Monday, October 12, 2026

Death in Luxor by M A Monnin Blog Tour Book Review

 Death in Luxor by M. A. Monnin Banner

DEATH IN LUXOR

by M. A. Monnin

October 5 - 16, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Death in Luxor by M. A. Monnin

THE INTREPID TRAVELER MYSTERY SERIES

 

Undercover artifact theft investigator Stefanie Adams and her Artifact Retrieval Team (ART) lead and partner, Thomas Burkhardt must head off trouble before it starts at the opening ceremonies of Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum. Anonymous notes have threatened the Gold of the Pharaohs, a special exhibit featuring glittering gold pectorals, collars, bracelets and rings that once belonged to Egypt’s powerful pharaohs.

Stefanie is thrilled at the opportunity to fulfill her dream of visiting Egypt and the fabulous tomb of Queen Nefertari, She For Whom The Sun Shines.

But trouble comes from an unexpected quarter, and this thief doesn’t stop at murder to possess a golden relic of ancient Egyptian royalty.

She and Thomas suspect members of the Kemet Forever Society, wealthy A-listers who all admit to an obsession with ancient Egypt, and aren’t above using their influence for special perks.

Trailing the suspects up the Nile, through temples and tombs, Stefanie and Thomas race against time to recover the stolen gold before it is secreted out of Egypt and another victim falls in the thief’s deadly game.

Praise for Death in Luxor:

"Death in Luxor, the fourth novel in M. A. Monnin’s acclaimed Intrepid Traveler Mystery series, is a smart, fast-paced, and delightfully romantic adventure that will keep you up well past your bedtime. Pure gold!"
~ Connie Berry, author of the Kate Hamilton Mysteries


My Review:

The strength of Monnin's writing is the vivid descriptions of the setting, including buildings and artifacts. It is like we are right there, in the midst of the action. She also provides a great deal of historical information. There are murders to solve and Stefanie and Thomas are hot on the case, but their investigation proceeds in fits and starts. There is also a stolen artifact to recover. The suspects are many and it takes them a while to get to the truth. There is some suspense near the end but most of the novel is a methodical working through of possibilities.

This is a great mystery for readers who like to travel to new places in their reading and learn on the journey. You'll have the challenge of solving a murder while visiting historically rich locations and seeing amazing artifacts. You'll be in the company of a couple of relentless sleuths. Pack your virtual bags and enjoy the adventure.

My rating: 4/5 stars. 

You can read my review of a previous book in this series, Death in St George's.

Book Details:

Genre: Contemporary Traditional Mystery
Published by: Level Best Book
Publication Date: August 11, 2026
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 979-8898203177
Series:The Intrepid Traveler Mystery series, Book 4
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

Read an excerpt:

Ozymandias

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert . . . Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed:
And on the pedestal these words appear:
‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

--Percy Bysshe Shelley

CHAPTER ONE

“I suppose you’d like an Artifact Retrieval Team ID,” René Renault said, looking Stefanie Adams up and down.

The head of Interpol’s Cultural Heritage Division had a surprisingly deep voice for a man of his short stature, Stefanie thought as he rose from behind the pristine desk in his cramped office at Interpol Headquarters in Lyon, France. She’d pictured a towering figure, but maybe that was because his disapproval of her loomed large over her future with Thomas’s team. And that voice. In reality, René was several inches shorter than her five-foot-seven, with neatly trimmed brown hair and a receding hairline. Dressed in a well-fitting blue suit, René looked the part of a complacent bureaucrat, but there was no relaxed complacency in his attitude. Every movement he made was sharp and precise, full of purpose and aim.

Stefanie met his gaze with confidence. “I would.”

René gave a curt nod. “You’ve earned it.” He handed her a small card.

She read the words printed on the ID, and her heart filled with gratitude and pride. Stefanie Adams. Artifact Retrieval Team. INTERPOL. It was official. René had given his approval. He’d finally accepted her.

Grinning like a kid, she flashed the card at Thomas Burkhardt, who was handsomely casual in a grey sports jacket over a white button-up shirt and black jeans. He pulled her close in a side hug.

“Congratulations,” Thomas said, his eyes full of pride. “Tonight, we celebrate.”

They’d stopped in Lyon so she could meet René in person and get their next assignment.

From behind squared plastic glasses that rested on a hooked nose, René’s small dark eyes scrutinized her. “Our standards are high. So are my expectations.”

“I’ll meet them,” she said, slipping her ID into her wallet. And exceed them. She didn’t say that out loud, not with her boss finally acknowledging that she was a capable investigator, despite not having police training.

Thomas’s blue-grey eyes held amusement at the situation, and the right side of his mouth lifted in a smile. “She’s surpassed my expectations.”

Stefanie’s gaze slid to the series of Most Wanted Works of Art posters on the wall, each featuring between six and ten photos. Paintings, a ruby tiara, a Greek gold icon, and several pieces of Art Deco diamond jewelry. Each stolen, with notes citing where the item had been taken from and when it went missing. Several of the photos were slashed with a large black X. The tiara and two paintings. Recovered. And there was the extravagant sapphire-and-emerald pendant known as the Borgia Peacock. Crossed out. Thanks to her and Thomas.

The image of a gold Byzantine Cross encrusted with jewels drew her eye. The one item Thomas had gone after but not recovered. It was a sore spot with him.

René glanced from Thomas back to her. “Where will you be living? In the US?”

“With Thomas, at his apartment in Munich. For now,” she said. “But I’m keeping my condo in St. Louis.” Not that she had any doubts about their commitment to each other. In Bermuda she had thought, for just a moment, but no.

Flicking a warning glance at Thomas, René grunted.

Fine. He was skeptical. She could understand that. Sometimes mixing work with personal relationships didn’t work. It would this time. Thomas put the job ahead of everything, she knew that. She was the same way. René would see.

