The Castaways: A Novel by Lucy Clarke

 

I'm a fan of Lucy Clarke's novels - they are always such a treat to read. Mystery thrillers that will leave you gobsmacked at every twist and turn - absolutely LOVE it every time! So, of course I was super excited to get my hands on an early copy of Clarke's latest book, The Castaways.  I dove right in and would not stop reading for anything - this story had me hooked right from the start. There was family drama, unexpected romance, betrayal, a plane crash, and an island - it was riveting and chock full of unpredictable moments. This book was fantastic!

So, what is the story about? Two sisters heading to their vacation destination. One misses their flight. The other one becomes a missing person when disaster strikes and the plane crashes. No one knows what happened or where it happened. We find out what happened from both sisters - the one who stayed behind and the one went missing. It's crazy, scary, and unbelievable all at once. And, that is all I will share about this riveting read. You have to check it out and find out what happened - it's a must-read! 

I would happily recommend any book written by Lucy Clarke - they are fun and exciting reads. So, I would definitely recommend The Castaways - you are going to LOVE it! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Death At Inishmore Castle: A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 3 by Lucy Connelly

(Thank you Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

A grand castle, a glass of Irish whiskey, a good book by the fire… and a rather mysterious murder?

Historic Inishmore Castle is opening its doors for the first time, hosting a charming weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. Sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are badly in need of a break, but their relaxing trip takes a decidedly unrestful turn when Mercy finds fellow guest Father Brennen slumped over the desk in the library… Did he have one glass too many or did someone want him dead? 

Even more curiously, Mercy swiftly learns that the priest was no priest at all. So why was he searching through dusty old journals? Can the legend of Inishmore’s lost treasure possibly be true?

Mercy’s suspicions of foul play are confirmed when another of their party is found drowned in the lake at the edge of the manor’s estate. It can’t be a coincidence! Someone in this idyllic Irish castle is up to no good and Mercy is determined to find out who’s behind it, accompanied by her reluctant fellow sleuth and beloved dog Mr. Poe.

With a host of frightened guests and worried staff, and a storm closing in, Mercy soon has more suspects than bedrooms in the castle. Could it be the unconvincing nun, the busybody birdwatcher, or are the owners hiding something sinister? When Mercy realises there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more? 

A completely delightful Irish cozy mystery, full of warmth and wit. Fans of Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor and Faith Martin will love Mercy McCarthy! 

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! I am a huge fan of cozy mysteries and Lucy Connelly's A Mercy McCarthy Mystery series is one of my favorites. So, you can imagine my joy when I received the third book - Death At Inishmore Castle. Hurrah! Another fantastic story to get wrapped up in - murder, mystery, Ireland, and the McCarthy sisters - what more could I want? 

This time round, Mercy and Lizzie, along with a few of their neighbors from Shamrock Cove head to nearby Inishmore Castle for a whiskey tasting weekend. The two sisters are in need of a break and have plans to relax, relax, relax. Except, that their idea of a fun getaway takes a turn when a dead body is found in the library. Yep, murder has arrived at Inishmore Castle and it looks like Mercy is on the case. Especially as another body is found in the lake. Yikes! An old castle, stormy weather, and bodies piling up - talk about a weekend gone wrong. And that's all I'll share about this captivating mystery - it's one you won't want to miss out on. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

I'm happy to recommend Connelly's wonderful series - A Mercy McCarthy Mystery. The stories are so much fun to read. The characters are a treat to get to know. Ireland is the perfect setting to fall in love with. And, the whodunits are such great mysteries to solve. All in all, this series is top notch and not to be missed!

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book!

Bones Under The Ice: A Jhonni Laurent Mystery by Mary Ann Miller

(Thank you to the Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Jhonni Laurent is the first female sheriff of Field's Crossing, Indiana—and now she has her first murder case

Two days after a blizzard hits Field's Crossing, Indiana, Sheriff Jhonni Laurent discovers the frozen body of a high school senior under a fifteen-foot pile of snow and ice. Murder is rare in farm country, and this death marks the beginning of Jhonni's first homicide case.

Just as the investigation gets underway, Jhonni's opponent for sheriff from four years prior wages a bitter reelection battle to oust her. Then, Jhonni finds another body, and further complications arise when a century-old feud between two families reaches its breaking point.

Soon, a slew of newspaper articles causes the Indiana State Election Board to doubt her credibility. Jhonni must fight to maintain her reputation, keep the small farming community together, and find the murderer at large—all while demons from her own past threaten to crush her. Can she find the killer and mend her battered spirit before it's too late?

my thoughts:

I'm freezing just looking at the cover, which I love. Makes me want to grab a cuppa and settle down with this book - which is what I did. And, I didn't stop reading until I turned the very last page. I just had to find out what was going to happen next. 

