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A Poet’s Ballad

Crossword Mystery, #1

by

Aditya Banerjee

 

Endearing characters and a well-crafted puzzle of a mystery set in 1980s small-town India.

 

A Poet’s Ballad is the first novel in author Aditya Banerjee’s new series, the Crossword Mysteries, and I couldn’t have wished for a better, more satisfying debut than what I found. With its endearing main characters, vibrant and lively small-town setting in 1980 India, and well-crafted and, literally, puzzling mystery, I felt like I was taking a refreshing vacation every time I opened the book. 

The story is told from the viewpoint of two main characters. Mahesh Pal is a Delhi graduate student preparing to join a Ph.D. program in far-off London, England. Aarvi Lal is the manager at her family’s generations-old bookstore, preparing for her traditional wedding in two weeks. Both face huge life changes when they each receive an odd inheritance from a local retired university professor whose death may not have been as accidental as it has been claimed—the common link among the three is their love of crossword puzzles. 

I was immediately drawn into the story by the easy and authentic camaraderie among Mahesh’s university friends. The author completely captures in his portrayal the essence of this time in Mahesh’s life as he prepares to embark on the next phase of his academic career, and he does so quickly and in only a few pages! You could easily understand Mahesh’s conflicting emotions: excitement for the future, sadness over leaving his friends and family, and regrets that he and his father do not see eye-to-eye about his decision to continue his studies rather than return home to work in the family business. 

Being a contemporary of the fictional Aarvi Lal, I could readily empathize with her feelings and experiences as a young, educated single woman at the start of the 1980s. She’s always been the obedient daughter, going with the flow (rather than fighting with her mother) and never causing her parents any trouble. She studied hard to succeed academically, only to be expected to shelve her accomplishments and autonomy when she married. The author recreates the restrictive atmosphere of the time, the conservative views of women’s roles in the family and the workplace, and the necessarily cautious arms-length relationship between Aarvi and Mahesh because of the potential damage she could suffer from the juicy gossip should she be perceived to act too casually. I enjoyed their mutual respect and growing friendship. These two are capable and smart in their pursuit of Devesh’s story, and they were a joy to watch as they worked together to work out the mysterious clues. 

The author creates a vivid and vibrant setting for the story in his depictions of the historic tourist town Benares and the activities leading up to Aarvi’s pending nuptials. I could feel the heat and humidity of the ancient city, but even the bustle of the tourists and religious pilgrims was nothing compared to the manic preparations necessary before the traditional Indian wedding. It was fascinating, complex, and eye-opening; I was exhausted just reading about it all. 

With its engaging characters, compelling mystery, and vivid setting, I recommend A POET’S BALLAD to historical mystery fans, especially those who would enjoy a 1980s time period and an Indian setting. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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Hook, Line, and Murder

Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery, #1

by

G.G. Calpo

 

I was hooked from the start!

 

Hook, Line, and Murder is the first book in author G.G. Calpo’s fresh new Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery series, and its engaging main characters and compelling plot had me hooked from the start. Retired kindergarten teacher and recent widow, Meagan “Meg” Brightbook, is still very much in mourning over the suspicious deaths of her husband and son the previous year, and her friend group of other retired educators has been a strong, supportive lifeline for her. So, when Brie Townsend, a local bad girl, is murdered and her friend Edna Gomez, who’d had a recent and very public run-in with the young woman, becomes the police’s number one suspect, she and the rest of her group leap into action to find the real killer and clear their friend’s name. 

Meg is such a sympathetic and relatable character, still grieving over the tragic loss of her husband and grown son in a boating accident. But her friends have kept her involved and active, preventing her from giving up on life. The appearance of Edna’s attorney, Fred, has also piqued her interest and sparked thoughts that there could be more to her own story ahead. I liked how Meg and her fellow retired teachers knew everyone in their neck of Long Island, having had them as pupils or the parents of their pupils at one time or another, and boldly asked whatever questions they had without hesitation, confident they would get answers. I enjoyed them developing a plan of action and splitting up their investigatory tasks among the group, giving attention to everyone’s particular strengths, skills, or knowledge. 

