Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, an orphaned noblewoman, who is entrusted into the guardianship of her cousin, Jean-Francois de la Rocque de Roberval. These events are purported to have taken place in the 1500s.

Cousin Roberval is a terrible guardian and mistreats Marguerite, appropriating and selling her lands, and basically kidnapping her away from her home in Perigord. He drags her onto a ship bound for New France (Canada) where he has been commissioned to establish a colony. Although no one actually knows the truth of what happened aboard the ship, Marguerite and a man (identification depends on which version of the story is true) are left marooned on an island in the gulf of Saint Lawrence. She lived there for abut 2 years. This is one version of what may have happened while she was there.

The tale is compelling but sometimes it was overwhelmingly relentless in the saga of hardship and misery that Marguerite endured. Also very heavy on religion, prayers, psalms, faith, and devotions. It astounds me that she survived her trials. Heaven knows I would not have lasted a week. I liked the book, but I had to take a couple of breaks because of all the difficulties and tragedy.

The title, Isola, comes from the Italian and basically means island. This reflects the importance of the island and isolation experienced by Marguerite as a central theme of the book. The challenges and the heartbreak that were endured basically alone. It is definitely a survival against all odds type of novel.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Fiona Hardingham, does an excellent job of voicing the characters and especially bringing the main character to life on the pages with appropriate dramatic flair. Her performance definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Tags and genre - historical fiction based upon a real person, survival, tragedy, faith

No One Was Supposed to Die at this Wedding (Vacation Mysteries #2) by Catherine Mack

 Fast, fun, and funny — this second in the series is a must read for fans who love when an author breaks the fourth wall. I’m one of them!

This time, author Eleanor Dash and her sister, Harper, are involved on set during the filming of her previous blockbuster, When In Rome. Her best friend, Emma, has the lead role, and the two sisters couldn’t be more excited because Emma is going to marry her costar,Fred Winter, after the wrap. They’ll all go to Catalina Island for an intimate ceremony with some close friends, including Eleanor’s new main man, Oliver Forrest.  There are a couple of problems right off, however. First of all, Hurricane Isabella is going to make landfall in Southern California that weekend and secondly, on the hand pressed wedding schedule, the last line says, “A midnight murder will be served.” Now that’s some kind of invitation for amateur sleuth Eleanor who obviously has some skills since this kind of thing is her writing forte. Except the guests get a lot more than they bargained for.

At times hilarious and laugh out loud funny, this is also an expertly plotted murder mystery with lots of red herrings and a group of possible suspects along with the requisite storm locking them all on the island. I have really enjoyed both of these books and can’t wait for another. I love the writing style, the main characters, and especially Eleanor who is self-deprecatingly wry and clever as she tries to figure out the whodunit. This has the feel of an atmospheric cozy. Some irritating things but I just glossed over. 

I was lucky to receive both the audio book and the e-book ARC provided by the publisher so I could read along while listening. The narrator is Elizabeth Evans and she does an excellent job of voicing all the characters and giving them different accents and such to provide dramatic effect. It was a good production and it definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is the second in series and it does help you to have read the first one.

Tags - humor, murder, mystery, author, Hollywood stars, Catalina Island, wedding

The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey by Astrid Dahl

 Fans of reality television may enjoy this novel about a group of friends and family in the Garden State.

Showrunner Eden Bennett has her hands full with Huzzah's new prime time reality program. The show, Garden State Goddesses, highlights rivalry, friendship, secrets, love affairs, and ultimately murder. The drama centers on a New Jersey neighborhood family, the Fontanas, and Eden intends to get a lot of craziness on camera, especially since her cousin, Hope, is now married to one of the Fontana sons. Nobody expects things to go as far as they do, but the family and their friends cannot be managed and it all spins wildly out of control.

