The Chemical Detective

Jac Silver Thriller, #1

by

Fiona Erskine

Intrigue galore with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing.

The Chemical Detective is the first book in the Jaq Silver Thriller series by Fiona Erskine and features a female chemical engineer who specializes in the research of explosives. When a pallet of a suspicious powdered substance is mistakenly delivered to her research facility with the regular order of explosive components and the samples she takes suddenly disappear, Dr. Jaq Silver starts asking for an explanation. But her inquiries are dismissed, and she is told to look the other way and forget about it; she can’t help but probe deeper. Her suspicions about what’s going on at the facility skyrocket when a scientist from the supplier surreptitiously contacts her, asking her own questions and hinting that something illicit and dangerous is going on behind the scenes. When the explosives warehouse is broken into, a security guard is injured, and an explosion occurs, Jaq’s boss does all he can to blame her for being negligent. However, when people go missing and there’s a suspicious death, the police start asking their very own pointed questions.  

The main character is Dr. Jacqueline ‘Jaq’ Silver, a chemical engineer working in Kranjskabel, Slovenia, for Snow Science, a company researching the means to reduce the number and severity of avalanches in areas devoted to the skiing tourist industry. She’s got a complicated backstory that the author subtly weaves into the current narrative that includes an unpleasant history with the Zagrovyl company, one of Snow Science’s suppliers and a critical player in the shady goings-on that Jaq inadvertently uncovers. Jaq is an outlier in the latest trend of more mature detectives in that she legitimately has the chops to investigate what she’s discovered, and technically, while she is a grandmother, she’s younger, more youthful, and in peak physical condition than what we normally expect of these older female amateur sleuths. She’s immediately determined to find out what Snow Science and Zagrovyl are involved in despite being gaslighted from all sides, and that’s before she becomes a person of interest to the police in a murder investigation. 

The story unfolds from multiple viewpoints as shady characters scramble across Europe to hide what they’re doing with one determined woman on their trail. After establishing the scenario, the plot moves quickly as characters pursue their plans across Europe, with Jaq on their heels. I loved that there was more than one set of bad actors out to stop her, which really threw a wrench into Jaq’s efforts at figuring out what was going on. The action is tight and suspenseful, keeping me completely engaged; some interesting twists really took me by surprise, adding another layer of complications. The descriptions of the settings are often just enough to give a sense of place, but the author chooses what is highlighted well, and there is always an evocative feeling of recognition. 

This title was originally published in 2019, but the edition I read for this review is a recent re-release, so three subsequent books in this series are already available to continue Jaq’s journeys. I recommend THE CHEMICAL DETECTIVE to readers of action and adventure, thrillers, mystery, and suspense who are looking for a strong, capable, and intelligent female protagonist.

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My Year of Casual Relationships

South Bay, #1

by

Ruth F. Stevens

Absolutely wonderful and thoroughly satisfying!

My Year of Casual Relationships by Ruth F. Stevens is a new adult contemporary novel filled with memorable characters, unlikely friendships, love and loss, and self-discovery. Mar Meyers is an icon for healing, growth, and second chances. 

The main character, Margaret ‘Mar’ Meyers, is putting together a new life, including a new persona after her husband of 28 years leaves her for one of his employees. As often happens, Mar loses not only Henry (good riddance!) but also their couple friends, who gravitate toward the newly-formed couple rather than the newly single Mar. Worst though is the contentious relationship that develops with her only child, Michael, who’s married and has a young son of his own, Mar’s grandson, Benny. Michael inexplicably takes his father’s side in the divorce, even though Henry is the one who had the affair and broke up the marriage. I ached for Mar with every unhappy and ugly interaction with her son but had strong suspicions as to the underlying reasons for his behavior all along. 

Mar’s mother, who lives across the country from LA in New York City, is another unfulfilling relationship in her life. Whether due to her British stiff-upper-lip demeanor or the fact that she’s completely self-absorbed, she’s no source of comfort or support for her daughter when she needs it the most. She seems so cold and unfeeling, which may be the reason for some of Mar’s own personality flaws. Mar struggles with being standoffish, critical, and expressing empathy. She is well-known for speaking her mind without considering the consequences of her words until it is too late. However, despite her initial emotional distance, she experienced significant personal growth as the story progressed, and I liked her more and more for it. 

The author’s writing style is smooth and comfortable, and it drew me into Mar’s life from page one. I was genuinely interested in what Mar thought and had to say. The descriptions of the fitness center, Mar’s waterfront apartment, restaurants, and clubs she frequents are vivid, and I could easily picture the characters in these settings. I enjoyed the names Mar initially gave to the women regulars at the fitness center, which also created a strong image of each. However, I was glad she got past this superficiality and eventually got to know them and their true identities. I was delighted to see at the end of the book that the planned sequel is already in the works and is scheduled for publication very soon. I’m not ready to leave Margaret’s story behind. 

With its relatable and sympathetic main character and realistic plot, I recommend MY YEAR OF CASUAL RELATIONSHIPS to readers of contemporary and women’s fiction. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.

The Cats’ Museum

by

Viviana Falleti

This based-on-the-truth story blossoms with colorful fantasy!

The Cats’ Museum by Viviana Falleti tells the history of the cats that have inhabited the famed Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, from the 18^th century to the present. The cats were originally brought into the museum by Catherine the Great to combat a rampant rat problem, which they still do to this day. The initial recruits did such a good job their numbers eventually swelled to as many as 74, and staff was assigned to attend to their needs and daily maintenance, as well as weekly brushing and monthly health checks. Once a year, Catherine would provide an amazing feast for these small essential workers consisting of delicacies specifically chosen to please the feline palate. In 2005, the Hermitage Museum began holding the annual “Day of the Hermitage Cats” celebration. The areas in the museum where the cats reside are opened up, and the cats are allowed to mingle with the public. A cat-themed festival is held on the grounds for all to enjoy. 

