5.0

Grounder, brawler, pawn…

Keera Duggan is currently practicing with the family law firm, after an unfortunate relationship ended when she was a Seattle prosecutor.

The firm is hired by Vince LaRussa for his 1st degree murder trial. He is accused of murdering his wealthy wife. The prosecutor will be none other than her former boss/lover Miller Ambrose.

The case involves a devastating game that will cause a lot of damage. Some real action is about to unfold!


THOUGHTS:

Twisty! Lots of gotcha moments!

Police procedural / legal/trial drama / plus family drama

Grabbed my attention right from the start.

I now want to read Beyond Reasonable Doubt. I also have standalone The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell here on my TBR pile. I will have to dig it out of the pile(s).

Sensitive subjects handled well. I don’t want to give away the plot…

This was my Feb Mystery Lover’s Bookshop book club selection. A good choice! I went to the meeting with 30 pp left to read! Not much was said about the ending but everyone liked it. Others raved about other books by this author! I finished as soon as I got home. I solved part of the puzzle but not all of it!

5.0

Thank you to the author Anna Johnston for this remarkable giveaway win!

Current, mistaken identity , borrow…

Fred has a chance for a fresh start at 82 years of age, when he is able to substitute himself for Bernard at Wattle River Nursing Home.

Just how did this opportunity arise? A few staff members think it’s dementia effects when Fred tries to tell them he’s not Bernard. (Although “Bernard” seems to have had a personality transplant!)

A tale of grief, loneliness, forgiveness, chosen family, and persistence.

The “dance of life is unscripted. Remembering that life can have missteps, learn to make these missteps a part of life’s dance.”


THOUGHTS:

Great debut! A bright spot! Hopeful at times. A feel good story.

Dynamic characters with an inspiring, uplifting storyline.

An enlightening story about the elderly.

This will definitely be in my top reads for 2025!

What a tribute to the author’s Grandfather!

5.0

Curse, moth, Wedjat eyes …

Charlotte’s chance for a spot on the 1936 archeological dig team in Egypt will change her life forever.

Now in 1978, Charlotte is Associate Curator of the Department of Egyptian Art Dept at the Met Museum in NYC.

Annie was recently hired as Diana Vreeland’s assistant, prepping for the Met Gala. On the night of the Gala, a valuable Egyptian artifact is missing.

Charlotte has researched Hathorkare, a female pharaoh, for three years. She hopes to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements throughout early history.

Past mistakes, decisions, and experiences will come back to haunt Charlotte all these years later.


THOUGHTS:

Fiona has another winner! Outstanding!

I went to Fiona’s author event in Ocean Isle Beach, NC on January 9. Such an enjoyable evening!

Strong female characters that show courage & determination.

Meticulous research, as usual!

One of my book clubs has read 2 books by this author. I think they would also like this one!

I went to the King Tut Exhibit at the Discovery Times Square Exhibition in 2010. It was remarkable!

4.0

Itch, monotonous, glory days…

Fox & Hazel are happily (?) married with a toddler named Bibi. They are ex killers - each was a killer with an agenda. Now Fox has adapted to being a doting father / husband. Hazel , not so much! She is bored; she misses being an avenging angel and meting out her own system of justice to men who “deserve to die”.

Now Hazel has cheated on her husband. Fox has also cheated on his wife. Cheated, but not in the way you might think…


THOUGHTS:

Language alert - if that is important to you.

Lighthearted / Intriguing premise.
Flippant humor.

This was one far-out storyline! I was curious about how it would end!

I have subscribed to a Mysterious Book Subscription at Mystery Lover’s Bookshop for 2 years now. I get a SURPRISE hardback psych thriller each month. This was my SURPRISE book for January!

4.2

Tabloid legend, hope, obsessive…

Dr. Benedict Prince (Ben) is a forensic psychologist who consults worldwide in criminal cases. He is currently based at the Abbey Sleep Clinic.

