Rogue Shift by AJ Skelly

 

An outcast all his life because of his half-human, half-werewolf genes, Kyp is finally getting a chance to belong with the Wolfe pack.

Though fully human, Rachel never cared about his mixed blood. When a family tragedy strikes, Rachel makes an impulsive decision with deadly consequences. Kyp must come to her rescue. But when saving her turns her into a werewolf, it sets off a chain of events that puts them at odds with the Wolfe pack, and brings them straight into the path of the Wolfe's greatest enemy—Victor Atwood.

War is coming to the packs, and Kyp and Rachel are at the center of it. With their fledgling love and a tenuous mental tie their only weapons, they must overcome the wrath of Atwood. But a toxic secret threatens to devastate them, destroying not only them but the entire Wolfe pack as well.

Review:

Uhoh... I think I may be on a werewolf kick right now. Only reading the first book of AJ Skelly's series would be akin to only taking one bite (no pun intended, haha) of a delicious, decedent piece of a chocolate cheescake. Unthinkable. Unfathonable!

So, despite the fact that my own book DESPERATELY needs my attention, it was impossible not to steal a few hours to sink my canines into this juicy read. I quite literally devoured it - going so far as to read in the car, which is a big no-no for me. Rogue Shift was worth the potential for car sickness. So go read it. Now. Duh.

Book two of the 'Wolves of Rock Falls' features Megan's larger-than-life best friend with her insatiably zest for, well, everything. Rachel is impossible not to love. She takes the stage in Rogue Shift with style, and I was thrilled to have a book where she was the star. As for Kyp.... who could have guessed that the quite rogue from book one would turn into THIS. I love Rachel, and let me just say that Kyp turns in a guy completely worthy of her by the end of this fast-paced read. 

Rogue Shift has everything. Kyp made me laugh out loud as he stepped over the dark line and into the world of frilly lattes.... tear up when his own self doubt brought him to his knees... crow with delight when he kicked some major werewolf tail... and swoon just a little (okay a lot) at all the right points. 

I'm looking forward to reading book three!

Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

Hate mail was one thing. This was quite another.

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews. But now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently. 

But unless he can track down her elusive foe, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.

 

Irene Hannon..... her name has earned some serious recognition in the realm of crime thrillers. Her books are riveting and never fail to leave you with a "Whoa...what!?" moment. Several years ago she released a book that spent a lot of time in the mind of a very demented killer, and it disturbed me badly. Since then, I have not read any of her books. I was a little nervous to pick up 'Point of Danger', but a friend recommend I read it so I did. I am glad I did.

‘Point of Danger’ has a really strong heroine - she is driven, committed to her beliefs (both spiritual and political), and not afraid to face life head on. Our hero has some baggage but he is suitably swoon worthy. No complaints there. 

 

The plot was believably, had enough red herrings to distract, and delivered beautifully right through to the last page. I read this book in one sitting and really enjoyed the whole thing.

 

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and to Baker Publishing House for allowing me to review this great book.

Dead End by Nancy Mehl

Back Cover: When a body is discovered in a field in Iowa, the police uncover fourteen additional corpses, some from twenty years ago, others from the recent past. The remains point to a serial killer with an MO the authorities have seen before--Ed Oliphant, a man who has been in prison for more than twenty years . . . and is FBI Special Agent Kaely Quinn's father. After several failed attempts to discover if Ed has been training someone to be a copycat killer, the police turn to Kaely in St. Louis for help.

Kaely promised herself she would never step foot in her hometown or set eyes on her father again. She's always refused to confront her past, but if she wants to prevent any more deaths, she must come face-to-face with the man she's hated for years.

As more bodies are discovered, Kaely races against time and her own inner turmoil to uncover the killer. Will this most personal case yet cost Kaely her identity and perhaps even her life?

Review: Kaely Quinn, a behavior analyst or criminal 'profiler', is a character that I could have hung out with for another dozen books or so. I sense that "Dead End" is the last of this series, therefore making it a trilogy, and I am so sad to say goodbye to this insanely interesting and quirky individual. 

