The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes

 This book is a lot of things -- it's got action, super spy stuff, suspense, a scary apocalyptic future, some cool high-tech gear, and a really evil bad guy. Even though it comes in at nearly 800 pages, it is really hard to put it down.

"We're riders on the storm, that's all we are and can ever hope to be..."

Ridley Walker, AKA Kane, is a Denied Access Area spy for the CIA. He goes into hostile places and does whatever needs done and gets back out again. Hopefully. When the US government gets intelligence that the New Islamic Army of the Pure is about to create a spectacular, Kane is sent to the middle east to prevent a global terrorist event focused on America. The borderlands of Afghanistan, Iran, or Pakistan might be harboring a man who could be the leader of this group. He is known as the Locust. Kane's mission is to prevent this devastating attack. 

The book is divided into 4 parts, each focusing on aspects of Kane's objective and spycraft. The last part takes an unexpected turn that was so fantastical that I was caught completely off guard. I could not put the book down. No spoilers.

I had been waiting for another book by this author since loving his first when I reviewed it back in 2013 and stalked everyone I knew until they read it. This is also good, but in a different way. There are some really great, fully developed characters that elicit all kind of reactions in the reader. The descriptions of the settings and the detail provided about all of the equipment and machinery is amazingly well done. I don't know how much of this is actually real and what is make-believe (well, except for one thing that I will not mention here) but it seems that Mr. Hayes did a ton of research. So, don't wait, grab a copy and dive in. It's quite a story.

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

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

Genre -- see above  Spy thriller

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

 A weekend hen party goes awry in this suspenseful psychological thriller.

Leonora, a somewhat reclusive writer, accepts an invitation to attend a weekend house party given for an old school friend and bride-to-be, Claire, whom she hasn't seen for about 10 years. The big house, nestled out in the dark woods, is perfectly suited for entertaining and all starts off well. The hostess, Flo, is Claire's new BFF and has organized all the events, weird as some of them may be. The six guests try to make the best of it for Claire's sake. 

Leonora wakes in the hospital unable to remember details about what has happened. All she knows is that someone has died. And the police are questioning here under caution. 

This is Ware's debut novel and I enjoyed it for the most part even though I heartily dislike the unreliable narrator trope and the convenient memory loss device. The plot is fairly predictable, and most readers will guess where this is going as the clues are dangled and slowly fall with the revelations. Can't say that any of the characters were appealing or likeable and Leonora especially seemed really slow on the uptake. 

I'd previously read several of Ruth Ware's other books, but this was actually better than some of the later ones -- at least I think so. I listened to the audio of this book and the narrator was decent although some of the character voices made me cringe. I also had the e-book handy which helps me when I listen because I can go back and look up something or double check I "got it" as sometimes my attention wanders while listening!

Anyway, solid mystery thriller that entertained for several hours. I got the audiobook from my local library and the ARC way back when from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books. 

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

Genre - Psychological suspense, thriller

The Wife’s Mistake by Lorna Dounaeva

 Twisty psychological thriller and domestic drama.

Hayden and Natalie are doing OK but things take a crazy turn when they win the lottery. Will their newfound millions change their lives? Of course, but definitely not in the way they dreamed.

Told in alternating points of view between Hayden and Natalie, things start to go awry even before they claim their money. Secrets from the past come back to haunt Natalie and Hayden gets in way over his head as he adjusts to driving his new cars and moving them to their beautiful new house. It’s true that money can’t buy happiness, but every person they know seems to want a part of their winnings. 

This was entertaining but the characters were all so unlikeable and each made the most stupid decision possible in every single situation they confronted. I wanted to shake each and every one of them to help them come to their senses. It became obvious quickly that there was not going to be a happy ending here for Natalie and Hayden. No spoilers. 

I was given an advanced copy of the audiobook by the publisher. I know that this narrator is popular, but I cannot stand her voice. Her attempts to change her style and tone to match different characters borders on the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard to me. It’s not just the accent or the way certain words are pronounced, it’s that she can’t do male voices at all and the female voices are grating or strident or shrill. But, I am sure, again, that is my personal opinion and obviously she does a lot of these audiobooks. 

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

Genre - psychological thriller, domestic drama

The Patient by Teri Terry

 Predictable, melodramatic psychological thriller and family drama.

Saphy had a congenital heart defect made worse by a Covid infection. She’s given a second chance at life when her name came to the top of the transplant list — there was a match. The donor is a young woman who is was attacked and left in a coma until tests revealed she was brain dead. While the police try to work out who killed Flora, her organs are harvested and transplanted into several recipients. 

Saphy is recovering from her surgery but feels compelled to find out whose heart she received. She becomes obsessed once she knows it is indeed from Flora, a very beautiful and popular young woman. She meets Flora’s family and Flora’s older sister, a doctor named Fern. Soon, Saphy is channeling Flora, wearing her clothes, getting her hair cut and colored, meeting Flora’s friends and wanting to be her. Flora’s family welcome her with open arms and support. 

Told in alternating points of view between Saphy and Fern, the narrative shifts from the believable into the fantastic. Slow moving and banal, it takes forever for the suspense to build to the climax. Once the big reveals occur, the reader will not be surprised. The conclusion quickly ties up all the loose ends in typical fashion. I was disappointed. 

I did not care for the main character, Saphy, at all and soon any positive feelings I had about anyone else in the story also vanished. The whole aspect of Saphy getting messages and feelings from Flora really got on my nerves. The narrator of the audio — well, the voice of Saphy was fine, however every single other character’s voice sounded so similar, if female, that often I could not be sure who was speaking. The attempts at the male voices were horrible. Surely it’s not that much trouble to have at least one female and one male narrator in production to try to fix this for listeners? 

This was the first book I have read by this author and I doubt I will listen to another. I do thank NetGalley and Bookouture for granting access to the audiobook for me to review. 

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

Genre - psychological, family drama, medical, thriller

Winter’s Mourn (Winter Black #1) by Mary Stone

 Formulaic mystery thriller, first in a long running series, featuring FBI Agent Winter Black.

Of course Winter Black has a back story and this has formed her adult personality. When she was a teenager, she came home to find her parents murdered and her little brother missing. The perpetrator was still in the house and knocked her out leaving her for dead. After a long coma, she awoke to find that she had some unusual psychic abilities. She will never give up trying to find her brother or to hunt down the serial killer known as The Preacher.

Fast forward and Winter is now a rookie FBI agent and she is assigned to investigate some old bones dug up by a hunter in her hometown. That unmarked body dump is just the first found in this hidden burial ground. She and her partner Noah stumble upon clues that lead to an old cult and a fertility drug that has severe side effects. 

My problem with this book started almost immediately with the description of Winter and her beauty, fragility, blah blah. Her powers —OK had I known there was this element I would have definitely passed as I dislike any sort of supernatural elements in my detective fiction. Of course she constantly needed rescuing and protection, she cries a lot, is way overly emotional, and Noah is falling in lust or love. The characters were so stereotypical and it sure took them a long time to figure out the mystery. I will not be reading any further books.

Also, wanted to say that I listened to this on audio so did not make my usual notes. The absolute worst thing, however, was the narrator trying to do voices of other characters. The male voices were horribly done and it was difficult to even tell who was speaking half the time because everyone sounded the same. No effort to differentiate the different characters. 

This is the first of 22 in a series.

Genre - mystery thriller, crime, FBI

Everyone on This Train is a Suspect (#2 Ernest Cunningham) by Benjamin Stevenson

 Second in this mystery murder series is better than the first!

This book is filled with wry humor, cryptic clues, sardonic asides; it's quite witty and clever. At times I laughed out loud as the author in the story writes his first-person account of a trip he takes on a train. This isn't just any old train, it's the luxury Ghan, and on board are writers, publishers, agents, reviewers, and fans who are attending the Australian Mystery Writers' Festival. 

The fictional author is none other than Ernest Cunninham who had made his true crime debut writing about the murders that took place during his family reunion. His book sold well, but his agent wants him to take a stab at writing fiction. He's on this train with his girlfriend, Juliette, whom he met at the resort where the family reunion was held. They plan to attend all the of the panels, workshops, and discussions while Ernest works through a bit of writer's block. Lo and behold, one of the more famous authors is murdered and finally, Ernest has the inspiration he needs for a book. 

You will remember, having read the first book, that Ernest is very direct and speaks to the reader about the rules of writing detective novels and he's a stickler to following them. He points out the obvious and also throws in some tantalizing hints of what the reader should be figuring out.  It's all great fun and he invites the reader along on his mission to out the killer and solve the case. 

I enjoyed this one so much more than the first. May be because I do love trains and the Ghan is unique. I'll definitely look for more titles by Benjamin Stevenson in the future as I love the style of the writing and the way he tells a story in this unique way. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.

This is the second book featuring Ernest Cunninghman. After Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.

Genre: murder mystery in the style of the locked room

The Women: A Novel by Kristin Hannah

 Unforgettable.

Although this novel tells one woman's fictional coming of age story, this is really a testimonial to all the women who served in Vietnam and whose service was neither appreciated nor recognized by their country or their fellow citizens. 