Bones Under The Ice is the first book in Mary Ann Miller's new series, A Jhonni Laurent Mystery. Set in Field's Crossing, Indiana, we meet Sheriff Jhonni Laurent. She's the town's first female sheriff and is already dealing with re-election drama, along with her first murder case. What can go wrong, right? Well for Jhonni, it seems that everything is happening all at once. Not only does she have to figure whodunit, but now she has save her own reputation thanks to a reporter bent on wrecking her career. Except a new body is found, which means Jhonni has to find out if the two murders are connected. So much to deal with, along with some personal drama, too. Suffice it to say, Jhonni is determined to get the job done. And, that is all I will share about this riveting read. You definitely need to check it out for yourself.

Miller's new book is chock full of suspense, mystery, drama - all of which make for a terrific story. I really enjoyed getting to know Jhonni and the town of Field's Crossing. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

Thank you to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Last Grudge: A Ghosts Of The Past Novel by Max Seeck

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

While her colleagues investigate the brutal murder of a prominent businessman, Jessica Niemi must battle demons from her past in this terrifying new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Hunter.

Powerful executive Eliel Zetterborg has been found murdered in his upscale Helsinki home. What at first seems like a straightforward case soon proves to be anything but when it becomes clear the murderer has other targets. The only clue the police have is a photo of Zetterborg with three men whose faces have all been scratched off.

Detective Jessica Niemi has taken some time off from her work with the Helsinki police to track down the coven that nearly killed her, and her partner, Yusuf, is assigned to lead the investigation. But as Yusuf delves into the case, he realizes he needs Jessica’s help. And as they dig deeper, they realize that the evil they’ve been hunting all along has returned and is lying in wait for the right moment to strike.

my thoughts:

A Nordic noir that will captivate and keep you reading til the wee hours of the morning. The Last Grudge: A Ghosts Of The Past Novel by Max Seeck, is the third book in the popular series, and it is terrific. Chock full of suspense and thrills, this story will have you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoyed getting caught up in this new-to-me police procedural series - it was an exciting story that reeled me right in. 

A powerful man has been murdered and the case is a tricky one. Detective Yusuf is tasked with leading the charge on the case and he definitely has his hands full. His partner, Jessica, has take time off from the police station in order to deal with the coven that nearly ended her life. Suffice it to say, the two have a lot on their plates.  And, things get much worse, the more they each dig into their cases. Talk about evil never dies. Yikes!

Seeck has written a thrilling story that will have you guessing what will happen next at each turn, and rooting for Yusuf and Jessica all the way through. Of course, you'll also be left craving the next book in the series and ready to count down the days until it's released here in the States. 

I would happily recommend The Last Grudge to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Under a Veiled Moon: An Inspector Corravan Mystery by Karen Odden

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

In the tradition of C. S. Harris and Anne Perry, a fatal disaster on the Thames and a roiling political conflict set the stage for Karen Odden’s second Inspector Corravan historical mystery.

September 1878. One night, as the pleasure boat the Princess Alice makes her daily trip up the Thames, she collides with the Bywell Castle, a huge iron-hulled collier. The Princess Alice shears apart, throwing all 600 passengers into the river; only 130 survive. It is the worst maritime disaster London has ever seen, and early clues point to sabotage by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, who believe violence is the path to restoring Irish Home Rule. 
 
For Scotland Yard Inspector Michael Corravan, born in Ireland and adopted by the Irish Doyle family, the case presents a challenge. Accused by the Home Office of willfully disregarding the obvious conclusion and berated by his Irish friends for bowing to prejudice, Corravan doggedly pursues the truth, knowing that if the Princess Alice disaster is pinned on the IRB, hopes for Home Rule could be dashed forever.

Corrovan’s dilemma is compounded by Colin, the youngest Doyle, who has joined James McCabe’s Irish gang. As violence in Whitechapel rises, Corravan strikes a deal with McCabe to get Colin out of harm’s way. But unbeknownst to Corravan, Colin bears longstanding resentments against his adopted brother and scorns his help.
 
As the newspapers link the IRB to further accidents, London threatens to devolve into terror and chaos. With the help of his young colleague, the loyal Mr. Stiles, and his friend Belinda Gale, Corravan uncovers the harrowing truth—one that will shake his faith in his countrymen, the law, and himself.

my thoughts:

What a thrilling and exciting story! I just LOVED the second book in Karen Odden's popular series, An Inspector Corravan Mystery, titled Under a Veiled Moon. Talk about historical fiction at its very best! Chock full of history, mystery, and the Victorian era, this book is a must-read for fans of Odden and anyone interested in historical crime mysteries. 

