Isabelle’s life changed overnight. Her young son, Mason, was taken from his room while his parents slept. Now, she can’t sleep, her marriage has faileIsabelle’s life changed overnight. Her young son, Mason, was taken from his room while his parents slept. Now, she can’t sleep, her marriage has failed, and her sole mission is to find her son, no matter what she has to do to accomplish that goal. She does interviews with podcasters and true crime reporters. One year later, she is no further along. Then she is approached by a podcaster who just might be able to help. This thriller is a quick read, mostly because you won’t be able to stop reading once you start. The characters come alive on the page; you will feel Isabelle’s anguish at the loss of her son. It’s a well crafted story, with an ending you might have to read twice to believe. ...more
**spoiler alert** In this novel of historical fiction, two women team up to seek revenge on a murderous husband. Kate is a maid in a mansion, unable t**spoiler alert** In this novel of historical fiction, two women team up to seek revenge on a murderous husband. Kate is a maid in a mansion, unable to make a living as an actress. Elena married young and not too wisely, being wooed by a debonair man with a lying tongue. Elena nearly dies in a house fire, clearly set by her husband and saved only by Kate’s persistent endeavors to bring her to safety. Now the fun begins! Catherine, formerly Kate, has become engaged to the man who only thinks he is a widower. When her life is threatened, she teams up with a jewel thief who clearly has a heart of gold, despite his sticky fingers. They are all on the Morro Castle, but before the ladies came bring their plan to fruition, disaster hits. The ship is caught between two storms when a fire breaks out on deck. The outcome is predictable but still jolly good fun to read. The ship and its fate are real; the characters are not. The plot is an imaginative one, and it was a pleasure to see the actions of strong female characters....more
Vera is back, and this second installment in the series is every bit as good as the first book. At the police station, Vera comes across a woman who iVera is back, and this second installment in the series is every bit as good as the first book. At the police station, Vera comes across a woman who is very upset. It’s obvious to Vera that she is the only one who can help her. Xander, the woman’s friend, is missing. Vera is very nearly a professional detective, except for the professional part, and she thinks she will be good at finding missing people. Unfortunately, Xander’s body is fished out the bay, and police can’t seem to identify him. He has too many names, Vera discovers: Xander, Thomas, and now the police call him John Doe. It will up to Vera to find out who he really is and how he died. Vera will eventually uncover more than she could have imagined. The subject of this novel is darker than the first one, but it still has all the personality of Vera that the fans of this series have already come to expect. Vera is the ultimate Chinese mother. She takes care of everyone, she gives everyone food and tea, even if they protest (and no one really does for very long, once they smell her delicious food), and she solves crimes. Would that everyone had a Vera in his or her life! This extremely delightful and well-written novel is intriguing and entertaining from beginning to end, and it is peopled with well developed if somewhat quirky characters who come alive on the page. It sounds like book three will be an even greater adventure for Vera - I can’t wait to read it!...more
Three siblings reunite after the death of their mother. Beth is on hand to hear her mom’s last words. But instead of being reassuring, they only add tThree siblings reunite after the death of their mother. Beth is on hand to hear her mom’s last words. But instead of being reassuring, they only add to her sorrow. And she has had plenty of sorrow in her life. Her father had disappeared years before, her sister is an addict, and her brother is seldom in contact. A chance look at an old video tape brings back the past in a way they could not imagine: it’s a horrific scene that seems to implicate their parents in a crime. This thriller is more than just a mystery. It deals with addiction, with grief, with secrets, and with crimes. What should parents do when it comes to protecting their children? And can that protection be carried too far? The mystery is a good one, the characters are believable, and the book is well written. ...more
In book 31 of this series, Lucy Stone’s youngest daughter Zoe becomes engaged. Lucy is thrilled with had, her soon-to-be-son-in-law. She is not so enaIn book 31 of this series, Lucy Stone’s youngest daughter Zoe becomes engaged. Lucy is thrilled with had, her soon-to-be-son-in-law. She is not so enamored with his parents. Chad is rising star in baseball, and quite personable. His mother is not as nice and quite pushy when it comes to taking over the wedding arrangements. His dad is a prejudiced bigot, loud and obnoxious. Does Zoe really want to marry into this family? Evidently, she does. But before the nuptials can take place, there is a murder. And Lucy is determined to solve the murder before anyone else dies. This mystery is a good one. I like that Lucy’s kids grow up and get careers and marry. This story dealt with some social issues that perhaps were needed in the context of the mystery, but my personal preference is that cozies should just be mysteries and not platforms for social ills....more
Erebus Resort offers some unusual perks to its visitors. People can camp on its thousands of acres and enjoy the sight of woolly mammoths, Irish elk, Erebus Resort offers some unusual perks to its visitors. People can camp on its thousands of acres and enjoy the sight of woolly mammoths, Irish elk, and giant sloths, no longer extinct. But things don’t go as expected for a honeymooning couple. They are kidnapped and brutally murdered. But by whom? Working the investigation is Agent Frances Cash aided by Sheriff James Colcord. And they have no idea what horrors they will uncover as they delve deeper into the workings of Erebus. This thrilling tale is a quick read. The suspense grows rapidly, and just when you think it can’t get worse, it does. Killings escalate, fears compound, hope evaporates, and then, it ends. Douglas Preston writes an intriguing, futuristic tale. First in a series, it will be interesting to see what adventures await Cash and Colcord....more
This collection of novellas was entertaining from the first story to the last. Vacations may be the last place you’d expect to become involved with a This collection of novellas was entertaining from the first story to the last. Vacations may be the last place you’d expect to become involved with a murder, but that’s what happened to the protagonists in these stories. The settings are varied, from Hawaii to Scotland, but the theme was the same: vacationers were called on to solve a murder. Three novellas stood out from rest, although all of them were enjoyable. “Aspic and Old Lace� by Jayna Morrow, “Whodunit at the Winery� by Carly Winter, and “Betrayed in Belize� by Laina Turner were exceptionally well written with clever plots and well developed characters. This anthology is a wonderful collection to take along on your next vacation, and may even give you some ideas to follow should you come across a murder!