Less a murder mystery, this story is mostly about relationships (mainly gay), gossip, speculation, innuendo, and out right lying. It's all rather convoluted with a huge cast of characters that requires a printed list at the beginning to help keep everyone straight. Unfortunately, none of the characters resonated with me, and, in fact, I heartily disliked all of them. I didn't really care who died or why as petty grievances and mistaken ideas come to light. It's like this tries to be way too many things at once and ends up seeming like a disjointed mess with too many irritations. I wasn't really amused at any of it despite this being called funny and dark. I have no intention of reading a second installment as I don't care what happens to any of these characters. That being said, full disclosure that might explain my reaction, I don't watch any reality television as I don't like this type of drama.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. There is a large cast of narrators (5 of them) and I have no idea who was doing which character. Some of the voices grated on my last nerve -- especially whoever was doing Ruby and Bianca (the teenagers), and some of the others with their attempts at a Jersey accent or the one who did Birdie. So I have no idea whose voice(s) were tolerable and appropriate. Generally I enjoy audio while reading as it provides a more immersive experience. 

This is apparently the first in a new series. I won't be reading any further

Tags - murder, family, friends, gay relationships, reality television, secrets and lies, gossip.

Retreat by Krysten Ritter

 Twisty, if predictable, psychological thriller. 

Liz Dawson, an experienced con woman, needs to escape her current situation in Chicago and finds the perfect out when one of her marks actually helps Liz by giving her a job. Not just any work, but a fantastic opportunity out of the country in the super rich area of Punta Mita in Mexico. A wealthy homeowner, Isabelle Beresford, hires Liz to install a painting in her villa. Liz is quite excited to get out of town and definitely plans to enjoy her week in Mexico living it up in the beautiful home. Once there, however, not only does Liz settle in quickly, she meets other women who live there, and it is clear that they think she is actually Isabelle. Well, why not? She’s assumed other identities before and plans to live it up while she can. Soon, however, Liz finds that she might have gotten herself mixed up in something dangerous. Definitely not a simple con and it all goes spectacularly wrong. 

This started out well and I was fully engaged until about the half way mark when Liz’s deceptions start to fall apart and she is in constant fear of exposure. Events transpire that make Liz wonder about the Beresfords. But every time she knew she should get out before her duplicity was revealed, something kept her there. I guess she liked the wealthy lifestyle and all its trappings. All of that identity confusion and obsession got old quick and you just knew what was coming because of the big thing left unsaid. No spoilers. And, that ambiguous ending really irritated me. All in all, it was just a story with lies and secrets. Honestly, the whole look alike trope is getting old as well. 

Did not like any of the characters. They were hideous and very much stereotypes of this genre. Mostly a familiar story of the rich behaving badly and the typical assumption that many are not good people. I don’t believe it would be that easy to assume another person’s life. 

Listened to the audio book while following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator was the author herself and she did an adequate job of voicing the characters, getting the nuances right, and giving the story a bit of dramatic flair. Unfortunately, the production wasn’t enough to save the actual story from mediocrity.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags - lookalike identity theft, murder, wealth, psychological thriller, lies, secrets

West Heart Kill by Dann McDorman

 “…for every writer is a murderer, and every reader is a sleuth.”

This is quite unique as it is not any sort of typical murder mystery. Nor is it suspenseful. It’s written more like a thesis that attempts to explain the art of writing this genre of fiction. The tropes, the various methods of murder, the possible motives, and even how a clever whodunit should be constructed. Much discussion of other authors and their canon. It’s described as metafiction. I found it disorienting. 

The shifting point of view is crazy — starts out in second person with the narrator, who seems to be the author, speaking directly to the reader with explanations, literary references (primary sources), and hints guiding our reactions to the situation and the characters. Then, to third person limited, to first person singular, and to first person plural. 

The plot: there is a detective, hired by someone, who is meant to report back on any suspicious or interesting observations that he makes while attending a 4th of July celebration at this wealthy enclave where the residents have known each other all their lives. Did I mention there are a ton of characters and I found them hard to keep straight. During the weekend there are deaths. Who is the killer?

And believe me, this moves along and I’m very interested in the detective’s process and the clues and red herrings. Totally invested. And then the big reveal at the end…doesn’t come. Now I’m the kind of person who feels cheated when faced with ambiguity. 

So, despite all the pretentiousness and thought provoking commentary, I was frustrated and confused by the way the narrator pulls a one up at the end. I come away thinking, what in the heck did I just read. I wanted to like it but the unconventional ending just ruined it. Sure I can guess all day but I wanted the author to do the work for me. Maybe this is brilliant work, but I’m just not clever enough to get it. 