Frances "Frankie" McGrath is 21 when she impetuously joins the Army Nurse Corps. Arriving in country without any notion of the horrors of war, she is completely unprepared for daily life in these makeshift hospital and surgical wards near the shifting conflicts in the jungle and in the air. The devastation she witnesses, and the sheer multitude of injury and death is almost more than any soul can bear. She forms a strong friendship with her two hooch mates and that bond is the only relationship that keeps her sane as she develops her nursing skills to save as many of the wounded as she can. Despite the terrible conditions, she feels that Vietnam is where she can be of most use and she really wants to be a hero. Ultimately, she wants her parents to be proud of her as they were of her beloved brother. And, after a second tour, she finally returns home only to find that the world as she knew it has changed. She's an embarrassment and is reviled and soon becomes broken and lost. She wants to move forward but there is another fierce battle for herself at home. 

I was in middle and high school during the last years of the Vietnam War. I was vaguely aware of the draft but I do not remember anyone I knew going there. When I graduated, I went off to college, to nursing school, and the #1 show was MASH. I wanted to be Loretta Swit and I really intended to join the military as soon as I got my degree. Life had other plans for me and that dream was set aside as I became a wife and mother. I always regretted not serving. Now, after reading what life was like in a war zone operating room, I know for sure that I would never have had the strength or endurance to do that job. While the TV show did give a glimpse, I now understand that the true picture of what it was like was hidden from all of us as no one ever asked those nurses or the other women that were in Vietnam for their stories. What must have it been like for them to hear that there "were no women in Vietnam." To be denied help at Veterans hospitals and clinics. 

I believe this novel will really appeal to a certain reader and affect them differently depending on what they think or know of the war years and if they had personal experiences with it. My heart was breaking for the main character who I am sure represented a good many of those who went through the atrocities and chaos. 

Rarely do I rate a fiction book 5 stars but I can't stop thinking about this. The narration was excellent, and the writing was so evocative and powerful. The story resonated with me in a way that I have not felt in a long while. This review does not do the book justice. It's possible that the descriptions of the gory nature of war will be a turnoff to some. The main character goes through a lot during the course of the story but every word demonstrates the absolute toll that serving one's country takes on a person. It explains why so many came home so damaged. 

Thank you for the audio and the e-book advance copies to read, review, and highly recommend. 

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

Genre - historical fiction, Vietnam War, Army Nurse Corps

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Somone by Benjamin Stevenson

 Clever and snarky, this uniquely written murder mystery introduces a family of killers who are having a reunion at a mountain top ski resort. The protagonist is the reliable narrator, Ernest (Ern) Cunningham, who will use Ronald Knox's "10 Commandments of Detective Fiction" to address a perplexing and longstanding historical issue within the family. The drama starts when the body of a stranger is found in the snow outside the guest house. Secrets are revealed as a storm isolates the family and chills abound when they realize there are more murders to come. 

I picked this up when I realized that I had the second in the series set to be read and reviewed for the publisher. I like to start at the beginning with the first installment. I really liked the writing style though it took me a moment to get into it and meet all the characters.  I did enjoy the interjection of dark humor and the way that Ern talks to the reader throughout. I can't say that I related to or liked any of the family members, but they are definitely all interesting as you get deeper into the book. I probably would have liked this a lot more had I really enjoyed the plot and the complexity of the story. It just didn't interest me that much as it was all about something that had occurred in the far past. I am, however, a fan of original ways to tell a tale so I am looking forward to reading the next book to see how the style is employed in a different setting.

This is the first in a new series.

Genre - murder mystery

The Inmate by Freida McFadden

 Just a twist too far...

Brooke Sullivan gets a job as a nurse practitioner at a prison where her old high school boyfriend is incarcerated. Shane Nelson is there because Brooke testified against him at his murder trial. He had, she swore, attempted to strangle her as well as commit the other crimes. All of this occurred 10 years ago. Brooke comes face to face with Shane again and starts to question whether or not he was actually the killer. 

Told in a back then (the night at the farmhouse when the murders happened) and present-day narrative with Brooke working and trying to raise her 10-year-old son while a single mother. Could it be that Brooke got it all wrong about what really happened that night?

This started off well and then rapidly veered off into wild and crazy nonsense that just kept coming. There is no way that Brooke could be as dumb as she acted. Her lack of judgement and common sense are so blatantly obvious that the reader wants to shake her out of it. And scoff that anyone wants to be in any sort of relationship with her. And the hits keep on coming with one insane twist after another until a story that seemed totally predictable turns with a climax that changes everything. Oh, guess away, but until that moment with the big reveal, I thought I had figured it all out. In any event, Brooke was a complete twit and I begrudge her a happy ending. And just when you think, ok, so that's that -- there's the epilogue. Nope. No. 

I can't really recommend this. The writing is more tell than show and lots of repetition with fickle Brooke having no clue about the motives of those around her. I had both the audio version and the book to flip between. The narrator was OK and didn't get on my last nerve as she performed the various voices. It was a quick listen/read. I've read other books by this author that I have enjoyed a lot more so I will read future titles. 

Thank you to the publisher for the advance editions. 

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

Genre - psychological thriller

Don't Let Her Go (Billie Ann Wilde #1) by Willow Rose

 I do not like to write negative reviews, but overall-- this is one of the worst books I've had the misfortune to read. I can only say that I barely held myself back from it being a DNF but only because I had to see just how much worse it could get. 

To sum it up, a preposterous kidnapping and serial killer crime thriller. The characters are beyond unbelievable and completely unlikeable. The narrative flips between characters in a before and after format and is a constant stream of melodramatic exhortations and angst with repetitive phrases and responses to every situation. Could someone please count how many times "tears streamed down" and "smirked" and "piercing blue eyes" appear in this book? The plot just got more ridiculous as it went on and just when you think it can't possibly get more unrealistic, it surely does. It is a constant tell rather than show and so drawn out making the simple situation overly long. Lots of cliches. Totally predictable. 

This is supposed to be the first in a new series featuring the character of Cocoa Beach homicide cop Billie Ann Wilde and from how she acted there is no way she could be a police detective. So unprofessional and her life is a train wreck. It's not that she's just decided to come out as a lesbian, it's her overly emotional carrying on over every single thing. In any event, I won't be reading any further installments or any other books by this author as this was the second I have tried. 

This was an audio version of the book and I can't say that the narration was well done. The accents and voices sometimes didn't change when they should have and the voice of Kitty was particularly off. And the male voices, oh my. 

I was shocked to see other reviews and decided it must just be me. Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this author's work. I'm not recommending. 

This is the first in a new series.

Genre - mystery thriller

Sexual abuse of a minor, kidnapping, murder, serial killer

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett

 Unique mystery thriller.

This is an absolutely different type of crime or mystery thriller because of the way it is written and how the narrative evolves through different writing styles. Using the various communication formats of emails, texts, WhatsApp messaging, etc., the complicated story evolves via random snippets. The reader is not sure what is true which heightens the skepticism about the story line.

The Alperton Angels case is infamous. Apparently some crazed fools decided they were angels and that they were meant to destroy the Antichrist in the form of a newborn baby. Or was that really what they were doing? Amanda Bailey, a journalist, has been asked to write a book about the old crime. She tries to track down old witnesses and police who were involved in the investigation. Meanwhile, an old colleague turned nemesis, Oliver Menzies, is also tasked with writing about the Alperton madness. As they both try to figure out what happened way back when, people start dying before they can interview them. Very convenient. The cover up is real and somebody doesn’t want them to know what really happened in the warehouse that night. 

This was quite an interesting story and I enjoyed it as I tried to discern what was going on so it kept me on my toes. I really like when an author takes a different storytelling approach and does it in such a fascinating way. Some might not like that this is not a linear narrative but I certainly did.

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

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

Genre - mystery, crime thriller, journalists

One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan

 Twisty psychological thriller that keeps you guessing!

Arden Ward is at the top of her crisis management game when her boss suddenly terminates her. Apparently, the wife of a prominent client thinks that Arden is having an affair with her husband. Before she can leave with a glowing recommendation for her work, the boss has one last client whose life needs to be restored after an acquittal for vehicular homicide. Cordelia Bannister hires Arden for her husband, Ned, because his reputation is tarnished, and Cordelia has been ousted from her friend group due to his legal woes. Even their two young children are shunned. Arden knows PR and she sees this last rehab as her only chance to leave without suffering her own personal embarrassment. But, this family has some secrets and new information is revealed about the car accident. When his defense attorney is hospitalized after a hit and run, Ned comes under close scrutiny again and Arden becomes increasingly concerned that she is helping a killer. 

This was such a fun and fast-paced read that I had to keep listening to it and finished it in a day. The narrative is told from several different points of view and the voice actor did a great job with making them sound unique, including the accents. The plot was convoluted and kept me on my toes trying to guess who, what, where, and when. The short chapters always ended on a note that forced me to go on to satisfy my curiosity. The characters were interesting and well developed. I have read other books by this author, but this is my favorite so far. I enjoyed it and will be on the lookout for new releases. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy to listen to and recommend. 