While relating this history, the author also whisks readers into an imaginative and whimsical behind-the-scenes look at the annual feline feast. What we have is a magical evening of food and fun, complete with a feline dance recital in traditional costumes. The fantastical tale is beautifully illustrated in luscious colors with intriguing details to explore again and again. The cats’ faces are delightfully expressive, and their appearance is so varied that cat lovers will be able to find an example of their favorite furry friend. Key felines are revealed to have traditional Russian names. 

The narrative is perfect for reading aloud and includes questions to engage young listeners further. I recommend THE CATS’ MUSEUM for young readers and listeners, especially those who have a soft spot for cats. 

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

Poetic Justice

Restaurantland Romance, #2

by

Kathleen McFall & Clark Hays

A deeply satisfying 1990s return to love at the Rose &Thorn Restaurant.

Poetic Justice is the second book in authors Kathleen McFall and Clark Hays’s Restaurantland Romance series and features Rosalyn “Roz” Anders, a prominent secondary character from the series’s debut novel, Kitchen Heat. Once again, readers are treated to multi-faceted characters dealing with serious, realistic struggles as they navigate their way to true love. 

Roz Anders is fighting for her sobriety, and it’s a day-by-day battle to control her addiction to alcohol. But when head chef Clay hires new line cook Hudson Destry, there’s an immediate attraction that gives her an added incentive to stay on course. However, her previous failed relationships and her debacle of a play for Clay the prior year have made her gun-shy and cautious of moving too fast, wanting to give whatever is growing between them a proper chance to flourish. She pours her heart and soul and struggles into writing poetry and is finding some surprising success when she shares her work at local readings. 

Hudson, newly released from prison where he was incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit, is keeping the details of his past under wraps for now. Through a justice project, his wrongful conviction is under review, and he is slowly getting closer and closer to being exonerated for the crime. Hudson wants to share everything about his past with Roz, and while he can be open about being an ex-con, his lawyer has advised against discussing any other aspects of his case until the court makes its final decision. Little does he know a messy twist of fate is about to complicate his relationship with her. 

I loved how the authors told this story from both the woman’s and the man’s point of view and portrayed the physical, emotional, and practical struggles these two characters faced, one as an alcoholic (the aching need for a drink) and the other as an ex-con (the difficulties finding a job and how people judge and forever relate to them.) But between these two damaged individuals, the chemistry is absolute FIRE when they are falling in love and gut-wrenching when they are falling apart. 

The story is set in early through the mid-1990s in a turbulent and environmentally-conscious Oregon. Hudson and Roz’s younger sister are both committed eco-activists. Still, while Hudson favors a non-violent approach to saving Mother Earth, Camille is not averse to using more hard-core methods. The plot unfolds along multiple timelines, moving back and forth through Roz’s and Hudson’s pasts to highlight how the characters came to be working at the Rose & Thorn Restaurant in their present psychological states and the nexus of the tragic lie that put Hudson in prison. I did have a little difficulty keeping the shifts in timelines straight, requiring one to pay strict attention to the chapter headings with dates that progressed days, weeks, or months. However, I did enjoy this method of revealing the backstories of the characters. 

The staff at the Rose & Thorn is still the quirky collection of characters they were when introduced in book one, though it took me going back to my review of that one to refresh my memory as to who everyone was; there are quite a few people to keep straight. As the story progressed, dropped clues to each person’s backstory also helped bring me back up to speed. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember why sweet Meredith was involved with Rob until the mention of her dissertation.

The plot is compelling, interesting, and, at times, suspenseful regarding the eco-terroristic activities, Hudson’s exoneration, and the couple’s rocky journey to a forever romance. The diverse secondary characters entertain and tease more stories to come. I recommend POETIC JUSTICE as a definite must-read for romance readers who enjoy a not-too-distant-past setting, the Pacific Northwest, or a culinary theme in their stories.

Read more of my book reviews at Boys' Mom Reads!

Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas

Murder, She Wrote, #59

by

Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran

As Cabot Cove plans its biggest Christmas season ever, someone adds murder to the holiday Calendar of Events.

A Killer Christmas is the 59^th novel in the long-running Murder, She Wrote mystery series penned by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran, and this latest tale does not disappoint. All the regulars are present and accounted for, with some newbies on hand, just in time for the holidays and a homicide. 

Reading a new mystery set in Cabot Cove is like returning to your cozy book hometown. Jessica Fletcher, Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff and Maureen Metzger, and so many others feel like family. With each added adventure, I’m always left in awe of how the authors maintain such perfect continuity from story to story and are able to work in so many familiar residents. In this story, the whole town comes together to plan a Christmas calendar of events to rival any in the state to win the title of Maine’s Christmas Town. 

The plot unfolds quietly with a lot of focus on the planning of the holiday events, setting arrangements in motion, and Eve trying to secure the sale of a large mansion on the cliffs overlooking the cove that will net her substantial commission. While interesting because I like Jessica and her circle of friends and acquaintances, I thought the build-up toward the murder took too long, Rose Marie’s death not occurring until over halfway into the book. Her death occurs almost on the page, in front of several women, including Jessica, and no one saw anything to make them believe that her time was imminent. And a recent altercation with another character distracts everyone on the case. However, the truth does not stay hidden long, and there is an interestingly calm and tragic resolution to the investigation. 

I recommend A KILLER CHRISTMAS to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy holiday-themed stories. 

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