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Hands On Homicide

Massage and Murder Mystery, #1

by

Sarah Hualde

 

Nice debut for this cozy Christian mystery series with a unique paranormal twist!

 

Hands On Homicide is the first book in author Sarah Hualde’s new Massage and Murder Mystery series, cozy Christian mysteries with a unique paranormal twist. With its engaging main characters, intriguing murder mystery, and subtly faith-forward approach, the story was compelling and hard to set down. 

Corky Hobbs is a massage therapist, and readers are immediately aware that she has a special gift: knowing exactly how to help her clients when they come in for a massage. She doesn’t understand how she knows, but her intuition is spot-on regarding where tension and stress have settled in their muscles. When Corky interrupts a murder while working late one evening at the spa, she’s almost killed, and the near-death experience somehow enhances her healing skills to include seeing someone’s inner thoughts and memories when she touches their skin. Because she can’t control it, the new ability feels intrusive, even making her nauseous when the person’s thoughts come flooding in: a curse rather than a gift. However, when the investigation falls to the inept local deputy, Corky and her best friends know that it is up to them to find the killer before the killer tries to finish off Corky for good, and she’s going to have to use her new-found talent. 

She’s supported by her two best friends, sister and brother, Stella and Steve Michaels. Stella, who works at the same spa, finds Corky the night of the attack just in time and takes charge of the investigation, while Steve, as a student chef, provides sustenance and tries to curb his sister’s more reckless ideas. There are also some deeper feelings bubbling just below the surface between him and Corky. 

The plot sticks pretty close to only the characters who were present at the spa immediately prior to the murder, so there’s not a lot of exposition creating the small town of Deadhorse Canyon or introducing background characters. There’s a great conflict side story involving the spa’s beautiful but toxic receptionist for whom Corky’s long-time boyfriend dumped her. Melanie is a real piece of work, and Brett, the ex, is weak and shallow. Honestly, they’re perfect for each other. The murder occurs early in the book, so the rest of the story is Corky testing her new ability and narrowing down a controlled number of suspects. There are hints in plain sight as to who the killer is, so sharp-eyed armchair detectives have a good chance of figuring it all out. 

I recommend HANDS ON HOMICIDE to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a faith-forward story and a TOUCH of paranormal elements in their books. 

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

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Who Am I?

A Child’s Journey of Discovery

by

Veronica Landers

 

A faith-forward, shareable journey for children and parents.

 

Who Am I? is a new children’s picture book by Veronica Landers that begs to be shared between children and their parents. Cozy and comfortable illustrations bring Emeri Adira and her loving family to life as she tells readers (and listeners) about her name, how it came to be hers, and what it means. 

The narrative presents important ideas critical to helping children grow to adulthood with love and strength, reinforcing that they are loved and parents are there to protect, nurture, and empower them with positive words, care, and encouragement. Thought-provoking Bible verses in the story can be a starting point for discussions for adults and children alike. However, the basic story and vivid pictures are warm, loving, and worth sharing with even the youngest children. 

I recommend WHO AM I? for sharing with young children and parents. 

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

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Burn This Night

Kate Myles, #2

by

Alex Kenna

 

Two fascinating cases, one current and one decades in the past, in one riveting story.

 

Burn This Night is the second book in author Alex Kenna’s Kate Myles detective series and features the former LAPD detective turned private investigator as she pursues two murder cases, committed decades apart, in the small tourist town of Idlewood, California. Readers new to the series should have no problem absorbing enough backstory from the current narrative to read and enjoy this latest story as a standalone. This time, Kate is helping out an old contact in the sheriff’s department working on a 20-year-old cold case of murder. 

