Saturday, September 14, 2024

Poison in Piccadilly by Kelly Oliver Book Review

About the Book:


London 1918: Is Fiona Figg ready to exchange her sleuthing cap for a bridal veil?

Fiona is set to tie the knot with her dashing captain, Archie Somersby. But, while Fiona is busy planning her happily ever after, side-kick Kitty Lane and a group of judo-chopping suffragettes are kicking up trouble at the Piccadilly Jujitsu Club.

When Kitty is found unconscious in the locker room during a high-stakes competition, Fiona must forsake her bouquets and bridal gown to investigate. Her sleuthing leads to a posh lady’s luncheon where a mysterious death crashes Fiona’s wedding plans.

To make matters worse, the arch-nemesis of all things matrimonial Fredrick Fredricks is up to his old tricks, attempting to put the brakes on Fiona’s journey down the aisle. Will he succeed in tripping up Fiona’s wedding vows? Or will she finally say “I don’t” to the charming devil?

With humour as sharp as a judo chop and suspense as tight as a wedding corset, Poison in Piccadilly invites you to matrimonial mayhem that will have you saying “I do” to laughter and “forever more” to page-turning suspense.

My Review:

I have enjoyed this series although I have been a little frustrated at Fiona not being able to make up her mind in whether she loves Archie or Fredrick. But there is a wedding planned in this novel so that should settle the issue. Or maybe not.

There is a mole at MI5. There are plenty of hints that it might be Archie. Can Fiona trust him? It seems Kitty has the key to the problem inside her but with amnesia, she is no help in Fiona making the right choices.

There is a bit of repetition in this novel as Fiona goes over the facts she knows and muses what they might mean. There is plenty of action too, however, as Fiona uses her disguises to go undercover to determine the person who gave Kitty the memory destroying head wound. And then there is a murder Fiona must investigate too.

This is an entertaining and fun novel. Much of the relationship interactions are founded in earlier novels and would be best understood by reading them first although this book does read relatively well on its own.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


You can read my reviews of earlier books in this series: Chaos at Carnegie Hall, Covert in Cairo, Mayhem in the Mountains, Arsenic at Ascot, and Murder in Moscow.

About the Author:


Kelly Oliver is the award-winning and bestselling author of three mystery series: the seven-book suspense series, The Jessica James Mysteries; the three-book middle grade kids’ series, Pet Detective Mysteries; and the four-book historical cozy series, The Fiona Figg Mysteries, inspired by those trips to the Green Hills Library.

Currently, Kelly is the Vice President of Sisters in Crime.

When she’s not writing novels, Kelly is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.

Boldwood Books, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison Book Review

About the Book:


Escaping the city doesn’t mean escaping the criminals…

1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah’s sister and her husband, the Earl of Atherton, in their beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside.

Hannah’s sister has filled the house with relatives, friends and merrymakers, and everyone’s excited to have a Christmas to remember.

But then, when a fellow-guest’s body is found in the library – apparently bludgeoned to death – and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears that it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah and Aunt Violet realize that once again it’s going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.

Because whoever’s behind the crimes must be at Midwinter Manor… And if they’re not found, who knows what their next ‘gift’ will be?

My Review:

I like this cozy mystery series. The historical setting of WW I is presented well. It was a horrible war and some who witnessed devastation were overwhelmed, as is one of the characters in this novel. Shell shock was just beginning to be recognized and Davison gives a good account of one troubled by it. Others were so intimidated by the casualty reports they would do anything to keep from being conscripted.

The characters are what make this cozy mystery so entertaining. Aunt Violet is quite the woman, especially when she is speedily driving her car. I could just see Hannah hanging on for dear life. The relatives they visit are much more of the stately upper society style. It is interesting to see how Hannah's wealthy relatives relate to their servants and friends. There is even an incompetent policeman trying to solve the murder.

This novel reads well on its own even though it is part of a series. There are a number of characters, however, and understanding who all of them are may require reading the previous books in the series. This is a good novel for readers who love historical cozy mysteries.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


You can read my reviews of the earlier books in the series: Murder in the Bookshop and Murder in the Library.

About the Author:


Anita is the author of Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries set in WWI from Boldwood Books. Also available are the five Edwardian Flora Maguire Mystery series.


Boldwood Books, 280 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano Book Review

About the Book:


Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.

After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.

Knowing her life is in danger, Camilla agrees to Owen's proposition and travels with him to West Virginia, finding herself charmed by the less-than-formal attitude of his small hometown, as well as by Owen himself. But danger waits in the shadows, disrupting what she knows would be the most spectacular match she's ever made--her own.

