authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Point of Danger by Irene Hannon is a very timely novel that takes a page from current events, including terrorism, infidelity, and abuse. This first in the series is a riveting mystery. It has non-stop action and strong protagonists, where the tension is ratchet upped. The book opens with a bang, literally. Political radio talk show host Eve Reilly comes home to find a ticking package on her front porch. Fearing it is a …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper See Her Die by Melinda Leigh is another winner. What makes all of her series interesting is the intertwining with her older series. Known for her interesting characters, intricate relationships, and a riveting mystery, this book falls in line with the rest of her novels. The novel opens shortly after the first book has left off. The protagonist, Bree Taggart still battles the memories of her father killing her mother, and then himself, as …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Burn You Twice by Mary Burton is suspenseful with a heated plot. Fire is front and center in this book whose main antagonist is an arsonist. An added feature of the plot is how Burton gives glimpses and insight into the deranged mind of an arsonist. This psychological thriller intermingles a slight romance with family, fire, mistakes, and second chances. Readers quickly learn that ten years ago, college student Joan Mason and her best …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Chaos by Iris Johansen is a stand-alone book. Known for her action, drama, and compelling characters Johansen has done it again. This novel introduces CIA agent Alisa Flynn and a mercenary type Gabe Korgan who have a love-hate relationship. The book opens with schoolgirls in Africa kidnapped and horses stolen by Jorge Masenak. Among those taken is Alisa’s “adopted little sister,” Sasha. Fearing for her and the others lives Alisa decides to write her …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Dead-End Detective by Amanda Flower is another winner. She combines an eccentric senior citizen with a tree climbing cat, a private investigator, and an Army veteran that make for a fun-loving yet captivating mystery. The story begins by introducing Darby Piper and her older friend and mentor, Samantha Porter, partners in the Two Girls Detective Agency in Herrington, N.Y. After Samantha tells Darby she is considering selling the agency and accepting an offer to …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Hidden by Laura Griffin is the first in a new series. The story is intense, suspenseful, with some romance. The plot begins with a woman murdered on a hiking trail. At first, investigators think it is a mugging gone wrong. But there are some clues, which stand out, that have crime reporter, Bailey Rhoads, suspecting there is more to the story. Why would the body be stabbed numerous times, moved, and then dumped in …