the setup… Broadway and Hollywood megastars Eliza Lane & Brant Fitzhugh are hosting a party, celebrating the occasion of her return to Broadway in the the setup… Broadway and Hollywood megastars Eliza Lane & Brant Fitzhugh are hosting a party, celebrating the occasion of her return to Broadway in the revival of the play the launched her career. Everyone who’s important in the theater and film community are there to commemorate the event with rehearsals beginning the next day and Brant leaving to begin a new vid project. As Eliza and her co-star breakout into an impromptu duet, Brant raises a toast to her and then collapses, dying seconds later of apparent poisoning. It’s a scene of chaos that Lieutenant Eve Dallas and partner Detective Delia Peabody enter into with the monumental task of determining who’s lying and who’s telling the truth among a sea of skilled actors.
the heart of the story… I chuckled when Eve was handed this case as it had to be one of her worst nightmares…a high profile investigation that promised lots of media attention with her at center “stage.” This was a tough one because from the inside and out, Eliza & Brant had a perfect marriage and relationship. And, it wasn’t totally clear who was the target as that poisoned drink was intended for her. There were a host of suspects and I latched onto one, never letting go until I was forced to admit defeat. There’s nothing easy about this one, which made it even more delectable.
the bottom line… I loved the background for this case, full of talented professionals who were good at presenting faces that may not be their authentic selves. They were all so good that even Eve’s internal meter wasn’t reliable. It wasn’t all about the case as the updates on Peabody and Mavis’s home renovation project was fun and interesting. Of course, the normal dose of Eve & Roarke time was “icy,” too. The reveal of the killer and motive seriously caught me by surprise and that doesn’t happen often with these cases. This series is still holding up despite it now approaching almost 30 years since the first book, continuing to be one of my auto reads. 4.5 stars
the setup… Broadway and Hollywood megastars Eliza Lane & Brant Fitzhugh are hosting a party, celebrating the occasion of her return to Broadway in the revival of the play the launched her career. Everyone who’s important in the theater and film community are there to commemorate the event with rehearsals beginning the next day and Brant leaving to begin a new vid project. As Eliza and her co-star breakout into an impromptu duet, Brant raises a toast to her and then collapses, dying seconds later of apparent poisoning. It’s a scene of chaos that Lieutenant Eve Dallas and partner Detective Delia Peabody enter into with the monumental task of determining who’s lying and who’s telling the truth among a sea of skilled actors.
the heart of the story… I chuckled when Eve was handed this case as it had to be one of her worst nightmares…a high profile investigation that promised lots of media attention with her at center “stage.” This was a tough one because from the inside and out, Eliza & Brant had a perfect marriage and relationship. And, it wasn’t totally clear who was the target as that poisoned drink was intended for her. There were a host of suspects and I latched onto one, never letting go until I was forced to admit defeat. There’s nothing easy about this one, which made it even more delectable.
the bottom line… I loved the background for this case, full of talented professionals who were good at presenting faces that may not be their authentic selves. They were all so good that even Eve’s internal meter wasn’t reliable. It wasn’t all about the case as the updates on Peabody and Mavis’s home renovation project was fun and interesting. Of course, the normal dose of Eve & Roarke time was “icy,” too. The reveal of the killer and motive seriously caught me by surprise and that doesn’t happen often with these cases. This series is still holding up despite it now approaching almost 30 years since the first book, continuing to be one of my auto reads. 4.5 stars
the setup… Sophia Othonos finally has a man in her life that loves her and is someone she respects and admires. When J.P. Satterwhite proposes that thethe setup… Sophia Othonos finally has a man in her life that loves her and is someone she respects and admires. When J.P. Satterwhite proposes that they go on a romantic getaway and then chooses a cruise to the Galápagos Islands, Sophia finds the location underwhelming but is just happy they’re going on an eight-day trip together. But minutes before they’re ready to board their flight, he gets an emergency call at the gate and has to rush home to his son in Oklahoma. She has no choice but to continue the trip alone.
the heart of the story… I was a bit skeptical of JP from the onset. He’s older, divorced with two children and works in New York during the week and returns home to Oklahoma on the weekend. Maybe I’m just cynical but an emergency call at the gate? My expectations were low but Sophia having eight days to reflect not only about the relationship but herself was worth the alone time. Being able to step back and look at the lives of those around you, including not only family and friends but the other passengers on that cruise, and then take measure of your own was worth the abandonment.
