Of Hoaxes and Homicide (Miss Hermione #2) by Anastasia Hastings

 Highly entertaining atmospheric whodunit.

In 1885 London, practical Violet Manville secretly writes a very popular advice column under the pseudonym "Miss Hermione." Bored with etiquette questions and endless whining, Violet gets her wish for a real mystery when a letter arrives from a frantic mother. Her daughter has run away to join a nature-worshiping cult that hints at rituals and orgies and is called the Hermetic Order of the Children of Aed. The stakes turn personal when Violet realizes that this very girl is actually Margaret, the best friend of her spoiled, fashionable, society obsessed half-sister, Sephora. 

Violet decides to infiltrate the cult's compound inside the old ruins of the Alburn Abbey in Nottingham. When one of the members is found poisoned to death and Margaret is accused of the crime, Violet must use her keen eye for human nature to separate the grand hoaxes from a very real homicide. And who should appear but Violet's crush, American investigator Eli Marsh. 

I enjoyed this second installment in the series. This was a classic cozy but with a hint of gothic intrigue and the creepy cult vibe. I love how Violet's intellect plays off Sephora's ditzy vanity and how they have this comedic friction. Very surprised to see Sephora develop a bit of resourcefulness. Appreciated that the romance factor didn't have a lot of play. Look forward to the third book.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in this e-book. The narrator, Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, did a decent job trying to voice all the characters but this really needed a male performer to really enhance the production. 

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

Genre and tags: cozy mystery, historical, London, cult, poison, murder, penny dreadfuls, sisters 

Beach Thriller by Jamie Day

 Can we say domestic pop-gothic noir…

Holly Sinclair is broke. She is a struggling New York author who has hit a slump so she decides to move back to Beaufort, Massachusetts, to check out her late mother’s dilapidated beachfront home — the very town where her sister Anna died almost 20 years ago. Desperate to pen a bestselling thriller to save her finances, Halley finds herself drawn to investigate what really happened the night of the fire that resulted in her sister’s death. Was it an accident or was it murder.

Oh my my my. What started tentatively as an engaging summertime thriller turned quickly to a story that was so over the top and unbelievable that I had to shake my head. What a disappointment. The coincidences and the characters were just too much with their actions and motivations. The plot was eventually rather preposterous as the premise of a desperate writer confronting her sister’s cold case has potential, the execution spins into pure ridiculousness. The wrap up at the end as everything is revealed and, surprise, tied together, was just way out there. The characters are one dimensional and make baffling choices such as Holly allowing a random teenager hiding in her attic to move into the house. Then there’s the psychic medium and the busy body real estate agent along with some other crazy others. The insta romance also a turn off. Anyway. I didn’t end up liking this as much as I’d hoped.

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, a cast of women, included Emily Shaffer, Jane Oppenheimer, Jennifer Pickens, and Megan Tusing. I preferred some of the voices over the others but really disliked when they veered into melodramatic screeching and overacting. I do not know who voiced which character. Usually an audio production enhances my enjoyment of a book and this one did that for me but it was ultimately the story that fell short, not the performances. 

2.5 stars raised

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

Genre and tags: beach read, convoluted plot, domestic, amateur investigation, author, runaway, rich people 

Heather by Caitlin Mullen

 A meticulous and atmospheric examination of a small town’s collective sins.

This was a haunting mystery that is set in the shadows of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. It takes place across dual timelines and is a slow burn noir that has a lot of deep emotional resonance. 

In the before: it’s 1990 and 16-year-old twins Annabelle and Sabrina Riley are seduced by an older man. Their father is often absent and their mother has vanished, so when they face a dire situation, no one really notices when both vanish without a trace. At the same time, a local girl delivering newspapers discovers a dead baby girl in the forest. 

Decades later, Callie Hauser returns to her hometown of Pine Lakes to serve as the new police chief. Her best friend, Jane Caputo, was severely injured in an accident and Callie wants to help Jane, her husband, Damien, and their small daughter as much as she can. 

Despite her own past and her messy situation with her mother, Jenna, Callie soon finds that her professional life and her personal life collide. A revelation by genealogical DNA forces Callie to face a legacy of family trauma that exposes the truth surrounding her own parents and uncovers the secrets tied to the disappearance of the twin sisters. 

Very well plotted with a slow unraveling of all the bits and pieces of the back story. I felt deeply for some of the characters whose life circumstances put them into such terrible situations with no one to help. I still don’t understand and was not happy about the legal charges but can’t say much due to possible spoilers. There were a few overwrought moments that veered into melodrama, but overall I enjoyed this book. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers via NetGalley. The three female narrators, Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, and Mia Wurgaft, did an excellent job of voicing the main characters. Their dramatic flair was appropriate and created an immersive experience that enhanced my appreciation of the book. 

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

Genre and tags: mystery, investigation, twin sisters, bad men, small town, bad parenting, drugs, murder, stillbirth, teen pregnancy, missing women, DNA, police 

The Break-up Retreat by Camilla Sten

 In the isolated Swedish wilderness sits the Himlafall Clinic, an ultra exclusive psychological sanctuary promising to cure vulnerable women of their devastating heartbreaks. Intrigued by whispers of malpractice and traumatized patients, investigative journalist Isobel Anderssen goes undercover armed with a fabricated backstory. She intends to expose the clinic’s popular founder, Dr. Martina Hastings. 

Upon arrival, Isobel’s investigation quickly unravels. Her inside contact has not shown up and someone steals her hidden phone. Worst of all, Dr. Hastings displays a predatory ability to get under Isobel’s skin and starts battering her psychological defenses by exposing her relationship issues. It’s as though the doctor is manipulating her and the others in therapy there. The unorthodox methods seem dangerous and Isobel starts to feel threatened as the other women crumble under the strange cult like treatment. 

This premise was good but the execution stumbled because Isobel made some really reckless and frustrating choices. It made me question her journalistic integrity and competence in her pursuit of an expose. The writing really forced that sense of doom as the author focused on creating an atmosphere involving bad weather, isolation, mistrust, the lack of outside communication, and no free will. I struggled to connect with the characters, especially the other patients. I never felt any emotional stake. Definitely the reader will have to suspend a lot of disbelief through some of the melodramatic turns and the over the top conclusion. The wrap up didn’t deliver the payoff I’d hoped for nor any revelations about the whole clinic process.

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, (in her debut performance) Payton Mader, did a fabulous job of voicing the characters and bringing them to life. She wasn’t overly dramatic and her smooth tone and pitch brought a welcome change to audio books where the narrators sometimes sound overwrought and screechy in tense situations. I enjoyed listening to her and the production definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book. 

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

Genre and tags: psychological thriller, treatment, clinic, therapy, murder, unhinged characters

Based on a True Story by Sarah Vaughn

 Slow burner of a psychological and domestic thriller

Dame Eleanor Kingman has meticulously crafted her life story, transforming her journey from poverty to a multimillion dollar franchise as a children’s author. Her books, based somewhat on her youngest daughter, have made her rich and… now she finds that she’s a target. 

She’s preparing to celebrate her 70th birthday at a lavish party on her newly purchased Cornish cliff side estate. Suddenly, the carefully curated facade beings to crack. While a journalist and his crew prepare to film a documentary about her life and rise to fame, Eleanor starts to receive threatening emails. Someone wants to expose her and out the lies she’s hidden for almost fifty years. 

All of the tension is not just Eleanor’s as her three adult daughters, Gilly, Rachel, and Delia, are also having some intense issues and are hiding some serious secrets of their own. 

This is a slow burning family drama that focuses on identity, truth, and betrayal. The setting on the isolated, windswept cliff at Cornwall creates a mood as well. This was not a bad novel, it just took so long to get to the point and it seemed eons until it got there while also being quite predictable and contained all the typical tropes of the genre. 

The narrative shifted in points of view with some time jumps as well. Granted, the family is dysfunctional and the characters are not really likable. The theme reflecting the nature and cost of maintaining a public persona especially rings true when the main character is threatened with revelation of those long buried secrets.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Juliet Stevenson, had a huge job trying to differentiate all the female characters to make them unique. Since so many were female, this story would have been better served in this format to have a larger cast. All those female voices blended together and it was hard to distinguish between the characters if I had not been reading along at the same time. She did a decent job, but some of those accents and tones were a bit much. As always, however, I always enjoy the immersive experience of a simultaneous read while listening. 

3.5 stars

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

Genre and tags: psychological and domestic drama, thriller, mystery, author, murder, assault, secrets and lies, adultery, Cornwall

Marion by Leah Rowan

 Debut author delivers a razor sharp, modern “rage thriller” adaptation of Hitchcock’s iconic movie, PSYCHO. The story flips the classic horror script on its head, centering on a woman who is on the run with stolen money when she meets up with a deeply unstable man. 