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

Genre - psychological thriller, domestic drama, legal

Till Death Do Us Part (Eva Rae Thomas #14) by Willow Rose

 Mystery and domestic drama misses the mark.

A wife and mother of three, Rachel Baker, disappears on her way to work one morning. As is typical, her husband is the primary suspect especially once the police find that he was having an affair and that Rachel had purchased some plane tickets to make an escape. 

FBI Agent Eva Rae Thomas and her boyfriend, Detective Matt Miller, investigate and interview everyone connected to Rachel and her husband, John. Rachel's mother and sister are wild with worry and are convinced that John has killed Rachel. John hides the children from his mother-in-law and everything gets really ugly -- then Rachel's body is found.

Told in a past and present narrative with the murder case being foremost, the secondary story line is the voice of a little girl who, along with her sisters, is being horribly abused by a psycho mother.

I don't imagine anyone will be surprised by the connection. In fact, the entirety of this plot is predictable and overwrought. The dialog is repetitive and full of melodrama and angst as everyone is so overcome all the time with emotion. The detective work seems superficial, and Eva Rae and Matt do a lot of running around accomplishing little, and also being just a beat too late. 

I did not realize that this was the 14th in a series when I requested the audiobook from NetGalley. Jumping into this at this point proved merely a minor irritant as I failed to appreciate the one-dimensional characters regardless of what could have been the backstory. The rapid wrap up at the end and the set up for the next book left me feeling underwhelmed.

Thank you for granting access to the ARC but I doubt I will read any other books in this series. 

This is the 14th in a series.

Genre - mystery, thriller, crime drama

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

 Domestic thriller full of unsavory characters and lots of drama.

It’s time. Camden and his wife, Jules, must return to Ashby House and face his estranged and dysfunctional family — the wealthy McTavish clan of North Carolina. Although he had left them and his inheritance behind for a happy life with Jules in Colorado, he must go take care of the estate affairs after his uncle died. The survivors want all the money and the beautiful house up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But the matriarch left Camden everything. Unfortunately, he was adopted by Ruby and the rest don’t think he deserves to inherit. What lengths will they go through to wrest it all from him?  It seems, however, that Ruby had a few ideas about how to prevent that.

Lots of family secrets and lies as usual with a climax that was probably meant to be a surprising twist that missed the mark with me. Although predictable, the narrative was fast and easy to read though I can’t say I liked any of the characters. Somewhat convoluted, it all does eventually come together as rumor, speculation, and innuendo are answered. 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this e-book ARC to read and review. I enjoyed it.

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

Genre - domestic drama, mystery, thriller 

The Kind Worth Saving (Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner #2) by Peter Swanson

 The blurb called this thriller "spectacularly devious", and I would have to agree!

I had read the first book featuring these two characters a long time ago and had forgotten most everything about it but noticed that I had liked it a lot. So, came upon this title when requesting the upcoming third installment and knew I had to read it immediately.

Henry Kimball, now a licensed private investigator, is hired to confirm Joan Whalen's suspicions that her husband is cheating on her. He remembers Joan from back when he was a first-year English teacher at Dartford-Middleham High School. Not a good memory either -- they were both in the classroom when a student had shot another and then committed suicide. That helped Henry realize he wasn't meant to be a teacher. He'd gone on to become a police officer in Boston but, unfortunately, that had not worked out too well either. So, here is now, trailing adulterous husbands. 

This case does not turn out to be anything that he expected. The twists and turns, the discoveries Henry makes during his investigation, keep pulling him back and have him looking much closer at Joan. It also brings Lily Kintner back into his life. A secret relationship. A trail of secrets and death. Henry just has to put all the pieces together.

Great fun and I really enjoyed it. I also like the author's writing style and his plots even if the characters are a bit too morally ambiguous for me. I listened to the audio version of this and felt it was well done with multiple characters taking each point of view. Definitely recommend but be sure you have read THE KIND WORTH KILLING first. 

This is the second in a series that should be read in order. A third book is coming shortly: A TALENT FOR MURDER.

Genre - thriller, private investigator, murder, psychological

The Watchmaker’s Hand (Lincoln Rhyme #16) by Jeffery Deaver

 Another hit in this crime thriller series.

Lincoln Rhyme and his wife, Amelia Sacha, along with their cohort are tasked with finding and stopping a domestic terrorist who is holding New York City hostage. One by one the big construction cranes are sabotaged and come crashing down. Though a group that claims it wants the city to provide more affordable housing takes responsibility for the disasters, Rhyme knows that there is much more going on. He soon finds that he is once again facing his old nemesis, The Watchmaker, and that his enemy is there to kill him. 

Intricate plotting and lots of scientific information fill the pages of this fast moving installment, the 16th in a long running series. The characters are all quite interesting, even the bad guys, and the shifting situations keep the reader on point to keep track of what is happening. The writing is excellent and the twists and complicated narrative kept me thinking and guessing. I definitely don’t think this works as a standalone as the backstory of the characters and how they all come to be working together is fascinating and shouldn’t be missed. I love all the details and descriptions of the forensics, chemistry, watchmaking — there is always a lot to learn in a Deaver book. 

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

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

Genre - crime thriller, forensics, series

The Resort by Sara Ochs

 Mystery thriller set in Thailand fails to deliver.

A group of permanent residents on the island of Koh Sang, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, have become like family over the years. Although they have all run from something in their pasts, they now work and live in this resort community and take care of each other. The recent death of a guest has upset the group dynamics, but the permanents have not seen the worst of it yet. A minor influencer, Brooke, arrives on the island ostensibly to promote tourism to this idyllic but relatively unknown SCUBA paradise, but soon it becomes obvious to all that she has an agenda. 

This started out well but quickly deteriorated into lots of melodrama and took forever to get to the point. The motives behind the behaviors of all the characters seemed to ring false and the extent of their reactions was quite overdone. I didn't like any of the characters with all their secrets and lies. Their personal traumas and the reasons for each coming to Koh Sang were revealed much too late. It drug on and the detail I wanted to know was so slowly revealed that I was over it all by the time I got the answers. A last-ditch attempt at a final, crazy twist pushed the conclusion into the incredible. 

I both read the e-book ARC and listened to the audio recording of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I am not recommending. 

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

Genre - mystery, thriller, suspense, Thailand

The Truth You Told (Raisa Susanto #2) by Briana Labuskes

 Tightly plotted thriller that kept me guessing.

This is the second in a series featuring FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto and her sometimes work partner, psychologist Callum Kilkenny. I really like this duo!

The Alphabet Man, Nathaniel Conrad, is scheduled for execution after being convicted of torture and murder of many victims over a long period of time. Suddenly, the press is abuzz with the information that he had a disciple, or that someone else had been involved in some of the kills. The focus is on Shay — the wife of Callum, long believed to be a victim of Conrad. Now they say that Conrad did not kidnap and murder her.  Raisa’s sister, the convict Isabel, reveals that Nathaniel was not involved. So now they are on the hunt for the elusive cipher partner who had a different agenda.         

I really enjoyed both of the books in this series that definitely should be read from the beginning. I love the author’s writing style and her ability with words. I’ve grown fond of Raisa and Callum who don’t have a romance but have a work relationship. The other characters are also very vividly drawn and are quite interesting. The field of linguistics has proved to be integral in the two cases and I am fascinated by the analysis of writing and idiolect. 

Be sure to read the first in the series before tackling this one. Thank you to the publisher for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.             

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

Genre - crime thriller, psychological, linguistics, FBI, murder

The Lies You Wrote (Raisa Susanto #1) by Brianna Labuskes

 Absorbing and suspenseful crime thriller.

This is the first in a new series featuring FBI Linguist Raisa Susanto and it grabbed me from the beginning. She and her partner, forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny, are investigating what looks like a copy cat crime from a situation 25 years ago when a son murdered his parents and then committed suicide.  In this present day case, a couple who was friends with the previously murdered are killed in a similar fashion. Since the perpetrator of the former is dead and posthumously convicted of the crime, who is carrying the torch now and why.  Could the FBI have made a mistake thinking that Alex Parker killed his parents? 

Raisa examines the language and idiolect of all involved in both cases to try and determine if previous confessions and current messages can help her and Callum find the truth. Meanwhile, the killings don’t stop. Who is next on the murderer’s list?

I confess that I had no real understanding of the term, idiolect, and the role of a linguist in crime investigation. It was very interesting to hear how Raisa worked and identified the tells that clearly indicated the author of the writing samples. The plot was also quite interesting with some really great twists along the way — some predictable and others not so much. I enjoyed being surprised and shocked. I really like the way this author writes and her use of language to express a thing or a thought. There are quite a few memorable lines and quotes along the way. 

I liked this so much that I immediately found the second in the series and have already started reading it. Highly recommend.

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

Genre - suspense, crime fiction, thriller, psychology, family drama

Random in Death (Eve Dallas #58) by J.D. Robb

 The books in this futuristic suspense series never disappoint.