the narration… The author narrates her own story and here it made such a difference as this is a nuanced one that required care and delicacy. She led me where I needed to go.
the bottom line… For a short story, it delivered an important and powerful message. While the cruise ship was “rustic” and the amenities on par with a budget motel, there were aspects of the setting and island nature that connected Sophie with its simplicity and beauty. There was a pivotal moment that reset her path and just felt right and serendipitous. Loved the insights and the ending. 3.5 stars
the setup… Ellen and Tanya are childhood friends who seemed to drift apart after a pivotal encounter right before Ellen married her fiancé Troy. Tanya the setup… Ellen and Tanya are childhood friends who seemed to drift apart after a pivotal encounter right before Ellen married her fiancé Troy. Tanya met them for drinks, accompanied by a man that was quite appealing, at least on the surface. Though Ellen thought she and Tanya were as close as sisters, there was an edge to their relationship and Ellen was on the receiving end. Many years later, they had a chance meeting that upended her world.
the heart of the story… Have you ever had that friend who would deliver compliments that felt like they had barbs around them? That best describes Tanya’s behavior toward Ellen, at least in Ellen’s mind. There’s definitely a rivalry and it shaped Ellen’s life decisions even after they became estranged. That next encounter years later had a bombshell effect and even I couldn’t tell if Ellen’s imagination and paranoia were running amok or if there was game playing on Tanya’s part.
the narration… It’s Julia Whelan at her finest, capturing all of Ellen’s emotions so well, drawing me into her mindset as if I were there!
the bottom line… This was extremely thought provoking and unsettling. Don’t expect a straightforward ending, which I found provocative and appropriate. Did Ellen get what she deserved, was she played or was it just life? You’ll have to decide and I still haven’t made up my mind.
the setup… Nova Porter is the youngest of her siblings with brother Beckett being her biggest supporter all her life. She’s a tattoo artist and is workthe setup… Nova Porter is the youngest of her siblings with brother Beckett being her biggest supporter all her life. She’s a tattoo artist and is working crazily to open her new studio in Inglewide. Nova's not in a relationship (and doesn’t want to be) but wants a one night outlet to ease her stress. Charlie Milford, the straight-laced but fun loving investment banker, has flirted with Nova shamelessly for some time now so when he approaches her at his sister Stella’s wedding reception, he’s disbelieving when she makes her offer for a no-strings-attached night. But who knew their surprise chemistry would test that “business casual” arrangement?
the heart of the story… Frankly, I couldn’t get enough of Charlie and Nova. She’s truly an artist and doesn’t think of her tattoos as just body ink, but unique works of art that capture the essences of her clients. She’s fiercely independent and projects that proudly. Charlie is Stella’s recently discovered brother who clings to not only her but the town of Inglewilde, visiting almost every weekend from New York. They’re his family, accepting him as one of their own without reservation. Now he’s there for a month while Stella and Luka are honeymooning so he and Nova spend that time “productively.”
the narration… Jayne was lovely as Nova and Walker nailed Charlie. They put me in my happy place with their performances and strong storytelling skills.
the bottom line… What a fitting end to this wonderful series. I loved Nova & Charlie, individually and their “casual” romance. It’s quite steamy but what’s the most interesting are what’s underneath the so-called no-strings-attached encounters. Charlie grabbed my heart and never let go with his need to please and awful childhood. You couldn’t help but love him. I enjoyed every minute and just didn’t want to let go when it ended.
the setup… Swan is a tattoo artist who is leaving her life and ex-husband Paul in Los Angeles for a remote and desolate town in the desert called Miracthe setup… Swan is a tattoo artist who is leaving her life and ex-husband Paul in Los Angeles for a remote and desolate town in the desert called Miracle Wash. A friend leaving that place has loaned her a container, her new living space. Despite its name, the town doesn’t welcome newcomers and to say they’re hostile is an understatement. Her next door neighbor Kurt is an angry, scary widower.
the heart of the story… Swan is a true artist, not just someone who knows how to do tattoos. Her ink is unique and extraordinary but this town doesn’t appreciate it, in fact seems to fear it. There’s a strong sense of place in this story. The isolation, despair and danger leap out at you. I just wanted her to run.
the narration… It’s a solid performance, told from Swan’s point of view, and the storytelling evoked the imagery of the writing.
the bottom line… I wish I’d known more about Swan and what led her to believe she deserved a town like this because it was hard for me to connect with this character. The story was powerful in making me feel the rage and discontent of that town. And, Swan’s ink artistry was defined in ways I’d never seen before. However, I just wanted it to end.