Marion Cage, the name she uses when she checks into the secluded, outdated Billings Motel, is full of contemporary fury over toxic power dynamics and a situation of spousal abuse involving her sister. When she’s attacked in the shower by a knife wielding Norman Billings, things don’t end in the familiar way. Now she’s started something. 

I had such high hopes for this novel and it started out with a fast pace. The core suspense and the angry woman aspects were good, but then it got over the top and veered into the unbelievable. I particularly didn’t care for so much repetition and also this constant voice of Marion’s mother in her head. The attempted twists and red herrings were a bit far fetched and kept the reader off kilter. There are several unanswered questions and I was not a fan of the ending. 

The story alternates between the point of view of Marion (we never learn her real first name) and a private investigator named Hannah. Now Hannah really irritated me with her social commentary and virtue signaling and I didn’t care for her character at all. 

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, Tawny Platis and Natalie Naudus, had a satisfactory, if not somewhat overwrought at times, performance. Some of my annoyance might be due to the text they had to speak and the repetition of certain words. Since most of the novel involved female dialogue, they both managed to come up with accents and tones to try to make them sound unique and different. Listening while reading always enhances my enjoyment of a book. 

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

Genre tags: spousal abuse, murder, toxic masculinity, rage, revenge, embezzlement, adaptation or reimagining of Hitchcock’s movie Psycho

Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson

 Domestic drama and thriller focusing on sisterhood and revenge. 

Penny Albright is a rookie police officer in Georgia, a career path she chose after her twin sister, Nix, died of a drug overdose when she fell apart as the result of a traumatic sexual assault. While responding to her very first homicide scene, Penny is stunned to find that the victim is Danny Bowery, one of the three men responsible for her sister's downward spiral. 

While searching the area, Penny finds a woman named Thalia Gray covered in blood and holding the box cutter that had just killed Danny. Instead of arresting her, Penny hesitates when Thalia utters the word, "sisters." Penny gets it into her head that this woman knew or was connected to Nix.  Penny lets Thalia escape. 

From then on, Penny is on a mission to uncover who Thalia is and why she is seeking vengeance for her sister's death. 

This was a character driven mystery thriller that tries to balance a personal vendetta with a crime investigation. Since Penny steps away from the police and her job, this is all focused on her own investigative skills and judgement. There is a lot of emphasis on internal conflict, right and wrong, and doing what needs to be done. Penny has a lot of grief and guilt and she makes some bad decisions putting herself and her family at risk. It's kind of a slow burn with all the extraneous family dynamics and some repetition with how much she misses Nix and how she can't get over her death. But then the second half takes off and it all comes together with some surprising twists. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publishers. The narrator was the author herself, which was a first for me. I really think, that although Joshilyn did a decent job, that the production would have benefited from a full cast. And, full disclosure, the way she voiced the character of Thalia got on my last nerve -- too breathy for my taste. She deftly handled the southern accents typical of Georgia natives.  I do feel, however, that the immersive experience of listening and reading really enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

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

Genre and tags: murder mystery, twins, sexual assault, sex trafficking, drugs, family, police procedural, suspense, crime thriller, revenge, moral quandary 

Writers and Liars by Carol Goodman

 Atmospheric locked room mystery that is steeped in Greek mythology and hints at the dark underbelly of the antiquities trade.

Maia Gold is a museum supervisor who wrote a successful debut novel years ago during an exclusive writers' retreat on Eris, a private Greek island. That week ended in bitter personal betrayal, however, involving her boyfriend, Ian, and her new best friend, Annika. Maia's novel, based on that drama, ultimately ended her writing career. 

Now it's 15 years later, and billionaire Argos Alexander invites a few of the original cohort back to the island. When all arrive, the host is missing but has left instructions with the housekeeper for a writing contest. They retreat to their rooms to try their chances at winning the promised prize but in the morning, instead of Argos waiting to give out awards, they find his dead body. 

Of course, there's no phone or any means of communication. They are trapped on the island. As suspensions fester and another body is discovered, Maia must figure out the secrets hidden on the island. Fortunately, she has expertise in Greek mythology and uses that knowledge to guide her quest.

This was quite the lesson in Greek mythology (unfortunately not a subject that I am familiar with) and sometimes it seemed way too much. The pacing relies on a shifting timeline between several discrete periods -- the distant past when Maia's parents were on the island, when the first writers' retreat occurred, and now in the present with the return. With so few characters, it was easy to sort quickly who the probably villain must be. It's a whodunit, but definitely has a lot of intellectual subplots and extraneous information that overwhelms the narrative. The fast-paced action scenes and the descriptions of some parts of the island were quite over the top, but the book was entertaining even as it was predictable. 

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, Kirsten Potter, had quite a time with all the characters as she tried to voice both male and female characters without sounding exaggerated. Although she did a decent job, a full cast or at least a male and female speaker for those parts would definitely have balanced out the dialog a little better. I always enjoy listening to a book while reading because it allows me to fully immerse myself in the story and enhances my enjoyment of the book.

3.5 stars

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

Genre and tags: writers, antiquities, Greek mythology, murder, manipulation, Greek island 

The Trad Wife’s Secret by Liane Child

 Behind the filter — the #tradwife exposed in this psychological and domestic suspense thriller.

On her idyllic Montana homestead, Madison March is the ultimate social media commodity: a flawless, apron-wearing “triad wife baking sourdough for her rancher husband, Michael, and their four adorable children. Over a million followers crave her aesthetic. But when Cally, a tutor feeling her own mistakes, enters the home, the flawless filter starts to slip. Told through 3 fractured perspectives: the ruthlessly curated Madison, the desperate tutor Cally, and Brianna, a young girl trapped in a parallel homesteading nightmare. 

This novel un peels the toxic, high level deception behind the lens of influencers. In the March house, submission isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s a survival tactic.

This novel offered an interesting look at the dark side of internet influencer culture and the modern homesteading movement, but it ultimately fell into predictable patterns and required a huge suspension of disbelief at the coincidences and connections. The atomosphere was tense and the ominous behavior of Michael was threatening and unsettling as he exerts his dominance and control. The contrast between the online image and the grim reality provided a good setup for the expectation of bad things to come. The final chapters really were over the top stretching believability a huge step too far. 

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, Lauryn Allman, did a good job of voicing the many characters in this novel and tried to keep accents and tones such that they did not blend together and retrained some individuality. Since most of the characters were women and children, she had a lot to keep straight. I always think a story like this would benefit from a full cast especially to have at least one solid male voice. Listening always enhances my enjoyment of the book as it creates an immersive experience. 

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

Genre and tags: suspense, tradwife, domestic abuse, infertility, assault, social media influencer, mother, children, murder

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

 A wonderful character driven drama that avoids typical thriller cliches and defies categorization.

Elsie Fitzpatrick is an 81-year-old woman living a quiet life in a Melbourne suburb. Her peace is shattered when she goes to the aid of a neighbor only to find him dead on the kitchen floor. The police investigate and uncover Elsie’s true identity; she is actually Mabel Waller. In 1954, at the age of 15, she became the youngest person convicted of murder in Australian history. She was known to the public as Mad Mabel. As notoriety once again revisits, Elsie decides to tell her side of the story to a pair of YouTubers. 

The narrator I’ve alternatives between Elsie’s childhood in the 1950s and her present-day reality. The very large personality that is Elsie is blunt, grumpy, unbothered by social niceties, and extremely cynical and funny. I actually laughed out loud so many times at her comments and responses to people and situations. When a book makes me laugh, I’m so much more invested and I could not put this down. I kept guessing, and hoping, with the slow build to the reveal of Elsie’s actual crime and her victim. The characters came to life on the page and the story was well balanced between the dark themes and the humor. I was not expecting to like this as much as I did and definitely recommend it.

I was lucky enough to be able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators, Hannah Fredericksen (young Mabel in the 1050s) and Jenny Seedsman (81-year-old Elsie in present day) were absolutely fabulous. It was also tricky for them, I’m sure, to do the child parts as those never quite sound right. Both did a marvelous job of giving life to Mabel’s story and I enjoyed the immersive experience that enhanced my appreciation of the book. 

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

Genre and tags: contemporary, mystery, thriller, drama, murder, abuse, sexual assault, childhood trauma, suicide

Murder Will Out by Jennifer K. Breedlove

 Small town whodunit and a classic ghost story.