It had only been a week since Bermuda. Just enough time for her to fly home and pack more clothes. The part of her brain that always thought seven steps ahead shelved her questions about health insurance and vacation days. Those could wait. At the moment, she wanted to hear about their next job.

“Any leads come up this week?” Thomas asked René.

René sat down and consulted a file on his computer. “Nothing big enough to warrant sending you out.”

“I have a possible lead,” Stefanie said.

Both men turned to her.

“Monty left me a message, something about the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. I haven’t called him back yet. I’ll do it now.”

Monty was an archaeologist friend of hers. More like an uncle than a friend, the archaeologist had hit it off with Thomas when they met on Crete, and was the only one in her circle who knew Thomas’s true profession of police officer, working to retrieve stolen valuables that had been reported to Interpol.

“Hey Monty,” she said into her phone when the archaeologist picked up.

“Where are you?” he asked.

“Between jobs,” Stefanie said. “In Lyon.”

“Interpol headquarters. Good. I have some information you and Thomas will want to know.”

“I’m putting you on speaker.” Stefanie crossed to René’s desk.

“I’ve had a call from a colleague in Egypt,” Monty said.

At that, René closed the document on his computer.

“You know the Grand Egyptian Museum is holding its official opening ceremonies this Saturday night,” Monty said.

She’d been hearing about the highly anticipated GEM for years. Delays had put off the official opening time after time.

Thomas crossed his arms over his chest. “The entire museum will finally open, including the Tutankhamun galleries.”

“Yes, and someone is threatening one of the exhibits,” Monty said.

“Threatening how?” Stefanie asked.

“Anonymous letters,” Monty said. “They say ‘The Gold of the Pharaohs shall belong to the people.’ That’s not as vague as it sounds.”

René nodded. “Gold of the Pharaohs is the name of a special exhibit that opens for the first time at the GEM opening ceremonies.”

“They’re bringing in gold artifacts from other museums,” Monty said, “pieces that belonged to Ramesses II and other pharaohs. Plus items that have been in storage at the Egyptian Museum Cairo for decades. Maha is concerned there might be real intent behind the threats.”

René leaned closer to Stefanie’s phone. “Dr. Maha El Kadi?”

“Yes,” Monty replied. “She’s the curator of the Egyptian Museum Cairo.”

“We’ve worked together,” René said. “Last year. That raid which recovered over one hundred Egyptian artifacts.”

“How were the letters delivered?” Thomas asked.

“Left inside the Egyptian Museum Cairo,” Monty said. “The first was found Sunday. A second one showed up Monday.”

“Why drop them at the Egyptian Museum Cairo if the target is at the GEM?” Stefanie started to rest a hip on the corner of René’s desk, but changed her mind when the director’s eyes narrowed at her.

“Maha thinks it’s because the GEM has been closed all week in preparation for the ceremonies,” Monty said.

The anonymous letter writer wanted attention. But why?

René’s brows drew together. “The Egyptian police have the event covered with Interpol’s help.”

“That’s what concerns Maha,” Monty said. “The police feel security is sufficient, and aren’t taking the notes very seriously.”

“She wouldn’t want a theft like the recent robbery at the Louvre,” Stefanie said.

Thomas nodded. “Or a repeat of the break-in at the Egyptian Museum back in 2011, when ancient artifacts were damaged and stolen.”

“I trust her judgement,” René said. “If Dr. Maha is concerned this is a legitimate threat, she has good reason.”

“So who’s behind the threats?” Stefanie asked the men.

“Terrorists and criminal enterprises often fund their activities with the sale of antiquities,” Thomas said. “But they usually hit archaeological sites, not museums. And terrorists wouldn’t advertise their plans.”

“Government protestors, perhaps. A bluff to disrupt the opening,” René suggested.

That sounded more like it, threats sent in protest.

“Citizens outraged over the cost of the museum?” she asked. “It’s taken years to build, at enormous cost.”

“Could be,” Monty said. “What concerns Maha is that the notes are worded to sound like protesters, but this threat doesn’t follow the normal pattern.”

“Because the notes have been found in the museum,” Stefanie said. “Not out in public or sent to the media.”

“Using protestors’ methods may be a ruse by an individual wanting to deflect attention,” Thomas said.

Monty agreed. “Someone planning to take advantage of the crowds at the museum opening.”

“This thief has time on his hands. He’s playing a game.” Thomas’s eyes narrowed with a predatory glint.

“We are already on high alert for black market trading surrounding the opening,” René said. “Many people are infatuated with ancient Egypt. If they can afford it, they will be in Cairo for the opening ceremonies.”

No doubt. There’d been crowds for the Queen Nefertari exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City. She’d gone to that with Mom. Nefertari’s woven sandals, wooden djed pillar and red granite sarcophagus fragments had been fascinating. Gold artifacts belonging to her husband Pharaoh Ramesses II would be much more grand and glittering. And tempting.

That temptation was nothing new. Few of Queen Nefertari’s burial goods had survived the ravages of ancient tomb raiders.

“The opening gala is an opportunity wealthy fanatics won’t miss,” Monty said. “You know the type.”

She and Thomas exchanged glances.

“Yes we do,” she said. Collectors who would stop at nothing to own a piece of history. And gold that once belonged to an Egyptian pharaoh? The temptation could be too much to resist.

Excitement pulsed through her veins. If René sent them to Egypt, she’d get to tour Nefertari’s stunning tomb. A dream ever since she’d seen the replica model at the queen’s exhibit.

Monty cleared his throat. “I told Maha I knew someone who might be able to help.”

“There will be a massive crowd for the opening ceremonies,” Stefanie said. “Dr. El Kadi could use discreet people to mingle with the esteemed guests, looking for anything that’s off. A couple who fit in where the police would be obvious.” She gave René a sidelong glance.