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy of the collection. All opinions are my own.)...more
the setup… Frankie once had a promising future ahead of her as a scientist. But then her father died and her mother pretty much lapsed into dysfunctionthe setup… Frankie once had a promising future ahead of her as a scientist. But then her father died and her mother pretty much lapsed into dysfunction. Frankie couldn’t return to college because she failed to apply for financial aid on time. Then while trying desperately to take care of her mother, she was caught shoplifting food and served three months in jail as a consequence. Now she’s a caretaker for a miserable man, the only job she’s able to secure that pays decent money and provides a place to stay. But then her patient dies and leaves her a note with directions to his secret stash…buried in Death Valley.
the heart of the story… Frankie’s situation at first feels like an American tragedy but later I could see how her choices contributed to her seemingly bad fortune. When she gets that sudden windfall, the decisions she makes from that moment forward bear that out. While I wanted to be sympathetic, it was hard to feel sorry for someone who just doesn’t learn from her own past, especially knowing a “scorpion” when you see one.
the narration… The narrator captured the hapless Frankie perfectly and did a fine piece of storytelling.
the bottom line… The ending seem to fit the pattern of Frankie’s life but left the window open for some hope maybe? I’m unsure as I think it was left to my imagination. 3.5 stars
the setup… In 2011, Anna Akbari connected with Ethan Schuman on a dating site. Akbari was no novice to online dating and had rules she abided by…normalthe setup… In 2011, Anna Akbari connected with Ethan Schuman on a dating site. Akbari was no novice to online dating and had rules she abided by…normally. Ethan’s charm and seemingly extraordinary listening skills were disarming and she gave him leeway. Before she knew it, they’d been having constant texting conversations for months, never having seen each other in person or talked to each other. Faced with the choice of continuing to be seduced by this man or letting go, Akbari set on a path doing what she did best…research. What she discovered was shocking, shook her confidence but energized her at the same time.
the heart of the story… You might wonder how a highly successful woman with a PhD could be hoodwinked like this but as I listened to the hours of messaging, I could “feel” Ethan’s manipulative, me as an outsider. I even could see how I might have been sucked in, probably up to the same point as Anna. When her research led her to two other women he was also in relationship with…simultaneously…she went to work on finding him and taking him down.
the narration… Akbari narrates the story with Justin Price standing in as Ethan. It was critical to have her give voice to all those text conversations as she shared what she experienced emotionally at the time. It was an important distinction in the storytelling.
the bottom line… It’s more than a cautionary tale, more akin to an inward psychological study as much as it was an analysis of how Ethan duped so many women who you’d think would know better. Akbari is a sociologist and at times it did feel like a research project. But it’s when she focused on herself that this memoir was the most powerful. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about the choices and concessions we make when our carefully honed instincts tell us otherwise. You should listen to this for yourself to learn the outcomes. It matters. 3.5 stars
the setup… After years of numbing his pain with chloroform, Dr. James Madison has finally shed the drug addiction but not the demons from the war that the setup… After years of numbing his pain with chloroform, Dr. James Madison has finally shed the drug addiction but not the demons from the war that continue to plague him. He continues to live at Delilah’s, the town bordello, still struggling to regain the man he once was, when former Confederate Charles Park arrives with Helen Winters, his “ward” who was know as the Northern Spy. He’s got her on exhibition in a birdcage, promising anyone who can best him in a high stakes poker game will earn a night with her.
the heart of the story… Something in Helen’s eyes tells James they are kindred spirits on several levels. What Charles is doing to her offends every sensibility of the old James. He has so little confidence in himself but she becomes the lifeline and he hers. It was heartbreaking on so many levels, especially with drug addiction always in the background. Their attraction to each other was at a deeper level and not one borne of dependency.