Graduate student and talented organist Willow Stone returns to Little North island off the coast of Maine for the memorial service of her estranged godmother, Sue. Willow soon discovers that Sue’s recent death before her imminent wedding might not have been accidental. Sue had inherited Cameron House, a large local mansion rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of its previous owners. When Willow overhears a threat directed at the next heir to the estate, she realizes that someone on the island is desperate enough to kill for the property that legally has to go to a Cameron heir. To uncover the truth, Willow navigates a tight knit community filled with greed and secrets. 

Although I’m definitely not a fan of paranormal anything, this worked in a crazy way with the Gothic atmosphere, the big old mansion with its secret passageways, and with the ghosts hanging about in the rooms. The mystery got a bit convoluted about who was related to whom, and definitely predictable with final revelations. Several murders threw up some red herrings, but the close group of women determined to figure out the truth was successful after a lot of misdirection. It was entertaining enough that I read it in a single sitting.

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, Gail Shalan, had a huge job voicing all those characters and trying to give each a sense of individuality. I must confess, however, that she got overly dramatic and used a very shrill voice much too often with several of those female characters. She used several different accents and was fairly consistent throughout the production. This is definitely a book that would greatly have benefitted with a full cast recording. I always enjoy a book a little more when I listen while I read. 

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

Genre and tags: ghosts, murder, mystery, cozy, paranormal, lesbian relationships, legacy and birthright, inheritance, Gothic mansion

Where the Truth Lies by Katherine Greene

 Simmering small town noir and domestic suspense.

On the surface, high school sweethearts Rhett Clark and Lucinda Herbaugh enjoy an idyllic life in their quiet Kentucky town, complete with a beautiful little girl and a lovely home. Their stable foundation, however, is built on deception. Right before their wedding fifteen years prior, an outsider, Jennifer Moore, arrived in town sparking a brief, explosive affair with Rhett that culminated in a brutal murder, local corruption, and a buried secret. 

The past collides with the present when an eyewitness gives evidence that places Rhett directly at the scene of the unsolved crime. Told in alternating perspectives across a past and present timeline, the carefully constructed facade of their marriage disintegrates as all is brought to light. 

This was an excellent character driven novel that shows the insular nature of small town life, local politics, and protection of their own. The tension is created by the dynamics between the characters and the dual timeline structure showing the bitter reality of Rhett and Lucinda's marriage. Issues of toxic control and social privilege, along with manipulative behavior, trap the characters in an exhausting cycle. Although some might feel it is slow burning, the narrative builds into revelations of emotional and physical abuse and the dark tone is consistent and unrelenting. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The full cast recording features the narrative talents of Amanda Stribling, Tristan Wright, and Hallie Ricardo. They all did a fantastic job of voicing the characters and bringing them to life on the page with their accents and dramatic flair. This created a truly immersive experience that enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Highly recommended.

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

Genre and tags: toxic masculinity, domestic violence, secrets and lies, suspense, small town 

The Family Secret (Detective Lottie Parker #16) by Patricia Gibney

 Series continues with another excellent procedural.

In this 16th book of the Detective Lottie Parker series, the entire team is consumed with an investigation involving the apparent murders of an entire family after they hosted a birthday party for the daughter, Freya. The inquiry is complicated by the subsequent disappearance of a mother and daughter in the neighborhood -- former good friends of the victims. The probe leads down one rabbit hole after another as the current crime is also tenuously linked to a decades old unsolved case where a mother and her daughter were also killed. 

Keeping all the characters straight was definitely a feat as the complex plot continues to yield new clues. Secrets from the past are revealed that connect some really nasty actors. There is so much going on in this installment that I had to read it all in a single sitting to find out who did what to whom. In addition, Lottie is juggling so many professional and personal issues it's definitely a herculean feat that she holds it all sort of together. I like her but sometimes I want to shake her to pay attention to what's really important. She's the kind of flawed that makes her more human instead of a messed up torpedo bound for self destruction going off half cocked. I hope she can get her life a bit more together. Between her kids (this time Chloe gets into it) and Boyd, as well as her mom, Lottie still tries to solve the mystery and keeps her main focus there. I didn't particularly like how the end came so abruptly with some unanswered questions that made it a sort of cliffhanger. 

Looking forward to the next episode. 

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.
Book Blog Stop/Tour

This is the 16th book in a series that should be read in order.

Tags and genre: police procedural, crime thriller, murder, grooming, secrets and lies, abuse, sexual assault 

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay

 A unique perspective traces the trajectory of two young adults across a decade.

May 1, 1992, is the date that alters the lives of two teenagers in a quiet Midwestern town. Jules Delaney narrowly survives a brutal attack by the elusive May Day Killer, while Quinn Riley gets into an altercation that results in him going to juvenile detention. 

Using an innovative timeline, the narrative revisits Jules and Quinn exclusively on May 1st across a decade. The story focuses on those moments that define the characters’ personal growth as they reach adulthood. Events propel the pair toward a singular shocking truth and a series of revelations that help them overcome the scars left by their experiences on that fateful night and the repercussions that followed. 

I absolutely relished this thriller that was very character driven versus shock value and body count. The format eliminated mid-book sag and kept the pacing brisk. There’s a lot of slow burn tension in this psychological mind bender leading to some huge surprises and a twist of an ending. A big one I didn’t see coming. I liked the main characters and was rooting for them all the way. I did feel the conclusion came in hot and it seemed like I still had a lot to process in the aftermath. Some unanswered questions. 

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, Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley, did a good job voicing the main male and female characters. The female voice sometimes got a little too screechy and breathless with a bit of excess dramatic flair, but I did appreciate the dual casting that enhanced my enjoyment of the book as it created a truly immersive experience.

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

Genre and tags: psychological thriller, teenagers to adults, coming of age, murder, rape, assault, war, modeling, kidnapping

The Wrong Victim (Maggie Gallagher #3) by Peter Kirkland

 Smart, well-constructed legal thriller.

This third in a series has defense attorney Maggie Gallagher pulled into a legal nightmare when a luxury yacht explodes following her client's unsatisfactory verdict in an insurance case. The client, Sara Stephenson, was seen in a viral video threatening the CEO, John Archway, of Vista insurance after they were found not liable for her husband's death. When Archway and his lawyer die in the conflagration, Sara is arrested. The evidence against Sara is overwhelming but Maggie realizes that the blast was a calculated plot where the intended target was not the CEO. 

I love a good legal thriller and this was a gripping courtroom drama that relies on steady tension, legal details, and descriptions of sharp legal strategy. My main issue is that this was the third in a series and the only one I have read. I wish I had read the previous two books to get the backstory and to have developed a relationship with the main character. Coming in at this point left me a bit lost especially when referring to cases from the past as well as with Maggie's family and her office help. 

Maggie seems to be a grounded protagonist who seems dedicated to both the law and her family. The case she defended required a lot of maneuvering and side investigation to deliver a mystery where the puzzle pieces fit together logically. 

I definitely enjoyed it and would love to also read and review the first two books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the third in the series. I did not read the first two installments and wish I had.

Genre - legal thriller, insurance CEO, murder, domestic violence 

A Murder in Hollywood by Michael Crichton

 Written in 1973 under his John Lange pseudonym but previously unpublished, this book steps away from Crichton’s usual techno thrillers to deliver a classic whodunit. 

The story unfolds on a movie location in Tucson, Arizona, where the production of a Western film called BLOODROCK is thrown into chaos when the film’s unlikable screenwriter is discovered dead in his bathtub. Studio heads arrange for a meticulous insurance investigator, Harlow Perkins, to come to the set and solve the case before everyone panics. Harvey Jason, the studio publicist for this picture, follows Perkins around as they dig into all the cast and crew members who might be the killer. 

Lots of the usual technical detail with all the accuracy detailing the gritty, unglamorous logistics of a 1970 movie set. There’s no romanticism here but a sort of cynical realism. It captures the mood of a remote location shoot with all the budget anxieties and the tension on the set. This isn’t an action packed plot but more a steady procedural deduction process. 

Definitely not character driven, this is more focused on the puzzle of what happened and who did what. Because it’s set in the 1970s it reads like a time capsule of earlier, less sophisticated movie making days. 

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, Ray Porter, did a fantastic job with the voice work. His tone and delivery were perfect for the content and for the time period. His performances really enhanced my enjoyment of the book by creating a really immersive feeling. I recommend it. 

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

Genre tags: Movie making, 1970, on location, Tucson, Arizona, whodunit 

The Method by Matthew Quirk

 The role of a lifetime.

Fast paced action thriller that begs for a television series or movie adaptation.