I've read a lot of Nancy Mehl's books, and the"Kaely Quinn Profiler" trilogy is by far my favourite work of hers so far. "Dead End" can be read as a stand alone book, but you will not get the same satisfaction or depth if you don't read the other two books first (both of which I highly recommend). 

This trilogy is about a woman named Kaely Quinn who is the daughter of an infamous serial killer. To combat the evil in the world and to try and understand how her father, a man who had always appeared so normal, could in actuality be a notorious serial killer, she joined the FBI. Through her own unique and sometimes frightening methods, Kaely has become an incredible profiler and helped many law agencies find their UNSUB. However, her unusual techniques aren't without their dangers.... and as Kaely struggles to deal with the demons of her past she begins to loose control of her methods...and her confusing relationship with Noah.

As time races by, Kaely fights to hold herself together and push the demons back as she and Noah confronted one of the most difficult cases of her career - one that again involved her notorious father and an apparent copy-cat killer. 

If you like thrillers and detective type stories, you will love this one. Highly recommend this series! 

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and to Baker Publishing Group for a complimentary copy of this book. 

Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan

Back Cover: 

She's the Only Witness to a Brutal Crime. Now She Can't Outrun the Target on Her Back.
Prosecutor Sophie Dawson has taken a new role at the Fulton County DA's office, and her first case involves a local bank employee who may be cheating customers. She's determined to bring justice to those who've lost their savings . . . but her life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang. 

With her life at risk, friends and family convince her that she needs protection, and private security guard Cooper Knight is hired as a bodyguard. But as threats escalate, neither Cooper nor Sophie knows whom they can trust. 

Unwilling to back down on either case, Sophie pursues the truth at any cost. But her bank litigation gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from taking the stand. With all sides closing in, steadfast Cooper is the only man she can lean on. But drawing close may be the distraction that costs both of their lives. 

Review: This was a great read. Rachel Dylan did an admirable job of weaving two mysteries plus a believable romance into a single, fast-paced novel. Her cast of characters were highly dynamic and original. I found myself admiring her character development throughout the entire novel (and perhaps feeling a touch envious of her skill!). I appreciated how it was hard to vilify even the worst of her characters as she wove strands of humanity into all of them. Too often in TV shows and books the 'bad' characters are evil through and through. It's much harder - and way more believable - to create a character that is both good and bad. The villains in this story walk that line oh so well. 

I also really liked how there were two simultaneous mysteries going on at once. The interplay made the story very exciting and added a degree of curiosity that wouldn't have otherwise been present. To be honest, I was caught off guard by a couple of the 'who-done-it' revelations at the end. Love being surprised!

As for Cooper and Sophie....they are so sweet. Sophie just wears her whole heart on her sleeve, and Cooper is the ultimate protector. Their relationship is a hesitant one, but beautiful. I was cheering for them the whole time.

I would definitely recommend adding this book to your summer reads list.

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and to Baker Publishing House for sending me a copy of this book. I really enjoyed it :)

Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon

Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death--and puts Trish under police scrutiny--her world is once again thrown into turmoil.

Detective Colin Flynn isn't certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge--and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn't just dangerous . . . it's deadly.

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon will capture your imagination with a mind-bending story that will have you doubling back to retrace your steps--and figure out what you missed!

Review: If you enjoy a thrilling mystery, than Irene Hannon needs to be a staple part of your reading diet. With characters that demand your emotional investment and plots that keep you guessing, she is one of those authors you can depend upon for a good read. 

"Dangerous Illusions" is part of Hannon's "Men of Valor" series. Colin Flynn is a big city detective, and he has concentrated the majority of his adult life's energy to solving crime. While he takes time for his two closest friends and the odd volunteer activity they rope him into, Colin doesn't have much of a life outside his work. While he knows he'd like to get married one day, the clock is ticking and he hasn't had the time to date - nor has any woman turned his head enough to make him even contemplate investing the time to get to know her. All of that changes when a suspicious death leads him to Trish Bailey.