Patient Anna O, tagged as “Sleeping Beauty” by the media, is being secretly transferred to the Abbey. 4 years ago, 2 of Anna’s friends, Douglas and Indy, were stabbed at a farmhouse retreat. Did Anna commit these murders while sleepwalking ?

The only problem is Anna has been asleep for four years. What are we capable of when we are sleeping?

Ben specializes in sleep-related crimes so his “professional duty is to get Anna awake and fit to possibly stand trial.” His moral duty is to stall and keep Anna at the Abbey as long as possible.

Who will triumph in this race against time?

“There MUST be an answer! There’s always an answer!”


THOUGHTS:

Unique debut!

Intricate plot that gradually reveals tidbits in surprising, unexpected ways.

Twisty, with lots of misdirection.

I did not totally solve it until only 8 pages left!

5.0

Cryptic note, doubt, dark web…

Cam is returning to her job as a lit agent today after a 9 month maternity leave. Her husband Luke is nowhere to be found on this, Cam’s first day back at work and daughter Polly’s first day at daycare.

A hostage situation arises in London - What is Luke’s link to this situation? What happens to this case during the next seven years? The negotiator Niall has learned one important fact during training. “Everyone wants something.” What is wanted in this hostage situation?


THOUGHTS:

The last 50 pp clinched my 5 ?? rating. An up in the air ending I only partially solved!

This was a LFL find! Thank you to LFL on Treeline!

The twists were like a sucker punch! Thrill seekers will like the changing situations!

So good! A must read! I will be looking at backlist titles although I have read Wrong Place Wrong Time.

Nice to be able to read & review before the pub date!

Available soon - Feb 25, 2025

4.5

I expect, Death Lady, contemplation…

Is Cherry a psychic like her mother was, before her? People are taking notice of Cherry, especially since on a long-delayed flight, she embarks on telling each passenger cause of death / age of death. Many ignore her while others are troubled with her predictions. 6 passengers “who will die soon” are distraught. Following the flight, some believe her, more are skeptical, and others don’t know what to think.

We will learn Cherry’s backstory in chapters alternating with chapters about the stories of passenger’s lives after the flight. Will opinions change after the first passenger dies? The second?

“It’s hard to forget someone that gives you so much to remember.”

“Life is short. Make every moment count…”

THOUGHTS:

Engrossed in the story! An unusual, unique plot.

I liked how the predictions affected each of the passengers. They had the power to try to change their destiny.

Diverse cast. Lives will be forever changed.

I have subscribed to a mysterious book subscription for 2 years. I get a SURPRISE hardback thriller each month. This was my September surprise book.

Should make you focus on what’s important in life. What would you change if you knew your life’s path?

4.5

A test, splurge, catastrophize…

Phoebe is disillusioned with her life - her failed IVF, her divorce, and the death of her cat. On a whim, she travels alone from St. Louis to Newport, RI where she checks into the beautiful Cornwall Inn.

She finds herself among wedding guests who have booked the entire inn for a 6-day wedding extravaganza.

Phoebe was contemplating suicide but instead forms unexpected bonds with various wedding guests.

She scrutinizes her life and arrives at conclusions about past events. She will come to a decision about her future life.

THOUGHTS:

Realistic characters. Great character development.
Interesting bond between Phoebe and the bride, Lila.

Sensitive topics handled well . (Depression, IVF failures, thinking about suicide)

Great ending!

Lots of buzz about this! That’s why I bought it!

5.0

New beginnings, “mosquito,” trust…

When Paulette’s mother is arrested in 1942 Paris, Paulette is sent to her mother’s friend Sabine Ballard. To all appearances, Sabine is a fashion designer, but in reality she is also head of a broad network of Resistance fighters.

Paulette will join Nicolle, a seamstress / passeur; Philippe , Sabine’s partner with his mysterious background; and Andre, a veterinary surgeon who opens his home near the border as a safe house. They and many others will rely on Sabine to be “mother, friend, confidant, and warrior.” They will join together in their courageous endeavors.