Anna Vaughn is an actress and stunt woman who has spent her career studying and training to be a fake badass for the screen. But when her best friend, Natalie, disappears after a night out in Manhattan, Anna's specialized skills -- from hand-to-hand combat to shooting to hot-wiring cars -- are put to a very real test. Along the way, Anna is approached and recruited by FBI Agent Kevin Matthews who reveals that Natalie was entangled with a dangerous circle of international assassins, spies, and oligarchs. Anna takes on the role of her life: going deep undercover as she discovers a lethal conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. 

This is great fun as long as you are able to suspend a bit of disbelief at Anna's skills and abilities. In constant peril, she must use every bit of her training to put on the performance of a lifetime if she is to survive and get the evidence she needs. Although her main goal is to find Natalie, Anna soon finds that she is in over her head without any backup.

Definitely a fresh perspective on the "unlikely spy" trope, Anna's character is tough and also soft. There seems to be a lot of technical accuracy in the details of Anna's undercover operations and the fight and flight scenes. The pages turn rapidly because we catapult from one action scene to the next as Anna uses every talent she has as an actress. She's a compelling protagonists.

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, Christine Lakin, did an excellent job with the character of Anna. Her voice and tone adapted as Anna transformed from actress to undercover asset. She handled the other voices and accents extremely well, making everyone have a unique voice print. This created a truly immersive reading experience and enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

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

Genre:tags mystery thriller, spies, actresses, corruption 

Prognosis Critical by Gary Birken

 High stakes medical thriller that excels because of its procedural accuracy and chilling realism.

Dr. Jacey Flanigan has just completed her pediatric cardiology residency and landed a prestigious position at the Children's Heart Hospital in Manhattan. Her excitement at the new job turns sour after a run-in with a hostile heart surgeon and the discovery of a culture defined by rigid secrecy. Jacey notices disturbing patterns -- surgeons refuse to operate without their own specific teams and don't want her observing in their rooms, and the post operative course doesn't seem to be the norm. When a patient nearly dies under suspicious circumstances, Jacey doubles down even as she starts to suspect that whistleblowers before her arrival have not survived. Trapped in a web of collusion and coverup keeping her at distance, Jacey seeks to expose the truth. 

This was the first good medical thriller I've read in a long while. I devoured it as I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the author swapped out melodrama for the far more frightening portrayal of institutional silence and greed as well as the hubris of surgical ego. I liked the main character of Jacey and appreciated her strength in not backing down even as the newbie in her job. I liked the accuracy of the clinical detail and the believability of the scenario. I'll definitely look for more of this author's books.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both obtained from my local library. The narrator, Susan Lyons, did a good job with the voice of the main character, but the other vocal choices felt uninspired and flat. The accents (southern) didn't ring true and the male voices all sounded basically the same. This production definitely would have benefited from at least a male narrator or a full cast. I always like listening while reading as it typically enhances my whole reading experience. 

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

Genre and tags: medical thriller, mystery, pediatric cardiac patients 

Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass

 Well this was a literal banger of a thriller that kept me engaged and rapidly turning the pages to finish it in a single sitting.

The story opens when Regan Hoffman's car explodes at a Labor Day party in the gated community of Cloverhill Lakes. The blast shatters the peace of the neighborhood and creates a sense of fear because it was not Regan who died. Secrets start to leak out from behind the doors of the homes as three women find that something very sinister connects them. Regan spots her supposedly dead husband. Andi accidentally ends up with an unthinkable dilemma, and Sasha knows her teenage son is getting deep into trouble. 

This was a high tension domestic thriller with multiple points of view narration. The plot is layered and the chapters end at tantalizing cliffhangers forcing you to read on. The pace is fast and the action non stop as the characters make some really bad choices and do crazy and reckless things, but it's so addictive that one ignores some of the outrageous coincidences and just suspends disbelief to go along for the ride. It's a fun and suspenseful story with a satisfying conclusion.

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, Brittany Pressley, Rebecca Lowman, and Karissa Vacker, did an excellent job of bringing the three main female characters to life. Their voices created unique footprints through distinct, consistent cadence and patterns so they are easily identified. The production created a great immersive reading experience and I highly recommend listening.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre/tags: murder, revenge, secrets and lies, domestic thriller 

A Ghastly Catastrophe (Veronica Speedwell #10) by Deanna Raybourn

 In 1890 London, Veronica Speedwell and Stoker investigate a macabre vampire mystery after a young man is found near Highgate Cemetery with his body drained of blood. When a second victim is discovered after an apparent suicide, the trail leads the duo to a dangerous secret society of immortality seekers led by a self-proclaimed creature of the night and a practitioner of witchcraft. Amidst the investigation, J.J. turns to them for help, and the case forces a brief encounter with Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane to track down a crucial witness.

This was a fast and fun tenth entry into what I consider my favorite historical fiction mystery series. Leaning into gothic atmosphere without losing any of the trademark wit, the pair dives into folklore and myth despite their scientific skepticism. I love the interaction between Veronica and Stoker and the author’s understanding of the time period is expressed in their exchanges with such marvelous word play. The partnership is sound and the characters work together so well. I am always eager for the next installment. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Angele Masters, did a superb job voicing Veronica. She has just the right tone for every sentence and truly embodies the character. It was, however, quite jarring to hear her perform Stoker’s voice because he doesn’t sound at all like I imagined. Way too raspy and not deep enough or suave enough. Anyway, it did provide entertainment but the production would definitely benefit from a full cast because those characters deserve their own voices! 

If you’re considering a historical fiction series, I highly recommend this one. And start from the beginning.

This is the 10th book in the series that should be read from the beginning. 

Genre and tags: Victorian London, amateur sleuth, investigations, witchcraft, mesmerism, historical fiction

I, Spy by L.M. Kemp

 Kendal Carter, a former intelligence operative living under an alias, is forced out of hiding when her location is compromised. To protect her young daughter, she accepts an assignment from her former handler: relocate to London and surveil a new agent trainee living in the lower apartment of her huge house who is working at a tech firm. She enrolls her daughter in school and attempts to blend into the suburban routine. As she navigates the complexity of this mission, she realizes that she might be falling into a trap. Her main goal is to protect herself and her daughter.

This was a fast paced thriller that bridges the gap between domestic fiction and traditional espionage because of the single mother angle. Although often annoyed by the large presence of a child character in adult fiction, I was able to overcome this despite some of the decisions Kendal made. I'd prefer even less of Rosie moving forward. I was mostly interesting in seeing how a mother would use her professional training to navigate lethal situations. The issue of child care or a babysitter is always going to be that one thing that has to be worked out for any woman who works and most definitely for someone who's a spy. Also interesting was the relationship between Kendal and her own mother. There are so many avenues to explore in future installments and I'm looking forward to reading them. I liked the writing style and the main character. 

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, Ell Potter, did a really great job of voicing the characters though I think all audio would benefit from full cast recordings or at least a male and female voice. She wasn't overlay dramatic and she handled the pacing of the book with ease. I definitely enjoy the immersive experience of listening while reading and recommend you try it. 

This seems to be the debut of a new series.

Genre and tags: thriller, domestic, single mother, spy, murder, covert operations, thriller 

This Weekend Doesn't End Well for Anyone (Vacation Mysteries #3) by Catherine Mack

 Snarky, sharp, and fun episode in this mystery series.

Best-selling author Eleanor Dash heads to a rundown resort in the Bahamas for a murder mystery writers' conference with her boyfriend, Oliver, hoping for a rare break. Instead, upon arrival, they find a dead body on their hotel room floor. Surrounded by a cast of suspicions colleagues, Eleanor tries to navigate another real-life whodunit where everyone around is a crime writer and they all know how to commit them.  

I enjoy these satirical romps that make fun of the publishing world from authors to editors to readers. The pace is fast and the narrative kept me guessing. I like how the writing style breaks the fourth wall and those snarky comments and footnotes were hilarious and drew me deeper into the connection with Eleanor. This novel had a lot of complexity for as few actual suspects as were present. It felt important to have read the previous books in the series as the characters are all drawn from the beginning. Some good red herrings and a surprising reveal wrapped up a really fun read.

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, Elizabeth Evans, does a fantastic job voicing all the characters and handling the accents. I'm all about full casts with both male and female voices, but I hardly noticed during her performance as she had such seamless delivery. The format provided a fun immersive experience that enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is the third in the series that should be read in order.

Genre and tags: murder, mystery, cozy, snarky, humor, satire, authors, book publishing 

The Afternoon Tea Murders (Secret Detective Agency #4) by Helena Dixon

 

Wartime cozy historical fiction mystery. 

