The Bone Nest by Shanessa Gluhm

 

The Bone Nest by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new-to-me author and boy was this a great introduction!!! The Bone Nest, first of all, the title grabbed my attention right away and I had to know what this was about. Then I read the synopsis and was like, how soon can I get into my comfy chair? I knew this was going to be a "read it until your finished, not quitting for nothing", kind of book! I wasn't wrong!

I do struggle with dual timeline stories whether it's in a book or a movie so that was a bit challenging for me at first until I got the rhythm of the story down. The way in which the author wrote this book though, wow...I felt like a part of the story, right along all the investigators, the attorneys, and the set of friends who have all gone their separate ways, some more eternal than others. There were times I wanted to throw my kindle, other times I was sobbing...I truly believe I went through the five stages of grief reading this book. I'm not mad about it either!

Do yourself a favor and block off an entire day, put on a pot of coffee or grab plenty of your favorite caffeinated beverages, put on your comfiest jammies and sit in your favorite chair and just dive in. Stay hydrated but food may have to wait until you can finish this fantastic story that will have you wondering, "what just happened here"?

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The Last Owners (Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries #1) by Jean Rezab

 

The Last Owners by Jean Rezab
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's a fixer upper house and Courtney and Alex are ready to tackle it. There's just a few issues, the main one being the last owners are missing, along with a sizeable amount of jewelry. The couple decides to help out the son of the previous owners who is now a police officer. At what expense will each of them go to solve this?

I love that this is a "clean" book to read first of all. There are some who may not appreciate the religious undertones in the book. It's hard to find great reads that are not full of unnecessary junk. The mystery and suspense of this is not the high excitement that I am used reading. It's a more calm, slow scenario. It's a very enjoyable read though with relatable characters. I am one who enjoys a resolve to an issue and that didn't come with this story. I do look forward to the next book in this series.

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El Macho: A Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Novel (#5) by Kathryn Dodson

 

El Macho by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jessica Watts has had it with these egotistical alpha males in her crime-solving life. It doesn't matter if they are the authorities or the perpetrators, Jessica's had enough. Especially when her friend is abducted and left in the middle of nowhere. Jessica is going to solve this case with or without the help of these men! In the meantime, past issues are creeping up that also need to be resolved.

This is a great series and I do recommend reading them in order to have the context behind the characters. It's a great tale of mystery and suspense anytime Jessica is involved!

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The Green Baize Door (A Marie Chevalier Mystery) by Eleanor Birney

 

The Green Baize Door by Eleanor Birney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book took me awhile to really get into the groove and I almost put it in the DNF pile but I persevered and I'm glad that I did. The writing is very well done but the character development is what took some time to get to where it needed to be. This isn't foreign to books that focus on historical events, places, and people, especially when it's trying to be done as respectfully and accurately as this story. Once everything got moving, this really captured my interest and I am excited to pick up future books in this series.

Set in the early 1900's, Marie's grandmother has been found dead. Actually, she is brutally murdered but who would do such a thing? She was the loving housekeeper for many years. Marie doesn't want her family to be blamed so she sets out to prove their innocence, all the while James a.k.a. Jamie is doing the same. Jamie is the son of the mansion owner and he, too, wants to make sure there is no blood on the hands of his family. Once Jamie and Marie meet up, they realize that one or both of their families may be involved.

As I previously mentioned, the writing is very well done. There is a lot to the class system of the day and describing all the different aspects, traditions, rules, etc. also takes some time. The meaning of the Green Door is also explained. I really appreciated this book but the ending was rather abrupt! It does make for needing to know more of the story immediately though!


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On the Run: Giovanni Madia's Saga Begins by P.J. Mann

 

On the Run: Giovanni Madìa's saga begins by P.J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I saw an author that I am a huge fan of was writing another series, I was eager to get my hands on it! There's nothing like settling down with a great book and realizing you've just finished the whole story in one setting!

This one is fast paced and features Giovanni Madìa. He's a respected clan member but when his boss double crosses him and his family is now in peril, Giovanni doesn't play. There is mystery, intrigue, and lots more in this riveting story! I'm super excited to read the books to come in this series!

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Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thriller Series #9) by Mark Nolan

 

Lethal Fortune by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you've been following along with this series, this is book 9 and each one just keeps getting better!! Jake is wanting to get his winery up and running but, like always, there is a monkey wrench in his plans. This book has many twists and turns involving crime, murder, a ruthless motorcycle gang, and an adorable K9 named Cody. Just when you know what's going to happen next, a new twist comes in the story goes into a different direction all together.

