The Therapist by B.A. Paris

This is an mystery suspense novel (PG)

♥♥♥

(Three Will hearts)

Blurb....

 

When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…

As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…

The multimillion-copy New York Times bestselling author B.A. Paris returns to her heartland of gripping psychological suspense in The Therapist--a powerful tale of a house that holds a shocking secret.

My Review

So...

I've enjoyed this author's books, but this one was a slight miss for me. If not for the fact that I got an advanced audio copy, I would have given up early as the story was far too slow to be a thriller. It read more like dry chick-lit. Alice just wasn't a compelling character to keep up the story.

Though at some point, it did pick up. I can't say when. However, most of the twists that came late in the story, I guessed. The only one, a certain secret, was lost to me. Probably because I was never invested in that character.

I will admit, early on, I suspected everyone until it was obvious who it was--before the reveal that is.

One small complaint--I thought for sure UKers were more into tea than coffee. Maybe that's changed or I'm just not well informed as I'm not a UKer. But it struck me as odd that everyone was going on about coffee and not tea. Hmmm

Overall, I can't say it was a bad read (or listen). I've certainly endured worse. This just isn't my favorite from this author and it happens.

If you enjoy mild suspense and this author--I say give it a go. You might really enjoy this one.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the Advanced Copy.

My book boyfriend--Will 

 

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Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

This is a thriller/suspense novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥ 

(Four Chilling Hearts)

Blurb...

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace: he has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance.

You'd like to get to know Grace better. But it's difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are never apart. Some might call this true love.

Picture this: a dinner party at their perfect home, the conversation and wine flowing. They appear to be in their element while entertaining. And Grace's friends are eager to reciprocate with lunch the following week. Grace wants to go, but knows she never will. Her friends call—so why doesn't Grace ever answer the phone? And how can she cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim?

And why are there bars on one of the bedroom windows?

The perfect marriage? Or the perfect lie??

>>>>BUY NOW<<<<

My Review

There are a few reasons why I can't give this full marks. But mostly the book chilled me and had me eagerly turning the pages to find out how things would turn out. I'll probably be thinking about this one for a while.

I spent one day reading the hardback copy sent to me by the publishers. I’d briefly read the blurb in order to sign up to read it, but I’m not a blurb reader. I like to go in blind. Thankfully, by the time the book showed it, I didn’t quite remember what the book was about.

So I dived in. And within a day’s time, I’d read the entire book. This book doesn’t disappointment in entertainment value. It was worth the read for sure.

What was lacking? I think I needed more of what happened in the end. We see the stage set for events and then it skips to tell us the results. I needed more. I wanted that satisfaction of knowing more. Considering the POV, I know that is hard. But some authors on occasion will switch POV, thus giving us that extra. It’s hard to explain without spoilers. After the journey, I needed that little bit.

Otherwise, this was a spectacular read. I recommend it.

My NOT book boyfriend is Jack. (I went with Jamie as inspiration because I just finished the series the Fall and his character seems fitting.)

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Brotherhood in Death (In Death #42) by J.D. Robb

Brotherhood in Death (In Death #42) by J.D. Robb

This is a futuristic police procedural novel (Rated Nc-17)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Brotherhood Hearts)

Book Summary

Sometimes brotherhood can be another word for conspiracy...
Dennis Mira just had two unpleasant surprises. First he learned that his cousin Edward was secretly meeting with a real estate agent about their late grandfather’s magnificent West Village brownstone, despite the promise they both made to keep it in the family. Then, when he went to the house to confront Edward about it, he got a blunt object to the back of the head.

Luckily Dennis is married to Charlotte Mira, the NYPSD’s top profiler and a good friend of Lieutenant Eve Dallas. When the two arrive on the scene, he explains that the last thing he saw was Edward in a chair, bruised and bloody. When he came to, his cousin was gone. With the mess cleaned up and the security disks removed, there’s nothing left behind but a few traces for forensics to analyze.

As a former lawyer, judge, and senator, Edward Mira mingled with the elite and crossed paths with criminals, making enemies on a regular basis. Like so many politicians, he also made some very close friends behind closed—and locked—doors. But a badge and a billionaire husband can get you into places others can’t go, and Eve intends to shine some light on the dirty deals and dark motives behind the disappearance of a powerful man, the family discord over a multimillion-dollar piece of real estate . . . and a new case that no one saw coming.

