Tyrone Swift is an ex-police detective, now working as a Private Investigator. He's got quite a background ...he got stabbed which meant he could no l Tyrone Swift is an ex-police detective, now working as a Private Investigator. He's got quite a background ...he got stabbed which meant he could no longer function as a detective. He had a lady friend who had his child, but she's married to another man. His infant daughter, they have found, in deaf. And though he will always love the mother of his child, he's really tempted by police detective Nora Morrow.
A man has called Tyrone and wants to hire him to find his son, who was abducted 2 years ago. The police investigated and questioned hundreds of people, followed all the leads that presented themselves, but it still remains unsolved and the child is still missing.
The child's father, Thomas, has started receiving strange emails. They allude to his missing son, and they seem to be threatening. Thomas admits that since his son disappeared, he has had many mishaps.... his house broken into, he was assaulted on the street, and several other instances of things happening.
Tyrone feels for certain that if he can find the person writing the emails, he will find the man who took the child.
There are family secrets that no one seems to want to share with Tyrone. And he's not so sure that Thomas has all the answers. His grand-father knows things .. but won't tell. His girlfriend seems to be supportive and loving ... but is she really? The child's mother has moved on and is living off and on with a new man.
Even though this is the latest of a series, it does well as a stand-alone. As usual I would recommend starting with THE LADY VANISHED, Book 1. This is a compelling series, well-written, with cleverly drawn characters.
I really like the merging of Tyrone's professional life with his personal life. It makes Tyrone seem so much more credible ... not a superhero by any means, but someone who cares about his job and never crosses the line.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
Tyrone Swift is an ex-police detective, now working as a Private Investigator. He's got quite a background ...he got stabbed which meant he could no longer function as a detective. He had a lady friend who had his child, but she's married to another man. His infant daughter, they have found, in deaf. And though he will always love the mother of his child, he's really tempted by police detective Nora Morrow.
A man has called Tyrone and wants to hire him to find his son, who was abducted 2 years ago. The police investigated and questioned hundreds of people, followed all the leads that presented themselves, but it still remains unsolved and the child is still missing.
The child's father, Thomas, has started receiving strange emails. They allude to his missing son, and they seem to be threatening. Thomas admits that since his son disappeared, he has had many mishaps.... his house broken into, he was assaulted on the street, and several other instances of things happening.
Tyrone feels for certain that if he can find the person writing the emails, he will find the man who took the child.
There are family secrets that no one seems to want to share with Tyrone. And he's not so sure that Thomas has all the answers. His grand-father knows things .. but won't tell. His girlfriend seems to be supportive and loving ... but is she really? The child's mother has moved on and is living off and on with a new man.
Even though this is the latest of a series, it does well as a stand-alone. As usual I would recommend starting with THE LADY VANISHED, Book 1. This is a compelling series, well-written, with cleverly drawn characters.
I really like the merging of Tyrone's professional life with his personal life. It makes Tyrone seem so much more credible ... not a superhero by any means, but someone who cares about his job and never crosses the line.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
Darby Thorne made a mistake. She started out late to get to her mother's. The falling snow becomes a blizzard and she loses a windshield wiper. She doDarby Thorne made a mistake. She started out late to get to her mother's. The falling snow becomes a blizzard and she loses a windshield wiper. She does manage to make it to a rest stop. The good news is that she is off the road. The bad news is she is now stranded overnight ... with no telephone service.
There are only a few cars in the parking lot and she finds people, coffee and cocoa waiting on the inside. People there seem friendly enough .... they are all in the same situation.
Strolling outside to see if she can find a place to get her telephone going, she passes by a van. To her horror she sees a small hand wave from inside. Trying to open the van, she finds it locked. But what terrifies her most is that the child is in something that resembles a dog crate and she has duct tape across her mouth.
One of the people inside is a kidnapper .. or worse. She doesn't know who to trust. All she knows is that she must try to save the child.
And then she makes another mistake ...........
This is a new author to me, and one I intend to read more of. I was glued to my kindle ...could not wait to see what happened next. This is a well written thriller with characters the reader won't forget easily. The first twist left me breathless. The suspense starts at the very first page and only becomes more compelling until the explosive ending.
I wish to thank the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of NO EXIT. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
Darby Thorne made a mistake. She started out late to get to her mother's. The falling snow becomes a blizzard and she loses a windshield wiper. She does manage to make it to a rest stop. The good news is that she is off the road. The bad news is she is now stranded overnight ... with no telephone service.
