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REVIEW
The Deepest Kill by Lisa Black
Locard Institute #3
Was it really an accident…or was it murder? That is what Martin Post needs to know about his recently deceased daughter SO he calls in the Locard Institute experts to find out.
What I liked:
* Dr. Ellie Carr: left FBI to work for Locard Institute, crime scene analyst, scientist, divorced, and from previous books know that she purchased a house, took in a rescue dog not mentioned in this book so wonder who is watching it, had a difficult backstory
* Dr. Rachel Davies: assistant director of Locard Institute, bright, single parent to deceased sister’s toddler, counts on her mother for childcare, left job as medical examiner to work at Locard Institute, divorced
* The plot, pacing, setting in Florida, writing – plenty of twists and turns
* The forensic information I learned and how it tied into this case
* FBI agents Michael Tyler and Luis Alvarez who were in the last book and showed up again in this one – wondering if perhaps Michael is interested in Ellie
* Thinking about wealth and how it motivated some in this story
* Wondering if or when Ellie might l earn more about how her mother died and what if any impact it will have on her
* Having a feeling I knew who the murderer was when that person showed up and then being validated at the end of the story
* The title of the book and how it tied into the story
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The reasoning behind the murderers decision to kill…such a waste…
* The ending…though it completes the story, would have liked to have one more chapter, I think
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC this is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
BLURB
A riveting thriller that puts the New York Times bestselling author squarely in the same league as Patricia Cornwell and Jefferson Bass, the Locard Institute Thriller series draws on Lisa Black’s real-life scientific expertise and her skill in crafting complex and dynamic female characters, as two female forensic experts team up to solve the deadliest and most devious crimes.
For software pioneer Martin Post, the third richest man in America, his private compound on the Florida coast is a sunny no-man’s-land separating his family from the rest of the world. Now, expert forensic analysts Ellie Carr and Rachael Davies of the renowned Locard Institute have been summoned to its dark side.
Martin’s pregnant daughter, Ashley, had ventured on a day trip in her motorboat into the Gulf, only to wash up dead on a nearby shore. Although the local coroner determined her death was an accident, Ellie and Rachael soon confirm Martin’s gravest fear: His daughter was murdered. Was it a kidnapping gone wrong? Or something even more brutal? Ashley and her husband, Greg, had been working working with Martin on a revolutionary new defense initiative for the US military – could espionage have played a part in her death? Martin believes Greg is behind the murder, and the spoiled charmer does set off Rachel’s deception radar. If the widower didn’t kill Ashley himself, why isn’t he more upset that she’s dead?
Drawn into the Posts’ increasingly dangerous family dynamic, Ellie and Rachael must work hard and fast to discover what secrets are buried at the heart of the crime. Because the churning waters of the Gulf are getting rougher. And soon, Ellie and Rachael themselves will be in danger of getting crushed in their depths.
#Lisa Black#Locard Institute Thriller 3#Kensington Books#NetGalley#Murder Mystery#Forensic Murder Mystery#Fiction#Whodunnit#Crime
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REVIEW
Make Him by Kelly Finley
I have been waiting and WAITING to find out what happens with Luca Mercier and Scarlett Jones ~ I knew their story would sizzle and steam, have a bit of kink, and make me think. And, boy did it!
What I liked:
* Scarlett: strong, protective, bodyguard, Titled MMA fighter, oldest of four sisters, has abandonment issues, knows what she wants, is not vanilla, and a person I would want at my side
* Luca: widow, single parent, owner of Mercier Hotel chain, made a vow he won’t break but that might break him, has an obsessed stalker, powerful, rich, dominant, possessive, difficult
* Zar Rollins: Luca’s college friend, CFO of Mercier Hotels, charming, attractive, wealthy, warmhearted, good friend, has dreams, intriguing – really liked him
* Gia: Luca’s five-year-old daughter, going to kindergarten and needs a bodyguard, strong, independent, fun addition to the story, smiling as I think of her
* Darby: though dead she is still a big part of the story
* Abby: sister-in-law to Luca and Darby’s sister, wise, snarky, honest, wants what is best for Luca and Gian, honest and a good friend
* Ruby: closest sister in age to Scarlett and am wondering if she will get a book of her own – she would be hot as in one. The other sisters were not met but are potential characters for future books
* The red color in names through the story
* Getting to see how characters from previous books are doing
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The scorching heat and unapologetic way all consensually participated in them
* The caring and understanding and angst and feeling immersed in the story
* All of it except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like – the stalker and the adult mean-girl
* Having to wait for Luca to finally see the light
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
BLURB
Make Him: A Single Dad/Alpha Dom Romance
Welcome to my luxury hotel; welcome to my taboo hell.
Nobody knows Luca Mercier lives two lives.
In one, I’m a lonely billionaire — a widowed, protective father.
In the other, I have demands. I have urges.
I crave watching others submit to my whip.
And I keep a tortured vow.
Until her.
In a moment of weakness, I devoured a powerful woman one night.
Though I left her, I gave her my twisted heart.
I’m obsessed. Touch her, and you’ll die.
But my dark ways pose a serious threat to my daughter. I need help, someone who will fight for her too.
And it’s Scarlett Jones — the woman I left that brutal, beautiful night.
I vowed never to touch her again. To never love again.
Unless she makes me.
From the “Queen of Spice,” author Kelly Finley, comes a single-dad, billionaire, dark romance standalone. Make Him is an angsty why choose, with forced workplace proximity and serious touch-her-and-die vibes. These characters also appear in other books in the author’s steamy world.