BUY LINK

My Review

I have loved this series for the first. And even after forty plus regular installments (not including novellas), I still love it. It’s no wonder because crime/mystery/police procedural is my first love. Add in a mix of romance and you have a winner.

This case was complex. Although, I knew who the culprits were, I didn’t get the full extent of the story. So it’s always a good thing when I don’t guess everything.

My only complaint was that the subject matter was sensitive. And we basically had the same murder type last go around, albeit totally different execution and suspect pool. I just hope the next story is plain murder. That’s a personal thing for me.

Otherwise, another great installment. I look forward to the next.

Audio Review

Susan Erickson totally has this narration nailed down.

My book boyfriend Roarke.

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Devoted in Death (In Death #41) by J.D. Robb

Devoted in Death (In Death #41) by J.D. Robb

This is an adult/crime/mystery/thriller (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a half Devoted Hearts)

Book Blurb

Eve Dallas tracks a couple whose passion is fueled by cold brutality in the newest crime thriller from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Obsession in Death and Festive in Death.

When Lieutenant Eve Dallas examines a body in a downtown Manhattan alleyway, the victim’s injuries are so extensive that she almost misses the clue. Carved into the skin is the shape of a heart—and initials inside reading E and D . . .

Ella-Loo and her boyfriend, Darryl, had been separated while Darryl was a guest of the state of Oklahoma, and now that his sentence has been served they don’t ever intend to part again. Ella-Loo’s got dreams. And Darryl believes there are better ways to achieve your dreams than working for them. So they hit the road, and when their car breaks down in Arkansas, they make plans to take someone else’s. Then things get messy and they wind up killing someone—an experience that stokes a fierce, wild desire in Ella-Loo. A desire for Darryl. And a desire to kill again.

As they cross state lines on their way to New York to find the life they think they deserve, they will leave a trail of evil behind them. But now they’ve landed in the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Dallas and her team at the New York Police and Security Department. And with her husband, Roarke, at her side, she has every intention of hunting them down and giving them what they truly deserve . . .

BUY LINK

My Review

This was a home run for me. I cringed and devoured the book.

The story set us up by meeting the killers when they first meet. We follow their twisted journey as they develop the taste for their type of craft. I think that set me up to be more invested in the story. I wanted them caught and no one else hurt.

Then, we meet victims while they are still alive. This part hurt my heart the most. Especially the first victim we learn about. I wanted him to have survived. Then we meet a pair and watch their fate. I won’t say what happens to them for spoilers.

Then add the gang with Roarke with his brand of hostess and you have one special books. I think this is one of my favorites of the later books in the series.

Audio Review

Susan Erickson is an amazing narrator. She continues to do an excellent job with this series.

My Book boyfriend is Reed. (not Roarke this time, read to see why)

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Sabin, A Seven Novel by A.M. Hargrove

Sabin, A Seven Novel by A.M. Hargrove

This is an adult sci-fi romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Sexy Alien Hearts)

Book Summary

This is an Adult soft sci-fi stand alone novel that contains sexual scenes and language, making it unsuitable for younger readers. This novel contains hot aliens. You have been warned.

The Seven have a code: find and protect Judgment Day (a weapon of mass destruction that poses as a harmless necklace) and the ones who possess it at all costs; and never, under any circumstances, divulge information about ourselves.

I have always abided by this code. Until Serena Callahan, a sassy, no-nonsense female, found the damn choker, and now I’m the one being choked by my own emotions. Ever since the day she entered my life that code has meant nothing to me. And for the life of me I can’t figure out why I’m allowing a damn woman to lead me around by her slender finger. The rules have changed and she’s calling all the shots only she doesn’t know it. But if we can’t find the necklace soon, none of it will matter anyway.

My name is Sabin and I am the commander of The Seven.

BUY LINK

My Review

This isn’t my first alien novel by this author and I’m glad she’s jumped back in with another new sexy alien novel.

For all the fans of X-files, V, Roswell, this book is probably for you. Also, if you’ve grown out of YA and loved the Lux series by Jennifer Armentrout, you’re going to love this.

Talk about Alpha male, that’s what you have in Sabin. Add a dash of feisty female and you have a mix that will make you laugh and squirm (sexy time) in all the best ways. It also has action. These aliens aren’t sitting around doing nothing. They are busy saving the universe too.