the bottom line… I was rooting for James since the last story and was thrilled to see he’d overcome his drug addiction. The painful memories still remained and finding coping strategies was a challenge. Helen’s situation was the ultimate in degradation and is the toughest part of the story. I couldn’t imagine a suitable partner for James and Helen turned out to be ideal. The magic here goes beyond romance as it was the journey to the “other side” that is the triumph. Great ending to a highly emotional series.
the setup… Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to a call from a county maintenance worker who discovered two suitcases by the side of Echo Road. Upon openingthe setup… Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to a call from a county maintenance worker who discovered two suitcases by the side of Echo Road. Upon opening, Bree finds the bodies of two dead women inside. After details of the scene are leaked and reported by the press, FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick realizes there are disturbing connections to the case she’s investigating covertly, the missing daughter of a US Senator in Oregon. When Mercy arrives in Grey’s Hollow, New York, Bree agrees to let her in on the case and they combine forces to find what appears to be a serial killer.
the heart of the story… Bree Taggert and Mercy Kilpatrick teamed together? I got excited as soon as this book was announced. High expectations? You bet. These are two of my favorite series and characters and the story actually surpassed my expectations. They have different strengths but share similar instincts, values and determination. The case was highly perplexing and clues limited. Girls are being abducted by a sexual dominant preying on websites catering to those with BDSM preferences. The race is on.
the narration… I was in listening heaven because the narrators from both series delivered the points of view for their respective characters. I’m a fan of both Schnaubelt and Traister and they delivered seamless and great performances.
the bottom line… I’m normally leery of character crossovers but this one is brilliant. Bree and Mercy didn’t take long in assessing and trusting each other. No big egos here, just two highly intelligent and skilled investigators who teamed up to find this scumbag. The climax was as exciting as I’ve come to expect from both series. Leigh and Elliott are a formidable writing team and I hope to see these two characters paired again.
the setup… New Nigeria is representative of an all-American town. The women are successful with stay-at-home husbands and children who are doing well ithe setup… New Nigeria is representative of an all-American town. The women are successful with stay-at-home husbands and children who are doing well in school. The affluent Black community is unsettled by a new white family moving into the neighborhood. When business and community leader Carén Walker sees a white (or the politically correct European American) boy in cargo shorts across the street, she calls the police to report him as a gang member. It sets off a series of events in the town struggling to deal with diversity in a changing country.
the heart of the story… Everything is upside down in this story and it’s hilarious looking at it through a different lens. People of color and women as the leaders and breadwinners are the normal. All the typical stereotypes are in play…traditional homemaker roles, gender discrimination, workplace sexual harassment and of course racism…all in reverse. It was truly enlightening to see how the same issues would play out in this reverse order world in all aspects of life.
the narration… The beauty is in this full cast narration and everyone plays their roles wonderfully. I love how this felt like a theater production and they were cast perfectly!
the bottom line… Yes, this had me in stitches but underneath it all is a really strong message about all of these societal issues. It’s the best way to look inward and check yourself. It reminded me of an experiment that Oprah Winfrey conducted on her talk show to best illustrate bias and discrimination. I recommend this for everyone as it’s always great to learn something meaningful while having fun in the process. Well done! 4.5 stars
the setup… Chloe Cooper is a 40-year old bartender living in a modest apartment, caring for her ailing mother. She’s socially awkward and her world doethe setup… Chloe Cooper is a 40-year old bartender living in a modest apartment, caring for her ailing mother. She’s socially awkward and her world doesn’t extend much beyond work, caretaking and daily walks of her mother’s aging dog Brodie. When new neighbors Dr. Adam and Jemma Spengler move into the “Gloom House” across the street, Chloe takes stalker-ish interest in Jemma. He’s a renowned surgeon and she’s a lifestyle influencer who just moved to Vancouver from Ontario. Jemma has an early morning swimming routine, which coincides with Chloe’s walk with Brodie. As she watches the swimmer on one foggy morning, a jet ski collides with the woman and it’s obviously intentional.
the heart of the story… It’s just impossible to say much more without ruining the experience other than more about these characters. Chloe calls the Spengler home the Gloom House because of its ugly architectural design and predominance of glass, which allowed her to witness a lot from her own apartment window. The Spenglers have lots of secrets, individually and as a couple. Chloe unwittingly gets in the middle of all this, way over her head.