How can the 59th book in a long running series still be this good? Well, Eve Dallas and Roarke still have that incredible staying power as the main characters who stand for the dead and try to achieve some sort of justice for victims of crimes. In this case, young girls are getting stabbed by contaminated needles and are dying before any help can arrive. The substance inside the syringes is a sophisticated concoction that only a truly devious mind could design. How are these victims chosen and what message is the killer sending? Only Eve and her colleagues can find the answers. 

I had read quite a few installments many years ago, but became sidetracked by other books and never got back to where I had left off. Picking this one up, completely out of order, was easy and I didn’t feel that I had missed anything so significant that affected my enjoyment of this particular plot and story. I love the details about life in this near future New York City, especially the way that Eve and Roarke live it. I like all the characters and their individual histories, partnerships, and interaction. I both listened and read this and had a great time reuniting with this world and these fictional people. Makes me want to go find another soon and catch up. 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this e-book and audiobook to review and recommend. If you like police procedurals and crime thrillers, this series is not to be missed. 

this is the 58th book in a series that you should start at beginning but I have read out of order. 

Genre - futuristic suspense, police procedural, crime thriller 

Faulty Bloodline (AJ Docker #2) by Gary Gerlacher

 Fast-paced with lots of action, this is more a crime thriller than a medical drama even though the main character is a traveling ER physician. 

AJ Docker (Doc) and his incredible service dog, Banshee, move to Montana for a change of pace in a quiet mountain town. He gets a job at the local community hospital and settles in. Before long, Doc finds that this seemingly idyllic setting is hiding some pretty nasty secrets and, of course, he is going to be in the middle of it. 

So, there is still some emergency drama for Doc, but the main focus of this second installment is on the activities at a huge local ranch and a series of bodies discovered in the woods. Instead of saving patients in the ER, Doc is sneaking around at night peeking into warehouses, following suspicious trucks, and generally sticking his nose into a really nasty side business. He also has a romantic interest that, for a moment, was suggesting that Doc was maturing and more ready to settle down. 

I enjoyed this, but not nearly as much as the first one. I did not care for the plot and wished that this had focused more on medical intrigue. I like Doc and he sure has some luck with so many narrow escapes. Without giving spoilers, I can't mention here the incident that I really hated in the book. Also, that whole town was full of people whose main facial expression was a smirk. 

Doc is moving on to Las Vegas next, and I may have to follow him hoping that this series will get back to the medical and leave the crime solving to the detectives and police. 

Thank you to the publisher for this e-book ARC to read and review. 

This is the second in a series that I have read in order.

Genre - crime thriller, medical

Last Patient of the Night (AJ Docker #1) by Gary Gerlacher

 Fast, fun medical thriller -- the first in a new series.

As a nurse, I really have always appreciated well-written medical thrillers and follow certain authors who never disappoint. Happy to add a new name to my list as I enjoyed this action-packed story about an emergency room physician who gets involved with some very bad dudes.

Dr. AJ Docker (Doc) is on duty when a young woman comes in with a broken wrist. He senses that there is more going on with her than she is willing to tell but has to let her leave the ER after treatment. He is stunned when that same patient is returned to the ambulance bay and dumped from a car -- DOA. She's been beaten and mutilated and the name she had given is fake. Doc and his friend, a canine cop with his dog, Banshee, want justice and start snooping around to find out who the woman was and why she died. 

This book had some great characters and some crazy over-the-top scenarios, but it was a lot of fun to read. I enjoyed the medical interspersed with the amateur crime fighting. Sure, parts of it were totally unrealistic and hard to believe, but I just could not put it down so finished it in one sitting. There was humor that made me laugh out loud and tense moments that kept me rapt. Definitely want to see more of Doc and can't wait for his next book.

Thank you to the NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.

This is the first in a new series.

Genre - medical thriller, crime

If I Go Missing by Leslie Wolfe

 A twisty and engrossing psychological thriller that will keep you guessing.

Two friends from high school come back together after a decade apart in a not-so-pleasant reunion. 

Alana (married to Daniel) and Chloe (married to Ray) end up being neighbors when Chloe and Ray move into the house next door. This isn't good for Alana -- she used to be in love with Ray and then Chloe stole him away. Alana and Daniel already have some issues going on -- he wants a baby and she is not on board. That's because she has some big secrets and has told him a lot of lies. Will these new neighbors upend everything? 

Alana is a 4th grade teacher at a local school and is a champion of the "If I Go Missing" binders -- they are made in order to help police in those critical hours after a disappearance and contain all sorts of pertinent information including passwords to phones and social media. After she's featured in an interview, one of her students goes missing. And then, so does Chloe. Alana is asked to help in the search for the binder that Chloe has made. When Alana finds it, takes photos of the pages, and also steals Chloe's hidden personal diary, she knows she has to find Chloe before the police do.  It seems Chloe has some secrets she wants to reveal that will destroy Alana's life. 

Drama? Yes. Some crazy off-the-wall twists? Yes. This was hard to put down as it veered wildly off the rails several times. I really didn't care for any of the characters and Alana kept getting on my last nerve. Some of the narrative could have been tightened as it seemed there was a lot of running around angsting on Alana's part. Some convenient coincidences and lucky amateur sleuthing helped develop the plot. I kept reading just wanting to see how this mess turned out. If you like a lot of surprises in a story line, you will probably really enjoy this standalone. Sometimes, though, it seems like authors take a twist too far but perhaps that's just my viewpoint. 

Thank you to the author for the e-book to read, review, and recommend.

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

Genre - pyschological thriller, domestic drama

The Vacation by John Marrs

 “Sun. Sea. Sex. Murder…”

Strangers find themselves staying at the Venice Beach International Hostel in California. It’s run down and basically a dump, but each visitor has a reason for finding themselves there. All have secrets and are running or hiding — from themselves or from others. 

This is a character driven novel that goes off on tangents as the situations each is in develops further. Information about who they are, why they are traveling, and their drama or trauma is revealed slowly with some surprising twists and turns. And, gotta say it, some really unbelievable coincidences. I can’t say that I related to any of the main eight people nor did I grow really attached to any of them. Their stories were quite bizarre in some instances and quite tragic in others. It was all a bit too contrived for some of the side plots to be believable. I was not surprised to see that this is a re-release of a previously published early work from this author whose other books show a bit more sophistication. I liked it well enough, but it is definitely not my favorite of his novels. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-book ARC to read and review.

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

Genre - suspense, thriller, drama

Have You Seen Her by Catherine McKenzie

 Intrigue and danger in a national park.

This thriller takes off quickly and the fast pace keeps the reader hooked with some interesting characters and lots of secrets. 

Cassie Peters returns to a familiar place after escaping an abusive marriage and starts a summer job with search and rescue at Yosemite. Petal, traveling with her partner, an older woman, is looking for something to write about and is usually observing and scribbling in her notebook. Jada is on an adventure with her boyfriend, Jim, and posting all the details on social media. The women meet at the park but really have nothing in common. Cassie’s days are consumed with work and she can’t really allow herself to feel safe as she remembers the last time she was in this area. Then, Jada and Jim go missing and a massive manhunt proves unsuccessful in finding the couple. Next, Petal vanishes. Are these disappearances connected and where are these people?  

The narrative is told mainly from Cassie’s point of view and shifts back and forth in time from then and now. It’s all pretty dramatic and twisty at the end. It kept me interested and was an easy, entertaining read. 

Rated 3.5 stars and rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. I also borrowed the audiobook from my local library and shifted between them.

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

Genre - thriller, suspense, domestic abuse, national parks

The Lost Tomb by Douglas Preston

 A collection of previously published articles written by the author that will interest anyone who enjoys reading about archeology and anthropology. Each has been updated to reflect any new information about the subject. 

Much of the detail and the stories have also crossed over into the fiction written by Preston, especially those featuring Nora Kelly. I have really enjoyed that series because of the incorporation of real places, cultures, and events. 

This was my nonfiction pick for the year and I did enjoy it.

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

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Nonfiction - bones, burials, murder, Egypt, 

Oryx and Crake (MaddAdam #1) by Margaret Atwood

 Complex and absorbing dystopian fiction.

Definitely interesting but not a light read. Atwood’s protagonist is a male this time, and he’s difficult to relate to as he mostly exists in a vacuum —alone — ostensibly the last human in a strange post-apocalyptic USA. 

Jimmy relates his personal history in a past and present time shift. He has a friend who is known as Crake — a genius who has some huge plans for humankind. Lots of science related to gene splicing and manipulation creating new and unique creatures, including a new species who are based on Homo sapiens. The cataclysmic event that created the world Jimmy now inhabits was ostensibly designed by Crake and the reader is left with many questions by the end. 

This was actually a fairly depressing tale and I’m not sure I want to go on with the series. Reading it after experiencing the recent pandemic brought back those memories and feelings of isolation and concern. The author is incredibly brilliant and gifted with a vivid, honest imagination. 

Once again, the age old question - should we do it just because we can?

This is the first in a trilogy that probably should be read in order from the beginning.

Genre - speculative fiction, dystopian, futuristic 

Law of Attraction (Anna Curtis #1) by Allison Leotta

 Too little legal, too much romance.