My Review:

Turano has done it again. I don't know how she keeps coming up with enjoyable humor but she does. We get a good idea of the contrast in society and culture when a foiled abduction forces Camilla to leave New York high society and travel to West Virginia. I like how Turano takes the usual plot and turns on its head. Rather than Camilla preparing a young woman for high society, Camilla is confronted with rough and tumble, gun toting and honest speaking people. And then match making permeates the air without her help.

Turano does a good job with snappy dialogue, quirky characters, and humorous descriptions of actions and reactions. But there is more to the story than just humor as past hurts are healed and people take a chance on romance again. There is a little bit of mystery with the kidnapping attempt and a bit of suspense near the end. Generally it is a light and pleasing novel with some chuckle out loud humor.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by BooklistJen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from RT Book Reviews, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and at JenTurano.com. Photo credit: © Emilie Haney, EAH Creative

Bethany House, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Murder by Milkshake by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo Blog Tour Book Review


About the Book:


Life is sweet for high school senior and ice cream slinger Genevieve Winterland. Her father owns Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour, the cutest confectionery shop in their little town of Pinewood, Arizona. Genevieve loves her job, but when her father hires a broody newcomer with a dark past to provide extra security on her closing shifts, Genevieve bristles. Is this part of her father’s plan to send her away to college, when all she wants is to stay in Pinewood and run the family business?

Meanwhile, everyone’s favorite new teacher at Pinewood High, Miss Love, is receiving death threats, and then she goes missing. Genevieve suspects the crabby substitute, Ms. Pierce, who seems murderous about being passed over for the position. Or is the culprit Mr. Garcia, the longtime instructor who Miss Love replaced after he was fired for assaulting a student? Just when Genevieve thinks she knows the answer, she stumbles across the dead body of another missing faculty member.

Can Genevieve find the killer terrorizing the teachers in her beloved hometown—before someone else gets iced?

Murder by Milkshake is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon.

My Review:

I liked this cozy mystery for young readers. The heroine, Genevieve, is a capable high school student. There is a scary teacher, a murder, and a good bit of suspense near the end. There is a good friend to Genevieve in Brandon. He is quite unlike her but they are the best of friends. He helps her but also gives some reality to her enthusiasm. There is a twist when the villain is revealed, something I did not see coming at all.

Naranjo's writing style is good. The plot moves along at a consistent pace. There is an interesting issue explored in the novel as Genevieve really wants to stay working at the ice cream shop rather than go away to university as her father wants. She also sort of breaks the law but gets away with it. These are two issues that could be discussed with adults after reading the novel.

I found this to be an entertaining mystery for high school age readers.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


Elizabeth Maria Naranjo
is the author of 
The Fourth WallThe House on Linden Way, and What Was Never There. Her stories and essays have been widely published and nominated for the Pushcart PrizeBest American Essays, and Best of the Net, and her short story, “Windows,” was selected for Best Microfiction 2023. She lives in Tempe, Arizona, with her husband and two children.

GIVEAWAY

You can enter for a chance to win a copy at


Scroll to the bottom of that post to find the entry form. Contest closes September 22.

Independently published, 232 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through WOW! Women on Writing. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)


Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Bloom In Your Winter Season by Deborah Malone and contributing authors Blog Tour Book Review


About the Book

Book: Bloom in Your Winter Season

Author: Deborah Malone with 23 Contributing Authors

Genre: Bible Study

Release Date: April, 2024

Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in Your Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions. Previous books in the series are Blooming in Broken Places, and Bloom Where You Are Bible study.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

As one who has entered into “seasoned” womanhood, I really appreciate these encouraging devotions. We may think our usefulness in furthering God's kingdom has ended with advanced age. Perhaps we think it is too late to get the training necessary for effective ministry. Combining personal experiences with insight from biblical characters, these authors encourage us to not think our usefulness to God has ended but rather to keep going. “A woman's spiritual impact does not depend on age or experience.” (26)

I appreciate the variety of women writing these devotions. One is a widow. Another writes from having very tight finances. Yet another cares for her invalid husband. No matter the situation of a reader, there will be encouraging words for the situation.

I like that there are application questions and a prayer at the end of each devotion. There are also more in depth studies on the biblical women used to illustrate the encouraging devotions. I recommend the book as an encouraging boost for older women.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Deborah received Georgia Author of the Year Award 2018 in Inspiration Category for her book Blooming in Broken Places. Her companion workbook, Bloom Where You Are, was runner-up in the prestigious Selah Awards 2023 in Bible Study Category. Deborah is a certified Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Power Speaker. She is a member of the Georgia Writers Association, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and American Christian Fiction Writers. Deborah lives in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, Travis.