the narration… Wow. It’s really hard to believe there was only one person giving voice to this story! Buhr’s mastery of character distinctions included an elderly British woman who I thought was a second performer. Just outstanding work!
the bottom line… Buckle up and get ready for a bumpy, twisty roller coaster of a ride! This was brilliant characterization and plotting. Every time I thought I knew what was what, a new wrinkle would emerge. And, part of the story includes a podcast about the crime. I’m a fan of the author and this is just next level writing. Run, don’t walk or wait, to get this book, preferably on audio.
the setup… Ellen Brooke is a saturation diver and her current job is aboard the Deep Topaz, 28 days in the depths of the North Sea with five other divethe setup… Ellen Brooke is a saturation diver and her current job is aboard the Deep Topaz, 28 days in the depths of the North Sea with five other divers in a small pressurized chamber. She’s the only woman on the dive, one of the few in this business, and she’s gained the respect in that community. Shortly after they begin the current mission, one of the divers is found dead in his bunk. Despite their efforts to revive him, he’s gone and his death is inexplicable. It takes four days to decompress before the chamber can be opened. But then another diver dies. And then another. What is killing them? Who’s behind it and how? Is it another diver or someone above responsible for their supplies and lifelines?
the heart of the story… It’s Ellen’s point of view and I wasn’t even sure if she was a reliable narrator, which made this even more challenging. At first I thought the killer had to be another diver but there are others outside that chamber who could have been responsible….the doctor, the food preparers, dive operations management. It was truly puzzling and the psychological states of the divers in the chamber are precarious on a good day and this was enough to bring them to madness.
the narration… If ever a story could benefit from multiple narrators, this would certainly qualify but Helen Keeley was amazing in her ability to provide voice distinctions, including many accents. Her storytelling skills were superb.
the bottom line… I knew little about this kind of diving before this story and was in awe of the protocols for this kind of exploration. The research was impeccable and I decided to not try to absorb it all. It was enough to understand what these divers were experiencing and the plausibility of various scenarios. This was the ultimate in locked room mysteries, confounding me at every juncture. There’s also a pretty big twist that I figured out. But….that ending!!??!! 4.5 stars
the setup… Lauren and Kelsey have finally made the move from New York City to their dream home in Hudson Valley. Kelsey is pregnant with their first chthe setup… Lauren and Kelsey have finally made the move from New York City to their dream home in Hudson Valley. Kelsey is pregnant with their first child and all seems perfect…until it wasn’t. There’s an extremely overbearing and nosy neighbor, a medium and the suspicious death of the previous owner. Oh, dear.
the heart of the story… As things start feeling creepier and a bit off, Lauren begins snooping into things. There’s a basement, too, that prior to all of this, she hadn’t any interest in exploring. Yes, there’s that, “don’t go down there!” moment, of course.
the narration… The performance was just okay for me as the narrator’s tone and storytelling style didn’t fit the atmosphere. It’s a personal thing.
the bottom line… This delivers on the tension and suspense, especially how it ended. Bravo! 3.5 stars
the setup… Stella Hudson is attorney who serves as an advocate for children in custody cases. She’s recently divorced (amicably) and her latest assignmthe setup… Stella Hudson is attorney who serves as an advocate for children in custody cases. She’s recently divorced (amicably) and her latest assignment is nine-year old Rose Barclay. Though she as a rule only accepts cases for children thirteen or older, Stella’s mentor recommended she take on Rose because of her special circumstances. See, Rose stopped speaking after her nanny fell to her death through a window in the Barclay home. Rose may have been a witness to the accident…or her murder.
the heart of the story… Rose is the center of this story and from the onset I wasn’t sure (and neither was Stella) if she was a victim, co-conspirator or murderer. What makes this more interesting is Stella’s own tragic past where she suffered the same inability to speak when her mother died under questionable circumstances. It was a constant dance with Rose’s family, including her parents Beth and Ian and paternal grandmother Harriett, who all interfered with Stella’s access to Rose. It was obvious they were hiding something and my suspicions vacillated between all of them. The house itself added to the creepiness as all things glass was removed from it, supposedly a phobia of Beth’s. Yeah, right.
