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Bazaar

by

Miles Joyner

 

Exciting and fresh with an unpredictable new young assassin.

 

BAZAAR by Miles Joyner is a thrilling, unpredictable story of a deadly game of murder for hire. Ultra-skilled executive protection firms are on the alert! A new online, high-stakes app combines gambling with a murder-for-hire bidding system that anyone with the guts can join, and the first hit on the son of a Nigerian diplomat, accomplished in the middle of Washington, D.C., is a tragic success. Now, the fledgling protection firm, Raptor, with founders and siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma, are in a cat-and-mouse game against a surprising new foe as he goes after their new make-it-or-break-it client: the diplomat himself. 

I enjoyed this book immensely, and I was torn between rooting for the characters on both sides of the target: Raptor and their crew and Aaron Williams, the surprisingly adept young killer. I wanted Karen and Yemi’s group to excel while at the same time hoping for Aaron’s success and a way out of the situation caused by his father’s shocking death at his own hands. 

The plot is fast-paced, with a shocking murder occurring soon after the story begins. I was caught completely off guard by the unexpected opening, and I was hooked for the duration of the tale. The death pool with a twist was riveting and unique, and Aaron Williams is a surprisingly relatable antagonist, displaying a genius and aptitude for the horrific work. His backstory is compelling, and he was easy to get behind, even with his actions being murder. 

I recommend BAZAAR to thriller and mystery readers. 

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

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Time Traveler's Playlist: A Classic Rock Time Travel AdventureTime Traveler's Playlist: A Classic Rock Time Travel Adventure by David Homick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An exciting, suspenseful, and, ultimately, heartwarming story of finding one’s self and one’s soulmate.

Time Traveler’s Playlist by David Homick is an exciting, suspenseful, and, ultimately, heartwarming story of a young man’s pursuit of his one true love (and classic 70s rock and roll music.) I was honestly captivated by this tale from start to finish.

The hunt for legendary Aztec gold on his family’s farm leads 22-year-old Angus Walker to a hidden cave with a mysterious portal to the past. Mustering his courage, he passes through the portal and finds himself in Denver, Colorado, in the year 1978, where the muscle cars and land yachts of his dreams proudly cruise the city streets, and the classic rock music that he collected in his time period are new releases here. He also falls head over heels for the dynamic female lead vocalist and bass player of a rising local band, who knows more than she’s letting on about Angus’s unconventional mode of transportation to the 70s.

Angus is the wonderful protagonist of the story, a sad-sack, self-prophesying loser in his own time of 2024; he seems to fit in with life in 1978, coming close to being one of the cool kids. In his time, he has a good ‘ride or die’ friend in Walter ‘Waldo’ Hastings, a fellow misfit in high school due to his high IQ and dedication to academics, and Ozzy, a lovable stray black lab named after the infamous, original frontman for Black Sabbath. Both Waldo and Ozzy are endearing, and each time Angus returned home to 2024, I worried whether his actions in the past would negatively affect either of these characters – because changes occurred!

While Angus may have succumbed to the negative talk and bullying in his formative years, he regularly shows perseverance and courage throughout the story. He stands up to the bullies. He confronts Lars and Sam head-on when necessary. He talked himself into entering the portal. He pursued his soulmate and then sacrificed everything for love.

The plot is fast-paced, and the transitions between time periods are clear and easy to follow. The descriptions of the rugged and remote Utah farm and 1978 Denver are vivid, creating the perfect backdrops for the ensuing action. I thoroughly enjoyed the song title chapter headings, which not only foreshadowed the coming direction of the story but were tunes contemporary to the time. The selections were so perfect that I compiled them, along with additional songs mentioned in the narrative, into a fun, nostalgic new playlist.

I recommend TIME TRAVELER’S PLAYLIST to fiction readers who enjoy time travel tales of romance.

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

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Higher Love

by

Joanne Kukanza Easley

 

Emotionally evocative and character-driven dive into what makes and takes a family.

 

Higher Love, a sequel to author Joanne Kukanza Easley’s I’ll Be Seeing You, continues the story of Lauren Eaton, where the results of her past actions suddenly thrust themselves into her present. However, the skillful and steady insertion of background information brought me up to date and prevented me from feeling like I’d missed out. Readers who have not read the previous book will easily be able to read and enjoy this one as a standalone. 

At 62 years of age, Lauren Eaton, with her porcelain skin and vibrant head of mahogany curls, could readily pass for a much younger woman. She absolutely doesn’t look or feel her age, that is until her biological granddaughter shows up on her doorstep looking for her ‘real’ granny. Faced with the evidence of an almost forgotten past, it was like looking into a mirror, and there was no denying the relationship whatsoever. 