Stay along with Jake and Cody and I can't wait to see what comes next with them!

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Just Desserts and Murder: A Temperance Matthews Cozy Mystery (Little Bakery Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Lucinda Race

 

Just Desserts and Murder: A Temperance Matthews Cozy Mystery by Lucinda Race
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good introduction to a new author and this is apparently the start of a new series too!
Temperance Matthews has dreamed for years of opening a bakery in the beautiful Oak Hollow. One day that dream came to fruition, but it was so very short lived. Her bakery goes up in flames and a body is found on site. It's bad enough that she lost her dream bakery, but she soon learns that her assistant has lost her boyfriend, as he was the victim. Another person was stabbed too! A lot of questions start to swirl and it's not long before the Temperance finds herself leaning on her background in the FBI. How can she ever prove who did this?

This is such a fun, cozy read! I love Hank, Temperance's dachshund dog and faithful companion. The story will keep you engaged and I'm very excited for the next adventure for these two. While this is the first book in the series, the author has already let us know that these books can be read as standalones.

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The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins

 

The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kimberly Mullins is at is again with another great story! I love how she incorporates characters from her Notebook Mystery series into this story. She also introduces a few new friends!

This book focuses on the prohibition area with John and his family. Their ties are in New York, Chicago, and California and the family is going in separate directions with their unique businesses. How can they keep the family business(es) growing while facing all these new regulations?

There are some plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat while you read this fast paced novel. Even though Ms. Mullins's stories have intertwining characters, these stories can be easily read as stand alones.

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Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins

 

Notebook Mysteries Murderous Christmas Mischief by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I look forward to these Christmas novellas in this series! Set in Chicago in the 1880's, Emma, Jeremy, their family and friends are all ready to celebrate a quiet, no frills Christmas. It's been awhile since they could just enjoy the company of each other without some sort of crime taking place. Dora, who's battling a fever, happens to look up and is convinced that she sees someone sinister outside the window. So much for a non-working Christmas! It takes her a bit to convince the team that they should look into this and eventually, they do.

It's a quick, exciting read that will have you wanting more!

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Death in Vain (Eve Sawyer Mystery #6) by Jane Suen

 

Death in Vain by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a pretty quick read that kept me turning pages pretty rapidly. I'm a fan of this series and have enjoyed the cases that Eve has been involved in.

It's time for Eve to take a break. She's definitely earned it! She stops at a small town diner in Vain and starts to hear rumblings of a young lady's body being found in the road. Eve just can't help herself and she soon finds herself investigating the murder of this young person. So much for that much needed break!

This book can be read as a stand alone but I do highly recommend reading all the books in this series so you don't miss out on more of Eve's story. Each one seems to be better than the last!

I am also in love with this cover! It's very reminiscent of the small town diners that I like to frequent for a good downhome country kind of meal!

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Sangrita: Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Series by Kathryn Dodson

 

Sangrita: Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Series by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such an enjoyable series and one that I recommend reading in order. They can be read in any order but this one especially builds off the last book, El Diablo.

Before I say much more about this story, can we take a moment and enjoy the beautiful cover that holds this story?! It's a perfect introduction to Jessica Watt's newest adventure.

It's actually more of a nightmare where Jessica quickly learns that she's the hunted instead of the hunter. There's action, danger, lots of suspense, and a focus on issues facing people in the world today. It's scary to think that, even though this is a work of fiction, there are real life monsters out there who act like those that Jessica is after.

If you love a strong female lead who doesn't back down, along with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, this book (and entire series) is for you!

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Murder on the Tiber: An Italian Murder Mystery (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome Book 8) by P.J. Mann

 

Murder on the Tiber: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 8) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 8th book in this series but each book is independent of the others. It's helpful to read them all to get a glimpse of what makes Commissario Scala tick and operate the way that he does. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and I'm looking forward to what P.J. Mann will entertain us with next!

This is a fairly short read that goes along pretty quickly. You'll get sucked into the story within the first couple of pages and before you know it, the story is over! The suspense and action is all set in Rome and will keep you guessing whodunit right up until the end.