“We could bolster museum security,” Thomas said.

René nodded, frowning again. “One they aren’t aware of.” His gaze slid in Stefanie’s direction, then he tapped his index finger on his desk decisively. “You two will go and head off trouble at the museum.”

Stefanie lifted her phone higher. “Thanks for the tip, Monty. We’re on it.”

“We’re agreed, then,” Monty said. “These anonymous threats are worth looking into. Stefanie, I’ll give Maha your number, and you hers, and leave the rest to you.”

“Great. Thanks.” She ended the call, smiling to herself. The Cultural Heritage Division functioned on information, and she had contacts where their Artifact Retrieval Team needed them. René couldn’t deny it.

Next stop, Cairo.

***

Excerpt from Death in Luxor by M. A. Monnin. Copyright 2026 by M. A. Monnin. Reproduced with permission from M. A. Monnin. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

M. A. Monnin

M. A. Monnin writes the Intrepid Traveler Mysteries, including Agatha Best First Novel finalist DEATH IN THE AEGEAN. The fourth in the series, DEATH IN LUXOR, released in Aug 2026. Like her heroine Stefanie Adams, Mary loves the adventure of foreign travel. If there’s the chance to check out an archaeological site, so much the better for this avocational archaeologist and Air Force veteran. Mary’s short stories have appeared in Black Cat Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Weekly, and numerous anthologies. She is the current President of the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

Catch Up With M. A. Monnin:

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Instagram - @m.a.monnin
X - @mamonnin1
Facebook - @ma.monnin.2025

 

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(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)

Sunday, October 11, 2026

The Pumpkin Vice Cafe by Ellie Alexander

About the Book:


As autumn settles over the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, ushering in cool, crisp breezes and a stunning show of color, everyone at Torte is keeping warm by whipping up a bevy of fall treats and spicy lattes. Jules is nearing her due date, and the whole town is abuzz―placing bets on when the twins will make their grand debut. Helen and the team are working on a secret surprise baby shower, complete with cupcakes, cookies, and a feast fit for royalty, or maybe just a mother-to-be.


Meanwhile, Lance and Arlo are busy planning their nuptials in what is sure to be as close to a royal wedding as Ashland has ever seen. But when the high-end wedding planner they hired is found dead in the frigid waters of Ashland Creek, what looks like a tragic accident, a slip on an icy bridge, quickly reveals itself as something much more sinister. Jules knows at once―this was no mishap. A killer is loose in Ashland, and they may be ready to strike again.

My Review:

An enjoyable cozy mystery, especially for those who like to bake. The setting in Oregon is well done. The characters continue to live their lives, a wedding planned, babies expected. This book is down the line in the series so many of the characters know each other well but new ones come in too. There is enough background information that one will not be lost if the previous books have not been read. The pace is good in working the mystery. Recipes and instructions are included for a tasty cozy mystery.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:

Ellie Alexander is a voracious storyteller, a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over thirty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Minotaur Books, 304 pages.

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

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Outage by Mike Trigg Blog Tour Book Review

 Outage by Mike Trigg Banner

OUTAGE

by Mike Trigg

September 28 - November 6, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

OUTAGE by Mike Trigg

For fans of Laura Dave's The Last Thing He Told Me and William R. Forstchen's One Second After comes a riveting thriller about an internet blackout that leads one woman into a web of lies and conspiracies and in her pursuit for answers.

Rachel Farrell is working from home in suburban Virginia when the internet goes out. Juggling clients, two restless teenagers, and dinner logistics with her husband, Caleb, a DC lobbyist, she assumes it’s just a routine inconvenience.

Then she finds his note, warning they are in danger and not to trust anyone.

When FBI agents show up looking for Caleb, Rachel realizes something far more sinister is underway: a nationwide internet and phone outage, and Caleb’s biggest client―a powerful Chinese semiconductor company―is at the center of suspicion.

As the night wears on with no word from Caleb, Rachel’s unease shifts into something darker. The man she has been married to for two decades may not be who she thought he was. Fearing for their safety, Rachel and her children embark on a harrowing cross-country journey to find Caleb and hear his explanation. But the more she learns, the more she suspects he may be in on the plot.

Following the clues to a remote compound in South Dakota, Rachel begins to piece together the truth about her husband, his business dealings, and a conspiracy that reaches far beyond anything she ever imagined.

In the end, Rachel has no choice but to uncover the real culprit behind the outage before it costs her everything.

Praise for Outage:

"A punchy, high-octane thriller that's anchored firmly in the believable family dynamics of the likeable protagonists, Mike Trigg's OUTAGE will engage readers and have them rooting for the good guys."
~ James Kinsley for IndieReader

"Outage taps into one of our deepest modern fears and never lets go. Mike Trigg delivers a fast-paced, timely thriller packed with escalating suspense and a family you’ll be rooting for until the final page. A winner."
~ Alex Finlay, bestselling author of The Anniversary

"Outage is a ripping good ride. With a crisp plot and insightful critique of our dependence on fragile technology, Trigg forces us to ask who can we really trust and delivers a thriller that seems ripped from the headlines. The stakes couldn’t be higher."
~ James L’Etoile, Award-wining author of Illusion of Truth and the Detective Nathan Parker series

"OUTAGE is a compelling, ripped-from-the-headlines thriller about our worst national security nightmare – a devastating cyberattack that wipes out the internet, mobile phone service and all the crucial technology we rely on so much today. Mike Trigg masterfully tells the story of a woman who must go to extraordinary lengths to save her family while the rest of the world around her is falling apart. This is a book that will keep you racing through the pages until the shocking ending. And hoping afterward that none of it could ever really come true!"
~ R.G. Belsky, author of The Vanishers and the award-winning Clare Carlson series

