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Calypso Blue

Len Buonfiglio/St. Pierre Mystery, #2

by

Brian Silverman

 

Return to the island where murder and mystery await.

 

In this mesmerizing follow-up to the series debut, a beloved local man, a 95-year-old international celebrity in the world of calypso music, dies from a fall at his home, and rumors quickly fly through the community that his much younger wife killed him and made it look like an accident. Police Superintendent McWilliams, whose superiors have already closed the case, approaches Len to ask the questions he himself cannot and look into the circumstances of Lord Ram's death. Queen Sassy, the new widow and a calypso star in her own right, also asks Len to get involved to dispel the rumors that could jeopardize her career. Reluctantly, Len agrees and immediately senses things really aren't as straightforward as the official police report would have one believe. Meanwhile, Maurizio Loffredo, the absentee husband of Betta Baptiste, Len's long-time friend and sounding board, and the father of her small son, suddenly returns. He shows up literally on Len's doorstep, with trouble on his trail: dangerous men who are ready to do whatever it takes to get what they want from Maurizio, placing Betta and Paulo smack in the middle. 

Calypso Blue is the second book in author Brian Silverman's sleek and atmospheric Len Buonfiglio Mystery series; the title a reference to the startling color of the Caribbean at the end of summer on St. Pierre, and what an excellent new set of puzzles for bar owner, Mr. Len, to untangle! His business, The Sporting Place, which he co-owns with a friend, Tubby Levett, has gained a reputation that attracts not only local patrons but also crowds of tourists from visiting cruise ships, so Len is able to step away and let his partner handle things while he reluctantly attends to these new problems. His interactions and banter with Tubby, Maurizio, McWilliams, and other recurring characters are fun to watch. Maurizio, the errant husband, is still a charmer, and Len, while viewing Maurizio's choices as unbelievable mistakes, refrains from judging him due to his own situation with his ex-wife and children. 

Life on the island moves to a slower rhythm, and so does Len's investigation into Lord Ram's death. The story moves at a deliberate, thoughtful pace, especially as everyone on the island mourns their local hero's sudden demise. As he probes into both Maurizio's problem and the presumed accident, hints of Caribbean culture, combined with descriptions of St. Pierre, create a vividly atmospheric setting. However, Len's progress is steady and effectively leads him to the answers he's looking for while uncovering some shocking secrets that everyone seems to know but him. 

I recommend CALYPSO BLUE for mystery readers, especially those who enjoy a slower pace and an island setting. 

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

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Day of Reckoning Seisan no hi

by

Don S. Hunter

 

Riveting reading, saturated with raw emotion.

 

Day of Reckoning Seisan no hi by Don S. Hunter is the riveting story of a grief support group specifically for those who have lost a loved one to violence. Led by therapist Michael O’Donnell, whose beloved younger sister was murdered one night while walking to his home, the diverse group of six members reveal their stories, pain, and anger over their losses and the lack of closure from the apprehension and conviction of those responsible. Five of the victims’ murderers were never identified, while the sixth, actually a pair of killers, were released due to a technicality. 

The story unfolds from Michael’s point of view during the group sessions, as each member shares their story, discusses how they have been impacted by what has happened and participates in guided exercises. The emotional outpouring throughout the book is both hard to read and hard to look away from; the feelings are authentic and conveyed perfectly. I was completely drawn into these characters’ lives, pain, and struggles, especially when the group shifts toward considering personal actions or revenge to achieve their own closure. The lack of compassion, diligence, and follow-up with those left behind after a murder on the part of the police (who, frankly, lack the staffing and the mission to do all this) was particularly disturbing and disappointing for the grieving family members, leaving them feeling abandoned and forgotten. So, it was easy to imagine them wanting to exact their own day of reckoning. 

With its unique and riveting plot, relatable characters, and emotional impact, I recommend DAY OF RECKONING SEISAN NO HI to readers of psychological dramas. 

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

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Show Game

by

Steve Anderson

 

Intriguing psychological thriller with twists all the way to its exciting conclusion!