There are only a few cars in the parking lot and she finds people, coffee and cocoa waiting on the inside. People there seem friendly enough .... they are all in the same situation.
Strolling outside to see if she can find a place to get her telephone going, she passes by a van. To her horror she sees a small hand wave from inside. Trying to open the van, she finds it locked. But what terrifies her most is that the child is in something that resembles a dog crate and she has duct tape across her mouth.
One of the people inside is a kidnapper .. or worse. She doesn't know who to trust. All she knows is that she must try to save the child.
And then she makes another mistake ...........
This is a new author to me, and one I intend to read more of. I was glued to my kindle ...could not wait to see what happened next. This is a well written thriller with characters the reader won't forget easily. The first twist left me breathless. The suspense starts at the very first page and only becomes more compelling until the explosive ending.
I wish to thank the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of NO EXIT. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
Kate Finelli is a woman in crisis. She's had 10 years of living with an abusive husband, physically, emotionally, verbally. She's had 10 years of beinKate Finelli is a woman in crisis. She's had 10 years of living with an abusive husband, physically, emotionally, verbally. She's had 10 years of being told it's a good thing she's pretty because she's dumber than dirt. She's had 10 years of being used as a punching bag.
And when she learns that an aunt has left her a house and money, she knows this will be her chance to get out. But how does she stay safe?
She calls the sheriff's office only to hear a very familiar voice ... the voice of a man who was such a good friend to her years ago .. but he's also her husband's brother.
Domestic violence is a tough subject to cover. It doesn't just involve two people ... its the entire family, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers. Some believe .. some refuse to look. When the truth comes out not everyone will believe and turn away.
An order of protection is a court order intended to prevent acts of domestic violence. As the argument goes, the order of protections is only a piece of paper. What happens when an abuser ignores that piece of paper? Kate is about to learn .....
This is mainly a Romantic Suspense, and while domestic abuse is the focus of the story, it was not an in depth study. The relationship between Jack and Kate runs at a furious pace. Jack comes across as a very caring man, but he has his own issues, doesn't quite know what he wants when he grows up. Kate seemed to be a little naive ... leaving the shelter after just a few days to stay in a house that is totally isolated and refusing to tell a single person where she is in case there is a problem.
Overall this was an okay read for me. Many thanks to the author / Wild Rose Press / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
Kate Finelli is a woman in crisis. She's had 10 years of living with an abusive husband, physically, emotionally, verbally. She's had 10 years of being told it's a good thing she's pretty because she's dumber than dirt. She's had 10 years of being used as a punching bag.
And when she learns that an aunt has left her a house and money, she knows this will be her chance to get out. But how does she stay safe?
She calls the sheriff's office only to hear a very familiar voice ... the voice of a man who was such a good friend to her years ago .. but he's also her husband's brother.
Domestic violence is a tough subject to cover. It doesn't just involve two people ... its the entire family, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers. Some believe .. some refuse to look. When the truth comes out not everyone will believe and turn away.
An order of protection is a court order intended to prevent acts of domestic violence. As the argument goes, the order of protections is only a piece of paper. What happens when an abuser ignores that piece of paper? Kate is about to learn .....
This is mainly a Romantic Suspense, and while domestic abuse is the focus of the story, it was not an in depth study. The relationship between Jack and Kate runs at a furious pace. Jack comes across as a very caring man, but he has his own issues, doesn't quite know what he wants when he grows up. Kate seemed to be a little naive ... leaving the shelter after just a few days to stay in a house that is totally isolated and refusing to tell a single person where she is in case there is a problem.
Overall this was an okay read for me. Many thanks to the author / Wild Rose Press / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
If someone called you and told you that unless you did exactly what they wanted, they would kill your children .. what choice would you make?
This is w If someone called you and told you that unless you did exactly what they wanted, they would kill your children .. what choice would you make?
This is what happens to social worker Heather Moss. What she did cost a county jail inmate his life. Did she know he was a witness who could have brought down a well known criminal?
Special Agent Tom Lange wants this hit to be placed firmly at the feet of Mario Palumbo, the man who killed his brother. But after meeting and investigating Heather Moss, he starts doubting the evidence.
Someone, it seems, is wanting to frame Palumbo .... a vigilante cop? a rival crime lord?
This is an excellent crime thriller, well written, with a terrific plot. There's lots of action, lots of bodies, and a guessing game as to who knows what and when and what does it all mean.