The plot unfolds through Meg’s point of view and is more complex than you realize at first; there’s more than one death that needs the group’s scrutiny after all. I enjoyed the brief glimpse into Filipino culture and family relationships, too. Although I had some suspicions, I never anticipated the path the story would take to reach its final resolution. Talk about twists and turns! 

I recommend HOOK, LINE, AND MURDER to readers of cozy mysteries and domestic thrillers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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The First to Die

by

Suzanne Trauth

 

Mesmerizing tale of a daughter’s search for her mother’s killer.

 

The First to Die by Suzanne Trauth is the mesmerizing mystery of a young woman’s deep dive into the circumstances surrounding her mother’s disappearance and subsequent death. Connie Tucker is called home to her childhood home in New Jersey when the remains of her long-missing mother were discovered. Simone Tucker had disappeared from the theatre where she had been in rehearsals for A Streetcar Named Desire, when Connie and her sister, Gaby, were 13 and 14, respectively, never to be seen or heard from again. But someone in her life had seen her at least one last time that night, and Connie was determined to find out who that person was. However, someone was just as determined to stop her. 

Connie is a sympathetic character, stuck in her past, unable to fully move forward until she knows what happened to her mother and whether a secret her mother made her promise to keep could have made a difference in the tragic outcome. Her feelings are further compounded by her father’s perceived betrayal when he sent her younger, grieving, out-of-control self to live with an aunt in California soon after her mother’s disappearance. Her sister, Gaby, is the perpetually wounded one, her main desire being to have her family reunited and happy again. Their father, Liam, while grieving the loss of his wife all over again, tells an inconsistent story of his movements the night of Simone’s disappearance. The combination makes for a riveting story I couldn’t put down. 

The plot alternates between the present and the past as Connie begins her own investigation when the cold case detective assigned to her mother’s murder inspires little confidence. The story unfolds as she chases her own memories of that night and questions some of the most important people from her past, never expecting the twists and turns she encounters. I had so many theories about what actually happened as I read, but the resolution still came as a big surprise. 

I recommend THE FIRST TO DIE to readers of mysteries and domestic thrillers.

 

For this and more book reviews, visit my blogs, Boys' Mom Reads! and Guatemala Paula Loves to Read.

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Hard Headed Woman

by

Howard Gimple

 

Mystery, suspense, and murder at a Long Island nature preserve.

 

Hard Headed Woman by Howard Gimple is a suspenseful, original murder mystery set in New York and centered on a Long Island nature preserve called Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. When Hannah Johansson’s marriage crumbled, she’d come home to her parents’ home in Rocky Point, New York, to rest, recover, and reflect on her future. Instead, she discovered her father, the former Superintendent Emeritus of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a birders’ paradise he’d singlehandedly built from its swampy ground up, in dreadful condition, weak, and almost at death’s door. 

Hannah herself was struggling with an unknown illness that would randomly strike, making her lose control of her legs and collapse. While suffering one of her spells of weakness, as she called it, she accidentally knocked her father down some stairs, causing him to experience a fatal stroke. On top of everything else going on in her life, Hannah now believes she’s killed her own father. However, her cousin, a physician experienced with stroke patients, is skeptical of the diagnosis and decides to look further into her father’s death. And Hannah, while spreading her father’s ashes at his beloved wildlife refuge, observes some very shady goings-on, and when she asks questions, she quickly discovers someone is willing to kill to keep the truth of what’s happening there a secret. 

While Hannah is a vulnerable and sympathetic character because of all she’s gone through, her love for her father helps her get her act together to seek the answers she craves about his death and the suspected shenanigans at the wildlife refuge. She starts out so scattered and filled with pain and anger, it is easy to root for her healing and gradual transformation into a stronger person. 

