Lee Clark has certainly made her mark on the Christian fiction genre as this is her seventh Book in the Matthew Paine Mysteries series. The books haveLee Clark has certainly made her mark on the Christian fiction genre as this is her seventh Book in the Matthew Paine Mysteries series. The books have gotten better and better as the series progressed and I must say that, in my opinion, these last two books Forbidden Relics and Killer Convergence: A Classic Murder Mystery Novel (book 7) are excellent mystery / thrillers. There is a lot going on in this book and I won't try to summarize it, but the description is below.
Description: They lied about everything.He won鈥檛 stop until he gets to the truth.
Twenty-two years ago they said it was a murder-suicide. They lied. It was just murder. They assassinated his parents as a warning, and now Detective Warren Danbury will stop at nothing to uncover who annihilated his family 鈥� and destroyed their reputation.
As young physician Matthew Paine assists his close friend Danbury to tenaciously reexamine these murders, evidence goes missing, memories can鈥檛 be trusted, and witnesses start turning up dead.
Paine and Danbury race against the clock to uncover the conspiracy that has not only survived for more than two decades, but grown in power and violence over time. The key to unlocking this deadly scheme and learning the truth about the murder of Danbury鈥檚 Kenya.
Now past and present; truth and lies; survival and murder all collide in a deadly and action-packed climax that finally answers the two questions that have haunted Danbury for twenty-two Who murdered his parents and why?
My Thoughts: This was a complex and compelling story that must have taken a great deal of research. The book has themes of political corruption, faith, loyalty, friendship, and honor. There's even an international aspect with the Masai warriors. Matthew more than proves his worth in helping his friend Danbury find what really happened with his father. His loyalty and skills along with his faith and courage are evident here. I enjoyed how Matthew's friend, Justin, played such a supportive and important role in this story - I like Justin as a character and would not mind seeing a spin-off that centers on some of his adventures (maybe in the future Lee?) The plot provided good movement and kept me flipping the pages to a most satisfying ending. This is an excellent mystery/thriller and I would recommend it to anyone who likes that genre.
Thanks to Lee Clark and Cypress River Media for an advance copy....more
Heather Graham has written many, many books, but somehow this is only the second one I've read by her. I was glad to pick this one up - it has been a Heather Graham has written many, many books, but somehow this is only the second one I've read by her. I was glad to pick this one up - it has been a long time since I read the other.
Description: This state-of-the-art smart home has a next-generation entertainment system, an ultramodern kitchen where every appliance is online and even a personal AI to control it all. Standing above its owner's lifeless body, FBI agent Jude Mackenzie is faced with the daunting task of discovering how the woman was killed by her own home. How do you catch a murderer that doesn't leave any fingerprints?
Enter Special Agent Victoria Tennant, whose familiarity with cybercrime reveals the stark a machine can only do what it's been directed to. As the number of grisly "accidents" begins to rise, the pair must race to uncover the perpetrator even as they find themselves caught in their digital crosshairs! There's nowhere to hide when danger may be as close as the very phones in their pockets.
My Thoughts: Being a computer person, I was aware of how technology can be hacked and manipulated to accomplish many things. However, this book really shows extremely malicious manipulation of technology to kill. It was fascinating and scary to think about machines being manipulated to murder. This book really makes you think. Not only that, the story was totally interesting and kept my attention throughout. I liked how FBI Agent Jude Mackenzie and Special Agent Victoria Tennant worked together and used their collective skills to move the investigation forward. Anyone who likes a good mystery or is a computer nerd would enjoy this book.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
I have read a couple of Sarah Penner's previous books and enjoyed them both, so I was happy to grab this one. From the description it sounded like a gI have read a couple of Sarah Penner's previous books and enjoyed them both, so I was happy to grab this one. From the description it sounded like a great maritime adventure in a beautiful location, and it was.
Description: Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven鈥檚 arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?
As Haven searches for her father鈥檚 sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman鈥檚 quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. Could this magic be behind Positano鈥檚 latest calamities? Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever鈥�
Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea.