Lange has issues ... all kinds of issues he's dealing with. His brother's death ... mandatory therapy .. a recent break up with a girlfriend .. and someone knows about a secret he has.. one that could cost him everything.
Secondary character lend an air of credibility to the mix. His supervisor, who doesn't like .. or trust.. Lane. The bad guys are very bad. The good guys are really good. But which are which? Who do you trust when your life depends on the truth?
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this exciting crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
If someone called you and told you that unless you did exactly what they wanted, they would kill your children .. what choice would you make?
This is what happens to social worker Heather Moss. What she did cost a county jail inmate his life. Did she know he was a witness who could have brought down a well known criminal?
Special Agent Tom Lange wants this hit to be placed firmly at the feet of Mario Palumbo, the man who killed his brother. But after meeting and investigating Heather Moss, he starts doubting the evidence.
Someone, it seems, is wanting to frame Palumbo .... a vigilante cop? a rival crime lord?
This is an excellent crime thriller, well written, with a terrific plot. There's lots of action, lots of bodies, and a guessing game as to who knows what and when and what does it all mean.
Lange has issues ... all kinds of issues he's dealing with. His brother's death ... mandatory therapy .. a recent break up with a girlfriend .. and someone knows about a secret he has.. one that could cost him everything.
Secondary character lend an air of credibility to the mix. His supervisor, who doesn't like .. or trust.. Lane. The bad guys are very bad. The good guys are really good. But which are which? Who do you trust when your life depends on the truth?
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this exciting crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
This is a follow-up to THE GIRL IN A MAZE featuring Martha Covington. Martha is a schizophrenic, but as long as she takes her medications, the voices This is a follow-up to THE GIRL IN A MAZE featuring Martha Covington. Martha is a schizophrenic, but as long as she takes her medications, the voices in her head are silent. She's living in a small island off the Georgia coast, researching and writing a book. Her research has given her a reputation of being psychic.
An elderly couple reaches out to her for help in locating their grandson, who has been missing for 6 years. They have brought things that belonged to him and upon handling them, Martha has a vision. She then receives a dream message .. the boy might still be alive.
When she decides to at least look at the area where the boy went missing, she is reunited with Jarrell Humphries, a law student.
Their reunion leads them into a whirlwind of conspiracy, dark secrets, and people who will stop at nothing to achieve what they want.
And what, exactly, is it that they want?
I will confess. I was not overly excited reading THE GIRL IN A MAZE. KISS OF THE SUN is so much better. The character of Martha has grown exponentially. She is a much more interesting and engaging character now. I do like the author's writing, his description of living on a small island is charming.
The story premise is a good one. Action is fast paced, suspension builds. There are many surprises and twists and turns along the way that keeps the eye on every page.
Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Alibi / Netgalley for the uncorrected ebook. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
This is a follow-up to THE GIRL IN A MAZE featuring Martha Covington. Martha is a schizophrenic, but as long as she takes her medications, the voices in her head are silent. She's living in a small island off the Georgia coast, researching and writing a book. Her research has given her a reputation of being psychic.
An elderly couple reaches out to her for help in locating their grandson, who has been missing for 6 years. They have brought things that belonged to him and upon handling them, Martha has a vision. She then receives a dream message .. the boy might still be alive.
When she decides to at least look at the area where the boy went missing, she is reunited with Jarrell Humphries, a law student.
Their reunion leads them into a whirlwind of conspiracy, dark secrets, and people who will stop at nothing to achieve what they want.
And what, exactly, is it that they want?
I will confess. I was not overly excited reading THE GIRL IN A MAZE. KISS OF THE SUN is so much better. The character of Martha has grown exponentially. She is a much more interesting and engaging character now. I do like the author's writing, his description of living on a small island is charming.
The story premise is a good one. Action is fast paced, suspension builds. There are many surprises and twists and turns along the way that keeps the eye on every page.
Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Alibi / Netgalley for the uncorrected ebook. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
A little romance, a lot of suspense and paranormal .... I was not disappointed at all with this book.
Julie Hall has a unique job ... she locates dead A little romance, a lot of suspense and paranormal .... I was not disappointed at all with this book.
Julie Hall has a unique job ... she locates dead bodies by using dowsing rods. This is something she's been able to do since she was a young child.
A grieving mother approaches Julie. Her daughter was kidnapped and she paid the ransom money. However, her daughter has never been seen since. Prime suspect is her boyfriend, Rob. He hasn't been seen either.
Julie hesitates to accept the job; she will have to return to her hometown where she holds nothing but really bad memories. But she feels that she should look for this girl .. with the help of her FBI Agent boyfriend, Garrett.