Trish isn't a fellow crime fighter though...nor is she the victim. She is the prime suspect. With everything that is in him, Colin knows that Trish isn't guilty. However, knowing that in his heart and proving it are two different things all-together. As the case complicates and the stakes rise, Trish and Colin fight desperately to figure out what is all at play while dodging the wild sparks that fly between them. 

Shorter than her usual works, Dangerous Illusions is a quick read but certainly enjoyable. This is a 'love at first sight' novel mixed with a seemingly predictable crime (but wait for it... there is always a twist!), but I definitely enjoyed the read. Also, I will note that this work is similar to some of Irene Hannon's earlier works in that it is a great mystery, but without the disturbingly dark twists or thoughts that some of her more recent works have. Being a rather sensitive reader, I appreciated getting the thrill of a crime story without going too deep into the evil recesses of the criminal's mind. 

This book definitely belongs on your 'To-Be-Read' pile.

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and to Baker Publishing House for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl

Back Cover: Kate O'Brien's quiet life in small-town Shelter Cove, Arkansas is shaken when her past suddenly comes roaring back to life. Four years ago, she and her twin sister were attacked by an elusive serial killer. Only Kate survived, and she's been in witness protection ever since.

When new evidence arises to suggest the convicted man wasn't the murderer, she's subpoenaed to testify in the new trial. Afraid to go back into that world, Kate only agrees if Tony DeLuca, the deputy Marshal who protected her during the original trial, escorts her to St. Louis. 

Tony readily takes on the assignment; Kate's beauty and inner strength made more of an impression on him than he expected. But when Kate's safety is threatened, Tony must race against the clock to keep her alive and put this ugly case to rest before anyone else gets killed.

Review:
The second book in the Defenders of Justice series by Nancy Mehl did not disappoint. Following on the heals of Fatal Frost (See the link HERE ) Dark Deception maintains the clever, fast paced action that I loved in the first book. Nancy Mehl has a knack for turning out a nail-biting thriller and the book had me hooked from the first page to the very last.

In addition to being wonderfully entertaining, Dark Deception never failed to give honor to God. I say this because the characters were reminded of Biblical principles during their struggles and also grew in their faith throughout the story. It was wonderful to see a Christian author seamlessly weave a Christ filled message into her story. Too often these days "Christian" authors get by with only a brief (if that) mention of God. Bravo, Nancy Mehl!

I do have a warning for those wanting to read this book, however.... I had to turn all the lights on while reading it and I was jumpy for hours after finishing it. The story totally hooked me and the 'bad guys' were certainly twisted! So, stand warned: You will likely have to finish it in one sitting and you'll want to tuck your feet safely up on the couch while devouring this mystery.


Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and to Baker Publishing House for a complimentary copy of Dark Deception in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

Back Cover: The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot of PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park.

But her mistakes aren't so easily forgotten. Because Ben King is also back in town.

Country music star Ben King abandoned his past when he moved to Nashville thirteen years ago to start his career. He hoped to heal his broken heart, caused by losing the woman he loved. But when his father is injured, Ben is called home to help manage PEAK Rescue during his recovery. He doesn't realize his father has ulterior motives until his old flame, Kacey, walks into his house and back into his heart.

Now, with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song?

Review: What a great way to spend the morning. Cuddled up on the couch with a nice warm breakfast and this sweet romance was just what I needed today. Wild Montana Skies started out quite cliché and very "Hollywood chickflick-ish" and I was afraid there wasn't going to be much to it other than cheesy fluff. Sounds harsh, I know. However, Wild Montana Skies really picked up after the first few chapters and I quite enjoyed reading this whole book.