In 1942, Whitehall agent Jane Treen is pulled away from her desk by an urgent warning: her colleague, codebreaker Arthur Cilento, is in danger at a remote assignment at Downland House in Devon. Jane travels there under the guise of conducting a routine audit. As she starts to go through household accounts and assess the mission’s objectives, Jane finds that there are some disturbing irregularities and not much progress has been made. She and Arthur take a day to travel into the local village only to find the local tea shop owner dead on the floor. Jane must figure out if the threat is coming from inside the house. 

Well-paced whodunit that captures the quiet tension of the English Home Front and their efforts on breaking coded messages during the war. The story showcases the practical intelligence of Jane Treen and the analytical skills of Arthur Cilento. It feels authentic and uses wartime constraints like rationing and blackouts. This will definitely be appreciated by readers who appreciate historical accuracy and a strong professional partnership versus a trope romance. Even if a bit predictable, after all there aren’t that many possible suspects, it was a fun and fast read. 

This is the 4th installment in a series that should be read from the beginning in order to understand and appreciate the relationship between Jane and Arthur. He continues to be sickly and his manservant, Benson, is always reliable to step in when it counts. 

I received an ARC from Bookouture for a Blog Tour date on May 1, 2026 and can definitely recommend this cozy mystery.

This is the 4th installment in the series.

Genre - World War II, cozy, historical, mystery, murder, spies

The Girls Before by Kate Alice Marshall

A tense and tangled mystery thriller. 

School counselor and search-and-rescue expert Audrey Dixon has never stopped thinking about her childhood best friend, Janie, who vanished years ago into the shadows of local folklore (Jenny Red Hands). When she discovers a necklace associated with the legend in the woods and hears about another currently missing girl, Meghan Vale, she becomes obsessed with finding her and researches all of the cold cases. She immediately suspects that a local family might be connected to these disappearances and she begins a dangerous investigation. 

The story is told in alternating "Above" and "Below" chapters with the latter featuring the perspective of a girl shackled in a dark bunker. 

If you're fond of amateur sleuths going off piste and managing to stumble into incredible discoveries with luck, coincidence, and daring, then this is the story for you. The narrative becomes increasingly convoluted as it tries to tie together the urban legend with the multi generational drama of a prominent family. The tension is high but for some reason, the book seemed to drag at times. The final reveals felt way over the top with the shocking twists and the ambiguous ending. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also reading along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publisher. The narrators, Karissa Vacker and Ina Barron, did an admirable job of voicing the main female characters though at times they both got carried away with dramatic flair. Listening always enhances my pleasure in the book and this was no exception. 

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

Tags and genre: missing girls, kidnapped, murder, amateur sleuth, family drama 

This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum

 Fast and fun mystery thriller.

Benny Abbott and Joy Moore have a successful podcast where they joke about surviving in crazy scenarios. Things get real when Joy and her husband, Xander, disappear. Benny finds himself at the center of a police investigation and tries to figure out what happened to Joy by looking deeper into past episodes of their show and her writing in the autobiography they are working on. 

There was a lot going on and quite a few characters involved in trying to find out about Joy and Xander. The friendship between Benny and Joy was very sweet and authentic, though you could see the unresolved ‘more than friends’ reality quite clearly. It was a bit tense for a minute but things became more clear once all the secrets were exposed. A truly interesting inclusion was the fact that Joy suffered from narcolepsy and that definitely impacted her life.

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, Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins, were absolutely fantastic as the main characters. In addition, we were treated to a full cast for some of the podcast segments and tip-line recordings. And, a cameo by the author, Tiffany Crum. I really appreciated the immersive audio layering with the background noises and ambient sound effects. The performances definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book and I highly recommend that everyone listen. 

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

Genre and tags: mystery thriller, psychological, romance, narcolepsy, domestic violence, murder, podcast, friendship

Murder at the Highland Games (Ally McKinley #4) by Dee MacDonald

Cozy mystery set in the Scottish Highlands.

In the village of Locharran, B&B owner Ally McKinley is excited for the annual Highland Games until champion athlete Archie Armstrong is killed during the caber tossing. He and his extended family are staying at Ally’s while visiting from Canada, and there is no shortage of suspects.

Fast paced with a huge pool of possible killers, Ally snoops and pries to get information so that she can help Detective Inspector Amir Kandahar in solving the case. The investigation proceeds with many interviews and revelations of motive. The story provides a glimpse into small town life in the Highlands. The main character, Ally, is in her early 70s and has a boyfriend as well as friendships with the locals. 

This is the fourth book in the series that is best enjoyed if read from the beginning. 

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend if you’re in the mood for a cottagecore mystery.

Book Blog Tour 4-20-26

Witness Protection by Robert Whitlow

 I enjoy legal thrillers and relish any courtroom drama along with the technical details, but this story was overly laden with an intense religious theme that detracted from my overall appreciation of the story. The constant evangelical undertones, emphasis on prayer and divine intervention, and talk of faith really did take away from the suspense and made the pace of the narrative lag. 

The gist is that a young husband and father, Cesar, is wrongly suspected of being involved with drug smuggling and hires a lawyer to represent him thru his boss who is in witness protection. Jon Tremaine had previous experience with a drug cartel and his testimony sent a kingpin to prison. Now, with his new identity, he manages a tree farm and tries to stay under the radar with his pregnant wife, Sarah. The lawyer is new to town after a divorce sends Kelli Quinn and her two kids to stay with her Aunt Carly. I kept waiting for her to do some real attorney work but if she wasn’t ignoring calls or letting others call the shots for her client, she was out to lunch with the DA or at home talking about stuff, especially food, with her kids. 

I prefer more edgy legal thrillers with more focus on the maneuvers and strategy that demonstrate effective defense of a client. It seemed that the main advisor to Cesar was Jon instead of his lawyer. 

I’m always looking for new authors in my favorite genre so I thought I’d give this one a try. Doubt I will read another. 

I started out listening to the audio book while also reading along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. I found the narrator, Jason Keller, to be lacking and not up to the task of voicing all the characters. This production definitely would have benefitted from a larger cast, especially a good female voice. His attempts at accents also drove me to distraction and I was ultimately so annoyed that I quit listening half way through and just read to the end.

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

Genre - Christian fiction, drug cartel, legal suspense, witness protection, family life

Hope Rises (Walter Nash #2) by David Baldacci

 Gripping sequel brings the thrills.

After a brutal syndicate destroys his life, Walter Nash reinvents himself as Dillon Hope to hunt down the woman he holds responsible, Victoria Steers. He puts himself into her inner circle in a series of manipulations where he becomes a loyal body guard to the woman he intends to kill. Once embedded, he finds that things are not exactly as they first seemed. He must decide how far to go and whom to trust as he navigates the lethal tightrope he must walk to stay alive and get his revenge for all that was taken from him. 

This was a gritty and fast-paced story that was full of action and double cross. Nash, as Dillon Hope, has become a cold and calculated operative who must be alert to every changing and challenging situation as he penetrates Victoria’s world. There is a nonstop action and lots of tension as he tries to stay one step ahead of the nefarious plotting of all of the different factions and people involved in the crime world.  There was a lot going on and a lot of characters that might be good or bad at any moment. There was psychological tension as Walter grapples with the morality of what he’s doing and the choices he’s making. It’s definitely engaging and kept my interest. I’m hoping there will be another in this series as I don’t feel that his story has ended with all the tumult and changes.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The full cast of six narrators were simply amazing and brought the book to life. The dramatic flair, the accents, the performances all contributed to make this one of the best audio books I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. I’d highly recommend everyone enjoy this as I did as it was a truly immersive experience that enhanced my pleasure in the story.

This is the second in the Walter Nash series and should be read after finishing NASH FALLS.

Genre and tags: mystery thriller, murder, syndicate, drugs, body guard, intrigue

A Very Irish Mystery (Lady Eleanor Swift #25) by Verity Bright

 

Historical cozy mystery in the golden age of detective fiction.

In this 25th installment of the series, we travel to Dublin along with Lady Eleanor Swift, 
her husband, Hugh, and their butler, Clifford. This is no ordinary vacation, however, as she and Hugh have come to meet a man who holds the key to her parents' disappearance. While waiting to connect with him, they decide to visit the legendary Finnegan's Brewery only to discover the owner, Fergal Finnegan, murdered. The head of operations immediately hires the Byron Detective Agency to help solve the case before the police get involved and the brewery's reputation is ruined. 

This was a classic whodunit with lots of suspects. The 1920s Dublin backdrop provides atmosphere and a history lesson. Of course the emotional weight that Eleanor carries about what happened to her parents infused the narrative and provided some new information for her which I hope will be resolved sooner rather than later has this has drug on long enough. The team enjoys their usual repartee and points of peril in their usual fashion. 