My Thoughts: This book was a fun adventure told in two time periods: Mari's story in the 1800s and Haven's story in present time. I enjoyed reading about the the magical, paranormal abilities of the stregheria and how they protected their village and the coast. Also, Haven's treasure hunt was interesting. I liked the romance between Haven and the dive shop owner, but Mari's romance was riveting. In fact I found Mari's entire story riveting. Great characters, a compelling plot and the evident research made this a really good read for me.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
When I saw this book was available I was absolutely doing a happy dance. This Murphy Shepherd series has been one of the most wonderful, emotionally-sWhen I saw this book was available I was absolutely doing a happy dance. This Murphy Shepherd series has been one of the most wonderful, emotionally-satisfying reads I have found in a long, long time. I couldn't wait to tear into this one. This is the fourth book in the series, and yes you can read it as a stand alone, but I would recommend you start at the first one and savor each one as the story of Murphy Shepherd unfolds.
Description: In this fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series, Murphy knows Bones didn't hesitate to give his life to stop the evil perpetuated by his brother, but there's still work to be done. Though Frank is gone, his organization is not, and almost even before Bones's funeral in Arlington is complete, Murph receives a call that the three daughters of presidential hopeful Aaron Ashley have been taken and there are no leads.
The girls' lives on the line and time is of the essence. But Murphy has never done this without Bones. How can he grieve his friend and mentor, figure out who he is without Bones, and navigate a new role for himself with team . . . all while putting total focus into finding these daughters?
When his daughters are finally rescued, Ashley steps back from the presidential race. But Murph knows something about the timing is a little too convenient for the senator who steps in to take his place. The far-reaching tendrils of Frank's organization are entangled even here, and Murph and his team will stop at nothing to root them out.
My Thoughts: This book is both heart-warming and gut-wrenching as are all of the books in this series. Murphy is grieving badly at the loss of his friend and mentor Ekekiel Bones Walker. He doesn't know how to handle moving on without Bones. When his friend, Vice-President Ashley, calls and asks for his help as his three daughters have been abducted, Murphy has to find a way to pull it together and try to find them without Bones. He doesn't know if he can. I was sobbing as I read and felt Murphy's pain and grief and loss. I was smiling as Summer showed Murphy her love and her faith in him. There's also a beautiful, wonderful wedding in Freetown! Then there are also seven generals Murphy must find and put away to break up a large sex trade group. I love the characters. I love Summer's twirls. I love Murphy's heart. And I love Bones and his steadfast love. Anyone with a heart will love this book and the entire series.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
Earlier I had read The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke and liked it so I thought I would try another of her books. I thought this one would be about ghEarlier I had read The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke and liked it so I thought I would try another of her books. I thought this one would be about ghosts because of the title, so I was surprised by this gothic horror novel.
Description: This place is shrouded in folklore鈥攐ld stories of ghosts, of witches, of a child who was not quite a child.
Now the woods are creeping closer, and something has been unleashed.
Pearl Gorham arrives in 1965, one of a string of young women sent to Lichen Hall to give birth. And she soon suspects the proprietors are hiding something.
Then she meets the mysterious mother and young boy who live in the grounds鈥攁nd together they begin to unpick the secrets of this place.
As the truth comes to the surface and the darkness moves in, Pearl must rethink everything she knew鈥攁nd risk what she holds most dear.
My Thoughts: The story takes place in two time periods: Mabel's story from 1959, and Pearl's story from 1965. Lichen Hall exudes the perfect creepy, gothic setting. The isolated mansion is a private setting for unwed mothers to come and give birth. But there is a lot more going on here and it is shocking. The shame, isolation and judgment felt by unwed mothers is certainly showcased and then entwined with the decrepit mansion provide the desolated atmosphere for the story. It is easy to sympathize with Pearl and Mabel, as they are both likeable characters and their situation is difficult at best. However, their lives become a battle for survival as the horrors of Lichen Hall unfold. This is a creepy tale with a shocking ending that fans of horror novels will enjoy.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
Liann Zhang is a new author for me. This is her debut novel and I picked it up because the description intrigued me and because it was described as a Liann Zhang is a new author for me. This is her debut novel and I picked it up because the description intrigued me and because it was described as a razor-sharp thriller. I do love thrillers.
Description:
Julie Chan has nothing. Her twin sister has everything. Except a pulse.
Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier with nothing to lose, finds herself thrust into the glamorous yet perilous world of her late twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen, a popular influencer. Separated at a young age, the identical twins were polar opposites and rarely spoke, except for one viral video that Chloe initiated (Finding My Long-Lost Twin And Buying Her A House #EMOTIONAL). When Julie discovers Chloe鈥檚 lifeless body under mysterious circumstances, she seizes the chance to live the life she鈥檚 always envied.
Transforming into Chloe is easier than expected. Julie effortlessly adopts Chloe鈥檚 luxurious influencer life, complete with designer clothes, a meticulous skincare routine, and millions of adoring followers. However, Julie soon realizes that Chloe鈥檚 seemingly picture-perfect life was anything but.
Haunted by Chloe鈥檚 untimely death and struggling to fit into the privileged influencer circle, Julie faces mounting challenges during a weeklong island retreat with Chloe鈥檚 exclusive group of influencer friends. As events spiral out of control, Julie uncovers the sinister forces that may have led to her sister鈥檚 demise and realizes she might be the next target.
My Thoughts: Julie and Chloe, twin sisters, were separated when they were very young. Their parents had died and Julie was raised by an aunt who didn't love her, and Chloe was adopted by a wealthy couple. The girls had no contact with each other until grown and both on their own. Julie was barely getting by as a supermarket worker and Julie was a rich and famous influencer. When they met fleetingly, Chloe used Julie to promote her brand and make her Chloe look good. After Chloe once again has nothing to do with Julie. That had to really hurt. Julie wanted nothing more than to build a relationship with her sister. When Julie gets an out of the blue call from Chloe where she makes some strange sounds, but says nothing, Julie gets a bad feeling and goes to New York to check on Chloe. Finding her sister dead she sees an opportunity: become Chloe and make it look like Julie is the one who died. With this move Julie could step into Chloe's rich life and turn her life around. Only Chloe's life is not what Julie imagined. The story turns dark as she is blackmailed and is drawn into an exclusive group with some very dangerous practices. I kept flipping the pages as I devoured the story. That's some scary group of girls! This is a great debut novel and I will be interested to see what Zhang writes in the future.
Thanks to Atria Books through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
I had certainly heard of Nancy Thayer and she has published many novels, but this is the first book I have read by her. One of my friends had mentioneI had certainly heard of Nancy Thayer and she has published many novels, but this is the first book I have read by her. One of my friends had mentioned she always enjoyed her books, so I picked this one up to see if I would like it.
Description: Blythe Benedict is content. Her life didn鈥檛 end when her marriage did. In fact, she鈥檚 more than happy living in her comfortable house in Boston, working as a middle school teacher, and raising four wonderful children. With three of her kids in the throes of teenagerhood and one not too far behind them, Blythe has plenty of drama to keep her busy every single day.
But no amount of that drama could change the family鈥檚 beloved annual summer trip to Nantucket. Blythe has always treasured the months spent at her island home-away-from-home, and has fond memories of her children growing up there. But this summer鈥檚 getaway proves to be much more than she bargained for.
Yes, there are sunny days enjoyed at the beach. But Blythe must contend with teenage angst, her ex-mother-in-law鈥檚 declining health, and a troubling secret involving her ex-husband. Meanwhile, Blythe reconnects with her first love, her former high school sweetheart Aaden. But their second-time-around romance becomes complicated when another intriguing man enters the picture.
It鈥檚 all a bit out of Blythe鈥檚 comfort zone. This particular island summer may not be as relaxing as Blythe had hoped, but she鈥檚 never felt that life has given her more than she can handle鈥攅specially when she has the love and support of her family around her.
My Thoughts: This book is about family, first loves, past relationships, and new relationships. There is a lot of drama - especially with the teenagers. But Blythe is surprised with a beau from high school reappearing and meeting a new man who she is very much attracted to. Juggling two romances and making big decisions is difficult. Finding the right path is elusive at best and Blythe has to trust her instincts. I loved the atmosphere of the summer vacation in Nantucket and the characters were lovely. The book is a great beach read.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
I've read many of David Baldacci's novels and they were all of the thriller/mystery type, so this was a totally different read for me - though just asI've read many of David Baldacci's novels and they were all of the thriller/mystery type, so this was a totally different read for me - though just as fast-paced and absorbing as his others. This book it more historical fiction set in London near the end of World War II. I loved it!