For a full list of tropes and CWs, see the author's website.
TROPES:
Billionaire Dom
Single Dad
Why Choose
Workplace romance
Extreme Angst & Spice
HEA worth begging for
AUTHOR BIO
Quote:
“You don’t need permission.
You only need passion.”
My current motto:
Give me time and another crisis—I’ll have new one
Her readers started calling her “The Queen of Spice”!
Kelly Finley hates writing bios but appreciates that you clicked here… So here you go…
She lives in the Carolinas with her sexy husband and cherished family. A rebel with many causes, she fancies black leather, dirty jokes, big hearts, and smart mouths.
Dedicated to writing books featuring characters with proud love, shameless heat, brave hearts, and whip-smart minds—she's most likely at her keyboard putting the next spicy story on the page for you right now.
She likes to call it #shamelessfiction.
Want to connect with Kelly and her readers, aka. The Lemonheads (when you read AFTER HIM… you’ll get it)? Follow her on her socials or connect using the Discord App.
Links to social media can be found on Kelly’s website:
https://www.kellyfinley.com/
#Kelly Finley#Billionaire Dom#Single Dad#Why Choose#Workplace Romance#Extreme Angst & Spice#HEA worth begging for#Steamy#erotic#throuple#bdsm#stalker#mean girl#bodyguard#romance#fiction
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REVIEW
Broken Crown by MJ Crouch
Gilded Empire #1
Marianna Elizabette Marcosa – “Mari” – was as a mafia princess knowing she was destined to be bartered in marriage to a man that would strength the mafia family. She grew up in Seattle, learned all that her twin brother was taught by their father, but never thought the leadership of the family would fall to her. She has worked hard to maintain control and though still into some shady and criminal activities, has put in effort to clean things up a bit and make Seattle safer for the crime lords and the city in general.
Mari has a well-oiled team that have promised loyalty to her and the Marcosa family – and they know the consequences for not keeping their sworn promise. Business is good but vigilance is necessary at all times as is maintaining alliances between the city’s crime lords. The boat is rocked with the assassination of a cousin followed by the arrival of a new player who intends to take over the city.
Mari has devoted her life to the Marcosa Family Enterprise, has fought and bled for them, protects them, has lost friends and family due to the business they are in, and has few people she truly trusts and can rely on. Who does she have in her corner? A young woman who is a designer and wants out from under being a mafia princess herself. A cousin that is close as a brother. A housekeeper. Her soldiers. And three men who love her and would die for her.
- There is a man who has been at her side from childhood, is her best friend, protective, and her second in command,
- There is another man she knew as a teen who has just returned, he has memories of Mari that don’t quite hive with how she is now so some things to work through while working as the underboss
- And finally, there is a good Samaritan that shows up to help change a tire, gets pulled into a shootout, works as a bartender in Gilded – he has secrets that I want to have revealed.
This is the first book in a series. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down. There is a cliffhanger ending BUT I am hopeful things will work out well for the person in jeopardy because…there is a second book coming out soon. The main characters are people I can relate to and would like to have as friends. I’m not sure I could be Mari but do enjoy reading about her life and wonder how she will eventually handle the men who love her BUT I can’t wait to find out!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
BLURB
I was raised to be a mafia wife—a bargaining chip, a tool, a toy. All that was expected of me was to look beautiful and stay quiet.
I never anticipated becoming queen of the Marcosa empire. But when my father and brother were killed, there was no other choice.
For six years I’ve learned to become ruthless, strategic, and deadly—to keep my empire intact. That path has been stained with my enemies’ blood.
And sometimes my own.
Now a new enemy has appeared. He hides in the shadows determined to destroy me piece by painful piece.
With everything falling apart, I am unsure of who to trust. Except for the three men at the very foundation of my survival:
Greyson - My best friend, my second-in-command, my savior. We’ve been bound together since birth and will remain so until we leave this life behind.
Dominic – My new underboss with molten eyes and a smile made for war. He was my first. He’s determined to be my last. He brings out a gentle side in me I don’t know if I can afford.
Nate – My good Samaritan who is also a weapon, a killer—I can’t let myself forget that. He has secrets, which sometimes prove deadly in my world. But resisting him isn’t an option.
Danger is coming at me from all sides. Without my three men, I won’t survive. They’ll burn the world to the ground to keep me safe.
But that may not be enough.
•••••
Author’s note: Broken Crown is the first book in the Gilded Empire series and ends on a cliffhanger. This is a Why Choose romance with violence, dark themes, and ruthlessly possessive—and protective—men
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REVIEW
The Night Time is the Right Time by Meritt Graves
The synopsis of the book and the beginning of the book were excellent. I soon found myself confused and floundering as I tried to figure out Logan Harrison and the story. He is a man that is living in what is definitely the future, has made some less than wise decisions, and has tried to do his best to provide for his brother and himself after their parents died.
I ended up skimming the story rather than reading word for word and found that this time period has a great deal of AI in use, companies are ruthless as they are now but perhaps even more so, and that Logan is renting out his body to make money to support Nate and himself. The kind of renting being done sounds a bit like what happened in Ghost when Patrick Swayze took over Whoopi Goldberg’s body but with more sci-fi elements and for much less positive reasons.
There is a great deal of talk about drugs, the companies, AI, who is behind the murder that begins the story, who to trust, and whether or not the world will end soon if things are not figured out and fixed.