As Julie investigates she uncovers deep dark secrets and she's going to have to re-evaluate what she knows of her own past. And someone is targeting Julie ... her house and car have been broken into.
I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was drawn into the story. This was my first introduction to this author and I'm going to read the first book in this series ... A GRAVE CALLING. This does well as a stand alone; there's just enough information to whet my appetite in learning much more about Julie and her boyfriend. Her dowsing talent is rather unique.
The investigation is not overly suspenseful, but there's plenty of mystery. This was a well-paced fast read.
A GRAVE SEARCH will be available 1/29/18.
Many thanks to the author / Carina Press / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
A little romance, a lot of suspense and paranormal .... I was not disappointed at all with this book.
Julie Hall has a unique job ... she locates dead bodies by using dowsing rods. This is something she's been able to do since she was a young child.
A grieving mother approaches Julie. Her daughter was kidnapped and she paid the ransom money. However, her daughter has never been seen since. Prime suspect is her boyfriend, Rob. He hasn't been seen either.
Julie hesitates to accept the job; she will have to return to her hometown where she holds nothing but really bad memories. But she feels that she should look for this girl .. with the help of her FBI Agent boyfriend, Garrett.
As Julie investigates she uncovers deep dark secrets and she's going to have to re-evaluate what she knows of her own past. And someone is targeting Julie ... her house and car have been broken into.
I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was drawn into the story. This was my first introduction to this author and I'm going to read the first book in this series ... A GRAVE CALLING. This does well as a stand alone; there's just enough information to whet my appetite in learning much more about Julie and her boyfriend. Her dowsing talent is rather unique.
The investigation is not overly suspenseful, but there's plenty of mystery. This was a well-paced fast read.
A GRAVE SEARCH will be available 1/29/18.
Many thanks to the author / Carina Press / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
A car speeds up, masked men jump out, a woman and her young son are forced into their car.
Shaun Carter, a Sergeant and police negotiator is trying to A car speeds up, masked men jump out, a woman and her young son are forced into their car.
Shaun Carter, a Sergeant and police negotiator is trying to talk a man off the edge of a viaduct. Carter knows this guy, he's talked to him before. He's depressed and has been diagnosed with a life-changing disease.
And then he starts to talk to Carter. He says that 'someone' has his ex-wife and son and they will be killed unless he follows exactly what the rules are. When he has finished telling Carter what 'they' want him to know, he turns around and jumps.
At the same time, he's listening to his radio, and its scratchy voice is talking about a woman and her son who have called. She tells police they were abducted and now the men have turned them loose.
Only ... this woman and son are not his ex-wife and son.
Carter has been warned ... do not tell anyone what they have asked him to do. He must not report to the police or his family will be killed.
So ask yourself .... to what lengths would you go to save your family ... provided they aren't already dead.
Carter is about to find out.
This is an extremely satisfying police thriller. Twists along the way are surprisingly scary and can turn the reader inside out with suspense. Carter is a solid guy, on the side of justice, until he's asked to act outside his moral principles in order to save his family.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of MISSING. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
A car speeds up, masked men jump out, a woman and her young son are forced into their car.
Shaun Carter, a Sergeant and police negotiator is trying to talk a man off the edge of a viaduct. Carter knows this guy, he's talked to him before. He's depressed and has been diagnosed with a life-changing disease.
And then he starts to talk to Carter. He says that 'someone' has his ex-wife and son and they will be killed unless he follows exactly what the rules are. When he has finished telling Carter what 'they' want him to know, he turns around and jumps.
At the same time, he's listening to his radio, and its scratchy voice is talking about a woman and her son who have called. She tells police they were abducted and now the men have turned them loose.
Only ... this woman and son are not his ex-wife and son.
Carter has been warned ... do not tell anyone what they have asked him to do. He must not report to the police or his family will be killed.
So ask yourself .... to what lengths would you go to save your family ... provided they aren't already dead.
Carter is about to find out.
This is an extremely satisfying police thriller. Twists along the way are surprisingly scary and can turn the reader inside out with suspense. Carter is a solid guy, on the side of justice, until he's asked to act outside his moral principles in order to save his family.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of MISSING. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
Ruby Baker and her best friend, Mary are runaways. Ruby is running from an abusive stepfather and something she did to ease her mother's life. Mary isRuby Baker and her best friend, Mary are runaways. Ruby is running from an abusive stepfather and something she did to ease her mother's life. Mary is pregnant and running from an abusive husband. Ruby has a cousin in Brighton and that is where they land.