Set in 1878, this story delves into the political conflict between Ireland and England via a maritime disaster that sets everything into motion. In September, the Princess Alice collides with the Bywell Castle on the River Thames. There are 600 passengers and they all wind up in the water.  Only 130 people survive the boat crash. It is a horrific accident. And, early on in the investigation all signs point to the Irish Republican Brotherhood as being the responsible party for the collision. Say what? Yep, the IRB may be guilty and it's up to Inspector Corravan to find out the truth. Born in Ireland and adopted by and Irish family, the Doyle's, his loyalty is questioned by both his colleagues and his friends. Convinced that only the truth will prove his loyalty to justice, Corravan sets out to find out what truly happened to the Princess Alice. Unfortunately, the case turns out to be more difficult than he bargained for when his brother gets involved and violence threatens to erupt on the streets of London. Luckily, Corravan has Mr. Stiles and Belinda Gale on his side, which means, he may just get to the ugly truth. The only thing is, will he like what he finds out? Yikes! 

Odden has written a terrific story that will hook you right from the start. Her writing is top notch and engrossing - you won't be able to put this book down for anything. And the characters are unforgettable - you will fall in deep with them and look forward to reading about their next adventure. Under a Veiled Moon is an excellent read that you won't want to miss out on - make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Spotlight on Under a Veiled Moon: An Inspector Corravan Mystery by Karen Odden

 

A new-to-me series by Karen Odden that is a must-read for her fans, and for anyone looking for a terrific new crime mystery series to fall in deep with. I know I loved this book and can't wait to read the first in the series - I want to get to know Inspector Corravan even more, along with his friend Belinda and his colleague, Mr. Stiles. 

So, what's this book about? Well, here's a summary to whet your appetite. My review will be coming in December and let me just say it will be a rave review. 

In the tradition of C. S. Harris and Anne Perry, a fatal disaster on the Thames and a roiling political conflict set the stage for Karen Odden’s second Inspector Corravan historical mystery.

September 1878. One night, as the pleasure boat the Princess Alice makes her daily trip up the Thames, she collides with the Bywell Castle, a huge iron-hulled collier. The Princess Alice shears apart, throwing all 600 passengers into the river; only 130 survive. It is the worst maritime disaster London has ever seen, and early clues point to sabotage by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, who believe violence is the path to restoring Irish Home Rule. 
 
For Scotland Yard Inspector Michael Corravan, born in Ireland and adopted by the Irish Doyle family, the case presents a challenge. Accused by the Home Office of willfully disregarding the obvious conclusion and berated by his Irish friends for bowing to prejudice, Corravan doggedly pursues the truth, knowing that if the Princess Alice disaster is pinned on the IRB, hopes for Home Rule could be dashed forever.

Corrovan’s dilemma is compounded by Colin, the youngest Doyle, who has joined James McCabe’s Irish gang. As violence in Whitechapel rises, Corravan strikes a deal with McCabe to get Colin out of harm’s way. But unbeknownst to Corravan, Colin bears longstanding resentments against his adopted brother and scorns his help.
 
As the newspapers link the IRB to further accidents, London threatens to devolve into terror and chaos. With the help of his young colleague, the loyal Mr. Stiles, and his friend Belinda Gale, Corravan uncovers the harrowing truth—one that will shake his faith in his countrymen, the law, and himself.

Now, how great does that sound? Like a must-read, right? Well, it is! So make sure to check it out! You are going to fall in LOVE with Odden's writing and her storytelling.

Murder At Greysbridge: An Inishowen Mystery by Andrea Carter

(Thank you to Oceanview Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Summer has arrived in Inishowen and solicitor Ben O'Keeffe is greatly tempted by a job offer she's received from a law firm in America. 

Yet before making any life-changing decisions there is her friend Leah's wedding to attend at the newly restored Greysbridge Hotel, with its private beach and beautiful pier. It's the perfect location, everyone agrees, but the festivities are brutally cut short when a young American, a visitor also staying at the hotel, drowns in full view of the wedding guests. 

And when a second death is discovered the same evening, Ben finds herself embroiled in a real country house murder mystery, where all the guests are suspects . . .

my thoughts:

Murder At Greysbridge by Andrea Carter is the fourth book in her popular Inishowen Mystery series and it is excellent. I read it as a standalone, as it was my first time reading a book by Andrea Carter, and let me just say I LOVED it. The story had mystery, suspense, thrills, murder, and the perfect atmosphere of isolation and eeriness. Definitely a must-read for fans of Carter and anyone who loves a great murder-mystery. 

So, what's the book about? Well, it's about solicitor Ben O'Keeffe. She's just received a job offer in America and is definitely considering it. However, she's got to attend her friend's wedding first. It's being held at Greysbridge Hotel - newly restored and located right on the beach. Talk about an ideal wedding location. Except, turns out that murder doesn't care about beautiful weddings. Nope, there are two deaths on the same day. Yikes! Yep, looks like Greysbridge Hotel is housing some deadly secrets. Or at least the people staying there are. And, it's up to Ben to figure out what is going on and whodunit. 