The plot moves quickly, with the heroine encountering unusual stumbling blocks in her investigation. The author does a wonderful job crafting exciting, shocking, and unexpected scenarios and consequences for Hannah’s snooping. I couldn’t stop reading until I understood what all was going on and was surprised by who was behind her father’s death. I really enjoyed the New York and Long Island settings, and the mentions of street and road names, the businesses, and vivid descriptions made these locations come alive for me. I liked “meeting” Hannah’s family and friends, especially her bestie, Bette, who was going through some major life changes of her own. 

I recommend HARD HEADED WOMAN (a perfect title, by the way) to readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers with interesting female protagonists. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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Limerence

Limerent, #5

by

LS Delorme

 

A war has begun.

 

Limerence is the fifth book in author LS Delorme's enthralling Limerent series and brings more characters from previous books into the foundational plotline. Kara, the creator of the timeline of the story, and her ghostly lover and second, Dante, discover a powerful virus has infiltrated their world, and it must be contained, but even more disturbing is that a number of Cambion and their ghost watchers have vanished, and all trace of them has been erased from The Office's computer records. As Dante and Kara search for the virus and their lost friends, they also must look for a traitor among their own people. 

This story was immediately absorbing, and Dante was the perfect narrator and mysterious, strong protagonist with a past. His relationship with Kara is loving and protective, and while they are involved in serious, life-and-death events, they are still able to love and banter with one another. Kara is already struggling with being overwhelmed by the stories, faces, and conditions she absorbs from the people she encounters from the beginning of the book, and this affects her and the plot's trajectory the longer she resists Dante's attempts to unburden her. 

The plot is in constant motion from the start, which includes a massive school shooting, and readers sensitive to this type of scenario should take note. In addition, spirits and souls are unmade, and previously living beings are unalived. The suspense constantly builds as these things happen, especially as no character, secondary or main, is untouchable. Dante does his best to find out what is going on, save his friends, protect Kara, and get their story back to normal. There is a great cliffhanger ending that promises more exciting story to come. 

While this book can be read as a standalone, I feel the previous books should be read first to fully understand and enjoy what’s going on. I recommend LIMERENCE to readers of dark fantasy and paranormal romance. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Dying With a Secret

The Dead Detective Casefiles, #4

by

T.J. O’Connor

 

Complex and clever new case for the ghostly detective.

 

Dying With a Secret is the fourth novel in author T.J. O’Connor’s unique Dead Detective Casefiles paranormal mystery series, and Tuck and Angel’s latest adventure treads pretty close to his obsession with aliens from outer space. One afternoon, when Angel is working on a newly discovered cache of letters, maps, and records from Winchester’s Civil War days, she’s called to meet with an FBI agent in the library’s main rotunda, but before he can explain the purpose of his visit, he is swiftly, violently, and invisibly attacked right before her eyes and several other witnesses, including Tuck. The man falls to the ground, dead, his body liquified from the inside out. As law enforcement scrambled to discover what happened, locking down the library, fearing a possible outbreak of an infectious disease could be the culprit, Tuck is thrown into the man’s body and experiences his last few moments. No one believes him when he describes the murder weapon as a ray gun. 

Meanwhile, Tuck is visited by the beautiful spirit of Sally Mosby, a former resident of Winchester and infamous Confederate spy. She’s seeking justice for being falsely accused and executed, and the papers Angel is working on may hold long-held secrets that could clear her name. 

Angel and Tuck are back and have settled into their unusual second chance at a life together. While Tuck is still trying to figure out this being dead thing, he’s getting more comfortable, and the description of their daily life is almost normal. Their banter is certainly lively and full of wit. They depend on a small circle of close friends and former colleagues for moral support and for information about what’s going on in Tuck’s old department. But shocking betrayals by some of their nearest and dearest left me reeling alongside the couple. 

The plot is well-paced and unfolds from multiple points of view as the disparate storylines progress. Early on, readers are aware they are related, but how, who, and why remain big unknowns. There is action and suspense galore as Detective Cal Clemens falls off the radar, and no one knows where he is. There are creepy goings-on at a local classified research facility involving children, and that kept me glued to the pages, dreading where it was going. However, the tension really ratcheted up as a group of characters navigated a treacherous underground cave system in search of a rumored lost treasure. I honestly had to remind myself to breathe as the suspense kept building and they went further and deeper, and I never guessed who the real danger was all along. 