Ben and Kacey's romance is tragic and yet so sweet. It was a pleasure watching them rediscover their feelings for each other and following them along as a dramatic flood, a search and rescue adventure, and some rather terrifying trips down memory lane accosted them. Without laying out a major spoiler alert, I will say that my favourite part was when Ben discovers Kacey's life-altering secret (you'll just have to read it to find out what that was).

I also enjoyed reading about Seira, Ian... and Sam? Sensing a bit of a love triangle here for a future book? Whatever Susan May Warren has up her sleeve, my interest is certainly piqued.

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M White

Amid the Unforgettable Costwolds, the Final Grasp for the Fire Eyes Diamonds Could Threaten Them All.

 

Back Cover: Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile - even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won't wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action... and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

 



Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life ... but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her - and his daughter - from those intent on destroying them all?

 

 

Review: I really enjoyed this book - a lot! This is the third, and I believe final, book in this trilogy spanning the adventures of the "Ladies of the Manor" and the dreaded Fire Eyes diamonds. I enjoy a good romance as well as the next girl, but what really separates the 'ok' books from the really enjoyable ones is the story outside the romance. This book has that in spades.

 

Throughout the series, we have the cursed Fire Eyes - an incredibly rare and extremely valuable set of red diamonds. Unfortunately for the owners of the Fire Eyes there always seems to be some evil, desperate person in want of the precious jewels. Sadly, many people have died over the possession of the Fire Eyes as their illicit gleam incites terrible greed.

 

Lady Ella Myerston has watched the evil that has been unleashed upon her family and close friends due to their possession of the legendary Fire Eyes. Quite frankly, she has had enough of seeing those closest to her get hurt. Bound and determined to get to the bottom of the Fire Eyes curse, she travels to the home of her closest friend to begin her investigation. Her friends and family don't suspect a thing - how could they? They think Ella has nothing in her head except fairies, butterflies, and sunshine. Though a happy person by nature, Ella is no fool. Observant and clever, she begins to make some real progress with her research. However, what started out as an academic interest turns markedly more real when the dashing Lord James Cayton becomes involved and old threats resurface in a way that none of them anticipated.

 

A Lady Unrivaled is a delightful and nail-biting mystery. I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and the I completely fell in love with the characters. I also really liked the above-stairs and below-stairs dramas in this book - as in, the stories of the manor staff and then the lords and ladies themselves. A very interesting drama, for certain! I would definitely recommend this series.

 

 

 

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Raven by Mike Nappa

Back Cover: As part of his street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch. It's harmless fun - until he decides to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants," The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life threatening plot code named "Nevermore."

Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues to rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.






Review: Wow. This new series by Mike Nappa is something else. I devoured The Raven in a day. It's fast paced - very fast paced - and too exciting to put down. The first book in this new and riveting series staring the Coffey and Hill detective agency was Annabel Lee and The Raven follows right on its heels.

The Coffey and Hill novels star Trudi Coffey the head of the Coffey and Hill detective agency. Originally, it was both hers and her husband's business - hence the "Hill" part of the name - until he decided to take a second wife oversees on one of his CIA business trips. The pig. Now, seven years later, Samuel Hill is back and Trudi finds herself somewhat unwillingly working the odd case with her ex-husband.Unfortunately, they are an amazing team, so when things get tense and the two separate cases they are working on begin to overlap, Trudi and Samuel find themselves in close quarters again.

I love the chemistry between Samuel and Trudi. Their's is a very interesting relationship. On one hand, Trudi has found Jesus and Samuel accepts her new faith but doesn't understand it. And on the other hand, Samuel is begging for Trudi's forgiveness and for another chance, but Trudi just can't bring herself to trust him again. I'm looking forward to see how these two work things out - or not - over the rest of the series.

As for The Raven, this kid has seriously gotten himself into some big trouble. A pastor's kid on the run from his old life and a God he doesn't understand his knack for getting in trouble has just landed him in the angry clutches of the mafia and their nefarious plan.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting thriller. It is a fantastic read.