Recently orphaned Stephanie Babcock Kingston had run away from her haughty and insular Boston grandmother’s home when threatened with boarding school. It was only after her mother’s death that she discovered that Evelyn Cabot Babcock wasn’t her biological grandmother and had kept the truth from her and her mother their entire lives. Fleeing to Austin and Lauren, she hoped to build a new, fresh life in Texas. 

Told from the dual, alternating points of view of Lauren and Stephanie, the plot is deeply emotional and expressed in such a compelling manner that time seemed to melt away for me. Both Lauren and her granddaughter have a lot of catching up to do, clarifications to make, and trust to build. Both are struggling with their own demons. Lauren is 25 years sober, and readers gain an authentic glimpse into her struggle to maintain sobriety, serving as a poignant reminder that the fight is a lifelong one. Her new-found granddaughter has a recent history of self-harm to overcome. Stephanie is finally able to grieve her father’s earlier passing and her mother’s sudden death from a tragic accident while vacationing in Belize. Together with Lauren’s new husband and truly great guy, Brett, they slowly come to terms with the past, overcome new challenges, and focus on creating a new future as a family. 

With its strong and, I suspect, lasting emotional impact, this story is for readers seeking character-driven tales of tragedy, pain, self-determination, and the healing power of love. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

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Too Much the Lion

A Novel of the Battle of Franklin

by

Preston Lewis

 

The life and times, as well as the horrors and realities of the Civil War, are encapsulated in this fictional account of the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee.

 

Too Much the Lion by Preston Lewis is a compelling historical novel of the days leading up to, the results, and aftermath of this tragic battle during the closing days of the American Civil War at Franklin, Tennessee. A battle that shouldn’t have been fought; it cemented the Confederate loss and changed the course of life for thousands. 

The novel presents the stories of generals, soldiers, and the residents of the area as they prepare for the fateful clash between an exhausted and undersized Confederate army against an entrenched Union force many times its size. Lewis gives readers an insider’s view into every angle of the tragic events, and it is an emotional and draining vision, with all the inevitability of watching a train wreck unfold. What sets this recounting apart from others of its kind is the portrayal of the participants; the author brings these people to life. 

I recommend TOO MUCH THE LION to readers of historical fiction and Civil War stories. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

 

For this and other reviews and the occasional GIVEAWAY, visit my blog, Boys' Mom Reads!, HERE!

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Homemaker

Prairie Nightingale Mystery, #1

by

Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare

 

A Green Bay housewife becomes involved in the investigation of a missing woman from her former mothers' group.

 

Homemaker is the first book in authors Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare amazing new series, Prairie Nightingale Mysteries, and is one of the most entertaining books I've read this year. Prairie Nightingale notices things, and she knows something is off in the elementary school moms' group she used to be a part of, even before the news that Lisa Ratcliffe was missing. As she talks to the missing woman's closest friends, many of whom were involved in the same multilevel marketing business, Kitty Blue, she starts gathering important pieces of information that, when combined, could be critical to law enforcement in solving the baffling disappearance. Of course, the local FBI agent on the case wants her to back off and leave the investigation to the professionals while showing her a more personal side that could work out to something interesting for her Thursday night date nights. However, they both have access to resources that the other does not, with her having insider knowledge about the missing woman and an uncanny ability to see connections in the clues that others don't. 

Prairie Nightingale is a fun and relatable yet complex character with a unique backstory and an unusual post-divorce, co-parenting situation with her ex-husband. She's smart and witty, and her interactions with Special Agent Foster Rosemare are delightful as long as they are not discussing "his" case. I enjoyed how she developed some remarkably intricate theories about what happened to Lisa based on her observations and interviews with the woman's friends. 

The plot leaps off to a good start with the mystery introduced early in the story. The story unfolds from Prairie's point of view, so readers have full access to her thought processes and motives as he pursues her private inquiries. There are plenty of relatable moments with Prairie, the mother, and Prairie, the newly single woman, to enjoy as she slowly makes her way to the truth behind what happened to Lisa Ratcliffe. 

I recommend HOMEMAKER to readers who enjoy mysteries, cozies, and domestic thrillers.

 

For this and other book reviews and the occasional GIVEAWAY, visit Boys' Mom Reads!

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By Hook or By Book

Charmed Inn Mystery, #1

by

Misty Simon

 

Fun start to this unique new paranormal cozy mystery series.

 

By Hook or By Book is the first book in author Misty Simon's delightful new Charmed Inn Mysteries series featuring an unusual family with unique paranormal gifts who own and operate a lovely old inn. It's the 30th annual authors' weekend at the Charmed Inn, an event that innkeeper Roxanne Gleason has long helped put together, but this year, she's heading it up on her own for the first time since her grandfather, the previous owner, retired. But when one of their long-time guests and good friend is discovered dead, and the bumbling local police officer with a grudge against Roxy is put in charge of the investigation, she has her hands full, trying to unmask the real murderer before an innocent person is wrongly charged. 