I was given an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
The Lupine County Fair is in full swing, and Callie has agreed to bring her zen goat yoga sessions. Bugsy is a lovable but somewhat pushy goat, prone The Lupine County Fair is in full swing, and Callie has agreed to bring her zen goat yoga sessions. Bugsy is a lovable but somewhat pushy goat, prone to escaping his pen and causing trouble. His antics pale when real trouble comes to the fair. Hasty Hogs Racing Pigs are a crowd pleaser and quite popular. Everyone is shocked when an exploding starter pistol causes the death of the proprietor. Callie is even more surprised when the snow cone stand owner, Sweet Pete, is suspected of the murder. Pete appeals to Callie to find the real killer. Callie had been looking forward to introducing people to zen goat yoga and then stuffing herself with fair food. And maybe spending some time with the hunky veterinarian. Now it looks like her time is going to be spent clearing her friend’s name. This cozy is a delight from beginning to end. The goats add a humorous touch, especially Bugsy. There is enough suspense to keep readers involved with the story without being too terrifying. The characters are likable and real. The mystery is a good one, but it is not the only interesting storyline. Subplots involving secondary characters add interest to the story. The novel ends on a bit of mystery involving Callie’s family. This well-written cozy is both entertaining and amusing.
I was given an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
When Alys fails to show up at her birthday celebration, her friends realize something is terribly wrong. Her body is later found floating in the waterWhen Alys fails to show up at her birthday celebration, her friends realize something is terribly wrong. Her body is later found floating in the waters of Llyn y Fan. Strange items are discovered in her home, leading Detective Inspector Meadows to wonder what significance the array of seaside items play in Alys’s life. Then someone else in this group of friends is also murdered, with similar items left behind. This intriguing and complex mystery is gripping from the beginning. Secrets from the past play a part in the murders of the future, and as the secrets unfold, the suspense becomes even greater. This well written crime novel does have some continuing characters but is a standalone mystery....more
On a summer night, twin brothers are celebrating their college graduation. That same night, both of their parents are murdered in their home. SpeculatOn a summer night, twin brothers are celebrating their college graduation. That same night, both of their parents are murdered in their home. Speculation is that one brother killed the parents. Or maybe they planned it together. Not enough evidence is present to charge either brother. Years later, the estranged twins still each believe the other twin was guilty. Their younger sister wants to finally solve this cold case, and collaborates with an investigating team to uncover the truth, even if it means sending one of her brothers to jail. This gripping thriller is intriguing in the gradual revealing of clues to solve the mystery. The characters are real and well developed. The plot is complex. The entire package is thrilling entertainment....more
Stacey wasn’t exactly a nice girl. She had a mean streak. She enjoyed bullying others. She slept around. She lied about a lot of things. But did she dStacey wasn’t exactly a nice girl. She had a mean streak. She enjoyed bullying others. She slept around. She lied about a lot of things. But did she deserve to die? Evidently, someone thought so. When DI Winter Meadows begins his investigation of the murder, it’s not long before he realizes that something very sinister is afoot. As he digs deeper into Stacey’s background, he finds a connection to more than one suspect. And then the bodies begin to stack up. The village holds tight to its secrets, and he must penetrate the silence and break them free to solve this puzzling case. This well-written thriller is intriguing and captivating from the very beginning. Meadows is an extraordinary detective, and watching him solve the intricate mystery is highly entertaining. The novel works as a standalone, but since the books build on the characters and plots of previous novels, it is recommended that readers enjoy this outstanding series from the beginning. ...more
This touchingly sad tale heartbreaking. It starts when a toddler disappears from her home. Detective Winter Meadows leads the investigation. As the daThis touchingly sad tale heartbreaking. It starts when a toddler disappears from her home. Detective Winter Meadows leads the investigation. As the days go by, it seems less likely the child will be found alive. The single mother has no means for a ransom. She is also less than an ideal mother, often drinking too much as well as experimenting with drugs. Meadows investigations leads him to other children who have disappeared. Child skeletons are unearthed, but not the missing toddler. Be warned: this author does not promise a happy ending. It’s a well written story, though, and one you will continue to ponder after you finish the book. What can be done to save the children? The answer to that is as complex as this mystery. ...more