Description: Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, ducking school but barred from actual work, he steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he鈥檚 old enough to enlist to fight the Germans. After barely surviving the Blitz, Charlie knows there鈥檚 no telling when a falling bomb might end his life.
Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield has just returned to a nearly unrecognizable London. One of millions of people to have been evacuated to the countryside via 鈥淥peration Pied Piper,鈥� Molly has been away from her parents鈥攆rom her home鈥攆or nearly five years. Her return, however, is not the homecoming she鈥檇 hoped for as she鈥檚 confronted by a devastating reality: both her parents are gone.
Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep, where A book a day keeps the bombs away. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other鈥攐ver the course of the greatest armed conflict the world had ever seen鈥攖hey rediscover the spirit of family each has lost.
But Charlie鈥檚 escapades in the city have not gone unnoticed, and someone鈥檚 been following Molly since she returned to London. And Ignatius is still reeling from a secret Imogen long kept from him while she was alive鈥攕omething so shocking it resulted in her death, and his life being turned upside down.
As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive.
My Thoughts: Baldacci brought the bombings that occurred in London to life and the scenes were terrifying and scary. The characters he brought together - Ignatius Oliver (the bookstore owner), Charlie Matters (14 year old) and Molly Wakefield (16 year old) met under terrible conditions but came together and cared for each other. Charlie had suffered terrible losses and was grieving. Molly was finding her way in nursing war victims. The way they came together and helped each other was heart-warming. The story-telling is superb in this book and the plot was fast-moving and compelling. The times were difficult and uncertain. This was an emotional read and it really makes you grateful for peaceful times.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
This is the fifth book by Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse using his grandmother's name as a pen name) I have had the pleasure of reading, and I enjoyed themThis is the fifth book by Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse using his grandmother's name as a pen name) I have had the pleasure of reading, and I enjoyed them all. Every time I see this author has a new book out, I pick it up and dive in. I haven't been disappointed yet.
Description: Emma Page grew up the black sheep in a bookish household, raised to believe fine literature is the only worthy type of fiction. Her parents, self-proclaimed 鈥渟erious鈥� authors who run their own vanity press, The Mighty Pages, mingle in highbrow social circles that look down on anything too popular or mainstream, while her sister, Jess, is a powerful social-media influencer whose stylish reviews can make or break a novel.
Hiding her own romance manuscript from her disapproving parents, Emma finds inspiration at the family cottage among the 鈥渇luff鈥� they despise: the juicy summer romances that belonged to her late grandmother. But a chance discovery unearthed from her Gigi鈥檚 belongings reveals a secret that has the power to ruin her parents鈥� business and destroy their reputation in the industry鈥攁 secret that has already fallen into the hands of an unscrupulous publishing insider with a grudge to settle. Now Emma must decide: As much as she鈥檚 dreamed of the day her parents are forced to confront their own egos, can she really just sit back and watch The Mighty Pages be exposed and their legacy destroyed?
My Thoughts: I loved Emma's close relationshp with her grandmother and all her memories of their time together. I felt bad that her parents made her feel she wasn't good enough and had to hide her romance writing from them. Marcus is certainly a piece of work and it was easy to hate him - and I'm sure everyone reading the book will feel the same. The surprise at the end was something I had figured out early on, so it wasn't a big surprise to me, but certainly made a satisfying ending. I enjoyed the book and think anyone who likes books about family relationships will enjoy.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
I've read a few of Jasmine Guillory's books and enjoyed them, so I was happy to pick this one up. Her genre is usually contemporary romance or rom-comI've read a few of Jasmine Guillory's books and enjoyed them, so I was happy to pick this one up. Her genre is usually contemporary romance or rom-com, but this was is her first queer romance novel.
Description: Avery Jensen is almost thirty, fresh off a breakup, and she鈥檚 tired of always being so uptight and well-behaved. She wants to get a hobby, date around (especially other women), flirt with everyone she sees, all the fun stuff normal people do in their twenties. One Avery doesn't know how to do any of that. She doesn't have a lot of dating experience, with men or women, and despite being self-assured at work, she doesn't have a lot of confidence when it comes to romance.