 

Show Game by Steve Anderson is a riveting tale of vigilante justice, with twists and turns from start to finish. With an intricate plot that slowly reveals its secrets, like the peeling layers of an onion, and sympathetic, driven characters, this exciting tale gripped me immediately and never let me go. 

A vigilante known as "Alex" becomes judge and jury for the most blatant and heinous abusers, those who take advantage of the most innocent. After abducting the evildoers, he makes them play the "Show Game" and publicly confess, live on camera, their crimes. Seeking ultimate justice for the victims and the future of society, investigative reporter Owen Tanaka is determined to unmask the vigilante but in a shocking twist, he suddenly must decide whether to stop Alex or let the Show Game play out one more time. 

The story unfolds from two viewpoints: the mysterious Alex and the tenacious, guilt-ridden investigative reporter Owen Tanaka. I couldn't help rooting for Alex to continue to bring down and expose the powerful predators who had gotten away with abusing so many innocent boys, girls, and young women while still wanting Owen to unmask the vigilante and uncover the details of who and why. Alex's story, the motivation behind the vigilante campaign, is shocking and tragic. Owen is anxiety-prone and fearful of repeating a mistake that landed someone in jail. The guilt he bears, at times, threatens to paralyze him and prevent him from doing his job. 

The author's writing is smooth and easy to read; he's most assuredly an accomplished storyteller. This story of revenge and vengeance is an absolute page-turner. From the very first "Show Game" to the eventual fallout, I was compelled to keep reading to see things through to the final exciting conclusion. 

I recommend SHOW GAME to readers who enjoy tales of revenge, vigilante justice, and psychological thrillers. 

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

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Edited Out

Seffi Wardwell Mystery, #3

by

Rebecca M. Douglass

 

Feel the cold as Seffi pursues a killer!

 

Edited Out is the third book in author Rebecca M. Douglass's warm and winning Seffi Wardwell Mystery series set in the wintry small coastal town of Smelt Point, Maine, where everyone knows everyone else, all their business, and outsiders stand out like lighted buoys. Though not known as a tourist destination, Smelt Point is the annual host of an off-season artists' residency, and this year, there are five artists and writers participating and staying in Chloe and Arden Patterson's struggling inn, where Seffi Wardwell helps part-time. When an obnoxious writer who has singlehandedly developed a strong local following of ill-wishers is found dead in the inn's solarium, Seffi steps up to track down the murderer and save the inn's reputation. 

I so enjoy Seffi, her friends, and their vividly described town; just don't call it charming or a village! These tough Mainers know their town is pretty much low on charm, relishing their fishing heritage and the jobs the local cannery provides, the magnificent coastal views, and their almost fanatical obsession with gardening of all kinds. The five artists-in-residence offer a temporary distraction to the locals as winter descends, blanketing the town in ice and snow. The weather also creates a pseudo "locked room" situation when the much-disliked Zaria Carver is murdered. 

Seffi, a recent transplant from the West Coast, is still settling in as a resident and is well aware that she is still viewed by many as an outsider herself. However, her wide-ranging participation in local activities has garnered her many good friends, as evidenced by their enthusiastic show of regard after her exciting 'life or death' confrontation with the killer. Seffi has personal sadness in her backstory, but, as an aside to the resolution of the murder case, there are hints of change in her future. 

I recommend EDITED OUT to cozy mystery fans, especially those who enjoy LGBT representation and Maine or coastal settings in their stories. 

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

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The Midas Touch

by

Gary Grossman, Charles Segars, and Oren Aviv

 

Twists upon twists!