"What if the technology we depend on every day is intentionally corrupted - Outage is a chilling thriller with nonstop suspense and action that pulls you in from the first page."
~ Deven Greene, author of the Erica Rosen MD Trilogy

"A paranoid delight! From the first page, an atmosphere of dread hangs over the book, pulling the reader into its tense, fast-moving plot. Wonderful characterizations will keep thriller enthusiasts invested in the story. Perfect for fans of Patricia Highsmith."
~ R.J. Koreto, author of the award-winning "Historic Homes" mystery series

"Frighteningly plausible. Riveting."
~ Eleanor Kuhns, Award Winning author of the Will Rees Mystery Series

"Outage is a terrifying look at society and our dependence on technology."
~ Westley Smith, Bestselling Author

"Nothing is scarier than a domestic suspense thriller, and Outage delivers without letting up. With no phones, no internet, a sudden, gouging, cash economy and a family on the run, what could possibly go wrong? Mike Trigg will keep you on the edge of your seat as you, Rachel, and her children race to figure who to trust and who has reduced the country to its knees."
~ Jenny Dandy, author of the Houses of Crime Mystery series

Outage Trailer:


My Review:

This novel could be out of current headlines. We read of the vulnerability of the Internet when components are made in various countries. We see the power lobbyists have, especially the underhanded way they use power, such as with political contributions. We get insights into the power of a really wealthy person and the power he has.

The plot follows Rachel, the wife and mother, a regular but brave individual. She first has to try to understand what is going on as her husband has left her with resources but not the information she needs to make good choices. I really like her tenacious attitude in finding a way to get to her husband. She is vulnerable as she cannot be sure who is on her side or even who are real federal agents and who are operatives out to kill her.

The plot is full of action. The characters are good, especially young Austin. The appearance of Chay was a bit unrealistic but made for a good story. The ending was abrupt. I would have liked a longer wrap up. Nonetheless, this is a good adventure. It pits one woman against a powerful and resourceful foe. I recommend it.

My rating: 4/5 stars. 

Book Details:

Genre: Domestic Suspense; Psychological Thriller
Published by: Montague Books
Publication Date: October 20, 2026
Number of Pages: 344, Pbk
ISBN: 9781646049684 (ISBN10: 1646049683)
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

PROLOGUE

EVERY MARRIAGE EVENTUALLY reaches a decision point. A moment of truth when you either need to trust your partner completely or believe you will be better off on your own.

For Rachel Farrell, that moment is now.

As she lowers her eye to the scope of her rifle, this untimely realization hits her with sudden clarity. Those familiar vows, recited almost two decades ago, constrict her lungs now with the full weight of their significance. To have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health—they all amount to being there, always, no matter what. Doing whatever it takes. Even if that means putting a bullet in someone’s head.

The last week has put those vows to the test. Revealed the cracks that have been growing for years in her marriage to Caleb. After the euphoric whirlwind of falling in love, their relationship survived the trials of parenthood, the stresses of two high-powered jobs, the financial burdens of raising a family. But instead of pulling closer together, they’ve been drifting apart without even knowing it. Differences that once seemed so small have come to feel irreconcilable. Rhetoric that was once so supportive has become laden with microaggressions, harbored grievances, mutual suspicion, strained silence. And yet, their marriage has endured, adapted. They have kept their family together.

Rachel wishes these thoughts weren’t running through her head, not now when she needs to concentrate. But isn’t that what this moment is really about? Does she trust her husband? She knows she must decide. Knows she has put it off. Dreaded the implications, especially for her children. But marriages can’t survive in stasis. They need affirmation, renewed commitment, reinvigoration. Maybe that’s what’s happening. Maybe what seemed like a final straw is actually a newfound spark. Maybe she won’t know what she has until it’s gone.

With tears blurring her vision, she squints through the eyepiece and locates her target. At this close range, his head takes up most of the viewfinder. He’s sitting still, exposed, facing away from her. Then she sees the gun pointed at Caleb’s head. She can’t wait any longer or the decision will be made for her. She has to take the shot. But what if she misses? What will happen next? Whatever it is, she knows her life will never be the same after this moment.

Rachel suppresses her inner dialogue of self-doubt and steadies her breath. Chest pressed into the dirt along the ridge. Elbows propped against a rock. Hands clenched on the stock and grip. Shoulder nuzzled against the butt, braced for the recoil. Beads of sweat streak down her face, but she lets them drip onto the dry ground. Her hand stops trembling as she aligns the back of his head in the crosshairs. Then, she counts her exhale, holds her breath, and squeezes the trigger.

CHAPTER 1

Seven Days Earlier

“I KNOW IT’S HARD, but you have to tell him how you feel,” Rachel says into the screen of her laptop.

Easier said than done, she thinks to herself as she adjusts her camera angle. She has been sitting here all afternoon, parked in the same chair at her dining table, holding back-to-back Zoom sessions. Carrie, her last client of the day, is running up against the end of the hour, but Rachel’s best efforts to politely steer their session to a logical conclusion are proving too subtle.

Part of her feels sorry for Carrie. Her husband stopped attending long ago. It’s not a good sign when the husband—or either spouse, but usually the husband in Rachel’s experience—refuses to participate. That’s the whole idea of couples therapy, that it requires with both partners. That it’s a safe, supportive environment for discussing and resolving issues in a constructive manner. When one spouse taps out of the therapy, it usually means they are tapping out of the marriage. The next step is the domain of Rachel’s previous ten-year profession as a divorce attorney, before she found her calling as a couples therapist.

Rachel can tell that, on some level, Carrie knows her marriage may be over, despite complaining about her husband’s lack of affection, short temper, long absences as if those are root problems rather than symptoms. The fact of the matter is, once again this week, her husband isn’t here. Clear evidence that he’s done trying to save the marriage, if that was ever his intention.