Carter has written a terrific new addition to her series with this book. It is gripping, chock full of twists and turns, and the characters are unforgettable. I loved getting caught up in the drama and the mysteries surrounding the hotel. There are so many people to keep up with, but I enjoyed that chaos. And, I loved seeing Ireland through Ben's eyes. Such a great read!

I would happily recommend Murder At Greysbridge - you are going to LOVE this book and start adding the first three in the series to your TBR lists ( I know that I did ). Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to Oceanview Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!

A Fearsome Moonlight Black: A Bone Detective Novel by David Putnam

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Dave Beckett is a wide-eyed young man when he joins the police department in a small town in Southern California. His naivete allows him to believe in his world, a vision where the cops are the good guys championing the rights of the wronged. He learns quickly that crime is not black and white, and the bad guys aren’t always the ones committing the crimes. This is the story of a victim turned predator, a young man who grows up too fast and becomes an apt pupil in the pursuit of criminals on both sides of the fence.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this new book by David Putnam. A Fearsome Moonlight Black is the first in his new series, A Bone Detective Novel, and it is excellent. The story centers on a Dave Beckett. It's 1979 and he's a rookie cop, eager to get his first year behind him. As we read about the crimes he investigates, it seems he gets closer and closer to danger. Fast forward nine years and life is not going the way Dave wanted. He's got a wife and kid, but his wife wants nothing to do with him. He's a homicide detective now and the crime scenes have only gotten worse. And, he's still haunted by cases he worked on his first year as a cop. Oh, and Dave's learned that the guys in blue are not always the good guys. Yep, life has definitely jaded his outlook, but Dave is determined to win his family back and solve the cold cases from his past. 

Wow! Talk about an intriguing story chock full of mystery, crime, and shocking twists and turns. I just loved getting to know Dave and the ways in which his job has changed him and impacted his life. We get an inside look at his life as a cop and it is fascinating.  Loved the raw and gritty details. Talk about real cop talk. Putnam's writing is smart, strong, and thought-provoking. I definitely enjoyed reading about his characters and their story. Such a great book! I didn't want it to end - of course, now I can't wait for the next one! Make sure to check out, A Fearsome Moonlight Black - you are going to LOVE it!!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Lemon: A Novel by Kwon Yeo-sun

(Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

NAMED A MOST-ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR BY MS. MAGAZINE AND CRIMEREADS

Parasite meets The Good Son in this piercing psychological portrait of three women haunted by a brutal, unsolved crime.

In the summer of 2002, when Korea is abuzz over hosting the FIFA World Cup, eighteen-year-old Kim Hae-on is killed in what becomes known as the High School Beauty Murder. Two suspects quickly emerge: rich kid Shin Jeongjun, whose car Hae-on was last seen in, and delivery boy Han Manu, who witnessed her there just a few hours before her death. But when Jeongjun’s alibi checks out, and no evidence can be pinned on Manu, the case goes cold.

Seventeen years pass without any resolution for those close to Hae-on, and the grief and uncertainty take a cruel toll on her younger sister, Da-on, in particular. Unable to move on with her life, Da-on tries in her own twisted way to recover some of what she’s lost, ultimately setting out to find the truth of what happened.

Shifting between the perspectives of Da-on and two of Hae-on’s classmates struck in different ways by her otherworldly beauty, Lemon ostensibly takes the shape of a crime novel. But identifying the perpetrator is not the main objective here: Kwon Yeo-sun uses this well-worn form to craft a searing, timely exploration of privilege, jealousy, trauma, and how we live with the wrongs we have endured and inflicted in turn.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love. I absolutely LOVED this book to bits! Lemon by Kwon Yeo-sun is an excellent story that will haunt you long after you turn the very last page. The writing is superb, the characters are relatable and unlikeable, the story itself is intriguing with its mystery and eerie atmosphere. This is a book that will pull you in and slowly take you through seventeen years of grief, loss, and unanswered questions.  It's a story that you most definitely don't want to miss out on - check it out!

Kim Hae-on is murdered when she's eighteen. Two people are questioned - Shin Jeongjun and Han Manu. However, everything appears to check out with each suspect and they are soon dismissed. The case goes cold.  Fast forward seventeen years later and Da-on, Kim Hae-on's younger sister, cannot seem to move forward and away from her sister's death.  So, she decides to find out what really happened.  And, that is all I will write about the story, you definitely need to read it for yourself to find out what Da-on discovers, or if she able to puzzle it all out. All I will say is that this book will provide you with plenty of food for thought. It is riveting, slow-going, and the perfect way to spend an early morning, or a late night. Such a great book!