I listened to the audio book while following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. I liked the voice of the narrator, Robert Petkoff, and he did an excellent job. I did, however, find the redundancy of the question and answer interviews hard to listen to so had to fast forward thru that. It definitely enhanced my appreciation of the book.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

tags - metafiction, mystery, 1976, murder

Parents Weekend by Alec Finlay

 Fast paced mystery thriller.

The story centers on 5 students who go missing on Parents Weekend at Santa Clara University in California. Their parents wait for them at the restaurant but none of them show up. At first they aren’t too worried, but then tidbits and details start emerging. The parents of Libby, Blane, Mark, Felix, and Stella have reason to be concerned.

This book marks the return of a character from previous books by this author: Special Agent Sarah Keller who has been transferred to the Bay Area while her husband, Bob, takes care of his ailing father. Sarah is immediately brought into the case by the local police. She takes point rather quickly and off goes the investigation.

Told from several different viewpoints, the reader learns about the issues in the families of the missing students. Eventually the pool of suspects dwindles. And this is where the book fell from a 4 + suspense thriller to a barely 3. I hated the ending and the explanation. How banal and predictable. All along I was hoping it wouldn’t go there but it did so I was very disappointed. No spoilers.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Brittany Pressley, did an OK job with the story but definitely struggled with the voices of so many characters trying to give them unique accents etc. This is definitely a book that would have benefitted from a much larger production cast, especially even at least one male voice. 

This is a standalone although has a character from previous books Sarah Keller FBI agent.

Genre - mystery, thriller, police investigation, missing kids

The Senator by Maya Golden Bethany

 2.5 stars rounded up.

I would say this was more of a romantic thriller than a political one despite the premise being that a US Senator and a New York Times reporter are trying to expose EPA violations, money laundering, corruption, and disregard for human life. 

My biggest issue was that Oliver and Alex were so stereotypical and I didn’t really care for either of them. They were painted as so heroic and the good guys despite the fact they were carrying on an affair while trying to make the bad guys pay. This white hat vs dark forces theme was carried throughout and each character was quickly put into one stereotype or the other. I found most of the reactions and behavior of the various characters to verge on the unbelievable. But, sounds like our sainted couple gets their happy ending as expected. The whole concept of a savior team taking down corrupt politicians and manufacturers will remind you of many other books and movies that handled the issue in better told stories. 

Listened to the audiobook narrated by Imani Jade Powers. She did a fine job trying to voice all the characters but this production would have benefited by using a larger cast, or at the very least, a male voice. There were a lot of different characters and sometimes hard to tell which was speaking. 

I don’t know if there will be a sequel as the ending leaves some hints that another might follow. I won’t read it. I had enough of this dude

This was a romance disguised as a political thriller wanna be. 

The Writer by James Patterson and JD Barker

 I need a few moments to come to grips with what I just read...

I love when a book leaves me gasping and wondering what the heck just happened here!!! No spoilers.

This is a crazy convoluted thriller that you have to read in one sitting because you can’t look away. I was glued to the pages flipping frantically, guessing wildly, and thinking I knew what was going on. I didn’t.

The writing is superb and a testament to two brilliant authors who really know how to write a thriller that keeps a reader thinking what in the world is going to happen next.

I won’t rehash the plot and I think it best if you go in blind without any preconceived notions. Know that you are in the hands of two masters and enjoy the ride!

I was able to listen to the audio book while also reading along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Peter Ganim, did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life and enhancing the book with is excellent dramatic flair and depiction of the characters. This production really made the novel so much more enjoyable. 

Highly recommend. One of my top 10 this year so far!

This is a standalone and oh so very good. Not part of any series.

Tags mystery, suspenseful, keeps you guessing, murder

Murder Island (Doc Savage #2) by James Patterson and Brian Sitts

 Action adventure as the grandson of Doc Savage traverses the globe to find his kidnapped girlfriend, Kira Sunlight. This is the second in an offshoot series, but it is not necessary to have read the first before enjoying this one on its own.

The former Brandt Savage, professor of anthropology and the University of Chicago, has now embraced his heritage and has teamed up with the woman who taught him all his new skills, helped him bulk up, and prepared him to meet and vanquish their enemies. 