Enter Taylor Cameron, Napa Valley's biggest flirt and champion heartbreaker. Taylor just broke up with her most recent girlfriend, and her best friend bet her that she can't make it until Labor Day without sleeping with someone. (Two whole months? Without sex? Taylor?!?!) So, she offers to give Avery flirting lessons. It will keep her busy, stop her from texting people she shouldn't. And it might distract her from how inadequate she feels compared to her friends, who all seem much more settled and adult than Taylor.
At first, Avery is stiff and nervous, but Taylor is patient and encouraging, and soon, Avery looks forward to their weekly lessons. She tells herself it's because the lessons are fun, not because she kind of might have a little bit of a crush on Taylor. Taylor doesn't even try to deny that she's intrigued by Avery, but she's still got a bet to win. With Taylor鈥檚 help, Avery is finally doing what she wants to flirting with lots of women, making friends, having fun! But after a while, it becomes impossible for Avery and Taylor to ignore their attraction to one another, despite them both insisting to themselves and everyone else that it isn't serious. When Taylor is forced to confront her feelings for Avery, she doesn't know what to do, how to deal with it, and most importantly, if she's already ruined the best thing she's ever had.
My Thoughts: The flirting lessons are fun and made me laugh many times, so this was an enjoyable read. The sex was more detailed than I would like in any book though. Taylor takes on her mentor role well in teaching Avery how to flirt and approach women she is interested in. Avery is brave and willing to try anything Taylor throws out there. Taylor is admired and maintains confidence and all that Avery wants to emulate. I enjoyed the flirting lessons, they were innovative and fun. This book did have humor which is always nice. Not my favorite by Guillory, but a good story.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
Molly is back in the third book of the Molly the Maid series. These books are adorable with Molly being so sweet and humble. She's also quirky and hilMolly is back in the third book of the Molly the Maid series. These books are adorable with Molly being so sweet and humble. She's also quirky and hilarious! This book can be easily read as a stand alone, and there is enough history provided to the reader to help them catch up.
Description: A wedding. A heist. A secret.
Molly Gray鈥檚 life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined. As the esteemed Head Maid and recently promoted Special Events Manager of the Regency Grand Hotel, good things are just around the corner, including her marriage to her beloved fianc茅, Juan Manuel, only two months away.
But Molly鈥檚 entire existence is upended when a film crew descends upon the hotel to shoot the hit reality TV show Hidden Treasures, starring popular art appraisers Brown and Beagle. On a whim, Molly brings in a shoebox containing a few of her gran鈥檚 old things for appraisal, and much to everyone's surprise, one item turns out to be a rare and priceless treasure. Instantly, Molly is both a multi-millionaire and a media sensation鈥攖he world鈥檚 rags-to-riches darling鈥攗ntil the priceless piece vanishes from the hotel in the boldest, brashest antiquities heist in recent memory.
The key to the mystery lies in the past, in a long-forgotten diary written by Molly鈥檚 gran. For the first time ever, Molly learns about Gran鈥檚 true-to-life fairytale, a young girl to the manor born, the only child of a wealthy magnate. But when Gran falls head over heels in love with a young man her parents deem below her station, her life is thrown into turmoil. As fate would have it, the greatest love of Gran鈥檚 life is someone Molly knows quite well鈥�.
Together with her friends, Molly combs the past and the present to catch the thief before looming threats against her become real.
My Thoughts: There are several things going on this book. Molly and Juan Manuel are planning their upcoming wedding, the hotel is preparing for the Hidden Treasures show to film at their location, there is an impossible theft, and Gran has left Molly a priceless treasure. Molly and Juan's love for each other shines throughout. The story delves into the past as Molly reads her beloved Gran's diaries and discovers her secrets. Molly is as quirky and cute as ever and I love reading about her life. Facing possibly being wealthy was overwhelming to her, and she had no idea how to comprehend that. The show was interesting and very much like the famous Antiques Roadshow TV series. Anyone who enjoys quirky characters will love this book and series.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
This is the fifth book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency series by Peter Boland and I think I have read all of them. This is a fun, cozy mystery seThis is the fifth book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency series by Peter Boland and I think I have read all of them. This is a fun, cozy mystery series.
Description: Wild swimming in February? No, thank you . . .
To Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, it sounds like torture.