I would happily recommend Lemon by Kwon Yeo-sun to fans of her work and to anyone looking for their next great read - you will fall in deep with this one!

Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Killing Kind by Jane Casey

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

about book:

He tells you you’re special…
As a barrister, Ingrid Lewis is used to dealing with tricky clients, but no one has ever come close to John Webster. After Ingrid defended Webster against a stalking charge, he then turned on her – following her, ruining her relationship, even destroying her home.

He tells you he wants to protect you…
Now, Ingrid believes she has finally escaped his clutches. But when one of her colleagues is run down on a busy London road, Ingrid is sure she was the intended victim. And then Webster shows up at her door…

But can you believe him?
Webster claims Ingrid is in danger – and that only he can protect her. Stalker or saviour? Murderer or protector? The clock is ticking for Ingrid to decide. Because the killer is ready to strike again.

my thoughts:

The Killing Kind is a psychological thriller at its very best. Jane Casey has knocked it out of the park with her latest story. Its superbly written, chock full of suspense and mystery, and has a unreliable cast of characters that you can't help but fall in deep with. I absolutely LOVED this book to bits! 

The cover drew me in and the story kept me turning pages. I sat in a cozy corner on a rainy afternoon with my huge cuppa and got stuck right in with this book. I just couldn't help myself. Once I started, I just had to know what would happen next. Plus, I just loved Casey's writing and her clever twists and turns. What a great read! I would happily recommend The Killing Kind to fans of Casey and to anyone looking for their next great read - you just have to check this one out ASAP! 

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Killing Kind

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Local Woman Missing: A Novel by Mary Kubica

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

People don't just disappear without a trace…
Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.
Now, eleven years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they'll find…
In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense and New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a book! Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica was fantastic!

Shelby lives in a small town that is considered safe - nothing ever happens. She goes for a run one evening and never returns. The police start to think her husband knows more than he's letting on - maybe Shelby isn't really missing? But then, a mother-daughter go missing - Meredith and her six-year-old Delilah. What is going on? Three missing people in such a short time? Something isn't right. Eventually the case goes cold.  Fast forward several years and Delilah returns. She was locked in a basement and was finally able to break free. Except, Leo, Delilah's brother, isn't sure this girl is his sister. If she's not Delilah, who is she? And what happened to Delilah? Talk about gripping, suspenseful, and chock full of mystery! I just loved Local Woman Missing!

Kubica has written a terrific story that will captivate her readers. This is one book you won't want to miss out on. 

I would happily recommend Local Woman Missing to fans of Kubica and to anyone looking for their next great read - check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Last Thing To Burn: A Novel by Will Dean

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A woman being held captive is willing to risk everything to save herself, her unborn child, and her captor’s latest victim in this claustrophobic thriller in the tradition of Misery and Room. 

On an isolated farm in the United Kingdom, a woman is trapped by the monster who kidnapped her seven years ago. When she discovers she is pregnant, she resolves to protect her child no matter the cost, and starts to meticulously plan her escape. But when another woman is brought into the fold on the farm, her plans go awry. Can she save herself, her child, and this innocent woman at the same time? Or is she doomed to spend the remainder of her life captive on this farm?

Intense, dark, and utterly gripping The Last Thing to Burn is a breathtaking thriller from an author to watch.

my thoughts:

Wow. What an intense read. Will Dean's latest book, The Last Thing To Burn, explores human trafficking. It is a raw, horrifying, and, truly emotional story. This book is a definite MUST-READ for everyone.

Jane (not her real name) is being help captive.  It's been seven years since Lenn kidnapped her.  She does everything he orders her to do, because if she doesn't she will be punished.  Punishment can be in the form of him burning her personal items (things from home she cherishes) or him threatening to harm her younger sister.  Jane's life is a living nightmare.  It gets worse when she finds out she is pregnant. She is horrified at first, but then she grows to love the baby.  She decides she must escape to protect her child.  However, a new woman has been brought to the house.  She can hear her crying from the basement.  Jane begins to make new plans to escape.  She wants to save her child and herself, but also the woman in the basement. Will she succeed? Will she finally be free? Talk about a disturbing and riveting story. I could not stop reading once I started. I just had to know what would happen to Jane. I had to find out if she would ever be free. 

Dean has written an important story that is smart, suspenseful, terrifying, graphic, harrowing, and just about everything you can imagine a book about human trafficking to be. He has created a book that will haunt you, lead to discussions, and make you more aware of a topic that needs to be addressed.  His writing is top notch and his storytelling is compelling. The Last Thing To Burn is the book that I will be recommending to anyone and everyone this reading season. 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

A Child Lost: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel by Michelle Cox

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A spiritualist, an insane asylum, a lost little girl . . .