Obtaining jobs at a beauty shop, they fall in with a fun bunch of people. This is the 60s and almost anything goes. Ruby and Mary are enjoying their freedom ... until ....
Someone is watching Ruby. Mary is afraid it is her husband. Ruby is afraid it's her stepfather. So who is this? And does he know her secret?
When Ruby finds the body of someone she knows, she fears for her own life. The stranger who watches her has not come out of the shadows. And then someone disappears who is very close to Ruby. Is the stranger a murderer? There is talk about sacrifices and the occult. Is Ruby the target?
This was a fast, easy read filled with colorful characters. It started a little slow for me, but it didn't take long before I was hooked into the story. I didn't find it as much suspenseful as I did mysterious. And I do like mysteries. There are several suspects so I couldn't guess the ending ... and it was quite a surprise! All in all, a compelling and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
Ruby Baker and her best friend, Mary are runaways. Ruby is running from an abusive stepfather and something she did to ease her mother's life. Mary is pregnant and running from an abusive husband. Ruby has a cousin in Brighton and that is where they land.
Obtaining jobs at a beauty shop, they fall in with a fun bunch of people. This is the 60s and almost anything goes. Ruby and Mary are enjoying their freedom ... until ....
Someone is watching Ruby. Mary is afraid it is her husband. Ruby is afraid it's her stepfather. So who is this? And does he know her secret?
When Ruby finds the body of someone she knows, she fears for her own life. The stranger who watches her has not come out of the shadows. And then someone disappears who is very close to Ruby. Is the stranger a murderer? There is talk about sacrifices and the occult. Is Ruby the target?
This was a fast, easy read filled with colorful characters. It started a little slow for me, but it didn't take long before I was hooked into the story. I didn't find it as much suspenseful as I did mysterious. And I do like mysteries. There are several suspects so I couldn't guess the ending ... and it was quite a surprise! All in all, a compelling and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the author / Joffee Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
Book 6 in this crime thriller series has Sophie Allen and her team investigating suicides that could actually have been murder.
One young man fell off Book 6 in this crime thriller series has Sophie Allen and her team investigating suicides that could actually have been murder.
One young man fell off a cliff's ledge. An older woman was found hanging from a beam in her home. The only thing they had in common was a woman with long red hair.
The more they dig, the more facts come to light. And then another death takes them all by surprise.
Although part of a series, this one does quite well as a stand alone. I would recommend starting with the first book ..perhaps a marathon reading. It's a terrific way of getting to know not only Sophie, but her entire team.
The author has done a great job with characterization. Narratives and conversations are smooth flowing with a great deal of credibility. There are twists and turns leading to a startling conclusion. Crime buffs will immensely enjoy this one.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
Book 6 in this crime thriller series has Sophie Allen and her team investigating suicides that could actually have been murder.
One young man fell off a cliff's ledge. An older woman was found hanging from a beam in her home. The only thing they had in common was a woman with long red hair.
The more they dig, the more facts come to light. And then another death takes them all by surprise.
Although part of a series, this one does quite well as a stand alone. I would recommend starting with the first book ..perhaps a marathon reading. It's a terrific way of getting to know not only Sophie, but her entire team.
The author has done a great job with characterization. Narratives and conversations are smooth flowing with a great deal of credibility. There are twists and turns leading to a startling conclusion. Crime buffs will immensely enjoy this one.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
Detective Carter McLean suffers from survivor's guilt. While on a fun weekend with his four best friends, the plane crashes and kills everyone but himDetective Carter McLean suffers from survivor's guilt. While on a fun weekend with his four best friends, the plane crashes and kills everyone but himself. But that's not the last he sees of his friends.
His friends visit him. Realistically, Carter does not believe in ghosts, but he sees them, always accompanied by the smell of smoke. These were all young men and they all left things undone. Carter decides to honor them by completing something each of them has left undone.
His supervisors have him sitting a desk, not knowing how he will handle the stress of dealing with victims, suspects. Even some of his colleagues worry about him. He is still under the care of a psychiatrist.
Meanwhile, the police department doesn't shut down. Multiple cases are being handled by the team of detectives under DI Jackman. There is a missing woman who has ties to Carter. Another young woman has a stalker .. she happens to be the niece of one their supervisors.