Kate is the healing but still vulnerable main character, trying to gain control of her life after a messy divorce, which resulted in her ex-husband getting custody of their only daughter. She’s moved in with her widowed mother for a number of good reasons and inadvertently discovers the man she always knew as her father is actually no blood relation at all; her parents had used a sperm donor after years of failing to conceive. While a shock, she also feels a sense of relief because growing up, she always knew she was somehow different from the rest of her family and was treated differently than her cousins. However, her relief is quickly followed by surprise after surprise when the results of her DNA test reveal that the unknown perpetrator of a two-decades-old unsolved murder case is an, as of yet, unidentified relative. As Kate methodically investigates the more recent case that took place earlier in the year, she pursues leads to locate blood relations that may lead to the unknown killer in the cold case. She ends up meeting a kindred spirit in a local, divorced father who sparks long-suppressed romantic interests.  

The plot moves quickly as Kate works her way through the painful details of Abby Coburn’s death and her past relationship with the brother who is accused of her murder as well as that of the elderly neighbor who died in the fire that was set to cover up the crime. She develops several possible theories as she questions people in Abby’s life, resulting in a couple of good suspects who must be examined further and ruled out. Her investigation into her own origins is a great secondary storyline, and the resolutions of the murders are surprising but plausible. 

I recommend BURN THIS NIGHT to mystery readers who enjoy strong female protagonists. 

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

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The Poseidon Project

The Herb Society Mysteries, #1

by E. William Podojil

 

Fast-paced, with plenty of surprising twists!

 

The Poseidon Project is the first book of The Herb Society Mysteries, a new series by author E. William Podojil, and it is going to rank among my favorite books of the year. Well-developed characters, international settings, a shocking disappearance, and a non-stop plot had me riveted to this story from start to finish. 

Good friends and family, all confident and capable men and women, make up the cast of characters, starting with Molly Halloran, whose husband John has gone missing while closing a business deal in Dubai. She’s surrounded by a coterie of long-time friends, the other members of The Herb Society, who support her from the moment she gets the news of John’s disappearance and accompany her to the far side of the globe to his last known location to help find him. Ramrodding the rescue expedition is her and John’s son, Dr. Lukas Halloran, a wealthy and talented tech genius, and his new acquaintance, pilot, and former USAF Special Ops veteran, Taylor Pastore. Making this a double family affair, Taylor is joined by his daughter, Tory, who is also a pilot and part of her father’s private jet company. Each participant brings something special and helpful to the table. 

The story unfolds from multiple points of view, giving different insights into ongoing events. Still, there are plenty of surprises lurking, from the friends’ history to great plot twists that suddenly made reading ‘one more chapter’ a priority. This was a page-turner for me! 

I recommend THE POSEIDON PROJECT for readers of thrillers, suspense, and mystery. 

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

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Perfect Girl

by

Tracy Banghart

 

A haunted house, a huge storm, no cell service, wifi, or electricity: the perfect setting for a sleepover!

 

Perfect Girl is a new young adult horror novel by author Tracy Banghart, who pulls out all the stops to create the perfect backdrop for an innocent sleepover gone wrong. Realistic teen characters dealing with authentic, real-world problems are inadvertently caught up in someone’s deadly obsession with finding the perfect girl.

As if high school isn’t hard enough already? 

The main character, Jessa Morgan, exudes cheer, charm, and kindness, but underneath, her joy is just a façade. She’s an extreme people pleaser, and her carefully curated, perfect persona is approaching its breaking point. While facing the fears the night brings, Jessa also confronts her overwhelming need to be all things to all people, which has been fueled from childhood by her mother’s hopes and high expectations. However, she’s not the only one in her circle who’s struggling. Alexis is bi, and it’s killing her that she hasn’t been able to reveal this to her parents. Another friend, Tiny, who has drifted away from their close-knit group, is secretly trapped in an abusive relationship with an older guy. Even Jessa’s brother, Josh, is dealing with issues. Long ago, he abdicated his role as the responsible firstborn to his younger sister, and he is also struggling with living up to his parents’ impossibly high expectations. With Jessa doing all the heavy lifting, he may have just given up even trying to match her successes at home and school. 