I like this series and it's one of the few I continue to read because I've stuck with them since the beginning. I feel that most of the installments don't work well as standalones as there is a ton of backstory. Although the new agency is in its infancy, I do long for that team to stay back home at Henley Hall in Little Buckford as I miss the manor life and the details as well as the ladies who work the house. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. 
Book Blog Tour Date 4-14-26

This is the 25th book in a series that should be read in order from the beginning.

Genre and tags: murder, brewery, Ireland, Dublin, 1920s, amateur detectives, historical, cozy 

When I Kill You by B.A. Paris

 A predictable but fast paced mystery thriller.

Fourteen years ago, Elle Nugent witnessed a young woman being snatched off the street and driven away in a car. Elle is adamant when she identifies and names the man behind the wheel. Unfortunately, she was proved wrong. Not only did she destroy the life of the man, she eventually achieved such notoriety that she fled and changed her name. Trying to escape her past has been difficult now that she is Nell Masters. She’s living in London in an inherited house and has just met and fallen for a new man. Alex spends a lot of time in the US, however, so Nell becomes convinced that she has a stalker and she still can’t let go of her obsession as she believes that the stalker is part of her past that has finally caught up to her.

This story was told in dual timelines with Elle of the past and Nell in the present. Nell is paranoid and does crazy things. There’s a lot of coincidence and bad decisions made. The reveal seemed to veer off course from the direction the mystery seemed to be heading and it was quite a letdown. There were some real stretches to get to the conclusion. I’d say this was OK but nothing spectacular though I kept on reading just so that I could find out who was doing all the harassing. The motive was just lame.

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, Georgia Maguire, did a good job with bringing the characters to life in this production. She wasn’t overly dramatic and handled the main character’s moods and reactions very well. Her performance definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

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

Tags and Genre - mystery thriller, stalkers

Murder by Moonrise (Dr. Julia Lewis #3) by Patrice McDonough

 This third in the Dr. Julia Lewis mystery series finds her and Inspector Richard Tennant connected to several incidents involving the British Royal Family and some of their staff and servants. It starts when a young servant of Princess Louise is found dead on the Isle of Wight. The maid is found to be pregnant when Julia performs her autopsy. Julia’s examination proves the cause of death was murder. As Tennant and Scotland Yard try to find the killer, yet more murders occur that appear to be linked and this discovery leads the investigating Tennant to uncover a Fenian plot targeting Queen Victoria. It seemed a rather convoluted plot using both real and fictional characters. The threads tying everything together took a while to pull in. 

I really enjoy this series and I hope to read further installments. I really like Julia and am happy that she and Richard have finally declared their intentions. I hope there are future cases that the pair will work in the late 1800s London setting. I enjoyed this story but noted that it focused more on the police and conspiracy themes than the medical situations that I prefer. Although Julie was called to attend members of the Royal Family, she didn’t do much real doctoring in the book. Or not nearly as much as I would have liked. 

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, Marian Hussey, did an admirable job of handling the British and Irish accents as well as the different tones of male and female characters. She has a very expressive voice and spoke clearly which was necessary to follow the complex plot and the very large cast of characters in the story. I find that a good narrator definitely enhances my enjoyment of a book.

This is the third in the series that should be read in order.

Genre - historical fiction, British Royal Family, woman physician, Scotland Yard, murder, Fenian plot

It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica

 This is both mystery and domestic drama.

Courtney Gray’s family vacation at a Wisconsin lake resort turns into a nightmare when she finds her brother and sister-in-law brutally murdered in their cottage. While her nephew, Wyatt, is found upstairs in his room unharmed, her 17-year-old niece, Reese, has disappeared.

The story alternates between Courtney’s frantic search in present time and Reese’s perspective in the days leading up to brutal crime. 

Fully of really icky people, terrible behavior, and a definite need to suspend disbelief at times, the book mostly suffered from a bloated teenage narrative with its typical angst, inappropriate use of social media, drama, and a super sketchy romance. I didn’t like the flip between the adult and teen points of view and never have been a fan of a mystery where an amateur protagonist is off trying to solve the case. Courtney spends a lot of time doing things she shouldn’t and the author throws up a lot of red herrings on the way to what I’d call a ridiculous ending. Come on. Sometimes there is just that twist too far. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrators, especially the females, were just too melodramatic and theatrically overwrought. I almost stopped listening because it got on my nerves, but stayed on til the end.

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

Genre and tags: mystery, dual perspective that ultimately reads more like YA due to teenager point of view, murder, missing persons 

Alibi by Accident (Verona Montero #1) by Kayleigh Suggett

 I found this debut quite entertaining and laugh out loud funny.

This first in the Verona Montero series is silly and exaggerated camp at times, but turns out to be a cozy murder mystery that takes a sharp turn. 

Verona Montero is an irreverent and foul-mouthed private investigator (insists on the term private dick) who is hired by a client (Miami) to find proof that her billionaire husband, Javier, is cheating. Miami's goal is to overcome the strict prenup agreement and get herself a massive divorce settlement. Javier is a huge jerk so there's no love lost there. Before Verona can get the proof, Javier is found murdered in Greece and of course the wife is the main suspect. Verona jets of to Mykonos to see what she can find out and discovers that he was a nasty man who probably deserved his fate. An unfortunate twist, however, is that an innocent man has been arrested. 

This is not deep nor probably very accurate in the portrayal of lawyers and private detectives, but it was fun to read and I needed something to make me laugh after a run of more serious reads. I do think I will read the next in the series because I just have to know if Verona's obsession, a divorce attorney named Quentin, will ever take her out of the friend zone. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also reading along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Carlotta Brentan, did a great job of voicing all the characters including the various accents required. She brought the story to life and definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book. 

This is the first in a new series.

Genre and tags - cozy murder mystery, infidelity, sexual assault, murder, private investigators, romance, funny, lots of f-bombs 

None Left to Tell by Noelle Ihli

 Absolutely devastating and searing historical fiction novel rooted in real events.

It will be a minute before I forget the story of “The Mountain Meadows Massacre.” I was not familiar with this terrible slaughter and its coverup and need to come to grips with the violence perpetrated on the members of the wagon train headed to California from Arkansas in 1857.

The author writes with the authority of someone raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is a descendant of families involved in the massacre. I think this connection makes the book even more powerful. It was many years before most of the truth of that attack was revealed, and there are still attempts to cover up details today.

The story is told from the perspectives of 3 women who belonged to the three main groups involved. The Mormons (under the direction of Brigham Young), a local Indian tribe (it still is unclear which tribe actually was involved), and a wagon train of families from Arkansas. The Baker-Fancher wagon train consisted of approximately 120-150 people. Only 17 children (all under the age of 7) were spared and only because they were thought too young to remember. 

My heart totally aches thinking of all that happened leading up to the moment in the meadow when one man’s voice was the signal to start the carnage. I cannot even imagine the horror. And, I’m so glad that some involved felt enough guilt to come forward with the truth despite the Morman leadership demanding oaths of secrecy. 

As it is based on a true story, it’s hard to stay objective, and the worst part is knowing that only one person was actually punished. Ah the powerful men justifying their deeds in the name of religion. When all the time it was misguided vengeance. 

If you’ve the stomach for it, this was a riveting read. 

I tried to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, but I did not care for the overly dramatic, breathy voice of the narrator, Lisa Cordileone. Especially when she sang or did the voices of the children, so i finally just deleted it and returned to the library. 

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

Genre and tags: historical fiction, true event. Meadows Massacre, wagon train, murder, Mormons

How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson

 This debut thriller is so convoluted and twisty that it will take a close analysis for any reader to figure out the whole of it before the final reveals. Definitely a book that can’t be skimmed if you want to understand the whole picture of this book within a book.

DI Samantha Hansen is coming back to her job at Scotland Yard after suffering a breakdown when she’s thrown into a murder investigation. The victim is a 14-year-old schoolgirl with some disturbing items at the crime scene. One of those items is a book titled “How to Get Away with Murder” written by Denver Brady. Sam is assigned to the task of reading the book and finding the author. While Sam and her trainee are tracking down this info, the secondary narrative pops up in this dual perspective novel and it is actually the text of the manual in the voice of the author. It’s not too long in that Sam and TDC Adam Taylor are finding that the book is not exactly a diary, nor is most of it the truth. And what does this book and its author have to do with Charlotte Mathers, the dead girl. Who is Denver Brady and is he the serial killer he claims to be or is there a copycat at work. 