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing House for a complimentary copy of The Raven in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counted With the Stars by Connilyn Cossette

Back Cover: Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.

Choosing to flee with the Hebrews, Kiya finds herself reliant on a strange God and drawn to a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever know swept away and now facing the trials of the desert, will she turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

Review: What an impactful debut novel! Connilyn Cossette has trumpeted her arrival to the line up "must read authors" with a decisive and gorgeously written first novel. I was very impressed with Counted With The Stars, and my only disappointment was that it had to end. Since finishing this book a week ago I have had a hard time not going back to re-read it.

I am, undeniably, a huge fan of Biblical fiction. What I really liked about Connilyn Cossette's interpretation of the Hebrew exodus from Egypt was the Biblical accuracy and her truthfulness in staying with the time and culture of her setting. To be honest, this Bible story has never come to life for me more than during this last week when I read this novel. In the past when I've read this Biblical account of the exodus I read over the plagues with a grimace and continued on reading - I never really stopped to think what it would have been like to actually live through those plagues. Thanks to this novel, I was immersed in the terrifying reality of what it would have been like for an unknowing Egyptian to be at the mercy of Yahweh's punishment upon pharaoh. There would have been so many Egyptians who had no clue as to what was happening and why; this novel really showed the terror of the unknown God of the Hebrews and the pain and suffering that would have resulted from the onslaught of the plagues.

In addition to loving the re-telling of the Bible story, I also really enjoyed the fictional character of Kiya. Her story, interwoven into the Bible story, is a riveting one. The tragic twists in her life and the dramatic fall from being a wealthy nobleman's daughter to a slave makes for incredibly good reading. I loved her as a character and felt that hers were the perfect eyes to see the story through.

I would definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to the second book in this series when it is released, "Shadow of the Storm".

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications Inc and Baker Publishing House for a complimentary copy of "Counted with the Stars" in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fading Starlight by Kathryn Cushman

 

Back Cover: Lauren Summers is in hiding. Her Fashion house internship was supposed to launch her career, but a red carpet accident has left her blackballed. The only job she can find comes with little pay, but at least it offers a free place to live - a rundown cottage in the shadow of a cliff-side mountain. Planning to live on savings until she figures out what's next, she's unprepared to be contacted by a reporter.

Kendall Joiner is researching Charlotte Montgomery, a former Hollywood ingénue who lives a reclusive life in the cliff-side mansion. Rumors have swirled for decades about Charlotte, and now Kendall wants to find the real story. In return, she may just have the key to getting Lauren back into the fashion world. Desperate to restore her dreams, Lauren's not sure she can turn down the offer -but as she and Miss Montgomery get to know more about each other, Lauren realizes nothing is quite as it seems.

Review: The first thought that comes to mind when I sat down to write this review was “heart-warming”. It sounds cliché, but that is exactly how I found this novel. The main lead, Lauren Summers, is a darling. Like anyone, she struggles with her own battles of right and wrong and fights through the mire of gray that is somewhere between those two extremes.

Horribly wronged, Lauren has every excuse to use her upbringing and the recent red carpet debacle to be bitter and out for revenge. However, guided by some wonderful Christian influence and the grace of her Lord, she shows what it is like to demonstrate God’s love to those around her even when they don’t deserve it and to keep moving forward and trusting Him even when things seem impossible and there appears to be no benefit to her for her actions.

As Lauren struggles uphill trusting God it is amazing to see how one circumstance tumbles into the next and how God really did work everything according to His plan. There are so many times when Lauren could have done the easy thing but decides to do what was right  instead– even if it cost her time, money, and her heart.

I really liked this book a lot and I found it hard to put down. There is an element of mystery surrounding Charlotte Montogmery, and the interactions between the crusty old lady and Lauren are a must-read. My favourite are the scenes with the two of them together, but I also really enjoyed the different point of views from Charlotte’s flash backs to her own childhood to Lauren’s present day struggles with the now elderly woman. This was a well thought out, prayerfully considered, and fulfilling read. I would certainly recommend it.