I can’t say too much because I hate giving spoilers when it’s not necessary. This read will deliver. You will be entertained. And you’ll probably want to pick up other of her sexy alien books when you’re done.

Overall, this is a solid read and I totally recommend.

My book boyfriend is Sabin.

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X (Kinsey Millhone #24) by Sue Grafton

X (Kinsey Millhone #24) by Sue Grafton

This is an adult mystery/crime solving novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥1/2

(Three and a Half Lack Luster Hearts)

Book Summary

X: The number ten. An unknown quantity. A mistake. A cross. A kiss.

X: The shortest entry in Webster’s Unabridged. Derived from Greek and Latin and commonly found in science, medicine, and religion. The most graphically dramatic letter. Notoriously tricky to pronounce: thinkxylophone.

X: The twenty-fourth letter in the English alphabet.

Sue Grafton’s X: Perhaps her darkest and most chilling novel, it features a remorseless serial killer who leaves no trace of his crimes. Once again breaking the rules and establishing new paths, Grafton wastes little time identifying this sociopath. The test is whether Kinsey can prove her case against him before she becomes his next victim. 

My Review

Sue Grafton is one of a few authors that I’ve read so many book in a series. J.D. Robb and J.R. Ward are probably the other two.

While I normally love her writing and story, this one after two years of waiting fell completely flat for me. Kinsey is 38 and alone and I feel bad for her. It just seems that she will die alone even without Henry because he will outlast her.

Anyway, the story was too predictable and there wasn’t any twist I didn’t guess. I also think the whole neighbor thing pissed me off. The laws… Well, no spoilers.

Overall, I’m too invested in the series not to read the last few books (Y & Z). However, I hope that they turn out better than this one. And can Kinsey get a HEA, lol. Let her ride off in the series sunset not alone.

Audio Review

Judy Kaye does a wonderful job of narration and bringing the story to life.

My book boyfriend was Henry.

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The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files #3) by Steven James

The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files #3) by Steven James

This is a police procedural novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a Half Shiny Hearts)

Book Summary

In "The Knight," the third installment in the bestselling series of thrillers featuring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, the stakes have never been higher. 

Agent Bowers is used to tracking the country's most dangerous killers, but now it looks like a killer is tracking him. When he realizes the murderer is using clues from an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes, Bowers faces a race against time to decipher who the next victim will be and to stop the final shocking murder--which he's beginning to believe might be his own. 

Gritty, chilling, and intense, this psychological thriller is guaranteed to keep readers up all night.

My Review

This installment has a sadistic killer that will make you cringe at the details that are given. Still, this author knows how to weave a story.

At the beginning I was quite surprised to find out that Patrick’s love interest was out of the picture and in steps someone new. It kind of bothered me because I never really understood what the problem was with the old relationship and why the break up.

Then there was Tessa, an interesting character she is. We learned the truth about her. There were points when I was mad at her for the reactions she had. As smart as she is, I didn’t understand how she could discount feelings she learned and take them as a bad thing. She seemed to help Patrick on every case but she couldn’t see a scared young woman debate a decision she obviously didn’t make.

Sorry so cryptic, I don’t want to give spoilers.

And this mystery had me baffled. I never guessed who done it until literally right before Patrick did, so well done there.

This book is fast pace and this series is fast becoming one of my favorites.

Audio Review
Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.

My book boyfriend is Patrick.

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Sense of Deception (Psychic Eye Mystery #13) by Victoria Laurie

Sense of Deception (Psychic Eye Mystery #13) by Victoria Laurie

This is an adult mystery/thriller novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Deceptive Hearts)

Book Summary

In New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie’s newest Psychic Eye Mystery, Abby Cooper senses a convicted killer is innocent, but she’ll need hard evidence to save the woman before it’s too late… 

A ticked-off judge has tossed Abby in the slammer for contempt of court, and during her brief but unpleasant stay she learns the story of a condemned woman who is facing a far more serious sentence. Skylar Miller has been found guilty of murder and faces the death penalty. Everyone believes she’s guilty, including her own family and her ex-husband—everyone, that is, except Abby, whose finely honed intuition tells her this woman doesn’t belong behind bars.

With the help of her husband Dutch and her friend Candice, Abby launches into her own investigation to clear Skylar and find the real killer. But after a final appeal is denied and Skylar’s attorney scrambles for a stay of execution, time is running short—and the list of suspects keeps growing. There’s no margin for error as the life of an innocent woman hangs in the balance…

My Review

I really enjoy this series. It’s fun and light-hearted. I know I can count on Abby stumbling her way through an investigation.