I decided to find this title after reading the 3rd, 4th, and 5th books in the series. Big mistake. If I had read this one first, I never would have gone on to the much better books that came later. 

It's not that I mind a tiny bit of romance in a good thriller, it's just that I can retrospectively see that Anna, the main character, is really quite the twit and I cannot understand her appeal to men. The plot of this debut was rather lame and predictable with many completely unrealistic situations. 

On another note, I really do not like the narrator's voice in the audiobooks. The truth probably is that I would find most to be irritating. Even at twice speed, it moves slowly and the different voices and emotions attempted get on my nerves. 

I borrowed this one from the library. Skip it. 

First in a series of 5 books total.

Genre - romance, legal thriller

The Last Good Girl (Anna Curtis #5) by Allison Leotta

 Authentic and timely, this legal thriller hits all the marks.

Emily Shapiro is poised to have the time of her life. A college freshman at Tower University, she's about to attend her first frat party. The night does not go as expected and Emily is sexually assaulted by Dylan Brooks, the son of a powerful Michigan politician. Reeling and traumatized, Emily fights back by filing a complaint but is frustrated in her attempts to get justice -- even her own father, the president of the university, seems to care more about the college than he does her well-being. Then Emily goes missing. She was last seen outside a bar running down a street with Dylan following her. Anna Curtis, a federal prosecutor, gets involved in the case.

This book covers everything from campus rape to Title IX and the real life issues of power dynamics, the #metoo crusade, and good old boy culture. Written by a former sex crimes prosecutor, this powerful story rings true as it attempts to examine the emotional dynamics that surround the issue of sexual assault.

I think this is the last in the Anna Curtis series and, though I've searched, I've not found any more recent books written by this compelling author. I really enjoyed the 3 installments that I read as I love legal thrillers. I liked the main characters and the details. I listened to this on audio intermittently while also reading print -- the narrator got on my nerves with her voice many times, especially when she was changing it to do other characters. The worst was when she was trying to talk like a man. Anyway, I did enjoy the plot and recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Touchstone for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. 

This is the 5th in a series. I have read the last 3 installments. Best to start at beginning.

Genre - legal thriller, rape, sexual assault

A Good Killing (Anna Curtis #4) by Allison Leotta

 Twisty and entertaining legal thriller.

This installment, the 4th, continues immediately after the previous ended. Anna is reeling from her broken engagement and gets a call from her sister, Jody. Someone they both knew from their hometown has been murdered and Anna hears that Jody has been wrongfully accused of the crime. Anna escapes to Michigan to act as Jody's defense attorney. But, everyone is lying and the local hero who was killed may not have been such a saint after all. 

I like the main characters and the fast paced narrative. The point of view flips between Jody and Anna and is told in a time shift with Jody's voice being mainly from when she was a teenager and Anna present day. The legal detail and lawyerly shenanigans are realistic as expected since the author has experience in the field. Not so enamored with Anna's quick rebound romance with Cooper but I do hope she is done with Jack. Frankly, I would prefer the action and plot revolve more around the legal than the personal love lives of the characters, but I do plan to continue to the next in the series. 

I listened to this on audio and sometimes followed along in the e-book. The narrator's voice grates on my nerves occasionally because of the way she pronounces certain words and how she does male voices. I'm really working on trying to enjoy audiobooks. 

This is the 4th in a series that probably should be read in order. 

Genre - legal thriller

Speak of the Devil (Anna Curtis #3) by Allison Leotta

 Legit legal thriller!

I started this series with book #3 and immediately was intrigued by the plot and the characters. Long a fan of legal thrillers, it's sometimes hard to find those that reflect realistic situations and gripping drama along with some good courtroom scenes.  This seemed to have it all, including a romance aspect that I can usually do without. I may need to go back and read the first 2 installments, but I didn't have a problem with jumping in here.

The story involves an extremely violent street gang with a thug named Diablo at the head of it. He's a machete wielding killer with the goals of power and control. Anna Curtis is a prosecutor assigned to the sex crimes section in Washington, DC. Their paths cross on a particularly gruesome case and Anna ends up being marked for death by the gang. 

Along the way, Anna deals with some issues in her personal life including an engagement to another attorney whose wife had died when she was working undercover trying to sting the very same gang. 

The author knows of what she writes with her own experience in the DC sex crimes office. The novel rings true in every sense and I am definitely going to go find other books in this series. Definitely recommend to any fan of this genre. 

I listened to the audio version of this and found the voice tolerable. I mention this only because I am not a huge fan of audio, but keep trying. 

This is the third in a series. I read it first. Will go back and check others out but moving to #4 now.

Genre - legal thriler, crime fiction

The Nurse by Jenna Kernan

 Domestic thriller fails to thrill.

Emily is an LPN hired to care for a wealthy woman whose psychiatrist husband claims that his wife, Sabrina, has a lot of mental health issues. Emily is less nurse and more babysitter as the days go by. Emily is suspicious that Dr. Roth is overmedicating his wife. Eventually Mrs. Roth is found in a hotel, dead by apparent suicide. But was it?

I had a lot of problems with this very slow moving and somewhat boring book. As a nurse myself, I had a real issue with Emily being an LPN but supposedly graduating with an associate degree. In the USA, a practical nursing program is a one-year certificate and not an ADN which would result in the graduate being eligible to sit for the RN exam.  That aside, I didn't buy into Emily being any sort of nurse at all. She sure flouted confidentiality convention and would be a disgrace to her profession. Ah, but I digress, really. Just didn't like the story, the characters, or this silly twist. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review. I should have just put it down, but I felt forced to follow it through. Don't recommend.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series

Genre - domestic drama, psychological

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

 Twisty domestic drama.

Adam and Amelia head off to Scotland when she wins a free weekend stay at a converted old chapel in an isolated area near a loch. Their marriage has hit a bit of a snag, and there are hopes that the time together will help put them back together. But nothing is as it seems.

Adam suffers from face blindness and is a workaholic screen writer who adapts books written by others though he dreams of producing his own. Amelia works at a dog rescue and tries to be understanding and supportive. Things start to get odd immediately after they arrive at the chapel. 

The narrative shifts back and forth between points of view and time -- interrupting the forward, linear flow which is sometimes annoying to me. There is another character introduced who is definitely going to change the course of the couple's weekend. The anniversary letters written by Adam's wife give a history of ups and downs in their relationship. The reveal and twist are quite dramatic. I did not like any of the characters in this story and found it all a bit unbelievable. The story is riddled with platitudes and common sayings. Lots of secrets and lies. 

I rarely listen to audiobooks and usually become very annoyed at the narrators as I did with this, especially not enjoying the voice of the female narrator. I keep trying to get into the habit of listening to a book now and then and occasionally find some really well-done versions. I don't think my opinion of this book would be any different had I read it instead. I did receive an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher but borrowed this in audio form from my local library. 

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

Genre - domestic thriller, psychological drama

Murder on the Cornish Cliffs (Eleanor Swift #16) by Verity Bright

 Another fun adventure!

It's nearly Christmas in 1923 when Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, are called immediately to Cornwall. It seems that an old friend of her uncle, Godfrey Cunliffe, is convinced that the man he hired to restore the gardens is trying to kill him. Although she hates to leave her fiance, Hugh Seldon, behind, they hurry off arriving in time to find the snow falling and the gardener, Jerome St Clair, lying dead at the bottom of a cliff near the manor house.

This was fast and fun, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Love the details about that time period including the vivid descriptions of Cornwall, the customs, food, dress, and culture. The characters are all great friends by now and I always like catching up with them on their latest mystery. This is a really good historical cozy mystery series, and any fan will not want to miss this latest installment.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. I urge that you start at the beginning of this series for maximum entertainment.

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

Genre - cozy, historical mystery, 1920s

Red Queen (Antonia Scott #1) by Juan Gomez-Jurado

 Fast paced and suspenseful mystery thriller set in Spain.

First in a trilogy featuring the brainiac Antonia Scott, a young woman whose intelligence makes her able to solve some of the most difficult murder cases, who teams up with a disgraced police officer, Jon Gutierrez, from Bilbao. Together they are meant to work behind the scenes on an investigation involving the discovery of a savagely murdered teenaged boy from a very wealthy family. Then the daughter of a billionaire is nabbed. The cases appear to be linked. The clock is ticking and these two must figure out who and why. 

The action was rapid and the chapters were short. Lots of time hops and backstory. Interesting details that many nerds will love. Despite it being a bit choppy, the narrative came together leaving some unanswered questions. The partnership between the two main characters is interesting and definitely has a lot of potential for added depth especially in their personal lives. I’m interested to see where the story goes next and plan to read the second in the series shortly. 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.

This is the first in a trilogy translated from Spanish. Soon to be a major television series.

Genre - crime thriller, mystery, suspense, Spanish fiction

The Spy Coast (Martini Club #1) by Tess Gerritsen

 Espionage, mystery, and action make this a fun thrill ride!

Maggie Bird, former CIA operative, has retired to the seaside Maine village of Purity. Along with some old colleagues from her past who've also made the small town their home, she's living there quietly on her farm, raising chickens and getting together occasionally for martinis and gossip. Still haunted from her last mission, Maggie hopes that she will finally settle in anonymity -- until the body is dumped in her driveway. 