Doc and Kira are enjoying some private time on an island they’ve made into a little utopia when their solitude is destroyed by evil mercenaries who set up Doc for murder and take Kira. Her captors have nothing less than world dominion in their plans and want her to help accomplish that. Meanwhile, Doc is doing everything he can to escape his captors, survive those who are intent on killing him, and to find Kira. 

Lots of battles, gunplay, death, etc. and it reads like a screenplay for a super hero or spy mission movie. It doesn’t take itself all that seriously and neither did I. It was just entertaining and a quick, easy read with trademark short chapters and lots going on. The characters are standard fare for this type of novel but they really want to have some depth despite being stereotypical. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrators, Tim Lounibos and Suzanne Elise Freeman, did a fantastic job with all the voices, accents, and dramatic flair. Their performance enhanced my enjoyment of the book as it was an excellent production.

This is the second in series. I did not read the first. It works fine as a standalone.

Tags - murder, conspiracy, global, mercenaries 

The Seaside Murders (Secret Detective Agency #2) by Helena Dixon

 

Entertaining historical cozy.

In this second book in the Secret Detective Agency series, I’m off to Jane’s childhood home in the village of Ashbourne in Kent. Jane Treen and her reluctant associate, Arthur Cilento, have been directed there by Brigadier Remington-Blythe because the body of a naked man was found on a beach nearby. The dead man happened to be an Italian POW who was allowed some leeway in a work release program. Definitely the War Office didn’t want any repercussions from this incident. In addition, there have been reports of looting and black marketing in the same area. Off they go, along with Benson and Jane’s cat to the house left to Jane by her recently deceased father.

This story moved along nicely and I enjoyed it more than the first book as I liked Jane and Arthur a bit more this go round. The mystery was well plotted and not entirely predictable. The investigation proceeded quickly and the discoveries were made though they of course put themselves into the thick of it and imminent danger. Jane’s mother is a trip for sure and not any sort of pivotal character. I am not really into the idea of a romance between Jane and Arthur but I hope they can be great friends and even better investigative partners. I liked the wartime details, it’s 1941, and England is beset with air raids and strict rationing. 

I look forward to reading another in this series. Thank you to Bookouture for the e-book ARC to review and recommend.

This is the second book in the series and you should read the first one first.

Tags - historical cozy mystery, 1941, war time in England, black marketing, murder

You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego

 Slow and convoluted locked room type mystery.

A famous author, J.R. Alastor, who wants to remain anonymous, hires an event coordinator, Mila del Angel, to set up a special week of trope-themed activities for a special group of authors invited to Wolf Harbor Estate in Casco Bay. The mansion on the private island is well-appointed and luxurious. A chef and housekeeper are also in residence for the undertaking. Almost immediately things start to go wrong. It's soon obvious that perhaps none of them will make it back to the mainland.

I kept waiting for suspense and action that would make this move faster and be more exciting. There were a lot of characters to keep straight and they were not that well-developed. In fact, so little about them was revealed that I struggled to find any empathy or regard for any. The premise, a clue style game on a retreat with famous authors, was so intriguing but the book didn't live up to all its promise or my expectations. The writing seemed cumbersome and I found it difficult to keep track of who was who and doing what to whom and why. I didn't care much for the ending either. It was sort of a disappointment altogether.

I started listening to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. It should have been amazing with the large production cast, but some of the narrator's voices got on my last nerve and I had to skip those sections on audio until I finally had enough and just stopped listening altogether. Let's just say that this format did nothing to enhance my enjoyment of the book.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tag - locked room style whodunit, lots of murder/deaths

The Perfect Divorce (Perfect #2) by Jeneva Rose

 This is a sequel and if you are expecting a great story, I think you will be a bit disappointed. In fact, I’m sorry I picked it up after all.

Here’s a quote: “Any lawyer worth their salt knows sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all, and the second-best thing to say is a lie.” 

Sums up the morals and ethics of most of those characters in the story.

It started out as a 4 when I thought things might go differently (and I assume anyone reading this will have read the first installment) but all the twists and craziness didn’t save it from the last part getting a solid 2 stars. I liked the short chapters. Didn’t like many of the characters. 