 

Thank-you to Baker Publishing House and Graf Martin Communications for a complimentary copy of the wonderful book.

 

Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson

Back Cover: Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective... mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin Country and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have.

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. one way or another, she knows Gabriel and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

Review: Dee Henderson has written some very famous series such as The O'Malley series that starred a group of self- adopted siblings and the riveting, Uncommon Heroes. Since reading those books back in the early 2000s I have been hooked on Dee Henderson's writing. What makes her stories so unique is her exquisite attention to detail. If needed, she'll take half the book letting the reader get to know a small angle of her complicated, intricate characters. The plot, which is always interesting, seems to play second fiddle to knowing her characters. As much as I like a fast paced book, I don't regret the time spent learning who Dee Henderson's latest creations are. Her characters are always complicated and not the simple get-to-know-in-a-paragraph types. I also really appreciate how naturally relationships develop between her characters. It is never a given that two people will get together - sometimes I wonder if even she knows what the end result will be!

Her latest series, "An Evie Blackwell Cold Case" stars a very intense, Type A personality, obsessive detective who has been hand picked to pilot a new project to solve decades' old cases that local cops have long given up on. To give the project a head start, Evie takes her two weeks holiday from her Illinois department to work on two cases her friend Ann has suggested. In both cases, the victims seem to have vanished into thin air without a trace. As Evie digs deep into the facts and pulls the cases to and fro, she begins to see some inconsistencies that may lead to some very dark answers.

Meanwhile, the Thane brothers are having their own set of problems. For one, an old flame with a staggering past returns to town, and her story brings the entire Thane family to a halt. For another, the arrival of a certain Evie Blackwell does more than just disrupt his sheriff duties - it does things to his heart he's not sure he wants. For the youngest, a new truth about his girlfriend has his family praying  he wont re-write the future the way he's been trained too - with his gun. A strong, Christian family, the Thane's pull together through a season rife with difficulty. Their love for each other and strength of character really grounds this story and gives our obsessive detective, Evie, a safe place to land.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next Evie Blackwell cold case.

This book was provided free of charge from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Graf Martin Communications Inc. Thank-you for the book!

Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley

BAILEY ADAMS IS RUNNING FOR HER LIFE... AGAIN.

 

When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago for Mexico, she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan - neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what's coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

Review: Silence in the Dark, the 4th book in a series called Logan Point, made me want to go back and read the rest of this series because it was the good! From the way this book is written, I believe Bailey and Danny are recurrent characters in this series, though they were new to me! I wish I had read the first three books in Logan Point before picking up Silence in the Dark, but this book was definitely able to stand on its own. So, if you're like me and don't have the first three books, don't hesitate to pick up Silence in the Dark and give it a go - you can follow the story just fine without reading the previous books.

There was a lot to like about Silence in the Dark.  It was well written and the characters were multi-faceted and believable. The bad guys were not completely bad and the good guys weren't perfect. The story was fast paced and wove through many characters and places, and left me wondering what was going to happen in the end. A lot of mystery novels make the bad guys so completely evil that you don't really have to guess who the villain is. What I liked about this book is that a lot of the characters had ill motives, they were all flawed, and it was really just a matter of each characters choices in difficult situations and coping mechanisms that sorted the criminals from the non. This book really kept me turning the pages and was an interesting, fast read.

Without getting into it to much (as I don't want to ruin anything), the chemistry between Bailey and Danny is certainly sparking in this book. I'm looking forward to reading more of their story in future books.

I would definitely recommend Silence in the Dark.

Thank-you so much to Graf Martin Communications for a copy of this book!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc." in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

Back Cover:  In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore Police Department, Declan Gray would head to the FBI, and Park Mitchell would study to become a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world - and friendship - crumbled.