 

The Midas Touch, a new thriller by the writing team of Gary Grossman, Charles Segars, and Oren Aviv, features the breakneck hunt for Jean Lafitte's rumored lost treasure, which may include the missing portions of the famed Rosetta Stone and the key to the creation of gold, the Alchemist Gold Theory that he retrieved for the defeated Napoleon whom he planned to rescue from his island prison. When his mentor, Dr. Hastings Kaufman, is murdered, CIA cryptologist Brady Donovan is determined to track down his killer by following the clues only Brady could decipher that Kaufman left behind. Desk jockey Brady, a somewhat socially awkward genius, talks his immediate superior into letting him go into the field to solve Kaufman's murder, beginning with a trip to London and the British Museum, where the Rosetta Stone may hide his first piece of inspiration. He teams up with Teppy Flynn, a young Egyptology student working on her Rosetta Stone-focused dissertation, and together they uncover that the killer's true goal was to use Brady's skills to unravel the secret of the Alchemist Gold Theory. Their research takes them from London back to the U.S., by car to Texas, and eventually to Lafitte's home port of New Orleans, all while dodging mysterious, dangerous-looking men in black SUVs. But the closer they get to solving the mystery, the more dangerous the stakes become, and Brady soon suspects someone back at Langley is playing for the other team. 

Brady Donovan is a sweet, innocent protagonist and a genius at what he does. Watching him work through the mental puzzles presented and expand on the cryptic clues Kaufman left him was such a clever part of the story, tucked between moments of sheer adrenaline as the bad guys tried to get their hands on him. Teppy Flynn is stalled on her dissertation and is immediately drawn into what he's pursuing. She finds a gentle, loyal, kindred spirit in Brady. She tackles every obstacle with her gusto and determination. I was all in on their growing relationship as the story progressed. The third member of their team, conspiracy theorist Avery Prophet, is not so game but sticks with the adventure even when the going gets tough. 

The storyline features several twists and action sequences with a bit of an Indiana Jones vibe thanks to the Egyptology angle. However, the pacing slowed down in between as characters were set up for the next big reveal, and I felt the story got a little overlong. The settings are vividly described with several well-known locations incorporated into the action, especially in New Orleans. Overheard phone calls between the major antagonists and unnamed parties heightened suspense, as readers don't know whom Brady can trust. I was completely engaged by their final push to discover what Lafitte had squirreled away just as the Category 5 Hurricane Nadine barreled their way. 

With its engaging characters and exciting, action-packed plot, I recommend THE MIDAS TOUCH to mystery, thriller, and suspense readers, especially those with an interest in Jean Lafitte, the Rosetta Stone, and the history of New Orleans. 

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

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Kill to Keep

Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery, #3

by

Elena Taylor

 

Steady suspense with plenty of surprise twists as the sheriff and her department investigate a murder at a traveling carnival.

 

Kill to Keep is the third book in author Elena Taylor’s excellent Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery series, which finds Bet and her team struggling to solve a homicide during the return of the traveling Carnival Roma to small Collier, Washington. Rob Collier, a former FBI agent and owner of much of the small town, has leased some of his acreage to Carnival Roma for their annual two-week operation of rides, games, and performances. Before its official opening, he and Sheriff Bet Rivers arrive to conduct a site inspection when they hear a gunshot. They quickly discover the body of an unidentified white male behind the “big top,” however, the man doesn’t show any signs of trauma, let alone a wound from a bullet. 

The suspense builds steadily as Bet and the members of her department, including the deputized Rob, work to solve the man’s murder, and with rampant suspicions of and by the carnies, it is tough going. Much of the story also focuses on Bet and Rob’s growing relationship and her self-doubt about whether she is more into him than he is into her. A continuing storyline is her struggle with her past relationship with her deceased father, the former sheriff, and her resulting imposter syndrome after taking over his position as sheriff. Still, with a good group of coworkers on her side, she’s working her way through that and through this difficult case.  

The plot moves at a deliberate pace as the team must overcome roadblocks in dealing with the carnival community, who are, at best, reluctant to speak with law enforcement. They are an insular group with trust issues, and the transient nature of their livelihood creates a suspicious image for outsiders. Bet is smart and thoughtful, and able to see through her own preconceptions to reach the truth of the case. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, especially toward the latter part of the story, and that really revs up the pace of the tale.   

While this book is the third in the series, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. However, I believe those who have read the previous novels will connect more with the building relationships and the impact of shared past experiences on the main characters. I recommend KILL TO KEEP to readers of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. 