I have read several books by this author ... and by far, this is the best ever. The premise is extraordinary .... and so well written. The characters are terrific, especially Carter. I felt such compassion for him and his circumstances. There is constant movement, as the cases are investigated and how all seem related in one way or another. The ending was so surprising. I had envisioned several scenarios ... but I never, ever saw this one coming.
Many, many thanks to the author and Joffee Books for the advanced digital copy of THE FOURTH FRIEND. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
Detective Carter McLean suffers from survivor's guilt. While on a fun weekend with his four best friends, the plane crashes and kills everyone but himself. But that's not the last he sees of his friends.
His friends visit him. Realistically, Carter does not believe in ghosts, but he sees them, always accompanied by the smell of smoke. These were all young men and they all left things undone. Carter decides to honor them by completing something each of them has left undone.
His supervisors have him sitting a desk, not knowing how he will handle the stress of dealing with victims, suspects. Even some of his colleagues worry about him. He is still under the care of a psychiatrist.
Meanwhile, the police department doesn't shut down. Multiple cases are being handled by the team of detectives under DI Jackman. There is a missing woman who has ties to Carter. Another young woman has a stalker .. she happens to be the niece of one their supervisors.
I have read several books by this author ... and by far, this is the best ever. The premise is extraordinary .... and so well written. The characters are terrific, especially Carter. I felt such compassion for him and his circumstances. There is constant movement, as the cases are investigated and how all seem related in one way or another. The ending was so surprising. I had envisioned several scenarios ... but I never, ever saw this one coming.
Many, many thanks to the author and Joffee Books for the advanced digital copy of THE FOURTH FRIEND. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
Charlie Butler is receiving strange letters delivered to her home. They are all written by the same hand, but the writer uses different names. They arCharlie Butler is receiving strange letters delivered to her home. They are all written by the same hand, but the writer uses different names. They aren't threatening, but creepy enough that she reports them to the police. They don't seem to be interested, so her best friend, Frank, introduces her to Simm .. a private investigator.
Charlie and Simm start off on the wrong foot. It's like mixing water and oil. Charlie is very private about her life and hesitates to share anything with SImm. How is supposed to track down who's sending the letters if she doesn't tell him anything?
Things escalate when her home is broken into and then the bar that she owns. Whoever it is even goes as far as kidnapping her beloved dog, Harley, and then returns him with a note asking how it feels to lose someone she loves.
Simm and Charlie team up and their investigation leads them from the Canadian Mafia to the underground of Dublin, Ireland. They find themselves in more danger than they dreamed. And what they discover is something Charlie never saw coming.
This is a fictional mystery composed in a competent and entertaining style. The characters are extremely likeable and memorable. The story premise is a good one with a few small twists thrown in for good measure, leading the reader into a surprising direction.
Many thanks to the author / Black Rose Writing / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
This is a real treat for lovers of historical fiction. A MORTAL LIKENESS sees the return of Sarah Bain, Lord Hugh Staunton, and Mick O'Reilly. Sarah aThis is a real treat for lovers of historical fiction. A MORTAL LIKENESS sees the return of Sarah Bain, Lord Hugh Staunton, and Mick O'Reilly. Sarah and Hugh run a private detective agency... mainly because they are unsuitable for any other type of employment and they solved a major previous murder case.
The author has done a fine job of combining two different stories. It's when they dovetail that things get really dangerous.
Sir Gerald Mariner hires Sarah and Hugh to find his kidnapped infant son. Sarah feels that something is not quite right. Finding a picture of the baby, she notices that it looks a lot like the practice of posing deceased children to look as though they are still alive. Is the baby really missing? Kidnapped? Or something much, much worse?
During an unrelated surveillance, Sarah notices a man in the background of a photo she took. He greatly resembles her father, who went missing over 20 years ago after he became a suspect in a murder.
Sarah must uncover the truth about Robin’s kidnapping, and her own family, before her past catches up to her.
Although this is a follow-up to THE RIPPER'S SHADOW, it does well as a stand alone. There are several mentions of their first case, so I would highly recommend reading these in order.
The characters are outstanding and I love how they interact with each other ... with love and caring ... and sometimes frustration and worry. The suspense is palpable in places and I found it impossible to put the book down. I don't read a lot of historical fiction, so I found the descriptions of life in 1889 much enjoyable. I loved how they carry their cameras in boxes... my imagination was running on overdrive.