This was such an enjoyable read as the ex-spooks come out of retirement, dusting off their old skills, to find out who is trying to kill Maggie. I loved the way the author shifted the narrative from past to present, slowly revealing the details of Maggie's final assignment. Maggie's travels take her on a trip through her past via Bangkok, Malta, Istanbul, and London. As she confronts the tragedy that ended her career, danger is at every turn, but she has her friends who aren't quite ready for rocking chairs yet. Very fast-paced and I could not put it down. 

Thank you to the publisher for an e-book ARC of this novel that I eventually purchased and highly recommend. I think this is the first in a proposed new series and I eagerly await the next installment.

Perhaps the first in a new series.

Genre - spy thriller, action, adventure

My Husband's Lies by Liz Lawler

 Typical British psychological domestic fiction.

Her husband, Mark, is about to be arrested for murder, but Dr. Kate Jordan absolutely refuses to believe that he could have done such a thing. The police have evidence and a witness. Then Mark is the victim of a hit and run and is hospitalized in intensive care in a medically induced coma. Kate is frantic and Mark's best friend at the airline and a cabin attendant, Olivia, come to her aid and help care for her little boy. As Kate tries to prove Mark's innocence, she's frustrated at every turn by her husband's refusal to answer her questions. 

This was so completely predictable. Much of it required way too much suspension of disbelief as events transpired that would have been total red flags to even the least observant person. The character of Kate really irritated me and there was the whole "everyone is in love with her" thing. I spent far more time in her head than I ever wanted and the things she did in response to situations often made no sense for someone who was supposed to be an intelligent doctor. It was quite easy to see what was going on and it seemed like it took a long time to get to the climax even though I read this book in a single setting. Ho hum. 

Appreciated the e-book ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture. 

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

Genre - domestic drama, psychological

Unnatural Death (Kay Scarpetta #27) by Patricia Cornwell

 Here we are at #27 in a series that started my addiction to the crime thriller genre. Opening a new installment is like visiting friends — you pick up right where you left off.

As the story opens, Dr. Kay Scarpetta and Pete Marino are on their way to a remote abandoned gold mine in Buckingham Run in the Doomsday Bird piloted by her niece, Lucy, to examine the scene involving the deaths of outdoor enthusiasts Huck and Brittany Manson. The couple was under federal investigation, suspected of consorting with terrorists. The crime scene is a mess and the bodies are mutilated to such an extent that the investigators are having a hard time figuring out exactly what happened. Not to mention that a strange footprint has been found inside a mine shaft. Who are what are they dealing with?

This was definitely slow moving and I really hated to see the return of an old nemesis and too much focus on the past. The details are always meticulous whether they be about postmortem examinations or high tech toys and computers. I’ve always liked this author’s writing style, but not always the plots or some of the characters. Kay is an interesting protagonist and the relationships she has always provide more insights into what makes her tick. Her work colleagues and family are always a huge part of every book so there is a lot more than just crime solving. Still some loose ends even with this conclusion so if the next book is also about this returning villain, I might be disinclined to read it. I am more interested in the medical and forensic aspects of Kay’s job than in the secret service or terrorist plots. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend because every fan has to keep up. And I do believe that this is a series that is best read, in order, from the beginning. 

This is the 27th book in a series.

Genre - crime thriller, forensic pathologist 

Murder at the Highland Castle (Miss Underhay #14) by Helena Dixon

 It's the season to settle in for another delightful cozy mystery in this series.

I love traveling with the Bryants. This time, it's off to Scotland in 1935 to visit Finnglach Castle for Hogmanay celebrations. It seems that Lord Barlas, their host, has invited them for their investigative skills as he has been receiving some death threats. Since a snow storm leaves the holiday group isolated on the edge of a forest loch, Kitty and Matt deduce that one of the other guests has murder on their mind. 

I have followed this series from the beginning and each time I open a new installment, it feels like meeting up with old friends again. I like Kitty and Matt as a couple and their investigative business though I also miss the activity and action at the Dolphin Hotel, along with the other characters there. This book focused mainly on Matt and Kitty and the events at the castle so some of the old, familiar faces were not along on the trip. I like the writing style and the way the author gives so many details about the time period. Love reading about the setting, the homes, the customs, the clothes, and the food! I always look forward to each new book. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. If you are looking for a really delightful cozy mystery series set in the 1930s, then this is the one for you. 

This is the 14th book in a series that I think should be read in order from the beginning.

Genre - cozy mystery, 1930s, historical fiction

One Last Secret by Adele Parks

 This was quite an entertaining domestic thriller with lots of twists and turns.

Dora is an escort and is quite pragmatic about her job and her life. Her exposure to luxury has always created a longing within her soul, but her hopes and dreams have been dashed by a series of bad choices and horrible luck. Earning a living the way she has done affected her outlook on the future but changing anything seems daunting. Until she’s beaten badly while servicing a client. Despite everything, it seems that someone does love her and it’s time to give it all up for wedded bliss. But first, she has accepted one last call to pose as the girlfriend of a long time client. No spoilers.

This was fast and fun and easy to read in a single setting as I had a hard time putting it down. I actually liked the narrator, Dora, with alol her inner musings. Sure, some of the crazy stuff that happens in France seemed to stretch my credulity but I just went with it. The climax was a bit surprising and yes, I did hope it would all turn out OK for Dora. 

I’ve not read any other books by this author, but I definitely liked the writing style and the careful plotting. I’ll look for additional titles in the future. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Mira for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. Keep in mind that this book is about escorts, AKA prostitutes, and that lifestyle.

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

Genre - domestic thriller, psychological, 

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

 Fiction that reads like true crime.

Based on a notorious American serial killer whose name lives on in infamy but one I will not mention. This book was instead a focus on the women whose lives were ended far too soon, the bright young women who were murdered by the monster. 

The narrative is told from multiple points of view in shifting timelines. The characters are well-developed and easy to identify with as they share their struggles to bring the killer to justice. Meanwhile, they suffer even more at the hands of men who constantly underestimate and belittle them. Certainly the time period in which these events occurred, the 1970s, shows that the issues women endured then are not completely dissimilar from those they face in present day. 

I’m old enough to remember when this heinous villain was at large and when on trial. I’ve seen many documentaries and read a couple of books based on him and his crimes. I want to remember, not his name, but those of his victims who encountered this beast and did not survive. 

This was my first book by this author and will not be the last. I liked the story and the writing style. The subject was interesting and the heartbreaking details will linger in my head. Still. After all these years, it still appalls and shocks. 

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

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

Genre - fiction that read like true crime, based on real events and people 

When I'm Dead (Black Harbor #3) by Hannah Morrissey

 Another excellent Black Harbor mystery.

Autumn brings cold weather to this depressing town on the banks of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. Most of the people who live there want to leave, but many are trapped by finances or other circumstances that keep them yearning for escape year after year. 

Medical Examiner Rowan Winthorp and her husband, Investigator Axel Winthorp, are called to the scene of a grisly murder near Monroe Academy. The dead teen happens to be their daughter's schoolmate.  Later that evening the parents discover that their daughter, Chloe, is missing. As the police department deals with the homicide probe, some very disturbing information about Chloe comes to their attention. The marriage of Rowan and Axel is strained with their overwhelming anxiety as they desperately try to find Chloe alive. Is Chloe a victim or is she the killer?

This was another great installment in a series that features characters who live and work in Black Harbor but is not like most as each novel features different people with only minimal carryover. You could read this as a standalone if desired. The setting is portrayed as so bleak and demoralizing and that sets the mood for the story that follows. This narrative shifts in point of view, mainly between Rowan and Axel, giving both of their perspectives on the evolving events. I really like the author's writing style and her descriptions of the people and place. The plot was not overly complex and, despite the red herrings, it was easy to anticipate the conclusion though that did not bother me. I read all of the first 3 in this series back-to-back in order which helps keep the atmosphere and tone in mind and I enjoyed all of them.

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

This is the third in series that I read in order.

Genre - crime thriller, murder, mystery

The Widowmaker (Black Harbor #2) by Hannah Morrissey

 Another dark, atmospheric tale in the Black Harbor series.

Although this is the second book set in Black Harbor, it is only peripherally related to the debut, so you do not have to read the first before you open this one unless you're like me. I have a thing about reading books in order.

Cold winter in Black Harbor, Minnesota. Morgan Mori has returned home after a fire left her without a place to live and work. She's going to try her luck at photography and manages to get a job taking Christmas pictures of a wealthy local family. Interesting, however, is that this family has a scandal attached as the matriarch is suspected of killing her husband who vanished without a trace over 2- years ago. Then Morgan witnesses the murder of a cop at a convenience store and is drawn into a dark and convoluted mystery that may unlock the secrets of her very sordid past. 