When Clive, anxious to distract a depressed Henrietta, begs Sergeant Frank Davis for a case, he is assigned to investigating a seemingly boring affair: a spiritualist woman operating in an abandoned schoolhouse on the edge of town who is suspected of robbing people of their valuables. What begins as an open and shut case becomes more complicated, however, when Henrietta―much to Clive’s dismay―begins to believe the spiritualist's strange ramblings.

Meanwhile, Elsie begs Clive and Henrietta to help her and the object of her budding love, Gunther, locate the whereabouts of one Liesel Klinkhammer, the German woman Gunther has traveled to America to find and the mother of the little girl, Anna, whom he has brought along with him. The search leads them to Dunning Asylum, where they discover some terrible truths about Liesel. When the child, Anna, is herself mistakenly admitted to the asylum after an epileptic fit, Clive and Henrietta return to Dunning to retrieve her. This time, however, Henrietta begins to suspect that something darker may be happening. When Clive doesn’t believe her, she decides to take matters into her own hands . . . with horrifying results.

my thoughts:

A Child Lost by Michelle Cox is the fifth book in her Henrietta and Inspector Howard series; fortunately for me, the book can be read as a standalone novel. And, let me just say how much I LOVED this story. It was gripping from the start and kept me up late at night, eager to find out what was going on at Dunning Asylum. I absolutely enjoyed every minute spent with Henrietta and Clive - talk about a dynamic duo! I just loved getting to know them both and can't wait to read more about them in this awesome mystery-thriller series. Cox has created a wonderful cast and her storytelling talent shines through. 

Henrietta and Clive are married and have opened their own private detective agency. She's recently had a miscarriage is depressed, so her husband decides that a new case will do the trick of cheering her up. So, he gets the Sergeant to send them a case their way.  Unfortunately, Clive thinks it's rather boring - a spiritualist woman is thought to be robbing people. What he doesn't expect is for his wife to take to the spiritualist's ramblings. However, that's not the only case on the docket. Turns out that Elise, Henrietta's sister, is in need of some help.  She's befriended a custodian who has been saddled with looking after a little girl. He's trying to look for her mother, but he's so busy working, too, that he can't seem to manage it all. Plus, the little girl has epilepsy, which makes it imperative that she is looked after at all times. So, Elise wants Clive and Henrietta to help track down the girl's mother. This new case leads them to the Dunning Asylum, which has Henrietta considering her own melancholia.  And that is all I will write about this terrific story. You have to check it out for yourself and enjoy the mystery, suspense, and thrills all on your own. 

I would happily recommend A Child Lost to fans of Cox and for anyone looking for their next new read - you will fall in LOVE with this book!!

GIVEAWAY: $100 Amazon Gift Card

This giveaway is open to Canada, the U.S. , and UK only and ends on March 31, 2021, midnight pacific time. If you live in the UK, the amount will be the equivalent in pounds. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. 

Here's the Rafflecopter link for: A CHILD LOST GIVEAWAY

Good Luck!!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

At The Edge Of Haight: A Novel by Katherine Seligman

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Maddy Donaldo, homeless at twenty, has made a family of sorts in the dangerous spaces of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. She knows whom to trust, where to eat, when to move locations, and how to take care of her dog. It’s the only home she has. When she unwittingly witnesses the murder of a young homeless boy and is seen by the perpetrator, her relatively stable life is upended. Suddenly, everyone from the police to the dead boys’ parents want to talk to Maddy about what she saw. As adults pressure her to give up her secrets and reunite with her own family before she meets a similar fate, Maddy must decide whether she wants to stay lost or be found. Against the backdrop of a radically changing San Francisco, a city which embraces a booming tech economy while struggling to maintain its culture of tolerance, At the Edge of the Haight follows the lives of those who depend on makeshift homes and communities.

As judge Hillary Jordan says, “This book pulled me deep into a world I knew little about, bringing the struggles of its young, homeless inhabitants—the kind of people we avoid eye contact with on the street—to vivid, poignant life. The novel demands that you take a close look. If you knew, could you still ignore, fear, or condemn them? And knowing, how can you ever forget?”

my thoughts:

What an emotional and enlightening story! I absolutely LOVED falling in deep with At The Edge Of Haight by Katherine Seligman. The writing was top notch, the characters unforgettable, and the story itself was fascinating to dive into. This is the story of Maddy, a young lady who is homeless. She's created a circle of friends she can rely on, spend her days with, and commiserate with. The group hang out at malls, music stores, and utilize shelters when necessary. They have figured out how to be "independent" on their terms. And then, Maddy witnesses a murder and now her life is completely turned upside down. She has everyone telling her what they want from her or what she should be doing. The thing is, no one is asking her what she wants to do. Talk about a book that takes a realistic look at homelessness and creates an open dialogue about it. Seligman has written a must-read book!