This book had a great deal of potential but left me floundering with all of the people, changes in who they were or might be, mention of drugs I’m not acquainted with, and scientific information that left me behind. This is a book that may appeal to some and really hit the spot but for me it was just “okay”
Thank you to NetGalley and Enoviu Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
BLURB
Logan Harrison jolts awake in a hotel bathroom, confronted by the stares of three lifeless strangers. A knife is a few feet away, and blood’s everywhere. Baffled and horrified, he can only wonder: Had he been “driven” on The Night Time is the Right Time—a revolutionary, full-immersion body-renting platform? That’s the only plausible explanation, yet his dashboard shows no rentals.
With sirens wailing and the shadow of a nameless driver lurking around every turn, Logan must stitch together the evening, uncovering why someone would want these people dead and why they’d want him to do it. This means journeying inwards, re-examining events from a harrowing past few years, in which he lost both of his parents and spent eighteen months in prison for an assault charge that continues to haunt him.
The Night Time is the Right Time is a pulse-clipping, character-driven technothriller that plunges readers into a vortex of intrigue and unrelenting peril, challenging them to confront a fraying world on the brink of unprecedented digital upheaval.
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REVIEW
Hard Contact by Cameron Curtis
A Breed Thriller #8
I missed book seven in the series but felt right at home following Breed on his next thrilling adventure.
What I liked:
* The gritty compelling introduction to the story and how Breed took care of business
* Breed: intriguing, strong, lethal, intelligent, ex-military, sniper, excellent and varied skills, independent contractor, battle-scarred, survivor, attractive to women, someone I would like to have as a friend and definitely would want in my corner if in trouble
* Anya Stein: CIA Director of Special Situations, intelligent, strategic thinker, capable, hard worker, dedicated, intriguing, not infallible, and seeing a different side of her in this story
* Hecate Kyrios: Greek, daughter of wealthy businessman, strong, resilient, will probably take over her father’s business, might have been a ship passing in the night or could show up again in a future book in the series
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That I felt I was there with Breed and a part of the story – and yet was really glad that I was NOT there – can’t imagine the training that he must have gone through to do all that he can in these books
* The twists, turns, and surprises that kept occurring
* Following the story and finding out who the bad guys were and what they were up to
* Wondering what Breed does when he is NOT working for the Stein and the CIA
* Thinking about what type of situation Breed will find himself in next
* All of it really, except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Having to wait for the next book in the series
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
BLURB
When two billion dollars of gold are stolen, you don’t call the cops. You call Breed.
The Medusa, a freighter carrying gold bullion worth two billion dollars, is hijacked off the coast of Greece. Using sophisticated technology, the hijackers make the vessel disappear. The CIA’s deputy director, Anya Stein, recruits Breed to locate the vessel and recover the gold.
Breed and Stein trace the missing vessel to the mouth of the Aegean Sea, between the islands of Rhodes and Crete. Realising Breed is on their trail, the hijackers do everything they can to stop him – permanently.
Breed and Stein enlist the aid of a Greek shipping magnate, his fiery daughter, and the USS Pressley Bannon, currently based out of Crete. With their help, Breed uses all his Special Forces training to find the Medusa, break into the hijackers’ base, and serve the killers his own lethal brand of justice.
This time, it’s hard contact all the way.
Hard Contact —Book Eight in the stunning Breed action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Jason Kasper, Jack Carr, and Lee Child.
#Cameron Curtis#A Breed Thriller 8#NetGalley#Inkubator Books#Thriller#Mystery#Murder#Crime#ex-military#mercenary#Fiction
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REVIEW
The Therapy Room by Sam Baron
FBI Agent Susan Parker #1
I nearly gave up on this book at various times while reading. This is a twisted tale that is complex and complicated but one I had trouble relating to or becoming immersed in. At times I felt like I had come into book two of a series as there was little backstory and the characters were not well fleshed out. There was a lot going on with numerous characters introduced but I never really felt I got to know them well and found them difficult to warm up to. Though the FBI team did figure out who “The Splinter” serial killer was, there were still many holes in the story that were not dealt with and hopefully will be wrapped up in future books of the series. As I was unable to relate to Susan, I probably will not continue with this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
BLURB
It’s a typical farm kitchen. A large table fills the space, and in one of the chairs is the lifeless body of Doctor Magnusson. Under his feet and the dusty wooden floorboards lie the basement – and twelve therapy rooms. Behind each locked door, the victims are about to be rescued…
When a world-renowned psychiatrist is found dead in an abandoned ranch house in the Californian Santa Carina Valley, a post-it note with the words ‘Susan Parker’ and her cell phone number is taped to the basement door.
Still grieving her husband’s devastating suicide less than a year ago, FBI agent Susan Parker is taking a break from work and trying to rebuild her life as a single mom to her seven-year-old daughter Natalie. When she’s called to the crime scene of Doctor Magnusson, a chill runs down her spine.
For years, Susan had been trying to hunt down the doctor, convinced he was the serial killer known as ‘Splinter.’ Someone is playing a cruel game with her, and they’ve only just begun.
Desperate to speak to the twelve victims rescued from the locked therapy rooms, Susan finds herself faced with a wall of silence. Why won’t they talk?
Battling her demons while confronting the toughest case she’s ever had to solve. Susan discovers a chilling truth about the true nature of ‘Splinter’ – a killer preying on those seeking therapy.
But that’s not all she finds…
She’s about to uncover a shocking secret behind her husband’s death – one that links him to the Splinter case.