Rachel glances at the clock in the upper corner of her screen, hoping Carrie won’t notice—or maybe that she will and finally realize their time is up. Rachel’s butt is getting numb. She’s running out of time to make anything for dinner. Another night of carryout is the likely solution. Without breaking sympathetic eye contact, Rachel slides her phone just underneath the camera’s view and composes a text message to Caleb.

“Last session running long. Can you pick up dinner at Lost Dog? The usual.”

The Old Town Alexandria restaurant isn’t exactly on Caleb’s way home to the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, but close enough. Plus, Rachel has a low-grade obsession with their bacon-feta pizza that always overrides her latest attempt at a diet. She’ll kick herself later for gorging on carbs, but screw it—it’s been a long day. Hopefully, Caleb won’t be taking clients out to dinner tonight. She knows he spent the day doing the lobbying rounds on Capitol Hill with one of them, some polyethylene manufacturers’ association or something. She needs that pizza. Rachel notes the time on her phone, 6:04 p.m., then covertly places it face down so she won’t be distracted by it again.

“I just really don’t know what else he expects me to do,” Carrie says, abruptly ending her monologue with an expectant look. Rachel snaps out of her pizza lust and forces a compassionate smile.

“Look, Carrie . . .” Rachel begins, choosing her words carefully. “We’ve been working together a long time, so I feel like I can be honest with you. I’m never going to tell you what to do, but the behaviors you’ve talked about just . . . don’t seem to be getting better. In fact, they seem ingrained. It’s very hard to change another person. And the fact Todd is no longer attending these sessions isn’t a good sign of his commitment to making this marriage work.”

Carrie doesn’t respond, but her expression is the definition of despair. Rachel immediately worries that she’s gone too far. “I’m sorry, I’m probably overstepping my bounds as your therapist, but I . . . Carrie?” Mid-apology, Rachel realizes it isn’t Carrie’s expression that is frozen; it is the entire screen. “Carrie? Hello? Can you hear me?”

That’s perfectn, Rachel thinks, pushing a strand of hair aside as she clicks around in aggravation. Just when she finally delivers her tough-love message, their connection drops. The internet service at their suburban house has been so spotty lately, and calling customer service is a joke. Did Carrie hear any of that? Rachel types into the chat feature: “You froze on me. I think we lost our connection.” But nothing happens. Everything is frozen.

“Crap,” Rachel says, drumming her fingers on the table. Hopefully, a bad connection is all it is. Not Carrie getting so offended by Rachel’s candor that she left the meeting. Maybe Carrie’s phone number is in her contacts, Rachel thinks. Just as she picks up her phone to check, it buzzes—most likely with Caleb’s reply, telling her why he can’t pick up dinner, that he’ll be home late again, that they shouldn’t wait up for him. Anticipating her aggravation, she flips the phone over to see the screen, but it isn’t the message from Caleb she expects. Instead, it’s just one simple notification. “Message failed to send.”

***

Excerpt from Outage by Mike Trigg. Copyright 2026 by Mike Trigg. Reproduced with permission from Mike Trigg. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Mike Trigg

A veteran of Silicon Valley, Mike Trigg writes contemporary thrillers that explore technology’s impact on modern life. Outage is his third novel. His first, Bit Flip, was lauded as a “twisty, acerbic corporate thriller” by the San Francisco Chronicle. His second, Burner, was praised as “a cautionary tale for the digital age” by IndieReader. His work has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and Literary Hub. Born in Kentucky and raised in Wisconsin, Trigg earned a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Catch Up With Mike Trigg:

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X - @mike_trigg
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OUTAGE by Mike Trigg | Gift Cards

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I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)

Friday, October 9, 2026

The Oxford Guide to Scandal & Lies by Kate Westbury

About the Book:


Oxford, England, 1951 - The Honorable Ginevra Bishop likes red lipstick, clever retorts, and earning top marks in her tutorials. She’s following her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford, eager to prove she’s more than a debutante.

Sidney Braithwaite likes brooding, Latin, and ignoring his nightmares. He’s determined to forge a new life for himself at Oxford, far from his childhood mining village and free from memories of the war.

Though Gin and Sidney have little in common, the British Security Service is keen to unite her charm with his espionage experience: there’s a Soviet spy at the university, and the agent tracking them down was poisoned. MI5 wants Gin and Sidney to pick up the trail and identify the informant before more sensitive information is compromised. As a team, the pair of undergraduates clash in personality, upbringing, and taste––but have a connection neither can deny. Gin and Sidney must unite their respective talents to follow the clues before they’re caught in the traitor’s crosshairs…if the sparks flying between them don’t blow up the operation first.

My Review:

This is a good debut novel. The pacing was a bit uneven as the middle dragged. The historical setting was interesting, people being asked to be spies. Much was accomplished, even without formal training and that seemed unrealistic. There is a hint of romance. Overall, it just did not grab me. There is certainly potential in this author so she will be one to watch.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


Kate Westbury grew up a voracious reader of detective fiction, and unraveling plot twists became her favorite pastime. She now puts her whodunnit obsession to good use writing historical mysteries. Beyond the page, Kate teaches Latin and dreams of moving to an English village with crimes to solve.

Minotaur Books, 352 pages.

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

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton Blog Tour Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: Dockside Secrets

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release Date: October 17, 2025

When Finley Burke moves to the peaceful lakeside village of Sunset Cove, she’s looking for a fresh start-not a mystery. But when a violent storm washes a strange tackle box onto her dock, she discovers more than fishing lures inside. Hidden within are antique jewels and secrets that link to a long-buried family feud and a suspicious death. As Finley digs deeper, she finds herself tangled in a web of lies that threaten the calm of the cove- and her own safety.