This installment wasn’t a disappointment in that respect. I did figure out who did it early on. I thought the motive was flimsy. Anyway, I can’t say more without giving too much away. I think the choice of killer might have been to throw the reader off, but it didn’t really. I am glad it was fiction.

I look forward to another installment of the series. Dutch was in the book but not. Oscar was really the one in the supportive role with Abby this book. But I love how Dutch and Abby’s marriage was real and how Abby knew what she had to do to help keep the marriage going on a good foot.

Audio Review

Elizabeth Michaels did a good job with narration.

My book boyfriend is Oscar.

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The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files #2) by Steven James

The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files #2) by Steven James

This is an adult crime/mystery novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Drowning Hearts)

Book Summary

An arsonist has struck a top-secret research facility at a key US naval base. But it's not just a random terrorist attack. These people were after something specific. When Special Agent Patrick Bowers is called in to investigate, he is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue and deception. With his own criminology research being turned against him and one of the world's most deadly devices missing, Bowers is caught up in a race against time to stop an international assassin before it's too late.

Full of fast-paced action and mind-bending plot twists, The Rook is an adrenaline-laced page-turner that will keep readers up all night. Book 2 in the Bowers Files, this riveting look into the criminal mind is the perfect follow-up to James's well-reviewed The Pawn.

My Review

Mystery/Thriller/police Procedural books are my first love.

While the first book had me excited, this book left me a tiny bit disappointed. I didn’t go through the changes of trying to decide who did it, well, that’s not true. There was one player I couldn’t decide on.

This book sinks us into another mystery. What’s nice is there is somewhat of a tie into the previous book. However, I think if you skipped the first book, you wouldn’t have a hard time following.

The characters are well developed and you feel a part of the story. The plot isn’t convoluted and is plausible.

I also love that this author has a secondary storyline that is somewhat separate from the main mystery which keeps this a series. And the realism in the relationship between Pat and his stepdaughter and her choices are brilliant.

I will dive into the next book after I read a few books that were recently released that I was waiting for. Not that this isn’t’ good. But it has been around the block and isn’t going anywhere, lol.

Audio Review

Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.

My book boyfriend is Patrick.

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Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden #1) by Charlaine Harris

Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden #1) by Charlaine Harris

This is an adult mystery novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Fluffy Hearts)

Book Summary

Though a small town at heart, Lawrenceton, Georgia, has its dark side-and crime buffs. One of whom is librarian Aurora "Roe" Teagarden, a member of the Real Murders Club, which meets once a month to analyze famous cases. It's a harmless pastime -- until the night she finds a member killed in a manner that eerily resembles the crime the club was about to discuss. And as other brutal "copycat" killings follow, Roe will have to uncover the person behind the terrifying game, one that casts all the members of Real Murders, herself included, as prime suspects -- or potential victims.

My Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel. What I found out, the more and more I read of this author outside of Sookie Stackhouse is she’s not really a romance writer at all. She enjoys writing mystery. I’m beginning to wonder if it was her agent who pushed her to write the sexy Sookie Stackhouse.

I say this because there isn’t much in the way of romance even though a big part of the character development of Aurora is that she’s single and doesn’t want to be. She goes on dates throughout the book, but they are pretty much glossed over. There is no sex, and we barely get a glimpse at a kiss or two. So don’t go in looking for a love or romance story. More on this later.

What we have is a mystery that in a way took me by surprise. If I’d stuck to my initial who done it, I would have been right. But this author fooled me into thinking it was someone else. Bravo.

At the end I was wondering about the relationships semi-formed in the book. It was enough to get me to pick up the next book.

SPOILERS AHEAD – don’t read if you don’t want to know about book 2.

So by the end of this book, we are left to wonder will Roe end up with Arthur or Robin. Guess what, at the very beginning of book two, time has passed and neither guy is in the picture. I think because the author left it as a mystery/cliffy at the end of book 1 who’d she’d end up with, I was annoyed that we didn’t get to “see” what happened with either. So I decide to do a little investigation after she starts to date someone else in book 2. And come to find out this is a theme. At the end of a book, she with one guy and the beginning of the next, she’s moved on. All in all, I DNF’d book 2, not interested in going further. I read enough reviews to know how the 8 book series turns out and there are several plot holes with time passage. Like Roe’s brother is 6 in this book, Roe is 30. By the end of the series, Roe is 35 and her brother is 15. The math doesn’t add up where the brother is concerned. There are other problems in the book. And it’s almost like this author is forced to end the book a certain way and she doesn’t like it. So she does a piss poor job of it, like Sookie’s ending, lol.