Now years later, Griffin has left the police and his friendships behind. Still trying to forget a case that went bad when he was a SWAT team sniper, he's living a quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg. Quiet until skeletal remains are uncovered near Little Round Top - and they aren't Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI again Declan Grey steps in to take over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he - and those he cares about - are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

Review: This book was in my hands for most of the weekend. At one point, one of my relatives at the family reunion turned around and asked dryly, "Must be a good book..." I took that as my cue that I'd better start socializing. Oops...but the answer was, "YES!" It is definitely a good book...

I read one of Dani Pettrey's first books a couple of years ago and I wasn't a fan. To be honest, I haven't read anything of hers since. However, I'm regretting that choice now as I sincerely enjoyed Cold Shot. It was well written, the dialogue wasn't corny or sappy but was in fact very believable, the characters were endearing, and best of all the plot was excellent. It's not that often that a "who-done-it-book" will carry me right to the last couple of chapters still trying to guess who did the crime. This book did that. I was shocked to realize I was almost finished the entire book and I still didn't know who'd committed the crime - double thumbs up to the author.

I did find some of the characters a little idealistic - Griffin is your typical brooding hunk with a dark history and Finley is the dazzling beautiful maiden who is just the thing to get Griffin to open up and get back to normal. The stereotypes of the two main characters are quite forgivable though as despite the fact that I'd felt like I'd seen these characters a few times before, they were interesting in their own ways, gutsy, and carried the plot forward well.

I really liked the dynamics of the three ex-best friends. Griffin, Parker, and Declan are quiet the crew. You can tell that they are still 'brothers' in many ways, but life has dealt harshly with their friendship. As the book goes on some of the layers on their history together is pulled back and some pretty funny, sad, and scary things are revealed. I am curious as to how all of this will connect to Luke - which I think will likely be the next book?

I will definitely read Dani Pettry's next book in this series (Chesapeake Valor), and I really look forward to see what happened to Luke. That part of the mystery was hinted at in this book, but the question of "What happened to him?" looms large.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc." In exchange for my honest opinion.

Deceived by Irene Hannon

Back Cover: For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police sceptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden - and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, Deceive is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plot line that accelerates to an explosive finish.

Review: When I pick up a new book by Irene Hannon, I have just come to expect that it will be incredible. The characters will be realistic and complex, the plot will be borderline-brilliant, the writing excellent, and that I will end up chewing my nails off at some point during the story. There are not many authors that I would stand in a lineup to get their books, but I would for Irene Hannon. I hope she writes MANY more books because she is a very gifted woman. I own every book she's written. So, with no further bragging, let's get into the book.

Deceived is a little different than her usual books. In the beginning, I honestly thought there was something a little wrong with Kate. Seriously….her kid was dead….why is she freaking out over some 6 year old in the mall? She does act rather….mentally unstable…when she first sets her eyes on the child that looks so much like  her own son would have at that age. The police write Kate off as crazy. Discouraged and starting to question her own sanity, she hires a PI to prove the child from the mall is not her little boy. She's trying to move on with her life, but every time she hits a trigger it takes months for her to recover.

Connor Sullivan, the private investigator, agrees to take on her case even though he's a bit skeptical. However, Kate has money and she's willing to pay for him to dig around a little.

Much to everyone's shock, the truth that surfaces is beyond ugly… and more than a little twisted. Connor realizes that if he doesn't link together the answers to this 3 year old case - fast - he could be investigating the murder of the woman who is stealing his heart.


This book has been provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Graf Martin Communications Inc. This review is my honest opinion.

Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel

Back Cover: Keeping the secret of the bones could leave Jack with blood on his hands.

After his many adventures, Jack Hawthorne has finally settled down. Married to Epsy, and with two sons, he’s content to live the life of a mild-mannered university professor. That all changes when someone discovers the secret of the prophet’s bones Jack buried in the desert thirteen years ago. With just a single phone call, Jack’s back on the run... with even more at stake than ever before. Determine not to risk the lives of his family, he knows the only way to finally be safe is to deliver the bones once and for all.