With the help of her quirky but loyal neighbors, a sharp-eyed detective, Finley must uncover the truth before the past catches up to her.

Full of Southern charm, close-knit friendships, and suspense that keeps you turning the pages. Dockside Secrets is a heartwarming cozy mystery that proves it’s never too late to start over or to solve a mystery.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is a fun cozy mystery, and it is really a cozy. The characters are a collection of older, quirky women (and one fellow sometimes). The women live close to each other and the most exciting thing happening to them is the possibility of solving a crime. They are eager to do so, pooling their insights and abilities. Each one has something to contribute, even if it is only jumping to conclusions. They love getting together and coming up with suspicious possibilities, based on the evidence they have. While Finlay is the main sleuth, all the women come to her aid in solving this mystery.

The characters make this cozy a fun read. We get to hang out at the local coffee shop, go to an estate sale, and watch the sleuths as they create a sort of murder board. It was fun reading of their times together, hashing over the possibilities and, thanks to Birdie's insatiable appetite, enjoying delicious food. There is a hint of suspense but nothing very scary. A true cozy.

This is a good start to a new series with fun characters and a good mystery. 

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

I must admit I have probably watched and read just about every Hallmark cozy mystery I have come across! I have become addicted to mysteries lately! I don’t limit it to just the cozy mysteries. Lately, I have been watching plenty of true crime. The attraction for me is the puzzle. I mean, really, who can resist a “whodunit?” I prefer more of the gumshoe approach, but I also watch several crime scene investigations.

It started out with a curiosity about why people do such actions. What motivates people to commit these crimes and then try to cover them up? In many cases, criminals just aren’t that bright. But there are some cases that remain puzzling.

I decided to give it a go. Dockside Secrets is my first cozy. It was fun to write this mystery in the little community outside of a big city. We moved to this new little cove on a lake, Sunset Cove, and this is where the characters live. The large city in the book, Sagebrush Bend, is in reality, Fort Worth, Texas. Plenty of changing landscapes here, and these appear in the story.

Grab this cozy and meet the quirky cast of characters: a retired forensic psychologist, a very proper southern lady, a nutty and loud best friend, and a middle-of-the-road peacekeeper join a fumbling local sheriff and a handsome detective to discover what really happened at Sunset Cove.

 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Holly’s Book Corner, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Lights in a Dark World, October 10

For Him and My Family, October 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12

She Lives to Read, October 13

Sylvan Musings, October 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 14

The Avid Reader, October 14

Fruitfully Planted, October 15

Vicky Sluiter, October 16

Avid Reader Nurse, October 17

Book Looks by Lisa, October 18

Simple Harvest Reads, October 19 (Guest Review from Donna)

Mary Hake, October 19

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 20

Lily’s Corner, October 20

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://gleam.io/55lW2/dockside-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

The Vanishing at Opal Creek by D D Black

About the Book:


Amidst the rugged beauty of Oregon’s Opal Creek Wilderness, a contestant on a reality survival show falls to his death from an isolated cliff, his body later devoured by black bears. The show’s producers are spinning it as a tragic accident, but local police suspect murder.

While enjoying a leisurely tour of the Oregon wine country, Detective Thomas Austin is drawn into the mystery when he learns that the deceased is a well-known author who lived minutes from his own home. Joining the investigations, Austin must navigate conflicting stories from the show’s crew and contestants along with protestors, paparazzi, a local tribe, and even Bigfoot hunters.As Austin delves deeper into the dark secrets of the reality show and its participants, he uncovers a web of lies and hidden agendas that threaten to consume him.

And when a crew member vanishes, the investigation takes a turn more twisted and sinister than Austin could have imagined. In a world where reality is just another carefully crafted performance, lines between truth and fiction begin to blur. With time running out and the murderer always one step ahead, can Austin separate fact from fiction and catch the killer before it’s too late?

My Review:

This is another good mystery, set in the forest wilds of Oregon. I like it when Black finds good reason for Austin to investigate a murder in a different location. This is a deceptive murder case and it takes Austin a while to figure out the twist. An interesting issue in this novel is pregnancy. It helps Austin solve the case and, interesting enough, also plays a part in the lives of his friends.

This is another good mystery set in the Pacific Northwest. It has a good location, well crafted characters, and a good twist at the end. The only detraction when the setting is not near Austin's home is that Run, the delightful corgi, is left out of the action.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

I have read all of the previous nine mysteries in this series and you can read my reviews: The Bones at Point No Point, The Shadows of Pike Place, The Fallen of Foulweather Bluff, The Horror at Murden Cove, Terror in the Emerald City, The Drowning at Dyes Inlet, The Nightmare at Manhattan Beach, The Silence at Mystery Bay, and The Darkness at Deception Pass.


About the Author:


D.D. Black writes crime fiction set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He is the author of the Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers and the FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. series. When he's not writing, he can be found strolling the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, cooking dinner for his wife, and throwing a ball for his corgi over and over and over. 

Darkness and Light Publishing, 260 pages.

While I often receive complimentary egalleys from publishers to review, I have been reading this Auston series courtesy of my local library. What a great idea! Read books free from your local library!

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)

Monday, October 5, 2026

The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright Blog Tour Book Review

 The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright Banner

THE RESURRECTION OF EVANIA JAMES

by Jaime Jo Wright

October 5 - 30, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright

If walls could talk, what nightmare might they expose?

1879

When Eloise James's sister, Evania, goes missing after being admitted to an asylum, Eloise is determined to find her sibling but instead discovers evidence of dying patients and missing remains. Wannabe journalist Silas Dobbs has his own suspicions that something more nefarious is at work, and that black market sales may originate at the asylum. Together, they are intent on learning whether Evania is alive, or if her body has also been stolen. But unraveling a web of underground resurrectionists proves daunting, and the dead cannot share their secrets.