More from Deborah


Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in Your Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions.
 
Welcome to the Winter Warriors club. A club made up of “seasoned” women who have a desire to give their heart to Abba even during the phases of their winter season. Maybe you’ve been going through changes that have you discouraged and ready to throw in the towel.
 
Change is inevitable: hearing aids, eyeglasses, and a knee replacement are just a few I’ve already experienced. Not to mention the changes to my body shape and style – yikes! Maybe you’ve been through some of these changes, too. If we dwell too long on the inevitable, it can be easy to get discouraged and want to just sit down and give up.
 
In this study you will be treated to twenty-four devotions by “seasoned” authors who continue to be active for the Lord in many ways – large or small – it is all for God’s glory.
 
You will hear me saying often: “God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead.” While studying these women from the Bible, you will discover that God can and will use you even in your winter season.
 
As my friend Beth says, “There’s only one alternative to growing old.” And we all know what that is – something we will all have to face eventually, but until then, let’s make a pact to grow old as “seasoned” women being Winter Warriors for our Abba!

Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, September 7

Divine Perspective, September 8

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 10

Girls in White Dresses, September 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 12

Blossoms and Blessings, September 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 16 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 18

A Reader’s Brain, September 19 (Author Interview)

She Lives to Read, September 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Deborah is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card and the winner’s choice of one of Deborah’s books!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5434


I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Monday, September 9, 2024

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson Novella Review

About the Novella:


Christmas is the perfect time for old memories, new beginnings, and second chances

When Madison McDowell returns from teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, Madison's former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break her heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will require a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a Christmas miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

My Review:

This is an enjoyable Christmas novella. While it is a romance, much of the story centers around family relationships, especially sisters. The tension between the sisters is believable. Addie has been taking care of family responsibilities while Madison has been living her dream being a missionary. I can certainly understand Addie's frustration when Madison comes back and wants to change things. My favorite character was Lilly, child of next door land owner Gavin. She is a little spitfire and made me want to try dirt bike riding myself.

The romance is a troubled one. While we might root for Gavin and Madison to reconnect well, Addie has set her sights on him. We hope that Madison and Addie will some how be reconciled. Carlson adds a few more people to the mix to stir the relationship pot, such as a mother who thinks she can cook but produces food poisoning instead.

There are some revelations near the end that allow for a satisfying ending to a situation of otherwise tense relationships. There is a subtle Christian faith presence. There is some interesting information about successfully running a Christmas tree farm too. This is a fun novella to read for the holidays.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


Melody Carlson
 is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at MelodyCarlson.com.

Revell, 176 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: Tracking Tilly

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release Date: August 2024

Who Stole Tilly from the Auction Block?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is a very gentle cozy mystery. There is no suspense nor any threatening scenes. It is mostly an account of day to day southern life, such as marriage relationships, old grievances, current friendships, having family dinners, etc. The town's people are such that I have become engaged with them would be happy to read more about them.

RaeLyn was a hard character for me to like, however. Aspiring to go into business, she seemed an overly characterized typically distracted southern girl. Some of the secondary characters were interesting and well drawn with quirky characteristics. There was some clever dialog and humor included.

The mystery was low key and almost not the primary focus of the novel. There were many suspects and each seemed to have a valid motive. The mystery's resolution at the end was a little anticlimactic. I did learn quite a bit about antique cars, restoring them and the car shows displaying them.

This is a gentle novel and a comforting read, mostly about people with much less of a focus on the mystery.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

 

More from Janice

Welcome to Mabank, Y’all!

Some stories are written out of a passion for the characters. Others are written out of an idea for a unique and engaging plot. And some—like my new book, Tracking Tilly—are written out of pure love and devotion for a location.

We writers love to set our books in unique places. And because I’m a Texas gal, I usually set my stories in South Texas, often along the Gulf Coast. This time, however, I wanted to take a trek a little farther north, to the town of Mabank Texas.

Don’t know where Mabank is? No worries! It’s right next to Gunbarrel City, which is nestled next to Cedar Creek Reservoir, a gorgeous body of water that provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping. This neck of the woods is known as East Texas territory, and it’s unique from where I live in the Houston area—both in terrain and culture.