There’s a sweet mutual crush developing between Jessa and Ryan, Josh’s best friend, but she’s too embedded in adhering to the standards of behavior from a more conservative time. She won’t make the first move, and he’s being held back by something that won’t let him clearly indicate his interest in her. But eventually, the courage is mustered to speak up. 

In a concurrent storyline, six high school girls in nearby York have gone missing in as many months. The ongoing events of one such disappearance unfold through the eyes of the sixth missing girl. The storylines eventually converge, and the horrific truth is shocking. 

The author establishes a tense, suspenseful setting with Jessa’s secluded house, which is mostly jokingly said to be home to a female teenage spirit, and her parents’ overnight absence. Situated on the edge of a woods with spotty cell service, at the best of times, Jessa and her sleepover guests, her brother, and his friend, Ryan, are further isolated when major storms roll in and take out the electricity. I was quickly caught up in the story, surprised by the plot twists, and entertained from start to finish. 

I recommend PERFECT GIRL to readers of young adult horror stories and thrillers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Only One Lie

by

Audrey J. Cole

 

This book had me turning pages and staying up late!

 

Only One Lie is a riveting new historical mystery by author Audrey J. Cole set during the early days of the United States's involvement in WWII. Soon after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the three-year-old son of a wealthy banking family is kidnapped, but while the parents comply with the ransom demands, the kidnapper is found dead, and their child is nowhere to be seen. The story is intense, and the Seattle location came alive for me with the well-researched incorporation of the look and feel of the time.

The main characters, especially the two wives, Vera Chandler and Priscilla Ellis, are well-drawn and, although of a very different time and place, easy to relate to. Both go through extraordinary situations, the kidnapping, the search for Max, and wartime, and I was constantly surprised as I realized how young they must be. I enjoyed how bold Vera was, and for that matter, Priscilla. I seriously wanted to smack her husband, Vincent, so many times. 

The story is compelling, beginning with the kidnapping of Priscilla's 3-year-old son, Max. However, the flying aspects and the women flyers' involvement in the war effort were quite interesting. Wartime had galvanized women into taking on roles previously unheard of or denied. There are great twists and turns in the plot, so just as I thought I knew where the story was headed, it took a sudden jog, and I was driven to read on! 

I look forward to more from this author and recommend ONLY ONE LIE to readers who enjoy thrilling historical mystery stories, especially those set during World War II or in the Pacific Northwest. 

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

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A Bad Bout of the Yips

From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish, #3

by

Ken Harris

 

A riveting crime fiction tale I was unable to put down!

 

A Bad Bout of the Yips is the third book in author Ken Harris's crime fiction series featuring PI Steve Rockfish. From the start (of this book or any in the series), readers old enough to know will immediately feel his kinship with the old-school investigators and the nod to and nostalgia of the classic PI television shows from the 1970s, such as The Rockford Files. If you loved those shows, this is the series for you! If you don't know what I'm talking about, this is still a series you'll want to give a look-see. 

Steve Rockfish is a cool customer, a tough guy, and he needs to be in his line of work, especially as he's going up against the mob in this real estate development-themed crime fiction tale. His young partner, Jawnie McGee, is still reeling after the previous book's events. This normally steadfast and stand-up gal shows some vulnerability in her fragile state, but although she struggles early on to regain her footing, she comes on strong later in the story. 

This third book has multiple storylines, some involving old nemeses that harken back to previous books. However, the third time's the charm as storylines converge and are wrapped up. The Baltimore and other Maryland and New Jersey settings were comfortable yet fresh (I'm just done to death sometimes with Chicago and NYC). I loved the cultural nods and the guessing game to identify the source of the references with Lynn. 

The case that lands Rockfish and McGee in dutch involves a lesbian couple who have purchased a rundown miniature golf business out from under the nose of a large real estate development corporation with mob ties. Immediately after taking possession, threatening messages appear, and an escalating series of vandalism plagues the property, including anti-gay slogans spray painted across the buildings and inflammatory fliers pepper the neighborhood to stir up trouble with the locals. What follows on the way to resolution are twists and turns, tense action and danger, told with a riveting vim and vigor that I found myself smiling as I read, completely engaged and unable to put the book down until the last page was turned. 