I recommend DYING WITH A SECRET to readers of paranormal mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoyed the previous books in the series. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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The Quest for Freedom

The Conquest Trilogy, #1

by

Matthew Devitt

 

Non-stop Action! Action! Action!

 

The Quest for Freedom is the first book in author Matthew Devitt’s rough and tumble The Conquest Trilogy, and if you’re looking for a story that hits the ground running, is full of action, and desperate hand-to-hand combat, this book is for you. With its straightforward plot to free the enslaved humans, multiple supernatural/mythical races, and comrades-by-necessity elements, I was transported back to the days of classic DnD gaming and fellowship. 

The main character, Fletcher Rush, is one of the humans whose ancestors had coexisted on the planet Affer alongside angels, demons, elves, and others until their collective success began to feel like a threat. Banding together, the other kingdoms overtook the humans and divided the survivors up amongst the victors to serve as slaves for all eternity. Four hundred seventy-three years later, Fletcher is the hero who rises from obscurity to free his people. 

The action is truly non-stop as Fletcher, his sidekick, Ji, and the various companions they pick up along the way, battle their way across the planet to secure a future of freedom for the human race. The good guys are earnest and driven, with their focus on their crusade from start to finish. The bad guys are evil, entitled, and in charge, until Fletcher and company arrive on the scene. The fight scenes are plentiful, vivid, and, at times, graphic in their depiction of the damage inflicted. 

The planet of Affer features different kingdoms of supernatural beings, with a variety of wild terrain in between for the heroes to traverse, but my favorite was the abandoned human capital of Admont. As a bonus, the author includes a wonderfully illustrated map of the world, as well as a simple pronunciation guide for many city names, places, and more unusual character names. 

The book is not complex literature, just a bit of fun, and I would definitely read the rest of the trilogy. But I wish the author would stop using CAPS throughout to emphasize shouted or excited dialogue. We get it. 

I recommend THE QUEST FOR FREEDOM to fans of epic fantasies that harken back to the early days of the genre and nostalgic DnD gaming.

 

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!

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All Or None

Detective Ryan Mystery, #2

by

Clive Fleury

 

Detective Ryan returns!

 

All Or None is the second novel in author Clive Fleury's Australian police detective series, the Detective Ryan Mysteries, which debuted with the excellent OFF SEASON in 2024. Two years have passed since the events of the previous book. Ryan has returned to Sydney from his exile to the Central Coast and has just been transferred from the Organized Crime Unit to New South Wales Homicide. To his surprise and consternation, he is partnered with his former coworker, Zoe Yang, now a detective and also a new, unwanted addition to the team like himself. Their first case, a dead man discovered in a cabin in the national park, proves to be genuinely baffling, and the partners are under extreme pressure from their chief to find the killer as soon as possible. But things only get more complicated when a second death, with connections to the first, occurs soon after. 

Once again, Detective Inspector Ryan is a strong and worthy protagonist as he and Yang continue to negotiate their working relationship while conducting a well-executed investigation. Both detectives are dealing with issues in their personal lives, as well as outdated workplace attitudes that could distract a less disciplined team. Ryan's mother, one of my favorite characters, is also facing health issues and doubles down on her efforts to get her son married and starting a family, perhaps a result of confronting her own mortality. Meanwhile, Ryan reunites with another woman from his past. 

The book starts with a shocking accident from 20 years earlier, but there are even more surprises in store for readers. The story unfolds from multiple points of view, including the killer's, which is creepy and unsettling, and several storylines are in play throughout. The author juggles these separate threads with ease, keeping them clear and distinct until they cleverly converge. The writing style is engaging and compelling, and I was so absorbed that I almost completed this entire book in one session. I had to know how the story was going to resolve as soon as I could. 

I recommend ALL OR NONE to readers of mysteries, crime fiction, and thrillers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Off Season

Detective Ryan Mystery, #1

by

Clive Fleury

 

What an absorbing and satisfying series debut!