the narration… Benanti delivered a great performance, first and foremost as Stella and also in her storytelling. She also managed other character voices really well.
the bottom line… Despite figuring out the whodunit before the reveal, this was quite an interesting journey to the truth. Rose was just as creepy as that house and made it plausible that she could have given the nanny a push. Even though the story started to drag midway, when it later regained its mojo, it was riveting, moved quickly and hard to put down. There were also a few more surprises I didn’t see coming.
the setup… Rumaki (Ru) Evans is thirteen years old and ready to start college. Her mother labeled her long ago as “freakishly smart” and it’s now an idthe setup… Rumaki (Ru) Evans is thirteen years old and ready to start college. Her mother labeled her long ago as “freakishly smart” and it’s now an identity she reluctantly owns. Ru also has an eidetic memory that doesn’t help others from forming similar opinions. Rather than live in a dormitory, Ru stays at a private home near campus where she meets Gabriel Gulbranson, the seventeen year old nonbinary son who she bonds with as a brother. He “sees” beyond her smarts and brings out the child and wonder. She “sees” beyond his makeup and nail polish and accepts him unconditionally. But then Ru’s mother dies and the world as she knows it is threatened because awful Aunt Mimi plans to move her from California to Kentucky. Ru and Gabriel decide to go on the run to Canada where she can fulfill her dream to see the Atlantic puffins.
the heart of the story… To call Ru and Gabriel’s relationship special is to understate the beauty of it, especially since they came to trust each other rather quickly. They are two old souls who are learning to see the world and people through each other’s eyes. Their journey was even more remarkable as they experienced the kindness of strangers who simply were reacting to their authenticity.
the narration… Initially I had to check the audio speed because the voice for Ru seemed too fast. But I soon got very comfortable because it was ideal for the character. She changed the voice and rhythm for all other characters, making this an extraordinary listening experience by having Ru standout so nicely.
the bottom line… It’s technically a coming of age story but it just didn’t feel like one. Ru’s transition was in reverse, discovering her inner child and finding the joy in that. Gabriel got to experience being able to just be himself without judgment and seeing that reflected in Ru’s eyes. The road trip opened them to the magic of nature and its gifts, along with a host of interesting people. There’s no drama here, just a lovely adventure of two young people finding their way in the world and leaving their mark on everyone they encounter.
the setup… When Amelia and Michael Ross move to Connelly Court, a cul-de-sac located in an affluent Michigan suburb, they believed it was their final dthe setup… When Amelia and Michael Ross move to Connelly Court, a cul-de-sac located in an affluent Michigan suburb, they believed it was their final dream home. They soon were invited into the close knit relationship of the other families in the secluded neighborhood led by power couple Janice and Allen Cooper. Their acceptance soon went well beyond the typical dynamics, introducing them to a lifestyle they’d never imagined.
the heart of the story… Amelia and Michael have their own unconventional sexual lifestyle that I believed left them open to considering being a part of the Cooper’s seduction parties. It was interesting how all of the couples had agreements with their partners as to how these arrangements would work and to a couple, they all violated them rather easily and quickly (and secretly). The relationships between the women, the “alphas” of the arrangement, were tenuous at best but on the surface seemed friendly. It was even worse for the men. As exciting as it appeared, I could see the dark road ahead and how these relationships between the couples and their partners would be forever altered. And there’s a dark force among them that threatens them all.
the bottom line… This story addressed the questions I’d always imagined about how couples participating in sex parties operated with each other and their partners in daylight. They were explored honestly and authentically. The suspicions and betrayal that arose should have been predictable but didn’t feel that way. The characters were well developed and stayed true to their natures. The pacing was slow as it took a long time to develop and was further bogged down by repetition and innocuous details. But, I’m still haunted by these people, which is a mark of a good story. While it has highly erotic tones, there aren’t any explicit scenes, which is truly remarkable. 3.5 stars
the setup… Icarus (Ike) Glass, a British expatriate, walks into a San Antonio bar, takes a seat at the counter, prepared for rounds that will lead to ithe setup… Icarus (Ike) Glass, a British expatriate, walks into a San Antonio bar, takes a seat at the counter, prepared for rounds that will lead to inebriation. He’s joined by a stranger, an obese man with a Southern accent who calls himself Lyle Accrington. The next thing Ike remembers is waking up in a dark room tied to a chair with Lyle facing him with a gun. As he prepares to be killed, he realizes he’s survived after the gun is fired. Lyle’s gone but when he manages to free himself, he sees another person in the room…dead from a gunshot wound. This begins the strangest journey that goes national when three other murders occur in exactly the same way and at the exact same time, all in different cities. FBI Special Agent Shannon Wallace takes the lead on the investigation as law enforcement agencies combine to figure out what and who they are dealing with.