I recommend A BAD BOUT OF THE YIPS to readers who enjoy crime fiction, old-school PI heroes, a Baltimore setting, and fans of the previous novels in the series. 

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

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Our Lady of the Overlook

by

R.L. Carpentier

 

Twisting tale of deception, long-held secrets, and murder in the rural Catskill Mountains of New York.

 

Our Lady of the Overlook is the twisty new murder mystery by author R.L. Carpentier about both a cold case and a recent murder that eerily mimes its 40-year-old, unsolved predecessor. The story uniquely features several generational pairs of law enforcement officers: the men who were involved in the 1980 cold case and their progeny now working in the same department. With little to go on but an unrelenting need to know the truth, it is the rookie officer, the son of the late police chief, who shoulders this character-driven tale of secrets and deception. 

Young Michael Ellis is the new man at the Hunter Police Department, a small collection of villages in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Mike is the son of the town’s revered former chief of police, the legendary Charlie Ellis, a father he feels he never really knew nor whose expectations he ever fulfilled. Initially, the young man is socially awkward and tentative in his interactions with others, physically uncomfortable and clumsy under the necessary accouterments of his uniform. Honestly, he is not the picture of a potentially successful police officer. Still, he seems to perform his duties well, is determined to maintain a low profile, and begins to make friends among his coworkers. It was great to watch as the story progressed how much he changes as he confronts the ghosts of his past and uncovers the surprising truths behind the murders on the Overlook hiking trail. 

Just as Mike is gaining his footing on the job, a true-crime podcaster researching “Jane Doe of the Overlook,” a 40-year-old, unsolved murder of an unknown young woman that haunted his father until his untimely death, approaches him for his help. Although intrigued and never having heard of the murder before then, he refuses to participate, wanting to focus on his new career and remain out of the limelight. Days later, though, Mike, just like his father before him, discovers the body of a young woman on the hiking trail up to the Overlook, circumstances eerily similar to the earlier murder. Reluctantly, he agrees to act as the department liaison with the investigator from the state, a man with a reputation for self-promotion and a history of latching onto the easiest suspect found, whether there’s supporting evidence or not. From that point forward, Mike can never be certain who to trust, and mistakes in judgment obscure his path to resolving either crime and place him in jeopardy. 

The author surrounds Mike with well-developed secondary characters, many with seemingly ulterior motives, and some of the best scenes in the book are between him and the men and women working to solve the two cases. One of my favorites, for the setting and the absolutely sparkling banter, is when Mike and his fellow officers and their older relatives, former officers, gather at the library to finally team up and devise a plan of action. 

While the ending doesn’t suggest a sequel, I would enjoy reading more about Mike and what may have happened after the events of this book. I recommend OUR LADY OF THE OVERLOOK to mystery readers. 

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

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Teacups and Temptations

by

Kate Ellington

 

Thoroughly enjoyable, sweet romance!

Teacups and Temptations is a new historical romance by Kate Ellington, and I was thoroughly charmed by the fun, young protagonists and their innocent yet ill-considered plans for an unchaperoned month-long stay at a country home. The story is lighthearted, with plenty of amusing and innocent escapades and cautiously developing romantic feelings, perfect for an entertaining and satisfying sweet romance.

Molly Merriwether and her best friend, Caroline Darby, have waited with great anticipation for their planned visit to Waverly Hall so Caroline can further her acquaintance with the eligible son of the house, Benedict Clarke, with whom she’s exchanged letters since meeting the previous summer. But when they are finally on their journey, their chaperone, Caroline’s Aunt Hazel, falls ill but sends the girls ahead with the belief that Benedict’s parents will be there to ensure all the proprieties are met. However, when the girls reach Waverly Hall, they discover the elder Clarkes are away with only Benedict, his older brother, Frederick, and a school friend, Roger, to host them. Molly and Caroline convince themselves that since Aunt Hazel will surely be along in a day or so, it would be alright for them to remain at the house alone with the young men, and besides, who would ever find out?