With her family’s safety hanging in the balance and her career on the line, can Susan protect her precious daughter and prevent a new killing spree before it’s too late?
A totally addictive and heart-stopping page-turner that will have fans of Robert Dugoni, Charlie Donlea and Lisa Regan reading late into the night.
#Sam Baron#FBI Agent Susan Parker 1#Storm Publishing#NetGalley#Murder#Crime#Torture#Whodunnit#Police Procedural#Fiction
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REVIEW
Erase Me by May McGoldrick/Jan Coffey
Time & Tide #2
Delightful though provoking second book in a wonderful time travel series that had me hoping all would turn out well for Avalie, Reed, and the people they cared for.
What I liked:
* Avalie Briar: from the future, rogue on a mission, computer hacker and IT nerd, brilliant, strong martial arts skills, has hopes to save someone dear to her even if it disrupts time
* Reed Michaels: time traveler from the future, person who adjusts issues in the past, bounty hunter without a bounty to collect, sometimes assassin, important connections in the future, lethal
* Watching the cautious relationship develop between Avalie and Reed
* The tie-in to Mr. & Mrs. Smith
* Getting to see Xander and Nadine from Jane Austen Cannot Marry and finding out what they are doing and may be doing in the future
* Thinking about how time travel might come about, how it would impact people in the past and future, and wondering what it would be like
* Thinking about the authors and why this type of story was written by them and has meaning to them
* The location in San Clemente since I grew up in Southern California
* The reasons Avalie went back in time, the way she presented her reasons to Reed, and the decision that Reed made regarding her request
* Thinking about rules, why they are made, and also thinking about times it is better not to follow but perhaps bend or break the rules
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the greed of some people and how they might use time travel for negative reasons
* Having to say goodbye to the characters
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely!
Thank you to the authors for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
BLURB
Love and Loyalty Clash in a World of Secrets and Deception! From USA Today Bestselling Author May McGoldrick and Jan Coffey
ERASE ME In the sun-soaked streets of a California beach town, two strangers' paths collide, sparking an unexpected and fiery connection. Brought together by chance, they quickly discover that fate has a twisted sense of humor. And their entanglement is far from your typical love story. Both harbor secrets, lead double lives, and are on missions of paramount importance, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle of wits and wills.
Far from the conventional star-crossed lovers, Avalie and Reed are covert agents, each possessing the power to alter the course of history. Sparks ignite with every moment they share, yet their hearts and loyalties are divided. They find themselves ensnared in a whirlwind of deception, and their missions pit them against each other. Trapped in a perilous game of cat and mouse, trust is scarce, and betrayal lurks around every corner.
As they race against time and each other, their emotions intensify, blurring the lines between duty and desire. Will they follow their hearts, risking everything they've ever known, or will they remain loyal to the orders that bind them? Can love conquer all, or will loyalty to their missions tear them asunder?
Erase Me is a thrilling tale of cunning deception and a forbidden attraction so intense it could reshape the world. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride filled with intrigue, betrayal, and passion.
AUTHOR BIO
May McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
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Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
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Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
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REVIEW
A Taste of Whiskey by Melissa Foster
The Whiskeys: Dark Knights of Redemption Ranch
Colorado ranch with heart and hope run by the Western Whiskeys sees daughter Sasha decide it is now or never for her to act upon an interest that has been on slow burn since she was inhigh school. With a no fraternization between employees rule where they work, on the family ranch, being with him is forbidden so how WILL they get together?
The intertwining storylines of various series are fun to read in order or whenever you come across a book by this author. And this time, as always, the lead characters are perfect for one another and do get their happily ever after even though they have waited years to achieve it. The chemistry between Sasha and Ezra is smoking hot. The love they both feel for one another and for Ezra’s young son leaps off the page. The friendship is genuine and has built up over time. Seeing others who I have read about in previous books was nice as was guessing which person will have their story told next. The Dark Knights are closer than family and there for one another as was shown once again when Ezra’s son was in trouble.
Gus was a charming little boy who nearly stole the show. He did not deserve the flakey mother he ended up with but fell in clover by landing on the ranch with his father. I appreciated the way Sasha’s parents allowed their children freedom while protecting them at the same time. The story is all about trust, family, friendship, communication, and deep abiding love. Great story by a wonderful author. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
BLURB
Sasha Whiskey is done being the good girl. She’s ready to wrangle in the one man not looking to be caught and give him a taste of Whiskey. With any luck, one taste won’t be nearly enough. Come along for the steamy, emotional ride in this friends-to-lovers, forbidden romance.
Equine rehabilitation therapist Sasha Whiskey has everything she needs right there on Redemption Ranch—a job she’s passionate about, a loving family, and Ezra Moore, the sexy single father who went from trying to nail her as a belligerent teen to keeping his distance as a successful therapist and the person to whom she compares every other man. She’s done with comparisons. She wants the real thing. But going after what she wants means risking everything they’ve both worked so hard to achieve. If only dating co-workers weren’t forbidden.
From New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes The Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch, a small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horses—and people—a second chance. Buckle up for a wild ride in Hope Ridge, Colorado, as these big-hearted badasses and their sassy sisters wrangle in their forever loves. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and always a happily ever after.
The Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch
The Trouble with Whiskey
Freeing Sully (Prequel to For the Love of Whiskey)
For the Love of Whiskey
A Taste of Whiskey
More coming soon…
**
While you’re waiting for more Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch, get to know their cousins.
The Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor.
Tru Blue
Truly Madly Whiskey
Driving Whiskey Wild
Wicked Whiskey Love
Mad About Moon
Taming My Whiskey
The Gritty Truth
In for A Penny
Running on Diesel
The Dark Knights at Bayside
A Little Bit Wicked
The Wicked Aftermath
Crazy, Wicked Love
The Wicked Truth
**Don't miss River of Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor), the first story in which the Whiskeys at Peaceful Harbor were introduced, and Searching for Love (The Bradens & Montgomerys), the first story in which the Whiskeys at Redemption Ranch were introduced.
Read the entire Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books/series.
Snow Sisters
The Bradens at Weston
The Bradens at Trusty
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor
The Bradens & The Montgomerys
The Remingtons
The Ryders
Seaside Summers
Bayside Summers
The Steeles at Silver Island
Sugar Lake (Kindle Unlimited)
Harmony Pointe (Kindle Unlimited)
Silver Harbor (Kindle Unlimited)
Wild Billionaires After Dark
Bad Billionaires After Dark
Harborside Nights
Tru Blue and The Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor
The Dark Knights at Bayside
"Melissa Foster writes worlds that draw you in, with strong heroes and brave heroines surrounded by a community that makes you want to crawl right on through the page and live there. - NYT bestselling author Julia Kent
"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner
"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely
#Melissa Foster#The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch#Contemporary Romance#Romance#Fiction#Colorado#Friends to Lovers
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REVIEW
Charmed by the Wily Lass by Amy Jarecki
The MacGalloways #6
Fun way to spend a rainy day ~ Even though there is a murderer to find it was more a romance than a murder mystery.
What I liked:
* Lady Modesty MacGalloway: youngest daughter, considers herself plain and destined to be a spinster, loves horses, aspires to breed and train racehorses, secretly training to be a jockey, will never legally ride in a race, not sure why she enjoys kissing Kenneth when she doesn’t plan to marry
* Kenneth Davenport, 8th Viscount Berwick: scientist, prefers bees and sheep breeding to time with the ton, focused on finding the person that killed his brother, doesn’t feel ready to take on his lordly duties, unsure why he is attracted to Modesty when he is not ready to marry
* Freddie: orphan, taken in by Fagin-like female, eagerly accepts Kenneth’s offer to work for him
* Knowing that it was not likely a “lady” would parade in men’s clothes, learn to be a jockey, and do the things Modesty did – it was fun to watch her live out her fantasies and end up where she hoped to be
* Watching the romance and love develop between the main characters
* Lady Modesty’s mother: wily woman, loving mother, wants what is best for her children, wonder if she will find a love of her own?
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how difficult it must have been to survive for many during this era and what it would take to improve one’s situation
Did I enjoy this book? Yes – not my favorite by this author but a fun book to read
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
BLURB
Thrust into the role of Viscount Berwick, Kenneth arrives in London to investigate the true cause of his brother’s death. The man might have died in his bed, but Kenneth does not agree with the doctor’s findings. As the new viscount begins to piece together the last days of his brother’s life, he doesn’t expect to be bamboozled by Lady Modesty MacGalloway nor does he want the lass impeding his quest.All her life Modesty has been underestimated because of her flaming red hair and face full of freckles. When Viscount Berwick thinks her daft enough not to notice when he “borrows” her diamond hair comb, she is determined to get it back. But once she learns his reason for the theft, the tide turns. Intrigued by a chance to prove her worth, Modesty offers Kenneth an ultimatum he cannot refuse. One that unexpectedly leads down the path of danger—not only to her person, but to her heart.
#Amy Jarecki#The MacGalloways 6#Historical Fiction#Historical Romance#Murder Mystery#Romance#Fiction
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REVIEW
Captivating Anika by Freya Barker
Police & Fire: Operation Alpha #9
Firemen and women belong to a group that work together, are dedicated to saving lives, and are often considered heroes whether rushing into fires or climbing a ladder to save a kitten that climbed too high. The firemen in Noah’s company are his colleagues but also excellent friends with some having already showed up in previous books. Noah has had an interest in his fellow fireman’s sister, for years but has never acted upon that interest and had good reasons, he thought, not to do so.
Anika is independent, owns her own beauty salon, employs a number of talented interesting people, is a good friend, and has been harboring a secret related to her health for almost a year when Noah shows up in her shop and then things begin to change. Yes, the coals that were covered and not let die suddenly receive a bit of encouragement and the relationship between Noah and Anika flames to life.
Noah never wanted to follow his father into the pig farming business and has plans to sell it and move on with what comes next. Anika has been dealing with health and business issues and might be at a point in time where she has time and energy for a relationship. The two are perfect for and with each other and it was a pleasure to read their story…even when things became tense, lives were threatened, people died, and family sometimes were a bit difficult.
Freya Barker is one of my go-to authors who always provides wonderful characters in lovely settings while providing believable difficult issues to deal with while falling into true and abiding love based relationships.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
BLURB
Anika Jones has her future carefully plotted out and is checking the boxes, one by one, despite the bumps thrown in her path. This last one is a challenge, but she manages to stay on track; her salon is thriving, and she just bought a house. Unfortunately, when one of her employees runs into trouble, she inevitably gets sucked in, throwing her carefully paced life off-balance. It doesn’t help a friend, who’s been ghosting her for a year, suddenly makes an appearance.