Except they aren’t there. Someone got to the unmarked grave in the Australian outback first, leaving Jack and Espy empty-handed. Desperate, the two begin another globe-spanning race, following the tiniest of clues, to find the one thing that will either save their family or tear apart everything they hold dear.

Review: Everyone loves a good adventure story. The more nail-biting, squirm-inducing it is...the better. I’ve read some pretty amazing adventure/thrillers from Frank Peretti and Tim Downs, just to name two authors. To be honest, “Blood and Bone” didn’t quite hit the mark for me.  The third book of a series (Elisha’s Bones and Serpent of Moses were the previous two books), “Blood and Bone” failed to hold my attention. I found that I was more told the story than shown it. There was a lot of action in this book, but I felt like an outsider and not that I was part of the story. I failed to become engaged. For fear of sounding to harsh, this was not a bad book. The plot was a good.... clever and well thought out...and there were some scenes in the novel that were very engaging. You can tell that the author has a passion and genuine interest in archeology that is quite fascinating.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris

She's dedicated her life to ending violence. But has she moved too deep into a treacherous world?

When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common—a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders.  Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder.  As they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities—and their hearts.

Dangerous Passage exposes a fully realized and frightening world where every layer peeled back reveals more challenges ahead.  You’ll be hooked from the start.

Review:

My favourite genre is fantasy, but mystery/suspense is a close second. I love it when I have my fingers curled around the binding of a book so intense that my dinner could be burning, an alarm blaring, and maybe a semi-truck coming through the front wall of my house and I would be completely oblivious. These types of books are few and far between, but they're out there. 

Dangerous Passage wasn't a white-knuckled, sucking-air-between-your-teeth kind of read, but I still really enjoyed it. Detective Avery North is a strong woman. She's survived the death of her husband and brother in the line of duty, and is now maintaing a career and trying to raise her 12 year old daughter.  As if that isn't enough, she finds herself hunting down a serial killer that is tangled up in the terrifying world of human trafficking. 

Lisa Harris braves the turbulent waters of human-trafficking to shed light on an often avoided topic during this first instalment of what is sure to be a great crime series. I will certainly be reading the next addition to the "Southern Crimes" series. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

... From the tip of his black homburg to the crease in his cheviot trousers, he's the epitome of stylish 1930s English gentleman. His only problem? The body he just discovered.

Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expect to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate.

With the help of beautiful and whip-smart Madeline Parker, a guest from America, Drew proposes to use the lesson's he's learned reading his mysteries to solve the crime. Before long, he realizes this is no lark, and no one at Farthering Place is who he or she appears to be - not the butler nor the blackmailer, the chauffeur nor embezzler. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer - and trying harder to impress Madeline - Drew must decide how far to take this dangerous game.

Review: What a refreshing new mystery series! This book picked me up and deposited me back into the 1930s. The writing style beautifully fits with the era, the mannerisms and speech of the characters is perfectly suited to their time,  and the style of the characters and the story is flawless... this book is both engaging and thoroughly endearing. How fun to read a story so wonderfully researched and so cleverly penned. I honestly felt like I time travelled when I read this book.

Drew is a proper English gentleman and the sole heir to Farthering Place; a very luxurious and wealthy manor set in the beautiful English country. Drew is stylish, modern, and used to a lifestyle of ease and pleasure. With heavy wealth behind him, Drew has no need to work at the family's successful petroleum company and spends his days doing whatever he pleases.

When he arrives home to find his step-father's attractive young niece in residence at the manor, he decides that staying home for a while might be a good idea. Farthering Place is generally where Drew goes to relax - discovering a double murder the night of his family's gala is not in his plans.

In his highly proper world, the last thing Drew expects to stumble upon as he decides to play 'detective' is a cruel web of lies, adultery, blackmail, and ultimately: murder.


"Rules of Murder" is the first instalment of a brand new series, "The Drew Fathering Mysteries" from Bethany House Publishers and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications , Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"