Molly is the youngest child and only daughter in her family with three older brothers who have, undoubtedly, helped shape her confident and bold personality and, most assuredly, fueled her unique interest in seeing the inside of a tavern for herself. She naively risks her reputation and that of her best friend, Caroline, when she champions their plan to remain at Waverly Hall when they discover the parents of Caroline’s potential beau are not in residence when they arrive sans an ailing Aunt Hazel, who had been left to recuperate at an inn.

Molly is determined that her friend should have the opportunity to get to know Benedict, the young man her parents have tentatively selected as her match, trusting no one will ever find out they stayed under the same roof with three eligible bachelors without a proper chaperone. While the five young people play fast and loose with the proprieties (Molly does get to visit a tavern!), they conduct themselves with proper decorum.

I enjoyed the typical girl talk between Molly and Caroline about the progress of Caroline’s and Benedict’s relationship and the fun and, often, awkward moments Molly shared with Roger and his loving and loyal companion dog, Penny. The back and forth, ups and downs, and restrictions on behavior maintain a delightful tension, as does the interesting side story involving the maid, Kitty, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Lane. While the romances aren’t love at first sight, the characters have to work out their feelings for themselves before pursuing their hearts’ desires; these slow-burn relationships kept me fully engaged and hoping for a HEA.

I recommend TEACUPS AND TEMPTATIONS to readers of historical romances.

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

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Side Launch

by

Brock Martin

 

Exciting historical fiction featuring the entry of the Royal Canadian Navy into the action in the North Atlantic.

 

Side Launch by Brock Martin is a historical fiction novel about the entry of the Royal Canadian Navy into World War II and its operations in the North Atlantic to protect shipping routes for supplies going to England. The focus is on the fictional captain of the first corvette commissioned for service and family members of the ship’s builder in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. 

Lieutenant Ian Thompson is the captain of the HMCS Collingwood, and the story follows his service during WWII and his developing relationship with his best friend’s younger sister, Kate Andrews. While their relationship has a rocky beginning, they soon form a strong bond of friendship, exchanging letters and infrequent visits after the onset of the war. Both secretly want more from each other, but due to the circumstances, neither feels taking things to another level would be appropriate. 

The Collingwood’s sea experiences are eye-opening. The author does an amazing job conveying just how vulnerable the Allied ships were to the attacks by the German U-boats, especially when the swift strike forces or wolfpacks of multiple U-boats were formed. The naval engagements are exciting and, often, frustrating when the U-boats seem to be unstoppable. The author subtly slips in a lot of factual history about Canada’s part in WWII, their naval capabilities at the time, events leading up to the war in Europe, and German naval operations as part of the narrative. These pieces of the big picture were fascinating, and I read about a lot of things I’d never known before. 

Back home, Kate, a university-educated and fully qualified electrical engineer, is fighting her own battles. Few women were in her line of work, and in the 1940s, this occupation, like most, was completely a man’s dominion. She struggles for the opportunities to use her full potential in the service of the war effort. It was a gut punch when her own father failed to support her position. 

The plot is well-paced and unfolds from multiple points of view, namely through Ian and Kate’s perspectives. Descriptions of the action and settings are vivid and often unsettling and eerie, such as when the Collingwood sails through impenetrable fog or plays a waiting game, wondering when the next U-boat attack will come. There are lighthearted moments courtesy of the ship’s crew and the antics of Smokey, the ship’s cat mascot, to break up the constantly growing tension of escorting the convoys. 

With its engaging and sympathetic main characters and exciting plot, I recommend SIDE LAUNCH to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in WWII naval actions and Canadian naval history. 

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