There were way too many points of view and what I felt were unnecessary side plots — two women missing and the Stevens situation. Just complicated the narrative without adding any real value since we all know what happened in the first book. Sarah is exactly the same person as before and hasn’t changed a bit despite the years and getting married again, this time to Bob Miller. All the games and the distrust and the cat and mouse didn’t really grab me this time and by the time the second half of the story came around, I had already guess what was going on, who was going to do what, and how it was all going to end. Bummer.  I won’t bother with a third in this series if there is one. Too predictable now.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. There was a full cast of voice actors for this book, in fact 6 different men and women. Everyone did a great job except I do not care for the sound of the voice of whomever performed the character of Stacy Howard. I had to fast forward thru those and read the book instead. In any event, the production did help elevate my experience though they couldn’t change the words or the plot!

This is the second in the series and definitely you need to read book one before starting this one.

Genre - murder, investigation, lawyers, spouses

Nobody's Fool (Sami Kierce #2) by Harlan Coben

 Mystery thriller kept me guessing.

It's been awhile, Harlan Coben -- I've not read him for awhile but I did read the first in the set featuring Sami Kierce so I thought I'd circle back and see about this because the premise sounded interesting. That being said, I didn't remember much about #1 and I think this works as a standalone as any significant backstory is included.

Sami Kierce, kicked off the police force due to egregious behavior, is now a private investigator reduced to doing odd jobs for a law firm that he owes. He's doing a side gig as a night class teacher on criminology. One night he's with his pay per class students when someone enters the room through a side door. When he looks over, he's stunned to recognize her. But, thing is, this is Anna, a woman he met in Spain over 20 years ago while he was backpacking Europe with friends. And the other big thing is that he thought he had killed her. Thus begins a crazy hunt to find her as she runs out the door and vanishes. He needs closure and answers.

This was fast paced and hard to put down. The answers that Sami finds aren't necessarily the ones he wants, or believes. There's another side plot about Sami's ex fiance who was murdered (he's remarried with a baby now) and the killer's release from prison but that wasn't nearly as compelling as the main story line. I liked this despite not really caring that much for Sami and I was afraid of how it was all going to end. Surprisingly, there were some twists and the conclusion seemed a bit rushed.
I'm assuming there might be another in this series as there were some unresolved issues.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publisher. The narrator, Vikas Adam, did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. His tone, accents, and dramatic flair were excellent and his performance really enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is the second in the series but works as a standalone. I've read both.

Genre/tags - mystery, suspense, murder, investigation, disappearance

The Murder Show by Matt Goldman

 Fast paced mystery thriller.

When Ethan Harris returns to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to visit his parents for the High Holidays, he's also escaping New York while the show he runs is on hiatus due to the writer's strike. He's desperate to come up with a possible plot arc for the next season lest his show be canceled, but he never dreamed that inspiration would come in the form of a decades old tragedy. When he lived there while in high school, a local boy and friend of his, Ricky O'Shea, died in an apparent hit and run that was never solved. Now his old crush, Ro Greeman, who is now a cop and who has just returned to live in the house across the way, is trying to entice Ethan into investigating that death that she thinks was actually a murder. Can Ethan help her investigate and come up with a new show idea at the same time?

The story went in a direction that I hadn't really anticipated, but it was entertaining and had the elements of a going home reunion and a crime thriller. The characters were interesting but it was easy to see that there was something off about a couple of them. I liked the writing style and the bits of the backstory so the reader knows the history between the main players. Not sure how realistic it all was considering the level of involvement that Ethan gets in the law enforcement aspect, but it held my interest and I read it in a single sitting.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publishers. I enjoyed the narrator, Dan Bittner, who did a good job voicing all the characters. I had to laugh, however, at the replacement of a certain make of car with another brand in the audio version. Listening while reading always enhances my enjoyment of a book if it's done well. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre tags - murder, drugs, cold case, investigation off the books

Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson

 Crime thriller with a psychological aspect.

A popular podcaster, Poe Webb, has a unique hook. She gets people to willingly appear on her show and confess to the bad things they’ve done. No shortage of bad people who happily swear to tell the truth about their crimes to her and her audience. Everything is going well until a man appears on her program and claims that he is the person who murdered Poe’s mother 17 years ago. There’s a problem with that, however, and Poe knows he is lying. That’s because she killed that man herself. 