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 Engine in the Sky

The Dyson Bridge, #3

by

V.G. Harrison

 

It’s a race to save New Earth as the Bridgeway Space Station’s orbital decay accelerates.

 

The Engine in the Sky is the third episode of author V.G. Harrison’s exciting Dyson Bridge series and the continuing adventures of Dr. Meridia Vail and the crew of the ill-fated Bridgeway Space Station that was blasted from its own dimension into that of a similar but less advanced version of their Earth. Five years have passed, and the station’s orbit around New Earth has begun to decay at an accelerated rate, threatening the planet’s very existence. With the countries of New Earth all vying for the advanced knowledge and technology the crew and equipment represent, Meridia and her colleagues race to regain control and prevent their misuse. However, their long sojourn in seclusion on the planet has had unexpected ramifications for their health, and many of the accidental interdimensional space travelers are dying. Their only cure may be to return to the Bridgeway as soon as possible. 

This latest installment of the Dyson Bridge series follows the crew’s desperate efforts to return to the space station and keep the New Earthers from taking their technology for nefarious purposes. Meridia gets to meet and spend time with her interdimensional self, who in this iteration is a married mother of two with a degree in mechanical engineering and a genius for designing and building futuristic automobiles from scratch. Bridgeway Meridia feels the emotional pangs of her pending divorce and the miscarriage she suffered in her own dimension and timeline, as she gets to know the children of her New Earth counterpart. 

This story is a wonderful mix of action, adventure, political machinations, personal development, and personal crises, with characters who feel like friends. As it is a continuation of the Bridgeway’s ongoing trials, it is best read after completing the previous two novels in the series. I recommend THE DYSON BRIDGE series to science fiction readers with a preference for space opera action/adventure style storylines. 

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

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The Bone Nest

by

Shanessa Gluhm

 

It was their final summer together, and nothing would ever be the same.

 

The Bone Nest is a suspenseful and cleverly plotted murder mystery by Shanessa Gluhm and set in Blusummer, Texas, where almost 40 years earlier, a serial killer had committed a string of murders of young local women, strangled and photographed, the bodies of the first three never found. That summer was the last one that Hayes Sheridan, Chantilly Price, Troy Terrell, and Greer Collins would have together before the four split up to follow their post-graduation college and work plans. But the 4th of July would see the group destroyed as one would die and another would be accused of murder. 

Fast-forward to 2024, where a young criminal defense attorney, Joaquin Ramos, out to enervate his new practice and make a name for himself, would take on the death sentence case of Troy Terrell, the convicted serial killer known as "The Songbird Strangler," whose punishment was scheduled to be carried out after the New Year. Working to overturn Troy's conviction at the behest of the Death Penalty Abolition Program, Joaquin and his team have an uphill battle as the previous petitions on Troy's behalf have failed. 

The story unfolds in dual timelines (1986 and 2024) and from multiple points of view, giving readers a front-row seat to the events of both the past and the present, and personal insight into the characters involved. Because we know Troy Terrell is on death row, with his time running, and that he was there for the murder of his friend, Tilly, the buildup to the night of July 4, 1986, is breath-stealingly suspenseful. There are secrets among all the friends, which develop later into several plausible motives for Tilly's murder. I was completely certain I knew who the killer was SEVERAL times, only to have one theory after another kicked to the curb by the plot, which would take spectacular turn after spectacular turn. 

The resulting tale is full of missed connections and choices that led to unfulfilled dreams and futures that never lived up to expectations. The main female character, Greer Collins Sheridan, one of the four teenagers in 1986, had loved Hayes Sheridan all her life but only got him by default. She gets the life she dreamed of, only to face tragedy and the knowledge that she was always his second choice. Hayes follows his parents' plans for his future rather than his dream of becoming a farmer. Troy, who just wanted to get out of Blusummer, gets his wish, but life on death row for a murder he swears he didn't commit was a devastatingly cruel plot twist. Even the attorney, Joaquin, who dreams of winning big in court and is not afraid to put in the work to achieve it, faces a personal roadblock. His attraction to Melrose Reed, the paralegal on Troy's defense team, feels wrong, and as her boss, it is inappropriate as long as they work together. But he hopes with all his heart that after the case is settled, he can finally approach her as a regular man interested in a legitimate romantic relationship. 