END OF SPOILERS

Audio Review

Thérèse Plummer did a good job at narration. I didn’t have a hard trouble following all the different characters.

Overall, I liked this book but can’t recommend the series.

My book boyfriend is Arthur. (same model in both pics)

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Dust to Dust: A Novel (Kovac and Liska #2) by Tami Hoag

Dust to Dust: A Novel (Kovac and Liska #2) by Tami Hoag

This is an adult mystery/crime/thriller novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Sam Hearts)

Book Summary

Sorry. The single word is written on a mirror. In front of it hangs a Minneapolis Internal Affairs cop. Was it suicide? Or a kinky act turned tragic?

Either way, it wasn’t murder. At least not according to the powers that be. But veteran homicide detective Sam Kovac and his wisecracking, ambitious partner, Nikki Liska, think differently. Together they begin to dig at the too-neat edges of the young cop’s death, uncovering one motive—and one suspect—after another. The cloud of suspicion falls not only on the city’s elite, but over the very heart of the police department. Someone wants the case closed—quickly and forever. But even with their careers and their lives on the line, neither Kovac nor Liska will give up. As they unearth a connection between a two-month-old murder case and one that has been closed for twenty years, they find themselves chasing a killer who will stop at nothing to keep a dark and shattering secret.

My Review

I’m fast becoming a fan of Tami Hoag. I’d like to read more about these two cops. They are really well fleshed out. And after checking a few reviews, the first book in this series really didn’t focus much on them. So I’m not missing much.

This was a tough subject. I think the author could have done without several pop culture references that dated the book unnecessarily, like the mention of Rene Russo, who isn’t a big actress nowadays. There were several others. Without that, I wouldn’t have put it together this book was written so long ago.

Even though this book is about gay bashing and slightly about keeping in the closet, it still happens today. Thankfully, more and more people don’t feel the need to hide who they are.

There were several times in the story I wish the author had made different choices for certain characters because I felt bad for them. And this is a good thing because these are fictional people not human.

However, early on I decided the whos and the whats and was right. It was a little too obvious for me. I hope that future novels I read by this author aren’t so easily figured out.

I’m enmeshed in the lives of these two cops. I want them to have a HEA, so I’ll be reading on.

Audio Review

David Colacci did a good job at narration. The female narration wasn’t bad either. I didn’t have a hard trouble following all the different characters.

My book boyfriend Sam.

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The Search by Nora Roberts

The Search by Nora Roberts

This is an adult romantic suspense novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a half Doggy Hearts)

Book Summary

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author presents a riveting novel where a canine search and rescue volunteer fights danger and finds love in the Pacific Northwest wilderness. 

To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life-a quaint house on an island off Seattle's coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescues. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare...

Several years ago, Fiona was the only survivor of the Red Scarf serial killer, who shot and killed Fiona's cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.

On Orcas Island, Fiona found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. But all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He's the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon's house, and he's at his wit's end.

To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can't handle. Simon, however, is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he's a rugged and in-tensely private artist, known for the exquisite furniture he creates from wood. Simon never wanted a puppy-and he most definitely doesn't want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to his hormones.

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona's life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands...

My Review

I’ve read so many books, watched a lot of tv, and seen too many movies to count. So I’m not often surprised by plots. I mean there is just so many ways a romance can be told. But every now and again, I get what feels like a fresh take on love.

This is one of those books. In this story, the heroine let’s call her, isn’t a hidden beauty that sees herself as plain but she’s actually stunning. And the guy in this story isn’t exactly attracted to this woman. He’s used to stunners who are in the limelight of fame.

So what happens when these two meet? It’s not instant attraction. They both have lives and reasons for why they aren’t in the dating pool. They meet because Simon has a feisty dog, he can’t control. Let’s just say that’s the comic relief in this story.

Jaws is a fantastic addition to the story and poor Simon has no clue what to do. Along the way, a romance happens, but I won’t tell you how for spoilers. But let’s say there is a believability to it that adds credibility to the whole story.