the heart of the story… While the story starts with Ike’s point of view, we also get narratives from Shannon and Lieutenant Michael Boyd, the detective investigating Ike’s case. It becomes a keenly intriguing psychological exploration of the four people involved in the first murders, the people behind it and those tasked with figuring out what’s going on and why. The men pulling the strings are also media savvy, involving the entire country in the intrigue. Someone labels them as The Alliance and it sticks.
the narration… Hillary Huber was the perfect choice for this story, with her sultry tone and killer storytelling skills. I could listen to her narrate anything.
the bottom line… This is a sophisticated psychological thriller that will have you shifting your perspective throughout as more insights are provided. I often paused to assemble what I was learning, trying to find some semblance of logic to what was going on. Be prepared for lots of curve balls and don’t get firmly wedded to a solution. It’s unique and thought provoking, drawing me in quickly and never letting go.
the setup… Grace Logan is a ghostwriter and has received an offer to write the memoir for acclaimed author Claudia Blackwell. She’s also notorious for the setup… Grace Logan is a ghostwriter and has received an offer to write the memoir for acclaimed author Claudia Blackwell. She’s also notorious for having been accused of a triple murder but was never tried. Claudia claims the memoir will divulge the truth of what really happened that night. It’s an offer Grace can’t refuse even though it means she’ll be isolated at the Blackwell island mansion.
the heart of the story… I always expect the setting to be essential to any story by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. Everything about it was über creepy, adding to the sinister atmosphere of what Grace was taking on. From the onset, I was on edge, worried about Grace’s safety and what she might face. Claudia was an enigma and the whole time I felt I couldn’t trust her. And that mansion? I would have run back home.
the narration… Wow, was Craden the perfect choice for this story! She’s got a low tone that amplified the creepiness of the story without seeming to try. Just outstanding.
the bottom line… It’s a short story so I’ll end by saying, “checkmate.” Didn’t see that coming!
the setup… Miles Buchanan is the ultimate “fixer” for the wealthy, powerful and often criminal elements. He’s definitely operating in the gray using hithe setup… Miles Buchanan is the ultimate “fixer” for the wealthy, powerful and often criminal elements. He’s definitely operating in the gray using his Caleb Cain alias. There’s always been two constants in his life: Reynard, an underworld kingpin and his ward Clara Gautreau who he rescued from the streets of Paris when she was a little girl. Miles has known her since he was sixteen and made it his mission to be her protector, which Reynard sanctioned and expected. Clara is a PhD candidate who has her own secret sideline. She’s the infamous art thief known as The Lynx, stealing ill-gotten works and returning them to their rightful owners. It’s her last heist that has her in the crosshairs of the vicious man who was her target. Miles now has his own troubles stemming from a client who wants to turn the tables on him. It’s complicated.
the heart of the story… The story opens with Clara’s last caper that went awry, creating a level of tension that never eased up. Then Miles’ client, a corrupt and mobbed up congressman, threatens him with some serious bodily harm if he doesn’t meet his demands. In the meantime, Miles is continuing to secretly shadow Clara and fighting/denying his deep feelings for her. And, his reconnection with his twin brother Miller (Tox), a former Navy SEAL and an operative for Bishop Securities, is resurrecting old memories he’s determined to keep buried. I became invested in both of them early on so all of these threats had me worried through the last page!
the bottom line… The suspense and tension was so high I could barely stand it (a good thing)! As if that wasn’t delicious enough, the emerging romance between Clara and Miles was as good as it gets. It was sensual, mature and lovely. Normally the denial would become tiresome but not here as that was part of Miles’ fabric regarding all relationships. I loved everything about this story and, as with every book in the series, it epitomizes all that’s wonderful about romantic suspense. Next, please!
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