I don’t want to give any spoilers but this was very entertaining and clever. I loved trying to anticipate the answers and put the clues together as the investigation and action ensued. I liked the protagonist, Samantha Hansen, and some of the other characters in the book, particularly Adam Taylor. The writing was good and I had a great time putting the puzzle together. I wonder if we will see more of Sam or if this is the one and only. I’m not a huge fan of endless series so I’m fine with imagining how the rest of Sam’s life will play out. Definitely recommend this one to all crime fiction lovers. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also reading along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. It was refreshing and fun. The narrators, Tamsin Kennard and Michael Geary, were fabulous in their roles and created unique voices and personalities for all the characters. This created a very immersive experience and definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

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

Genre and tags: meta fiction, book within a book, crime fiction, police procedural, Scotland Yard, murder

Everyone in This Bank is a Thief (Ernest Cunningham #4) by Benjamin Stevenson

 When a small-town bank is held up, the suspects aren’t just the people in masks — it’s everyone inside, each harboring their own criminal secrets. This clever setup serves as a backdrop for a narrator who speaks directly to the reader, dissecting the rules of mystery writing while leading them through a maze of greed and petty local grudges. 

This 4th book in the series features amateur author and crime solver, Ernest Cunningham, and trades explosive action and police procedural for a sharp, cynical wit. The plot is like a logic puzzle and is quite convoluted since every person involved is a thief in one way or another. The moral and psychological weights of theft come into play along with the crimes themselves. And it’s not just stealing, it’s also murder. And crazy stuff like spontaneous combustion. 

The protagonist in this series isn’t a traditional hero but more an adherent to following the rules of detective fiction. Ernest is a self published author who comes from a family of criminals so he has a bit of a messy heritage. He breaks that fourth wall and talks to the reader by pointing out clues and other observations as he sees them during his investigation or observations. I had no idea where this one was going as it got more convoluted by the page and quite a list of characters to keep straight.

All comes together in the typical parlor room reveal where the logic is laid out and the killer is unmasked. Once again, the author follows the fair game rules. There was no way I could guess most of the revelations much less determine who did what to whom or why. 

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, Barton Welch, did a good job of capturing Ernest’s self aware, witty, and often conversational tone. He’s able to give unique personalities to his cast from the teenage gamer to the female security expert. Definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is the 4th book in a series that should be read in order from the beginning.

Genre and tags: mystery, fourth wall, meta, murder, gold, thieves

The Quiet Neighbor by J.D. Barker and Adam Roach

 The price of a past you can’t outrun.

Successful lawyer, Cynthia Burrows, sees her life unravel when her 18-year-old daughter, Tori, disappears. Alerted when the school sends an excused absence text, Cynthia becomes alarmed and tries to find out why Tori is skipping school. Thinking it has to do with a boy she’s dating, Cynthia goes to where the boy works only to find that he hasn’t shown up for his job. Now on high alert, Cynthia checks the coffee shop’s camera feed and sees Tori leaving with an older man linked to a name from Cynthia’s past. The name is Alexander Beaufort, a serial killer, who forced Cynthia into witness protection decades ago.

Cynthia races to find Tori, aided by (how convenient) her best friend, FBI Agent Gabby, the only person who knows about Cynthia’s past. This is where the book starts to require an immense measure of suspension of disbelief. As Cynthia races from place to place trying to find Tori, the story flips back and forth in time to her childhood when she was Samantha. To save her daughter, she has to confront and reveal all of her buried trauma and the secrets she hid from everyone. 

The authors deliver a fast paced thriller, but the reader has to accept a lot of extraordinary coincidences and unbelievable allowances given to Cynthia who somehow is provided access to every crime scene and all of the investigation details. Journal entries written by an unknown person confessing homicidal urges are interspersed and, come on, I’d be amazed if someone did not figure out immediately who the author was. I had the twists and shocking revelations sussed out almost from the beginning. Also, I didn’t care much for the main characters and there were some questions unanswered at the end. 

It was a quick read over the course of an evening, and I have liked a lot of this author’s books in the past, but this one wasn’t as good. 

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, Morgan Halley, did a good job of voicing the characters who were mostly female so she changed her tone and accents enough to make them distinct. I always find that a good audio production enhances my enjoyment of a book, and this was no exception.

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

Genre and tags: suspense thriller, serial killer, witness protection, missing daughter, murder

All in Her Hands (Nora Beady #3) by Audrey Blake

 This third book completes the story arc in this historical fiction novel about Dr. Nora (Beady) Gibson in London in the 1840s.

It’s 1849, London, and Dr. Nora Gibson faces a dual struggle as she fights for midwives to gain professional recognition while battling a devastating cholera epidemic. As society and the medical establishment push back against her, Nora risks her reputation and personal safety to honor her oath to save lives. 

What a powerful and immersive conclusion to Nora’s journey! It perfectly blends medica history with Nora’s personal stakes. It focuses on Nora’s continued resilience as she fights both personal and professional battles. The medical details are authentic and the story is deeply moving. This book functions as a poignant capstone to Nora’s story as it shifts focus from her quest for credentials to the grittier reality of trying to practice medicine and surgery while facing gender bias. 

It’s obvious that the book was meticulously researched and, late to the party, I just discovered that Audrey Blake is a pseudonym for the two true collaborators, Regina Sirois and Jaima Fixsen. They used several real life women doctors as a guide for the character of Nora and the treatments that she performs are straight from clinical studies, case reports, and research articles published in that time period. I found it all extremely interesting and I was riveted by Nora’s story. I loved all the characters and I will miss them. Surely there’s still another adventure that can be told? 

I was lucky enough to be able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Susan Lyons, did an exceptional job voicing all the characters. Her ability to create unique voice prints for all the different characters was phenomenal and it produced a truly immersive experience. She has a way with accents as well and no trouble pronouncing medical terms. 

Great series, I highly recommend it.

This is the third and final book in the trilogy that should be read from the beginning in order.

Genre and tags: historical fiction, London, 1840s, female doctors, cholera, midwifery, medicine, surgery

The Surgeon’s Daughter (Nora Beady #2) by Audrey Blake

 Breaking barriers in medicine and surgery

A compelling fusion of meticulous medical history and a defiant coming of age narrative. 

The second in the series follows Nora Beady as she navigates the transition from a clandestine surgical prodigy, trained by the prominent man who took her into his home and made her his daughter, to a formal medical student at the University of Bologna in Italy in 1840. In a time where women are not welcome in roles of doctor and surgeon in most countries, Nora has to leave her home in England to study there. She comes under the tutelage of a brilliant surgeon, Dr. Magdalena Morenco, who helps her prove her worth in a field designed to exclude her. As Nora becomes more proficient in delivery of ether anesthetic and in surgical techniques, especially the C-Section, there are those who wish to see her fail. Meanwhile, her foster father, Dr. Horace Croft, is beset with financial woes along with his worsening health. Nora’s romantic interest, Dr. Daniel Gibson, who works with Horace, is experiencing heartbreak treating the children dying of diphtheria. 

I enjoyed all the historical details though also railing at the injustice of Nora’s situation of being held in a legal limbo as the establishment wants to deny her the opportunity and ability to practice. In a time where women were constrained by the opinions of laws of men, she had a lot to overcome. Their egos and belief in their own superiority were terribly frustrating and Nora had to navigate the situation very carefully. It was also interesting to read about the perception differences between England and Italy as far as women in the medical field. I loved the medical descriptions of the operations and the diseases and conditions of the patients. I can’t help but be amazed at how far advanced the treatment of care of patients evolved through research, trial, and error. The needless suffering and death that has been eradicated by procedures we now take for granted including antibiotics and surgical techniques. How lucky we are to be alive in these times. I am looking forward to the next installment.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book. The narrator, Susan Lyons, did an excellent job voicing the characters with her masterful command of languages and accents. Her ability to differentiate voices made the listening experience such an immersive experience. 

This is the second in a series featuring Nora Beady.

Genre - historical fiction, 19 century, England, Italy, surgery, women in medicine

Judge Stone by James Patterson and Viola Davis

 A gripping drama and thriller wherein the legal procedure provides the structure while Judge Mary Stone’s personal resilience provides the heart. 

In Union Springs, Alabama, respected Judge Mary Stone faces a devastating moral dilemma when a high profile case involving a minor’s abortion and a criminalized doctor lands in her courtroom. Balancing her role as a local farmer and a judge, she must navigate a volatile legal battle that forces her to choose between rigid statute and profound compassion, risking everything she holds dear to define justice in a deeply fractured community beset by protestors on both sides. 

Mary Stone really anchors the novel as a uniquely grounded protagonist. Her dual identity creates someone easily identified with as her personal history, family connection to the land, and her sharp legal mind make her extremely compelling. The courtroom scenes, the various characters and players, as well as the other events surrounding this huge case kept me absolutely riveted and I couldn’t put this book down. The drama was very high stakes as the topic of abortion is so very controversial and timely. The town and people are caught up in this firestorm both politically and legally. Definitely polarizing and the story demonstrates the high cost of legislation and rulings that make no exceptions. I felt all the emotions going through this traumatic ordeal. 