Present Day

Tilly Thompson is horrified to find historical human remains entombed in a wall of the Gothic mansion her grandfather just purchased, launching her into an investigation of the original owners' questionable past. The James family legacy harbors a darkness tightly woven through decades of secrets, but the past refuses to remain ensnared by silence. Will revealing the truth resurrect dangers best kept buried forever?

Jaime Jo Wright masterfully weaves a dual-timeline gothic suspense novel that brings together a haunting historical tale and a shadowy modern-day mystery. For fans of atmospheric thrillers, spooky reads, the Victorian era, creepy mansions, and dark family secrets.


My Review:

 Wright is a master at creating the dual time novel enveloped in spookiness. She imagines what could happen if the walls in an old mansion could talk. In the contemporary section, the wall does, in fact, reveal a long hidden secret. Family history is explored in the plot as well as personal history and how it affects the present. Families may try to hide dark secrets. Individuals may desire previous actions, such as failures, remain hidden. But these things have a way of becoming known.

An interesting historical aspect of this novel is acquiring cadavers and selling them to medical schools for study. I know this was a practice in the 1800s and here Wright adds an even more sinister aspect to it. There is a hint of romance in this novel as well, requiring the individuals to accept family history.

In an Historical Note, Wright says this novel was inspired by actual events. Pretty spooky that some of these things actually happened in the past. This book releases October 27.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Book Details:

Genre: Gothic Fiction; Christian Mystery & Suspense
Published by: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: October 27, 2026
Number of Pages: 336 Pbk
ISBN: 9780764246258 (ISBN10: 0764246259)
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Baker Book House

Read an excerpt:

 

 

Author Bio:

Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than eighteen novels and three novellas, including Christy Award-winner and ECPA bestseller The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill, Christy Award-winner Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, and Carol Award-winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She lives in Wisconsin with her family and fabulous felines.

Learn more at

JaimeWrightBooks.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @JaimeJoWright
Instagram - @jaimejowright
Threads - @jaimejowright
YouTube - @madlitmusings
Spotify - MadLit Musings
Facebook - @JaimeJoWright

 

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Don't Make a Grave Mistake… Enter to Win

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for The Resurrection of Evania James. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
The Resurrection of Evania James by Jaime Jo Wright | Paperback + Gift Card

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Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Maybe You Lied by Jennifer Sadera Blog Tour Book Review

 MAYBE YOU LIED by Jennifer Sadera Banner

MAYBE YOU LIED

by Jennifer Sadera

September 7 - October 16, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

MAYBE YOU LIED by Jennifer Sadera

Everything he knows about his life is. . . a lie.

Blindsided by the sudden death of his mother, 21-year-old Will Lockhart can no longer afford the rent or bear the haunting memories of their shared Massachusetts apartment. While packing up his mother's belongings, he discovers his long-dead father's deed to a house in upstate New York. With nowhere else to go, he settles there, intent on making a fresh start. But odd things happen as soon as Will moves in. He's unnerved by evidence of fire damage in the cottage, and alarmed by the seizure his elderly next-door neighbor suffers upon meeting him. Most shocking of all are the rumors of a long-ago murder in his house. Now, trapped in a town full of strangers, unsure of whether local murmurings are true or simply small-town gossip, he's determined to discover what really happened all those years ago, and how he's connected to the chaos. The truth will set him free. Or get him killed.

Praise for Maybe You Lied:

"Sadera has done it again! Maybe You Lied is an evocative and compelling tale of family trauma, betrayal, and the chilling truth that the most dangerous secrets are those buried by the people closest to us."
~ Lisa Malice, bestselling author of Lest She Forget, winner of the 2023 IBPA Best New Voice in Fiction Award

"MAYBE YOU LIED is a spectacular thriller that instantly grips you and refuses to let go. With great emotional depth, this novel plunges you inside Will Lockhart's mind, soul, and angst. He's a down on his luck, grief and guilt-ridden young man stuck in a hopeless rut. When he discovers a deed to a house he believes he's inherited, it seems like his luck just might change. Page by page, he uncovers hidden layers of a past he could never have imagined. But when nothing is as it seems and everything you knew about your family and your past is a lie, be careful of digging up the truth. It might set you free...unless it kills you first. This darkly suspenseful, romantic journey knits a cast of intriguing, deeply unreliable characters into a clever, twisty narrative. You won't want to put down this edgy story of loss, love, identity, and family truths as you hurtle towards its surprising end."
~ Zelly Ruskin, award-winning author of Not Yours to Keep and the forthcoming One of Us Must Die

"Maybe You Lied is a twisty, emotionally charged domestic suspense that ramps up to a jaw-dropping, visceral finale. Don't miss it!"
~ Bonnie Traymore, Author of The Rich Guy's Wife

"Family ties? Or family lies? Will Lockhart is coming home to a woodland cottage he never knew existed, his life in shreds and fragments. In a novel as intricately woven as a web, Jennifer Sadera explores sociopathy, nature versus nurture, and the one thing that can never die--a chance at love and redemption."
~ Jenny Milchman, Mary Higgins Clark award winning author of the Arles Shepherd thrillers

"A young man's attempt to piece together his family's dark history propels this gripping mystery, which moves with an electric speed through secrets twistier than the branches of a mangled family tree. Combining thrills, romance, and a moving exploration of grief, MAYBE YOU LIED is perfect for fans of sinister family dynamics who want to devour a thriller in one breathless go."
~ Ashley Winstead, national bestselling author of This Book Will Bury Me

MAYBE YOU LIED Trailer:


My Review:

What if you found out what you knew about yourself and your family was mostly lies? Sadera is good at developing a character as he discovers who he is and what his background truly reveals. Will is an emotional person, susceptible to panic attacks and deep emotional reactions. We follow him as he learns surprising facts about his family, especially his father. The pace of the plot in the beginning is perhaps a little slow as the current life of Will takes shape. He has suffered much and is working his way to a psychologically healthier life. About half way through the book a revelation makes the pace pick up and it was an engaging read through to the great twist and burst of suspense near the end.