Now the tables are turned and this elusive villain threatens Poe and she manages to get herself into jeopardy. Now he wants HER to tell the world what she did. 

Ah. This could have been something but it really was mostly a predictable cliche. The author even uses the acronym TSTL in his narrative — too stupid to live. I felt that is what Poe was. I didn’t like her and I thought the whole story was a bit OTT since there is a lot of potential legal trouble for anyone who appears on her program. It was drawn out, repetitive, and somewhat boring. I really didn’t care if she lived and the conclusion was really anticlimactic. I was disappointed and felt let down after reading all the glowing reviews. I sure didn’t care about the endless interaction with the dog and cat. Sorry, pet lovers, it was too much. I guess the whole story just didn’t find me in the right place for it. 

In addition, I listened to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The male narrator was fine if unremarkable, but the female voice, Allyson Ryan, was totally miscast. The female MC is supposed to be 30 years old but her voice was deep, masculine, and sounded like that of a 50 year old smoker. It rang false and so irritated me that I had to stop listening. Most of the time an audio recoding enhances my enjoyment of a book, but it didn’t in this case.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags - murder, podcast, truth and lies, thriller, revenge

This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

 A chilling crime without much evidence confounds the police, FBI, and a group of armchair sleuths who delve into the case to the extent that they become part of the tragic story.

When three young college sorority girls are murdered at the University of Idaho in Delphine, the police at the scene can’t find anything that leads them to a suspect. The news reaches the internet world of the amateur detectives and the hive mind digs into this juicy crime. Gossip, salacious details, suspicions, and many questions beg for attention. A young Floridian, Janeway Sharp, is lured into that world while grieving her recently deceased father. Finding like minded friends that feel like family, Jane sinks into an obsession for finding out who killed them. She quits college, gets fired from her job, and immerses herself in research and her new found anchor group. Can this makeshift team solve a case that is stupefying law enforcement. 

This was quite fast paced and so absorbing that I could not put it down. The characters were quite well drawn and multidimensional lending a real “true” life aspect to the narrative. There were a lot of twists and turns leading to the ultimate reveal that some might see coming. I did find Jane’s processing and grieving to be a bit too much at times with the constant stuff about her father. I have a serious issue/question with something about DNA but it could be a spoiler so I’ll remind myself that this is fiction. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Leslie Howard, did a great job of voicing all the characters. She was able to make the characters come alive with her tone, timbre, and accents. The production definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Tags and genre - reads like true crime but is fiction, Idaho University murders, amateur sleuths, internet, pod casts, police investigation, grief over deceased parent

Ask for Andrea by Noelle Ihli

 Beware those dating apps!

Haunting mystery thriller with an unusual twist.

Three women who have something in common: Brecia Collier, Meghan Campbell, and Skye Rios — they all went out with the same handsome, charming man who found them on the app MatchStrike.

He killed them. Now dead, they will spend every effort to hunt him down and make him pay.

Told from the alternating points of view of the different women, the narrative hits a bit differently because the women are all dead. Normally I don’t go for this sort of paranormal beyond the grave business, but I did like the way this was written and I relished it. Very fast paced, I read it in one sitting as I turned the pages rapidly hoping for a satisfying conclusion. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC. The narrator, Allison Delaney, did an excellent job of voicing the characters and I thoroughly delighted in her dramatic flair. Definitely enhanced my appreciation and enjoyment of the book as the production was very well done.

I also found a link at the back of the book to a short story that explains what happens to April, the wife of James Carson, the MatchStrike Killer. It was free on Instagram. 

This may or may not be a standalone. 

Genre - mystery thriller, crime thriller, murder, dating apps, paranormal 

Remote: The Six (#1 Remote series) by Erik Rickstad

 Suspenseful crime thriller -- the first in a new series I plan to devour!

Always fun to find a new series that hooks immediately, and this one did. It has an original premise and I'm eager to see where it goes from here.