Still, no one ever died of plunging themselves into the icy sea waters. Until now.
When the body of Colin Barclay 鈥� retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic 鈥� washes up in a secluded cove, the ladies begin to realize just how dicey this wellbeing trend can be.
Especially when a shifty new customer comes calling at their charity shop.
Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman knows Colin better than most. And she鈥檚 convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
But she鈥檒l need the ladies to dive in and help her prove it . . .
My Thoughts: The death was ruled a death by misadventure, but what if it was murder? This is the mystery to be solved. Fiona was brave to tackle her initial adventure in wild swimming - in February of all times, as cold as it it - to help fight her winter depression. She joins the Southbourne Wild Things wild swimming club and makes some new friends and learns about wild swimming. She also is nosy and suspicious about the death and she and the ladies of the Charity Shop get involved in finding answers. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery and I think the books are getting better as the series progresses. I like the characters and can relate to these "women of a certain age" since I fall into that category now.
Thanks to Joffe Books through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
Paige Shelton pens such lovely cozy mysteries that I grab them each time I see a new one. This is the tenth book in the A Scottish Bookshop series.
DesPaige Shelton pens such lovely cozy mysteries that I grab them each time I see a new one. This is the tenth book in the A Scottish Bookshop series.
Description: When Delaney wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan's studio, she isn鈥檛 sure quite what to expect. What she finds is an elusive fellow obsessed with the Picts鈥攃omplete with his own versions of their blue tattoos and vibrant red hair鈥攔ecreating the stones they left behind. She also meets a visiting paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, from the University of Kansas attempting to sell an artifact that might just explain what the Picts' language really sounded like.
Or at least that鈥檚 what he claimed the artifact was for. Before the deal can close and Ryory can get a closer look at it, Dr. Pace is found dead.
With the police dragging their feet in the investigation, Delaney takes it upon herself to dig into Dr. Pace's past. Her research goes murky as she quickly discovers Pace鈥檚 shady background鈥攕elling fake dinosaur bones and running into some 3D-printing trouble back in Kansas. Could his past have come back to bite him in Edinburgh? And what does his questionable background mean for the mysterious Pictish artifact he was trying to sell to Ryory? Delaney will have to dust off her magnifying glass to uncover the truth behind this case鈥� or risk becoming a pile of bones herself.
My Thoughts: I love the setting of the bookshop The Cracked Spine. Delaney stumbles into another murder situation and she and her co-workers get involved in the investigation - as usual. A visiting paleontologiest is murdered and there are some suspicious activities surrounding his demise. I enjoyed the interesting and reclusive artist, Ryory Bennigan, who is fasciated with the art of the Picts from Scottish history. This was another engrossing read form Shelton and anyone who enjoys cozies will love it.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
Katy Hays is a new author for me and I enjoyed this book. I just love discovering new authors to enjoy.
Description: In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found deaKaty Hays is a new author for me and I enjoyed this book. I just love discovering new authors to enjoy.
Description: In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah鈥檚 death is ruled an accident. And every year, the family returns to prove it鈥檚 true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah鈥檚 death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them鈥攖he necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.
Haunted by the specter of that night, the legendary Lingate family unity is pushed to a breaking point, and Helen seizes the opportunity. Enlisting the help of Lorna Moreno, a family assistant, the two plot their escape from Helen鈥檚 paranoid, insular family. But when Lorna disappears and the investigation into Sarah鈥檚 death is reopened, Helen has to confront the fact that everyone who was on Capri thirty years ago remains a suspect鈥攈er controlling father, Richard; her rarely lucid aunt, Naomi; her distant uncle, Marcus; and their circle of friends, visitors, and staff. Even Lorna, her closest ally, may not be who she seems.
As long-hidden secrets about that night boil to surface, one thing becomes Not everyone will leave the island alive.
My Thoughts: Love the beautiful setting in Capri; a perfect backdrop for this mystery/thriller. I felt sorry for Helen - she was so controlled and boxed in. Did her mother commit suicide or was she murdered? The wealthy family returns to Capri every year. You would think they would avoid it since someone they supposedly loved had such a deadly accident there, but they go once per year. Helen is suspicious not only of the family but a few other people on the island. The story has some surprises which is always good for me. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery will like this book.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy....more
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