This novel is not the kind that kept me on the edge of my seat. Rather, it is a slow build that reaches a climax, making me glad I read the book. There are some intriguing thoughts about murderers and what they can be like, especially sociopaths. There is also an exploration of getting over past hurts and mistakes to look forward to the possibility of romance.

This is a good book for the thoughtful reader who likes a deep dive into a character and what makes him who he is. 

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Suspense, Domestic SuspensePublished by: Creative James Media
Publication Date: September 22, 2026
Number of Pages: 344
ISBN: 9781965648919 (ISBN10: 1965648916)
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Landlords don’t rent apartments to zombies.

I scratched the four-day stubble on my jawline and parked my mom’s Camry behind the brown brick walk-up. Home-Not-So-Sweet Home.

As I stepped into the cramped apartment lobby Sergei was waiting.

“The rent,” he said, his guttural Russian accent turning his words into a nonsensical de-REN. I paused, reluctantly meeting the bushy brows lowered ominously over his steely slitted eyes. Easy to translate.

I nodded and darted my own eyes to the stairway. One of these days my landlord would surely raise a heavily muscled arm and crash his ham hock fist into my face. Emitting my zombie grunt, I pivoted to the stairwell and rushed up, expecting Sergei to follow. Relieved when he didn’t.

It would be a brief reprieve. When my mom lived here Sergei only showed up once a month, but in the three years since she died, he’d pounded his frustration with my spotty payments onto my apartment door with increasing frequency, not budging until I opened the creaky steel barrier. Saying nothing, he’d hold out a meaty palm that looked like it could strangle me all by itself.

Back when I still had cash, I’d offer a wad of fifties and hundreds that he’d snatch up like grabbing cash from an ATM. Only the Will Lockhart machine was now empty, and Sergei looked as though he wanted to kick it into compliance. Kick me. Face flushed with fury, he’d study me with those hard gray pebbles, taking in my disheveled hair and sagging clothes. A gaze that told me exactly what he thought about me—a twenty-one-year-old slacker who clearly cared about nothing. A deadbeat. A zombie. And this was mostly true except for the one thing I cared deeply about: those last seconds with Mom. I relived them daily, the guilt as fresh and dangerously addictive as a drunk’s bleary-eyed yearning for a Bloody Mary the morning after a bender.

I deserved the memories. If not for me, Mom would still be alive.

I closed my eyes against the inevitable scene rolling through my mind. The flash of headlights slicing through my Honda’s dusky interior like a white-hot comet, too fast to stop, too bright to blink away; a violent force whirling me into its vortex. My neck twisting painfully, head hitting something hard. The car’s interior exploding into a slow-motion kaleidoscope. How I’d instinctively thrust my arm out to protect my mom, instant pain bolting from fingers to shoulder; glass shattering and raining down upon us like the stinging embers of trailing fireworks.

And then, the stillness. The church-like quiet.

I’d blinked into the silence as the noises trickled in—the hissing of the steaming engine, and a tinny song coming through the radio from somewhere under the car’s hood. A far-off voice belted out a twangy country tune. “Put on the bacon and the eggs, darlin’ . . .”

Mom and her country music. Mom and her . . . Mom. Head throbbing, I’d scanned the smoke-choked twilight. She was right where she was supposed to be, still hooked in place by her seatbelt, staring straight ahead, like she was listening for something.

“Mom? Are you all right?”

Beyond the jagged glass edges of her blown-out window I saw the lines of the truck through the smoky haze, the words “Barclay’s Bread” written in fancy red letters on its wide, boxy side. Mom said nothing.

Painfully bolted into our twisted metal cage, waiting for the Jaws of Life to extract us, I’d reached out, trying to touch her with my other hand, the one that still worked. If I could just shake her out of her trance.

But in those final precious seconds our bodies existed in the same world, I knew. She was already gone.

I shook my head, forcing me back to the present, wishing my mind could be like the Etch-a-Sketch Mom bought me when I was six. One harsh shake in each direction and the contents of the screen disappeared. But my mind retained in painful detail the truck driver’s distinctive profile, the beak of a nose angled down, a squinted eye and bulbous cheekbone lit up by his cell-phone screen.

As a kid, the thought of Mom dying had set waves of terror rolling through me. Not just because I loved her, but because a part of me always dreaded the day she’d be taken from me. Convinced it would happen but unsure of when, I’d spent a good four years waking up each night and tiptoeing to her bedroom door, peeking through the crack between the edge of the flimsy wood and the wall to ensure she was still in bed, alive. Ridiculous as it seemed, even then, it was understandable, given our track record. I mean, not long before my dad left us, just after my fifth birthday, we’d been a family of four.

***

Excerpt from MAYBE YOU LIED by Jennifer Sadera. Copyright 2026 by Jennifer Sadera. Reproduced with permission from Jennifer Sadera. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Jennifer Sadera

Jennifer Sadera first worked in the publishing industry as a junior copywriter for NAL/Penguin. She has written and edited for newspapers and magazines as a freelancer and on the staffs of major women's publications, Woman's World and Redbook.

Catch Up With Jennifer Sadera:

JenniferSadera.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @jennifersadera
Instagram - @jensaderaauthor
X - @jennifersadera
Facebook - @jennifer.sadera
LinkedIn
YouTube - @AuthorJenniferSadera

 

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Maybe You Lied... But This Giveaway Doesn’t

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Jennifer Sadera. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
MAYBE YOU LIED by Jennifer Sadera | Gift Card

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)