 

Off Season is the first book in author Clive Fleury’s Australian-set police detective series, the Detective Ryan Mysteries, and I couldn’t be happier about having gotten the opportunity to read this book. Detective Inspector Ramesh Ryan of the Organized Crime Unit in Sydney, Australia, watches in shock as the defendant in his well-prepared, long-investigated case against a local drug kingpin is dismissed after a poor showing by an incompetent prosecuting attorney, and while the defense attorney is still gloating about his win on the news, Ramesh finds himself immediately and indefinitely reassigned to Barton, a small beach town to the north. But rather than a sleepy, off-season, and quiet village, Ramesh walks into an unexpected spike in crime, including deadly drug overdoses and a long-forgotten disappearance. 

What an absorbing and satisfying introduction to this unique mystery series! The son of an Indian mother and an Australian father, the main character, Ramesh Ryan, is proudly Australian but struggles with attitudes from supervisors, coworkers, and the public that he is an outsider. I loved his relationship with his mother so much, her desire for him to remember his Indian culture, and her surprise cooking. He is such an engaging character, and I enjoyed his ability to see what others overlooked and his amazing recall. I rooted for this man every step of the way as he wove his way through witnesses with precision and method, and navigated the uneasy situation and relationships at his new posting in Barton. 

The plot is complex, with several storylines unfolding at the same time, and I enjoyed how the author revealed all the elements through the eyes of the multiple individuals involved. The action hits the ground, or water, running, and really never lets up as the story switches to another piece of the story and back again. There are a plethora of characters introduced, but the author developed the main actors so distinctly that it was easy to keep everyone straight. I really enjoyed so many of the characters, good guys and bad! I was completely taken by surprise at how quickly the time flew while I was reading, and I will be talking this book up with mystery-loving friends and family. 

I recommend OFF SEASON to readers of mysteries, crime fiction, and thrillers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Silver Dagger Book Tours.

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Dying to Live Here

Estate Sales Mystery, #1

by

Shelley Marsh

 

Murder, romance, and Mother Nature combine in this intriguing Florida-set cozy mystery!

 

Dying to Live Here is the first book in author Shelley Marsh’s fabulous new Estate Sales Mystery series set in the Atlantic coastal city of Jacksonville, Florida. Emma Stewart and Laura Benton have been best friends since college, having each other’s back and a ready shoulder to cry on through life’s ups and downs, and when a home opens up after the death of its elderly owner in Laura’s exclusive beachside community, she’s excited and insistent that Emma take a look. Although the house is not yet on the market, Laura has a key she took when she watched the house while the owner was away, and she talks Emma into coming over late one evening so she can get an early preview. But when Laura opens the front door and steps inside the dark house, they discover blood and the body of the former HOA president, and Laura’s nemesis, just over the threshold. With the police looking hard at Laura for the murder, Emma teams up with Laura’s attorney and handsome, single neighbor, Sam Turner, to find the real killer and clear Laura’s name. 

I loved this story, with its engaging main characters, the murder of a bitter, mean victim, the neighborhood drama, and the fun romance between Emma and Sam. Emma is a successful software developer, long-divorced after a short-lived marriage immediately after college, and the only male in her world is a rescue bulldog mix named Hopper. She and Laura are very different, but their shared past has cemented a strong, long-lasting friendship. I loved their camaraderie, back-and-forth banter, and how they played off one another as they investigated Laura’s neighbors. Sam is adorable and single-minded in his attention to Emma and not afraid to let his interest show. 

The plot moves briskly, and many neighbors make appearances as the author builds the vibe of the much-coveted community. All the warts of HOA-covenanted living are on full display, as well as the perks, but this lively neighborhood could have been lifted straight out of Peyton Place. And what would Florida in September be without the threat of a hurricane? I loved the big reveal, which occurs as Mother Nature joins the neighborhood shenanigans. 

I recommend DYING TO LIVE HERE to readers of cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, and domestic thrillers, especially those who enjoy Florida settings, stories of HOA nightmares, and neighborhood gossip. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.