Roxanne is an engaging and likable young woman, with a houseful of anxious guests and quirky family members who possess special paranormal skills. She herself is a bibliomancer; she can use books or text to answer questions and clarify the unknown. Unfortunately, she hasn't quite mastered this unpredictable gift, and the answers she gets are often as not to be pretty cryptic. I enjoyed her attempts to manage her investigation and her unrecognized feelings for her best friend, Dean. She really puts him through some hoops early on as she tries to use her gift without him seeing her, running him to the library, then to the kitchen, and then abandoning him with the cat back in the library, leaving their untouched picnic feast behind. Her lively family and staff are a highlight of the book. 

The plot moves quickly, with the murder occurring early in the story. The authors' group is gung-ho to try their hand at solving their friend's murder, but one of their number may actually be the killer. Roxanne must put her plans to solve the crime into high gear to come to a solution before the weekend is over and the group scatters for another year. There are plenty of suspects to consider before the truth comes out. 

I recommend BY HOOK OR BY BOOK to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a touch of the paranormal in their stories. 

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 Penthouse on Park Avenue

Houses of Crime, #2

by

Jenny Dandy

 

Another intriguing operation with complex characters in this crime fiction tale set in New York City.

 

The Penthouse on Park Avenue is the second book in author Jenny Dandy's smoothly delivered and complex New York City-set crime fiction series, Houses of Crime,* and features the return of FBI Special Agent Frank Jankowski and the former homeless and street-wise Ronnie Charles. In this adventure, the two work together to expose the money laundering of a high-society financier on behalf of a dangerous drug cartel. While working to disrupt the cartel's operations, they also search for any word on Frank's runaway, drug-addicted daughter and end up mired in morally compromising situations. 

Under the surveillance and with the assistance of the FBI, Ron gains employment as a butler in the home of wealthy former Wall Street financier John Anthony, whom the FBI has long known directs the money laundering aspects of Mateo Rosas de Flores, the New York head of the Mataderos drug cartel. Her reluctant mission is to gather irrefutable evidence of Anthony's involvement and specific activities. Ronnie is torn between keeping a good position and working with anyone or anything related to illegal drugs. On the other hand, Frank is pushed into participating in compromising activities as he works a relationship with a drug dealer with a connection to his missing daughter. He's morally tested when he's thrown into situations he's obligated to stop. 

The author's storytelling is absorbing, and readers who have not read the previous book in the series will be able to pick up enough backstory to understand and enjoy this second novel as a standalone. I recommend THE PENTHOUSE ON PARK AVENUE to readers of crime fiction, mysteries, or thrillers. 

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

 

*See my review of Book One in the Houses of Crime series, The Brownstone on 3. 83rd, HERE!

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Wheeler-Dealer

The Ghost and Camper Kooky Mystery, #1

by

Rita Moreau

 

Fun, quirky, cozy mystery series debut.

 

Wheeler-Dealer is the first book in author Rita Moreau’s fun and quirky cozy The Ghost and Camper Kooky Mystery series. With its retirement-age protagonists, memorable secondary characters, and road trip storyline, I was primed for a good story before I even finished the first chapter! When 60-ish Mabel Gold’s husband leaves her for a younger woman, she decides to buy an RV and head west with a friend and her husband. But when a member of their traveling group is murdered, Mabel and the flamboyant ghost who came with her used camper investigate, hoping to win points with St. Peter so the ghost can finally enter the gates of heaven. 

Mabel Gold is the plucky divorcee who tells the story and is able to see and communicate with Irma, the Airstream-tied spirit of a Las Vegas madam. I enjoyed their extensive backstories, which really allowed me to gain a complete picture of these two sassy characters (and many of the others, too) and form a strong connection to both. The murder plot unfolds at a deliberate pace, but the meticulous preparation lays a solid foundation for what is to come and for the series going forward. As the reason for Irma to move along from purgatory is the completion of good deeds, she assists Mabel and Lili in getting to the bottom of what’s going on. There’s never a dull moment with Irma around, and Mabel had me laughing a number of times as well. However, the story could benefit from some cleanup of repetitive mentions of characters’ concerns or explanations. Still, I definitely look forward to getting into the next book in the series. 

I recommend WHEELER-DEALER to cozy mystery fans who enjoy more mature main characters and a bit of the woo-woo and ghosts in their stories.

 

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

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Wolf of the Nordic Seas

Valiant Vikings, #2

by

Jennifer Ivy Walker

 

Gloriously immersive tale of vengeance, romance, sacrifice, and destiny!