I would definitely recommend At The Edge Of Haight for anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will definitely enjoy this book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Lying Room: A Novel by Nicci French

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

In this thrilling standalone from the internationally bestselling author of the Frieda Klein series, a married woman’s affair with her boss spirals into a dangerous game of chess with the police when she discovers he’s been murdered and she clears the crime scene of all evidence.

One little secret between a married woman, her lover, and a killer.

It should have been just a mid-life fling. A guilty indiscretion that Neve Connolly could have weathered. An escape from twenty years of routine marriage to her overworked husband, and from her increasingly distant children. But when Neve pays a morning-after visit to her lover, Saul, and finds him brutally murdered, their pied-à-terre still heady with her perfume, all the lies she has so painstakingly stitched together threaten to unravel.

After scrubbing clean every trace of her existence from Saul’s life—and death—Neve believes she can return to normal, shaken but intact. But she can’t get out of her head the one tormenting question: what was she forgetting?

An investigation into the slaying could provide the answer. It’s brought Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Hitching, and Neve’s worst fears, to her door. But with every new lie, every new misdirection to save herself, Neve descends further into the darkness of her betrayal—and into more danger than she ever imagined. Because Hitching isn’t the only one watching Neve. So is a determined killer who’s about to make the next terrifying move in a deadly affair….

my thoughts:

As a huge fan of French's Freida Klein series, I was super excited to dive into their newest book, The Lying Room.  A standalone novel, this story focuses on a woman, her affair, her lover's death, and a web of lies she can't seem to keep control of.  Chock full of twists and turns, this book had me turning pages faster and faster just to get to the end - I had to find out what happened! I was hooked and I was in deep.  This book had me on the edge of my seat and I loved every minute of it.

Neve is unhappy, so she has an affair.  It's a midlife fling, so what could go wrong? Well, her lover could be murdered.  Yep, Neve goes to see him and finds him dead.  So, what's a mistress to do? Well, clean up.  Neve doesn't want anyone to find out about her connection to her lover, so she scrubs their little love nest clean - getting rid of anything she may have left behind, along with any clues the murderer may have left.  Of course, she can't help but think she forgot something - a thought that plagues her to no end.  And then, the investigation into the murder leads the police to her.  Yikes! What's Neve to do? Lie, and lie a lot.  Soon, she is caught up in a HUGE web of lies that seem to keep spiraling out of her control. Plus, the murderer is watching Neve...uh, oh...looks like Neve may be in danger.  And, that is all I will write.  I don't want to give away the ending.  Nope, this is one book you have to experience for your self.  Definitely check it out!

The writing is top notch, the characters are unlikeable (but that is what makes them so interesting in this story), and the story is unputdownable.  What more could you want? I absolutely LOVED The Lying Room! I found myself easily caught up in Neve's drama and couldn't help but try and figure out what was going on. I just loved the mystery, the thrills, and all of the lies - so much DRAMA.  Such a great book by a terrific pair of writers. I can't wait to read more of their work.

I would happily recommend The Lying Room to fans of Nicci French and anyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Lying Room

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Mystery Of Three Quarters: The New Hercule Poirot Mystery by Sophie Hannah

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

The world’s most beloved detective, Hercule Poirot—the legendary star of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and most recently The Monogram Murders and Closed Casket—returns in a stylish, diabolically clever mystery set in the London of 1930.

“We Agatha Christie fans read her stories–and particularly her Poirot novels–because the mysteries are invariably equal parts charming and ingenious, dark and quirky and utterly engaging. Sophie Hannah had a massive challenge in reviving the beloved Poirot, and she met it with heart and no small amount of little grey cells. I was thrilled to see the Belgian detective in such very, very good hands. Reading The Monogram Murders was like returning to a favorite room of a long-lost home.”
— Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl

Hercule Poirot returns home after an agreeable luncheon to find an angry woman waiting to berate him outside his front door. Her name is Sylvia Rule, and she demands to know why Poirot has accused her of the murder of Barnabas Pandy, a man she has neither heard of nor ever met. She is furious to be so accused, and deeply shocked. Poirot is equally shocked, because he too has never heard of any Barnabas Pandy, and he certainly did not send the letter in question. He cannot convince Sylvia Rule of his innocence, however, and she marches away in a rage.

Shaken, Poirot goes inside, only to find that he has a visitor waiting for him — a man called John McCrodden who also claims also to have received a letter from Poirot that morning, accusing him of the murder of Barnabas Pandy…

Poirot wonders how many more letters of this sort have been sent in his name. Who sent them, and why? More importantly, who is Barnabas Pandy, is he dead, and, if so, was he murdered? And can Poirot find out the answers without putting more lives in danger?

my thoughts:

Church Window Cake is all I can think about after reading this book. Along with the jolly good fun I
had trying to solve the mystery before Poirot could explain it all at the end.  Of course, I was stymied from the get go and could never seem to land on the right culprit - I suppose my little grey cells were no match for Poirot's.  Then again, is anyone ever a match for him?