A tale of a couture house facing the Occupation and stepping up to the challenge.


THOUGHTS:

A phenomenal read!

Strong female characters. Paulette developed from a young self-centered socialite to a strong, capable participant in the Resistance.

A glimpse at the challenges faced by those in Occupied Paris. Sacrifice and trust play important roles in this story.

Well researched!

I could not put this down! The author is an auto-read for me! I also read /enjoyed The Secret Society of Salzburg and The Paris Housekeeper.

I was lucky to borrow this one from a friend! I would like to have my own copy!

I said this about The Paris Housekeeper and will repeat it here. BRAVO!

4.3

pirate, artist, outcast…

The tale of Patch Macauley, a 13yo one-eyed boy and his friendship with Saint Brown. Patch saves a girl, Misty Meyer, from abduction, only to become a victim himself.

The story of the intertwining of their lives spanning 25 years. The character’s decisions and actions will lead to struggles and challenges, conflicts, and hopefully solutions.


A character study of imperfect characters. Quite an unusual tale. Very imaginative.

Very descriptive writing of small-town life. I could see and hear the sights and sounds.

First time reader of this author. I’m curious now about We Begin at the End.

A tiche too long for my taste. I prefer a book I can read in 2 days. Great beginning & ending, but the middle portion dragged a bit.

All the feels.

Ripple effect is evident.

4.4

Adrenaline, Dictaphone, no regrets…

Raise the curtain for Richard Osman’s latest production! We Solve Murders stars Steve Wheeler, father-in-law / retired policeman with 25 years of service and daughter-in-law Amy Wheeler, who works as a private security officer.

Three murder victims, all clients of Maximum Impact Solutions (Amy’s employer) have been found. Evidence found at each crime scene ties Amy to the crimes.

Steve and Amy will team together to solve the puzzle and to learn the identity of Francois Loubet. Nothing will stop them in their quest!

Well, ALMOST nothing!


THAT LAST LINE!!! (Don’t peek!)

Osman has a unique way of writing. Count me in as a recent fan!

A frenzy of a story! Funny, twisty, and refreshing characters! Lots of high jinks! Rosie is a hoot!

I started reading Osman and Stevenson at the same time. I did not expect to like the books by either author. (Cozy mysteries are NOT my usual genre). I have now read 5 books by Osman. I am waiting for the next Thursday Murder Club book and now look forward to the next book about the Wheelers!

4.5

Less than, parlay, mischief…

Amber, Daphne, Daisy Ann and Jackson return in The Next Mrs. Parrish.

From guttersnipe to power holder, Amber is up to her usual shenanigans, clawing her way to the top. Her effort and determination to grab every golden opportunity in life is in evidence.

Meanwhile Daphne has returned to Connecticut. She is “caught between her old and new life,” concerning Jackson.

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” That is, keep them as close as you dare. You’ll be safer if you know more about your enemies - definitely the case here.


I attended the Liv Constantine author event on July 10, 2024. A great event!

I reread The Last Mrs. Parrish & then binged The First Shot and The Next Mrs. Parrish in the last 3 days. I’m glad I read all 3 back-to-back. It’s not necessary but I’m glad I did because I didn’t remember much about Book #1.

A feverish plot!
A satisfying end result!

Enjoyed reading about the mischief of these characters! All 3 books were fun reads!

3.9

Thank you to Book Browse and Sourcebooks for this unique read!

Haze, energy field, cycle…

Lexi is dealing with her Saturn return - basically "her astrological coming of age," which happens approximately every 30 years in a person's lifetime. Her infatuation with energy healing and energetic fields will cause distance with other important people in her life, including her husband and close friends. It will be a time of reckoning for Lexi - a call to step up and take responsibility for her life. How successfully will she be able to navigate her Saturn return?

Lexi's navigation will deal with denial, coping, acceptance, grief, and relationships. Lexi will feel other's emotions which will cause confusion and turmoil.


This book is not my typical read. It was unique with an unusual storyline.