This author has a way with words making the narrative so enticing that before you know it, you've read the book in a single sitting. I just love the way Morrissey strings phrases together. Her characters are so vividly drawn that they leap, fully formed, off the pages. Morgan is a dark horse for sure and the backstory is revealed in bits and pieces as the reader clamors for more detail. I was happy to see a familiar face from the first book -- an investigator from the police department. The plot was clever and it was definitely a great story.

Definitely recommend this one and plan to find the next installment immediately. 

This is the second in a series of companion novels.

Genre - crime thriller, police procedural, mystery

Hello, Transcriber (Black Harbor #1) by Hannah Morrissey

 Atmospheric police procedural is a stunning debut.

An aspiring writer takes a job at the Black Harbor police station to work as a transcriber. Hazel Greenlee is a troubled and introverted woman who is desperate to escape her life. When she becomes part of a murder inquiry and involved with Nik Kole, a detective assigned to the case, she feels that her real story is about to begin. As she writes details of the investigation into the novel she feels might just be her ticket out of Black Harbor, Hazel finds that she will do almost anything to make it real. Unfortunately, everyone lies.

The first thing that I must say about this book is that the writer is incredible. Her command of words makes the prose read like poetry. There are so many good lines within, I marked up the pages like a college student preparing for an exam. Although I didn't care much for the Hazel character, I did find her narrative quite compelling. The whole atmosphere of the town of Black Harbor was a great setting for this type of novel. I did learn a new word that I am dying to use -- hiraeth -- which is a Welsh term for describing a certain type of nostalgia: "longing for somewhere or someone who no longer exists as they were."

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am going to read any future books by this author.

This is the first in a series of novels set in Black Harbor, Wisconsin.

Genre - mystery, police procedural, crime thriller, suspense

The Locked Door by Freida McFadden

 Riveting psychological thriller!

Dr. Nora Davis was 11 years old when she turned her father in to the police. Seems he was a phlebotomist by day and a serial killer by night. He kept his victims in the basement of the family home. Nora has come a long way in the past decade or so and has become a successful general surgeon. She's changed her name and kept the secret of her true identity. No one knows that she is the daughter of Aaron Nierling and he is safely tucked away in prison serving multiple life sentences.

Her lonely but satisfying life disappears on the day she hears that one of her patients has been murdered and mutilated in the same way that her father used as his signature. Suddenly it looks as if someone is trying to frame Nora and she's desperate to find out who is the copycat.

This was excellent writing and quite satisfying. I liked the main character and could empathize with her confusion. There were a couple of times that I thought Nora made bad or dumb decisions, but the narrative had plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing. It's definitely a book that begs to be read in a single sitting as it's hard to put down. This author is fast becoming one of my favorites. 

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

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

Genre - psychological thriller, serial killer

Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter

 Unique crime mystery that can't be missed!

This was such a fun read! I loved the style and format as it created an immersive experience making the reader feel totally involved in this true crime docudrama. One can review all sorts of different pieces of information such as: photos, reports, maps, emails, text conversations, and best of all -- the transcript of the TV series, Infamous, that is said to be streaming on Netflix. 

The premise: A specially selected group of experts is hired to analyze the evidence surrounding a cold case involving the murder of Luke Ryder in December, 2003. Twenty years have passed and no one was ever charged. Can the team figure out what happened on that winter night? 

This was twisty with a new revelation at every turn. I was able to guess parts of the true crime story but wrong about some aspects. I really enjoyed how the truth unfolded and the way the clever author chose to do it. I think it's best to read this in the shortest sitting possible to keep everything straight and to get the full appreciation of some of the discoveries, coincidences, and surprises. 

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

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

Genre - crime mystery, reads like true crime

Dissection by Cristina LePort

 Despite high praise from authors whose books I have enjoyed, this medical thriller was quite disappointing. I have taken note of those who wrote those blurbs...

The premise - a new invention is capable of transmitting sound waves via programmed chips that induce heart attack, stroke, and aortic dissection. The science (?) has come under control of bad actors from Iran and many people in high positions of government receive notes that warn them of an immediate health crisis. When they experience the deadly emergency and mostly die, there are only a handful of people who know what is happening and how to save the world from impending doom. 

OK, this was just not believable in any way even though it was written by a doctor. It veers between the medical and the political and both angles don't ring true. The characters were stereotypes, and the insipid romance aspect was another predictable but absurd component of the story. It went on far too long and the writing was such that it was obvious this was a debut. 

I am a medical thriller addict and did not find the science or suspense that I anticipated. I was not able to get an ARC, so ordered it from the local library. 

Not recommended. 

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

Genre - medical and political thriller

Manner of Death (Jack and Laurie #14) by Robin Cook

 Another hit in this medical mystery thriller series!

This is the 14th book featuring the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Jack Stapleton and Dr. Laurie Montgomery. Both work at the OCME in NYC where Laurie is the chief medical examiner. When Laurie tries to motivate a pathology resident by agreeing to let him do some research into several recent suspicious suicide deaths, she unknowingly spurs him to uncover a plot to cover up the nefarious activities of a medical practice that performs cancer testing. 

It's hard to keep a long-running series fresh and entertaining but Cook always manages to do so. I like his writing style and have really developed a relationship with his main characters after all these years having read all the installments. I feel as if I know them. The plots are always interesting, and I enjoy the medical detail. Always look forward to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. Definitely start at the beginning. 

This is the 14th in a series that should be read from the beginning in order.

Genre - medical thriller

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

 Incredibly twisted psychological thriller that kept me glued to the pages until I finished. 

You never know at first when you meet someone that they will become the epitome of toxic and wreak havoc in your life. Podcaster Alix Summer has no idea when she meets Josie Fair on the night of their 45th birthday (they are birthday twins) that her world is about to take a horrible turn. When Alix starts working on a podcast with Josie, they are hoping that using Josie's interesting life as the subject will help Josie make the changes she needs to make. It doesn't work out that way. 

This was a fabulous, fun read with great main characters. The style of the narrative worked great with the plot and kept me on my toes guessing about the reliability of the story being told. All the while there is a buzz of trepidation as you anticipate that things are going to go bad quickly. This was a clever bit of writing and I love how the secrets and lies are tantalizingly revealed. 

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

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre - psychological thriller

A Twisted Love Story by Smantha Downing

 Lots of drama in this psychological thriller.

Wes and Ivy have a crazy relationship that surely cannot be mistaken for real love. But they are definitely the pair that can’t live together and can’t be apart. For 10 years they have had their ups and downs, breaking up and getting back together way too many times to count. No one they know is a fan of them being a couple. But now a detective has them on her radar and it seems that there is major trouble coming their way.

I would have probably liked this roller coaster ride of a story better if I could have dredged up one iota of liking for any of the main characters. There wasn’t one redeemable soul found, and in my opinion, that made it impossible for me to care one way or the other about all that was going down. I didn’t relate to or understand anything of the decisions each made or the behaviors exhibited by anyone. Lots of lying and manipulation going on, with everyone having some sort of personal agenda. The writing is first rate to be sure, but the narrative and plot — along with the dodgy characters — just never put this story into the compelling read category. I was a little surprised by the ending, and how much I appreciated the direction taken. I’ve no doubt that this will hit the mark for many readers, but it just wasn’t all that for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre - psychological thriller, domestic drama

Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena

 Thrilling domestic drama will keep you guessing.

What happened to 9-year-old Avery Wooler on the day she disobeyed and came home alone from school? Her father, a respected local doctor arrives to find her there, and things don't go too well because Avery is a challenging, difficult child who doesn't realize what a horrible day he has had. When she's reported missing a few hours later, the Wooler family and the entire neighborhood are under suspicion. Who saw what? Secrets and lies create a very tense situation.

This was a fast and fun read and I really enjoyed it. The characters, none of whom I especially liked, were well-drawn and so very believable as the dramatic events unfolded. The family dynamics and relationships as well as the way that everyone was drawn into the investigation really makes for a cleverly written plot. The narrative flips between points of view so the reader can see how everyone is upended by what has happened. The twists were quite ingenious as the detectives focus on first one suspect and then another. 

I like psychological thrillers because they usually have less on-page violence and no plucky heroines fighting their way out of nearly impossible scenarios. I'm tired of grisly gore, serial killers, and other tropes of that nature so this was a really refreshing read that I needed. My only complaint about this book was the ending and of course I wanted more details on what happened afterwards. No spoilers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. This is one author that I definitely will be following.

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

Genre - psychological thriller, domestic drama

The Coworker by Freida McFadden

 This fast-paced psychological thriller was so much fun that I couldn't put it down and read it all last night in one sitting.

Mean girls, bullying, workplace competition, manipulative behavior, secrets, and lies. This will keep you guessing as you rip through the pages wondering what in the heck will happen next. The two main characters, Natalie and Dawn, are so well-drawn that your opinions of them will shift and flip several times through the narrative as each point of view is shared. No spoilers. 

You never know who you are working with and an office can be a hotbed of gossip and game-playing. Your coworkers might be quite different outside of the job to the way they act around their colleagues and the boss. If one of them suddenly did something completely unusual you likely would never dream that it might have something to do with you. 

Just go in without reading too much about the plot ahead of time and enjoy good storytelling and some crazy twists that you might not guess were coming. I certainly did. I was also so happy this was not part of a series but a standalone. 