With its strong and interesting character development and clever, twisty plot, I recommend THE BONE NEST to readers of suspense, mysteries, and thrillers.

 

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

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The Tales of Sidney and JoJo:

Adventures in Thailand

by

Lauren Isaacson

Illustrated by Megan Heller

 

Colorful, informative, and entertaining about two cats and their journey to their new home in Thailand.

 

The Tales of Sidney and Jojo: Adventures in Thailand is a colorful, informative, and very entertaining new children’s picture book by author Lauren Isaacson. It is the story of two cats, Sidney and JoJo, and their long journey overseas by air to Thailand to reunite with their owner, whom they call “Mama.” 

Sidney, a black and white tuxedo cat, and JoJo, a brown and gray tabby, are at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house when they are crated and begin their adventure. Although the exact location of their starting point is left unsaid, the journey the two felines embark on is one of many long hours in the air, with a layover where they are let out of their crate to exercise, eat, and drink. Sidney is the bolder of the two, and JoJo relies heavily on her for comfort. Both cats are naturally curious, and that curiosity tends to distract JoJo from his fears. 

The story follows the cats as they make their trip to a new-to-them country and, along with the helpful input from a dog also crated and on his way to parts unknown, reveals the processes they encounter to enter Thailand. For example, they are examined by a vet soon after landing in-country and spend a night in quarantine before finally being safely delivered to Mama’s house. 

The story is enhanced by artist Megan Heller’s colorful illustrations, which bring to life Sidney’s and JoJo’s experiences on their way to “The Land of Smiles.” Young children will enjoy the cats’ expressions and reactions to their adventures, as well as the introduction to some simple Thai phrases. 

I recommend THE TALES OF SIDNEY AND JOJO: ADVENTURES IN THAILAND to young readers and listeners who like stories featuring cats, air travel, and seeing new and exotic locations and their people. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

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The Vanishers

by

R.G. Belsky

 

Cancel your plans, grab this book!

 

The Vanishers is a new thriller by R.G. Belsky, and you’re going to want to cancel any other plans you have once you crack this book open; it’s an absolutely gripping page-turner! With its engaging and sympathetic main character and riveting plot, you’re not going to want any distractions until you get to the bottom of this mystery. 

Megan and Patrick Foley are looking for a summer rental on the shore: a place to get away from the stress of their jobs and the city, and to devote time to each other and focus on their marriage that has become full of daily conflict. They find the perfect place on Pleasant Street in Stone Beach, Connecticut: a beautiful old home with plenty of spacious bedrooms for several summer tenants, right on the beach, and at an unbelievably low price. The older woman who owns the place, Mrs. Monahan, is pleasant, too, and eager to share her home with others for the season. Her husband, who is an invalid, stays secluded in his room on the top floor of the house, and the other guests, including the family with the two young boys, all seem nice. Sure, the boys argue, like brothers tend to do, especially when the younger boy’s Nintendo Switch goes missing, but the next day, when the younger brother doesn’t appear, everyone in the house claims there was ever only one child! Even Patrick is adamant he never saw another boy. Now Megan is on a mission to find out what happened to him and why everyone denies he ever existed, or find a psychiatrist to treat her delusion quick, fast, and in a hurry. 

What a page-turner! Megan Foley is the epitome of the typical young career woman balancing life with a spouse who is also working to succeed in his field. Patrick is a bit overbearing, ready to proclaim how Megan should do everything his way, often getting his way as she gives in to his demands. The goal of closing the gap between them as a couple is quickly disrupted when she is the only one who remembers the younger Beecham son, and all evidence of his ever having existed amazingly evaporates as well. The tension builds as Megan confronts Mrs. Monahan and seeks help from an investigator of the unexplainable. The rising suspense of the puzzling events kept me glued to the story from start to finish. 

I recommend THE VANISHERS to readers of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense. 

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