Many, many thanks to the author and Crooked Lane Books for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
Tori Peterson is sitting in a car waiting to pick up her niece from school. She's a bit distracted, but as she looks up, a man is forcing a young girlTori Peterson is sitting in a car waiting to pick up her niece from school. She's a bit distracted, but as she looks up, a man is forcing a young girl into his car. Terrified, she runs after them, but to no avail. Tori is not only a journalist, but a survivor of being kidnapped herself when she was a young child.
While waiting for police Tori meets Mark Bolton, a widower whose daughter attends the same school. He does well in calming parents and teachers alike and is instantly attracted to Tori.
Tori and Mark join forces in helping the police look for the missing child. Everything changes when Tori notices the many similarities between her own kidnapping and those of today.
Is her kidnapper out of prison and back to take her again? Is this a copycat who knows Tori's background? Tori has always had trust issues so can she trust Mark?
For each of their own reasons, Tori and Mark are determined to find the missing child.
This is a well written suspense about two people who do not trust easily and have to overcome their own issues about themselves and each other. There are some twists and turns that negate everything you think you know up to that point. I liked the characters and how they interacted with each other.
Many thanks to the author / Wild Rose Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
Talk about a dysfunctional family full of secrets and lies!
Twin sisters, Karen and Vanessa, haven't spoken to each other in years. One slept 3.5 Stars
Talk about a dysfunctional family full of secrets and lies!
Twin sisters, Karen and Vanessa, haven't spoken to each other in years. One slept with the other's fiancee 5 years ago and has never been forgiven. Their mother is dying of cancer and wants her daughters reunited before she dies. Their extremely rich father has a mistress and a new wife already picked out.
One's husband has a dubious past and she no longer trusts him. He's basically a con man with no conscience. He's a manipulator and a liar, at best.
When their mother dies, their father cuts off all support. He evicts one daughter from a shop that she runs (and he owns) and the other is told they will have to move (since he paid the down payment). He's cutting them out of the will in favor of his new wife.
Needless to say, I didn't like any of the characters. They all seem to have no redeeming qualities. At the root of everything is money. The mystery in this story is who is willing to do what to get a lot of money?
There are several surprising twists, most notably toward the end of the book. This was just an okay read for me.
Many thanks to the author / Endeavor Press / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
Jenny's mother is dead. The one night Jenny stays somewhere overnight and her mother is found in the woods. Of course she had been drinking a3.5 Stars
Jenny's mother is dead. The one night Jenny stays somewhere overnight and her mother is found in the woods. Of course she had been drinking and evidently fell and hit her head on a rock.
Jenny is seeing a therapist, actually is taking classes to become one herself. Her therapist recommended that she keep a journal of some sort, not only for her own benefit, but for her classes as well. Jenny decides on an online blog and has accumulated quite a following.
She was abused and mistreated as a child, has never known what it is to have someone to love and care for her .... until she meets David.
Even though she thinks she's found her knight in shining armor, her best friend, Freddie, is seeing things she isn't .. or is he?
They all have secrets, dangerous ones.
I found this one a little difficult to get into. Didn't grab me at the beginning and it seemed a little predictable the more I read. There are obvious twists and turns that deceive... the ending was stunning in its surprise.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
SCORPIO is 3rd in this series, following GEMINI and ARIES. This is a continuation, so the first books should be read first. Each of them have a small SCORPIO is 3rd in this series, following GEMINI and ARIES. This is a continuation, so the first books should be read first. Each of them have a small cliffhanger. SCORPIO makes some references to the other books that will whet your appetite to get them first.
Detective Samantha (Sam) Wright and Forensic Psychiatrist Frank Khaos, in the midst of a personal relationship, are called to investigate another case. There is a serial killer who has, to date, killed 17 women ... the latest being Sam's best friend.
It also becomes personal for Frank .... there is a link between him and the killer.
As the connections become clearer, the suspense increases. It's a riveting chase to find the killer before he kills again .. and he already has his eyes on Samantha.
The characters are well defined and bring credibility to the story line. There is a fine mix of professional and personal and the way they interact with each other. There are several changes of direction with a surprising ending.
For those who may be sensitive ..... Bondage plays a large part of this story as part of character development. There are also explicit intimate scenes between various characters.
Many thanks to the author for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
Reggie Swann spent 10 years in prison for a murder she didn't commit. Thanks to her mother, a lawyer who didn't quit and new forensic tests, she was rReggie Swann spent 10 years in prison for a murder she didn't commit. Thanks to her mother, a lawyer who didn't quit and new forensic tests, she was released. Not a story that's different .. except Reggie was a Homicide Detective. Placed in general population, she learned how much of a survivor she was. Now that she's out, what she wants most to find the man who framed her all those years ago.
