authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers
Title: The Gravedigger’s Son Author: Darynda Jones Series: Charley Davidson #13.6 Not what I expected but loved it in general Thank you to Darynda Jones for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, and big thanks to the friendly Dana Crawford for providing me with the ARC. Amber and Quentin have always been some of my favorite people in the Grave books, so when I received a wonderful surprise email containing the ARC for …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Hideout at Whiskey Gulch by Elle James delves into some important issues of the day. Sex trafficking and the cruelness of Coyotes (not the four-legged kind) are highlighted through the eyes of riveting characters. The hero, Matthew Hennessey, is a former Marine Corps Recon man who now owns an auto repair shop and is half owner of Whiskey Gulch Ranch. Matthew, along with the heroine, Aubrey Blanchard, a divorcee and a home health nurse, …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Missing and Endangered by J. A. Jance brings back her wonderful character, Sheriff Joanna Brady. Her professional and personal lives collide when her college-age daughter is involved in a missing persons case and an officer involved shooting. The storyline reminds readers that police are people and must juggle a busy home life with a hectic career life. The novels, set in Southern Arizona, shows Joanna to be an intelligent, strong, and determined woman who …
Title: A Court of Silver Flames Author: Sarah J. Maas Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #4 Very satisfied with this long-awaited sequel This is more fangirl speculation than a review, but I do mention my few criticisms of the book in the first couple paragraphs. I could have done without the very explicit sex (a lot of it was unnecessary, too; for example, Amren and Varian did not have to be going at it when Nesta went to …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice is a gripping story. No one should be surprised by this author’s talents. This is the second book in the series, and it has many sub-plots, and enough suspects to keep the readers guessing. Just when someone thinks they figured out the antagonist, she throws in a twist and turn, presenting other people of interest. The book begins with Shadow Box artist Claire Beaudry Chase thinking she has …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The War Widow by Tara Moss brings into play the author’s own work as an advocate for women, children, and those with disabilities. Although there are feminist and social justice issues in the book, readers are not hit over the head and there is no lack of adventure and action. Fans of Phryne Fisher will enjoy this novel. There are similarities between the post WWI detective, Phryne, and Moss’s post WWII detective Billie. Both …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Leave No Trace by Sara Driscoll takes readers on an action-packed roller coaster ride. In this book the protagonists have to worry about the dangerous elements, along with the murderer. The action sequences, as well the heroine’s fear of heights, make for riveting scenes. Meg Jennings and Brian Foster of the FBI’s Forensic Canine Unit head to Georgia to investigate killings by bow and arrow of a county commissioner and State Patrol officer. With …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Hanging Falls by Margaret Mizushima is an excellent mystery. But readers get a bonus with this series as they learn about the bond between dog handlers and their canine partners. There is also a subplot that delves into the background story of the main character. While on a scouting mission to pinpoint trail damage from flooding, Officer Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo, along with game warden Glenna and her dog Moose, find …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger is a riveting thriller. This nail-biting story has at its heart psychological manipulation, lies, deceit, and secrets. The plot begins when Selena Murphy misses her regular commuter train and ends up on the 7:45. There she has a chance encounter with the passenger sitting next to her. The woman, Martha, confesses that she is having an affair with her married boss. Selena, having just found out her …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Courting Can Be Killer by Amanda Flower is book two in a great Amish cozy mystery series. It has a combination of quirky characters, close-knit community, and a fun suspenseful story. The main character, Millie Fisher, is becoming more of an amateur sleuth than a matchmaker. The plot has a massive fire at the Amish flea market. Ben Baughman, who has set his heart on marrying Tess Lieb, is found dead. Millie is devastated …