In the latest Hercule Poirot Mystery, we find our inimitable detective being accosted on the way home by an angry woman claiming to have received a letter written by him that accuses her of murder. Say what?! Poirot is shocked and confused.  He has written no such letter and does not even know this woman or the man she is accused of killing. The whole matter is a terrible mess that he just wants to forget about.  Except he can't.  Turns out that several people have received these letters - all of them accusing each and everyone of these people of having murdered Barnabas Pandy. Talk about a mystery indeed. 

Soon, Poirot is on the case - trying to solve Pandy's murder and find the culprit behind these terrible letters.  With the help of his friend Inspector Catchpool and Euphemia's Church Window Cake, Poirot is able to piece together what really happened to Pandy and whether or not the author behind these letters is in fact a murderer.

Sophie Hannah has written another terrific story starring Agatha Christie's mustachioed detective, Hercule Poirot.  She has once again proven how adept she is at creating Poirot's world filled with mystery, suspense, humor, and his little grey cells that manage to shock and awe with their quick wit and intellect.  I found myself laughing out loud at the craziness that seemed to be surrounding Poirot - no one seemed to believe that he didn't write these letters and it drove him bonkers.  Plus, the more involved he became in trying to solve this new mystery, the more complicated it all seemed to become.  Talk about a whodunit with too many suspects.  In fact, it appeared that Poirot's little grey cells were having to work overtime - I felt stressed for him.  However, in the end, our beloved detective comes through with all the answers. And that is all I will write about this fantastic story.

I would happily recommend The Mystery Of Three Quarters to fans of the Hercule Poirot mysteries - you will LOVE this book!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Mystery Of Three Quarters

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Dead Girls: Essays on Surviving An American Obsession by Alice Bolin

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

“Dead Girls is everything I want in an essay collection: provocative lines of inquiry, macabre humor, blistering intelligence… I love this book.” —  Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties

“Bracing and blazingly smart, Alice Bolin’s Dead Girls could hardly be more needed or more timely.” — Megan Abbott, Edgar Award-winning author of You Will Know Me

Best of summer 2018 – included on best-of lists by Bitch Magazine, Harpers Bazaar, The Millions, Esquire, Refinery29, Nylon, PopSugar, The Chicago Tribune, Book Riot, and CrimeReads

In this poignant collection, Alice Bolin examines iconic American works from the essays of Joan Didion and James Baldwin to Twin Peaks, Britney Spears, and Serial, illuminating the widespread obsession with women who are abused, killed, and disenfranchised, and whose bodies (dead and alive) are used as props to bolster men’s stories. Smart and accessible, thoughtful and heartfelt, Bolin investigates the implications of our cultural fixations, and her own role as a consumer and creator.

Bolin chronicles her life in Los Angeles, dissects the Noir, revisits her own coming of age, and analyzes stories of witches and werewolves, both appreciating and challenging the narratives we construct and absorb every day. Dead Girls begins by exploring the trope of dead women in fiction, and ends by interrogating the more complex dilemma of living women – both the persistent injustices they suffer and the oppression that white women help perpetrate.

Reminiscent of the piercing insight of Rebecca Solnit and the critical skill of Hilton Als, Bolin constructs a sharp, perceptive, and revelatory dialogue on the portrayal of women in media and their roles in our culture.

my thoughts:

As a huge fan of essays, I was super excited to read Dead Girls - a book of essays about the "dead girl" trope within American culture and media - specifically in literature.  Talk about a fascinating book!

This nonfiction tome is a bit of a memoir as Bolin writes about her life in LA and we get to see how she navigates loneliness, relies on Joan Didion's writing, and shares about her experiences with roommates and boyfriends.  Of course, we also get the essays that explore the idea of exploiting the "dead women" that society seems to be obsessed with.  You know, stories that begin with a dead woman and end with their murder being solved (or unsolved).  Its the idea that these "dead girls" are what the male characters depend on in order to grow/develop within the story - so crazy, but seemingly true to the arc of many a story.  And then there are the TV shows that use "dead women" to show how men are incapable of resisting their homicidal tendencies by exploring their methods and psychology - talk about crazy and interesting essays!  Bolin also looks at the concept of the "living girl" and the ways in which these women are exploited - such as through their fame, like with Britney Spears.  I just loved reading this book! I found myself easily caught up in everything that Bolin wanted to share with her readers and found myself jotting down notes to look at later.  Talk about a great mix of feminism and popular culture!

Dead Girls is terrific book of essays that I would happily recommend to anyone interested in nonfiction, specifically feminist nonfiction - you will LOVE this collection to bits!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Dead Girls

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!