He was born to pig farming, but for Noah (Hog) Hodgekins fighting fires is his calling. He wasted too many years honoring a legacy he wants no part of. But now that he’s finally free from family obligations, there’s nothing holding him back from pursuing the life he’s been dreaming of. The first step is mending bridges with the one person who is central to that future, but she comes with her own challenges, family and otherwise.
Instead of treading carefully to gain her heart, he ends up throwing caution to the wind when her recent string of bad luck lands the FBI on her doorstep.
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REVIEW
Hurt for Me by Heather Levy
Dark, gritty, compelling story ~ Could not put it down!
What I liked:
* Rae Dixon: survivor of trafficking, single mother, from dysfunctional family, dominatrix, business owner, has secrets, skilled in and enjoys what she does, interesting person and a good friend
* Dayton Clearwater: homicide detective, father to his cousin’s child, focused on catching bad guys – especially the one that killed his cousin, communicates honestly, open, potential love interest for Rae
* Viv: good friend, mentor to Echo, abused as a child, survivor, there for Echo when she needed a place to land
* Angel Paisley: business partner with Rae, interesting person, good friend, protective,
* The look into an alternative lifestyle that empowers and gives pleasure but is often maligned
* The look into the way some twist, misuse, create pain with, and illegally used what can be empowering and pleasurable when done in a consensual relationship
* Lily: Rae’s teenage daughter, intelligent, strong, resilient, protective, wise, and one who has a lot to process in this story
* The way family and friends are central to the story
* That I was drawn in, cared, and was rooting for a happy ending for more than one person while hoping for the worst for others
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that though this is fiction, too many are trafficked into horrible situations and never escape
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – this is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
BLURB
A single mother’s brutal past threatens to destroy the new life she’s built in this suspenseful dark romance set in the underground world of kink.
Rae Dixon is lucky to be alive. Fifteen years ago, she survived being trafficked and abused, escaping her captors to reclaim her life. Now, she’s running a thriving business with her best friend and raising a teenage daughter on her own. Rae’s finally in control—literally. As Mistress V, Rae is the one calling the shots catering to Oklahoma City’s elite in her private dungeon, which fronts as a spa.
But when a client goes missing, Rae’s world spins out of control.
Detective Dayton Clearwater shows up at the spa, sparking panic when he asks questions that risk exposing Rae’s true business. After several young women from her underground community disappear, too, Rae spots a chillingly familiar pattern. Together, she and Detective Clearwater must find answers before more lives are destroyed, including those they love.
#Heather Levy#Montlake#NetGalley#BDSM#Domme#Thriller#Suspense#Fiction#Trafficking#Murder#Crime#Torture#Kidnapping#Corruption
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REVIEW
The Hungry Dark by Jen Williams
Creepy scary compelling beginning to the story with the death of a young boy imminent had me thinking – I might really like this – only to then end up with a shyster family act preying on those who are grieving. As I got to know the Whitelaw family a bit better I kept hoping I might end up liking them…but never warmed to them. The tragic mother, rather dominant overbearing father, the brother that was and wasn’t there for Ashley and then Ashley… Ashley seemed lost and rather mired in nightmares resulting from a childhood event. She may have some paranormal skills – or not – she definitely sees things others do not.
I have to admit that I ended up skimming the book to get the gist of it and did not read it word for word. There were scenes that were dark and disturbing and characters that were worthy of fear and trepidation. There was a myth surrounding the Red Rigg House and its environs but I had trouble believing that those living there would truly buy into it and do what they did.
I am sure that many will love this story and yet either it was not the right time for me to read it or it was not a book meant for me. That said, thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
BLURB
Macabre murders plague a rural town as a scam-artist psychic races to find the answers in this haunting thriller from award-winning author Jen Williams, perfect for fans of Camilla Sten and Alex North.
As a child, Ashley Whitelam could often see odd things nobody else could: quiet, watchful figures she called the Heedful Ones kept a strange vigil wherever she went. As an adult, she keeps these visions to herself, but she’s turned her taste of the beyond into a career as a “psychic” – parting people from their money with a combination of psychology and internet research. When the Lake District is gripped by a series of grisly child murders, Ashley offers her services to the police for the free publicity. But as Ashley leads the police on a fruitless search around the small town of Green Beck, she catches a glimpse of those old ghosts of her childhood and, following them into the woods, she finds something she never expected: the corpse of the latest missing child.
The press fly into a frenzy and the police grow suspicious: either Ashley’s psychic abilities are real, or she is guilty of murder. Hounded by interviews and interrogations, Ashley teams up with Freddie Miller, a podcaster covering the crimes. As they investigate, Ashley realises that there’s no way to distance herself from these murders: whoever or whatever it is that’s haunting the Lakes is haunting her, too.
Master of unsettling suspense Jen Williams is back with another chilling, dark read that will draw readers into a gruesome and atmospheric nightmare.
#Jen Williams#Paranormal#Murder#Sacrifice#Myth#Suspense#dysfunctional family#mystery#serial killers#fiction
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REVIEW
Heartbreak Incorporated by Alex de Campi
What a fun read! This one really hit the spot with just the right balance of mystery, romance, intrigue, drama, and that extra bit of dark noire paranormal element that made me hop that this is the beginning of a series that I would gladly read.
Evie Cross has been pursuing her dreams since graduation and believes she would do anything to win a Pulitzer Prize. She works temp jobs and sidelines helping out with a friend who is in the catering business when the perfect job crops up…or at least she HOPES it is perfect for her. She is intrigued as well as drawn to the magnetic man who is doing the interviewing but feels she blew it…only…things change while she is doing her bartending catering gig that night and a chance occurrence opens doors for her.