In a residential home for adults with learning disabilities, the manager is found dead in a chest freezer. Detective Winter Meadows leads the investigIn a residential home for adults with learning disabilities, the manager is found dead in a chest freezer. Detective Winter Meadows leads the investigation. Could one or more of the residents be responsible? It doesn’t seem possible. Delving into the history of the home and of the residents, Meadows finally discovers a connection. There is more than one crime, and more than one criminal. This well written and well thought-out mystery is quite intriguing. The setting of a residential home is also interesting, as are the likable people living there. The complex tale will have you flipping pages as the tension increases. Detective Meadows is a complex character, and his personality is becoming more solid as the series progresses. Perhaps he will even lose some of his shyness. It’s a great and entertaining mystery, for more than one reason....more
Twenty years ago, teenagers Gwen Thomas and her friend were brutally attacked, and her friend was killed. After weeks recovering in the hospital, it wTwenty years ago, teenagers Gwen Thomas and her friend were brutally attacked, and her friend was killed. After weeks recovering in the hospital, it was clear that though Gwen had survived, her memory of the attack did not. Now married and a mother, an excursion back to the crime scene triggered some memory, and a fall seemed to unloose more. Gradually, scattered memories are returning. DI Winter Meadows takes on the cold case. He knew Gwen at the time of her attack, and is eager to finally solve the murder, and put Gwen’s mind at ease. This thrilling tale is a page turner from the start. The setting is vivid, the characters are well developed, and the mystery is intriguing. The answers slowly unfold, keeping readers guessing what final truth will emerge. The end will astonish you. This well-written thriller is highly recommended. ...more
Josie is surprised when her mom comes to visit, and even more surprised when she hears that her parents� marriage is in trouble. But more trouble is oJosie is surprised when her mom comes to visit, and even more surprised when she hears that her parents� marriage is in trouble. But more trouble is on the way. Soon, people in the small town of Wilfred begin receiving poison pen letters, demanding payments to keep secrets. The secrets are petty, and so are the payments. Josie, too, receives one, and soon realizes that hers is different from the rest. Does someone know she is a witch? She decides she must tell her boyfriend Sam what she is, even if it ends their relationship. And, oh yes, there is a death, at least one murder, and an attempted murder or two. Lots going on in this witchy cozy. Josie seeks the help of her mom - and many books - to get answers as well as save lives, including her own. Plenty of action to keep readers interested in this well written cozy, peopled with delightful, if unusual, characters. ...more
Old bones are discovered under an outhouse, and Helen wants them tested to see if they could possibly be her husband who disappeared decades ago. TheyOld bones are discovered under an outhouse, and Helen wants them tested to see if they could possibly be her husband who disappeared decades ago. They are not, and drowning her sorrow at a local tavern, she happens to see a game show. Now she swears that one of the contestants is her long-lost husband. This is where Josie gets involved. As a librarian, she is excellent at research. And being a witch doesn’t hurt her sleuthing skills. Eventually, not one but two visitors come to the small town of Wilfred, and for one, it doesn’t turn out well. This cozy is cute in several ways, but mostly for Josie’s ability to communicate with books. In this story, she joins forces with a page size Sherlock Holmes, straight of his complete works. With his astute help, she, (but mostly he), is able to solve this mystery. The mystery of the old bones and missing husband may not be the most gripping of mysteries, but the addition of a pint-size Holmes makes it well worth the read. I wonder what novel the next detective will surface from. I’d like to see Josie join forces with Miss Marple and interrogate the people of Wilford. Josie is an intriguing character, as are her developing abilities as she grows into her heritage as a witch....more
Furballs and Fatalities - When one of Gina’s customers becomes a person of interest in a murder, Gina steps in to clear her of suspicion. Erika was reFurballs and Fatalities - When one of Gina’s customers becomes a person of interest in a murder, Gina steps in to clear her of suspicion. Erika was recently fired from her job at the hardware store by Molly, owner now deceased. Was it her husband? Or her lover? Or someone else? The more Gina digs, assisted by her talking dog Daisy, the more muddled she becomes. She is getting more questions than answers. Finally she decides to enlist the help of a friend to set a trap . . . only if she’s not careful, the trap may spring on her and her friend. Gina is also fostering a pair of dogs devoted to each other to the exclusion of everyone else, both canines and humans. Daisy is determined to break up the duo, resulting in much snarling and growling. Gina doesn’t dare leave the three dogs alone together, so Daisy goes everywhere while Gina snoops. This will turn out to be a good thing, even if it is another complication. This tale is another great addition to the series. Daisy, of course, steals the show, with her unfiltered remarks and her loving nature. Deputy Trevor Hutchinson again seeks Gina’s help, even as he berates for going too far sometimes. This well-written mystery is an interesting one, the solution is intriguing, and the characters are well-drawn, especially Daisy. Delightfully entertaining can describe this entire series.