As usual, the pacing was excellent and the collaboration is so well done. I don’t know if this is being considered as the first in a series featuring this memorable character, but I welcome any future installment. I’m addicted to legal dramas and thrillers. 

I was lucky enough to be able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Viola Davis, is perfection. Her voice, her dramatic flair, and her talent just amplify the personality and gravitas of the main character. She transitions easily to voicing other characters as well and created a truly immersive experience that made me enjoy the book even more. Don’t miss this production! 

4+ stars

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

Genre and tags: legal dramas and thriller, rape, abortion, racial tension, trial, law 

Death Wasn’t Invited: June’s Journey tie in by Carlene O’Connor

 A must read for all June's Journey players and fans.

 

I have been playing the game, June’s Journey, since I was invited to the beta test over 7 years ago. My team and I have had many great times as we participate in all the game activities. Can’t wait to see how this story measures up to the characters we love and hate. 

I wanted to wait for the audio book to give a full review, but no ARC copies of that have been made available yet and I don’t think I can wait any longer as I want to post before the book goes on sale.

This was a cute historical cozy mystery set in Paris, 1922, when June Parker visits Paris and meets up with her old friend, Jack. When a pilot friend of Jack’s invites them out for an evening of celebration, they end up crashing a lavish engagement party on a riverboat. The couple are from wealthy Parisian families and this union is desirable for both. When Nate reveals his true purpose for coming aboard, Jack and June express dismay as they realize Nate doesn’t want the bride-to-be to marry because he is in love with her. Then, the lights go out and when they come back on, Nate is dead. 

Of course June, as all know her from the game, is an amateur detective and she’s determined to prove that Jack did not kill his friend despite his knife being the murder weapon. Although there are red herrings, the story line is fairly predictable. The best part of the book, however, is that the characters of June and Jack come from the June’s Journey universe and the pair act like they do in the game world. It was fun to read of their adventures in Paris in that time period. The way June manages to get the job done is amusing as you have to suspend a lot of disbelief. 

I think the audience for this book, the game players, will enjoy this mystery that reads like adult Nancy Drew. I’d like to thank Titan Books for the e-book ARC to read, review and recommend and wonder if there will be additional installments.

This is, so far, a standalone and is not part of a series.

Genre - cozy historical murder mystery set in Paris, 1922 and features characters from the game June’s Journey. 

Gone in the Night (Annalisa Vega #5) by Joann Schaffhausen

 This is the fifth installment in the Annalisa Vega series. It gets a little bogged down with too many subplots and a convoluted path to the conclusion.

Annalisa Vega, now a private investigator and heavily pregnant, is asked by her imprisoned brother, Alex, to help a fellow inmate named Joe Green. Joe was convicted of murdering his e-wife’s lawyer, but an anonymous letter suggests the eyewitness lied. During her investigation, Annalisa discovers that Joe has two other ex-wives — one who hates him and one who has vanished. Annalisa must determine if Joe is a victim of a frame up or if he’s really a dangerous killer. All of this while trying to stay on the good side of her husband, Nick Carelli, who originally put Joe Green in jail. 

There was almost too much going on in the story with tangents that pulled away from what ended up being a very predictable ending. The whole vigilante thing, the search for a missing engagement ring, the pregnancy, her sister-in-law’s upcoming wedding all distracted from the main narrative. The book seemed really long and it took me forever to finish as it just wasn’t holding my interest enough at times. Definitely you’ll want to read the series in order other wise you might be lost having missed all the backstory. I am not sure I really even like Annalisa as a character. And the competition with her husband doesn’t bode well for their relationship. I’ll still want to read the next.

I started out also listening to the audio book that I got from the library while reading along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. It was OK, but the narrator, Kelsey Navarro Foster, didn’t wow me enough to try to renew when the loan time ran out.

This is the 5th in a series that should be read in order from the beginning.

Tags and genre - police, private investigator, pedophile, kidnapping, vigilante murder, abused women, shelter

Murder at Sea (#23 Kitty Underhay) by Helena Dixon

Intrigue at sea when you join Matt and Kitty on a transatlantic voyage to the USA in 1938.

The Bryants are visiting Kitty’s cousin Lucy and her family when they get information that the man they’ve been seeking, Redvers Palmerston, has somehow fleeced Kitty’s cousin Hattie, and absconded, possibly to America along with his current “wife”. Then Matt gets a call from Whitehall. The brigadier asked him to board the same ship that Redvers has booked in order to connect with a German defector who has some information to pass along to the government. What a coincidence! And off they go.

This cozy mystery continues the long running search for Matt’s military acquaintance who has been implicated in several scandals including bigamy. The story becomes complicated as Matt and Kitty happen on not one, but two murders aboard the ship. The task to intercept the German adds another dimension to their journey but not much is really made of that except that they encounter another adversary. 

The main focus is always the details about the time and location as the historical details are of most interest to me. I am always surprised that Matt and Kitty only go first class so they experience all the luxuries of travel accommodations on their missions. One of the few series that I am scrupulous about following, I always enjoy the descriptions of clothes, social mores, activities, and interactions that the couple has with others. 

If you like descriptive cozy mysteries then you will appreciate these books. This is #23 and the installments should be read in order for most enjoyment.

Bookouture Blog Spot Tour for 2-24-2026

Genre - cozy mystery, historical, murder

Murder at 30,000 Feet by Susan Walter

 High altitude adrenaline shot!

A locked room mystery with the chaotic energy of a commercial airline flight. 

The plane to San Juan, Puerto Rico, is packed with a motley assortment of passengers. As long as you suspend disbelief that these people would all happen to be on the same jet at the same time, you will enjoy the ride. There are two sets of passenger groups that come from the same California town and know each other to some extent. The wedding party and the baseball team. In addition are some solo travelers that include a grieving mother. To top it off, one of the flight attendants is also from Crestwood. The coincidences are almost a bit too much. An undercover Federal Air Marshal is on what he imagines will be a routine trip leading to some fun with a new love once he gets to their destination. 

The action begins as soon as all are aboard the plane. Secrets are revealed creating a storm that mirrors the turbulent weather outside. A lightning strike disables the electronics and when the lights come back on, a boy from the baseball team finds a dead body in the rear lavatory. Carlos Renaldo is given the task of securing the scene, identifying the dead body, and questioning the passengers to find the killer. Unfortunately, the plane won’t make it to PR after all as it runs out of fuel and is forced to land on a deserted Caribbean island. As the investigation continues, it comes to light that this murder is only part of all that has gone wrong with this flight. 

This was just fast and fun and I read it in a single setting as it was hard to put down. The point of view shifts and there is some back and forth in time to set the stage for all that happened in the past leading to what is happening on the plane now. It kept me guessing and there was a twist that surprised me toward the end. I loved the flight details and the perspective from the cockpit as well. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publisher. The narrator, Scott Brick, is phenomenal as ever and indeed always brings the story to the next level with his voice and skill. He’s adept at many accents and pitch so that the dynamics of his read bring the emotion and action to life. Totally recommend you listen to this if you can.

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

Genre and tags: locked room mystery, suspense, airplane flight, murder, other crimes

Good Intentions by Marisa Walz

 3.5 stars for this debut psychological thriller.

Be prepared to meet a really unreliable, narcissistic narrator in this drama about a woman whose obsessions take over to ruin her life. 

All was spectacular in Cady’s life. She had a wildly successful party planning business and was married to the man she’d loved since high school. Then tragedy struck when her twin sister, Dana, was killed in an accident. Grief has no timeline and no limits but Cady goes totally off the rails. Things fall apart slowly as Cady becomes fixated on a woman she had a brief interaction with in the Emergency Department on the day her sister died.

This was a quick read that sometimes veered into the need to suspend disbelief territory. Definitely entertaining as you try to guess what Cady is scheming and what her next plans might be. Her stalking of Morgan sometimes makes no sense. But Cady has this single minded obsession with trying to fix things and that means that she wants things to be the way she wants them as she has only the best of intentions. I was expecting some crazy twist but honestly, that ending was quite abrupt as well as bizarre and I didn’t like it. Anyway, Cady was not really a likable character in many ways and she left a lot of destruction in her wake. So much truth about her was missing since she was telling the story. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Brittany Pressley, did a good job for the female characters and she’s definitely got the dramatic flair that works well for this type of genre and story. I love being immersed in the story when the words and the voice work well.

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

Genre - domestic drama, psychological thriller, obsession, death and grief