I loved Evie’s big heart and strength. I adored Misha and the secrets about him that gradually were shared. Gemma, Abbi, Beatrice, Claudia, and Masha were perfect in their own way. I liked the business Heartbreak Incorporated is involved in though perhaps it is a bit on the shady side. The addition of the antique book, what it held within inside, and what followed was rather creepy but elucidated as it was meant to.
Again, I am hoping this is the first in a series and look forward to finding out just what Misha, Evie, the supporting characters and those men in red robes might get up to in a second book if it is written.
Thank you to NetGalley and Solaris for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
BLURB
From acclaimed comics writer Alex de Campi, a sexy (prose) novel about an agency that specialises in breaking up relationships, with a side hustle in the occult.
Evie Cross had big dreams of becoming an investigative journalist but at 25 and struggling to make it in New York City, she’s finally starting to admit that her dream is her side hustle and her day job is actually… her job. That is, until she signs on as a temp for a small consultancy whose principal, Misha Meserov, specializes in breaking up relationships. Misha is tall, infuriatingly handsome, and effortlessly charismatic - he can make almost anyone, man or woman, fall into bed with him. And he often does.
But the more Evie is exposed to Misha’s scandalous world, the more she becomes convinced that he’s hiding something… when a wealthy San Francisco tech CEO with a dissolving marriage starts delving into the occult and turns up dead, Evie has to decide between her journalistic desire for the truth and her growing desire for Misha.
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REVIEW
The Rush by Michelle Prak
Jumping from one group to another to set the stage for what is supposed to be a suspenseful thrilling read is what I believe the author was set on achieving. I have to say that I had trouble relating to any of the characters or the situations they found themselves in but was invested enough to skim through to see what would happen to the woman who finds a man in need of care, four people on the road together, and a woman manning the pub on her own. And what will happen when the three different storylines intersect kept me skimming though not reading word for word. There was a twist within the twist at the end of the story, there were some rather horrible characters to be dealt with, there were some evil actions taken by more than one, and at one point I thought of past true crime stories I have read of or seen on the news. The closing seemed a bit of a soft landing after the rather gritty chapter that preceded it but all in all it was an okay if not gripping read. I know that many will love this story even though it was not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
BLURB
In this riveting psychological thriller—perfect for fans of Jane Harper’s The Survivors and Erica Ferencik’s Into the Jungle—a ferocious storm in the Australian Outback sets the stage for betrayal and murder.
With a massive downpour and flash floods predicted, Quinn Durand leaves work and races for the safety of home. The first drops start to fall as she spots something strange on the familiar bush route. With no reception and nothing but an empty road for miles in either direction, she investigates and discovers it’s a body, dumped by the side of the road. When she approaches to check for signs of life, an arm reaches out and grabs her.
Back at the country pub where Quinn lives, her boss Andrea has prepared for the torrential downpour. She's bunkered down with her toddler son sleeping in the back room when she’s startled by a banging at the door. It's a biker, seeking shelter from the punishing storm.
Meanwhile, out on the roads, two young couples on their way across the country struggle against the lashing rains. Tensions rise as they realize that they don’t really know each other, nor are they remotely prepared for the storm. Alone, angry, and afraid in unfamiliar surroundings, flooding isn’t the only threat bearing down on them.
Chilling, tense, and twisted, this multi-POV popcorn thriller is “compelling and explosive; you won’t be able to put this book down” (Hayley Scrivenor, author of Dirt Town).
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REVIEW
Spiced Right by Gigi Templeton
Spicy second chance romance that sees two people perfect for one another finally get their happily ever after ~ Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
What I liked:
* Jack Reed: rancher, cowboy, pitmaster, charismatic, caring, responsible, loves his family, athletic dreams thwarted, has never forgotten…Jillian
* Jillian Parks: creative, entrepreneur, cookbook author, grows hybrid peppers in her own greenhouses, survivor, has never forgotten…Jack
* The producers of the shows Jack and Jillian run independently and their idea to have the collaborate – wonder I they might get together in the future
* The sensitivity, patience, and understanding Jack showed with Jillian as he learned what had happened since they were last together
* The strong family ties Jack’s family have for one another – would love to learn more about all of the singletons that have not met their matches
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That I liked all the characters, could relate to them, and felt I would it in with the group if I were to drop in on them
* The recipes discussed that made me drool
* The chemistry and witty repartee between Jack and Jillian
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about all that Jillian had to deal with and the impact it had on her life – including her faithless fiancé
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author/in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
BLURB
Jillian Parks doesn’t need her hybrid scorpion pepper to set her pulse racing. Wildly charismatic rancher Jack Reed does that all on his own in this scorcher from Gigi Templeton.
Don’t ever think I didn’t want more time with you, darlin’.
Those were her college boyfriend’s last words to her after a phone call summoned him home to Texas. In the ten years since, Jack Reed has taken over his family’s ranch, and Jillian Parks has experienced devastating losses with traumatic repercussions.
Now a reclusive insomniac, she podcasts about the specialty hybrid chili peppers she grows in her Seattle greenhouse, keeping a closed door between her and the past. But when Jillian’s producer coaxes her to make a surprise call in to Jack’s YouTube BBQ channel, their chemistry still sizzles!
