mystery - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Melinda Leigh (Right Behind Her)

September 18, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Right Behind Her by Melinda Leigh is a gripping read, just like her other books. Readers get sympathetic heroes and monstrous villains along with a plot that will keep them turning the pages. Sherriff Bree Taggert agrees to travel to her childhood home with her brother Adam. She must confront the memories of her childhood that includes the cruelness of her father, being attacked by his dogs, the night her father murdered her mother, …

Interview with Nicole Trope (The Family Across the Street)

September 10, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Family Across the Street is Nicole Trope’s latest novel. Her American debut was in June of this year with the outstanding book, The Boy In The Photo. With all her books, readers get a vivid plot that grips them and grabs their full attention. The stories usually delve into everything from emotional abuse, child abuse (both psychological and sexual), and domestic violence. The Boy in the Photo was first published by Grand Central …

Interview with Serena B. Miller (Sugarcreek series)

September 3, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Bertha’s Resolve by Serena B. Miller is the fourth installment of the Love’s Journey in the Sugarcreek series. This novel, as well as the other three, have engrossing characters, a riveting plot, and information about the Amish of Ohio. The stories involve policewoman Rachel Troyer, her three elderly Amish aunts who run a Bed and Breakfast, Joe Matthews, Rachel’s eventual husband, and his son Bobby, along with other Amish town members. These books should …

A Harbor Secret series by Kristie Dickinson

August 20, 2021

I first encountered Dickinson’s work via Audible Escape (R.I.P.) in Spring 2020. I loved Tunnels and devoured Devil’s Elbow, but those were the only two available and I thought that was all I would experience of Dickinson. But this summer I was pleasantly surprised when the author reached out to me and offered free copies for review—audiobook copies. Oh. Hell. Yes. She even provided copies of Tunnels and Devil’s Elbow for me to re-listen to and refresh my memory. I …

Interview with Stephanie Marie Thornton (A Most Clever Girl)

August 13, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Most Clever Girl by Stephanie Marie Thornton brings to life in fictional form, the true story of Elizabeth Bentley, a Cold War double agent. Readers are presented with the psychology of a spy, the dangers, betrayals, and motivations. Bentley was an American citizen who spied for the Russians until she became an FBI informant. She was recruited by the American Communist Party to spy on fascists since she worked at an Italian library. …

Interview with Lisa Harris (The Chase)

July 24, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Chase by Lisa Harris is an excellent read. The story doesn’t have quite as much action and suspense as in the first book, The Escape, but readers will be intrigued by understanding the personal dynamics. Both main characters must handle grief and navigate evolving personal relationships. US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing–it’s time to get back out into the …

Interview with Elizabeth Heiter (K-9 Hideout)

July 3, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper K-9 Hideout by Elizabeth Heiter, the fourth in this series, is just as good as the first three. Combining a mystery with great characters including the four-legged furry kind makes for a great story. Elizabeth Heiter drew from her own personal experience to show what it is like having a stalker in someone’s life. Sabrina Jones has moved from New York City to Desparre Alaska to hide from a stalker. After leaving a note …

Interview with Iris Johansen (The Bullet)

June 19, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Bullet by Iris Johansen brings back forensics’ sculptor Eve Duncan and former SEAL Joe Quinn. This married couple are blissfully in love. But it turns out their relationship was not always paradise. Now readers get a glimpse into their multifaceted relationships, past and present. Love, revenge, family, and an intense mystery are intertwined within this story. The plot begins with Diane Connors, a dedicated doctor who has made a shocking discovery. She has …

Interview with Amanda Quick (The Lady Has a Past)

May 22, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Lady Has a Past by Amanda Quick (the pen name for Jayne Krentz) is another winner. This historical novel explores California in the 1930s with riveting characters and a suspenseful mystery. The plot has private investigator Raina Kirk disappearing after spending a night with her boyfriend Luther Pell. Her apprentice, Lyra Brazier, Luther, and his private investigator Simon Cage realize that Raina has traveled to the plush spa resort of Labyrinth Springs Hotel. …

Interview with Laura Griffin (Flight)

May 7, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Flight by Laura Griffin is a riveting mystery with very believable characters. She excels at writing characters the readers root for, and her descriptive details of the Texas landscape has readers believing that they are there. The heroine Miranda Rhoads, the sister of the heroine in the last book, decides to move to Lost Beach Texas after experiencing burn out and a need to destress after her last case went awry. As a forensic …