A man who fought to prove her innocent offers her a job ... a murder has occurred in her mother's small town in Canada ..and he wants Reggie to use her investigative talents to help find the truth.
As it turns out, she knows the woman who has gone missing and presumed murdered. The local police have charged her husband, but is he really guilty? Or is Reggie looking at him as innocent .. but framed like she was?
This is a well-written crime thriller. The characters are credible and the story line is a good one. Along the way, the reader hears from the person responsible, and his motive is chilling. There are twists and turns along the way that keep the reader captivated until the very last page.
This is the start of a series and I'm really looking forward to her next adventure as a Private Investigator of Black Swann Investigations.
Many thanks to the author / BookBuzz.net / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “WITH A NARROW BLADE.”
MURDER AT HOME is the sixth in a series of page-turning crimePLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “WITH A NARROW BLADE.”
MURDER AT HOME is the sixth in a series of page-turning crime thrillers set in Oxfordshire, featuring DI Hillary Greene and her team. DC Keith Barrington is introduced as a new member of the team. He comes with baggage ... during his last post he belted his supervisor. Does he have a violent temper? And how will he fit in with this new team?
Greene is also concerned about her sergeant, Janine Tyler. Her wedding day is fast approaching to Superintendent Philip Mallow. But something is bothering Janine and Greene takes it upon herself to fix the problem.
An elderly lady is found stabbed to death in her own home. Flo Jenkins was well thought of by her neighbors. She has/had no family except for a grandson, who had been "borrowing" money from her to pay his drug dealers.
What the postmortem reveals puts a new light on this murder. Who would want to kill a woman who was already dying?
I have been most pleased to be able to read this series from the very beginning. Each one seems to get better and better. DI Hillary Greene is one of my favorite characters. She's feisty, but fair, and has overcome a lot to get where she is now. I really enjoy the mix of professional life with her personal life.
This is a well-written crime thriller and features what I have come to expect from this author's books .... an excellent story premise with suspense, characters that are credible, secondary characters that lend so much to the story, multiple suspects that are not easy to ferret out and an exciting, surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
Homicide Detective Frost Eastman has to make a decision that will end one cop's career and put a serial killer of women, including Frost's own sister,Homicide Detective Frost Eastman has to make a decision that will end one cop's career and put a serial killer of women, including Frost's own sister, back out on the streets free to kill again ...and again...and again.
Frost wants Rudy Cutter put away again ... only all the old evidence has been thrown out by the courts. It's like starting at the very beginning .. and Frost wants nothing more than to see this killer brought to justice..dead or alive.
Staying ahead of this brutal killer will not be easy, especially as Frost is still battling his own demons that have been present since his sister was killed. Shack seems to be the only one that can console him ... and he's a furry four-legged cat.
While the first book is this series, THE NIGHT BIRD, was outstanding, this one is even better. And even though it's not the first, it does well as a stand-alone, but as always, I recommend starting at the beginning.
One of the first things readers learn about Frost is that he is known as a boy scout within his law enforcement family. He will always choose to do the right thing, He is dedicated to his job and will always seek the truth to bring justice to the victims and their families.
The reader knows from the beginning who the killer is .. which doesn't take away at all from the high level of suspense these characters bring. All the characters are very well developed, from his family all the way to the killer. They come to life under this author's manipulations. The story premise is excellent. And the ending is explosive and totally unexpected.
Many, many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this extremely well-written book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. ...more
Kurt Jamison is a detective. Frankie Cartwright is a crime lord. Once upon a time they had been best friends, blood brothers. But a family trauma sentKurt Jamison is a detective. Frankie Cartwright is a crime lord. Once upon a time they had been best friends, blood brothers. But a family trauma sent them in different directions.
Now 40 years later, Cartwright comes to see Jamison. Cartwright's grand-daughter, Mollie, has been kidnapped and he wants Jamison to find her. There have been 6 other disappearances over the last 2 years and the girls have never been found.
Once again they separate ... Jamison wants to find the kidnapper the legal way, Cartwright wants to find him and kill him.
Each man harbors a dark secret ....
This is a well-written crime thriller. The actual crime and how it's solved is only a part of the story. Half the book concentrates on the back story of the two men and how they got to where they are. The beginning is fast paced, the second half is slower, but doesn't take away the suspense. There are a few surprises along the way, but nothing like the surprise ending.
Many thanks to the author / Pelican Freak for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own....more
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