An invite to the ranch for a follow-up collab is a scary proposal for Jillian. But forward movement is key to her recovery, and it’s time to take the bull by the horns. With Jack’s commanding yet soothing presence, maybe this charismatic cowboy is just the right ingredient to help her heal—while adding a different kind of spice to her life.
#Gigi Templeton#Montlake#NetGalley#Romance#Contemporary Romance#Cowboy Romance#Second Chance Romance
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REVIEW
Cold to the Touch by Kerri Hakoda
Excellent debut novel ~ Hoping this is the first in a series as I definitely want to read more by this talented author!
What I liked:
* DeHaviland Beans: homicide detective, detail oriented, dedicated, good at what he does, loving brother and son, Buddhist, has nightmares, protective, caring, grew up in a small Alaska town, works in Anchorage, likes animals, has an interesting backstory, would like to learn more about him
* The plot, pacing, writing, and setting that is almost a character in the story
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The friction between Detective Ed Heller and Beans and how it changed over the story
* Meeting characters that, if this is a series, will be nice to get to know better in future books: Lieutenant DuBois, Dr. Chuckie Heffner-medical examiner, Isabelle O’Reilly-FBI consultant
* Cam Kristovich: young man who helped with the case
* The strength of the women in the story
* The way all the threads of the story were woven together to find the murderer with no strings left hanging
* That I felt I was immersed in the story and cared how it would end
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the pain suffered by those who were killed and also by those that knew and loved them
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC – This is my honest review
5 Stars
BLURB
American Predator meets Harlan Coben in this taut, ticking-clock thriller in which women are being kidnapped and murdered in a remote corner of Alaska.
When the body of a barista is found in the once-pristine Alaskan snow, Anchorage homicide detective DeHavilland Beans is gutted to recognize the young woman, Jolene. He’d bought coffee from her every morning and knew her as a bright college student working her way through school. Devastated by the murder and by the life cut short, Beans vows to find the killer.
Since scavengers damaged the body, obtaining any usable evidence is impossible, even with the assistance of wildlife expert Raisa Ingalls, Beans’s ex. When the body of another woman is found, a serial killer is suspected and the FBI joins the hunt.
After a third body turns up, Beans is desperate to find the killer—especially when another woman goes missing. With the murderer moving so quickly, Beans and his team are determined to stop the spree and catch the killer before it's too late.
Pulse-pounding and vividly depicted, this Alaskan thriller will electrify fans of Lisa Gardner and true crime junkies fascinated by the Israel Keyes case.
#Kerri Hakoda#Crooked Lane Books#NetGalley#Alaska#Police Procedural#Murder#Mystery#Serial Killer#Multicultural Interest#Debut Novel
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REVIEW
Death in the Details by Katie Tietjen
With a mother who loved dollhouses, had more than one of her own, and took me to see a famous one in Chicago AND a father who loved mysteries, suspense, and crime stories – How could I not read this book? Finding out this is based on a real person who made miniatures to solve murders and teach the skill to others is just an additional bonus. I am hoping this will be a series but haven’t found out yet if it will or not.
The setting is a small town in Vermont just after the end of WWII. Mable “Maple” Bishop finds out she has less to fall back on than she thought and will need to earn a living. Little does she know that her hobby of creating miniature dollhouses might lead to a very interesting future.
An argument overheard, a murder scene stumbled onto, and realizing she sees what others have not, she recreates the murder scene in a miniature “nutshell”. She then uses her mental skills, legal knowledge, her husband’s medical books and her belief in justice and finding the truth to the best advantage and uncovers more than she or anyone else thought she would.
This story reminded me of stories I had heard about the scrimping and saving, rationing, donating items needed for the war effort, victory gardens, loss, and other issues that were real when my parents were young. I felt a part of the story and loved meeting characters that I hope will show up in a future book. Will Maple and Ben continue to spend time together in his hardware shop? Will Charlotte have more children? Will Kenny grow into his own and perhaps take over the sheriff’s department from his uncle?
This had some darkness to it with the mention of verbal and physical abuse, black market smuggling, murder, fraud and other crimes but it also talked of purpose, joy, and moving forward in a positive manner even when times are not easy.
I am glad I read this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction and cozy mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
BLURB
Inspired by the real life Frances Lee Glessner and featuring a whip-smart, intrepid sleuth in post-WWII Vermont.
Maple Bishop is ready to put WWII and the grief of losing her husband Bill behind her. But when she discovers that Bill left her penniless, Maple realizes she could lose her Vermont home next and sets out to make money the only way she knows by selling her intricately crafted dollhouses. Business is off to a good start—until Maple discovers her first customer dead, his body hanging precariously in his own barn.
Something about the supposed suicide rubs Maple the wrong way, but local authorities brush off her concerns. Determined to see “what’s big in what’s small,” Maple turns to what she knows best, painstakingly recreating the gruesome scene in death in a nutshell.
With the help of a rookie officer named Kenny, Maple uses her macabre miniature to dig into the dark undercurrents of her sleepy town, where everyone seems to have a secret—and a grudge. But when one of her neighbors who she never got along withher nemesis goes missing and she herself becomes a suspect, it’ll be up to Maple to find the devil in the details—and put him behind bars.
Drawing inspiration from true crime and offering readers a smartly plotted puzzle of a mystery, Death in a Nutshell is a stunning series debut.
#Katie Tietjen#Crooked Lane#NetGalley#Murder#Crime#Historical Fiction#miniature houses#crime nutshells#Post WWII fiction#PTSD#Small town#widow
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