But that’s not all. There is a mystery/crime element to this story that adds that level of danger and intrigue. This isn’t one the reader has to figure out the who done it as Nora will tell you who the killer is at some point in the story. But that doesn’t take away the threat.

I really enjoyed this story a lot. It will be added as one of my favorite books by her. After all these years, I wonder at this author’s imagination. So many books and I’ve read most of them. And she still manages to surprise me.

Audio Review

Tanya Eby does a fantastic job with the narration.

My book boyfriend is Simon.

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Die Again (Rizzoli & Isles #11) by Tess Gerritsen

Die Again (Rizzoli & Isles #11) by Tess Gerritsen

This is an adult police procedural novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a half Johnny Hearts)

Book Summary

The latest enthralling case in Tess Gerritsen's New York Times bestselling Rizzoli & Isles series, the blockbuster books behind the smash hit TNT series.

Boston Detective Jane Rizzoli is on the case of a big game hunter found dead in his apartment, alone with the body of a beautiful white snow leopard he had recently been commissioned to procure and stuff for a high-profile museum in the area. 

Medical examiner Maura Isles connects the case to a number of seemingly unrelated deaths where the victims have all been found hanging upside down, the hallmark of a leopard's kill. 

Rizzoli follows the puzzling trail of clues all the way to Botswana, where she uncovers the unsolved mystery of a deadly camping safari six years prior. When she realizes the two cases are connected, Rizzoli must track down the sole survivor of the tragic trip to discover who - or what - is behind these gruesome deaths.

Story Locale: Boston, MA

My Review

Mystery/Thriller/police Procedural books are my first love. How excited I’m to find a new author to add to my list of crime novel writers.

I found this author through audible’s daily deal. I picked it up not knowing it was the 11^th book in a series. In fact, I didn’t find that out until I finished.

This story is told beginning with the past, about six years ago on safari in Botswana. I must admit, I found that part of the story far more intriguing than the present. Probably because in the present, the characters have already been flushed out as it’s a series and I’m new to the story. The past portion is being fleshed out, thus, I connected more with those characters. So this isn’t a flaw of the author as I was reading the series out of order.

At first I was fooled by the who done it. But I did figure it out before it was revealed. And Millie, the lead in the past portion of the story annoyed me because I never believed the killer in that portion was who everyone thought. And I thought she gave into that belief too easily disappointing me. And my heart hurt a little for the person wrongfully accused. I will say that although there was a little romance in this story, this isn’t a romance novel. So no HEA, which broke my heart some.

I will say there was some predictability in the story which is why I didn’t give it five hearts.

Overall, I am pleased to start this series from the beginning. Only the first book in the series isn’t available in audio. That means I will wait until it is or I will have to start with book two L.

Audio Review

Tanya Eby does a fantastic job with the narration. However, the female voices started to blend especially in the present portion of the story.

My book boyfriend is Johnny.

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The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files #1) by Steven James

The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files #1) by Steven James

This is an adult mystery thriller (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a half Mysterious Hearts)

Book Summary

Special Agent Patrick Bowers had only met one man who made him truly afraid. Until now. When he's called to North Carolina to consult on the case of an area serial killer, he finds himself in a deadly game.

Cunning and lethal, the killer is always one step ahead of the law, and he's about to strike again. It will take all of Bowers's instincts and training to stop this man who calls himself the Illusionist. And just when the pieces start to come together, Bowers realizes they're not quite adding up. Can he unravel the pattern and save the next victim? Or will the Illusionist win the game by taking one of his opponent's pieces? Thrilling, chilling, and impossible to put down, The Pawn will hold suspense lovers in its iron grip until the very last page.

My Review

Mystery/Thriller/police Procedural books are my first love. How excited I’m to find a new author to add to my list of crime novel writers.

I found this author through his young adult series and decided because I liked those books so much to give his adult books a try. I wasn’t disappointed.

First of all, this story has woven into it several layers. There are so many twists and turns, you don’t see all of them coming. When you think you have it figured out, another twist slams you in the face.

The story is executed with precision with a believable plot that will keep your head spinning. The characters are carefully crafted and this author shows his writing chops aren’t a fluke but well-honed skills.

I’m excited to say, I wasn’t exactly right on the who done it. I love to be fooled and I was for the most part. I can honestly say, I’m looking forward to diving into the next book in the series and see what this author has to pull out for me.