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

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

Genre - psychological thriller

The Girl in the Eagle's Talons (Lisbeth Salander) Millennium series #7 by Karin Smirnoff

 Corruption and greed in Norrland.

Adverse weather compounds the difficult rescue of Lisbeth's niece's mother in northern Sweden. In addition, the criminals have their sights on the grandson of Mikael Blomkvist as they try to manipulate the boy's stepfather, Henry Salo. The plot focuses on the control of wind power and mining rights in Gasskas. 

This 7th in the Millennium series has been taken over by a new author, the first female to tackle the complex character that is Lisbeth Salander. I enjoyed reuniting with the old, familiar characters and meeting new ones, especially the niece, Svala. I thought the narrative moved forward at a good pace and enough backstory was included to remind the reader of people and places that might have been forgotten.

Lots of action and great descriptions of the setting made this an excellent continuation of a series that I've always enjoyed. I look forward to more installments as changes come for both Lisbeth and Mikael. 

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

This is the 7th book in a series that needs to be read from the beginning, in order. 

Genre - crime, mystery, thriller, corruption

Murder by Invitation (Lady Eleanor Swift #15) by Verity Bright

 What can a reader say about a series that has delighted from the beginning? The Lady Eleanor’s Swift cozy mysteries are such comforting fun.

Like returning to your hometown after a long absence, it’s always a great time to reconnect with friends and enjoy the familiarity of your special place. This 15th installment by husband and wife writing team with the pseudonym Verity Bright, hit the spot as always. The refreshing wholesomeness of good people in an earlier time period never fails to cheer me up. I love the interaction between Lady Swift and her butler and staff at Henley Hall in Little Buckford. 

While preparing for a village wide celebration of King George V birthday, Lady Swift and friends get caught up in a murder investigation. Joined by her new fiancé, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, Eleanor is in her element assisting with the case. 

It was fun to see more of Hugh and hear more details about their relationship and engagement. Interested to see how everything progresses after they marry and hope they return to Henley Hall to do more sleuthing and crime fighting.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read and review. I no longer read a lot of series books, but this is one I can wholeheartedly recommend. 

This is the 15th book in a series that should be read from the beginning.

Genre - cozy historical mystery.

 

Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine

 Horror thriller dealing with a nightmare pregnancy.

After many attempts to conceive, IVF finally works for Anna Alcott and her husband, Dex. Almost immediately, things start going haywire. Anna is either completely mad, or she and her unborn child are in danger. 

This was a crazy and overly long book that I can’t believe I actually finished. I was ready to chuck it in fairly early as there was way too much going on inside of Anna’s head. Very repetitive with all the symptoms and having to ask myself if this was another hallucination or if Anna’s perceptions were off the charts. I am not a horror fan and I found the narrative slightly ridiculous. I didn’t care about Anna, her pregnancy, or the underlying theme of how difficult pregnancy is and how awful men and doctors are. My experience as a mother and a nurse completely contradicts the premise within the pages that women are supposed to suffer during pregnancy and childbirth. Not only that, but it is insulting to those wonderful OB docs, nurse practitioners, and others who support pregnant women. If you don’t have someone like that, go look elsewhere. You are master of your own pregnancy journey. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the e-book ARC to read and review. I can’t recommend it.

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

Genre - horror, thriller

Dead Mountain (Nora Kelly #4) by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

 An entertaining mystery involving nine missing mountaineers. 

What happened to the college students who went on a winter backpacking trip into the Manzano Mountains? Sure, conditions were brutal in the high New Mexico mountain range but they were experienced and well provisioned. Something made them flee from their tent out into a blizzard and certain death. A search and rescue effort found 6 of them -- with some disturbing injuries. The case went cold, and the FBI put it on the back burner. 

Years later, in a cave that also contained ancient remains of Pueblos, two additional bodies are recovered. FBI Agent Corrie Swanson and Nora Kelly, an archeologist, team up to investigate, examine the new evidence, and analyze the events of that fateful camping excursion.

I really love the writing style and these characters. This is the 4th in the series and although it could be read as a standalone, I think it best to read them all, in order. The unlikely pair of Corrie and Nora make a great team despite their personalities and different backgrounds. The combination of law and order with archeology is a good fit especially with historical mysteries. The plot and ensuing discoveries were quite interesting, and the pace was fast. Looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. The entire series is excellent. 

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

Genre - mystery, suspense, thriller, FBI, archeology

Dark Corners (Rachel Krall #2) by Megan Goldin

 "Dark corners can be danger points."

Rachel Krall is drug into an FBI situation involving a missing influencer and a suspected killer behind bars. Rachel is a true crime podcaster whose recent fame has enhanced her reputation as an investigative reporter. She flies to Daytona Beach to visit the convict who's about to be released after an incarceration for breaking and entering -- they couldn't make a murder charge stick. But, Maddison Logan, the young woman who has disappeared, had visited him right before she vanished.

The first thing the reader must do is accept that the FBI would ask Rachel Krall to be involved in this case and provide her with all the pertinent details. I found that aspect a bit hard to swallow and so i did not like this second installment as much as I did the first as it just seemed too outlandish. Rachel was far removed from her podcast role. 

The plot was OK, the weirdness that was trimethlylaminuria was quite interesting (it's a rare condition that makes someone smell horrible, and is sometimes called fish odor syndrome). I did not find this to be much of a suspense thriller, more a mystery that sort of hopped and skipped all over the place. Not a fan of the instant romance either. Was never satisfied with the information finally revealed about the killer. 

Frankly, I was really bored by the influencer angle. I am sure others might disagree, but I am so over this constant self-obsession and the competition for followers and viral posts. What I think is really meant is that there is danger in the dark corners of social media. 

Will I read another installment in this series? Probably, but I sure hope that the author returns to the writing style and format with the podcasts, scripts, etc. that made the first better for me. 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is the second installment in the series. I would read in order.

Genre - mystery, true crime podcaster, fiction

Drug of Choice by John Lange (Michael Crichton)

 Published in 1970 by medical student Michael Crichton under a pseudonym , this short novel was fast and fun. I’d read another of his earlier books, A Case of Need, years ago, and enjoyed it but had never before looked for other early titles by this author and filmmaker though I’ve long been an admirer of his work. 

The plot involves pharmacological substances used to alter reality and the protagonist, a young idealistic doctor, is sufficiently outraged by the effects and is determined to stop the experimentation. Lots of action propels the narrative and the momentum is not bogged down by a lot of scientific and medical detail that sometimes alienates some readers. Most of the characters are not memorable and the outcome is quite predictable, but the story is entertaining just the same. 

I love science fiction, medical details, suspense, drama, mystery, and crime. There were parts of this short novel that I would have liked to have seen better developed, but it was a one-sitting read and I may go hunt down others written during this time period that I missed after having read most all of Crichton’s later, more well-known works. Enjoy!

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

Genre - mystery thriller

Murder at the Village Fair (Miss Underhay #13) by Helena Dixon

 Another fun installment in this cozy mystery series.

Having read all the previous books, I can't imagine trying to read this out of order so do begin at the beginning so that you can fully appreciate the many different situations that Kitty Underhay - now Mrs. Matthew Bryant - has faced. 

It is summer, 1935, and the newly married couple is visiting Matt's aunt in Yorkshire. A village fair is underway when the festivities are interrupted by murder. The dead woman was not very popular in the community, so there are many suspects. Matt and Kitty are asked to investigate to protect the reputation of one of the local citizens. 

I enjoy the period details of this Golden Age murder mystery series and the writing style. The characters have become like old friends who are always great to visit. Easy to read and fun to guess who is guilty with no shortage of motives, means, and opportunity. 

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

This is the 13th in a series that should be read in order. 

Genre - Golden Age cozy historical mystery

Deliver Them From Evil (Camille Delaney #2) by Amanda DuBois

 Gripping medical mystery!

Although the second in the series featuring attorney Camille Delaney, this is the first I have read. That will definitely be rectified as I enjoyed this one so much that I will go back and read the introduction to the character. That said, this book can easily be read as a standalone. 

A tragedy in the delivery room -- a young couple loses their baby to what looks like medical malpractice by the obstetrician, Dr. Jessica Kensington. Although popular among her peers, Dr. Kensington has had more than one grieving family bring lawsuits against her. In addition, she has a really sketchy past and some creepy family history. 

Camille Delaney takes this case despite misgivings --after all, dead baby cases do not have huge payout settlements from insurance companies. As she gathers all the pertinent information, she finds financial struggles and loss of her paralegal to a higher paying job with a big-name firm in downtown Seattle. But one shocking revelation after another tells Camille that she is on the right track to obtain some sort of justice despite the inequities of the system. 

Thoroughly enjoyed the narrative and the characters. If you like a medical mystery based on unusual scenarios written by an author who is a nurse as well as a lawyer, you will like this book. I had no idea where this was going at first, but the resolution and wrap up were very satisfying. Definitely looking forward to continuing with a third installment. 

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

This is the second in the series.

Genre - medical mystery, malpractice, obstetrics