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Stone Cold: A Gripping Pacific Northwest Female Sleuth Crime Thriller (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 11) by Valerie Davisson

 

STONE COLD: A Gripping Pacific Northwest Female Sleuth Crime Thriller by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Logan McKenna is at it again! I have really enjoyed this series and recommend reading all the books in this series to get a grasp of what's brought Logan to where she is today. It seems that Logan comes across some of the most difficult cases yet she has a knack for solving them fairly efficiently. That doesn't mean that she doesn't encounter issues of her own though!

If you're looking for a great crime series with a strong female lead, check out this book and this series!

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The Bystander (The Lemaster Files #1) by John P. David

 

The Bystander by John P. David
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prepare to read this in one sitting or you'll be distracted by life until you can finish it. This book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and before I knew it, I was finished. It feels a little too realistic in today's world and it gives a perspective on things I've wondered about. Yes, this is a work of fiction but could easily be a real life situation. People constantly have their phones out these days and when TV reporter Pete Lemaster catches something on video, everything changes.

This is my first read by this author and I'll be looking for more of his stories for sure!

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Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery by Ellen Butler

 

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is set in Ireland. I've always wanted to go there and I felt like I was there in a way as I was reading this story.

Ariadne is visiting with her cousin to celebrate her engagement when a body is found on the grounds of the castle. Ariadne is a journalist and an "amateur" sleuth. The actions that Ariadne takes has me believing that she's more than just an amateur and that maybe opening a PI business would be in her best interest.

I struggled a bit with the different POVs presented, simply because Ariadne's was in first person and everyone else's was in third person. I struggle with these formats but it did not take away from me enjoying the overall story.

There were a few times I thought I had it figured out, but in true Ellen Butler style, there is always a fun and exciting twist that will throw off the most discerning sleuth readers.

I'm looking forward to more stories about Ariadne and her adventures!

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Ride a Dark Trail (A Bounty of Shadows Book 1) by Winter Austin

 

Ride a Dark Trail by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new series and one to be excited about, especially after reading this first book!

Dot is a former Army helicopter pilot who's trying to calm down on her family's ranch. Rest is for the weary and soon Dot and her recovery specialist friend T.J. are out on the hunt for a kidnapper. Along the way, they face many scary situations, some very dangerous that put them in harms way.

This is a page turner and will have you anxiously awaiting book 2 like I am!

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Knight Shadow: A female detective mystery (Jorja Knight Mystery #8) by Alice Bienia

 

Knight Shadow: A female detective mystery by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a hard book to put down and that didn't happen much. Jorja is really growing as a PI and finds ways to solve these crimes fairly quickly. She has a new partner that is an IT whiz and likes to show those skills off. This time, Jorja has to go old school to school the "know it all" partner of hers and prove that somethings are not as outdated as they seem.

This was a great read in this series. I'm still missing a few previous books that I am going to try to get caught up on soon!

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Knight Blind (A Jorja Knight Mystery #1) by Alice Bienia

 

Knight Blind by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new series but I jumped ahead and have read some of these out of order. I'm glad that I've done this as I can see the author's progression in her writing style now. This wasn't my most favorite book of the series, but rarely is the first book most times.

Jorja is trying to get her life figured out from her past endeavors while trying to start up a new PI business. You know, girl power stuff! She gets hired out and her first big case is almost more than she can handle! She's out to find people and ends up being a target herself.

This was a good first novel and I do encourage readers to come back for more as the series does get more exciting!

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Blackmailed (The Brown's of Butcher Hill #2) by Holly Bush

 

Blackmailed by Holly Bush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holly Bush has a way of pulling you into the story and you find yourself reading an entire book in one setting! This is the second book in the series, and I strongly recommend you read these in order to get the proper backstory.

This is a very loyal, passionate, crime-fighting family who once again finds themselves in the midst of a mystery. Sarah finds a dead man at the back of the dress shop where she is employed. Virginia can't seem to get Phillip off her mind. Together, the three of them work to solve a mystery of death, but also of love, family, and the ties that bind.

I can't leave this review without commenting on the beautiful cover of this novel!! I love the yellow dress and the scene that is displayed! It's one thing that drew me to this book and this series.

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Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

 

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by this author and now I want to read everything she writes! This story kept me intrigued from the first word to the last and then some.

Adam suffers facial blindness and he and Amelia won a trip to Scotland. It's not just any trip though! Over the course of the last ten years, letters that Amelia has written to Adam every year on their anniversary are now allowed to be read by Adam. There are secrets shared and revealed with each one, along with their traditional wedding gifts.

This was beautifully written and will stick with you for awhile!

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