My familiarity with this region goes back to the early 1980s, when my mother remarried and moved to a 63-acre ranch with my step-dad. Though I hailed from Texas, I’d never been to this particular region. Turns out, I’d been missing out on a lot! Picture beautiful ranch-lands, perfect for raising horses, cows, goats, and chickens. Now imagine small-town churches, restaurants, and specialty shops. Add to that the beauty of a fabulous lake, one dotted with fishing boats, kayaks, and swimmer. Talk about beautiful. . .and perfect for a book series filled with the unexpected twists and turns found in most cozy mysteries.

Tracking Tilly is the first in a three-book series from Barbour called The Little Red Truck series. I used the ranch as the setting for my main character (RaeLyn Hadley) to live. And boy, does the story ever explore those beautiful Texas backdrops, all through her eyes! Tracking Tilly is set in the springtime, when bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes are in full bloom. I didn’t even have to research to know what those look like!

I loved setting this fun cozy mystery in mama’s hometown, and not just for nostalgic reasons. Sure, a quaint small town and a rustic 63-acre ranch provide the perfect backdrop for a mystery, but even more than that, I loved getting to know RaeLyn and her family. Plunking them down in my mama’s house allowed me to re-visit the location in my own imagination and to envision how RaeLyn would see it.

My mom passed away in 2017 and I rarely get back to Mabank and Gunbarrel City these days. But once I decided to set Tracking Tilly in this area I knew I had to make one more trip. So, I asked a close friend to join me and we made a day trip out of it. Over the river and through the woods, to my mama’s old house we went.

And while we were there, we drove by her church (First Baptist, Mabank). Oh, and we had to stop off at one of her favorite restaurants. Mostly, though, I wanted to see the lake. As I got out of my car at the water’s edge I was flooded with memories of driving over that lake on my way to visit mom when my kids were little. We spent nearly every holiday on that beautiful property.

As you read Tracking Tilly, I hope you find yourself captivated by the setting, but I also hope you see a little of yourself in RaeLyn. She’s an adventurous, inquisitive gal, loaded with zeal for life and a passion for her family. More than anything, I hope you discover a renewed sense of purpose in your own family’s story.

Thanks for reading, y’all!

Blog Stops

Lighthouse Academy, September 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 8

Pause for Tales, September 9

Texas Book-aholic, September 9

The Avid Reader, September 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , September 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14

Lily’s Corner, September 15

She Lives To Read, September 15

Devoted To Hope, September 16

Lights in a Dark World, September 16

Book Looks by Lisa, September 17

Labor Not in Vain, September 18

Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, September 19

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5433


I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Den of Iniquity by J A Jance Book Review

About the Book:

Former Seattle homicide cop J. P. Beaumont faces trouble in the small town of Ashland, as both his personal and professional lives are thrown into turmoil. Beau’s daughter and son-in-law are having marital troubles, and his grandson, a senior in high school, shows up on his doorstep, wanting to live with Beau and his wife Mel as he finishes out the school year.

Meanwhile, a friend from his past asks for Beau’s help in looking into what appears to be an accidental death. A young man died of a fentanyl overdose, but those closest to him are convinced that he would never have used the drug, and that something much more sinister has happened. Beau agrees to unofficially reopen the case, and his investigation leads him to uncover similar mysterious deaths that all point to a most unlikely suspect.

As the case becomes more complicated than he could have imagined, and past and present mysteries collide, it will take everything Beau has to track down a dangerous vigilante killer. The result is an unforgettable read, and “newcomers and longtime series fans alike will be thrilled” (Publishers Weekly).


My Review:

I have been reading the Beaumont books since the very beginning. I have liked the novels enough to keep reading them but I think I like Beaumont even more now that he is retired and is a private investigator living in Bellingham. No longer carrying a gun on his hip, he has to think through his investigations differently and make good use of experts he knows.

Jance weaves together two story lines in this novel, keeping the pace moving along well. The more emotional story line involves taking in his grandson. He and his wife Mel help Kyle deal with the crumbling marriage of his parents. There is some interesting relationship wisdom evidenced there.

The other story line is a more traditional one as Beaumont pursues a potential serial killer. I like how he goes to several of his friends to seek out their expertise as he tries to identify the murderer. A couple of aspects of this investigation were quite interesting. One was the difficulty of getting the police to open a closed case. Another was touch DNA, about which I learned a great deal.

The characters are crafted well, the story lines are interesting and I like how Jance sets this novel at the beginning of the Covid shutdown. The novel is a good addition to the ongoing Beaumont series.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


J. A. Jance
 is the New York Times bestselling author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, the Ali Reynolds series, six thrillers about the Walker Family, and one volume of poetry. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, she lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington.

William Morrow, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)