I do not share Lexi's worldview. This is the first time I've heard of Saturn return. Much info available online. I also haven't heard much about the mixture of 5 different personality elements . Again, much info online.

Plot involves self-discovery and transformation.

AVAILABLE Aug 13, 2024

Warning: miscarriage

Thank you to Book Browse and W. W. Norton for this great read!

5.0

Entrust, mystery, unravel…

The Stolen Child has several storylines:

1917- American soldier Nick Burns is in a trench on a French farm. He paints a mural on the trench wall while waiting for the Germans to arrive. Camille, who lives on the farm with her husband, gives Nick her newborn baby and some of her personal paintings, saying, "Save them."

1935-1970s - Enzo and his brother Massimo are craftsmen in Naples, Italy, specializing in Nativities.

1973 - Rhode Island IHOP waitress Jenny loves everything Italy. She answers an ad to accompany a dying man, Nick Burns, to France "to look for a baby." Except now this "baby" would be approximately 60 years old!

A tale of doubt, decisions with long-term consequences, secrets, regrets, fate, and forgiveness. What happened to a vanished artist and an abandoned baby?

AVAILABLE May 7, 2024

THOUGHTS:

I knew on page 1 that I was going to like this book! I read it in one day! This will likely be in my top reads for 2024!

A WWI story that doesn't dwell on the war. This story is definitely a well-developed character-driven story.

So descriptive, starting on page 1 when recounting Enzo & his Nativities.

This is such an ageless story! The Stolen Child was definitely a page-turner. I couldn't wait to learn Nick's story!

A spellbinding story; heart-wrenching at times.

I have not read this author before but will be checking her backlist .

5.0

Charges pending, witness, diary…

A death, a rape, a trial…. Justice???

Martha is a midwife in 1780s Hallowell , Maine. When a body is found in the icy Kennebec River, she is called to determine the cause of death. The new Harvard-educated, male doctor in town, Dr. Page, disagrees with her findings, citing “accident” as the cause of death.

The body found in the frozen river just happened to be accused of raping the pastor’s wife (along with another “respected” towns person).

A tale of everyday frontier life in the 18th century, journaling, tending to women’s health, prejudice, and equal justice for all.

BRAVO - a great read!


I bought this book last month. I wish I had read it sooner! This will DEFINITELY be in my top reads for this year! Highly recommend!

I have read / enjoyed all of Lawhon’s books but this is my new favorite! This will be a hard act to follow!

Much interesting info about court procedures. Example: court in a tavern and who can & cannot testify in this period of time.

Martha was ahead of the times. A confident, bold, candid, commanding personality. Info online about the real Martha and her diary / journal. The author’s note is a must - read.

Great characters - some you will love and others to hate!

4.4

Outlandish, misjudgment, legend…

The four septuagenarians of the Thursday Murder Club at the Coopers Chase retirement village - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron , and Ibrahim return.

Relaxation didn’t last long after their involvement in their last case. Now their current caper includes diamonds, M15, a dead man who never was, the mafia, and several murders.

Elizabeth is good at “making people believe what she wants them to believe.” But in the end, sometimes things are “exactly as they seem.”


Book #2 is a fun, witty read. Love the quirky characters! Elizabeth is my favorite!

Another good read - unputdownable! I will be reading #3 soon!

Much humor throughout the book. Ex: “My palace has many rooms. Some are dustier than others.” (Referring to her brain / memory). p. 133

5.0
Naive, family image, shame…

17yo Lorraine is a senior in high school. She is an “it girl” - pretty, has a steady boyfriend, from a reputable family, a good student, and the sure-to-be class valedictorian. “Decency, modesty, and reputation” are of the utmost importance to her 1960s NC family.

When Lorraine becomes pregnant, her family sends her away to a maternity home for unwed girls. Here we learn of the daily manner of living, routines, rules, relationships ( and non-relationships), with others in the home. During her 3 month stay, Lorraine will often feel a sense of loss and despair.

But Lorraine can be feisty and braver than she thinks. What will be her fate? What does the future hold for her?