After FBI Special Agent Lukas Stark has been hunting the Tableau Killer for eighteen months, he's not managed to find or stop the unsub. His boss calls him in and assigns a partner to help with the case. Gilles Garnier is not any type of law enforcement, but he has a strange ability. And he thinks he knows who this killer is -- but not why they are killing entire families.

The writing is crisp and fast paced and doesn't get bogged down as the narrative drops hints about the mystery man known as "Q" and his relationship to Gilles Garnier. Lots of grisly details about the murder scenes and it takes Lukas quite some time before he can accept Garnier and believe him. Lots of action and the characters evolve as the investigation continues. I don't want to give spoilers so I'll not go into Gilles and his ability. It's rather unique and I always like when I come upon something different in my favorite genre.

I was fortunate to be able to listen to the audio-book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publisher. The narrator, Ari Fliakos, and he did an excellent job of voicing all the characters using different tones, accents, and timbre. The audio definitely further enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Definitely recommend and am looking forward to the next installment.

This is the first in a new series. I have #5 on my TBR. Will read in order.

Genre - crime thriller, murder, special abilities

A Recipe for Murder (#21 Lady Eleanor Swift) by Verity Bright

 Another entertaining installment in this fun cozy mystery series.

With their wedding just days away, and plans creating a frenzy of activity, Lady Eleanor Swift and Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon are anticipating the most wonderful time. Then, the people in Little Buckford are attacked by a villain with terrible intentions. Someone has used poison. Many in the village are ill and, worst of all, Eleanor's chosen caterer has died. Who is responsible for this nefarious deed and can Lady Swift and her handsome fiancé find the perpetrator in time to save their wedding and reception? 

Everyone at Henley Hall from the aprons to the gardener is involved in the hunt for the evildoer. Eleanor and Hugh are determined to find out why. So amidst their continued work to get all of their tasks completed in time for the ceremony, they join forces with local police to investigate on both sides of their town bridge. And then there’s another death.

Fast and fun mystery with lots of suspects and skullduggery. I like the characters in this long running series and enjoy their interactions. The relationship between Eleanor and her butler, Clifford, is always laced with good natured ribbing. I’m really curious to see where this series is going to go next and look forward to the next installment. I’ve read all the books in order from the beginning and suggest any new readers do the same. It’s one of the really good cozy historicals with lots of period details that make it even more interesting.

This is #21 in a series that should be read in order.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. 

The Secret Detective Agency (#1) by Helena Dixon

 

Murder mystery set in 1941 England during the war.

Miss Jane Treen works at Whitehall overseeing a cadre of secret agents for Brigadier Remington-Blythe. Hard and driven, she’s a chain smoker with a serious coffee addiction. She has no desire to go chasing after missing agents out in the country out of her comfort zone, but needs must when another of her agents goes dark after being hidden away for her own protection at a safe house. She travels to Half Moon Manor to work with codebreaker and puzzle solver Arthur Cilento. He has returned from a work mission for the War Office to find a dead body in the river by his home. Could this woman be Jane’s missing agent? Thus begins a reluctant partnership as the two try to trace a complicated organization of what might be traitors to the British government. 

Let’s see — it took me quite a while to get invested in this time period and story. I didn’t immediately warm to the main characters of Jane (annoying) or Arthur (sickly) and the set up of them being forced to work together. The plot and the many different side characters seemed overly complicated and there were a lot of deaths as Jane and Arthur chased around with only the most flimsy of clues. I was definitely happy that the cat in this book had limited involvement and infrequent mention. 

The plot was convoluted and the denouement seemed rushed after all the suspects couldn’t really be interrogated. I’ll have to reserve my thoughts about where this series might be going and if I will follow it after I read the second book. Not sure this unlikely pair will hold my interest if there is more repetition about Jane’s smoking and coffee and Arthur’s asthma. I surely hope no romance between them as she seems a determined spinster and him a confirmed bachelor. Of course there is also the faithful man servant who seems to be essential to the detecting and is always behind the scenes greasing the wheels. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The performance of the narrator, Kristin Atherton, was excellent. She did a fantastic job with all the voices and the transitions were seamless. Her dramatic flair made the book so much more enjoyable. 

This is the first of a new series. I am going to read the second installment shortly.

Genre - WWII Britain, 1941, secret agents, double agents, traitors, murder