For my romance lovers, the romance is very very light, barely in existence. So don’t pick up this book hoping for that.

Audio Review

Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.

My book boyfriend is Patrick.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for casual fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Fury (Blur Trilogy #2) by Steven James

Fury (Blur Trilogy #2) by Steven James

This is a young adult suspense/mystery/thriller novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Wolf Hearts)

Book Summary

The disturbing visions that helped Daniel Byers solve a deadly mystery have finally quieted, and the sixteen-year-old basketball star is looking forward to things settling back to normal. But when his father mysteriously disappears, Daniel realizes that the key to finding his dad rests in deciphering his chilling hallucinations.

Soon, long-buried secrets begin to surface, revealing clues that could help him locate his father. But as the past collides with the present and reality begins to blur around him, Daniel faces a race against time to save his dad before it’s too late.

Filled with pulse-pounding suspense, Fury continues the thrilling young adult Blur Trilogy from bestselling author Steven James.

My Review

It’s so refreshing to read a young adult novel told by a male lead and written by a man. There is such truth and insight into the character. Daniel reads believable all the way through and I just love his character that much more.

This book is a semi continuation from the last book. Although we have a new mystery closer to home, we get more answers. I feel I’m rooting now for both Daniel and his Dad. And Daniel’s friends are just great.

Can I mention the romance factor in this story took it up a notch? It’s still not a romance novel or even a romantic suspense novel for that matter, but I thought I would mention. Again the romance is naturally occurring as an ongoing part of Daniel’s life but in no way is the center of the story.

Again, I picked the who done it but changed my mind so many times, I can’t even claim victory; which again is a good thing. I love to be surprised and wrong about twists in the story.

I’m bummed about having to wait until next year for the final installment. Parts of me wish the series wouldn’t end. And for those that don’t like cliffies. There isn’t really a cliffy. This isn’t a romantic entanglement story. So you can read without fear of cliff hangers and having to wait until next year for the final installment. There are however still mysteries surrounding Daniel that aren’t completely answered. But that’s the thing about series.

Audio Review

Nick Podehl did a fabulous job on narration. He easily slipped between male and female believably and kept all the main characters including some minor separate and distinct.

My book boyfriend is Daniel.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Blur (Blur Trilogy #1) by Steven James

Blur (Blur Trilogy #1) by Steven James

This is a young adult mystery/thriller novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a Half Blurred Hearts)

Book Summary

The isolated town of Beldon, Wisconsin, is shocked when a high school freshman’s body is found in Lake Algonquin. Just like everyone in the community, sixteen-year-old Daniel Byers believes that Emily Jackson’s death was accidental. But at her funeral, when he has a terrifying vision of her, his world begins to rip apart at the seams.

Convinced that Emily’s appearance was more than just a mere hallucination, Daniel begins to look carefully into her death, even as he increasingly loses the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality.

What’s real? What’s not? Where does reality end and madness begin?

As Daniel struggles to find the truth, his world begins to crumble around him as he slips further and further into his own private blurred reality.

Full of mind-bending twists and turns, Blur launches a new trilogy of young adult thrillers from Steven James, a master of suspense.

My Review

I’m never sure what I’m going to get with a new author, but this one knocked it out of the park for me. By the time you read this review, I’ve moved on from his YA series to his adult one.

Steven has created a rich lovable character in Daniel. He’s the school jock but clueless when it comes to girls which makes him so endearing. He’s also got a got head on his shoulders and a good heart despite the rejections he fills from being abandoned by one of his parents.

Let me just say to all my romance lovers, there is a little romance in this book but it’s organic to the story. It’s a part of Daniel’s life not the center or the crux of the plot. So if you’re looking for that, you might be disappointed. This story is about Daniel and all the mystery that surrounds him and strange things that happen as he solves a mystery. And I should mention his merry band of friends that help him along the way. They are also well constructed.

I can honestly say that yes, although I guessed the who done it; I guessed that person along with several other, never really deciding on any one. So the author did a good job of keeping me guessing.

Overall, I was anxious to start the next book in the series to get more answers about Daniel. Since I’m reviewing that book tomorrow, I won’t say more.

Audio Review

Nick Podehl did a fabulous job on narration. He easily slipped between male and female believably and kept all the main characters including some minor separate and distinct.

My book boyfriend Daniel.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.