A moving, spellbinding story about families, relationships, shame, secrets, dreams, fear, loneliness, and heartbreak.

Beautifully written. Very descriptive writing. Lots of foreshadowing. Ex: watching the stars in the dilapidated farmhouse (p.42) and concerning secrets (p.54) to name just a few.

What an ending!

I highly recommend this unputdownable story!

I loved The Last Carolina Girl & now this book by this author. I will continue to read future books. Grab The Last Carolina Girl if you haven’t read it yet!

I attended Meagan Church’s author event in NC on 3-1-24. I enjoyed meeting her & enjoyed her stories about the drowning, her childhood home, and her children. A fun event!

Catch “This Week’s Best New Books” in Women’s World magazine . 3-18-24. This book is included! Congrats!

4.5 — Last box, illusion, adventure …

In 1939 14 yo Hazel and 5 yo Flora are evacuated as part of Operation Pied Piper from London to the countryside of Binsey .

A train ride from home and now living with Bridie and Harry Aberdeen , Hazel creates stories to calm and entertain her little sister. Hazel’s stories are like a pacifier for Flora, and Hazel feels that her little stories keep them safe during these wartime years. Their favorite story is about Whisperwood, a fairy tale Hazel fashioned about a magical place just for the two of them.

Then in 1940 Flora vanishes near the river. What could have happened to her?

20 years later, Hazel finds a book at her bookshop job, published in America. It’s titled Whisperwood and The River of Stars - just like the story Hazel once developed so long ago just for her little sister. Known only to the two of them, how could this possibly be?

“Not that long ago and not so far away…”

I bought this book in May 2023. It’s been on my TBR pile this long. I should have read it sooner!

I read Surviving Savannah by this author in 2021. It was in my top 3 books of the year! I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it yet!

The tale of the magic of storytelling, sisterly bonds, and relationships.

I absolutely love the pictures on the end pages! Gorgeous!

I’ve read several books about Operation Pied Piper but this book has a unique storyline. Much info online.

I couldn’t put this one down! I knew Hazel’s stories and couldn’t wait to hear Flora’s story!

4.0

Broken, loyalty, rift…

The four Padavano sisters - Julia, Sylvie, and twins Cecelia and Emeline grew up in Chicago inseparable.

Julia met William Waters in college. He didn’t have the same loving , loyal, contented upbringing as the sisters. His past will play an important part in more than one sister’s life.

A tale of loss, rejection, flaws, rift, and depression, as well as love, acceptance, and forgiveness.


An emotional family story. A saga of a family circle.

Bittersweet ending.

A lot of boxes checked in this one - depression, gay character, single mother, walking away, and divorce. Of course , the girl’s mother was horrified by these events.

First time reader of this author.

4.5

Shard, artists, chatroom…

Detective Matthew Venn returns for a new case in Book #2 of the series. Many of the same characters but a new investigation. One murder will lead to more at the rural home of a group of artists. Is there a link with the earlier suicide of a young man?

Matthew Venn will lead the investigation into the deaths. His husband Jonathan compares Matthew to a heron . “So patient. Just willing to wait. Entirely focused on the prey.” While Matthew at times feels muddled - “too much going on. Too many connections. Too many motives.”


I saw Ann Cleeves at a local author event in Sept 2023. I had never read any of her books at that time. Book #3 of the Matthew Venn novels was included with the ticket. I also bought Book #1 at the event. A few days after reading/enjoying #1, I ordered #2. Unfortunately , I’m just getting to Book #2 now three months later. I should have read it sooner!

You will learn a lot of details in Matthew’s team briefings / meetings.

Lots of new-to-me vocabulary. Ex: boring sod, Billy-no-makes, hubby is a dry, old stick, and dogsbody.

Lots of possible suspects & motives. I did not figure it out!

Another gripping whodunit/mystery/police procedural.

I said this in my review of #3 The Raging Storm, but it’s worth repeating. Consider me a new fan of this author!