 

Wolf of the Nordic Seas is the second book in author Jennifer Ivy Walker’s exciting Valiant Vikings* historical fiction series, and while featuring characters from the previous novel, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. With honorable and selfless characters willing to do what they must as the trusted leaders of their people, the atmospheric Normandy setting, and its consuming and immersive narrative, I was absolutely hooked from the very first scene. 

Lady Elfi Thorfinnsdottir unexpectedly becomes the Heiress of Etretat when her brother is killed defending their home from the attack of Alberic of Soissons and his Frankish army. She assumes the role of chatelaine of the Chateau Blanc when, during a second attack, the lord, her father, is taken prisoner and held hostage by the same man. The price of his safe return? Her hand in marriage! 

The marriage proposal is part of Alberic’s political machinations to regain control of the Viking-held territory. Elfi is torn between saving her father, who will be executed should she refuse Alberic’s terms, and causing her brother’s ultimate sacrifice to be for naught. She calls upon the aid of the other Viking lords, who rush to her defense with men, arms, and another marriage proposal; this time, to the renowned sea-going warrior Njord Ivarrsson, also known as the Wolf of the Nordic Seas, she accepts. 

Elfi, trained as a shieldmaiden by her brother but protected by her father, chafes under the restrictions he enforces because she is female. The fact that her value resides solely in her marriageability, dowry, and now, the Chateau Blanc as its heiress is a hard pill for her to swallow. However, to safeguard her home and those who depend upon her strength and wise decisions, including her captive father, she readily sacrifices her future to secure their safety. 

Njord Ivarrsson had a rough start in life but has made the most of his opportunities to rise to where he is now. At the order of his king, he leaves this northern home to defend the Chateau Blanc and wed Elfi, removing her from her father’s hostage equation. I loved that Elfi and Njord were both strong, matched characters, and they had an immediate connection with one another. However, a prophecy foretold that Njord would find his mate across the seas in a distant place, ushering in the magical, paranormal elements of the story. 

What follows includes a political chess game of thwarted ambitions, treachery, vengeance, and a satisfying romance that transcends fate. I recommend WOLF OF THE NORDIC SEAS to historical fiction readers who enjoy a good slow-burn romance and a touch of paranormal elements in their stories. 

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

 

*See my review of Book One of the Valiant Vikings series, Dragon of Denmark, HERE!

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After Pearl

Nicholas Bishop Mystery, #1

by

Stephen G. Eoannou

 

Entertaining WWII-era noir-vibed murder mystery introducing gumshoe Nicholas Bishop.

 

After Pearl is the first book in author Stephen G. Eoannou’s new private investigator mystery series, and the 1940s noir vibe is strong and sure with this one. When PI Nicholas Bishop awakens on the floor of his room after a five-day bender with two bullets missing from his .38, a strange one-eyed dog at his feet, and the coppers on their way to his door, he doesn’t need to be much of a detective to realize he’s got trouble. Suddenly, he’s got three cases to solve involving the missing shots, his missing car, and the missing chanteuse who was last seen driving off in it with him passed out in the passenger seat. 

Nicholas Bishop, seemingly known by everyone in Buffalo as “Nicky the Weasel,” has had some great success as a PI. However, a taxi-induced injury to his foot, which prevented him from serving in the war currently raging in Europe and the South Pacific, has led many in town to label him a coward. His alcohol intake isn’t doing him any good, either. While his appalling condition and circumstances at the start of the book are largely his own doing, I couldn’t help but like this guy and really root for him to come out on top the entire time. He’s truthful with himself about how he got to where he is, and his internal monologue is mostly open and honest. He’s wonderfully witty besides. I liked how the author reveals Nick’s backstory, piece by piece, whenever something relevant requires it rather than a long opening exposition. 

The plot progresses quickly, even with the necessary world-building required for the first book of a series, as it introduces friends, family, acquaintances, rivals, mobsters, the local police, and a detailed layout of the town and various settings. The author ups the ante for Bishop with the addition of a new paying client via his attorney partner, Fat Ira Weiss, whose office has been targeted by anti-semitic vandals. The latest case soon crosses paths with Bishop’s own troubles, which go from curious to deadly in a hurry. Thankfully, he’s got his former Girl Friday/PI-wannabe Gia Aletti to take him in hand at his lowest point and get him back in the game. Their banter is an absolute laugh-out-loud delight and a highlight of the story. With quite a few moving parts to coordinate, this story proves more complex than I originally expected and a completely compelling and satisfying reading experience. 

I recommend AFTER PEARL to readers of mysteries and private detective fiction, especially those who enjoy a 1940s timeframe and a noirish vibe. 

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