mystery - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Luanne Rice (The Shadow Box)

February 13, 2021

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 …

Interview with Tara Moss (The War Widow)

January 9, 2021

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 …

Interview with Sara Driscoll (Leave No Trace)

January 2, 2021

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 …

Interview with Margaret Mizushima (Hanging Falls)

December 23, 2020

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 …

Interview with Lisa Unger (Confessions on the 7:45)

December 19, 2020

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 …

Interview with Amanda Flower (Courting Can Be Killer)

December 10, 2020

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 …

Interview with Lisa Harris (The Escape)

November 27, 2020

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Escape by Lisa Harris brings to life the world of a U.S. Marshal. The book has non-stop action as the Marshals try to figure out the bad guy’s next move, with most of the story about a criminal on the run. Harris does a great job of showing how the Marshals would hunt for an escaped convict and what the criminal does to avoid them. The story begins with US Marshals Madison James …

Interview with Rosemary Simpson (Death, Diamonds, and Deception)

November 21, 2020

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Death, Diamonds, and Deception by Rosemary Simpson delves into the Gilded Age in New York during 1889. This historical mystery has a female detective, Prudence MacKenzie and her partner, ex-Pinkerton detective, Geoffrey Hunter, investigating the stolen jewels from a necklace once owned by Marie Antoinette. The story begins after the arrival of Prudence’s aunt, Lady Gillian Rotherton from London. She is intent on chaperoning her niece Prudence through a New York social season to …

A Pretty Deceit by Anna Lee Huber

November 8, 2020

Title: A Pretty Deceit Author: Anna Lee Huber Series: Verity Kent Mystery #4 Great but unremarkable I would like to thank Anna Lee Huber, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Not much to say. This was a great book, but not exactly noteworthy. Quickly but steadily paced, the story moved along from one thing to the next with no dinking around, which was really nice. Verity remains a …

Interview with Julia London (You Lucky Dog and A Princess by Christmas)

October 30, 2020

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper You Lucky Dog and A Princess By Christmas by Julia London are two novels people might want to read. During this depressing year, these two books will make readers smile. You Lucky Dog delves into the bond between dogs and humans. The hero and heroine are an unlikely pair and would never have found each other if their dogs hadn’t been mixed up in a dog-walking situation and wanted to be together. It is …