I was given an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Paw Prints and Problems - When Sally finds her chef is dead in her restaurant, whom does she call? Gina, of course. She knows her friend is good at snPaw Prints and Problems - When Sally finds her chef is dead in her restaurant, whom does she call? Gina, of course. She knows her friend is good at sniffing out clues, but the real expert at sniffing is Gina’s dog, Daisy. It’s just a good thing that Daisy can tell Gina what she discovers. Yes, Daisy can talk, but Gina is the only one who can hear her. Deputy Trevor Hutchinson also seeks Gina’s help, since he believes that she can read people better and has good instincts. Into this messy murder comes another problem for Gina. Someone has abandoned a large, badly trained golden retriever on her doorstep. Since Gina fosters rescued dogs, she takes him in, little knowing how much he will upset the household, that is, Daisy. Between searching for clues, finding a home for Zeus the golden, and doing nails (yes, she still needs to earn a living), she is burning the candle at both ends. And if she isn’t careful, she will get burned, too. This lighthearted and delightful story owes much of its entertainment value to Daisy the wonder dog. A bit snarky and judgmental at times, she is always lovable. The characters seem real, even Daisy (how that can be, I don’t know), and the mystery definitely is intriguing as are the characters and their machinations. You don’t have to be a dog lover to love this series!
I was given an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Why would anyone murder an 80-year old man, a retired teacher? Found in his own home, it did not appear that robbery was the motive. DS Cross canvasseWhy would anyone murder an 80-year old man, a retired teacher? Found in his own home, it did not appear that robbery was the motive. DS Cross canvasses the community, but only finds that the man was generous and charitable towards others there. But digging deeper, and going back decades, Cross uncovers a dark side to the deceased. Now he must whittle down the possible suspects to find the murderer. And there are many who are not sorry their old teacher is dead. DS Cross is an extraordinary detective. Though on the spectrum, his need to make things right, his patience to uncover even the most minute clue, and his uncanny ability to correctly judge the situations he encounters make him the detective with the most wins in court in his district. His boss understands his special needs and so does his partner, and they accommodate him where necessary. He needs his own office and a routine that doesn’t change. He doesn’t like crowds, he is a bit OCD, and he is quite fussy about his tea. His partner continually coaches him on the correct social responses, and Cross duly notes what he should do and say. Recently, his personal circumstances have changed with the reappearance of his mother decades after she disappeared from Crosses’s and his father’s lives. He is still adjusting to that change, helped in part by the priest at the Catholic Church where Cross practices the organ. Their friendship is interesting, given that Cross is an affirmed atheist. Entertaining, engrossing, compelling, captivating, intriguing, and thrilling can all be applied to this mystery as well as to the entire series....more
The body of a monk, Brother Dominic, is found in ditch. Badly beaten and killed, the question is, who would do this to a monk? DS Cross catches this cThe body of a monk, Brother Dominic, is found in ditch. Badly beaten and killed, the question is, who would do this to a monk? DS Cross catches this case. As he digs into the monk’s past, he soon finds out that not much is known about him, even to his brother monks. Eventually, it boils down to money and greed. This complex and intriguing mystery has layers of secrets that must first be found and then peeled away to get at the truth. It is only through Cross’s stubborn need to make things right that he will be able to find the murderer. Cross is an extraordinary detective. He has recently made contact with his mother after decades of silence. He has discovered the reason why she left him and his father, and he is still coming to terms with it. On the spectrum, he has trouble relating to people, interpreting comments and responding with the correct social statements. People might think he is slow-witted, but he is just the opposite. Brilliant at what he does best, detecting, he is also an accomplished organist, practicing every week at a Catholic church. He has become friends with the priest there, even though Cross is an atheist, and this priest often serves as a go-between with Cross and world at large, as does Cross’s police partner. This story, indeed the entire series, is quite well written, entertaining and engrossing. ...more
![Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man] (Vera Wong, #2)](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1722635201l/215805924._SY75_.jpg)
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